PARKLAND COUNTY RANGE ROAD 15 DESKTOP ENVIRONMENTAL RISK ASSESSMENT · 2019. 7. 2. · parkland county . range road 15. desktop environmental risk assessment. township road 524 to

PARKLAND COUNTY

RANGE ROAD 15 DESKTOP ENVIRONMENTAL RISK ASSESSMENT TOWNSHIP ROAD 524 TO PARKLAND DRIVE MAY 21, 2019

WSP CANADA INC. SUITE 3300 237 4TH AVENUE SW CALGARY, AB, CANADA T2P 4K3 WSP.COM

Range Road 15 Township Road 524 to Parkland Drive Project No. 191-05819-00 Parkland County

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S I G N A T U R E S PREPARED BY

Tessa Giroux, B.NRS., P. Biol. Project Scientist, Environment

REVIEWED BY

Rola Hogan B.Sc.(Ag.), CPESC. Senior Technical Lead, Environment

PREPARED FOR: Parkland County

This report was prepared by WSP Canada Inc. (WSP) for the account of Parkland County, in accordance with the professional services agreement. The disclosure of any information contained in this report is the sole responsibility of the intended recipient. The material in it reflects WSP’s best judgement in light of the information available to it at the time of preparation. Any use which a third party makes of this report, or any reliance on or decisions to be made based on it, are the responsibility of such third parties. WSP accepts no responsibility for damages, if any, suffered by any third party as a result of decisions made or actions based on this report. This limitations statement is considered part of this report.

The original of the technology-based document sent herewith has been authenticated and will be retained by WSP for a minimum of ten years. Since the file transmitted is now out of WSP’s control and its integrity can no longer be ensured, no guarantee may be given with regards to any modifications made to this document.


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 SITE OVERVIEW ....................................................... 1

2 METHODS ................................................................. 1

2.1 Desktop Review .......................................................................... 1

3 RESULTS ................................................................... 2

3.1 Historical Resources .................................................................. 2 3.1.1 Contractor Conditions .............................................................................................. 2

3.2 Environmentally Significant Areas ........................................... 2 3.2.1 Contractor Conditions .............................................................................................. 2

3.3 Landform and Soils .................................................................... 3 3.3.1 Soil Stripping Plan .................................................................................................... 3 3.3.2 Clubroot .................................................................................................................... 3 3.3.3 Contractor Conditions .............................................................................................. 4

3.4 Erosion and Sediment Control .................................................. 4 3.4.1 Contractor Conditions .............................................................................................. 4

3.5 Water Resources ........................................................................ 5 3.5.1 Lakes......................................................................................................................... 5 3.5.2 Wetlands ................................................................................................................... 5 3.5.3 Watercourse ............................................................................................................. 6 3.5.4 Groundwater Wells, Natural Springs, and Groundwater Tables ........................... 7 3.5.5 Contractor Conditions .............................................................................................. 7

3.6 Vegetation ................................................................................... 7 3.6.1 Alberta Conservation Information Management System ....................................... 8 3.6.2 Weed Survey ............................................................................................................ 8 3.6.3 Contractor Conditions .............................................................................................. 8

3.7 Aquatic Species and Wildlife .................................................... 9 3.7.1 Fisheries and Wildlife Management Information System ....................................... 9 3.7.2 Alberta Conservation Information Management System ....................................... 9 3.7.3 Landscape Analysis Tool ......................................................................................... 9 3.7.4 Contractor Conditions .............................................................................................. 9

3.8 Whirling Disease ........................................................................ 9

3.9 Borrow Pre-Disturbance Assessment .................................... 10


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3.10 Site Contamination ................................................................... 10

4 REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS ........................... 10 4.1.1 Permits and Authorizations .................................................................................... 11

5 SUMMARY ............................................................... 11

6 RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................ 12

REFERENCES ................................................................... 14


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TABLES TABLE 3-1 SUMMARY OF THE WETLANDS WITHIN

STUDY AREA ................................................................. 5

TABLE 3-2 VEGETATION OF THE DRY MIXEDWOOD NATURAL SUBREGION (NATURAL REGIONS COMMITTEE, 2006) ........................................................ 8

TABLE 4-1 REGULATORY, POLICY AND GUIDELINE SETTING ....................................................................... 10

APPENDIX A PROJECT LOCATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITIES


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1 SITE OVERVIEW Parkland County (the Proponent) retained WSP Canada Inc. (WSP) to undertake Engineering Consulting Services, including a Desktop Environmental Risk Assessment (DERA) for the Range Road 15 pavement rehabilitation project between Township Road 524 to Parkland Drive (the Project). The Project consists of pavement rehabilitation of 3.3 km of Range Road 15, which partially borders the Village of Spring Lake, Alberta (Appendix A, Figure 1).

The Study Area for the Project consists of the existing right-of-way (ROW) and a 50 m buffer from the road centre line.

The following report is a summary of existing database information, reports, and literature reviewed to determine potential risks to the environment and provide considerations that should be used in the planning, construction, and reclamation of the Project.

