DETAILED IMPACT ANALYSIS OF MARMOT BASIN LONG RANGE PLAN

Transcription

1 The following Marmot Basin-specific BMPs, as identified in the Site Guidelines (Marmot Basin 2008a), have been developed by Ski Marmot Basin in consultation with Parks Canada representatives and have been included in the LRP and Supplemental Volume: racecourse management; reglading and tree removal; protocols for summer construction and maintenance activities to minimize effects on grizzly bears; and matters related to viewscapes, noise and lighting. 3.0 SCOPE OF PROJECT The LRP proposes the following projects: expanded snowmaking in the mid-mountain and upper areas; enhanced parking and transportation access; upgrade of the Caribou Chalet infrastructure; and reglading on the slopes west of the mid-mountain chalets. These four projects and associated activities comprise the scope of project for the DIA. In this section, each of these four projects is described, including the existing situation, the purpose and need for the project, and a description of the project itself. A short mention of alternatives is provided, which summarizes the alternatives discussion provided in the LRP. Construction methods are described, including general construction practices that will apply to all of the projects, followed by more detail about each individual project and the project scheduling as currently envisioned. Operations and maintenance activity associated with each project is described. This section concludes with discussions about accidents and malfunctions, and a description of how the project is expected to be affected by the environment. This section of the draft DIA has been prepared based on information provided by representatives of Ski Marmot Basin and its consultants (e.g., Nichols Environmental [Canada] Ltd.). Project details are preliminary and will require confirmation by Ski Marmot Basin when further project design information becomes available. 3.1 Expanded Snowmaking Existing Situation Marmot Basin relies primarily on natural snowfall to provide a base snowpack for skiing. This is supplemented by additional snow in some limited areas provided by an interim snowmaking system that was installed in Marmot Basin also builds a snow base of up to 30 cm on runs where snow naturally accumulates less quickly, and where there is heavy skier and rider traffic. Snowmaking currently occurs along portions of nine lower mountain ski runs between the Caribou Chalet and the top of the Eagle Express Quad Chair. The water for this system is supplied by water stored in Cell 1 and Cell 2, located on a small natural terrace situated below the ski area in the wastewater treatment area. It is estimated that the existing snowmaking system uses about 41,600 m 3 to 56,800 m 3 per year (11 to 15 million US gallons). Snowmaking begins, typically, after October 15 and prior Report No

2 to the ski area opening in early to mid-november. The Water Management Strategy, included in the Supplemental Volume, provides more details about the existing interim snowmaking system. Following initial operation of the snowmaking system in 2006/2007, ski hill visitation during the early season and the Christmas holidays increased significantly due to the certainty of good snow conditions on the lower mountain runs (Table 2). This has increased visitation to the Town of Jasper and provided a range of direct and indirect economic benefits to the supporting tourism-related businesses and the community. Prior to the installation of the interim snowmaking system the community of Jasper s winter economy was subject to the vagaries of early season winter storm patterns. Opening dates were typically in December and as late as December 22 in 2000 and December 23 in The 2002/2003 season was particularly difficult with a December 23 opening date and marginal early season conditions. By mid-january, total visitation had reached only 24,719 visits. This compares with the 2009/2010 season, when opening day was November 9, and by January 15 a total of 89,466 visits were recorded. Table 2: Actual Skier Visits Opening Day to January 15 Winter Season Total Visitation Opening Day to January 15 Opening Date 2000/ ,506 December / ,814 December / ,719 December / ,142 December / ,780 November / ,368 November / ,456 November / ,703 November / ,801 November / ,466 November / ,413 November / ,748 November Purpose and Need Expanded snowmaking is proposed in order to provide for reliable snow coverage on areas that receive heavy use by skiers and riders, and possess limitations due to icing conditions throughout the winter season. The expanded coverage would occur on a total plan area of 13.5 ha (14.4 ha slope area for the purpose of calculating water requirements for snowmaking). In addition, the interim snowmaking system, now operational on portions of the lower runs, would be made permanent with the burying, where feasible, of all water lines. As part of upgrading ski area infrastructure, existing waterlines will be replaced in the future. This replacement project will assist to alleviate the requirement to flow water through the system throughout the winter to prevent freezing. Most of this water flows into one of the cells and is used for snowmaking. The remainder is released to ground at the base of the ski area. The primary snowmaking period is late October through to January. The average width of run coverage would be 40 m, to a depth of 30 cm. Snowmaking coverage is proposed on Basin Run, Roll Out, Paradise and S-Turns runs (Figure 4). Report No

3 L:\2011\1332\ \6000\ A004_ProposedExpandedSnowmaking.dwg Layout: 4 PROPOSED EXPANDED SNOWMAKING Modified: BWheeler 11/27/2013 3:45 PM Plotted: BWheeler 11/27/ SCALE (APPROX.) PROJECT LEGEND P DINING / RESTAURANT CREEK EXISTING SNOWMAKING FIRST AID STATION EXISTING LIFT EXISTING EXTENDED SNOWMAKING PARKING LOT PROPOSED 6" PIPELINE PHASE 2 SNOWMAKING PROPOSED PUMPING STATION PROPOSED 8" PIPELINE PHASE 2 EXTENDED SNOWMAKING PROPOSED MID-MOUNTAIN RESERVOIR NOTES IMAGE OBTAINED FROM ECOSIGN MOUNTAIN RESORT PLANNERS LTD. JULY 9, PHOTOGRAPH DATE: JULY 22, COMPILED BY ORTHOSHOP_AUGUST 22, WO9203. NAD83 METRES DETAILED IMPACT ANALYSIS FOR THE SKI MARMOT BASIN LONG TITLE PROPOSED EXPANDED SNOWMAKING PROJECT No DESIGN AB CADD TV CHECK BB REVIEW CM FILE No. SCALE A004_Prop AS SHOWN FIGURE:4

