BOX CANYON HYDRO PROJECT CONSTRUCTION ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (CEMP) With Reference to: Water File No: 2002601 And Land File No: 2408258 Prepared by BCHC in association with FSCI Biological Consultants November 30, 2011, Revision 1 i
Document Control Table Record of Updates Revision Date Issued Comments Number 0 February 2011 Draft issued to agencies by BCHC 1 November 2011 Revised draft issued to agencies by BCHC AUTHENTICATION This document was prepared by Box Canyon Hydro Corp (BCHC) for the benefit and use of the Box Canyon Hydro Project. The information contained herein is protected under copyright law. As such, this document shall not be used by any third party without the express written consent of the BCHC. ii
DOCUMENT AUTHORIZATION This document was prepared by BCHC in association with FSCI Biological Consultants. To this end, the information presented herein is acceptable to: Name: Date: Independent Environmental Monitor (IEM) AND Name: Date: Construction Manager AND Name: Licensee Date: iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION... 1 1.1Project Summary... 1 1.1.1 Owner... 1 1.1.2 Project Organization Chart... 2 1.1.3 Project Description... 2 1.1.4 Land... 3 1.1.5 Zoning... 4 1.1.6 First Nation Interests... 4 1.1.7 Water... 4 1.1.8 Weather and Climate... 4 1.1.9 Fire... 5 1.1.10 Construction Schedule... 5 1.2 Purpose of this Construction Environmental Management Plan... 7 1.4 Document Organization... 8 1.5 Distribution and Document Management... 9 2 ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE AND GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS... 9 2.1 Regulatory and Other Guidance-related Requirements... 9 2.2 Change Management and Approval... 11 3 ENGINEERING DESIGN... 12 3.1 Project Planning and Design Process... 12 3.2 Waterpower Project Unique Risks... 12 3.3 Pre-construction Site Assessment/Inventory... 13 4 CONSTRUCTION... 14 4.1 Corporate Commitment... 14 4.2 Permits, Licences and Approvals... 14 4.3 First Nation Agreements... 14 4.4 Construction Roles and Responsibilities... 15 4.4.1 Owner... 15 4.4.2 Owner s Engineer / Design Engineer... 15 iv
4.4.3 Owner s Site Construction Manager... 16 4.4.4 Construction Manager... 16 4.4.5 Provincial Engineer... 16 4.4.6 Independent Engineer... 17 4.4.7 Independent Environmental Monitor... 18 4.4.7.1 Environmental Reporting... 21 4.4.7.2 Resolution of Deficiencies and Environmental Non-compliance... 22 4.4.8 Prime Contractor and Subcontractors... 23 4.4.9 Workers... 23 4.4.10 Regular Meetings... 24 4.4.11 Information Available OnSite... 24 4.4.12 Procedures for Construction at or near the Fortis BC Gas pipeline Right-of-Way... 25 5 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT... 26 5.1 General Environmental Concerns... 26 5.2 Environmental Training and Awareness Program... 26 5.3 Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan... 27 5.3.1 Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan... 27 5.3.2 Environmental Incident Reporting Protocol... 28 5.4 Wildlife Vehicle Collision Protocol... 29 5.5 Fish and Fish Habitat Protection and Compensation Works... 30 5.5.1 Summary of Environmental Concerns... 30 5.5.2 Environmental Protection Measures... 30 5.5.3 Compensation Activities and Physical Works... 31 5.6 Heritage, Cultural and/or Archaeological Sites... 31 5.6.1 Human Remains... 32 5.6.2 Culturally Modified Trees (CMTs)... 32 5.6.3 Discovery Protocol... 33 5.7 Storms and Other Severe Weather... 34 5.7.1 Summary of Environmental Concerns... 34 5.7.2 Environmental Protection Measures... 34 5.8 Care of Water Plan... 35 5.8.1 Summary of Environmental Concerns... 35 5.8.2 InStream Work... 35 5.8.3 Drainage and Erosion Control... 38 5.8.3.1 Description of Activities and Environmental Concerns... 38 5.8.3.2 Environmental Protection Measures... 38 5.8.4 Settling Ponds... 40 5.8.4.1 Description of Activities and Environmental Concerns... 40 v
5.8.4.2 Environmental Protection Measures... 40 5.9 Access, Laydown and Other Temporary Site Works... 40 5.9.1 Access Roads and Trails... 41 5.9.2 Dust Control... 41 5.10 Vegetation Clearing... 42 5.10.1 Description of Activities and Environmental Concerns... 42 5.10.2 Environmental Protection Measures... 42 5.10.3 Grubbing, Stripping, Grading, and Soil Salvage... 44 5.10.3.1 Description of Activities and Environmental Concerns... 44 5.10.3.2 Environmental Protection Measures... 44 5.10.3.3 Invasive and Noxious Vegetation Mitigation Plan... 45 5.11 Excavation and Borrowing... 46 5.11.1 Description of Activities and Environmental Concerns... 46 5.11.2 Environmental Protection Measures... 46 5.11.3 Rock Blasting... 47 5.12 Concrete Production, Handling, and Wastage... 48 5.12.1 Description of Activities and Environmental Concerns... 48 5.12.2 Environmental Protection Measures... 48 5.13 Fuels, Oils and Lubricants... 49 5.13.1 Fuel Storage and Handling Protocols... 50 5.13.2 Fuel Spill Prevention and Preparedness... 51 5.13.3 Fuel Spill Response Plan... 52 5.13.4 Resource List... 54 5.14 Hazardous Materials... 54 5.14.1 Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)... 54 5.14.2 Environmental Protection Measures... 55 5.14.2.1 Hazardous Material Storage and Handling Protocols... 55 5.14.2.2 Loading and Dispensing Operations Protocols... 56 5.14.2.3 Hazardous Material Spills and Releases Protocols... 57 5.15 Solid Waste and Sewage... 58 5.15.1 Description of Activities and Environmental Concerns... 58 5.15.2 Environmental Protection Measures... 59 5.16 Water Supply... 61 5.16.1 Description of Activities and Environmental Concerns... 61 5.17 Fire... 61 5.17.1 Description of Activities and Environmental Concerns... 61 5.17.2 Fire Prevention and Preparedness... 61 5.17.3 Fire Response Action Plan... 62 vi
5.17.4 Controlled Burns... 62 5.17.5 Open Burning Smoke Control in British Columbia... 63 5.17.6 Open Burning Authorization... 64 5.17.7 Ventilation Index... 64 5.17.8 FireWatcher Equipment List... 64 5.17.9 Fire Equipment Station... 64 5.18 Construction Site Restoration and Camp Closure... 65 5.18.1 Description of Activities and Environmental Concerns... 65 5.18.2 Environmental Protection Measures... 65 5.19 Post Construction Monitoring/Inspection... 66 5.19.1 Description of Activities and Environmental Concerns... 66 5.19.2 Environmental Protection Measures... 66 6 PROJECT SPECIFIC ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES... 67 6.1 Water Quality... 67 6.2 Fish Presence/Absence at Intakes... 67 6.3 Coastal Tailed Frogs... 67 6.4 Nesting Birds... 69 6.5 Ungulate Winter Range (Mountain Goats)... 69 6.6 Other Wildlife... 70 6.7 Vegetation Communities... 70 6.8 Waste Management... 70 7 CONSTRUCTION ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAM... 71 7.1 Monitoring Program... 71 7.1.1 Water Quality Monitoring... 71 7.1.1.1 Settling Ponds... 72 7.1.2 Water Flow Monitoring... 72 7.1.3 Fish and Invertebrates Monitoring... 72 7.1.4 Terrestrial and Sensitive Habitat Monitoring... 73 7.1.4.1 Northern Goshawk Nest... 73 7.1.4.2 Ungulate Winter Range... 74 7.1.4.3 Bird Nesting Areas... 74 8 COMMISSIONING... 75 vii
8.1 Commissioning Plan... 75 8.2 Ramping Rates... 75 9 KEY CONTACTS... 76 REFERENCES... 79 APPENDICES A B C D E Construction Camp Location Drawing Project Schedule Permits and Licences Environmental Incident Reporting Protocol Environmental Monitoring Locations viii
1 INTRODUCTION Protection of public health, safety and the environment is of paramount concern throughout and following the physical work proposed for the Box Canyon Hydro Project. Public health and safety is viewed to encompass worker health and protection for individuals engaged in the construction of the Project, as well as protection for permanent/seasonal residents and/or land users near the Project Site. Environmental protection includes identifying risks related to potential releases during construction, such as the off site migration of sediment during clearing activities for example. This Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) outlines the prescribed or recommended provisions to protect public health, safety and the environment during Project construction. It is the responsibility of the Prime Contractor and their subcontractors, and employees, and Project Site personnel retained by the Box Canyon Hydro Project to be familiar with the contents of the CEMP and to comply with the practices and procedures documented therein. It is noted that this version of the CEMP is a first draft and as such is subject to change based upon input received from applicable regulatory agencies (e.g., MFLNRO and DFO). As detailed design activities are ongoing, this CEMP has been prepared at a preliminary design level of detail. Once the detailed design is completed, any changes/refinements to the design will be integrated within the framework of this CEMP. It is emphasized that this is a "live" document, which is intended to be updated and improved throughout the lifecycle of the Project, specifically during the detailed design, construction, and Project Site restoration phases. To this end, all those involved with the design, construction, and restoration of the Project Site are encouraged to address any concerns or recommendations that they may have such that this CEMP will function, grow and continually improve. The intent is to ensure that public health, safety and the environment are not compromised during Project construction. 1.1Project Summary 1.1.1 Owner The Box Canyon Hydro Project is a Joint Ownership arrangement between Box Canyon Hydro Corp. and Sound Energy Inc. Sound Energy Inc. was incorporated under the Company Act of British Columbia on September 26, 2002, under Certificate of Incorporation number BC655403. Its managing directors are Jack A. Carthy, P.Eng., and John E.J. Termuende. Box Canyon Hydro Corp. is a privately owned subsidiary of Elemental Energy Inc. incorporated under the Company Act of British Columbia, under Certificate of Incorporation number BC82256. Elemental Energy Inc. (http://www.elementalenergy.ca/company.html ) is a private company wholly owned by Joe Houssian. 1
1.1.2 Project Organization Chart The following organization chart outlines the reporting structure for the various Team members. Box Canyon Hydro Sound Energy (Owners) Owner s Site Construction Manager IE IEM Owner s Engineer / Design Engineer Prime Contractor Construction Manager Direct Relationship Indirect Relationship Sub-Contractors 1.1.3 Project Description The Project is located approximately 10.5 km northeast of Port Mellon, on the west shore of Howe Sound, British Columbia The project taps the waters of both Box Canyon Creek itself and Marty and Cascara Creeks to the north. High elevation intakes on Box Canyon, Marty and Cascara Creeks will divert a maximum combined flow of 3.9 m 3 /s through an approximately 7900 m water conveyance system comprising HDPE low pressure conduits and high pressure penstocks, to a single surface powerhouse. Taps on a number of tributaries to Box Canyon and Marty Creeks are included. The project will have an approximate capacity of 15 MW, which will be achieved by a Pelton generating unit. The powerhouse will release into McNab Creek at a 2
point upstream of the junction between Box Canyon Creek and McNab Creek. The interconnection with BC Hydro transmission grid will be accomplished with an approximately 2.8 km 138 kv transmission line from the powerhouse along sections of existing logging roads and through existing cutblocks all on private land on the west side of McNab Creek, to a midline t-tap connection with BC Hydro 138 kv Line 1L31, which runs along the west side of Howe Sound. The Box Canyon Hydro Project environmental inventories and monitoring efforts began in 2002, and have increased in detail and scope each year. The proponent has received a 40 year power purchase agreement with BC Hydro, with a commercial operation date of January 2013. In July 2007 a Waterpower Project Development Plan (WPDP) was submitted to the Integrated Land Management Bureau (ILMB) with subsequent All Agencies Meeting (AAM), and public open house. The AAM identified some deficiencies in the WPDP that have been addressed in revised WPDP, submitted December 2010. The public open house recorded minimal attendance with no negative comments. 1.1.4 Land The Geographic Coordinates for the Project are as follows: Project Component UTM (Zone 10) Box Canyon Creek Headworks 5492539N, 469096E Marty Creek Headworks 5494360N, 468516E Cascara Creek Headworks 5496175N, 468461E Powerhouse 5492565N, 471556E The Project components tabled above are located entirely on provincial Crown land within the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD). The powerline and interconnection to the BCH 1L31 transmission line are located on private land. Other nearby land users include: Private land owner - Burnco Rock Products; Timber harvester BC Timber sales; Traditional Territory Squamish First Nation: BC Hydro the BCH transmission line; Fortis BC: - gas pipeline Private land owner - McNab Estates recreational property near the mouth of and east of McNab Creek. 3
1.1.5 Zoning As noted above, the Project is situated within the SCRD approximately 10 km northeast of the Port Mellon. The Project lands are zoned RU2, but will have to be rezoned to I9,Independent Power Project, by the SCRD. 1.1.6 First Nation Interests The Project lands are situated entirely within the traditional territory of the Squamish Nation who have Aboriginal Title and exercise Aboriginal Rights throughout their territory. It is noted that Box Canyon Hydro is in the process of finalizing an Impact Benefits Agreement (IBA) with the Squamish Nation. As such, and in advance of construction, the Squamish Nation will support and consent to the Project. 1.1.7 Water The Project has one Water Licence application from the Province of British Columbia to divert water for hydropower production. Details are provided in Table 2 below. Table 2: Water Licence Application Point of Diversion Volume m 3 /s Box Canyon Creek 2.0 Unnamed (Marty) Creek 1.6 Unnamed (Cascara) Creek 1.4 1.1.8 Weather and Climate The Project is situated within the Coastal Maritime Pacific climate zone. A summary of weather and climatic conditions for this climate zone are summarized below. It is noted that the highest runoff is during the winter months, with lower flows in late August through September 4
Climate Zone Coastal Maritime Pacific Average Temperature Range -6oC to 20oC Maximum Total Annual Precipitation 5000 mm Average Total Annual Precipitation 3000 mm Weather Network www.theweathernetwork.com Weather Radio N/A Weather Phone (Environment Canada) (604) 885-4100 Weather Notices (Environment Canada) www.weatheroffice.pyr.ec.gc.ca/e-products 1.1.9 Fire The Project Site is located in the Sunshine Coast Forest District, inside the Coast Forest Region. The Forest Fire Danger Class is updated frequently based on wind speed and direction, precipitation, temperature, relative humidity, and local watershed conditions. The general conditions may be found at: http://bcwildfire.ca/weather/maps/danger_rating.htm 1.1.10 Construction Schedule Construction is expected to begin in July 2012, and is expected to take approximately 25 months to complete this is, initial Project Site clearing (vegetation removal) through to Project Site restoration. It is noted that actual construction activities will be affected by weather, Contractor availability, materials and equipment procurement, regulatory requirements (such as in stream work windows), and other restrictions. A detailed construction schedule is attached in Appendix B of this CEMP. In carrying out Project construction, the Prime Contractor and all contract forces must be cognizant of and respect all applicable fish and wildlife timing windows. When accompanied by appropriate mitigation measures and applicable best management practices (BMPs), adherence to timing windows is a valued tool in reducing the disturbance impacts on fish and wildlife during sensitive life cycle stages (e.g., spawning and nesting). The fish and wildlife timing windows that are proposed during construction of the Box Canyon Hydro Project are detailed below. Pending Fisheries Act Authorization (FAA), in-stream works is as follows: Intake Sites from May 1 to October 31; Powerhouse Site and nearby road crossings from June 1 to September 30 Given that portions of the McNab watershed may be used by nesting birds such as raptors (e.g., northern goshawks, eagles) ( Strategic 2010) and other birds (e.g. flycatchers) (Wright 2010), the Prime Contractor shall conduct land clearing activities outside of the most sensitive nesting 5
period for birds. To this end, land clearing activities shall be avoided between April 1 and July 31. See Section 6.4 of this CEMP for more details. Given the presence of an ungulate winter range (mountain goats) on the steep slopes northwest of Cascara Creek within 500 metres of the proposed intake, aircraft over flights or blasting should be limited between November 1 and April 30 in this area. See Section 6.5 of this CEMP for further details. 1.2 Scope of Waterpower Developments Waterpower developments in British Columbia are to abide by the terms of the BC Hydro Electricity Purchase Agreement (EPA), and to adhere to Low Impact and Socially Responsible Principles. It is noted that Box Canyon Hydro has received a 40 year power purchase agreement with BC Hydro, with a commercial operation date of May 2014. This CEMP is a key component of the Project execution plan which incorporates these Low Impact and Socially Responsible Principles and puts them into effect during the detailed design, construction, and Project Site restoration phases. A summary of these Principles follows: Low Impact Principles Conserve existing fish habitat capability and resident fish communities by meeting the federal Fisheries Act requirements and the Fisheries and Oceans Canada no net loss policy for conserving fish and fish habitat, and ensuring: Flows in the bypassed reach and downstream of the tailrace are adequate to support indigenous aquatic and riparian species at pre facility ranges; The facility has minimal impact on the water quality in the headpond, bypassed reach, and reaches downstream of the tailrace and diversion; The facility is operated in a manner to ensure conservation of fish habitat, including aquatic or terrestrial organisms; A minimum wetted channel perimeter is maintained at all control structures with a constant flow in the river throughout the year; Conserve sensitive streams and species at risk (endangered species, threatened species, and/or species of regional concern); Conserve existing wildlife resources, including habitats and populations; Maintain integrity of ecosystem upstream and downstream of control structures; Access, distribution, and generation facilities have low environmental impact on land resources, including noise levels, scenic, recreational, and cultural values. Socially Responsible Principles Communication with any affected Aboriginal community to enable informed decision making to protect culture, land claims, rights, and title; Communication with any affected local community to maintain values and recreational access; Balance facility development with local economic and employment opportunities; Commitment to health and safety of employees and the public; Ethical dealings including public disclosure, transparency, and responsible financial management. 6
1.2 Purpose of this Construction Environmental Management Plan It is noted that the BCHC (the Owner ) and its consultants have been committed to identifying environmental issues in the planning and preliminary design stages using appropriate avoidance, mitigation, and compensation measures to protect the environment through all phases of the Project. As the Project proceeds through the detailed design process through to construction, the Owner and Contractors are bound by the terms and conditions contained within and/or attached to the various regulatory approvals that have been secured to date (See Appendix C) and those that are still to be secured in advance of construction. It is recognized that failure to comply with these terms and conditions may result in delays to construction, thereby preventing successful completion of the Project. Moreover, non-compliance could result in significant penalties including imprisonment. This CEMP provides detailed procedures to be followed by both the Prime Contractor and Subcontract work forces on how to accomplish the physical works, physical activities associated with those works, and undertakings through the construction phase to avoid, mitigate, or compensate for their adverse environmental effects. These procedures are derived from standard and best industry practices, coupled with government guidelines, and federal/provincial regulatory agency environmental protection requirements. Contact information for the key Project personnel and regulators is also provided. Within the CEMP framework, the Contractor will adjust its actions to deal with on-site conditions encountered as work proceeds. Changes to agreed on approaches will be communicated to the lead regulatory agencies (DFO, MFLNRO) before work proceeds or, in emergencies, once the situation has been stabilized. The specific objectives of this CEMP are to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Project through compliance with applicable environmental legislation, regulations and guidelines. Specifically, this CEMP: Describes the environmental issues and concerns relevant to Project construction arising from the development planning, design, and regulatory review processes; Summarises the key terms and conditions relevant to Project construction as per the regulatory and resource management permits and approvals secured to date (February 2011); Describes appropriate protection measures committed to by the Owner throughout the development planning, consultation and assessment processes; Details the potential environmental problems that could arise during Project construction and provides direction as to how emergencies, spills and unforeseen events will be dealt with in a rapid, safe and effective manner; Presents clear and concise information to relevant Project personnel regarding procedures for protecting the environment while avoiding and mitigating adverse environmental effects; Describes the proposed monitoring program to be carried out to measure the effectiveness of the prescribed environmental protection and mitigative measures; 7
Details the prescribed environmental management structure, and the roles/responsibilities of all on site personnel and; Provides a reference document for the Contractor and construction work forces, Independent Engineer (IE), Independent Environmental Monitor (IEM), and regulatory agencies when planning, observing, or conducting specific works and activities. Though this CEMP will be the controlling plan for all construction activities, several plans, programs and procedures will be prepared, to guide Project development. Specifically, a number of site or activity Environmental Protection Plans (EPPs) will be prepared by the Prime Contractor and will be effectively implemented by Project personnel during the construction phase. When more detailed design activities are completed, these EPPs will be integrated within the framework of this CEMP, and will be based upon regulatory requirements and BMPs. The list of EPPs to be developed by the Prime Contractor may include, but is not limited to: Training Plan Health and Safety Plan Project Site Plan Care of Water Plan (CWP) including Sediment and Drainage Management Plan Traffic Management Plan Invasive and Noxious Vegetation Mitigation Plan Wildlife Mitigation Plan Construction Waste Management Plan Blast Management Plan Gas Pipeline Workzone Plan Acid Rock Drainage (ARD) Management Plan Concrete Batch Plant Operating Plan Air Quality and Dust Control Plan Contaminated Sites Management Plan Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (including Spill Response Plan) Site Restoration (Clean Up) and Camp Closure Plan Commissioning Plan. Each of the above Plans will be submitted for review and approval by the IEM, and applicable regulatory agency where required. Once approved and authorized by the IEM (and applicable agency, if required), each respective EPP will be appended to this CEMP for reference purposes, and become a key component of the document. 1.4 Document Organization This CEMP describes the design basis, procedures, organization, and instructions required to implement environmental protection procedures for construction, site maintenance, and commissioning. Contact lists, codes, standards, and guidelines are referenced throughout. It is noted that general Project requirements as they relate to environmental management for run- 8
of river waterpower developments in British Columbia (BC) are described in Section 5 of this CEMP. Section 6 contains the specific Project data, requirements and constraints that pertain to the Box Canyon Hydro Project. 1.5 Distribution and Document Management It is recognized that this CEMP is a dynamic document that will be updated as detailed design, on site investigations, further regulatory approvals, and construction activities progress. Additional information collected in the field may alter some of the CEMP details. For example, more detailed site surveys may require minor alterations to the construction plan, in consultation with the appropriate resource managers and regulators (See Section 2 for further details regarding change management and approval). This CEMP is a controlled document, whereby CEMP holders will receive revised pages, sections, or appendices as they become available. Each update will be approved and dated so all CEMP holders can be sure they have the most up-to-date version of the document. Document holders will be responsible for maintaining a Record of Updates in their copy of the CEMP. 2 ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE AND GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS 2.1 Regulatory and Other Guidance-related Requirements This CEMP is the primary reference document for the environmental management practices to be implemented by the Prime Contractor and all Sub Contract work forces during Project construction activities. The measures described in this CEMP are supplemental to the environmental provisions and requirements stipulated in the terms and conditions of the relevant permits, licenses and approvals secured to date (See Appendix C). Additional guidance for Project related environmental standards, guidelines and BMPs to be followed by construction work forces are contained in but not limited to the subsequent key documents: A User s Guide to Working In and Around Water Understanding the Regulation under British Columbia s Water Act (MoE WSD, 2009 update); Environmental Best Practices for Highway Maintenance Activities (Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, 2009); Best Management Practices for Tree Topping, Limbing and Removal in Riparian Areas (MoE, 2009); Independent Power Production in B.C.: An Inter-agency Guidebook for Proponents (Government of British Columbia, 2008); Practitioners Guide to Habitat Compensation (DFO, 2007); Practitioners Guide to Fish Passage for DFO Habitat Management Staff (DFO, 2007); Develop with Care: Environmental Guidelines for Urban and Rural Land Development in British Columbia (MoE, 2006); Hazardous Waste Legislation Guide (MoE, 2005); 9
