BMP 10 – Surface Stripping
Surface stripping may occur during early exploration activities when there is not enough exposed bedrock for a geologist to examine adequately. Surface stripping is conducted to remove vegetation and soil and expose the bedrock and uncover zones of mineral enrichment identified by previous studies to create geological maps and take samples that can inform and guide future exploration activities.
Occasionally, pressurized water pumps and hoses, like those used to fight forest fires, may also be used to wash the rock, and remove any remaining soil and debris to increase surface visibility.
The Department of Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources provides authorization for surface stripping operations involving machinery through a Work Permit prior to starting work.
Details of the proposed stripping activities including the dimensions and depth of the area to be stripped, methods to be used, and any backfilling or site decommission planning details should be included in a Work Permit Application. If clearing of forest vegetation is required, see BMP 6 – Timber Clearing Activities.
Environmental impacts can be reduced or avoided with the proper safeguards
Unless otherwise authorized, a minimum 100 metre buffer of undisturbed vegetation must be maintained between stripping operations and all water bodies.
Washing a rock outcrop may require water to be pumped to the stripped area. Water intake hoses should be fitted with screens that meets Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Freshwater Intake End-of-Pipe Fish Screen Guideline to prevent the impingement or entrainment of fish during pumping activities. All water-related equipment should be decontaminated prior to use to avoid the spread of invasive species.
Precautions should be taken to prevent the siltation of local water bodies. Mitigation measures may be necessary to prevent run off from surface stripping operations so that no water or stripped material directly enters any Water Body. Silt fencing or other erosion barriers such as straw bales should be used to control water movement.
Surface stripping activities that require heavy machinery to remove a large volume of soil and vegetation should be planned outside sensitive timing windows for wildlife such as migratory bird nesting periods and within known caribou calving areas, see BMP 15 – Wildlife. The federal Guidelines to avoid harm to migratory birds, Recovery Strategy for the Woodland Caribou, Boreal population (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in Canada – Public consultation search – Species at risk registry, Fact sheet: Nest Protection under the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022 – Canada and Nesting periods – Canada provide further information related to considerations required for wildlife.
Topsoil, overburden, and vegetation should be retained and placed back on the site to as near the original contour as possible.
Seeding or planting may be necessary depending on topography and likelihood of erosion and should be considered as part of site decommission planning details included as part of a Work Permit Application. See BMP 16 – Decommissioning.
Contacts
Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources
Minerals, Petroleum and Geoscience Division
204-945-1119
Toll free 1-800-223-5215
minesinfo@gov.mb.ca
Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources
Lands and Planning Branch
204-945-6784
Toll free 1-800-214-6497
List of Regional Office Contacts
Environment Climate and Change
Parks Branch
204-945-6784
Toll free 1-800-214-6497
parks@gov.mb.ca
Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources
Wildlife Branch
204-945-6784
Toll free 1-800-214-6497
Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources
Forestry and Peatlands Branch
204-945-6784
Toll free 1-800-214-6497
treeline@gov.mb.ca
Related Acts and Regulations
M162 – The Mines and Minerals Act
C340 – The Crown Lands Act
P20 – Provincial Parks Act
MR 141/96 Park Activities Regulation
F150 – The Forest Act
W130 – The Wildlife Act
E111 – The Endangered Species and Ecosystems Act
Canada
F-14 – Fisheries Act
Migratory Birds Regulations
Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994