Conservation officers deliver a variety of services, including compliance inspections, investigations and enforcement, human-wildlife conflict management, and outreach in support of more than 30 provincial and federal statutes, including the Environmental Protection Act, Wildlife Act and Water Act.

The ministry is investing $1 million this year in the Conservation Officer Service Commercial Environmental Investigations Unit (CEIU). Launched last year, the unit focuses on environmental compliance primarily related to commercial and industrial activities. The CEIU has eight senior investigators and a manager located in five key areas of the province – Prince George, Kamloops, Nelson, Surrey and Nanaimo.

Five new conservation officers have been hired to enhance the capacity of the Conservation Officer Service to participate in collaborative compliance projects with external partners, and engage in additional compliance activities throughout the province. These officers will be placed in Fort St. John, Golden, Vernon, Nanaimo and Surrey.

Non-compliance with environmental requirements threatens human health and safety, and the province’s natural resources. Environment Minister Barry Penner encourages the public to report all poachers and polluters by calling the COS 24-hour hotline at 1-877-952-RAPP (7277), #RAPP (7277) on the TELUS Mobility Network, or by visiting the RAPP website. All tips are kept confidential.

The Ministry of Environment’s Quarterly Compliance and Enforcement summaries can be viewed online at www.env.gov.bc.ca/main/prgs/compliancereport.html.