REPORT TO CORE AREA LIQUID WASTE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING OF WEDNESDAY 28 JULY 2010 INTEGRATED WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PROGRESS REPORT

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1 Report #EEP REPORT TO CORE AREA LIQUID WASTE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING OF WEDNESDAY 28 JULY 2010 SUBJECT INTEGRATED WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PROGRESS REPORT ISSUE To consider revising the existing core area stormwater program towards an Integrated Watershed Management (IWM) program. BACKGROUND IWM was identified in the Capital Regional District (CRD) Strategic Plan as an outcome for the CRD. The CRD currently provides a Stormwater, Harbours and Watersheds Program (SHWP) which delivers a stormwater monitoring, reporting and education program on behalf of eleven municipalities and three electoral areas (EA). This work is primarily focused on working cooperatively with municipalities and electoral areas to characterize and reduce stormwater-carried contamination at the shoreline. The stormwater quality program provides support and information related to environmental impacts and protection of municipal infrastructure through identification of contamination sources, undertaking investigative work, educational initiatives and tools to educate businesses and residents on protection of stormwater and the environment. Authority for this work comes from liquid waste management plans (Core Area and Saanich Peninsula) and/or establishing bylaws (Core Area, Saanich Peninsula, Juan de Fuca EA, Sooke, Salt Spring Island EA and the Southern Gulf Islands EA). Under this authority, some basic watershed protection functions are delivered, in addition to coordination of individual watershed initiatives such as the Bowker Creek Urban Watershed Renewal Initiative, a program that has resulted in a 100-year action plan for the community and municipalities to protect and enhance the Bowker Creek watershed. At the 28 October 2009 Environmental Sustainability Committee meeting, staff presented an IWM progress report stating that they would report back to the committee with the results of a consultant s report and options related to the implementation of a regional integrated watershed management program. Staff worked with a facilitator and consultant to explore the scope of an IWM service and prepare a proposed IWM program plan (Appendix A). The plan presents a vision of what is possible for a complete IWM service and forms a framework for what the CRD can do to support member municipalities and electoral areas in watershed protection. Some of the strategies in the plan are currently being performed by SHWP and others can be performed by reallocating resources as establishing bylaws allow. Full implementation of an IWM service as presented in Appendix A is beyond the scope of existing authority, resources and staffing levels. Such a service would require a new establishing bylaw, costsharing formula, long-term commitment and planning at the municipal/electoral area level and require creation of a new service. As a first step towards a regional service, staff propose that the core area stormwater quality program be refocused to an IWM program. This change would involve re-allocating resources to incorporate components of the attached plan (where possible under establishing bylaws, staffing and budgetary HDM\#336974\v9 EPR

2 levels) but also maintaining the existing key functions of the program at an appropriate level to support municipal efforts to locate and repair sources of stormwater contamination. ALTERNATIVES 1. That the core area stormwater quality program continue status quo and staff coordinate watershed issues within the core where appropriate and as establishing bylaw and budget allow. 2. That staff present to the Core Area Liquid Waste Management Committee in fall 2010 an implementation strategy for an Integrated Watershed Management program for the core area. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS Both alternatives can be delivered within existing core budgets. SUMMARY Issues of watershed and receiving environment protection are regional by definition. The attached plan represents what could be done to protect and enhance the region s watersheds and receiving environment. Some tasks from the plan could be performed under existing budgets but full implementation of an IWM service, as presented in Appendix A, is beyond the scope of existing authority, resources and staffing levels. In order to explore the options available under an IWM plan, components of the plan can be undertaken in the core area. RECOMMENDATION That staff present to the Core Area Liquid Waste Management Committee in fall 2010 an implementation strategy for an Integrated Watershed Management program for the core area. Glenn Harris, PhD, RPBio Senior Manager, Environmental Protection Larisa Hutcheson, PEng General Manager, Environmental Sustainability Concurrence DG:kam/cam Attachment: 1 HDM\#336974\v9 EPR

3 Proposed Integrated Watershed Management Program Plan Environmental Sustainability Environmental Protection Prepared By Stormwater, Harbours and Watersheds Program Capital Regional District 625 Fisgard Street, Victoria, BC V8W 2S6 T: F: July 2010 HDM\#346700\v3

