Earlier this month, the City of Vancouver updated its Groundwater Management Bulletin. Here are some common questions and answers to help understand the revisions that are effective as of November 1, 2024.
Question: What Is Vancouver’s Groundwater Management Bulletin?
Answer: The Groundwater Management Bulletin is a proactive measure to address the City’s groundwater concerns. First introduced in 2018, the Groundwater Management Bulletin provides important guidelines for rezoning and development permit applicants, outlining the process and submission requirements for both temporary and permanent groundwater management across Vancouver development sites. The City may require a hydrogeological study in order to demonstrate that a proposed development can be feasibly constructed without significant groundwater-related risks or negative impacts.
Question: What are the new revisions in the Groundwater Management Bulletin?
Answer: The revisions are effective as of November 1, 2024, and the key updates are:
- Broadway Plan Area Designation: The Broadway Plan Area is now listed as a groundwater area of concern due to expected building depths, local sewer capacity limitations, and high groundwater flows.
- Exemption for Smaller Projects: Projects with eight or fewer units are now exempt from Hydrogeological Studies. Previously, any project larger than a duplex in an area of groundwater concern was subject to these guidelines.
- Simplified Applicability Criteria: The updated Bulletin streamlines criteria for applicability at the development permit stage. All projects that meet technical and geographical requirements will need to comply, regardless of rezoning status.
- Enhanced Discharge Monitoring and Reporting: Construction-related discharge requirements have been clarified, with a standard template provided for data submission, aimed at minimizing delays for applicants.
- General Edits for Clarity: Additional edits enhance overall clarity and simplify processes for applicants.
Question: Are there any Exemptions for Current Applications?
Answer: Rezoning and development permit applications that were submitted before November 1, 2024, for developments within the Broadway Plan Area — but not located in other designated groundwater areas or classified as Sustainable Large Developments — are exempt from the revised Bulletin requirements. All applications submitted on or after November 1, must adhere to the new standards.
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Keystone Environmental can help you navigate these regulatory changes and help support your project needs. We can recognize issues, evaluate risks, and effectively apply professional judgement to support you in achieving your project objectives.
If you’re unclear how this revision affects your Vancouver development project, or you need more information, Contact us and we will connect you with one of our Engineers and/or Groundwater experts.
Summary written by: Richard Johns, M.Sc., P.Eng., Department Head of Engineering.
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Source & Related Links: Groundwater Management Bulletin, Effective July 11, 2018, and Last Revised November 1, 2024
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