{"id":5106,"date":"2025-09-22T13:02:43","date_gmt":"2025-09-22T20:02:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/watersustainabilityact\/?p=5106"},"modified":"2026-02-24T10:24:49","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T18:24:49","slug":"engagement-opportunity-strategic-use-of-offset-payments-to-support-wetland-conservation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/watersustainabilityact\/2025\/09\/22\/engagement-opportunity-strategic-use-of-offset-payments-to-support-wetland-conservation\/","title":{"rendered":"Engagement opportunity: Strategic use of offset payments to support wetland conservation"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The provincial guidance on environmental mitigation (reducing impacts) and applying the environmental mitigation hierarchy is provided in the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www2.gov.bc.ca\/assets\/gov\/environment\/natural-resource-policy-legislation\/environmental-mitigation-policy\/em_policy_may13_2014.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">B.C. Environmental Mitigation Policy<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> (EMP) and the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www2.gov.bc.ca\/assets\/gov\/environment\/natural-resource-policy-legislation\/environmental-mitigation-policy\/em_procedures_may27_2014.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">B.C. Environmental Mitigation Policy Procedures<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> (Procedures) known together as the \u201cEMP Policy and Procedures\u201d. These documents include details on habitat offsets and in-lieu payments (\u201cILPs\u201d), also called \u201cin-lieu fee mitigation\u201d, \u201cfinancial compensation\u201d, or \u201coffset payments.\u201d We are proposing to use \u201coffset payments\u201d as part of upcoming updates to EMP documents, hence why we refer here to \u201coffset payments\u201d.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">What is the mitigation hierarchy?<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The mitigation hierarchy is a globally recognized framework to manage environmental impacts using a step-by-step approach where all reasonable measures should be considered and applied at one level before moving to the next:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Avoid<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> impacts wherever possible<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Minimize<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> impacts that cannot be avoided<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Restore on-site<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> environmental values<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Offset<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> residual impacts as a last resort<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5101\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5101\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-5101 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/71\/2025\/09\/mitigation-hierarchy-graphic-1024x515.png\" alt=\"A chart throwing three design phases across the project timeline, demonstrating the iterative application of steps in the mitigation hierarchy to achieve the smallest practicable residual loss. \" width=\"1024\" height=\"515\" srcset=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/71\/2025\/09\/mitigation-hierarchy-graphic-1024x515.png 1024w, https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/71\/2025\/09\/mitigation-hierarchy-graphic-300x151.png 300w, https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/71\/2025\/09\/mitigation-hierarchy-graphic-768x386.png 768w, https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/71\/2025\/09\/mitigation-hierarchy-graphic-1536x773.png 1536w, https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/71\/2025\/09\/mitigation-hierarchy-graphic.png 1596w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5101\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Demonstrates the iterative application of steps in the mitigation hierarchy to achieve the smallest practicable residual loss (adapted from A Cross-Sector Guide for Implementing the Mitigation Hierarchy)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">All conservation actions in response to the mitigation hierarchy are also known as compensatory measures, whether these range from the avoidance of loss to limiting damage, or restoring and rehabilitating sites. There is another post discussing the application of the <a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/watersustainabilityact\/2025\/09\/22\/engagement-opportunity-applying-the-mitigation-hierarchy-for-wetlands\">mitigation hierarchy for impacts to wetlands<\/a>, which is also seeking public feedback.<em><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Introduction to offsets<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Generally, offsetting is the final step of the environmental mitigation hierarchy. It is done after all other measures to fully avoid, minimize, and restore on-site have been considered and when ecological impacts remain. Offsets are the conservation actions to compensate for the unavoidable, residual damage of the proposed activity.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Offsets and the relation to offset payments<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">An offset payment is a subset, or one type, of offsets. It is a payment made by a person proposing a project or activity, to fund offsetting measures (conservation offsetting mechanisms).\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Offsets and the Water Sustainability Act (WSA)\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Some specific compensatory measures in relation to impacts to streams may be permissible under the Water Sustainability Act (WSA) where the proponent remains responsible for the conservation actions taken and where those actions address the loss and impact by their project or activity.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Under the WSA, a person proposing a project or activity that will have residual damage is required to show how that damage will be offset, either by measures to mitigate impacts on the affected stream\/aquifer or, if the proponent agrees, on a different stream\/aquifer.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The current focus is to explore how, when and whether a range of offsets including offset payments for wetlands, might be included under the WSA.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Implementing offsets<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Conservation actions resulting from offsets can be implemented by either private participants, non-profits, or government-approved agencies.