Upload
others
View
47
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Otter Point Road Shoulder WideningFisheries Assessment of Unnamed Watercourse at Sta. 125+00
Prepared for: Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
May 6, 2019
11 – 2042 Mills RoadSidney, BC V8L 5X4
OTTER POINT ROAD SHOULDER WIDENING
Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 1
2.0 REGULATORY CONTEXT ............................................................................................ 3 2.1 THE FISHERIES ACT .................................................................................................... 3 2.2 THE WATER SUSTAINABILITY ACT ............................................................................. 3 2.3 THE FISH-STREAM CROSSING GUIDEBOOK ............................................................. 4
3.0 PROJECT COMPONENTS ............................................................................................ 4
4.0 METHODS ..................................................................................................................... 5 4.1 DESKTOP BACKGROUND REVIEW ............................................................................. 5 4.2 SITE ASSESSMENT ...................................................................................................... 5
5.0 RESULTS ...................................................................................................................... 6 5.1 DESKTOP STUDY ......................................................................................................... 6 5.2 WATERCOURSE ASSESSMENT .................................................................................. 8
6.0 CULVERT DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS .................................................................. 9
7.0 MITIGATIONS MEASURES ..........................................................................................10
8.0 PERMITTING RECOMMENDATIONS ..........................................................................11 8.1 OTHER CONSIDERATIONS .........................................................................................12
9.0 DISCLAIMER AND LIMITATIONS ................................................................................12
10.0 CLOSURE .....................................................................................................................12
11.0 REFERENCES ..............................................................................................................13
LIST OF TABLES Table 1 Project Components ........................................................................................... 5 Table 2 Mitigation Measures ...........................................................................................10
LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 Otter Point Road Widening Project Location Map ............................................... 2 Figure 2 Historic Fish Capture Data and Field Observations ............................................. 7
LIST OF APPENDICES
APPENDIX A SITE PHOTOS ........................................................................................... A.1
APPENDIX B STREAM REPORTS .................................................................................. B.1
OTTER POINT ROAD SHOULDER WIDENING
Introduction May 16, 2019
1
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Stantec Consulting Ltd. (Stantec) was retained by the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI) to provide a habitat assessment of an unnamed watercourse at the site of a single culvert replacement (Figure 1) and to assist with the associated environmental permitting. This technical data report has been prepared to characterize the biophysical environment of the unnamed watercourse using both information collected from a desktop background review as well as an on-site assessment. Recommendations for culvert design and mitigation measures to be implemented during construction, based on the results of the site assessment, are provided.
Ê
De Mamiel Creek
De Mamiel Creek
Kemp Lake
Poirier Lake
McKenzieLake
Young Lake
Milligan Rd
Young
Lake RdLe
mare
Cres
Sarah Dr
Helen Pl
Butler Rd
Thelmita Pl
Rams
den R
d
private
drivew
ay
Tugwell Rd
Cedar Park PlManatu Rd
Porier Rd
Michelson Rd
Robinson RdHe
nlynD
r
Pascoe Rd
Broomhill Rd
Sellars R
d
Otter Point Rd
CulvertReplacement
Otter Point Road Widening Project
S o o k e
442500
442500
5360
000
5360
000
5362
500
5362
500
S:\12
32\p
rojec
ts\12
3221
129\
figur
es\re
ports
\Otte
r_Poin
t_Wide
ning_
Projec
t\fig
_1_1
2322
1129
_Gen
eral_L
ocat
ion.m
xd
Rev
ised:
2019
-05-03
By: td
innee
n
($$¯
RoadLocal StreetResource Road
WatercourseWaterbodyMunicipal Boundary
Ê Culvert ReplacementOtter Point RoadWidening Project
1
MoTIOtter Point Widening Project Fisheries
Otter Point RoadSookeBC
Prepared by T. DINNEEN on 20190426Discipline Review by
GIS Review by
General Location
0 100 200 300 400Meters
1:12,000 (at original document size of 11x17)
Notes1. Coordinate System: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 10N2. Data Sources: DataBC, Government of British Columbia;Natural Resources Canada
Disclaimer: Stantec assumes no responsibility for data supplied in electronic format. The recipient accepts full responsibility for verifying the accuracy and completeness of the data. The recipient releases Stantec, its officers, employees, consultants and agents, from any and all claims arising in any way from the content or provision of the data.
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
CC AANN AADD AAUUSSAA
B CB C A BA B
ProjectLocationPacific
Ocean_̂
PrinceRupert Prince George
Fort St. John
Kamloops
CalgaryBella Coola
Vancouver
Victoria
Edmonton
1:30,000,000
¯
Project Number 123221129
Figure No.
Title
Client/Project/Report
Project Location
OTTER POINT ROAD SHOULDER WIDENING
Regulatory Context May 16, 2019
3
2.0 REGULATORY CONTEXT
Work around watercourses in British Columbia is primarily governed by:
• The Federal Fisheries Act, Sections 35 (serious harm to fish) and 36 (deleterious substances); • The BC Water Sustainability Act (WSA); and, • The Fish-Stream Crossing Guidebook.
2.1 THE FISHERIES ACT
The Fisheries Act, administered by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) contains two key provisions (Sections 35 and 36) aimed at protecting fish and fish habitat important for commercial, recreational and Aboriginal (CRA) fisheries:
Section 35(1): protects the productivity and sustainability of CRA fisheries by requiring projects to avoid causing ‘serious harm to fish’ unless authorized by DFO. This applies to work being conducted in or near water that support CRA fisheries, such as the Pacific Ocean. ‘Serious harm to fish’ is defined as “the death of fish or any permanent alteration to, or destruction of fish habitat”. Section 35 (1) of the Fisheries Act prohibits work from causing serious harm to fish that are part of a CRA fishery, or to fish that support such a fishery.
Section 36 (3): protects the health of fish and fish habitat through pollution prevention by prohibiting the deposition of deleterious substances into waters frequented by fish. The Fisheries Act defines deleterious substance as, “any substance that, if added to any water, would degrade or alter or form part of a process of degradation or alteration of the quality of that water so that it is rendered or is likely to be rendered deleterious to fish or fish habitat or to the use by man of fish that frequent that water.”
