PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT Hon. James A. Nielsen, Minister B. E. Marr, Deputy Minister Report of the MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 1976 Printed by K. M. MacDonald, Printer to the Queen's Most Excellent Majesty in right of the Province of British Columbia. 1977 June 30, 1977. To Colonel the Honourable Walter Stewart Owen, Q.C, LL.D., Lieutenant-Governor oj the Province oj British Columbia. May it please Your Honour: Herewith I beg respectfully to submit the Annual Report of the British Columbia Ministry of the Environment for the year ended December 31, 1976. JAMES A. NIELSEN Minister oj the Environment June 30, 1977. The Honourable James A. Nielsen, Minister oj the Environment. Sir: I have the honour to submit the Annual Report of the British Columbia Ministry of the Environment for the 12 months ended December 31, 1976. B. E. MARR Deputy Minister z «> - UJ a. i. 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X <) i" < tr cu _j o tr H U P- O < ) cn tu o TJ u H X </) til Ol > cc o g-3- _t .2 2 E I- ai Z £ til u is > z i- 3 z tu O 35 g* z UJ 1 * 0 o Z tu < ca oc a> ca o tn X 1- 1 . a v x 75 IO ;z •cc : LU ■ LU iz io ;Z : oSUJ i!=CC i Zlu jz IO iOC i> |Z : LU I O z < c cc 1= m 5 |l D- UJ a. < 5 0 00 0 t/3 m > - tu 0 > cc 3 I 0 Z < OC T CO >• in 2 z m h- ._ U) 0 LU - > O z £ b oc UJ 1 X 0 h CO tn c tn a Ui m < z < UJ 0 0 0 CC 0) §5 0) UJ cc tn UJ SI 0 of; cc £ 0 0 I- <-) * Ul Q. tn z UJ a) > c 3 « < > a 5 w tn CONTENTS Page Ministry of the Environment 9 Land Management Branch 15 Surveys and Mapping Branch 29 University Endowment Lands 47 Water Resources Service 5 3 Water Investigations Branch 71 Pollution Control Board 95 Pollution Control Branch 99 Environmental Laboratory 107 Inspector of Dykes 113 Environment and Land Use Committee Secretariat 117 Personnel Services 137 Mail and File Room 145 Accounting Division 149 Report of the Ministry of the Environment INTRODUCTION This is the first Annual Report of the Ministry of the Environment combining the reports of the Lands Service, the Water Resources Service, and the Environment and Land Use Committee Secretariat. The report of the B.C. Land Commission will be presented separately, as required by statute. The organization chart included in the Report is effective January 1977. This Report, however, reflects the organization of the Ministry for 1976 and will differ in structure from the chart. The Ministry has, as its responsibility, the management and protection of the land, air, and water resources of the Province. It carries out this mandate through regional and district offices located throughout the Province, supported by a multi- discipline head office staff, and through co-operative arrangements with other Ministries. Thanks are due these ministries, universities, and outside agencies and groups for their support and assistance during the year. Highlights in 1976 included: • Initiation of a study on the future use of the University Endowment Lands. • Completion of the Ladysmith Harbour Management Study and the Campbell River Estuary Study. • Public hearings on the Revelstoke Dam under the Water Act. • Continuation of an inspection program covering approximately 250 licensed water storage dams in the Kelowna District. Of the 75 inspected during the year, two were ordered breached for safety reasons, and extensive repairs were ordered for five. • Amendments to land and water district boundaries to conform with Regional Resource Management areas. • The opening of a new land district office in Cranbrook and a regional office in Nanaimo. • Nine new improvement districts were created and two dissolved. • Floodplain surveys were completed for 210 miles of river and 77 miles of lakeshore, .571 proposed subdivisions within the floodplain were reviewed. • $10 million was expended under the Fraser River Flood Control Program. An amended agreement was signed with the Federal Government increasing total funding under the joint program to $120 million. • Some 30 Environmental Impact Study reports were prepared or reviewed. • A public inquiry into the Pollution Control Objectives for the Forest Products Industry was held. U 10 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT • Four appeals, including the Afton Mines hearings, were held under the Pollution Control Act. • Project SAM compacted approximately 14,000 vehicles. • A Water Quality Check Program was introduced, in co-operation with the Ministry of Health, for analysis of private water supplies. • The Babine Integrated Management Unit was created for resource management of the southern Babine Mountains. • The Adams River Corridor was designated to protect the valuable fishery resource as a recreation area. • The Coal Development Guidelines were issued, outlining the environmental and community impact process to be followed for coal development proposals. • First stage environmental studies were completed for the Northeast Block Area. These and other programs are discussed in more detail in the body of the Report. BRITISH COLUMBIA MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT December 31, 1976 B. E. Marr, Deputy Minister Lands Service W. R. Redel, Assistant Deputy Minister D. Borthwick, Assistant Deputy Minister, Special Projects A. E. Raine, Co-ordinator of Ski Developments R. P. Murdoch, Manager, University Endowment Lands (Vancouver) G. H. Wilson, Director, Land Management Branch A. Smith, Assistant Director, Policy Division D. Goodwin, Assistant Director, Special Programs Division A. Rhoades, Assistant Director, Lower Coast Division F. Edgell, Assistant Director, Northern Division A. Paulsen, Assistant Director, Southern Interior Division W. J. Long, Office Manager E. R. McMinn, Director, Surveys and Mapping Branch W. A. Taylor, Surveyor-General R. W. Thorpe, Supervising Surveyor, Legal Surveys Division A. D. Wight, Chief, Field Operations Division K. M. Bridge, Supervising Surveyor, Field Operations Division [Vacant], Chief, Map Production Division E. S. W. Andrews, Assistant Chief, Map Production Division Water Resources Service G. E. Simmons, Assistant Deputy Minister H. D. DeBeck, Comptroller of Water Rights E. D. Anthony, Deputy Comptroller of Water Rights P. M. Brady, Director, Water Investigations Branch T. A. J. Leach, Assistant Director, Water Investigations Branch W. N. Venables, Director, Pollution Control Branch R. H. Ferguson, Assistant Director, Pollution Control Branch H. P. Klassen, Assistant Director, Pollution Control Branch A. J. Lynch, Chief Chemist, Environmental Laboratory K. J. Chisholm, Inspector of Dykes W. S. Jackson, Assistant Inspector of Dykes Environment and Land Use Committee Secretariat D. K. O'Gorman, Acting Director W. A. Benson, Assistant Director, Resource Analysis Unit J. O'Riordan, Assistant Director, Special Projects Unit E. Karlsen, Acting Assistant Director, Resource Planning Accounting Division K. R. MacKay, Departmental Comptroller Personnel Office R. C. Webber, Director of Personnel Mail and File Room D. S. Preston, Supervisor 11 LAND MANAGEMENT BRANCH U 14 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT SUMMARY The financial and manpower restraints under which the Lands Service was obliged to operate during the past year have resulted in the largest backlog of outstanding field work in the history of the Ministry. As of December 31, 1976, there were 2,168 land inspections which must now be carried over to the next field season. Reorganization of the Land Management Branch began in 1975, but has not been completed because of the current staff-hiring policy. Hence, decentralization of the decision-making process, which would result in more expeditious adjudication of land applications, has not materialized. The computer program which began in 1975 is expected to be completed by July of 1977. This program will result in the creation of a data storage bank for pertinent information from some 16,000 leases and will also provide information for the accounting procedures necessary to bill and record lease revenues. There is an urgent need to computerize all of the Crown land status records. These records have been hand-written since before Confederation, and are still kept in this antiquated manner. The quick retrieval of Crown land status information is a primary step in most resource management plans, whether such plans are for management of the fish and wildlife resources of the Province or for forestry, mining, or land use. Although this program will be costly in terms of man- hours required to screen the information in the handwritten land registers, it cannot be delayed much longer without having an adverse effect on the planning for all of the natural resources of the Province. During the past year, studies have proceeded toward development of a plan for a town centre in the Resort Municipality of Whistler. These studies have now been completed and the British Columbia Housing Corporation has been requested to undertake the development. In December 1975 the Lands Service became a part of the newly formed Ministry of the Environment. Under the new Ministry, the responsibility for the development of rural residential subdivisions on Crown land has been transferred to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. The role of the Land Management Branch will gradually shift from a strictly control agency to a control and management agency. In July the Minister announced the appointment of a team to study and make recommendations on the future use of the University Endowment Lands. This team will examine all of the previous reports and information available, hold public hearings, and subsequently make recommendations to the Minister as a result of their deliberations. The curtailment in filling vacancies in the field staff has prevented the Land Management Branch from expanding its role into shoreline management, land use resource planning, and the ever-present problem of trespass on Crown lands. Hopefully, with some internal reorganization, a shifting of priorities, and some relaxation in hiring practices, some of these pressing problems can be addressed during the forthcoming year. LAND MANAGEMENT BRANCH G. H. Wilson, Director The Land Management Branch is charged with the management of all vacant and unreserved Crown lands within the Province, which includes foreshore areas and land covered by water. Since the natural resources are closely tied to the Crown land base, it is imperative that sound land management practices be employed in order to ensure that maximum benefits are achieved from these resources. Such benefits are not only measured in productivity but also in environmental quality. While emphasis is placed on management of the land resource as apart from development, certain Crown lands are required for specific uses. To achieve sound land management practices that not only support integrated resource management objectives but at the same time make suitable lands available for development, a high level of interagency co-operation is required. This co-operation, though frequently pressed to extremes due to the shortage of staff, is maintained through an elaborate referral system, through the active participation of resource people in Resource Management Committees and subcommittees, and also through participation on special task forces. A first priority of the Land Management Branch has always been to make available suitable Crown lands to meet the needs of the public. In the absence of adequate planning, areas required for development must be processed on an individual application basis. This procedure is not only poor from the standpoint of the applicant but also from the standpoint of the Branch since the process involved is very time consuming and as an end result the large majority of applications dealt with in this way are turned down. To resolve the problem and to provide better service to the public, planning for land management must be accelerated. Due to a staff vacancy level which remained fairly constant at approximately 20 per cent during all of 1976, of 35 land management plans under development only seven were completed. In order to improve service to the public, one of the major objectives of the Branch is to transfer as many of the administrative and decision-making functions as possible from headquarters to the seven resource management regions. As a consequence of the reductions made in staff this process of decentralization has suffered a temporary setback. In order to maximize use of existing staff the Branch is continually examining administrative procedures and operational methods to improve efficiency. Following such examination and review during 1976, it has been found possible to reduce steps in certain procedures with a consequent saving in staff time. Policy items currently under review deal with agricultural leases, lands required by municipalities, consent to build access roads, oil and gas pipeline R/W terms, trespass use of Crown lands, and uses of foreshore for many purposes, including public use. 15 U 16 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT A program started in 1975 to record Crown leases in a data processing system was completed in 1976. With this system now functioning the Branch can rapidly retrieve information dealing with any of the 14,000 leases which have been issued by the Branch. This new capability should assist greatly in speeding up the handling of these lease applications from the administrative point of view and assist the Branch to serve the public better in answering correspondence and dealing with inquiries from individual lessees. The interest of the general public in Crown land remains strong. During the past year, 33,887 pieces of mail were received in the Branch, an increase of 16 per cent over the previous year. An increase was also noted in demand for agricultural and residential leases and out of a total of 986 leases finally issued, 40 per cent were in these two categories. Foreshore leases issued this year numbered 217 or 22 per cent of all leases issued. Provision is made in the Land Act to make free grants of Crown land for a specific public purpose. During 1976, 20 such grants were made to Crown agencies, municipalities, and villages. The total market value of the lands involved is estimated at $974,434. In addition, 42 leases were issued for a nominal consideration of $25 per lease for purposes such as recreation, garbage disposal, school site, firehall, rehabilitation centre, sewage and solid waste disposal and sanitary landfill. The estimated market value of these properties is $2,840,462. The total net Land Act collections for 1976 were $6,522,579.90, up approximately 20 per cent over 1974. REGIONAL SUMMARIES Northern Division Interagency co-operation in land management was maintained in the Northern Division through the use of an elaborate referral system, and the active participation of field staff in Regional Resource Management Committees and subcommittees, and special task forces such as the Northeast Coal Subcommittee in the Omineca- Peace Region. The over-all work output of the Northern Division declined relative to previous years, owing primarily to a large turnover in field staff and constraints on hiring replacement staff. Cariboo Region Crown land management planning highlighted the field activities of the Cariboo Region during 1976. This was advanced in several contentious areas, notably west of Quesnel and south of Williams Lake in the central Cariboo. A highlight on the administrative side of field operations was the transfer to the Land Management Branch of the Land Commissioner function for the Williams Lake Land Recording District. This reassignment of responsibilities from the Ministry of Finance has been implemented on an experimental basis with the object of providing a more direct and improved level of service to the public. This action, coupled with advances in the planning program, is directed to a more positive and expeditious handling of applications for Crown lands. Omineca-Peace Region Management planning in several land reserve areas in the Peace River Block was co-ordinated on an integrated basis by the district and regional staff of Land Management Branch. Management plans were adopted for the Umbach and the Cecil Lake South land reserves involving approximately 68,000 acres of Crown lands. Phase I development began on agricultural settlement areas in the South LAND MANAGEMENT BRANCH U 17 Peace and work on Phases I and II will continue in the 1977 field season. Ninety residential lots were developed in Crown subdivisions throughout the Omineca- Peace Region, and planning for rural residential settlement to alleviate a widespread trespass problem on Crown lands in the vicinity of Germansen Landing was initiated following removal of the area from the Finlay Provincial Forest. Tentative agreement was reached in negotiations involving the exchange of Crown Provincial lands for Indian reserve lands required for railway right-of-way purposes northwest of Vanderhoof. Skeena Region Integrated planning for agricultural settlement on Crown lands in the Telegraph Creek area of northwestern British Columbia, and planning for use of foreshore lands in Minette Bay at Kitimat, were among the more interesting projects advanced by the field staff in the Skeena Region during 1976. The subdivision program moved forward when approvals were obtained for commercial development of Crown lands at Granisle Townsite, and Bell-Irving Crossing on the Stewart-Cassiar Highway. Similarly, an agricultural smallholding subdivision with lots ranging in size from 20 to 40 acres was approved for development in the Terrace area. Development of a rural residential subdivision near Dease Lake neared completion at year-end, following successful auction of commercial, recreational, and light industrial lots at Dease Lake Townsite in late October. Preparatory work leading to the designation of the Babine Integrated Management Unit in the Babine Mountains east of Smithers was a major undertaking. A permanent subcommittee under the chairmanship of the Regional Land Manager has been struck to review and monitor resource utilization plans within the integrated management unit. Southern Interior Division Thompson-Okanagan Region Use of all-terrain vehicles on Crown land, particularly in the Lac du Bois area of Kamloops, continues to be a significant land management problem. A motorcycle meet and a subsequent public meeting at Barnhartvale served to bring the problem out in the open and provide the basis for a careful study of the problem. A special land management reserve for outdoor recreation was established over the Bonaparte Plateau to maintain material qualities and high values for wild- land recreation, forestry, wildlife, watershed, and grazing. Four areas totalling approximately 35,000 acres were reserved by Order in Council to limit any further alienation and to prohibit mineral staking. Porcupine Ridge, one of the four areas, has been closed to all-terrain vehicle and snowmobile use without a permit in order to protect wildlife and fragile alpine meadows. Another 52,000 acres is to be managed for multiple uses under the resource folio approach of the B.C. Forest Service. Some of the more outstanding examinations in the region were the Afton Mines application for a smelter site and related purposes located south of Kamloops, an application for a shopping-centre site located in South Kamloops, some applications for grazing lease renewals covering large acreages located in the Kamloops-Cache Creek area, and a number of controversial foreshore lease applications and foreshore trespasses in Shuswap and Okanagan Lakes. Seven co-ordinated resource management plans initiated by the B.C. Forest Service Range Division were attended by our field staff during 1976. These studies will help in resolving resource management conflicts as well as help in supplying our Ministry with better information on which to base imporant land use decisions. U 18 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT • . L .■;::- : ■. ; . . il f- ,*> • ySffifci- i , A ' vl pv-wftjtl Ail Road construction in Crown subdivision for rural residential lots near Dease Lake Townsite, October 28, 1976. LAND MANAGEMENT BRANCH U 19 Kootenay Region A new district office was opened at Cranbrook on August 1, 1976. Ms. B. Beedle became the first manager of the Cranbrook District and the first woman to be a Land Manager in charge of a district. Twelve co-ordinated resource management plans were completed and to a large extent the plans were implemented during 1976. Some of the more noteworthy land examinations in the Kootenays related to the application by the Village of Nakusp for a commercial development in the vicinity of Nakusp Hot Springs, the ongoing management problems associated with the implementation of the Cranbrook City Spray Irrigation Sewage Effluent System, and a number of applications in the southeast corner of the Province for coal-mining purposes. Lower Coast Division Lower Mainland Region The region as well as the district offices were all moved during the month of June to a new, larger, and better equipped office in the McLaren Centre, 4240 Manor Street, Burnaby. The management program covering the quarrying of gravel from the bars in the Fraser River was continued. In addition, the program was expanded to cover quarrying the other parts of the region. The quantity of quarry material removed was lower than in 1975, with a total of $83,300 collected in royalty payments. During the past year the professional staff of this region all attended educational seminars and workshops pertaining to the environment. Coastal environmental systems and their nomenclature were studied along with coastal management methods, availability, and interpretation of coastal resource information. During the past year, applications to lease areas of foreshore for raft culture of oysters increased. New techniques and higher prices for this commodity make this an industry of ever-growing interest. There was a general overall increase in the number of examinations made in 1976. This was mainly due to the large outstanding work load at the beginning of the year and excellent flying and field conditions during the later part of the year, making access to many areas easier than usual. The number of new requests for inspection received in the region were down by 7.3 per cent from 1975 and by 23.6 per cent since 1972. The long-term outlook for the region suggests a continuing decrease in the number of new requests. Lease rental reviews still account for a large percentage of the total number of inspection requests. Upland lease rental reviews make up the largest single segment of the total at 14 per cent. Foreshore lease examinations of all kinds make up 35 per cent of the total and examinations related to uses for log storage and booming make up 54 per cent of all foreshore areas examined. A number of complicated and time-consuming land examinations were encountered in 1976. These included applications for purported accretions, industrial and commercial applications with environmental concerns, and trespasses on Crown land. Trespass problems are clearly becoming more frequent and difficult to deal with, especially as they relate to foreshore areas. It is evident that in future more time will be required to investigate trespasses on Crown land, especially foreshore. Requests to examine and report upon purported areas of accretions are a complex and continuing problem for the staff. Seminars for Land Management personnel should be conducted to study the problems encountered when trying to determine whether an accretion has occurred. U 20 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT Increased attention will be needed to resolve regional districts' concerns and problems which affect the environment. An example of this type of concern is the problem of private docks, wharves, and floats in crowded moorage areas such as Pender Harbour. Vancouver Island Region The Vancouver Island Regional Land Manager assumed his duties during the month of January and established a regional office at 190 Wallace Street in Nanaimo. In August the Victoria District Land Manager moved his office to the same location in Nanaimo. The Regional Land Manager assumed the role of Chairman of the Regional Resource Management Committee. The Committee activities consisted of preparing recommendations for the Environment and Land Use Committee on the Cowichan Valley Flood Control Problems, considering a proposal by B.C. Forest Products to fill Crown foreshore at Crofton on which to develop a dry land log-sorting operation, and establishing subcommittees involving District Land Managers to consider interagency problems. The Campbell River Estuary study was completed and a review of the report was commenced by a multi-agency committee to evaluate the economic impact of implementing the recommendations which were made. Ladysmith Harbour management continued under the Regional Land Manager and Foreshore Control Officer. The harbour study was completed but the final report with recommendations is not yet available for use as a management guideline. All of the staff in the region attended educational seminars or workshops during the year which pertained to some facet of the land management function. It is intended that this very worth-while program be continued. The present procedure which must be followed in order for applicants to obtain a homesite on Crown land is poor from the standpoint of both the applicant and the Ministry, as only 19.2 per cent of those applications received in this way are approved. In view of this problem a program has been initiated to designate uses for uncommitted Crown lands in the E & N Railway belt so that applications can be channelled into areas where a better prospect of approval may exist. POLICY DIVISION One of the major policy changes initiated during 1976 included amending the policy of lease tenure only for commercial and industrial leases to allow for an option to purchase upon completion of development requirements. This change in policy does not apply to waterfront leases, foreshore leases, or to leases issued for quarrying purposes. Rentals for commercial resort leases on inland lakes were reduced to 5 per cent of market value per annum and a policy established of not more than doubling rental at any rental review date. This policy was also applied to foreshore leases issued for uses directly related to commercial resorts on inland lakes. Pending completion of a review by a committee convened by the ELUC Secretariat to develop a revised policy relating to agricultural leases by July 1, 1977, an interim policy was established of not cancelling agricultural leases for nonperformance during the period of the review. Leases in this category are being automatically extended for two years. The interim policy also precludes any change in the rental or purchase price of a lease pending development of the revised policy. Where existing leases are held by non-Canadians and where diligent use is being made of same, a policy was established to renew same on the understanding LAND MANAGEMENT BRANCH U 21 that the lessee cannot assign to other than a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant. This policy will eventually repatriate all such leases into Canadian ownership. The policy of leasehold tenure only for lands required by municipalities or regional districts was changed to allow for the conveying of some areas for public park purposes by a restricted Crown grant at a nominal purchase price The Ecological Reserve Program proceeded at a very slow pace during 1976 owing to budgetary restraints and the time required to process new proposals. Although a number of proposals are at present on stream, only one new reserve was actually established in 1976. This, the 75th reserve, was at Clanninick Creek near Kyuquot on the west coast of Vancouver Island. The reserve covers 91 acres and protects and sets aside for scientific study a representative sample of a stand of Sitka spruce on an alluvial site. Surveys were made for new proposals during the summer months concentrating on Vancouver Island, the Mainland coast, and the southern fifth of the Province. Long-term research, started in 1974, was continued on the Triangle Island Ecological Reserve by the Canadian Wildlife Service. This year, summer students worked on baseline studies of reserves in the Okanagan Valley, mainly in the vicinity of Vernon. Forty-two new reserves were proposed at the autumn annual meeting of the Ecological Reserves Committee. These proposals will be studied during the forthcoming year. The Greenbelt Unit of the Policy Division administers the Green Belt Protection Fund Act (1972). Ninety properties are now included in the Greenbelt Land Inventory list involving 23,153 acres at a cost of $21,812,958. Four properties involving 409 acres have been donated to the Crown and are also carried in the Greenbelt Inventory. The Environmental Services Unit provides advisory services on the biological, ecological, and environmental aspects of Crown land management. Emphasized are the analysis of environmental impacts of proposed development projects, resolution of conflicts in Crown land use, promotion of ecologically based integrated planning of Crown land use, and development of environmental land management policies. The acquisition of two additional senior environmental biologists enabled the Unit to structure its operations along regional lines in relation to the requirements of the Branch for environmental services within the context of decentralized regional operations. In serving the regions for Victoria, the Environmental Services Unit staff spent approximately 33 per cent of their working-time in the regions and in the field each month throughout the year. In keeping with statutory requirements, the Land Management Branch has jurisdiction over foreshore and land covered by water along 17,000 miles of marine coastal shoreline. During 1976 the Environmental Services Unit continued studies, for both Provincial and Federal Governments, directed toward the development of a Provincial shoreland management policy. The conduct of pilot coastal classification projects oriented to the provision of an appropriate biophysical basis for coastal land use planning has been and continues to be a major concern. Unit staff were also involved in policy efforts regarding oil tanker traffic, resource access road location, riparian land management, marina development, Fraser estuary management, and environmental assessment guidelines. Representation of the Branch on committees and task forces continued to be a major responsibility of the Environmental Services Unit. Staff served on Interdepartmental Standing Committees regarding outdoor recreation co-ordination, U 22 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT ecological reserves, and mine-site reclamation, as well as on four Interdepartmental Policy Committees and five Interdepartmental Task Committees. In addition, the Co-ordinator of Environmental Services represented the Province on three Federal Environmental Review Panels, notably those on Roberts Bank terminal expansion, Haines Road reconstruction, and Fraser River channel training. Environmental reviews were conducted by Unit staff on 20 major projects and on numerous minor projects throughout the Province. In addition, the Unit assumed a central role in the resolution of 15 significant resource conflict problems in various areas of the Province. Planning Studies were entered into in Minnette Bay of Kitimat Arm, and contributed to in the Germansen Landing/Manson Creek area, Naden Harbour, Carbon Creek, Campbell River Estuary, Capital Western Communities, and Howe Sound. In addition to servicing Branch requests, the Environmental Services Unit also provides advisory services to other ministerial services, other Provincial ministries, Crown agencies, and regional districts. SPECIAL PROGRAMS DIVISION Land Management Branch Staff shortages in the Special Programs Division restricted production during the year. The Lot Development Unit operated with a vacancy in the Planning Section. The Geological Engineer of the Engineering Section resigned in May and was not replaced. The Water Investigations Branch undertook to supply the groundwater information necessary for the development of rural subdivisions. The Status Unit operated with two clerical vacancies during the year. The Status Unit provides land status information for the Branch, other Government ministries, Crown corporations, and private agencies. This unit prepared 267 special status maps, checked the status of 36,011 parcels of Crown land and made 12,415 entries in the Official Land Registers. There were 17 new status maps prepared on mylar base transparencies, bringing the total number completed to 197 status maps. The computer program progressed satisfactorily with the completion of the coding of approximately 14,000 leases and 2,000 easements. Since August, the computer has been utilized for writing and testing the various programs and for familiarizing the staff who will be operating the terminals. It is anticipated that the lease program will be fully operational early in 1977 and the accounting program by April 1977. During the summer, five university students were hired to code particulars of reserves currently recorded on Branch files. It is estimated that there are approximately 8,000 reserves established and at the present time this project is 75 per cent completed. During 1976 the Lot Development Unit had a total of 83 proposed subdivisions under study, of which eight were under development and five existing subdivisions were upgraded by additional services such as power, water, sewer, or the paving of roads. There were 129 new lots created and 293 lots upgraded by the construction of additional services. In October the residential subdivision program was officially transferred to the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs. Sixty-five proposed subdivisions in which development was under way were retained and are to be completed by the Lot Development Unit. LAND MANAGEMENT BRANCH U 23 The Engineering Section of the Lot Development Unit completed field investigations and reported on certain improvements and erosion problems on Crown land for the Southern Interior Region of the Land Management Branch. Investigation and supervision of construction were undertaken on green belt properties located at Victoria, Yellow Point, and Galiano Island. The design, preparation of cost estimates, and supervision of the reconstruction and paving of roads in the University Endowment Lands were undertaken. Each year greater demands are being made for Crown lands. This demand has created many conflicts between resource ministries, regional districts, and the general public. In order to reduce these conflicts, folios showing resource data have been completed which indicate land use options. In certain areas more detailed integrated management plans have also been completed. The Planning Section acted as the co-ordinator in the preparation of the resource folios and land management plans. More emphasis must be stressed in the coming years for the preplanning of Crown land in order to avoid serious resource conflicts and to locate development areas for specific purposes. The Senior Planner represented the Land Management Branch on the task force relative to the numerous problems encountered in the North-East Coal development. He was also a member of the task force studying problems relating to the Campbell River estuary. Members of the Lot Development Unit staff attended various