Oakville Acres Detention Pond

Transcription

1 Oakville Acres Detention Pond Environmental Management Plan Draft Report Environmental Management Plan February 2011 Prepared for: Prepared by:

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3 Contents CHAPTER 1 Introduction Purpose of the Environmental Management Plan Legislative Framework and Key Documents Management and Contractor Responsibility Environmental Training and Orientation... 3 CHAPTER 2 Project Details Project Description Construction Schedule General Project Mitigation General Migation Measures Sedimentation and Erosion Control Dust Control Vehicle Traffic Public Access Waste Management Plan Storage and Handling of Hazardous Materials Fuel Transportation, Storage, and Handling Clearing and Grubbing Rock Removal Excavation, Pipelaying and Backfilling Stockpiling Materials Trench Dewatering Reinstatement Watercourse Wetland CHAPTER 3 Site specific environmental protection plans Overview Detention Pond Constructed Around Unnamed Watercourse and Wetland Description of Work Construction Sequence and Environmental Protection Diversion Pipe Installation Through Unnamed Watercourse Description of Work CBCL Limited Contents i

4 3.3.2 Construction Sequence and Environmental Protection CHAPTER 4 Environmental Monitoring Environmental Inspection Site Specific Monitoring CHAPTER 5 Contingency and Safety Planning Contingency and Safety Planning Objectives Notifications Incident Response Personal Injury or Fatality Vehicle and Equipment Accident Breakage of, or Damage to, Utility Services Explosion or Fire Criminal Activity Disruption by Weather Events Reporting to WorkSafe NB Appendices A B General Site Plan Site Specific Drawings CBCL Limited Contents ii

5 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Purpose of the Environmental Management Plan The purpose of an environmental management plan (EMP) is to implement safe and environmentally responsible engineering, construction, operation and training practices. The Town of Rothesay (Town), New Brunswick has retained the services of CBCL Limited (CBCL) to complete the preliminary and detailed design and environmental permitting associated with the construction of the Oakville Acres detention pond and diversion pipe. The Town is committed to adhering to systems, procedures, practices and materials that will ensure the work is undertaken in a manner that protects the environment and facilitates the safety of all who work at or visit the site. To the extent practical, the Town will seek to eliminate all sources of potential pollution at the source. The principles of these plans can be established, however, their detail can only be articulated once the Project design is finalized. These plans will also evolve and be amended as the Project progresses from detailed engineering through construction and into operation. More specifically the components of an effective environmental management system include: A plan to ensure compliance with all pertinent legislation, regulations and government policy; Environmental practices and procedures that establish minimum standards for all operations that have a potential to cause environmental problems including minimum standards for contractor safety and environmental protection; The articulation of minimum safety training standards to ensure that all personnel are aware of potential hazards and are informed of safe work practices and emergency procedures; and An accident/incident reporting system that standardizes prompt reporting of all injuries and environmental incidents. This document describes the EMP that is being executed by the Town to ensure that the Oakville acres Detention Pond Project is developed and operated in accordance with all legislative requirements and in a safe and an environmentally responsible manner. 1.2 Legislative Framework and Key Documents The legislation that provides the foundation for the preparation of this EMP includes, but is not necessarily limited to, the following: Canadian Fisheries and Oceans Act; CBCL Limited Introduction 1

6 New Brunswick Clean Environment Act; and New Brunswick Clean Water Act. This EMP articulates the environmental measures, procedures and controls to be used by staff and associated contractors to ensure that the construction of the new detention pond and diversion sewer have minimal, if any, adverse effects on the environment. This EMP has been developed to: Provide regulatory agencies with descriptions of the procedures and controls that the Town will follow during the construction to ensure environmental protection; Provide staff and associated contractors with a comprehensive statement of environmental concerns and concise guidance on the methods to be used to address these concerns during construction; and Facilitate acquisition of necessary approvals and permits from federal and provincial agencies. Table 1.1 identifies the environmental permits and approvals that will have to be obtained for the Oakville Acres Detention Pond Project. The Contractor(s) and Consultants contracted by the Town are required to adhere to the stipulated conditions and requirements associated with the conditions attached to all approvals. Table 1.1: Environmental Permits and Approvals Permit/Approval Appropriate Sections Date Issued Valid Until Federal Fisheries Act NB Clean Environment Act NB Clean Water Act Authorization of Fish Habitat Harmful Alteration, Disruption or Destruction under Section 35(2) Certificate of Approval to Construct Watercourse and Wetland Alteration Permit Not Yet Issued Not Yet Issued Not Yet Issued 1.3 Management and Contractor Responsibility The Town is responsible for the construction of the detention pond and installation of diversion pipe ensuring that all Contractors working on the site execute the works necessary in accordance with agreed standards and protocols. The Town is committed to the following environmental principles: That the protection of the environment is the responsibility of each individual involved with the design and construction the detention pond and diversion pipe; That activities undertaken by the Town will be executed in compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations; and That sustainable development can be achieved through the prudent and respectful management of the proposed system. The design of the Oakville Acres Detention Pond Project is in progress by CBCL Limited. A Resident Inspector will be responsible to observe and monitor the execution of works on site through construction and commissioning. CBCL Limited Introduction 2