4 Once these primary runs are addressed, problematic pitches of a secondary group of runs would be addressed if sufficient water volumes remain following application to the primary runs. The secondary runs are (Figure 4): Highway 16; Punch Bowl; Gun Sight. Marmot Run; Sunset Boulevard; Fresh Tracks; and Description of Expanded Snowmaking Project An expanded snowmaking system is a key project proposed in the LRP. This entails construction of a new water reservoir to the northwest of the mid-mountain chalets, and associated installation of water distribution and pumping systems. The Site Guidelines (Parks Canada 2008b) allow consideration of the construction of a midmountain reservoir, subject to the results of a water management strategy. The reservoir at this location would reduce power demands associated with pumping water uphill from the cells located at the base of the ski hill in the wastewater treatment area. The proposed 34,000 m 3 mid-mountain reservoir will be situated at the south side of the Canadian Rockies Express liftline at tower 17 and the end of the Show-Off Cat Track (Figure 4). This reservoir will assist to address over-all water requirements for operation of the ski area. The location for the proposed new reservoir is on a relatively flat and forested area. The reservoir will be constructed as a partially excavated pond and earth embankment for above-ground containment of water. The impoundment will be lined with an impervious liner fabric. An earthen berm about 6 m in height will be constructed on the lower side of the reservoir, and a rock-faced cut of about 7 m will form the upper wall and embankment of the reservoir (Nichols Environmental Canada Ltd. May 2013 Rev 2). The uppermost 3 m of in-situ mixed material will serve as back-of-earthern dam fill material as well as backfill replacement for the parking lot expansions. The deeper stiff impermeable clay material will be used to construct the earthern dam berms being proposed for the water reservoir. The weathered sandstone bedrock will serve as the base for the proposed reservoir (Clark, John, pers. comm. May 3, 2013). The new snowmaking system will also require development of a new water intake structure, installation of mechanical and electrical equipment, such as a pump house, inlet and distribution piping, wet well, pumps, turbines, and electrical controls (Clark, John, pers. comm. May 3, 2013). A gravity fed intake and wet well sump will be positioned on the edge of the reservoir to provide calm water to the pumps. High pressure water will then be distributed into welded steel piping buried below the frost level. The pipes will be installed at a depth of at least 1.5 m below the surface. A main trench will be dug approximately 5 m from the treeline/ slope edge to facilitate easier digging and avoid tree root damage. From the main pipe, 5 cm lateral pipes will be used to deliver the water to frost free 0.91 m tall snowmaking hydrants situated at intervals along the ski runs. Approximately 1,435 m of 20.3 cm (8 inch) diameter pipe will be used, 1,990 m of 15.2 cm (6 inch) pipe, 500 m of 5 cm (2 inch) pipe and 59 hydrants will be used. The electrical supply and distribution system will require three new transformers and use or upgrading of two existing transformers. Ski Marmot Basin will acquire 15 portable Report No

5 Super PoleCat Manual snowmakers. The snowmakers will need to be moved after initial set up for snow production over the entire new coverage area. The reservoir will be situated within the existing Basin Creek channel, and a new channel will be developed to divert the creek around the reservoir. The reservoir will be filled by diverting water from Basin Creek during the high flow snowmelt periods. A water volume requirement of 37,850 m 3 (10 million U.S. gallons) has been identified on the basis of the slope area and snow depth calculations. However, site constraints have limited the reservoir to a maximum capacity of 34,086 m 3 (9.005 Million USG) (John Clark, pers. comm. May 3, 2013). Aging sewer and water lines from the Eagle and Paradise Chalets will be replaced. This project will include replacement of a 39.9 m 3 above-ground wooden stave tank which is situated at the base of the ski hill Alternative Means Snow fencing and snow farming techniques can be used, where feasible, to supplement, replace and manage snow cover loss on the ski area. These techniques cannot, however, serve as an alternative to expanded snowmaking. In addition to Basin Creek within the ski area, other water sources were considered for the expanded snowmaking system. Portal Creek and Whistler Creek are outside the leasehold boundaries and so withdrawing water from these sources would be contrary to Parks Canada policy on water withdrawal. Further, use of these water sources would necessitate significant infrastructure investment and high operational costs. Groundwater is the preferred source. Test drilling at Marmot Basin to determine the possibility of a groundwater source was conducted in The site was drilled to a depth of 60 m and no suitable water supply was found. This confirmed the results of previous test drillings, as well as opinions previously obtained that the feasibility of using groundwater wells is unlikely (Brown 2012). The development of any primary reservoir in the lower mountain area is not feasible due to size constraints associated with the proposed one-time fill-up and increased electrical power requirements necessary for pumping water from the lower mountain area to the upper mid-mountain area. The construction of a smaller new reservoir at the proposed mid-mountain site and expanding one of the existing lower mountain lagoons was investigated and deemed cost prohibitive both from a capital and operational perspective. As well, the alternative creates a range of operational complexities that adversely impacts the effectiveness of the existing arrangement for the treatment of wastewater. The possibility of a third cell, adjacent to the existing two cells, was not pursued due to space limitations associated with the lease boundary. No alternate site was identified that fulfills the requirements associated with a reservoir with sufficient capacity to support reservoir filling only during the high-flow spring and summer seasons: sufficient site size; suitable geotechnical conditions; reasonable proximity to a water source; operational considerations, including energy conservation; and proximity to the areas proposed for enhanced snow coverage. Report No

