APPENDIX G. Terrestrial Ecosystem and Fish and Fish Habitat Impact Assessment

Transcription

1 APPENDIX G Terrestrial Ecosystem and Fish and Fish Habitat Impact Assessment

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3 PRELIMINARY DESIGN IMPROVEMENTS TO SHELLARD LANE, FROM COLBOURNE STREET WEST TO BRANTFORD CITY LIMITS CITY OF BRANTFORD, ONTARIO COMBINED AQUATIC AND TERRESTRIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT Submitted to: The Corporation of the City of Brantford 100 Wellington Square Lower Level, Suite 120 Brantford, Ontario N3T 6C8 Submitted by: AMEC Environment & Infrastructure a Division of AMEC Americas Limited 160 Traders Blvd., Suite 110 Mississauga, Ontario L4Z 3K7 February 2013 TP112023

4 The Corporation of the City of Brantford Preliminary Design - Improvements to from Colbourne Street West to Brantford City Limits, City of Brantford Combined Aquatic and Terrestrial Impact Assessment Report TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 1.0 INTRODUCTION EXISTING CONDITIONS IMPACT ASSESSMENT Vegetation Impacts Wildlife Impacts Aquatic Impacts MITIGATION CONCLUSIONS LIST OF TABLES Table 3-1: Summary of Vegetation Removal... 4 Table 3-2: Preliminary Fish and fish Habitat Impact Assessment LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1-1: Project Location... 2 Figure 3-1a: Impact Assessment... 6 Figure 3-1b: Impact Assessment... 7 Figure 3-1c: Impact Assessment... 8 Figure 3-1d: Impact Assessment... 9 Figure 3-1e: Impact Assessment Figure 3-1f: Impact Assessment TP Page i

5 The Corporation of the City of Brantford Preliminary Design - Improvements to from Colbourne Street West to Brantford City Limits, City of Brantford Combined Aquatic and Terrestrial Impact Assessment Report 1.0 INTRODUCTION The City of Brantford s Transportation Master Plan 2007 recommends the widening of Shellard Lane to four lanes. In response, the City of Brantford is completing a Class Environmental Assessment (EA) for improvements to from Colborne Street West to Brantford city limits (Figure 1-1). The proposed improvements include the addition of a sidewalk and multi-use trail. This report is prepared in support of the Municipal Class EA by i) identifying and confirming existing environmental conditions, ii) determining sensitivities and reporting on potential positive and negative environmental impacts, and iii) suggesting appropriate mitigation measures that eliminate or minimize these impacts. This report presents the results of AMEC s impact assessment of the terrestrial environment based on the background information derived from secondary source information and field investigations. The study area encompasses approximately 3.5 km of and is located within the Grand River watershed. The majority of the lands within the study area are currently agricultural, with lesser usage of residential, institutional and commercial. There are eight drainage features along the route, however terrestrial habitat and vegetation in these areas is sparse. Natural areas are therefore limited within the study area. Natural heritage features were ascertained using secondary source review and supplementing and/or updating this information with field surveys. The results of the secondary source review and field surveys are presented in the terrestrial report titled Terrestrial Ecosystem Existing Conditions for, From Colborne Street West to Brantford City Limits, City of Brantford, Ontario (AMEC 2012), and the aquatic report titled Fish and Fish Habitat Existing Conditions Report, Improvements to, From Colborne Street West to Brantford City Limits, City of Brantford, Ontario (AMEC 2012). 2.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS The study area is characterized by a high level of disturbance and fragmentation. Approximately 80% of the study area includes agricultural fields, existing roadways, and developed lands in the form of residential, commercial and institutional buildings. There is also a Storm Water Management Pond (SWMP) and eight drainage features within the study area that fall within the Grand River watershed. Three of the drainage features provide direct fish habitat, three provide indirect fish habitat, and two do not provide fish habitat. In an eastward progression along the study route from the Brantford city limits to Colborne Street West, the identified crossings include D Aubigny Creek (C1) and seven unnamed tributaries to D Aubigny Creek (C2 C8) (Figure 1-1). TP Page 1

