Report any spill of a reportable quantity of a listed substance
to the Provincial Emergency Program (PEP) at |
For more information on acceptable wood products to use in or near water, consult the document “Guidelines to Protect Fish and Fish Habitat From Treated Wood Used in Aquatic Environments in the Pacific Region” |
Appendix III: Deleterious Substance Control/Spill Management
Background
The introduction to a stream of any substance that may cause harm to fish or fish habitat is prevented under the federal Fisheries Act. The British Columbia Waste Management Act also lists substances that may not be discharged into the environment.
What is a deleterious substance?
A deleterious substance is any substance that, if added to any water, would degrade or alter the quality of that water so that it becomes toxic or harmful to aquatic organisms and habitat.
Objectives
The objective of this set of best management practices is to prevent the release of any deleterious substance to a watercourse as a result of instream works.
Note:
Section 41 of the Water Act Regulations provides for the protection of water quality for your proposed works.
Operational or Construction-related Best Practices
To ensure your works meet the requirements of applicable legislation:
- Prevent the release of silt, sediment or sediment-laden water,
raw concrete or concrete leachate, or any other deleterious substances
into any ditch, watercourse, ravine or storm sewer system. The recommendations
for sediment and erosion control outlined in the "Land
Development Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Habitat" can also be
used for reference
- Ensure equipment and machinery is in good operating condition
(power washed), free of leaks or excess oil and grease. No equipment
refueling or servicing should be undertaken within thirty
(30.0) metres of any watercourse or surface water drainage
- Ensure all hydraulic machinery to be used instream uses
environmentally sensitive hydraulic fluids which are non-toxic to
aquatic life, and
which are readily or inherently bio-degradable
- Do not use treated wood products in any construction below
the high water mark of the stream channel to prevent the release
of preservatives toxic to fish.
- Keep a spill containment kit readily accessible on-site in the event of a release of a deleterious substance to the environment. Immediately report any spill of a substance toxic to aquatic life of reportable quantities to the Provincial Emergency Program 24 hour phone line at 1-800-663-3456.
