Proposed Alcona North Secondary Plan Inclusion (Lands North of 9 th Line) Environment

Transcription

1 Proposed Alcona North Secondary Plan Inclusion (Lands North of 9 th Line) Environment Prepared for: Jones Consulting Group Ltd. Prepared by: Azimuth Environmental Consulting, Inc. July 2013 AEC AZIMUTH ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING, INC.

2 July 25, 2013 AEC Jones Consulting Group Ltd. 229 Mapleview Drive East, Unit 1 Barrie, ON L4N 0W5 Attention: Re: Ray Duhamel, Partner Proposed Alcona North Secondary Plan Inclusion (Lands North of the 9 th Line) - Environment Dear Mr. Duhamel: As requested we have completed an assessment of potential environmental constraints associated with lands located north of the 9 th Line of Innisfil proposed for inclusion within the Alcona North Secondary Plan Area. The results of our assessment indicate that there are relatively large portions of the property that are free of environmental constraints and hence appear suitable for future development. If you require additional information please do not hesitate to contact us. 85 Bayfield Street, Suite 400, Barrie, Ontario L4M 3A7 telephone: (705) fax: (705) info@azimuthenvironmental.com

3 Yours truly, AZIMUTH ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING, INC. Jim Broadfoot, H. B.Sc. Terrestrial Ecologist Attach: cc: Clive Mortelliti, Pratt Development AZIMUTH ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING, INC. II

4 Letter of transmittal Table of Contents page i 1.0 INTRODUCTION APPROACH Background Data Site-visit NATURAL HERITAGE POLICIES EXISTING CONDITIONS Land Use Topography & Soils Vegetation SAR Plants Significant Woodland Wetland Wildlife SAR Wildlife Watercourse REVIEW OF NATURAL HERITAGE FEATURES CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS REFERENCES... 9 List of Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Site Location Environmental Features Environmental Constraint Areas AZIMUTH ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING, INC. III

5 List of Tables Table 1 Table 2 Table 3 Table 4 Species at Risk Assessment Wildlife Observations Watercourse Observations Constraints Assessment Photographs Photograph 1 Tributary B, Location W1 Photograph 2 Tributary B, Location W2 Photograph 3 Tributary B, Location W3 Photograph 4 Looking northwest across property Photograph 5 Looking south along slope/woodland transition Photograph 6 Looking southeast across property List of Appendices Appendix 1 Appendix 2 Background Natural Heritage Information Simcoe County GIS Regulation Mapping LSRCA AZIMUTH ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING, INC. IV

6 1.0 INTRODUCTION Azimuth Environmental Consulting Inc. (Azimuth) was retained by Pratt Development to assess the environmental features and functions associated with an approximately 78ha parcel of land located within the Town of Innisfil Part of Lots 22 24, Concession 9 (Figure 1). This property is located north of the 9 th Line. Lands south of the 9 th were comprehensively reviewed as part of the preparation of the Alcona North Secondary Plan (ANSP). The purpose of the assessment was to identify potential environmental constraints to development of these lands. This assessment builds on the work completed for the ANSP area by North-South Environmental for the Town of Innisfil (North-South 2011 [November]). 2.0 APPROACH To identify potential environmental constraints to development we reviewed background environmental data available for the property and adjacent lands and conducted a sitevisit to verify background data and to identify key/significant natural heritage features and functions specific to the property and adjacent lands. 2.1 Background Data The location of the following natural heritage features was identified based on data provided by Simcoe County GIS ( MNR Evaluated Wetlands (i.e., Leonard s Beach Swamp [Provincially Significant Wetland [PSW] Complex]). MNR Unevaluated Wetlands. Simcoe County Official Plan 2007 Greenlands. Simcoe County Official Plan 2007 Greenland Linkages. Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI). Contour Intervals 2 metre. Streams/Lakes/Ponds/Water Features. Soil Class (Canada Land Inventory) Primary interest in identifying areas having Organic soils. AZIMUTH ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING, INC. 1

