TOWNSHIP OF SPRINGWATER MIDHURST - WATER, WASTEWATER & TRANSPORTATION CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PHASE 3 & 4 January 7, 2015 Education Meeting 1
Overview of Presentation Overview of the Class Environmental Assessment Process (Slides 3 to 7) Summary of the 2008-09 Phase 1 & 2 Master Plan (Slides 7 to 14) Overview of the Phase 3 & 4 Class EA (Slides 15 16) Update on Water (Slides 17 19) Update on Wastewater (Slides 20 24) Update on Transportation (Slides 25 30) Future Steps within the Class EA (Slides 31 34) Overview of Stormwater Drainage Study (Slide 35 37) Questions 2
Overview of the Class EA Process Infrastructure Projects undertaken by a Proponent (Municipality or Developer) vary in their environmental impacts and are classified into one of the four (4) different Schedules within the Class EA process as follows: Schedule A Generally includes normal or emergency operational and maintenance activities; The environmental effects are usually minimal and they are therefore, are pre-approved; Schedule A+ These projects are pre-approved, however, the public is to be advised prior to project implementation. The manner in which the public is advised is determined by the proponent; Schedule B Generally includes improvements and minor expansions to existing facilities where is the potential for little adverse environmental impacts and therefore the proponent is required to proceed through a screening process including consultation with those who may be affected; Schedule B projects are required to follow Phase 1 & 2 of the Class EA process; Schedule C Generally includes new facilities and major expansions to existing facilities and these projects proceed through Phase 1, 2, 3 & 4 of the Class EA process; 3
Overview of the Class EA Process Key milestones throughout the Class EA process Phase 1 is identification and definition of the Problem; Phase 2 is identification and evaluation of Alternative Solutions and the recommendation of a Preferred Solution and involves a minimum of one Public Meeting; Alternative Solutions must consider a reasonable range of alternatives and must fully address the Problem; Public Contact involves Consultation with Review Agencies, First Nations & the Public and are held at strategic points in the process; The Class EA process also provides for completion of Master Plans which complete all or part of the Class EA process for specific projects; 4
Overview of the Class EA Process Key milestones throughout the Class EA process (Contd.) Phase 3 involves the identification and evaluation of Design Alternatives for the Preferred Solution and involves a minimum of one Public Meeting; Phase 4 involves documenting the outcome of the project in an Environmental Study Report (ESR), and involves Public Contact and a 30 day Public Review period. The ESR must present a systematic evaluation of all identified alternatives and detailed documentation of all decisions and all public contacts; During the 30 day Public Review period if an interested party has a concern with the Class EA, that cannot be resolved with the proponent, they can request the Minister of the Environment (MOE) for a Part II Order (formerly called a Bump-Up Request); 5
Overview of the Class EA Process Key milestones throughout the Class EA process (Contd.) When a Part II Order is received, MOE take control of the process and MOE staff will conduct a comprehensive review of the concerns raised by the interested party; Subsequent to the comprehensive review by MOE Staff the Minister will render a decision on the Class EA, that is binding on all parties; 6
Overview of the Class EA Process 7
2008-09 Phase 1 & 2 Master Plan In 2008 the Township initiated the Phase 1 & 2 Master Plan for the Midhurst Secondary Plan Area. The purpose of this study was to identify water, wastewater and transportation solutions to accommodate the existing development and proposed growth as identified in the Midhurst Secondary Plan; A Notice of Study Commencement was published in the local newspapers on June 14 and June 21, 2008 and sent to appropriate review Agencies; A Notice of Public Information Centre (PIC) was advertised on August 15, 2008 and held on August 28, 2008 at the Midhurst United Church, in conjunction with the Secondary Plan Public Meeting; The Phase 1 & 2 Master Plan document was available for the 30 day Public review period from July 9, 2009 to August 10, 2009; 8
2008-09 Phase 1 & 2 Master Plan PREFERRED - WASTEWATER COLLECTION, TREATMENT & DISPOSAL SOLUTION New Wastewater Treatment facility in the vicinity of Carson Road & Wilson Drive with a discharge to Willow Creek on Golf Course Road (north of Hwy 26) (OPTION G) Schedule C Projects One Wastewater Treatment Plant to be located in the vicinity of the Carson Rd & Wilson Drive area. The treatment process is to be determined in Phase 3 & 4; Proposed Wastewater Treatment Plant to be modular, allowing for phased development and servicing of existing Midhurst area; Sewage Pump Stations as required with Manifolded forcemain connections; The effluent will be discharged to Willow Creek in the area of Golf Course Road and Hwy 26; Infrastructure can be phased with development. 9