conferences and seminars related to their duties during the year. Table 1—General Summary 1976 Certificates of improvements issued 6 Crown grants issued 613 Total acreage deeded by Crown grants 71,997 Number of new land sales 613 Value of new land sales $1,435,753 Number of leases issued 986 Total acreage leased 79,568 Easements issued 100 Reservations established 224 Net Land Act collections $6,522,580 10-year Average, 1967-76 25 753 74,660 428 $954,617 1,510 199,233 134 388 $4,284,835 U 24 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT Table 2—Analysis oj Inspections Completed and Inspections Outstanding Year-end for the Years 1972 to 1976, Inclusive at Examinations Completed During Year Examinations Outstanding at Year-end Land Inspection Districts 1 1972 1 1973 I 1974 1 1 1975 1976 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 Vancouver Island Region i 1 1 1 469 | 385 | 432 215 ] 146 | 272 416 199 493 154 103 29 91 50 69 67 90 82 97 103 684 | 531 | 704 615 647 132 141 136 172 200 Lower Mainland Region New Westminster 289 | 267 216 j 161 188 176 192 165 192 193 223 291 6 29 59 45 13 40 72 25 79 64 67 12 47 44 1,4 1 183 185 50 Subtotals 839 | 611 | 549 549 707 94 98 176 255 141 7'hompson-Okanagan Region Kamloops 486 | 402 209 j 193 378 | 390 546 225 605 501 195 259 423 210 177 30 42 69 39 47 166 45 21 50 93 62 25 91 57 32 1,073 | 985 | 1,376 955 810 141 252 116 180 180 Kootenay Region 425 | 417 [ 347 320 378 61 59 37 ----- 53 132 27 55 425 | 417 | 347 320 439 59 37 53 132 87 Cariboo Region 243 | 195 603 | 597 157 514 235 570 50 142 508 327 18 62 15 111 60 227 43 297 113 87 357 100 Mile House 90 846 | 792 | 671 855 977 80 126 287 453 534 Otnineca-Peace Region Fort-St. John I 459 1 533 690 386 385 219 771 376 406 255 657 236 400 85 209 84 33 5 33T 85 92 65 57 35 46 108 67 135 68 94 46 95 150 435 169 198 294 101 121 212 Vanderhoof ._ 178 Subtotals 1,213 | 1,126 | 1,680 1,808 1,378 299 256 343 606 Skeena Region 153 199 115 164 222 174 158 102 192 102 269 170 152 244 74 36 40 23 69 78 76 50 76 116 106 65 120 180 Burns Lake 125 467 560 | 652 541 470 74 170 202 287 425 5.547 5.022 1 5.979 5,643 5,428 911 1,123 1,226 1,822 2,168 1 1 1 Office opened August 1, 1976. LAND MANAGEMENT BRANCH U 25 Table 3—Analysis oj Requests for Inspection Processed by Land Management Branch jor Years 1972 to 1976, Inclusive New Requests Received During— Per Cent Change— Land Management Regions and Land Management Districts 1972 | 1973 1974 1975 1976 1976 Over 1975 1976 Over 1972 Vancouver Island Region Courtenay - - - 457 212 373 167 410 289 436 215 589 257 + 35.1 + 19.5 +28.9 +21.2 Subtotals 669 540 699 651 846 +30.0 + 26.5 Lower Mainland Region 261 182 306 305 145 164 214 188 224 194 209 245 176 207 218 -9.3 -1.0 — 11.0 — 32.6 + 13.7 Vancouver North - -28.8 Subtotals 749 614 626 648 601 -7.3 — 19.8 Thompson-Okanagan Region Kamloops 452 214 361 411 198 487 552 199 489 549 236 234 328 205 184 -40.3 -13.1 —21.4 -27.4 —4.2 —49.0 1,027 1,096 1,240 1,019 717 -29.6 — 30.2 Kootenay Region 436 395 363 399 341 48 -14.5 —21.8 436 395 363 399 389 —2.5 10 8 Cariboo Region 209 603 187 645 200 628 219 642 114 184 565 304 -16.0 -12.0 + 166.7 120 6 3 100 Mile House 812 832 828 975 1,053 + 8.0 | +29.7 Omineca-Peace Region Fort St. John 583 200 386 152 T32T 398 163 316 148 ~no2TT 633 301 422 221 1,577 868 373 386 234 617 286 517 217 —28.9 — 23.3 +33.9 -7.3 — 12.0 +5.8 +43.0 +33.9 +42.8 1,861 I 1,637 +29.9 Skeena Region 153 145 142 153 291 211 211 283 190 102 | 269 170 | 156 318 134 +52.9 + 18.2 —21.2 + 12.4 + 2.0 + 119.3 1 —56 440 655 684 541 | 608 | +38.2 5,454 5,157 6,017 | 6,094 1 5,851 I Average change for 1976 over 1975 for Province is 4.0 per cent. Average change for 1976 over 1972 for Province is 7.3 per cent. U 26 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT Table 4—Subdivisions Under Development or Upgrading, 1976 Location Number of Lots iPort Hardy (sewer) 33 JWhistler Ski Club Cabins (water) 4 1Devine (power) 34 iFort Nelson (paving) 199 iMile 62, Alaska Highway (power) 14 Jameson Road (north of Nanaimo) 11 Dease Lake (residential) 28 Dease Lake (commercial) 4 Bear Lake 26 Sundance (vicinity of Chetwynd) 4 Jackfish Lake (vicinity of Chetwynd) 20 Toad River (Mile 423, Alaska Highway) 14 Hyde Creek (south of Port McNeill) 22 1 Existing subdivisions which were upgraded by additional services. Table 5—Resource Folios and Land Management Plans Completed in 1976 Omineca-Peace Land Management Region— Land Reserve Folios— Umbach. Upper Cache Creek. Cecil Lake. Milligan Creek. Sunset. Beryl Prairie. Beatton-Doig. Boundary Lake. Whites Landing. Farrell Creek. Wartenbe. Giscome. Bear Mountain. Cariboo Land Management Region— Land Reserve Folios— Pantage Lake. Gerimi. Bouchie Lake. Land Management Plan—Southside-Williams Lake area. Lower Mainland Land Management Region—Folio—Gambier Island. Numerous other folios and integrated management plans are in various stages of completion. SURVEYS AND MAPPING BRANCH SURVEYS AND MAPPING BRANCH E. R. McMinn, Director E. R. McMinn was appointed Director, Surveys and Mapping Branch, on June 22, 1976, at which time the duties of the Surveyor-General were assigned to W. A. Taylor, Chief, Legal Surveys Division of this Branch. A significant point was reached in the Control Survey Program in the Province this summer with the general completion of accurate monumented control for 1:50 000 mapping. British Columbia, alone among the provinces, has contributed extensively to this Federal program and as a result the compilation of our 1:50 000 coverage is planned for completion by 1980. The Interdepartmental Committee on Surveys and Mapping was reinstituted at a Map Users Conference to discuss criticisms, requests, and changing needs. At the Federal-Provincial Survey Officers meetings in Winnipeg and Ottawa, the decision was made, supported largely by the stand of British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec, that the readjustment and geocentric transformation of the co-ordinate structure of the continent, now based on the 1927 N. A. Datum, will be carried out in one stage effective in 1983. This geodetic refinement is necessary because of vastly improved technology in field survey work of the last decade and because of the more precise figure-of-the-earth calculations developed by the Goddard Space Center. This co-ordinate shift, which will amount to over 100 metres in this Province, will be introduced by geographic areas; large-scale mapping programs must now be planned to accommodate this impending graticule shift and provision must be made under the Petroleum and Natural Gas Act, 1965 to avoid problems in locations under that Act. Field survey work was highlighted by the airborne control work in central British Columbia, by a second hastily assembled project to establish control in the Northern Coal Development area of the Rocky Mountains, by the continuation of the Boundary Commission work on the 60th parallel, by the Integrated Control Survey work in six municipal areas, and by the completion of some 60 cadastral surveys, 35 of which were for Land Management. The air-photo acquisition, as was the work of the helicopter survey parties, was severely hampered by the bad weather. In future years control surveys will concentrate on expanding the basic structure into areas of development where it will immediately serve as large-scale mapping and integrated survey control. In our Crown Land Liaison Section, processing of records declined significantly; amendments to regulations under the Land Act and Land Registry Act were made to effect the change to metric dimensions. In Map Production, renovated space and equipment were made available for the Reprographics and Map Sales Sections and a rotational shift system was implemented in the Photogrammetric Section. It is clear that additional staff for shift work in Reprographics and possibly in draughting rooms is the only rational method of maximizing production without the need for more expensive equipment. The vital need for space now is additional storage for the irreplaceable air film which for the last three years has been accumulating along the corridor walls without temperature control or special fire protection. 29 U 30 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT The booklet A Standard Mapping System jor B.C. was issued and has been accepted in the Province and studied with interest across Canada. This year a program of some 30 years' production, the planimetric mapping for Forest Inventory, was changed to a project of revision and transformation to 1:20 000 scale. This change, together with the long expected crisis in composite mapping, will mean a reassignment of compilation staff. The needs in composite mapping have finally surfaced because of the implementation of the Assessment Authority, the acceptance of the obvious requirements of regional planners, and because of the activity of B.C. Hydro and B.C. Telephone Company in the field. It makes sense that this program should be done by one control agency, done once, done accurately, kept updated, and made available to all users. To do this work will require funds for staff, for private sector participation, and for photogrammetric equipment to increase quickly the production of accurate map bases. LEGAL SURVEYS DIVISION For a detailed comparison of the work load in 1976 relative to 1975, reference should be made to the Production Table for each individual function performed by this Division. The table will be found in the section of this Report reserved for statistics. A majority of the functions show a decrease in activity which is generated from applications by the public. Notable exceptions are an increase in the number of subdivision plans checked, a substantial increase in timber sales cleared, and a rise in the number of inquiries from the public for survey data. These are all duties which are outside the main functions of this Ministry. The real barometer of land disposition is the number of new lots confirmed and the number of Crown grant and lease tracings made, and these figures showed a decline in activity. Mention was made in the report for the preceding year of the necessity to divert staff time to proper indexing of historical, statutory, and administrative surveys and maps. Although one would have thought that a reduction in activity would be the ideal time to get such a project under way, unfortunately, reduced staff allocation coincided with this phenomenon and still no staff are available for that important work. A stock of official survey posts is maintained in all offices of Government Agents, for use in Crown land surveys and replacement of original survey corners. A resume of activity in this service appears in the table accompanying this report. Table 6—Production Totals for the years 1975 and 1976 1975 1976 Field books prepared 226 164 Lots surveyed 274 201 Survey plans examined 250 207 Lots confirmed 320 269 Lots cancelled 272 585 Lots amended 65 56 Reference maps compiled or renewed 103 53 Applications for purchase cleared 147 72 Applications for lease cleared 3,863 3,198 Reserves cleared 420 268 Timber sales cleared 1,297 1,550 Crown grant applications cleared 1,030 965 SURVEYS AND MAPPING BRANCH U 31 Table 6—Production Totals for the Years 1975 and 1976—Continued Cancellations from maps Inquiries Letters received and dealt with Examination sketches Crown grant and lease tracings made Well-site plans recorded Survey instructions issued Mineral claims lots created Mining leases cleared Mining claims plotted Mineral claims gazetted Mineral claims cancelled Placer leases plotted Placer leases cancelled Documents from vault examined Crown land subdivision and R/W plans Plans checked for the Land Registry Office .. Descriptions written Draughting (Divisional Projects) number of hours Money-mail and Verbal Request Forms Number of customers Number of hours A great deal of time was spent in preparing the existing survey regulations for conduct of surveys under the Land Act and various types of surveys under the Land Registry Act, for a change-over to metric measurement. Details of what is required in 1977 when metrication is totally in force were published in Part II of The British Columbia Gazette as B.C. Regs. 577/76 and 578/76. The opportunity was seized to introduce long-anticipated basic changes, such as the allowance of a mylar film material for the original drawing as an alternative to the tried and true Imperial linen, and the introduction of full circle bearings which are more adaptable to modern computers than the historic quandrantal system. New procedures to improve the permanence of surveys and to facilitate the transfer of Crown interest in land have been introduced in recent years. Their usefulness is reflected in the increase in their use. The stipulation of requirements for posting and examination of block outline surveys, functions of private enterprise, as well as examination of other Crown interest plans is developing into a significant burden. Some comparisons (see table) will illustrate the activity, but to appreciate the burden, the complexity of the plans must be investigated. 1975 1976 744 1,722 375 448 3,342 3,990 1,544 1,412 8,297 5,189 111 153 324 331 3 5 13 9 40 8 54 16 34 435 297 10 522 0 40,131 36,179 365 335 1,671 1,926 266 283 369 846 249 385 1,136 629 274 158 Table 7- —Number o / Plans Land Registry Act Section Land Act, 80 (9) 81 (2) 102 (3) 118a Section 72 1974.. 1975 1976.. 38 42 53 9 9 12 9 4 9 1 4 18 9 21 U 32 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT LEGAL SURVEYS BRANCH FUNCTIONS ['.'". j DENOTES WORK FOR OTHER DEPARTMENTS GENERAL INQUIRIES SURVEY INSTRUCTION PREPARATION PURCHASE, LEASE, RESERVE, STATUS TIMBER SALE CLEARANCES INDIAN RESERVE SURVEYS DESCRIPTIONS AMENDMENT OF OFFICIAL PLANS COMPUTER AND REGULATION EXAMINATION LAND ACT SURVEY PLANNING, CROWN GRANT AND LEASE TRACINGS PARK RESERVES LAND REGISTRY COMPUTER CHECK, INTEGRATED SURVEY PLANS COMPUTER AND REGULATION EXAMINATION RIGHTS OF WAY HIGHWAYS CROWN LAND SUBDIVISIONS INSPECTION PLANS MINERAL CLAIMS, P&N.G. WELLSITE SURVEYS, CLEARANCES REFERENCE MAP COMPLETION SURVEYS AND MAPPING BRANCH U 33 Field Work During the 1976 season the field staff undertook 62 surveys, 35 of which were at the request of the Land Management Branch, the balance for other Government ministries. Land Management Branch Surveys On Vancouver Island, surveys were carried out at the Princess Marguerite wharf and Smuggler's Cove, Shawnigan Lake, Yellow Point, Comox, and Port McNeill. Further afield, surveys were carried out near Nelson, near Invermere, at Canoe, Bear Lake, the Chetwynd Area, Dease Lake, Seton Lake, Francois Lake, and Golden. A total of 121 residential roadside or town lots was surveyed. Miscellaneous assignments were carried out at Vernon, Anglemont, Okanagan Centre, Slocan, and the New Westminster Federal Harbour, among others. Interdepartmental Surveys As in past years, we were of assistance in carrying out cadastral survey requirements of other ministries to the limit of our resources. Surveys were carried out for Public Works in Victoria, Abbotsford, Haney, and Burnaby; Highways at Wardner and UBC; Water Rights Branch at Kamloops, Boundary Bay, and Oliver Slough; ELUC Secretariat in the Vernon area. Many requests were handled for the Forest Service, although some must be dealt with at a later date. Surveys completed for the Service included those at Bear Lake, Red Rock Nursery, Vavenby, 100 Mile House, Chance Creek in the Garibaldi area, and Wilson Creek near New Denver. FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION The Field Survey Section operated six survey parties during the 1976 field season. One was involved in extending the Provincial primary control, two parties were assigned to Integrated Survey projects, and one party undertook the British Columbia-Yukon Boundary maintenance project. The remaining two parties were assigned to large-scale special mapping until about mid-summer, at which time the two parties were consolidated and reassigned to a control survey for mapping of the transportation corridors for the Northeast Coal Block. The survey party working on primary control extended the basic Provincial network into the uncontrolled areas of map sheets 93E, F, K, and L. During the months of June, July, and early August, the survey party operated from Burns Lake, and for the remainder of the season the crew operated from a base at the Kenny Dam on Ootsa Lake. One Integrated Survey party spend most of the field season extending the control network in the District of North Vancouver. During the month of August, this crew moved to Kelowna for two weeks and later undertook reconnaissance surveys in the District of Coquitlam. The second party assigned to Integrated Surveys established control in the City of Victoria. This work is still in progress and will proceed through the winter. To date, 243 control monuments have been co-ordinated, which represents about 50 per cent of the project. During mid-summer, this crew moved to Nelson and established 43 control monuments to extend the existing Integrated Survey Area to include areas of recent development. U 34 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT The Boundary Maintenance crew continued the clearing program on the 60th parallel, working eastward from the end of the 1975 program. Large-scale mapping by field compilation of proposed development sites was completed at Cumberland, Port Hardy, Whistler Townsite, and Southbank on Francois Lake. Survey control was established for mapping by photogrammetric compilation at Burns Lake, Jordan River gaol-site, and two quarry sites. In July a request was received for a horizontal and vertical control for mapping the various transportation .corridors associated with the northeast coal development on a priority schedule. Two parties were consolidated and moved to Chetwynd for the initial stage of the survey. The survey was completed in early October. Weather suitable for aerial photography made rare appearances during the 1976 season. Productivity on block vertical cover was reduced to 50 per cent of the 1975 accomplishment and well below minimum expectations of the present equipment. The numerous special projects, accomplished during marginal weather periods, compared favourably with last season's totals. While block vertical photographic accomplishment was small, total flying-hours were only marginally reduced. This, combined with the good production on special projects (considering the weather conditions), is evidence of and accomplished by constant surveillance and determination by photographic personnel. Table 8—Accomplishments of Air Survey Section Number of Photos Lineal Miles Square Miles A. 1/50,000 vertical cover— Ministry of Highways and Public Works: Lower Fraser Valley- Ministry of the Environment: Vancouver Island _ 94H, I, J, O Subtotals Totals B. 1/40,000 vertical cover- Ministry of Forests . Ministry of the Environment. Totals C. 1/31,680 vertical cover—Ministry of Forests: Dease PSYU.. D. 1/20,000 vertical cover— Ministry of Forests Ministry of the Environment- Ministry of Recreation and Conservation- Totals . E. Special projects— Capital Regional District ELUC Ministry of Education Ministry of Forests. _ Ministry of Highways and Public Works (Highways). Ministry of the Environment _ Ministry of Mines and Petroleum Resources - Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing- Ministry of Highways and Public Works (Public Works).. Ministry of Recreation and Conservation- Ministry of Energy, Transport and Communications- Water Resources Services. _ Totals, special projects . Grand totals 119 | 82 51 496 2,008 1,439 2,585 350 143 23 6,816 25 6,268 1,518 765 j 344 | 10,710 4,816 1,109 | 15,526 1,228 | 17,044 1,313 11,712 1,485 11,892 2,798 | | 23,604 1,324 10,620 1,080 750 5,625 22,779 2,025 1,350 12,450 | - | 26,154 20,286 | 12,402 38,086 12,402 72,427 SURVEYS AND MAPPING BRANCH U 35 A total of 38,005 new air photographs was exposed, of which 22,423 pertained to special projects and the balance on block vertical cover. Dual camera operation was successfully used, both for two scales and two emulsions on selected projects throughout the season. Emphasis was on requests for aerial photography cycle between small to large-scale cover. This year the emphasis was on medium scale because requesting agencies compromised on photographic scales to match the capability of the available service. Block vertical photography completed this season covered 30 per cent of the total area requested, and an average year at the current rate of demands would not exceed 60 per cent. Small-scale photography provides economies in photo acquisition and processing for mapping or data extraction, and is suitable for many applications. The limiting of the photographic program to large- and medium-scale photography has, contrary to the intent, substantially increased the work load. The displayed flexibility in choice of scales by air-photo users within the Government service should therefore be channelled toward the use of small-scale photography by reinstating the small-scale program. MAP PRODUCTION DIVISION The year 1976 saw significant and long-awaited improvements in the accommodation of two sections of this Division. The most noteworthy involved the Reprographics Section, which, in mid- December, moved to 9,000 square feet of newly renovated floor space in the Colonist Printer Building, 2631 Douglas Street. This section originated in the early 1900's as the Blueprint Section of the Surveys Branch. Since that date it had occupied the same quarters in the basement of the Legislative Buildings, in subsequent years encroaching into adjoining areas and finally accumulating a total of 6,300 square feet of overcrowded and inefficient floor space. The move in December ended one of the longest room occupancies in the records of the Legislative Buildings. The second improvement, for the Map and Air Photo Sales Office, was brought about by extensive ground floor alterations to Temporary Building No. 1, 553 Superior Street, which increased usable floor space to 2,400 square feet from an original 1,300 square feet. This increase in area will permit the introduction of new systems of information retrieval, leading to improved service to the users and purchasers of maps and air photos. Staff establishment increased by nine to a total of 124, as a result of staff transfers from other sections within the Surveys and Mapping Branch and the Lands Service. These transfers consisted of the four staff positions of the Geographical Names and Research Section, previously under the direct administration of the Director of Surveys and Mapping, together with the five positions of the Composite Mapping Division at Kamloops, which had been reporting directly to the Assistant Deputy Minister of Lands. However, at December 31, 1976, positions filled totalled only 113. The 11 vacancies resulting from the restraints on hiring have caused considerable difficulties in coping with the increased demand for our services, with the result that projects have been delayed and some work, which must be done eventually, has been neglected entirely. There were two notable retirements in the Division during 1976. S. L. Clarke retired after a career of 37 years in the Public Service. Commencing in July 1939 as a junior draughtsman in the Legal Surveys Division, since U 36 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT 1971 he had been supervisor of Draughting and Map Compilation, with his main responsibility the planning and production of the well-known lithographic map series. J. Hawes joined the Public Service in October 1946 and retired from his final position as a Supervisor in the Cadastral Compilation section in September 1976. Two other senior members of our draughting staff, R. Fraser and J. Pagonyi, also retired in 1976. Planimetric Section Compilation This year as a direct result of the poor weather during the photographic season only 13,257 air photographs were handled for the Forest Inventory base mapping program, compared with 29,000 in 1975. Because of the changing needs of the Forest Inventory Division this program now consists mainly of the revision of existing base maps rather than new compilation. This is reflected in the years accomplishment of 453 20-chain map sheets revised in 11 different PSYU's and 13 40- chain map sheets in the Dean PSYU. Special projects included a new slotted-template laydown and planimetric compilation of the whole of the E. and N. Land Belt at a scale of 1 inch=20 chains, at the request of the B.C. Assessment Authority, and revision of Garibaldi Park. The decrease in demand for base mapping for Forest Inventory purposes has been more than offset by the demand for air-photo mosaics. These have now become an established line of production as land and resource managers have recognized the value of mosaics as a planning and management tool. Sixty mosaics were constructed for various ministries, with the Forest Service issuing the bulk of the requests. Details of all production are shown in the tables. Cadastral Compilation In this section the major developments were the introduction and full adoption of the B.C. Standard System of Mapping and a long-overdue commitment to a planned composite mapping. The Standard System of Mapping, which recommends the adoption of common mapping scales, sheet sizes, and numbering systems for all mapping agencies was first established in September 1974, but the consequent reaction from map users caused it to be withdrawn and redrafted. It was reissued in July 1976, has been well received by both government and non-government agencies, and the recommended standards are being generally adopted. The composite mapping program is being carried out in three phases at scales of 1:2 500 and 1:5 000. First, existing maps at the old scales of 1 inch to 400 feet and 1 inch to 500 feet are converted to the new scales. The second phase involves the updating of these maps by adding new subdivisions. The third phase is the production of completely new composite maps. Four hundred new composite maps were requested by the B.C. Assessment Authority and 175 of these are in various stages of production. The mapping system developed relies upon the use of microfilmed copies of Land Registry plans which are made available to us by the Assessment Authority. That authority's program of microfilming all Land Registry Office plans is an example of the type of program which we ourselves should have initiated years ago because it eliminates all the SURVEYS AND MAPPING BRANCH U 37 time-consuming and laborious LRO searches which have been a part of our system for many years. The microfilmed plans are enlarged to map scale by use of our CAPS PRINTER, which was acquired in April 1976, and then fitted to the framework of detail plotted on the map base. The Kamloops office is also involved in this program, but concentrates its activities on the conversion of existing maps to the new format, together with revision and updating. Close co-operation between this Division and B.C. Hydro, B.C. Telephone Co., and B.C. Assessment Authority, the three main users of composite maps, is essential if this program is to be carried to a successful conclusion. During the summer, six Assessment Authority clerks from various parts of the Province spent two weeks in this office learning basic draughting skills and procedures in order to add new subdivision plans to the maps in their own jurisdiction. D. Hall, Supervisor of this section, attended three seminars on mapping, in three areas of the Province, sponsored by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. The purpose of these was to introduce the new Standard System of Mapping to the planning technicians of the regional districts, district municipalities, and other communities and, in addition, to offer technical assistance to these agencies in their mapping programs. Other office work included the addition and checking of lots on the Federal Government 1:50 000 series, lot overlays to large-scale topographic and orthophoto projects, and the conversion and final draughting of integrated survey plans. Also a new set of indices at a scale of 1:125 000 was prepared to show the new sheet layout of the composite map series. Draughting Section This section is responsible for the compilation and scribing of the lithographic map series, the fair drawing of topographic manuscripts and integrated survey plans, and the general draughting involved in the production of land capability folios for the Land Branch, mosaics, and orthophotos. This past year saw the publication of 20 new and revised lithographic maps at scales of 1:125 000 and 1:250 000. These included four new sheets covering Southern Vancouver Island at 1:125 000, as replacements for the badly overcrowded 1:250 000 sheet 92 F, for which we anticipate a heavy demand. Also included were six maps at a scale of 1:600 000 covering the whole Province, these being a revision and replacement of the previous 1 inch to 10 miles series. A significant development was the compilation of four 1:125 000 map sheets in 93 G, Prince George, to replace the 1:250 000 map. This is the first expansion of this scale of map into a regional area rather than progressing with block map cover. The future development of the 1:125 000 series will continue to follow this policy. In addition to the issue of new and revised maps, 14 lithographic maps were reprinted, together with two general maps of the 1 J series. Highway boundaries were overprinted on map 1 J, administrative boundaries were overprinted on 81 Federal Government 1:50 000 maps and miscellaneous draughting was done on indices, charts, sketches, integrated survey and site plans. A large new task was the joining of orthophoto negatives of 25 projects together with the formation of these negatives into 112 individual map sheets. Eighty-three large-scale topographic map sheets were fair drawn, 13 compilations were completed for new lithographic maps, and 21 folios were assembled for the Land Management Branch. u 38 ministry of the environment Photogrammetric Section For most members of the Photogrammetric Section, 1976 was a year of production, learning, investigation, and a change in living pattern. We completed 52 of the 75 projects submitted for compilation. Thirty-six of these required an orthophoto base, 27 of which are finished. Adding the remaining projects to the new ones now on hand or requested, guarantees that 1977 will be as demanding as 1976. The acquisition of the mini computer in this section in 1975 initiated a new phase of operator involvement in the computing and assessing of final mapping co-ordinate values. This particular aspect of mapping was originally performed graphically by the operator when the "long bar" of multiplex equipment was used for bridging. The purchase of the Wild A7, with digital recording capability, and the installation of the IBM computer system changed our approach to a precise mathematical computation system. The assessment of the computer output was handled by our programmer analyst. Because of the mini computer, assessment of the final co-ordinate values has now reverted back to the operator. This involvement has necessitated considerable learning of new terminology and new systems. The first step was an introduction to computers and programming at Camosun College. To complement the course each operator will be trained on the job for a period of two months. Time and project bridging requirements have allowed half of our staff to become competent in the new procedures and the remainder will be trained in 1977. BCIT graduates who have studied programming and computer handling adjust quickly to the system with minimal training. Job interest has been raised because of greater operator involvement in the complete system, but the main benefit has been the significant reduction in the time taken for the bridging portion of a project. The automatic compilation of contours based on digitized scan-line values produced during the production of an orthophoto negative was accomplished this year. Unfortunately, one of the programs used was very inefficient in its use of computer time, but an alternate system has since been suggested which we will be using early in 1977. The automatic plotting of compilation sheets, contours, spot heights, etc., on our own flatbed table may be possible in early 1977, if the proposed purchase based on this year's investigation is carried out. Seven companies were contacted and requested to supply us with equipment specifications together with a special "bench mark" drawing to show the plotter's capability in drawing in ballpoint, ink, and scribing. The bench mark made it possible for us to compare line quality and speed combinations between companies. Based on these comparisons a set of specifications were decided on, prepared, and written up to accompany the requisition after Treasury Board approval of the purchase. Variable hours for scheduled work weeks were introduced for many B.C. Government employees in 1976, but for the staff of the Photogrammetry Section changes in work hours were much more drastic than most. A rotational shift was introduced, which meant radical changes in the life-style of a number of employees and was met with considerable resentment on the part of long-term employees. Technological improvements and more efficient use of expensive equipment do not always produce completely positive results. SURVEYS AND MAPPING BRANCH U 39 Map and Air Photo Production and Sales Services provided by the sales office were hampered by both staff and space restrictions. The latter problem has been largely relieved by the recently completed renovations and it is hoped that in 1977 there will be a similar improvement in staffing. New storage for the one million maps stored in the Topaz Vaults has been provided in the Lands Service Warehouse and transfer to the new premises will take place in early 1977. Film storage is a continuing problem which must soon be solved. Both film vaults are completely filled and the overflow of exposed air film is now being stored in corridors and other nonsecure areas. Requisitions for air photos and enlargements increased over 1975 by 14 per cent, but there was a decrease of 10 per cent in the requisition for Provincial and Federal maps. Diapositives showed a surprising 70-per-cent increase which indicates the heavy use of B.C. Government air photographs by commercial mapping organizations. Use of the new Reprographics Centre with its wide range of equipment should be maximized by instituting a full second shift which would help to eliminate the blacklog of archival work and reduce the amount of work which is turned away. Requisitions processed in the Reprographics Section showed a slight increase over 1975, totalling 19,064. Included were 3,124,000 offset prints, a 28-per-cent increase, 302,400 white prints, and 92,400 items of photo copy. Geographical Names and Research The British Columbia representative, Canadian Permanent Committee on Geographical Names, attended a meeting of the Subcommittee on Glaciological and Alpine Nomenclature in April and the 15th annual meeting of the CPCGN in Winnipeg in October. The purpose of the subcommittee meeting was to draw up terms of reference for advising the parent committee on generic terms for glaciological and mountain features, co-ordinate referencing of glaciers, and through referral to scientists, mountaineers, and others, to broaden the range of expertise on glaciological and alpine terminology. During 1976, 142 decision lists were processed. These contained 498 adopted names, 61 rescinded names, 4 reinstated names, and 22 altered applications. The names will appear in the 1976 Cumuulative Supplement to the 1966 Gazetteer. Five name location sheets, 82 K/SW, 92 F/NE, 92 I/NW, 93 A, and 94 A were renewed by transferring detail from earlier editions. By the end of the year, there were two staff vacancies in the Geographical Names Section which had resulted in a substantial backlog of 21 national topographic sheets to check for names prior to reprinting, 67 items of correspondence for processing and filing, and names on 12 Canadian Permanent Committee decision lists requiring entry in the Gazetteer records. U 40 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT Table 9—Lithographic Maps Printed in 1976 Map No. Name Edition Scale Contour Interval Remarks 82G/SE 92B/NW-SW 92C/NE-NW-SE Flathead Victoria Second Second First First First First Second Second Second Fourth Second First First Third Third Third Third Third Third Fifth 1:125 000 1:125 000 1:125 000 1:125 000 1:125 000 1:125 000 1:125 000 1:125 000 1:250 000 1:250 000 1:250 000 1:250 000 1:250 000 1:250 000 1:600 000 1:600 000 1:600 000 1:600 000 1:600 000 1:600 000 (m) 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 5 150 150 50 150 150 150 Complete revision. Complete revision. 