The Watercourse Alteration Certification Program is divided into two training opportunities for specific types of watercourse alterations. Following the training, certified individuals can apply for permits under the Watercourse Alteration Certification Program which offer a faster turn-around time for permitting. Individuals taking the training will learn the importance of keeping water clean and protecting fish and fish habitat. Different methods to carry out an alteration in a way to protect water quality and to provide fish passage are shown in the training, which can then be incorporated in the field during construction.
There are two training opportunities that can be taken, depending on your needs.
Certified Designers:
This is a 5-day course (4 days with exam on the 5th day). Following this course, certified designers can apply for the following alterations:
- Culverts
- maximum length of 25 m for new install; 30 m for replacement
- up to 5% stream slope (0.51-5% must include baffles for fish passage)
- maximum drainage area of 20 square km
- Single-span bridges
- maximum drainage area of 20 square km
- Construction of approaches (roads) to a watercourse crossing
- Vegetation clearing for crossing installation/replacement
- Installation/construction of temporary bridges
- Beaver dam removal/management
- Placement of erosion protection works (biotechnical/vegetation and rip-rap)
- Water withdrawal (temporary or maintenance/replacement of permanent intake structure)
- Timber harvesting
Certified Installers:
This is a 2-day course (no exam). Following this course, certified installers can apply for the following alterations:
- Maintenance and removal of culverts and single-span bridges
- Construction of approaches (roads) to a watercourse crossing
- Vegetation clearing for watercourse crossing installation/replacement
- Installation/construction of temporary bridges
- Beaver dam removal/management
- Placement of erosion protection works (biotechnical (i.e., vegetation) products, rip-rap)
- Water withdrawal (temporary or maintenance/replacement of permanent intake structure)
- Timber harvesting
Through the permitting process, a Certified Installer can apply for watercourse crossings, but the design/sizing must be carried out by a Certified Designer or a professional engineer.