Public Information Centre No.2 Study Area
Transcription
Public Information Centre No.2 Study Area
07/12/2015 Public Information Centre No.2 Idlewood Creek Fairway Road to Outlet at Grand River December 8, 2015 Study Area • The Idlewood Creek subwatershed has a drainage area of approximately 462 ha to the outlet at the Grand River. • The subwatershed is considered to be fully developed with residential, institutional, open space land uses and some commercial land uses. • The creek has been straightened or modified over time at various locations. • There is a City-owned dam and private dam downstream of Fairway Road North. Watershed Boundary Study Area Idlewood Creek (Fairway Road to Outlet at Grand River) 1 07/12/2015 Study Purpose • The City of Kitchener has initiated this Class Environmental Assessment to address long term sedimentation and erosion issues in Idlewood Creek, as well as to investigate whether there are any problems associated with two online dams and to ultimately develop recommendations to address the many issues identified. Municipal Class EA Process • The study will follow the requirements for a Schedule B project under the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (October 2000, as amended 2007 & 2011). • This study will complete Phase 1 and 2 the EA process. Phase 1 Identify and Describe the Problem(s) Phase 3 Alternative Design Concepts For the Preferred Solution Phase 2 Alternative Planning Solutions • Identify alternative designs to implement the preferred solution. • Inventory natural, social/cultural and economic environments. • Identify the impact of the alternative designs after mitigation. • Evaluate alternative designs. • Identify a preferred design. • Identify reasonable alternative planning solutions. • Evaluate the alternative solutions, taking into consideration environmental and technical factors. • Identify a preferred solution to the problem(s). Agency and Stakeholder Consultation Agency and Stakeholder Consultation Problem Statement Preferred Solution Phase 4 Environmental Study Report • Compile an Environmental Study Report (ESR). • Place ESR on public record for review for 30 days. • Notify the public and government agencies of completion of the ESR and of the Part II Order provision in the EA Act. Phase 5 Implementation • Proceed to construction of the project. • Monitor environmental provisions and commitments. ESR Preferred Design We Are Here Idlewood Creek (Fairway Road to Outlet at Grand River) Photographic Inventory Idlewood Creek (Fairway Road to Outlet at Grand River) 2 07/12/2015 Previous Consultation • The first PIC was held on November 14, 2014. • The major issues identified at PIC No.1 were: Moderate to significant erosion upstream of the privately owned dam; Sedimentation of both the private and City owned dams; Instability of the City owned dam, and Lack of fish passage. • Since the PIC No.1, the City has been working with the landowners and agency stakeholders to identify alternative solutions to address the identified issues. Public Feedback • Reduce or eliminate impact to private properties. • Concerned about impact of existing development on creek erosion and dam (public and private) sedimentation. • Minimize tree removal along the creek. • Rehabilitate/restore creek using natural techniques. Idlewood Creek (Fairway Road to Outlet at Grand River) Baseline Inventory Hydrology (Rain – Runoff) • The update to the Idlewood Creek Watershed hydrology model (from Master Drainage Plan) resulted in small changes to flow rates that were used to determine creek impacts such as erosion. Hydraulics (Movement of Water) • Flood limits (floodplain) for the 100 year storm and Regional Storm (Hurricane Hazel) have been mapped. • All crossings and the two dams are overtopped by frequent storm events, apart from the Fairway Road crossings. Idlewood Creek (Fairway Road to Outlet at Grand River) 3 07/12/2015 Baseline Inventory Stream Morphology (Creek Characteristics) • The City owned online pond has in the last two years been partially emptied resulting in a central channel and vegetation growth within the pond. • An upper creek reach (Reach 6) has significant channel erosion which has resulted in the partial filling of the pond upstream of the privately owned dam. Terrestrial Ecology • The Idlewood Swamp Provincially Significant Wetland is located in the study area. • Several wetlands in the study area provide amphibian breeding habitat. • 