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Environmental Assessment West Carleton Environmental Centre
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chapter 4. description of the environment potentially affected by the undertaking
Figure 4-11 Fish Habitat Classification
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Figure 4-12 Vegetation Communities
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This wetland covers a larger area than what has been mapped by MNR, so the actual area of
the provincially significant wetland (PSW) is likely more extensive than what is shown in
Figure 4-12. The wetland and surrounding forest has been identified as a Centre of Ecological
Significance in the context of the Carp River watershed.
Flora
A total of 194 vascular plant species were recorded during field investigations, of which 38
(approximately 20%) are non-native species. No locally rare species were encountered but 22
are considered to be locally uncommon.
The only plant species at risk encountered was the Endangered Butternut (Juglans cinerea).
Three individual trees occur within the landfill site, near the north edge of the dry-fresh birch
deciduous forest in the southeast corner. Four other individual trees occur in the forest block
southwest of William Mooney Road (refer to Figure 4-12). In November 2003, the Committee
on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) designated Butternut an
Endangered species. Although the Butternut is relatively common south of the Canadian
Shield, COSEWIC has designated it “endangered” because of a disease, the Butternut Canker,
which has rapidly spread through North America. This disease causes a high degree of
mortality in Butternut trees. The Butternut is listed provincially as “S3?” (provincially rare to
uncommon, status uncertain) by the Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC). No individuals
showed symptoms of the lethal Butternut canker.
Wildlife
Wildlife surveys focused on breeding bird surveys and nocturnal amphibian surveys, as
discussed in the following sections. Some key wildlife observations are shown on Figure 4-13.
Birds
During the breeding bird surveys on June 3 and 16, 2011, a total of 34 species and 22 species,
respectively, were recorded within the existing landfill property, and 50 species and 37 species
within the west and north landfill envelopes. The previous survey work in 2006 recorded 48
species of birds on the existing landfill site, which included some non-breeding species such as
Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) and gulls.
The most commonly occurring breeding birds include Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius
phoeniceus), European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris); Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia),
American Robin (Turdus migratorius), Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia) and Common
Yellowthroat (Geothlyphis trichas).
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Figure 4-13 Wildlife Observations
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The forested areas both on the existing landfill site and the project envelopes support a number
of area sensitive breeding birds, as recognized by MNR (2000). Eight species were recorded
on the landfill, three to the north of the landfill, and ten in the forest to the west. The approximate
locations of the area sensitive species are all shown in Figure 4-13.
The old field habitat to the west of William Mooney Road appears to provide suitable habitat to
the provincially Threatened Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus). The breeding bird survey was
conducted on two dates in early and mid-June at an appropriate time of year when this species
would have been present. During the breeding season the male Bobolink is not easily
overlooked with its distinct pattern, bubbling territorial song, and habit of singing from
conspicuous perches. Surveys adequately covered the open field in broad transects roughly
250 m apart. The operator of the agricultural field to the west of the existing site was
questioned as to whether he had seen Bobolink on his land. The operator of the agricultural
field noted that he had seen them in the area previously, but not in the past several years. The
fields are in the early stage of succession but woody shrubs are establishing. Bobolink typically
prefer fields with little or no shrubs so it is possible that the regeneration makes the area no
longer favourable to this species.
It is also noteworthy that approximately 100 Bank Swallow (Riparia riparianesting) holes were
observed on a steep exposed earthen bank within the existing landfill property. Bank Swallow is
a colonial nesting species. The location is important since there are a large number of breeding
individuals that will forage over a large distance away from the site.
The ponds in the existing landfill site are used for staging by a small number of migratory
waterfowl as observations of Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) and Lesser Scaup (Aythya
affinis) on May 3, 2011 indicate. Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) and likely other gull
species are frequent visitors to the landfill. Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) may also
congregate in ponds, on the landfill, or surrounding fields. A flock of 70 were observed in a field
north of the landfill on June 1, 2011.
On June 13, 2007, the non-regulated wetlands to the north revealed the presence of a breeding
pair of Canada Geese, and one breeding pair of Mallard Ducks.
