This investigation looked at a landslide into Laird Creek that caused damage to the water supply of about 100 homes. The slide was caused by a combination of factors, including logging by the BC Timber Sales program that occurred in the area prior to 2007.
The Board investigation found that BCTS’s operational and technical practices were sound. Overall the Board finds that BCTS acted in a responsible manner after the slide event, though there was no legislated requirement for it to do so. BCTS conducted appropriate assessments; implemented the recommendations; stabilized the road and slide path; helped water users get their systems running; and, ensured water users had access to potable water.
This case brings to light broader issues regarding public policy and decision making, including potential gaps in regulation that go well beyond this specific instance, and the Board will examine those concerns separately, drawing on the results of this and other recent audits and investigations.
Closing Letter from Laird Creek Investigation in 2005
As part of its 2012 compliance audit program, the Forest Practices Board selected Stella-Jones Canada Incorporated's (Stella-Jones) forest licence (FL) A20196 for audit. Operations are managed from Stella-Jones’ office in Salmon Arm.
FL A20196, with an annual allowable cut of 12 963 cubic metres, lies within the Arrow timber supply area (TSA), and nearby communities include Nakusp and Burton. It consists of four operating areas, located along the eastern side of Upper Arrow Lake. The southernmost operating area lies within the Caribou Community Watershed.
This audit examined the activities of the BC Timber Sales (BCTS) program and the timber sale licence (TSL) holders in the Rocky Mountain District. Numerous natural resources support a wide range of interests in the district—including recreation, wildlife, trapping, guide-outfitting, fish and tourism—creating challenges for BCTS and timber sale licensees that carry out forestry activities in the area.
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.
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.
As part of the Forest Practices Board's 2011 compliance audit program, the Board randomly selected the Selkirk District as the location for a full scope compliance audit. Within the district,the Board selected Forest Licence A20213, which operates in the Kootenay Lake Timber Supply Area. This licence is held by J.H. Huscroft Ltd., a family owned and operated company established in Creston in 1927.