6 Path: G:\TP Brantford - - Prelim Design\GIS\Aquatic\MXD\Fig1_1Crossings.mxd COLBORNE ST W OAKHILL DR PLEASANT RIDGE RD County of Brant City of Brantford C1 C2 City of Brantford County of Brant ENNINGS RD C3 C4 C5 BRANTFORD SOUTH ACCESS RD C6 CONKLIN RD C8 C7 DIANA AVE MOUNT PLEASANT RD COLBORNE ST W MOUNT PLEASANT ST TUTELA HTS ^`Project Location Km MKT ST S RIVER RD ERI ONTAR BRANTFOR EAGLE A B AR Legend Culvert Location Project Site Approximate Watercourse Location Zone of Investigation (120 m) Municipal Boundary NOTES: - Watercourse data extracted from Natural Resources Canada (CanVec) - Other topographic data extracted from Land Information Ontario (LIO) - background inage extracted from ESRI World Imagery, Colborne St W to Brantford City Limits Site Map Buried Watercourse Km Datum & Projection: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 17N ² PROJECT N o : TP SCALE: 1:25,000 FIGURE: 1-1 Date: April, 2012

7 The Corporation of the City of Brantford Preliminary Design - Improvements to from Colbourne Street West to Brantford City Limits, City of Brantford Combined Aquatic and Terrestrial Impact Assessment Report There is one significant natural area, the D Aubigny Creek Swamp Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW), which is fragmented throughout the study area but is primarily north of Shellard Lane in association with the D Aubigny Creek valley. D Aubigny Creek is a permanent coldwater stream that provides habitat for a number of coldwater species, and the associated PSW is comprised of deciduous forest as well as Cattail marsh communities. The most notable terrestrial areas within the project area are the forested lands. A large mature deciduous forest was identified at the west end of the study area. The forest is a relatively significant natural feature in context of the project area landscape, given that the area is characterized by a high degree of disturbance and fragmentation. Two Dry-Fresh Sugar Maple- White Ash Deciduous Forest communities were identified west of Flanders Drive/McGuiness Drive. The similarity in structure and composition suggests that the two communities were likely once one large forested tract that has now been disturbed by development and fragmented by. Species at Risk (SAR) Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica; provincially listed as Threatened) was identified in the study area. Barn Swallow was recorded at one breeding bird point count location. Nests were also observed adhered to the inside of two water crossings (at C1) located approximately 1 km west of the Barn Swallow bird survey observation. An additional two bird species provincially listed as Threatened, Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) and Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna), were observed flying over an agricultural field within the study area. The Monarch butterfly (listed as Special Concern) was observed roadside adjacent to agricultural fields. No mammal, amphibian, reptile or fish SAR were observed within the study area. 3.0 IMPACT ASSESSMENT The City of Brantford is proposing to widen from Colborne Street West westward to the Brantford city limits. The study area includes the existing two lanes of and associated Right-Of-Way (ROW). The proposed widening extends approximately 3.5 km along. The widening includes proposed options for addition of bicycle lanes and, in sections of the road, multi-use trails. 3.1 Vegetation Impacts An assessment of the Preliminary Design indicates that the majority of the highway improvements will include expanding the footprint within the existing ROW, which is dominated by herbaceous species, such as grasses, with sections of planted trees and shrubs. There are some planted trees and shrubs which will be impacted by the proposed highway works. Species composition of woody vegetation (trees, shrubs) within the impact areas is comprised of commonly planted and non-native species, particularly European Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina), Manitoba Maple (Acer negundo), Blue Spruce (Picea pungens) and Norway Spruce (Picea abies). TP Page 3