92F/NE 92F/SE Powell River Seven colours, contoured. 92F/SW 92G/SW 92H/NW Yale 93 A Complete revision. 93 M 94A 94B Fort St. John Seven colours, contoured. 94G 1031-J Complete revision. IB North Western B.C ID North Eastern B.C IE IF South Eastern B.C West Central B.C Partial revision. 1G East Central B.C.... IK South Western B.C. Reprints 82E/SE 82K/NE 82L/SW Second First Second Third Third First Second First Second First First Second First Fourth 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 125 000 125 000 125 000 125 000 250 000 250 000 250 000 250 000 250 000 250 000 250 000 250 000 63 360 600 000 (Ft.) 100 100 100 100 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 100 Invermere No revision. 92H/NE 92K-J 92N Tulameen... Bute Inlet No revision. No revision. 93F 92G 93H-83E Nechako Prince George No revision. No revision. 931 93N 103B-C Manson River No revision. P.S G 3 IK South Western B.C SURVEYS AND MAPPING BRANCH Table 10—Topographic Mapping U 41 No. Project For Scale Contour Interval Status1 72-2T 72-5T Creston - WIB WIB WIB Ree. & Con. Ree. &Con. WIB WIB WIB Mun. Affairs Lands Highways WIB Highways Highways Highways WIB Secretariat Mines WIB Lands Forests Forests Forests Forests Forests Forests Forests Forests Forests Forests Forests Forests Lands Lands Highways WIB Lands Lands Highways Forests Highways Highways Lands WIB Field Ops. Lands Mines Mun. Affairs Mun. Affairs Lands Parks Lands Lands B.C. Hydro WIB Highways UEL B.C. Hydro WIB Lands WIB WIB WIB WIB Parks WIB BCR Mines Lands Public Works Highways 1:1200 1:6 000 1:5 000 1:12 000 1:1 200 1:5 000 1:1 200 1:1 200 1:2 500 1:2 500 1:600 1:2 500 1:4 800 1:4 800 1:4 800 1:1 200 1:50 000 1:6 000 1:5 000 1:10 000 1:20 000 1:20 000 1:20 000 1:20 000 1:20 000 1:20 000 1:20 000 1:20 000 1:20 000 1:20 000 1:20 000 1:20 000 1:12 000 1:20 000 1:2 400 Bridging 1:20 000 1:20 000 1:1 200 1:2 400 1:5 000 1:2 400 1:1 200 1:5 000 1:10 000 1:20 000 1:10 000 1:5 000 1:5 000 1:12 000 1:4 800 1:14 520 1:20 000 1:2 400 1:5 000 1:4 800 1:10 000 1:2 400 1:2 400 1:20 000 1:5 000 1:5 000 1:1 200 1:2 400 1:1 200 1:5 000 Bridging 1:10 000 1:20 000 1:480 1:4 800 Spot 2' 5 m, 10 m 10', 20', 100' 20' Spot 1' Spot 2' 2' 5' 2m Spot 5' 1 m, 5 m 20' 20' 20' 2' 1 m 25', 100', 200' 100' 100' 100' 100' 100' 100' 100' 100' 100' 100' 100' 20' 5m 5' 100' 50' 10' lm 5' 1' 1 m 10 m 5m 5m 20' 20' 5', 10' 50' 2', 10' lm 10', 20', 100' 5m 2' 2', 10' 50 m 1 m, 20 m 10 m, 20 m w', 20' 5' 2', 10' 10 m 10' IP IP 72-6T Penticton-U.S.A IP 73-47T C 73 50T-0 c 74-28T-0 74-36T Fraser River Floodplain (Chilliwack) — IP c 74-3 7T Postill-South Lakes c 74-6 IT IP 74-67T IP 74-72T c 74 109T-0 c 75-3 5T Highway 3 (Miles 20-28) c 75-36T Highway 3 (Miles 54-71) c 75-37T 75-57T Highway 24 c c 75-70-0 92P/1 c 75-72-0 c 75-73T-0 IP 75-92-0 c 75-94T-0 c 75-97T-0 c 75-98T-0 Skelly Creek c 75-99T-0 c 75-106T-0 Brook McPhail IP 75-107T-O c 75-108T-0 c 75-109T-0 IP 75-110T-0 IP 75-111T-0 c 75-112T-0 Bull Isintok Creek IP 75-113T-0 c 75-I32T c 75-143T-0 c 75-147T-0 c 76-1T c 76-3T-0 c 76^T-0 c 76-5T c 76-10-0 c 76-11T-0 c 76-12T c 76-13T c 76-24T-0 76-27 P 76-28-0 Coquitlam River North Vancouver Integrated Surveys .... c c c 76-29T-0 c 76-35T IP 76-36T IP 76-40T c 76-44T c 76-66T c 76-67T 76-68T Malaspina Peninsula ._. c c 76-71T-0 IP 76-72T c 76-74T-0 UEL c 76-75T 76-9 IT Fairmont c c 76-95T-0 c 76-97T-0 IP 76-98T-0 IP 76-99T IP 76-100T IP 76-101T IP 76-104-0 c 76-107T IP 76-108-0 c 76-114T-0 IP 76-119T c 76-124T c 1 C—Complete. IP—In progress. U 42 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT Table 11—Revision Mapping Accomplishment (20-chain) Project No. PSYU Number of Map sheets Revised 76-42P .. Adams Barriere Niskonlith North Thompson Raft Cranbrook _. Slocan 35 76-42P 22 76-42P 20 76-42P 54 76-42P 36 76-15P 34 76-15P. 13 76-15P 100 76-17 30 76-17 23 76-118P Yalakom 86 453 40-CHAIN REVISION 76-41P Dean 13 Table 12—Special Mapping Projects Project No. Name Number of Map-sheets Originator Scale 76-7P E. & N. Land Grant 80 8 1/15 840 76-85 Garibaldi Park 1/31 680 Table 13—Composite Mapping Accomplishment Victoria Kamloops New 148 Conversions 361 280 New (in progress) 175 Conversions (in progress) 51 350 Kamloops Office Maps distributed to Government ministries: Composite maps 3,246 Litho maps 268 Interim maps 74 White prints 81 L.R.O. plans 76 Sales to public: Composite maps - 7,065 Litho maps - 3,842 Interim maps 70 White prints 1,745 SURVEYS AND MAPPING BRANCH Table 14—Photo Mosaic Accomplishment U 43 Project No. Name Number of Sheets Originator Scale P.M. No. 76-6M Cypress Park 1 4 1 3 2 6 1 1 2 1 1 I 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 22 1 2 1 1 1 2 2 I 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 5 3 3 1 3 4 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 5 1 2 1 /20 000 1/ 4 800 1/63 360 1/31 680 1 /63 360 1/31 680 1/31 680 1/31 680 1/20 000 1/31 680 1 /20 000 1/20 000 1/12 000 1/15 840 1/63 360 1/63 360 1/36 680 1/31 680 1/31 680 1/31 680 1/31 680 1/31 680 1/10 000 1/22 000 1/50 000 1/50 000 1/20 000 1/12 000 1/31 680 1/18 000 1/20 000 1/31 680 1/31 680 1/31 680 1/31 680 1/31 680 1/31 680 1/31 680 1/12 000 1/50 000 1/50 000 1/50 000 1/15 840 1/20 000 1/50 000 1/12 000 1 /25 000 1/50 000 1/12 000 1/25 000 1/15 840 1/15 840 1/15 840 1/50 000 1/20 000 1 /22 000 1/ 7 200 1/20 000 1/15 840 1/15 840 112 76-8M 113 76-9M Chilko River 76-18M 76-19M 114 76-20M 76-22T-M Bear Mountain (Folio) Stump Lake _ W.M. Ranch (Folio) 76-23M 117 76-25M Lands Service Lands Service 76-26T M . . Wolverine Murray Reserve (Folio) 76-30M— 116 76-3 IM 115 76-32M 118 76-33M Slocan PSYU Empire Valley 76-43M Lands Service 76-47M 76-48M-. Lands Service 76-49M Mad River — 76-50M Land Commission Land Commission. Land Commission 76-5 IM Tuktakamin Mountain 76-52M 76-56M 76-57T-M 76-60T-M Upper Cache Creek Reserve (Folio) Lands Service.. Land Commission Land Commission 76-62M 121 76-64M 76-65M 76-69M Land Commission 120 76-70M 119 76-77M 76-78M 76-79M — 76-80M- 76-81M 76-82M 76-83M... 76-87M Water Resources 76-88T-M Boundary Lake Grazing Area (Folio) 76-89T-M 76-90T-M 76-92M Water Resources 76-94M Germansen Landing (Folio) — 76-102M 76-103M Coal Mines (colour) 76-105M 122 76-106M Water Resources. Land Commission 76-109M 76-1 UT-M 76-112T-M 76-115M. . 76-116M.. 76-I20M 76-121M— 76-122M Bulkley Valley 124 76-129M 125 76-133M 126 U 44 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT Co •S ■5 C Oh c 13 e O O o" o co a. ■n .0 -OOOifOi/IClO- vo r— 00 i- m r ri 0 ov n - (N (» 0 « S •^ O vOOr-lmvOOmvOTtOOr^rO — «-""nrO00in«n©[.r— m ro m vo vo 't o\ ^t - t> 't n n t — r-co ^o in 0 o^ •* in \o CM 2u ^ ro m —- Tt ^d co ■qp'o^rJ'u'i'n rn •-'"r-'tZ'ri 0 vo vo^«m-ir-mtp> co co cn 1 vo ri t-h 00 co moooinr-r^rtMvoooovDox-vo^^tnktoi tn OTis-(NMr~-Mfnis-»Mno.Qoooxin^o in r- m 0 » in — -Tf0\00ifn0\0-i/i — MOO'tfJ\'I! 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Tt 0 ro S oorS\OvoTto--HTtoor-O^DO(SOrNO' u - ri — t— — r~-(NOvTt<N(Nmr-Tj-Ttfn — 00 Tt ra i-h pr, — a© r^p-fMC-tvOrMr-Tt — h A*-* O^ « rf m —"r-f i-T —" r-'i—* OS 1—1 ^H ;mOOI^M'^l0fnNr.irit^Ots-r*p'3\V00s0\ 00 m CO tSi O — 00 r- <ov ro 00 ov TtrnONvo — rJm — r-Ttr- — Tt SO &■> mn m so avmOvrosomr-lror-m-rl O m CO U — © m co •— r- ri 0 t* vo r- p- 3 (N t-j- tj- ri r. n OS Tf ■rt i-h rH cn — in 1-1 3 ; (N (N r- cn-—(N.-H :■* ij-*x CO ov r- Q vO 00 Tt m r- — so 00 00 r- m vq^ rn ~ — Ov Ov vo r- Tf a tn rf " oCrf rf 3 rt ; ts ; ^t 0 : o\ — «n N I I t- ^^ 0 00 00 fl V) n vo-<t- rt i : m fN O (N 0 O i i 1 <s l l Tt fN SO u S C/3 j* r-i-- — tnr-ovo — Tt G\ tn O O 0 ovooTtri 1- -rj- ov 0 ra m Tt 00 "3 r4 ■« rj -ph — H -^t vo r- cn O Xi a, w rf —" Tt 3, Ov m m n , ,_ 00 0 00 < m 00 C- m Tt cn r~ Tf r- m 00 5 *■ rf Tf" r-" 0 moo ,r^rir-sor.risosop-Tt.ovsOroOtor-- 00 vo Tf so -h m-^ tt — T-c-^roor-or-JoOTt 00 n X r- m vo O — — OO"* C^QO pOv ro r^ m vo rn 0 in —1 nn i-h CC Ov* 00 0 vO 00 in 1-1 fN ro o\MmtNn»tN--o\^ooMnriOMHTfO^ vo 0 vo CP VO en 0\(NTfOM>i- i-h — Tj-i-i in 0 «3\ aj ro 00 in (N f-lrt in « rf cn vo* vorlovovcoom-HOvcoininoOTtr-Ttinr-oscN O Tt Tf inoooOcncOpOvcnOvovovocior--cn-Hr-'-.'NO'— O «*) fO 0 U ^. m r- r-l r-1 —1 Tt cn cn ■-■ Tt_ cc ri — ov *t **) **-"„ °o, -t m Os in ^ ■—" co" Tf rf ** Tt" 00 CO VO* — r-i >- r- ^o Tt 1—1 ri © O so r- ~ m ■—■ Ov r- 00 © ro 00 •— 00 eo — Tt r- co r- rt ^ D. O\M-*int~-C\-ptvDminrno\Q0f.'cri>riin-»ai m r» 00 6 r j £ _ — r- M f-^ OO-O-JMWM-inWN- so rj_ 00 i X Tt co* to" rf rf r-T 0" ro" VO* 00 Tt m O SO ^" "~ 00fntMAi>t-f.iniMTfX^cv- m Tj- as ^1 r) 00 Tf OV CO CT1 n«fn(Nf,n«O'-|-"nN\0r--nr-vD'^ r- — Ov co r- co co r) «-- so (N Ov N K '"H Tf" r" rf c 0 a > c OJ a> £ >> q "rt V V i 1 Ih c tn t; 0 U in > 0 c 3 *- — En i< cn •0 c 0 O i/i 0 E 0 c 0 c = 'j D < > E C < 0 0 3 — U c ct c •3 c '3 s c i 5 C fl fl 1 a X C - a C a c a ft 0 is c 4 - cf u c § < "el C 'Z "!E : C c ft, C 2 a, C u et B U 1) J*: C fl C/3 C n H 0 0) 5 3 X s ft. c UNIVERSITY ENDOWMENT LANDS UNIVERSITY ENDOWMENT LANDS R. P. Murdoch, Project Manager In the University Endowment Lands, 1976 has been a year of vigorous planning activity. In April the Minister appointed an advisory committee with the following members: C. J. Connaghan, Mrs. J. Corcoran, R. G. Donegani, Dr. W. C. Gibson, Mrs. I. Mann, R. W. Twining, and R. P. Murdoch. This committee meets regularly and advises the Minister on various problems of a community nature that arise in the University Endowment Lands. On July 23 a press conference was held to announce the formation of a task force. The terms of reference were to produce a long-range plan for the use of the Endowment Lands. J. Webster was appointed to co-ordinate the task force. A store-front office was opened in the University Endowment Lands village shopping centre. The public and various citizen groups were invited and have responded with input reflecting their opinions concerning the future of the University Endowment Lands. A public forum was held at the Woodward Instructional Resources Centre, University of British Columbia campus, on October 27, with a second one scheduled to take place at Lord Byng Secondary School on January 26, 1977. During the year under review Acadia Road south of Toronto Road was completely reconstructed. This reconstruction program included curbs and sidewalks. There remains some work to be completed in the renovation program for the University Endowment Lands Golf Course. Because of the Provincial austerity program, it was determined that the public should be invited to submit lease proposals. Submissions have been received and are at present being reviewed. The golf course revenue for the year covered by this report amounted to $251,940, which was $65,417 in excess of operating expenses. An order has been placed for one fire pumper truck and one 100-foot aerial ladder truck. The aerial will provide us with a life-rescue potential which we at present do not have. A number of features have been included in the specifications which will be assets in performing the duties associated with fire protection for the area, including the University of British Columbia campus. One other piece of vitally needed fire-fighting equipment was transferred by the Ministry of the Attorney-General to the University Endowment Lands Fire Department. This fire truck, formerly housed at the Lower Mainland Correctional Institute, is equipped with a 500-gallon storage tank which will be a decided asset in fighting bush fires where no hydrant system is immediately available. The Fire Department also operates an ambulance, inhalator, and rescue service, and responds to a variety of calls, including cliff rescues, automobile accidents, chemical explosions, suicides, heart attacks, and cars over cliffs with injured occupants. The normal municipal services and maintenance continue and the attached table provides a comparative summary of building permits issued for the last three years. A table showing comparison of revenue over the last 10 years is also included. 47 U 48 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT Table 16—Number and Value of Building Permits Issued for the Calendar Years 1974, 1975, and 1976 1974 1975 1976 Number Value Number Value Number Value 1 17 3 3 $ 150,000 195,230 18 1 2 1 1 $ 12 1 6 4 $ Alterations to dwellings 272,300 5,000 107,000 3,600 45,000 207,000 500 Garages, etc Swimming-pools 9,000 24,500 13,800 51,900 24 378,730 23 432,900 23 273,200 Table 17— University Endowment Lands Revenue, 1967 to 1976, inclusive Year Water Lease and Sundry Rents Garbage Misc. Revenue Taxes and Grants Golf Course Total Revenue 1967 $ 135,870.74 160,610.25 157,368.01 180,441.79 169,911.07 179,199.93 208,491.67 206,338.11 225,987.44 215,066.40 $ 49,745.23 36,148.37 42,476.19 39,658.85 51,975.47 39,614.37 39,967.69 40,070.57 46,516.97 58,915.84 $ 14,964.45 10,8.14.88 5,859.42 10,736.60 7,377.70 7,971.25 9,349.54 11,199.10 10,508.25 13,033.15 $ 20,755.71 19,502.85 6,535.36 30,064.18 14,167.37 30,944.39 39,936.88 22,591.92 28,449.46 28,058.39 $ 349,242.55 386,105.36 416,081.90 667,722.12 515,615.58 515,797.59 630,092.29 642,072.04 1,213,187.24 1,462,937.22 $ $ 570,578.68 1968 613,181.71 1969 628,320.88 1970 928,623.54 1971 78,398.93 147,056.71 95,313.48 157,511.32 179,361.22 251,940.28 837,446.12 1972 920,584.24 1973 1974 1975 1,023,151.55 1,079,783.06 1,704,010.58 1976 2,029,951.28 1,839,285.41 445,089.55 101,814.34 241,006.51 6,798,853.89 909,581.94 10,335,631.64 UNIVERSITY ENDOWMENT LANDS U 49 Extra excavation of soft area in front of Day Care Centre. (Note the logs, etc., mixed with peats and clay.) Finished road and sidewalk. WATER RESOURCES SERVICE U 52 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT SUMMARY The Water Rights Branch is the agency of the Provincial Government which administers the control and use of surface water under the authority of the Water Act. The main principles of the Water Act regarding the use of water are: (1) The property in and the right to the use and flow of all the water at any time in any stream in the Province are for all purposes vested in the Crown in the right of the Province. The common law principle of riparian right to the use of water is not recognized in British Columbia. (2) Prospective users of water must file applications for water licences. There is a procedure for notifying the Deputy Ministers of Agriculture and Recreation and Conservation and all those whose rights may be affected, all of whom have a right of objection to the granting of the application. (3) Licence-holders have a right to the use of water under the terms and conditions of the water licence issued by the Comptroller of Water Rights. Licences have precedence in law in accordance with the date of priority carried by the licence. (4) Retention of a water licence is dependent upon the continued beneficial use of the water, payment of the water licence rentals, and observance of the regulations of the Water Act. (5) A water licence is generally made appurtenant to a parcel of land, a mine, or undertaking, and it will pass with any conveyance or other disposition thereof. (6) If a water licence authorizes the construction of works on another person's land, the licensee can expropriate the land reasonably required for such construction if a voluntary agreement cannot be reached. If the works will be on Crown land, the water licensee must acquire a permit to occupy Crown land for such purpose. The second major function of the Water Rights Branch is to generally supervise and assist in the administration of the improvement districts which have been incorporated under the Water Act for irrigation, waterworks, drainage, dyking, and other purposes. An improvement district is a self-governing public corporate body administered by elected Trustees. The undertaking of an improvement district can be financed by Provincially guaranteed debentures. A third major function was assigned to the Water Rights Branch on July 15, 1973, when the Comptroller of Water Rights assumed responsibility for the administration of water utilities under the provisions of the Water Utilities Act and the Energy Act. The administration of the Water Act and the Water Utilities Act is carried out by the Comptroller of Water Rights and his staff, who are located at a headquarters office in Victoria and at district offices at Victoria, Kamloops, Kelowna, Nelson, Prince George, and New Westminster. Water is a natural resource which often has a controlling influence on the development of other resources and, therefore, is in competitive demand. Much of the industrial expansion of recent years in this Province is associated with the use of British Columbia water. WATER RIGHTS BRANCH H. D. DeBeck, Comptroller The Water Rights Branch, under the direction of the Comptroller of Water Rights and his deputy, comprises four separate divisions. Permanent established positions, including those at the six regional offices, numbered 117 at December 31, 1976. The Community Water Supply Division which resulted from amalgamation during the previous year of the former improvement districts and Water Utilities Divisions continued to deal with the administration of improvement districts incorporated under the Water Act and water utilities operating under certificates issued under the Water Utilities Act or the former Public Utilities Act. The amalgamation has enabled the new divisions to more efficiently apply available technical and administrative expertise in the planning and financing of public water supplies, particularly for small communities. The Power and Special Projects Division continues to provide staff support to the Comptroller in all aspects of major water licences for hydro-electric power, including approval of plans, inspection of works during construction, review of environmental studies, determining annual licence rentals, and directing the operation of reservoirs for flood control and other nonpower benefits. Of special note in this regard was the review of material submitted in connection with the application by B.C. Hydro and Power Authority for a water licence to authorize the proposed Revelstoke hydro project on the Columbia River and assistance to the Comptroller in conducting the month-long hearing of objections to the application for a water licence and in review and analysis of the large volume of material submitted by the interveners. In addition, the program of inspection of all major dams has continued, together with a relatively extensive program of inspections of small dams carried on in conjunction with regional offices. The Division also carried out a wide range of water-related studies, including studies of proposals for development of resources and establishment of industries within the Province. The Administrative Division is responsible for the administration of sections of the Water Act dealing with water licensing and also carries out the general administrative duties for the Water Rights Branch as a whole. Included in the duties performed during the year was amendment of the boundaries of the water districts to bring them into alignment with the accepted boundaries of the new regional resource areas. There are now 26 water districts reduced from 27 by inclusion of the former Fort Fraser Water District within the newly defined Prince George and Hazelton Water Districts. The northerly portion of the Vancouver Water District, which was relatively inaccessible to the regional office at New Westminster, was apportioned partly to the Nanaimo Water District administered by the Victoria regional office, with the larger portion being added to the Cariboo Water District, administered from Kamloops. The Division supplies a considerable amount of information related to water licensing and water use requested by other Governmental agencies. The Regional Engineers Division comprises regional engineers and their staffs at regional offices located at Kamloops, Kelowna, Nelson, New Westminster, Prince 53 U 54 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT George, and Victoria. Personnel of this Division are required to exercise a high degree of responsibility in investigating and making determinations on problems related to water use or otherwise affecting the water resource that arise within their areas of jurisdiction. Powers necessary to exercise this responsibility are given under section 37 of the Water Act. Regional office staff is also regularly involved in work of other divisions of Water Rights Branch and of Water Investigations Branch, which work includes assistance to improvement districts, regulation of water utilities, conducting of snow surveys and groundwater observations, and the supervising of river bank protection projects. The regional offices serve as a point of contact with the public on a wide range of water-related problems. The activities of the Water Rights Branch for 1976 are recorded in greater detail in the reports of the individual divisions in the pages following. ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION Water licences are issued for domestic, waterworks, irrigation, mining, industrial, power, storage, and other purposes. Licences are required, with few exceptions, before any person, company, corporation, community, or Government agency uses water from any surface water source. As of November 30, 1976, the number of water licences in effect totalled 30,143, each of which authorizes the use of water for one or more purposes. There were 17,876 licences authorizing the use of water for domestic purposes, 1,207 for waterworks, 11,452 for irrigation, 286 for power, and 1,780 for storage purpose. The number of new applications for water licences received during the period under review was 1,451, compared with 1,591 for 1975. The number of applications pending as of November 30 was 3,026, which is a reduction of 504 from the same date last year. Applications for approvals under section 7 of the Water Act, either for the use of water for a period not exceeding six months or to authorize changes in and about a stream, increased to 229 from 211 in 1975. Applications received for the amendments of existing licences by apportionment, transfer of appurtenancy, or change of works or purpose totalled 836, an increase of 175 over last year. There were 682 amendments disposed of in 1976, and 745 pending as of November 30, 1976. The following tables show the principal activities of the General and Draughting offices in the 12-month period ended November 30, 1976, together with a summary of the activity data for the five preceding years. Table 18—Functions Carried Out by the Water Rights Branch 1971 1972 1973 1,702 1,400 2,001 2,106 2,463 2,125 1,326 1,197 1,168 110 112 154 6 12 7 50 65 48 36 19 41 255 228 265 243 313 327 88 96 149 404 528 478 2,134 3,162 3,035 5,431 4,362 3,812 161 434 716 1,867 1,738 2,338 15,919 16,629 16,664 New water licence applications cleared and plotted on maps Final and conditional licence plans prepared _ Regional Engineers* reports processed _ Water rights maps compiled and traced New improvement districts described and plans prepared Improvement districts descriptions and plans amended Reference maps renewed . Apportionments and transfers of appurtenancy _ Changes of works and extensions of time _ _... Approvals _ _ _ _ _ _ Rights-of-way over Crown land _ Changes of ownership and cancellations _ _ Land clearances (purchases, leases, etc.) Pollution control permit clearances Forest service clearances (timber sales, etc.) Totals _ 1,682 2,017 953 110 1,355 2,427 1,288 154 17,328 WATER RESOURCES SERVICE U 55 Table 19—Applications Processed by the Water Rights Board 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 Application for— Licences Rights-of-way- Apportionments — Transfers of appurtenancy 1,733 263 96 159 243 88 1,515 122 91 137 307 91 1,892 246 103 162 327 149 1,708 303 130 125 452 126 1,591 215 141 141 379 211 1,451 372 189 13V 515 229 Totals 2,582 2,263 2,879 2,844 2,678 2,888 215 1,343 286 85 182 474 207 189 1,746 359 96 236 524 313 240 1,131 400 132 168 478 315 237 1,544 393 109 239 389 331 223 1,074 461 191 162 446 373 241 Issues of— Conditional licences Approvals 1,770 479 214 268 Rights-of-way..... .. 599 414 2,577 3,274 2,624 3,005 2,707 3,744 Average monthly issues— Changes of address, ownership, etc 215 1,796 338 359 273 2,803 359 206 219 2,608 427 274 250 3,534 356 262 226 2,817 302 267 312 3,022 685 360 7,652 8,905 8,812 10,001 8,771 10,699 2,827 2,522 3,115 3,156 3,530 3,026 REGIONAL ENGINEERS DIVISION Adjustment in staff responsibilities and transfer between Water Rights Branch regional offices of water licence files, Water Rights maps, and related material was necessitated by the amendment of water district boundaries and was carried out by staff of regional offices during the early part of the year. Local matters related to the water resource within regions, each comprising several water districts, are administered under the general direction of the Comptroller of Water Rights and the Assistant to the Comptroller, and by six Regional Engineers and their supporting staffs at regional offices located at centres within the Province. The location of the six regional offices, Regional Engineers in charge, and water districts administered from each are listed below: Kamloops: D. E. Smuin, P.Eng. Kamloops Ashcroft Nicola Cariboo Kelowna: E. D. Anthony, P.Eng. Revelstoke Vernon Princeton Grand Forks Penticton Nelson: T. H. Oxland, P.Eng. Nelson Kaslo Cranbrook Golden Fernie New Westminster: E. G. Harrison, P.Eng. Vancouver New Westminster U 56 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT Prince George: J. H. Dyck, P.Eng. Victoria: P. G. Odynsky, P.Eng. Prince George Victoria Quesnel Nanaimo Hazelton Alberni Prince Rupert Peace River Liard Atlin Some staff changes occurred during the year, although no positions were added. The regional suboffices of the Kelowna and Prince George regional offices located at Oliver and Smithers respectively have now both been in operation two full years. Both have proven their value in bringing early attention to local problems, in making information on water matters more available locally, and in reducing the amount of travel required by staff of the main offices. The recent large extension westerly of the Cariboo Water District currently administered by the Kamloops regional office makes it increasingly important that establishment of a regional sub-office or a new regional office at Williams Lake be considered in the very near future. All regional offices reported a cooler and wetter than normal summer season during 1976. Except for the Nechako River drainage basin where the previous winter's snow-pack had been especially heavy, the peak flows resulting from snow run-off were generally lower than normal, resulting in minimal damage from flooding. Staff of the Prince George office participated in reporting on ice conditions and monitoring flows, which was of assistance to the Comptroller in his ordering the regulation of releases from the Nechako Reservoir to minimize the effect of the large volume run-off from the Nechako system. An extremely heavy storm rainfall during the latter part of August caused damage to hay crops throughout the Cariboo, Kamloops, and North Okanagan areas, and caused damaging flash floods, earth slides, and debris flows on several small streams in the upper Columbia River trench in the vicinity of Golden and in the upper Elk River valley. Emergency remedial work was carried out on five of these streams under direction of staff of the Nelson regional office. Attendance on the Technical Planning Committees of Regional Districts and Regional Resource Committees, and participation in Task Force studies assigned to the Regional Resource Committees continued. Regional staff also prepared a number of engineering reports connected with studies carried out by other governmental agencies and for various improvement districts and community groups. The Kelowna office continued its program of inspection of the approximately 250 licensed water-storage dams within its area. Inspections were completed during the year on 75 structures, two of which were ordered breached for safety reasons, and extensive repairs were ordered on five others. Dam inspection programs have also been initiated by the Kamloops, New Westminster, and Prince George regional offices. The Division has been assisted by staff of the Power and Special Projects Division in investigations of dams in some areas. The number of applications for water licences requiring attention and report by regional offices was reduced to 1,801 from 2,024 during the report year. This reduction, as well as the increased attention given to applications for amendment of existing licences and applications for approval under section 7 of the Water Act, was made possible by the marked drop in licence administration problems due to the WATER RESOURCES SERVICE U 57 higher than average precipitation and available stream flow during the 1976 irrigation season. The status of the water licence application situation and routine work associated with the administration of water licences at the six regional offices for the 12- month period December 1, 1975, to November 30, 1976, is summarized below. This table is followed by a summary of the numbers of applications received and handled by the Regional Engineers' Division over the preceding 10-year period. Table 20—Applications Processed by Regional Offices Regional Offices Total Kamloops Kelowna Nelson New Westminster Prince George Victoria Applications for water licences— 604 302 355 99 452 11 76 34 27 47 15 2 470 54 186 296 241 42 199 25 209 31 38 32 28 1 346 54 680 334 285 52 677 31 77 55 43 49 18 20 500 123 157 154 126 51 134 18 115 12 19 16 26 8 161 130 289 140 173 47 209 83 14 9 6 7 0 30 128 24 108 156 113 21 130 35 80 13 3 13 42 2 152 28 2,024 Received during the year Inspected and reported on 1,382 1,293 312 On hand, November 30, 1976 1,801 Applications for approval under Water Act (sec. 7) reported on 203 571 Water licence amendment reports— 154 Transfer of appurtenancy... Change of works 136 164 129 Other New conditional water licences 63 1,757 413 Total licences on records 7,816 5,651 6,352 4,286 2,081 3,957 30,143 The following summarizes the numbers of water licence applications handled by the Division over the preceding 10 years: Year Applications Received Reports Submitted Cancelled or Abandoned Total, Year-end 1967 1,266 1,385 1,424 1,562 1,597 1,376 1,719 1,807 1,648 1,382 1,013 1,334 1,013 1,279 1,549 1,393 1,217 1,279 1,357 1,293 96 112 184 125 145 114 185 256 218 312 1,105 1968 1,049 1969 1,281 1970 1,439 1971 1,493 1972 1,362 1,679 1973 1974 1975 1,951 2,024 1,801 1976 COMMUNITY WATER SUPPLY DIVISION This Division assists the Comptroller of Water Rights in supervising the activities of improvement districts incorporated under the Water Act and in supervising the operations of privately owned and municipally owned water utilities under the Water Utilities Act and the Energy Act. The number of community water systems in operation at year-end was as follows: U 58 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT Water Act improvement districts 274 Water Utilities Act and Energy Act— Privately owned water utilities 239 Municipal water utilities 39 278 278 Total _ 552 The Community Water Supply Division is divided by functions into four sections—Administration, Accounting and Financial, Engineering, and Research and Planning. During the year the staff of the Division met frequently with the owners and operators of existing and proposed water utilities and their engineering, legal, and financial representatives; trustees of improvement districts; officials of municipalities and regional districts; members of the public seeking to incorporate improvement districts; and petitioners complaining of inadequate service and excessive rates. About 130 visits were made by head office engineering staff to about 100 water supply authorities. In addition, numerous site inspections of waterworks under construction were carried out by technicians working out of the regional offices of the Water Rights Branch. Water Utilities Act and Energy Act—Activities The vigorous demand for serviced land for new housing again resulted in a large number of applications for certificates of public convenience and necessity to construct and operate new waterworks and to extend existing systems. Forty-two certificates were granted for the construction of works estimated to cost $3.2 million. At year-end there were 61 applications under investigation by the engineering and accounting staff. Inflationary trends again precipitated a large number of applications to increase water rates. Applications under the Water Utilities Act to file tariffs or to file amendments thereto numbered 34 investigated and granted and 52 in process at year-end. The policy of requiring all new water utilities to establish maintenance reserve funds by lump-sum deposit was continued during the year. These funds are kept by the utility indefinitely to and for the sole discretion of the Comptroller of Water Rights against any unforeseen operating contingency. Orders by the Comptroller made during the year required various utilities to deposit sums totalling $312,000. During the year, 37 petitions by rate-payer groups, other members of the public, and their elected representatives, alleging inadequate service or excessive rates, or unacceptable service terms were investigated by the engineering and accounting staff of the Division. For the most part these complaints were satisfactorily disposed of in direct correspondence or by discussion with the utility. However, in a number of cases special orders were required under the Water Utilities Act and the Energy Act compelling utilities to improve service, or to create capital construction funds. Refusal by Keekwillie Park Estates Ltd. to obey an order of the Comptroller resulted in the prosecution and conviction of that company. WATER RESOURCES SERVICE Water Act Activities U 59 During 1976 there were nine new improvement districts incorporated and two districts dissolved: Districts Dissolved Scott Bay Waterworks District by amalgamation with Garden Bay Waterworks District. Malcolm Horie Irrigation District. Districts Incorporated Braithwaite Estates Improvement District. Rivervale Improvement District. Poupore Improvement District. Cedars of Tuam Waterworks District. Old Highway Waterworks District. Wood Road Waterworks District. Secret Island Waterworks District. Vaseux Lake Improvement District. Marron Valley Irrigation District. The Letters