6 3.2 Enhanced parking and transportation access Existing Situation Marmot s Basin s existing parking capacity is approximately 1,000 vehicles, provided in four lots. Currently, shoulder parking on the roadways can accommodate 350 vehicles. Issues are apparent when skier/rider counts reach 3,000 and it becomes problematic at 4,000 counts. Guest safety and overall satisfaction levels are of concern when these use levels are reached. Skier/rider counts in excess of 3,000 and 4,000 daily visits for the past three winter seasons are provided in Table 3. Table 3: Skier/Rider Counts Winter Season Days Exceeding 3,000 Visits Days Exceeding 4,000 Visits Days Operational 2009/ / / Source: Marmot Basin. Additionally, two-way traffic flow problems occur at the end of the day when skier/rider counts exceed 3,000. On these busy days, two lanes of downhill traffic are set-up and controlled by parking attendants from the Vehicle Maintenance Compound access turn-off to the Caribou Chalet. This is done to expedite traffic flow leaving the ski area. Ski Marmot Basin has initiated a bus transit system that links 13 Jasper hotels, worked to maintain the Edmonton Snow Bus and actively encouraged access by buses for school groups and corporately sponsored events. Despite these services and active promotion efforts, transit use remains low Purpose and Need Ski Marmot Basin faces a parking shortfall and vehicle congestion on busy days. Congestion occurs on busy days at the Caribou Chalet drop-off, the four parking lots and, on the busiest days, along the Marmot Basin Road from 600 m below the Caribou Chalet to Lot 4. Expanded vehicle parking is required to address existing and future shortfalls and to provide a resort balance. At the same time, innovative and integrated approaches are needed to encourage increased transit use and ridesharing from the Town of Jasper and surrounding regional centres. A bus load/ unload facility is required to address congestion at the Caribou Chalet front parking area, and to assist in encouraging increased use of bus transportation. By widening sections of the access road between parking lot 4 and just above the Caribou Chalet, two lanes of downhill traffic can be maintained at the end-of-day, while maintaining an uphill lane for ambulances, a shuttle service and private vehicles. Because the parking lot expansion and road widening would use material excavated from the reservoir site, both projects would take place concurrently. Report No

7 3.2.3 Description of Enhanced Parking and Transportation Access Project The LRP proposes to implement a phased approach to address existing parking, traffic circulation and congestion issues, and to enhance transportation access and convenience in the future. The phases are summarised below: The first phase involves putting in place operational measures to better manage traffic circulation and parking. A variety of approaches are being tested, including the use of parking attendants, prescriptive use of lots by vehicle type, and reorientation of flow patterns within the lots. Ski Marmot Basin currently uses parking attendants in Lots 3 and 4 on busy days to optimize the effective use of the parking areas. The second phase involves pursuing an increased reliance on mass transit. An assessment of this approach is part of the LRP and is a pre-condition for any consideration, by Parks Canada, of physically expanding the parking space. Opportunities to enhance traveller information and encourage increased transit use and ride sharing, in the short-term, would be advanced through messaging on the Ski Marmot Basin website and promotional materials. The third phase is the physical expansion of the existing four parking lots. As proposed, the parking lots would be extended onto Home Run, with only minor expansion within the existing developed footprint (Figure 5). The option of solely expanding the parking lots within the existing parking lot footprint has been assessed and is not being advanced because it would require substantial terrain modification with potential drainage and slope stability issues. In addition, sections of the Marmot Road would be widened from just below the Caribou Chalet area up to Lot 4. Road widening would not be continuous, but would be proposed where terrain and safety considerations permit. The roadwork would entail widening the road to provide an opportunity for roadside parking while permitting safe two-way traffic flow at the end of the ski day. The fourth phase entails developing an on-hill shuttle to transport visitors between the Caribou Chalet and the parking areas. The shuttle service would assist to address congestion and improve the safety of operations along the Marmot road. The fifth phase, which will be a component in the second long-range plan, entails developing an integrated approach for advancing mass transit from the Town of Jasper, further consolidation of maintenance/ staff/ storage facilities in Lot 2, as well as development of the existing maintenance area for bus loading/ unloading and parking. Once Lot 2 is used for the consolidation of lower mountain maintenance facilities, 100 existing parking stalls would be lost. Alternative parking scenarios for use of the existing Vehicle Maintenance Compound have yet to be finalised but will be contained in the second long-range plan. Activities necessary for the physical expansion of the lots include construction of expanded parking space with modest terrain modification, and stabilization of all disturbed slopes and revegetation. To the extent feasible, a balanced cut and fill approach will be used. Some tree removal between the School House and Home runs would be required to facilitate skier access to and from the parking lots via the School House Run. The existing roadway, in the region of the Caribou Chalet, will be widened to accommodate two-way traffic at the end of the day, as well as to provide access for a parking lot shuttle service to and from the Caribou Chalet. Report No

