B.C.’s forest watchdog finds maintenance and road construction issues at Interfor area near Clearwater
CLEARWATER, B.C. — An audit of Interfor Corporation’s Tree Farm Licence 18 in the Thompson Rivers Natural Resource District found the lumber company’s forestry activities mostly complied with provincial regulations, except for bridge maintenance, road construction and road maintenance.
In a news release issued Thursday (June 1), the Forest Practices Board, B.C.’s independent watchdog for sound forest and range practices, says Interfor was found to have removed material from a riparian management area for use in road surfacing, even though other material sources were available nearby. Riparian areas occur next to the banks of streams, lakes and wetlands.
“The legislation prohibits the removal of material from a riparian management area during road construction unless the material is within the road prism, at a stream crossing or there is no other practicable option,” Bruce Larson, Forest Practices Board vice-chair says. “None of these exceptions applied.”
Auditors also found two undersized culverts with inadequate drainage, which were identified by Interfor prior to logging. While potential drainage structure issues were noted, the board says repairs were not made in a timely manner, causing road surface sediment to be dumped in the adjacent fish stream. The board also says licensees are required by law to ensure the drainage systems of roads are functional.
