Français | Contact Us | Help | Search | Canada Site | |||||
About Us | Facts | Infocentre | A-Z Index | DFO Home | |||||
What's New | Events | Site Map | Links | Home | |||||
CANADIAN WATERS |
Environmental Process Modernization Plan |
Home Environmental Process Modernization Plan Operational StatementsIf you are planning to do work in or near water you should be aware of the potential impact your project may have on fish habitat. Using the interactive map (or the text links provided below), click on the province in which you live to retrieve the appropriate operational statements. Newfoundland and Labrador | Nova Scotia | Prince Edward Island | New Brunswick | Quebec | Ontario | Manitoba | Saskatchewan | Alberta | British Columbia | Yukon | Northwest Territories | Nunavut
IntroductionOVERVIEW OF OPERATIONAL STATEMENTS
The Operational Statements (OS) were developed by HMP and were adapted in each DFO Region to complement existing Provincial and Territorial legislation and standards and specific environmental conditions. The OS also reflect input from federal, provincial and territorial regulatory partners and stakeholders (e.g., industry, resource users, etc.). Thirteen Operational Statements are currently in use and an additional five were released in August 2006. These Statements include:
Please note that not all Operational Statements will be released in every Provincial and Territorial jurisdiction. In some jurisdictions, terms and conditions that afford same or better protection to fish habitat already exist and therefore an Operational Statement is not needed. The following Frequently Asked Questions provide more information on the Operational Statements, such as how to use them, and how to access them. Frequently Asked Questions
The Operational Statements provide nationally consistent advice on standard measures to apply to selected activities that are low risk to fish habitat. There is no need for Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to review the project when the conditions and measures in the OS are followed. The OS enable DFO
staff to refocus resources onto projects that present a higher risk to
fish and fish habitat. This refocus also includes increased
monitoring and auditing efforts to determine if the OS are effective
at protecting fish and fish habitat. How do I use an Operational Statement (OS)? Read the entire Operational Statement (OS) and ensure that it applies to your proposed activity. The bulleted section in the first column of each Statement describes conditions when the OS may or may not apply to your activity. For example, the Beach Creation OS only applies to freshwater systems and the Clear-Span Bridge OS only applies to bridges that are two lanes wide or less. Also review the Measures to Protect Fish and Fish Habitat section to make sure that you can incorporate these measures into your plans. If you
cannot incorporate all of these measures of the Operational Statements
(OS) or the OS does not apply to your project then you should contact DFO
for a review. If the OS does apply to your project, then you are asked
to
fill out the notification form, which is attached to the OS, and send
it to the closest DFO office to you (either by fax or mail). DFO will use
this information when conducting routine monitoring. It is important to
keep
this
OS on site during construction. How do I access the Operational Statements (OS)? You can access the Operational Statements (OS) from the Canadian Waters
Internet site (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/canwaters-eauxcan/index_e.asp).
You can also receive hard copies of the OS from your local DFO office. From
the Operational Statements Main Page, click on the
Province or Territory where you will be carrying out your project to find
a list of local DFO offices along with contact information. What do I do if I cannot meet all of the conditions or measures in the Operational Statement (OS)? If you are unable to meet the conditions or incorporate all of the measures
of the OS into your project, you are asked to contact your local DFO office
before starting work. DFO staff will be able to advise you on how to proceed
with your project while also protecting fish and fish habitat. What do I do with the Notification Form? You are asked to complete the Notification Form, and send it to the local
DFO office in your area. (Please note that the contact information for the
closest DFO offices is listed on the OS.) This information will be used to
verify that you are following the measures and conditions of the OS. You
should be able to demonstrate that you are complying with the OS if a DFO
official arrives at the site. What happens if an accident occurs which causes negative impacts to fish habitat while I am carrying out my project? You should contact your local DFO office as soon as possible. DFO staff
will provide advice on the necessary steps to follow to protect fish and
fish habitat. Why do the Operational Statements (OS) have a valid date? During the initial years of implementation the OS will be valid for one
year. They will be revised, as required, to address circumstances not previously
considered. Why do the Operational Statements (OS) vary between Provinces and Territories? Provincial and Territorial (P/T) regulations and guidelines often have differences in their requirements. The OS have been adjusted to support these existing P/T processes in an attempt to prevent conflict and for ease of implementation. However, the regionalized OS do not differ in their underlying principles and their key purpose is to protect fish habitat. In certain Provinces and Territories
an existing guideline or permitting process may already exist. It is important
to check with Provincial or Territorial
permitting agencies. Will I be in compliance with other Federal, Provincial and Territorial (FPT) regulations if I use the Operational Statements (OS)? No. You will be complying with subsection 35(1) of the Fisheries Act by
following the conditions and measures in the OS. You will need to verify
whether you comply with other FPT legislation. Following the OS Statements
only covers the requirements of the Fisheries Act. If I have questions about the Operational Statements, who can I call? Contact your local DFO office.
|
Created: 2006-08-18 Updated: 2006-08-18 Reviewed: 2006-08-18 |