8 The Corporation of the City of Brantford Preliminary Design - Improvements to from Colbourne Street West to Brantford City Limits, City of Brantford Combined Aquatic and Terrestrial Impact Assessment Report The preliminary design also indicates that the proposed work will pass through the outer edge of a Sugar Maple-White Ash deciduous forest ( Shellard Forest ) on the north side of Shellard Lane, to the west of McGuiness Drive (Figure 3-1e, Reference ID 20). The proposed Shellard Lane improvements encroach slightly into the forest edge habitat that abuts the more mature portions of the forest block located father into the forest, away from the road. Overall, the project will result in the removal of approximately 533 trees/shrubs, primarily consisting of planted ornamental or landscape species (Figure 3-1; Table 3-1). Table 3-1: Summary of Vegetation Removal Figure and Reference ID Figure 3-1a ID 1 Figure 3-1a ID 2 Figure 3-1a ID 3 Figure 3-1a ID 4 Figure 3-1a ID 5 Figure 3-1a ID 6 Figure 3-1b ID 7 Figure 3-1b ID 8 Figure 3-1b ID 9 Community Constructed Transportation and Utilities (CVI) Approximate Number of Trees to be Removed 3 End of hedge row Constructed Transportation and Utilities (CVI) 30 Deciduous Forest (FOD) 90 Constructed Transportation and Utilities (CVI) 30 Poplar-Conifer Mineral Mixed Swamp (SWM3-2) 15 Constructed Transportation and Utilities (CVI) 20 Constructed Residential (CVR) 10 2 trees + Hedge Constructed Residential (CVR) 10 Species Thuja occidentalis Acer saccharinum Tilia americanna Hamamelis virginiana Rhamnus cathartica Tilia americana Quercus sp. Rhamnus cathartica Juglans nigra Fagus grandifolia Cornus alternifolia Fraxinus americana Tilia americanna Fraxinus Americana Acer saccharum Rhamnus cathartica Cornus alternifolia Juglans nigra Ulmus americana Thuja occidentalis Populus tremuloides Ostrya virginiana Rhus typhina Pinus strobus Juniperus virginiana Salix sp. Quercus macrocarpa Fraxinus americana Rhamnus cathartica Fraxinus Americana Rhus typhina Acer saccharinum Juglans nigra Juniperis sp. Acer saccharinu Acer platanoides Salix sp Juglans ailantifolia TP Page 4

9 The Corporation of the City of Brantford Preliminary Design - Improvements to from Colbourne Street West to Brantford City Limits, City of Brantford Combined Aquatic and Terrestrial Impact Assessment Report Figure and Reference ID Figure 3-1b ID 10 Figure 3-1b ID 11 Figure 3-1c ID 12 Figure 3-1c ID 13 Figure 3-1c ID 14 Figure 3-1c ID 15 Figure 3-1d ID 16 Figure 3-1d ID 17 Figure 3-1d ID 18 Figure 3-1e ID 19 Figure 3-1f ID 20 Community Approximate Number of Trees to be Removed Constructed Residential (CVR) 30 Constructed Transportation and Utilities (CVI) 10 Constructed Transportation and Utilities (CVI) 28 Species Picea abies Juglans nigra Catalpa speciosa Pinus strobus Acer saccharum Rhus typhina Fraxinus Americana Tilia Americana Gleditsia triacanthos Acer saccharum Acer saccharinum Juglans nigra Constructed Transportation and Utilities (CVI) 10 Rhus typhina Constructed Residential (CVR) 5 Constructed Residential (CVR) 1 Constructed Residential (CVR) 10 Malus baccata Rhamnus cathartica Fraxinus americana Acer negundo Acer saccharinum Picea pungens Constructed Transportation and Utilities (CVI) 7 Acer negundo Constructed Commercial and Institutional (CVC) 5 Sugar Maple-White Ash Deciduous Forest (FOD5-8) Shellard Forest Constructed Commercial and Institutional (CVC) Hedge/shrub row Ribes aureum Syringra sp. Cornus alba Spirea sp. 3.2 Wildlife Impacts SAR Bobolink and Eastern Meadowlark were observed flying over an agricultural field at the furthest west end of the study area. Assessment of the Preliminary Design indicates that the proposed works will not impact that particular agricultural field, nor any other suitable Bobolink and Eastern Meadowlark habitat in the study area. Barn Swallow individuals and nests were observed during AMEC field investigations. The observed nests were adhered to the inside of two water crossings located approximately at the T.H. & B Rail Trail and (C1, Figure 3-1a). An assessment of the Design indicates that there will be no alteration to existing buildings, however the culvert where the Barn Swallow nests were found is proposed to be replaced with a considerably longer (increased by ~32 m) concrete open foot culvert. TP Page 5