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The challenges<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Offsets are complex, and careful attention is needed at every stage from the initial consideration of whether offsets are appropriate, to design, to implementation, monitoring, and evaluation<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Because it is the last step in the mitigation hierarchy, there needs to be confidence that proponents are taking effective conservation actions and there is accountability for the outcomes<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There may be limits to the conservation actions a proponent can identify and implement when done on a project-by-project basis, especially in certain geographic areas<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There may be additional barriers to identifying and implementing effective conservation actions that are beyond the control of the proponent<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Should changes allow for offset payments related to impacts on wetlands, many factors might be considered when determining the cost of a wetland offset payments (such as restoration costs, land acquisition, long-term monitoring and adaptive management)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The opportunities<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Many offset projects are selected based on land availability rather than where they can most effectively restore wetland values and functions. To address this, the Province is exploring the use of offset payments for wetlands to support a more consistent and strategic approach to compensation when impacts on wetlands are unavoidable. Offset payments for wetlands might help pool resources to target restoration efforts in areas that deliver the highest net benefits. This approach can support broader watershed outcomes as opposed to issuing funds across separate, less impactful projects.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Given the complexity and need to ensure there is effective offset implementation with the best outcomes, the focus is on continuous improvement. There is a possible opportunity to:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Improve the design, adoption and effectiveness of offsets. This means improving efficiency and clarity in the process while also ensuring confidence in the system for environmental benefits.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Build on jurisdictional experiences of offsets and different approaches of offset payments (examples include Alberta, Washington State and Queensland, Australia) B.C. may have an opportunity to improve previous models and learn from successes and challenges.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Consider the benefits and flexibility needed to achieve broader conservation goals instead of only considering the impacts on a project-by-project, site-by-site basis.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;335559685&quot;:720}\">\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We want to hear from you<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Province is considering all challenges and opportunities and welcomes your thoughts, concerns and ideas of how to improve the current system. Below are some questions to guide your input:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What should the Province consider to make sure offset payments lead to the best possible outcomes for wetland conservation?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Are there any considerations or criteria for when offset payments are not appropriate?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Should offset payments only be considered for projects that impact wetlands?\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559685&quot;:1080}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What safeguards and accountability mechanisms might be needed to support conservation outcomes when using wetland offset payments?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559685&quot;:1080}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In addition to existing governance structures, partnerships, or agreements in place, how should the Province best work with other governments (federal, local, First Nations) in deciding how and where offset payments for wetlands conversations are applied?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What oversight and responsibility need to be in place to ensure the intended conservation benefits are achieved?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559685&quot;:1080}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Thank you for your feedback.<\/h3>\n<p><strong>The survey closed December 12, 2025.\u202f\u202f\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>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The provincial guidance on environmental mitigation (reducing impacts) and applying the environmental mitigation hierarchy is provided in the B.C. Environmental Mitigation Policy (EMP) and the B.C. Environmental Mitigation Policy Procedures (Procedures) known together as the \u201cEMP Policy and Procedures\u201d. These documents include details on habitat offsets and in-lieu payments (\u201cILPs\u201d), also called \u201cin-lieu fee mitigation\u201d, &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/watersustainabilityact\/2025\/09\/22\/engagement-opportunity-strategic-use-of-offset-payments-to-support-wetland-conservation\/\">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":[17,8,75],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5106","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog","category-engagement","category-front"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/watersustainabilityact\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5106","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=5106"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/watersustainabilityact\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5106\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5707,"href":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/watersustainabilityact\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5106\/revisions\/5707"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/watersustainabilityact\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5106"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/watersustainabilityact\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5106"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/watersustainabilityact\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5106"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}