Amphibians
Amphibian calling surveys were conducted on evenings of May 3 and June 2, 2011 at areas of
apparent amphibian habitat within the existing landfill site and the adjacent area. Five species
were recorded between the two surveys. A total of six species - four on the existing landfill site
and five in the wetland area to the north - were recorded during previous surveys conducted in
2006. The locations of amphibians observed during the various field visits are shown in
Figure 4-13.
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The existing landfill site contains several permanent ponds, and intermittent ponds that are used
by breeding amphibians. Only the Green Frog (Rana clamitans) and, to a lesser extent
Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens), remain in the permanent ponds through the summer.
Other species breed in the ponds but spend most of the active season in the adjacent
woodlands or old field habitat. Therefore, the proximity to ponds and woodlands is important to
maintain functional amphibian habitat.
There were no nationally or provincially at-risk amphibian species or provincially rare (S1
through S3) species recorded.
Other Fauna
Seven mammal species were observed in 2006 during visits to the site or by landfill staff
throughout the year (refer to Table 4-5). Additional species, such as Striped Skunk (Mephitis
mephitis), Meadow Vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus), and other small nocturnal mammals are
likely present on the site, but these species are difficult to observe. None of the species
recorded are rare or At-Risk nationally or provincially.
Table 4-5 Mammals Recorded at Ottawa WMF
Common Name Scientific Name Comments
Woodchuck Marmota monax Observed in southwest and south-central woods; young seen
Muskrat Ondatra zibethicus Observed in northernmost pond (SASa)
Meadow Jumping Mouse Zapus hudsonius Observed in edge of northwest woods
Coyote Canis latrans Occasionally seen by landfill staff
Red Fox Vulpes vulpes Occasionally seen by landfill staff; probable den seen at
edge of northwest woods
Northern Raccoon Procyon lotor Observed in several locations; regularly seen by landfill staff
White-tailed Deer Odocoileus virginianus Observed in several locations; minor winter concentration in
northwest woods
During the December 2006 field visit, a small group of White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus
virginianus) was observed in the northwest woods. The conifer trees in this section of the site
likely provide good wintering habitat for a small number of deer due to the shelter provided by
the trees. The remaining woods appear to be of lower quality for wintering wildlife because they
contain few conifer trees (species that keep their needles) to provide shelter, and fewer mature
trees to provide cavities for nesting or hibernation.
No reptiles were observed while on the property. However, professional experience suggests
that some common snake species, such as Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis),
probably occur on the property.
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4.4.4.4 Natural Heritage Designations
Some of the natural heritage features within the Study Area are already designated for their
environmental functions and therefore receive some level of protection through the Provincial
Policy Statement (PPS).
Provincially Significant Wetland
Under the PPS the Province of Ontario protects wetlands that rank as Provincially Significant.
The PPS states that “Development and site alteration shall not be permitted in significant
wetlands”.
Two units of the Provincially Significant Goulbourn Wetland have been mapped by MNR in the
core natural area in the west portion of the On-Site Study Area. A 30 m natural buffer is
typically applied to a PSW boundary and an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) is required
where development is proposed within 120 m of a PSW to show that there will be no detrimental
effects to the wetland function.
Significant Woodland
The Ottawa Official Plan OPA 76 (2009) has identified Significant Woodlands in their jurisdiction
based on meeting the following criteria: contiguous woodland patches that contain mature
woodlands greater than 80 years, forest interior greater than 100 m from an edge and are within
5 m of a water feature. Areas within the Study Area which are mapped in Annex 14 of the
Official Plan (OP) are shown in Figure 4-12. The Significant Woodland includes the forest block
associated with the Goulbourn Wetland, the southern portion of the woodlots in the landfill, and
the small woodlot in the north that is contiguous with the adjacent property. According to the
PPS the function of the significant woodland must be maintained.
The Carp River Watershed Plan, which includes the Study Area, also maps woodlands as part
of Greenland strategy to protect watershed functions. Their designation is based on woodlands
that are at least 50 years of age. The woodlands mapped are similar to the Significant
Woodland of the OP except for the inclusion of the central woodlot in the landfill and the
absence of the woodlot in the north.
The Carp River Watershed Plan recognises the Goulbourn PSW and immediately adjacent
forest land as a “Category 1” area and therefore recommend that it should receive a high level
of protection.