Certain types of project activities do not require DFO review or approval if best practices and prescribed mitigation measures are applied; however, such projects are still required to avoid ‘serious harm to fish’ and impacts to species listed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA).
2.2 THE WATER SUSTAINABILITY ACT
Under the WSA, “changes in and about a stream” means “any modification to the nature of the stream, including any modification of the land, vegetation and natural environment of a stream or the flow of water in a stream, or any activity or construction within a stream channel that has or may have an impact on a stream or stream channel”. Activities which may cause these changes require either an approval or notification under Section 11 of the WSA depending on the activity:
• Approvals: written authorization for changes in and about a stream that are of a complex nature. • Notifications: used for low risk changes specified in Part 3 of the Water Sustainability Regulation,
that have limited impact on the environment or third parties.
OTTER POINT ROAD SHOULDER WIDENING
Project Components May 16, 2019
4
2.3 THE FISH-STREAM CROSSING GUIDEBOOK
The Fish-Stream Crossing Guidebook seeks to aid “forest and other resource managers and practitioners plan, prescribe, and implement sound fish-stream crossing practices to maintain fish passage and protect fish and fish habitat as required by the Forest and Range Practices Act and the federal Fisheries Act.
It provides practitioners with current legislative and technical reference material regarding fish passage, including British Columbia’s strategic approach to addressing fish passage at culverts.” (Fish-Stream Crossing Guidebook 2012).
This guidance was used to inform the recommendations for culvert design presented in Section 6.0 below.
3.0 PROJECT COMPONENTS
Otter Point Road is a Low Volume Road (LVR), located on Vancouver Island, near the Community District of Sooke, that intersects Highway 14 in Sooke, traverses north around Sooke and reconnects to Highway 14 west of Sooke. MoTI is embarking on a project to widen this road to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians. MoTI’s project proposes to widen 2 kilometres of Otter Point Road between the Robinson Road area and the Sooke Municipal Boundary and provide a 1.5m wide paved shoulder on the north side (Figure 1). As part of the overall road widening project, MoTI is planning to upgrade several culverts to improve drainage in the area however only one culvert upgrade (located at Sta 125+00) has been identified as potentially impacting fish habitat. The planned upgrade at Sta 125+00 will replace an existing, undersized culvert, in order to allow for greater water conveyance under the road during periods of high precipitation (herein referred to as the “Project”). The location of this single culvert upgrade is the primary area of focus of this assessment. The culvert upgrade is necessary to prevent temporary backup of water on the upstream side of the culvert and lessen the potential for road flooding and/or undermining of the road itself during high flow conditions or following storm events.
The culvert replacement is currently planned for summer 2019 (August to September). Project construction activities are expected to include the following:
• Site preparation • Isolation and dewatering (if required) • Excavation and culvert replacement • Channel re-watering
Table 1 summarizes the construction activities associated with the Project components. The duration of the Project is anticipated to be approximately 20 days, with instream works occurring over an approximately 14-day period during the summer (e.g., low flow/dry period). Final construction timing will be determined once a contractor is selected for this work.
OTTER POINT ROAD SHOULDER WIDENING
Methods May 16, 2019
5
Table 1 Project Components
Project Component
Duration (approximate) Description
Site Preparation
7 days Preparation for culvert replacement on Otter Point Road. This includes removal of vegetation and clearing any laydown areas (if required).
Isolation of work areas1
4 days If water is present within the unnamed watercourse at the time of the culvert extension, then water will be diverted around the work area to prevent the mobilization of sediment downstream. The work area will be isolated through the installation of berms (e.g., bags filled with local material or clean fill) at the upstream and downstream ends of the work area. Once berm has been installed, a fish salvage will be completed prior to site dewatering. A submersible pump will then be placed on the upstream wetted side of the berm and will pump water to a release point downstream until the work area is dewatered to allow for construction to proceed in the dry.
Excavation and Culvert Replacement
7 days The existing culvert will be removed and the creek bed will be excavated to the appropriate elevation to facilitate the installation of the new culvert section. The new culvert will be either embedded or open bottom and will have streambed material placed within it and be backfilled.
Channel re-watering
2 days Following the complete installation of the new culvert, the dewatering structures will be removed, and flow re-established to the stream.
NOTE: 1 Isolation and berm installation will only be required if the unnamed watercourse at Sta 125+00 has flowing
water during instream works; however, the contractor should have materials on site (e.g., pump and sand bags) in the event that there is pooling water, or a rain event, that requires isolation and dewatering.
4.0 METHODS
4.1 DESKTOP BACKGROUND REVIEW
A desktop review of historic fish data was conducted to characterize the fish species that may occur in or near the Project area. This review relied on information available from the Government of British Columbia Habitat Wizard database (Habitat Wizard 2019).
4.2 SITE ASSESSMENT
A field survey with two Stantec Registered Professional Biologist (R.P. Bio) fisheries staff was conducted on April 11, 2019. The survey area included the watercourse at the immediate site of the culvert replacement as well as upstream to the connection to Poirier Lake (approximately 60 m) and downstream to the connection with De Mamiel Creek (approximately 170 m).
The survey consisted of an assessment of the existing fish habitat using assessment techniques based on Resource Inventory Committee guidelines (RIC 2001). The assessment collected information on watercourse slope, wetted width, bank height, water quality, as well as information on the overall quality
OTTER POINT ROAD SHOULDER WIDENING
Results May 16, 2019
6
of the habitat for various life stages of the fish in the system (e.g., spawning, overwintering, rearing). Historic fish presence was established upstream and downstream of the culvert replacement location through the desktop portion of the assessment and as such no additional efforts were made to capture fish. Instead, the field survey focused on looking for any barriers to fish passage between Poirier Lake and De Mamiel Creek, as well as habitat quality, to provide comment on the species potentially using the Project area.
5.0 RESULTS
5.1 DESKTOP STUDY
The unnamed watercourse (Watershed Code 930-022100-02800-37100) associated with the proposed culvert replacement flows from Poirier Lake (Waterbody ID 315669) into De Mamiel Creek (Watershed Code 930-022100-02800). The unnamed watercourse flows north from an outlet in Poirier Creek through a culvert at the Project site (Otter Point Road) and continues northeast until it connects to De Mamiel Creek downstream (Figure 2). De Mamiel creek flows east until its connection with Sooke River and finally the Pacific Ocean in Sooke Bay (Juan de Fuca Strait).