10 Path: G:\TP Brantford - - Prelim Design\GIS\Terrestrial\MXD\ImpactAreas3.mxd ") ") 2 ") 4 ") 3 C1 1 ") 5 ") ") 7 6 ") Legend ") 2 Reference ID Fish Habitat Sensitivity High Low None Watercourse Buried Watercourse Potential Impact Areas Provincially Significant Wetland Unevaluated Wetland Metres a b c d e f NOTES: * Area of interest was defined by a setback of 225 m from Shellard Lane Centerline Datum: NAD83 Projection: UTM Zone 17N ², Veteran Memorial Parkway to Brantford City Limits PROJECT N o : TP SCALE: 1:2,350 Impact Areas FIGURE: 3-1a DATE: February 2013

11 Path: G:\TP Brantford - - Prelim Design\GIS\Terrestrial\MXD\ImpactAreas3.mxd C1 ") ") 8 ") 9 C2 ") 10 ") 7 11 C Legend ") 2 Reference ID Fish Habitat Sensitivity High Low None Watercourse Buried Watercourse Potential Impact Areas Provincially Significant Wetland Unevaluated Wetland Metres a b c d e f NOTES: * Area of interest was defined by a setback of 225 m from Shellard Lane Centerline Datum: NAD83 Projection: UTM Zone 17N ², Veteran Memorial Parkway to Brantford City Limits PROJECT N o : TP SCALE: 1:2,350 Impact Areas FIGURE: 3-1b DATE: February 2013

12 Mcguiness Drive Path: G:\TP Brantford - - Prelim Design\GIS\Terrestrial\MXD\ImpactAreas3.mxd ") 11 C3 ") 12 C4 ") 13 ") 14 ") Legend ") 2 Reference ID Fish Habitat Sensitivity High Low None Watercourse Buried Watercourse Potential Impact Areas Provincially Significant Wetland Unevaluated Wetland Metres a b c d e f NOTES: * Area of interest was defined by a setback of 225 m from Shellard Lane Centerline Datum: NAD83 Projection: UTM Zone 17N ², Veteran Memorial Parkway to Brantford City Limits PROJECT N o : TP SCALE: 1:2,350 Impact Areas FIGURE: 3-1c DATE: February 2013

13 Mcguiness Drive Shertzberg Lane Conklin Conklin Dowden Avenue Bradley Lane Dowden Avenue Oliver Court Path: G:\TP Brantford - - Prelim Design\GIS\Terrestrial\MXD\ImpactAreas3.mxd C4 ") 14 ") 15 ") 16 C5 ") 17 Conklin Road C6 ") Legend ") 2 Reference ID Fish Habitat Sensitivity High Low None Watercourse Buried Watercourse Potential Impact Areas Provincially Significant Wetland Unevaluated Wetland Metres a b c d e f NOTES: * Area of interest was defined by a setback of 225 m from Shellard Lane Centerline Datum: NAD83 Projection: UTM Zone 17N ², Veteran Memorial Parkway to Brantford City Limits PROJECT N o : TP SCALE: 1:2,350 Impact Areas FIGURE: 3-1d DATE: February

14 Mcguiness Drive Diana Avenue Sudds Lane Bradley Lane Oliver Court Killarney Street Cashel Crescent Dowden Avenue Dowden Avenue Shannon Street Shannon Street Path: G:\TP Brantford - - Prelim Design\GIS\Terrestrial\MXD\ImpactAreas3.mxd C6 ") ") 19 Mcguiness Drive 18 C7 (buried) C8 Flanders Drive Flanders Drive Richter Street Killarney Street Richter Street Garners Lane Sheppard Street Cashel Crescent Garners Lane Avey Street Kimberly Court Garners Lane St Patricks Drive Diana Avenue Diana Avenue Legend ") 2 Reference ID Fish Habitat Sensitivity High Low None Watercourse Buried Watercourse Potential Impact Areas Provincially Significant Wetland Unevaluated Wetland Metres a b c d e f NOTES: * Area of interest was defined by a setback of 225 m from Shellard Lane Centerline Datum: NAD83 Projection: UTM Zone 17N ², Veteran Memorial Parkway to Brantford City Limits PROJECT N o : TP SCALE: 1:2,350 Impact Areas FIGURE: 3-1e DATE: February 2013

