6.0 ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL EFFECTS ON VEGETATION AND WETLANDS

Transcription

1 Assessment of Potential Effects on Vegetation and Wetlands 6.0 ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL EFFECTS ON VEGETATION AND WETLANDS 6.1 SCOPE OF ASSESSMENT Vegetation and wetlands are a valued component (VC) because physical abandonment activities have the potential to change re-established native upland vegetation communities, the abundance and distribution of species at risk, and wetland size, class and function. Native vegetation and wetlands are essential to the functioning of natural ecosystems. The occurrence and distribution of native vegetation, wetlands and associated biodiversity affect ecosystem function, environmental cycles and the ability of other organisms, including humans, to use and benefit from natural resources. The assessment of potential effects is limited to physical abandonment activities (e.g., pipeline and facility removal, plate and fill) and does not extend to longer-term effects associated with abandonment in place of the pipeline (refer to Section 15.0, Assessment of Effects of Abandonment in Place). The assessment of potential project effects on agricultural land including crop and pasture land is found in Section Regulatory and Policy Setting Federal Regulatory Requirements The effects assessment for vegetation and wetlands has been developed in accordance with the NEB Filing Manual, (NEB 2015), which provides guidance on the type of information the NEB typically requires to make a decision pursuant to the NEB Act. For all requirements related to vegetation and wetlands, see Table A-2 and Guide B of the NEB Filing Manual, (NEB 2015) Species at Risk Act The status of plant species is assessed and designated by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife Species in Canada (COSEWIC), which recommends a designation for legal protection as extirpated, endangered, or threatened species under the Species at Risk Act (SARA). 6.1

2 Assessment of Potential Effects on Vegetation and Wetlands Federal Policy on Wetland Conservation The Federal Policy on Wetland Conservation (Government of Canada 1991) includes the principle of no net loss of wetland function. The federal policy applies to projects occurring on federal land and waters or those that receive federal funds. It also applies to wetlands of international importance, as determined by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (1971). This policy will be used as guidance to maintain consistency with national priorities for wetland conservation, particularly for wetlands on federally-regulated land Provincial Regulatory Requirements Species of Management Concern In Alberta, plant species of management concern with legislated protection include species listed federally under SARA as well as species listed as endangered or threatened under the Alberta Wildlife Act, Wildlife Regulation 143/1997 (GoA 1997). Other species of management concern in Alberta are those listed as tracked or watched by the Alberta Conservation Information Management System (ACIMS) (ACIMS 2015) or listed as at risk or may be at risk by the General Status of Alberta Wild Species 2010 (SRD 2011). These additional species of management concern are important contributors to biodiversity but are not protected by specific legislation, or guidelines regarding timing windows and setback distances. Ecological communities of management concern include ecological communities listed as tracked or watched by ACIMS (ACIMS 2015). The designation of an area as an ecological community of management concern may include land use recommendations, but these areas are not protected by legislation Water Act Wetlands are defined as land that has the water table at, near or above the land s surface, or which is saturated for a long enough time to promote wetland or aquatic processes. These processes result in the occurrence of hydric soils, hydrophytic vegetation and various kinds of biological activities adapted to a wet environment (GoA 2015d). Development temporarily or permanently affecting wetlands is regulated in Alberta under the provincial Water Act (GoA 2000a). Specific guidance for permitting of development affecting wetlands is provided in the Government of Alberta Wetland Policy implementation directives and tools (GoA 2015e). Effects on wetlands associated with long-term disturbance of topography or hydrology of wetlands, such as those caused by the construction of above-ground facilities or permanent access roads, require approvals under the Water Act from Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) before construction. Temporary effects on wetlands associated with physical abandonment activities (e.g., pipeline removal, removal of block valves) require a notification under the Alberta Water Act Code of Practice (GoA 2000b and c). 6.2

3 Assessment of Potential Effects on Vegetation and Wetlands Invasive and Non-native Plant Species In Alberta, the Weed Control Act (GoA 2010) requires landowners or occupants to destroy plants listed as prohibited noxious upon discovery and control populations of plants listed as noxious to prevent the spread of those species The Influence of Consultation and Engagement on the Assessment The need for and processes involved with notifications under Water Act Codes of Practice or Water Act applications were discussed with AEP. Plans for reclamation were also discussed. The need for Water Act notification or applications are addressed in Section 6.5.3, while reclamation is addressed as part of planned mitigations (see Section 6.4). During the Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) survey that was undertaken on the SLCN Reserve Lands, a TEK participant noted willow (Salix spp.), paper birch (Betula papyrifera), gooseberry (Ribes spp.), tamarack (Larix laricina) and birch fungus on a fallen birch tree as medicinal plants. These species were all observed during field surveys to be common in the Project area, with the exception of the birch fungus whose occurrence distribution was not determined. In addition, at the SLCN open house, one resident noted that she harvests approximately five plant species for medicinal use from areas on and near the RoW; however, no specific locations requiring site-specific mitigation were identified Potential Effects, Pathways and Measurable Parameters Potential effects of the Project on native upland vegetation and wetlands could occur wherever Project activities result in disturbance to these resources either directly (e.g., due to clearing activities) or indirectly (e.g., through changes in water quantity in wetlands due to nearby activities). Potential effects, effects pathways and the measurable parameters used to characterize and assess effects on vegetation and wetlands are provided in Table

