Presentation to Council July 13 th, July 13, 2009 Slide 1

Transcription

1 Salt Management Plan & Snow Disposal Facility Presentation to Council July 13 th, 2009 July 13, 2009 Slide 1

2 Salt Management Plan Why? Late 90 s Environment Canada became concerned with the environmental effects of road salt A comprehensive assessment concluded that excessive use of road salts was causing environmental damage Also recognized that salt is critical to winter safety Canadian Transportation sector worked with Environment Canada to develop a Canadian strategy to manage road salts The strategy was published as Environment Canada s Code of Practice for the Environmental Management of Road Salts (2004) Canadian Transportation Agencies are committed to complying with this Code of Practice and developing Salt Management Plans July 13, 2009 Slide 2

3 Salt Management Plan Key Areas of Concern? Excessive salt use on roads and sidewalks Particular concern around salt vulnerable areas Storage and handling areas such as maintenance yards Snow storage and disposal areas July 13, 2009 Slide 3

4 Salt Management Plan Why & How? GOAL - To maintain safe winter travel while reducing the negative environmental effects of road salt. Comprehensive review of the City s Winter Maintenance Program identified areas needing improvement Establishes a multi-year plan to improve salt management some improvement already made. Consistent with Environment Canada s Code of Practice for the Environmental Management of Road Salts (2004) July 13, 2009 Slide 4

5 Salt Management Plan Key Findings The City s Winter Program is good with some key areas for improvement Staff already working on many improvements Key areas for improvement are: Level of Service Policy Sidewalks Increase use of pre-wetting Fine-tune application rates for salt and sand/salt mix Increase use of pavement temperatures in decision-making Improve training & record-keeping July 13, 2009 Slide 5

6 Salt Management Plan Two Major Areas 1. Upgrade Maintenance Yard Material Storage Drainage and washwater management Good Housekeeping Practices Equipment Loading Site Logistics 2. Review Snow Disposal Site Location good and bad Capacity concerns Access Drainage and meltwater management Aesthetics July 13, 2009 Slide 6

7 SNOW DISPOSAL FACILTY (SDF) EA STUDY City undertook a Class EA Study to review the future status of the existing snow disposal facility on Water Street West. The study included: A review of possible upgrading of the existing site. A review of potential new snow disposal site. Consideration of alternative technologies Followed Municipal Class EA Process, Schedule B July 13, 2009 Slide 7

8 Issues With Existing Disposal Site Located on the City s waterfront May conflict with waterfront development plans Does not include specific meltwater treatment Discharges directly to the St. Lawrence River One-lane bridge access deteriorating and a bottle neck Site owned by Transport Canada Limited capacity Expansion opportunities restricted July 13, 2009 Slide 8

9 SDF CLASS EA / SITE SELECTION PROCESS Start-up Notification (newspaper ads, contacted external agencies) Identified Potential Alternative Site Areas (see next slide) Presented Potential Areas and screening at a Public Information Centre (PIC) - February 18, 2009 Based on findings of screening and feedback from the PIC, two sites were identified on the short list: Upgrade the existing site Relocate to Site Area #7 (located at Virginia Drive) Carried out a detailed analysis / evaluation of the short-listed sites. Undertook additional consultation with Trans-North Pipelines, MOE, MNR and Conservation Authority. Identified Preferred Site Area Preparing an EA Project File and will be placing onto the public record later this summer for a 30-day review period July 13, 2009 Slide 9

10 Site Area #7 Existing Site

11 SDF PREFERRED SITE Potential Site Area #7 is preferred for the following reasons: Secures site in City s ownership Still close to the City s downtown area Sufficient capacity for the future Greater potential for meltwater and stormwater management Provides safe & efficient truck circulation on-site Relocates the SDF away from residential houses on Water Street W. Allows opportunities for future waterfront redevelopment at the existing site Avoids the need to replace the existing bridge crossing over the Old Cornwall Canal for snow disposal operations Has a lower construction cost: ~$2.54 million for Potential Site Area #7 ~$2.95 million for upgrading existing site July 13, 2009 Slide 11

12 SDF PREFERRED SITE CONCEPT PLAN SITE FEATURES - Meltwater Treatment Vegetative Buffers Dual Access Industrial Location - Acceptable to TNPL and Raisin Region Conservation Authority

13 Salt Management Plan & Snow Disposal Facility Presentation to Council July 13 th, 2009 July 13, 2009 Slide 13