There are no historic records for fish caught in the unnamed watercourse however both Poirier Lake and De Mamiel Creek have historical fish catch records associated with them (Appendix B). Fish species documented within Poirier Lake include rainbow trout/steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss), brown catfish (Ameiurus nebulosus), and prickly sculpin (Cottus asper). This lake is stocked annually with rainbow trout from Vancouver Island hatcheries (Habitat Wizard 2019) to supplement recreational fishing opportunities with the last release including 300 rainbow trout in early 2019 (FFSBC 2019).
De Mamiel Creek is a third order stream that is connected to the Pacific Ocean (Juan de Fuca Strait) through the Sooke River. De Mamiel Creek has documented historic fish catch records of Chinook (O. tshawytscha), coho (O.kisutch), and chum (O. keta) salmon, rainbow/steelhead and coastal cutthroat (O. clarki clarki) trout, coastrange (Cottus aleuticus) and prickly sculpin, smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieui), threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) and lamprey (Lampetra sp.) (Habitat Wizard 2019).
No federal species at risk are included in the historic catch records for Poirier Lake or De Mamiel Creek (Habitat Wizard 2019; BC CDC 2019); however, cutthroat trout (provincially blue listed) have been recorded in De Mamiel Creek (Habitat Wizard 2019; BC CDC 2019).
[¡[¡[¡[¡[¡[¡[¡[¡[¡[¡[¡[¡[¡[¡[¡[¡
[¡[¡
[¡[¡[¡
[¡[¡
[¡[¡[¡[¡[¡[¡[¡
Ê
Brown Catfish (formerlyBrown Bullhead)
Prickly Sculpin
Rainbow Trout
Steelhead
Brown Catfish(formerly BrownBullhead)
PricklySculpin
Coho Salmon
Steelhead
De Mamiel Creek
Poirier Lake
100 m
180 m
160 m120 m
140 m
80 m
80 m
80 m
Young
Lake R
d
Otter Point Rd
DownstreamConnection
Pond Barrier
CulvertReplacement
S o o k e
443250
443250
443500
443500
5360
250
5360
250
5360
500
5360
500
5360
750
5360
750
S:\12
32\p
rojec
ts\12
3221
129\
figur
es\re
ports
\Otte
r_Poin
t_Wide
ning_
Projec
t\fig
_2_1
2322
1129
_Fiel
d_Su
rvey.m
xd
Rev
ised:
2019
-05-03
By: td
innee
n
($$¯
RoadLocal StreetResource RoadTopographic Contour
WatercourseWaterbodyMunicipal Boundary
[¡ Fish Observation
Ê Culvert ReplacementWaypointSurvey Track
2
MoTIOtter Point Widening Project Fisheries
Otter Point RoadSookeBC
Prepared by T. DINNEEN on 20190426Discipline Review by
GIS Review by
Historic Fish Capture Data andField Observations
0 25 50 75Meters
1:2,500 (at original document size of 11x17)
Notes1. Coordinate System: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 10N2. Data Sources: DataBC, Government of British Columbia;Natural Resources Canada
Disclaimer: Stantec assumes no responsibility for data supplied in electronic format. The recipient accepts full responsibility for verifying the accuracy and completeness of the data. The recipient releases Stantec, its officers, employees, consultants and agents, from any and all claims arising in any way from the content or provision of the data.
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
CC AANN AADD AAUUSSAA
B CB C A BA B
ProjectLocationPacific
Ocean
_̂
PrinceRupert Prince George
Fort St. John
Kamloops
CalgaryBella Coola
Vancouver
Victoria
Edmonton
1:30,000,000
¯
Project Number 123221129
Figure No.
Title
Client/Project/Report
Project Location
OTTER POINT ROAD SHOULDER WIDENING
Results May 16, 2019
8
5.2 WATERCOURSE ASSESSMENT
Stantec fisheries biologists walked the length of the unnamed watercourse starting from the outlet of Poirier Lake to its eventual connection to De Mamiel Creek approximately 230 m downstream (Figure 2). The quantitative assessment focused primarily on the portion of the watercourse associated with the Project (culvert replacement) however the qualitative assessment was extended to the connection with Poirier Creek (approximately 60 m upstream) and De Mamiel Creek (approximately 170 m downstream).
Water exits Poirier Lake along its northeast side (Appendix A: Photo 1) and flows through a wide, wetted section where the watercourse spreads out and appears to be only partially confined (Appendix A: Photo 2). Continuing downstream the watercourse returns to a more defined channel and at the Project location the average wetted width was 1.9 m and the maximum water depth was estimated to be 0.8 m (wetted depth of 0.2 m at the time of the site visit) (Appendix A: Photos 3 and 4). No barriers to fish passage were observed between the Project location and Poirier Lake upstream; however, fish passage is likely to be semi-restricted at low flow times due to low water levels and thick vegetation at the lake outlet.
The watercourse flows under Otter Point Road through the culvert to be upgraded. On the upstream side of the road the bottom of the culvert is at grade with the watercourse however the downstream side is hanging (10 cm at the time of the visit) and spills into a 33 cm deep pool (29 cm residual pool depth) (Appendix A: Photo 6). The slope of the watercourse increases from approximately 2% on the upstream side of Otter Point Road to approximately 7% on the downstream side of the road. Several small cascade sections were observed immediately downstream of the road (Appendix A: Photo 7) before the watercourse gradient again decreased and the watercourse spread out from a single channel to a braided morphology which covered a larger wetted area (Appendix A: Photo 8). At this point the watercourse flows through private property and into a man-made pond with a barrier to fish passage (Appendix A: Photo 9). This barrier appears to be a predator deterrent fence (a perimeter fence and some traps were observed around the pond) for a small flock of ducks who use the man-made pond (Appendix A: Photo 10). Due to the presence of this barrier no movement between the unnamed watercourse above the barrier and De Mamiel Creek downstream is possible. Continuing downstream from the pond, the watercourse flows within a defined channel (Appendix A: Photo 11), through an embedded culvert (Appendix A: Photo 12) before connecting with De Mamiel Creek (Appendix A: Photo 13). While fish passage from De Mamiel to the upstream areas of the unnamed watercourse is currently not possible, the unnamed watercourse does contribute to water quality within the fish-bearing reaches of De Mamiel Creek downstream.