4 Assessment of Potential Effects on Vegetation and Wetlands Table 6-1 Potential Effects, Pathways and Measurable Parameters for Vegetation and Wetlands Potential Effect Effect Pathways Measurable Parameter(s) and Units of Measurement Change in abundance or distribution of re-established native upland vegetation communities, including ecological communities of management concern Direct loss or alteration of previously-disturbed native upland vegetation, which has re-established along portions of the RoW, arising from vegetation clearing and ground disturbance Direct loss or alteration of an as yet undiscovered ecological communities of management concern arising from clearing and ground disturbance Introduction or spread of plant species listed by the Alberta Weed Control Act, Weed Control Regulation (2010) Area (ha) of re-established native upland vegetation communities lost or altered Introduction or spread of plant species listed by the Alberta Weed Control Act, Weed Control Regulation (2010) Change in abundance or distribution of plant species of management concern, including species at risk Direct loss or alteration of an as yet undiscovered plant species of management concern, including species at risk, arising from clearing and ground disturbance Number of plant species of management concern, including species at risk, affected by the Project Change in abundance, distribution, or function of wetlands Alteration or loss of wetland area or wetland class arising from vegetation clearing and ground disturbance Changes in surface water and groundwater flow and quality potentially affecting function of wetlands Area (ha) or class of wetlands lost or altered Spatial Boundaries The following spatial boundaries are defined for the assessment of vegetation and wetlands, and include areas that might be affected directly or indirectly by the Project: Project Disturbance Area (PDA): Includes the anticipated area of physical disturbance and workspace associated with 76 physical abandonment activity locations (typically 30 m x 50 m), plus the RoW on the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation (SLCN) Reserve Lands (approximately 30 m wide x 9 km long). 6.4

5 Assessment of Potential Effects on Vegetation and Wetlands Local Assessment Area (LAA): Multiple LAAs were defined for this project, one for each PDA. Each LAA includes the PDA and a 100 m buffer centered on the PDA, including the RoW where pipeline removal is planned, and is based on the recommended setback distance from wetlands for some amphibian species (see Section 7.0). The LAAs were established to consider the area in which Project physical abandonment activities could have direct or indirect effects on native upland vegetation and wetlands. Regional Assessment Area (RAA): Extends 15 km beyond the entire 266 km of the PRML that will be abandoned and was used to determine the significance of Project-specific residual effects on native upland vegetation and wetlands, and to assess where Project-specific residual effects may act cumulatively with residual effects of past, present and reasonably foreseeable future activities (i.e., cumulative effects). Effects were assessed at the LAA scale, except for cumulative effects, which were assessed at the RAA scale (see Section 6.6) Residual Effects Description Criteria Criteria used to assess residual effects on vegetation and wetlands are provided in Table 6-2. Table 6-2 Characterization of Residual Effects on Vegetation and Wetlands Characterization Direction Magnitude Geographic Extent Quantitative Measure or Definition of Qualitative Categories Positive an effect that moves measurable parameters in a direction beneficial to vegetation and wetlands relative to baseline Adverse an effect that moves measurable parameters in a direction detrimental to vegetation and wetlands relative to baseline Neutral no net change in measureable parameters for vegetation and wetlands relative to baseline Negligible no measurable change Low a measurable change to re-established native upland vegetation communities, wetlands or species of management concern but is within normal variability of baseline conditions Moderate a measurable change to re-established native upland vegetation communities, wetlands, or species of management concern outside of normal variability of baseline conditions, but is within regulatory limits and goals High effect would singly, or as a substantial contribution in combination with other sources, affect the sustainability of re-established native upland vegetation communities, wetlands, or species of management concern in the RAA PDA residual effect is restricted to the PDAs LAA residual effect extends into the LAA RAA residual effect extends into the RAA 6.5

6 Assessment of Potential Effects on Vegetation and Wetlands Table 6-2 Characterization of Residual Effects on Vegetation and Wetlands Characterization Duration Frequency Reversibility Ecological and Socio-economic Context Quantitative Measure or Definition of Qualitative Categories Short-term residual effect is restricted to physical abandonment activities Medium-term residual effect extends throughout physical abandonment activities and up to 10 years after Long-term residual effect extends throughout physical abandonment activities and more than 10 years after Single event Multiple irregular event occurs at no set schedule Multiple regular event occurs at regular intervals Continuous occurs continuously Reversible the effect is likely to be reversed after activity completion and reclamation Irreversible the effect is unlikely to be reversed Undisturbed area is relatively undisturbed or not adversely affected by human activity Disturbed area has been substantially previously disturbed by human development or human development is still present Significance Determination A significant adverse residual environmental effect on vegetation and wetlands is defined as one that, following the application of avoidance and mitigation measures, results in: effects on species at risk, including effects that are contrary to or inconsistent with federal objectives (including recovery strategies and critical habitat), SARA or the Alberta Wildlife Act (GoA 1997) effects that threaten long-term persistence or viability of plant species of management concern in the RAA, including residual effects that are contrary to or inconsistent with provincial management objectives effects on native upland vegetation communities such that the long-term sustainability of that vegetation community is compromised in the RAA, or effects that could lead to a net loss of wetlands that cannot be mitigated or compensated for, or is otherwise in contravention of wetland policies or regulations 6.6