7 The Contractor is responsible during the construction of the proposed works to provide environmental protection in accordance with requirements of the New Brunswick Department of Environment (NBDENV), the Project EMP, Project specifications and in accordance with applicable federal, provincial and municipal regulatory requirements. The Contractor Foreman will be in direct charge of the onsite work and will have overall responsibility for the necessary environmental management and the onsite implementation of the EMP for the work under their charge. The Contractor Foreman will ensure compliance with relevant regulations, authorizations and approvals and will initiate revisions to the EMP, through the Consultant, should any be warranted. The Contractor Foreman must be readily available to address environmental concerns including dayto day inspections and monitoring and to maintain onsite environmental controls. The Contractor Foreman will ensure that necessary training for personnel working onsite is provided and that the EMP is implemented. 1.4 Environmental Training and Orientation Environmental training and orientation will be mandatory for staff to be employed onsite. An EMP training session will held prior to start of work for the Contractor, the Town representatives, resident inspector and regulatory staff, if desired. Environmental training and orientation programs will be coordinated by the Contractor Foreman facilitated by the Consultant and will include an overview of all environmental topics with regard to the Project. In general this will be a review of the EMP, permits and permit conditions, Project conditions of approval, environmental legislation and standard practices and procedures. It will also detail protocols for environmental inspection and reference the monitoring programs that are being instigated. CBCL Limited Introduction 3

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9 CHAPTER 2 PROJECT DETAILS 2.1 Project Description Over the past few years, the residents of the area known as Oakville Acres (Rothesay, NB) have been hit with severe flooding on multiple occasions (Tropical Storm Hanna September 2008 and Tropical Storm Danny August 2009). During the major storm events, large amounts of water, at excessive rates, flow through this otherwise peaceful neighbourhood creating turbulent, dangerous conditions in the ditches that run in front and through the yards of the neighbourhood. After the first storm and subsequent flooding, the Town of Rothesay commissioned CBCL Limited to study the cause of the flooding and to investigate possible means to reduce flood risks. The study, entitled Salmon Brook Watershed Flood Reduction Study was submitted to the Town in January A closer look at the watershed and drainage pattern in the Rothesay / Quispamsis area has revealed that run off from a large, well developed area (190 hectares) up gradient to Oakville Acres funnels through this subdivision. Contour mapping clearly shows that these houses were built in a flood plain and as such, in significant storm events, there is a high risk of flooding. Refer to Drawing A1 EMP for general site plan. After the first storm and subsequent flooding, the Town of Rothesay commissioned CBCL Limited to study the cause of the flooding and to investigate possible means to reduce flood risks. The study, entitled Salmon Brook Watershed Flood Reduction Study was submitted to the Town in January A closer look at the watershed and drainage pattern in the Rothesay / Quispamsis area has revealed that run off from a large, well developed area (190 hectares) up gradient to Oakville Acres funnels through this subdivision. Contour mapping clearly shows that these houses were built in a flood plain and as such, in significant storm events, there is a high risk of flooding. CBCL Limited Project Details 4

10 This project involves the construction of a storm water detention pond with approximately 50,000 m 3 of storage along with the installation of 99 m of 1800 mm dia. overflow pipe and 268 m of 2400 mm x 1800 mm diversion pipe. The overflow and diversion pipe system runs through a proposed easement between Monaco Drive and the Hampton Road. The new storm water piping will be installed in a new easement parallel to existing power and communication pole lines. General mitigation procedures that will apply to the project are outlined in Section 2.3. For the work being performed in a watercourse, a detailed construction sequence and specific mitigation are provided in Chapter Construction Schedule Subject to approvals, it is anticipated the project will be designed and tendered for construction by early spring Due to the size of this project it is anticipated that project construction will take place over the entire 2011 construction season. It is expected that construction activities will take place between the hours of 7 AM and 7 PM from Monday to Saturday. Any work required in or around fish bearing streams will be completed between June 1 st and September 30 th. 2.3 General Project Mitigation Proposed construction includes the necessary site preparation works and establishment of environmental protection measures onsite, such as erosion and sedimentation control; pollution and waste control; and precautions for fuel spill containment. The preliminary environmental protection measures (e.g., erosion and sedimentation control) will be completed prior to any disturbances of the site and are necessary to protect the watercourse and wetland habitats during site work. Environmental mitigation includes both those practices and procedures incorporated into the design and execution of a project to avoid adverse environmental impacts and those measures adopted to address effects caused by the construction and operation of any facet of a project. Mitigation includes the adoption of good engineering practices and the avoidance of specific environmental components. Mitigation will be employed to address the potential impacts of Project construction on surface and groundwater quality and air quality. Mitigative measures will also be incorporated to ensure that the safety of the public and of all onsite personnel is protected. This section of the EMP identifies the measures that will be taken by the Town to protect the environment at the site during the various construction activities. These measures will be employed by the contractors working on the site. The Resident Inspector and Contractor Foreman will monitor construction activities in accordance with the requirements of the EMP and the conditions of applicable permits and authorizations. CBCL Limited Project Details 5

