Watercourse Protection in Stoney Creek

Background

Coquitlam has a comprehensive program to protect its network of more than 300 km of watercourses in 27 distinct urban watersheds, including a significant focus on Stoney Creek. 

Development Requirements

Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) techniques are important to maintaining clean, healthy watercourse ecosystems and supporting aquatic wildlife. Coquitlam’s long-standing efforts to protect the integrity of the drainage system and aquatic environments includes the adoption of sustainable development practices for all construction activities and significant requirements for multi-family and commercial development sites, as detailed on the City’s Erosion and Sediment Control page. These requirements include specific limits on the allowable Turbidity and pH levels of water used on construction sites that is discharged to the stormwater system as outlined in the City’s Stream and Drainage System Protection Bylaw. Additionally see engineering bulletin: Recommended landscaping and Water Treatment Practices for Construction Sites in Stoney Creek (PDF).

Real-Time Monitoring

A leader in the Lower Mainland, in November 2022, Coquitlam launched real-time water quality monitoring and control systems at large developments in Stoney Creek to protect a sensitive watercourse. These systems monitor the quality of the water discharged from construction sites to the stormwater system and automatically recirculate the water through on-site treatment systems if the water doesn’t meet pH and turbidity requirements. 

On June 17, 2024, Coquitlam Council approved an amendment to the Stream and Drainage System Protection Bylaw (PDF) to expand real-time monitoring and control of water treatment to all major development sites city-wide. 

Enforcement

Environmental and Worksite Bylaw Officers conduct daily development site patrols in both the north and south of the city and have increased their focus on monitoring sites within the Stoney Creek Watershed.  The officers enforce the City’s Stream and Drainage System Protection Bylaw (PDF) including the erosion and sediment components of development projects from start to finish.  In addition to levying the maximum fines allowable under the Local Government Act, the City also uses stop work orders as necessary to gain compliance at development sites.  

Bylaw Fine Amounts

Coquitlam’s Bylaw Enforcement Notices (BEN) system, which is authorized under the Local Government Bylaw Notice Enforcement Act, establishes the maximum fine local governments can issue. Currently, the legislation limits this to $500 daily. 

Storm Water Filtration 

In 2024, construction of a two stage stormwater treatment system was completed near Oakdale Park in the Stoney Creek watershed. The first stage of the system consists of oil grit separators followed by the second stage consisting of multiple filtration membranes to further treat the storm water before being discharged to the creek. The membrane filtration system is the largest of its kind in western Canada. This facility services approximately 40% of the Stoney Creek catchment helping to improve water quality in Stoney Creek.

Sanitary Overflow Monitoring and Mitigation

Metro Vancouver’s aging sewer system was put to the test in late 2021 when extreme atmospheric river events overwhelmed sewer systems across British Columbia, including Coquitlam and Stoney Creek. Coquitlam worked with Port Moody, Burnaby, and Metro Vancouver to reduce rainwater and groundwater from entering into and overwhelming our aging sewer system. To learn more about strategies the City is employing to upgrade the sewer system see the Inflow and Infiltration page.

Metro Vancouver is currently increasing the capacity of the Stoney Creek Sanitary Trunk Sewer along its full length from Port Moody, through Coquitlam, and Burnaby. For more information about the project see the Metro Vancouver Stoney Creek Sewer Upgrade Project page.

As almost 50% of the sewer system is on private property and is privately owned, the majority of excess stormwater in the Stoney Creek Sanitary Trunk Sewer makes its way in via downspouts on private property that are incorrectly connected to the sanitary system instead of the storm sewer system. Leaks in privately-owned pipes also contribute to increased flows. Coquitlam has worked to identify and correct unauthorized connections to sanitary sewers.

Actions To-Date 

Homeowners also need to do their part to inspect, repair, and replace their portion of the sewer system on their property. Coquitlam has initiated a public education campaign, supported by online resources, to help achieve this. 

Integrated Watershed Management Plans

The City has developed Integrated Watershed Management Plans for all urban watershed in Coquitlam, including Stoney Creek (PDF), in order to help preserve watershed health, while also meeting community housing need by facilitating growth and development.  

Education and Outreach

Storm Drain Marking Program

Coquitlam has worked with the Oakdale Neighbourhood Association to mark many of the storm drains in the Stoney Creek Watershed with yellow fish. The yellow fish are painted adjacent to storm drains to remind residents, as well as business and developers, that all storm drains lead to sensitive fish habitat. Learn more about our volunteer Storm Drain Marking Program.  

Adopt-A-Catch Basin Program

Launched in September 2021, the City’s Adopt-A-Catch Basin Program encourages community members to become catch basin stewards by adopting, cleaning and reporting dumping and other issues to the City. Through this program, over 360 catch basins have now been adopted city-wide, including many in the Stoney Creek Watershed.  

Spill Reporting

Installed in February 2022, new signage along Stoney Creek between North Road and Rathburn Culvert provides contact information for the cities of Burnaby and Coquitlam for reporting any spills or concerns observed in the creek.  

These reports ensure the appropriate response team is rapidly dispatched to investigate and take the necessary action to protect human health and the environment.