7 Assessment of Potential Effects on Vegetation and Wetlands 6.2 EXISTING CONDITIONS FOR VEGETATION AND WETLANDS Methods Desktop Review and Analyses Published vegetation and wetlands data for the RAA, including species at risk and species of management concern were obtained from: aerial photography (TransCanada 2009) ACIMS database (ACIMS 2015) General Status of Alberta Wild Species 2010 (AEP 2012) Species at Risk Public Registry (Government of Canada 2015) Alberta Weed Control Act, Weed Control Regulation (GoA 2010a) Aerial photography, historical data, provincial databases, and relevant literature sources were reviewed for baseline data. Probable wetland classes and boundaries were reviewed and interpreted within the LAAs using existing data at 1:3,000 scale Field Surveys Field surveys focused on wetlands, including those which may have developed since the construction of the pipeline and associated facilities. Surveys focused on upland ecological communities of management concern and species of management concern were not conducted because: the PDAs are located mostly within the previously disturbed RoW or facility site boundaries there are no historical records of plant species of management concern, including species at risk, to a distance of 2 km from the PDA (ACIMS 2015) there are no plant species at risk home ranges or designated critical habitat within 50 km of the LAAs (Government of Canada 2015) Wetland field surveys were conducted in the LAAs to verify wetland locations and classes. Surveys were completed June 26 to 29, 2015 and September 21 to 23, 2015 and focused on PDAs that overlapped with wetlands or suspected wetlands. Wetlands were classified according to the Alberta Wetland Classification System (GoA 2015d), dominant plant species were recorded, and the wetland boundary was verified or corrected. 6.7

8 Assessment of Potential Effects on Vegetation and Wetlands Overview The Project crosses four natural subregions: the Lower Boreal Highlands Natural Subregion, Dry Mixedwood and Central Mixedwood Natural Subregions of the Boreal Forest Natural Region, and the Peace River Parkland Natural Subregion of the Parkland Natural Region (Natural Regions Committee 2006). Much of the southern portion of the RAA has been converted to agricultural crop production (primarily wheat and canola) and non-native grassland pasture. Forested native vegetation communities occur throughout the RAA, particularly in the northern half, and are dominated by white spruce (Picea glauca), black spruce (Picea mariana), jack pine (Pinus banksiana) and aspen (Populus tremuloides) trees. Common shrub species in upland native communities include highbush cranberry (Viburnum edule), wild rose (Rosa acicularis), buffaloberry (Shepherdia canadensis) and bog cranberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea). Dominant forbs include bunchberry (Cornus canadensis), colt s foot (Petasites palmatus), fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium), twinflower (Linnaea borealis), wintergreen (Pyrola asarifolia), strawberry (Fragaria virginiana), dwarf red blackberry (Rubus pubescens), northern bedstraw (Galium boreale), and mitrewort (Mitella nuda). Schreber s moss (Pleurozium schreberi) and stair step moss (Hylocomium splendens) are dominant mosses throughout native upland vegetation communities. Common plant species in wetlands in the RAA are black spruce and tamarack (Larix laricina) trees, willows (Salix spp.), birch (Betula spp.) and Labrador tea (Ledum groenlandicum) shrubs, many sedge species (Carex spp.), bluejoint grass (Calamagrostis canadensis), horsetail species (Equisetum spp.). The most common moss species in wetlands are peat mosses (Sphagnum spp.) and brown mosses (Drepanocladus spp.) Re-Established Native Upland Vegetation in the PDAs outside of the SLCN The PDAs outside of SLCN Reserve Lands are located entirely within the previously-disturbed pipeline RoW, aside from where the embankment will be removed at Four Mile Creek (Site 42). Vegetation in most upland areas of the PDAs is dominated by cultivated crops, planted non-native grass species for cattle pasture (mixed in some areas with some native shrub species), or developed areas such as roads. At Four Mile Creek, re-established native upland vegetation will not be disturbed in the PDA because existing access and cleared areas (i.e., original borrow pit, embankment) will be used during physical abandonment activities at this site. 6.8

