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Guidelines and Planning Tools
On this site you will find guidelines, Best Management Practices, references and other planning tools commonly used by developers to protect fish habitat in British Columbia and Yukon.
These documents help support the DFO project review process by providing information that will assist you in planning, designing and constructing your project to reduce impacts to fish and fish habitat.
To access certain publications you must have a PDF reader such as Acrobat Reader installed.
Jump to a Specific Category
Operational Statements in BC and Yukon
British Columbia Provincial Standards and Best Practices
Yukon Standards and Best Practices
Best Management Practices and Guidelines
- National Guidelines and Best Management Practices
- Key B.C. Guidelines and Best Management Practices
- Key Yukon Guidelines and Best Management Practices
- Urban and Rural Development Guidelines
- Road and Pipeline Guidelines
- Forestry Guidelines
- Small Hydro Power and Water Withdrawal Guidelines
- Agriculture / Aquaculture Guidelines
- Mining Guidelines
Operational Statements in BC and Yukon
Fisheries and Oceans Canada has developed a series of 19 Operational Statements to streamline the undertaking of low risk activities. The Operational Statements outline conditions and measures for avoiding harmful alteration, disruption and destruction (HADD) of fish habitat, and applying them will ensure your project complies with subsection 35(1) of the Fisheries Act. For more information and to view the list, see Regional Operational Statements for BC and Yukon
British Columbia Provincial Standards and Best Practices
In British Columbia, the primary provincial legislation regulating work in and around water are the Water Act and the Riparian Areas Regulation. There are a number of Operational Statement activities that overlap with the Water Act and Riparian Areas Regulation, and anyone considering work in and about a stream in British Columbia should consult the following websites:
- Water Stewardship Division, Ministry of Environment website.
- Riparian Areas Regulation website.
Some Best Practices have been developed to meet provincial/territorial and federal statutes by avoiding a harmful alteration, disruption or destruction of fish habitat. The following activities in British Columbia can proceed without DFO review if the appropriate Standards can be met.
- Beaver dam removal in British Columbia
Follow the measures outlined in the British Columbia government's document Standards and Best Practices for Instream Works: Chapter 7.6 Beaver and Beaver Dam Management. - Projects that involve any activities within
riparian areas in Southern BC
where the provincial
Riparian Areas Regulation (RAR) apply
Click here to check the Regional Districts where RAR applies. Projects reviewed and constructed in accordance with the RAR are not expected to result in harmful alteration, disruption, or destruction of riparian fish habitat. If RAR applies, follow the RAR process. DFO’s involvement, if any, will be determined through that process. Note that if your project includes work both within riparian areas protected by the RAR as well as work below the High Water Mark, you should submit your proposal to both the BC Ministry of Environment (riparian component) and to DFO (in or near water works) for review.
Yukon Standards and Best Practices
In Yukon, contact an appropriate Yukon Government Department (Department of Energy Mines and Resources: Land Use or Mining; Yukon Water Board; and/or Department of Highways and Public Works) to determine whether your project requires assessment under the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act and for information on regulatory requirements you may need when planning activities in or around Yukon waters.
Best Management Practices and Guidelines
This section groups commonly used guidelines and Best Management Practices by development types including: Agriculture / Aquaculture, Forestry, Roads and Pipelines, Mining, Small Hydro Power and Water Withdrawal, and Urban and Rural Development.
National Guidelines and Best Management Practices
- Freshwater Intake End-of-Pipe Fish Screen Guideline. 1995. (WAVES CATNO = 223669)
- Freshwater Intake End-of-Pipe Fish Screen Guideline Summary: How to Calculate the Screen Size for an End-of-Pipe Diversion. 2003. (WAVES CATNO = 341417)
- Guidelines for the use of explosives in or near Canadian fisheries waters. 1998. (WAVES CATNO = 232046)
Key B.C. Guidelines and Best Management Practices
- B.C. Ministry of Environment's A Users Guide to Working In and Around Water - Understanding the Regulation under British Columbia's Water Act. 2005.
- B.C. Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection's Standards and Best Practices for Instream Works. 2004.