Best Management Practices to Mitigate Road Dust from Winter Traction Materials (Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection (MWLAP), March 2005); Best Management Practices for Raptor Conservation during Urban and Rural Land Development in British Columbia (Ministry of Environment Ecosystem Standards and Planning, 2005); IPP Waterpower Projects: Ministry of Forests and Range Design Criteria for Works That May Impact Forest Roads or Timber Tenures (Working Draft) (Government of British Columbia, 2005); Environmental Management Practices for Ready-Mixed Concrete Operations in Canada (Canadian Ready-Mixed Concrete Association, 2004); Standards and Best Management Practices for Instream Works (MWLAP, March 2004); Best Management Practices for Amphibians and Reptiles in Urban and Rural Environments in British Columbia (MWLAP, 2004); Approved Work Practices for Managing Riparian Vegetation (BC Hydro Distribution, British Columbia Transmission Corporation, DFO, and MWLAP, 2003); Guide for Waterpower Projects (Land and Water British Columbia Inc., 2003); B.C. Guidelines for Industry Emergency Response Plans (MoE, 2002); Stormwater Planning: A Guidebook for British Columbia (MWLAP, 2002); Fish stream Crossing Guidebook (Forest Practices Code 2002); Forest Road Engineering Guidebook - Second edition (Ministry of Forests, 2002); B.C. Guidelines for Industry Emergency Response Plans (MoE, July 2002); Environmental Objectives, Best Management Practices and Requirements for Land Developments (MWLAP, 2001); Culturally Modified Trees of British Columbia: A Handbook for the Identification and Recording of Culturally Modified Trees. Version 2.0 (Prepared by Archaeology Branch, B.C. Ministry of Small Business, Tourism and Culture for the Resources Inventory Committee, 2001); Effects of Sediment on Fish and their Habitat (DFO, 1999); Guidelines For Metal Leaching and Acid Rock Drainage at Mine sites in British Columbia (William A. Price and John C. Errington, Ministry of Energy and Mines, August 1998); Habitat Conservation and Protection Guidelines (DFO, 1998); Fish stream Identification Guidebook 2nd edition (Forest Practices Code 1998); and Land Development Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Habitat (DFO, and Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, 1992). In addition to the above, further information related to BMPs and environmental guidelines are provided and available at the following provincial and federal Websites: Government of British Columbia (2007) Occupational Health and Safety: http://www.worksafebcstore.com/ Culturally Modified Trees (CMTs) and applicable protocols available at: http://www.tca.gov.bc.ca/archaeology/policies/recording_culturally_modified_trees.ht m; Pacific Region Operational Statements (DFO) available at: http://www heb.pac.dfo mpo.gc.ca/decisionsupport/os/operational_statements_e.h tm; 10
Instream Works Windows Information available at: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wsd/water_rights/licence_application/section9/index.html; Wildlife Collision Prevention Program (WCPP) information is available at: http://www.wildlifeaccidents.ca/default.htm; and Ministry of Environment's Provincial Guidelines and Best Management Practices (BMP) page at: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/bmp/bmpintro.html. BCHC is committed to constructing, operating, and ultimately decommissioning the Project in an environmentally responsible manner and in compliance with all applicable environmental legislation and regulations, permits and approvals granted under such legislation, and their terms and conditions as outlined in the Contract and supporting documentation listed above. All Contractors and Sub Contractors retained by BCHC will also be required to adhere to the above during all phases of Project construction, and will be accountable for actions that have an adverse effect on the environment. 2.2 Change Management and Approval During Project construction, the Prime Contractor and all Sub-Contract work forces shall take all reasonable and necessary measures in the performance of the work to avoid causing negative impacts to the environment through compliance with this CEMP and all applicable environmental legislation and regulations, permits and approvals granted under such legislation, and their terms and conditions. In the event of conflict between the Contract and applicable legislation, the terms and conditions of the legal requirements shall apply. The potential for impact to sensitive environmental features and environmental issues has been reviewed and the Project designed to avoid such features. However, it is recognized that as the Project proceeds through to implementation, changes to this CEMP and any subsequent EPPs to be developed by the Prime Contractor may need to be revised in response to such things as, but not limited to, changes to the: design resulting from differing site conditions, change orders or construction procedures and methods; construction schedule; terms and conditions of permits and approvals, including mitigation measures; and/or other unforeseen or unexpected requirements. The CEMP encourages best industry practices and innovative solutions to unforeseen on site challenges. Should better techniques and/or methods become available to manage local conditions, Contractors are encouraged to propose alternative approaches to the work for approval of BCHC (or designate) before the work commences. In such instances, BCHC and the Prime Contractor will be responsible for ensuring environmental and safety issues are fully addressed. All proposed revisions and changes will be submitted by the Prime Contractor for review and approval by BCHC (or designate) and the IEM so as to confirm that their impacts are within the Project footprint. Should the work deviate significantly from the original design, or contravene applicable environmental legislation and regulations, permits and approvals granted under such legislation, these changes will be subject to lead regulatory agency (DFO or MFLNRO) review/comment and approval prior to proceeding with the proposed works. The 11
assessment of these additional works and any required environmental mitigation measures and plans will be provided to the appropriate regulatory agency(ies) as the information becomes available. Once approval is received in writing from the applicable regulatory agency, the Contractor will be authorized to proceed with the work. Where warranted, BCHC will ensure any significant changes to the CEMP, or EPPs are carried out as required throughout the life of the Project. 3 ENGINEERING DESIGN 3.1 Project Planning and Design Process Project planning and design involves considerable effort from technical specialists, resource managers, regulators, stakeholders, and the public. This intensive and iterative process began in 2002 subjecting the Project planners and designers to rigorous scrutiny. The key topics addressed over this time included: Site Inventory and Investigation Mapping, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) survey, Flow Monitoring and Survey Control Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Hydro Facility Design Criteria: Hydrotechnical Geotechnical Civil, Structural, Aesthetics and Cultural Elements Mechanical Electrical Health and Safety Water Quality Monitoring Timing Constraints (Scheduling) On-Site Works and Activities: - Site works - Clearing and Grubbing - Excavation and Grading Access Roads, Bridges, and Culverts Sediment and Drainage Controls Borrow Sources Laydown and Assembly Areas Project Office and Worker Parking Areas Installa on Electrical Reclama on and Landscaping Instrumentation and Communication Maintenance Compensation Works Codes, Standards and Best Practices. This process results in the most effective Project design that incorporates, wherever possible, the conflicting needs, requirements, and expectations among all of the participants. 3.2 Waterpower Project Unique Risks It is noted that waterpower developments have three (3) unique aspects that affect Project planning, design, construction, and operations. Specifically, development of a waterpower project involves: Uncontrolled water flow; Water conveyance under pressure; Electrical power generation and transmission. 12
As run-of-river type hydroelectric developments inherently involve significant construction activity near an actively flowing watercourse, there is always the risk of storm events or other unusual weather causing uncontrollable flooding of the construction sites. Though temporary cofferdams will be constructed to contain a reasonable risk of flooding given the relative length of the construction phase, there is always a potential that the cofferdams will be breached. The Prime Contractor is aware of this potential, and shall be prepared to relocate construction work forces, equipment and materials with minimal notice and in proportion to the forecasted event. The nature of the conveyance system (penstock) is to transport water from the headworks to the powerhouse under pressure in order to take advantage of the energy in the water to generate electricity. During construction, the Prime Contractor should constantly have this purpose in mind, guiding efforts to the utmost quality to minimize the chances of poor workmanship resulting in an unexpected pressurized release of water from the conveyance system during operations. An unexpected release of this type would be both detrimental to the safety of workers, the public, and the environment, due to the likelihood of erosion, loss of habitat, and possible impact on nearby watercourses and downstream water users. A critical component of waterpower developments is the electrical infrastructure, including the generators, control system cabling, the substation, the transmission line and the interconnection. Although specialized contractors will be tasked with the installation and commissioning of this infrastructure, all contractors must be aware of the location and precautions around this equipment. Though it is recognized that incidents with electrical equipment have worker/public safety consequences, it is noted that these events can also have environmental consequences, resulting in wildfires for example, that can damage surrounding vegetation, on site equipment and materials. Contractors can avoid these consequences by ensuring their equipment is properly grounded where appropriate and by informing workers of the presence of electrical infrastructure and the safe working distances from overhead lines, etc. 3.3 Pre-construction Site Assessment/Inventory Prior to commencement of Project Site preparation activities, the Contractor in conjunction with BCHC s Construction Manager) will carry out a Pre-construction Site Assessment/Inventory of the Project Sites. The purpose of this task is to familiarize the Contractor with the construction sites, to inventory (and document through notes and photos) the existing site conditions and to identify any locations where foreign objects (i.e., not naturally occurring) are present, particularly within the affected watercourses/bodies or along their banks and up to 5 m from the water s edge. It is recognized that such residual conditions could present an environmental or safety concern, whereby early detection will allow such conditions to be properly addressed without undue delay or further risk to worker/public safety or the environment. Despite their remote location, the Project Sites have been subject to logging operations since the early 1940 s which may have residual impacts on the land. Specifically, past remote camps or other facilities may not have been properly operated, abandoned, cleaned up, or reclaimed. Often, evidence of such activities will only be uncovered once clearing or grubbing starts, or field workers do a walkthrough of the proposed facility, laydown, or assembly areas. Some 13
abandoned materials may be unearthed by excavation work. New or expanded road works may cross old caches, campsites, storage areas, or refuse dumps. Abandoned or forgotten sites may be contaminated by materials hazardous to personnel and/or the environment, such as chemicals, asbestos, fuel, explosives, or human waste. Contaminated sites may become the Contractor s responsibility if his actions cause or increase exposure or environmental damage. In light of the above uncertainty surrounding the Project Site, BCHC has retained the services of Chartwell Consultants to identify past, current or potential environmental liabilities of the site. Recommendations from the consultant will be incorporated into the CEMP. 4 CONSTRUCTION 4.1 Corporate Commitment The Owner (BCHC) is committed to environmentally responsible planning, design, construction, and operation of renewable energy facilities. Fulfilling all environmental undertakings and meeting all regulatory commitments shall be a contractual obligation of the Prime Contractor and all Sub-Contractors employed on this Project. 4.2 Permits, Licences and Approvals There are a host of provincial and federal laws, along with their associated regulations that must be met prior to waterpower development in British Columbia. In order to comply with all laws, statutes and regulations relating to the Project, BCHC is obligated to obtain several permits, licenses and approvals to facilitate construction and operation of the Project. Licenses and approvals required for the Project, are listed in Appendix C. It is recognized that additional permits, licenses and approvals will be secured by BCHC or the Prime Contractor (or designate) as the detailed design progresses. 4.3 First Nation Agreements The Constitution Act, 1982 recognizes and affirms the Aboriginal and Treaty rights of all Aboriginal peoples in Canada, which includes Indians, Inuit, and Métis. Section 35 affirms that Aboriginal title, and the rights that go along with it, exist whether or not there is a treaty. Aboriginal rights refer to practices, traditions, and customs that distinguish the unique culture of each First Nation as practised prior to European contact. Since 1982, several comprehensive land claim settlements have resolved outstanding land and rights issues in areas without a signed treaty. Regardless of whether a signed treaty is in place or not, First Nations expect to be consulted about development projects that may affect their lands and resources. The courts have confirmed the need for First Nations consultation. Federal and provincial governments are required to ensure that consultation is meaningful and that Aboriginal interests are accommodated where it is possible to do so. Government regulatory and resource management agencies usually require the proponent to consult with Aboriginal people likely to be affected by 14
the proposed project, to describe and document the process used and the results, and to take First Nation interests and concerns into account. As the Project lands are situated entirely within the traditional territory of the Squamish Nation, BCHC has had extensive consultations with the Squamish Nation. Based on these activities, BCHC is in the process of executing a negotiated IBA with the Squamish Nation. 4.4 Construction Roles and Responsibilities BCHC coupled with the Prime Contractor and Sub-Contractors will take all necessary steps to ensure that they have appropriately skilled personnel to carry out the environmental responsibilities as defined in this CEMP. All Contract work forces, or other organizations associated with Project development activities will develop responsive reporting systems that clearly assign responsibility and accountability for all Project-related actions. BCHC will be responsible for ensuring that environmental and social issues are subject to ongoing monitoring and made available for review by applicable external agencies, as appropriate (e.g., MFLNRO, and DFO). To accomplish these goals, it is anticipated that the involvement of external (consultant) environment, health and safety specialists, and other employees will be required. These personnel will be responsible for implementing, monitoring, and reporting, as appropriate. To summarize, environmental protection and preservation is the responsibility of everyone involved with Project development and operation. Employees at every level, including management, are responsible and accountable for the overall environmental initiatives outlined in this CEMP and detailed below. 4.4.1 Owner The Owner (BCHC) must ensure that all applicable permits, approvals, undertakings, and agreements are adhered to during the planning, design, construction, and operation of the Project. In this regard, BCHC is committed to developing the Box Canyon Hydro Project in an environmentally sustainable manner and in accordance with existing applicable federal and provincial legislative requirements. 4.4.2 Owner s Engineer / Design Engineer The owner s Engineer/Design Engineer is responsible for ensuring the design of all permanent components and account for the condition and restrictions of the surrounding environment and limitations as proscribed in all permits and licenses. Both temporary and permanent structures must be appropriately designed using industry standards for eventualities such as floods, earthquakes, and other atypical events. Appropriate safety factors must be used to prevent the possibility of catastrophic failure resulting in environmental and/or safety consequences. 15
4.4.3 Owner s Site Construction Manager The Owner s Site Construction Manager ensures that the Owner s expectations are met, in this case, with respect to environmental management. The Owner s Engineer will be stationed at the site and will confirm that the proper supervision and procedures are utilized for all construction activities. The Owner s site Construction Manager will also be responsible for communicating with the Owner, regulators, the Provincial Engineer, the IE, and the IEM, informing all parties of construction activities as they relate to environmental issues. 4.4.4 Construction Manager The Construction Manager will serve as the Prime Contractor s overall site manager. The Construction Manager will ensure that Contractors, Consultants, and Suppliers on site adhere to the requirements of the CEMP. The Construction Manager will report directly to the Owner s Site Construction Manager and will inform and consult with the IEM about environmental issues. The Construction Manager shall be responsible for enforcing the CEMP (and accompanying EPPs) on a full-time basis, ensuring that it is up-to-date and properly distributed, and that personnel are trained in the relevant aspects of the Plan. The Construction Manager shall keep and maintain on site a list of all hazardous materials, toxic products, work procedures and contaminants needed to complete the construction works. Maintenance of the list shall be coordinated with the IEM, and the list clearly displayed at the project site, along with corresponding Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). The Construction Manager shall ensure rapid response to environmental incidents such as spills or accidents. Moreover, the Construction Manager shall be responsible for ensuring that all environmental protection measures are in proper working condition, that they function correctly and achieve their intended environmental protection purpose. The Construction Manager shall take immediate action to correct any non-conformances with environmental protection requirements. 4.4.5 Provincial Engineer The Government of British Columbia closely regulates small hydro project construction and operation, in cooperation with the appropriate federal and municipal agencies. The Conditional Water Licences require the Licensee (normally the Owner) to retain an IE who will provide information and reports under the direction of the Provincial Engineer designated under the Water Act (the Engineer ) regarding the design and construction of the works. The Licensee is also required to retain an IEM as set out in the Conditional Water Licences. The IE and IEM are empowered to stop work or adjust the plan of action to protect the environment. Further details regarding their roles and authority are provided below. Regulatory and resource management officials will also visit the site as required to ensure terms and conditions are respected and their expectations are being met. The Province of British Columbia has appointed a Provincial Engineer (Mr. James Davies) with the power to regulate the construction of works, including: 16
The criteria for the design and construction of works to protect the public and the environment. The criteria for the construction and operation of the works to protect the interests of other licensees, riparian owners and owners of land adjacent to the works. If the Provincial Engineer has determined that the construction of works may be hazardous to the public and/or the environment, or that the interests of other licensees, riparian owners and owners of land adjacent to the works may be adversely affected, the Provincial Engineer may issue an order that directs the Licensee to change the manner in which the works are constructed to remove the hazard and the adverse effect. The Provincial Engineer may also issue an order to stop work on the Project until specific undertakings have been successfully completed and/or problems have been rectified. 4.4.6 Independent Engineer The IE will review design, construction, and operations submissions and provide the Provincial Engineer with reports as per Guide for Waterpower Projects, Appendix G - Scope of Information and Reports by the Independent Engineer (May 2005). To facilitate construction of the Box Canyon Creek Hydro Project, Mr. George Steeves has been retained as the IE. In this capacity, and in keeping with Appendix G, Mr. Steeves will: Compare the plans showing the general arrangement of the works to the works described by the Licence and describe any differences. Assess the criteria for the design of the works to determine if works constructed to these criteria will be a hazard to the public and the environment. Assess the criteria for the operation of the works to determine if works operated to these criteria will protect the interests of licensees, riparian owners and owners of land adjacent to the works, and protect the environment from adverse impacts. Assess the schedule for the construction of the works to determine if there are any practical matters in relation to the conditions in the Licence and the EMP; and the interests of the public, licensees, riparian owners and owners of land adjacent to the works that the Engineer should consider in the regulation of the works. Assess the design drawings for the construction of the works to determine if they are in accordance with the criteria for the design and operation of the works, and they are signed and sealed by the Design Engineer. Assess the schedule for the construction of the works and the design drawings for the construction of the works to determine the frequency of the submission by the Licensee of the reports on the progress of construction. Review the reports submitted by the Licensee on the progress of the construction of the works to determine if any of the construction activities should be adjusted to reduce the future hazard posed by the works on the public and the environment. Summarize any outstanding matters that would make the works a hazard to the public and the environment when the Licensee submits a schedule for testing the works. 17
The IE will prepare a recommendation report for the Provincial Engineer on the review of the applicable items above and for the issuance of Leaves to Commence Construction. The Provincial Engineer may direct the IE to provide additional information and reports as may be required for the regulation of the construction of the works. The IE will discuss and clarify with the Contractor any matters that may need further action. If the IE is unable to resolve such matters, the IE must immediately notify the Provincial Engineer, who will contact the Licensee and resolve the matter. The IE is independent of the Contractor, Owner, and Owner s Engineer and respective staff structures. Although the IE communicates with, and is under contract to the Owner, he or she is directly responsible to the MFLNRO, Water Allocation, as it relates to design and construction of the Project. 4.4.7 Independent Environmental Monitor It is recognized that environmental monitoring is required to promote compliance by the Prime Contractor with all regulatory requirements, to monitor the effectiveness of control and mitigation measures, and to help guide the Prime Contractor in achieving a high standard of environmental management during Project construction. In keeping with the Guide for Waterpower Projects (April 2010), coupled with the Fisheries Act Authorization (FAA) and the Conditional Water Licences (CWLs) obtained for the Project, BCHC as the Water Licensee (Owner) is required to retain an IEM to monitor environmental impacts during the construction of works. Specifically, the role of the IEM is to monitor consistency with MFLNRO, Water Allocation and DFO regulatory requirements, and any other measures required to protect the environment. To this end, the IEM will ensure that the works are completed in compliance with these regulatory requirements, their respective terms and conditions, and this CEMP. It is noted that the BCHC intends to retain the services of Alan J. Whitehead, M.Sc., R.P.Bio., Principal Whitehead Environmental Consultants Ltd. to serve as the IEM for this Project. As a Registered Professional Biologist (R.P. Bio), Alan Whitehead is a qualified professional, in good standing, who will monitor environmental impacts from the construction of works. He will also provide information and reports under the direction of the Provincial Engineer on compliance of the construction with this CEMP. As the IEM, he will liaise with regulatory agencies, review pertinent documents, and supervise field staff and review and sign-off on all reports prepared for submission and/or inclusion in the MFLNRO, Water Allocation database. In keeping with the FAA, and Guide for Waterpower Projects, Appendix H - Scope of Information and Reports by the Environmental Monitor (May 2005), the IEM will have the authority to modify or stop construction works to protect the environment and to direct mitigation or remediation works to manage or avoid an incident. As per the FAA, the IEM shall be on site at all times during in stream works and as deemed appropriate for the protection of Box Canyon, Marty, Cascara, and McNab Creeks (BMCM Creeks). The IEM will be on-site, as required, during Project construction to also perform the following tasks: Inspect and monitor the Contractor s activities as they relate to this CEMP and permitting/approval requirements and conditions; 18
Being present on-site for all concrete pours where there is potential for water to come into contact with uncured concrete; Monitor human/wildlife interactions and ensure that garbage is properly stored to reduce wildlife conflicts; Inspect and monitor disposal procedures and/or stock pile locations for excess construction material, aggregate, excavated earth and topsoil; Monitor the Contractor s compliance in keeping debris out of BMCM Creeks and other natural watercourses; Inspect and monitor environmental protection measures for work in and along the banks of BMCM Creeks; Conduct weekly spill kit inspections and inspections of Contractors storage and handling areas at least monthly to ensure proper labelling and storage of fuel and hazardous chemicals; Work with the Prime Contractor and Construction Manager to identify monitoring sites, programs, and procedures to avoid or minimize construction conflicts at potentially sensitive habitat areas; Plan and execute all fish salvages and; Monitor fish habitat compensation construction for compliance with the conditions outlined within the FAA and those conditions outlined throughout this CEMP. The IEM is independent of the Contractor, Owner, and Owner s Engineer and respective staff structures. Although the IEM communicates with, and is under contract to, the Owner (BCHC), the IEM represents and is directly responsible to the MFLNRO, Water Allocation and DFO. To assure an appropriate level of protection is in place to minimize and/or prevent impacts to the environment, the IEM will also carry out the following tasks: Review and become familiar with this CEMP, and any EPPs to be developed by the Prime Contractor; Review, inspect and approve the Prime Contractor s Care of Water Plan (CWP) including Sediment and Drainage Management Plan to ensure adequacy of environmental protection measures, operational scheduling, and emergency contingency and spill response. It is noted that the Plan will be prepared for the IEM s review and approval by the Prime Contractor (or qualified designate) in advance of Project construction. Once approved, the IEM will regularly inspect the sediment control measures for effectiveness. Where required, the IEM will make recommendations to address any identified deficiencies; Communicate with the IE during the construction of the works to coordinate their activities and to provide information to the Provincial Engineer (Mr. James Davies) for proper regulation of the construction of the works; Report on matters that arise during the construction and testing of the works that are not described in this CEMP (See Section 4.4.7.1 below for more details on incident reporting). If these matters cannot be resolved by discussion with the MYLP and the Construction Manager, obtain direction from the Provincial Engineer and the MFLNRO, Water Allocation and DFO for the mitigation of these matters; 19