7 We compiled a list of SAR for the area based on the Ministry of Natural Resource list of SAR (i.e., species designated as Endangered, Threatened or Special Concern under Ontario s Endangered Species Act, 2007 [ESA]) for Simcoe Region ( RSK_SMC_EN.html) (Table 1). We reviewed Natural Areas (i.e., Significant Woodlands, Streams, Stream Corridors) as mapped by the Town of Innisfil (Appendix 2 of Innisfil Official Plan Map Date March 1, 2010 as reported in North-South [2011]). We reviewed Deer Yard mapping data produced by the MNR (Allan et al. 2005) to identify potential Deer Winter Concentration Area habitat mapped on or adjacent to the property (Note: Deer Winter Concentration Area is a candidate Significant Wildlife Habitat function identified provincially [MNR 2000]). 2.2 Site-visit We conducted a site-visit to the property on June 27, 2013 (0615hr to 0935hr). The site visit included completion of a dawn breeding bird survey conducted using both point count and roving survey techniques (see Figure 2 for Point Count Station locations). A reconnaissance survey was completed of all naturally vegetated portions of the property (i.e., watercourse corridor, hedgerows, edge habitat associated with the Leonard s Beach PSW). This vegetation survey was conducted with the primary objective of discovering the location of Butternut trees and other plant SAR located on or adjacent to the property and to describe the composition and structure of discernible vegetation communities as well as hedgerows. A list of all wildlife detected (i.e., observed, heard or identified through interpretation of tracks and other sign) was compiled for the site visit. Watercourse data related to channel characteristics (bankfull and wetted dimensions, flow, substrate, fish observations, etc.) was collected at several locations (including within the right of way of the 9 th Line south of the property) (see Figure 2 for watercourse observations locations). AZIMUTH ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING, INC. 2

8 3.0 NATURAL HERITAGE POLICIES In keeping with the policy review completed for the ANSP area by North-South (2011) the following policy documents/technical papers provide guidelines for the identification of the range of natural heritage features and functions that are afforded policy protection and hence pose potential environmental constraints to development: Town of Innisfil Official Plan (2006). Provincial Policy Statement (2005). Lake Simcoe Protection Plan (2009). Greenbelt Plan Technical Paper 2 (2005). Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Watershed Development Policies (2008). We reviewed the following information as well: Ontario s ESA and associated MNR guidance documents identify SAR habitat posing potential constraints to development. Ontario Regulation 179/06 administered by the Lane Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) governing land uses that have the potential to affect the hydrology of watercourses, wetlands and Lake Simcoe shoreline areas. The Fisheries Act governing activities having the potential to harm, alter or destroy fish habitat. In Section 5.0 we utilize this policy and regulation framework to identify the natural heritage features and functions of the property and adjacent lands having the potential to constrain development. 4.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS 4.1 Land Use The property is vacant and currently cultivated farmland. The old farm dwelling and barn/other outbuildings were demolished some time ago. There is an old farm lane leading into the central section of the property from the 9 th Line road. There is a culvert beneath the access laneway facilitating watercourse flows to the southeast. Lands west of the Leonard s Beach PSW are cropped annually. Corn had been planted in There was a very small area of hayfield near the site of the demolished barn. AZIMUTH ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING, INC. 3

9 Adjacent lands to the south are separated from the property by the 9 th Line. These lands are primarily farmland and are contained within the ANSP area. Adjacent lands to the east are vegetated and mapped as part of the Leonard s Beach PSW. Adjacent lands to the north and west are primarily farmland. Crops in 2013 included soybean and grain. 4.2 Topography & Soils Farmed sections of the property and adjacent lands are primarily flat to gently rolling. Farm land of the property slopes gently toward a watercourse that flows in a northwest to southeast direction through the southwestern section of the property. Topography changes on the east side of the property in the general location of the transition between farmland and the natural vegetation cover of the Leonard s Beach PSW. This transition is associated with a slope that is oriented in a general north/south direction. The slope is more pronounced near the northern limit of the property. Soils of the property are composed of glacial till and are mapped as silty clay loam and loam Soil Class 1-3 by Simcoe County (Appendix 1). No portions of the property, including lands mapped as part of the Leonard s Beach PSW are mapped as having organic soils. 4.3 Vegetation The east side of the property contains natural tree cover extending from field edge and into the Leonard s Beach PSW. Vegetation communities of the Leonard s Beach PSW include Deciduous Swamp (Poplar/Ash dominant) with lesser amounts of Mixed Swamp and Coniferous Swamp containing Eastern White Cedar. Transitional woodland located along the edge of the wetland is composed of Eastern White Cedar with Poplar, Ash, Elm, Basswood, Apple and Staghorn Sumac (Photo 5). A watercourse that traverses the southwestern section of the property flows through a narrow riparian treed corridor. The riparian corridor has composition and structure of a Deciduous Forest. The riparian corridor contains a large number of Butternut trees as shown on Figure 2. Farmland of the property abuts three small patches of woodland as shown on Figure 2. AZIMUTH ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING, INC. 4