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4.4.4.5 Landscape Connectivity
Landscape connectivity, including the concept of ‘wildlife corridors,’ is recognized as an
important part of natural heritage planning. It is generally accepted that a wide range of benefits
can be attributed to the maintenance or reconnection of the natural landscape. These benefits
may include: increased local species richness and biodiversity, more immigration and
movement opportunities for individuals between core natural areas, and greater likelihood of
seed dispersal and exchange of other genetic material between populations.
In the fragmented landscape of southern Ontario, connectivity functions are subjectively
described. A low connectivity landscape is one where there are relatively small quantities of
natural habitat (forest, wetland, thicket, etc.) separated by larger amounts of agricultural lands,
urban areas and or roads. A high or very good connectivity landscape is one where the
landscape is mostly natural habitat, with minimum quantities of agriculture or development
breaking up the landscape and where the roads are not major highways or commuter roads.
Larger areas (typically >25 ha) of natural habitat are sometimes identified as core areas.
The specific connectivity value of the Study Area appears relatively low (refer to Figure 4-14).
Highway 417 to the south forms a significant obstacle and cause of mortality for wildlife that
attempt to cross. The highway bisects the Goulbourn PSW where there is a natural interface for
about 1.5 km. Traffic is nearly continuous but some wildlife are likely able to move across,
particularly at night when traffic is less. The largest contiguous block of core forest and wetland
habitat lies on the southwest side of Highway 417. The adjacent industrial area northeast of
Carp Road effectively isolates the site to the east. There is a potential wildlife corridor along the
north branch of Huntley Creek just to the north of Richardson Side Road. Forest cover remains,
but is fragmented by residential development and a series of roads; however, habitat linkage is
fairly good in that direction.
4.4.5 Archaeology
The Study Area for the archaeological assessment includes lands within 4 km of the existing
facility. An inventory of archaeological resources was compiled using the following three
sources: site record forms for registered sites housed at the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture
and Sport (MTC); published and unpublished documentary sources; and the files of
Archaeological Services Inc.
Nine registered archaeological sites occur within the Study Area. One of these sites is within
2 km of the existing facility, but none fall within the existing facility or within either footprint
envelope.
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Figure 4-14 Landscape Context
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The Ontario Ministry of Culture (now known as MTC) Primer on Archaeology, Land Use
Planning and Development in Ontario (1997: 12-13) stipulates that undisturbed lands within 300
m of a primary water source, and undisturbed lands within 200 m of a secondary water source,
are considered to exhibit archaeological site potential. Undisturbed lands within 100 m of an
early settlement road are also considered to have potential for the presence of Euro-Canadian
archaeological sites. The major historic routes in the vicinity of the Study Area coincide with
Richardson Side Road (east of David Manchester Road), Cavanmore Road, Carp Road, William
Mooney Road (from Richardson Side Road nearly to the southwest corner of the existing WM
property), and David Manchester Road (from Cavanmore Road to west of the southwest
property corner). Therefore, depending on the degree of previous land disturbance, it may be
concluded that there is potential for the recovery of pre-contact archaeological remains and/or
historic cultural material within the Study Area.
In The Archaeological Resource Potential Mapping Study of the Regional Municipality of
Ottawa-Carleton various criteria, including the presence of a suitable water source and suitable
soils, were utilized to generate a model of archaeological site potential within the region. Based
on that model and the mapping generated from it there is potential for archaeological sites
within the Study Area (refer to Figure 4-15).
A June 30, 2006 field review indicated that there is potential for pre-contact and historic sites on
the locales of higher ground, particularly along the treed western margin, and within 100 m of
Richardson Side Road and William Mooney Road within the West Envelope. Additionally, there
is potential for archaeological sites in five locales within the North Envelope: one at the
southeast corner of the envelope, where a small remnant of the historical agricultural landscape
survives between residential properties and the existing WM facility entrance; the second in the
west corner of the area where there is a low knoll beyond the low area near the road; the third is
the woodlot in the south corner; the fourth is along Carp Road just north of the main entrance to
WM’s facility, which includes a remnant of the historical landscape; and the fifth is the woodlot in
the west corner of the existing property.