Provide any other information or advice required by the Provincial Engineer and the MFLNRO, Water Allocation and DFO that is required to ensure that the construction and commissioning of the works is in accordance with the CEMP; Attend all planning meetings (including pre construction meeting to be arranged by the Prime Contractor, subsequent construction progress and scheduling meetings, and quarterly meetings/discussions with the MFLNRO, Water Allocation) (See Section 4.4.10 for additional details). The IEM will report on these meetings as required to DFO, MFLNRO, Water Allocation, the MYLP and/or other designated regulators or resource managers, where deemed appropriate; Prepare a post construction monitoring report with dated colour photos of the Site prior to, during, and following completion of the works. The report shall describe the works methodology, water quality and fish sampling results and provide a brief summary of the Project, including problems that occurred and how they were resolved. The report will be submitted by the IEM to the Project Assessment Biologist, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 3225 Stephenson Point Road, Nanaimo, BC, V9T 1K3, within 60 days of completion of the Project. Depending on the nature of the construction works and the sensitivity of the Project Site, the IEM may be on site continually (e.g., instream works) or may make periodic site visits (as per the Standards and Best Management Practices for Instream Works (MWLAP, 2004). As noted above, the IEM will monitor construction activities full-time during all instream works or sensitive activities. Conversely, routine water quality sampling, and inspections of spill kits, erosion and sediment control measures, heavy equipment for leaks of hydrocarbons, garbage and recycling, and interaction with wildlife (i.e., garbage left out for bears) will occur on a weekly basis, as a minimum [by whom?]. During installation, prior to forecasted major storm events, and following significant precipitation events, the IEM shall inspect all temporary erosion and sediment control measures at least once per day and monitor for sediment migration into nearby watercourses. Following installation and once in operation, these controls shall be inspected at least once per week for routine maintenance, unless repairs/maintenance are required upon inspection or after significant precipitation events. The IEM will be on-site to perform all responsibilities listed above and any additional duties to uphold compliance with this CEMP. When not on-site, the IEM shall be available at all times, including being on-call should an emergency arise requiring the IEM s assistance. However, it is recognized that there will be instances whereby the IEM will not be able to personally observe and report on the construction activities. In such instances, the following persons will be delegated the IEM s duties and will have the same authority as the IEM to observe and report on construction activities: TBD Fisheries Technician/Environmental Monitor TBD Senior Technician/Environmental Monitor In summary, it is recognized that more frequent inspections may be necessary and will be based on the specific construction activities to be carried out. To this end, active and continued dialogue and communication between the Construction Manager, the IE, and the IEM is 20
paramount to ensure the IEM is fully aware of the timing and scheduling of specific construction activities that require his on-site presence. 4.4.7.1 Environmental Reporting Reporting of activities by the IEM (or delegates) will include a written and photographic record to be completed after each field inspection. Environmental issues identified by the IEM will be brought to the attention of the Prime Contractor, the IE, and representatives of BCHC immediately. Required actions will be identified and once completed the action documented. In accordance with the MFLNRO, Water Allocation s new IEM reporting process for independent power projects, the IEM will submit weekly reports to the Ministry s share-point site1. All completed reports will then be summarized by the IEM on a monthly basis and submitted in hard copy (along with all weekly reports) to the MFLNRO, Water Allocation and DFO on a bimonthly basis as per the new IEM reporting process. As the regulatory agency representatives (i.e., MFLNRO and DFO) can access these reports from this database, they will take the necessary action on the information and reports provided by the IEM in accordance with the jurisdiction of the agency. Copies of all summarized and packaged reports will also be forwarded to the Prime Contractor and BCHC for their records. The intent of these reports is to convey observations made in the field regarding compliance with the CEMP, and any relevant information pertaining to the environmental integrity of the Project area. These reports will be prepared by the IEM, and will include and be maintained to record (measure and monitor) the following indicators: The Contractor s compliance/conformance and non compliance/non conformance with the CEMP, and environmental requirements, such as timing constraints and sediment control, and action taken to address them, as well as related communications; All IEM reports shall be consistent with the Ministry s Standards and Best Practices for Instream Works (Section 8). Further to that guidance, the Ministry s EM Reporting Minimum Information Requirements shall also be followed. In keeping with the MFLNRO, Water Allocation reporting requirements, reports shall be as concise as possible, except for the description of environmental incidents. The Contractor s environmental protection measures and their effectiveness, including successes, deficiencies, instructions given and results of corrective actions taken. Reports shall document Project related activities inspected, construction zone, approximate time of day, sensitive environmental features present (i.e., fish bearing watercourse, etc), and a brief description of the activities observed; Spills or other environmental incidents that the Prime Contractor is responsible for, including, but not restricted to, details about the magnitude of impacts, timing of the incident, actions taken or intended to be taken by the Prime Contractor regarding the incident such as containment of spills, notifications made to proper authorities, actions taken to clean up and restore the environment to pre incident conditions, investigations, charges, stop work orders and remedial instructions by regulatory agencies, and environmental complaints by the public and; The discovery of existing environmental conditions such as archaeological finds and materials suspected of being contaminated, including all relevant details as to what was 21
found and actions taken by the Prime Contractor to notify the Construction Manager and/or the IEM and to secure the site for further investigation. Likelihood of Repeat/Ongoing Occurrence Magnitude of Impact High High Medium Low Immediate Stop Work Order & FLNRO Notification within 24 hours. Event noted in IEM report, mitigative measures by proponent & follow-up by IEM required. FLNRO Notification within 24 hours. Event noted in IEM report, mitigative measures by proponent & follow-up by IEM required. Event noted in IEM report, proponent obligated to complete mitigative measures; follow-up by IEM required. Medium FLNRO Notification within 24 hours. Event noted in IEM report, mitigative measures by proponent & follow-up by IEM required. Low Event noted in IEM report, proponent obligated to complete mitigative measures; follow-up by IEM required. Event noted in IEM report, proponent obligated to complete mitigative measures; follow-up by IEM required. Event noted in IEM report. Event noted in IEM report. Event noted in IEM report. When warranted, the IEM will report on the magnitude of impacts such as spills or other environmental incidents, and the likelihood that the incident could recur, or is occurring on an ongoing basis. To this end, the table below will be included with the IEM report to indicate (highlight) the severity of the incident, the actions taken by the IEM to resolve the issue, and the need for further follow-up action. Additional details regarding the protocol for environmental incident reporting is provided in Section 5.3 and Appendix D of this CEMP. 4.4.7.2 Resolution of Deficiencies and Environmental Non-compliance With respect to instances involving the identification of deficiencies in contravention of the CEMP such as inadequate spill protection available on-site, the IEM will direct the Contractor and/or Construction Manager (or designate) to rectify the noted deficiency before problems evolve. With respect to prescribed mitigative measures to be followed by the Contractor, the IEM will note that immediate action is to be taken to correct the non-functioning measures. The IEM is also responsible for identifying any activities which may cause negative environmental impacts that are different and/or at a greater level of intensity (magnitude) than anticipated, and/or which may be in contravention with the CEMP or applicable environmental regulations. In such instances, the IEM will advise the Construction Manager and Prime Contractor that changes or modifications to the Contractor s method(s) of operation are 22
recommended to reduce those impacts. The Construction Manager will direct the Contractor to resolve the issue as expeditiously as possible. If the recommended changes/modifications are not carried out and the construction activities continue to adversely affect the environment, the IEM will immediately suspend the specific construction activity which is causing the adverse effect and prepare an Environmental Incident Report (EIR) to document the incident (See Appendix D for details regarding the content of the EIR). 4.4.8 Prime Contractor and Subcontractors Both the Prime Contractor and all Sub-Contract work forces shall be familiar with and actively involved in implementation of this CEMP. They must ensure that all their personnel are familiar with the CEMP, are trained and empowered to implement it, and are supported by management in these efforts (See details provided in Section 5.2 of this CEMP regarding Environmental Training and Awareness Program). They must ensure their personnel take appropriate and timely action to avoid and/or correct any problems or deficiencies encountered in the field. Contractors are responsible for reporting any non-compliance to the Construction Manager who will inform the Provincial Engineer, IE, IEM, appropriate regulatory agencies, and the Owner. Failure to do so may place the Contractor in violation of his contract and/or invoke financial penalties, including termination of the contractual relationship. The Prime Contractor and all Sub-Contractors must develop plans, attend meetings, monitor activities, supervise work, and submit reports as required in consultation with the Construction Manager to meet the requirements of this CEMP. 4.4.9 Workers As noted previously, this CEMP, coupled with the regulatory approvals, permits and all applicable terms, conditions, guidelines, instructions, orders and direction apply to all workers engaged on this Project. In general, workers must endeavour to protect the environment, minimize adverse environmental effects, and employ best industry practice while carrying out their duties and responsibilities. Specifically, workers will not: Harass or disturb wildlife; Damage or destroy wildlife habitat, riparian zones, or streams; Park vehicles in, or drive across, streams (unless absolutely necessary due to an emergency); Deposit waste of any kind in any other place than containers or other appropriate locations approved and established for that purpose; Remove, damage or fail to report archaeological or cultural objects discovered in the course of their work, including culturally modified trees (CMTs); Hunt, fish or gather plants or berries; Start fires for warmth or cooking unless in a survival situation; Deposit smoking materials in the bush other than in approved receptacles; Intentionally deposit any deleterious substance in a waterway frequented by fish or contributing to fish habitat; or 23
Fail to follow established procedures to protect the Project work site environment or respond to spills or other accidents or emergencies that may harm the environment. It is noted that the Prime Contractor s Construction Manager shall be assigned the responsibility of enforcing the CEMP, ensuring that it is up-to-date and properly distributed, and that personnel are trained in the relevant aspects of the Plan. Both contractor and sub contractor management personnel are responsible to inform their workers of the above requirements. 4.4.10 Regular Meetings As per the FAA, the Prime Contractor shall arrange a pre-construction meeting with the IEM to discuss the proposed construction schedule and work procedures with specific reference to the Conditions of the Authorization. In addition, key representatives from the Owner (BCHC), the Owner s Site Construction Manager and the Construction Manager (and Site Supervisors), the Owner s Engineer / Design Engineer, the IE, and the IEM will attend a construction start up meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to clarify individual roles and responsibilities, lines of authority, the Project schedule and key milestones, pertinent regulatory requirements, including reporting and communications, and site access during construction. Representatives of the government regulatory and resource management agencies will be invited to attend the meeting. Following the construction start up meeting, the CEMP will need to be updated by the Prime Contractor to detail the specific and planned activities to be carried out during the Project Site preparation and construction phases, and to specify the parties responsible for environmental management at the Project Site. These initial start up meetings will be followed by other construction progress and scheduling meetings with the various Contractors and IEM on a regular basis. These meetings are designed to make key construction personnel aware of the conditions on site, changes to the original construction plan resulting from site conditions, the environmental scope of work, general environmental concerns, contingency measures, terms and conditions, and rules and regulations applicable to the specific work currently taking place. These meetings also provide a way of tracking environmental performance throughout construction and demonstrating due diligence on behalf of the Contractor, Design Engineer, and the Owner. Notes of Meetings will be recorded and filed with the Project office to provide a written record of attendance, topics discussed, decisions reached, and problems solved. The IEM will attend all additional planning meetings, including subsequent quarterly meetings/discussions with the FLNRO. The IEM will report as required to DFO, FLNRO, the MYLP and/or other designated regulators or resource managers, where deemed appropriate. 4.4.11 Information Available OnSite The following information will be centrally located and readily available to all on site Project construction personnel for review and familiarization: Current MFLNRO, Water Allocation approved CEMP and IEM approved EPPs (including all subsequent updates); 24
All Project-related permits, licenses and approvals, and accompanying terms and/or conditions; Applicable drawings, maps, and air photos; A Project Site Plan showing Project layout (including fuel storage and handling areas, hazardous material storage and handling areas, and firefighting equipment sites), first aid locations, emergency transportation provisions, and the evacuation marshalling station; A complete set of construction procedures (Health and Safety Plan) designed to protect the health and safety of workers at the workplace, developed in accordance with the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulation. 4.4.12 Procedures for Construction at or near the Fortis BC Gas pipeline Right-of-Way As the project will interact with an existing buried high pressure gas pipeline along two of the proposed penstock routes, special construction management procedures are required to ensure the integrity and safety of the gas pipeline. These special procedures include but are limited to the following as required by FortisBC: A permit is required for the crossing of the gas pipeline, whereupon all conditions of the permit are subject to on-site approval of the FortisBC Gas Pipeline and Right of Way Representative and no construction activity is to take place without a FortisBC Gas Representative on-site; The permitee must ensure that all applicable WorkSafe BC regulations are complied with prior to the commencement of any work near the gas pipeline; The exact location of the gas pipeline shall be determined by hand excavation. Machine excavation is not permitted within 1.0 metre of the gas pipeline; If rock is encountered and there is to be blasting near the gas pipeline, a blasting plan must be prepared by a certified blaster and approved by the FortisBC Gas Representative well in advance of construction activities; Prior to the installation of the utility, it is recommended that the permitee daylight the gas pipeline at the crossing location to determine the elevation of either the invert/crown of the gas pipeline; There is to be a minimum of 0.3 metre separation between the gas pipeline and the utility; Pipe joints are not to be located directly above/below or near the gas pipeline and crossing pipe section be centred over/under the gas pipeline; The crossing angle of the utility must be between 45 and 90 degrees to the gas pipeline; Gas pipelines left suspended in excavations greater than 3.0 metres in length shall be adequately supported; 25
Underground installations must have Warning Tape placed 0.3 metres above the installation within the FortisBC Gas right-of-way boundaries; Catch basins and manholes are not permitted within the FortisBC Gas right-of-way or projected limits of the right-of-way boundary within a road allowance; Additional activities not identified in the permit are not permitted without the prior written consent of FortisBC Gas. 5 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 5.1 General Environmental Concerns It is recognized that facility construction activities will affect wildlife through sensory disturbance, movement restriction, habitat alteration, and wildlife injury and/or mortality. Air emissions, noise (especially blasting), increased traffic, and other disturbances will affect wildlife during the construction period. However, certain periods of the construction period will be busier than others. More people working in a confined area will increase the potential for encounters between humans and animals, including predators. Large predators, such as bears and cougars, could kill or seriously injure construction workers or other Project personnel. Though the upgrading of Forest Service Roads (FSRs) is necessary to provide access to the Project Sites, it may simultaneously improve year-round access into surrounding environs, which may alter existing wildlife habitat and behaviour. The Project was designed to minimize the adverse effects, including maintenance of minimum instream flows. Compensation works will improve fish habitat elsewhere to compensate for impacts. Even the best environmentally designed hydro plants affect fish and fish habitat to some degree. The Project has been designed to minimize the adverse effects of construction activities on fish and wildlife. Important habitats, including riparian areas, wetland complexes, unstable slopes, and Old Growth Forest, have been protected from development. Activities will be scheduled to avoid sensitive nesting, rearing, mating, or staging periods. Nonetheless, some species may be temporarily displaced from their habitat for short periods during the construction phase. 5.2 Environmental Training and Awareness Program It is the responsibility of the Prime Contractor to ensure that all construction personnel, including senior Site staff, sub-contractors and suppliers attend an environmental training and awareness information session prior to commencing work on site. The purpose of this session is to ensure that all construction personnel are appropriately trained and competent to 26
implement the requirements of this CEMP. The Prime Contractor will retain a Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) 1 to conduct the training session which will include: an overview of all significant environmental issues relating to the specific construction activities to be carried out on site and the related environmental precautions which need to be followed; the specific obligations of all construction personnel with respect to environmental management and protection and; an overview of applicable environmental legislation and the importance for conducting construction activities in compliance with this CEMP, and applicable regulatory requirements. The Prime Contractor shall ensure all personnel working on site are trained in Emergency Spill Response, Environmental Incident Reporting and occupational health and safety issues/requirements. In addition, all on-site personnel shall be briefed regarding how to respond when wildlife, birds, and/or fish are encountered during construction including travel to/from the Project work sites. They will be briefed and instructed to respect timing windows established by the regulatory agencies to prevent damage or disturbance to fish and wildlife habitat during sensitive life stages, as detailed within Section 6 of this CEMP. Moreover, construction personnel will be instructed that they are not permitted to: hunt, fish, or harass animals when travelling to and from or while working on the Project Site; have firearms or pets on the work site; use recreational vehicles, such as dirt bikes, ATVs, trucks or SUVs, for anything other than construction related transportation to and from the Project work sites and; enter streams with vehicles unless it is absolutely necessary to cross, and crossings will only be made where it is safe and environmentally acceptable to do so. 5.3 Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan 5.3.1 Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan A number of specific Emergency Preparedness and Response Plans (or Contingency Plans) will be developed by the Prime Contractor for the range of scenarios that could occur during construction of the Box Canyon Hydro Project. These Plans shall be developed to ensure that any environmental emergency will be dealt with in a rapid, safe and effective manner (including prescribed evacuation procedures) and are to be approved by the MYLP in consultation with the IEM. Specific response plans are anticipated to address the following scenarios, as a minimum: 1 A Qualified Environmental Professional is an applied scientist or technologist, acting alone or together with another qualified environmental professional. He or she must be registered and in good standing in British Columbia with an appropriate professional organization constituted under an Act, acting under that association s code of ethics and subject to disciplinary action by that association. The applicable professional may be a professional Biologist, Agrologist, Forester, Geoscientist, Engineer, or Technologist (MoE Website). 27
general emergencies (including medical); breakdown or accident involving the release of petroleum products (e.g., fuels, lubricants or hydraulic fluids) or other hazardous pollutants; natural events such as extreme weather (wind, snow, ice), flooding, forest fire or earthquake and; on-site fire. A key component of these contingency plans will be development of a Spills Response Plan, which will be the responsibility of the Prime Contractor. The Spill Response Plan will detail the proper handling of spills and the associated procedures to be undertaken during a spill event, including containment procedures, clean up materials, proper disposal of spill residue, and storage locations of clean up materials. Sections 5.13 and 5.14 of this CEMP provide guidance to the Prime Contractor in this regard. In developing the above Plans, the Prime Contractor shall give due consideration to the B.C. Guidelines for Industry Emergency Response Plans (revised from 1992 and updated in July 2002) prepared by the MoE. Further details regarding the Guidelines are available at: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/eemp/resources/guidelines/bc.htm. 5.3.2 Environmental Incident Reporting Protocol All environmental emergencies and incidents will be reported immediately and managed in a rapid, safe and effective manner following the Environmental Incident Reporting Protocol detailed in Appendix D of this CEMP. Environmental incidents include, but are not limited to: spills of oil, fuel, or chemicals; discharge of deleterious substances into air, land or water; landslides, erosion, or floods as they affect environmental quality; discovery of human remains, or archaeological resources; violation of environmental regulations, permits or approvals; and forest fires related to construction activities. Should such an environmental incident occur during Project construction, it has the potential to cause environmental damage such as an adverse effect on fish, wildlife or other environmental resource. In this regard, all construction personnel, including senior site staff, sub contractors, BCHC staff and consultants, and suppliers, shall follow the environmental incident reporting procedures identified in Appendix D. The Environmental Incident Reporting (EIR) Protocol is the procedure for advising BCHC of environmental incidents in a timely and standard format. It is noted that this procedure applies to internal BCHC EIR only. Mandatory reporting to regulatory agencies is still to be undertaken in addition to the EIR as discussed below. In the event of a spill, containment and clean up shall begin as soon as possible to protect human health and the environment, as detailed in Sections 5.13 and 5.14 of this CEMP (applies to fuels, oils, and lubricants, and other gases and substances defined within the Spill Reporting Regulation). All spills of reportable levels (quantities) will be reported to the appropriate regulatory authorities as set out in the Spill Reporting Regulation 3. Specifically, all reportable 28