Water quality measurements were collected on the unnamed watercourse at the planned culvert replacement location. The temperature (10.5 °C), dissolved oxygen (8.84 mg/L), pH (6.25), conductivity (66.4 S/cm) and turbidity (clear). With the exception of pH and dissolved oxygen, all of the parameters are within the guidelines for use by aquatic life including rainbow trout (Ministry of Environment & Climate Change Strategy 2018). The pH is slightly below the recommended level (6.5) and dissolved oxygen is slightly lower than the recommended concentration for embryo/alevin (11 mg/L). These values are not low enough to prevent fish from using this habitat however they slightly decrease the quality of that habitat.
OTTER POINT ROAD SHOULDER WIDENING
Culvert Design Recommendations May 16, 2019
9
Based on the results of the assessment, the unnamed watercourse is classified as an S3 watercourse (fish bearing; 1.5 ≤ 5 m) at the culvert location based on Forest Practices Code of British Columbia guidance (1998). This classification is based on the watercourse dimensions recorded during the site visit and the assumption that the watercourse is fish bearing in the Project area due to a lack of observed barriers between known fish bearing habitat (Poirier Lake) and the culvert replacement site. Due to the barrier installed downstream, the potential fish species that could be present within the Project area is limited to those inhabiting Poirier Lake as species from De Mamiel cannot move upstream to the Project area and therefore are excluded. As such, rainbow trout is the main species of concern for this work and will inform timing windows of least risk in Section 7.0 below.
The fish habitat within the unnamed watercourse was classified as marginal. This ranking was based on a lack of suitable spawning habitat, an absence of deep pools suitable for overwintering, and moderate stream cover in the form of undercut banks and overhanging vegetation. As such, the fish habitat is defined as having low productive capacity and only marginally contributing to fish production (Fish-Stream Crossing Guidebook 2012).
6.0 CULVERT DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS
The Provincial guidance for culvert replacement (Fish-Stream Crossing Guidebook 2012) was used to determine the requirements for culvert design for the Project. Based on the site assessment results with a classification of marginal habitat, a maximum wetted width of 1.9 m, and a slope of <3% either an open-bottom (arch culvert) or a closed bottom structure is recommended. As per the Fish Stream Crossing Guidebook (2012), closed-bottom structures do not require a Fisheries Act Authorization provided that: a) the stream channel width is less than 2.5 m, b) the culvert is embedded to replicate the streambed inside the pipe, and c) construction adheres to the appropriate fisheries timing window.
MoTI has indicated that they plan to use a closed-bottom structure. The Fish Stream Crossing Guidebook provides design and construction guidance based on the stream characteristics of the site. Based on this guidance the culvert will need to be embedded to retain stream substrate, to provide fish habitat, and allow for fish passage. Based on the average wetted width of upstream section of the creek being approximately 1.9 m, the structure should be at a minimum the same diameter and should also be sized to accommodate at least a 100-year return period peak flow after embedment (minimum MoTI requirement). Stantec engineers have confirmed that the current recommendation of a 1.9 m culvert will be able to pass a 200-year return period peak flow. The embedment should be at least 40% of the culvert diameter or 0.6 m, whichever is greater. If a pipe-arch or box culvert is used instead, embedment depth should be at least 20% of the vertical rise of the arch. Specific guidance on substrate placement within the culvert can be found in section 4.2.1.4 of Fish-Stream Crossing Guidebook (2012). Regardless of the type of structure selected, it should be installed to match the existing stream gradient to the extent possible.
OTTER POINT ROAD SHOULDER WIDENING
Mitigations Measures May 16, 2019
10
7.0 MITIGATIONS MEASURES
The Project has the potential to impact aquatic life (including fish and fish habitat) through works both at the site and downstream (i.e., changes in water quality). In order to avoid adverse effects to aquatic life, both at the Project location and downstream, Stantec recommends that the measures in Table 2 be implemented. These measures are not considered exhaustive and should be incorporated into a comprehensive Project-specific environmental management plan (EMP) to be developed prior to construction.
Table 2 Mitigation Measures
Project Activity Mitigation Measures
Site Preparation
• Removal of shrubs and grading the shoulder of existing road
• Construction of a temporary staging area for construction materials/equipment adjacent to Graham Creek
• Limit the disturbance to vegetation along any laydown areas. • Install silt fencing at the top of the creek bank to prevent material from
entering the creek. • An Environmental Monitor (EM) will be present during initial clearing,
infilling and grading of the road and laydown areas to prescribe additional mitigation measures, as required.
• If tree clearing is planned to occur within the bird nesting window (late March to Mid-August) then a bird nest sweep will need to be conducted within 7 days of clearing. If nests are observed an exclusion area will be flagged where no activity will be permitted until the birds have ceased using the nest.
Isolation of Work Areas1
• Installation of berms • Flow diversion
• Isolate the work area using upstream and downstream berms constructed out of clean material.
• Use local accumulated material in berm creation. • Conduct a fish salvage within the isolated area to remove fish prior to
instream works. Details of the Fish Salvage Plan will be outlined in the EMP
• Where feasible, time instream work to occur during least risk window for target species (rainbow trout) August 15–September 152. Work outside of this window should only occur after discussion with a Qualified Environmental Professional and may require additional mitigation measures.
• Follow DFO guidance for intake screening to prevent fish kills (DFO 1995).
Excavation and Culvert Replacement
• The existing culvert will be exposed, removed and replaced with a larger culvert.
• Maintain the integrity of water quality downstream (i.e., monitor downstream turbidity and compare to relevant water quality guideline).
• Conduct excavation “in-the-dry”. • Pump any turbid water in the excavation to a “settling basin” dug in the
middle of the sediment build-up area surrounded by one of the boulder berms.
• Prohibit re-fueling or maintenance of heavy machinery within 30 m of the creek.
• Verify that heavy machinery and trucks are maintained and free of leaks prior to entering work area.