11 2.3.1 General Migation Measures Some of the general measures to protect the environment during construction include: Inspection and visual monitoring of mitigation shall be done by the Resident Inspector and Contractor Foreman at weekly intervals and after rainfall events to ensure mitigation measures are performing properly; Inspection and monitoring of watercourses and wetlands shall be done by the Resident Inspector and Contractor Foreman at regular intervals to address additional mitigation measures if required; The EMP will be onsite at all times with the contractors during construction. In addition, the EMP and compliance requirements will be included in the contract specifications for the tendering process; The Resident Inspector will be present onsite full time to provide observation and assistance related to environmental issues and necessary mitigation; Construction activities are to be coordinated around seasonal constraints and weather; Noise and disturbance of nearby residents is a potential concern due to the location of the work area. Hours of construction will be limited from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Monday to Saturday; All equipment and machines should be washed down before entering construction area to prevent spreading of invasive species; and No blasting will be done on this project Sedimentation and Erosion Control The installation of erosion and sedimentation control measures are necessary to protect the adjacent freshwater and wetland habitats during site work. These measures will be installed prior to any disturbance of the site. The proposed sediment and erosion control features include: A minimum vegetated border of 30 m will be maintained, where possible, to protect wetlands and watercourses; and The edge of the disturbed area will be delineated with sedimentation control fencing strategically placed based on land contours. Management of these control features includes: The erosion and sediment control measures will be enforced and will be maintained until soils have been re established through revegetation or other means; Sediment control berms and fences will be monitored on a daily basis so any repairs can be done and accumulated silt be removed; The Contractor will store materials onsite to facilitate rapid repair of erosion control devices should they become damaged during construction; Ground cover will be re established as soon as the season permits in accordance with the Contract Specification; and Work will be carried out in such a manner that erosion to bare ground surfaces will be minimized. When an excessive amount of silt laden runoff is present, sediment settling ponds will be used to permit the settlement of sediment prior to discharge into the receiving drainage channels. CBCL Limited Project Details 6

12 2.3.3 Dust Control As is common to all construction sites that involve removal of vegetation, extensive excavation and infilling and the use of heavy equipment, dust may become an issue. Concerns associated with dust include the potential for it to enter aquatic systems as well as its potential to become a nuisance to nearby land users including residents. The uncontrolled application of water to control dust, however, could cause sediment laden water to enter the surrounding marine environment resulting in adverse effects on water quality, aquatic ecosystems and environmentally sensitive areas. Dust suppression techniques, including the use of water, will be used as required to reduce dust generation during site clearing and grading. While the exact stockpile locations will be selected by the contractor, dust and erosion control measures will be required and included in the tender documents. The following guidelines will be followed regarding dust control onsite: Ground cover will be re established as soon as the season permits in accordance with the Contract Specification; Maintenance schedules on equipment will be followed; Dust suppression techniques, including the use of water, will be used as required to reduce dust generation during site clearing and grading; Locations, amounts and the times when water may be applied shall be determined by the Resident Inspector; Application of water is not to be conducted in any situations where the surface water could freeze; Minimal amounts of water should be applied to control dust to minimize sediment runoff; and Water trucks shall not be driven within 30 m of watercourses without a WAWA permit Vehicle Traffic During construction, heavy equipment and other vehicles will be travelling to and from the site, along Pettingill Road and Monaco Drive. An increase in vehicular traffic, namely from the Contractor s vehicles and equipment, has the potential to increase noise, air emissions and negatively impact local traffic patterns. Where the construction is in a residential/commercial setting, noise is expected to be a potential issue. There are sections of the proposed detention pond construction and diversion pipe installation that are situated near homes and businesses. Signage will be used to identify all construction access routes to the proposed site. To minimize the emission of hazardous materials, the Contractor will be required to maintain all vehicles in good working order and to conduct all major maintenance activities off site. Construction equipment will not be operated within 30 m of watercourses or wetlands without obtaining the necessary permits. CBCL Limited Project Details 7