spills must be reported by the person who was in charge of the material before it was spilled, or by anyone observing a spill, if it appears that the spill has not been reported. The report must be made to the Provincial Emergency Program (PEP), the Sunshine Coast Detachment of the RCMP located in Sechelt (604) 885-2266, and DFO in the event there is a spill into BMCM Creeks. The telephone number for contacting the PEP is 1-800-663-3456, while other contact information is provided in Section 9 of this CEMP. Where possible, the report should include the following information: the name and telephone number of the person reporting the spill; the name and telephone number of the person who caused the spill; the time and place at which the spill occurred, together with a description of the area surrounding the spill; the type and quantity of material spilled; the cause and effect of the spill; details of any response action underway, including a list of agencies on the scene or advised of the spill; and details of further action required. The Spill Reporting Regulation requires reporting of spills of any materials that could cause pollution. Under the Regulation, a spill is any unauthorized release to the environment of a material where the amount is equal to or greater than that shown in Column 2 (Specified Amounts) of the Schedule. 5.4 Wildlife Vehicle Collision Protocol All incidents of nuisance wildlife, worker injuries caused by wildlife, or vehicle collisions with wildlife will be reported to the Construction Manager and IEM. All significant wildlife encounters or observations will be reported immediately to the Construction Manager and the IEM. Equipment and vehicles will yield the right-of-way to wildlife. All Project personnel shall use proper care and caution when operating vehicles to avoid collisions with wildlife. All Projectrelated personnel, both construction workers and ancillary Project personnel (e.g., IE and IEM personnel, etc), will drive with due care and attention while on site and when travelling to and from the work site. Details regarding the various protocols to be followed by all Project-related personnel are provided below. To avoid wildlife collisions, Project-related personnel shall slow down and use caution when wildlife may be on or near a roadway. Project-related personnel are advised to be alert, especially at dusk or dawn. Moreover, they are advised that animals are unpredictable and may charge or bolt across the road without warning. As some animals travel together, where there is one animal, there may be more. Project-related personnel shall watch for mother and offspring pairs. They shall turn on their hazard lights to alert other drivers that there is wildlife ahead. When wildlife is encountered, vehicle operators shall stop and allow the animals to cross the road safely. 29
If smaller animals such as deer cross the road, vehicles operators shall use their brakes to slow down or stop instead of taking unsafe evasive actions. Serious accidents can occur when drivers lose control of their vehicles trying to avoid an animal. As a last resort, drivers may have to hit the animal to protect themselves and their passengers. In such instances, they are encouraged to brake firmly and quickly, then look for the safest route to steer their vehicle to strike the animal at an angle. They are to let up on the brake just before impact with the animal, which causes the front end of the vehicle to rise and reduces the chances of the animal coming through the windshield. It is noted that larger animals pose a greater danger. For example, Elk are difficult to see at night because their fur is very dark and they are so tall that their eyes are normally above most headlight beams so their eyes may not reflect the headlights. Elk are very heavy animals with a high centre of gravity, so if hit it often falls into the passenger compartment. Following collision with an animal, vehicle operators shall slow down and pull off the road. Drivers shall turn on their hazard lights. Drivers shall stay away from wounded animals, as they can be very dangerous. In such instances, drivers are not required to put an injured animal out of its misery or to move a dead animal. Drivers shall inspect their vehicle to see if it safe to continue driving. Drivers will notify the IEM and the Construction Manager to report that a collision has occurred. The IEM (or delegate) will call the Conservation Officer Service (1-800- 663-9453) to report the dead or injured animal and to determine how to appropriately dispose of the carcass. It is recognized that quick removal of the carcass prevents other animals, such as scavengers or predators, from being attracted to the roadway and causing further problems. Further details on methods to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions are available on the Wildlife Collision Prevention Program (WCPP) Website. Though this site pertains to ways to make BC's highways safer for both people and wildlife, it can be used by Project construction personnel as a resource (http://www.wildlifeaccidents.ca/default.htm). 5.5 Fish and Fish Habitat Protection and Compensation Works 5.5.1 Summary of Environmental Concerns All potential adverse effects on fish and fish habitat have been considered, as required by law and regulation. The Project has been designed to avoid adverse environmental effects, mitigate those that cannot be completely avoided, and compensate for adverse environmental effects remaining after avoidance and mitigation measures are implemented. Adverse environmental effects on fish and fish habitat may include: Dewatering during construction (fish salvage); Reduction in water quality; Increased erosion and sedimentation in the watercourse; Disturbance of fish spawning and rearing habitat at sensitive times; Toxic contamination (from concrete, grout, fuel or hazardous material spills); Reduced in stream flow in bypassed reaches after diversion; Removal of riparian vegetation (effects on water temperature); and Physical disturbance of stream beds and habitat. 30
The FAA will provide recommendations to minimize potential impacts to fish, fish habitat, and water quality during the construction phase, and shall also be strictly adhered to by all contract forces during the construction phase. 5.5.2 Environmental Protection Measures The following general environmental protection measures will be implemented during the construction phase: Construction planning to avoid, mitigate, and compensate for adverse environmental effects; Environmental monitoring to ensure that predicted conditions are, in fact, accurate; Adherence to instream work constraints (work windows or other controls to limit the significance of adverse effects at sensitive times); Identification and relocation of fish stranded by de-watering; Best industry construction practices (e.g., knowing which techniques are best for which habitats); Compliance with legislation, regulations, terms, and conditions ; Installation of effective and proven drainage and erosion controls prior to start of construction and ensuring these controls are maintained and monitored throughout to confirm their effectiveness (See Section 5.8.2 for further details); Effective management of fuels, oils, lubricants, concrete washwater, and other hazardous and deleterious materials to prevent risk to fish and fish habitat; Prompt and effective spill response (to limit damage if prevention fails) (See Sections 5.3.1 and 5.3.2 for further details) and; Prompt and effective clean up and restoration once construction is complete (See Sections 5.8 for further details). 5.5.3 Compensation Activities and Physical Works Remnant adverse effects shall be compensated for as described in the Mitigation and Compensation Plan for Fish and Fish Habitat (MC Plan) to be prepared by FSCI Biological Consultants. Following implementation of the prescribed compensation measures documented therein, there is anticipated to be no net loss of fish or fish habitat. It is noted that considerable study and planning has been invested in this CEMP and its associated plans, programs, and procedures documented herein. Although there may be other ways to accomplish the same goals, and on-site conditions may dictate some flexibility in approach, Contractors shall not deviate from this Plan without prior discussion with and approval from the IEM and applicable regulatory agencies (e.g., DFO, MFLNRO). The compensatory works will ensure there is no net loss in habitat value. 5.6 Heritage, Cultural and/or Archaeological Sites 31
It is an offence to knowingly violate provisions of the Heritage Conservation Act. Archaeological sites and objects, such as buried structures, stone tools, graves, paintings, or surface features such as CMTs may be encountered during construction activity. These features represent valuable cultural resources, and uncontrolled disturbance could result in loss or damage to these resources and the valuable information represented by them. Inventory surveys completed during the planning and approvals phase of the Project (2010) did not indicate the presence of any significant archaeological or heritage resources in the Project area. However, the potential exists for the Contractor s operations to expose yet to be discovered archaeological finds. If such archaeological or heritage resources are discovered during clearing or construction activities, work will be stopped until a Professional Archaeologist has assessed the find and a course of action is determined (See the Discovery Protocol in Section 5.6.3 below). 5.6.1 Human Remains Improper interference with human remains is an indictable offence under Section 182 of the Criminal Code of Canada. The accidental discovery of human remains triggers a series of legal requirements under both federal and provincial laws. The relevant legislation has been reviewed and provides the framework for the protocol for dealing with human remains detailed below. If human remains are discovered, Project-related personnel must stop work immediately. Any discovery of human remains must be reported immediately to the Sunshine Coast Detachment of the RCMP located in Sechelt (604) 885-2266. The person responsible for the discovery shall be prepared to provide a precise location and stay on site to direct the RCMP to the location. The RCMP will notify the Coroner s Office. In the case of an accidental discovery of human remains, it is up to the RCMP to determine whether the site is a crime scene or something else (e.g., an unrecorded but non-criminal burial site or an archaeological site). In the latter case, operating manuals require RCMP officers to contact the provincial archaeological service. When the RCMP determines that the site is archaeological in nature, they have specific procedures for handling these discoveries. The RCMP Operational Manual (for example) directs that "if a skeleton is of ancient origin, cooperate with authorized anthropologists or archaeologists in protecting the site." If human remains are discovered on the Project Site and the RCMP determine that the site is not a crime scene, the provincial government agencies and local First Nation will be notified as soon as the determination is made and the RCMP allow the information to be released. The discovery protocol will be implemented as provided in Section 5.6.3 below. 5.6.2 Culturally Modified Trees (CMTs) Trees may be altered in several ways by humans; for example, by notching, felling, carving, cutting, or stripping bark. Trees modified by aboriginal people are known as culturally modified trees. Trees modified by non-native people (e.g., with carved initials, cut with a chain saw, or 32
felled during construction) are not considered culturally modified. Culturally modified trees are protected under the Heritage Conservation Act and may provide evidence of land use and occupancy important to First Nations history, land claims, and Aboriginal or treaty rights. [For more information see: BC Ministry of Small Business, Tourism and Culture, Archaeology Branch. Culturally Modified Trees of British Columbia: A Handbook for the Identification and Recording of Culturally Modified Trees. Version 2.0 (2001)]. There is no simple method for identifying a CMT. Most identification involves matching the observable characteristics of an altered tree suspected of being a CMT with those listed for the different types of CMTs already identified by First Nations or archaeologists. The referenced handbook provides a key to help identify CMTs. The key indicates where information about each type can be found in the handbook. A final identification then can be made by consulting the detailed characteristics and illustrations for that CMT type. If there is any doubt, a Qualified Archaeologist or representative of the Squamish Nation must be contacted (See Key Contacts provided in Section 9) before any action can be taken that would threaten the potential CMT. When a suspected CMT is confirmed, the location is recorded on either the Level I CMT Site Recording Form or the BC Archaeological Site Inventory Form (The BC Archaeological Site Inventory Form was formerly referred to as a Level II Site Recording Form). If workers encounter any trees they suspect may have been culturally modified, they must notify their Supervisor and the IEM immediately to receive proper instructions. It is an offence to cut down a CMT unless it is a danger tree liable to fall on its own. In such instances, the Squamish Nation, Ministry of Forests Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO), and/or the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts (MoTCA), Archaeology Branch, shall be contacted to provide assistance (See Key Contacts provided in Section 9). Additional details regarding CMTs and directives on recording may be found at: http://www.tca.gov.bc.ca/archaeology/policies/recording_culturally_modified_trees.htm 5.6.3 Discovery Protocol Should a worker encounter any structure, site, or thing that may be of historical, cultural, archaeological, paleontological, or architectural significance, that worker shall: Stop work; Report discovery to Supervisor and IEM; Protect the discovery area: - tape off to protect from further disturbance, - cover exposed site with tarp (especially if raining), - stabilize slope if soils exposed by excavation or vegetation clearance; Carefully examine the discovery (artefact, object, structure, CMT, or human remains), without moving or further disturbing it, so the worker can describe what he/she sees to the RCMP and/or the Squamish Nation representative, and/or government archaeologist; digital photographs from several angles would be helpful and; remember to secure the discovery site to protect both the worker and the discovery. Be advised that once the discovery is made, the workers on site are responsible for protecting the discovery and preventing further disturbance. If the discovery is of human remains, the site 33
becomes a crime scene until the RCMP determines otherwise and everyone on the scene becomes a possible witness to a criminal investigation. Those involved must not leave the site or continue their work elsewhere until the RCMP interviews them. The site must be protected from direct effects on the discovery (theft, vandalism, further excavation, clearance, driving or walking on it, exposure to precipitation or cave-in etc) or indirect effects (exposure to bright sun, wind, chemical decomposition etc). If action or inaction damages or destroys the discovery, the workers on site may be subject to prosecution. Once informed of a discovery, the Supervisor must report to the IEM for further instructions. If human remains have been discovered, the IEM will call the RCMP. The IEM will then inform the Construction Manager and the Owner as to what action has been taken, and file an Environmental Incident Report (EIR) to document the discovery. 5.7 Storms and Other Severe Weather 5.7.1 Summary of Environmental Concerns Box Canyon Creek was selected for hydro development because of the volume of water that passes through it in any given year. High flows and debris torrents are commonplace in coastal watersheds. The Construction Manager, and IEM will check weather forecasts and endeavour to anticipate approaching storms, heavy snowfall, rain on snow events, sleet, freezing rain, or other inclement weather that may affect the Project. Access road, work site, right-of-way, headpond, and penstock drainage will be designed to handle flood events. Should it become obvious that a storm is approaching, immediate plans shall be made to adjust work schedules to protect personnel, reschedule vulnerable tasks and facilities, manage adverse effects on the Project and its environment, and prepare for excess run-off. It is noted that partially completed structures or activities are particularly vulnerable to high winds, rain, and floods. 5.7.2 Environmental Protection Measures During storms, sedimentation, debris, and in-stream flows will be naturally high in the watershed. The Prime Contractor will prepare and submit a Sediment and Drainage Management Plan to the IEM for approval in advance of Project construction. Once approved by the IEM, it will be implemented and maintained by the Prime Contractor throughout the construction phase (See Section 5.8.3 for additional details). Key to the Plan will be a wet weather shutdown policy that will be implemented in the event that wet weather conditions (e.g., forecasted periods of heavy or prolonged rainfall) are likely to cause slope instability or increased risk of erosion in sensitive areas. In the event that construction must occur during prolonged wet weather conditions, the Prime Contractor will implement special protective measures (agreed upon by the IEM) to reduce the effects of soil erosion, soil compaction, and watercourse siltation and vegetation damage. Personnel, tools, equipment, and supplies shall be made as safe and secure as possible before the storm arrives. Vulnerable sites will be protected with lock blocks or cofferdams. Exposed 34
building sites will be protected with tarpaulins or temporary sheeting. During and/or immediately after any major storm, the Prime Contractor will inspect all facilities and work sites for damage, and make necessary repairs as required. Roads and work sites may require immediate repair or upgrading, such as culvert replacement or roadside ditching, during or immediately following a major storm. Such work will be done as soon as it is safe to do so. 5.8 Care of Water Plan 5.8.1 Summary of Environmental Concerns It is recognized that the Contractor s work has the potential to negatively affect surface water flowing through the watercourse and/or surface and ground water flowing in land based areas subject to construction activities. The Prime Contractor shall prepare and submit a Care of Water Plan (CWP) that details the structures, controls and procedures the Contractor plans to implement to prevent any effects to surface and ground water beyond what is deemed acceptable in the authorization documents (Conditional Water Licences and FAA). The CWP shall be submitted to the IEM for review and approval prior to any construction activities taking place. Once approved and authorized by the IEM, the CWP will be appended to this CEMP for reference purposes, and become a key component of the document. 5.8.2 InStream Work Contractors carrying out in-stream work including cofferdam installation, removal and river diversion shall submit a supplementary Plan reflecting the specific legislative requirements detailed below. In British Columbia, Section 41 of the Water Regulation (B.C. Reg. 195/2009) under the Water Act requires that a person making a change in and about a stream must ensure that: (a) No substance, sediment, debris or material that could adversely impact the stream is: (i) allowed or permitted to enter or leach or seep into the stream from an activity, construction, worksite, machinery or from components used in the construction of any works, or (ii) placed, used or stored within the stream channel, (b) No standards or objectives published under Section 2 (e) of the Environment Management Act by the Ministry of Environment for the protection of ambient water quality are exceeded or not attained now or in the future due to the change, (c) There is no disturbance or removal of stable natural materials and vegetation in and about a stream that contribute to stream channel stability except as authorized under this regulation and in accordance with the terms and conditions specified by the habitat officer, 35
(d) Temporary material, fill, bridge, culvert, pump, pipe, conduit, ditch or other structure used to assist in the construction of any works are constructed and maintained only during the period of construction, and are removed on completion of the works, (e) All cast-in-place concrete and grouting is completely separated from fish bearing waters for a minimum of 48 hours, (f) Rock from acid-generating rock formations is not used for construction, and (g) The stream is restored to its natural state on completion of the change in and about a stream. Section 42 (1) of the Water Regulation (B.C. Reg. 269/2010) also requires the protection of habitat whereby, a person making a change in and about a stream under this regulation, other than under section 44 (1) (o) to (s) or (2), must make that change in accordance with terms and conditions specified by the habitat officer with respect to: (a) the timing window or the period or periods of time in the year during which the change can proceed without causing harm to fish, wildlife or habitat, (b) the minimum instream flow or the minimum flow of water that must remain in the stream while the change is being made, (c) the removal of material from the stream or stream channel in connection with the change, (d) the addition of substance, sediment, debris or material to the stream or stream channel in connection with the change, (e) the salvage or protection of fish or wildlife while the change is being made or after the change has been made, (f) the protection of natural materials and vegetation that contribute to habitat or stream channel stability, (g) the restoration of the work site after the change has been made, and (h) the requirement to obtain an approval from the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans in connection with the change. (2) In addition to other remedies or penalties that may be imposed on a person who make a change in and about a stream that damages habitat, the person must (a) within 72 hours report the damage to a habitat officer, and 36
(b) restore and repair the habitat to its natural state or as directed by the habitat officer. In addition to the above legislative requirements, further direction regarding in-stream works is provided within the Standards and Best Practices for Instream Works(MWLAP, March 2004). This document includes various measures and guidelines to be followed when working within and around water, and provides direction for isolation of the work area as detailed below. Isolation of the Work Area Protection of water quality within the Project area is one of the primary focuses of all in-stream works standards and best practices. By ensuring complete and thorough isolation of the work area, all Contract work forces can help to protect water and habitat quality for aquatic life within adjacent and downstream waters. Objectives The objective of this set of best practices is to ensure that the water quality standards are met and aquatic species and habitats protected during in stream works through the isolation of the work area from flow. The following specific standards for work site isolation are provided in Subsection 44(1)(x) of the Water Act Regulations: Temporary diversion construction around or through a work site [Subsection 44(1)(x)] is permitted for works providing that the work site is no larger than the minimum area required, and (i) if pumps, pipes or conduits are used to divert water around or through the worksite, (a) the pumps, pipes or conduits are sized to divert the 1 in 10 year maximum daily flow for the period of construction, and (b) any pump or intake withdrawing water from fish bearing waters is screened in accordance with the Fish Screening Directive of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (Canada), (ii) if cofferdams are used to isolate successive parts of the construction at the worksite, (a) the cofferdams are designed by a professional engineer and constructed in accordance with that design, and (b) the natural channel remaining outside of the cofferdams is adequate to pass the 1 in 10 year maximum daily flow during the period of construction, or (iii) if ditches are used to divert flow around the worksite, (a) the flow of water diverted remains within the stream channel, 37
(b) the ditches are designed and constructed to divert the 1 in 10 year maximum daily flow around or through the worksite and are protected from any anticipated erosion during the period of construction and use of the ditch, and (c) the ditches are completely backfilled and the area returned as closely as possible to the natural state on completion of the works. 5.8.3 Drainage and Erosion Control 5.8.3.1 Description of Activities and Environmental Concerns It is noted that construction activities have the potential to result in the erosion of soil material from exposed surfaces and to introduce sediment into neighbouring watercourses, including BMCM Creeks. Activities associated with the construction phase that may have an adverse effect on fish species and habitats include: Introduction of sediment into watercourses that supply known fish habitat downstream from the Project Site; Introduction of sediment into the watercourse as a result of mass-wasting; Alteration or blockage of in-stream flow; Loss of riparian vegetation and bank cover, increasing the possibility of bank erosion; and Indirect disturbances of spawning activities or sites through careless water crossing, excavation, transportation, or installation of sediment control measures. 5.8.3.2 Environmental Protection Measures General and specific drainage and erosion control procedures are presented in this CEMP for use during the construction phase of the Project. These procedures will serve as an on-site resource for Project personnel and satisfy the Owner s commitment to protecting fish and fish habitat, slope integrity and soil resources. As noted previously, the Prime Contractor will prepare and submit a Sediment and Drainage Management Plan to the IEM for approval in advance of Project construction. The Plan shall document how the Contractor proposes to control erosion and sediment migration during construction operations, as well as include postconstruction rehabilitation procedures. Once approved and authorized by the IEM, the Plan will be appended to this CEMP for reference purposes, and become a key component of the document. During construction, the erosion and sediment control commitments made in this CEMP and the Contractor s Sediment and Drainage Management Plan will be adhered to at all times. Given the importance of sediment and erosion control during Project construction, a short workshop will be held for the Prime Contractor and all Sub-Contractors prior to the commencement of work. This workshop will be coordinated with the IEM and will entail 38