9 Assessment of Potential Effects on Vegetation and Wetlands There are however 10 PDAs outside of SLCN Reserve Lands that overlap native upland vegetation communities, which have re-established along portions of the RoW (Sites 1, 4, 18, 19, 30, 38, 41a, 101, 102, 110). Native upland vegetation communities cover less than 0.1 ha of each of these sites, for a total of approximately 1.0 ha of such communities in the PDAs Species and Ecological Communities of Management Concern outside of the SLCN ACIMS (2015) lists a total of 386 plant species of management concern and ecological communities of management concern on the watched or tracked list as occurring within one or more of the following natural subregions: Lower Boreal Highlands, Dry Mixedwood, Central Mixedwood, and Peace River Parkland. The 386 species of management concern and ecological communities of management concern include: 86 vascular plant species, 162 lichens, 113 bryophyte (moss and liverwort) species, and 25 ecological communities. None of these species of management concern or ecological communities of management concern is at risk. A search of the ACIMS database for historic occurrence records of listed or tracked species of management concern and ecological communities of management concern did not identify any occurrences within 2 km of any of the PDAs outside of SLCN Reserve Lands (ACIMS 2015). In addition, no occurrences of species of management concern, including species at risk, or ecological communities of management concern, were incidentally noted during field surveys for the Project Wetlands in the PDAs outside of the SLCN Wetland communities were identified during field surveys in the LAAs including fens, bogs, swamps, marshes and shallow open water. These wetland communities contain a variety of vegetation structural stages including wooded, shrubby, graminoid (i.e., grass and sedge dominated), and herbaceous (i.e., non-grass and sedge) dominated communities. Fens and bogs contain at least 40 cm of organic (peatland) soils; swamps, marshes and open water communities have mineral soil substrates. Black spruce (Picea mariana) and tamarack (Larix laricina) are dominant in wooded fens, whereas black spruce, alone, is generally dominant in wooded bogs. White spruce is found with black spruce and tamarack in more nutrient-rich wooded swamp communities. Common species in shrubby swamps and graminoid marshes in the LAAs are willow (Salix spp.), blue-joint and other reed grasses (Calamagrostis spp.) and sedge species (Carex spp.). 6.9

10 Assessment of Potential Effects on Vegetation and Wetlands Twenty-three of the PDAs outside the SLCN Reserve Lands overlap three classes of wetlands: shrubby swamp, mixedwood wooded swamp, and shrubby fen covering a total of 1.8 ha (Table 6-3). Of these 1.8 ha, 0.8 ha of shrubby swamp overlapped portions of 12 PDAs and 1.0 ha of mixedwood wooded swamp overlapped portions of nine PDAs. Two PDAs overlapped less than 0.01 ha of shrubby fen. The PDAs overlapping wetlands are indicated in Table 6-3 and are shown on the Environmental Site Information Sheets (Attachment B). Table 6-3 Wetlands Occurring within the PDAs, outside of the SLCN Wetland Class Wetland Area (ha) Number of PDAs shrubby swamp , 10, 11, 12, 63, 67a, 68, 70, 89, 93, 101, 103a mixedwood wooded swamp , 115, 118, 120, 122, 121, 122, 122a, 123 shrubby fen < , 19 Total SOURCE: Alberta Wetland Classification System (GoA 2015d) PDAs Re-Established Native Upland Vegetation Communities and Wetlands in the SLCN Pipe Removal PDA All land cover types occurring in the pipe removal PDA (i.e., on the SLCN Reserve Lands) are presented in Table 6-4. Approximately 7.7 ha of re-established native upland vegetation communities occur within the PDA including broadleaf forest, coniferous forest and grassland. This is as a result of notable regrowth of native vegetation, largely shrubs and small diameter trees, on the RoW. Areas of existing human disturbance cover approximately 14.5 ha of the PDA. There are four types of wetlands in the PDA: deciduous wooded swamp, mixedwood wooded swamp, shrubby swamp and wooded bog, covering a total of 5.9 ha. Wetlands in the SLCN Reserve Lands are shown on the Environmental Alignment Sheets (Attachment C). A search of the ACIMS database for historic occurrence records of listed or tracked species of management concern and ecological communities of management concern did not identify any occurrences within 2 km of the PDA within SLCN Reserve Lands (ACIMS 2015). In addition, no occurrences of species of management concern, including species at risk, or ecological communities of management concern, were incidentally noted during field surveys for the Project within the SLCN Reserve Lands. 6.10

11 Assessment of Potential Effects on Vegetation and Wetlands Table 6-4 Land Cover within the SLCN Pipe Removal PDA Land Cover Category Land Cover Re-established Native Upland Vegetation broadleaf forest 5.3 Communities 1 coniferous forest 0.2 Area (ha) grassland 2.2 Re-established Native Upland Vegetation Communities Subtotal 7.7 Human Disturbance Cover Types 2 cultivation (crop/pasture/bare ground) 9.6 developed 0.4 road 0.1 seismic line 0.5 pipeline RoW (with ongoing woody vegetation control) 3.9 Human Disturbance Cover Types Subtotal 14.5 Wetlands 3 deciduous wooded swamp 1.5 mixedwood wooded swamp 0.3 shrubby swamp 1.4 wooded bog 2.7 Wetlands Subtotal 5.9 Total 28.1 NOTES: 1 Re-established native upland vegetation communities from Land Cover Canada (ABMI 2010a) 2 Human disturbance footprint categories from the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI 2012) 3 Wetland boundaries determined by Stantec; Wetland Classification follows the Alberta Wetland Classification System (GoA 2015d) 6.11