13 2.3.5 Public Access The general public will be excluded from the site at all times. The signage will be used to identify the construction site and the contractor will be responsible for limiting public access to the site throughout construction Waste Management Plan The removal of any materials from the site must first be approved by the Resident Inspector. The generation of waste on any construction site is a product of the activity, and must be managed to protect the environment. Wastes that are associated with the construction activity include: Domestic Waste: lunch bags, coffee cups, human waste; Scrap Materials: empty paint cans, scrap pipe, pipe shavings; and Petroleum Products: hydraulic fluid containers, empty grease tubes, oil cans and filters. The transportation and management of these wastes is crucial to reducing the potential for negative environmental impacts on any project. No waste material will be disposed of in the excavation. Waste containers are to be provided onsite for the storage of lunch bags, coffee cups, etc. Domestic waste is to be removed from site on a regular time schedule and disposed of at a landfill. No burning will be permitted; Contractor to provide portable washrooms (i.e., Ready Johns) at locations near construction activity; All scrap material is to be collected and transported to construction work yard. This material is to be disposed of at an approved facility; No major service of equipment will be permitted onsite. Minor service waste such as grease tubes, oil cans, etc. will be collected and stored at Contractor s work yard. An approved waste transporter of the material will dispose of this collected material; Due to the nature of this project (i.e. detention pond construction and diversion pipe installation along existing vegetated corridor) the removal of vegetation is to be considered. All material possible will be reused for construction of the detention berm and pipe backfill. Any surplus materials remaining will have to be removed. Disposal of all such materials including stumps, brush, concrete waste, packaging and material unsuitable for fill, grading or landscaping, etc. will be transported offsite to an approved disposal site; Any toxic products (POLs, paint, solvents) will be kept in containers to protect wildlife exposure; Food waste will be stored in a manner that ensures wildlife will not be attracted; Contractor will stockpile surplus uncontaminated excavated soils onsite in a designated area for use as backfill; Contaminated soils, other than any that are determined by the regulators to be unacceptable for containment onsite, shall be placed in a containment cell constructed of uncontaminated excavated onsite material; and In the unlikely event that it is decided by the regulators that identified contaminated materials cannot be contained onsite; a disposal program for their removal will be determined to meet regulatory requirements. When contaminated soils are identified, samples will be tested by a laboratory and the results distributed to the regulators. CBCL Limited Project Details 8

14 2.3.7 Storage and Handling of Hazardous Materials The most hazardous materials onsite during construction will be the petroleum, oil and lubricants associated with the use of heavy vehicles. All such materials stored on the Project site shall be labelled according to Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) regulations. The Contractors utilizing vehicles and heavy equipment during project construction will be responsible for their frequent inspection and maintenance. Any equipment found to be malfunctioning or leaking shall be immediately repaired or removed from the Project site and any spillage reported to NBDENV Saint John Regional Office at during business hours and after hours to (800) The major concern regarding the use of the above referenced substances is the possibility of their uncontrolled release to the environment through spillage, and subsequent adverse effects on terrestrial, aquatic and marine habitat and species, and on human health and safety. To mitigate such eventualities, the following procedures will apply: Hazardous materials will be used only by personnel who are trained and qualified in the handling of these materials and only in accordance with manufacturers instruction and government regulations; The WHMIS program will be implemented throughout the job site in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act. All employees involved with hazardous materials will be appropriately trained; A complete inventory of hazardous materials will be maintained according to the WHMIS regulations and will be made available to regulatory agencies on request; Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) will be readily available onsite for all hazardous materials in use or stored onsite; The transportation of hazardous materials will be in accordance with the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act; Any equipment maintenance (e.g., oil changes and lubrication) that is necessary onsite will be carried out in a designated area; Fuel storage on the work site will be undertaken in compliance with applicable provincial and federal regulations, codes and guidelines; The transfer, fuelling and lubrication of equipment on the site will occur in such a manner as to minimize the possibility of contamination to soil (both surface and subsurface) and/or water (surface and groundwater). Fuelling or servicing of mobile equipment on land will be located in a specifically designated refuelling area where conditions will allow for the containment of an accidental spill of fuel or lubricant; The fuelling and maintenance of mobile vehicles and large equipment will not be permitted within 30 m of a wetland or watercourse; Used oil filters, grease cartridge containers and other products associated with equipment maintenance shall be collected and disposed of in accordance with regulatory guidelines; All hazardous materials, when required, will be removed and disposed of in an acceptable manner in accordance with government regulations and requirements; The contractor will have appropriate emergency spill response equipment onsite for containment and cleanup of spills of all hazardous materials in use. This equipment will consist CBCL Limited Project Details 9