4 frog species, 3 turtle species, and 50 bird species were identified. Aquatic Ecology • 6 fish species were captured during the electrofishing of the creek including fathead minnow, brook stickleback, common white sucker, creek chub, blacknose dace, and bullhead. • Background information and previous studies have identified Idlewood Creek as coolwater habitat. Idlewood Creek (Fairway Road to Outlet at Grand River) Baseline Inventory Trails • The sections of Walter Bean Trail and Community Trail within the Study Area are owned and maintained by the City of Kitchener. • The Woodland Hiking Trail was created by the Grand Valley Trail Association (GVTA) and provides a local link between the Walter Bean Trail and Edgewater Crescent. Wayfinding signage along the GVTA trail is created and maintained by the GVTA • The GVTA pedestrian does not meet bridge code. Walter Bean Grand River Trail (Maintained by the City) Community Trail (Maintained by the City) Woodland Hiking Trail (GVTA Trail ) (Maintained by the GVTA) Creek Crossing Dams • The City owned dam is an earth dam with a concrete top structure and a concrete culvert to convey flow. The dam is in reasonable condition although scouring and sink holes in the earth embankment give cause for instability. • The privately-owned dam is a concrete dam structure with a single outlet draining onto a concrete spillway. The dam is in good overall condition although the dam wall has scour damage at its base in need of repair. Idlewood Creek (Fairway Road to Outlet at Grand River) 4 07/12/2015 Problem Statement Erosion • Idlewood Creek is unstable in certain reaches with moderate to significant bank erosion within Reach 6 upstream of the privately-owned dam as well as downstream of Fairway Road North. Sedimentation • Sedimentation within the pond upstream of the private dam has been and is occurring due to upstream creek erosion, resulting from historical agriculture practices, natural erosion . processes and development. • The pond upstream of the City-owned dam is also experiencing sedimentation and has scoured on the sides of the control structure and is at risk from not being stable. Fish Passage • The gabion lined channel at the confluence with the Grand River and the structures downstream of Fairway Road North are preventing fish passage Opportunities Localized site specific channel improvements can improve erosion conditions downstream of Fairway Road North and physical structures can be removed (to the extent possible) to restore the creek to pre-alteration/ pre-development conditions facilitating fish passage. The flow regime can potentially be positively modified through stormwater management retrofits. Idlewood Creek (Fairway Road to Outlet at Grand River) Long-list of Alternatives The following alternatives have been identified to address the problem associated with erosion and sedimentation: A - Do Nothing B - Stormwater Management Retrofits 1. End-of-pipe and/or Storm Sewer Outlet Retrofits 2. Source Controls (LID) C - Flow Diversions (local) D - Creek Rehabilitation 1. Realignment 2. Protect in Place – Localized Protection 3. Dam Removal (City/Private) 4. Dam Alteration (City/Private) E - Sedimentation Management 1. In-Stream Debris Systems 2. Maintenance F – Property Access G - Combinations In addition to the long-list of mitigation measures a Public Education program should be considered to educate landowners adjacent to the valley about the impacts related to dumping in the valley, planting invasive species, and installing drains that outlet to the valley slope. Idlewood Creek (Fairway Road to Outlet at Grand River) 5 07/12/2015 Long-list of Alternatives Alternative A: “Do Nothing” No measures are proposed. Represents baseline conditions (core requirement of the Municipal Class EA process). Alternative B: Stormwater Management Retrofits Alternative B1: End-of-Pipe and/or Storm Sewer Outlet Retrofits Stormwater management facility retrofits and storm sewer outlet retrofits could assist with erosion control. Alternative B2: Stormwater Management Best Management Practices (BMPs) Stormwater management BMPs on both private and publicly owned property, could reduce peak flows and volume of runoff to the creek. Alternative C: Flow Diversions Can be implemented to address erosion problems by transferring runoff to a neighbouring subcatchment with capacity, reducing peak flows and runoff volume to the creek. Idlewood Creek (Fairway Road