Natural Channel Systems Initiative

ONTARIO RIVERS ALLIANCE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

North Bay, OntarioOctober 17, 2015

Presented By:

Mariëtte Pushkar, M.Sc., P.Geo

NCS Committee Members Frequency of meeting Conferences Longer term view

OVERVIEW Natural Channel Systems Initiative Adaptive Management of Stream Corridors Regulatory Agency Roles and Challenges Natural Channel Design  Watercourse Restoration and Dam removals

Where did it begin?

We have had great ideas for how to manage our watercourses.

Until there were unanticipated consequences…..

Our ‘GREAT’ Ideas… Reservoirs:

Dilute pollutants – improve water quality! Increase flow in river – bring back the big trout!

Road/Rail Crossings What is the smallest

pipe that we can use to get the flow through?

Route flood waters out of here! Straighten creek Line creek with concrete, armourstone

Put it into pipes and discharge into the rivers

Drainage density:1956 = 1.00 km/km2

2003 = 0.71 km/km2

Stormwater runoff into outfalls

Increased magnitude of peak flows

Increased volume of runoff

UhOh….

Stormwater Management Ponds

Exposed Infrastructure

We learned:

Loss of channel length has implications Altered hydrology 

Creek and habitat implications Erosion control is not only answer Channel functions impaired

Loss of morphology (habitat) Incision Channel type is out of balance

We Learned: Aquatic

Impediment to fish passage

Water depth Flow velocity Habitat diversity

Impaired ecological functions Disconnected floodplain

Loss of vegetation

It wasn’t working…. 

Traditional Stream System Management

Uniform solutions cannot be applied to all stream systems (scale and type of disturbance)

Single objective planning driven by statutory requirements

Lack of integration Dynamic systems

“WE CANNOT SOLVE TODAY’S PROBLEMS

WITH THE SAME LEVEL OF THINKING

THAT CREATED THEM.”

Albert Einstein

We needed a new direction !!

Natural Channel Systems (NCS)                  Initiative

NATURAL CHANNEL SYSTEMS

DEFINITION“An approach by which existing stable

channels, or new and rehabilitated stream channels and their associated floodplain riparian systems, are managed and designed to be naturally functional, stable, healthy, productive and sustainable.”

Future Management Philosophy And Direction Emphasis on low maintenance and natural systems to maximum extent possible

These represent the lowest long‐term life cycle cost  Implementation of range and multiplicity of solutions, management activities to limit landuse impacts on streams

Realization that the approach will include a range of solutions depending on constraints

Natural Channel Systems Not a new concept:

1964 – Fluvial Processes in Geomorphology by Leopold, Wolman and Miller

1967 – Introduction to Fluvial Geomorphology in White and Bryndilson

1990 – 6th North American Trout Stream Improvement workshop

1991-1993 – Rosgen Introduction Course to River Dynamics

1995 – Newbury Courses established

Context 1970’s – late 1980’s –biologists and engineers often at odds using very different, unrelated approaches

1988 Floodplain Management Policy Watershed Management ‐ Ecosystem Approach Strategic Plan for Ontario Fisheries (SPOF) and SPOF II ‐Protect/rehabilitate

MNR role in FA s. 35 Lakes Rivers and Improvement Act (LRIA) and CA Act applications

Need to integrate the disciplines, engineering, geomorphology and biology in the management of rivers and their corridors

Evolution of NCS Initiative 1992- MNR creation of public/private

Professional committee to develop initiative

1994 – Publication of “Blue Book” FEEDBACK:

Good conceptual basis for integration, BUT!! How process could be applied to engineered solutions

lacks technical direction does not facilitate meaningful inter-

disciplinary interaction

Evolution of Phase 1 1994 – Phase II initiated 1994 - 1st International Natural

Channel Systems Conference 1996 – Phase II Status Report 1999 – 2nd International Natural

Channel Systems Conference 2002 – Stream Corridor Manual 2004 – 3rd International NCS Conf. 2010 – 4th International NCS Conf. 2016…..

THE NCS INITIATIVE OBJECTIVES?OBJECTIVES1. Incorporate principles of natural form and function in

stream corridor management2. Promote rigorous interdisciplinary and integrative

planning and design3. Apply an Adaptive Environmental Management

approach

OVERALL GOAL: To achieve stream corridors with maximum natural function and minimum maintenance

The NCS Stream Corridor Approach The NCS Stream Corridor Approach 

The Watershed approach ensures an understanding of Cause:Response at three controlling biophysical:biochemical scales within Watersheds

This approach helps to provide an integrative interpretation of the responses observed within the watershed and stream corridor

Works within two contextual frameworks: the Watershed Hierarchy and the Interdisciplinary/Integrative Interaction

SYSTEMSYSTEM

PLAN FORM

PROFILE

FEATURE

WATERSHEDWATERSHED

REACHREACH

SITESITE

BROADBROAD

NARROW

Proactive Science/Management Tools

General Watershed wide tools – Watershed Resource Planning  

Community‐based Fisheries Planning on a Watershed Basis; 