The findings were documented in a Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment. In light of the results
of the Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment, a Stage 2 Archaeological Assessment is required
for all undeveloped lands in the selected area of construction impact.
A Stage 2 Archaeological Assessment has been undertaken for the Preferred Alternative
Landfill Footprint and associated infrastructure (e.g., SWM ponds). The results of the Stage 2
Archaeological Assessment are detailed in Chapter 6.
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Figure 4-15 Archaeological Potential
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4.4.6 Cultural Heritage
The Study Area for the Cultural Heritage existing conditions assessment includes the lands
bounded by Highway 417, Carp Road, and Richardson Side Road.
Historic research revealed that the Study Area has origins in nineteenth-century survey and
settlement and has remained largely undeveloped, with the exception of the current Ottawa
WMF.
A field survey, conducted in July 2006, confirmed the Study Area to be a little-altered nineteenth
century landscape that maintains much of its rural heritage character. A number of cultural
heritage resources exist in the landscape surrounded by sizable acreages (refer to Table 4-6
and Figure 4-16). These include: four built heritage features, including three houses (two of
which are abandoned) and a school house which has been converted into a restaurant; and
seven cultural landscapes, including three roadscapes and four farm complexes (one of which is
abandoned).
Table 4-6 Cultural Heritage Resources
Feature Address Feature Type
BHF 1 2431 Carp Road House
BHF 2 2491 Carp Road House
BHF 3 2193 Richardson Side Road School House/Restaurant
BHF 4 2511 Carp Road House and Barn
CLU 1 Carp Road Roadscape
CLU 2 Richardson Side Road Roadscape
CLU 3 William Mooney Road Roadscape
CLU 4 427 William Mooney Road Farm Complex
CLU 5 569 William Mooney Road Farm Complex
CLU 6 2485 Carp Road Farm Complex
CLU 7 2425 Carp Road Farm Complex
There are no designated structures under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act within the Study
Area.
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Figure 4-16 Cultural Heritage Resources
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4.4.7 Transportation
For the transportation component, the On-Site Study Area includes the lands owned or optioned
by WM and is bounded by Highway 417, Carp Road, and Richardson Side Road. For the
transportation component (effects from truck transportation along access roads), the boundary
of the Site-Vicinity Study Area is:
South of the eastbound ramps and ramp terminals on the south side of
Highway 417;
East of Carp Road, the westbound off ramp and eastbound on ramp;
North of Richardson Side Road; and
West of William Mooney Road, the westbound on ramp and the eastbound off
ramp.
This Site-Vicinity Study Area was chosen to include all of the Carp Road interchange and
Highway 417 in the vicinity of the interchange, the signalized and unsignalized intersections
along Carp Road from the interchange to Richardson Side Road as well as Richardson Side
Road between Carp Road and William Mooney Road, and William Mooney Road south of
Richardson Side Road. In particular, the interchange and Carp Road have been identified as the
roads most directly affected by truck transportation along access roads. The On-Site and Site-
Vicinity Study Areas for the transportation component related to effects from truck transportation
along access roads are illustrated in Figure 4-17. There is no Regional Study Area associated
with the transportation component as the area of potential effects is contained within the Site-
Vicinity Study Area.
For the transportation component related to effects on airport operations, the On-Site Study
Area includes the lands owned or optioned by WM and is bounded by Highway 417, Carp Road,
and Richardson Side Road. Features of particular interest are the landfill footprint area and
surface water ponds, which may serve as potential attractions for gulls. The Regional Study
Area extends to include observed local movement patterns of gulls to/from the existing landfill
including the Carp Airport, surrounding agricultural fields, the adjacent quarry, the Ottawa River,
and other local resting spots.
The On-Site and Regional Study Areas for the transportation component related to effects on
airport operations are illustrated in Figure 4-18.
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Figure 4-17 Transportation Study Area for Effects from Truck Transportation along Access Roads
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Figure 4-18 Transportation Study Area for Effects on Airport Operations
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4.4.7.1 Road Network
The WCEC site is accessed via a one-way entrance and exit pair from the Ottawa arterial road
network off Carp Road just north of provincial, controlled-access Highway 417. Improvements to
Carp Road from the westbound ramp terminal southerly, Highway 417, and the Carp Road
structure are planned in the near future, including roadway widening to accommodate traffic
growth. Improvements will consider the designation of Carp Road as a primary bike route. Carp
Road is and will remain a truck route.
