JBL Environmental Services’ team has conducted over 60 aquatic and terrestrial environmental assessments. An environmental assessment (EA) is a process to predict environmental effects of proposed projects prior to their initiation. The EA:
• Identifies biological and physical valued components of a proposed development site based on current information from regulators, First Nations and stakeholders,
• Assesses the potential adverse environmental effects on these components,
• Proposes measures and follow-up programs to mitigate or offset the adverse environmental effects.

These components can include fisheries resources, vegetation (e.g., rare plants and communities), wildlife (e.g., species at risk), hydrology, and water quality. The EA process involves conducting a site visit to document the biological and physical characteristics and identify environmentally sensitive features present on the site. EA’s are required by municipalities when developers seek building permits in environmentally sensitive areas. JBL’s core expertise in both aquatic and terrestrial ecology enables us to identify critical features early on and design appropriate options to mitigate impacts of a proposed development.

Selected Projects:

– JBL conducted the EA of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and wetland habitat on a 3.8 ha property in Mission, in support of a subdivision permit application. JBL prepared WSA and DFO permitting, performed environmental monitoring, and provided the As-Built monitoring and reporting for the culvert crossing and stormwater outfall installations on a tributary to Wharton Creek. For: Anjalie Holdings Inc., Mission, BC, 2020 – 2024.

– JBL developed the Ecosystem Development Plan (EDP) for several proposed multi-family housing projects in Surrey. This involved consultation with regulators, ecological field inventories in riparian and terrestrial habitats, assessment of habitat suitability for species at risk, and EA to fulfill the City of Surrey’s requirements for development in environmentally sensitive ecosystems. For: Crescent Creek Homes Ltd., 2020 – 2023; and Mortise Group, 2020 – 2022.

– JBL conducted detailed fish and wildlife habitat assessments for a proposed multi-family residential development in Abbotsford. This included RAPR assessment, riparian impact assessment, and development of mitigation measures and compensation options to offset the infringement of the development into the 30 m municipal streamside setback along Mill Lake. For: Heinrichs Developments Ltd., 2020 – 2021.

– JBL developed a detailed wildlife habitat assessment for a single-family housing development located adjacent to an environmentally sensitive area in Abbotsford, in support of the development permit application. JBL conducted a biological field inventory, habitat assessment for species at risk, impact assessment, and mitigation strategy. For: West Vita Homes Ltd., 2021 – 2022.

– JBL conducted the EA and developed a compensation planting plan for an environmentally sensitive area as part of the development permit application. JBL’s responsibilities also included liaison with provincial regulators. The project received its development permit in 2018. For: Pacific Grace MB Church in Richmond, BC, 2018.

– JBL conducted the EA for the construction of a flood-protection dyke in Fire Creek. JBL developed permitting documents, construction environmental management plan, and habitat compensation plan. JBL liaised with regulators and site personnel, and performed fish salvages and environmental monitoring services during construction, to protect ecological resources and water quality. For: Sea to Sky Resource District, Squamish, BC, 2016.