OTTER POINT ROAD SHOULDER WIDENING
Permitting Recommendations May 16, 2019
11
Table 2 Mitigation Measures
Project Activity Mitigation Measures
• The existing culvert will be exposed, removed and replaced with a larger culvert. (cont’d)
• Machinery will work from dry locations and not in the active stream channel; if entry into the active stream channel is required, this will be reviewed with an EM beforehand.
• Design of the culvert will be such that it is either open bottom or embedded closed bottom and is designed to meet fish passage standards.
Channel Re-watering
• Following the installation of the new culvert and the final contouring of the creek banks, the berms or dry sacs will be removed.
• Monitor water quality and ensure that it meets the relevant water quality guidelines for fish-bearing water downstream.
NOTE: 1 Isolation and berm installation will only be required if the unnamed creek at Sta 125+00 has flowing water
during instream works 2 Reduced risk work windows for rainbow trout on Vancouver Island. Available at:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/air-land-water/water/working-around-water/terms_conditions_van_island.pdf
8.0 PERMITTING RECOMMENDATIONS
Serious harm to fish is not expected to occur as a result of the culvert upgrades associated with the Project provided mitigation and monitoring measures outlined in this assessment are applied during construction, and the planned culvert is designed according to guidelines outlined in the Fish Stream Crossing Guidebook (2012). As such, no formal DFO review is required, as described in Section 6.0. Mitigation measures developed as part of the Project-specific EMP (to be developed by MoTI prior to construction) are expected to further avoid or limit downstream effects to fish bearing areas (i.e., De Mamiel Creek).
The results of the field assessment indicate that the watercourse fits the definition of a stream under the WSA. Based on current Project understanding, the work is expected to meet the criteria for a notification (no change approval or authorization required) under the Water Sustainability Regulation (Part 3). Stantec will prepare this notification on behalf of MoTI. This notification must be submitted to FrontCounter BC a minimum of 45 days before beginning work.
In the event that a fish salvage is necessary prior to construction, a scientific fish collection permit issued the Province will need to be obtained.
OTTER POINT ROAD SHOULDER WIDENING
Disclaimer and Limitations May 16, 2019
12
8.1 OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
If water is present (flowing or pooled) in the watercourse at the time of construction, there is the possibility for tadpoles or juvenile frogs/toads to be present in the area. A Qualified Environmental Professional should evaluate the site prior to any water diversion activities to confirm whether amphibians are present along the length of the watercourse to be dewatered. In the event that an amphibian salvage is required, a wildlife permit will need to be applied for. This permit includes the need to develop an animal handling and salvage plan.
9.0 DISCLAIMER AND LIMITATIONS
Stantec confirms that, unless otherwise stated, the opinions presented herein have been prepared by, or under the direction and supervision of, a British Columbia Registered Professional Biologist in good standing with the College of Applied Biology. Stantec’s opinions are based on the information available to Stantec at the time of preparation of this document. Any changes to this information may have an impact on the opinions set out herein. Stantec has no control over the Project site, MoTI, or any of the selected Contractors, and Stantec assumes no liability or responsibility for breaches of the Fisheries Act in circumstances where the Project is implemented by MoTI, or their Contractors, in a way that differs from the information presented in this document.
No representations, warranties or guarantees of any kind are made by Stantec to any third party. Any use of or reliance on this document by any third party is at the sole risk of such third party. Stantec assumes no responsibility or liability whatsoever for losses, costs or damages, howsoever arising, from any use of or reliance on this document by any third party.
10.0 CLOSURE
We trust that this fisheries assessment meets your present requirements for the culvert upgrade portion of the Otter Point Road Widening project. Please do not hesitate to contact Conor McCracken at (250) 655-5397 if you have any questions or concerns.
Regards,
Stantec Consulting Ltd.
Conor McCracken B.Sc., R.P.Bio. Stephanie Nabess M.Sc., R.P.Bio. Fisheries Biologist Fisheries Biologist
Phone: (250) 655-5397 Phone: (250) 389-2363 [email protected] [email protected]
OTTER POINT ROAD SHOULDER WIDENING
References May 16, 2019
13
11.0 REFERENCES
BC CDC (British Columbia Conservation Data Centre). 2019. Accessed April 2019. Available at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/plants-animals-ecosystems/conservation-data-centre/explore-cdc-data/species-and-ecosystems-explorer.
DFO (Fisheries and Oceans Canada). 1995. Freshwater Intake End-of-Pipe Fish Screen Guideline.
Forest practices code of British Columbia. 1998. Fish-stream Identification Guidebook. – 2nd ed. Accessed April 2019. Available at: https://www.for.gov.bc.ca/tasb/legsregs/fpc/fpcguide/FISH/FishStream.pdf
Forest practices code of British Columbia. 2012. Fish-stream Crossing Guidebook. Accessed April 2019. Available at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/farming-natural-resources-and-industry/natural-resource-use/resource-roads/fish-stream_crossing_web.pdf
FFSBC (Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC). Fish Stocking Report: Poirier Lake. Accessed May 2019. Available at: https://www.gofishbc.com/Stocked-Fish/Summary-Report.aspx?town=SOOKE&waterbody=POIRIER&start=3/1/2019&end=5/2/2019
Habitat Wizard. 2019. Data Query of Project location. Available at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/plants-animals-ecosystems/ecosystems/habitatwizard.