Patent of 38 improvement districts were amended during the year, most changes being boundary amendments. A total of 771 by-laws was received and accepted for registration by the Comptroller. Water Supply, Sewerage, and Other Proposals Reviewed or Designed During the year the engineering staff of the Division reviewed proposed schemes for 20 water supply projects and prepared final designs for two projects. Total estimated construction cost $4 million. There are now $16,021,300 of improvement district debentures guaranteed by the Province under the Improvement Districts Assistance Loan Act, of which $2,556,300 are serial debentures and $13,465,000 are term debentures. Sinking funds for redemption of term debentures are held by the Province in the amount of $4,202,919.89 as at December 31, 1976. During 1976 debentures of $1,532,000 were guaranteed. In the Federal-Provincial Agricultural and Rural Development Agreement under the Agricultural Rehabilitation and Development {British Columbia) Act, the Province has responsibility for ensuring the proper operation and maintenance of all works constructed under ARDA programs. Where improvement districts are concerned, Water Rights Branch personnel of the Community Water Supply Division carry out the routine inspection of completed ARDA projects, and offer advice and assistance on technical and administrative problems. There are 37 improvement districts operating ARDA projects within the Province among which are major irrigation districts serving thousands of acres of agricultural land and, in many cases, elements of urban development located within district boundaries. The total cost of the ARDA projects involved is $36,571,000. Miscellaneous Activities There is a distinct need for those agencies of Provincial Government involved in the approval process to reach agreement on uniform guidelines for the design and construction of proposed domestic waterworks. With that object in view the Comptroller of Water Rights opened discussions with the Ministry of Health, Division of Environmental Engineering, and Director of Investigations, Ministry of Environment, on the setting-up of a task force of engineers to recommend uniform design guidelines in consultation with other interested persons, including U 60 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT consulting engineers, statutory water authorities, improvement districts, municipalities, and regional districts. Agreement appears to have been reached that the availability of uniform guidelines should do much to reduce confusion on the part of the public and others seeking approval of more than one approving agency and should also result in less duplication of effort on the part of the ministries involved. The Division has also commenced work on the preparation of an updated version of Guide to Applicants jor Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, which should also assist in streamlining the approval process. POWER AND SPECIAL PROJECTS DIVISION Power Licence Administration Applications General—Private individuals continue to show interest in building their own small power plants. About a dozen water licence applications of this nature were received during the year. High Revelstoke Project—An application to construct a dam and 27-million- kw power plant on the Columbia River some 3 miles upstream of the City of Revelstoke was submitted by the B.C. Hydro and Power Authority in February. Objections to the application were received from a number of individuals, government agencies, private companies, and conservationist groups, and a public hearing was deemed necessary. The hearing began in Revelstoke in June and was adjourned, following a brief presentation by the Hydro Authority, to allow interested parties to review the large volume of technical, economic, environmental, and social impact reports presented. At the hearing's continuance, which began in September and lasted four weeks, opportunity was given to all interveners to present briefs and cross-examine B.C. Hydro witnesses. A conditional water licence was issued on December 1 authorizing the project to proceed. Special clauses were included in the licence to ensure that the development will have minimum adverse effects on local residents, businesses, and the natural environment. The project will consist of a 530-foot-high concrete dam with an earthfill embankment, and will create a reservoir 80 miles long between Arrow Lakes and Mica, flooding an area of some 28,000 acres. Approval of Plans Plan reviews were carried out for various smaller projects, many of which were visited by Division staff to ensure that approved construction practices were carried out for new projects, as well as all reconstruction and rehabilitation works. Some of the dams studied or visited included Arbutus Estates, Coquitlam, Crescent Lake, Deer Lake, Graham Lake, Gibraltar Jackson, La Bonne, Langley Lake, Lookout Brook, McKinley, Morehead Lake, Park Lane, Skins Lake, Tunnel, Utopia, and Yellow Point Dams. Major studies were also carried out to determine the environmental effects of such projects as the Alberta Natural Gas Line relocation, the Ashcroft Rail relocation, the Chilcotin Area Park proposal, Kootenay Lake dyking, and the Illecillewaet Dam removal. WATER RESOURCES SERVICE U 61 Flood Control Operations During the Past Year General Early analyses of snow-pack figures indicated that, although above-average runoffs could be expected in some areas of the Province, it would probably not be necessary to implement flood control measures at the major reservoirs of the Province with the exception of the Nechako River as discussed below. Nevertheless, the customary monitoring of river flows and reservoir operation was maintained throughout the freshet season. Nechako River Basin By the 1st of March 1976 it was quite evident that an abnormally high runoff was to be expected from the Nechako Basin. While flood control reservoirs can be considered to fall into three principal categories, some may have elements of more than one; these are (a) "anticipatory," being storage that, due to its remoteness from flood damage areas and a lengthy delay in achieving full effectiveness, must be operated on a pre-planned program; (b) "flexible," being storage that can be manipulated successfully during the course of the flood to improve its effectiveness; and (c) "emergency," being storage that is reserved for a last-ditch effort to prevent, or relieve, a rapidly deteriorating situation. As Nechako Reservoir falls into the first of these categories, the planned method of operation was to be in three stages—pre-spill, peak reduction, and controlled discharge. The first stage consists of evacuating as much reservoir space as possible to be able to store during the high flows to come. The second stage, which is ideally one of little or no discharge, reduces flows downstream at the height of the flood; it must be remembered, however, that there will be uncontrolled tributary inflow to be taken into account. The last stage is simply one of high discharge, but at a nondamaging rate. Instructions were issued to ALCAN (the licensee and owner) to commence pre-spill in early April, by which time the river was free of ice. This gained an extra 2 feet of storage for subsequent use. An unusually early warm spell was responsible for flows to peak in early May, creating alarm and causing some minor damage. The second stage of flood control was commenced at this time, although originally planned for a week or so later, but conditions did not permit a zero discharge. A second, and greater, peak occurred in mid-June, by which time the third stage had already commenced. Ideally this third stage should have been delayed until the peak had passed, but there was insufficient storage space available to permit this. Reservoir inflows remained so high that the third stage had to be extended until the end of August. When the inflow records were subsequently analysed it was found that they were 67 per cent above average. A conventional statistical analysis (based upon records since 1930) indicated that the return period of the 1976 flood was 200 years. However, a chronological analysis indicated that conditions were becoming gradually more severe and that floods of this magnitude can be expected much more often than might earlier have been anticipated. Kootenay Lake Board of Control This Board reports annually to the International Joint Commission on operations of Cominco in reducing flow levels and maintaining winter storage on Kootenay U 62 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT Lake in accordance with the Commission's 1938 order; and the operation of Duck Lake outlet control works by the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Authority in accordance with the Commission's orders of 1950, 1956, and 1970. During this period the Board's Annual Report for 1974 was submitted which noted that Cominco's operation was generally according to the Rule Curve, although a violation occurred on the 5th and 6th of December 1974 when the lake was two tenths of a foot too high. The violation was caused by rain and snow but was offset to some extent thereafter by reducing the outflow from Duncan and Libby Dams. Ice Studies Since completion in December 1967 of the W. A. C. Bennett Dam, the flow of the Peace River has been regulated. As a consequence, spring snow-melt flood flows have been greatly reduced and winter flows have increased. The present winter flows have increased to between 50,000 and 60,000 c.f.s., as compared with previously unregulated winter flows at the Town of Peace River, Alberta, of between 10,000 and 20,000 c.f.s. Winter stages have also increased, contributing to a larger ice sheet carried by the river. The Town of Peace River has in most years of its history experienced ice-jams at the end of the winter season, with associated backing up of water. A joint task force of BCHPA British Columbia and Alberta was established in 1974 to observe and report each year on the ice break-up at the Town of Peace River and to implement ways of alleviating ice-jam problems. Field staff of B.C. Hydro and Power Authority recorded and analysed meteorological and hydrometric data at intervals from freeze-up till break-up. The Government of British Columbia underwrote the cost of air photographic coverage during the break-up period. The 1976 break-up was relatively uneventful and the ice rotted in place, slowly deteriorating under the combined influence of solar radiation and the river flowing beneath it. Environmental Studies Arrow Reservoir Study Group This group was formed jointly by several Provincial Government agencies and B.C. Hydro and Power Authority under the chairmanship of this Division to determine if, in view of increasing public use of the Arrow Reservoir, its operation and regulation could be modified for improved recreational, fishery, and wildlife management, navigation, and environmental enjoyment purposes In September 1976 the group submitted an interim report to the Deputy Minister of the Environment. The report concluded that only minor variations in reservoir regulation were economically feasible, but that there were areas of possible improvement. Future studies were recommended. Transmission-lines General—Proposed transmission-line routes are now subject to approval by resource agencies and local authorities affected by such lines. This Division is responsible for co-ordinating Ministry of the Environment input concerned with avoiding or mitigating adverse effects on water use. Nicola/Cranbrook Line—This proposed 500-kw double circuit will link the generating stations of the Nelson/Trail area with the remainder of the Province. In the future it will most probably form part of the Trans-Canada power grid. During the summer, B.C. Hydro determined its preferred route and submitted its proposals to an interdepartmental committee. An unresolved objection to the route selection has been submitted to ELUC for adjudication. WATER RESOURCES SERVICE U 63 Dolan Creek—A proposed 500-kw line between Ashton Creek and Revelstoke will cross the watershed of Dolan Creek, which is used by the community of Big Eddy. Initially the line is to be used to supply power to the City of Revelstoke, but ultimately it will link up to the High Revelstoke power plant and transmit power in the opposite direction. At present authorization has only been given for the first of these functions as the extension necessary to fulfil the latter could possibly damage the water supply. Kootenay River (Canal Flats) Diversion Under the terms of the Columbia River Treaty, Canada has the right, beginning in 1984, to divert water from the Kootenay River near Canal Flats into the Columbia, to increase energy generation at Mica and Revelstoke Hydro-electric Projects. Studies begun in 1975 were continued through 1976 to evaluate the technical/ economic feasibility as well as the social and environmental effects of this project. The B.C. Hydro and Power Authority is responsible for engineering studies reviewing the existing physical condition along both Columbia and Kootenay Rivers, and predicting conditions under various levels of diversion being studied. Entech Environmental Consultants are carrying out ecological and socio-economic studies to evaluate the impact of the project on local residents, recreation and tourism, fish and wildlife, agriculture, transportation, and land use patterns. Generation and Load Growth In view of the fact that very large quantities of water are licensed for hydroelectric development, and in order to take effective measures for environmental protection, the Division maintains an active interest in this field. Records of generation, initially required for rental purposes, have been kept since the early 1920's. Several years back, in order to keep the data meaningful, information on thermal generation, compiled from various other sources, were included also. The results of the above- mentioned work are published each year (usually in July) in a pamphlet entitled Power in B.C.—Annual Review. Past Year (Interim Report) The results of a year-end survey (see below) indicate that electrical generation in the Province during 1976 was 12.3 per cent greater than in 1975, whereas the load (i.e., amount used within the Province) rose by 12.2 per cent. Table 21—Electrical Generation and Load in British Columbia During 1976 and Comparison With the Preceding Year Generation by utilities— 1975 (GWh) 1976 (GWh) Change (PerCent) Hydro . 22 545 28 578 Thermal 1 906 195 Subtotals 24 451 28 773 Generation by industries— Hydro 8 550 8 117 Thermal 1 216 1 550 Subtotals 9 766 9 667 Total generation 34 217 38 440 + 12.3 Exports (net) ... 1 839 2 104 Provincial load 32 378 36 336 + 12.2 U 64 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT Long-term Growth The two graphs, one entitled "Peak and Average Energy Requirements" and the other "Total Installed Capacity" demonstrate the long-term growth in use of electricity in the Province. Over the 46-year period since 1930 the annual energy consumption has risen at an average rate of 7.4 per cent compounded while installed capacity has risen at the slightly slower rate of 6.77 per cent compounded. Over the past 10 years the growth rates have been 5.55 per cent compounded for energy consumption, and 9.01 per cent compounded for installation. Power Exports Due to above-average run-off conditions there was a surplus of hydro-electric energy during the latter half of the year, and bulk sales to the United States and Alberta continued to take place. Prices obtainable in the United States continue to rise and in several cases exceeded 10 mills per kilowatt-hour. Columbia River Treaty Mica Reservoir While the above-average inflows were creating severe problems in one area of the Province, they resulted in a stroke of good fortune at Mica. Early predictions, based on a series of average-inflow years, had indicated the improbability of the reservoir filling for a few years yet, whereas this objective was achieved during the summer of 1976. Further negotiations between the United States and Canadian entities to permit the retention of extra storage in Mica reservoir were thereby obviated. Benefits in Canada The four treaty storage reservoirs continued to provide hydro-electric power and flood control benefits in Canada. The Columbia was contained without undue difficulty. Libby Reservoir Canada has nearly fulfilled its obligation of preparing the land required for the portion of Lake Koocanusa in Canada. The reservoir crossed the International Border into Canada on April 1976, following a winter of above-average snow-pack, and reached its maximum elevation of 2,459 on August 2, 1976. While the Forest Service has completed its program of piling and burning of debris collected on the shores of the reservoir, the Fish and Wildlife Branch of the Ministry of Recreation and Conservation of British Columbia is continuing a program which includes operating fish screens on Kikomun Creek only, having earlier removed similar facilities on Linklater and Plumbob Creeks. The Parks Branch of the same ministry is proceeding with development of waterfront parks and recreational facilities at Kikomun Creek and Wardner. Studies are in hand concerning the possibility of other recreational areas around the perimeter of the reservoir. A meeting was held on October 5, 1976, in Libby, Mont., with representatives of the United States Corps of Engineers, the authority responsible for construction of the Libby Dam and reservoir preparation in Montana, to discuss progress and items of common interest and concern. WATER RESOURCES SERVICE Permanent Engineering Board U 65 The Division Chief is designated alternate to the Deputy Minister on the Permanent Engineering Board (PEB) established under the terms of the Columbia River Treaty. The PEB reports annually to the American and Canadian Governments on progress achieved under the Treaty. Activities during the year included meeting of the Board and a joint meeting with the entity representatives in Portland, Ore. The Board's technical committee reviewed and commented upon a number of entity reports that were presented to the PEB. Dam Inspection Dams Inspected The dam inspection program was vigorously pursued in 1976. Research was begun to catalogue all dams in the Province over 10 feet in height, while inspection records and procedures were reviewed for adequacy. Twenty-two major dams and 28 smaller structures were inspected as part of the continuing program to ensure that adequate maintenance was being carried out and that no adverse conditions had developed in the four years interim since previous inspections. The inspections included underwater investigations if such appeared necessary. On those dams which were found to be in poor condition a consultant's report was requested from the owner preparatory to rehabilitation or removal. Several major dams under construction were also visited during the year to ensure compliance with previously approved plans. Measuring pore water pressure in the foundation of the Sooke Lake Dam. U 66 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT Final inspection of the Charters Dam. Measuring seepage water level within the embankment of the Sooke Lake Dam. WATER RESOURCES SERVICE U 67 Instrumentation The dam instrumentation program introduced in 1975 was successfully continued in 1976. Alignment and triangulation survey networks were installed on four major dams in the Province—Jump Creek Dam, Nanaimo; Joseph Creek Dam, Cranbrook; Garnet Valley Dam, Summerland; and Rose Valley Dam, Kelowna. Readings were taken every four months to determine any horizontal or vertical surface displacement. In addition, piezometers were read and seepage monitored to isolate any sudden changes in flow through the embankment. A program of monthly piezometer readings was undertaken with the Greater Victoria Water District on Sooke Lake Dam. Liaison was established with several American and European equipment manufacturers as sources of information on any new developments in automatic instrumentation equipment. A member of the Division attended a course on small dam design and instrumentation in St. Louis, Mo. Special Projects Hat Creek Coal Meetings were held with B.C. Hydro and Power Authority, who are investigating a proposed thermal generating station using Hat Creek coal. Initially the plant would generate 2 000 MW, which might subsequently be increased to 4 800 MW. Water required for the cooling towers and other operations would be in the order of 25 000 g.p.m. for a 2 000 MW station. Such a large quantity of water could only be supplied either by the Thompson River or the Fraser River. While the Thompson River water could be used directly, the Fraser River water would require pre-treatment due to its heavy silt content. Studies are continuing. Coal-mining General—The, Power and Special Projects Division has been involved in the environmental studies and infra-structure requirements associated with coal development in British Columbia. These studies include the Sage Creek Project in the Kootenay Coal Block and the Northeast Coal development in the Murray River Basin south of Dawson Creek and Chetwynd. The Division has also been involved in the preparation of the Provincial Guidelines for Coal Development. Heber River Diversion A report containing an economic evaluation of the Heber River Diversion, an 18-year-old project supplying B.C. Hydro's Campbell River Generating System with water from the Gold River catchment, was prepared at the request of the Gold River Village Council. The report concluded that the probable benefits to the steelhead sports fishery, resulting from discontinuing the diversion and reverting to natural Heber River flow conditions, would be minimal when compared to the value of energy currently generated from diverted flows. WATER INVESTIGATIONS BRANCH WATER INVESTIGATIONS BRANCH P. M. Brady, Director The Water Investigations Branch is responsible for planning and development programs pertaining to utilization, preservation, and control of the Provincial water resource. The Branch comprises 140 permanent staff members. Responsibilities and activities are such that there is a significant proportion of staff with specialized training in a variety of technical and scientific fields. Each of the four Divisions contains experts in the appropriate disciplines and each Division is responsible for the management of specific assigned programs and the associated tasks. The Divisions do not function independently of each other but wherever necessary one supports the other by providing the needed expertise from its own team of specialists. In turn each Division receives significant technical support from the draughting office. The accounting and operational services so necessary for successful operation are provided by the Administrative Officer and the Records Compilation Section which he manages. The typing pool handles overload from the Divisions. For the purposes of this Report the Division lines have been ignored and the activities described under three major program headings entitled "Flood Damage Prevention," "Environmental Preservation," and "Water Resource Utilization." In addition to the activities and services described under the three major headings, the Branch provides consulting and technical services to other Government agencies and has staff representing it on a large number of interagency and intergovernmental boards, committees, and task forces. FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION Introduction Considerable development in the floodplains of British Columbia has taken place as a result of the topography and geology of the Province. The continual expansion of the population and economy, particularly outside the Greater Vancouver and Victoria areas, tends to propagate further development in flood-prone areas. As a result of this, high water levels will cause substantial flood damages and social disruption at an increasing rate unless preventive measures are undertaken. The necessary structural and nonstructural measures are being implemented under a comprehensive flood damage prevention program. They include flood forecasting, planning and control of floodplain development, regulation of flood flows, channel clearing, and construction of flood and erosion protection works. Details of these activities are given in this Report. General Flood Situation During Year April 1 snow-pack conditions were such that spring and summer run-off, under normal melt conditions, was expected to be the highest of record on the Nechako 71 U 72 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT Reservoir watershed and above average on most other watersheds. Unusually wet weather occurred during the forecast period, resulting in higher seasonal run-off volumes than those predicted, including an inflow to the Nechako Reservoir 34 per cent greater than the previous high. Fortunately, melt was a long and gradual process with major river peak freshet stages generally no higher than those that usually occur. Streamflow Forecasting Streamflow forecasting is the responsibility of the Surface Water Section of the Hydrology Division, which operates the Provincial snow survey network. A total of 1,145 snow surveys was made at 255 snow courses during 1976 by Hydrology Division personnel, co-operating agencies, and part-time local employees. The results were immediately relayed to Victoria, via Telex, telegraph, and telephone, where the snow survey data were compiled and together with meteorological and run-off data, analysed utilizing statistical methods and computer programs to produce seasonal volume forecasts for key locations throughout the Province. Snow survey data and run-off forecasts were published in the British Columbia Snow Survey Bulletin, which was issued in the first week of each month from February to June, inclusive, with a mid-month edition published in May. Nine new snow courses and one new snow pillow site were established during 1976. The number of snow pillow installations is now nine. In the year 1976, field work activities included snow surveys, the training of observers, and maintenance and installation of equipment. Conversion of the snow survey data bank to the metric system was completed with metric units used in the 1976 Snow Survey Bulletins. Equipment changeover is under way but proceeding slowly due to the high costs involved. During the snowmelt season a careful watch is kept on river stages throughout the Province, particularly on the Fraser and Thompson Rivers where flows are largely uncontrolled and where large sections of the floodplain have been developed. Daily meteorological and streamflow data are analysed by the Modelling Subsection of the Hydrology Division to produce forecast flows and stages at key points throughout the Fraser River basin for up to five days in advance. Considerable use is made of hydrologic models to assist in the short-term forecasting process, and these computer programs are constantly reviewed and updated as time permits and the science of hydrology advances. To improve the efficiency of the forecasting process, considerable effort and time were put into transferring the programs and data files to the new Government time-sharing computer system. This subsection also develops and operates specialized short-term forecasting models of areas such as Osoyoos Lake where high flows in the Similkameen can cause flooding. Floodplain Development Control 1. General—The main activities in the control of floodplain development are floodplain surveys, hydrological analysis, and computation of flood profiles, flood- plain mapping, input to local planning as related to flooding, including review and recommendation on zoning by-laws and land use contracts, and providing advice on consent for approval of subdivisions located in flood-prone areas. 2. Floodplain surveys—Floodplain surveys were undertaken by the Surveys Section of the Planning and Surveys Division. Some 8,225 man-hours were spent on topographic, bathometric, and control surveys in 14 river valleys during 1976. Surveys were undertaken for approximately 337 square miles of floodplain containing approximately 210 miles of river and 77 miles of lakeshore. WATER INVESTIGATIONS BRANCH U 73 Cross-sectioning Chilliwack River as part of floodplain survey. U 74 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT 3. Hydrologic analysis and computation of flood profiles—Hydrologic analysis to determine the magnitude and frequency of flood flows is undertaken within the Modelling Subsection of the Hydrology Division. This section has developed a sophisticated program package which analyses streamflow records according to four different frequency distributions, giving both numerical and graphical output. Just over 300 data sets were analysed during the year for floodplain mapping and culvert and bridge design purposes. The basic flow data are obtained from records published by the Water Survey of Canada. These records are obtained through a Provincial-wide hydrometric network operated under the terms of the Federal- Provincial Agreement which came into effect at the beginning of 1975. Where streamflow or lake data are not available, estimates of flood flows or lake levels are made by personnel of the Surface Water Section. This is done by utilizing available data such as rainfall records and by transposition techniques from nearby gauged catchments. The Planning Section of the Planning and Surveys Division utilizes the flood flows to determine the flood profile, using a computer program designed for this purpose. 4. Floodplain mapping—Orthophoto mapping with spot heights and contours is undertaken by the Surveys and Mapping Branch of the Lands Service, using air photographs provided by its Field Operations Division and the survey control information provided by the Planning and Surveys Division. Eight mapping sheets were prepared during 1976 covering approximately 23 square miles. The Planning and Surveys Division determines flood lines and adds these to the mapping along with other information to produce the final floodplain maps which are provided to other agencies and planning authorities. The status of the floodplain mapping program at the year-end and documentation of associated tasks are summarized in Table 22. 5. Planning and control of floodplain development—The Planning Section of the Planning and Surveys Division assists in the planning and control of development within floodplains, assesses all subdivisions in areas that could be flooded and, where appropriate, prepares requirements that must be met as a condition of subdivision approval. Planning and technical advice is given to local authorities to enable the flooding potential to be considered in the preparation of community plans. For example, this year advisory and financial assistance was given to the City of Port Alberni for floodplain planning studies related to future development in the Lugrin Creek area. Control of development of land that is already subdivided takes place through review of all zoning by-laws covering floodplain areas in cases where the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing must grant by-law approval. The Planning Section recommends appropriate clauses be incorporated in the by-laws or agrees with those proposed, and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing ensures that the final form of by-law is acceptable prior to granting approval. Land use contracts for areas subject to flooding are also referred to the Planning Section and recommendations pertaining to flood prevention requirements are provided to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for inclusion in such contracts prior to approval. During 1976, approximately 293 zoning by-laws and 42 land use contracts were reviewed within the Planning Section. This compares with some 210 and 42 respectively for 1975. Zoning by-laws usually contain a clause which affords the opportunity for appeal to the Deputy Minister of the Environment for reduction in or relief from the flood prevention requirements on a case-by-case basis. Some 211 appeals were processed during 1976. WATER INVESTIGATIONS BRANCH U 75 e e "S, a, is "a, ■a o o <N -Si H , m 00 a ; O 1 0 0 m 0 in^o « OT , i-l , . , 1 1-H i-I | , , ' ' — a a E H aj O 1 r- w-j >n 0 £> OJ , la ♦J PL, 0 0 0 O-tM O ^C 00 «n 00 000 f>«> '""" 3 g DO 3* 0 ■5 a 0 0 OOO O © rf 00 0 8S 1 c I X 1 O l 00 0 22 in 00 0 2 2 2 s i : ! : © H = i3 000 0 OOO 0 ><; so 00 0 O OO •a-o S o , »-> , 1-H T-H ,-H 1-H ■^H 1-H 1-H " rtH T-l T-H , 1-H 1-H 1-H ■a u D § ° a e o 0 c u U uH. 0 OOO 0 OOO 0 OOO 000 8 S 0 000 00 \Q 00 O O OO 888 Q-3 Q^ O 3'J OC K*S 0 •C O O 0 u a, a ' Oft s ■ B « O 0 1 O Q 1 s ^g 3£ 0^ ui o «"2 ! : o o o c < : u~> 0 O Qooooo OOO i*" 3 C/3 Id > n>* , ITTTTTT „„ ,TTTT- ; ,_ :tt rrr. r- Z 1 - ^ ^h-h^ rH OB t ioom c < »nO»n iOOOOO Q^ O in (N ir Z> m 0 0 c ■ 1 Oi^OM n ro 0 0 0 5 , rr .TT | . ,TT TT i t- 2 1 1 ■rtrl-rt tn V o S'a 1 1 O O O V h « £ OOO mO 1 O 00 O On r- ON 0 00 3 >. u 1—t rH 1—1 1-1 ' ^ T-H 1-H 1-H i-H M ■5 S3 0 m 0 0 Vi ■ Tt O Ov t- (N o Q 3£ r- ° 2 a C "1 c <§ *n m m p >n 911 S^mniN-fi e ■vi rt O O O O •£> «-1 ^o r^ r- 0 0 uo : mTfo irio>C'-H'-|r- JWm" tH X (N rH M n « f ■J^tJ g c -n 3.5 u d n |o.g 2 ' r- r-l 0 ^£ »n — m 00OO OO IO ! ! &8« 0* I 1 CO £* _ OJS c ■a 0 0 ^ . , rt rt U 0 > 0 M ri j: w _, <U (M -,•7- (L c t3 d a 4 cap. 0 1 ri O O 1 3 H ■0 O O .5 0 ri V H c 1 C o ri o .-J (J _a> 'o 4 > CJ CO 03 Hi c ^ a a> .£ Qft -d >•* 3 c " 1 »| c s 3 ic m0 t _> 5 k 1 % X c 0 c fl C < | ft e i £ 1 1 f Is 0 ■0 rt >> ri CO ■a c 03 >, g 3 1 > ■ 1 1 I X c ■g c > > ; 1 5 D c c > > 5 si > t > 1 ft 5 tU e u 5 ri * a 3 ra of jo 0 'ct % rv >>" £ £ 5 ei k < a » r. c i u > O 03 3 UT- B 2 0 c is > > c c c E c X f e Hi V 0 aa I a "rt a >■; a S a ! O s ri 0 "o c 0 J. b S 0 ri C 4) i ri .id a u .11 u Is •1E CL s^ 2 * \Z 1 K c C ci 0 k E S rii CO V 4> "ri > B c Us B . O cc fi u i-H T J3 i ll O CO u c >, > X > £ u c CO > i z - I a \ u 1 C 1 C^ ' t- > u5 „, p*p C CO go E 0 EO p^ a 00 >> 5 u u.2u Hm^ yp n <n i-h 00 v-i 0 OOO U O O P 0 D5Q 0 6 ^« tt- pn Ph PhPhPh ft ^ £ T> o1 QQQ ^Q 00 --h^Q^Q *? ^ T1 Q (Nr- g Hh Ph b U- Ph O P^ Ph fc Ph Ph Ph 3 <u t« coco Oh LU U- Uh U- ti li in \q \Q in \D <n m m **o 'O m \c m cn m -rt *•£> m tj- r r r- r- r r • r* t^ r - r- r r- r- t- t* t" • r- tr r r r- r- r- 'J 'J Cp c c a h h e cam « — £■ 'x ■a tj -S C fl 5 S gft C C ft 3 3 rt CO CO g SBB ■d -a 'C u u u C C £ M O0.5 !!8 ! il S §■ g"0 U 76 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT The Land Registry Act requires that all approving officers refer proposed subdivisions in areas that could be subject to flooding for consent of the Minister of the Environment. The Planning Section reviews these proposed subdivisions and recommends consent, refusal, or provides requirements that must be met as conditions of consent. Some 521 proposed subdivisions were processed during 1976 compared with 388 in 1975. In 1976 a referral system was set up with the Land Management Branch to ensure flood control requirements were given for lease applications for Crown lands. Some 590 lease applications were given appropriate flood control requirements with approximately four times this number being checked, but which did not require further action. Run-off Regulation 1. Okanagan Flood Control system—Operation of the Okanagan Flood Control system, which consists of the control structures at the outlet of Okanagan Lake and on the Okanagan River downstream to Skaha Lake, is directed by the Hydrology Division. As of April 1, 1976, the operation and maintenance of the works became the sole responsibility of the Engineering Division, with staff for this purpose located in Penticton. The April-July inflow to Okanagan Lake was about 24 per cent above average, but presented no problems, the lake being brought to its normal upper operating level at the beginning of July. Abnormally wet, cool weather in July and August resulted in Okanagan Lake being unusually high throughout the summer and fall despite high releases to Okanagan River. Due to the fact that the peak flow in the Similkameen River was less than 20,000 c.f.s., there were no problems with flooding around Osoyoos Lake with the maximum water level of 911.75 feet being below the flood-damage level. Satellite Sensor and Transmission Station at elevation 1 780 metres on Mission Creek snow course east of Kelowna.. WATER INVESTIGATIONS BRANCH U 77 Work continued on refinement of the computer models with a view to ensuring optimum regulation of the important water resource contained in the Okanagan Valley system of lakes. 