presenting and discussing the need to prevent the release of silt, sediment, or any other deleterious substance into any watercourse/body. Particular attention will be directed to the proper installation and maintenance of sediment and erosion control measures, and which best practices will help meet the standards of the Water Act. The following general principles shall be implemented to avoid, prevent, or limit the environmental effects of erosion and sediment migration: Clearing will only take place immediately prior to excavation and earthworks to minimize the length of time that soils are exposed; Riparian areas will only be cleared when absolutely necessary and at the very minimum to enable work to proceed safely; Vehicles and equipment will be restricted to the work site, right of way boundaries, and designated access roads; Vegetation in adjoining areas will not be disturbed; Temporary control measures such as drains, settling basins and pumping systems will be installed as needed. Implementation of these measures will be the responsibility of the Prime Contractor (or Construction Manager); Erosion prone slopes will be covered with geotextiles or coco mats, especially in proximity to fish bearing streams; Vegetation identified for protection, (e.g., mature trees and potential wildlife trees) will be left intact and root systems undisturbed; Any piles of topsoil and silty material (rock and rip rap excluded) formed due to construction will be placed a minimum of 20 m from any watercourse and in a location where erosion back into the watercourse cannot occur and will not impede any drainage; Excavation will be stopped during intense rainfall events or whenever surface erosion occurs affecting a fish-bearing watercourse. Silt fencing and/or other erosion protection measures will be implemented, checked, and/or repaired in anticipation of intense storm events; The Prime Contractor will be responsible for the installation and regular maintenance of erosion and sediment control measures, including inspection of their integrity on a daily basis and during deteriorating weather conditions, to ensure they are working effectively. The Prime Contractor will immediately correct any identified deficiencies in erosion and sediment control measures, to the satisfaction of the IEM. These components will be maintained until the work areas are completely stabilized and there is no longer a risk of sediment release to a neighbouring watercourse/body; The Contractor will be prepared to anticipate and deal with the need for emergency erosion protection. To this end, personnel and equipment will be made available on-site to deal with potential emergencies; Prior to beginning work in new areas, the Construction Manager will consult with the IEM to ensure drainage and erosion control measures are properly implemented; A wet weather shutdown policy will be implemented in the event that wet weather conditions (e.g., forecasted periods of heavy or prolonged rainfall) might cause slope instability or increased risk of erosion in sensitive areas; and 39
During installation, prior to forecasted major storm (e.g., heavy rain) events, and following significant storm events, the IEM shall inspect all temporary erosion and sediment control measures at least once per day for effectiveness. Following installation and once in operation, these controls shall be inspected at least once per week for routine maintenance, unless repairs and/or maintenance are required upon inspection and after significant storm events. Where required, the IEM will make recommendations to the Construction Manager to have the Prime Contractor address any identified deficiencies. 5.8.4 Settling Ponds 5.8.4.1 Description of Activities and Environmental Concerns Settling ponds fall into two categories with different regulatory requirements. The more basic type that does not require MFLNRO permitting are essentially widened ditches with check structures installed in the flow channel to allow natural sediment to settle out. They are generally not lined and no foreign material is expected to be processed through the pond. The regulated type is for the control and treatment of sediment laden water from specific construction activity that may also introduce foreign substances into the flow (i.e., tunnel excavation, a concrete batch plant, etc). Settling ponds of this type will be the multi-celled earth embankment style. A liner shall be used if deemed necessary. Ponds may be fed by gravity flow or by pumping, and lines will be inspected periodically for leaks. If a settling pond does not function properly (i.e., leakage, inadequate to hold the volume of water), water levels will be adjusted. These ponds require detailed design and a permit/approval from the MFLNRO. 5.8.4.2 Environmental Protection Measures In the event a settling pond is required during construction, the Prime Contractor will design the pond and seek approval of the design in accordance with applicable legislative requirements. In doing so, the following general measures will be implemented as required: The settling ponds will not be located within 20 m of the normal high water mark of any nearby water-body; Accumulated sediment will be removed as necessary to maintain the effectiveness of the settling ponds. Removed material will be disposed of only in designated areas. The method and location of disposal will depend on sediment quantities and type; A suitable freeboard will be maintained around the perimeter of each settling pond; During construction activity, the quality of water released from the settling ponds will be monitored on a weekly basis for ph and turbidity to verify that discharges meet permit criteria. Hydrocarbons will be monitored on a monthly basis to ensure compliance with permit limits; The IEM will monitor the function of the settling pond according to permit requirements. All temporary erosion and sediment control measures will be inspected at least once per day for effectiveness by the IEM during installation, prior to forecasted major storm (e.g., heavy rain) events, and following significant storm events. A settling pond will be removed once it is determined that the outflow water meets BC Water Quality Guidelines; and 40
Any settling ponds near the construction staging areas and/or waste rock piles will be decommissioned and reclaimed after construction and facility site reclamation are complete. 5.9 Access, Laydown and Other Temporary Site Works Access, equipment, and materials-laydown and assembly areas are required for work preparation, material stockpiling, and construction management facilities. Project offices and worker vehicle/equipment parking areas will be built at appropriate locations. The areas used for these purposes shall be kept to the minimum reasonable dimensions. Laydown and assembly areas will be sized appropriately for temporary construction services, facilities, tools, and equipment. Fuel, lubricant, hazardous material storage and waste management will conform to government regulations and industry best practices. Temporary site works will be reclaimed as near as possible to their pre-construction state. 5.9.1 Access Roads and Trails Access from the nearest landing place or other access point to the Project Site will normally be by secondary highway or FSR. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure controls use of provincial highways, so the appropriate permits and approvals will be required. Regarding FSRs, BCHC will aquire a Road Use Permit (RUP) from the Ministry of Forests Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO), Powell River, B.C. Some sections of the FSR will be upgraded to accommodate construction equipment and materials, and water crossings will be improved as required. When necessary, short access roads will be built to the intake, penstock, and powerhouse sites. Roads and bridges will be constructed to MFLNRO, DFO, and industry standards, with particular attention paid to drainage issues, water crossings, accommodating forest harvesting equipment, and any helicopter logging and yarding operations that may be underway. All activities impacting FSR s will be performed in accordance with the: MFLNRO Design Criteria For Works That May Impact Forest Roads or Timber Tenures, Working Draft, July 7, 2005. 5.9.2 Dust Control It is recognized that construction of the Project has the potential to affect the air quality in the immediate vicinity of the Project Sites due to the generation of dust (suspended particles) and combustion (diesel) emissions from construction machinery/equipment such as CO, NOx, SOx and VOCs. These emissions are temporary and short-term in duration and unlikely to have any long-term effect on adjacent land uses. Nevertheless, the BC OHS Regulation (18.15) requires the Contractor to control dust at work sites and on roadways when conditions warrant it. Uncontrolled dust reduces visibility and air quality, so may adversely affect worker health, fish habitat, and wildlife habitat. The Prime Contractor will develop an Air Quality and Dust Control Plan for review and approval by the IEM to outline the methods and controls that will be employed throughout the construction phase to protect air quality and control dust. These controls will extend to access road use, vehicle and equipment operations, soil and waste rock stockpiles and general 41
construction activities such as drilling, blasting, crusher use, and earthworks. A water truck will be used to suppress dust on all Project roads and work sites during dry and dusty conditions. During construction, the IEM will visually inspect all exposed areas, as well as grading and access road operations to monitor the migration of dust off-site. The purpose of these activities is to ensure that these operations do not cause a nuisance to nearby lands, and that dust is not entering a nearby watercourse or environmentally sensitive area. It is noted that this task shall be performed by all IEM staff on a continuous, on-going basis as construction progresses. 5.10 Vegetation Clearing 5.10.1 Description of Activities and Environmental Concerns Construction will involve vegetation clearing for the headponds, along the footprint of the weirs and intake structures, penstock alignments, new roads, borrow pits, laydown and assembly areas, powerhouse and 2 transmission line. Trees cut in the headpond area, along the transmission line and wherever else possible will have their roots left intact. Merchantable timber will be bucked and decked for removal by the licence holder or other party as designated by the MFLNRO. The environmental concerns associated with vegetation clearing include: Erosion of exposed soil by wind and/or water, and deposition of the resulting sediment in waterbodies, leading to damage of aquatic habitat and detrimental effects on fish (sediment may be considered as a substance deleterious to fish, the unauthorised deposition of which may result in prosecution under the federal Fisheries Act or Environmental Protection Act); Disturbance, clearing, or accidental removal of trees used by wildlife or by nesting birds, especially during key life cycle periods such as mating, nesting, and/or rearing; Blow down or damage of newly exposed trees during high wind events; Forest fires associated with uncontrolled burning of slash and debris; Entry of cut materials (woody debris) into the waterway; Disturbance to archaeological or cultural sites exposed by clearing; and Exposure of old dumps, caches, or other debris sites that may contain hazardous materials. 5.10.2 Environmental Protection Measures The Construction Manager will meet with the IEM and the Prime Contractor prior to clearing to ensure clearance techniques, erosion and sediment control measures, and storm response protocols are understood and addressed. During the construction phase, the following general procedures will be implemented as required: Vegetation removal will only take place immediately prior to construction activities to minimize soil exposure; 2 The transmission line is located on Private Land and suitable construction environmental management plans for this component will be arranged with the private land owner. 42
Clearing will comply with the requirements of all applicable permits and approvals; Clearing will be limited to the area of development set out in the Project description; All forest clearing operations will conform to the Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act, Best Industry Practice, regulations, and guidelines; and In the event clearing or other activities expose an occupied bear den, all activities within 100 m of the den will be suspended until approval to proceed is provided in writing from MFLNRO - ESD Staff. A danger tree is defined as any tree that is hazardous to workers because of location or lean, physical damage, overhead hazards, deterioration of limbs, stem or root system, or any combination of the above (Workers Compensation Board). Such trees will be marked and a no-work zone established of sufficient area to keep workers safely away. During clearing, trees will be felled into the proposed site wherever possible. Wildlife trees, CMTs, and other significant trees will be marked for protection in a no-work zone. Marked wildlife trees shall only be removed if there are safety concerns that cannot be addressed any other way. Leaners, felled trees that inadvertently fall into or hang up in adjacent undisturbed vegetation in or near to work sites, will be salvaged as merchantable timber or bucked into manageable lengths and moved to an appropriate site for alternate uses. Snags and other dangerous trees shall be removed as soon as they are discovered or caused by construction activities. Only those areas specifically designated for clearance on engineered site plans and within land tenure limits will be cleared. Trees shall be flagged at intervals in advance of clearing to demarcate the limits of the work. Flagged trees shall not be felled. Clearing activities shall not remove any vegetation outside the authorized clearing limits. Bulldozers or excavators will generally clear small diameter trees and brush. Where terrain disturbance by tracked machinery may result in the loss of topsoil or the sedimentation of water bodies, chainsaws, or other hand-held equipment will be used instead. Where no grubbing is required, trees and shrubs shall be cut to within 30 cm of the ground. All felled trees, shrubs, debris, and other perishable materials shall be removed from the cleared areas, except where used for reclamation purposes. Merchantable timber shall be stacked as required by the MFLNRO Licence to Cut. At selected decking sites, salvaged logs shall be limbed, topped, and decked with butt ends facing the same direction. Log decks will be oriented to best facilitate loading onto trucks. All stockpiles of merchantable or forest product timber within the specified clearing limits shall be located so as not to obstruct the access or work of others but to be accessible to the legal owner. Workers shall not obstruct stockpiles for any reason, even temporarily. Cut materials shall be removed from the riparian zone daily to ensure they do not enter the river during high flow events. Slash and other construction material or debris shall not be disposed of in or near a watercourse, and shall be removed from the riparian zone upon 43
completion of the day s activities. All slash and debris shall be piled for subsequent disposal by chipping, burning, or other acceptable methods. Slash and debris disposal shall comply with the Forest and Range Practices Act, open burn control measures (for more detail, see Section 5.17 below), and best industry practice. All remaining logs and slash not salvaged as merchantable timber or berm reinforcement will be used for reclamation. 5.10.3 Grubbing, Stripping, Grading, and Soil Salvage 5.10.3.1 Description of Activities and Environmental Concerns The principal environmental concerns associated with grubbing, stripping, grading, and soil salvage activities are the potential effects on freshwater habitat due to disturbed soil being washed or blown into a watercourse. The release of large quantities of accumulated surface water from the construction site into adjacent watercourses during high rainfall or runoff events is a further source of sediment loss during stripping. All grubbing, stripping, and debris disposal activities will comply with the Fisheries Act, which requires that no person shall deposit or permit the deposit of a deleterious substance of any type in water frequented by fish or in any place under any conditions where the deleterious substances may enter any such water. 5.10.3.2 Environmental Protection Measures Both the Prime Contractor and all Sub-Contractors will endeavour to minimize adverse environmental effects at all times, to anticipate potential problems, and to use common sense and industry best practice to cope with unforeseen conditions or events outside of this CEMP. Prior to grubbing activity, the Construction Manager and the IEM will meet with the Prime Contractor to reinforce the prescribed strategy and responsibility for sediment and water control according to the IEM approved CWP. Grubbing and stripping limits will be marked in the field prior to the commencement of work. Silt fences and/or other applicable sediment/erosion control measures shall be installed on the sides where there is potential for surface run-off leaving the disturbed area. Grubbing shall not proceed more than five days in advance of any subsequent activity without the installation of appropriate surface drainage controls. Grubbing shall be suspended during and immediately after intense rainstorms that have resulted in excessive runoff. The Contractor shall keep backup equipment, lock-blocks, and/or sediment screens on hand in case of storm events. The Contractor shall monitor weather forecasts and local conditions so they can plan the work appropriately and respond as required. Grubbing and stripping of the organic vegetation mat and upper soil horizons will be limited to areas requiring grading or excavation. The grubbing and stripping of unstable or erodible soil shall be limited to that which is absolutely necessary to satisfy the engineering requirements of the Project. Where construction can be completed without grubbing and stripping, none shall occur. Root structures and ground mat material will only be removed during specific site development as required. Overburden will be stockpiled where practical for future reclamation work. The organic vegetation mat and topsoil that has been grubbed and stripped shall be stockpiled outside of riparian areas and, 44
where necessary, in a manner that attempts to cover exposed areas to promote natural revegetation. This work shall be completed as quickly as practical given the conditions on site. Mitigation measures shall be implemented in anticipation of runoff of sediment-laden water during grubbing and stripping (e.g., settling ponds, ditch blocks, interception ditches, sediment screens, etc). French drains, energy dissipaters, straw mats, geotextiles, and interception ditches shall be used as needed on a site-specific basis to control erosion. Proposed mitigation measures in the IEM approved CWP, and/or those agreed upon with regulatory agencies to meet unforeseen circumstances, will be implemented as necessary in accordance with permits and anticipated field conditions. The Prime Contractor, working collaboratively with the Construction Manager and based on direction provided by the IEM, will be responsible for the appropriate and timely implementation of these mitigation measures. Where grubbed materials are re-spread or stockpiled, stumps and roots shall be left on the ground surface to maintain soil cohesion, to dissipate the energy of runoff, and promote natural re-vegetation. Erosion control measures shall be implemented in areas prone to soil loss, as determined by the Construction Manager, IEM, and (where necessary) Professional Geoscientist. In riparian areas, and where potential extensive erosion may occur (e.g., on steep, unstable slopes), a re-vegetation program shall be implemented as soon as possible following grubbing and stripping to encourage rapid re-vegetation. Workers shall report any archaeological sites or artefacts revealed during stripping and grubbing to their respective Supervisor and the IEM. In addition, work will cease, and the discovery protocol will be implemented as detailed in Section 5.6.3 of this CEMP. 5.10.3.3 Invasive and Noxious Vegetation Mitigation Plan A potential impact of development in previously undisturbed areas is the spread of 3 noxious weeds and non-native species during construction activities. Machinery and personnel involved in construction can quickly cause the spread of noxious weeds. In particular, soil disturbance provides an opportunity for colonization by weeds. Weeds are often the first plants to colonize disturbed soils, growing fast and dispersing their seeds effectively. Post-construction sources of risk to vegetation are limited to the further spreading of noxious weeds and non-native species and the disturbance of sensitive vegetation by road users and Project employees. The Prime Contractor will develop an Invasive and Noxious Vegetation Mitigation Plan for approval by the IEM. In developing the Plan, consideration shall be given to the following measures to minimize the spread of invasive and noxious weeds at the development site: Care should be taken to ensure that the seeds of noxious and invasive weeds and their seeds are not carried by machinery and personnel into natural areas; 3 Noxious weeds are designated under the provincial Weed Control Act. This Act imposes a duty on all land occupiers to control designated noxious plants. 45
Re-vegetate disturbed areas with regionally appropriate (e.g., native), non-invasive, nonpersistent seed mixtures or plants as soon as possible after disturbance; Establish weed control (mechanical or hand pulling) at the powerhouse and intake sites and other Project areas as practical; Use only clean materials (soil and gravel) for maintenance operations or restoration activities; Minimize waste soil, brush and wood piles to reduce potential germination sites; Employees should be familiar with the identification of invasive and noxious weeds, and be required to remove weeds promptly. Species of particular concern include but are not limited to hound s tongue, knapweed, Himalayan blackberry, and sulphur cinquefoil; Require workers, and use signage to encourage other road users to remain on established paths and trails through any areas that are left in a natural condition. 5.11 Excavation and Borrowing 5.11.1 Description of Activities and Environmental Concerns The Prime Contractor shall follow appropriate methods for excavation in order to minimize erosion and danger to humans and wildlife. Any application to establish a new borrow site or enlarge an existing excavation shall include detailed location information, operating procedures, and reclamation plans which will be developed based on consultation with the Owner, regulatory and/or resource management agencies and the IEM. The Prime Contractor will not proceed with any excavation or borrowing until the appropriate plans, surveys, permits, and approvals are in place (i.e., Quarry Application). 5.11.2 Environmental Protection Measures The Construction Manager will consult with the IEM prior to disturbance of new sites, to ensure that environmental concerns are addressed, that contingency plans are in place, and that adequate resources, including personnel, are available on site to implement control, mitigation and protection measures as described in the IEM approved CWP. Reconnaissance may reveal old dumps, caches, spills, or other potential hazards that shall be made safe before further work is done. Debris from excavations and borrow sites will be piled at the end opposite the working area or around the perimeter, at least 5 m inside the clearing edge. Disposal of the debris will be as directed by the Contract Specifications. With approval, woody debris may be burned, or stockpiled and spread over a borrow site following overburden and soil replacement. The Prime Contractor shall check the Ventilation Index and obtain a burn number from the MFLNRO prior to disposal of debris by burning (See Section 5.17 of this CEMP). Where practical, existing borrow sites and associated roads, trails or cut lines will be used instead of developing new sites. Borrow sites for aggregate will be located in upland locations and separated from streams and lakes by a 30 m wide buffer of undisturbed terrain in order to minimize siltation. Prior to borrow site development, site-specific extraction plans will be agreed upon to optimize the removal of aggregate resources, minimize disturbance, and 46
facilitate restoration. The borrow area, stockpile area, and limits of clearing will be staked to prevent accidental over-extension of the affected area. Where possible, topsoil will be salvaged and placed in separate stockpiles on level and stable areas where erosion into a watercourse cannot occur. These stockpiles will be used to re-contour and restore disturbed areas. Should an excavation or borrow area extend toward the stockpiles they shall be moved to another disturbed area so the salvaged topsoil is not mixed with other materials. A minimum buffer of 5 m will be maintained between the clearing edge and the stockpile base. In addition, a minimum spacing of 5 m will be maintained between the excavation perimeter and the stockpile base. Equipment movement will be restricted to a 30 m working area at the pit entrance and to the excavation area to prevent unnecessary disturbance of the soil stockpiles and surrounding cleared areas. Where practicable, excavations will not extend below the water table. Drainage and erosion associated with each excavation operation will be controlled using standard methods to minimize terrain disturbance and siltation of water bodies. Erosion control berms and settling basins will be constructed where required and incorporated into the natural drainage where practicable. Interim drainage and erosion control measures will be implemented on sites that will not be in continuous use. 4 Potential (i.e., future) borrow site uses, if any, will be identified and agreed upon with regulatory agencies and resource managers prior to abandonment. Restoration, including appropriate drainage and erosion control measures, will be implemented as soon as possible following excavation or borrow site abandonment to prevent erosion and assist natural recovery of vegetation. Stockpiled overburden and soils will be re-contoured prior to seed and fertilizer application. 5.11.3 Rock Blasting Blasting may be required for the construction of the headworks, powerhouses, and at various locations along the penstock alignments or access roads. Blasting requirements will be identified once the on-site geotechnical investigations are carried out. The principal concern about blasting activities is the potential for nitrogen and/or rock debris to enter the water and affect fish populations. A secondary concern relates to acid rock drainage (ARD) when water drains through newly exposed rock releasing acids into the drainage system. Detailed geotechnical investigations shall be undertaken at each excavation site to determine if ARD is an issue. Samples will be analysed by an independent laboratory and results will be shared with regulatory and resource management agencies. If ARD is likely, an ARD Management Plan will be developed by the Prime Contractor and submitted to the MFLNRO and DFO for approval. The ARD Management Plan will include avoidance, mitigation, and treatment methods for ARD. Only qualified, licensed blasting Contractors will be employed. Contractors will not be manufacturing explosives on site. A more detailed description of blasting activities and specific 4 If feasible, appropriate restoration measures will be implemented to accommodate these future uses. Examples of future borrow pit uses include FSR maintenance, landscaping, and habitat enhancement works. 47
