Environmental Planning

Arborist Surveys

PGL provides a variety of services in vegetation ecology, primarily in urban forestry and ecological restoration. Our staff includes an ISA Certified Arborist with Tree Risk Assessment Qualification. Projects range from municipal tree bylaw compliance, species selection in ecological assessment, and tree surveys for greenfield projects.

Bird Surveys

Bird specialists are a core part of PGL’s environmental planning team. We have ample experience with pre-clearing nesting bird surveys for the development industry. We also provide advice to help clients comply with the federal Species at Risk Act and the Migratory Birds Conventional Act and provide species census to support impact assessment projects.

Ecological Restoration

PGL provides ecological restoration services for wetland, marine, freshwater, and upland ecosystems. (Restoration may be synonymous with other regulatory words like habitat offsetting or habitat compensation.) PGL has specialized expertise to assist our clients with planning, implementation, and follow up monitoring. Also, if you are struggling to put operational meaning to vague restoration conditions from regulators, or have only a conceptual idea of your project, we can help define specific targets.

Environmental Impact Assessments

Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) are at the core of PGL’s environmental services. Our clients typically need an EIA to achieve regulatory approvals for their project. For example, projects that require environmental approvals under the B.C. Environmental Assessment Act (BCEAA), the federal Impact Assessment Act (IAA), Yukon Socioeconomic and Environmental Assessment Act (YESAA), or other development permitting to satisfy local government requirements. We apply our expertise to provide our clients with a wide variety of specialized services to meet their EIA needs.

Environmental Management

Anything that involves the disturbance of natural environment may trigger a need to protect sensitive habitat. Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) and Environmental Protection Plans (EPPs) integrate with land clearing and construction projects to minimize risk and recover from accidental encroachment on valued environmental components. PGL routinely works with proponents and contractors to integrate protection into site practices, to document due diligence and to satisfy municipal, provincial and federal requirements and expectation with the least possible impact on productivity and project progress.

Environmental Monitoring

Environmental Monitoring (EM) is another key element of PGL’s environmental services. Environmental monitoring during project construction is an integral part of most approvals or permits. Monitors track and document the real-time environmental effects of a project, and work with the site team to practically manage the challenges and constraints. Whether it is badly timed rain events, nesting birds in the wrong place, or high value habitat near activity areas, PGL has field staff with the knowledge and experience to help our clients make the best decisions on site, but we also have the requisite backup at the office for when more challenging situations arise.

Fish & Fish Habitat Assessments

PGL conducts fish and fish habitat surveys for a wide range of projects and industries, from small hydro and mining to urban and rural industrial, commercial and residential development. Depending on the proposed activity and history of the site, fish and fish habitat surveys may be required in advance of construction for environmental due diligence and compliance with regulatory requirements.

First Nation Environmental Support Services

PGL is proud to have long standing relationships with First Nations across Canada. Our initial work was with Treaty 8, Tsimishian, and Coast Salish Nations. Our work with them continues to the present, but also thanks to their referrals and referrals their legal counsel, we now work with more than 40 other nations in BC, Alberta, Ontario, Yukon, and Nunavut. 

First Nations have a rich cultural heritage and a special relationship with the land and water, a relationship we respect with all our projects. We appreciate the importance that First Nations place on environmental sustainability, land use and community growth.

Invasive Species Services

Noxious weeds, or the more general term “invasive plants”, are a growing management burden for developers of residential, institutional, and major resource projects. While “invasive plants” may refer to any of the innumerable species introduced to new ecosystems in the past 150 years or so, only a small number of these are flagged as “noxious weeds” requiring stricter management efforts. From preparing baseline inventories and Invasive Species Management Plans, to carrying out control and disposal field work, PGL’s Qualified Environmental Professionals (QEPs) can help. Our Invasive Species work has been carried out predominantly in British Columbia, however more recently we have been providing the same services in Alberta, Yukon, and Ontario.

Riparian Setback Assessments

Whenever required, PGL’s experts can determine the necessary development setbacks for creeks and other water features. Our services include field assessment and regulatory approvals. Setbacks are sometimes also referred to as riparian areas, streamside protection and enhancement areas, or other variations.

Species At Risk Surveys

Species at Risk (SAR) are a complicated topic in Canada. Whether your objective is a conservation project or legal compliance during development, PGL can assist with SAR services. Our work includes surveys, regulatory constraints assessment, salvage and habitat restoration.

Water Quality Monitoring

Surface and groundwater quality assessment is part of PGL’s core planning services.  PGL has experience in designing sampling plans, selecting parameters, installing sampling weirs and wells, and interpreting results against applicable standards and proposed uses. The key with water monitoring is knowing what you don’t need to test for, both to control cost and to avoid results that have no easy response, for example how to address substances for which there is no standard.

Wildlife Surveys

We conduct wildlife surveys for a range of projects and industries from pipelines and mining, to urban developments and assessing impact to Aboriginal rights. Depending on the proposed activity, biogeoclimatic zone, and history of the site, specific wildlife surveys may be necessary in advance of, during, and/or after construction for environmental compliance.