Key Yukon Guidelines and Best Management Practices
- Yukon Placer Secretariat's How to Prepare a Project Proposal.
- Guidebook of Mitigation Measures for Placer Mining in the Yukon. 2009.
- Yukon Energy Mines and Resources Oil and Gas Best Management Practices - Seismic Exploration. 2006.
- Yukon Water Board's Policies, Rules, Guidelines, Info. Sheets & Compensation.
- Yukon Chamber of Mines' Yukon Mineral and Coal Exploration Best Management Practices and Regulatory Guide. 2010.
- Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board's Assessments and Guidelines.
Urban and Rural Development Guidelines
- Develop with Care: Environmental Guidelines for Urban and Rural Land Development in British Columbia. 2006.
- East Kootenay Shoreline Management Guidelines
- Columbia Lake
- Moyie Lake
- Monroe Lake
- Wasa Lake
- Windermere Lake
- Freshwater Intake End-of-Pipe Fish Screen Guideline. 1995. (WAVES CATNO = 223669)
- Freshwater Intake End-of-Pipe Fish Screen Guideline Summary: How to Calculate the Screen Size for an End-of-Pipe Diversion. 2003. (WAVES CATNO = 341417)
- Greening Your BC Golf Course – A Guide to Environmental Management. 1996.
- Guidelines to protect fish and fish habitat from treated wood used in aquatic environments in the Pacific Region. 2000. (WAVES CATNO = 245973)
- Land Development Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Habitat. 1992. (WAVES CATNO = 165353)
- Living by Water. 1997.
- Marina Development Guidelines for the Protection of Fish and Fish Habitat. 1995. (WAVES CATNO = 211370)
- The Shore Primer – A Cottagers Guide to a Healthy Waterfront
- Stormwater Planning: A Guidebook for British Columbia. 2002.
- Streamkeepers Handbook Series. 2000.
- Integrated Streambank Protection Guidelines. 2003.
- Best Management Practices for Boat Launch Construction Maintenance on Lakes. 2006.
- Best Management Practices for Lakeshore Stabilization. 2006
- Best Management Practices for Highway Maintenance Activities. 2004. Particularly when supplemented with BC Ministry of Transportation and Highways Design Build Standard Specification for Highway Construction - Part 165 - Protection of the Environment. 2006.
- Environmental guidelines for vegetation management on flood protection works to protect public safety and the environment. 1999. (WAVES CATNO = 234400)
- Fish-stream Crossing Guidebook. 2012. (WAVES CATNO = 266115)
- Guidelines for the use of explosives in or near Canadian fisheries waters. 1998. (WAVES CATNO = 232046)
- National Guide to Erosion and Sediment Control on Roadway Projects. 2005. (Order Form)
- Pipeline Associated Watercourse Crossing (3rd ed.). 2005.
- Stream Crossing Planning Guide. 2004.
- Fish Passage Technical Assistance - Fish Passage Barrier and Surface Water Diversion Screening Assessment and Prioritization Manual. 2009.
- Guidelines for the Protection of Fish and Fish Habitat During Bridge Maintenance Operations in British Columbia Where it applies, use Operational Statement instead. 1991
- Approved Work Practices for Helicopter Log Drop Sites in Marine Waters of British Columbia. 2011.
- Approved Work Practices for Re-activated Log Dumps in Marine Waters of British Columbia. 2011.
- Coastal and Interior Watershed Assessment Procedure Guidebook. 1999.
- Fish-stream Crossing Guidebook. 2002. (WAVES CATNO = 266115)
- Guidebook - Environmentally Sustainable Log Handling Facilities in British Columbia. 2003. (WAVES CATNO = 274124)
- Riparian Management Area Guidebook. 1995.
Small Hydro Power and Water Withdrawal Guidelines
- Freshwater Intake End-of-Pipe Fish Screen Guideline. 1995. (WAVES CATNO = 223669)
- Freshwater Intake End-of-Pipe Fish Screen Guideline Summary: How to Calculate the Screen Size for an End-of-Pipe Diversion. 2003. (WAVES CATNO = 341417)
- Guidelines for minimizing entrainment and impingement of aquatic organisms at marine intakes in British Columbia. 1991. (WAVES CATNO = 121776)
- British Columbia Instream Flow Guidelines for Fish - Working Drafts. 2004.