environmental protection measures will be provided to the IEM and regulatory authorities by the Prime Contractor once the blasting Contractor(s) have been retained (and before blasting begins). Rock mucked from excavations may be used for embankments, riprap erosion protection, slope stabilization, cofferdam construction, topping and rework of the access roads, provided it is environmentally suitable (e.g., not acid generating) and of proper grade. Excess waste rock from excavations will be stored in the waste rock disposal (spoil) area to be identified by the Prime Contractor. 5.12 Concrete Production, Handling, and Wastage 5.12.1 Description of Activities and Environmental Concerns Concrete may be produced on site for construction of the works. Although ready mix and preformed concrete plant operations do not generally pose high threats to the environment, there are a number of environmental risks that may be realized if appropriate environmental management practices are not followed, including contamination of ground and/or surface water and air emissions of fine and/or coarse particulates (MFLNRO Website). Nonetheless, an experienced, licensed operator will establish a concrete batch plant at a suitable site and shall operate the batch plant in accordance with applicable government 5 regulations and the Canadian Ready-Mixed Concrete Association s Environmental Management Practices for Ready-Mixed Concrete Operations in Canada (May, 2004). Wash-water from concrete production may contain cement, chemical additives, and form oil. Some concrete additives pose potential human health and/or habitat hazards. Cementatious products in concrete are very alkali rich (high ph) and are deadly to aquatic life if sufficient quantity comes into contact with a habitable watercourse. Other products in concrete can also be detrimental to the environment if spilled in sufficient quantity. The effects of high alkaline concrete wash-water on fish may include: death; damage to outer surfaces likes gills, eyes, and skin; and an inability to dispose of metabolic wastes. In addition, concrete wash-water is very cloudy and has a very high content of suspended sediments. Should these suspended sediments be released into to a fish-bearing waterway they can: clog fish gills, preventing the fish from getting oxygen from the water that passes over their gills (possibly leading to suffocation and death); 5 The MoE has established a "code of practice" (Minister's regulation) that addresses discharges to the environment from the concrete and concrete products industry under provisions of the Environmental Management Act (EMA) and the Waste Discharge Regulation (WDR). The code of practice establishes province wide standards for waste discharge from the concrete and concrete products industry. Operations included in the definition of "concrete and concrete products industry" under WDR of EMA are required to comply with all relevant provisions of EMA, WDR and the code. Specifically, the EMA prohibits the introduction of waste into the environment "in such a manner or quantity as to cause pollution." The code addresses air quality management, discharge of process water and storm water and the management of waste solids as well as registration, monitoring, record keeping and enforcement. 48
smother habitat. If the spaces between gravel particles are filled in, incubating eggs will not get enough oxygen and the insects that fish eat will be smothered and their living space obliterated; and impair feeding ability. Salmon are visual predators. If the water they are feeding in is cloudy, the fish will not be able to see their prey. 5.12.2 Environmental Protection Measures The amount of concrete needed, and the number, timing and location of concrete pours, will be determined on site. The batch plant operator will be responsible for securing all required concrete production permits, approvals, and ensuring operations are carried out in accordance with the applicable terms/conditions and BMPs. The best way to protect the environment is to prevent the discharge of high ph liquids into neighbouring watercourses, or in places where it might eventually reach creeks and streams. Environmental protection procedures will be identified for each site prior to concrete being mixed, delivered, or poured. Concrete pours will be conducted in the dry and every effort will be made to prevent concrete from contacting the watercourse until it is properly cured. Watertight forms will be constructed so that concrete is poured into a dry cavity and does not spill into the water. As concrete cures, it could change water chemistry resulting in harmful effects on fish and fish habitat. Once it has set, concrete is not harmful to water quality. All concrete handling will follow the applicable Health and Safety precautions as provided on Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). The Prime Contractor and Construction Manager will make workers aware of safe concrete handling procedures. The IEM will be on site for all concrete pours where there is potential for water to come into contact with uncured concrete. Concrete handling will employ watertight forms, spill contingencies, and designated truck clean out pits. Clean out pits and washing areas will be established well away from a watercourse and will be subject to best industry practice and regulatory requirements. Carbon dioxide (CO2) canisters and diffusers shall be on hand for immediate deployment in the watercourse should that be necessary. 5.13 Fuels, Oils and Lubricants Storage and handling of petroleum products, fuels, oils and lubricants, many of which are flammable, will comply with industry best practices and regulatory requirements of the Workers Compensation Act, regulations, and guidelines, including the OHS Regulation, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), and the Workers Compensation Board of British Columbia s Prevention Manual. The storage and handling of flammable substances must comply with: Occupational Health and Safety Regulation Part 5 Chemical and Biological Substances, Flammable and Combustible Substances; Environmental Code of Practice for Above Ground Storage Tank Systems Containing Petroleum Products (Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME), 1994); Environmental Code of Good Practice for Underground Storage Tank Systems Containing Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products (CCME, 1993); and 49
National Fire Code (National Research Council). Fuel handling and storage facilities will also comply with the provincial Fire Services Act and its regulations. All workers will adhere to established fire prevention and response protocols. Preparations will include spill response procedures, equipment and training, containment berms, and security. The storage facilities described will be used for both the construction and operations phases. In accordance with the above, fuel and hazardous chemicals will be stored outside of the riparian area so that any spilled fuel or chemicals will not enter a body of water. Any spill or soil contamination occurring at storage facilities is subject to the Environmental Management Act and its regulations. 5.13.1 Fuel Storage and Handling Protocols It is recognized that storage tanks and associated fuel lines may leak. Fuel and lubricants may spill or leak while being transferred from storage tanks. Vehicle accidents may cause fuel spills. Larger storage vessels will be double-walled to limit the potential for a leak. Fuels and hazardous materials can be damaging to humans, vegetation, soil, surface water, groundwater, wildlife, and aquatic organisms. Spilled fuel may ignite or explode and cause considerable damage and/or injury and/or death. All personnel must be trained in the proper use of fuel handling equipment and be encouraged to be alert and vigilant when handling fuel and lubricants. Above ground storage tanks will be constructed on stable foundations designed to minimize uneven settling and corrosion. The framework of the storage tank will be such that the allowable stress of the tank itself will not be exceeded. Storage tanks will be clearly labelled and their locations made known to all on site personnel. Fuel dispensing procedures will be posted at the fuelling site and reviewed with all personnel. The dispensing line from the tank to the dispensing station will be an Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC) approved steel pipeline. The length of the dispensing hose will not exceed 4.5 m and will be suitable for hydrocarbon fuels. Hoses and nozzles must be maintained in good repair and not leak. Dispensing procedures will only be carried out using an approved hand operated or electric fuel pump. In this regard, only dispensing pumps designed for the products being handled will be used (i.e., using water pumps for dispensing fuel is not allowed). Non-locking manually operated nozzles will be used. Automatic shut-off nozzles must be used when dispensing fuel (except for drums). An automatic shut-off nozzle is any spring-loaded device that closes when manual pressure is released. Gravity feed systems are not permitted for dispensing fuel. Nozzles must be secured within a drip container when not in use. Operators must stay with the nozzle at all times while dispensing fuel. After refuelling, both hose and nozzle will be stored in such a way as to prevent spillage. Containers will not be filled beyond their safe filling level. It is noted that the approximate safe level is no more than 90% of volume. The berm or secondary containment for a tank will be of sufficient size to contain the volume of the tank plus 10%. For a multi-tank farm facility, the berm will contain 110% of the largest tank or 100% of the largest tank plus 10% of the aggregate volume of all the tanks within the berm, 50
whichever is greater. Geotextile liner used to construct the impermeable containment will be protected with at least 15 cm of dirt, sand, or equivalent material. Fuel tanks within the containment area will be located off the ground, attached to a skid, or securely placed on a cradle. A sump will be constructed and maintained to keep the secondary containment area dry and prevent ponding of water. All equipment maintenance with the potential for accidental spills (e.g., oil changes, lubrication, fuelling, and washing) will be done on a tarped area located at least 30 m from streams to facilitate clean up. Bulk fuel will be transferred at a central fuelling facility with appropriate containment and spill response equipment. Fuel loading procedures will be posted by the Construction Manager at the fuelling site and reviewed with all personnel participating in fuelling operations. Used oil, filters, grease cartridge lubrication containers, rags, mops and other equipment maintenance products will be collected and kept in a secure waste receptacle for later disposal. The waste receptacle will be clearly marked and its location and purpose will be made known to all personnel. Smoking will not be permitted within 10 m of these waste receptacles. 5.13.2 Fuel Spill Prevention and Preparedness The Prime Contractor and Construction Manager will work collaboratively with the IEM to ensure the preventive measures and spill response equipment commitments in this CEMP and site-specific Spill Response Plan are adhered to and regulatory requirements are met. All supervisory personnel will be trained in, and be aware of, the requirements of the WHMIS program and specific requirements for transportation of dangerous goods. The Construction Manager will ensure that all Contractors review fuel spill prevention and response procedures with all workers weekly. The Prime Contractor (or designate) shall conduct daily inspections on all equipment such as hoses, safety equipment, and containment facilities. The results of these inspections will be recorded and any deficiencies identified will be resolved immediately. In addition to good housekeeping and material management methods, the following practices will be implemented for spill prevention and clean up: All hydrocarbon fuels, oils, and lubricants will be stored in a bermed area lined with an impermeable liner; the Prime Contractor is responsible for converting the hydraulic and lubrication oils for any machinery that will be utilized within the wetted perimeter of any creeks to a nonpetroleum based product; All vehicle fuelling will occur in one location distant from the watercourse where site grading and spill response equipment will be established to contain spillage; Drip pans will be installed on equipment to intercept minor leaks; Sumps will be installed to include an oil trap to prevent contaminated water from being pumped into a water course; and Absorbent mats and other spill response equipment will be readily available for deployment. 51
To ensure adequate response capability in the event of a spill, all fuelling and service vehicles will carry a minimum of 10 kg of suitable commercial sorbent material for ground spills. The Prime Contractor shall provide a site-specific Spill Response Plan to the IEM for review and approval in advance of construction. This Plan will include information on workers responsible for spill control and clean up, materials/equipment available on-site for spill control and clean up, and general procedures to be employed for spill containment, clean up, and disposal. All fuel or lubricant contaminated materials will be collected and trucked to an approved regional disposal facility, or will be treated with in situ bio-remediation techniques approved by the Owner. 5.13.3 Fuel Spill Response Plan All fuel spills will be immediately reported to the IEM and the Construction Manager who will determine the appropriate course of action to contain and clean up the spill. All spills of materials of reportable levels (quantities) must be reported to the authorities and the Owner as detailed in Section 5.3.2 of this CEMP and reiterated below. The Construction Manager will be required to make all resources available to contain and clean up a spill, unless safety would be compromised by stopping other activities already underway. Small, manageable spills will be contained and cleaned up immediately. Contaminated soils, snow, and vegetation will be removed for appropriate disposal. Larger spills may require a coordinated response. Large spills are likely to present a serious health, safety, and environmental hazard. The following procedures will be followed in the event a spill is detected by Contract work force personnel: Determine the extent and seriousness of the spill before taking any direct action; Do not touch any spilled material unless you are certain it is safe to do so. Wear the appropriate protective masks, respirators, gloves and other appropriate safety equipment; Do not leave the area of a spill unattended. Post warning signs or call co workers to assist you to keep the area safe and secure until the appropriate spill response can be organized. When a spill is discovered, the first person on site will make sure the area is safe for entry and the spill does not pose an immediate threat to health or safety of responders. If the area cannot easily be made safe, block access and call for assistance; If you can do so safely, stop the source of the spill (plug leak, replace cap, place the container upright, shut off valve, turn off pump, etc). By law you must attempt to contain or control a spill (and limit the adverse effects) unless it is unsafe for you to do so; Carefully check for hazards (flammable material, noxious fumes, cause of spill, slippery footing, broken glass, etc). Spilled materials may seep into the sub surface so they are not readily visible. Vapours may be present even though you cannot detect them. Beware of enclosed spaces. Do not endanger yourself or your co workers. If in doubt, clear the area and call for assistance; If a flammable material is spilled, turn off all nearby engines, electrical equipment, or other sources of ignition. Warn others not to smoke, start engines, or use equipment that may cause a spark. If serious hazards are present, leave the area and call for 52
assistance. Do not take any action that may cause the spilled substance or fumes to ignite. It may be best to allow fumes to dissipate and the danger of ignition to reduce before responding; If possible, stop spilled materials from entering watercourses, drains, or sensitive areas. For example, use absorbent or other material as necessary, close valves to drain, cover or plug drains, or dig a trench to direct the spilled fuel to a safe area where it can be cleaned up. Clean up spilled material with absorbents. Do not flush the area with water. Do not attempt to ignite spilled fuel or other flammable substances; Dispose of used material/absorbent in a secure container as hazardous waste; and Make sure the cleaned area is not slippery. If the area is slippery, put down no slip material or mark area with a slippery when wet sign or block access until further cleanup is complete. Since impacts from small spot spills can generally be minimized if appropriate actions are implemented promptly, all spills of fuel or noxious materials must be reported immediately to the IEM and Construction Manager. Spot spills (including leaking equipment, leaking hoses at refuelling area, etc) will be handled according to the following procedures: Suspend construction activity in the immediate vicinity of the spot spill until permission to resume the activity has been granted by the Construction Manager; The Construction Manager, in consultation with the IEM, will determine appropriate methods to remove or restore contaminated soils or other natural materials; Soils and vegetation heavily contaminated with petroleum products will be incinerated or disposed of at an approved facility; Spot spills will be flagged or otherwise marked to enable post construction monitoring; Lightly contaminated areas where restoration is feasible will be fertilized and then cultivated to a depth below the depth of contamination. This process will be repeated as required; and Record detailed information to satisfy the B.C. Reg. 263/90 O.C. 1223/90, Environmental Management Act, Spill Reporting Regulation. As detailed in Section 5.3.2, all spills of reportable levels (quantities) will be reported to the appropriate regulatory authorities in accordance with the Spill Reporting Regulation. Specifically, all reportable spills must be reported by the person who was in charge of the material before it was spilled, or by anyone observing a spill, if it appears that the spill has not been reported. Applicable contact information is provided in Section 9 of this CEMP. In the event an environmental incident occurs during Project construction, all construction personnel, including senior Site staff, sub-contractors, BCHC staff and consultants, and suppliers, shall follow the EIR procedures identified in Appendix D of this CEMP. The EIR Protocol is the procedure for advising BCHC of environmental incidents in a timely and standard format. The Construction Manager in collaboration with the IEM will debrief all Site personnel on the incident and take additional precautions to ensure that similar accidents do not recur. The site of any fuel spill will be monitored for additional clean up as required through to job completion. 53
5.13.4 Resource List Wherever heavy machinery is being used during on-site construction, and within proximity to on-site fuel storage tanks, the following minimum resources will be available: Six spade shovels; Four rakes; Three axes; One sledgehammer (5 lbs.); Four bales of sorbent pads; Four bags of powder absorbent; Twenty-five stakes; Two empty and clean 45 gallon drums with caps; and Five, three-gallon handled galvanized metal buckets. To ensure adequate response capability in the event of a spill, all fuel and service vehicles will carry a minimum of 10 kg of suitable commercial sorbent material and 25 absorbent pads (17" x 19" x 3/8") for ground spills. The IEM or assistant will conduct weekly inspections to ensure that these resources are located where required and that they are replenished if they are used. 5.14 Hazardous Materials Hazardous materials include any controlled or potentially hazardous substances used on the work site such as chemicals, explosives, paint, thinners, additives, or fertilizers. These materials may cause environmental damage, fires, explosions, or health problems. 5.14.1 Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Under WHMIS, workers have the right to receive information about each controlled product they use; its identity, hazards, and safety precautions. The goal of WHMIS is to reduce injury and disease by communicating specific health and safety information about controlled products so that the information can be used to reduce exposure to hazardous materials. The storage, handling, and use of controlled products must conform to the BC s OHS Regulation, Part 5 - Chemical and Biological Substances, WHMIS. WHMIS controlled products are classified by their hazard potential. There are six hazard classes and eight hazard symbols that identify the specific hazards. The eight hazard symbols identify the specific hazards of controlled products. After a controlled product has been classified, WHMIS communicates health and safety information with: WHMIS labels on controlled products that identify the product, hazards, and precautionary measures. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are technical bulletins that provide detailed hazard, handling, and precautionary information. 54
WHMIS education and training programs provide education and training for workers so that they can work safely with and near controlled products. Workers need to know how WHMIS works, the hazards of controlled products in their workplace, and the safe work procedures they must follow. The Prime Contractor shall ensure all WHMIS requirements are met. Further information regarding WHMIS shall be provided in the Health and Safety Plan to be developed by the Prime Contractor for review and approval of the IEM in advance of Project construction. 5.14.2 Environmental Protection Measures 5.14.2.1 Hazardous Material Storage and Handling Protocols British Columbia has enacted a Hazardous Waste Regulation under the Environmental Management Act which pertains to the generation, storage, transport and disposal of hazardous wastes. Accordingly, the Prime Contractor will ensure that all hazardous wastes are handled, stored, transported and disposed of in accordance with the Hazardous Waste Regulation and are not to be disposed of by dilution, burial or incineration. In adherence to the Hazardous Waste Regulation, all chemical and hazardous material storage facilities will be clearly marked. The Prime Contractor (or qualified designate) will conduct regular inspections of storage and handling facilities and correct all identified deficiencies immediately. Other specific measures to be followed during the construction phase are as follows: The IEM will conduct inspections of the Contractors storage and handling areas at least monthly to ensure proper labelling and storage of fuel and hazardous chemicals; All hazardous materials stored on the Project Site will be labelled according to the WHMIS regulations and will comply with all applicable rules and regulations, including the OHS Regulation; A complete inventory of all chemicals and hazardous materials on site will be maintained in the Project office (and duplicates filed off-site). Original labels and MSDS will be retained on file for a minimum of five years; Equipment containing PCBs or other hazardous materials will be clearly identified; Only persons trained, equipped, and qualified to handle such materials will handle chemicals and hazardous substances; Spill reporting procedures will be posted at all storage facilities. Products will be kept in their original containers unless those containers are not re sealable or become damaged. Containers must be maintained in good condition not damaged, rusting, or leaking; Fire extinguishers and spill response equipment will be located near all hazardous material storage facilities. For storage within each enclosed unit, maintain one 20-BC or two10-bc extinguishers. A licensed inspector must inspect and tag all fire extinguishers on an annual basis; 55
Workers will report every instance where a fire extinguisher was discharged for any reason. Workers will not discharge or otherwise tamper with fire extinguishers or firefighting equipment unless actually fighting a fire; Smoking will not be permitted within 10 m of any hazardous material storage facilities. Smoking materials must be disposed of in a safe and secure receptacle kept more than 10 m from the storage facility; If surplus product must be discarded, the manufacturers or local and provincial recommended methods for proper waste management and disposal will be adhered to; If accidental mixing of fuels, chemicals, and/or hazardous materials does occur, the waste product will be removed to an approved disposal/recycling facility. The IEM shall provide advice and direction about waste management matters, where required; All containers must be filled and capped so there will be no leakage that would endanger public safety under normal conditions; and All containers must be specifically designed and labelled correctly for the product being contained. Containers must be properly sealed with properly fitting lids, bungs, or valves. Used containers may not be re-used for other products. Spill control measures will be established for all tanks and container sites (i.e., spill kits, double wall tanks, or special location). Additional spill control measures may include but are not limited to the following: A containment berm (impermeable earth, lining or tarp); A graded or sloped site to a natural or constructed sump where spilled material can be recovered; The site chosen for containment berms will be graded to divert and contain accidental leaks and spills. Provisions will be made so that any spills will be prevented from entering any natural water bodies; If the Construction Manager, IEM or IE does not believe the site of the storage facility or precautions taken are adequate, they shall direct the Contractor to relocate or improve the site; Sloppy handling of hazardous chemicals, or violation of any of these instructions, shall result in disciplinary action; and Legislation, codes, and standards for the proper management of hazardous materials will be adhered to at all times. 5.14.2.2 Loading and Dispensing Operations Protocols Most industrial spills occur when materials are being loaded or dispensed on site. To avoid, prevent, and minimize such spills, the following measures shall be implemented by the Prime Contractor where warranted: Ensure overflow protection is installed on all tanks and around areas where loading and dispensing operations take place; Ensure all personnel operating loading and dispensing machinery are trained in emergency procedures in the event of a fire, a spill, or any other emergencies; 56
Ensure bonding, grounding, and isolation components are used to protect against static charges when bulk hazardous, flammable or combustible liquids are being transferred into metal tanks, vehicles, or vessels; Ensure valves leaving the main body of the tank are shear valves. This type of valve shuts off from the interior of the tank should the exterior portion of the valve be torn off the tank for any reason; Ensure the loading and dispensing of hazardous materials is outside any riparian area so that spilled material will not enter any body of water; Ensure smoking is not permitted during dispensing operations. No Smoking signs must be in place where hazardous products are dispensed; Ensure dispensing personnel are equipped with the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including, where appropriate: - Gloves - Respirators -Face shields or safety goggles - Hard hats - Coveralls - Boots ; Ensure loading and dispensing sites are equipped with the appropriate fire suppression, fire fighting, first aid, eyewash, communication, and control equipment; Ensure a licensed inspector inspects and tags all fire extinguishers on an annual basis. A discharged fire extinguisher must be replaced with a full one until the discharged unit can be re-charged and returned to use; Ensure suitable bonding between tank, container, and equipment to prevent static charges. Dispensing sites must not be located within 50 m of electrical equipment, transformers, or substations; Ensure spill containment and response equipment is kept at all loading and dispensing sites; Contain and recover all spills, no matter how small, and either remove contaminated soil or treat on site as directed by the IEM or Construction Manager; and Ensure overflow protection is installed on all tanks. Containers will only be filled to 90% capacity to enable safe transport. All loads will be secured before the vehicle leaves the dispensing area. The Prime Contractor (or qualified designate) will conduct regular inspections of all loading and dispensing facilities and correct all deficiencies immediately. In addition, the IEM will conduct inspections of the Contractors loading and dispensing facilities at least monthly. It is noted that either the Construction Manager or IEM shall direct workers to relocate improperly located hazardous material dispensing sites. 5.14.2.3 Hazardous Material Spills and Releases Protocols The first person discovering a spill of potentially hazardous materials shall make the area safe. Inform nearby co-workers of the hazardous material spill and have them tell the nearest Supervisor. Do not proceed if you are alone on site. The following procedures shall be followed in response to a spill: Evacuate the area if hazardous gases or volatile liquids are suspected; Unless it is unsafe to remain, do not leave the site unattended. Flag or mark the spill site to prevent access by people unaware of the spill; 57