4 Proposed Integrated Watershed Management Program Plan Introduction A watershed is an area in which rainwater runoff drains to a common point. The Capital Regional District (CRD) is home to hundreds of urban, rural, and natural multi use watersheds. These watersheds cross jurisdictional boundaries, encompass a diverse range of ecosystems and land uses and require integrated, collaborative and co operative management of land and water resources. Since 2006, as directed by the Environment Committee, the Stormwater, Harbours and Watersheds Program (SHWP) has been working, in partnership with the member municipalities and community groups, towards the coordination of integrated watershed management (IWM). In 2008, SHWP was directed to investigate the need for a separate CRD service for IWM. At the 2008 meetings with the inter municipal and community IWM groups, the following working definition of IWM was developed: IWM includes: Integrated watershed management (IWM) is the coordinated, sustainable management of land and water resources within a watershed to ensure the sustainability of vital ecosystems where local governments and stakeholders work together to control and conserve hydrology, ensure biodiversity, minimize land degradation and maximize economic, social and environmental objectives. integrated land and water use planning and management multi level partnerships and stakeholder involvement habitat and biodiversity conservation, protection and restoration rainwater, surface water and groundwater quantity and quality management public education integrated standards, regulations and legislation adapted to local conditions results based performance monitoring for decision making The following vision, principles, goals, strategies, actions and measures outline the potential IWM service the CRD could provide. Aspects of the plan are also presented graphically in Appendix A. Vision Multi use watersheds in the region support healthy, livable and vibrant communities. These properly functioning watersheds perform ecological services and ensure healthy terrestrial, aquatic and marine ecosystems and improved resiliency to a changing climate. Principles The following principles guide the IWM program plan: Collaborative Approach: Work collaboratively with local governments, senior government agencies, First Nations communities and public stakeholders. Proposed Integrated Watershed Management Program Plan June 2010 Page 1

5 Ecosystem Based: Acknowledge and foster the interconnectedness and interdependence of watershed ecosystems in the region. Each component of the system, including humans, affects other parts of the system. Forward Thinking: Promote innovative technologies and approaches, and reflect a shift in focus to green infrastructure. Climate Adaptation: Recognize that climate change will impact watershed ecosystems and aim to reduce environmental, social and economic vulnerabilities. Goals, Strategies, Actions and Measures This plan has four goals, which are addressed by ten strategies and supporting actions for the Capital Region, member municipalities and electoral areas. The supporting actions are linked and reinforce each other; their implementation requires collaboration and integration to ensure they are not undertaken in isolation. During implementation, there will be collaboration between the CRD, member municipalities and electoral areas, and other partners to ensure an informed and coordinated process. Goal 1. Pursue effective and collaborative watershed management and stewardship Watersheds are not confined by administrative boundaries demarking the various municipalities and electoral areas of the Capital Region. As a result, IWM requires collaboration and coordination between many land and water managers within and among various levels of government. To minimize impacts to downstream municipalities and to ensure sustainability of vital ecosystems and watershed hydrology, local governments need to work together to control and conserve hydrology, ensure biodiversity, minimize land degradation and maximize economic, social and environmental objectives. Effective and collaborative management and stewardship, along with innovation, monitoring and assessment, maintenance and reinvestment will help to achieve this goal. Strategy 1.1 management Work collaboratively to address regional watershed priorities, issues and coordinated Collaboration extends beyond the CRD and its members and includes senior levels of government, academia, business and the community this helps to foster innovation. This plan promotes collaborative forums and dialogue through advisory committees, partnerships in research and development of implementation tools. a. Coordinate municipal and community IWM committees with a view to promote and improve integrated watershed management in the region b. Establish an expert advisory committee for integrated watershed management c. Identify priority watershed issues and concerns where regional coordination and collaboration would prove beneficial d. Identify priority watersheds that may require the development of an integrated watershed management plan e. Work with municipalities to coordinate and prepare watershed management plans for high priority watersheds (as required) f. Consult with First Nation communities on Integrated Watershed Management g. Liaise with senior levels of government on region wide watershed issues h. Liaise with regional Sustainability Plan Page 2 Proposed Integrated Watershed Management Program Plan June 2010