to Outlet at Grand River) Long-list of Alternatives Alternative D: Creek Rehabilitation Alternative D1: Realignment Natural channel design techniques to establish a new alignment, cross-section and creek profile; realignment would occur along the whole length of the creek. Alternative D2: Protect In-Place A combination of stone, manufactured bioengineering products and vegetation-based protection to stabilize and protect the creek banks where undercutting and excessively steep banks are forming. Before and After Filsinger Creek, City of Kitchener Alternative D3: Dam Removal (City/Private) Dam removal to re-establish natural continuity in the channel; additional work to address the grade drop at the outlets. Alternative D4: Dam Alteration (City/Private) Dam alteration could take many forms from reinforcement to maintaining existing conditions to lower water levels. With and Without Dam Chiligo Creek, Speed River Idlewood Creek (Fairway Road to Outlet at Grand River) 6 07/12/2015 Long-list of Alternatives Alternative E: Sedimentation Management Alternative E1: In-Stream Debris Systems Systems designed to focus the capture of debris and sediment in designated locations for follow-up mechanical maintenance. Alternative E2: Maintenance Regular inspection and maintenance program to address the ongoing sedimentation problem. Alternative F: Property Acquisition Property acquisition of at risk locations or areas where public infrastructure is required. Allows City to obtain land rights. Idlewood Creek (Fairway Road to Outlet at Grand River) Preliminary Evaluation Criteria Evaluation Category Functional (Physical) Environment Natural Environment Evaluation Criteria Stability of Dam Structures Stream Stability Related to Stream Barriers Artificial barriers in the Idlewood Creek negatively influence the creek’s stability. Creek Erosion (Site Specific) Extent of site specific erosion on creek bed and banks addressed by alternative. Constructability Construction and maintenance access may or may not be possible, due to private property, grading constraints and prohibitive temporary/permanent environmental impacts. Constructability requires property rights. Aquatic Environment (Impacts/Enhancements) Existing barriers reduce the ability for fish to freely move upstream limiting available habitat range and reducing diversity. Wetlands/ Marsh (Impacts/Enhancements) Terrestrial Environment (Impacts/Enhancements) Amount of cultural and forest vegetation communities affected by alternatives. Water quality enhancements resulting from stormwater management measures and/or removal of contaminated sediment. Sediment Accumulation The volume of sediment removed or contributed to the public and private dams. Impacts Archeological Resources Economic/Financial Amount of wetlands and marsh vegetation communities affected by alternatives. Water Quality Groundwater Resources Social/Cultural Environment Criteria Description/Comment Dam instability and potential for failure can have negative impacts downstream of a dam including creek erosion and property damage due to flooding. The potential to improve groundwater through improved recharge (i.e. source control and/or storm sewer retrofits and stormwater controls). Amount and extend of disturbance to archaeological resources within the study area. Impacts on Private Properties Impacts to private lands or private property owners (access, flooding, erosion, sedimentation and vegetation removal) based on each alternative. Impact on Public Lands Impacts to public lands (access, flooding, erosion, sedimentation and vegetation removal) based on each alternative. Impact to Trail Uses Extent of impact to trails and trail users. Public Safety Public safety around water is impacted by presence of dams, resulting depth and velocity of water. Capital Costs Construction cost of alternatives. Operations and Maintenances Costs to operate and maintain. Risk Failure of dam, trail bridges or other structures can result in damages to persons or property. Idlewood Creek (Fairway Road to Outlet at Grand River) 7 07/12/2015 Preliminary Assessment of Alternatives Evaluation Category Alternative B1 End-of-Pipe/ Pond Retrofits Alternative B2 Source Controls (LID) Alternative C Flow Diversions Alternative D1 Realignment 7 6 4 6 5 4 1, 2 3, 3 10 7 8 9 5 2 9 7 6 1, 3 4, 5 8 8 9 4 3 1 5 7 6 2, 4 3, 4 4 4 3 7 2 7 4 3 2, 3 6, 6 6 2 8 12 8 13 Alternative A Do-Nothing Alternative D3 Alternative D4 