4.4.7.2 Traffic Operations
The capacity of a road network is often described in terms of a level of service (LOS) for both
intersections and roadways. A level of service is determined based on the average delay that a
vehicle experiences in passing through an intersection or along a section of road. LOS “A”
designates an excellent level of service with little delay, while LOS “F” indicates a poor level of
service and significant delay.
The acceptable length of delay at a stop-controlled intersection is less than the acceptable
length of delay at an intersection controlled by traffic signals because vehicles at a stop sign
must wait until they find a suitable gap in traffic to enter the main roadway where traffic signals
will eventually provide a dedicated phase for drivers to proceed. The average vehicle delay time
and the corresponding level of service are shown in Table 4-7.
Table 4-7 Level of Service Criteria
LOS Control Delay Per Vehicle (seconds)
Signalized Intersections Stop Controlled Intersections
A ≤10 ≤10
B >10 and ≤20 >10 and ≤15
C >20 and ≤35 >15 and ≤25
D >35 and ≤55 >25 and ≤35
E >55 and ≤80 >35 and ≤50
F >80 >50
Study Area intersections were analyzed using the Synchro version 7 modelling software
following the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) methodology. The overall result for each
intersection is presented as well as the results for each lane at the intersections. For an
unsignalized intersection, the overall volume/capacity (v/c) ratio for the intersection is not
calculated since the movements without stop-control do not experience any delay and therefore,
the average delay and LOS for the intersection as a whole would not reflect the delays
experienced by the stop-sign controlled movements. The results of the intersection analysis are
summarised in Table 4-8 and Table 4-9.
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Table 4-8 Intersection Analysis Results (Signalized Intersections)
Carp/Richardson Side Road
AM PM
v/c ratio Delay (s) LOS v/c ratio Delay (s) LOS
Overall Intersection 0.51 12.7 B 0.45 11.6 B
NB Through 0.45 9.2 A 0.35 7.8 A
NB Left 0.14 6.8 A 0.38 9.1 A
SB Through 0.34 8.1 A 0.39 8.1 A
SB Left 0.15 6.9 A 0.09 6.1 A
EB 0.65 22.1 C 0.29 17.2 B
WB 0.22 16.5 B 0.60 21.1 C
Carp/Highway 417 WB Ramps
AM PM
v/c ratio Delay (s) LOS v/c ratio Delay (s) LOS
Overall Intersection 0.73 22.8 C 0.91 48.8 D
NB 0.42 14.4 B 0.76 46.0 D
SB Through 0.66 19.1 B 0.77 46.2 D
SB Left 0.07 10.8 B 0.48 43.0 D
WB 0.83 34.3 C 0.99 51.8 D
Table 4-9 Intersection Analysis Results (Unsignalized Intersections)
William Mooney/ Richardson Side Road
AM PM
v/c ratio Delay (s) LOS v/c ratio Delay (s) LOS
NB 0.01 10.0 A 0.02 10.8 B
SB 0.12 14.6 B 0.07 12.0 B
EB 0.01 0.3 A 0.00 0.3 A
WB 0.02 0.9 A 0.00 0.2 A
Carp/Highway 417 EB Ramps
AM PM
v/c ratio Delay (s) LOS v/c ratio Delay (s) LOS
NB 0.17 0 A 0.25 0 A
SB 0.40 0 A 0.67 0 A
EB 0.57 26.8 D 0.55 53.2 F
Carp / Landfill Entrance AM PM
v/c ratio Delay (s) LOS v/c ratio Delay (s) LOS
NB 0.02 0.6 A 0.02 0.4 A
SB 0.33 0.0 A 0.32 0.0 A
Carp/Highway 417 EB Ramps
AM PM
v/c ratio Delay (s) LOS v/c ratio Delay (s) LOS
NB 0.30 0.0 A 0.31 0.0 A
SB 0.33 0.0 A 0.31 0.0 A
EB 0.04 14.9 B 0.04 14.7 B
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The results of the analysis indicate that the intersection of Carp Road and Richardson Side
Road is operating at an acceptable level of service. The intersection of Carp Road and the
Highway 417 westbound ramps is approaching capacity in all directions. The Highway 417
eastbound off ramp at Carp Road is operating at an unacceptable level of service (over
capacity).