6 Goal 2. Protect clean water and effectively manage flows Properly functioning hydrology and clean water is paramount to achieving healthy watersheds, creating sustainable communities and protecting property from flooding and overwhelming existing stormwater infrastructure. The intent of this goal is to treat rainwater as a resource, by preventing contamination and encouraging natural hydrologic functions so that we can eliminate the need to treat it as waste and to manage water quality and quantity at the source to reduce the costs of reactive downstream strategies. Strategy 2.1 Use existing and innovative approaches and technologies that mimic natural hydrology and geology to reduce contamination of rainwater and to ensure there is no net increase in flows entering watercourses and stormwater systems This strategy seeks to improve the hydrological function of multi use watersheds, minimize pollution of rainwater, reduce flooding of private property and minimize erosion of watercourses through the use of green infrastructure and innovative rainwater management approaches. Urban, rural and natural watersheds differ greatly in function and management needs. Site appropriate actions that retain or hold rainwater on the land or allow it to infiltrate into the ground will reduce the risk of overwhelming existing stormwater infrastructure, help maintain storm sewer capacity and reduce the risk of contamination, flooding and erosion. Managing rainwater and stormwater at the site level where appropriate will help reduce negative water quality and quantity impacts. a. Develop and provide tools, BMPs, model policies and bylaws, and education programs on sustainable site design and encourage site appropriate Low Impact Development (LID) approaches and techniques (including workshops) for municipal and electoral area staff, developers and the public b. Monitor the effectiveness of a variety of rainwater management and LID techniques c. Encourage rainwater retention and infiltration, and a reduction of impervious surfaces to reduce the negative impact of impervious areas d. Work closely with the CRD Environmental Engineering Inflow and Infiltration program to ensure LID approaches also reduce the volume of rainwater entering the sewer system e. Review and enhance stormwater bylaws and improve stormwater source control efforts f. Provide education on rainwater quality and quantity issues to local governments, residents and businesses with an aim to change behaviours that cause impacts g. Compile research and provide tools on techniques and strategies for different soil types and infiltration rates Strategy 2.2 environment Effectively monitor water quality and quantity and assess impacts on the receiving Monitoring will inform on the effectiveness of Integrated Watershed Management and understanding of the potential impacts of runoff on the receiving environment. It will also help to inform on climate adaptation strategies for managing rainwater. Proposed Integrated Watershed Management Program Plan June 2010 Page 3

7 a. Revise existing Stormwater Quality Monitoring program to improve evaluation of the impacts of stormwater on aquatic and marine habitats with a focus on priority areas and watershed health (this may include expanding monitored parameters to include first flush events, nutrient inputs, benthic invertebrates, emerging chemical contaminants of concern, contaminant loadings) b. Conduct source investigations or use toxicity identification tools to identify sources of contamination from stormwater discharges c. Expand the stormwater/rainwater monitoring program to include hydrological and flow parameters for priority watersheds and stormwater catchment areas Goal 3. Protect and enhance terrestrial, aquatic and nearshore marine habitats Healthy watersheds and shorelines provide significant hydrological and ecological services and functions including: purification of air and water, surface flow regulation, mitigation of floods and droughts, erosion control and stream bank stabilization, detoxification and decomposition of wastes, generation and renewal of soil and soil fertility, pollination of crops and natural vegetation, control of agricultural pests, dispersal of seeds and nutrients, maintenance of biodiversity, protection from ultraviolet rays, stabilization of climate, moderation of temperature extremes and the force of winds and waves, support of diverse human cultures, beauty and spiritual sustenance. Strategy 3.1 Encourage the retention of the natural services and functions of the landscape Traditionally, natural ecosystems have not been accorded value for the services and functions they provide to society and as a result are highly vulnerable to degradation in multi use watersheds. Their financial value becomes apparent when the costs of protecting these ecosystems are compared with investments in piped infrastructure to replace the ecosystem services and functions. Development and redevelopment that retains and improves these functions and services will reduce costs associated with replacing these services. This strategy seeks to promote environmental site design for new development where the natural features and their corresponding services and functions are preserved rather than replaced and in developed areas encourages innovative solutions that attempt to mimic the natural hydrology to improve watershed function. a. Conduct research on the value of natural services and functions of the ecosystem and provide this information to municipalities and electoral areas, developers and the public b. Deliver workshops and provide tools for local government staff and developers that promote environmental site design and smart development principals and that preserve, enhance or mimic ecosystem services c. Develop outreach materials for the public on the services that ecosystems provide and identify how residents can contribute to the preservation of these services and functions. Strategy 3.2 Support coordinated efforts to plan for, and protect, the region s urban forests and environmentally sensitive and significant areas Environmentally sensitive and significant areas can include wetlands, creeks and waterways, harbours, shorelines, nearshore marine ecosystems and urban forests. Urban forests are treed landscapes in a community and include old growth remnants, backyard fruit trees, urban parks and trail systems, Garry oak meadows and treed boulevards. Working in partnership with municipalities, electoral areas and Page 4 Proposed Integrated Watershed Management Program Plan June 2010

