Groundwater enforcement increases – Country Life in BC

The drought on Vancouver Island worsened last week amid growing reports that staff from the British Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship are visiting farms in the Tsolum River Basin to check on compliance with groundwater permit regulations.

The Tsolum was one of four watersheds where forage irrigation was halted last August under a fish protection order under Section 88 of the Water Sustainability Act. The orders followed several letters encouraging voluntary reductions until the province deemed flow rates too low for aquatic life.

This summer, conditions on Vancouver Island have not yet reached the point where negative impacts could be expected. The Peace saw its drought ease last week, after last season ended in severe drought and dry conditions remained high for much of this season.

But the province is not taking any risks.

“As drought levels ease across the province, the Ministry of Water, Lands and Resources Management continues to push for compliance with water permits and continues to send reminders to register wells and obtain water permits,” the BC Landscape and Nursery Association warned its members last week.

Enforcement activities were reported along Fishtrap Creek in the Lower Mainland, the Salmon River in Westwold and the Koksilah watershed on Vancouver Island, as well as the Tsolum.

“Contact FrontCounter BC to understand the condition of your watershed and what you need to submit a permit application,” BCLNA advised members.

While all groundwater permit applications since March 1, 2022 are considered new and not existing use, BCLNA indicated that the province is flexible.

“When making your application, please clearly indicate that it concerns existing use and provide evidence of long-term use,” the statement said.

Water, Land and Resource Stewardship officials did not immediately respond to requests for information about the scope of the compliance and enforcement initiative.