8 L:\2011\1332\ \6000\ A005_ProposedEnhancedParking.dwg Layout: 5 PROPOSED PARKING LOT EXPANSION AND TRANSPORTATION ACCESS Modified: TVu 11/27/2013 3:28 PM Plotted: BWheeler 11/27/ SCALE METRES LEGEND P DINING / RESTAURANT FIRST AID STATION PARKING LOT P CREEK EXISTING LIFT PARKING LOT AREA PROJECT TITLE DETAILED IMPACT ANALYSIS FOR THE SKI MARMOT BASIN LONG PROPOSED PARKING LOT EXTENSION PROPOSED ROAD WIDENING PROPOSED PARKING LOT EXPANSION AND TRANSPORTATION ACCESS NOTES IMAGE OBTAINED FROM ECOSIGN MOUNTAIN RESORT PLANNERS LTD. JULY 9, PHOTOGRAPH DATE: JULY 22, COMPILED BY ORTHOSHOP_AUGUST 22, WO9203. NAD83 PROJECT No. DESIGN CADD CHECK REVIEW FILE No A005 AB SCALE AS SHOWN TV BB CM FIGURE:5

9 Work associated with the roadway will entail widening the roadway up to 5m during construction, and leaving approximately 2 m in additional driving surface. This would involve excavating the existing ditch to a depth of approximately one m, adding culverts and backfilling. Once the backfill is compacted, the surface would be top-dressed with 2 cm crush Project Alternative Means The option of not proceeding with parking lot expansion would prolong existing issues of reduced quality of visitor experiences because of congestion and road safety on busy days. The option of expanding the parking lots within the existing parking lot footprint is not being advanced because it would require substantial terrain modification with potential drainage and slope stability issues. In association with the proposed road widening, the proposal for the extension of the north end of the Caribou Chalet will assist to address current parking congestion and traffic circulation problems associated with that chalet s public dropoff area. The alternative of addressing the parking shortfall through expanding mass transit was assessed and is discussed in the Long Range Plan. It was concluded that a mass transit system operated by Ski Marmot Basin would be neither economically feasible nor sustainable. An integrated and year-round transit system will be pursued as part of the second long-range plan and as a result of commitments by Parks Canada and the Town of Jasper to similarly pursue mass transit services in Jasper National Park in conjunction with tourism operators. A parkade structure would be prohibitively expensive at present, but consideration may be given in a future longrange plan. 3.3 Caribou Chalet Infrastructure Upgrade Existing Situation The Caribou Chalet is located at the base of the ski area. It provides a range of services for visitors, including food services and washrooms. Ski Marmot Basin administrative offices are also at this location. An existing trailer which houses administrative services, and a refrigerated trailer for food storage are located adjacent to the Caribou Chalet Purpose and Need There is an existing shortage of heated seating space and washroom facilities at Marmot Basin on days in excess of 3,000 visitors. The inability to provide adequate seating capacity adversely affects the overall guest experience. During these busy periods, line-ups for the washrooms extend through the public eating area. Some of Ski Marmot Basin s administrative offices are located in unsightly trailers facing the public drop-off area. There is a long-standing need to upgrade and consolidate these workspace areas. A shortage of food storage space resulted in the use of a refrigeration reefer being placed at the north end of the chalet over a decade ago. The trailer is inefficient to use and unsightly. Report No

10 3.3.3 Description of Caribou Chalet Upgrade The LRP is intended to identify projects that Ski Marmot Basin wishes to consider within the next 15 years. At some time during this period, Ski Marmot Basin expects to upgrade the Caribou Chalet to improve the visitor experience. Elements of that upgrade identified in the LRP are: enclosing the west-facing deck to be used for public food services and added washroom facilities, The deck enclosure entails covering 198 square metres (m 2 ) for public eating space and adding 72.7 m 2 that would be used for operational purposes (human resources and accounting). The net increase is 72.7 m 2. extending the north-end of the chalet. The north-end extension of the chalet would occur on two floor levels. The proposed new addition would add approximately m 2 of floor area. The lower extension would be m 2 with 20 m 2 of storage space. The upper level extension would result in an addition of m 2 of floor space. The extension would match the architectural elements of the existing chalet structure. The trailers and refrigeration reefer would be removed from the leasehold area and national park. At this time, the Caribou Chalet upgrade is at a preliminary design stage. Further details will be provided as part of the development review process Project Alternative Means There is no feasible alternative to the proposed expansion of commercial floor area other than deferment, which would fail to meet the objective of improving the quality of the visitor experience. Consideration had been given to developing a façade on the trailers, as an interim measure. This is no longer being advanced because it does not contribute to enhancing the image of the ski area and the structures would exacerbate the level of congestion at the public drop-off area. 3.4 Reglading Existing Situation Glading is the thinning of the forest to create a safe and interesting skiing experience. Gladed ski terrain simulates skiing in a mature, open forest or a recently burned forest. The Ski Area Management Guidelines (Parks Canada Agency 2006) permit new glading as part of a run/vegetation plan strategy in a LRP. In the mid-1980s, glading was used to improve skiing opportunities above and to the west of the Paradise and Eagle Chalets on runs accessed by the Canadian Rockies Express or Paradise chairlifts. Since then, the glading has not been maintained and trees have grown on the lower elevations of the affected runs to the point where tree and shrub growth no longer permits enjoyable and safe skiing Purpose and Need Trees in areas of Milk Run, Elevator Chutes and Little Chicago runs which were previously gladed approximately 30 years ago have regrown to the point where reglading is now required to permit safe and enjoyable skiing by advanced and higher-level skiers. The purpose of the reglading would be to restore this area to previous open gladed ski runs. Report No