8 other CRD departments, this strategy seeks to provide coordinated inventories of these resources, to develop priority areas for protection and to develop tools and outreach materials to support the protection of these resources. a. Support the definition, identification and mapping of environmentally sensitive and significant areas b. Coordinate the completion and regular update of the urban forest inventory for the region (and collaborate with municipalities other CRD departments on the development of a regional urban forest stewardship plan) c. Compile available inventories and assist in determining where other inventories are required d. Provide available inventory and mapping information for urban forests and environmentally sensitive and significant areas on the CRD Natural Areas Atlas and Harbours Atlas e. Participate in the development of biodiversity indices and identification of potential wildlife corridors and connections between natural areas f. Enhance regional perspectives and collaborations related to environmental stewardship g. Educate the public about the value and benefits of urban forests, environmentally sensitive and significant areas and how they can steward those resources h. Support the identification of priority areas for restoration and protection and recommend appropriate management strategies and procedures Strategy 3.3 Minimize the impact of invasive species Invasive species are one of the most significant threats to natural habitats and parkland in the region. This strategy seeks to improve coordination and sharing of resources between municipalities, CRD departments, provincial agencies and the public in managing and controlling the spread of invasive species. a. Coordinate and liaise with provincial invasive species groups, municipal staff and local groups involved in invasive species management and stewardship b. Evaluate emerging invasive species and coordinate early response c. Facilitate information sharing and transfer of knowledge on identification, training of effective removal and management techniques between municipal staff and CRD departments d. Work with CRD Environmental Resource Management to determine appropriate, effective and affordable regional disposal options for invasive plant material e. Develop a coordinated outreach and education program to inform residents about invasive species of concern and provide guidance on how they can help reduce the impact of invasive species on the region f. Discourage the sale of plants known to be invasive Strategy 3.4 Protect coastal and riparian processes The coastal environment consists of constantly changing conditions caused by the forces of wind, waves, currents and tides. Watercourses may be a mere trickle at certain times and a raging torrent at other times. The character of the movement of water changes according to time of day, year, season and during extreme weather events. Human development along coastlines and stream sides can impact the Proposed Integrated Watershed Management Program Plan June 2010 Page 5