2008-09 Phase 1 & 2 Master Plan PREFERRED - WATER TREATMENT, STORAGE & DISTRIBUTION SOLUTION Develop New Municipal Wells along Russell Road with two (2) inground storage reservoirs within proposed Developments (OPTION F) Due to the new regulations since 2008/09, (the Clean Water Act and in particular the Source Water Protection Guidelines) the six wells that were proposed along Russell Road in Phase 1 & 2 have been reevaluated as part of the Phase 3 and these will be discussed in more detail later in this presentation. 10
2008-09 Phase 1 & 2 Master Plan PREFERRED TRANSPORTATION SOLUTION This option includes new infrastructure and reconstruction/upgrade of existing two-lane roads to provide auxiliary lanes (Option 6) Schedule C Projects A new partial interchange at Pooles Road on Highway 400 providing movements to and from south; A new extension of Craig Road to County Road 27 as a two-lane road with auxiliary turn lanes, as required; Widening of Wilson Drive (from Snow Valley Road to City of Barrie) to a four-lane road (as identified by Simcoe County). Schedule B Projects A new extension of St. Vincent Street to Wattie Rd to Doran Rd; Widening of St. Vincent Street (south of Pooles Road) with an auxiliary turn lane, as required; Widening of Snow Valley Road between Hwy 26 & Wilson Drive with auxiliary turn lanes, as required; Widening of County Road 27 (from north of Highway 26 to Horseshoe Valley Road) to a fourlane road (as identified by Simcoe County); and Reconstruction of the following existing Roads (to two lanes) Walt Road, Old Second Road (between Walt Road and Pooles Road), Pooles Road, Doran Road, Finlay Mill Road, Carson Road and Anne Street 11
2008-09 Phase 1 & 2 Master Plan PREFERRED - TRANSPORTATION SOLUTION 12
2008-09 Phase 1 & 2 Master Plan The Master Plan was made available for the mandatory 30 day Public Review Period from July 9 to August 10, 2009; During this 30 day Review Period no Part II Orders (Bump Ups) were received and therefore the Phase 1 & 2 Master Plan was completed. With the completion of the Phase 1 & 2 Master Plan the following is a summary of the Schedule B projects that are complete and the Schedule C projects that require additional study through Phases 3 & 4 of the Class EA process: SCHEDULE B PROJECTS that are now Approved and could proceed to Construction: 2-lane re-construction of Gill Road from Craig Road to Doran Road 2-lane new construction of St Vincent Street from Doran Rd to Wattie Rd 2-lane re-construction of Forbes Road from Old Second Rd to Russell Rd 4-lane new construction of County Road 27, from existing 4-lane to new Craig Road extension 13
2008-09 Phase 1 & 2 Master Plan SCHEDULE C PROJECTS that require additional study through Phases 3 & 4 of the Municipal Class EA process: New water system including new wells, treatment works and water distribution system; New sewage system including sewers, treatment plant and outfall to Willow Creek; New interchange at Pooles Road with Highway 400; 2-lane new construction of Craig Road from Russell Road to County Road 27; 4-lane new construction of Wilson Drive from Snow Valley Road to Barrie City Limits. 14
Class EA Phase 3 & 4 In 2013 the Township initiated the Phases 3 & 4 Class EA associated with the Midhurst Secondary Plan Area; Recognizing that public consultation would be a key component of this Class EA, the Township requested that an enhanced public consultation process be arranged including the formation of a Resident Liaison Group, hosting two Open Houses, a Public Information Centre and Newspaper advertisements throughout the completion of the Class EA; The Notice of Study Commencement, which formally advises interested parties that the Township was initiating Phase 3 & 4 Class EA process, was advertised in the local newspapers, posted on the Township website and emailed to interested parties. This Notice also invited interested parties to advise the Township if they wish to be added to the mailing list for all future Class EA Notices; 15
Class EA Phase 3 & 4 The first Open House was held on May 29, 2013 at the Township Administration Centre. This Open House, attended by approximately 70 members of the public, was an informal drop in format during which time the applicable documentation from the Phase 1 & 2 Class EA (Master Plan) was on display along with representatives of the Project Team to answer questions in small groups or in a one-on-one format. Subsequent to the Open House a number of the detailed background Studies continue to be worked on and will be discussed in more later in this presentation. 16