12 Assessment of Potential Effects on Vegetation and Wetlands 6.3 PROJECT INTERACTIONS WITH VEGETATION AND WETLANDS Table 6-5 identifies which Project activities have the potential to result in effects to vegetation and wetlands. These interactions are indicated by check marks, and are discussed in detail in Section 6.5 in the context of effect pathways, standard and project-specific mitigation/enhancement, and residual effects. A justification is also provided for non-interactions (no check marks). Table 6-5 Project-Environment Interactions with Vegetation and Wetlands Project Activities Pipe Isolation, plate and fill, removal of cathodic protection Change in abundance or distribution of re-established native upland vegetation communities, including ecological communities of management concern Potential Effects Change in abundance or distribution of plant species of management concern, including species at risk Change in abundance, distribution, or function of wetlands Removal of watercourse crossing 1 Removal of pipeline 2 Removal of aboveground facilities NOTES: = Potential interactions that might cause an effect = Interactions between the Project and the VC are not expected 1 Removal of watercourse crossing is proposed at Four Mile Creek (Site 42) 2 Removal of the pipeline in SLCN. Removal of the watercourse crossing at Four Mile Creek is not predicted to have effects on abundance or distribution of re-established native upland vegetation communities, species of management concern, including species at risk, or wetland distribution, abundance or function. None of these vegetation or wetland resources occurs in the portion of the Four Mile Creek PDA that will be disturbed (Site 42). 6.12

13 Assessment of Potential Effects on Vegetation and Wetlands 6.4 MITIGATION This section focuses on key mitigation measures that will be implemented to avoid or reduce potential effects arising from physical abandonment activities. The EPP (Attachment A) outlines standard industry practices as well as the site-specific mitigation (Section 7 of Attachment A) that will be implemented during physical abandonment activities. Key mitigation measures for vegetation and wetlands to be applied during physical abandonment activities are summarized in Table 6-6. Mitigation to reduce or avoid effects on vegetation and wetlands will include remaining within the existing RoW and site boundaries, and avoiding work in wetlands to the extent practical. Where work in re-established native upland vegetation communities or wetlands are unavoidable, key mitigation measures are given in Table 6-6. Noxious and prohibited noxious species will be controlled, as described in Table 6-6 and the EPP (Attachment A). Additional mitigation measures have been developed for areas which require specific attention and are identified on the Environmental Alignment Sheets (Attachment C) and Environmental Site Information Sheets (Attachment B). Table 6-6 Mitigation Measures for Vegetation and Wetlands Potential Effect Effect Pathway Mitigation Measures Change in abundance or distribution of re-established native upland vegetation communities, including ecological communities of management concern Direct loss or alteration of previously-disturbed native upland vegetation, which has re-established along portions of the RoW, arising from vegetation clearing and ground disturbance Direct loss or alteration of an as yet undiscovered ecological communities of management concern arising from clearing and ground disturbance If previously unidentified rare plants or rare ecological communities are found on the work site prior to abandonment, implement the Plant Species and Ecological Communities of Concern Discovery Contingency Plan (Appendix 1E). To prevent inadvertent trespass, stake the Project work sites to clearly delineate all boundaries. During clearing, fell trees towards the right-of-way, wherever possible. Recover trees that inadvertently fall into adjacent undisturbed vegetation. Avoid disturbance to environmentally sensitive features during clearing as identified by the appropriate signage and/or fencing. The Environmental Inspector(s)and appropriate Environmental Resource Specialist will determine the size of avoidance buffer surrounding these features, if appropriate. Where practical, leave stumps in place, particularly on streambanks, to provide surface stability. Stumps that are removed will be disposed of by burning or chipping. Use a cover crop to assist in weed and erosion control where warranted, or where requested by the landowner. Apply cover crops to the approach slopes of all water crossings where 6.13

14 Assessment of Potential Effects on Vegetation and Wetlands Table 6-6 Mitigation Measures for Vegetation and Wetlands Potential Effect Effect Pathway Mitigation Measures Introduction or spread of plant species listed by the Alberta Weed Control Act, Weed Control Regulation (GoA 2010a) there is a risk of wind and water erosion. On Crown land allow for natural regeneration, or seed as directed by the appropriate Land Administrator. Natural recovery is the preferred method of reclamation in non-agricultural areas on level terrain where erosion is not expected. Seed riparian and erosion prone areas with a native cover crop and seed mix that has been approved by the applicable regulatory agency, as soon as feasible after abandonment, prior to spring freshet wherever possible. Following removal of facilities within the Chinchaga caribou range, NGTL will restore habitat using measures appropriate to the site type and surrounding vegetation. All equipment must arrive at the Project site clean and free of soil or vegetative debris. Equipment will be inspected by the Environmental Inspector(s), or designate, and if deemed to be in appropriate condition will be identified with a suitable marker or tag. Any equipment which arrives in a dirty condition shall not be allowed on the right-of-way until it has been cleaned. Post signs at areas identified as having noxious weed infestations prior to start of abandonment. Follow procedures outlined in the Weeds section of the EPP (Section 8). If previously unidentified locations with noxious or prohibited noxious weed infestations are found on the physical abandonment activities footprint during physical abandonment activities, the Environmental Inspector(s) will be contacted and will establish the appropriate mitigation or control procedures prior to continuing physical abandonment activities in the area. Monitor topsoil/strippings piles for weed growth during the course of abandonment and implement corrective measures (e.g., spraying, mowing, hand pulling) to avoid infestation when warranted. Unless a certificate of weed analysis can be provided, all physical abandonment material sources used for supplies of sand, gravel, rock, straw and mulch will be visually inspected to ensure they are free of noxious weeds to the extent possible. If sources are suspected as having noxious weeds, they shall be sampled and lab analyzed to ensure they meet the 6.14