2 METHODS 2.1 DESKTOP REVIEW

A search of relevant databases, reports, and literature was undertaken for the Study Area to determine information regarding environmental sensitives. The following databases, reports, and literature were reviewed:

— Abacus Datagraphics (AbaData) (AbaData, 2019) — Alberta Conservation Information Management System (ACIMS; Alberta Environment and Parks [AEP],

2019a) — Alberta Culture and Tourism (ACT) Historic Resources Shapefile (ACT, 2018) — Alberta Merged Wetland Inventory (AMWI; Government of Alberta, 2016)

— Alberta Soil Inventory Database (AGRASID; Alberta Agriculture and Forestry [AAF], 2019a)

— Alberta Water Well Information Database (Government of Alberta, 2019)

— Cumulative Clubroot Infestations (2003 to 2018) in Alberta (Government of Alberta, 2018) — Fisheries and Wildlife Management Information System ([FWMIS], AEP, 2019b) — Environmentally Significant Areas ([ESA], Alberta Parks, 2014) — Landscape Analysis Tool ([LAT], AEP, 2019c) — Natural Regions & Subregions of Alberta (Natural Regions Committee, 2006) — The Parkland County Environmental Conservation Master Plan (O2 Planning + Design Inc [O2], 2014) — Parkland County Wetland Inventory & Historical Loss Assessment (FIERA Biological Consulting [FIERA],

2016)


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3 RESULTS 3.1 HISTORICAL RESOURCES

A review of the current Listing of Historic Resources (ACT, 2018) was undertaken to ascertain Historical Resource Value (HRV) attributes of the Study Area, to identify historic resources for which avoidance or additional assessment has been required. According to the Listing of Historic Resources lands with assigned a HRV are located within the Study Area. LSD 9-31-52-01 W5M and LSD 12-32-52-01 W5M both have been assigned a HRV of 4, which contains a historic resource that may require avoidance and the primary historic resource category of concern is archaeological (ACT, 2018).

An application under the Historical Resources Act (HRA) through the Historic Resources Management Branch (HRMB) Online Permitting and Clearance (OPaC) is not required for pavement rehabilitation; however, if any ground disturbance is required including for laydown areas, these areas will require clearance.

3.1.1 CONTRACTOR CONDITIONS

In the event of any chance encounters of historical resources during construction, site activities will be stopped and the Owner, Consultant, and the HRMB will be notified in compliance with Section 31 of the HRA:

— If a historical resource is encountered, documentation may be required and the artifacts will be left in place unless otherwise specified by the HRMB.

3.2 ENVIRONMENTALLY SIGNIFICANT AREAS

A review of the Alberta Parks’ ESA Scores Shapefile indicated the Study Area is not located within any quarter sections which have been considered as ESAs (Alberta Parks, 2014).

The Parkland County Environmental Conservation Master Plan (the Plan) was developed as a tool for land use planning for the County (O2, 2014). The Plan was completed to identify priority areas for conservation; these areas were chosen based on sensitivity and inherent environmental significance. The Plan also provides best management practices for County-wide environmental conservation.

The Environmental Conservation Master Plan (O2, 2014) was reviewed to determine if any lands within the Study Area were designated as High Priority Landscapes or Environmentally Significant Areas (ESA). The Project borders the Spring Lake ESA. Spring Lake was designated an ESA as it contains elements valued for local environmental function, including groundwater resources.


It is important to protect the water quality of Spring Lake. The implementation of temporary erosion and sediment control (TESC) measures to control runoff during the duration of the Project will be required. Monitoring the TESC measures to ensure they are working properly will also be required. See section 3.4 for further details on the TESC measures.


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3.3 LANDFORM AND SOILS

A desktop review of available databases and literature, including the AGRASID and the Natural Regions and Subregions of Alberta, was completed for the Project.

The Project lies within the Dry Mixedwood Natural Subregion (NSR) and within undulating natural forested areas with patches of agricultural lands, and rural residences. The southern portion of the Project is adjacent to Village of Spring Lake.

A desktop review of the soils information for the area was completed using AGRASID. The soils within the northern extent Study Area are typical of Dark Gray Luvisolic and are described as medium to fine textured (loam and very fine sandy loam) sediments deposited by wind and water (AAF, 2019a). Soils typical of Orthic Gray Luvisolic are present within the central portion of the Study Area and are described as coarse textured (sand, loamy sand, and sandy loam) over medium or fine textured till (AAF, 2019a). The soils within the southern extent of the Study Area are typical of Dark Gray Luvisolic and are described as moderately coarse (silty loam and fine silty loam) sediments deposited by wind or water (AAF, 2019a).

Soils within agricultural areas, rural residential areas, and roadside ditches are likely to be previously stripped and disturbed (compacted/admixed) during agricultural activities and original construction. Site-specific soils are unknown as a soils investigation was not undertaken.

3.3.1 SOIL STRIPPING PLAN

If soil salvage and grubbing are required for the construction activities the following measures should be adhered to. Topsoil and subsoil will be stripped and stockpiled separately using a 2-lift process. Soil needs to be stockpiled using the guide “like on like” with topsoil stockpiled on topsoil and subsoil stockpiled on subsoil. Topsoil and subsoil stripping shall be guided by color change. Stockpiles will be located outside of wetland boundaries. Topsoil stripping shall be conducted with care to minimize erosion to land and to conserve soil as best as possible. Well-conserved topsoil will contain native seeds and root matter that is important for reclamation.

Wet or water influenced soils including organics/peat will be stripped and stored separately. Wet or water influenced soils including organics will be used for the re-soiling of any disturbed wetland, if within the approved disturbed area. This allows wetland plants to become re-established rapidly minimizing exposed soils.

Mineral and organic soils shall be stockpiled separately with a five-meter buffer maintained between the soil types and ensure that all stockpiles are at least 30 m from any water conducting areas.

Topsoil stripping shall be conducted with care to minimize erosion to land and to conserve soil as best as possible. Well-conserved topsoil will contain native seeds and root matter that is important for reclamation.

No site measurement or investigation of soils was undertaken for this ERA.

3.3.2 CLUBROOT

Clubroot is a soil-borne disease which reduces yield and quality of cruciferous crops and has the potential to destroy a crop if the infestation levels are high. Clubroot is spread through soils infected with the spores. Infested


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soils can be carried field to field mainly by machinery and vehicles, but it can also be moved by wind and water erosion (AAF, 2019b).