10 The hedgerow along the north side of the property is composed of mature Basswood, Sugar Maple, White Ash and Elm. As shown on Figure 2 a Butternut tree was observed in the hedgerow near the northwest corner of the property. The hedgerow along the west side of the property is composed of mature Sugar Maple, White Ash, Elm and Basswood. As shown on Figure 2, several Butternut trees were observed in the hedgerow. The hedgerow along the south side of the property is composed of young Ash, Elm, White Cedar and Basswood SAR Plants The fencerows of the western and northwestern section of the property and the riparian woodland contain Butternut trees (Note: an Endangered plant species afforded protection under Ontario s ESA). We observed no Ginseng during our site visit and the property and adjacent lands do not provide optimal habitat. No Ginseng where observed with the ANSP area (North-South 2011). The property and adjacent lands do not provide suitable habitat for any of the other SAR plants of Simcoe County (Table 1) Significant Woodland The criteria applied within the ANSP area to identify Significant Woodlands were derived from Section of the Town of Innisfil Official Plan and the Greenbelt Plan Technical Paper 2 (North-South 2011). By these criteria any woodland having the following characteristics is a candidate for designation as Significant Woodland: contains naturally occurring (not planted) trees and is 4ha or more in size (Greenbelt Plan). 0.5ha or more in size if it is located in proximity to a wetland, seepage area or spring, fish habitat, stream, lake, significant habitat of woodland wildlife, significant valleyland or significant woodland (Greenbelt Plan). supports valued species of flora or fauna including any of the following: i) any G1, G2, G3, S1, S2, or S3 plant or animal species, or community as designated by the Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC); or ii) any species designated by the Committee On the Status of Endangered Wildlife In Canada (COSEWIC) or the Committee On the Status of Species At Risk in Ontario (Town of Innisfil). AZIMUTH ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING, INC. 5

11 woodland over 2 ha that is: i) within 100 metres of another feature identified in Section of the Town of Innisfil Official Plan ; or ii) within 30 metres of a natural watercourse, surface water feature or other wetland (Town of Innisfil). woodland that is greater than or equal to 10 ha in size (Town of Innisfil). Application of these criteria identify the woodland and swamp (i.e., Leonard s Beach PSW) of the east side of the property as a candidate for designation as Significant Woodland as shown on Figure 2. The criteria also identify the riparian woodland associated with the watercourse that traverses the southwestern section of the property as a candidate for designation as Significant Woodland as shown on Figure 2. The isolated woodland patches located on adjacent lands to the north and west of the property (i.e., Woodlots A, B and C shown on Figure 2) do not appear to be candidates for designation as Significant Woodland as they are small (i.e., < 4ha) in contrast to Significant Woodland mapping of Appendix 2 of the Innisfil Official Plan (Note: Woodland Unit A = 1.25ha, B = 0.93ha, C = 3.17ha). Woodland Unit C is mapped as Other Wetland by the Town of Innisfil (Skelton Brunwell and Azimuth 2011). The eastern side of this woodland where it abuts the property contains and abundance of Scots Pine and hence is forest and not wetland habitat. Woodland Unit A is mapped as unevaluated wetland by the MNR. This woodlot is dominated with succession poplar (i.e., sapling and polewood sized Trembling Aspen) and contains young Green Ash, typical of successional forest growth on abandoned farmland Wetland Wetland habitat is restricted to the east side of the property and is mapped as part of the Leonard s Beach PSW. The wetland boundary shown on background mapping appears generally accurate. This wetland is designated provincially significant by the MNR. 4.4 Wildlife The results of our dawn breeding bird survey and reconnaissance survey conducted during our June 27, 2013 site-visit revealed wildlife species typical of the habitats of the property and adjacent lands and within the surrounding landscape in general (Table 2). AZIMUTH ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING, INC. 6

12 The Leonard s Beach PSW provides a large amount of forest cover and provides open water habitat suitable to breeding by woodland amphibians. Therefore, the PSW/Significant Woodland of the east side of the property may function as Significant Wildlife Habitat in regard to: area-sensitive forest breeding birds and woodland amphibian breeding habitat. According to MNR deer yard mapping data (Allan et al. 2005), the property and adjacent lands do not function as Significant Wildlife Habitat in regard to winter concentration habitat for deer SAR Wildlife None of the wildlife species observed on or adjacent to the property are SAR. The results of our SAR screening assessment indicate that the Leonard s Beach PSW may provide habitat for the following: Cerulean Warbler (TH); Louisiana Waterthrush (SC); Red-headed Woodpecker (SC); Blanding s Turtle (TH); and Milksnake (SC). None of these species where detected during our breeding bird surveys or reconnaissance surveys of the property. 4.5 Watercourse The watercourse that traverses the southwestern section of the property is mapped as Tributary B within the environmental analysis conducted on lands within the ANSP area located south of the 9 th Line (North-South 2011). This watercourse is mapped as regulated by the LSRCA (Appendix 2). Table 3 reports channel characteristics for three reaches of the watercourse evaluated on June 27, Fish were observed in Tributary B downstream of the 9 th Line in 2009 (Skelton Brumwell and Azimuth [2011]) and we observed no obvious barriers to upstream movement on the property. Based on these data and observations, the section of Tributary B that flows through the property has characteristics of seasonal direct, warm water fish habitat (i.e., low and discontinuous/intermittent summer flow connected to downstream fish habitat). The lower reaches of Tributary B on lands south of the 9 th Line within the Leonard s Beach PSW are considered to receive ground water inputs and hence Skelton Brumwell and Azimuth (2011) recommended that these lower reaches should be considered as cold water fish habitat. Thus, the section of Tributary B located on the property appears to AZIMUTH ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING, INC. 7