11 3.4.3 Description of Reglading Reglading is proposed in three areas above and to the west of the Paradise and Eagle Chalets, and accessed from the Canadian Rockies Express or Paradise chairlift (Figure 6). No ski industry prescribed standards exists for glading because of the great variability associated with forest species composition, as well as terrain and slope features (Pers. Comm.: D. Murray, Ecosign Mountain Resort Planners Limited). Tree and shrub removal would occur in the three areas identified in Table 4. These three runs are all at similar elevations and egress to existing runs at 2,020 m on an east-facing aspect. The lower elevation portions of each run would require more intensive reglading, as a response to recent growth rates and densities. Reglading would occur in an area totaling 6.64 ha. Table 4: Proposed Limited Reglading Name of Run Total Run Area [ha] Milk Run (left area) 2.53 Elevator Chutes (middle area) 2.78 (includes part of the Paradise chairlift) Little Chicago (right area) 1.33 Total Area 6.64 Although the existing stand densities vary considerably, on average a thinning factor of 20% to 25% would be required over the three areas. Ski Marmot Basin proposes removing up to 30% of the emergent trees to achieve the desired effect of skiing in an open forest. Trees will not be removed from the top edge or sides of the runs to contain the regladed area. This will slow skiers as they enter and exit a regladed run while, at the same time, providing a safer ski experience. No whitebark pine will be removed, if found during the thinning process. Tree removal requirements can be reduced, significantly, if proposed limbing is permitted. If limbing is permitted, it would occur sensitively and in a manner that maintains a natural forest appearance. The tree species composition on these runs is a mix of Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir with the occasional lodgepole pine. Whitebark pine is present on the mountain at this elevation but has not been observed in the proposed reglading area. Ground surveys were undertaken for each run and provide the basis for measures of tree species composition and proposed reglading treatments. Milk Run contains 50% spruce, 49% subalpine fir and 1% lodgepole pine. Most of the proposed reglading on this run would be in the mid-section, and where limbing would be an effective option. Elevator Chutes contains 45% spruce, 55% subalpine fir and less than 1% lodgepole pine. The top section of this run is sufficiently open and no tree removal is proposed. Tree removal would be concentrated in the middle to lower sections of the run and is mostly mature spruce. Limbing would be an effective option in place of tree removal. The Little Chicago Run contains 40% spruce, 60% subalpine fir and <1% lodgepole pine. Limbing is not proposed on this run. Report No

12 L:\2011\1332\ \6000\ A007_ProposedRegladingAreas.dwg Layout: 6 PROPOSED REGLADING AREAS Modified: BEMcdonald 11/27/2013 3:28 PM Plotted: BWheeler 11/27/ SCALE (APPROX.) METRES LEGEND DINING / RESTAURANT FIRST AID STATION PROPOSED PUMPING STATION BASIN CREEK EXISTING LIFT PROPOSED REGLADED AREA PROPOSED MID-MOUNTAIN RESERVOIR PROJECT TITLE DETAILED IMPACT ANALYSIS FOR THE SKI MARMOT BASIN LONG REGLADED AREAS: MILK RUN Ha ELEVATOR CHUTES Ha LITTLE CHICAGO Ha NOTES IMAGE OBTAINED FROM ECOSIGN MOUNTAIN RESORT PLANNERS LTD. JULY 9, PHOTOGRAPH DATE: JULY 22, COMPILED BY ORTHOSHOP_AUGUST 22, WO9203. NAD83 PROPOSED REGLADING AREAS PROJECT No FILE No A007_Prop DESIGN AB SCALE AS SHOWN CADD TV CHECK BB REVIEW CM FIGURE:6

