Pacific Region Operational Statements

Note: Revised Operational Statements (OS) are now in place and are clearly identified as Version 2.0. Please ensure that you use the appropriate Version 2.0 OS for applicable projects commencing after June 16, 2006. Version 1.0 OS are not valid after June 16, 2006 for new proposals.

Also please note that the Beaver Dam Removal OS has been removed from the List of Operational Statements and is no longer applicable within the Pacific Region.  For beaver dam removal projects, please follow the measures outlined in the BC Provincial Standards and Best Practices for Instream Works document to avoid a HADD. 

As part of the “Streamlining Referrals” element of the Environmental Process Modernization Plan (EPMP), a series of Operational Statements (OS) has been developed to streamline the Habitat Management Program’s (HMP) regulatory review of low risk activities. The OS outline measures and conditions for avoiding the harmful alteration, disruption and destruction (HADD) to fish habitat and thus be in compliance with subsection 35(1) of the Fisheries Act. Proponents are not required to submit their proposal for review by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) when they incorporate the measures and conditions outlined in the OS into their plans.

In total, there are 11 Operational Statements applicable throughout the Province of British Columbia and Yukon Territory.   All 11 Operational Statements are contained on this webpage, along with related links to supporting DFO documents and key Provincial websites.  Please note, Operational Statements may be added to this webpage in the future, as other 'low risk' activities are identified. 

An Operational Statement (OS) can cover an activity from dock construction in freshwater to routine maintenance dredging in marine waters, and so it is important to read the conditions and measures carefully to ensure that the OS applies to your project.

If your particular project is not listed here or if you are unable to follow all of the conditions and mitigation measures prescribed, the Operational Statements do not apply to your project.  For further inquiry, please contact  DFO Regional Headquarters at 1‑866‑845‑6776.  DFO staff will be able to provide further guidance to ensure your project is conducted in compliance with the Fisheries Act.   For your convenience, a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) is also available on our website, and may answer your inquiry immediately.

Please be aware, that although the Pacific Region Operational Statements have been developed for compatibility with existing Provincial and Territorial regulatory requirements, they do not constitute an approval under any municipal, provincial, territorial and/or federal legislation. Hence, you are responsible for complying with all applicable statutes separately.

In British Columbia, the primary provincial statute regulating water resources is the Water Act which regulates 'changes in or about a stream'. There are a number of OS activities that overlap with the Water Act, and anyone contemplating work in and about a stream in British Columbia should be familiar with Section 9 of the Water Act and the Water Regulation, Part 7.  These statutes, along with other guidance material, can be found on the provincial Land & Water BC website.