VICTORIA — An audit of the BC Timber Sales (BCTS) program and timber sale licence holders in the Boundary Timber Supply Area portion of the BCTS Kootenay Business Area has found significant issues with road and bridge maintenance, according to a recent release from the Forest Practices Board.
The board conducted a compliance audit of all BCTS and licence holders’ forestry activities carried out between June 2022 and June 2023.
The audit found BCTS did not inspect any high-risk or very high-risk roads, and only a limited number of moderate-risk roads during the audit period, which is not compliant with the Forest Planning and Practices Regulation.
“Most of these roads were built decades ago before the advent of modern roadbuilding techniques,” said Keith Atkinson, chair of the Forest Practices Board in a statement. “Regular inspections are necessary to identify needed repairs that can prevent or reduce the risk of erosion or landslides occurring, especially on these higher-risk roads.”
Since the audit was completed, BCTS has improved its road-maintenance system, the release stated.
The audit also found licence holder Tolko Industries Ltd. did not repair broken guardrails on a bridge used by industrial traffic during the audit period. This is also not compliant with the Forest Planning and Practices Regulation.
“Guardrails are an important safety component of bridges because they provide drivers with a physical warning that they are approaching the edge of a bridge,” Atkinson said.
Since the audit was completed, Tolko has replaced the guardrails.
The audit area is in south-central B.C. and includes Grand Forks, Greenwood and Midway, located along Highway 3.
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