{"id":5042,"date":"2025-09-22T13:03:20","date_gmt":"2025-09-22T20:03:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/watersustainabilityact\/?p=5042"},"modified":"2025-12-15T07:14:01","modified_gmt":"2025-12-15T15:14:01","slug":"engagement-opportunity-wetland-identification-and-delineation-manual","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/watersustainabilityact\/2025\/09\/22\/engagement-opportunity-wetland-identification-and-delineation-manual\/","title":{"rendered":"Engagement opportunity: Wetland identification and delineation manual"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Wetlands are vital ecosystems that support clean water, biodiversity, flood protection, and climate resilience. In British Columbia, wetlands also hold deep cultural and spiritual significance for Indigenous Nations and provide recreational and educational opportunities for communities.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca\/civix\/document\/id\/complete\/statreg\/14015\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Water Sustainability Act<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> (WSA) regulates the activities that can occur in and about a stream. Wetlands are included in the definition of a \u201cstream\u201d under the WSA. It is important to understand the location and boundaries (known as delineation) of wetlands before assessing permit applications for projects in and around wetlands.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">To help improve wetland management under the\u202fWSA, the Province has developed\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/www2.gov.bc.ca\/assets\/gov\/environment\/natural-resource-stewardship\/nr-laws-policy\/risc\/bc_wetland_id_and_delineation_manual.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a manual for wetland identification and delineation<\/a>. This manual is designed to: <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">improve permitting efficiency<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ensure consistent decisions<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">better protect wetlands across the province <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Province is seeking public input on this manual and how to implement it effectively.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Why wetland identification and delineation matters <\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Clear and consistent delineation is critical for:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Permitting efficiency<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Accurate boundaries help applicants understand what areas are regulated which informs the information requirements and permitting process.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Environmental protection<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Defining where a wetland begins and ends ensures that environmental impacts are properly assessed and mitigated.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Transparency and fairness<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Consistency in determining wetlands boundaries helps ensure that all permit applicants are treated equally and that decisions are based on sound science.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Unclear wetland delineation rules can cause confusion, delay, and disagreement.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How other jurisdictions provide delineation guidance<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Many jurisdictions across North America and globally have adopted standardized manuals and protocols to guide wetland delineation. Many of them refer to three main factors to delineate wetland boundaries:\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hydrophytic vegetation:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202fplants adapted to wet conditions<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hydric soils:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202fsoils formed under saturated conditions<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Wetland hydrology:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202fevidence of water presence during the growing season<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Several Canadian provinces provide their own wetland delineation guidance for their local climate, soil and vegetation conditions. Examples include:\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Alberta<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202fuses the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/open.alberta.ca\/publications\/9781460123638\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Alberta Wetland Identification and Delineation Directive<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, based on the U.S. approach but tailored to local conditions<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Ontario<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202fprovides <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontario.ca\/page\/wetlands-evaluation#section-2\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">technical guidance<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> for evaluating wetlands under its Provincial Policy Statement<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/novascotia.ca\/nse\/wetland\/delineating.wetland.boundaries.asp\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Nova Scotia<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202fand\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www2.gnb.ca\/content\/dam\/gnb\/Departments\/env\/pdf\/Wetlands-TerreHumides\/ProtocolForWetlandDelineation.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">New Brunswick<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> incorporate delineation guidance into their wetland alteration approval processes adapted from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">These documents provide detailed field indicators and decision-making guidelines to help professionals consistently identify wetland boundaries. These tools help ensure that wetland boundaries are defined consistently, transparently, and in a way that supports regulatory decision-making.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Current challenges in B.C.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">British Columbia has not had a\u202fstandardized, province-wide approach\u202fto wetland delineation, although several guides are available. This has caused several challenges:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Inconsistent methods<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Professionals have used varying criteria and tools, sometimes leading to inconsistent results<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Unclear expectations<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Applicants often don\u2019t know what is required. This can lead to delays, rework or numerous information requests<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Possible regulatory uncertainty<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Without clear boundaries, it may be harder for decision-makers to assess impacts, understand mitigation outcomes or enforce conditions<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Risk of disputes and delays<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Lack of clarity can sometimes lead to disagreements between applicants, professionals, and regulators<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">These issues can reduce permitting efficiency and create uncertainty.