15 Diana Avenue Spalding Drive Colborne Street West Killarney Street Cashel Crescent Colborne Street West Shannon Street Shannon Street Path: G:\TP Brantford - - Prelim Design\GIS\Terrestrial\MXD\ImpactAreas3.mxd Killarney Street Garners Lane Richter Street Sheppard Street Cashel Crescent C7 (buried) Garners Lane Avey Street Kimberly Court Garners Lane St Patricks Drive Diana Avenue Diana Avenue C8 Veterans Memorial Parkway Veterans Memorial Parkway Veterans Memorial Parkway Veterans Memorial Parkway Kings Hill Lane ") 20 Hillcrest Avenue Raleigh Street Colborne Street West Lyndsay Street Legend ") 2 Reference ID Fish Habitat Sensitivity High Low None Watercourse Buried Watercourse Potential Impact Areas Provincially Significant Wetland Unevaluated Wetland Metres a b c d e f NOTES: * Area of interest was defined by a setback of 225 m from Shellard Lane Centerline Datum: NAD83 Projection: UTM Zone 17N ², Veteran Memorial Parkway to Brantford City Limits PROJECT N o : TP SCALE: 1:2,770 Impact Areas FIGURE: 3-1f DATE: February 2013

16 The Corporation of the City of Brantford Preliminary Design - Improvements to from Colbourne Street West to Brantford City Limits, City of Brantford Combined Aquatic and Terrestrial Impact Assessment Report The proposed highway improvements are expected to include other culvert replacement works and culvert extensions along. Urban tolerant wildlife species will nest in culverts and on bridges, buildings and the gravel-shoulders. The proposed culvert works associated with the improvements may therefore impact other nesting wildlife individuals. An assessment of the proposed culvert replacement and extension works also indicates possible impact on the provincially significant D Aubigny Creek Swamp PSW as multiple crossings (i.e., C1, C2, C4, and C5) are located within or adjacent to portions of the PSW. 3.3 Aquatic Impacts The proposed culvert works were assessed to determine project risk of impacts to fish and fish habitat. Preliminary assessment (Table 3-2) is based on the proposed works and existing fish and fish habitat conditions. Table 3-2: Preliminary Fish and fish Habitat Impact Assessment Figure Reference Proposed Works Community C1 D Aubigny Creek C2 C3 Replace with new concrete open footing culvert (approximate length indicates 36 m) with head walls Extend existing culvert* 15m North 14m South Extend existing culvert* 11m North 13m South Permanent Coldwater Directly Supports a Fishery High Sensitivity No SAR Ephemeral Warmwater Indirectly Supports a Fishery Low Sensitivity No SAR Ephemeral Warmwater Indirectly Supports a Fishery Low Sensitivity No SAR Risk of Impact to Fish and Fish Habitat The installation of an open footing culvert will minimize impact to the natural channel bed. Proposed works are expected to result in Low overall residual effects. The relative scale of works is insignificant to the fishery as a whole. Approximately 36 m of channel will be replaced by culvert. Correspondence with GRCA has confirmed that the MNR Fish Spawning Area GIS layer has identified a Brook Trout spawning area 135 m downstream of the C1 crossing. It is recommended that this area undergo further risk assessment during the Detail Design permitting. Proposed works are expected to result in Low overall residual effects. The relative scale of works is insignificant to the fishery as a whole. Approximately 14 m of channel will be replaced by culvert at inlet and and 15 m at the culvert outlet. Proposed works are expected to result in Low overall residual effects. The relative scale of works is insignificant to the fishery as a whole. Approximately 13 m of channel will be replaced by culvert at inlet and 11 m at the culvert outlet. TP Page 12