Clubroot is a declared pest under the Alberta Agricultural Pests Act (AAF, 2019b). The Project is located within Parkland County which has high cumulative clubroot infestations (Government of Alberta, 2018).


The Contractor should develop and follow a clubroot protocol for the Project, following the best management practices from the Alberta Clubroot Management Plan (AAF, 2019b). The clubroot protocol will include cleaning and removing soil and crop debris from machinery, equipment, and footwear prior to leaving the Project area, disinfecting machinery, equipment, and footwear. The Contractor should contact the Agricultural Fieldman for Parkland County (780-968-8467) for further information.

3.4 EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL

Temporary erosion and sediment control (TESC) measures will be implemented to control runoff during the duration of the Project. Protection of any waterbody or potential wet features within and adjacent to the Project area will be required to minimize or prevent the entry of deleterious substances into any water features. TESC measures will also be implemented to reduce disposition of sediments onto non-project lands. Sediment produced by soil erosion can lead to off-site impacts including loss of soil quality within the Project area due to transportation of topsoil from the slopes and/or other disturbed areas. Sediments can cause drainage issues, including blocking culverts which can result in flooding and flow pattern alteration. Given the fine textured soils that are potentially located at the site, risk of erosion could be significant and prevention measures will be required prior to ground disturbance.


The Contractor shall undertake all required temporary measures during construction activities to minimize the occurrence of soil erosion by water and wind, hence reducing sediment production and potential for transportation of that sediment along, across or out of the Project area. The Contractor’s measures will target the reduction of generated sediment and the retention of any produced sediment within the Project footprint. The Contractor’s plan should include mitigation measures to assure no adverse effect is created on lands within or adjacent to the Project footprint while maintaining the soil resources within the footprint to a level where degradation of the soil quality does not result. TESC measures should include protection of the site prior to stripping of vegetation.

A TESC Plan for the Project will be developed as per the requirements in the Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) Manual (Alberta Transportation, 2011). The TESC Plan should indicate the type and progression of TESC during all stages of construction. TESC measures, such as the installation of silt fencing or fibre roll between the edge of the Project disturbance and any adjacent watercourses and wetlands will be required. Area soils are susceptible to erosion from flowing water and this must be considered in the TESC Plan staging and monitoring.

The Soil Conservation Act requires conservation and preservation of topsoil resources and erosion control methods consistent with this goal will be expected with in the TESC Plan from the Contractor. The proposed TESC should be sufficient to show measures taken to minimize sediment release and ensure the well-sorted, non-colloidal soil materials (clay, silt, and fine sand) can be prevented from entering or impacting the watercourses or areas outside of the disturbance limits designated in the Contract. The Contractor’s TESC Plan


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should also consider the retention of any sediment within the construction footprint to assure no off-site impact to lands are occurring. At not time will stockpile locations or temporary stockpile locations be sited in areas where erosion of the materials (wind or water) can lead to deposition of sediment within a water course or water body or on lands outside of the construction footprint.

The Contractor is responsible for the supply, installation, and maintenance of TESC on the site. Protection of any waterbody will be deemed as a priority in placement and selection of control measures. Changes or revisions to the TESC plan must be presented to the Consultant for review and acceptance before implementation in the field.

3.5 WATER RESOURCES

A desktop review was completed for watercourses, potential wetlands, and field drainage features. Potential wetland locations were mapped within the Project Area, with the use of AWMI and publicly available imagery.

Additional information pertaining to the identity of the mapped watercourses and drainages was obtained from FWMIS. All water near the site with potential to be impacted directly or indirectly will require protection including all creeks, wetlands and riparian areas. Figures depicting potential wetlands, watercourses, and drainages are presented in Appendix B.

3.5.1 LAKES

Two lakes, both unnamed (ID 312975 and ID 312968), are present within the Study Area. One of the unnamed lake, ID 312975, is located within the SW 32-52-01 W5M and NW 29-52-01 W5M and according to FWMIS, no fish sampling has occurred within the lake. The second unnamed lake, ID 312968, is located within the SE 31-52-01 W5M and the NE 30-52-01 W5M and no fish sampling has occurred within the lake (AEP, 2019b). However, after a review of available imagery, these features were determined to be wetlands, W6 and W7.

3.5.2 WETLANDS

A total of twenty potential wetlands were identified within the Study Area during the desktop assessment (Appendix A, Figure 1). A summary of the potential wetlands is presented in Table 3-1, below.

Table 3-1 Summary of the Wetlands within Study Area

ID LEGAL LAND LOCATION TYPE/COMMENTS PERMANENCE

REVIEW

W1 SW 29-52-01 W5M Semi-permanent graminoid marsh (M-G-IV)/Seasonal shrubby swamp

(S-S-III) Yes

W2 SE 30-52-01 W5M Seasonal shrubby swamp(S-S-III)/Seasonal graminoid marsh (M-G-III) No

W3 W ½ 29-52-01 W5M Seasonal shrubby swamp(S-S-III)/Seasonal graminoid marsh (M-G-III) No

W4 NW 29-52-01 W5M Semi-permanent graminoid marsh (M-G-IV) Yes

W5 NW 29-52-01 W5M Permanent shallow open water (W-A-V) Yes

W6 NW 29-52-01 W5M SW 32-52-01 W5M

Permanent shallow open water (W-A-V) Yes


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ID LEGAL LAND LOCATION TYPE/COMMENTS PERMANENCE

REVIEW

W7 NE 30-52-01 W5M SE 3-52-01 W5M

Permanent shallow open water (W-A-V)/Seasonal shrubby swamp (S-S-III)