15 Assessment of Potential Effects on Vegetation and Wetlands Table 6-6 Mitigation Measures for Vegetation and Wetlands Potential Effect Effect Pathway Mitigation Measures Change in abundance or distribution of plant species of management concern, including species at risk Change in abundance, distribution or function of wetlands Direct loss or alteration of an as yet undiscovered species of management concern arising from clearing and ground disturbance Alteration or loss of wetland area or wetland class arising from vegetation clearing and ground disturbance Changes in surface water and groundwater flow and quality potentially affecting function of wetlands requirements of the responsible regulatory agency prior to obtaining or transporting any material to the Project site. Use a cover crop to assist in weed and erosion control where warranted, or where requested by the landowner. Apply cover crops to the approach slopes of all water crossings where there is a risk of wind and water erosion. On Crown land allow for natural regeneration, or seed as directed by the appropriate Land Administrator. Natural recovery is the preferred method of reclamation in non-agricultural areas on level terrain where erosion is not expected. Seed riparian and erosion prone areas with a native cover crop and seed mix that has been approved by the applicable regulatory agency, as soon as feasible after physical abandonment activities, prior to spring freshet wherever possible. Implement reclamation monitoring and treat weed infestation on the right-of-way and work sites as needed. If previously unidentified rare plants or rare ecological communities are found on the work site prior to abandonment, implement the Plant Species and Ecological Communities of Concern Discovery Contingency Plan (Appendix 1E). Review mitigation for rare plants / rare ecological communities with Contractor personnel in advance of abandonment to ensure there is full understanding of the procedures involved. Fence edge of wetland within PDA to reduce removal of wetland vegetation and exclude vehicle and equipment movement. Follow mitigation measures for work sites in/near wetlands outlined in Section 7 of the EPP. Conduct clearing near wetlands as described in Section 7 of the EPP. Construct the shallow open water wetland crossings as per Code of Practice notifications. Reduce the removal of vegetation in wetlands to the extent possible. 6.15

16 Assessment of Potential Effects on Vegetation and Wetlands Table 6-6 Mitigation Measures for Vegetation and Wetlands Potential Effect Effect Pathway Mitigation Measures Conduct ground level cutting/mowing/mulching of wetland vegetation instead of grubbing. The method of removal of wetland vegetation is subject to approval by NGTL. Direct grading away from wetlands. Reduce grading within wetland boundary. Do not use temporary workspace within the boundaries of wetlands, unless required for site specific purposes. Temporary workspace within the boundary of a wetland must be approved by the EI(s). If ground conditions are encountered that create potential for rutting, admixing or compaction on the work site, minimize ground disturbance by using a protective layer such as matting or biodegradable geotextile and clay ramps or other approved materials between wetland root/seed bed and physical abandonment equipment. Replace trench material as soon as possible, and re-establish pre-abandonment contours within wetland boundary to ensure cross right-of-way drainage. Conduct refuelling at least 100 m away from any waterbody or wetland, when feasible. Install berms, cross ditches and/or silt fences between wetlands and disturbed areas when deemed necessary by the EI(s). Natural recovery is the preferred method of reclamation. Do not seed wetland areas. Prohibit the use of herbicides within 30 m of an open body of water, unless the herbicide application is conducted by ground application equipment, or otherwise approved by the responsible regulatory agency. Where nonfrozen soils are encountered during physical abandonment activities, refer to the Wet Soils Contingency Plan. Install corduroy, subject to regulatory approval, wooden mats or equivalent, as approved by NGTL, in areas of wet soils to reduce terrain disturbance and soil structure damage. These materials will be removed during clean-up. 6.16

17 Assessment of Potential Effects on Vegetation and Wetlands 6.5 ASSESSMENT OF RESIDUAL EFFECTS ON VEGETATION AND WETLANDS Change in Abundance or Distribution of Re-established Native Upland Vegetation Communities, including Ecological Communities of Management Concern Pathways for Project Effects The Project could result in a change in the abundance and distribution of re-established native upland vegetation communities which have grown along portions of the RoW due to physical abandonment activities such as clearing and grading at work sites that occur in native upland vegetation. Direct loss or alteration of undiscovered ecological communities of management concern could also occur. Physical abandonment activities could result in an increase or change in the abundance and distribution of noxious or prohibited noxious species listed by the Alberta Weed Control Act (GoA 2010a). Equipment and vehicles could spread noxious or prohibited noxious species during physical abandonment activities or during reclamation. Many noxious or prohibited noxious species aggressively invade disturbed areas and may outcompete native vegetation species during reclamation Assessment of Residual Effects Physical abandonment activities will be completed on previously disturbed lands within NGTL s PRML RoW and facility site boundaries, aside from work to remove the embankment at Four Mile Creek (Site 42), and removal of three rectifiers. Re-established native upland vegetation will not be disturbed during work at Site 42. Surrounding land use in the LAAs and RAA is cultivated lands, pasture and boreal forest. Most PDAs have no interaction with re-established native vegetation communities because they are located entirely within cultivated areas or other disturbed lands. However, 10 PDAs (Sites 1, 4, 18, 19, 30, 38, 41a, 101, 102 and 110) occur in areas where native upland vegetation communities have regrown in the RoW (a total of approximately 1.0 ha). In the SLCN PDAs, approximately 7.7 ha of native upland vegetation communities, largely dominated by shrubs and small diameter trees, have regrown in the RoW. There are no known historical or field-identified occurrences of ecological communities of management concern in the LAAs and, since only 8.7 ha of re-established native upland vegetation communities occur in the PDAs, there is a low potential for the Project to have effects on ecological communities of management concern. However, there are 25 historically documented ecological communities of management concern that occur in the four natural subregions that are crossed by the Project. Some of these ecological communities of management concern are early successional communities and there is a chance that such ecological communities of management concern could occur in PDAs. Any incidental encounters of ecological communities of management concern identified prior to or during 6.17