13 Prior to removing trees and limbing, Ski Marmot Basin will flag the trees that will be affected for review with Parks Canada Project Alternative Means The only alternative is to allow the area to continue to become overgrown and close the area in the near future to public use. As this area has been gladed in the past, this would represent a net loss of skiable terrain at Marmot Basin. 3.5 Construction The construction phase of a project requires careful planning and implementation to mitigate potential environmental effects. Best Management Practices (BMP) (Parks Canada 2008c) have been developed by the ski area operators in Banff and Jasper national parks, and Parks Canada. These BMPs cover a number of routine activities which occur during construction projects. In addition to discussing the BMPs, details of specific construction practices associated with the projects proposed in the LRP are presented in this section General Construction Practices Best Management Practices for Development at Ski Areas in Banff and Jasper National Parks of Canada (Parks Canada Agency 2008) provides details about environmental protection measures to be applied during the construction phase of activities occurring at Marmot Basin. In addition, BMPs specific to Marmot Basin Ski Area have been developed as part of the Long Range Plan (Ski Marmot Basin 2014, see Supplemental Volume). Table 5 lists those BMPs which address concerns that may apply to the projects proposed in the LRP. Table 5: Best Management Practices Which May Apply to Long Range Plan Proposals From Best Management Practices for Development at Ski Areas in Banff and Jasper National Parks of Canada Construction timing Viewscapes Excavation, soil handling and backfilling Cultural, historical and archaeological resources Erosion control General construction Culvert installation Vegetation management Tree removal Non-native weed control Glading and clumping Working in or near water Reclamation and re-vegetation of disturbed sites Bridge installation Buildings and structures Off-road access Utilities Storage areas Snowmaking design and installation Hazardous materials management Terrain modification Waste management Rock removal From Best Management Practices Specific to the Marmot Basin Ski Area Noise Viewscapes Glading/Tree Removal and Run Brushing Source: Parks Canada Agency (2008c); Ski Marmot Basin (2014) Outdoor Lighting Summer construction & Maintenance to Bear and Ungulate Disturbance As part of contract tender preparation, Ski Marmot Basin will review the BMPs and include the relevant BMPs as part of the contract requirements of each contractor. Report No

14 In addition to applying the BMPs, additional techniques will be used to manage the effects of construction: Awareness of Requirements: Ski Marmot Basin will designate a Project Management team to monitor compliance with environmental protection measures and liaise with the Parks Canada Environmental Surveillance Officer (ESO). The Project Manager and Parks Canada ESO and/or Parks Canada designate will meet with the management, staff and contractors to review the construction permits and protocols for the Project. Prior to initiating construction, orientation sessions will be held for all construction personnel to review relevant BMPs and other environmental protection procedures, including bear avoidance procedures. During construction, all equipment needs will be specified to the Project Manager. If at any time during the Project deviations from the approved plans are required, the Environmental Monitor and the Parks Canada ESO and/or Parks Canada designate will be notified immediately. Site Disturbance and Reclamation: At every construction site, the disturbed area will be kept as small as possible. Disturbance on ski runs will be controlled by demarcating approved movement areas with flagging or temporary snow fencing. Equipment movement outside of the flagged areas will not be allowed. Where significant ground disturbance will occur, existing topsoil and vegetative material will be salvaged and retained for reclamation purposes. Where present, sods will be salvaged prior to topsoil stripping. Reclamation and revegetation will follow approved practices and procedures as outlined in BMPs. A reclamation plan will be prepared specifically for each Project. The plan will include reclamation goals, identify disturbed sites to be reclaimed and revegetated, describe procedures during and immediately following construction activities, and identify detailed reclamation methods and techniques. In addition, the plan will establish the frequency of monitoring reports (e.g., annually until restoration targets are achieved). The monitoring reports will summarize the progress made towards the reclamation goals. Regular progress reports will be submitted during the period of reclamation work with a final report provided to Parks Canada upon completion. Reclamation work will commence immediately following construction. Sod that cannot be reasonably replaced following construction activity will be covered and stored in a manner consistent with the BMPs and used as soon as feasible the following season. Topsoil within each disturbed site will be removed before further digging occurs. Topsoil will be stored and covered with a tarpaulin to prevent wind or water loss to the surrounding area. Following construction, the salvaged topsoil will be used to reclaim all disturbed sites. Construction access will be via existing maintenance roads. Efforts will be made to limit equipment and materials marshalling to existing access roads and parking lots. If additional marshalling and work areas are required, these will be included in a site plan provided to Parks Canada as part of the development permit application. Equipment used will depend on site specific soil conditions. Details concerning equipment use will be included as part of the development permit application. Report No