Yes

W8 SE 3-52-01 W5M Temporary graminoid marsh (M-G-II) No

W9 SW 32-52-0 W5M Permanent shallow open water (W-A-V) Yes

W10 SE 3-52-01 W5M Seasonal shrubby swamp (S-S-III) No

W11 SE 3-52-01 W5M Seasonal shrubby swamp (S-S-III) No

W12 SW 32-52-0 W5M Seasonal shrubby swamp (S-S-III)/Wooded, mixedwood swamp (S-Wm)/

Temporary graminoid marsh (M-G-II) No

W13 SE 3-52-01 W5M Wooded, deciduous swamp (S-Wd) No

W14 NE 31-52-01 W5M Seasonal shrubby swamp (S-S-III) No

W15 NW 32-52-01 W5M Seasonal graminoid marsh (M-G-III) No

W16 NE 31-52-01 W5M Temporary graminoid marsh (M-G-II) No

W17 NW 32-52-01 W5M Temporary graminoid marsh (M-G-II) No

W18 NE 31-52-01 W5M Seasonal shrubby swamp (S-S-III) No

W19 NW 32-52-01 W5M Temporary graminoid marsh (M-G-II) No

W20 NW 32-52-01 W5M SW 5-53-01 W5M

Seasonal graminoid marsh (M-G-III) No

Impacts to these wetlands are not anticipated as the Project is pavement rehabilitation to the road. Any activities that will impact wetlands require regulatory approval or notification under the Alberta Water Act and may require regulatory approval under the Alberta Public Lands Act.

Additionally, the Parkland County Wetland Inventory & Historical Loss Assessment Report (FIERA, 2016) was reviewed. The Project is located within the Atim Creek Watershed. Due to the scale of the wetland ecological value map within the report (FIERA, 2016), an exact value and number of wetlands that were mapped in the Study Area has not been confirmed; however, it appears that bogs, open waters, marshes, and swamps are present within the Study Area (FIERA, 2016).

3.5.3 WATERCOURSE

One unnamed watercourse (ID 44661) initiates on the east side of Range Road 15 and flows east into an unnamed lake (ID 312938) located approximately 500 m east of Range Road 15. No fish sampling has occurred within the watercourse or the unnamed lake. The watercourse is located within the SW 32-52-01 W5M. Under the Code of Practice (COP) Stony Plain Management Map, the unnamed watercourse is an unmapped Class C watercourse, with a restricted activity period (RAP) from April 16 to June 30, ERSD, 2006). Under the COP, a Class C watercourse has moderate sensitivity.

If no in-stream works are planned, a fish and fish habitat assessment is not required. However, if there is any maintenance to the watercourse crossing, a fish and fish habitat assessment will be required. After the fish and fish habitat assessment, the Project will be review by a Qualified Aquatic Environment Specialist (QAES) to determine if the works meet the conditions of the COP. If the works meet the conditions of the COP and a 14-day


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COP Notification to AEP will be required prior to construction. If in-stream works are required, the Project would also be reviewed by a QAES to determine if the project activities will result in the serious harm to fish that are part of, or support, a commercial, recreational or Aboriginal (CRA) fishery. The QAES will determine if a Fisheries Act Request for Review will be required.

3.5.4 GROUNDWATER WELLS, NATURAL SPRINGS, AND GROUNDWATER TABLES

As the Project is adjacent to the Village of Spring Lake and numerous rural residences, approximately 230 mapped groundwater wells are located within 400m of the Study Area. A majority of the wells are for domestic use, the remaining wells are used for industrial, stock, or unknown uses (Government of Alberta, 2019). It is to be noted the data from the Alberta Water Well database may be incomplete or inaccurate (Government of Alberta, 2019).

Groundwater table depths and location of natural springs are unknown, as no site investigation was completed.


TESC measures will be installed between the edge of disturbance and adjacent wetlands and watercourse to mitigate potential sediment impacts to the wetlands and watercourse. Care must be taken during the construction activities to avoid ditch erosion, sediment transportation, and associated hazards. Well maintained TESC measures are required to be implemented. The Contractor will assure run-on water is diverted around the active construction site, any lay down sites and storage area. At no time shall water be released from the construction site unless it is of equal or better quality in relation to the receiving watercourse. The Consultant shall approve any dewatering operation prior to release to the watercourse.

Care must be taken during the construction activities to avoid any indirect impacts to the wetlands including preventing sediment transportation into the wetlands. If any laydown areas, borrow pits, or temporary storage areas are proposed, these must avoid wetland impacts until notification and/or approvals are in place.

A care of water plan should be developed for the Project if soils disturbance is to occur in slope improvement or intersection treatment areas. The plan will include all locations where water management will be implemented, a rough description of the measures to be implemented and the Contractor’s monitoring plan to assure the quality of water leaving the Project area at any location.

No in-stream activity can occur within any watercourse unless the COP Notification has been submitted to AEP 14 days prior to the commencement of construction (AEP, 2019e). While it was determined that a DFO Request for Review is unlikely to be required, post-field assessment, guidance offered on the DFO website to avoid, mitigate and/or offset harm is to be understood and followed. The Contractor shall make themselves aware of the guidelines and limitations as specified and assure that all operations are following those guidelines.

The Project lay down area and areas used for refueling, storage and maintenance is recommended to be a minimum of 100 m away from the edge of any waterbody.

3.6 VEGETATION

The Project is located within the Dry Mixedwood NSR of Alberta (Natural Regions Committee, 2006). Vegetation typically found in this NSR is listed in Table 3-2.