13 function as a surface water fed/warm water headwater feature associated with cold water fish habitat. 5.0 REVIEW OF NATURAL HERITAGE FEATURES The Town of Innisfil Official Plan (Section 3.1) provides policies related to natural features and functions that restrict development. According to North-South (2011) these include: Environmentally Significant Areas (excluding Hydrogeologically Significant Areas). Provincially Significant wetlands & Other wetlands. Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSIs). Valleylands. Significant Woodlands. Significant wildlife habitat. Significant habitat of endangered species and threatened species. The Lake Simcoe shoreline. Stream corridors including fish habitat and buffers. The listed natural heritage features and functions are afforded protection under Ontario s ESA (habitat of Endangered or Threatened Species), the PPS (significant wetlands, woodlands, ANSIs, wildlife habitat, fish habitat), the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan (key natural heritage and hydrologic features), the Fisheries Act, and Ontario Regulation 179/06 (watercourses, wetlands, shorelines). Table 4 provides an assessment of these features and functions as they apply to the property and adjacent lands and the potential constraints they impose on development. In Table 4 we also consider the implications these constraints have on future development, largely as they relate to application of minimum vegetation protection zones/buffers specified by the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan. 6.0 CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS The following environmental constraints were noted on the property and adjacent lands: Significant Wetland Leonard s Beach PSW (eastern section of property). Significant Woodlands 1) Tree cover of Leonard s Beach PSW and woodland edge habitat (eastern section of property); 2) Treed riparian corridor associated with Tributary B (owing to presence of relatively large numbers of Butternut). AZIMUTH ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING, INC. 8

14 Significant Wildlife Habitat Associated with Leonard s Beach PSW (eastern section of property). Species At Risk Butternut (associated with Tributary B stream corridor and western hedgerow) Stream Corridor Alignment of Tributary B The slope noted on the east side of the property at the transition from cultivated farmland to woodland/wetland may define a top of valley feature (subject to LSRCA opinion). The slope appears to be contained within the 30m setback applied to the edge of candidate Significant Woodland (see Figure 3) and hence may not impose further constraint to development of farmland in the northeast section of the property. Table 4 provides a summary of recommendations regarding application of buffers/vegetation protection zones to significant features. Figure 3 depicts lands located outside of potential environmental constraint and hence suitable for development pending the results and recommendations of Environmental Impacts Studies completed at the time when development plans are brought forward. 7.0 REFERENCES Allan, B., J. Broadfoot, and G. Findlay Midhurst District deer yard survey: Huronia Area. MNR, Unpublished Management Report, Midhurst District, Midhurst, ON. MNR Natural Heritage Reference Manual for Natural Heritage Policies of the Provincial Policy Statement, 2005 (Second Edition). Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Queen s Printer for Ontario. Toronto, ON. 248pp. MNR Significant Wildlife Habitat Technical Guide. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Queen s Printer for Ontario. Toronto, ON. 139pp + appendices. North-South Alcona North Secondary Plan Environment. Prepared for The Town of Innisfil by North-South Environmental Inc. Skelton Brumwell., Azimuth Existing conditions natural heritage Alcona North Secondary Plan Part North Half Lots 21, 22, 23 & 24 Concession 8 Town of Innisfil. Prepared for Alcona North Property Owners by Skelton, Brumwell & Associates Inc. and Azimuth Environmental Consulting Inc. (January 2011). AZIMUTH ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING, INC. 9

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27 APPENDICES Appendix 1 Background Data (Simcoe County GIS) Appendix 2 Regulation Mapping - LSRCA AZIMUTH ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING, INC.

28 APPENDIX 1 Background Data Simcoe County GIS AZIMUTH ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING, INC.

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31 APPENDIX 2 Regulation Mapping - LSRCA AZIMUTH ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING, INC.

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