15 of at least one 205 L (i.e., 55 gal. overpak) spill kit, containing equipment to prevent a spill from spreading and to contain and clean up the spill area; and Equipment leaks will be prevented through the use of drip pans and/or other appropriate means. Spills of any hazardous materials will be contained as quickly as possible and reported to the regulatory authorities. Clean up of any spills will be discussed with regulators and will follow regulatory guidelines. Any standing hazardous material, such as fuels, lubricants paints, would be pumped into a holding tank and trucked to a hazardous waste disposal facility. All remaining residues would be mixed with unconsolidated absorbent materials and subsequently collected for proper disposal. Any fuel and service vehicles required onsite would carry suitable commercial sorbent material to ensure adequate response capability in the event of a fuel spill. The construction and maintenance of a proper storage facility for hazardous materials will be the responsibility of the individual Contractors on the Project site Fuel Transportation, Storage, and Handling On construction sites hazardous materials such as diesel fuel, oil, and greases are a common part of the work. Proper transportation, storage, and handling of these materials must conform to provincial regulations. Suppliers of these materials have recommendations to the transportation, storage, and handling of these materials and will be used in conjunction with provincial standards. No diesel fuel will be stored onsite. All vehicles will be fuelled by a mobile tanker truck; No fuelling of equipment will be permitted within 30 m of any wetland or watercourse; No equipment will be left for extended periods of time inside the 30 m buffer zone of a watercourse or wetland; and Fuelling of equipment shall be done by qualified personnel. The impact of fuel spills on the environment can have several detrimental effects. It is important to have good preventive practices and spill cleanup procedures to reduce these effects. The potential for spills on a construction site can come from containers, tanker trucks, equipment leaks and vehicle accidents. Equipment will be inspected before and after fuelling by operator; Operator of the equipment being fuelled will observe the fuelling process; All crews and tanker trucks will have spill clean up kits; Contractor will notify Consultant of any spills so the proper authorities can be informed; No more construction at spill site will take place until the spill is cleaned up; The spill will be contained to the smallest area possible by using absorbents, dykes, ditches, and blocking drainage area; Appropriate clean up procedures will be implemented. Storage drums and vacuum trucks shall be brought to the site as required; All materials will be disposed of at hydrocarbon recycling facilities; and All contaminated soils will be disposed of at hydrocarbon recycling facilities. CBCL Limited Project Details 10

16 2.4 Clearing and Grubbing Clearing and grubbing the proposed work areas will expose soils and potentially subject them to eroding forces such as wind and rain. When precipitation falls onto exposed soils, siltation of ditches and streams can be severe. Disposing of grubbing materials can have adverse effects on the environment if proper care is not taken. It is possible for existing vegetation to be disturbed when grubbing materials are pushed onto them. Watercourses can be affected when grubbing materials are stockpiled in close proximity. It is expected that trees will be removed as the proposed detention pond area and diversion pipe corridor is currently vegetated. Much of the vegetation will be shrubs (such as small alders) and juvenile to mature species (such as cedar, pine, and spruce). To ensure minimal impacts from general clearing and grubbing activities, the following measures will be put into place: The disturbed footprint will be minimized; Ground cover will be re established as soon as the season permits in accordance with the Contract Specification; The clearing work will be confined to only the essential footprint required for the detention pond construction and diversion pipe corridor; No burning will be permitted onsite; Clearing and grubbing materials that are not reused on site will be hauled off site for disposal; Burying of grubbing will not be allowed; No clearing and grubbing will be done during heavy rainfall events greater than 25 mm in a 24 hour period; No clearing and grubbing will be done within 30 m of a watercourse or wetland until a WAWA permit is acquired; and 2.5 Rock Removal No rock removal is expected to be required throughout this project. According to recent borehole logs, no rock was encountered. 2.6 Excavation, Pipelaying and Backfilling The installation of the storm water diversion pipe is proposed to utilize an open trench excavation method. The trench will be constructed to house a single 2400 mm x 1800 mm box culvert. Typical depths of bury will be in the range of m to the invert of the pipe. The diversion pipe will be backfilled using compacted suitable bedding material and backfill. The length of open trench will be kept to a minimum during the project, with a maximum length of 50 m. With construction of the main, trenches as long as 50 m can be expected to be open at one CBCL Limited Project Details 11