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Table 3-2 Vegetation of the Dry Mixedwood Natural Subregion (Natural Regions Committee, 2006)

SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME

Cornus stolonifera Red-osier dogwood Corylus cornuta Beaked hazelnut

Koeleria macrantha June grass Picea glauca White spruce

Pinus banksiana Jake pine Populus balsamifera Balsam poplar

Populus tremuloides Trembling aspen Rosa acicularis Prickly rose

Shepherdia canadensis Canada buffaloberry Stipa curtiseta Western porcupine grass

Vaccinium spp. Blueberry Viburnum edule Low bush cranberry

A review of available aerial imagery indicated the Study Area is composed of natural forested areas with patches of agricultural lands, rural residences, wetlands, and roadside ditches. The road ROW is likely seeded with graminoid species. Invasive or weed species may be present within the road-side ditches and within agricultural lands.

3.6.1 ALBERTA CONSERVATION INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

ACIMS maintains a database of vascular and non-vascular plants of special conservation concern. Non-Sensitive Elemental Occurrences are rare species or rare ecological communities, which are of conservation concern, and are either tracked or watched in the Province of Alberta. A search of the ACIMS database on May 16, 2019, showed no historic records of tracked or watched plant species and no ecological communities within one km of the Study Area (AEP, 2019a).

3.6.2 WEED SURVEY

Under the Alberta Weed Control Act, noxious weeds and prohibited noxious weeds must be controlled. Noxious or prohibited noxious weeds will be controlled or destroyed as designated in the Alberta Weed Control Act and associated regulations.

A pre-construction site survey should be completed to confirm the presence of noxious or prohibited noxious weeds.


It is important that native vegetation is conserved and disturbance to vegetation is limited whenever possible. All disturbed areas should be seeded according to Alberta Transportation specifications. Copies of the Seed Analysis Certificates (required for all graded seed under the Canada Seeds Act) for all components in the seed mix shall be supplied to the Consultant for review prior to the application of any seed.

The Contractor must be aware that weed species may exist on the site and proper sanitation and control methods should be employed to reduce the spread of weeds via soil-borne seed or the transportation of plant materials on equipment. The Contractor should contact the Agricultural Fieldman for Parkland County (780-968-8467) to ascertain if any weed species of concern are known to be present in the Study Area.

All equipment shall be cleaned of dirt, vegetation or organic materials prior to arriving at the site to limit the potential for transfer of seeds, propagules, and soil-borne pathogens.


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3.7 AQUATIC SPECIES AND WILDLIFE

3.7.1 FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM

FWMIS is a government database with fish and wildlife inventories that have been mapped in the province and is a tool used to identify wildlife occurrences within the Study Area. To identify any additional wildlife species of concern, including historic mammal, reptile/amphibian, and avian species, an approximately one km search radius of FWMIS was completed for the Project in May 2019. The search returned one record of historic wildlife, the Canadian toad (Anaxyrus hemiophrys; May be at Risk), within a one km radius of the Project (AEP, 2019b). The preferred habitat of the Canadian toad is along river valleys or along lakes with sandy borders and requires wetlands for breeding (Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, 2002).

3.7.2 ALBERTA CONSERVATION INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

ACIMS maintains a database of aquatic invertebrate species of special conservation concern. A search of the ACIMS database on May 09, 2019, showed no historic records of tracked or watched aquatic invertebrate species in the Study Area (AEP, 2019a).

3.7.3 LANDSCAPE ANALYSIS TOOL

A review of LAT was completed to determine any additional wildlife concerns that may be present in the Study Area. No additional wildlife concerns were noted by the LAT report.


The Contractor must be aware of the potential wildlife issues or conflicts within the Study Area. The Contractor is responsible for following all federal and provincial policies and acts in dealing with encounters and/or impacts to wildlife that may occur during the construction activities.

The Migratory Birds Convention Act (MCBA) regulates the majority of native migratory bird species in Canada, including their eggs and nests. Under the Act, it is prohibited to disturb, destroy or move migratory birds, nests, and eggs during the breeding season, which is from mid-April to late August in this region. If any vegetation clearing for construction activities occurs within the migratory bird nesting season (mid-April to late August), a qualified biologist must conduct a nest sweep of the construction area and provide written mitigation and protection measures (e.g. setbacks, timing restrictions).

To comply with the Wildlife Act, additional surveys for Provincially listed raptors may be warranted if work is planned to proceed during the March 1 to August 1 period annually. In summary, if work is planned between March 1 and August 31, a qualified biologist should be consulted as a pre-construction nest sweep survey may be required to comply with the MCBA and the Wildlife Act. Screening for migratory birds prior to any vegetation clearing activities during the restricted activity period can assure compliance with the Act.

3.8 WHIRLING DISEASE

Whirling disease is a newly-introduced disease of fish that has a strongly negative impact on salmonids, including sportfish species such as trout. Transference of whirling disease propagules between waterbodies/watercourses is a serious concern in Alberta. Transference can be caused by movement of individual fish, water, or


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sediment/soil particles from one waterbody to another. Equipment that is used in one waterbody and then again used in another waterbody without decontamination protocols can be a cause of disease transfer.

The Project is located within the Yellow Zone, which is designated as a high to moderate risk zone, of AEP’s Whirling Disease Decontamination Risk Zone Map (AEP, 2019d). The Yellow Zone represents high-risk water for the introduction/spread of whirling disease due to whirling disease susceptible species being present, high recreation activity/use and access to water, and high population base (AEP, 2017).

If in-stream works is required the newest AEPs Decontamination Protocol should be followed to prevent potential for spread of the disease.

3.9 BORROW PRE-DISTURBANCE ASSESSMENT

A Borrow Pre-Disturbance Assessment should be supplied to the Consultant one week prior to excavation for review. Borrow pits must avoid wetland impacts until permits have been approved. A Borrow Post-Assessment should be supplied to the Consultant after the borrow has been reclaimed. Assessments shall follow an accepted standard such as the Alberta Transportation procedures for Pre- and Post Borrow Disturbance Assessments.