Water Update Class EA Phase 3 & 4 To accommodate the full build-out of the Midhurst Secondary Plan, approximately 200 Litres per second (2,640 Igpm) of new Municipal Well capacity will be required; As a result of the Clean Water Act and in particular the Source Water Protection Guidelines, the potential Wells sites identified in the Phase 1 & 2 have been re-evaluated to ensure that they do not conflict with these; The latest well drilling program, which has been ongoing since early 2014 is nearing completion and identifies four potential well sites, with sufficient capacity for the MSP, as noted below, whereby 1 or 2 municipal wells could be developed at each site: The Alliance property north of Dobson Rd; The Coutts property south of Pooles Rd and east of Russell Rd; The McColgen pit on Snow Valley Rd, east of Wilson Dr; The Snow Valley area, west of the ski resort; 17
Class EA Phase 3 & 4 Water Update (Contd.) Following the completion the well drilling program, we will be reevaluating alternatives for the location(s) for the Water Treatment Facility, Storage Reservoirs, Pumping Stations and Trunk Watermains; These evaluations will include social and environmental impacts as well as estimated capital and operating costs; After the completion of these evaluations, Recommended Design Solutions will be identified, along with Staging Plans, for the: Water Treatment Facility (including the treatment process). Storage Reservoirs & Water Pumping Stations. Trunk Watermains (including specific routes). This information will then be presented at the Phase 3 Public Information Centre (PIC) for review and comment. 18
Class EA Phase 3 & 4 Wastewater Update The Wastewater Treatment Plant required to accommodate the full build out of the Midhurst Secondary Plan will have an Average Daily Flow of 12,314 m 3 /day (142 Litres per second); During the development of the Draft Plan Conditions in 2014, an extensive number of meetings were held with the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) on key items that impact both Stormwater and Wastewater; Subsequent to these meetings the NVCA and the Township confirmed detailed criteria relating to the approval of the proposed Developments. One of these criteria states that: There shall be no cumulative net-increase in nutrient loading (Phosphorus) downstream of both the land development and the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). 19
Class EA Phase 3 & 4 Wastewater Update (Contd.) To ensure that there will be no net-increase in Phosphorus loading to Willow Creek, will require the implementation of the following: Extensive Low Impact Development (LID) measures throughout the proposed Developments that will aim to infiltrate the first 25 mm of stormwater runoff; Application of Best Available Technology (BAT) at the Wastewater Treatment Plant to achieve ultra low levels of Phosphorus (0.03 to 0.05mg/L) in the effluent discharge; Phosphorus Offsetting programs, administrated by the NVCA, whereby improvements would be undertaken, throughout the watershed, to reduce the Phosphorus loading to the creek. A similar program has recently been approved by the Ministry of Environment in the Town of New Tecumseth for the Tottenham Wastewater Treatment Plant and will be administrated by the NVCA. 20
Class EA Phase 3 & 4 Wastewater (Contd.) Willow Creek has a Total Phosphorus concentration of 0.035 mg/l and is therefore considered a Policy 2 receiver as the Total Phosphorus exceeds MOE s Provincial Water Quality Objective (PWQO) of 0.03 mg/l; Between 2007 & 2013 the average yearly Total Phosphorus load for this section of Willow Creek was 2,710kg with a high of 3,433kg in 2008; For the proposed Effluent discharge point (Willow Creek at Golf Course Rd & Hwy 26) extensive flow monitoring has been completed over the past 9 years to determine the 7Q20 flow (the 7 day average low flow with an expected 20 year return period); Based on the 9 years of available flow data and meetings with the Ministry of Environment and NVCA, a value for 460 Litres per second has been determined as the 7Q20 flow for this section of Willow Creek; 21
Class EA Phase 3 & 4 Wastewater Update (Contd.) A Preliminary Phosphorus Budget for the Midhurst Secondary Plan Area has been prepared and identifies that: The proposed development lands within the MSP, in their Pre- Development condition, discharge approximately 144kg of Phosphorus annually to Willow Creek; The proposed development lands within the MSP, in their Post- Development condition, with the implementation of Low impact Development measure s will discharge approximately 69kg of Phosphorus annually to Willow Creek (excluding the Wastewater Treatment Plant); The Wastewater Treatment Plant, at full build-out, will discharge a maximum of 135kg of Phosphorus to Willow Creek (assuming a 0.03mg/L concentration); 22
