SCHNEIDER CREEK REMEDIATION CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT ADDENDUM

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1 SCHNEIDER CREEK REMEDIATION CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT ADDENDUM PUBLIC MEETING FEBRUARY 8 TH, 2012

The City of Kitchener and Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) are undertaking an Environmental Assessment (EA) Addendum for the remediation of Schneider Creek between Hayward Avenue and Manitou

2 The City of Kitchener and Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) are undertaking an Environmental Assessment (EA) Addendum for the remediation of Schneider Creek between Hayward Avenue and Manitou Drive. The map below shows the location of the study area. Background The GRCA in partnership with the City of Kitchener completed the Class EA for the remediation of Schneider Creek in The goal of the EA was to recommend remedial flood control measures related to the operations of the Goderich-Exeter Railway (GEXR), as well as to mitigate erosion throughout the study area. A preferred alternative was determined for three reaches of creek within the study limits, but were not implemented. Study Objective The objective of this study is to complete an Addendum to the 1995 Class EA to update the existing conditions and review the evaluation of flood and erosion mitigation alternatives based on current information. The result will be that the 1995 preferred alternative will either be confirmed, or a new preferred alternative will be recommended. This study is being completed as an Addendum to a Class EA under the Conservation Ontario Class Environmental Assessment for Remedial Flood and Erosion Control Projects.

3 Natural Environment Vegetation, wetlands, wildlife and aquatic environment were assessed and compared to 1995 conditions. Geomorphic Conditions All reaches were straightened and modified between 1952 and 1972, with some modifications occurring earlier likely due to railroad construction. Vegetation communities delineated (see map at right) show no significant change since 1995, consisting primarily of cultural, wetland, deciduous swamp and forested communities. The dominant form of creek adjustment in this section is widening, shown by bank erosion, exposed tree roots, etc. Schneider Creek is classified as a warmwater system, but supports some coolwater fish species. Culverts in Reach 2 serve as barriers to fish passage along the creek. Potentially suitable habitat for six Species At Risk was identified: Milksnake, Snapping Turtle, Jefferson salamander, American ginseng, Wavy-Rayed Lampmussel, Silver Shiner. Geomorphic conditions have not significantly changed since Natural Environment Social Environment Social Environment Peter Hallman Ball Yards Peter Hallman Ball Yards (Reach 1) have been constructed since Triple M Metals (Reach 2) has expanded operations significantly since Hydraulic Conditions Existing culverts and Balzer Road Bridge in Reach 2 are undersized, contributing to flooding issues. Triple M Metals Country Hills East Culvert 1 and 2: 2-year capacity The Budd Spurline has seen a marked decrease in usage since the closure of the Budd Automotive Plant (Kitchener Frame) in Country Hills East subdivision has commenced construction since Culvert 3: 5-year capacity Steeper grade in Reach 3 exacerbates erosion issues. Planned Trans-Canada Trail to run adjacent to Schneider Creek (see map at left for proposed location). Proposed Trail

Original Remediation Alternatives (1995) Alternative 1 Do Nothing Alternative 2 Channel Armouring Alternative 3 Natural Channel Design (Preferred) Outfall - 2004 Footbridge - 2004 Bank Erosion - 2004

4 Original Remediation Alternatives (1995) Alternative 1 Do Nothing Alternative 2 Channel Armouring Alternative 3 Natural Channel Design (Preferred) Outfall Footbridge Bank Erosion Changes Since 1995 The Peter Hallman Ball Yard has been developed adjacent to the creek since The extension of Block Line Road over Schneider Creek is anticipated in Plans to construct a portion of the Trans-Canada Trail adjacent to Schneider Creek. Erosion of the creek banks has continued to progress. Reassessment of Preferred Alternative Alternative 3 remains the preferred approach. The Natural Channel Design concept plan from 1995 has been revised by reducing the channel meander and adding shoals to improve low flow conditions. Access to the floodplain will be improved through bank terracing. Opportunities water quality improvements and wetland enhancements will be confirmed at final design. Outfall Footbridge Bank Erosion

Original Remediation Alternatives (1995) Alternative 1 - Improve Culvert No. 1 only. Alternative 2 - Construct southwest bypass channel and improve Culvert No. 3.