3.10 SITE CONTAMINATION

According to AbaData (2019), no incidents of any spills have been recorded within 400 m of the Study Area.

No site-specific surveys have been completed at the time of reporting.

4 REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS Various federal and provincial acts, regulations, bylaws, and guidelines were considered for this assessment. Table 4-1 lists the general legislation that provide the regulatory and policy setting for this assessment. It also summarizes the influence each has on the assessment.

Table 4-1 Regulatory, Policy and Guideline Setting

NAME OF LEGISLATION, POLICY, OR GUIDELINE

INFLUENCE ON SCOPE OF THE ASSESSMENT

Federal

Canadian Environmental Protection Act Pollution prevention, and protection of the environment and human health.

Fisheries Act Provides limitations on impacts to fish and fish habitat and water quality.

Species at Risk Act Provides limitations on impacts to wildlife (species of management concern) and vegetation (rare plants).

Migratory Birds Convention Act Provides limitations on impacts to birds. At no time shall migratory birds, nests or eggs be moved, damaged or destroyed.

Provincial


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Historical Resources Act Issues scoping for archaeology and historic resources. If ground disturbance is required for the Project, an application under the HRA through the HRMB OPaC will be required.

Soil Conservation Act Issues scoping for terrain and soils.

Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act Purpose of the Act is to support and promote the protection, enhancement and wise use of the environment.

Water Act Applicable when a shoreline, surface water and/or groundwater resource may be affected.

Public Lands Act Applies to the bed and shore of all naturally occurring permanent waterbodies. Approval is required to conduct work in the bed and shore outside of the existing surveyed road plan.

Weed Control Act and associated regulations Regulates the introduction, control and spread of noxious or prohibited noxious weeds.

Wildlife Act and associated regulations Governs the allowable effects to wildlife. At no time shall a person willfully molest, disturb or destroy a house, nest or den of prescribed wildlife or a beaver dam in prescribed areas and at prescribed times.

4.1.1 PERMITS AND AUTHORIZATIONS

The following is a list of permits required for the Project:

— An application under the HRA will be required for any areas with ground disturbance.

No other permits and authorizations are known at the time of reporting.

5 SUMMARY The Project consists of pavement rehabilitation to 3.3 km of Range Road 15 between Township Road 524 to Parkland Drive, which partially borders the Village of Spring Lake, Alberta.

Two unnamed lakes, twenty potential wetlands, and one watercourse (ID 44661) are located within the Study Area. If no in-stream works are planned, a fish and fish habitat assessment is not required. However, if there is any maintenance to the watercourse crossing a fish and fish habitat assessment will be required. After the fish and fish habitat assessment, the Project will be review by a QAES to determine if the works meet the conditions of the COP. If the works meet the conditions of the COP and a 14-day COP Notification to AEP will be required prior to construction. If in-stream works are required, the Project would also be reviewed by a QAES to determine if the project activities will result in the serious harm to fish that are part of, or support, a commercial, recreational or Aboriginal (CRA) fishery. The QAES will determine if a Fisheries Act Request for Review will be required.

The Project is located within Parkland County which has high cumulative clubroot infestations (Government of Alberta, 2018). The Contractor should develop and follow a clubroot protocol for the Project, following the best management practices from the Alberta Clubroot Management Plan (AAF, 2019b). The clubroot protocol will


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include cleaning and removing soil and crop debris from machinery, equipment, and footwear prior to leaving the Project area, disinfecting machinery, equipment, and footwear.

The Project is located within the Yellow Zone, which is designated as a high to moderate risk zone, of AEP’s Whirling Disease Decontamination Risk Zone Map (AEP, 2018). The most recent AEP decontamination protocol must be followed for any works occurring within the watercourse.

If ground disturbance occurs, an application under the HRA through the OPaC system will be required.

No historic records of tracked or watched plant species and no ecological communities were recorded within one km of the Study Area (AEP, 2019a). The FWMIS search returned one records of historic wildlife occurrences within a one km radius of the Project (AEP, 2019b).

A TESC Plan for the Project will be developed as per the requirements in the TESC Manual, to protect all wetlands and watercourses adjacent to the Project and any non-project lands.

6 RECOMMENDATIONS Based on the information provided, the following considerations should be used in the planning, construction, and reclamation of the Project:

1 Appropriate TESC measures should be installed to ensure soil erosion is kept to a minimum. The use of Best Management Practices from Alberta Transportation is recommended to ensure proper installation and selection of erosion prevention measures.

2 TESC measures will be installed between the edge of disturbance and the wetland areas and the watercourse to mitigate potential sediment impacts to these features.

3 A 100 m buffer is recommended between refueling, tack oil storage, lay down and maintenance areas and any watercourses adjacent to the Project area.

4 The Contractor shall not commence in-stream or near water works until all permits, approvals, and notifications are complete and available to the Contractor. All conditions included in the permits, approvals, and notifications are to be followed.

5 The Contractor shall not commence any activities within the wetlands until all approvals or notification are available to the Contractor.

6 If historical resources are observed within the Project area during construction, the appropriate officials (i.e. HRMB and the Consultant) should be notified immediately and work should be halted until a decision is reached.

7 If any borrow sources are required they will need to be assessed according to the Alberta Transportation Pre-Disturbance Assessment Guide for Borrow Excavations (2013a) and Alberta Transportation Guide to Reclaiming Borrow Excavations (2013b). Borrow pits must avoid wetland impacts until notification and/or approvals are in place.

8 Conservation of topsoil is required in all disturbed areas including lay down and maintenance areas. Topsoil stripping shall be done with care to minimize erosion and conserve native seeds in the soil.