Class EA Phase 3 & 4 Wastewater Update (Contd.) The Preliminary Phosphorus Budget also notes that: After full build out of the MSP, there will be an annual discharge of approximately 204 kg (135 + 69). This is approximately 60kg more than currently being discharged (204-144). Therefore it is proposed to implement an offset program with approximately 60kg of phosphorus offsetting. In other jurisdictions the offsetting has been at a between at 2:1 or 4:1 ratio. If that was the case for Midhurst, the required offsetting would need to be between 120 kg and 240 kg. Preliminary Studies show there are Offsetting opportunities within the Willow/Matheson Creek watershed for the removal of up to 560kg of Phosphorus annually. 23
Class EA Phase 3 & 4 Wastewater Update (Contd.) Following the completion the assimilative capacity report and recommendations for effluent requirements, we will be evaluating design alternatives for the Wastewater Treatment Plant, Pumping Stations and Trunk Forcemains; These evaluations will include social and environmental impacts and estimated capital and operational costs; After the completion of these evaluations, Recommended Design Solutions will be identified, along with Staging Plans, for the: Wastewater Treatment Plant (including proposed treatment processes and effluent discharge criteria). Pumping Stations & Trunk Forcemains (including specific routes). Effluent Discharge point on Willow Creek. This information will then be presented at the Phase 3 Public Information Centre (PIC) for review and comment. 24
Transportation Update Craig Road Extension Class EA Phase 3 & 4 The Phase 1 & 2 Class EA identified the need for the extension of Craig Road from Russell Road to County Road 27; 25
Transportation Update Craig Road Extension Class EA Phase 3 & 4 A number of alternative alignments have been developed for Craig Road and subject to further refinement these will be presented at the Phase 3 PIC; All alternatives will require the purchase of property from the end of the existing unopened road allowance to County Rd 27 (approximately 600m); Unlike the other Water, Wastewater and Transportation infrastructure required by the Midhurst Secondary Plan, the extension of Craig Road has been included in the current Township s Development Charges, therefore the Township will have full control over the timing of Craig Road Extension. 26
Class EA Phase 3 & 4 Transportation Update (Contd.) Hwy 400/Pooles Road Partial Interchange During meetings with Ministry of Transportation (MTO) regarding the Hwy 400/Pooles Road Partial Interchange in 2014, the MTO requested that a Needs and Justification Traffic Analysis, specifically related to the Interchange, be prepared and submitted to MTO; This report was prepared and submitted to MTO in the fall of 2014; Follow-up meetings and discussions will be held with MTO in the coming weeks/months regarding this report and other pertinent issues related to the EA; Wilson Drive (Snow Valley Road to Barrie City Limits) A number of alternative cross-sections have been developed for Wilson Drive (Snow Valley Road to Barrie City Limits) and subject to their further refinement and meetings with the County of Simcoe these will be presented at the Phase 3 PIC; 27
Transportation Update (Contd.) Class EA Phase 3 & 4 Roundabouts A Study is ongoing regarding the evaluation of potential locations for the implementation of Roundabouts within the Midhurst Secondary Plan area; Roundabouts, in certain situations, have been shown to effectively improve safety, reduce traffic speeds and delay times, increase traffic capacity, mitigate environmental impacts associated with idling and stopand-go traffic movements, have lower maintenance costs, and can be aesthetically pleasing; A total of 11 intersections external to the proposed development areas are being analyzed for possible roundabouts, based on locations that were identified in the Phase 1 & 2 Class EA as requiring signal or intersection improvements; 28
Class EA Phase 3 & 4 Transportation Update (Contd.) Diagram showing the 11 Intersections being analyzed for possible roundabouts 29
Transportation Update (Contd.) Class EA Phase 3 & 4 Following the completion the background reports we will be evaluating the details associated with the alternatives for each required section of road; These evaluations will include social and environmental impacts and estimated capital and operational costs; After the completion of these evaluations, Recommended Alternatives will be identified, along with Staging Plans; This information will then be presented at the Phase 3 Public Information Centre (PIC) for review and comment. 30