15 Contractor Performance: Fire: All contractors and sub-contractors will obtain the requisite business licence from Parks Canada and, preferably, have experience operating in a national park. Penalties for non-compliance of the environmental protection measures will be outlined in the contractor s work specifications. These might include financial penalties under the contract, removal of offending personnel, and termination of contracts. In the event of severe weather conditions that compromise the effectiveness of environmental mitigations, all affected construction activities could be halted at the discretion of the Environmental Monitor, the Parks Canada ESO and/or Parks Canada designate, and the construction supervisor or Ski Marmot Basin s Project Manager. Construction staff will be briefed on Parks Canada s fire regulations and shall practice fire protection in all aspects of construction. All field crews working during snow-free periods will be equipped with adequate equipment (i.e., minimum of two Gieke Cans, two Pulaskis, and two shovels) for responding to accidental fires. Field crews will be trained on the safe and effective use of the equipment. Activities may be restricted or suspended at the request of Parks Canada during periods of high or extreme fire danger periods, and additional preventative precautions will be implemented as required. A Permit to Burn must be obtained from Parks Canada for burning for disposal of slash. In event of a fire caused by construction activity or slash burning, the contractor will call Jasper dispatch immediately, attempt to extinguish (if possible to be done safely by trained personnel), account for all personnel and evacuate to a safe location or by instruction of Warden/Emergency Service(s) personnel. Materials Management: Construction waste will be source-separated and containerized to maximize recycling opportunities. Construction waste will be transported to an approved industrial garbage site outside of Jasper National Park. Recyclable material will be taken to an approved recycling facility. Fuel and lubricants for equipment (e.g., excavators) will be transported to staging areas by trucks equipped with tidy tanks or by small tanker trucks. Excavators working in areas remote from fuelling sites will return for re-fueling. All re-fueling will occur at least 100 m away from watercourses using Canadian Standards Association (CSA) approved containers. Daily lubrication will be done at staging areas or at Vehicle Maintenance. Splash containment trays shall be used during fuelling and lubrication. Fuel nozzles will have automatic shut-off and break-away couplings. Spill kits will be located at each major work site and work crews will be trained in their use. All food-related refuse and waste will be kept inside vehicles or placed in on-site animal proof containers. This waste will be removed daily from the site, and taken off the leasehold or stored overnight in a lockable enclosed building. Report No

16 Cultural Resources: If cultural /archaeological artefacts are found, project activities will stop immediately at that location and the Environmental Surveillance Officer, the Cultural Resource Specialist or Jasper Dispatch will be notified. Work shall stop immediately in the location where cultural resource materials are uncovered at any time and shall only recommence upon the instruction of a cultural resource specialist. Work Camp: Contractors, subcontractors, and construction personnel who do not live in the area may need to be housed in a work camp if alternate arrangements are not feasible. The location of the work camp will be addressed with Parks Canada as part of the development permit application. Operating procedures for the work camp will be prepared, based on the knowledge gained about mitigating the effects of work camps located previously in Jasper National Park. Visitor Conflicts: Notification of construction activities and potential effects to visitor use (e.g., increased traffic on Marmot Basin access road, expectations for construction noise and activity in publically accessible areas) will be posted in visitor information locations Project Components Expanded snowmaking in the mid-mountain and upper areas Detailed plans for construction of the expanded snowmaking system will be provided to Parks Canada as part of the development permit application. Construction of the snowmaking system is expected to be completed within one summer season, with some follow-up reclamation completed in the following year. Prior to initiating any ground disturbance, the perimeter of all work areas will be delineated. Site details for the diversion and protection of Basin Creek for the duration of the construction period will be determined prior to the development permit application. Depending on the results of the review, flows in Basin Creek may be placed in culverts for the duration of the construction, with the new creek channel being developed after the major construction work on the reservoir is completed. A detailed stream restoration plan will be developed following reservoir construction when the final site contours are evident. The general objective of the stream restoration plan will be to design and construct a new creek section around the reservoir that is similar to the existing creek in terms of slope, dimensions and substrate material. Successful restoration following this approach would provide a sustainable creek system that has similar flow (depth and velocity) and sediment transport characteristics as the natural system. Trees will be cleared from within the defined work area, and logs trucked to a staging area in one of Ski Marmot Basin s parking lots. Slash will be stockpiled and burned when weather conditions allow. Surface water run off will be diverted around the reservoir and topsoil stockpile site and released into Basin Creek after water quality monitoring determines that sediment loads are not greater than Basin Creek water Report No

17 quality upstream of the work area. During the construction period, runoff from the site will be controlled by means of silt fencing placed around the downhill side of all construction activity. Water pumped from the excavation will be treated to control suspended sediment and released when sediment loads are acceptable. Surface soil layers suitable for reclamation will be stripped and stockpiled in an existing cleared area adjacent to the reservoir site. Erosion control measures will be applied to reduce erosion from the stockpile until the material is respread onto reservoir berms at the completion of construction. The reservoir will be excavated, and excavated material will be used to construct berms around the lower slopes of the reservoir. The reservoir s earthen berms will be contoured in swales and natural-looking terraces to provide a natural looking terrain feature as well as provide microhabitats with better reclamation opportunities. The reservoir will be set into the slope, requiring a cut into the slope which will be stabilized with a rock liner. Until additional information is available about the nature of the material to be excavated, it is not known if the rock material required to construct this backslope will be available on-site, or must be sourced from other locations and hauled up the hill to the site. Material not required for berm construction will be trucked down the ski hill on the existing access road to the parking lots where it will be used for parking lot expansion. Once hauling requirements are identified, the access road will be reviewed for its capacity to handle the amount and weight of construction traffic. If upgrades are required, details of the upgrades will be included in Ski Marmot Basin s development permit application. Equipment to be used will be identified by the contractor, following consultation with Parks Canada. Following the reservoir excavation and berm construction, the salvaged topsoil material will be placed onto the backside of berm slopes and revegetated with grass and shrub species suitable to the habitat conditions. The reservoir will be emptied early in the ski season; Regardless, a permanent fence will be constructed around the reservoir to prevent wildlife and public access during the winter. The location of all components of the snowmaking system will be marked, and work areas defined. Pipeline installation will follow procedures used by Ski Marmot Basin for previous pipeline repair and replacement projects Enhanced parking and transportation access The initial phase of parking lot construction will delineate all work areas and develop a water management plan to control water into the work area from both surface water runoff and groundwater seepage. Some limited tree clearing will be required. These removed trees will be stockpiled in an area in the parking lot, and prepared for disposal. Slash will be burned when weather conditions are suitable. Organic surface materials will be stripped from the footprint of the parking lot expansion and placed in a stockpile within one of the parking areas. Suitable material excavated from the reservoir will be placed, compacted and surfaced with suitable material. Stockpiled organic material will be returned to the Home Run area and used for reclamation of the parking lot slopes. Report No