9 All equipment shall be clean prior to arrival on site to reduce the chance of spreading weeds, whirling disease, and soil-borne pathogens, including clubroot.

10 The Contractor shall contact the local Agricultural Fieldman regarding regulated weeds and clubroot. 11 If clearing activities are required, a bird nest sweep conducted by a qualified biologist or technician will be

required and would assure compliance with the Migratory Birds Convention Act and Wildlife Act. Under no circumstances shall birds, active nests or eggs be moved, damaged or destroyed.


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12 Any clearing activities, including those for lay-down, maintenance areas and borrow sites, may require a biologist on-site to ensure no wildlife habitat is damaged or destroyed.

13 Reclamation activities should follow the Alberta Transportation and Alberta Environment and Parks guidelines.


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REFERENCES Abacus Datagraphics, 2019. AbaData. Accessed in May 2019. Available at:

http://www.abacusdatagraphics.com/abadata/mgFrames.asp Alberta Agriculture and Forestry (AAF), 2019a. Alberta Soil Information Viewer (AGRASID). Accessed in May

2019. Available at: https://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/sag10372. Alberta Agriculture and Forestry (AAF). 2019b. Alberta Clubroot Management Plan. Available at:

https://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex11519#objective Alberta Culture and Tourism (ACT). 2018. Listing of Historic Resources. Historical Resources Management

Branch, Alberta Culture and Tourism. Edmonton. Alberta Environment and Parks, 2017. Decontamination Protocol for Watercraft and Equipment. Available at:

https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/c6a491b1-632f-405a-8f1a-1bad4b16127d/resource/94afd608-483e-4637-b822-5b0f57ca3c0c/download/decontaminationprotocol-watercraft-equipment-aug30-2017.pdf

Alberta Environment and Parks, 2019a. Alberta Conservation and Management System (ACIMS). Alberta Tourism Parks and Recreation, Edmonton, Alberta. Accessed in May 2019. Available at: http://www.albertaparks.ca/acims-data#.

Alberta Environment and Parks, 2019b. Fish and Wildlife Management Information System. Accessed in May 2019. Available at: https://maps.alberta.ca/FWIMT_Pub/Viewer/?TermsOfUseRequired=true&Viewer=FWIMT_Pub

Alberta Environment and Parks, 2019c. Landscape Analysis Tool (LAT). Accessed in May 2019. Available at: https://securexnet.env.gov.ab.ca/lat_login.html.

Alberta Environment and Parks, 2019d. Whirling Disease Decontamination Risk Zone Map. Current as of February 25, 2019. Accessed in May 2019. Available at: https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/c240b099-18cb-4037-91fa-4038de4012f7/resource/19eb094b-6c55-4856-a2a5-8ad75042319c/download/ep-decontamination-riskzone-full-province-2019-02.pdf

Alberta Environment and Park. 2019e. Code of Practice for Watercourse Crossings. Alberta Queen’s Printer, Edmonton, Alberta.

Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD). 2006. Maps to the Codes of Practice for Watercourse Crossings – Stony Plain Management Area Map; November 2006. Available at: https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/1bdbc003-75a0-41dc-b33d-099c5bc536ad/resource/ea8fe385-9fdb-49cf-b2fc-4e899975696e/download/stonyplain-codepracticecross-map-2006.pdf

Alberta Parks, 2014. Environmentally Significant Areas. Accessed in May 2019. Available at https://www.albertaparks.ca/albertaparksca/library/environmentally-significant-areas-report/

Alberta Sustainable Resource Development and Alberta Conservation Association. 2002. Alberta’s Canadian Toad (Bufo hemiophyrs). Available at: https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/417892dc-d442-4640-9e5c-5976194cb679/resource/2e410353-85a6-454f-ae82-ef1852f9d2aa/download/sar-canadiantoad-factsheet-mar2002.pdf

Alberta Transportation, 2013a. Alberta Transportation Pre-Disturbance Assessment Guide for Borrow Excavations. Available at: http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/Content/docType245/Production/borrowproc.pdf

Alberta Transportation, 2013b. Alberta Transportation Guide to Reclaiming Borrow Excavations. Available at: http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/Content/docType245/Production/borrowguide.pdf

Alberta Transportation, 2011. Alberta Transportation Erosion and Sediment Control Manual. Available at: http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/Content/docType372/Production/ErosionControlManual.pdf

FIERA Biological Consulting, 2016. Parkland County Wetland Inventory & Historical Loss Assessment. Prepared for Parkland County, Parkland County, AB.