17 time. Once the storm piping is installed and bedded, backfilling operations can begin immediately. Trenches will be backfilled each day as much as possible to minimize open trench. The Resident Inspector will provide full time inspection during the installation of the diversion pipe to ensure trenching, bedding; installation and backfilling procedures follow the contract documents. The following sections identify potential environmental issues related to open trench excavation and also provide general mitigative procedures to minimize the potential impacts Stockpiling Materials Stockpiling excavated material can negatively impact wetlands and watercourses if proper care is not taken to control runoff. Stockpile locations must be carefully managed to ensure that excavated material is not lost. During this project, it is expected that there will be surplus material. Much of this material will be used for backfilling, berm construction, reinstatement, and area grading. Excavated material will be stockpiled outside the 30m buffer zone where possible. Sediment control fencing measures will be installed around the perimeter of the stockpile to manage runoff Trench Dewatering Disposing of silt laden trench water is a common problem on construction sites. When groundwater enters the pipe trench, excavating and pipe lying can prove difficult. Often construction crews employ pumps to remove the water from the trench. The following protocols will be followed with respect to dewatering: Grading will be controlled so that the surface of the ground will be properly graded to prevent water from running into excavated areas; During backfilling, the trenches will be kept free of water and controlled to prevent surface water from running into excavated areas; Any salty materials from the trenches, which may become wet and subsequently liquid or extremely plastic, will be disposed at an approved designated disposal site; Silt laden trench water will be pumped to a densely vegetated area or if necessary, to sediment holding ponds or through sediment control berms. The ponds and berms will be used to filter out sediment from the water before being released into the environment. Sediment collected will be used for backfill if suitable, or disposed of by the Contractor. Effluent from these control structures will be monitored to ensure the structure is working properly and that the concentration of total suspended solids (TSS) does not exceed 25 mg/l, and No clearing and grubbing will be done during heavy rainfall events greater than 25 mm in a 24 hour period Reinstatement Once the detention pond is constructed, the diversion pipe is installed and the trench backfilled, the area will be restored. Restoration by hydroseeding or mulching will then be done as soon as possible. Revegetation efforts would include re establishing the tree and shrub canopy layers as well as the herb layer in different locations throughout the project area as needed. The native plant material required for this project can be acquired from on site through the re use of the stockpiled grubbings and topsoil. The grubbings and topsoil act as a seed bank for much of the native plant CBCL Limited Project Details 12

18 material warranted for the project. This can be of considerable savings to the project and every effort should be made to salvage the topsoil and grubbings. The grubbings can house the roots and shoots as well as provide the microbial environ necessary to help re establish the landscape. For wetlands being disturbed, effort should be placed on salvaging existing wetland plant material (roots and stems) and using it to inoculate the new wetland areas once grading is complete. This effort can be augmented by planting wetland transplant plugs (typically these would be aquatic emergent plant types such as sedges and cattails), wetland tolerant shrubs and seeding. Seeding in wetlands should be done using a broad spectrum seed mix, whereby the mix of seed is broad enough to cover a variety of moisture regimes or gradients. The end result for the wetlands restoration work would be typical of a wet meadow/ shrub swamp depending on species composition and water depth. For upland areas, salvaged grubbings (minus any large tree stumps, brush and limbs greater than 50 mm) can be spread over the disturbed area after final grading in complete. Again, plantings of native trees and shrubs can be used to augment the restoration. Efforts will be placed to seed entire area with a broad spectrum, native seed mix. The end result would be a naturalized old pasture type of landscape. In both cases, keeping the restored area moist during establishment is critical in achieving a successful project. Type of finished landscape, time of year, duration of construction, type of plant material and availability of plant material (and seed on really large projects) are all factors that need consideration in preparing a landscape restoration plan. 2.7 Watercourse Watercourse crossings require a significant amount of attention to ensure that design criteria and construction activities are environmentally sound. A WAWA Permit, issued by NBDENV, has been requested and will encompass all works in and / or within 30 m of all watercourses and wetlands affected by the undertaking. The following section provides general mitigative procedures for work being performed within 30 m of a watercourse or water body. For work being performed in an existing watercourse, please refer to Chapter 3 (Site Specific Environmental Protection Plans). The following procedures will be followed when the project work is within a 30 m buffer zone of a watercourse: No construction activities will be permitted within 30 m of a watercourse without obtaining the necessary WAWA permit; No work will take place where the anticipated precipitation is greater than 25 mm per 24 hour period; In stream work will be done in the dry months (June 1 st to September 30 th ). Any in stream work (further described in Chapter 3) will use the dam and pump method. If the fish are present in the watercourse, electrofishing and fish rescue will be performed by a qualified individual; Sediment fencing will be installed parallel to the watercourse along the construction zone where land contours dictate where runoff may occur; CBCL Limited Project Details 13

19 A series of sediment control berms, constructed of hay bales, filter fabric and clear stone in perimeter ditches or shallow sediment settling ponds will be used to permit the settlement of sediment prior to discharge to the receiving body; Contractor shall inspect erosion control devices at a minimum on a daily basis. Erosion and sedimentation control devices shall be maintained during construction; The sediment control fence and barriers will not be removed until the reinstatement has been well established, and there is unlikely to be further erosion; Site restoration, as required, will be done as soon as the work is completed; The ground cover will be re established in accordance with the Contract Specification; During construction within 30 m of the watercourse, visual monitoring of water turbidity will occur; The turbidity shall be monitored to verify compliance; and Should turbidity levels become high, the proponent shall contact the regional DFO Oceans and Habitat office at (902) Wetland Based on wetland mapping completed by CBCL Limited, several areas may be impacted by this project. In these areas, the detention pond encompasses the delineated wetland. The construction of the detention pond in some areas will be required to cover the wetlands and in most areas be within 30 m of the existing wetlands. The total area of Wetlands that the detention pond surrounds is 1.74 Ha. The total area that will be disturbed by the construction activities will be 2.4 Ha. Refer to Drawing B1 EMP to see the areas impacted by the detention pond. Construction activities around the wetland will be limited to the essential construction activities. The following mitigation procedures will ensure that the detention pond construction will have minimal impact to the wetland: All areas to be cleared within the wetlands will be laid out and marked by the Owners Consultant; In areas identified as wetlands that are not to be disturbed, high visibility flagging will be used to indicate the limits of the wetlands. No machinery will be allowed within the wetland and no vegetation will be cleared within those limits until the WAWA permit is acquired; The flagging will be removed upon restoration; No work will take place where the anticipated precipitation is greater than 25 mm per 24 hour period; Sediment control fencing will be installed along the limits of construction for all areas surrounding the wetland; Site restoration will be completed, as required, as soon as construction is completed; and All spoil piles be placed outside the delineated wetland areas. CBCL Limited Project Details 14