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A new solution: B.C. Wetland Identification and Delineation Manual\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">To address these challenges, the Province has developed\u202fa <\/span>Wetland Identification and Delineation Manual <span data-contrast=\"auto\">based on the\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usace.army.mil\/Missions\/Civil-Works\/Regulatory-Program-and-Permits\/reg_supp\/\">1987 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual\u202fand relevant\u202fregional supplements<\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. This new manual is tailored to B.C.\u2019s diverse ecological regions and is designed to:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Standardize wetland delineation practices<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202facross the province<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Provide clear expectations<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202ffor applicants, professionals, and regulators<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Improve consistency and transparency<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202fin permitting decisions<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Support better environmental outcomes<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202fthrough accurate wetland delineation and improved data<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The manual includes field indicators, decision tools, and documentation standards to help professionals identify wetland boundaries using a science-based, repeatable approach. It also creates a foundation for training, certification, and quality assurance programs to support consistent application and understanding of wetlands.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The new B.C. Wetlands Identification and Delineation Manual will be available starting the week of September 15, 2025 on the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www2.gov.bc.ca\/gov\/content\/environment\/natural-resource-stewardship\/laws-policies-standards-guidance\/inventory-standards\/aquatic-ecosystems\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Resource Information Standards Committe<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www2.gov.bc.ca\/gov\/content\/environment\/natural-resource-stewardship\/laws-policies-standards-guidance\/inventory-standards\/aquatic-ecosystems\">e<\/a> website for public review, comment and use. The manual will be updated mid-2026 following feedback received. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>We want to hear from you<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Your feedback is invited on how to implement the Wetland Identification and Delineation Manual effectively and inclusively. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Please consider these questions when filling out the survey:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Have you previously used any wetland identification and delineation methods in B.C.?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What types of support would help you or your organization apply the new identification and delineation manual effectively?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What role should professional associations or certifying bodies play in supporting the rollout and use of the manual?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Should the manual be mandatory for all WSA and RAPR-related applications, or promoted as a best practice?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Are there barriers that might prevent smaller organizations, communities, or First Nations from using the manual effectively?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Should the Province require the submission of wetland identification and delineation results?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If the Province manages wetland identification and delineation data, are there any privacy or data sensitivity concerns that should be considered when sharing the data publicly or across agencies?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3>Thank you for your feedback.<\/h3>\n<p><strong>The survey closed December 12, 2025.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Learn more about our other identified <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">opportunities<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> to improve natural resource permitting <a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/engagement\/natural-resource-permitting-improvements\">on the govTogetherBC website<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Wetlands are vital ecosystems that support clean water, biodiversity, flood protection, and climate resilience. In British Columbia, wetlands also hold deep cultural and spiritual significance for Indigenous Nations and provide recreational and educational opportunities for communities.\u00a0 The Water Sustainability Act (WSA) regulates the activities that can occur in and about a stream. Wetlands are included &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/watersustainabilityact\/2025\/09\/22\/engagement-opportunity-wetland-identification-and-delineation-manual\/\">Continued<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8247,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17,75],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5042","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog","category-front"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/watersustainabilityact\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5042","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/watersustainabilityact\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/watersustainabilityact\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/watersustainabilityact\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8247"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/watersustainabilityact\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5042"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/watersustainabilityact\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5042\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5537,"href":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/watersustainabilityact\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5042\/revisions\/5537"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/watersustainabilityact\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5042"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/watersustainabilityact\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5042"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/watersustainabilityact\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5042"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}