Guidance for Assessing Potential Risks to Fish and Fish Habitat Associated with Sediment Remediation Technologies

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Guidance for Assessing Potential Risks to Fish and Fish Habitat Associated with Sediment Remediation Technologies Viviane Paquin 1, Lauren Forrester 1, Murray Smith 2, Eric Chiang 2 1

1 Guidance for Assessing Potential Risks to Fish and Fish Habitat Associated with Sediment Remediation Technologies Viviane Paquin 1, Lauren Forrester 1, Murray Smith 2, Eric Chiang 2 1 Environmental Sciences Group, Royal Military College of Canada 2 Fisheries and Oceans Canada 2013 RPIC Federal Contaminated Sites Regional Workshop, World Trade and Convention Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia

activities that have the potential to result in serious harm to fish must consult with DFO before

2 Background The remediation of contaminated sediments impacts aquatic ecosystems; the results can have profound effects on the productive capacity of fish and fish habitat Persons proposing sediment remediation activities that have the potential to result in serious harm to fish must consult with DFO before proceeding with such activities (section 35 Fisheries Act) FCSAP remedial actions must not cause more harm than they remedy

3 Impacts to aquatic ecosystems Sediment remediation activities can include the following alterations: Increase in suspended sediments Release of contaminants to the water column Removal of vegetation and aquatic habitat features Obstruction of fish Passage Changes in water temperature Changes in substrate composition Changes in bottom configurations resulting in changes in hydrology Decreases in the amount and quality of food items

FCSAP Phase II Sustainable contaminated sites management A goal of FCSAP Phase II is the development of a sustainability strategy to encourage custodians to make FCSAP projects more sustainable by:

4 FCSAP Phase II Sustainable contaminated sites management A goal of FCSAP Phase II is the development of a sustainability strategy to encourage custodians to make FCSAP projects more sustainable by: The application of technologies and approaches that enhance a remediation project s environmental, social and economic sustainability Protecting ecosystems, biodiversity and habitat quality during remediation activities The protection of aquatic systems is an important part of sustainable contaminated sites management

5 Assessing the sustainability of Remediation Action Plans DFO identified the need for guidance to: 1. Establish a national, consistent approach to the review of RAPs for the evaluation of potential risks to aquatic systems 2. Strengthen consideration of the environmental, economic and social sustainability of sediment remediation projects.

6 Goal of DFO Guidance Link DFO s long-term policy objective to conserve and protect fish and fish habitat with sediment remediation practices that are consistent with FCSAP sustainability and human health and environment protection goals. Assist DFO in its role as an Expert Support department under FCSAP to assess and provide advice on remediation/risk management projects Promote dialogue among custodians, remediation proponents and DFO Expert Support in the early stages of the remediation planning process

7 Scope of Guidance Guidance is consistent with DFO s risk based approach to habitat management decision-making under the Fisheries Protection Program Considers the potential impacts to fish and fish habitat associated with sediment remediation technologies used at FCSAP sites Draws on new and existing tools that are familiar to DFO habitat management practitioners and some that are specific to the FCSAP program

8 Sediment remediation decisionmaking framework

9 Application of the Decisionmaking framework Using this framework the comprehensiveness and acceptability of RAP reports are assessed with respect to: 1. Adequacy of information used to evaluate potential effects to fish and fish habitat that support CRA fisheries 2. Appropriateness of proposed mitigation measures and monitoring programs for the conservation and protection of fish and fish habitat that support CRA fisheries 3. Identification of opportunities for improving the overall sustainability of a project (i.e. increased economic and social benefits while ensuring the protection of human health and the environment)

10 DFO Tools for assessing site specific effects and risks 1. Pathways of Effects (PoE) Models how stressors associated with remediation activities can lead to effects in the aquatic environment Shows where mitigation measures may be applied to reduce or avoid an effect 2. Risk Assessment Matrix (RAM) Used to categorize the risk to fish and fish habitat after taking into consideration proposed mitigation measures Risk categorization is used to identify the need for additional mitigation measures or redesign

11 Pathways of Effects (POE) in situ capping and treatment POEs associated with in situ capping and treatment Effects on fish and fish habitat Placement of cap material Altera0on to fish passage Altera0on to flow Use of Industrial equipment Removal of aqua0c vegeta0on Removal of Organic debris Change in baseflow Change in food supply X X X X Change in sediment concentra0on X X X X X Change in contaminant concentra0on X X X X Change in habitat structure and cover X X X X Change in nutrient concentra0on X X X X Entrainment, impingement, mortality X X X X Change in access to habitat X X X X Changes to total gas pressure X X Change in salinity X X Change in thermal cues X X Interbasin transfer of species X Change in water temperature X X X Change in migra0on/access to habitat X X Displacement or stranding of fish X X Poten0al mortality of fish/eggs X X Change in dissolved oxygen X X X

12 Pathways of Effects (POE) Addition or removal of aquatic vegetation Activity Stressor Potential Effects on habitat quality

13 Residual effects assessment and Risk Assessment Matrix (RAM) Remediation design should minimize risks to fish and fish habitat while achieving long term protection goals

14 FCSAP Tools for Sustainability Decision-making 1. GOST (Guidance and Orientation for the Selection of Technologies) a tool used to help contaminated site mangers effectively manage their sites Includes five in situ sediment remediation technologies (biodegradation, capping, chemical oxidation, monitored natural recovery and sequestration) 3. SDST (Sustainability Decision Support Tool) a tool to assess and compare the triple bottom line sustainability of different remediation options Includes 33 FCSAP specific sustainability indicators and over 20 technologies used at FCSAP sites

Examples of Sustainability Issues Environment Social Economic Natural resource consumption Energy consumption Impacts to surface and groundwater Public and worker safety during remediation works

15 Examples of Sustainability Issues Environment Social Economic Natural resource consumption Energy consumption Impacts to surface and groundwater Public and worker safety during remediation works Quality of life during remedial works (e.g. traffic, noise) Project duration Remedy cost Technical reliability (maintenance and repair) Technological uncertainty Impacts to ecological receptors Stakeholder and community Local economic benefits (improved tax base, increased property involvement values, job creation) Habitat disturbance Public benefits Litigation potential Offsite migration Impact on landscape Environmental liability; duration of risk management benefit Waste production Impact on cultural resources Nuisance to normal operations Locally sourced materials Public outreach and education Institutional controls/ monitoring The sustainability assessment will be influenced by project specific goals and stakeholder values; stakeholder involvement is needed early in the process

16 DFO Next Steps Develop complimentary guidance that provides information on how to: maximize opportunities for enhancing and increasing the productive capacity of fish habitat as part of the remediation process. monitor projects before, during and post remediation to assess and document effectiveness of mitigation measures and remediation approach

17 Questions?

Guillaume Carle, M.Eng. GoldSET Technical Manager Golder Associés

An example of Best Management Practices in Contaminated Sites Management: The Sustainability Decision Support Tool as a part of the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan. Guillaume Carle, M.Eng. GoldSET