17 The Corporation of the City of Brantford Preliminary Design - Improvements to from Colbourne Street West to Brantford City Limits, City of Brantford Combined Aquatic and Terrestrial Impact Assessment Report Figure Reference Proposed Works Community C4 C5 C6 C7 C8 Replace with new concrete open footing culvert (approximate length indicates 34 m) Extend existing culvert* 2m North 9m South No proposed Works No Proposed Works Extend existing culvert 2m North 2m South Intermittent Warmwater Directly Supports a Fishery Low Sensitivity No SAR Intermittent Warmwater Indirectly Supports a Fishery Low Sensitivity No SAR Ephemeral Warmwater Directly Supports a Fishery Low Sensitivity No SAR Ephemeral Warmwater Does not Support a Fishery Permanent Coldwater Directly Supports a Fishery Low Sensitivity No SAR Risk of Impact to Fish and Fish Habitat The replacement of an open footing culvert will minimize impact to the natural channel bed. Proposed works are expected to result in Low overall residual effects. The relative scale of works is insignificant to the fishery as a whole. Approximately 34 m of channel will be replaced by culvert. Proposed works are expected to result in Low overall residual effects. The relative scale of works is insignificant to the fishery as a whole. Approximately 9 m of channel will be replaced by culvert at inlet and and 2 m at the culvert outlet. None None Proposed works are expected to result in Low overall residual effects. The relative scale of works is insignificant to the fishery as a whole. Approximately 2 m of channel will be replaced by culvert at inlet and and 2 m at the culvert outlet. * Interim works only. Ultimate works involve incorporation into adjacent drainage systems 4.0 MITIGATION The following section identifies mitigation measures and Project related considerations to be undertaken: Significant Wetlands An assessment of the proposed culvert replacement and extension works indicates possible impact on the D Aubigny Creek Swamp PSW as multiple crossings are located within or adjacent to portions of the PSW. The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) regulates development and activities in or adjacent to watercourses, wetlands and PSWs. Works taking place in these lands may require a permit and approval from the local CA. Prior to the detailed design stage, it is recommended that the evaluated and unevaluated wetland boundaries be flagged for confirmation by GRCA staff. The identification of these boundaries will allow for an accurate assessment and quantification of impacts in addition to identifying mitigation and restoration opportunities. TP Page 13

18 The Corporation of the City of Brantford Preliminary Design - Improvements to from Colbourne Street West to Brantford City Limits, City of Brantford Combined Aquatic and Terrestrial Impact Assessment Report Birds The Migratory Birds Convention Act (MBCA 1994) makes it unlawful to pursue, hunt, take, capture, kill or sell birds listed therein ("migratory birds ). Compliance with the MBCA regulations and guidelines for vegetation clearing or demolition, as recommended by Environment Canada, will be considered during the project s construction and operation phases. In order to minimize the potential for incidental take of any nesting migratory birds, clearing of vegetation and any proposed work activities in migratory bird habitat must be undertaken outside of the active breeding season (mid-may to August 1 for Southern Ontario). In the event clearing (or other work) is required during the nesting season, a nest survey must be conducted by a qualified avian biologist immediately (i.e., within 2 days) prior to commencement of the works to identify and locate active nests of species covered by the MBCA. The Barn Swallow is provincially designated as Threatened and is therefore protected under the provincial species at risk legislation, which prohibits destroying critical or essential habitat for threatened and endangered SAR. This species was observed during field investigations and has become closely associated with human settlements as it will nest in and on artificial structures, including garages, houses, bridges and road culverts. In order to avoid adverse affects to the Barn Swallow and its habitat, mitigation measures for the Barn Swallow should be applied where feasible including adhering to breeding bird season restrictions. Suggestions for detailed avoidance and mitigation strategies have been provided through a Letter of Advice (LOA) from MNR Peterborough to MTO as a guidance document (Appendix A). These LOA strategies may be taken into consideration, however consultation with the Guelph district MNR office is required to ascertain Project specific permitting requirements for this species. Preliminary consultation with MNR Guelph district Species at Risk Biologist indicates that if the culvert replacement where the Barn Swallow nests were found occurs between September 1 and February 28, an Endangered Species Act (ESA) authorization is unlikely to be required (Appendix A). Similarly, other urban tolerant bird species will nest on buildings, bridges, culverts and other structures. These structures should be inspected for nests by a qualified biologist prior to any construction activity commences. Other preventative measures may include physical obstructions, such as netting, to prevent bird access to the structures prior to nesting season. Additionally, if vegetation clearing is kept outside of the breeding bird season, effects to ground nesting species will be minimal. All areas should be surveyed for nests prior to any clearing. Fish In water construction timing should consider timing restrictions for warmwater and coldwater fish habitat where appropriate; warmwater habitat is present at Crossings C2 through C7 and would require in-water construction to be completed within the window of July 1 to March 31, coldwater habitat is present at Crossing C1 and C8 and would require in-water construction to be completed within the window of July 1 to September 30. Standard Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) measures should be applied. TP Page 14