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21 CHAPTER 3 SITE SPECIFIC ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PLANS 3.1 Overview The following chapter outlines site specific environmental protection plans (SSEPP). Site specific drawings are located in Appendix B of this report. 3.2 Detention Pond Constructed Around Unnamed Watercourse and Wetland Description of Work Based on wetland mapping completed by CBCL Limited in 2010, the proposed detention pond will be constructed around an existing wetland and watercourse. The detention pond will contain a capacity of 50,000 m 3 of storm water storage by means of construction of earthen berms. Through the middle of the wetland there is 397 metres of an unnamed watercourse which is fed by municipal storm sewers. In two locations, berms will be constructed through the watercourse. In several areas surrounding the watercourse and wetland there will be construction activities within the 30 m buffer zone. Construction activities will take place within the watercourse over a length of approximately 85 m. All work in this watercourse will be done in the dry months (between June 1 st and September 30 th ). No equipment will be operated in the channel until the water is pumped out (refer to Drawing B2 EMP) Construction Sequence and Environmental Protection The construction sequence in the existing watercourse will involve the following: No construction activities will occur within the watercourse until the WAWA permit has been obtained; The instream work will be carried out between June 1 st and September 30 th ; Once the WAWA permit has been obtained, the construction crew will review all of the terms and conditions of the WAWA permit and a copy will be posted onsite through the duration of the instream work; A small dam will be constructed at the upstream and downstream edge of the work; CBCL Limited Site Specific Environmental Protection Plans 15

22 A qualified electro fishing operator will be onsite to electrofish in the dammed section. All fish will be relocated downstream of the dammed section prior to any excavation. The consultant is to inspect all crossing locations prior to excavation to ensure all fish have been relocated; During construction, water upstream of the channel and from the intersecting watercourse will be screened and pumped to either a holding pond or a vegetated area outside the 30 m buffer of any wetland or other watercourse; Onsite back up pumps will be in place to ensure uninterrupted pumping once the excavation has begun; To the south of the site a culvert will be installed that will allow fish passage in and out of the detention pond; To the east of the site several culverts will be extended beyond the proposed berms slopes; Once the fish passage culvert is in place, the berms around the detention pond will be constructed; Once the berms are constructed, the channel on the east side of the detention pond will be relocated westward away from the berm and reconstructed in such a way to promote fish passage and ensure proper fish habitat for spawning grounds and nursery, rearing, food supply and migration areas. The channel shall consist of a series of pools, riffles and runs. Sediment control fencing will be placed between the newly constructed berm and the reinstated channel; The site will be cleaned up and exposed soil will be stabilized by hydroseeding or mulching. If slopes are greater than 2:1 and riprap cannot be used, a geotextile fabric is to be used to prevent erosion. For revegation plan, please refer to Section 2.6.3; The pumps will be turned off, the screens removed and the water will be allowed back into the new channel and through to the fish passage culvert at the downstream side of the detention pond; and Monitoring will be conducted by the Contractor Foreman and the Resident Inspector to ensure that the various environmental protection measures are operating effectively. The Contractor will be responsible for compliance with the environmental requirements of the SSEPP, and the WAWA permit. 3.3 Diversion Pipe Installation Through Unnamed Watercourse Description of Work The 2400 mm x 1800 mm diversion pipe will outfall to an unnamed watercourse, tributary to Salmon Creek. Pipe installation will be within the 30 m buffer zone and construction activities will take place within the watercourse to provide erosion protection of the existing channel banks. Approximately 40 m of the watercourse will be altered as a result of this project. All work in this existing watercourse will be done in the dry months (between June 1 st and September 30 th ). No equipment will be operated in the ditch until the water is pumped out (refer to Drawing B3 EMP) Construction Sequence and Environmental Protection The construction sequence in the existing watercourse will involve the following: CBCL Limited Site Specific Environmental Protection Plans 16