9 natural variations to coastal and riparian processes. If appropriate setbacks are not used, these natural variations may result in negative impacts to built structures. a. Consider the creation of development guidelines/standards for different shore types and investigate the authority and options for the development of a model shoreline management bylaw b. Promote alternatives to shoreline and riparian hardening options c. Encourage the understanding of the form and function of coastal and riparian areas d. Identify and reduce the cumulative impacts of site by site development to the form and function of coastal and riparian areas Goal 4. Improve the resiliency and adaptive capacity of watersheds to a changing climate Global climate change is widely recognized as one of the world s greatest environmental, social and economic threats. It is virtually certain that the climate will continue to warm and become increasingly variable over the coming decades. Our region is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate variability and these changes put ecosystems and infrastructure at risk. Adaptive capacity is the ability of an ecosystem to adapt if the environment is changing. As applied to ecological systems, the adaptive capacity is determined by: genetic diversity of species, biodiversity of particular ecosystems and a variety of ecosystem mosaics across the landscape. Resilience is the capacity of an ecosystem to tolerate disturbance without collapsing into a qualitatively different state that is controlled by a different set of processes. A resilient ecosystem can withstand shocks and rebuild itself when necessary. Steps to enhance adaptive capacity must be locally relevant. Building adaptive capacity requires effective communication between communities, other governments and researchers, and involves two way transfer of knowledge and the development of tools and resources to assist local decision making. Improved monitoring of key climate elements and environmental variables (e.g., stream gauging, coastal water levels, erosion and sedimentation, invasive species spread) will be required. Strategy 4.1 Encourage the preservation and protection of natural systems that improve the adaptive capacity of the natural environment Natural systems are expected to adapt to shorter winters and earlier springs, which will alter ecosystems and species' lifecycles. Increased risk of pests, diseases and forest fires are likely to occur in a warmer climate. Rising urban temperatures and heat waves result in diminished air quality which affects the health of plant and animal species. On the other hand, a milder climate could present new opportunities for tourism and recreation by extending the growing season for vegetation in parks and other recreational areas. a. Compile research on potential ecosystem shifts as a result of a new climate regime and provide advice on natural area management and restoration strategies b. Coordinate or participate in efforts to inventory and plan for the region s urban forest as a contributor to carbon sequestration/capture and adaptation strategies Page 6 Proposed Integrated Watershed Management Program Plan June 2010

10 Strategy 4.2 Coordinate a vulnerability assessment of regional watershed and shorelines and deliver tools to assist municipalities in planning for and adapting to a changing climate. Expected changes to the climate in the region include new rainfall and temperature regimes, increased drought, rising sea levels and increased winds. Shifts in climate norms will have large ramifications for existing infrastructure and built systems (e.g., storm sewers, properties, roads and bridges), agricultural lands and natural systems (e.g., watersheds and forests). A regional assessment of these vulnerabilities will provide municipalities and the region with critical information required to make informed decisions regarding infrastructure, future development and redevelopment and will provide economies of scale. a. Coordinate the development of updated design storms for the region using the best available forecasts of our future climate b. In consultation with municipalities and electoral areas, develop common design standards/guidelines that consider a changing climate include areas prone to flooding and storm surge c. Educate governments, stakeholders and the public about vulnerabilities to climate change in relation to watersheds and develop approaches to work together d. Conduct vulnerability assessments in partnership with Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium and the Province of BC s Climate Change Adaptation Branch e. Gather baseline and ongoing hydrological monitoring data for the region f. Compile available research on resilient green infrastructure to address risks and long term needs Strategy 4.3 Develop integrated watershed management strategies and programs to address projected changes in precipitation and sea level rise Hydrological and ecosystem function of the region s watersheds will be highly impacted by changes in precipitation and sea level rise. This strategy seeks to ensure that all integrated watershed management plans and strategies consider a changing climate and incorporate the best available information. a. Identify priority watersheds and vulnerable shorelines b. Liaise with senior government and academic institutions to obtain required projected changes/data for the region to inform the plans c. Respond to provincial regulations, standards and guidelines targeted at land use planning as it related to precipitation and sea level rise d. Obtain municipal support, establish a steering committee and develop detailed plans for select watersheds Proposed Integrated Watershed Management Program Plan June 2010 Page 7

11 Performance Measures Performance measures will be determined in collaboration with municipalities. Potential performance measures could include: Number and area (hectares) of completed watershed plans Number of IWM Working Group meetings held Change in number of high priority discharges Beach closure days and locations Watershed and stream health indicators (flows, water quality data) Use of LID strategies in the region Reduction in peak flows (creeks, storm and sanitary sewer) Outreach materials developed and number of people engaged Changes in survey data (behavior change) Changes in urban forest cover Quantity of environmentally sensitive and significant areas protected Quantity of restored areas Page 8 Proposed Integrated Watershed Management Program Plan June 2010

12 Appendix A Proposed Integrated Watershed Management Program Plan June 2010 Page 9