Ensure all workers don protective clothing and equipment (PPE) before continuing to respond. Never touch spilled materials with bare hands; Provided it is safe to do so, prevent further spillage or expansion of the affected area by correcting the cause of the spill; Determine the name of the hazardous material(s) and quantity spilled. If you are certain of the appropriate response, begin. If you are uncertain, find or have a co-worker get the appropriate MSDS for the material(s) involved. From a safe distance, review the hazards of the material spilled before proceeding. Workers should only clean up the spill if the following apply: All hazards have been identified and assessed; The affected area is now safe; The appropriate spill response material, equipment, and protective clothing are available; and There are enough trained responders available to do the job safely and correctly. The Prime Contractor (or qualified designate) will be responsible for ensuring that all personnel responding to the spill are familiar with the spill response equipment, clean-up procedures and are fully qualified to deal with hazardous material spills. To this end, all responders must put on the appropriate protective clothing (PPE), collect the spill kit, and cautiously enter the spill area. They shall turn off any device, instrument, or machine that could make the spill worse. They shall remove any source of ignition or further contamination. In the event a spill of hazardous material of reportable levels (quantities) occurs on site, it will be reported to the appropriate regulatory authorities in accordance with the Spill Reporting Regulation. Specifically, all reportable spills must be reported by the person who was in charge of the material before it was spilled, or by anyone observing a spill, if it appears that the spill has not been reported. See Section 9 of this CEMP for applicable contact information. In addition, all construction personnel, including senior Site staff, sub-contractors, BCHC staff and consultants, and suppliers, shall follow the EIR procedures identified in Appendix D to advise BCHC of environmental incidents in a timely and standard format. The cleanup of contaminated soil is subject to the Contaminated Sites Regulation (BC Regulation 375/96 under the Environmental Management Act). In accordance with this Regulation, the MFLNRO must be notified regarding spill cleanup, even in the case of independent remediation (see Contaminated Sites Regulation, Section 57, notification to a Manager of Independent Remediation). 5.15 Solid Waste and Sewage 5.15.1 Description of Activities and Environmental Concerns It is recognized that waste will be generated during the construction phase. These wastes will include packaging (wood, metal and plastic) of the facility components; rock and soil associated with road construction and upgrading and transmission line construction; solids and fluids 58
associated with equipment operation; and, domestic waste and sewage from the construction workers. It is noted that a temporary construction camp is proposed at the Project Site to accommodate the Project construction workforce. The construction camp will be established on the privately owned DL 677 (see Drawing No. C0040 provided in Appendix A). At the time of writing, the construction camp is required to accommodate approximately 100 workers during the peak construction period, and will include: sleeping quarters; sanitary facilities (toilets, showers); dining room/food services; portable fresh water treatment plant; portable waste water treatment plant; satellite and radio communications; approved septic system; generators; perimeter fencing where required; waste and recycling collection facilities; and Solid waste and sewage generated from the construction forces, if not properly controlled, may be unsightly and potentially pose human health and safety concerns. In addition, some solid wastes may attract wildlife to the Project Site, putting the health and safety of wildlife and humans at risk. 5.15.2 Environmental Protection Measures The Prime Contractor will develop a Construction Waste Management Plan that details how wastes generated during the construction phase will be managed. The guiding principle for waste management is to maximize the opportunity for reduction, re-use and recycling of solid waste. It is anticipated that waste generation as a result of construction will be minimal. No trash, litter, or waste materials shall be left on or around the work site. Appropriate disposal containers will be provided for the prompt disposal of waste. Domestic waste (including food waste) will be collected daily during the construction period and stored in closed, animal resistant containers to prevent access by bears, rodents, birds, and other wildlife. Full containers of food and solid waste (non-recyclables) will be removed to an appropriate waste disposal facility on a regular basis (e.g., Sechelt landfill). All other waste materials will be collected separately and recycled, where appropriate. Any materials surplus to recycling will be deposited in containers and disposed of at an appropriate waste disposal facility. The MoE's policy for disposal of food waste at construction camps is incineration in a properly designed, auxiliary fuel-fired refuse incinerator. Burial or land-filling of refuse is not permitted, except for combustion residue from the incinerator. Alternately, waste may be stored in animalproof containers as noted above, and hauled to a municipal landfill for disposal. 59
As the proposed construction camp is estimated to accommodate approximately 100 persons 6, a Waste Management Permit may be required for refuse disposal; however, the following conditions shall be adhered to by the Prime Contractor: All food waste shall be stored in an animal-proof containers and either incinerated on a daily basis, or regularly hauled to a municipal landfill; The incinerator must have a refractory lining, incorporate an auxiliary fuel system and shall be equipped with a combustion control system and effective spark arrestor; Only food waste may be incinerated. No other materials shall be incinerated including waste oil, oily rags, filters, paint cans, solvents etc; Combusted residue (ash) must be removed from the incinerator regularly and may be disposed of on the site, in a manner acceptable to the MoE s Regional Waste Manager. Ash shall be buried with a minimum of 0.2 metres (8") of soil cover applied at least once every 2 months. The Regional Waste Manager may vary the frequency of covering when adverse freezing weather conditions make covering impractical. The final soil cover shall be 0.6 metres (24") and graded to promote runoff; and Incinerator operation shall be restricted to specific personnel selected by the Prime Contractor (or designate) to perform these duties. The Prime Contractor (or designate) will notify the Regional Waste Manager when normal incineration operations are interrupted due to equipment malfunction or other unforeseen circumstances. Sewage is defined primarily to include human excrement, water-borne human excrement, kitchen waste (food processing, water-carried wastes from liquid or non-liquid culinary purposes or ice production), washing, cleansing, and/or laundering. As such, sewage will also contain other organic and inorganic materials. Construction workers shall use portable toilets located on-site at appropriate locations away from sensitive environmental features. These facilities will be maintained and emptied by a licensed waste contractor at regular intervals for the duration of the construction phase. All sewage (including the contents of septic tanks) will be disposed of off-site in an approved sewage disposal facility to be confirmed by the Prime Contractor, until an approved septic system is installed and fully operational. It is recognized that a site-specific authorization is required for installation and operation of any camp sewage facility. However, the form of authorization depends on the size of the camp and the type of disposal, which has yet to be confirmed at the time writing. Nonetheless, any sewage facilities will be designed and operated in accordance with the Municipal Sewage Regulation. In this regard, the Prime Contractor will be responsible for securing a site-specific authorization for installation and operation of any camp sewage facility to treat sewage, use reclaimed water, and dispose of effluent that cannot economically or practically be reused. 6 For camp operations involving more than 100 persons, the Prime Contractor shall secure a Permit or Approval under the Environmental Management Act to operate an incinerator. 60
5.16 Water Supply 5.16.1 Description of Activities and Environmental Concerns As detailed above, a construction camp is proposed at the Project Site to accommodate approximately 100 workers during the peak construction period. To this end, a sufficient water supply must be provided for drinking and food preparation by the Prime Contractor. To avoid risk to human health, the water must be free of contaminants and therefore must be safe (i.e., potable) for drinking and food preparation purposes. 5.16.2 Environmental Protection Measures As per the Water Act, the Prime Contractor will be responsible for securing a licence (for long term operations) or an approval (for operations up to 12 months) in the event water is taken from any surface source other than a well for camp operations. To this end, all drinking water works will be compliant with the Drinking Water Protection Act and Regulation as it relates to a "small system" (i.e., water supply system that serves up to 500 individuals during any 24-hour period). 5.17 Fire 5.17.1 Description of Activities and Environmental Concerns Fire, whether natural or caused by construction activity, could cause serious damage to the natural environment, the Project facilities, materials, and equipment, and/or threaten worker health and safety. Construction or other activities could start a wildfire in the surrounding forest. Temporary construction facilities such as office trailers, construction material, petroleum, oil and lubricant stockpiles, other items and equipment could accidentally catch fire. Wildfires started elsewhere could approach the construction sites and disrupt physical works, personnel, and activities. 5.17.2 Fire Prevention and Preparedness Prior to commencement of construction, the Construction Manager shall designate the Fire Boss (usually the Prime Contractor for Safety). The Fire Boss shall be familiar with fire-fighting techniques and equipment. The Fire Boss shall be responsible for overseeing the Project fire prevention, preparedness, and response plans. The Fire Boss shall inform all Contractors of fire prevention policies and procedures, the current fire danger rating, and consequences should a fire start. Contractors shall review Section 4.16 of the OHS Regulation, which covers the training and fitness of workers with regard to their involvement in fire prevention, suppression, evacuation, and firefighting. The Prime Contractor shall train all workers in the use of on-site fire-fighting equipment and clearly post the locations of fire-fighting equipment. The Prime Contractor shall ensure that workers do not smoke near any flammable products. The Prime Contractor (or designate) shall provide suitable locations and containers for disposal 61
of smoking materials. The Prime Contractor shall ensure that all flammable wastes are stored only in approved containers, and removed and/or disposed of on a regular basis. 5.17.3 Fire Response Action Plan On-site workers will commence fire suppression measures immediately upon detection of a wildfire. On-site workers will immediately report the location and size of the fire, as well as wind direction at that location, to the Fire Boss in person, by radio, or by telephone. Construction activities potentially affected by the fire will be suspended as soon as possible in an orderly and safe manner. All available equipment and personnel will be applied to control the fire. Personnel and equipment not required to fight the fire will be evacuated to a safe location. The Fire Boss shall report wildfires and relevant information to the MFLNRO and district fire departments, and provide the following information: Name and phone number of the caller; Time of detection of the fire; Location of the fire; Wind direction; and Size of the fire. The Fire Boss will attend the fire site as soon as possible and take charge of fire suppression and control measures. The Fire Boss will deploy fire-fighting equipment and workers as required to clear fire breaks to contain the fire and/or extinguish the fire. The Fire Boss will deploy additional workers and machinery as needed and will request assistance of surrounding fire departments if on-site resources are inadequate. If fire suppression and control measures are unsuccessful or the fire exceeds on-site capacity so that the situation becomes unsafe, workers will be evacuated. If the fire is manageable, fire suppression and control measures will continue until the fire is extinguished or until otherwise directed by the MFLNRO. The Fire Boss will ensure that all burning embers are completely extinguished and will monitor the burn area for smouldering material. Infrared equipment may be employed to detect any remaining hot spots. 5.17.4 Controlled Burns Slash and other materials may be burned from time to time under controlled conditions in accordance with applicable regulations. Burns must be done on exposed soil or bedrock cleared of organic material. A minimum clearance of 3.5 m will be maintained between any burn site and the forest. Controlled burns may not be started if the fire hazard is high. All controlled burns must have a burn number from the MFLNRO Burn Registration Line: 1-888-797-1717. During controlled burning, all burn sites will be monitored constantly by one or more designated fire-watcher(s) until all controlled burning is completed. The fire-watcher must actively control the burn and communicate periodically with the Fire Boss until the burn is complete. The fire-watcher is not allowed to leave the burn site unless relieved by another 62
designated fire-watcher or until the burn is complete. The Construction Manager will ensure that the location of all controlled burning takes into account wind direction, ground cover, sensitive habitats, and/or cultural sites or CMTs. 5.17.5 Open Burning Smoke Control in British Columbia The Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation 7 exempts the open burning of debris from the permit requirements of the Environmental Management Act if the requirements set out in the regulation are met, including the requirement to follow the Open Burning Smoke Control Code of Practice. The Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation applies to larger fires (i.e., burns > 10 cubic metres/hectare/month and not completed within 24 hours) for purposes such as land clearing, silviculture, forestry, wildlife habit enhancement, and domestic range improvement. The following information is derived from A Guide to the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation. For additional details, refer to the Guide, and the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation itself, or contact the regional office of the MFLNRO. The following measures shall apply to all debris burning, whether or not the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation applies to the proposed burn: All fires must meet any conditions set by local government bylaws, namely Sunshine Coast Regional District Bylaw No. 354 a bylaw to provide for the prevention and suppression of fires and to regulate the conduct of persons at or near fires, as the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation does not over-ride more stringent municipal rules. Fires may also require a fire safety permit from the local fire department or the BC Forest Service; Burning shall not be undertaken if the local air flow will cause the smoke to adversely affect nearby residences or community; The burning of prohibited materials, including construction waste, paint, fuel and lubricant containers, railway ties, treated wood and/or asphalt products, is not allowed under any circumstances. The Prime Contractor shall refer to and familiarize all contract forces with the complete list of prohibited materials provided within the Regulation; All options to reduce, reuse or recycle as much of the material as possible to limit the size of the proposed burn shall be explored; Burn only vegetative matter such as tree stumps, roots, shrubs, branches, slash, etc; Burn only on the site from which the material was gathered and do not include material from off-site; Burn the material more than 100 m from a neighbouring residence or business and more than 500 m from a hospital, continuing care facility, or school that is in session; and Ensure that the ventilation index (see below for further information) is at least good on the day you start the burn and forecast to be good or fair on the following day. 7 The Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation governs burning of vegetative material associated with a range of activities, including land clearing and forestry related resource management. It sets out the conditions under which the open burning of vegetative debris can be authorized. 63
5.17.6 Open Burning Authorization Open burning of wood debris, generated by activities such as land clearing and forest harvesting, must be conducted in accordance with the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation. Open burning of other waste materials is prohibited. A Permit or Approval under the Environmental Management Act is required for open burning operations that do not meet the requirements of the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation. The Prime Contractor will contact the regional office of the MFLNRO Environmental Protection Division for permit/approval application instructions. The Forest Fire Prevention and Suppression Regulation (Part 3) require that fire prevention and management measures must also be followed. 5.17.7 Ventilation Index The ventilation index, generated by the BC Weather Service (Environment Canada), is a measure of weather conditions across the province. Open burning may only take place when local airflow will not cause the smoke to build up when the ventilation index is good for the day the open burn is started, and good or fair for the second planned day of the burn. The current ventilation index in the Project area can be obtained from: Environment Canada (1-900-451-5009); Environment Canada Website at www.weatheroffice.pyr.ec.gc.ca/wxhealth/smoke/default_e.html. 5.17.8 FireWatcher Equipment List The Fire Boss shall ensure that the following fire-fighting equipment is made available to any fire-watcher: One shovel (preferably round-nosed); One Pulaski tool or mattock; One hand-operated pump containing at least 18 litres of water; and Radio. 5.17.9 Fire Equipment Station The Fire Boss shall establish at least two separate fire equipment stations at opposite ends of the site with the following equipment: Four shovels (preferably round-nosed); Four Pulaski tools or mattocks; and Four hand-held pumps containing at least 18 litres of water. Pumps may be used to take water from a nearby lake or stream to control or fight a fire. All pump intake hoses used in water bodies will be screened as per the DFO Freshwater Intake Endof-Pipe Fish Screen Guideline. 64
5.18 Construction Site Restoration and Camp Closure 5.18.1 Description of Activities and Environmental Concerns Project Site restoration activities include cleanup, grading, re-vegetation, and closure of the proposed construction camp. All disturbed access roads and work sites will be restored as soon as possible after disturbance. Failure to clean up, grade, and re-vegetate the work sites could lead to local surface instability and increased erosion. To this end, appropriate silviculture treatments will be used to restore and reclaim re-vegetated sites. 5.18.2 Environmental Protection Measures Contract work forces will keep work sites as clean and tidy as possible given the activities underway. The Prime Contractor (or designate) shall minimize the amount of trash, tools and equipment left on site, and will clean up at the end of each work day. Time expended on maintaining a relatively clean and tidy work site will pay off in fewer accidents, fewer lost supplies or pieces of equipment, and less time spent cleaning up and restoring the work site at the end of the job. Following construction, the Contractor will cleanup and restore the Project Sites to their preconstruction condition, or as best possible. This will entail removing all construction-related materials from the working areas. To this end, all temporary facilities (including cofferdams), structures, equipment, salvageable materials and demolition debris will be removed and the Project Sites restored. Materials from the working areas will be removed and disposed in an acceptable manner at a licensed waste facility, if warranted. Where required, logging roads and ancillary bridges/culverts and watercourse crossings will be reinstated to their pre-construction condition, or as best possible. At this time, the following restoration activities will be carried out: all disturbed areas will be graded as required to fill in ruts and holes; surplus excavated material (provided it is free of contaminated soils) will be reused during construction or removed to an environmentally suitable location; borrow pits/sites will be restored, including installation of appropriate drainage and erosion control measures to prevent erosion and assist natural recovery of vegetation. Stockpiled overburden and soils will be re-contoured and seed and/or fertilizer applied, where applicable; where required, all construction access roads will be reinstated to their pre-construction condition, or as best possible; all disturbed areas will be hydro-seeded and re-vegetated immediately with native (noninvasive) species; and trees/shrubs will be planted to reinstate removed growth, or to serve as an erosion control measure, as specified in the Contract Documents. Weather permitting, final Site cleanup will immediately follow construction. The Prime Contractor shall stabilise all contours and disturbed slopes. Newly stabilised slopes will be monitored and unstable slopes will be repaired as soon as instability is discovered. The Prime 65
Contractor shall redistribute stockpiled local surface material over approved areas on each site. The Contractor shall control surface erosion using industry best practice techniques, including re-vegetation, seeding, silviculture methods, and physical controls such as silt fencing and erosion control blankets, mats or nets, for example. Seed mixes and re-vegetation 8 procedures will meet MFLNRO standards, that is, regionally appropriate (e.g., native), non-invasive, nonpersistent seed mixtures or plants will be applied as soon as possible after disturbance. As part of the restoration efforts, the proposed construction camp 9 will be properly closed and reclaimed prior to abandonment. Though a Closure Plan has not been developed at the time of writing, this task will be the responsibility of the Prime Contractor, and will be completed prior to conclusion of the construction phase. The Plan will detail specific activities to be undertaken and generally include placement of adequate cover over ash pits and/or refuse sites, removal or filling of septic systems, capping of wells, and general Site cleanup. It is recognized that upon closure of the camp, the waste disposal works shall be closed and the Site restored to the satisfaction of the land owners requirements 5.19 Post Construction Monitoring/Inspection 5.19.1 Description of Activities and Environmental Concerns As noted above, a final clean-up of the Project Sites will be carried out once all construction activities have been completed. The purpose of the post-construction monitoring program is to ensure, to the extent possible, that the lands disturbed within and adjacent to the Project Sites are restored as soon as possible after construction. 5.19.2 Environmental Protection Measures Final inspection of the construction works and restoration activities may result in the preparation of a list of deficiencies, to be addressed by the Contractor, prior to final payment. Monitoring and documentation of this process will be carried out by the IEM, prior to Project turnover. To ensure that the above restoration efforts have been carried out in a satisfactory manner, the IEM will carry out a visual inspection of: all disturbed lands; and all lands where hydro-seeding, and/or vegetative planting have occurred. At this time, the areas/features listed above will be visually inspected to ascertain the level of success of re-vegetation efforts (tree and shrub planting viability) and examined for evidence of subsidence (i.e., assess success of erosion control measures). In addition, any other environmental- related issues that have developed after construction will be identified. In the event a problem or issue is identified, it will be addressed at on-site meetings with the Prime Contractor, whereby the Prime Contractor will be instructed to take the necessary steps to remedy the situation to the satisfaction of the IEM. 8 This may include the planting of appropriate species of ungulate browse 9 The construction camp is proposed to be located upon private land 66
6 PROJECT SPECIFIC ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES 6.1 Water Quality Water quality is naturally high in BMCM Creeks. As such, water quality has been and will continue to be closely monitored before, during, and after construction, as detailed in the Box Canyon Hydro Project Operational Environmental Monitoring Plan. Project construction will maintain riparian vegetation wherever possible, which is intended to help moderate water temperatures over time. High natural stream flows in BMCM Creeks at certain times of the year transport considerable sediment and debris. Additional sedimentation from Project construction, especially during low flows or sensitive life stages for fish or amphibians, may cause adverse environmental effects. As sediment is considered a deleterious substance under the Fisheries Act, the Prime Contractor shall employ best industry practices and adhere to regulatory requirements to minimize additional sedimentation and maintain water quality in BMCM Creeks. 6.2 Fish Presence/Absence at Intakes Repeated presence/absence sampling over several consecutive years has resulted in no fish status at the proposed intakes. The majority of the diversion reach lengths are non-salmonid bearing (Bates, 2010) with the lowest most reach in all three streams salmonid bearing. As a result the in-stream works windows for construction of the intakes, pending DFO advice, will be between May 15 th and October 15 th Regardless of non-fish bearing status in diversion reaches, all three streams provide important ecological function to downstream fish habitat (Bates 2010) and McNab Creek. As a result, biological and physical stream variables will be monitored for change caused by water diversion and hydropower generation. 6.3 Coastal Tailed Frogs Coastal Tailed Frogs (Ascaphus truei) have been observed in Box, Marty, and Cascara Creeks. The Coastal Tailed Frog is unique to BC, but although they are relatively widespread in the coastal mountains, they are on the provincial Blue List and have been designated by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) as a Species of Special Concern. The Coastal Tailed Frog is a small frog, 2.5 to 3 cm from nose to rump. Adults are usually tan or brown in colour although some may be shaded green or red, or even entirely black. The toes on the hind feet are flat and wide, especially the outer toes, which distinguishes Coastal Tailed Frogs from other frogs and toads. The most remarkable feature of Coastal Tailed Frogs is the "tail" which gives the species its common name. The tadpoles of Coastal Tailed Frogs are easily identifiable, having a very large sucker like mouth. Coastal Tailed Frog tadpoles are usually found clinging to stones in streambeds. 67
