Draft Erosion and Sediment Control Bylaw Workshop

It was positive all round at last night’s meeting to discuss Bylaw 3692.  City Administrator Will Pearce introduced the meeting and procedure. Mr Jamie Hodge City Engineer gave an overview and intent summary of the draft bylaw which is to protect water-courses like Joseph Creek, as well as protect our airshed (from dust)and city infrastructure.

Those people who had written letters concerning the bylaw and members of CABBDA led by Mr. Hockley then had a chance to voice their concerns and or ask questions. In attendance at the table were Dave Humphrey and Mr Stewart Wilson who were invited to sit around the table with Jamie Hodge (City Engineer), Will Pearce (City Administrator), and representatives of CABBDA - Dennis Hockley, Sheldon Isaman, Chad Jensen, Jay Savage and Dave Heckford, as well as Jean Horton from Focus.

It was pointed out by Mr Pearce that the city welcomes the formation of CABBDA and in fact encouraged its establishment. In this way the city can deal with one body rather than several different developers or builders. Mr Hockley pointed out that members support one another but at this point do not police one another as such. It would therefore fall upon the bylaw enforcement officer to ensure compliance.

Several issues concerning implementation of the draft bylaw were discussed and the city has requested specific wording with solutions regarding recommended changes be presented in writing before December 31st. It was reassuring to hear the developers present, generally supporting the bylaw and suggesting alternative methods for some of their concerns such as the use of mud mats instead of wheel wells/washers that would be impractical especially in winter.

Mr Hockley spoke of the cost of the bylaw implementation. He felt it could add 7% to the cost of development. However according to the city of Surrey’s bylaw
(http://www.surrey.ca/city-government/4989.aspx)
In places where erosion and sediment control is taken more seriously, it has been shown that taking erosion and sediment control measures adds less than 2% to the cost of development of a single family home. Before this by-law came into effect, a large proportion of the City’s drainage budget was spent cleaning out excess sediment from our sewer system. A construction site produces up to 4 truckloads of sediment in a single rainfall event, which is significantly more than natural erosion processes alone.


Mr Hockley also questioned some of the city’s own practices with regard to sediment control. Mr Wilson asked if it would be possible to stockpile winter salt and gravel laden snow in a location other than adjacent to the creek. Mr Hodge made it clear that this bylaw concerns construction zones and that city practices are a separate issue. Mr Pearce acknowledged that this was a valid concern.

The intent of the proposed bylaw appeared to be unanimously supported. City Administration seems committed to reducing the amount of erosion and sediment affecting our waterways and airshed, and also seems committed to recommending that this bylaw be adopted with modifications only where they are justified.

It was generally felt this was a good way to develop new bylaws and it is hoped this may become a model for the future. Mr. Humphrey pointed out that sitting around a table to discuss issues openly with one another where everyone can listen can be very productive as this evening demonstrated.

Twelve members of the public attended this meeting as well as the ten invited participants around the table. Considering the time of day and the proximity to Christmas it was very encouraging to see the public interest.