23 No construction activities will occur within the watercourse until the WAWA permit has been obtained; The in stream work will be carried out between June 1 st and September 30 th ; Once the WAWA permit has been obtained, the construction crew will review all of the terms and conditions of the WAWA permit and a copy will be posted onsite through the duration of the in stream work; A small dam will be constructed at the upstream and downstream edge of the work as well as at the intersection of a small watercourse midway along the channel; A qualified electro fishing operator will be onsite to electrofish in the dammed section. All fish will be relocated downstream of the dammed section prior to any excavation. The consultant is to inspect all crossing locations prior to excavation to ensure all fish have been relocated; During construction, water upstream of the channel will be screened and pumped to either a holding pond or a vegetated area outside the 30 m buffer of any wetland or other watercourse; Onsite back up pumps will be in place to ensure uninterrupted pumping once the excavation has begun; The diversion channel will be installed and the existing channel banks will be secured to provide erosion protection; Once the construction of the diversion channel and erosion protection is installed, the pumps will be turned off, the screens removed and the water will be allowed back into the new channel; Sediment control fencing will be placed between the construction corridor road and the reinstated channel; The pumps will be turned off, the screens removed and the water will be allowed back into the new channel; and Monitoring will be conducted by the Contractor Foreman and the Resident Inspector to ensure that the various environmental protection measures are operating effectively. The Contractor will be responsible for compliance with the environmental requirements of the SSEPP, and the WAWA permit. CBCL Limited Site Specific Environmental Protection Plans 17

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25 CHAPTER 4 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING 4.1 Environmental Inspection The Resident Inspector and Contractor Foreman will monitor activities throughout construction to ensure that the environmental protection measures are being implemented. More specifically this will include: Field surveillance of environmental conditions; Implementation of environmental protection measures; Compliance with environmental commitments; Liaison with federal and/or provincial regulatory staff; and Provision for any necessary procedural modifications or schedule changes arising from environmental conditions. The Contractor Foreman will be briefed at the outset of the Project with respect to specific environmental concerns, contract specifications, field study reports and the EMP. Federal and provincial agencies will routinely inspect Project construction activities. The Contractor Foreman will be responsible for the following: Monitoring the storage and handling of hazardous materials; Providing advice on major decisions such as wet weather shut downs or courses of action to deal with major unexpected environmental conditions; Ensuring that waste products are disposed of in an authorized manner; Reporting any spills in accordance with federal and/or provincial regulations and advising on the clean up and disposal of spilled material; Documenting site environmental conditions and concerns; Coordinating monitoring programs; Discussing environmental concerns with workers, regulators and Resident Inspector; and Reviewing construction and restoration methods with the Resident Inspector. 4.2 Site Specific Monitoring Monitoring requirements are stated throughout the EMP and are summarized below: All sediment control berms and fences will be monitored regularly so any repairs can be done and accumulated silt be removed; CBCL Limited Environmental Monitoring 18

26 The effluent from any sediment control structure (berm or pond) will be monitored by Resident Inspector and reported to Contractor Foremen to ensure the structure is working properly and that the concentration of total suspended solids (TSS) does not exceed 25 mg/l. The Contractor will ensure runoff from exposed soils is controlled and treated and that disturbed ground is reinstated on a regular basis; During construction within 30 m of the watercourse, visual monitoring of water turbidity will occur; Should turbidity levels become high, the proponent shall contact the regional DFO Oceans and Habitat office at (902) ; and During damming and pumping, the Resident Inspector will inspect all crossing locations prior to excavation to ensure all fish have been relocated. CBCL Limited Environmental Monitoring 19

27 CHAPTER 5 CONTINGENCY AND SAFETY PLANNING 5.1 Contingency and Safety Planning A Contingency and Safety Plan for this Project has been developed according to regulations of relevant federal and provincial agencies. The goal of the Contingency and Safety Plan is to reduce the frequency, extent and duration of accidental events and to minimize the risk to public safety and the environment as a result of such events. This plan designates the personnel responsible for specific actions and defines measures to ensure that an effective communications and reporting system is in place to address contingency events. 5.2 Objectives The Contingency and Safety Plan is developed to establish practices that will facilitate safety and to define responses for incidents or malfunctions that may arise during the installation of the proposed detention pond and diversion piping. Such incidents could include accidents, spills, property damage or dangerous situations. The objectives of the plan are: To establish best practices to ensure a safe working environment; To identify potential site specific hazards to enable all site workers and emergency responders to be fully informed and to respond appropriately and safely to an emergency at the site; To provide emergency services with the information necessary to respond to an emergency on the site in a safe and effective manner; and To provide the public with an awareness of the nature of potential emergency situations and the expected responses. 5.3 Notifications Responses to emergencies onsite will include the immediate notification of key response personnel and the instigation of onsite remedial actions to control the emergency. Emergency contact personnel are listed in Table 5.1. The responding organizations will be contacted, informed of project details and schedule, and given copies of the Emergency Access Plan prior to project initiation. CBCL Limited Contingency and Safety Planning 20