Subwatershed Planning and Analysis;

Valley Segment Classification/ Stream Corridor Management;

Riparian Corridor Management; 

Reach Level Community‐based Management; 

Subdivision Level – (e.g. OMOE BMP for stormwater)

Local restoration and awareness;

Natural Channel Systems Initiative

Stream corridors are the backbone of our Natural Heritage System in Ontario in general, and specifically in the settled landscapes of southern Ontario.  These systems are in many cases being altered, changed and damaged by ongoing landuses and new developments.  If we wish to protect and restore the biodiversity of our landscape systems, stream corridor management and restoration will be critical.

(NCS, 2005 discussion paper)

Focus Areas in the Industry: Storm water management

Reducing impact to receiving watercourse Hydrograph replication 

Replicating surface drainage network functions Fish habitat recovery for Species‐at‐Risk (SAR) Span of bridges/culverts

Adaptive Management of Stream Corridors

Creating A Tool For Practitioners

Re-establishment of functional stream corridors Guide application and practice Discuss complexity of issues Legal framework Integration of disciplines Emerging trends Research needs

Check resource link at:www.naturalchannels.cawww.conservation‐ontario.on.ca

• Ministry of Natural Resources 

• 2002 release

• For anyone involved in stream corridor work:• Proponents 

(municipal etc.)• Practitioner• Reviewer

But seldom explicitly  required!

OVERVIEW 7 Planning Stages

o Stages 1 – 3: 9 Steps of Analyses/Evaluations

4 Analytical Phases (assess, explore, confirm, choose)

Method formalizes what practitioners should do

Nine Steps in Four Phases through Three Stages!

Detailed step by step process is articulated to provide a framework of:

WHO DOES WHAT

And

WHO PROVIDES INFO TO WHOM

Each step in the design and planning process provides information to aid in integration.

Development of a clearly defined interactive process for analyzing stream ecosystems and determining their relative biophysical health

Is it Useful? Benefits of the 9 Step Process:

o Cause common way of thinking amongst practitionerso The stages, phases and steps present a logical process to follow that ensures that nothing is missed or glossed over: forces getting all evidence together and doing a thorough "gap analysis"

forces collecting the right information, suited to the nature of the problem

forces the data collection, field work and assessment to look upstream and downstream (offsite) and appropriately consider offsite implications

Limitationso Proper study requires time and financial resources City/agency data

o Refer to the process explicitly in RFP

The NCS Initiative objectives?OBJECTIVES1. Incorporate principles of natural form and function in

stream corridor management2. Promote rigorous interdisciplinary and integrative

planning and design3. Apply an Adaptive Environmental Management

approach

OVERALL GOAL: To achieve stream corridors with maximum natural function and minimum maintenance

Objective 1: Incorporate principles of natural form and function in stream corridor management✔Now incorporated into most river

engineering and restoration projects

✔Encouraged and/or required by federal, provincial and local regulatory agencies

✔Applied fluvial geomorphology is an active consulting sector

✔No longer need to argue benefits of NCS vs. historic approaches

Objective 2: Rigorous interdisciplinary and integrative planning and design✔Geomorphic and ecological

considerations are included in most designs

✔Project teams are often multidisciplinary

✖Practitioners and teams have inconsistent qualifications

✖Design rationale and process are poorly documented

✖Many process steps are omitted or incomplete

Objective 3: Apply an Adaptive Environmental Management (AEM) approach✖Projects and pre-construction

condition are poorly documented

✖Substantive long-term monitoring is non-existent

✖Project performance is not assessed beyond 1-3 years

✖No responsibility for long-term maintenance and repair

✖Project results are not reported to the community of practice

ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT:A REMINDER

Adaptive Management:A Reminder

“Stream projects are designed with prior knowledge that they are experimental, risky, or may require modification later. Monitoring is the only means by which such adaptive projects can be implemented with confidence and accountability.”

-Adaptive Management of Stream Corridors in Ontario, 2001

Regulatory Agenciesinvolved with NCD and NCS

Regulatory Agencies /Process/Mandates DFO – Federal MOE – Provincial MNRF – Provincial – SAR, dam removal Conservation Authorities – Provincial/Municipal MTO – navigable waters First Nations Minister of Culture and Heritage – Archaeology Phase 1 and/or 2 assessments.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada Fisheries Act (Section 35)

35. (1) No person shall carry on any work, undertaking or activity that results in serious harm to fish that are part of a commercial, recreational or Aboriginal fishery, or to fish that support such a fishery.

