Water Stewardship Information Sources
| ID | 113 |
|---|---|
| Citation | BC Forest Practices Board. 2012. Audit of forest and range planning and practices affecting water quality in Oyama and Vernon Creek Community Watersheds, Okanagan-Shuswap District. BC Forest Practices Board. FPB/ARC/140. |
| Organization | BC Forest Practices Board |
| URL | https://www.bcfpb.ca/sites/default/files/reports/ARC140_Water_Quality.pdf |
| Abstract/Description or Keywords | Safe drinking water is a critically important resource to the people of British Columbia. This audit set out to assess forest and range practices in relation to water quality and fish habitat in two Okanagan community watersheds - Vernon and Oyama Creek. To do this, auditors assessed compliance of forest and range practices with applicable legislated requirements, and the effectiveness of practices in protecting these values, from September 2008 through October 2010. The main potential effects of forest and range practices on water quality are the introduction of materials such as sediment or pathogens into the raw water supply. Also, the amount of timber harvested over time can affect the amount and timing of release of water in the watershed, which in turn can affect water quality. The main potential effect of forest and range practices on fish habitat is direct disturbance to it or introduction of sedimentﾗfrom logging, road construction or cattle activity. The audit's key findings in relation to forestry practices Compliance with legislative requirements Audited forest practices were found to be compliant with legislative requirements in all significant respects Effectiveness of forest practices Overall, forest practices were found to be effective in protecting water quality and fish habitat In particular: ﾕ The audit showed that auditee plans and strategies effectively addressed potential water quality and quantity impacts. ﾕ The audit showed that auditee forest practices were effective in minimizing impacts to water quality by effectively controlling sediment delivery into watercourses. ﾕ In spite of the large amount of harvesting during the audit period, the audit showed no evidence that water quantity and timing of flow was or would likely be significantly impacted, given the buffering capabilities of the main lakes in each watershed. ﾕ The audit also showed no evidence that forest practices have materially affected water quality at the intakes. Key findings in relation to range practices Compliance with legislative requirements The audit showed range practices to be significantly non-compliant in relation to three requirements: ﾕ Riparian function was damaged in several areas as a result of range practices. ﾕ Range practices failed to avoid damage to fish and fish habitat in several areas. ﾕ Harmful substances from cattle feces were introduced into the source water used to supply drinking water. Effectiveness of range practices Overall, range planning had deficiencies in addressing potential impacts from range use on water quality and fish habitat. In particular, stubble heights for riparian species were not utilized. Also, range planning did not adequately consider the need to protect fish habitat. The audit showed that range practices within both watersheds were not fully effective in minimizing impacts to water quality. In particular: ﾕ some range developments did not adequately protect riparian, fish and water values; ﾕ some aspects of range use plans were not followed; ﾕ riparian areas were not adequately protected; ﾕ fish habitat was harmed; and ﾕ substances harmful to human health were likely deposited into watercourses. Auditors were not able to conclude whether or not range practices have materially affected water quality at the intake. However, range practices likely introduced Campylobacter and Cryptosporidium into the source water during the audit period. Campylobacter and certain species of Cryptosporidium represent significant health risks where present in concentration in drinking water. Auditors noted the efforts made by MFLNRO to address water quality concerns during the audit period. New and replacement range developments were being established but had not yet been completed. However, some problems with the new developments were identified, and auditors were not able to predict the efficacy of developments to be completed after the audit fieldwork. Overall, the audit showed that range practices need continued improvement to meet legislative requirements and further reduce risks to water quality. |
| Information Type | report |
| Regional Watershed | Okanagan |
| Sub-watershed if known | Oyama Creek, Vernon Creek |
| Aquifer # | |
| Comments | |
| Project status | complete |
| Contact Name | BC Forest Practices Board |
| Contact Email | [email protected] |