Change Approval For Changes In And About A Stream
Change Approval For Changes In And About A Stream
A change approval is written authorization to make changes in and about a stream. They are granted with terms and conditions attached. The terms and conditions may relate to the time of year in which you may do the work, and/or to other measures that protect the aquatic ecosystem, the hydraulic integrity of the stream channel and the rights of water users and landowners downstream. Amendments to an existing Change Approval can be made by applying for a transfer of appurtenancy, change of works or extension of term.
Related Activities: Notification of Authorized Changes, Water Licences, Short Term Use of Water
Contents:
- Mandatory Authorizations
- Costs
- Eligibility Requirements
- Information Requirements
- Potential Additional Requirements
- Related Links
- Other Things you Should Know
About this Activity Guide
| This guide summarizes the most common requirements and recommendations for your chosen activity and is designed to help you submit a complete application. Be aware that this information is for guidance purposes only. |
Mandatory Authorizations
| Authorization Name | Link to Authorization Guidance | Link to Application |
|---|---|---|
| Change Approval (Water Sustainability Act) | Authorization Guidance | Apply Now |
| Change Approval Amendment (Water Sustainability Act) | Authorization Guidance | Apply Now |
Costs
Cost may be a specific value or range of values. The cost includes GST, where applicable.
| Cost Type | Cost Description | Cost | Link to Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | Fixed | $250.00 | Water Sustainability Fees, Rentals and Charges Tariff Regulation Schedule 1 Table 4 |
Eligibility Requirements
Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements prior to applying.
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Any | There are no limitations on who may apply, however, landowner consent must be provided for any lands where work is being done for this authorization. |
| Oil and gas related activities | If work in this application is being done to support oil and gas activities that are being authorized by the BC Energy Regulator please apply here instead. |
Information Requirements
| Requirement | Description | Link to Details |
|---|---|---|
| Change Approval and Notification Online Application | An online system which requires you to enter information onscreen and upload documentation, digital files and/or maps to support your application. | What You Need to Apply |
| Proof of Legal Right to Land | Documentation that you have legal right to the land, e.g., Certificate of Title or copy of a lease. | |
| Drawings | A drawing that meets the Water Application Drawing Standards. | Drawing Standards |
Potential Additional Requirements
| Requirement | Description | When is it Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Authorizations | Federal authorizations to address the parts of your proposal that may apply to Federal Navigable Waters Protection Act, Migratory Birds Regulation and Department of Fisheries and Oceans Assessments for projects near water. | When disturbing fish habitat, impacting migratory birds or impacting navigable waters. |
| Fish and Wildlife General Permit | Allows for destruction of a beaver or muskrat den, house or beaver dam. | This permit is generally issued ONLY to protect against property damage. |
| Supplemental Information or Technical Reports | Case-specific information required to make a decision on your application. This information supplements what you already submitted. E.g., geotechnical report, fish report, or erosion control plans, etc. | When government staff ask you to provide it. |
| Agent Letter | Signed and dated letter providing approval for agent or consultant to act on behalf of applicant. Legal names/entities to be used on letter. | When an agent or consultant will be acting on behalf of applicant. |
Related Links
| Link | Description |
|---|---|
| Water Sustainability Act | The Water Sustainability Act is the principal law for managing the diversion and use of water resources in B.C. |
| Water Sustainability Act - Regulations | The Water Sustainability Act (WSA) regulations provide details about how the general principles in the WSA are to be applied in B.C. |
| Water Policies | Policies have been developed under the current Water Sustainability Act and informed by other provincial legislation to help guide the management of B.C.’s water resource. |
| Mapping Tools | A listing of free B.C. web-based mapping programs and tools available to the public. |
| Working Around Water | Guidance on making a change in and about a stream and more information on instream best practices. |
| Change Approval and Notification Information | More information on applying for a change approval or submitting a notification of instream work. |
| A User's Guide for Changes In and About a Stream in B.C. | General guidance on how to consider the Water Sustainability Act in planning for changes in and about a stream in B.C. |
| Requirements and Best Management Practices for Making Changes In and About a Stream in B.C. | Guidance on making a change in and about a stream and best management practices to consider when designing projects. |
| Water Application Fees, Rentals and Refunds | Guidance on water application fees, water rental rates, including a water rent estimator tool, and refund policy. |
| Terms, Conditions, and Timing Windows – Regional and Federal | Guidance on when you can carry out your works in and about a stream, including regional timing windows and Federal regulations. |
Other Things You Should Know
Archaeology Information
Archaeological sites are protected under the Heritage Conservation Act and must not be altered or damaged without a permit issued by the Archaeology Branch. Information regarding potential risks to protected archaeological sites may be obtained by submitting an online data request form to the Archaeology Branch or by contacting a professional archaeologist via the BC Association of Professional Archaeologists (www.bcapa.ca) or via local directories. Visit the Archaeology Branch website for more information.
BCeID - What Is It and Why Get It?
BCeID is an online service that allows you to create a user ID and password to sign in securely to many Government services in British Columbia. The benefits of having a BCeID account include:
- Stop and start. Save and return later to complete your application without losing any information previously entered.
- Real time status information. Check the status of your application in real time.
- Access your applications for multiple people (Business BCeID only) to edit or submit your application or check its status. To enroll in this service, visit the BCeID web page: FrontCounter BC - BCeID
Consulting with First Nations
- The Province is committed to reconciliation as part of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People Act.
- The Province is responsible for ensuring adequate and appropriate consultation and accommodation, it may involve the proponent in the procedural aspects of consultation.
Legal Disclaimer
This guide provides the most current and accurate information available to the Government of British Columbia at the time of publishing; however, we make no warranty regarding the completeness, currency or accuracy of this information. This information is for guidance purposes only and does not replace legislated requirements. Each application is unique and circumstances may result in additional requirements beyond those included in this guide.
Last Updated: July 14, 2023