Ministry of Environment & Climate Change Strategy. 2018. British Columbia Approved Water Quality Guidelines: Aquatic Life, Wildlife & Agriculture. Summary Report. Accessed May 2019. Available at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/air-land-water/water/waterquality/wqgs-wqos/approved-wqgs/wqg_summary_aquaticlife_wildlife_agri.pdf
Resource Inventory Committee (RIC). 2001. Reconnaissance (1:20,000) Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory: Standards and Procedures. Version 2.0. B.C. Fisheries Information Services Branch. Accessed April 2019. Available at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/natural-resource-stewardship/nr-laws-policy/risc/recce2c.pdf
APPENDIX A Site Photos
Photographic Log
Page 1 of 7
Client: Ministry of Transportation andInfrastructure
Project: Otter Point Road ShoulderWidening
Site Location: Capital Regional District
Photograph ID: 1
Photo Location:Poirier Lake (upstream ofculvert)
Comments:Outlet area is shown by redarrow
Photograph ID: 2
Photo Location:Outlet area from PoirierLake had water spreadthroughout many undefinedchannels
Comments:
Photographic Log
Page 2 of 7
Client: Ministry of Transportation andInfrastructure
Project: Otter Point Road ShoulderWidening
Site Location: Capital Regional District
Photograph ID: 3
Photo Location:Watercourse immediatelyupstream of the culvert
Comments:
Photograph ID: 4
Photo Location:Upstream side of theculvert passing under OtterPoint Road
Comments:
Photographic Log
Page 3 of 7
Client: Ministry of Transportation andInfrastructure
Project: Otter Point Road ShoulderWidening
Site Location: Capital Regional District
Photograph ID: 5
Photo Location:Upstream side of theculvert passing under OtterPoint Road
Comments:
Photograph ID: 6
Photo Location:Downstream side of theculvert passing under OtterPoint Road
Comments:Small pool (33 cm deep) onthe downstream side
Photographic Log
Page 4 of 7
Client: Ministry of Transportation andInfrastructure
Project: Otter Point Road ShoulderWidening
Site Location: Capital Regional District
Photograph ID: 7
Photo Location:Several small cascades aswater flows downhilltowards De Mamiel Creek
Comments:Slope increased to 7% ondownstream side of OtterPoint Road
Photograph ID: 8
Photo Location:Watercourse slopedecreases and is lessconfined approximately 40m downstream
Comments:Slope decreases at thispoint and watercoursespreads over a larger area
Photographic Log
Page 5 of 7
Client: Ministry of Transportation andInfrastructure
Project: Otter Point Road ShoulderWidening
Site Location: Capital Regional District
Photograph ID: 9
Photo Location:A barrier to fish passagehas been installed
Comments:A landowner has installed ametal fence that willprevent fish passage
Photograph ID: 10
Photo Location:The watercourse isproviding water for alandowners duck pond
Comments:
Photographic Log
Page 6 of 7
Client: Ministry of Transportation andInfrastructure
Project: Otter Point Road ShoulderWidening
Site Location: Capital Regional District
Photograph ID: 11
Photo Location:The watercourse continuesafter the duck pond in thenatural streambed
Comments:
Photograph ID: 12
Photo Location:A partially embeddedculvert approximately 20 mupstream of the connectionwith De Mamiel Creek
Comments:This culvert would allow forfish passage
Photographic Log
Page 7 of 7
Client: Ministry of Transportation andInfrastructure
Project: Otter Point Road ShoulderWidening
Site Location: Capital Regional District
Photograph ID: 13
Photo Location:The downstreamconnection of the unnamedwatercourse and DeMamiel Creek
Comments:
Photograph ID: 14
Photo Location:De Mamiel Creekdownstream of the Project
Comments:
APPENDIX B Stream Reports
HABITAT WIZARD LAKES REPORT Apr. 10, 2019
Ministry of Environment
Name:
Alias:
Outlet UTM Co-ordinate:
POIRIER LAKE
Region:
Watershed Code:
Vancouver Island
Waterbody Identifier:
Elevation (m):
Surface Area (m2):
Perimeter (m):
Maximum Depth (m):
Mean Depth (m):
Mapsheet Number:
UTM Zone:
UTM Easting:
UTM: 10 443288, 5360456
930-022100-02800-37100
00556SANJ
72
3.04
810
12
4.5
092B05
10
443288
UTM Northing: 5360456
WATERBODY INFORMATION
NAME SHEET IMAGE
POIRIER LAKE
BATHYMETRIC MAPPING
1
DATE
1983-09-20 http://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/fidq/downloadBathymetricMap.d
CAUTION: DO NOT USE THESE MAPS FOR NAVIGATIONAL PURPOSES
These maps may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. These maps were not designed to assist in navigation. The Province disclaims all responsibility for the accuracy of these maps.
The Habitat Wizard and the material in it is owned by the Government of British Columbia and protected by copyright law. It may not be reproduced or redistributed without the prior written permission of the Province of British Columbia. To request permission to reproduce all or part of the material on this web site please complete the Copyright Permission Request Form which can be accessed through the About Page.
Water Chemical Alkalinity
Water Chemical PH: 7
Lake Rehabilitation No
FISH SPECIES
SPECIES PRESENT
Brown Catfish (formerly Brown Bullhead)
Prickly Sculpin
Rainbow Trout
Steelhead
DATE SPECIES STOCK
18-MAR-19
04-OCT-18
04-JUN-18
08-MAR-18
11-OCT-17
18-MAY-17
06-MAR-17
06-OCT-16
10-MAY-16
14-APR-16
15-OCT-15
25-MAY-15
11-JAN-89
STOCKING INFORMATION
Rainbow Trout
Rainbow Trout
Rainbow Trout
Rainbow Trout
Rainbow Trout
Rainbow Trout
Rainbow Trout
Rainbow Trout
Rainbow Trout
Rainbow Trout
Rainbow Trout
Rainbow Trout
Steelhead
RELEASED
300
300
250
300
300
250
300
750
500
300
250
500
1673
VANCOUVER ISLAND HAT
VANCOUVER ISLAND HAT
VANCOUVER ISLAND HAT
VANCOUVER ISLAND HAT
VANCOUVER ISLAND HAT
VANCOUVER ISLAND HAT
VANCOUVER ISLAND HAT
VANCOUVER ISLAND HAT
VANCOUVER ISLAND HAT
VANCOUVER ISLAND HAT
VANCOUVER ISLAND HAT
VANCOUVER ISLAND HAT
Vancouver Island Hat
LIFE STAGE HATCHERY
Spring Catcha
Fall Catchabl
Spring Catcha
Spring Catcha
Fall Catchabl
Spring Catcha
Spring Catcha
Fall Catchabl
Spring Catcha
Spring Catcha
Fall Catchabl
Spring Catcha
Yearling
FRASER VALLEY
FRASER VALLEY
FRASER VALLEY
FRASER VALLEY
FRASER VALLEY
FRASER VALLEY
FRASER VALLEY
FRASER VALLEY
FRASER VALLEY
FRASER VALLEY
FRASER VALLEY
FRASER VALLEY
SOOKE R
REFERENCE ID REFERENCE TITLE
14-30
20-40
BCLKS-762
BCLKS-763
RABSVY-174975
REL-SUM
REFERENCES
Vancouver Island Lake classification overview
Vancouver Island Stocking Records since 1985.