Future Class EA Steps Class EA Phase 3 & 4 Arrange future EA Steering Committee and Resident Liaison Committee Meetings, to keep all parties informed; Continue preparing and finalizing the background studies and the evaluations of all Water, Wastewater & Transportation Alternatives; Host the Phase 3 Public Information Centre. A formal Notice would be advertised in the local newspapers and posted on the Township website, advising of the Public Information Centre. At this Public Information Centre, the Project Team will present the findings of the Phase 3 including the evaluation criteria along with the Recommended Water, Wastewater & Transportation Alternatives. It is currently anticipated that this Public Information Centre could be held in late spring / early summer of 2015. Review and respond to comments received after the Public Information Centre; 31
Class EA Phase 3 & 4 Future Class EA Steps (Contd.) Continue with the evaluations of all Alternatives, taking in consideration any comments received as a result of the Phase 3 Public Information Centre; Prepare a Draft of the Environmental Study Report (ESR) and submit to the Ministry of the Environment for their internal review; Subsequent to receipt of comments from the MOE, update the Environmental Study Report (ESR); Publish a Notice of Study Completion - This Notice which would be advertised in the local newspapers and posted on the Township website, will advise interested parties that the DRAFT Environmental Study Report (ESR) is being placed in the public record for the formal 30 day public review period and invite interested parties to submit comments during the 30 days. 32
Class EA Phase 3 & 4 Future Class EA Steps (Contd.) In conjunction with the Notice of Study Completion and the 30 day public review period, an Open House will be held, whereby the Project Team will present the findings of the DRAFT Environmental Study Report (ESR). It is currently anticipated that this Open House and the associated 30 day Public Review period will be held in late 2015 / early 2016. If any requests for Part II Orders (Bump Ups) are received during the 30 day public review period, that cannot be resolved, the Ministry of the Environment become involved and take over the process until a decision is issued by the Minister. 33
Class EA Phase 3 & 4 Estimated Schedule for Completion of EA Note: All dates are approximately only and subject to change. 34
Overview of the Stormwater Drainage Study Independent of the Class EA process, in 2014 the Township in conjunction with the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) initiated the completion of a Stormwater Drainage Study associated with the proposed developments within the Midhurst Secondary Plan area. The purpose of the Stormwater Drainage Study is to assist in achieving protection of natural features and protection from natural hazards, for the proposed development. It will develop performance benchmarks to ensure the Stormwater Drainage Study is sustainable throughout the life cycle of the development, resulting in a project, which can meet Township servicing needs with minimal disruption to the existing residents, business owners and to the natural environment; 35
Overview of the Stormwater Drainage Study In the initial stages of the Stormwater Drainage Study the following criteria were developed. These criteria would have to be met for all developments within the Midhurst Secondary Plan area. 1. There shall be no net-increase in nutrient loading downstream from both the land development and the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). The loading from the WWTP is to be prorated back to each of the development lands for mitigation; 2. At each outlet there would be no increase in peak flow for all storms event from the 2 year through the 100 year, 4 hour Chicago and 24 hour SCS storms; 3. At each outlet there would be no increase in the volume of post development runoff from the pre development runoff; 4. Demonstrate the ability of the Stormwater Management system to hold back the 25 mm storm runoff for 48 hours; 36
Overview of the Stormwater Drainage Study 5) Infiltrate as much water back into the ground as possible aiming for the first 25 mm of runoff; 6) Provide conceptual information on how each Stormwater Management Pond outlet is conveyed to a suitable outlet assessing the impacts of diversions; 7) Through the ecological review, develop temperature standards for Stormwater Management Pond discharges based on the existing aquatic ecosystem or improvements to the aquatic systems; 8) Present an adaptive management plan and how the results of the monitoring are implemented. The anticipated timeline for the completion of the Stormwater Drainage Study is by late 2015/early 2016. 37
QUESTIONS? 38