18 Assessment of Potential Effects on Vegetation and Wetlands physical abandonment activities will be managed according to the Plant Species and Ecological Communities of Concern Discovery Contingency Plan in the EPP (Appendix 1E, Attachment A). Project interactions with re-established native upland vegetation communities are expected to be temporary, with vegetation expected to re-establish at work sites following cleanup and reclamation. Reclamation of the PDAs will be completed as soon as practical following completion of physical abandonment activities. After reclamation, disturbed areas are expected to re-vegetate and re-establish maturing structural stages within approximately 5 to 10 years after reclamation as vegetation matures. Weed control measures are expected to control the spread of noxious and prohibited noxious weed species. It is anticipated that vegetation along the RoW will continue to establish and mature as operational maintenance of the RoW (e.g., brushing) ceases. With the implementation of mitigation measures described in Section 6.4, residual effects on abundance or distribution of re-established native upland vegetation communities, including ecological communities of management concern, are predicted to be adverse in direction, limited to the PDAs, medium-term duration, occur once during physical abandonment activities, and be reversible because native upland vegetation communities are predicted to re-establish after reclamation of the Project. Because the area of native upland vegetation communities affected is small (approximately 8.7 ha), the magnitude of the effect is low. Physical abandonment activities may result in a long-term positive effect on native vegetation, as vegetation is allowed to regenerate in the abandoned RoW and reclaimed facility site boundaries Change in Abundance or Distribution of Plant Species of Management Concern, including Species at Risk Pathways for Project Effects The Project could result in a direct loss or alteration of an as yet undiscovered species of management concern arising during physical abandonment activities such as vegetation clearing and grading at PDAs. 6.18

19 Assessment of Potential Effects on Vegetation and Wetlands Assessment of Residual Effects There are no known historical or field-identified occurrences of plant species of management concern, including species at risk, in the LAAs. Since only 16.4 ha of re-established native upland vegetation communities and wetlands occur in the PDAs there is a low potential for species of management concern to occur in the PDAs. However, there are 361 plant species of management concern historically known to occur in the four natural subregions crossed by the Project. Some of these species of management concern are early successional species and there is a chance that such species of management concern could occur in PDAs. None of these species of management concern is a species at risk. Incidental encounters of plant species of management concern identified prior to or during physical abandonment activities will be managed according to the Plant Species and Ecological Communities of Concern Discovery Contingency Plan in the EPP (Appendix 1E, Attachment A). If any species of management concern are discovered, residual effects are predicted to be adverse in direction, limited to the PDA, medium-term duration, occur once during physical abandonment activities, and reversible with the implementation of mitigation described above. Because there are no known occurrences of species of management concern which would be affected by the Project, and any occurrences discovered in the future will be managed as described above, the magnitude of the effect is low Change in Abundance, Distribution or Function of Wetlands Pathways for Project Effects The Project could result in a change in the abundance, distribution or function of wetlands, due to physical abandonment activities such as clearing and grading at PDAs that occur in wetlands. These activities could result in a loss of wetland area or class, or in changes in surface water and groundwater flow or water quality, potentially affecting wetland function Assessment of Residual Effects As previously noted, the Project will be completed primarily on previously disturbed lands within NGTL s existing PRML RoW and site boundaries. Most PDAs have no interaction with wetlands. However, 7.7 ha of wetlands are within selected PDAs (see Table 6-3). Of these 7.7 ha, the PDA within SLCN Reserve Lands overlaps 5.9 ha of four classes of wetlands: shrubby swamp, mixedwood wooded swamp, wooded bog and deciduous wooded swamp (see Table 6-4). Outside of SLCN Reserve Lands, there are 23 PDAs that overlap a total of 1.8 ha of shrubby swamp, mixedwood wooded swamp, and shrubby fen wetland classes (see Table 6-3). 6.19