- Study of Flow Ramping Rates for Hydropower Developments. 2005. (WAVES CATNO = 341503)
- BC Ministry of Environment Waterpower Projects Information
- Long-Term Aquatic Monitoring Protocols for New and Upgraded Hydroelectric Projects. 2012.
Agriculture / Aquaculture Guidelines
- Canada- BC Environmental Farm Plan Program, Reference Guide. 2005.
- Irrigation system assessment guide
- Nutrient management reference guide
- Riparian Management Field Workbook
- Interim Guide to Information Requirements for Environmental Assessment of Marine Finfish Aquaculture Projects. 2002. (WAVES CATNO = 333535)
- Aggregate Operators BMP Handbook for BC. 2002.
- Guidebook of Mitigation Measures for Placer Mining in the Yukon. 2009.
- Yukon Chamber of Mine's Yukon Mineral and Coal Exploration Best Management Practices and Regulatory Guide. 2010.
Stewardship Series
The Stewardship Series website hosted by BC Government includes the following guidelines relevant to protection of aquatic habitats:
- Access Near Aquatic Areas: a Guide to Sensitive Planning, Design and Management
- BC Grasslands Stewardship Guide: a Guide for Ranchers and Recreation Users
- Coastal Shore Stewardship: A Guide for Planners, Builders and Developers
- Community Greenways: Linking Communities to Country, and People to Nature
- Community Stewardship: a Guide to Establishing Your Own Group
- Land Development Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Habitat
- Landowner Contact Guide
- Shoreline Structures Environmental Design: a Guide for Structures along Estuaries and Large Rivers
- Stream Stewardship: a Guide for Planners and Developers
- Stewardship Bylaws: a Guide for Local Government
- Stewardship Options: for Private Land Owners in British Columbia
- The Streamkeepers Handbook: a Practical Guide to Stream and Wetland Care
- The Wetlandkeepers Handbook: a Practical Guide to Wetland Care
- Watershed Stewardship: a Guide for Agriculture
Legislation
-
Canadian Environmental Assessment Act
-
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
- Fisheries Act (Act & Regulations)
-
Species at Risk Act
-
Species at Risk Public Registry
-
Listed Aquatic Species
- British Columbia
Fish Protection Act
-
Riparian Area Regulations
- Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act (YESAA)
Policies
- Policy for the Management of Fish Habitat. 1986. (WAVES CATNO = 23654) (HTML version)
- Canada's Policy for Conservation of Wild Pacific Salmon. 2005 (WAVES CATNO = 315577)
The following Standard Operating Policies are guides for DFO Staff.
- Habitat Compliance Decision Framework
- Position Statement on the Management of Fish Mortality
- Practitioners Guide to the Risk Management Framework
- Practitioners Guide to Writing Letters Used in and for Fisheries Act and Species at Risk Act Reviews
- Practitioners Guide to Habitat Compensation
- Practitioners Guide to Writing a Sub-section 35(2) Fisheries Act Authorization
- Practitioners Guide to Letters of Credit
- Practitioners Guide to Fish Passage for DFO Habitat Management Staff
Brochures
- Agricultural Ditch Maintenance, Lower Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island. 2001.
- BC Agricultural Drainage Manual - Factsheet. 1997.
- Canada's Fish Habitat Law. 1991. (WAVES CATNO = 140198)
- Culvert and Fish Passage Factsheet. 2000.