19 The Corporation of the City of Brantford Preliminary Design - Improvements to from Colbourne Street West to Brantford City Limits, City of Brantford Combined Aquatic and Terrestrial Impact Assessment Report The disturbance or removal of riparian vegetation will be minimized in order to maintain shading on the watercourse. In riparian and aquatic habitats, all temporarily disturbed areas will be reinstated to original condition, or better, upon completion of works. Vegetation Two Dry-Fresh Sugar Maple-White Ash Deciduous Forest communities were identified west of Flanders Drive/McGuiness Drive. The similarity in structure and composition suggests that the two communities were likely once one large forested tract that has now been disturbed by development and fragmented by. Given the context of the study area, the remaining forest lands are a notable terrestrial feature. The forest, and other remaining woodlots should be delineated and marked in the field, and disturbance to these areas should be minimized or avoided during construction. Where tree or vegetation protection is required, exclusion zones should be delineated with appropriate fencing prior to construction works. Tree exclusion zones should consider sensitive species and include dripline boundaries as required. Temporarily disturbed areas (i.e., those to be graded) should be restored and restoration seeding/planting should include appropriate native species. Erosion and Sediment Control Appropriate ESC methods will be implemented prior to the removal of vegetation, particularly near watercourses. Standard for ESC measures will be applied which meet or exceed Ontario Provincial Standards and Specifications (OPSS). The control measures shall be implemented prior to work and be maintained during construction and until disturbed areas have been effectively stabilized with permanent vegetation cover. 5.0 CONCLUSIONS The study area is characterized by a high level of disturbance and fragmentation. The majority of the study area includes agricultural fields, existing roadways, and developed lands in the form of residential, commercial and institutional buildings. There is also a SWMP and eight drainage features within the study that fall within the Grand River watershed. Three of the drainage features provide direct fish habitat, three provide indirect fish habitat, and two do not provide fish habitat. Three bird SAR were observed within the study area. Eastern Meadowlark, Bobolink and Barn Swallow are provincially listed as Threatened and are therefore protected under the ESA. The ESA applies to provincially designated SAR, including habitat regulation for each endangered and threatened species in Ontario. Preliminary consultation with the local Guelph district MNR Species Biologist was initiated December 2012 (Appendix A). Ongoing consultation with MNR will be required. It should also be noted that wildlife SAR can move into an area at any given time. TP Page 15

20 The Corporation of the City of Brantford Preliminary Design - Improvements to from Colbourne Street West to Brantford City Limits, City of Brantford Combined Aquatic and Terrestrial Impact Assessment Report The proposed culvert replacement and extension works may impact the watercourses and D Aubigny Creek Swamp PSW. In the event that negative impacts to watercourses and wetlands are demonstrated, permits and approvals will be required to complete work in these areas. Overall, the proposed works planned for improvements will result in the removal of commonly planted vegetation species and temporary impacts to wildlife. TP Page 16