Serious Harm:  “the death of fish or any permanent alteration to, or destruction of, fish habitat”.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada Emergency Authorization (national security, national emergency, risk to public health or safety or to the environment or property)

Self Assessment process – Pathway of Effects Authorization (Paragraph 35(2)(b) Fisheries Act Authorization from the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans) to ensure compliance with the Act

Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests Endangered Species Act, 2007, S.O. 2007, c. 6 The purposes of this Act are:

1. To identify species at risk based on the best available scientific information, including information obtained from community knowledge and aboriginal traditional knowledge.

2. To protect species that are at risk and their habitats, and to promote the recovery of species that are at risk.

3. To promote stewardship activities to assist in the protection and recovery of species that are at risk. 2007, c. 6, s. 1.

9) No person shall, (a) kill, harm, harass, capture or take a living member of a species that is listed on the Species at Risk in Ontario List as an extirpated, endangered or threatened species;

10. (1) No person shall damage or destroy the habitat of, (a) a species that is listed on the Species at Risk in Ontario List as an endangered or threatened species; or

(b) a species that is listed on the Species at Risk in Ontario List as an extirpated species, if the species is prescribed by the regulations for the purpose of this clause. 2007, c. 6, s. 10 (1).

Avoid Authorization Timing of work, location of work, method

Authorizations (permit, agreement, exemption) required when there is potential to:

harm or harass a species at risk, or damage or destroy its habitat Assist in protection or recovery of the species Overall benefit will b e achieved Best management practices to reduce impact have been used

Reasonable alternatives have been developed and best one is implemented

Protection of human health and safety http://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/07e06#BK2 http://www.ontario.ca/page/how‐get‐endangered‐species‐act‐permit‐or‐authorization

Conservation Authorities Watershed based Participating municipalities 20. (1) The objects of an authority are to establish and undertake, in the area over which it has jurisdiction, a program designed to further the conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources other than gas, oil, coal and minerals. R.S.O. 1990, c. C.27, s. 20.

21. (1) For the purposes of accomplishing its objects, an authority has power,(a) to study and investigate the watershed and to determine a program whereby the natural resources of the watershed may be conserved, restored, developed and managed;(i) to erect works and structures and create reservoirs by the construction of dams or otherwise;(j) to control the flow of surface waters in order to prevent floods or pollution or to reduce the adverse effects thereof;(k) to alter the course of any river, canal, brook, stream or watercourse, and divert or alter, as well temporarily as permanently, the course of any river, stream, road, street or way, or raise or sink its level in order to carry it over or under, on the level of or by the side of any work built or to be built by the authority, and to divert or alter the position of any water-pipe, gas-pipe, sewer, drain or any telegraph, telephone or electric wire or pole;

Natural Channel Design (NCD)

Harman, W., R. Starr, M. Carter, K. Tweedy, M. Clemmons, K. Suggs, C. Miller. 2012. A Function-Based Framework for Stream Assessment and Restoration Projects.

US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds, Washington, DC EPA 843-K-12-006.

Harman, W., R. Starr, M. Carter, K. Tweedy, M. Clemmons, K. Suggs, C. Miller. 2012. A Function-Based Framework for Stream Assessment and Restoration Projects.

US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds, Washington, DC EPA 843-K-12-006.

Practitioners and Role

Regulatory Bodies for Practitioners Engineer

P.Eng – Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO) Geomorphologist 

P.Geo – Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario (APGO)

P.GEO – what does professionalism mean (D. Hunt, APGO president) Minister of Northern Development and Mines ‐ has deemed that geoscientist will be a regulated profession in order to protect the public and the environment.The Professional Geoscientist’s Act, 2000, defines the Practice of Professional Geoscience as such: “An individual practices professional geoscience when he or she performs an activity that requires the knowledge, understanding and application of the principles of geoscience and that concerns the safeguarding of the welfare of the public or the safeguarding of life, health or property including the natural environment.”

The intent of this definition is quite clear: professionalism begins where our science intersects with its effect on the public and the environment. The commercial actualization of what we do as scientists is where our professionalism comes into play.

Many geoscientists feel that being a professional is an inconvenient and unnecessary imposition on their work. But much of what we do in the course of our business is not the pure, or even applied science of dealing with geology; it involves advising our employers and clients about the regulatory and social licence environment, and then steering them through it successfully.

NCD Applications Erosion Mitigation – protect private property Development – Urban, Mining Dam Removal Opportunities

Restore geomorphic function (length, morphology) Remove impediments to fish passage Enhance aquatic habitat – deeper pools, vegetation planting

Constraints Tie‐in points Corridor width

Overview of Channel Restoration  Meander Belt 

Lateral expression of planform configuration on the floodplain

Channel Configuration Planform Profile Section  Substrate

Floodplain Connectivity

Dam Mitigation

Decommissioning of the Wards Pond dam, while maintaining the structure and offline wetlands, enabled the surrounding community to maintain their recreation, historic and aesthetic objectives, while water quality and fish habitat along Strasburg Creek will also improve.

The trout came back !

Brigadoon Pond

Final Thoughts