2. Upstream storage, Fraser River Basin—The object of the upstream storage study under the terms of the 1968 Federal-Provincial Fraser River Flood Control Agreement is to develop an integrated plan for further flood protection, utilization, and control of the water resources of the Fraser River Basin. This study was completed in late 1976 and it is anticipated that the Fraser River Joint Advisory Board will submit the Summary Report to the Federal and Provincial Governments early in 1977. Flood Control Program—Structural Flood control programs involving structural solutions to protect existing development are undertaken under the direction of the Rivers Section of the Engineering Division. These programs can be categorized as follows: (a) Implementation of design and construction under the 1968 Federal- Provincial Fraser River Flood Control Agreement. (b) (c) (d) Investigation and construction of other flood and erosion protection works under agreement with local authorities outside the Fraser Valley and individuals throughout the Province. Projects are implemented under the River Protection Assistance Program. Channel-clearing program. Drainage projects. U 78 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT %~~ ^*§ Dyke and new Oliver Road Pumpstation on Boundary Bay in the Corporation of Delta. Constructed under Fraser River Flood Control Program. 1. Fraser River Flood Control Program—This program provides for flood and erosion control and drainage improvements in the Lower Mainland areas in and adjacent to the Fraser Valley and in the Kamloops area. Project costs are shared equally by Federal and Provincial Governments. Because approval for an increase in total expenditure for the program from $60 million to $120 million was not received until late in the year, it was not possible to finalize agreements with the local governments of Pitt Meadows and Coquitlam and hence construction of these projects did not commence in time to meet the target expenditure of $13 million for the fiscal year. The amount actually spent is anticipated to be $10.7 million. Program expenditures projected to the end of the current fiscal year are given in Table 23. Table 23—Fraser River Program Fiscal Expenditures Fiscal Year Expenditure Design Construction Upstream Storage Studies Total $ $ 211,000 120,400 105,460 1,164,380 1,214,640 1,456,470 5,167,870 8,849,310 10,368,685 9,807,600 $ $ 211,000 1968/69 5,160 658,870 769,660 592,110 650,880 867,540 1,173,700 1,280,582 850,000 125,560 1969/70 764,330 1970/71 3,410 492,530 295,620 64,990 92,060 75,732 50,000 1,937,450 1971/72 .... 1972/73 1973/74 2,299,280 2,402,970 6,100,400 10,115 070 1974/75 1975/76 11,724,999 10,707,600 1976/77 (estimated) Total expenditure to March 31, 1977 6,848,502 j 38,465,815 1 1,074,342 | 46,388,659 1 WATER INVESTIGATIONS BRANCH U 79 Table 24—Fraser River Program Project Status Date of Application Design per Cent Completed at Year-end Construction During Fiscal Year Construction to End of Fiscal Year Amount Per Cent Completed Kent ... . Mar. 5, 1969 Mar. 3, 1969 Mar. 3, 1969 May 15, 1969 Aug. 1, 1969 Aug. 1, 1969 Aug. 4, 1969 May 6, 1969 May 6, 1969 Dec. 10, 1970 Apr. 30, 1970 Oct. 28, 1973 100 25 85 100 85 85 98 100 32 85 95 100 100 S 56,700 350,000 3,500,000 15,870 451,800 2,400,000 $ 2,566,000 350,000 10,524,500 3,305,254 6,410,000 8,864,900 100 5 60 85 100 Delta 50 Surrey— 1,201,586 34,529 1,500,000 100 5 1,500,000 50 Oak Hills 50,000 1,156,000 1,065,000 1,156,000 211,000 466,470 810,576 98 100 167,230 160,000 Totals 9,807,600 1 38,465,815 Extensive flooding of the Vedder River in December 1975 necessitated an emergency program of rehabilitation of existing dykes and the removal of gravel deposits from the riverbed. This project was completed at a cost of $1.15 million. Studies have commenced for a project on the Vedder River to provide protection from flooding to program standards. 2. River Protection Assistance Program—Under the River Protection Assistance Program the Provincial Government assists local authorities outside the Fraser Valley and individuals throughout the Province in the construction of dyking and bank protection works. Upon receipt of a request for assistance, staff from the Engineering Division and, in some instances, a regional office of the Water Rights Branch, undertake a site investigation. A report is subsequently prepared and the proposed project placed on a priority list. Offers of assistance within the limits of available funding are based on this list. Projects are implemented under written agreement between the applicant and the Branch under which the applicant receives technical and financial assistance and in turn contributes to the project, constructs the works, and undertakes maintenance responsibilities. Projects built in 1976 included those in Stewart (Bear River), Golden, Grand Forks, Telkwa, Houston, Fort St. James, Chase, Salmon Arm, Quesnel, Zeballos, Bella Coola Valley, Pemberton Valley, Oyster River, New Denver, and Silverton. Investigations of erosion problems were carried out throughout the Province. Table 25 provides a summary of this year's activities and a comparison with 1974 and 1975. Table 25—Minor Flooding and Erosion Projects Year Requests for Assistance Site Inspections Reports Completed Projects Implemented Number Total Construction Cost 1974 1975 1976 115 93 114 62 104 143 34 87 112 54 24 37 $ 520,000 1,179,000 1,043,000 U 80 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT In addition, this Division investigated and monitored the construction of preventive measures of the Port Alice Slide, the Salmon Arm Slide, and the Elkford Slide at a total expenditure of $230,700. Although the Port Alice Project was substantially completed at year-end it will require a small amount of work to complete next summer. 3. Channel Clearing Program—A number of channel clearing projects were undertaken during 1976. The work did not involve construction of works that are of a permanent nature but rather the removal of logjams and gravel bars deposited in watercourses during periods of high run-off. Projects were initiated and undertaken by the Regional Engineers of the Water Rights Branch, in some cases with assistance from the Engineering Division. During 1976, 14 projects costing $73,000 were completed. This compares to 38 projects costing $54,000 in 1975, and 31 projects costing $ 115,000 in 1974. 4. Drainage schemes—Investigations and construction relating to drainage projects carried out during the year by the Water Supply Section included the Township of Chilliwack, Castleman Road; Surrey drainage; Ptarmigan Flats; Tugulnuit Lake; Farm Drainage Outlet Assistance Program; Deep Creek; Saar and Arnold Creeks; Chadsey Ditch. Table 26—Drainage Projects Project Description Township of Chilliwack—Castleman Road Construction of this drainage project is being carried out under ARDA Project 89050, and is about 85 per cent complete. Expenditures during the year were $68,607. Total project cost to date is $149,042 of an estimated final project cost of $265,000. analysis of water quality and river stage data on the Nicomekl and Serpentine Rivers. migan Flats, near Enderby. Farm Drainage Outlet Assistance Program the Tugulnuit Lake Improvement District. Several small drainage proposals qualifying for assistance under the ARDA Farm Drainage Outlet Assistance Program were reviewed. These included projects in the municipalities of Kent, Chilliwhack, Matsqui, and Salmon Arm, and the Regional District of North Okanagan. A report was completed on a drainage scheme at Deep Creek, near Enderby, which updated costs and benefits presented in a previous report. Township of Chilliwack—Chadsey Ditch scheme, for approximately 3,000 acres in the Sumas area. Two reports were completed on an evaluation of field data related to run-off coefficients and Manning's "n" factors in the Chilliwack area. ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION Introduction Activities relating to the economic and social development within the Province to a greater or lesser extent are reflected in the environment of our water resources. The Environmental Preservation Program is directed toward preservation of the water resource in areas where degradation potential is considered to be significant. The program also looks to the future with a view to facilitating environmental planning. WATER INVESTIGATIONS BRANCH U 81 Program activities include resource inventory and monitoring, water and air conservation preservation planning studies, investigations and remedial programs for specific water quality problems, and protection of watersheds. The major part of this program is undertaken by personnel from the Environmental Studies Division; however, activities related to preservation of the groundwater resource and the protection of the surface water resource against possible adverse effects of development within watersheds are undertaken by the Hydrology Division and the Planning and Surveys Division. Resource Inventory and Monitoring This research program involves sampling and monitoring the water and biota of widely scattered lakes and streams having diverse characteristics. The main objective is to improve the efficiency of water quality assessments and long-term monitoring procedures. The program is intended to evaluate methods of sampling, methods of data analysis, and the use of various organisms as water quality indicators. During 1976, this program was severely constrained by conflicting demands for the manpower in Environmental Studies Division. 1. Environmental impact studies—Environmental impact studies are site specific studies to assess the impact proposed developments will have on the air, surface water, and groundwater resources of the Province, and to propose means of mitigating or reducing adverse effects. Activities include preparation of study guidelines and terms of reference for use by other agencies and industry, input to preparation of terms of reference related to water and air resources for studies to be undertaken by others, monitoring of studies by others, and undertaking the implementation and co-ordination of specific studies. The environmental impact studies that were active or completed during 1976 are listed in Table 27. Three study reports were completed, 27 study reports were reviewed and commented on, and 15 information and data reviews were provided during 1976. Table 27—Environmental Impact Studies Project Description Provincial studies of northeast regional development Proposed northeast coal development (Quintette, Coalition, Utah, Bullmoose-Teck) Proposed Hosmer-Wheeler coal project (Kaiser Resources) Proposed Line Creek coal project (Crows Nest Industries) Proposed Sage Creek coal project (Rio Algom) Proposed Hat Creek thermal project (B.C. Hydro and Power Authority) Undertook baseline, water quality inventory of potential coal and townsite development areas. Three reports completed for water resources reference and management, and for the ELUC Secretariat! subcommittee and the Municipal Affairs townsite subcommittee of the Provincial northeast study. Continuing. Assistance to Provincial Coal-Steering Committee and ELUCS* in the development of Guidelines for Coal Development and in Provincial, multi-agency reviews of developer-consultant studies. Continuing. Assistance to ELUCS in Provincial, multi-agency review of developer-consultant studies for an underground, hydraulic coal mine in the Hosmer-Wheeler Ridge area of the east Kootenays. Continuing. Assistance to ELUCS in Provincial, multi-agency review of developer-consultant studies for a surface coal mine in the Line Creek area of the east Kootenays. Continuing. Assistance to ELUCS in Provincial, multi-agency review of developer-consultant studies for surface coal mines in the Flathead area of the east Kootenays. Continuing. Assistance to ELUCS in Provincial, multi-agency review of proposal and allied studies to develop a coal-fired thermal plant in the Hat Creek area. Continuing. 1 ELUCS=Environment and Land Use Committee Secretariat. U 82 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT Table 27—Environmental Impact Studies—Continued Project Description Proposed McGregor River diversion to Parsnip River (B.C. Hydro and Power Authority) Revelstoke Dam (B.C. Hydro and Power Authority) Proposed Kootenay River diversion (B.C. Hydro and Power Authority) Proposed Sites C and E, Peace River hydroelectric development (B.C. Hydro and Power Authority) Proposed Afton Copper Smelter (Teck Corp.) Proposed Nicola-Cranbrook transmission- line (B.C. Hydro and Power Authority) Assistance to Water Rights Branch and ELUCS1 in Provincial, multi-agency review of preliminary consultant report and proposed studies prepared for B.C. Hydro. Continuing. Assistance to Water Rights Branch and ELUCS in Provincial, multi-agency review of consultant reports for B.C. Hydro, pursuant to a water rights licence. Assistance to Water Rights Branch and ELUCS in Provincial, multi-agency review of study progress reports prepared by B.C. Hydro. Continuing. Assistance to ELUCS in Provincial, multi-agency review of preliminary consultant reports for B.C. Hydro. Continuing. Assistance to Pollution Control Branch in the evaluation of proposed soil-vegetation monitoring. Assistance to ELUCS in Provincial, multi-agency review of consultant route selection studies for B.C. Hydro. 1 ELUCS=Environment and Land Use Committee Secretariat. 2. Water management studies—Water management studies attempt to resolve conflicts arising from multiple use of the water resource or between water resource users and water-related land use activities. The studies usually involve water quality, flood control, and environmental concerns. Experts are drawn from the various divisions of the Branch, depending on the particular problem, and the work usually involves other Government agencies, local governments, and interest groups. Studies are undertaken on a priority basis. Management studies worked on during 1976 are described in Table 28. Table 28—Water Management Studies Project Description Coquitlam River Study Recommendations are being developed which will relate to the management of the water resources of the Coquitlam River for flood control, fisheries, and outdoor recreation in addition to hydro-electric power production and municipal water supply, the present major utilizers of the water system. The study includes an assessment of the influence which logging, gravel mining, and urban development are having on the quality of water in the Coquitlam River and its major tributaries. Good progress was made in 1976 in gathering data and assembling background information. By year-end a report was well under way. The study is scheduled for completion in 1977. This is a two-part study. The first part involves incremental drainage improvement to the floodplain of the Serpentine River, so designed to assure minimum conflict with other utilizers of the land and water resource. The second part of the study involves a basin-wide approach to the water problems of the floodplain. A number of investigations are proposed to be carried out to assure better optimum utilization of the resources of the over-all basin. This study began as a consequence of recommendations by the ELUC Secretariat. An application for an ARDA research grant, to fund certain investigations on resource values, was approved in late 1976. A highly valued water-based recreational environment, limited sources of domestic water supply, and an above-average rate of residential development were some of the major concerns which prompted the Cowichan Valley Regional District in 1976 to request Provincial Government assistance for an assessment of the quality of water in Shawnigan Lake. In response, a limited water quality sampling program was initiated by the Water Investigations Branch. Additional investigations may be carried out following an assessment of the data collated. Shawnigan Lake Study WATER INVESTIGATIONS BRANCH Table 28—Water Management Studies—Continued U 83 Project Description Shuswap River Study Salmon River Study. Fraser River Ecological Studies ■ A possible water management study may be undertaken at some future date on the Shuswap River. The North Enderby Residents Association has expressed concern over deteriorating water quality in the Shuswap River between Mabel and Mara Lakes. The Water Investigations Branch designed a water quality monitoring program to provide information that will permit a preliminary assessment of the situation; however, staff commitments and limited funds prevented any field work being done. The Vernon office of the Pollution Control Branch increased its monitoring program on the Shuswap River to assess better the performance of the Enderby sewage-treatment plant. The concern of the local citizens group was brought to the attention of the Ministries of Health and Forests. This study involves examination of water licensing, irrigation, fisheries requirements, and groundwater-surface water relationship to facilitate water allocation decisions. A draft report covering the inputs of the Water Investigations Branch and the Fish and Wildlife Branch is now complete. Two groundwater reports on groundwater return flow from irrigation in a test study site and groundwater storage and base flow in the West- wold-Falkland area were also completed. The responsibility for the ecological studies in the review of the proposed System E development on the Fraser River was assigned to the Water Investigations Branch. A committee was formed comprised of all involved resource agencies. Voluminous documentation of the ecological consequences indicated the desirability of a summary report. This was completed in 1976 and forwarded to the Fraser River Joint Advisory Board. 3. Environmental assessment studies—Environmental assessment studies are non site-specific studies directed toward environmental planning and control within an area or region. The studies include compilation and analysis of all available environmental data to define existing problem areas and to determine where data gaps exist, establishment of needed additional air and water quality monitoring stations, collection and analysis of data, and preparation of a report that provides a framework for environmental management. Resulting from this, the planning of future developments can be undertaken with an understanding of the sensitivity of the environment in various locations, and with some knowledge of ambient and (or) existing conditions. This will facilitate more meaningful site specific environmental impact studies and assessment of impact following development. A major environmental assessment study of the Kootenay Region, directed and co-ordinated by the Head of the Environmental Assessment Section within the Environmental Studies Division, is nearing completion. The area under study comprises the Regional Districts of Kootenay Boundary, Central Kootenay, and East Kootenay. During 1976, six Phase I reports were published on water quality and two on air quality. These Phase I reports, which are available to the public, evaluate existing air and water quality data up to the end of 1974. Phase I will be completed in early 1977 with the publication of three more reports on water quality and one on air quality. Phase II of the study was started in the spring of 1975 to collect data in areas where information was lacking. Air and water monitoring networks were established and the field work was completed in the fall of 1976. The data will be presented and interpreted in reports to be published in 1977. These reports will also contain recommendations for corrective action where required and for future routine monitoring and planning through the entire area. U 84 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT Servicing an Ambient Air Quality Station in Trail in connection with Kootenay Region Study. .£r^*m~* ^ i**? .<**«; tcgQty^ *?Tv- "** %.-..'■£•r 3pB L^^V-^ferJ^j ■ ■ ■■. , ^SlMIBH ^^^^ T*^*",^ Z R *• f>-» ' I^^Hpi 1? -.•">•" ***' BMBBi. ii<i-"F'j£* HhbHHH Operation of a freeze core sampler in the Fording River to obtain information on effect of coal-mining for Kootenay Region Study. WATER INVESTIGATIONS BRANCH Specific Water Quality Problems U 85 Where a water quality problem exists, or where one is anticipated, specific localized studies are conducted. Assessments are made of the aquatic environment, the problem, or its potential. Field and office studies are undertaken and reports are prepared proposing remedial measures or controls over development in certain areas. In some cases the Branch undertakes implementation of remedial measures. This program provides much of the information and biological collections used in the Resource Inventory and Monitoring Program already mentioned. Table 29—Specific Water Quality Problems Project Description 108 Mile Lake (Cariboo)-. Williams Lake (Cariboo).. Chain, Link, and Osprey Lakes (Okanagan area) St. Mary, Cusheon, and Weston Lakes (Saltspring Island) Thompson River/Kamloops Lake Study.. Aquatic weeds, Okanagan Valley lakes.. Aquatic weeds, various regions.. Alum treatment experiment at Wood Lake.. An investigation of the response of a small Cariboo Plateau lake to residential development in its watershed. Sampling is completed and a report on its baseline condition is in preparation. A study of the effect of increasing urbanization upon the water quality of a Cariboo Plateau lake. Baseline data collection is completed and a report is in preparation. An investigation of the effectiveness of artificially increasing the flushing rate of a lake in the control of cultural eutrophication. Sampling is completed and a report is in preparation. A sampling program to monitor the effects of recreational use and residential development of the watersheds upon water quality in these three lakes which supply domestic water to much of the population of Saltspring Island. Baseline data collection is completed and reports are in preparation. An investigation of the causes of deterioration in water quality in the Thompson River and the interactions with Kamloops Lake, carried out jointly by a Federal-Provincial multi-agency task force. The final report Sources and Effects of Algal Growth, Colour, Foaming and Fish Tainting in the Thompson River System was completed in July 1976. Continuing studies on the ecology and management of aquatic weeds, with particular emphasis on Eurasian water milfoil. An experiment with herbicide was done at the north end of Okanagan Lake; a report is in preparation. Experiments with netting fragment drift barriers in the Okanagan River are continuing. Detailed studies on hydrosoil and habitat characteristics associated with Eurasian water milfoil are continuing. Mapping surveys of weed beds in all six mainstem lakes were repeated to document expansions. A continuing joint program with the Okanagan Basin Water Board to control nuisance populations used bottom membranes, hydraulic washers, rototillers, and drawdown, singly and in combinations, was actively pursued in 1976. Reports are in preparation. Reconnaissance surveys were done in Mara and Shuswap Lakes to document the extent of Eurasian water milfoil infestation. Numerous reports of nuisance weed infestations in lakes throughout the Province were investigated. Numerous specimens were identified for the public. Consultations were held with various local, State, and Federal officials in the United States. Work is well advanced on a monograph on the aquatic plants of British Columbia. The recent Kalamalka-Wood Lake Basin Water Management Study identified alum treatment as a potential method for removal of alga-stimulating phosphorous from the water of Wood Lake (near Kelowna). Following bench-scale experiments in 1975, B.C. Research carried out for the Branch a pilot scale experiment in situ during 1976, with the collaboration and assistance of the Pollution Control Branch. The results were discouraging, due to the costs of applying a dose large enough to be effective in the natural lake. Other alternatives are being considered for further investigation. U 86 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT Miscellaneous Studies At the request of other agencies, the Branch undertakes various research projects and site specific studies which do not fall into the major categories above. Others may be initiated within the Branch. These activities for 1976 are summarized in Table 30. Table 30—Miscellaneous Studies Project Description Canadian Cellulose Co. effluent evaluation, Prince Rupert Harbour Williston Reservoir Potentials Study _ Water and habitat quality of the Lower Fraser River Sulphur dioxide vegetation damage assessment, Kimberley and Trail Soil and vegetation mapping near Afton Copper Smelter (Kamloops area) Soil and vegetation sampling, Trail.. Taxonomic dictionary for computer data file.. West Bench, Sage Mesa area, Penticton.. A continuation of the study undertaken jointly by Pollution Control Branch and Canadian Cellulose Co., with assistance and coordination by Water Investigations Branch. This study examined the effects of pulp-mill effluent on the marine receiving waters, including the bottom and intertidal zones. Data collection and analysis were completed. A report is in preparation. A multi-agency project initiated by ELUC Secretariat in 1973. Limnological contributions undertaken on behalf of the Branch by B.C. Research were completed. The final summary report is in preparation by the ELUC Secretariat co-ordinator. A multi-agency Federal-Provincial-local review of the adequacy of the present data base and of the continuing monitoring program was initiated. Recommendations for improvements to both were being prepared at year-end. A continuing program of annual reassessments of damage to vegetation by sulphur dioxide emanating from Sullivan Mine and from metal refineries, on behalf of Pollution Control Branch. Mapping of soils and vegetation was undertaken, and instructions for surveillance sampling of soils and vegetation were prepared, at the request of Pollution Control Branch to assist in their long-term environmental monitoring program. At the request of Pollution Control Branch, soil and vegetation sampling was carried out arond arsenic/antimony piles at Trail. Analysis and report preparation are ongoing. Staff biologists collaborated with Pollution Control Branch and Ministry of Energy, Transport and Communications in the development of a taxonomic coding dictionary, one of the fundamental building blocks of a unique storage and retrieval system for biological data. The basic system is nearing operational stage. Hydrology Division input to Ministry of Highways and Public Works study to determine impact on the groundwater regime by increasing housing density. PROTECTION OF WATERSHEDS The program for protection of watersheds is directed toward ensuring that land clearing, land use, and forestry activities are undertaken in such a way that individual and community water supplies are adequately protected and significant increases in downstream flooding, erosion, and deposition are avoided. This program requires the expertise of engineers, forestry hydrologists, watershed planners, and environmental experts. All divisions within the Branch are involved to some extent; however, the bulk of the tasks are undertaken by the Hydrology and the Planning and Surveys Divisions. A major activity within the Hydrology Division is the collection of data from all divisions and the establishment of guidelines as input to the B.C. Forest Service resource folio system. The Planning and Surveys Division is responsible for-activities related to the preservation of community watersheds. Studies and activities during 1975 are described in Table 31. WATER INVESTIGATIONS BRANCH Table 31—Watershed Protection Program U 87 Study or Activity Description B.C. Forest Service resource folio input. Community watersheds, general Community watershed, referrals- Nahmint watershed study.. Salmon Arm burn study Okanagan low-flow Logging Impact Study . Peak Flow Regionalization Study.. Complete water resources data provided for 28 watersheds; partial input for 41 additional watersheds. Hydrologic data reviewed for 12 folio proposals from industry. Background information was provided for specific watershed areas where multi-use problems necessitated discussions by interested individuals, local authorities, and organizations. A program to classify the community watersheds in the Province was continued, using available information. Reviewed and commented on approximately 160 land lease proposals referred by the Lands Service and 80 timber sale proposals referred by the Forest Service. Continuance of hydrometric program. Collection of hydrometric and meteorological data is continuing. Water quality sampling has terminated and data analysis is ongoing. As a result of the Kamloops District Watershed Study, various types of studies to qualify the effects of forest harvesting on streamflow were reviewed and plans made for a regional low- flow study to commence in 1977. Co-operator is the Research Division of the Ministry of Forests. Compilation and analysis of hydrologic data to estimate regional 25-year return period peak flow for culvert and bridge design, particularly in proposed timber harvesting areas. Regions analysed to date include Vancouver Island, South Coastal Mainland, Southwest Interior, Southern Monashee Mountains, Kootenay Highlands, East Kootenays, and Selkirk Mountains. WATER RESOURCE UTILIZATION Introduction The purpose of the water utilization program is to assist the citizens of this Province in obtaining a water supply which is adequate for their needs. This service function is provided through inventory programs, feasibility studies including the preparation of associated reports, detailed designs of water supply systems, and technical assistance in the construction of works. Resource Inventory 1. General — An understanding of water resource potential is obtained through inventory of groundwater, surface water, and storage reservoir sites. 2. Groundwater inventory—The Groundwater Section of the Hydrology Division collects and compiles data obtained during well-drilling activities throughout the Province. The information is collected by Section staff or mailed in by private well-drillers and incorporated into a data system which in turn facilitates provision of information useful in determining location of future well-sites, drilling logistics, and the potential for success. During 1976, 2,227 well logs were collected and approximately 1,500 were located and prepared for plotting on well location maps. Preparation has begun to produce a new set of well location maps based on the "U.T.M. Grid System." Water well maps and water chemistry are also of assistance in groundwater development. During 1976, some 160 water samples were collected and analysed and these were routinely added to the computerized data bank. Some 200 requests for groundwater information were handled during the past year. Several reviews were conducted of groundwater conditions in various parts of the Province for other Government agencies. Twenty-six well test reports sub- U 88 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT mitted in application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity were reviewed and, of these, 23 were recommended for approval. A groundwater observation well network is maintained to monitor water-level fluctuations and water chemistry in areas of high interest or potential conflict. The network operated during 1976 comprised 65 continuous installations and 85 short- term special project installations. All recorder chart data were digitized for storage on the computerized data base. Progress was made in programming for data screening and retrieval. Two reports prepared for public distribution were published, entitled Practical Information on Groundwater Development and Flowing Artesian Wells in British Columbia. 3. Surface water inventory — Surface water inventory is obtained through a Province-wide hydrometric network operated by the Water Survey of Canada and through a much smaller network operated by the Water Investigations Branch. The construction and operating costs of the network operated by the Water Survey of Canada is cost-shared by the Province under the terms of the Federal- Provincial Agreement which came into effect in 1975. The Hydrology Division receives requests for hydrometric stations from all Provincial agencies, continually reviews over-all network requirements, and decides on network changes. During the year the number of stations cost-shared equally with the Federal Government and paid for fully by the Province were 89 and 167 respectively. The emphasis of the Branch-operated network is on small streams and lakes where data are required for operational or special studies purposes. Station requirements and compilation of data are the responsibility of the Surface Water Section. Field operations are undertaken by the Surveys Section of the Planning and Surveys Division. Sixty-nine stations were operational during 1976 as compared with 61 last year. %.,-§^WT-W' L** \ Stream-flow measurements under ice cover for Branch-operated station. WATER INVESTIGATIONS BRANCH U 89 4. Storage reservoir inventory—Inventory of storage reservoirs is the responsibility of the Surveys Section and includes an inventory of potential storage reservoir sites and the capacity of existing reservoirs. The program of inventory for both potential and existing storage reservoirs saw the completion of 11 surveys and preparation of inventory plans for 17 storages. Ninety inventory drawings were completed in 1976. Water Supply Studies Studies active during 1976 are described in Table 32. Table 32—Active Water Supply Studies Area Description North Cowichan Ashcroft Southeast Kelowna Cobble Hill Glenmore Winfield _. Larkin Armstrong.. Ladysmith. North Pender Island . Lower Columbia North East Coal Study..