Watercourse Classification Confirmation Assessments (“WCCA”)

As no two watercourses are the same, Watercourse Classification Confirmation Assessments (“WCCA”) are most often conducted as a preliminary step when considering development. The WCCA, completed by PLG’s Qualified Environmental Professional (“QEP”), consists of online background review, field assessment(s), setback applicability and determination, and report preparation. If there is a watercourse near or within your property (mapped or unmapped), setbacks may be required pending an assessment and appropriate classification of the watercourse by a QEP. A WCCA can provide valuable setback information for development purposes.

Watercourse classifications can differ depending on the municipality you are in, and the definition of a stream can vary between municipal, provincial, and federal legislation. For example, the City of Surrey defines streams based on a colour-coded classification system (e.g., Class A, Class B, etc.), where the Provincial Water Sustainability Act (WSA) defines a stream as "a natural watercourse, including a natural glacier course of natural body of water. Bodies of water described by the term stream can include a lake, pond, river, creek, spring, gulch, or glacier, whether or not usually containing water, including ice".

Observations and classification results obtained from the WCCA can be used to aid in the preparation of municipal development permit applications such as the City of Surrey’s Sensitive Ecosystem Development Permit (“DP3”) and the City of Abbotsford’s Natural Environment Development Permit (“NEDP”). An SEDP or NEDP application will apply where any portion of a property falls within 50 meters from top of band of a watercourse (to be determined in the field by a QEP).  An SEDP or NEDP approval is required prior to proposed development activities within a property, including subdivision of land, construction, addition or alteration of a building or structure, grading, construction of roads and trails, alteration of land or land clearing, and installation of non-structural surfaces.

Pacific Land Group’s team of Qualified Environmental Professionals (QEPs) are up to date with current legislation, field evaluation techniques, and watercourse classifications across the Lower Mainland. Fall is a great time to evaluate stream morphology, hydrology and classification.

Call us today at 604-501-1624 or email info@pacificlandgroup.ca to discuss your project specific needs.