Alternative E1 Alternative D2 Alternative E2 Dam Removal Dam Alteration In-stream Protect in Maintenance Public/Private Public/Private Debris Place (D3-1,D3-2) (D4-1,D4-2) Systems Alternative F Property Acquisition Functional (Physical) Environment CATEGORY RANKING Natural Environment CATEGORY RANKING Social/Cultural Environment CATEGORY RANKING Economic/Financial Environment CATEOGORY RANKING 1 OVERALL RANKING 7 9 3 11 10 6 1, 2 4, 5 Screened ShortListed ShortListed ShortListed ShortListed ShortListed ShortListed ShortListed Screened Screened Screened as Standalone Idlewood Creek (Fairway Road to Outlet at Grand River) Short-Listed Alternatives • Based on the assessment of the Long-list of Alternatives the following have been shortlisted as possible solutions to address the problem statement: • • • • • • Alternative B1: Stormwater Management Facility and/or Storm Sewer Outlet Retrofits Alternative B2: Source Controls (LID) Alternative C: Flow Diversions Alternative D1: Creek Rehabilitation – Realignment Alternative D2: Creek Rehabilitation – Protect In-Place Alternative D3: Creek Rehabilitation – Dam Removal (D3–1 City, D3-2 Private) Idlewood Creek (Fairway Road to Outlet at Grand River) 8 07/12/2015 Short-Listed Alternatives Idlewood Creek (Fairway Road to Outlet at Grand River) Short-Listed Alternatives City Dam and Culvert Idlewood Creek (Fairway Road to Outlet at Grand River) 9 07/12/2015 Short-Listed Alternatives Private Dam Idlewood Creek (Fairway Road to Outlet at Grand River) Short-Listed Alternatives Protect-in-place erosion sites in Reach 6 (Alternative D2). Local creek protection upstream and downstream of the GVTA bridge. Idlewood Creek (Fairway Road to Outlet at Grand River) 10 07/12/2015 Preliminary Preferred Alternatives Based on the assessment of the Short-Listed Alternatives the following are the preliminary preferred alternatives that have been advanced by the project team: Alternative B2: Source Controls (LID) • Lot level controls to reduce drainage to Idlewood Creek Alternative D1: Creek Rehabilitation – Realignment • Short restoration natural channel design required for removal of the old Woolner Road Crossing Alternative D2: Creek Rehabilitation – Protect In-Place • Promote local creek stability by either removing Grand Valley Trail Association pedestrian bridge or conducting local creek banks restoration Alternative D3-1: Creek Rehabilitation – City Dam Removal • Decommission of City of Kitchener Dam location and provide stable realigned channel that facilitates fish passage • The City of Kitchener dam removal includes a 60 m long bypass channel around a preserved wetland function within the existing backwater pool, with appropriate flow splitting and restoration elements Idlewood Creek (Fairway Road to Outlet at Grand River) Preliminary Preferred Alternatives Idlewood Creek (Fairway Road to Outlet at Grand River) 11 07/12/2015 Future Considerations Alternative D3-2: Private Dam Removal • Due to private property ownership of the dam and creek at the outlet of Idlewood Creek, the City does not have land rights (e.g. easement or ownership) for both the creek and the dam. • The City of Kitchener would consider the private dam removal and creek realignment should the City of Kitchener be granted or acquire land rights to the area of the dam and creek. • Municipal land rights over the dam and the creek would permit the City to remove the dam, realign the creek and maintain it in perpetuity. Idlewood Creek (Fairway Road to Outlet at Grand River) Next Steps • • • Receive public comments by January 5, 2016; Finalize the design based on comments received by the Public and Agencies; File the Project File for a 30-day review in early 2016. How to Provide Comments Complete a comment sheet By Mail: By Phone: By Fax: By Email: Melissa Ryan, M.Sc., P. Eng. Design and Construction Project Manager City of Kitchener Engineering Services 200 King Street West, P.O. Box 1118 Kitchener, Ontario N2G 4G7 Tel.: (519) 741-2200 ext. 7827 TTY: 1-866-969-9994 Fax: (519) 741-2230 E-mail: Melissa.ryan@kitchener.ca Ron Scheckenberger, M.Eng., P.Eng. Consultant Project Manager Amec Foster Wheeler 3215 North Service Road, P.O. Box 220 Burlington ON L7N 3G2 Tel.: (905) 335-2353 Toll Free: 1-866-751-2353 Fax: (905) 335-1414 E-mail:ron.scheckenberger@amecfw.com Please submit comments no later than January 5 , 2016 Thank you for your participation! 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