A Look at our Vancouver Island Project Examples.
From high-rise construction to marine demolition to spill response remediation, one requirement consistently applies – Environmental Monitoring by a Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP). Keystone Environmental has been providing this critical service to BC projects for years, ensuring compliance and environmental protection at every stage.
Why Environmental Monitoring Matters
Environmental monitoring is a condition of many regulatory approvals and permits. These can be issued by:
- Municipal – Local governments: building permits, development permits, etc.
- Provincial – The Province of BC: Water Sustainability Act approvals, Wildlife Act permits, Riparian Areas Protection Regulation reports, etc.
- Federal – The Government of Canada: Fisheries and Oceans Canada Authorizations or Letters of Advice, Species at Risk Act permits, etc.
Meeting the approval requirements including the need for environmental monitoring is essential to maintain compliance and safeguard the environment.
Who Can Provide Environmental Monitoring?
Monitoring must be completed by a Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) – an environmental consultant registered with the College of Applied Biologists, Engineers and Geoscientists BC, or a similar regulatory body. This ensures monitoring is completed to appropriate professional and regulatory standards.
What Does Environmental Monitoring Look Like?
The scope of monitoring depends on project type and permit conditions. Common examples include:
- Urban construction sites: periodic inspections to test water quality of discharge from excavations and assess site-wide compliance with best management practices.
- Sensitive instream works: full-time, on-site monitoring to prevent harm to fish or wildlife as well as their habitat.
- Long-term projects: a mix of periodic inspections and intensive oversight of sensitive activities. This tailored approach ensures that monitoring aligns with both project needs and environmental protection goals.
Keystone Environmental’s Expertise: A Look at our Vancouver Island Project Examples
Keystone Environmental’s multidisciplinary team of biologists, engineers, and specialists deliver monitoring services across BC – from northern regions to the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.
In 2025, our newly opened Victoria office has already supported multiple projects, expanding our reach and ability to provide timely, local expertise.
Example 1
Location: City of Victoria
Type of Work: Erosion and Sediment Control Environmental Monitoring to urban construction.
Keystone Environmental worked with the developer and contractor to facilitate project compliance with issued municipal permits as well as regional guidelines. Our services include inspections of excavations, catch basins, and testing the discharge from water quality treatment systems like this one pictured.
Picture Caption: Water treatment system at urban construction site in City of Victoria.
Example 2
Location: North Saanich
Type of Work: Environmental Monitoring for sensitive in-water works.
Keystone Environmental provided intensive environmental monitoring for sensitive in-water works to facilitate compliance with environmental recommendations from Fisheries and Oceans Canada. This project provided the opportunity to protect beautiful marine life.
Picture Caption: Sea stars on decommissioned marine infrastructure.
Example 3
Location: Comox Valley
Type of Work: Oversight and Monitoring of aquatic and terrestrial rehabilitation works.
Keystone Environmental is providing oversight and monitoring of aquatic and terrestrial rehabilitation works associated with a historical spill response project. Keystone Environmental completed required environmental permitting and liaised with regulators. While on-site, the team found and saved native amphibians and reptiles, enhanced the existing stream and added plants into the local community.
Picture Caption: Stream subject to aquatic and terrestrial habitat enhancement under Keystone Environmental oversight.
Picture Caption: Invasive American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) found near site.
Picture Caption: Common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) found near site.
How Keystone Environmental Can Support Your Project
With decades of experience and a dedicated team of QEPs, Keystone Environmental helps clients meet regulatory requirements while minimizing environmental risks. We provide practical solutions and reliable monitoring services to keep your project moving forward.
Connect with us to learn how we can support your next project – contact your Keystone Environmental Project Manager or Jeremy Nilson, Biological Services Project Manager.
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Summary written by: Jeremy Nilson, Project Manager