Alberta easing wetland approval requirements for farmers

Alberta producers will no longer need Water Act approvals for certain activities involving temporary water bodies and seasonal wetlands on private cropland under changes expected to take effect later this fall.

The provincial government announced it will remove approval requirements for specified agricultural activities that affect ephemeral water bodies, as well as temporary and seasonal wetlands on private farmland.

Currently, some activities can trigger a review process that may require producers to hire a wetland professional, complete an assessment, and obtain government approval before proceeding. In some cases, wetland replacement fees may also apply.

Under the new rules, those requirements will no longer apply to certain activities on private cropland, including cultivation, seeding, spraying, ditching, drainage work, and filling temporary wet areas.

The government is also changing requirements for tile drainage systems, which are used to remove excess subsurface water from agricultural land.

Rather than applying for a Water Act approval, producers will be able to follow a new code of practice that Alberta plans to develop. The code will outline standards for tile drainage projects and allow producers to process through a notification process. Consent will still be required where drainage projects could affect downstream landowners.

Alberta Canola Chair Andrew Harpe said the changes may help producers address issues such as flooding and erosion, while continuing to manage wildlife habitat on agricultural land.

According tot he province, water managed under the exemptions must remain on the producer’s property, while protections for neighbouring landowners, infrastructure, and higher-value wetlands will remain in place.