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What is Riparian Areas Protection Regulation (RAPR)? How Qualitest Canada can help to get this for you?

Riparian Areas Protection Regulation (RAPR) Assessments (previously known as RAR Assessments) are undertaken to help maintain the stream health, fish populations, and overall productivity of the stream’s ecosystem by determining the Streamside Protection and Enhancement Area (SPEA). Riparian areas are the buffer zone between urban development and natural streamside areas.

The RAPR functions in a Professional Reliance model with a prescriptive, repeatable assessment methodology that supports permitting for residential, commercial and industrial developments. Prior to the start of a project near a stream or riparian habitat, The RAPR requires that a Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) conduct a (simple or detailed) riparian assessment to describe the Features, Functions and Conditions that contribute to fish habitat, including the riparian vegetation. The RAPR assessment establishes a Streamside Protection and Enhancement Area (SPEA) and the required SPEA setbacks. The RAPR provides a riparian protection standard to protect the SPEA and avoid development within the SPEA.

The RAPR Assessments are undertaken by a Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP), with the total process summarized by the following steps:

  1. Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP)to obtain any background information pertaining to site (i.e. aerial photos, online municipal mapping, provincial data, etc.);
  2. QEP to perform a site visit to gather the required data associated with the Riparian Areas Protection Regulation (RAPR) Assessment, including measurements, habitat classification, overall riparian health, as well as taking photos;
  3. The QEP will also assess whether other professionals will be required based on the overall site conditions to help determine the Streamside Protection and Enhancement Area (SPEA) (i.e. Arborist, Geotech, Professional Engineer, Hydrogeologist, Erosion and Sediment Control Professional (CPESC), etc.);
  4. Complete the online reporting template provided by the Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNRORD) to determine the SPEA, which will include a detailed assessment, aerial mapping, photos, as well as other studies as required by other professionals;
  5. FLNRORD will review the Riparian Areas Regulation (RAR) Assessment as to whether it conforms to the correct RAPR methodology, and will grant approval of the QEP-determined Streamside Protection and Enhancement Area (SPEA).

Qualitest Canada Ltd. has undertaken many successful Riparian Areas Protection Regulation (RAPR) Assessments in the Township of Surrey, Langley, Abbotsford, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Cultus Lake, Chilliwack, Mission, Agassiz, Harrison Hot Springs, West Kelowna, Pitt Meadows, Okanagan, Hope, Delta, Hemlock Valley Ski Resort, as well as Burnaby and Richmond. Qualitest can also undertake Riparian Areas Protection Regulation (RAPR) Assessments throughout British Columbia.

Qualitest Canada Ltd. can undertake the RAPR Assessment on your property to assist you obtain your environmental approvals in a timely and efficient manner. 

Contact us admin@qualitests.com today to get a quote.

British Columbia: 112, 13085 115Ave, Surrey, BC V3R 0C3, Canada, (778) 381-7376

Alberta: 702 – 23rd Ave Nisku, AB, T9E 7Y6, Canada, (780) 851-2020