Summary of Lower Fraser Initiatives

Transcription

1 Summary of Lower Fraser Initiatives Introduction The Fraser Basin Council (FBC) is a not-for-profit, charitable organization established in 1997 to educate on the need for sustainability of the Fraser Basin. The Council works to facilitate problem solving by bringing together the people necessary to make decisions that balance social, economic and environmental values. The Council consists of 36 directors from federal, provincial, local and First Nation s governments as well as non-government interests throughout the Fraser Basin. The Council undertakes on-the-ground projects in the best interests of the Fraser Basin an area covering one quarter of British Columbia and contributing 80% of its economy. The following is an overview of initiatives in which the Fraser Basin Council is working with government and non-government interests to address complex issues that are challenging the sustainability of the Basin. The role of the Fraser Basin Council in these initiatives is to facilitate dialogue, seek solutions and encourage the development of new models of cooperative decision-making. These initiatives range from projects with a basin wide focus to those that more directly benefit specific regions. Our pursuit of sustainability is not challenged by our technical capacity but by our capacity to work together effectively towards common goals. The work of the Council focuses primarily on this challenge. Government and non-government partners who support the Council recognize that we are actively investing in enhancing the human infrastructure necessary to achieve sustainability.- Iona Campagnolo, Chair Dec. 02/99 Rev 1

2 Britannia Mine Reclamation and Remediation Background The Britannia Mine, closed to operation in the 1970s, has been categorized as the largest point source metal contamination problems in North America. Role of the Council Early in 1998, the Council brought together government agencies and the landowner (Copper Beach Estates Ltd.) to encourage cooperative efforts to develop economically, environmentally and socially acceptable solutions to the long-standing problem of Acid Rock Drainage (ARD) at the Britannia mine. With conditional permits for the Copper Beach Estate proposal granted, the Council will continue to play a role in facilitating a viable solution to the ARD issues associated with the abandoned mine. Achievements to Date The Council brought together all interests to explore economically, environmentally and socially acceptable solutions to the Acid Rock Drainage (ARD) at the Britannia mine. The Council facilitated an enhanced public review of a proposal to construct an ARD treatment plant and reclaim lands alienated by mining. Short Term Goal Facilitate activities of a Public Advisory Committee that will ensure that the public has adequate opportunities to be informed about, and provide input to, various aspects of the project. Long Term Goal Improved water quality and fish habitat in Howe Sound. 2

3 Debris Management Background Waterborne debris in the Fraser River and adjacent waters threatens public safety, navigation, recreation and habitat. Approximately 100,000 cubic meters of debris (i.e., 13 football fields to a depth of three metres) are removed from the river annually at a debris capture facility located at Agassiz. Over the past 20 years funding to support debris management was provided, on an equal basis, by the federal and provincial agencies and the private sector. Role of the Council The Council facilitated the maintenance of interim funding (1998/99) for debris management activities, including the operation of the Fraser River Debris Trap. The Council is now facilitating the creation of a Debris Management Partners Group, a new broad-based organization to develop and implement a Regional Debris Management Strategy for the Lower Fraser River and Georgia Strait. The strategy is intended to support longterm focus, funding stability, and more cost-effective approaches to regional debris management, Achievements to Date The Council facilitated continued operation of the Trap through restoration of 1999/2000 operating budget. Short Term Goal Establish a new cooperative and more cost-effective mechanism for regional debris management and facilitate the development of a regional debris management strategy. Long Term Goal A more efficient and cost effective framework for reducing the amount of floating debris in the Lower Fraser River and Strait of Georgia. 3

4 Nutrient Management Background Over the past twenty years, a combination of factors including changing land use, increasing intensity of agricultural production and a growing population have been leading to concerns related to the sustainable management of agricultural nutrients (i.e., manure and fertilizer) in the Fraser Valley. Role of the Council The Council is working with the agricultural sector, federal and provincial agencies to facilitate the development of a Nutrient Management Action Plan (NMAP) for the Fraser Valley and working relationships that will support plan implementation. Achievements to Date Establishment of the NMAP Working Group, consisting of 30 members from government agencies and producer groups and the initiation of a consultation process to obtain input into the development of a Nutrient Management Action Plan for the Fraser Valley. Short Term Goal A draft nutrient management action plan to address the management of excess nutrients in Fraser Valley water and soils. (Spring 2000) Long Term Goal Management of agricultural nutrients in a way that supports the long term economic viability of farming and the social and environmental objectives of government and communities. 4

5 Gravel Management Background In recent years there has been growing conflict over the management and use of in-river gravel contained in the gravel reach of the Lower Fraser River. The removal of in river gravel, for flood hazard management or commercial purposes, has implications for fish habitat as well as in-river infrastructure such as bridges. Role of the Council The Fraser Basin Council has facilitated dialogue on issues related to the lower Fraser River gravel reach including flood protection, habitat protection, and gravel extraction. Several agencies have collaborated to initiate a three-year research program to better understand the issues and implications for flood hazard management and habitat protection. The Council will facilitate a consensus-based, multi-interest process to develop a management plan for the Fraser River gravel reach to address these issues. Achievements to Date The Council co-sponsored a public information forum on sand and gravel issues in the Fraser River and a technical workshop focusing on human use and habitat use of the Fraser River gravel reach. The Council is currently providing the secretariat for a process to facilitate the development of an interim Gravel Reach Management Plan. Short Term Goal Development and implementation of a process that will lead to the development of a Management Plan for the Fraser River Gravel Reach. Long Term Goal A gravel management plan that effectively provides for the protection of fish habitat and the well being of human settlements. 5

6 Flood Hazard Management Background Scientists believe that there is a one-in-three chance that the Fraser River will experience a flood of 1894 proportions within the next 60 years. Planning to minimize the damage associated with such an event requires cooperative planning between a diverse range of government agencies and recognition of common goals and objectives. Role of the Council The Council continues its work to bring federal, provincial and local governments together in defining a new approach to flood hazard management in the Fraser Basin. Currently the Council provides the secretariat for a number of committees focused on implementing the recommendations of the 1996 Task Force Report on Integrated Flood Hazard Management. Achievements to Date The Council published the 1996 Integrated Flood Hazard Management Strategy. The Council is coordinating implementation of the Strategy. This included the development of a spreadsheet tool for financial analysis of different flood hazard management programs and different cost-sharing arrangements. Short Term Goal Development of a consensus-based Five Year Implementation Strategy to guide the implementation of priority Flood Hazard Management Actions. Long Term Goal Full implementation of a strategy to ensure minimal impact from the next great Fraser River Flood. 6