— Bowen Island _. Okanagan Fish Hatchery.. A study was completed during the year on alternative water supply sources for the municipality of North Cowichan. Support reports were completed on the environmental impact and on test drilling, aquifer testing, and well construction. A study was completed on a proposed storage development on Oregon Jack and Upper Hat Creeks for irrigation of lands adjacent to the Thompson River. A study was initiated under ARDA Project 89083 on additional water supply sources for the South East Kelowna Irrigation District. Design of a small water system for Bright Angel Park was completed for local Park Board. A study has been 10 per cent completed on additional water supply sources for the Glenmore Irrigation District. An appraisal of the storage and distribtuion system of the Winfield and Okanagan Centre Irrigation District has been 10 per cent completed. Groundwater investigations required to complete a production well have been 30 per cent completed in assessing groundwater potential and site locations for test drilling for the Larkin Water District. Groundwater investigations have been 30 per cent completed for a test drilling and aquifer testing program at the City of Armstrong. Completion of report on groundwater potential with recommendations for test drilling and aquifer testing for the Town of Ladysmith. Completion of preliminary review of groundwater potential of certain areas on the island for Islands Trust. Completion of preliminary review of groundwater potential along the lower Columbia River for the Regional District of Central Kootenay. Completion of report on groundwater potential of townsite areas for Townsite Subcommittee. Completion of report on groundwater potential and groundwater quality for Islands Trust. A search for groundwater supplies adequate for a possible new fish hatchery site is being carried out for Ministry of Highways and Public Works. IMPLEMENTATION OF WATER SUPPLY PROJECTS Implementation of water supply projects includes both final design and construction supervision, and, in most cases, has been undertaken by staff of the Water Supply Section. In those projects involving groundwater utilization, staff of the U 90 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT Groundwater Section have provided well design, and supervision of well testing and drilling. A few projects have been engineered by consultants, in which case the Water Supply Section has assumed management responsibilities. Lowering pump column into new well for Fairview Heights Irrigation District ARDA Project 89058. Construction of most water supply projects has been carried out under the Agricultural and Rural Development Act. The present agreement under this act between Canada and British Columbia expires March 31, 1977, and projects approved prior to that date must be completed no later than December 31, 1978. WATER INVESTIGATIONS BRANCH U 91 Construction of main-line pressure-reducing station for District of Summerland ARDA Project 89044. Table 33—Status of Water Supply Projects at Year-end Design per Cent Complete at Year-end Construction Project Description During Year To Year-end Per Cent Complete at Year-end ARDA Projects 89044 and 89057 (Corporation of the District of Summerland)—Rehabilitation of system to supply irrigation and domestic water ARDA Project 89046 (Glenmore and Ellison Irrigation Districts)—Rehabilitation of main line and intake works for irrigation and domestic water system ARDA Project 89058 (Fairview Heights Irrigation District)— Rehabilitation of system to supply irrigation and domestic water, including drilling, testing and development of six groundwater wells - ARDA Project 89039s (Chase Irrigation District)—Partial rehabilitation of irrigation system ARDA Project 89078 (Deadman Creek Improvement District) —Construction of storage dam for irrigation and fisheries water supply ____ .... _ ARDA Project 89084 (Naramata Irrigation District)—Modifications to irrigation and domestic water system ARDA Project 89065 (Scotty Creek Irrigation District) — Modifications to system to supply domestic water _ ARDA Project 89066 (Ellison Irrigation District)—Modifications to system to supply domestic water ARDA Project 89049 (Black Mountain Irrigation District)— Modifications to intake works ARDA Project 89088 (Vernon Irrigation District)—Construction of storage dams at Grizzly Swamp for irrigation and fisheries water supply 85 100 100 100 90 100 100 100 100 75 $ 3,732,190 214,064 524,551 16,120 54,915 12,499 54,829 60,799 42,420 $ 4,820,595 784,083 601,500 128,581 54,915 12,499 67,973 76,748 121,100 75 99 90 75 40 30 100 95 100 ARDA Project 89087 (Westbank Irrigation District)—Mod ifi- 50 100 Village of Alert Bay — Groundwater pumping system for domestic water supply .... 45,000 45,000 100 POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD B. E. Marr, Chairman The Pollution Control Board is established under section 3 of the Pollution Control Act and provides for a Chairman and members, all of whom are appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council to serve for a specific term. The term of the present Board expires December 31, 1976. The following are the current members of the Board: B. E. Marr, Chairman Deputy Minister of the Environment, Victoria. B. D. Caine, Assistant Director of Environmental Engineering, Ministry of Health, Victoria. Howard English, Retired farmer and conservationist, Victoria. Dr. C. J. G. Mackenzie, Head, Department of Health Care and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. Dr. J. E. McInerney, Director of Bamfield Marine Station, Bamfield. R. J. Miller, Director of Special Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Victoria. J. W. Peck, Chief Inspector of Mines, Ministry of Mines and Petroleum Resources, Victoria. J. S. Stokes, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Forests, Victoria. E. H. Vernon, Associate Deputy Minister, Ministry of Recreation and Conservation, Victoria. The main functions of the Board are to act in an advisory capacity to the Government, to set standards for controlling pollution, and to act as an appeal tribunal when an order of the Director of the Pollution Control Branch is appealed. The Pollution Control Board also hears appeals from the decision of the Director 95 U 96 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT of Pollution Control (Air) of the Greater Vancouver Regional District. This agency assumed responsibility in 1972 for issuance of air emission permits within the boundaries of the Greater Vancouver Regional District. Four appeals were heard by the Board in 1976. Of these four appeals, the Board allowed one in toto, one in part, and disallowed the other two. One appeal that aroused a good deal of attention was launched by several groups of concerned citizens against the issuance of permits to Afton Mines Ltd. covering air emissions and effluent discharges from a proposed copper smelter near Kamloops, the first copper smelter in British Columbia. The Board, in dismissing the appeal, felt confident that the air and effluent discharges would not present a threat to the environment; however, to ensure against possible deleterious consequences resulting from the smelter's operations, the Board instructed the Director of Pollution Control to set up a Committee whose main functions will be to monitor and assess the effects of emissions and discharges on the water, soil, vegetation, and aquatic life. The first of the five-year reviews of the pollution control objectives started this year with that of the Forest Products Industries. Following hearings and examination of submissions from interested agencies and individuals, recommendations are now being drafted for presentation to the Board for ratification. The review of the Mining, Mine-milling, and Smelting Objectives commences next year with the expected completion date set for some time in 1978. The term of office of the present Pollution Control Board ends December 31, 1976. POLLUTION CONTROL BRANCH POLLUTION CONTROL BRANCH W. N. Venables, P.Eng., Director DIRECTOR'S REPORT During 1976 the Branch initiated a review procedure for the waste discharge objectives adopted by the Pollution Control Board for major liquid, solid, and gaseous wastes discharged to the environment of British Columbia. With the establishment in 1971 of Pollution Control Objectives for the Forest Products Industry of British Columbia, the Board resolved that these and subsequent objectives for wastes from other major activities should be reviewed on a five-year basis in order to keep abreast of changes in technology and the impact of such discharges on the environment. In order to elicit the viewpoints of concerned members of the public, the public inquiry held in Victoria by the Director of Pollution Control was preceded by visits to four other centres in the Province by the Co-ordinator of the Advisory Panel. The information secured from interviews was entered into the inquiry record. Seven briefs were presented at the inquiry as input from individuals, organizations, industry, and Government agencies. The review is anticipated to be placed before the Pollution Control Board for their consideration early in 1977. As a continuation of the process to review the series of pollution control objectives, the Director received instructions from the Pollution Control Board late in 1976 to undertake review of the Pollution Control Objectives for the Mining, Mine- milling, and Smelting Industry of British Columbia established in 1973. The Branch continued in its major task of adjudicating applications for permits and permit amendments. In 1976 the Branch issued 295 permits covering 548 points of discharge, 162 amendments to permits, 63 short-term approvals, and 536 certificates for construction of and extension to sewerage works. This brings the total number of permits now in force within the Province to 3,521. Four appeals from decisions made by the Director were filed with the Pollution Control Board and required involvement of the Branch. With respect to objections by the public to permit applications, the Branch continued with its procedure of meeting informally with involved parties in order to establish clear understanding of the issues and to attempt to secure resolution of differences. In recognition of complex environment-waste discharge conflicts in certain areas of the Province, the Branch established special committees representative of involved factions to undertake tasks related to the discharge of waste materials and (or) its effects on the receiving environment. Such committees were established relative to discharge of air contaminants from the Afton Mines Copper Smelter near Kamloops and the Alcan Aluminum Smelter at Kitimat and to the proposed sewage irrigation scheme for the District of Salmon Arm. The terms of such committees are limited and their terms of reference are specifiic to the problems involved. 99 U 100 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT During the year the Branch co-operated with Federal agencies in their attempts to establish national guidelines for waste discharges from industrial operations and in consultations involving their expertise in atmospheric sciences and fisheries. Following the decision of the Lieutenant-Governor in Council regarding requirements under the permit issued to the Greater Vancouver Regional District for their Annacis Island sewage-treatment plant, the Branch undertook, with representatives of the GVRD, steps toward implementation of the decision rendered. For the purpose of establishing contact and exchanging viewpoints on matters of mutual concern and involvement, senior Ministry and Branch staff met together with their counterparts in the Washington State Department of Ecology. These meetings culminated with the Director speaking to delegates of the North West Pollution Control Association on a platform shared with Pacific Northwest state representatives. These meetings have established close relationships with Washington State officials and should assist substantially in resolving possible future problems of mutual concern. With the reduction in the number of permit applications filed during 1976 and in anticipation of this trend continuing as more existing discharges are brought under permit, the Branch commenced a process of reviewing discharges under permit to improve treatment and disposal requirements. It is anticipated that emphasis on permit review will increase in future. While the day-to-day responsibility for air pollution control within the Greater Vancouver Regional District lies, under the Pollution Control Act, 1967, with that authority, the Province has a concern for over-all ambient air quality throughout the Province. Accordingly, the Pollution Control Branch was involved with GVRD officials, Environment Canada, and representatives of industry in the Vancouver area in the establishment of a major air quality monitoring program for the Lower Mainland area. This program will eventually involve continuous automatic monitoring of air quality at an anticipated 12 sites in the Lower Mainland and telecommunication of data to a computer terminal for processing. It is anticipated the proposed $500,000 program will lead to improved air quality through better management of air contaminants emitted in the Vancouver area. As a result of increasing involvement in responding to spills of hazardous materials to the environment, the Branch has undertaken to strengthen its capabilities in terms of knowledge in response actions and in spill prevention. In 1976, two staff members travelled to Spain to observe efforts and techniques in the cleanup of a massive oil spill from the tanker Urquiola. The Branch was also involved in investigating the effects of polychlorinated biphenyl contamination of Sheridan Creek and McLeese Lake waters in central British Columbia. Other spill incidents in which Branch staff were involved were primarily associated with the transport or storage of petroleum products. Efforts were continued to enforce the provisions of the Litter Act with the majority of involvement related to complaints on beverage container return infractions. The derelict-auto recovery program under Project SAM compacted approximately 14,000 vehicles during 1976. The addition of salvaged household appliances and some stockpiled compacted vehicles from previous years resulted in approximately 15,000 tons of material being hauled to metal-shredding equipment in Vancouver. INDUSTRIAL DIVISION The principle function of the Industrial Division is to resolve applications for pollution control permits and make recommendations to the Director with respect POLLUTION CONTROL BRANCH U 101 to permit issuance. In addition, Division engineers participate in special projects and committees dealing with many aspects of pollution control. While the principle activity during 1976 continued to be the resolution of applications, an increasing amount of time was spent on committee work. The major mines in the Province are now under permit. Processing of applications' for amendments continued through the year. Placer operation, gravel- washing plants, and ready-mix plants are also being handled. Three permits were issued covering discharges to land and air from the mine- mill-smelter complex being constructed by Afton Mines Ltd. (N.P.L.) at Kamloops. The proposed construction of this complex created a great deal of public interest and resulted in an appeal to the Pollution Control Board under section 12 of the Pollution Control Act, 1967. As a result of this public interest the Director established a Surveillance Committee comprised of five members from government, local people, and the company, who will make recommendations to the Director regarding pre-operational and post- operational environmental monitoring control. A second committee with similar terms of reference was established to review the emissions from the Alcan Aluminum Smelter at Kitimat. Coal continued to take the spotlight during 1976 with the major coal projects carrying out environmental studies. These reports are currently being reviewed by Branch engineers. Some applications for permit are expected in 1977. The uranium mining industry has also been active in 1976 with at least one plant scheduled to start construction in 1977. Higher oil costs are forcing many of the mills to make greater use of wood- wastes for the generation of steam. At the same time the companies are requesting a postponement of power-boiler emission control programs. In the lumber industry a number of refractory-lined silo woodwaste burners are now in operation at the smaller plants. These units operate at higher temperatures than the conventional beehive burner and improved emission characteristics have resulted. A dry-bed scrubber is being installed at a major plywood plant. It is expected that this unit will remove most of the particulate matter larger than 0.3 microns, including particulate sea salt absorbed by logs transported in log booms. Two of the three pulp-mills in the Interior who do not at present have aeration basins will have those facilities operational by mid-1977. It is expected that these mills will be then able to meet the Level A effluent quality requirements. Joint Branch-industry committees have been attempting to find methods for reducing the colour of effluent at two of the Interior pulp-mills. Tests have been made using inplant treatment methods. A trial involving rapid infiltration to the ground is at present under way at one of the plants. The Division has been active on a number of other committees, including the Joint Committee for the Removal of Salt Particulate from Woodwaste Burners, Coquitlam River Study, and the Provincial Emergency Programme. Industrial Division staff continued to participate in nine task force committees and subcommittees convened by the Federal Government to establish guidelines and (or) regulations for waste discharges in a number of industries, including asbestos mines, pulp and paper, thermal plants, petroleum, and base-metal smelting. In 1976 the ambient air monitoring program was expanded to meet the requirements of specific areas of concern in the Province. Continuous testing equipment was installed at Kitimat, Campbell River, Castlegar, Cranbrook, Kamloops, and, for a short period, at Fort St. John when a threatened strike could have resulted in the closure of plant sulphur-removal facilities. U 102 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT Ringelmann training courses were given at seven locations during the year; 391 candidates were certified as Ringelmann number observers. Stack sampling courses were given to 20 regional office staff at five locations and the Source Testing Manual jor the Determination oj Discharges to the Atmosphere was revised. A third station was added to those operated as part of the National Air Pollution Surveillance Network. MUNICIPAL DIVISION During 1976 the major portion of Municipal Division effort was directed toward processing applications for discharge permits and sewer certificates, being statutory responsibilities, with the remainder of its efforts directed toward provision of other services to municipalities. Such matters as advice on operating treatment plants and implementing recycling measures have been limited accordingly. In regard to specific discharges, investigation of the Burns Bog sanitary landfill operation was continued to determine the suitability of continuing this operation. The permit for the Hartland Road sanitary landfill serving Greater Victoria has been transferred to the Capital Regional District, who have put in hand a three- year experimental study on leachate recycling. Following submissions by municipal authorities to the public inquiry held in regard to municipal waste discharge, some easing of criteria was allowed by the Pollution Control Board in their 1975 Objectives for Municipal Type Wastes in regard to refuse-disposal sites. Accordingly, many municipalities have sought permission to burn segregated woodwastes to ease demands on space in their landfills and thereby prevent excessive land use. A number of permits have, therefore, been issued for seasonal or infrequent burning of woodwaste materials. Disposal of septic-tank pumpout waste is still a problem in some areas; however, regional districts are gradually assuming responsibility for this function and have provided suitable facilities. Interest in spray irrigation of sewage effluent has continued on some Interior areas. At Cranbrook a new sewage treatment and storage system is nearing completion and in 1977 it is anticipated that spray irrigation of about 200 acres will commence, thus removing the present sewage discharge from a small stream tributary to the Upper Kootenay River. The present treatment plant and spray irrigation system at Vernon is being considerably expanded and extensions to their sewerage system to encompass the Coldstream area will eliminate many septic-tank discharges around Kalamalka Lake. Construction of an extensive sewerage system and treatment plant is nearing completion to serve the Salmon Arm area, including the community of Canoe, and this will replace the present raw-sewage discharge to Shuswap Lake. The District of Salmon Arm is still exploring the feasibility of spray irrigation of the effluent. In keeping with recommendations in the Okanagan Basin Study Report, the municipalities of Kelowna, Westbank, Penticton, and Oliver are considering various methods for reduction of nutrients in their sewage effluent. The Town of Merritt is planning to install phosphorus-removal equipment at their existing secondary treatment plant. A major new secondary treatment plant is to be constructed during 1977 to serve the Parksville, French Creek, and Qualicum Beach areas. The discharge will be through an 8,000-foot-long marine outfall. The need to dechlorinate chlorinated wastes or to modify chlorination requirements has been the subject of much review and discussion, and various schemes are in hand. Further research is needed and dechlorination facilities which the Village POLLUTION CONTROL BRANCH U 103 of Lake Cowichan has been required to install have been the subject of investigation in co-operation with the Environmental Protection Service of Environment Canada. Many other communities have expanded or upgraded their sewage-treatment facilities during 1976. The Services Section was involved in several major studies aimed at assisting municipalities with waste-treatment problems. These included a phosphorus removal and dechlorination study at Kamloops, the use of metal-pickling liquor to remove nutrients from sewage-treatment plants, phosphorus removal at Oliver, upgrading and experimental work at Manning Park, and data collection at Sidney aimed at correcting sludge-handling problems. Advice was also given on chlorination and dechlorination at the Nakusp Hot Springs pool. The mobile laboratory was kept busy catering to these studies. Other treatment plants were visited throughout the Province and advice given where appropriate. In co-operation with Environment Canada the Services Section organized and presented papers at a technology transfer seminar held in April in Victoria entitled Considerations in the Design of Sewage Treatment Plants. Various staff served on committees, including the Okanagan Implementation Board, North East Coal Study, Kootenay Study, Technical Committee on the Annacis Island Sewage Treatment Plant, National Inventory for Solid Wastes, Dissolved Gases Study, Education Committee re operation of treatment plants, and the Data Services Co-ordination Committee. REGIONAL DIVISION The Regional Division of the Pollution Control Branch provides local contact for the citizens of British Columbia with experts in pollution control matters. The Division consists of six regions, as follows: Coast Region (Head Office, Victoria; Field Office, Courtenay). Kootenay Region (Head Office, Nelson; Field Office, Cranbrook). Lower Mainland Region (Head Office, New Westminster). North Region (Head Office, Prince George; Field Offices, Fort St. John, Terrace). Okanagan Region (Head Office, Vernon; Field Offices, Pentfcton, Revelstoke). South Central Region (Head Office, Kamloops; Field Office, Williams Lake). The Regional Division is responsible for the administration of all permits and approvals issued by the Director of Pollution Control authorizing the discharge of liquid, solid, and gaseous wastes to the environment with the exception of permits and approvals issued by the Greater Vancouver Regional District for the discharge of air contaminants within that regional district. The regional staff are also responsible for assisting in the administration and enforcement of the Litter Act. During 1976 the Regional Division processed 63 approvals, a drop of 19 from those issued last year. Regional processing of permit applications which commenced in 1975 increased from 60 permit applications in 1975 to 131 applications in 1976. Regional staff continued to meet with objectors to pollution control permit applications to ensure better understanding of the technical and environmental information together with the positions of various parties affected by the proposals. The reaction of individuals to this program has proven its value in resolving conflicts. U 104 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT One of the primary responsibilities of the Regional Division is enforcement of the pollution control permit requirements. Enforcement normally encompasses the surveillance and monitoring programs undertaken by the regional staff; however, in some instances, stronger measures were required to resolve some waste-disposal problems. In connection with the surveillance programs, the staff undertook 4,080 inspections and collected 2,568 waste-discharge samples. Their enforcement activities included a total of 47 orders issued, charges laid, and court hearings under the Pollution Control Act, 1967 and the Litter Act. The Province-wide environmental monitoring network maintained by the regional staff includes ambient air stations, streams, lakes, and marine environments. The staff serviced ambient air stations on 2,035 occasions and collected 4,074 water samples from stream, lake, and marine stations during 1976. During 1976 the regional staff increased their public involvement at the community level. They participated in 146 public education activities which included presentations to university and public school student groups as well as presentations to community and to service groups. In co-operation with the Industrial Division, the Division assisted in the Pollution Control Branch Ringelmann Training Courses which held nine seminars throughout the Province and certified 117 new observers and recertified 274 observers for a total of 391 persons attending the courses. On a routine general basis each regional office provides information to the public. During 1976 the regional offices provided information to 454 individuals who visited the offices seeking information dealing with all aspects of pollution control and environmental protection. The Division also received and investigated 627 complaints dealing with environmental problems. Regional staff continued their participation on local resource management and planning committees and they have increased their participation in the Provincial interagency groups dealing with accidental hazardous chemical or petrochemical spills in the Province. ENVIRONMENTAL LABORATORY ENVIRONMENTAL LABORATORY A. J. Lynch, Chief Chemist The Environmental Laboratory-continued to provide routine analytical and special services to branches of the Provincial Government and to the general public. The majority of the laboratory work load is in support of the monitoring programs of the Pollution Control Branch (Figure 1). The over-all laboratory work load decreased in 1976 by 10 per cent to 201,000 tests from 224,000 in 1975. This decrease was due to a reduction in the number of tests per sample submitted by monitoring agencies. The decrease in tests, however, was counteracted by an increase in the number of complex tests requested. In 1976, increased emphasis was given to the analyses of organic contaminants, the provision of biological services, and instrumentation calibration services. A calibration laboratory was equipped to prepare and measure known concentrations of gases accurately. These gases are supplied to the Pollution Control Branch and the Greater Vancouver Regional District for calibration of air-monitoring equipment. Planning of laboratory facilities continued in 1976; preliminary architectural drawings were completed by the Ministry of Highways and Public Works (Public Works) design team. The laboratory computer system (LABMAN) continued to function well. In 1976, additional programs and data capture techniques were introduced. This computer system now functions as the laboratory's "nerve centre" for controlling the production and reporting functions. WATER QUALITY In 1976 the Water Quality Division performed 183,000 tests on water, wastewater, sediment, and biological material samples. Although there was a 13-percent reduction in the total number of tests performed, the complexity and diversity of tests increased greatly. The largest increase was in tissue and sediment sample analyses for new parameters. The taxonomic service was expanded with respect to the volume of samples classified, as well as identification of new sample types such as periphyton, phyto- plankton, and zooplankton. The additional work load necessitated the purchase of another stereo-microscope and an inverted microscope. The computer terminal, which was installed in 1974, had previously been utilized primarily for management and reporting functions. During 1976 a method for entering analytical results from the nitrate/nitrite/chloride autoanalyzer into the computer via a teletype/punched paper tape data capture system was introduced. The Quality Control Programs for monitoring analytical procedures for waters and wastewaters was further developed. Preliminary studies have been completed for implementation of a quality control program for soil and vegetation samples. The senior staff of the laboratory have participated on interagency committees for investigation of potential environmental problems. This has resulted in the Water Quality Division's participation in interagency comparison studies for analyses of soil and vegetation samples. 107 U 108 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT In 1976 a service called the Water Quality Check Program was introduced by the Ministry of the Environment and Ministry of Health. This program provides a service whereby individuals may obtain analyses of their private water supplies, at a subsidized cost, in order to determine its suitability for domestic purposes. This program includes 11 physical and chemical tests and one bacteriological test. In addition to the routine analytical work the following projects were completed in 1976: (1) Preservation Study for Cyanide, Phenol, and Chemical Oxygen Demand. (2) Digestion Procedures for Arsenic in (a) Fish Tissue, (b) Sediments, and (c) Vegetation. (3) Digestion Procedures for Boron in (a) Fish Tissues and (b) Sediments. (4) Comparison Study of Barbituric Acid as Colour Reagent for Cyanide Analysis Replacing Existing Pyrazalone Method. (5) Determination of the Extent of Possible Contamination Due to Leaching of Sawdust if Used as Landfill. (6) Automatic Reagent Addition During Atomic Absorption Analyses. AIR QUALITY The Air Quality Division of the Environmental Laboratory continued to perform chemical analyses on air, soil, and vegetation samples for the Pollution Control Branch, the Water Investigations Branch, and the Ministry of Health. The number of air quality stations was increased from 212 in 1975 to 303 in 1976. The number of air tests increased from 13,000 in 1975 to 18,000 in 1976. Projects completed during 1976 include the following: (1) The second edition of A Laboratory Manual for the Chemical Analysis of Ambient Air, Emissions, Soil and Vegetation was completed and published. A number of additional parameters and methods of analysis have been introduced since the publication of the first edition. (2) The Air Quality Division and the Methods Development Section developed procedures for the corrosion study of the Nelson, Castlegar, and Trail areas. (3) The effects on analytical results by varying the reagent addition parameters for the sulphur/sulphation index analysis were determined. (4) The effects of algaecide (added to dustfall canisters) on the measurement of soluble phosphorus were investigated. INSTRUMENTATION SERVICES In 1976 the Instrumentation Services continued to offer services in the field of environmental and laboratory instrumentation to the Pollution Control Branch, Environmental Laboratory, and other Government agencies. The section carried out a program of instrument repair, calibration, preventive maintenance, modification, and design on air, water, and laboratory instrumentation. In addition to the routine work carried out, the Instrumentation Services has begun to offer a calibration service for ambient air-monitoring systems through its production of high- reliability gaseous standards. This service, which is being offered to the Pollution Control Branch and the Greater Vancouver Regional District, will increase the reliability of the air-monitoring systems in the Province. ENVIRONMENTAL LABORATORY U 109 FIELD AND REGIONAL LABORATORY SERVICES In 1976, 13,200 water samples and 4,400 air samples were received, logged, and transferred to the analytical sections. During the year a significant increase was experienced in preparation of chemical solutions and shipment of supplies for submitting agencies. In addition to routine servicing, a number of projects were begun to assist submitting agencies with sample preparation in the field. Two types of sampling kits providing bottles, preparation chemicals, and instructions were prepared and distributed to all Fish and Wildlife Branch field offices. A prototype field filtering kit has also been prepared to assist the Pollution Control Branch. Staff participated in three seminars on Pollution Law and Enforcement held by the Fish and Wildlife Branch in regional areas. The Regional Laboratories have continued to provide a testing and information service in Kamloops, Prince George, Vernon, and Victoria. The Regional Laboratories have received and reported results for 2,200 water samples. ENVIRONMENTAL LABORATORY WORKLOAD FOR 1976 5% HEALTH BRANCH < 1% WATER RIGHTS BRANCH U 110 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT METHODS DEVELOPMENT During 1976 the Methods Development Section has continued to expand and refine the applications of gas chromatography to environmental monitoring. Several procedures for simple hydrocarbons and mining flotation reagents have become well characterized and will soon be transferred to a routine section. Preliminary work has now begun on procedures for the more complex parameters such as phenols, fatty acids, and polynuclear aromatics. In addition, an applications study has been completed on the feasibility of updating the facilities to include mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The microscopical examination of particulates has been continued in 1976 by the Methods Development Section. The addition of reflected light optics has further expanded the capabilities for examining opaque particles and studying corroded surfaces. A major continuing project is the development of a standardized procedure for counting asbestos fibres (visible light microscopy) and identification of the different types through dispersion staining techniques. Studies of procedures having particular application to the monitoring of inorganic parameters in air, sediments, and vegetation samples have continued. Two papers have been submitted for publication. In co-operation with the Atomic Absorption Section, an extensive study of the applications and merits of plasma source emission spectroscopy has been undertaken. This study has resulted in the ordering of an instrument which will significantly increase the capabilities and efficiencies of the Environmental Laboratory for analysing metallic pollutants in the British Columbia environment. INSPECTOR OF DYKES INSPECTOR OF DYKES K. J. Chisholm, P.Eng., Inspector of Dykes During 1976 the process of consolidation and transfer continued with negotiations for future operation of the Coquitlam Dyking District reaching the final stages. A decision on the future of this district is expected early in 1977. Formal inspections of the dykes reconstructed under the Fraser River Flood Control Program were instituted. These formal inspections covered the dyking systems in the following municipalities: (a) Kent; (b) Chilliwhack; (c) Matsqui. In addition, spot inspections were made throughout the year in all dyking districts in the Lower Fraser Valley. The Inspector of Dykes sat as a member of the Advisory Committees for the Pitt and Serpentine Fen Wildlife Management Areas. Development plans for additional dykes in the Pitt Wildlife Management Area were checked for dyke safety. The Inspector of Dykes attended the annual meetings of the following dyking districts: (a) Dewdney Area Improvement District; (b) Nicomen Island Improvement District; (c) Surrey Dyking District. In addition, several public meetings were held by the District of Abbotsford on drainage problems and on the future operation of the old Sumas Dyking District. Reports on the status of dyke and pump station reconstruction proposed under the Fraser River Flood Control Program were given at these meetings by this office. During 1976 the following statistical data were recorded: (a) Dyking certificates issued 205 (b) Title searches made 1,163 (c) Tax notices issued 839 (d) Tax receipts issued 816 (e) Tax roll amendments made 292 (/) Court of Revision notices 839 113 ENVIRONMENT AND LAND USE COMMITTEE SECRETARIAT ENVIRONMENT AND LAND USE COMMITTEE SECRETARIAT Denis K. O'Gorman Acting Director THE ENVIRONMENT AND LAND USE COMMITTEE The Environment and Land Use Committee Secretariat serves as the staff arm of the Environment and Land Use Committee of Cabinet, which contains the Ministers of the Environment (chairman), Agriculture, Economic Development, Forests, Health, Highways and Public Works, Mines and Petroleum Resources, Municipal Affairs and Housing, and Recreation and Conservation. The Environment and Land Use Act establishes this Committee and empowers it to establish and recommend programs designed to foster increased public concern and awareness of the environment, ensure that all the aspects of preservation and maintenance of the natural environment are fully considered in the administration of land use and resource development, study any matter pertaining to the environment or land use, make recommendations to the Lieutenant-Governor in Council, prepare reports, hold public inquiries, appoint technical committees, and recommend Orders in Council under the Act respecting environment or land use which are binding on other statutes. The ELUC thus has a major role in determining the policy where the mandates of individual ministries may be leading in conflicting directions on broad questions of land use and environment management. In the exercise of its powers the Committee requires well-considered information and advice from its contributing ministries. In order to secure the essential background, the Secretariat to the Committee is directed to prepare studies and reports and advise on matters over which the Committee has jurisdiction. The functions of the Environment and Land Use Committee described above set the framework for defining roles and services of its Secretariat. THE SECRETARIAT Organization The ELUC Secretariat was organized into three units in 1976, each under an Assistant Director. Two of the units, Resource Planning and Special Projects, have a small multi-disciplinary professional staff which serve the Committee directly in the co-ordination of interagency investigations into environment and land use conflicts. Although the general objectives of the two units are similar, their points of focus differ. The Special Projects Unit concentrates on the development of techniques such as benefit cost analysis and environmental impact assessment, to resolve classes of environment and land use conflict, while Resource Planning applies these and other techniques on a broad regional scale to evaluate and propose integrated resource use plans. 