https://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/sag10372https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/c6a491b1-632f-405a-8f1a-1bad4b16127d/resource/94afd608-483e-4637-b822-5b0f57ca3c0c/download/decontaminationprotocol-watercraft-equipment-aug30-2017.pdfhttps://open.alberta.ca/dataset/c6a491b1-632f-405a-8f1a-1bad4b16127d/resource/94afd608-483e-4637-b822-5b0f57ca3c0c/download/decontaminationprotocol-watercraft-equipment-aug30-2017.pdfhttps://maps.alberta.ca/FWIMT_Pub/Viewer/?TermsOfUseRequired=true&Viewer=FWIMT_Pubhttps://securexnet.env.gov.ab.ca/lat_login.htmlhttps://open.alberta.ca/dataset/c240b099-18cb-4037-91fa-4038de4012f7/resource/19eb094b-6c55-4856-a2a5-8ad75042319c/download/ep-decontamination-riskzone-full-province-2019-02.pdfhttps://open.alberta.ca/dataset/c240b099-18cb-4037-91fa-4038de4012f7/resource/19eb094b-6c55-4856-a2a5-8ad75042319c/download/ep-decontamination-riskzone-full-province-2019-02.pdfhttps://open.alberta.ca/dataset/c240b099-18cb-4037-91fa-4038de4012f7/resource/19eb094b-6c55-4856-a2a5-8ad75042319c/download/ep-decontamination-riskzone-full-province-2019-02.pdfhttps://open.alberta.ca/dataset/1bdbc003-75a0-41dc-b33d-099c5bc536ad/resource/ea8fe385-9fdb-49cf-b2fc-4e899975696e/download/stonyplain-codepracticecross-map-2006.pdfhttps://open.alberta.ca/dataset/1bdbc003-75a0-41dc-b33d-099c5bc536ad/resource/ea8fe385-9fdb-49cf-b2fc-4e899975696e/download/stonyplain-codepracticecross-map-2006.pdfhttps://open.alberta.ca/dataset/417892dc-d442-4640-9e5c-5976194cb679/resource/2e410353-85a6-454f-ae82-ef1852f9d2aa/download/sar-canadiantoad-factsheet-mar2002.pdfhttps://open.alberta.ca/dataset/417892dc-d442-4640-9e5c-5976194cb679/resource/2e410353-85a6-454f-ae82-ef1852f9d2aa/download/sar-canadiantoad-factsheet-mar2002.pdfhttps://open.alberta.ca/dataset/417892dc-d442-4640-9e5c-5976194cb679/resource/2e410353-85a6-454f-ae82-ef1852f9d2aa/download/sar-canadiantoad-factsheet-mar2002.pdf


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Government of Alberta, 2016. Alberta Merged Wetland Inventory. Accessed in May 2019. Available at: https://geodiscover.alberta.ca/geoportal/catalog/main/home.page

Government of Alberta, 2018. Cumulative Clubroot Infestations (2003 to 2018) in Alberta. Available at: https://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/%24department/deptdocs.nsf/all/prm14661.

Government of Alberta, 2019. Alberta Water Wells Database. Accessed in May 2019. Available at: http://groundwater.alberta.ca/WaterWells/d/

Natural Regions Committee, 2006. Natural Regions and Subregions of Alberta. Compiled by Downing, D.J and W.W. Pettapiece, Government of Alberta, Edmonton, AB. Pub. No. T/852. 254 pp.

O2 Planning + Design Inc. (O2), 2014. Parkland County Environmental Conservation Master Plan – Phase 1 Background Technical Report. Prepared for Parkland County, Parkland County, AB.

https://geodiscover.alberta.ca/geoportal/catalog/main/home.pagehttp://groundwater.alberta.ca/WaterWells/d/

APPENDIX

A PROJECT LOCATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITIES

Desktop EnvironmentalRisk Assessment

Figure 1- Project LocationRange Road 15

Township Road 524 to Parkland Drive Scale: 1:15,000

Universal Transverse Mercator (Zone 11)North American Datum (1983)

Report By: TG WSP Job #: 191-05819-00Drawn by: AN Date: May 21, 2019Reviewed By: RH Office: Edmonton

Notes:Imagery Source: Valtus Imagery Source [2012]

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W17W16

W15W14

W13

W11W12

W10W9

W1

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W5

W7

W8

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Spring Lake Drive

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Township Road 524

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Hasse Road

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LegendProject LocationStudy AreaField DrainagesMapped WatercoursesWetland BoundaryAlberta Quarter Section BoundaryAlberta Section Boundary

C.F.B. EDMONTON

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ST633

ST642

ST765

ST622

ST770

ST627

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Onoway

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CastleIsland

Kapasiwin LakeviewPointAlison

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SandyBeach

SilverSandsSouthView

SunriseBeachSunsetPointValQuentin

WestCove

Yellowstone

AlbertaBeach

Wabamun

SpringLake

Calmar

Devon

Morinville

StonyPlain

Onoway

Edmonton

Leduc

SpruceGrove

St.Albert

RiviereQui Barre Cardiff

Highvale

Darwell

Duffield BeachCorner

Smithfield

Glenevis

Heatherdown

Glenford

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Sundance

Fallis

Gunn

Carvel

Telfordville

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Burtonsville

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Buford

PineSands

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Site Location

KEY MAP1:1,000,000

SignaturesPrepared byReviewed byPrepared for:TablesAppendix1 Site Overview2 Methods2.1 Desktop Review

3 Results3.1 Historical Resources3.1.1 Contractor Conditions

3.2 Environmentally Significant Areas3.2.1 Contractor Conditions

3.3 Landform and Soils3.3.1 Soil Stripping Plan3.3.2 Clubroot3.3.3 Contractor Conditions

3.4 Erosion and Sediment Control3.4.1 Contractor Conditions

3.5 Water Resources3.5.1 Lakes3.5.2 Wetlands3.5.3 Watercourse3.5.4 Groundwater Wells, Natural Springs, and Groundwater Tables3.5.5 Contractor Conditions

3.6 Vegetation3.6.1 Alberta Conservation Information Management System3.6.2 Weed Survey3.6.3 Contractor Conditions

3.7 Aquatic Species and Wildlife3.7.1 Fisheries and Wildlife Management Information System3.7.2 Alberta Conservation Information Management System3.7.3 Landscape Analysis Tool3.7.4 Contractor Conditions

3.8 Whirling Disease3.9 Borrow Pre-Disturbance Assessment3.10 Site Contamination

4 Regulatory Requirements4.1.1 Permits and Authorizations

5 Summary6 RecommendationsReferences

Documents

PARKLAND COUNTY RANGE ROAD 15 DESKTOP ENVIRONMENTAL RISK ASSESSMENT · 2019. 7. 2. · parkland county . range road 15. desktop environmental risk assessment. township road 524 to