20 Assessment of Potential Effects on Vegetation and Wetlands Eleven of the 23 PDAs outside of SLCN Reserve Lands and portions of the SLCN PDAs overlap less than 0.03 ha of wetland, which can be avoided. In these PDAs, the wetlands will be fenced off during physical abandonment activities and the wetland will be avoided. Wetland fencing locations are indicated on the Environmental Alignment Sheets (Attachment C) and Environmental Site Information Sheets (Attachment B). A net positive effect on wetlands is anticipated where above-ground facilities are removed from wetlands and the PDA is reclaimed (e.g., Site 63; removal of block valve PRM60). Where wetlands cannot be avoided during physical abandonment activities, abandonment practices will follow mitigation measures described in Section 6.4 and in the EPP (Attachment A). Wetland-related activities will conform to the Alberta Water Act Code of Practice for temporary effects on wetlands (GoA 2000b and c). Pre-abandonment wetland topography and hydrology will be re-established during reclamation at all locations. Reclamation is expected to re-establish wetland function comparable to pre-abandonment conditions within approximately 5 to 10 years after reclamation, as vegetation and biotic processes mature. With the implementation of mitigation measures described in Section 6.4, residual effects on abundance, distribution and function of wetlands, are predicted to be adverse in direction, PDA in extent, medium-term duration, occur once during physical abandonment activities, and reversible because wetlands are predicted to have regained function comparable to pre-abandonment conditions within approximately 5 to 10 years after reclamation. Because the area of wetlands affected is small (approximately 7.7 ha), the magnitude of the effect is considered low. Removal of above-ground facilities from within wetlands and reclamation at these sites may have a positive effect on wetland distribution and function Summary of Residual Project Effects Project residual effects on vegetation and wetlands are summarized in Table

21 Assessment of Potential Effects on Vegetation and Wetlands Table 6-7 Residual Effects on Vegetation and Wetlands Residual Effect Direction Magnitude Residual Effects Characterization Geographic Extent Duration Frequency Reversibility Change in Abundance or Distribution of Native Upland Vegetation Types, including Ecological Communities of Management Concern Pipe Isolation, plate and fill, removal of cathodic protection A L PDA MT S R D Removal of watercourse crossing N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Removal of pipeline A L PDA MT S R D Removal of above-ground facilities A/P L PDA MT S R D Change in Abundance or Distribution of Plant Species of Management Concern, including Species at Risk Pipe Isolation, plate and fill, removal of cathodic protection A L PDA MT S R D Removal of watercourse crossing N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Removal of pipeline A L PDA MT S R D Removal of above-ground facilities A L PDA MT S R D Change in Abundance, Distribution or Function of Wetlands Pipe Isolation, plate and fill, removal of cathodic protection A L PDA MT S R D Removal of watercourse crossing N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Removal of pipeline A L PDA MT S R D Removal of above-ground facilities A/P L PDA MT S R D Ecological and Socioeconomic Context 6.21

22 Assessment of Potential Effects on Vegetation and Wetlands Table 6-7 Residual Effects on Vegetation and Wetlands KEY See Table 6-2 for detailed definitions Direction P Positive A Adverse N Neutral Magnitude N L M H Negligible Low Moderate High Geographic Extent PDA Project Disturbance Area LAA Local Assessment Area RAA Regional Assessment Area Duration ST Short term MT Medium term LT Long term N/A Not applicable Frequency S Single event IR Multiple irregular event R Multiple regular event C Continuous Reversibility R Reversible I Irreversible Ecological and Socio-economic Context U Undisturbed D Disturbed 6.22

23 Assessment of Potential Effects on Vegetation and Wetlands 6.6 ASSESSMENT OF CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ON VEGETATION AND WETLANDS Existing environmental conditions reflect cumulative effects on the environment from past projects and activities. Past and existing physical activities that have been or are being carried out have influenced the baseline conditions for vegetation and wetlands (see Section 6.2). The effects of other physical activities that have been or are being carried out in combination with the effects of the Project are therefore considered in the assessment of the residual environmental effects of the Project (see Section 6.5). Where residual environmental effects from the Project act cumulatively with those from other reasonably foreseeable future projects and physical activities, a cumulative effects assessment is undertaken to determine their significance. The proposed Project will have temporary residual effects on approximately 8.7 ha of re-established native upland vegetation communities and less than 7.7 ha of wetlands within the PDAs because of disturbance associated with physical abandonment activities. In a regional context, the residual effects from this Project on re-established native upland vegetation communities and wetlands may act cumulatively with residual effects from a number of reasonably foreseeable future projects within the RAA. To avoid unnecessary duplication, further discussion of the potential cumulative effects associated with loss or alteration of re-established native upland vegetation and wetlands within the RAA are considered in the discussion of cumulative effects on wildlife habitat in Section DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE AND PREDICTION CONFIDENCE With the application of mitigation and environmental protection measures, Project residual effects on vegetation and wetlands are predicted to be not significant. Residual effects do not affect the sustainability of native upland vegetation communities, ecological communities of management concern, plant species of management concern or wetlands. Direct interactions with these resources will be temporary and reversible. Abandonment may result in a long-term positive effect on native vegetation as vegetation is allowed to regenerate in the abandoned RoW and reclaimed facility site boundaries. It may also have positive effects on wetlands where above-ground facilities are removed from within wetlands and the PDA is reclaimed. Prediction confidence is high, because the total area of re-established native upland vegetation communities and wetlands affected by the Project is relatively small (16.4 ha) and because there are no known occurrences of plant species of management concern, including species at risk, in the LAAs. In addition, mitigation for effects on native upland vegetation communities and wetlands is well established. The significance of cumulative effects is considered in Section