As detailed in Section 5.2 of this CEMP, all construction personnel, including senior Site staff, subcontractors and suppliers will attend an environmental training and awareness information session prior to commencing work on site. Key issues to be discussed include the environmental sensitivities within the Project Site areas, and the obligations of construction personnel to protect and effectively manage potential impacts on wildlife, birds, and/or fish during Project construction. To this end, all Contract work forces shall be made aware of the potential to encounter Coastal Tailed Frogs and report sightings when working along the creek. A 50m buffer on either stream bank should be established where tailed frogs have been located. Roads and stream crossings should be minimized within known tailed frog habitat locations. When roads are determined to be necessary, minimize length, and construct narrow roads to minimize site disturbance and reduce groundwater interception in the cutslope; use sediment-control measures in cut-and-fill slopes (e.g., grass seeding, armouring ditchlines, and culvert outfalls); deactivate roads but minimize digging and disturbance to the adjacent roadside habitat; minimize site disturbance during harvesting, especially in terrain polygons with high sediment transfer potential to natal streams; and fall and yard away from, or bridging, all other stream channels (ephemeral or perennial), to reduce channel disturbance and slash loading. Where stream crossings are required, ensure the type of crossing structure and any associated roads are designed and installed in a way that minimizes impact to tailed frog instream and riparian habitat. Use temporary clear span bridges where practicable. Given that Coastal Tailed Frogs are particularly sensitive to human and natural disturbances, every effort will be made to avoid disturbing in-stream frog habitat wherever possible. Where in-stream habitat disturbance is unavoidable, the IEM will perform opportunistic field checks in advance of in-stream works and during water quality sampling events of any watercourse that has the potential to support tailed frog populations. In the event such species and/or suitable habitat are observed in the field, best practices will be used to move tailed frogs and tadpoles by hand and relocating them upstream. Specifically, the following salvage protocols will be carried out: The salvage will be conducted by Qualified Registered Professional. The interval between the salvage and the onset of construction should be a short as possible; All coarse woody debris (> 15cm diameter) and other cover objects (e.g., slash piles, cobbles and large rocks) will be lifted and searched for individuals (all individuals will be captured by hand and relocated outside the salvage area); If coarse woody debris are too large to be lifted by hand (e.g., by two people), machine assistance is recommended. As feasible, the machine should remain outside the instream area and use its arm and bucket to lift logs too large to be lifted by hand. If the logs are situated too far to be reached, the machine will have to move into the area via areas in which the salvage has just occurred. Buried coarse woody debris should be gently pried apart using a hand held three pronged garden tool; Separate buckets are to be used for shrews and amphibians, to prevent predation; 68
Buckets are to be outfitted with litter to allow individuals to seek cover. Individuals are to be relocated into suitable habitats upstream, as soon as feasibly possible after capture (within 5 minutes); The salvage should commence at one end of the area and systematically move across and forward through the area; and Once the salvage is complete construction can commence. 6.4 Nesting Birds Portions of the McNab Creek watershed may be used by nesting birds such as raptors (e.g., northern goshawks, eagles, ospreys) and other birds (e.g., Harlequin Duck, Marbled Murrelets, Olive-sided flycatchers, American Dippers) (Wright 2009,2010). As all active bird nests are protected under the B.C. Wildlife Act and the federal Migratory Bird Convention Act, it is an offence to destroy nests occupied by a bird, its eggs, or its young. Thus, the Prime Contractor shall conduct land clearing activities outside of the most sensitive nesting period for birds, that is, land clearing activities shall be avoided between April 1 and August 25. Land clearing within this period must be preceded by a survey carried out by a Qualified Registered Professional to locate any nests. To determine whether the nest is active, species specific surveys should be conducted following the appropriate RISC inventory standards. If it is determined that the nest is not being used, the nest will be considered in-active for that breeding season and construction can continue as originally planned. Nest occupancy should be determined on an annual basis if the construction next to the nest is multi-year. The activities to which this operating window would apply are blasting, road construction, or similar activities, as well as helicopter activity and other prolonged disturbances. Maintain the original stand surrounding the nest tree. The size of the retained original stand will vary depending on the species. The recommended original stand sizes surrounding important habitat features (e.g. nests, nesting colonies) are outlined in the Summary of Terrestrial Resource Information: McNab Creek Watershed document. 6.5 Ungulate Winter Range (Mountain Goats) There is proposed Ungulate Winter Range on the steep northern slopes at Cascara Creek above the proposed intake site. This area is not directly within the project application area, but the project area is within the recommended 1.5 km horizontal zone of influence reserve of the mountain goat winter range. Mountain goats rely on escape terrain as their primary antipredator strategy, and never stray far from this feature. Escape terrain consists of rocky bluffs and cliffs that are between 30 to 60 degrees in slope and often inaccessible to predators. Escape terrain is preferably mid elevation bluffs that are <1200m in elevation, with adjacent forested areas that provide forage and cover from heavy snows (i.e. south and southwest facing slopes). In winter, the coastal populations live in lower elevations due to snow levels. As such, the Prime Contractor shall ensure that there is no blasting or helicopter over flights within the 1.5 km zone of influence in the upper watershed between November 15 and June 15. This restriction will be enforced by the IEM if necessary. The noted exceptions are over flights required for safety or emergency reasons; or if a Qualified Registered Professional has determined that a goat winter range is not occupied or disturbance of the individuals can be 69
mitigated. During construction, the Construction Manager (in consultation with the IEM), will instruct helicopter pilots to avoid approaching any goats sighted during flights and will enforce this restriction if necessary. Moreover, the Prime Contractor will avoid construction in areas adjacent to or within an Ungulate Winter Range during sensitive times of the year by working in these areas during the summer months whenever possible, or as advised by a Qualified Registered Professional. 6.6 Other Wildlife The Prime Contractor should be aware that there are black bear, deer, Roosevelt elk, cougar, and coyote in the area. There may be dippers, flycatchers, grouse and other bird species. As noted above and discussed in detail in Section 5.2 of this CEMP, all construction personnel, including senior Site staff, sub-contractors and suppliers will attend an environmental training and awareness information session prior to commencing work on site. The Prime Contractor will be responsible for retaining a Qualified Registered Professional to develop a Wildlife Mitigation Plan prior to construction start. The purpose of the Plan will be to address specific wildlife measures that will be implemented to mitigate potential impacts to wildlife and wildlife habitats during Project construction. General mitigation measures regarding management and mitigation for wildlife mortalities associated with vehicle collisions, wildlife habitat fragmentation, impacts to amphibians and amphibian habitats, and exclusion periods during construction will also be discussed in the Plan. When coupled with the preventive and imitative measures detailed throughout this CEMP, residual effects to wildlife are not likely during Project construction. 6.7 Vegetation Communities There are no known occurrences of rare plant species within the Project area, (Chartwell 2010 - Impact to Forest Roads or Timber Tenures ). It is noted that Section 5.6.3of this CEMP details the discovery protocol to be followed by all construction personnel in the event a CMT is discovered during construction. 6.8 Waste Management As detailed in Section 5.15 of this CEMP, the Prime Contractor will develop a Construction Waste Management Plan to describe how wastes generated during the construction phase will be managed. Moreover, Section 5.15 speaks to the general waste management requirements and principles to be followed by all Contract work forces during Project construction. As previously discussed, the Project is to be constructed within the SCRD, and the Project Site will be re-zoned accordingly. Thus, the SCRD landfill regulations (Bylaw 405.11) will apply to Project construction waste, and shall be reviewed by the Contractor in combination with the SCRD Website (www.scrd.ca) for a current list of all accepted and prohibited materials, hours of operation and corresponding tipping fees. 70
7 CONSTRUCTION ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAM 7.1 Monitoring Program BCHC has collected pre-construction data related to the Project Site for several years, which started during the planning and design phase, well before construction, and will carry on during and after Project construction, that is, Project commissioning and operations. This data will serve as the baseline to assess and confirm whether Project construction/operations are having an adverse impact. The Construction Environmental Monitoring Program detailed below was included as part of the Operational Environmental Monitoring Plan (OEMP). The purpose of the Operational Environmental Monitoring Program (OEMP) is to present an acceptable monitoring program that meets both the operational and regulatory requirements of the B.C. Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources Operations (MFLNRO) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (FOC). This would include: Quantifying net change in predetermined biotic variables (fish populations, invertebrate drift); and Qualifying and quantifying net change in physical conditions that may lead to habitat degradation. To assess potential construction-related impacts, details regarding the various environmental components to be monitored are provided below. It is noted that these monitoring activities will be carried out by specialist staff of FSCI Biological Consultants (or qualified designate retained by and under the responsibility of FSCI Biological Consultants). To this end, these tasks are to be carried out by a Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) with the requisite experience. Most importantly, these tasks will be carried out separately and exclusively from the IEM duties/tasks detailed in Section 4.4.7 of this CEMP, by dedicated qualified staff of FSCI Biological Consultants. The water-related sample sites, vegetation plots and wildlife survey will be selected as habitats potentially affected by the Project (i.e., intakes, powerhouses, penstocks, and road rights ofway). These sites will be marked on the Location Map provided in Appendix E of this CEMP, with further detailed notes about each site also provided in Appendix E. 7.1.1 Water Quality Monitoring Water quality in BMCM Creeks may be affected by sediment accidentally introduced during the construction phase, and best industry practice erosion control procedures will limit the adverse effects of sedimentation. To ensure these procedures are implemented and effective, water quality will be monitored. Pending MFLNRO approval of the OEMP, the water quality and chemistry variables to be sampled during the construction phase will include: 71
(a) water column field measurements (temperature, dissolved oxygen [DO], conductivity, total dissolved gas pressure [TGP], and ph; (b) water column nutrients ( low level total and dissolved phosphorus and nitrogen) and alkalinity (CaCO3); and c) Turbidity (NTU) and total suspended solids (TSS). The sites are to be sampled four times per year during the construction phase. A qualified laboratory accredited with the Canadian Association of Environmental Analytical Laboratories will carry out the analyses. A Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) will conduct and/or supervise sample collection, maintain the database, assess the results, and prepare the required reports. 7.1.1.1 Settling Ponds Pending MFLNRO, Water Allocation approval of the OEMP, water quality will be monitored at the settling pond discharges on a weekly basis to verify compliance with discharge criteria. Sediment traps and screens will be checked as required to ensure they are working properly. All sediment control measures will be maintained as part of routine site management practices, but will receive additional attention after high rainfall events as detailed in Section 5.8.4.2 of this CEMP. 7.1.2 Water Flow Monitoring Pending MFLNRO, Water Allocation approval of the OEMP, water flow will continue to be monitored at the established monitoring stations before and during construction by dedicated qualified staff of FSCI Biological Consultants (or qualified designate). These stations will also be programmed to record water levels and temperature every 15 minutes (now set at 30 minutes), parameters which will also be measured during Project construction. 7.1.3 Fish and Invertebrates Monitoring Fish abundance and aquatic invertebrates will continue to be monitored in BMCM Creeks during the construction phase. Sample collection will be limited to 5 sample locations daily, twice a season collected at low summer flow. This results in a total of 10 individual samples per monitor year for each stream (Cascara, Marty and Box Canyon Creeks).Sampling efforts and potential sampling errors will be recorded and documented. To link the fish analysis program with basic invertebrate information, Abundance of macroinvertebrates found in both passive and active stream drift will be monitored through a predetermined sampling program. Drift data will be collected using standard drift nets with a measured opening of 30-cm x 30-cm and length of approximately100-cm. Nets are constructed of 250-μm Nitrex ensuring collection of prey items suitable for salmonid foraging. Protocol for sampling is based on Hatfield et al (2007). Nets will be fished in groups of 5, positioned across the stream within suitable riffle habitats and 72
positioned within the channel to sample both edge and mid channel habitats. The net groups will be fished for 1 hour then moved to a new random location for a total of three samples in one day. Areal benthic density samples will be collected within sites surveyed for fish. Benthic areal density (five replicates), with identification to Family level will be monitored annually at four (4) locations concurrent with the fish survey, that is, once each year in late summer as per the MFLNRO, Water Allocation approved OEMP. Sampling will occur four times a year using three sample locations and the frequency of the sampling may increase after review of initial data. The first sample will be collected in mid-june, July, August and September at pre-base flow discharge through low summer flow periods. Sample periods will be separated by at least 30-days. Stream discharge will be measured and recorded during the sample period along with the start and finish times, area of the net fishing and the velocity at the start and end of the drift capture period. An effort will be made to sample at the same time of day for a minimum of 1 hour. Net soak times and duration may be dictated by access. The points of diversion (POD) in all creeks will be small instream weirs. In order to ensure a control for comparison analysis, 3 locations are proposed. These are: Above the proposed intake (POD) on all streams Below the POD at least 100-m Within the fish bearing reach on all streams. 7.1.4 Terrestrial and Sensitive Habitat Monitoring Data collection efforts completed to date (Wright 2009, 2010) (Manning 2008) (Strategic 2010) identified potentially sensitive habitats that require further monitoring prior to, or during the construction phase to minimize disturbance effects. Specifically, the following habitats require pre-construction or construction monitoring: Northern Goshawk Nest; Ungulate Winter Range; and Bird Nesting Areas. 7.1.4.1 Northern Goshawk Nest A Goshawk nest is located in the lower reaches of the McNab Creek watershed, approximately 4.75 km upstream of the confluence with Howe Sound. The nest is located on the west side of the watershed at approximately 580 m a.s.l. The nest was discovered by logging contractors in 2003 and was protected by a reserve of standing timber. The nesting stand is 11 ha in size. The nest site is connected by a 90 m wide strip of timber to a larger patch (46.6 ha) of age class 8 Douglas fir leading forest. The habitat surrounding the nesting stand consists of younger second growth forest estimated to be less than 20 years old. Management goals and recommendations as suggested for the nest site are: Goals Maintain and protect the known nest site; and Prevent disturbance and abandonment of breeding goshawks. 73
Recommendations 1) Maintain the 11 ha original stand surrounding the nest site. If the nesting area (46.6 ha) is occupied (active), an operating window between February 15 and September 1 should apply; 2) The activities to which this operating window would apply are blasting, road construction or similar activities, helicopter activity or other prolonged disturbances. Variances to Recommendations 1) Recommendation 2 will not apply if the nest area is not active during the construction phase. To determine if the nesting area is not active, 3 call back surveys are required between March 1 and April 15. The search area should include the nest site as well the mature forest (46.6 ha). Occupancy should be determined by a Qualified Professional; 2) If there are no responses during this period, the nest area should be considered inactive for that specific breeding season and construction can continue as originally planned. Occupancy should be determined on an annual basis if the construction adjacent to the nest is multi-year. 7.1.4.2 Ungulate Winter Range It is noted that mountain goats have a winter range on the steep slopes north of the proposed Cascara Creek intake site. As Mountain goats are susceptible to disturbance during kidding in early spring and during winter, aircraft over flights or blasting should be limited between November 1 and April 30 in the upper cascara watershed above 600 m a.s.l. In the event, the MFLNRO provides updated information on appropriate reduced risk windows for mountain goats, the IEM shall ensure these new windows are adhered to by all Contract forces (both the Prime Contractor, and Sub-Contract work forces) during Project construction. 7.1.4.3 Bird Nesting Areas In recognition that portions of the McNab Creek valley may be used by nesting birds such as flycatchers (Wright 2010), the Prime Contractor shall conduct land clearing activities outside of the most sensitive nesting period for birds. In this regard, land clearing activities should be avoided between May through August unless a Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) of FSCI Biological Consultants (or qualified designate retained by and under the responsibility of FSCI Biological Consultants) surveys the bird nesting areas and concludes that any nests identified are inactive. Alternately, timber extraction should be done in the winter months when nesting is not occurring. The Prime Contractor will work collaboratively with the Construction Manager and IEM to identify monitoring sites, programs, and procedures to avoid or minimize construction conflicts. The Contractor will flag monitoring sites, plots, and equipment to protect them from 74
interference by workers or construction activities. The Contractor will not impede access to monitoring sites or equipment except for safety reasons. 8 COMMISSIONING 8.1 Commissioning Plan A detailed Commissioning Plan will be prepared by the Owner s Engineer/Design Engineer in conjunction with the Owner s Site Construction Manager, the Prime Contractor and the major equipment provider to describe the commissioning and testing process. The Commissioning Plan will be reviewed and approved by BCHC and will address controls, procedures, communication, and emergency response. The water conveyance system will be filled and dewatered at controlled rates to: Prevent high, unbalanced water pressures; Minimize air entrainment; and, Identify and deal with any problems that may arise during testing and commissioning. The Commissioning Plan will also address environmental concerns related to testing, commissioning, and operation, including: Public health and safety (security and access); Bypass valve testing and operation; Water quality and sediment control (including monitoring and reporting); and Debris management. Prior to commissioning, the intake, penstock, powerhouse and tailrace will be cleaned to minimize flushing of sediment or other materials into McNab Creek. 8.2 Ramping Rates Ramping is strictly controlled through the Conditional Water Licence and Fisheries Act Authorization. A certain degree of flexibility will be incorporated into the plant controls to allow fine-tuning during testing and commissioning, and in future should changes to proposed ramping rates be necessary. Ramping times and rates will be fully adjustable to maintain instream flows to protect fish and fish habitat at prescribed times. The initial ramping times and rates will be determined in consultation with the appropriate regulatory and resource management agencies before commissioning. 75
9 KEY CONTACTS FEDERAL Environment Canada Hazardous Materials and Spills Emergencies Phone: (604) 666-6100 Canadian Wildlife Service Pacific Wildlife Research Centre Phone: (604) 940-4700 Fax: (604) 946-7022 Phone: (604) 940-4600 RR1 5421 Robertson Road Delta, BC V4K 3N2 Severe Weather Pacific Region Phone: 1-800-66STORM 1-800-667-8676 www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/warnings/warnings_e.html Transport Canada Navigable Waters Protection Program Regional Manager Pacific Regional Office Phone: (604) 775-8867 Fax: (604) 775-8828 820-800 Burrard Street Vancouver, BC V6Z 2J8 Canadian Environmental Assessment Act Screening Report Jo-Anne McDonald, Senior Environmental Officer Phone: (604) 666-5771 Fax: (604) 666-2961 E-mail: mcdonaj@tc.gc.ca 620-800 Burrard Street Vancouver, BC V6Z 2J8 Natural Resources Canada Wildfire Information System http://cwfis.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/en/index_e.php Fisheries and Oceans Canada Pacific Region HQ Phone: (604) 666-0384 Fax: (604) 666-1847 Phone: (604) 666-3491 (Habitat Branch) 200-401 Burrard Street Vancouver, BC V6C 3S4 Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sunshine Coast Detachment Phone: (604) 885-2266 PROVINCIAL Provincial Emergency Program (PEP) Phone: 1-800-663-3456 (emergencies) Phone: (250) 952-4913 (general inquiries) Fax: (250) 952-4888 http://www.pep.bc.ca/ 455 Boleskine Road Victoria, BC V8Z 1E7 Cultural Heritage Resources Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Archaeology Branch Phone: (250) 953-3338 Fax: (250) 953-3340 3rd Floor, 3400 Davidson Street, Victoria, BC PO Box 9816, Victoria, BC V8W 9W3 Email: ARCWEBFEEDBACK@gov.bc.ca 76
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (Crown Lands and Resources) Andrea Cowgill, B.Sc. Land Officer Phone: (604) 586-4313 Fax: (604) 586-4434 200, 10428-153 Street Surrey, BC V3R 1E1 Conservation Officer Phone: (604) 740-5858 Phone: 1-800-663-9453 [for immediate danger to human health and safety due to wildlife encounters] for advice or incident reporting Water Licensing Water Stewardship Division Timothy Bennett, M.Sc., P.Eng. Regional Water Manager Phone: (604) 582-5227 Fax: (604) 582-5235 10470-152nd Street Surrey, BC V3R 0Y3 Provincial Engineer Water Stewardship Division -Lower Mainland Region James Davies, P.Eng. Phone: (604) 582-5203 Fax: (604) 582-5235 2nd Floor -10470-152 Street Surrey, BC, V3R 0Y3 Coast Forest Region Sunshine Coast Forest District Office Phone: (604) 485-0700 7077 Duncan Street Powell River, BC V8A 1W1 Report a Wildfire Phone: 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 from a cellular phone Wildfire Information Phone: 1-888-3FOREST or 1-888-336-7378 http://bcwildfire.ca/ Burn Registration Line Phone: 1-888-797-1717 Report all Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) Dial Toll Free 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP) or Report Violators Online at http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/cos/rapp/form.htm MUNICIPAL Sunshine Coast Regional District Phone: (604) 885-6800 Fax: (604) 885-7909 1975 Field Road Sechelt, BC V0N 3A1 FIRST NATIONS Squamish First Nation Chief and Council INDEPENDENT ENGINEER True North Energy George Steeves Phone: (604) 885-2273 Fax: 7th Floor, 90 Sheppard Avenue East Toronto, ON M2N 6X3 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL MONITOR To be Named Phone: (604) Fax: OWNER Box Canyon Hydro Corp / Sound Energy Inc, Joint Ownership.: (604) 648-6609 Fax: (604) 648-6606 Cell: (604) 741-7629. 3260-666 Burrard Street, Vancouver, B.C. V6C 2X8 OWNER s ENGINEER / DESIGN ENGINEER Knight Piésold Engineering Consultants 77
OTHER LAND USERS Burnco Rock Products Ltd. FortisBC 78
REFERENCES Draft V.1 - Box Canyon Hydroelectric Project McNab Creek Watershed Hydro Project Operational Environmental Monitoring Plan. CODES, STANDARDS, AND GUIDELINES In addition to the codes, standards, and guidelines noted in the text of the CEMP, the following documents may also be used for environmental protection planning purposes: 1) Forest Practices Code of B.C. Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 159 2) Forest Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 157 3) Worker s Compensation Act, Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, B.C. Reg. 296/97 4) DFO Freshwater Intake End-of-Pipe Fish Screen Guidelines (1995) 5) DFO Fish Screen Directive (1999) 6) Wildlife / Danger Tree Assessment 7) Canadian Council Of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) Guides: Environmental Code of Prac ce for Above Ground Storage Tank Systems Containing Petroleum Products (1994) CCME Environmental Code of Prac ce for Underground Storage Tank Systems Containing Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products (1993) 8) CCME Canadian Environmental Quality Guidelines, Freshwater Aquatic Life (1999) 9) B.C. Fire Code, B.C. Reg. 285/98 10) B.C. Environment Guidelines for Industry Emergency Response Contingency Plans: B.C. Approved Water Quality Guidelines (Criteria) 1998 Edition (Updated August 24, 2001) Summary of Environmental Standards and Guidelines for Fuel Handling, Transportation and Storage. 2nd Ed. MELP, Ministry of Forests, December 1995. 79