117 U 118 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT The third unit of the Secretariat is Resource Analysis. It provides "biophysical" inventories and analyses of soils, landforms, climate, vegetation, and aquatic systems, as well as terrestrial and aquatic habitats which form a basic building block for resource planning by all Government agencies and private interests. From this data base it is possible to develop a wide range of interpretations about the productivity of land and water areas for various resource uses as well as the natural suitability of lands for urban, transportation, and other developments. Recognizing that biophysical resource inventories and interpretations have widespread application in resource planning for line agency as well as programs directed by the ELUC, the Resource Analysis Unit was separated from the Secretariat and renamed the Resource Analysis Branch of the Ministry of the Environment, effective January 1, 1977. By separating the "line" function of resource inventory analyses from the ELUC-oriented functions, it will be easier for staff of the Secretariat and Resource Analysis Branch to perform their respective roles. The Branch will continue to conduct the systematic resource inventories and interpretations in 1977 as it has in 1976. The close professional collaboration with the Resource Planning and Special Projects Units that has characterized past work will continue. Secretariat Planning Approach Most ELUC directives to the Secretariat relate to problems of resource development and use. These number among major policy questions facing governments everywhere because decisions can affect the economic base of whole communities and regions as well as their natural and social environments. Hydro power, coal, and major forest developments, land use conflicts on the coastal zone, and conservation proposals are typical topics where conflicts of view are often precipitated between resource users in diverse sectors of the public and within the ministries of Government where reconciliation must be found. When directed to investigate a particular problem by the ELUC, the Resource Planning and Special Projects Units seek alternative approaches and define their consequences for Committee consideration and decisions. Secretariat study activities and reports combine and evaluate biophysical information provided by the Resource Analysis Branch with specific resource management "standing stock" inventories and related social and economic information provided by other Government ministries. The intent is to provide a comprehensive and balanced set of alternatives in keeping with the breadth of interests in the Environment and Land Use Act. In order to deal with environment and land use problem and solution identification in this comprehensive way, the Secretariat typically consults with senior officials of the Environment and Land Use Committee ministries and brings together teams of individuals from various resource ministries. The teams are flexible, with assignments handled by teams of officials from resource energy field staff. They can then clarify conflicts, document the impacts of proposed developments, identify approaches to avoid, reduce, or compensate for adverse impacts, quantify and assess alternatives, and present preferred solutions or options to the Committee for final decision. As a refinement on the co-ordinated team approach to resource allocation, the Secretariat, under the auspices of the ELUC, has developed environmental impact assessment and planning procedures for major projects. These procedures formalize what a developer is expected to consider in the assessment of environmental, community, and social impacts of a project. A three-stage reporting procedure is fol- ENVIRONMENT AND LAND USE COMMITTEE SECRETARIAT U 119 lowed, generally under the co-ordination of the Secretariat or by a Steering Committee involving Secretariat and appropriate line agency representatives. Impact assessment reports prepared by the developer are circulated to all interested ministries of the Provincial Government. Ministry comments on the acceptability of impacts and advice on how to deal with these are then transmitted to the developer and incorporated into a second, more detailed, report. By the end of staff review of the second stage report, the developer will be informed of what the Provincial Government's agencies recommend on project designs for impact avoidance or mitigation as well as for compensation for losses or enhancement of benefits resulting from the development. If any unresolved matters remain at the end of the second stage, these are referred to the Environment and Land Use Committee for a decision. If the project receives approval in principle at this time, the developer is then in a position to proceed with applications for permits (stage three) with the knowledge that the Provincial Government has fully considered all aspects of the project. This approach will be elaborated in the report of the Special Projects Unit. It should be emphasized that the Secretariat, with its limited number of staff and ELUC-oriented responsibilities, does not get involved in program implementation, which is best handled by the appropriate agency specialists and administrators. Its function is rather one of identifying and clarifying, in consultation with line agencies, approaches and strategies for problem resolution. Furthermore, in co-ordinating investigation, the Secretariat does not duplicate the many lateral arrangements existing between ministries. Most matters can be settled satisfactorily by the agencies dealing directly with each other. Where problems cannot be handled simply and directly, or where frustration levels are high, or the problem is complex and has numerous dimensions, or many interests are affected, or there is no precedent to follow, the Secretariat may be directed by the ELUC to become involved. This is a political decision which ensures that the Ministers have collectively identified the problem and are satisfied that its general resolution is beyond the scope of a single ministry or normal bilateral arrangements. ELUC ACTIVITIES IN 1976 During 1976 the Environment and Land Use Committee convened 20 regular meetings and dealt with integrated resource development and management studies, special studies, environmental impact assessment procedures and studies, appeals to the ELUC pursuant to the Land Commission Act, and contribution to the inter- ministerial studies. Some items of interest are highlighted below. A more detailed report of these and other items is contained in the unit reports. Integrated Resource Management After more than a year of study by regional resource managers and extensive public consultation, co-ordinated by the Secretariat, recommendations on the management of extractive and preservation resource values in the Babine Integrated Management Unit were brought forward to and endorsed by the ELUC. Specific steps resulting from the Committee's decisions were: (1) creation of a standing committee of resource officials who will jointly set management policy, prepare plans, and manage the Southern Babine Mountains; (2) designation of subareas for motorized recreation, involving a special permit system and nonmotorized recreation; U 120 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT (3) consensus on special approaches for wildlife management and research, forest harvest, and research and mineral exploration programs; (4) provision for regular public consultation. The Bonaparte-Tranquille resources study came before the ELUC after a year of study by regional officials based in Kamloops. This study process also included public consultation and multi-agency analysis. It laid out land allocation and multiple use management recommendations. Considering these, the ELUC opted to designate for recreational purposes four specific areas, as well as implement a special control on off-road vehicles in a particularly fragile subarea of the plateau. The balance of the area was approved for proceeding with regular multiple use with a forestry emphasis. The ELUC Secretariat considered the Serpentine-Nicomekl Drainage Study and gave policy direction on implementation. This study, involving elements of land use and water resource planning, the economics of flood protection and irrigation, plus other considerations, laid out a planning framework for tackling these problems, together with a number of specific steps to initiate the program implementation. The Adams River Corridor was also the subject of an ELUC decision in 1976. Under ELUC direction a regional study of land management options, complemented with headquarters input and review, was concluded by the decision to designate this valuable fishery resource as a recreation area. Parks Branch is implementing this, explicitly recognizing the concerns of other agencies through an advisory committee. ELUC also endorsed some general land management principles for the area surrounding the corridor. Special Studies The issues surrounding the implementation of secondary effluent treatment at the Annacis Island Sewage Treatment Plant were referred to the Secretariat. An inter-governmental task group, including representatives of the Fisherman's Union, the Fisheries Association, and the Westwater Research Institute of UBC, concluded their analysis. The detailed proposals they made were endorsed by ELUC. These included (1) the immediate implementation of a source control program to reduce the amount of toxic materials entering Annacis; (2) implementation of pilot tests to determine the most cost-efficient type of secondary treatment. The University Endowment Lands were singled out for a conceptual planning study in 1976 by ELUC. The objective is to develop an overview concept that explicitly takes account of the diverse demands and pressures for the use of the land. Environmental and land use studies as part of the Northeast Coal Study coordinated by ELUC Secretariat represented a major element of the total program involving all units of the Secretariat. The Secretariat chaired a subcommittee of a number of resource ministries. This was one of five subcommittees established to examine various aspects of the study and advise the Cabinet Coal Committee. In addition, professional staff served on townsite and manpower subcommittees. A major field program was mounted by the Resource Analysis Unit to provide baseline data and complete a preliminary assessment of environmental impacts of proposed rail, road, and townsite alternatives. This demanded considerable inter-ministerial and inter-committee collaboration on both inventory and analysis phases. The broad goal was to ensure environmental analysis as an integral component in all aspects of feasibility assessment, project planning, and development. environment and land use committee secretariat u 121 Environmental Impact Assessment The Secretariat has continued to co-ordinate Ministry reviews of the impact assessments prepared by B.C. Hydro and Power Authority for major hydro and thermal power developments and associated transmission-lines. In addition, the ELUC directed the Secretariat to attend the hearings on the proposed Revelstoke Dam and report directly to the Committee on the social and community policy implications of that project. Coal development has assumed a high economic significance in response to rising world prices. In order that the many development proposals in northeastern and southeastern British Columbia could be subject to a systematic, consistent, and comprehensive appraisal, the ELUC issued Guidelines for Coal Development in March 1976, which outlines the environment and community impact assessment process outlined earlier in this Report. At the end of 1976, submissions from six companies were under consideration, representing a major work load for the ELUC Secretariat. The coal development guidelines policy of Government is functioning as an effective means of positive project assessment and communication between the private and public sectors. Co-ordination of Appeals Under the terms of the Land Commission Act, local governments can request modifications (inclusions and exclusions) to the British Columbia designated agricultural land reserves. The ELUC receives and considers these applications from municipal authorities. In addition, the ELUC is the designated appeal body for all individual appeals related to agricultural land reserve designations. Such appeals only go forward with the concurrence of local government and two members of the B.C. Land Commission. In 1976 the ELUC considered 27 appeals and applications. Contribution to Inter-ministerial Studies The Secretariat has served to co-ordinate comprehensive environmental and land use analyses which form part of an over-all project assessment. The best examples of 1976 activity in this regard related to North East Coal Development and the assessment of oil tanker movements. Oil tanker movement off the British Columbia Coast is a policy question receiving joint consideration by several Provincial ministries in so far as it affects British Columbia interests and jurisdictions. Relevant Provincial considerations embrace energy supply, environment, transportation, and economic development. As of year-end, co-ordinated consideration was continuing with ELUC Secretariat efforts focused on environmental implications. This work involves close cooperation with relevant resource agencies. RESOURCE PLANNING UNIT The Resource Planning Unit prime function is to organize and conduct regional scale integrated resource, environmental, and land use planning studies as directed by the Environment and Land Use Committee. The approach taken to these studies has been outlined. Studies co-ordinated by the Unit, or those reviewed by the Unit prior to presentation to the ELUC have resulted in the establishment of special planning and management areas in the Skeena and Thompson-Okanagan Resource Manage- U 122 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT ment Region during 1976. Studies in the South East Kootenay area and in the Terrace-Hazelton area, which began in 1974 and 1975 and continue into 1977, are aimed at achieving balanced environment and land use planning based on biophysical analyses and economic and social considerations. During 1976, Unit staff have also been involved in community and social development impact, analyses of the environmental impact assessment and planning submission of developers under the Guidelines for Coal Development. Staff have also been active in drafting similar guidelines for linear development. These items are more fully reviewed in the Special Projects Unit report. Resource Planning Unit staff also participated as active members of the North East Coal Study Sub-Committee on Townsite and Community Development and on Labour. Major projects initiated or completed by the Resource Planning Unit during 1976 are highlighted below. Terrace-Hazelton Forest Resources Study continued as a major project in 1976 and was completed for submission to the ELUC. This study, conducted by the Unit staff reporting to a Steering Committee of senior Secretariat, Forest Service, and Canadian Cellulose Co. Ltd. officials, assesses the relative values of each major resource in the 15-million-acre study area and concentrates on the potential of the timber resource. Government and industry institution factors in resource management in the regional economy were identified. A logging operability model which integrates the physical nature of the logging systems and assumptions about future markets was developed to arrive at a classification of the "economic" forest. When combined with annual allowable cut figures, this model gives a realistic picture of the amount of timber that can be cut under varying conditions of resource, economy, and engineering. Although having specific relevance to planning in the Terrace-Hazelton area, this study has introduced an "integrated" resource management approach which, once refined, will be applicable elsewhere and which combines not only multiple resource use planning procedures but includes financial and engineering considerations in resource management. Technical papers on the logging operability approach to identify forest harvest potential were being prepared and proposals for on-the-ground testing of the study findings were under consideration at the year-end. The ELUC endorsed two new approaches to resource planning and management in areas where recreation and preservation values are high and warranted special management, but where full preservation status under the Park Act was not warranted. A third approach involving recreation area designation is also noteworthy. Together these are distinct but comparable approaches to integrated planning and management worthy of close attention. INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT UNIT Unit staff were actively involved in the introduction and definition of the Integrated Management Unit approach to area designation in the Babine Mountains, north of Smithers. This involves multiple use of an area with resource management being jointly planned and implemented by a committee of regionally based resource managers. The area remains under the general jurisdiction of the Forest Service with usual administrative responsibilities retained by the Forest Service, the Mineral Resources Branch, Land Management Branch, Water Rights Branch, and the Fish ENVIRONMENT AND LAND USE COMMITTEE SECRETARIAT U 123 and Wildlife Branch. Special recognition is being given to high-value recreation features and wildlife habitats. So far, policies have been prepared by an IMU Committee for preservation of vegetation, soils, and scenic qualities of the subalpine and alpine zones for the enhancement and preservation of wildlife values and their nonconsumptive use and for the retention of extensive wildland recreation. The IMU approach is experimental at this time and, whereas a draft policy has been completed for the Babine IMU, extensive planning will follow. Since the IMU is a new approach to planning, it will likely lead to the introduction of a number of administrative challenges which so often result from the overlapping of jurisdictional interests for a common purpose. Bonaparte-Tranquille Wildland Recreation Reserves On the Bonaparte-Tranquille Plateau, in accordance with the recommendations of an inter-ministry study report prepared by resource management staff in the Thompson-Okanagan Resource Management Region, the ELUC adopted a different approach to recognizing wildland recreation values. Here, special area reserves were established under the Land Act and other Acts. These reserves served to restrict alienation and extractive resource uses. Outdoor recreation planning will be conducted by the Forest Service in consultation with other ministries. Adams River Corridor A third approach is that being taken to integrated recreation resource planning and management, as exemplified by the Adams River Corridor. This involves the designation of the land as a recreation area under the Park Act. While other agencies act as advisers on matters of interest to their ministries, the Parks Branch is responsible for administration. Although each approach was designed to be applied to a certain area, they have a common thread of integrated resource management of recreation and preservation values where other resource values are high and warrant land use allocation. On behalf of the ELUC, whose decision it was to implement these approaches, the Resource Planning Unit will continue to monitor implementation of these decisions. South East Coal Project The South East Coal Project involves the Resource Planning Unit and the Resource Analysis Unit in a set of study programs. The first objective is to determine how much coal development, where, when, and with what environmental, social, and community development impacts, will occur in the Elk and Flathead River valleys. The second objective is to determine, in consultation with the Provincial ministries, regional and local government, and boards, how these impacts can be managed. The Resource Planning Unit presented a report on coal development prospects and impacts to the ELUC and Cabinet Committee on Coal Development early in 1976 followed by a presentation by staff to the Coal Committe of the Regional District of East Kootenay later in the year. Staff also accompanied the Minister of the Environment to the coal development area and to meetings with Provincial Government and regional district officials in November. In addition to these major meetings, there were several meetings with municipal officials on planning problems being faced in Sparwood, Elkford, and Fernie. U 124 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT The Resource Analysis Unit completed its field work for biophysical inventories of the study area and at year-end portfolios were in draft form for urban suitability analyses of the existing and proposed townsites and for analyses of the environmental hazards and sensitivities in the valley bottom-lands which would be subject to transportation and mining developments. University Endowment Lands Resource Planning Unit staff also played a major role in the co-ordination of the University Endowment Lands study and development plan concept. This project has involved extensive public consultation and proposals will be going forward to the ELUC early in 1977. North East Coal Study As members of the North East Coal Study Townsite and Labour Force Subcommittee, staff have prepared submissions on Provincial service requirements and costs for proposed communities and have been active in advising on studies on town- site development service cost allocation. Other major projects involving Unit staff include: All-terrain Policy Review—This began in late 1976 and will involve inter- ministerial consultation to determine approaches to all-terrain vehicle area selection and designation. Work is under the direction of the Outdoor Recreation Coordinating Committee, chaired by the Outdoor Recreation Branch of the Ministry of Recreation and Conservation. They will report to ELUC in the spring of 1977. Kitwanga-Meziadan Impact Study—Final resolution of highway location in the Cranberry Junction received attention. Resolution is anticipated in early 1977. South Moresby Island Wilderness Proposal—Secretariat, Parks Branch and Forest Service staff reviewed this proposal by Queen Charlotte Island residents. A draft report prepared by a member of the Resource Planning Unit is now being considered by the Skeena Resource Management Committee. Boston Bar/North End Bridge Proposal—A review of this proposal was requested by the Ministry of Highways and Public Works. Staff have consulted with Forest Service, local industry, and highways officials. Guidelines for Resource Management Committees—Draft guidelines were prepared by the Secretariat and circulated for comment. Work was continuing at year-end in response to these comments. Englishman River—Staff advised the ELUC on alternative approaches to public designation of streambank lands in an area proposed for private development. Trespass on Crown lands—A paper prepared on trespass in 1975 was circulated to land management agencies in 1976. A revised paper was then presented to the Environment and Land Use Technical Committee late in 1976. Members of the Committee will take their concerns on this matter to the ELUC early in 1977. Other smaller projects or those with more limited scope or those which are pending ELUC or Ministry initiation or reinitiation have not been mentioned. During 1976 the Resource Planning Unit of the Secretariat participated in numerous seminars and workshops, including the Forest Service Unit IV Class, University of Victoria law classes (environmental law), Inter-Mountain Logging Conference, Centre for Continuing Education Conference on Environmental Impact Assessment, Pacific Northwest Regional Economic Conference, and others. ENVIRONMENT AND LAND USE COMMITTEE SECRETARIAT U 125 SPECIAL PROJECTS UNIT The major function of the Unit has been to co-ordinate environmental impact assessments for major development projects in the Province. As noted in the Director's report, the Secretariat has developed a number of guidelines for carrying out such studies relating to major hydro generation projects, coal developments such as roads, railways, transmission-lines, and pipelines. Guidelines for these linear types of development are still in draft form. These procedures are now being applied to a wide range of development projects (Table 34) and much of the Unit staff time was spent in discussion with developers and consultants to explain the guideline processes and review consultants reports. The Coal Guidelines Steering Committee, chaired by the Assistant Director of the Special Projects Unit, met several times during the year and reviewed five Stage I reports and one Stage II report prepared by various coal developers (Table 34). The Special Projects Unit also chaired the Environment and Land Use Subcommittee for the North East Coal Study. This Subcommittee was responsible for undertaking environmental baseline inventories and preliminary environmental assessments of road, rail, and townsite alternatives. The Unit co-ordinated input to field studies from a number of resource ministries and prepared a preliminary impact report which has been reviewed and accepted by these agencies. The Unit also played a major role in the review of environmental reports associated with oil-tanker routes, terminals, and pipeline proposals for the west coast of British Columbia. The Secretariat participated on an Interdepartmental Tanker Traffic Committee and Energy Transportation Task Force. Short-term Projects The Unit continued in its role as mediator in land use and environmental conflicts, seeking satisfactory solutions in accordance with rational planning guidelines. Review of the mitigation plans to compensate for lost winter wildlife habitat in the Pend-d'Oreille Valley was completed, as was a report on the timing of implementation of secondary treatment at Annacis Island. The Unit continued to monitor sawmill developments in the Cowichan estuary to ensure continued adherence to the 1974 ELUC decision ruling out additional industry in the estuary. Waterfront lands owned by B.C. Hydro on the Arrow Reserve are now being offered for sale in the northern and central sections of the reservoir in accordance with a land use plan co-ordinated through the Secretariat, though additional studies are being undertaken in the southern part to search for land use plans that minimize the disturbance of prime winter habitat for deer yet permit some resettlement for former land-owners. The Unit also reviewed a report prepared by an interdepartmental committee chaired by the Parks Branch on a proposal for a wilderness park in the Chilcotin region. Terms of reference for specific studies on alternative proposals have been drafted. Agricultural Leasing Policy Review The Environment and Land Use Committee was directed by the Secretariat to review existing policies operated by the Land Management Branch for leasing Crown lands for agricultural development. A small task group comprised of representatives from the Unit, Land Management, the Ministry of Agriculture, and U 126 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT the Resource Analysis Branch is at present undertaking this review and will be reporting to the Committee in the spring. B.C. Ferry Study A comprehensive study of the B.C. Ferry system operating between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland was completed by the Secretariat in April. The report examined a number of options available for the future management and development of the ferry system, including environmental and land use implications of a short crossing of the Strait of Georgia between Iona Island and Gabriola Island. Long-term Projects The Unit is responsible for chairing a number of interdepartmental task groups established to prepare policy recommendations and for resource management proposals to ELUC associated with long-term management issues. Benefit-cost Analysis Substantial progress was made during 1976 toward the completion of Guidelines for Benefit-cost Analysis, a working manual which will set out principles for economic evaluation of major public expenditures undertaken by Government agencies. A working group of economists from various resource ministries, chaired by the Special Projects Unit, has prepared a final draft which will be submitted for policy acceptance in early 1977. Salmonid Enhancement Program The Unit has convened a small task group to examine the impact on resources under regional jurisdiction which might result from enhancement of salmonids in various watersheds. The Unit has also assisted the Federal Government in applying the benefit-cost guidelines to the evaluation of enhancement project alternatives. Agricultural Land Reserve Reviews The Special Projects Unit continued to act as a liaison between the Land Commission and the ELUC in the review of ALR applications and appeals under the jurisdiction of the Committee. The Unit's responsibility was to discuss resource and land use implications with line agencies, identifying issues affecting Government policies, and to document implications of alternative solutions for ELUC guidance in decision-making. Coastal Zone Projects The Unit participated in a subcommittee on Coast Zone Resource Inventory under the general direction of the B.C. Land Resources Committee. Other work in the coastal zone included summarizing Government programs and resource management issues on Howe Sound and the Lower Fraser River and estuary. The Secretariat has now been given the responsibility to convene a task group of Provincial and municipal government agencies to examine present and future land use requirements in the Lower Fraser River estuary area as part of a co-ordinated approach to land use planning in this sensitive area. Williston Reservoir Resources Study The Unit has co-ordinated a multi-agency study team examining the resource potentials in and around Williston Reservoir. Detailed fishery and limnology studies were completed during the year, but over-all integration of study results has been delayed due to competing priorities. ENVIRONMENT AND LAND USE COMMITTEE SECRETARIAT U 127 Table 34—Impact Assessment Reports Reviewed by Secretariat and Government Agencies During 1976 Developer/Agency Proposed Development Energy projects— B.C. Hydro B.C. Hydro ."..— .- B.C. Hydro Gas pipelines— Alberta Natural Gas : Alcan Pipeline .