The City of Ottawa Transportation Master Plan, 2008 notes the need for widening Carp Road
from two lanes to four lanes from Highway 417 southerly to Hazeldean Road. The Design and
Construction Report for Highway 417 Expansion indicates improvements to the intersection of
Carp Road and the westbound off-ramp including a double westbound left turn lane and
widening of the bridge over Highway 417 to accommodate two southbound and one northbound
lanes. Signalization of the intersection of Carp Road and the Highway 417 eastbound ramp may
be examined in conjunction with future improvements by the City of Ottawa.
An operations analysis was performed, using the traffic analysis software HCS, for the ramps to
the east of Carp Road. The analysis showed that the diverge movement on the westbound
Highway 417 off-ramp operates at an LOS of ‘A’ in the AM peak period and an LOS of ‘B’ in the
PM peak period. The merge movement on the eastbound Highway 417 on-ramp operates at a
LOS of ‘B’ in both the AM and PM peak hour periods.
4.4.7.3 Collisions
Collision data for the four years from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2009 were obtained
from the City of Ottawa and the MTO for the following locations:
The intersection of Carp Road and the eastbound Highway 417 ramp
terminals;
The intersection of Carp Road and the westbound Highway 417 ramp
terminals;
The intersection of Carp Road and Richardson Side Road;
The intersection of Richardson Side Road and Cardevco Road;
The intersection of Richardson Side Road and William Mooney Road;
The section of Carp Road between Highway 417 and Richardson Side Road;
and
The section of Richardson Side Road between Carp Road and William
Mooney Road.
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During the four year period 2006-2009, 36 collisions were reported at these combined locations,
summarized as follows:
Carp Road and the eastbound Highway 417 ramp terminal ......................................... 3
Carp Road and the westbound Highway 417 ramp terminal......................................... 2
Carp Road and Richardson Side Road ...................................................................... 10
Richardson Side Road and Cardevco Road ................................................................. 1
Richardson Side Road and William Mooney Road ....................................................... 0
Carp Road between the Highway 417 interchange and Richardson Side Road ......... 12
Richardson Side Road between Carp Road and William Mooney Road ...................... 8
Data for the 36 collisions were compared with statistics for all collisions within the City of Ottawa
in 2009 (the latest year for which City statistics are available) and within the Province of Ontario
for 2007 (the latest year for which provincial statistics are available). Given the small sample
size, collision characteristics for the 36 collisions under study are generally similar to those for
the overall City of Ottawa.
4.4.7.4 Airport Operations
The Carp Airport is a local commuter airport situated approximately 4.5 km north of the existing
WM landfill site. Gull activity at the landfill facility, local gull movements, and aircraft flight
patterns observed may create a potential hazard to safe aircraft operations at the Carp Airport.
Gull activity associated with the existing Ottawa WMF has decreased since 2006 due to a
combination of active management practices at the site and declining waste volumes being
received at the site. The landfill ceased accepting waste in September 2011. WM has
implemented an Integrated Gull Management Program (IGMP) at the existing landfill site which
has also been a key reason for the limited gull activity at the site.
The Carp Airport has also prepared and implemented an Airport Wildlife Management Plan
(AWMP) which includes practices to manage birds. Very few gulls are observed at the Carp
Airport. Historically the occurrence of bird strikes at the Carp Airport has also been limited, with
one or no occurrences annually in the majority of the past 11 years.
4.4.8 Land Use
The On-Site Study Area for the Land Use environmental component is generally defined as the
lands owned or optioned by WM for the proposed new landfill footprint. Instead of a generic 500
m radius, the Site-Vicinity Study Area has been defined as all properties lying wholly or partially
within a 500 m radius of the On-Site Study Area. The Regional Study Area extends an
additional 1 km from the Site-Vicinity Study Area, or 1.5 km from the On-Site Study Area (refer
to Figure 4-19).