Stream & Drainage System Protection Bylaw

All development permits need to adhere to the Stream and Drainage System Protection Bylaw Number 4403, 2013 (PDF) in its entirety.

Bylaw Update Effective June 18, 2024

Coquitlam Council approved an update to Coquitlam’s Stream and Drainage System Protection Bylaw to expand real-time monitoring and control of water treatment. Everyone must comply with the updated Stream and Protection bylaw.

In addition to the real-time water quality monitoring for all development sites, Erosion and Sediment Control plans must describe how the site will respond to extreme rainfall to ensure that there is no damage to neighbouring properties or the environment. The plans must also take into consideration groundwater volumes due to excavation so that contaminated water is not discharged into the City's drainage system. 

Each developer will cover the cost of their monitoring program as a condition of their plan approval.

Any development larger than a multiplex that has not yet had ESC drawings approved will require real-time monitoring facilities.

• Engineering Bulletin 3 - Updates to Construction Site Water Discharge Monitoring Requirements (PDF)
• Engineering Bulletin 5 - Safe Management of Concrete Products and Wash Water (PDF)
• Erosion and Sediment Control best Management Practices brochure (PDF)
• Real Time Water Quality Monitoring System Schematic (PDF)
• Pre-qualified Real Time Monitoring Facilities Providers List (PDF)

Water Quality Discharge Parameters

Turbidity cannot exceed 25 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTUs) under normal weather conditions, or exceed 100 NTUs during and 24 hours after a Significant Rainfall Event (25mm or greater of rainfall within 24 hours). Please see the Coquitlam Rain Gauge for up to date rainfall data. 

pH values must remain within 6.5 to 8.0 throughout development.

Forms

• For Demolitions (PDF)
• ESC Submission Form Other than Single Family Duplex Residential
• Pre-Development Approval Form (PDF)
• Erosion and Sediment Control Assurance Statement (PDF)
• Erosion and Sediment Control Advisory Signage Requirement (PDF)
• Erosion & Sediment Control Submission Form (For Single Family/Duplex Residential Development) (PDF)
• Water Treatment System Verification (PDF)
• Erosion and Sediment Control Monitoring Report (PDF)
• Erosion and Sediment Control Daily Site Inspection Checklist (PDF)
• Significant Rainfall Event Planning Checklist (PDF)

Monitoring and Reporting Requirements

Monitoring is required for all development larger than Single Family/Duplex.

The Erosion and Sediment Control supervisor is responsible for ensuring the implementation of the Erosion and Sediment Control measures according to the Erosion and Sediment Control plan, along with inspections, monitoring and maintenance. Wet season monitoring is to be carried out weekly with bi-weekly reporting. Dry season monitoring is carried out bi-weekly with monthly reporting. Reports are also required within seven days of a Significant Rainfall Event. Further details are outlined in the Bylaw.

Monitoring reports are to be emailed by the ESC Supervisor.

Enforcement - The Bylaw applies to all development sites where activities are occurring that result in the disturbance of soil. Failure to comply with City bylaws may result in fines, stop-work orders or placing a hold on building inspections until all infractions are corrected.

Fees and Security

The Erosion and Sediment Control inspection fee for Single Family/Duplex developments has been set at $125 plus the goods and services tax amount. All other developments have fees based on the Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw, as well as a security deposit in the value of 110% of a certified cost estimate.