Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs
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Contractors, Before Starting Work Close to a Lake, Watercourse or Wetland… Get Informed!

Swamp, peatland, marshYou Have Responsibilities…

Before undertaking work in or close to a body of water – which could be a lake, watercourse (constant or intermittent flow), pond, marsh, swamp or peatland – GET INFORMED!

Ask your clients if they have obtained the required authorizations from the Ministère. This type of work may also require an authorization from the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune, Secteur Faune Québec, in accordance with the Protection Policy for Lakeshores, Riverbanks, Littoral Zones and Floodplains.

You may also include a clause in the contracts you sign with your clients specifying that they are responsible for obtaining all authorizations and providing the information you need to carry out the work.

Crossings (bridges, culverts, fords)…There Are Consequences!

If you don't take these precautions, you and your employees could be held liable for carrying out unauthorized work. You could be sued. So think ahead! Restoring an aquatic ecosystem or wetland is a costly undertaking for offenders.

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If You Must Work in or Close to a Lake, Watercourse or Wetland, it is Important to Know That…

Clearing banks (tree and brush removal)There are a number of measures under the Environment Quality Act (R.S.Q., c. Q-2) and its applications that protect the banks, shores, littorals and floodplains of lakes, watercourses (constant or intermittent flow), and ponds, marshes, swamps and peatlands.

These fragile ecosystems are the life source of many animals and plants. They make up an ecological, economical, social and recreational wealth which must be preserved for the benefit of all.

Human activities, including agriculture, and industrial, urban or resort development put a great deal of pressure on these areas. As such, better knowledge of their impact should make everyone want to protect them.

Certain Activities Can Cause Considerable Damage…

Some of the work you do in or close to a lake, watercourse or wetland can do irreparable damage to the surrounding areas: bank erosion, suspended sediment in the water, burial of spawning grounds, elimination of threatened species; it may also increase the risk of flooding, even deteriorate the natural landscape.

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Before Starting a Project, Think Ahead… Get Informed!

For information, contact the Information Centre of the Ministère.

Regional offices of the Ministère

Photos:
Ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et des Parcs
Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune
Denis Chabot, © Le Québec en images, CCDMD
Écogénie

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