6 Original Remediation Alternatives (1995) Alternative 1 - Improve Culvert No. 1 only. Alternative 2 - Construct southwest bypass channel and improve Culvert No. 3. Alternative 3 - Construct northeast bypass channel and improve Culvert No. 1 and 3. (Preferred) Alternative 4 - Improve all three culverts. Alternative 5 - Split flow by constructing bypass channels and improving Culvert No. 1 and 3. Alternative 6 - Convey Schneider Creek and Balzer to Culvert No. 3 and divert Montgomery Creek through northeast bypass channel. Alternative 7 - Relocate the Budd Spurline and remove the existing embankment from Culvert No. 1 to Culvert3. Bank Erosion Bank Erosion Original design criteria was to provide a 100-year level of flood protection for the GEXR Budd Spurline. Sediment and Debris Sediment and Debris Changes Since 1995 Significant decrease in use of the GEXR due to the closure of the Budd Automotive Plant. Increase in use of adjacent industrial/commercial properties, particularly Triple M Metals. A portion of the Trans-Canada Trail will be constructed along this Reach. Culvert Culvert

7 Reassessment of Preferred Alternative The proposed northeast bypass channel would adversely impact the Triple M Metals property and Trans-Canada Trail. These impacts are undesirable when considering the benefit to the GEXR which is no longer heavily used. Providing a 100-year level of flood protection is not considered reasonable as the tracks upstream of Reach 2 become flooded regardless of the Reach 2 improvements during the 100-year flow; a 25-year level of protection is considered acceptable. Due to these changes, Alternative 3 is no longer the preferred alternative. Re-evaluation of 1995 Remediation Alternatives Alternative 1 does not address key technical issues; upgrading Culvert No. 1 cannot provide the required 25-year flood protection. Alternatives 2, 5 and 6 create high impacts to adjacent private properties through the construction of bypass channels. Alternative 6 also significantly alters the configuration of the creek, with the potential to exacerbate erosion issues. Alternative 7 would incur high costs and a high impact to the Triple M Metals property, through which the rail line would be routed. Alternative 4 provides the required level of flood protection with minimal impact to adjacent private properties, and is considered the most desirable with respect to current conditions. Additional Considerations Several alternatives (including Alternative 4) include the removal of the existing Balzer Road Bridge. The Bridge is in poor condition and creates a hydraulic restriction in the creek, contributing to flooding issues. Due to its poor condition, the Bridge requires replacement or removal. The Bridge currently services one industrial property on the west side of the creek. The removal of the Bridge is recommended, but requires further evaluation. However, Alternative 4 remains the most desirable approach regardless if the Bridge is removed. New Preferred Alternative Alternative 4 is the new preferred alternative for Reach 2.

Bank Erosion - 2004 Bank Erosion - 2010 Original Remediation Alternatives (1995) Alternative 1 Do Nothing Alternative 2 Channel Armouring Alternative 3 Natural Channel Design Preferred approach was

9 Bank Erosion Bank Erosion Original Remediation Alternatives (1995) Alternative 1 Do Nothing Alternative 2 Channel Armouring Alternative 3 Natural Channel Design Preferred approach was to apply Alternative 2 in the downstream part of the Reach, and Alternative 3 in the upstream part of the Reach. Outfalls Outfalls Changes Since 1995 There have been no significant changes in the conditions in Reach 3 since Region of Waterloo well houses near Manitou Drive remain at risk from bank erosion. Identification of potential sensitive habitat in the natural areas surrounding Reach 3, to be protected during restoration works. Reassessment of Preferred Alternative The implementation of both Alternative 2 and Alternative 3 remains the preferred approach. Retaining wall Retaining wall- 2010

Compile and review feedback from Public Information Centre. Finalize Addendum for submission to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment for 30-day comment period.

11 Compile and review feedback from Public Information Centre. Finalize Addendum for submission to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment for 30-day comment period. For further information please contact: Ms. Diana Lupsa, P.Eng. Design & Construction Project Manager City of Kitchener 200 King Street West, 9th Floor, PO Box 1118 Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 4G7 Tel: (519) Fax: (519) Mr. Jeff Prince, P. Eng. Senior Project Manager, Water Resources AECOM 50 Sportsworld Crossing Road, Suite 290 Kitchener, Ontario, N2P 0A4 Tel: (519) Fax: (519)

Mission Creek Flood Control & Restoration Project. City of Fremont, Alameda County

Mission Creek Flood Control & Restoration Project City of Fremont, Alameda County Agenda Background Why are proposed improvements necessary? Proposed project components Challenges Construction schedule/phasing