inadequatebuffers

Inadequate Buffers

Mayor and Council,
District of North Cowichan
Box 278, North Cowichan, B.C.
V9L 3X4

Dear Mayor and Council:
Re: Meaningful Protection of Environmentally Sensitive Sites
As you know, I have written you before about the importance of preserving the Echo Heights area. However, today I saw a site that I felt demanded I write you again. Today while looking at how we could better protect our ecological attributes in the face of development - I am working with the Ministry of Environment on the development of Terms of Reference for bio-inventories and site assessments as part of the Develop with Care document (see http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/documents/bmp/devwithcare2006/develop_with_care_intro.html).
I noticed an example of the need for buffers around our ecologically sensitive sites. The photo below shows a building lot in the Properties development adjacent to the Mount Tzouhalem Ecological Reserve where development outside of the reserve will have a significant degrading impact on the reserve.

As you can see from the photograph, the excavation has been carried right up to the fence line of the ecological reserve. Also shown in this photograph are the seepage zones coming from the fractured rock. For plants within the reserve that depend on seasonal wet areas, loss of this moisture could be critical. Some of our most vulnerable red listed species at risk occur in wet
seepage zones.

Seepages similar to this are found in the Echo Heights area. As you are aware, the assessment of rare species at the Echo Heights site was conducted at the wrong time of year and the rare species biologists stated that there was a high probability that there are rare species on the site. This means that buffers will need to be established to protect these sites. The "Develop with Care" document recommends buffers of at least 30 meters and as you can see in the photo I have provided, where excavation into bedrock is anticipated, setbacks of 200 meters or more may be needed to protect the seepage zones.

I was appalled to see the manner in which the development on Mount Tzouhalem is being undertaken. If this is the way North Cowichan treats one of the most ecologically sensitive areas in the Valley if not the Island, I am concerned when you say you will use ecologically sensitive development methods. In addition, I now understand that the developer at Mount
Tzouhalem wants the Municipality to clear an additional 30 m or so behind the houses to provide a fire break. This makes a mockery of your promises for ecologically sensitive development.

I trust you will do the right thing and protect the whole of the Echo Heights site. I look forward to hearing of your positive actions in this regard.

Sincerely,
David F. Polster, M.Sc., R.P.Bio.
Plant Ecologist

POLSTER ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD.