Appendix A. Terms of Reference Correspondence PLANNING & ENGINEERING INITIATIVES LTD.

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1 Appendix A Terms of Reference Correspondence PLANNING & ENGINEERING INITIATIVES LTD.

2 Overview Terms of Reference Scoped Environmental Impact Study Westside Developments, City of Waterloo (for lands known as the Owen Property) The following Terms of Reference have been prepared by PEIL to direct the research and preparation of EIS to supplement existing environmental investigations including Subwatershed Studies for Subwatersheds 313, 309, and the Owen Properties Scoped Subwatershed Study. These Terms of Reference have been based on the original findings of the Studies noted above and will provide more detailed information to allow for the establishment and level of significance of various features on site and appropriate buffers for their protection. These Terms of Reference are in compliance with and will address the issues described in the EIS policies contained in both the City of Waterloo Official Plan and the Regional Official Plan Policies. They will also have regard for the GRCA Wetlands Policies. Introduction This outline is intended to direct the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIS) research, environmental assessment and EIS report preparation in compliance with the comments received from the GRCA (letter of Aug 26/03), the Region (May 27/03 report to EEAC) and City of Waterloo (Sept 2/03 and July 28/03). Figure A attached to this TOR shows the specific features to be assessed in the completion of the EIS Report. These features will be reviewed in the context of the approved Subwatershed Studies (Final Subwatershed Management Plan 309/313, April 1996, and the Owen Property Scoped Subwatershed Study, January 1999,) and more detailed on-site investigations will be undertaken in order to define appropriate buffers for existing features. Figures B.6.6a and B.6.b from Final Subwatershed Management Plan 309/313 have also been attached to provide an overview of the constraint levels established for the developing lands. The environmental assessment and subsequent Report will be structured under the following headings: Description of the Development A summary of the nature and the extent of the proposed development; Description of the alternative forms that the development might take; A detailed location map showing proposed development and the natural heritage / natural hazard features of the site; Preliminary concept grading plan and stormwater management plan Owen Property EIS Terms of Reference Page 1

3 Preliminary concept for road fabric A summary of relevant reports and studies completed for or including the site related to natural heritage including but not limited to Subwatershed Studies (Final Subwatershed Management Plan 309/313, April 1996 and the Owen Property Scoped Subwatershed Study, January 1999). Description of Features and Functions The location and distribution of any natural habitat corridors and linkages; The location and distribution of any provincially, regionally or locally significant plant species; The location and extent of any wetlands or other documented environmental features; Identification of any native wildlife inhabiting the area; The quality and state of succession of the vegetative communities; A characterization of the hydrology and hydrogeology of the site; A characterization of the topography and soils of the area; The identification of any environmental sensitivities suspected or known to exist in the area based on previous reports / studies; Confirmation of the boundaries previously identified of all environmental features (wetlands, ESPA, etc.) based on the detailed studies carried out as part of this EIS. Identification of Potential Impacts This section will document the potential impacts of the development on the natural heritage/natural hazard features and their ecological functions. Issues to be addressed include: removal of vegetation and the effects this could be expected to have on hydrology, sedimentation and slope stability. The proposed extent of vegetation removal will be shown; potential changes to water attributes (quality, temperature) of surrounding watercourses (eg. Monastery Creek and tributaries); proposed alteration of fish habitat; grading of the area and resultant implications for erosion and sedimentation; effect of altered hydrology and hydrogeology resulting from grading for building sites, road construction and installation of services. Identification and Recommendation of Mitigation Measures This section will identify the actions necessary to avoid and / or mitigate the potential negative impacts on the natural heritage area and its ecological functions. This section will include: Owen Property EIS Terms of Reference Page 2

4 identify and recommend the preferred development alternative to avoid and mitigate negative environmental impacts; identify and recommend measures necessary to protect and maintain the identified ecological functions of vegetation / woodlots / wetlands / watercourses; identify and recommend measures for the preservation of significant vegetation communities, special habitats and specimen trees on the site; identify and recommend drainage, erosion and sedimentation control measures; identify, confirm and / or recommend appropriate buffers from the development for the various environmental features; identify and recommend stewardship opportunities related to the proposed development and the remaining lands (such as individual lot tree management plans). Scope of Work: The description of features and functions will include inventory and assessment of vegetation communities and wildlife in the study area. Existing natural heritage features and functions (Ecological Land Classification vegetation communities, wildlife habitat, linkage functions, wetlands, significant species) will be depicted on maps and summarized in the context of the proposed development and associated future land use. Vegetation Community Inventory & Assessment Dougan & Associates Assessment of vegetation communities will include a review and summary of background information coupled with field inventories (2 seasons). During field reconnaissance, existing vegetation communities will be mapped as polygons onto aerial photographs and biophysical data will be collected from all natural and cultural communities (e.g plantations, meadows). The data will be used for analysis of constraints and impacts, and to classify the communities according to the Ecological Land Classification System for Southern Ontario (ELC). The Ontario Wetland Evaluation System (OWES) for southern Ontario will be used to delineate wetland boundaries. Habitat characterization will include: Habitat structure assessment with description of dominant species in each canopy layer; Soil profile description and assessment of moisture regime; Assessment of slope and drainage conditions; Assessment of botanical quality, disturbances and habitat sensitivity; Documentation of significant species. Wildlife Inventory & Assessment - Dougan & Associates Wildlife studies will incorporate review of available wildlife information, supplemented by Owen Property EIS Terms of Reference Page 3

5 field assessments, including a breeding bird survey and spring amphibian surveys. The presence of species will be based on actual observations as well as the examination of signs such as scats, castings, and tracks. The habitat assessment will include an assessment of the type, structure and quality of vegetative habitats for wildlife use, and the presence of corridors and linkage features to nearby habitats. Hydrogeologic Investigation Naylor & Associates Naylor & Associates will review the Scoped Subwatershed Report (1999) and the work of CH2M Gore & Storrie to confirm the recommendations provided in that report and provide any additional recommendations. Specific Environmental Features The specific features have been identified based on constraint levels indicated on the attached figures B.6.6a and B.6.6B from the Final Subwatershed Management Plan 309/313. (refer to Figure C): 1C. Plantation defined as CL 2 in the Owen Properties Scoped Subwatershed Study (SSWS). The EIS will determine the function of this feature; 2C. Seepage area defined as CL 2 in the SSWS. The EIS will determine the function of this feature; 3C. Wetland edge defined as CL 1 in the SSWS. The EIS will verify the location of the buffer and the setback determined in the SSWS. Prepared by Patrick Donnelly Senior Environmental Planner October 6/03 Sandro Bassanese & Andy Kroess Planning & Engineering Initiatives Ltd. Owen Property EIS Terms of Reference Page 4

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