- Home Tips for Healthy Streams. 1990. (WAVES CATNO = 256149)
- Marine Guide to Preventing Shoreline Erosion. 2001. (WAVES CATNO = 281618)
- Marine Guide to Small Boat Launches. 2001. (WAVES CATNO = 281616)
- Marine Guide to Small Boat Moorage. 2001. (WAVES CATNO = 281614)
- All-Terrain Vehicles, Fish Habitat, and You. 2004. (WAVES CATNO = 333554)
- Working Near Water in BC and Yukon. 2011. (WAVES CATNO = 344499)
Reports
- Assessment of Techniques for Rainbow Trout Transplanting and Habitat Management in British Columbia. 2001. (WAVES CATNO = 260288)
- Corridors of Green and Gold: Impact of Riparian Suburban Greenways on Property Values. 1999. (WAVES CATNO = 241452)
- Courtenay River Estuary Management Plan (CREMP)
- Enhanced Delivery of Canada’s Policy for the Management of Fish Habitat (1986): An Evaluation of the Interaction between Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Fraser Basin Council. 2003. WAVES (WAVES CATNO = 271867)
- Environmental Stewardship in the Municipal Act: A Synopsis of Local Governments’ Powers. 1996. (WAVES CATNO =222958)
- Establishing fisheries management and reserve zones in settlement areas of coastal British Columbia. 1997. (WAVES CATNO = 213234)
- The Fisheries Act and Local Governments: Court Judgments (1984 - 1994) in the Pacific Region. 1996. (WAVES CATNO = 222013)
- Fraser River Action Plan reports are being hosted by Simon Fraser University online at: http://www.rem.sfu.ca/research/publications/frap_pdf_list/
- Getting ahead of the curve - Community capacity for watershed stewardship in B.C. 1999. (WAVES CATNO = 237522)
- Impacts of the Operation of Existing Hydroelectric Developments on Fishery Resources in British Columbia, Vol 2, Inland Fisheries. 1991. (WAVES CATNO = 124832)
- Lower Fraser Valley Streams Strategic Review. 1999.
- Vol.
1 Lower Fraser Valley Stream Review (WAVES CATNO =
240006)
- Vol. 3 Wild, Threatened, Endangered and Lost Streams of the
Lower Fraser Valley: summary report (WAVES CATNO =
229864)
- Mitigation of Fisheries Impacts From the Use and Disposal of Wood Residue in British Columbia and the Yukon. 1999. (WAVES CATNO = 243104)
- A New Direction: Habitat Conservation and Stewardship Forum Summary Report Empire Landmark Hotel, Vancouver, B.C. Jan 8-9, 1999. (WAVES CATNO = 235008)
- No Net Loss of Fish Habitat: an audit of forest road crossings of fish-bearing streams in British Columbia, 1996 - 1999. (WAVES CATNO = 247265)
- Pacific Fisheries Resource Conservation Council hosts a series of research reports on fish habitat online at http://www.fish.bc.ca/habitat_reports
- Protection of Aquatic and Riparian Habitat by Local Governments: Measures Adopted in the Lower Fraser Valley. 1995. (WAVES CATNO = 224986)
- Protection of Aquatic and Riparian Habitat on Private Land: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Covenants in the City of Surrey. 1995. (WAVES CATNO = 224985)
- Strait of Georgia coho salmon planning process and recommendations : South Coast coho initiative final report. 1992. (WAVES CATNO = 145403)
- Urban Referral Evaluation: An Assessment of the Effectiveness of the Referral Process for Protecting Fish Habitat (1985-1995). (WAVES CATNO = 225604)
- Hoy Creek Watershed: Air photo mosaics from 1983 and 1994, and photographs of compliance categories
- Urban Stream Stewardship: from bylaws to partnerships: an assessment of mechanisms for the protection of aquatic and riparian resources in the Lower Mainland. 1996. (WAVES CATNO = 224127)
- Urban Stream Stewardship: Summary Report. 1996. (WAVES CATNO = 234216)
- Workshop Proceedings: Urban Stream Protection, Restoration and Stewardship in the Pacific Northwest: are we achieving desired results? 1997. (WAVES CATNO = 215849)
WAVES Library
In addition to the documents listed on this webpage, many more can be found in DFO's library catalogue, WAVES. WAVES contains bibliographic information and sometimes links to digital files of published and unpublished literature relating to fisheries and aquatic sciences currently held in DFO libraries. To enter WAVES, start by clicking on the icon below.
Once you enter the WAVES catalogue, enter key words in any of several fields (Subject, Species, Author, etc.) and click on the "begin search" button. Note the Help button for tips on searching techniques.