A RECONNAISSANCE SURVEY OF POIRIER LAKE
A RECONNAISSANCE SURVEY OF POIRIER LAKE
RAB / 092B05050A
RELEASE Database
13-MAY-59
11-JUN-15
01-JAN-93
01-JAN-93
LAST KNOWN OBSERVATION DATE
LAKE SURVEY DATA
3.04
2.64
SURVEY DATE:
SURVEY DATE:
10/06/1982
13/05/1959
AGENCY:
AGENCY:
Fisheries Branch Inventory/Data Unit
Fisheries Branch Inventory/Data Unit
Surface Area(ha)
Surface Area(ha)
Littoral Area (ha)
Littoral Area (ha)
Perimeter (m)
Perimeter (m)
Littoral Area (%)
Littoral Area (%)
810
732
2.15
BC Lakes Database: survey_id 768
BC Lakes Database: survey_id 767
Source
Source
Elevation (m)
Elevation (m)
Mean Depth (m)
Mean Depth (m)
Max Depth (m)
Max Depth (m)
Ice Depth (m)
Ice Depth (m)
12
11.9
4.5
4.3
4.5 Secci Depth (m)
Secci Depth (m)
Bottom Sample Depth (
Bottom Sample Depth (
Surface Sample Depth
Surface Sample Depth
Summer
Summer
Season
Season
1
1
Station
Station
Surface Temp (c)
Surface Temp (c)
Water Temp Indicator
Water Temp Indicator
Bottom Temp (c)
Bottom Temp (c)
Surface Conductivity (µ
Surface Conductivity (µ
Y
N
Bottom Conductivity (µS
Bottom Conductivity (µS
Surface Ph
Surface Ph
TDS Surface (ppm)
TDS Surface (ppm)
Bottom Ph
Bottom Ph
TDS Deep (ppm)
TDS Deep (ppm)
48
Hydrogen Sulfide
Hydrogen Sulfide
H2S Indicator
H2S Indicator
U
U
Color
Color
Surface Oxygen
Surface Oxygen
Bottom Oxygen
Bottom Oxygen
U
U
O2 Profile Indicator
O2 Profile Indicator
HABITAT WIZARD STREAMS REPORT Apr. 10, 2019
Ministry of Environment
Name:
Alias:
DE MAMIEL CREEK
Primary Region:
Watershed Code:
DEMAMIEL CREEK
Vancouver Island
Waterbody Identifier:
Stream Length (m):
Stream Order:
Stream Magnitude:
Primary Mapsheet:
UTM: 10 447545, 5359854
930-022100-02800
00000SANJ
17.68
3
16
092B05
WATERBODY INFORMATION
FISH SPECIES
SPECIES PRESENT
Chinook Salmon
Chum Salmon
Coastrange Sculpin (formerly Aleutian Sculpin)
Coho Salmon
Cutthroat Trout
Cutthroat Trout (Anadromous)
Lamprey (General)
Prickly Sculpin
Rainbow Trout
Smallmouth Bass
Steelhead
Stickleback (General)
Threespine Stickleback
DATE SPECIES STOCK
07-APR-83
23-MAR-83
01-JAN-37
STOCKING INFORMATION
Cutthroat Trout (Anadromous)
Cutthroat Trout (Anadromous)
Steelhead
RELEASED
1143
2018
5000
Vancouver Island Hat
Vancouver Island Hat
Unknown
LIFE STAGE HATCHERY
Smolt
Smolt
Unknown
DE MAMIEL CREEK
DE MAMIEL CREEK
UNKNOWN
Alias (2):
UTM Co-ordinate (Stream Mouth):
DSAFGSADFG
01-FEB-99
01-FEB-99
28-MAY-80
01-FEB-02
01-MAR-01
07-APR-83
28-MAY-80
28-MAY-80
28-MAY-80
01-FEB-02
28-MAY-80
28-MAY-80
LAST KNOWN OBSERVATION DATE
DESCRIPTION HEIGHT
COMMENTS OBSTRUCTIONS
LENGTH
REFERENCE URL
ONLINE WATER LEVELS
This water body has online water level information available from Environment Canada and the
Province of BC. Use the link(s) above to go directly to the station information on the BC River
Levels website.
WATER QUANTITY INFORMATION
The most current water survey information is available from the following Water Survey of Canada web
http://scitech.pyr.ec.gc.ca/waterweb/selectProvincprovides access to real-time water station inf
http://www.wsc.ec.gc.ca/hydat/H2 provides access to archived water station information
STREAM SURVEY DATA
RAB
RAB
SURVEY DATE:
SURVEY DATE:
29/05/1980
28/05/1980
AGENCY:
AGENCY:
MOE
MOE
Source
Source
Stream Order
Stream Order
UTM Zone
UTM Zone
Average Channel Width
Average Channel Width
Surveyed Length
Surveyed Length
0
0
3
3
UTM Easting
UTM Easting
Width Measurements
Width Measurements
Conductivity
Conductivity
UTM Northing
UTM Northing
Dewatering Indicator
Dewatering Indicator
Gradient (%)
Gradient (%)
Site Number
Site Number
10
11
10
1
No Visible Chann
No Visible Chann
Water Temperature (C)
Water Temperature (C)
Intermittent Indicator
Intermittent Indicator
10
10
440881
442699
5362844
5361517
8
6
RAB / 092B05045A
RAB / 092B05040A
8
14.5
No
No
Yes
Yes
Project Name:
Project Name:
0
0
0
0
0
0
(OUTLET ON YOUNG LAKE REF# = SISSM01) Dam
Dam
Falls
RAB
RAB
RAB
RAB
RAB
SURVEY DATE:
SURVEY DATE:
SURVEY DATE:
SURVEY DATE:
SURVEY DATE:
28/05/1980
28/05/1980
28/05/1980
28/05/1980
28/05/1980
AGENCY:
AGENCY:
AGENCY:
AGENCY:
AGENCY:
MOE
MOE
MOE
MOE
MOE
Source
Source
Source
Source
Source
Stream Order
Stream Order
Stream Order
Stream Order
Stream Order
UTM Zone
UTM Zone
UTM Zone
UTM Zone
UTM Zone
Average Channel Width
Average Channel Width
Average Channel Width
Average Channel Width
Average Channel Width
Surveyed Length
Surveyed Length
Surveyed Length
Surveyed Length
Surveyed Length
0
0
0
0
0
3
3
3
3
3
UTM Easting
UTM Easting
UTM Easting
UTM Easting
UTM Easting
Width Measurements