18 Upgrade of the Caribou Chalet infrastructure The upgrades of the Caribou Chalet are not expected to be initiated in the near-term, so detailed construction planning has not been initiated. The proposed extension would occur within existing disturbed footprint of the chalet. An engineering assessment and subsequent maintenance of the existing gabion wall, as identified in section 1.6 of this document, is required in advance of any building expansion. In the future, Ski Marmot Basin will submit a detailed project description during the development permitting process Reglading Ski Marmot Basin has prepared a specific Reglading Plan for the proposed reglading of Milk Run, Elevator Chutes and Little Chicago. The following description outlines how the work will be conducted. Proposed reglading areas will be delineated on-site for tree and shrub removal, using bio-degradable flagging tape. As part of the requisite activity permitting, a Parks Canada representative will be asked to review the delineated areas and provide field-specific suggestions and direction. The areas proposed for reglading will be delineated by Ski Marmot Basin, in accordance with the following principles from the Vegetation Management Strategy and the BMPs specific to Marmot Basin Ski Area for glading/tree removal and brush cutting (See Supplemental Volume). These include: Trees removed reglading will be selected to maintain the species and size class structure of the original forest stand. Spacing for glades will average 5 m. Natural clearings and limbing will be used to reduce tree removal requirements. Gaps between successive clumps of trees will minimize extended straight lines. Uneven thinning patterns will be selected to maintain naturally occurring vegetation patterns. Krumholz clumps will be left intact. Whitebark pine and trees/snags of obvious wildlife value will be identified and left intact. In addition to the Marmot Basin-specific BMP related to glading/tree removal and brush cutting, tree and brush removal and disposal will also apply tree removal BMPs developed for all the Rocky Mountain ski areas (Parks Canada 2008c) Construction Equipment A variety of mechanical equipment may be used during the staging, construction and reclamation phases of this Project. The type of equipment to be used will be dependent on the choice of the contractor which is chosen to undertake the work Construction Access and Staging Equipment and construction materials will be staged at one of the existing parking lots. Existing access roads at the ski area will be used to move equipment and materials between the reservoir site and other snowmaking equipment installation activities. Depending on an assessment of the access road prior to initiating construction, upgrades to the access road may be required. Report No

19 3.5.5 Site Security During the construction period, the access road to the ski area will be closed to the public, although there may be occasional hiker presence. Signs describing the nature of the Project activities will be posted at the Caribou Chalet and access road gate. Ski area staff will provide site security. All open excavations will be fenced to protect wildlife Hazardous Materials and Fuel Disposal Handling procedures for fuels will involve re-fuelling equipment from a licensed fuelling service. Appropriatesized spill kits will be available on-site for use, if necessary. When details of excavation requirements are available, the need for explosives will be determined Off-site Land Use During construction, off-site land use will be required. Highway 93 and 93A, and the Marmot Basin Ski Area access road will be used to transport materials and labour to and from Marmot Basin. Construction workers may be housed in a work camp. The location and operational practices of this work camp, if required, will be discussed with Parks Canada prior to the development permit application. Bussing, multiple passenger vehicles and ride-sharing will be used to reduce the number of commuting trips between Jasper and Marmot Basin Project Scheduling Scheduling of the Project construction is contingent on a number of factors include approval of the LRP from the Minister responsible for Parks Canada, and Ski Marmot Basin s internal business processes. The construction schedule will be described in Ski Marmot Basin s development permit application to Parks Canada. Some preliminary work will be completed in the first year when the site is snow-free, so that work can be planned in detail and contract tender documents prepared. Depending on work scheduling, project construction may take one or two summer seasons. 3.6 Operation and Maintenance Project Components Expanded snowmaking in the mid-mountain and upper areas Ski Marmot Basin will continue to withdraw water at its existing water intake gallery for domestic purposes and to fill the existing lagoons (Cell 1 and Cell 2) for snowmaking on the lower slopes. (Details are provided in the Water Management Strategy which is included in the Supplemental Volume, and in Section ). Water for the new mid-mountain reservoir will be collected at a new intake structure, which will divert water from Basin Creek only during the high flow period in late spring and summer. During this high flow period, about 34,000 m 3 of water will be diverted from Basin Creek. Once the reservoir is filled, no further water will be diverted at this intake structure in that year. Snowmaking will be initiated in the fall as soon as weather conditions are suitable, and will continue throughout the winter season where snow coverage is required or until the water supply in the mid-mountain reservoir is exhausted Enhanced parking and transportation access The operation of the expanded parking lots will be the same as the current operations. Report No