• Kitimat Pipeline Ltd Transmission-lines— B.C. Hydro B.C. Hydro Highways— B.C. Department of Highways and Public Works ._ B.C. Department of Highways and Public Works ._.. - B.C. Department of Highways and Public Works B.C. Department of Highways and Public Works ..... Railways—■ Canadian National Canadian National Canadian National B.C. Railway _ B.C. Railway Coal-mining developments— Southeast British Columbia: Sage Creek Coal Co. Ltd. Crowsnest Industries . Kaiser Coal of Canada Ltd. Northeast British Columbia: Denison Mines Ltd _ Utah Mines „. Other mining developments— Afton Mines Equity Mining Corporation Port and Coastal developments — Kitimat Pipelines Ltd „ 1 Included in North East Coal Study. Hat Creek Thermal Project (Transportation Study). Sites C & E, Peace River (Stage I). Revelstoke Dam, Columbia (Stage II). Crowsnest Pass to Kingsgate Route (Heritage Site Impact Report). Yukon to Alberta and Fort Nelson to Sumas (Stage I). Kitimat to Edmonton (Stage I). Nicola to Cranbrook (500-kv) (Stage II). Site One to Pine Valley (500-kv) (Stage II). Kitwanga to Meziadin (Stage II). Chetwynd to Tumbler Ridge (Stage I).i Dawson Creek to Tumbler Ridge (Stage I).1 Fort Nelson to Fort Simpson (Stage I). McGregor to Monkman Access (Stage l).1 Valemount to Tete Jaune (Stage II). Ashcroft to Clinton (Stage II). Chetwynd to Tumbler Ridge (Stage I).t Anzac to Tumbler Ridge (Stage I).i Sage Creek (Stage I). Line Creek (Stage I). Hosmer to Wheeler (Stage I and Stage II). Quintette Coal Project (Stage I). Carbon Creek Project (Stage I). Afton Mine at Kamloops (Stage II). Sam Goosley Project (Stage II). Kitimat Oil Port Development (Stage I). RESOURCE ANALYSIS UNIT The Resource Analysis Unit was formed by the B.C. Department of Agriculture in 1964 and was known as the B.C. Land Inventory. The B.C. Land Inventory was headed by a Co-ordinating Chairman who received his direction first from the ARDA (Agricultural Rehabilitation and Development Act) Deputy Ministers' Committee and later from the Environment and Land Use Technical Committee. Then, as now, it was a multi-disciplinary group of highly trained professionals and technicians capable of doing inventories rapidly for a number of uses as well as a number of integrative impact or planning functions. The group was strengthened by the addition of surficial geologists, hydrologists, and fisheries biologists to complete the complement of natural resource professionals. In January 1974 the B.C. Land Inventory was moved from the B.C. Department of Agriculture to the Environment and Land Use Committee Secretariat. Concomitantly, negotiations began to move the remainder of Soil Survey to the Secretariat while allowing for specific soils expertise to be available to the Department of Agriculture. Such specifics include advisory roles in fertilization, drainage, irrigation, tilling methods, etc. This transfer of soil personnel is not yet finished and six positions should be established in the Resource Analysis Unit to bring its effectiveness in soils back up to strength while allowing Agriculture access to positions U 128 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT needed by them. Soil survey and other surveys of the Resource Analysis Unit are so obviously of use to all ministries that the Unit cannot be as effective in a single management ministry as it can be in a nonmanagement-oriented agency. The Secretariat was a convenient agency for this purpose. In the coming year the Resource Analysis Unit will be grouped with other service agencies in the Ministry of the Environment to further enhance the neutral role of "base data" collectors. The Resource Analysis Unit is the Provincial agency responsible for (1) Soil survey; (2) Surficial Geology/Terrain Analysis Inventory; (3) Vegetation Inventory; (4) Climate Inventory; (5) Aquatic Systems Inventory. These systematic surveys or inventories of the Province are not done in any other Government ministries but are basic to all resource management agencies and their specific management problems. Thus these functions are services to other ministries and require rigid application of scientific principles and standards. Members of the Resource Analysis Unit, as a consequence, are British Columbia representatives to the Canadian Soil Survey Committee, the National Committee on Biophysical Classification, Urban Resource Information System (North), and others, including some in the formative stage such as the National Resource Data Systems Committee, the National Committee of Quarternary Geology, and a National Committee of Resource Meteorology. Most of these have international or North American counterparts such as the International Soil Congress and Urban Resource Information Systems America. The Unit is in three divisions: (1) Resource Inventory Division; (2) Analysis/Interpretation Division; (3) Data Services Division. The Resource Inventory Division and Analysis/Interpretation Division conduct similar activities, but in very different proportions. The preponderance of work in the Inventory Division is systematic regional inventories according to Province- wide and national standards. It also does interpretations and analysis or impact assessment for developments or requirements within the map area and at the map scale they are currently working or using. The Analysis/Interpretation Division has a preponderance of analysis interpretations, education, and impact assessment activities and is usually concerned with inventory for small areas and at more detailed standard scales as priority requests arise from the ELUC or from other line agencies. The qualifications of professional personnel in each division is similar and occasional functional shifts occur between the personnel of the two divisions. Throughout the Unit the melding of professionals and their work into a biophysical approach to integrated environment and land use management is the over-riding theme. The Data Services Division provides all laboratory services, library, air photo (remote sensing), cartography (manual and semi-automated), and data handling to the other divisions. This Division is also responsible for operations research and methods analysis of all activities in the Secretariat on a continuing basis. Outside the Resource Analysis Unit it provides services to the other Units of the ELUC Secretariat and represents the entire Secretariat on all computer, data handling, and systems matters. Interministerially, it has the function of co-ordinating the data services of the ELUC member agencies via the ELUC Data Services Committee, which reports to the ELUC Technical Committee. ENVIRONMENT AND LAND USE COMMITTEE SECRETARIAT U 129 The Resource Analysis Unit, like other units of the Secretariat, has a large investment in co-ordination, integration, and task force functions. Unlike the other units of the Secretariat where such functions are with planning and resource policy aspects, the Resource Analysis Unit performs such functions with their technical and scientific counterparts of resource managers and regional planners. In this way, the Resource Analysis Unit's co-ordination, etc., role, is complementary to and supportive of the goals of the other two units. In addition, it is the responsibility of the Resource Analysis Unit to ensure that data collections are of high quality and are compatible between agencies so that they can be used efficiently by all and so that costs can be kept to a minimum. This is done by arranging for standard data collection formats, committees, task forces, etc. The Unit comprises a work force of 120 people. The uniqueness of the Unit lies not simply in its capability to collect information about geology, soils, vegetation, or weather, for example, but to collect it in such a manner that the total contribution and effect of all these components is recognized as representing the quality of the land. This wide-ranging, objective approach to land resources allows the Unit to provide sufficient data to support objective decision-making in areas conflicting interagency interests. Among the duties of the Unit are the following: (1) Preparation of resource inventories and interpretations on a comprehensive and systematic basis and when required on a priority area or strike force basis. (2) Preparation of environmental and land use data interpretations for environmental evaluations and impact assessments for resource management or for economic development. (3) Development of methodologies, co-ordination of standards and education via publications, workshops, seminars, and by public involvement where necessary or requested. (4) Furthering the technical and scientific educational process in Government and private sectors by reviewing and making recommendations on agency and consultants' reports and by providing survey and inventory methods and guidelines in the fields of expertise found within the unit. The largest single project during the year was the North East Coal Study, which required rapid surveys for environmental impact assessment (especially in transportation corridors) and for economic analysis related to physical advantages and disadvantages of each route. Several slide, slump, and avalanche areas were identified for costing in railroad, road, and pipeline route options. Most other activities are shown in Table 34. Data Service activities are difficult to show since they occur in every project for its maintenance. Approximately 300 maps were drafted by Data Presentation Section along with several folios, reductions for screen or wall projection, as well as innumerable graphics for reports, public hearings, and displays. Computing Services processed the greatest amount of data in their history. Besides adding to all existing data banks they have begun design of two new banks. In addition, they conducted a special project for the Ministry of Agriculture using x, y digitizers and their terminal capacity to generate acreages by agricultural capability rating for every mapped area of the Province. A publication of the results was made for the Ministry of Agriculture and is available from Resource Analysis Branch Library or from Agriculture. U 130 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT Table 35—Some Major Projects for 1976 Type of Project Special Concern Area Collection and interpretation of weather and climate data for re- Northwest British Columbia, Lillooet, Omineca. and where necessary for urban and With particular attention to coal and associated development. Southeast British Columbia. Particularly on forestry and fisheries resources affected by timber harvesting in difficult terrain. Northeast British Columbia, Queen Charlotte Islands. Interpretation and presentation of previously collected climate data Grazing, dry land agriculture. Kamloops area. Additional emphasis on agriculture. Southwest British Columbia. tion. Focused particularly on agricultural problems in the Okanagan Region. Okanagan Region. Forest productivity sites. To establish relationships between climate and tree growth to support replanting, fertilization, and thinning programs in the Forest Service. Vancouver Forest District. Biophysical inventory of vegetation zones and types related to soils Supporting interpretations for coal and associated development. East Kootenay, northeast Kootenay. ning and allocation. Penticton, northwest Kootenay, Skeena - Takla, Cariboo - North Thompson, Southern Vancouver Island, Kluskus, Prince George, Morice River-Whitesail Lake, central and northern Vancouver Island, Vernon, Nelson. To gain an understanding of age, development, and origin of alpine surficial sediments and soils to support planning for high elevation logging. Omineca Mountains. To map landforms and materials to provide the physical framework for soils, vegetation, and resource interpretations for planning. Supporting interpretations for coal and associated development. East Kootenay. Kluskus area, Bowser Lake. Slope stability for selected watersheds, for forest resource planning. Queen Charlotte Islands. Support soils mapping for agricultural areas. Southern Vancouver Island. Illustrated keys to the Monocot, Di- cot, and Grass families of British Columbia. Throughout the regions of British Columbia. To review and assess, through application, technological changes and improvement in satellite technology relative to resource management needs. To devise and implement systems of classifying terrain at various information levels and scales, to map, analyse, and present terrain data in a manner such that it may be understood by a wide variety of users in Provincial, Federal, and private sectors. Steep-slope logging. To devise a system of classifying terrain specifically to support engineering applications designed to minimize likely environmental impacts of timber harvesting. ENVIRONMENT AND LAND USE COMMITTEE SECRETARIAT U 131 Table 35—Some Major Projects for 1976—Continued Type of Project Special Concern Area Provide basic hydro-meteorological data in a high-rainfall West Coast watershed and interpretation for forest resource management. Nahmint Basin. To study application of low-level colour air photography in stream inventory; to study changes in channel stability after a diversion; to monitor the effectiveness of a channel stabilization program. Elk River. To establish baseline biomass estimates for browse species to aid in land classification of wild ungulates. Spallumcheen Sensitivity Analysis; visual analysis and report for B.C. Land Commission. Spallumcheen. Inventory updating and monitoring of present land use patterns in northern British Columbia by remote sensing techniques for resource planning and management. Northern British Columbia. Frost-free period variations; to investigate suspected trends in frost- free periods in mapping climate capability for agriculture. Throughout the regions of British Columbia. To develop a methodology to predict moisture levels in soils relative to uses in agriculture and forestry. Throughout the regions of British Columbia. To determine the size of area over which fire weather forecasts could be applied from a single climate station. Throughout the regions of British Columbia. To assess the costs and benefits of extending the period over which climate data are collected in order to improve their quality. Throughout the regions of British Columbia. To apply improved analytic techniques to previously collected data to enhance climate mapping and interpretations for agriculture. Peace River area. To provide overview wildlife interpretations of biophysical information for a soils report. Bonaparte Lake and Nelson area. Enhancement of existing climate classification for coastal mapping areas. To analyse all existing data in the Province for applications in agriculture, forestry, and housing. To standardize instrumentation and site specifications for public and private agencies in the Province. U 132 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT Table 35—Some Major Projects for 1976—Continued Type of Project Special Concern Area Mapping and classification of soils and surficial materials to determine soil capability for mines, forestry, and agriculture and to provide interpretations for a variety- of resource uses. Nass River, West Kootenays, Central Vancouver Island, Bonaparte- Canim Lake area, Omineca-Peace area, Skeena Mountains, Hazelton area, Prince George area, North Okanagan-Shuswap area, South Okanagan, Terrace-Prince Rupert area, North Shuswap area, Monk- man Pass area. Covering industrial expansion grazing and irrigated areas. Kamloops area. With particular attention to coal and associated development. East Kootenay Region. Detailed survey of soils and land- forms to determine soil capability for agriculture and forestry and a variety of resource uses. Water requirements for irrigation. Okanagan and Similkameen. Allowing growth areas for urban development and agricultural land reserves. Langley, Vancouver area. Agricultural and urban conditions. Comox-Oyster River area. Examination of proposed Forest Service plot installations to determine the uniformity of soils. Vancouver Forest District. Base data on stream channel and fisheries parameters to enable forestry and (or) fisheries habitat protection and planning decisions by line agencies and companies. Nass and Skeena drainages. With particular attention to coal and associated development. Two special areas within east and southeast Kootenay Regions for more detailed consideration. These are Springbrook area and extreme southeast. Mapping and classification of wildlife (ungulates) from a biophysical base for resource management and protection. East Kootenay and southeast Kootenay Regions. Integrated resource analysis with B.C. Parks Branch. Adams River, Kamloops area. Development of methodologies for R.A.U. Wildlife Inventory and Biophysical Assessment. Province-wide. North East Coal Study; Aquatic Resources Component; provide aquatic biophysical base data and interpretations to guide development in the study area (37 map-sheets) with Water Resources and Fish and Wildlife Branches. Northeast British Columbia. Development of Aquatic Systems Handbook for all relevant agencies. Province-wide. Urban suitability studies; hydrologic consequences of urban development (with Municipal Affairs and Housing). North and West Vancouver. To provide aquatic data base for planning and management of forested domestic water supplies (with Forest Service and Water Resources). Nelson Forest District. Energy balance studies of water use of alfalfa (with Agriculture Canada). ENVIRONMENT AND LAND USE COMMITTEE SECRETARIAT U 133 Table 35—Some Major Projects jor 1976—Continued Type of Project Special Concern Area Energy balance over unirrigated seeded rangeland (with Agriculture Canada). Bioclimatology interpretations; climatic effects on weed toxicity (with CDA) and on the biochemistry of alfalfa. Province-wide. Soil and geologic inventory 930; map areas to describe and map soil and surficial deposits. Provide interpretations useful for land use planning. Detailed soil survey; soil description and mapping with interpretations suitable for management and planning. Pemberton Valley. Soil and geology inventory on specific Gulf Islands; to describe and map soil and surficial materials and to provide interpretations for management and planning; Island Trust. Gulf Islands. Surficial geology inventory program for Vancouver Island. Recreation inventory of the recreation features, physical carrying capacity for outdoor recreation, and inventory of existing recreation facilities; maps and accompanying report. North East Coal, South East Coal. Cousen's Bay carrying capacity inventory; a detailed survey for the Parks Branch to provide information necessary for park planning purposes (with Parks Branch). Cousen's Bay area. Compilation of a list of recreation terms presently used in Government which establish a base for recreation management; to evaluate list and suggest changes (Outdoor Recreation Committee and ELUC Secretariat, with Parks Branch). Recreation input to the Williston Lake Study. Inventory of the outdoor recreation features of the Williston Lake area; maps and report. Recreation inventory of areas in As- siniboine Park; inventory of outdoor recreation features and physical carrying capacity of selected areas within and near Assinibcine Park (with Parks Branch). Application and assessment of remote sensing (thermal); evaluating and utilizing airborne thermal imagery for determined spatial distribution of surface temperature. Application of airborne radar to ground surveying; high-resolution airborne radar will be used to survey an area near Fort St. John to allow evaluation and assessment of the technique and the derived information. U 134 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT Table 35—Some Major Projects for 1976—Continued Type of Project Special Concern Area Feasibility of developing frost penetration measurement and modelling. Climate input into suitability for townsite location Highlands/Met- chosin in response to report on Victoria Highlands (Canada Forestry Service). During the year the Soils Laboratory processed 3,549 samples; conducted 35,228 chemical analyses and 12,745 physical analyses. Despite this highest volume of all time and one extra laboratory technician obtained on contract, the carry-over of samples will be greater this year than any before. Last year the carry-over was about 400 samples. This year 800 samples arising from Resource Analysis Unit surveys and 650 from Forest Service Research Division will be carried over. It is essential that the services of the extra technician continue to be available. The Library handled a record number of requests for maps and publications and has started easing storage problems with the aid of microfilm/microfiche. Further information on any of the Resource Analysis Unit activities or on material available from other years may be obtained from the Catalogue of Maps and Publications. This catalogue can be obtained by writing to The Library, Resource Analysis Branch, Ministry of the Environment, Legislative Buildings, Victoria, B.C. V8V 1X4; or by telephoning 387-6995; or by dropping in at 839 Academy Close. PERSONNEL SERVICES PERSONNEL SERVICES R. J. C. Webber, Director In the past, this office functioned as the personnel office for three separate services—Lands, Water Resources, and the Environment and Land Use Committee Secretariat. In early 1976, however, the newly elected Government announced that these services would be amalgamated in the Department of Environment, and subsequently the Ministry of the Environment. Also in 1976, the British Columbia Land Commission, consisting of 23 positions from the Department of Agriculture, was added to the Ministry. This year's Report reflects this new organization. Even though recruitment was less than in previous years, Personnel Services continued to be active in 1976 because of the demands from union negotiations and classification, and an increase in union grievances. In addition, contract interpretations were required in many areas and there were increased requests for various statistical reports due to the cut-back on hiring imposed by the Treasury Board. During the year, Personnel Services undertook the heavy task of decentralizing Personnel Records, and by year-end the first step of that project had been completed with all records and instructions sent to the field. Seminars and audits are planned for 1977 as a follow-up step in order to aid in the transition of records. Steps were also taken to update all Ministry organization charts and to produce them on a common format. At year-end this task was well on its way to completion. Additionally, efforts were being made to create position control files, but lack of available clerical staff in the office is severely hindering completion of this task. There were many staff changes in Personnel Services during 1976. A. P. (Tony) Magee, M. (Bud) Harvey, and Peter Birch-Jones replaced R. Renaud, K. Knight, and R. Emperingham as Personnel Advisers; Heather Hawrys replaced the Office Manager, and Kerry Alexander the Receptionist. LABOUR RELATIONS Considerable labour relations activity was evident in 1976 with all BCGEU components being renegotiated, one BCPEA component was still under negotiation at the beginning of the year and their Master Agreement reopened at year-end. Redirection of our Ministry's bargaining activities continued while the Personnel staff moved more into a co-ordinating role. Even with this redirection, Ron Renaud was heavily involved in the bargaining of several components and Tony Magee in management caucus sessions for the BCPEA Master. Several line managers participated in union negotiations in 1976, most notable were R. P. Murdoch, Manager of the University Endowment Lands; Andy Lynch and Ilga Kalnins of the Environmental Laboratory; and G. E. Simmons, Assistant Deputy Minister. During 1976 a number of grievances were handled by the Ministry; however, only two grievances required formal arbitration to reach resolution. 137 U 138 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT RECRUITMENT OF CONTINUOUS STAFF Government restrictions on the number of vacant positions that could be filled continued in 1976. This resulted in a substantial decrease in recruiting activity over previous years as the following graph illustrates: to u o S W z 200 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 181 145 197 1972 1973 1974 Year 35 1976 SEASONAL AND SHORT-TERM APPOINTMENTS Short-term hiring was also down in 1976. Reductions in funds made available to the service for use in hiring students during the summer and restrictions on hiring temporary staff were major reasons for the slow-down. Additionally, higher students' salaries in 1976 resulted in fewer jobs with the funds available. <L> S a 360 340 320 300 280 260 240 220 200 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 128 322 286 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 Year PERSONNEL SERVICES U 139 RECLASSIFICATIONS There were fewer reclassifications processed in 1976 than in the previous year in which an unusually large number of Technical Assistants were reclassified as a result of a major review of that series in 1975. In addition to individual reviews, major reviews were still under way at year-end to study the classifications of all licensed professionals and many technical positions in the Pollution Control Branch, and a similar study is under way in the Environment and Land Use Committee Secretariat covering all positions. C3 py) 1) o 6w Cl s m E I 260 240 220 200 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 -.:,■'■ 99 H 1972 1973 1974 1975 Year 1976 STAFF TRAINING Staff training funds made available through the Public Service Commission provided educational assistance to 122 Ministry employees during 1976. In addition, 35 licensed professional employees received educational assistance through their Optional Selection of Benefits Plan. Executive Development Training Plan Class 18 graduates: H. K. Boas, Land Officer, Land Management Branch, Prince George. H. H. Nesbitt-Porter, Engineer, Water Investigations Branch. R. A. Nickel, Biologist, Pollution Control Branch, Prince George. Correspondence Course in Public Administration Class 12 graduates: A. O. Stephens, Engineer, Pollution Control Branch, Kamloops. R. C. Muir, Technical Assistant, Environment and Land Use Committee Secretariat. A. K. McKenzie, Technician, Water Investigations Branch. PRINCIPAL PROMOTIONS, APPOINTMENTS, AND TRANSFERS The following key promotions occurred during 1976: E. McMinn, promoted to Director, Surveys and Mapping Branch. W. Taylor, appointed to Surveyor-General, Surveys and Mapping Branch. E. Warnock, promoted to Regional Land Manager, Williams Lake. U 140 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT D. O'Gorman, appointed as Acting Director, ELUC Secretariat. J. Dyck, promoted to Regional Engineer, Water Rights Branch, Prince George. E. Anthony, promoted to Deputy Comptroller, Water Rights Branch. Establishment at December 31, 1976 Number of established positions, 1,094. Number of vacant established positions, 173. Number of temporary employees on staff, 369. Total number of employees on staff, 1,290. Turnover Turnover within the Ministry continues to be significantly lower than the Government average. No obvious single factor appears to account for this wide variance or the improvement in Ministry turnover from 1975 to 1976. However, it is expected that improvement is at least partially attributable to the relatively high unemployment levels in Canada and the higher salaries in British Columbia. Statistically, the 7.5-per-cent rate is consistent with past methods of calculation; however, taking into consideration the large number of positions intentionally left unfilled during 1976, a more representative rate would be 7.0 per cent. G o u t-c a a. 20% 19 18 17 16 15 ____— 16.5 15.5 -~"""^ 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 10.8 x \ \ \ \ X N \ S 7.5 Government-wide average Environment average 1975 v 1976 Year PERSONNEL SERVICES U 141 SICK LEAVE Or VI Q s Z 00 ca a) > < 1> >-. o s W M U Oh ca u 5.9 4.9' 1975 6.4 5.1 Government-wide average Environment average 1976 Year The incidence of sick leave in the Ministry, although slightly higher than in 1975, continues to be significantly below the Government average. Payment of unused sick leave credits, as provided in the first collective agreement, had the initial effect of reducing sick leave; however, it has been increasing since that date and during 1976 the use of sick leave was again approaching former levels. RETIREMENTS The following employees retired in 1976: R. C. Fraser, Technical Assistant 4, Surveys and Mapping Branch, after 22 years' and 8 months' service. S. L. Clarke, Technician 3, Surveys and Mapping Branch, after 37 years' and 3 months' service. R. Butt, Technical Assistant 4, Legal Surveys Branch, after 32 years' service. J. Hawes, Technician 1, Surveys and Mapping Branch, after 20 years' service. M. Chandler, Technician 2, Water Rights Branch, after 48 years' service. A. K. Sutherland, Program Manager 4, Deputy Comptroller, Water Rights Branch, after 28 years' service. J. Pagonyi, Technical Assistant 4, Surveys and Mapping Branch, after 19 years' and 6 months' service. LONG-SERVICE AWARDS The following people became elegible for 25- and 35-year awards during 1976: 25 years— R. Anfield Z. Bradley H. DeBeck W.Jackson V. Knapik C. Mansfield 35 years— E. R. Gandy A. Lees D. Preston J. Perdul R. Harris M. West G. Wilson MAIL AND FILE ROOM MAIL AND FILE ROOM Letters received in the Ministry during 1976 amounted to 206,202, compared with 218,041 in 1975, a decrease of 11,839 pieces. During the year a review was made of the older historical records, which were indexed, catalogued, and accepted for reference purposes and safe-keeping by the Provincial Archives, Ministry of the Provincial Secretary and Travel Industry. Table 36—Mail and File Room Work Load LETTERS INWARD 1976 1975 10-year Average, 1967-1976 Branch— 57,839 89,423 41,567 17,373 62,401 | 64,091 101,644 117,385 Water 37,921 37,944 16,075 21,977 Totals 206,202 218,041 [ 241,397 1 I LETTERS OUTWARD (RECORDED) Branch—■ Lands Forests 1 1 9,100 [ 10,366 1,642 1,866 13,455 1,815 Totals 10,742 12,232 1 15,270 MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS Designation—■ Forest-fire reports.. Logging inspection Land classification. Totals 15,609 NEW FILES CREATED Designation— "O" files 1 I 3,206 | 2,946 1.457 1 1367 6,383 1 4<M1 576 430 | 828 Totals 5,239 | 4,743 I 8,701 Microfilm reference, 850. 145 ACCOUNTING DIVISION ACCOUNTING DIVISION K. R. MacKay, Comptroller This Division provides accounting services for the Water Resources Service, the Lands Service, the Environment and Land Use Committee Secretariat, and the Provincial Land Commission. These services include direction and assistance in the preparation of annual estimates, control of appropriations allotted, maintenance of adequate statistical information concerning all phases of financial activity in the Ministry, the preparation and distribution of payroll data, the processing of accounts payable and purchase requisitions, the billing and collection of Water Rights, Land Management, and Surveys and Mapping revenue, and the preparation of various reports and summaries for other Provincial ministries and Federal Government departments. Numerous Treasury Board directives, complex and varied staff agreements, and increasing demands for information from the Ministry of Finance have made it a busy year. In addition, a new Financial Management Reporting System was instituted by the Ministry of Finance which is inadequate at its present stage of development and necessitated additional input by the Accounting Division staff to make monthly program and activity reports more meaningful. Work has continued during 1976 on the transfer of the accounting for Lands Service revenue from a manual to a computerized system. Target date for implementation of the new system is April 1, 1977. Following is certain information with regard to revenues of the Water Resources Service and the Lands Service for 1976. WATER RESOURCES SERVICE Water Rights revenue increased by $1,474,499 in 1976 and this was due mainly to increases in power revenue of $1,111,990 and funds received on applications of $278,605. Following is a statement of Water Rights revenue for 1976 by major purpose and also a statement of comparative revenue for the past 10-year period: Domestic, incidental use, and fees 702,172 Waterworks 199,703 Irrigation 23,599 Power 11,386,067 Funds received on applications 331,139 12,642,680 149 U 150 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT Table 37—Comparison of Revenue for 10-year Period, 1967—76, Inclusive 1967 2,431,010 1968 2,749,848 1969 3,364,577 1970 3,716,932 1971 4,076,598 $ 1972 4,923,346 1973 5,404,106 1974 6,287,142 1975 11,168,181 1976 12,642,680 LANDS SERVICE As at December 31, 1976, there were 14,685 lease accounts. Following are certain summaries and comparisons in regard to Lands Service revenues: Summary of Lands Service Net Revenue Collections for the Year Ended December 31,1976 LAND LEASES, RENTALS, FEES, etc. LAND SALES SALE OF MAPS 3 AIR PHOTOS NET REVENUE COLLECTIONS 2 3 4 5 MILLIONS OF DOLLARS Table 38—Classification of Revenue Collections for the Year Ended December 31,1976 Land sales— $ Country lands 1,190,145.40 Town lots 234,518.41 Surface rights — Indian reserve cut-off 11,090.14 1,435,753.95 Land leases, rentals, fees, etc.— Foreshore leases— $ Booming and log storage 1,040,012.07 Commercial (marinas, etc.) 1,224,184.64 Oyster 18,167.85 Miscellaneous (foreshore protection, etc.) 80,167.64 2,362,532.20 ACCOUNTING division U 151 Table 38—Classification of Revenue Collections for the Year Ended December 31, 1976—Continued Land leases— $ $ Grazing and (or) agriculture 492,187.36 Quarrying (limestone, sand, and gravel) 78,597.00 Camp-site (lodge, fishing) 460.00 Homesite 357.38 Residential 943,331.40 Miscellaneous 83,308.02 1,598,241.16 Land use permits 845.00 Licences of occupation 126,837.00 Royalty collections 616,037.48 Bonus bids (lease tenders and auctions) 122,575.00 Easement collections— Annual rentals Outright considerations Fees— Crown grant Assignments Miscellaneous (lease, search, etc.) 66,951.19 98,840.44 28,496.39 19,110.00 56,172.51 165,791.63 Sundry collections (occupational rental, survey charges, etc.) 103,778.90 81,893.08 $ 5,178,531.45 Sale of maps and air photos—maps, air photos, survey posts, etc. (includes composite mapping) 358,023.87 Gross revenue for year. Less refunds and taxes 6,972,309.27 91,705.50 Net revenue for year . 6,880,603.77 U 152 MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT Comparison of Revenue Collections for 10-year Period, 1967-76, Inclusive 2 3 4 5 MILLIONS OF DOLLARS Comparison of Land Leases, Rentals, Fees, Etc., Revenue for 10-year Period 1967-76, Inclusive ACCOUNTING DIVISION U 153 Comparison oj Land Sales Revenue for 10-year Period, 1967-76, Inclusive 0.5 MILLIONS Printed by K. M. MacDonald, Printer to the Queen's Most Excellent Majesty in right of the Province of British Columbia. 1977 3,230 877-2112
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Report of the MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 1976 British Columbia. Legislative Assembly 1977
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Item Metadata
Title | Report of the MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 1976 |
Alternate Title | MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT |
Creator |
British Columbia. Legislative Assembly |
Publisher | Victoria, BC : Government Printer |
Date Issued | 1977 |
Genre |
Legislative proceedings |
Type |
Text |
FileFormat | application/pdf |
Language | English |
Identifier | J110.L5 S7 1977_V01_12_U1_U153 |
Collection |
Sessional Papers of the Province of British Columbia |
Source | Original Format: Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. Library. Sessional Papers of the Province of British Columbia |
Date Available | 2019-03-11 |
Provider | Vancouver: University of British Columbia Library |
Rights | Images provided for research and reference use only. For permission to publish, copy or otherwise distribute these images please contact the Legislative Library of British Columbia |
CatalogueRecord | http://resolve.library.ubc.ca/cgi-bin/catsearch?bid=1198198 |
DOI | 10.14288/1.0377928 |
AggregatedSourceRepository | CONTENTdm |
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