Width Measurements
Width Measurements
Width Measurements
Width Measurements
Conductivity
Conductivity
Conductivity
Conductivity
Conductivity
UTM Northing
UTM Northing
UTM Northing
UTM Northing
UTM Northing
Dewatering Indicator
Dewatering Indicator
Dewatering Indicator
Dewatering Indicator
Dewatering Indicator
Gradient (%)
Gradient (%)
Gradient (%)
Gradient (%)
Gradient (%)
Site Number
Site Number
Site Number
Site Number
Site Number
10.5
14.5
12
13
2
1.5
2
1
No Visible Chann
No Visible Chann
No Visible Chann
No Visible Chann
No Visible Chann
Water Temperature (C)
Water Temperature (C)
Water Temperature (C)
Water Temperature (C)
Water Temperature (C)
Intermittent Indicator
Intermittent Indicator
Intermittent Indicator
Intermittent Indicator
Intermittent Indicator
10
10
10
10
10
442259
443433
444581
444279
444786
5361621
5361297
5361228
5361076
5361224
1
5
4
3
2
RAB / 092B05042A
RAB / 092B05037A
RAB / 092B05035A
RAB / 092B05036A
RAB / 092B05033A
8
8
10
9
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Project Name:
Project Name:
Project Name:
Project Name:
Project Name:
RAB
SURVEY DATE: 28/05/1980 AGENCY: MOE
Source
Stream Order UTM Zone Average Channel Width
Surveyed Length0
3
UTM Easting Width Measurements
Conductivity
UTM Northing
Dewatering Indicator
Gradient (%)
Site Number
10 1.5
No Visible Chann
Water Temperature (C)
Intermittent Indicator
10
447312
5359873
1
RAB / 092B05030A
12
No
Yes
Project Name:
TRIBUTARY STREAMS
1:50,000 WATERSHED CODE GAZETTED NAME UTM EASTING NORTHING
930-022100-02800-20300
930-022100-02800-22200
930-022100-02800-27800
930-022100-02800-37100
930-022100-02800-44000
930-022100-02800-45700
930-022100-02800-58300
930-022100-02800-64700
930-022100-02800-72421
930-022100-02800-72800
930-022100-02800-90000
Unnamed tributary - 00000SANJ -
315694
Unnamed tributary - 00000SANJ -
315695
Unnamed tributary - 00000SANJ -
315696
Unnamed tributary - 00000SANJ -
315698
Unnamed tributary - 00000SANJ -
315700
Unnamed tributary - 00000SANJ -
315703
Unnamed tributary - 00000SANJ -
315705
Unnamed tributary - 00000SANJ -
315706
Unnamed tributary - 00000SANJ -
649991
Unnamed tributary - 00000SANJ -
315707
Unnamed tributary - 00000SANJ -
315708
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
445735
445419
444522
443334
443508
443144
441278
441491
440670
440643
440480
5360841
5360907
5361226
5360567
5361608
5361559
5361211
5362134
5363132
5363196
5366001
REFERENCES
REFERENCE ID REFERENCE TITLE
20-1
20-10
20-11
PRELIMINARY CATALOGUE OF SALMON STREAMS AND SPAWNING ESCAPEMENTS OF STATISTICAL AREAS 19 & 20
(VICTORIA-SOOKE) PAC/D-77-9
ANNUAL REPORT OF SALMON STREAM AND SPAWNING GROUNDS; DE MAMIEL CREEK. 1982, 1983.
SOOKE RIVER FILES
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please see the Fisheries Information Data Queries (FIDQ) for additional and more detailed
queries of fish and fish habitat information:
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fish/fidq/index
Please check the Ecological Reports Catalogue (EcoCat) for reference material and data
that is available for online distribution:
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/ecocat/
20-38
20-4
20-5
DFO050
DFO125
DFO177
DFO289
DFO_HIST
DFP001
HQ2064
NUSEDS-SUM
RABSVY-174966
RABSVY-174967
RABSVY-174968
RABSVY-174969
RABSVY-174970
RABSVY-174971
RABSVY-174972
RABSVY-181983
RABSVY-181985
RABSVY-181986
RABSVY-181987
RABSVY-181988
RABSVY-181989
RABSVY-181990
RABSVY-181991
REL-SUM
SISSM01
STLHD-SUM
PERSONAL INFORMATION ABOUT STREAMS WITHIN STATISTICAL AREA 20.
Lakes of the Victoria area; a cursory evaluation with some management recommendations.
SEA RUN CUTTHROAT TROUT IN THE GREATER VICTORIA AREA - THEIR PRESENT STATUS AND OPPORTUNITIES
FOR ENHANCEMENT.
HRSEP 1999/2000 FINAL REPORT
SOOKE SALMON ENHANCEMENT SOCIETY HATCHERY OPS UPGRADE
VANCOUVER ISLAND SALMON AND STEELHEAD RECOVERY PLAN
DEMAMIEL CREEK RESTORATION STRATEGY - PHASE 1
LEGACY LIFE HISTORY AND TIMING OF SALMON SPECIES IN FRESHWATER WATERBODIES
Addition of zones & points re: FISS maps for fish distribution for G.I.S. display purposes
AN OVERVIEW ASSESSMENT OF THE SOOKE RIVER WATERSHED, VANCOUVER ISLAND, BC
NUSEDS Database
RAB / 092B05029A
RAB / 092B05032A
RAB / 092B05034A
RAB / 092B05039A
RAB / 092B05041A
RAB / 092B05043A
RAB / 092B05044A
RAB / 092B05030A
RAB / 092B05033A
RAB / 092B05035A
RAB / 092B05036A
RAB / 092B05037A
RAB / 092B05040A
RAB / 092B05042A
RAB / 092B05045A
RELEASE Database
SISS map information (source not indicated)
STEELHEAD Database