Environmental Impact Study Meaford Highlands Resort Meaford, Ontario

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Environmental Impact Study Meaford Highlands Resort Meaford, Ontario GUIDING SOLUTIONS IN THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Environmental Impact Study Meaford Highlands Resort Meaford, Ontario Prepared For: Meaford A2A Developments Inc. Prepared By: Beacon Environmental Date: Project: May 2013 211348 337 W OOLWICH S TREET, G UELPH O NTARIO C ANADA N1H 3W4 Tel: (519) 826-0419 Fax: (519) 826-9306 Environmental Impact Study – May 2013 Meaford Highlands Resort Table of Contents page 1. Introduction ................................................................................................ 1 2. Policy Context ............................................................................................ 1 2.1 Federal Fisheries Act ...................................................................................................... 2 2.2 Provincial Policy Statement ............................................................................................. 2 2.3 County of Grey Official Plan ............................................................................................ 3 2.4 Municipality of Meaford Official Plan ............................................................................... 6 2.5 Grey Sauble Conservation Authority Regulations and Policies ...................................... 8 2.6 Endangered Species Act ................................................................................................. 8 3. Methodology ............................................................................................. 10 3.1 Background Review ...................................................................................................... 10 3.2 Field Investigations ....................................................................................................... 10 3.2.1 Vegetation Surveys ........................................................................................................ 11 3.2.2 Amphibian Surveys ........................................................................................................ 11 3.2.3 Breeding Bird Surveys ................................................................................................... 12 3.2.4 Reptiles .......................................................................................................................... 13 3.2.5 Aquatic Habitat Assessment .......................................................................................... 13 3.3 Natural Heritage Assessment ....................................................................................... 13 3.4 Constraint Analysis ....................................................................................................... 13 3.5 Impact Assessment ....................................................................................................... 15 4. Results ...................................................................................................... 15 4.1 Landscape Context ....................................................................................................... 15 4.2 Physical Resources ....................................................................................................... 16 4.2.1 Bedrock Geology ............................................................................................................ 16 4.2.2 Surficial Geology ............................................................................................................ 16 4.2.3 Topography .................................................................................................................... 16 4.2.4 Soils ................................................................................................................................ 16 4.2.5 Groundwater ................................................................................................................... 17 4.2.6 Surface Drainage ........................................................................................................... 17 4.3 Biological Resources ..................................................................................................... 17 4.3.1 Vegetation Communities ................................................................................................ 17 4.3.1.1 Terrestrial ........................................................................................................ 18 4.3.2 Flora ............................................................................................................................... 25 4.3.3 Amphibians ..................................................................................................................... 25 4.3.4 Reptiles .......................................................................................................................... 26 4.3.5 Mammals ........................................................................................................................ 27 4.3.6 Breeding Birds ................................................................................................................ 27 4.3.7 Significant Wildlife .......................................................................................................... 28 4.3.8 Aquatic Habitat Assessment .......................................................................................... 29 4.4 Landscape Connectivity ................................................................................................ 35 4.5 Winter Habitat ............................................................................................................... 36 Page i Environmental Impact Study – May 2013 Meaford Highlands Resort 5. Natural Heritage Assessment ................................................................. 36 5.1 Significant Wetlands ...................................................................................................... 36 5.2 Significant Habitat for Threatened and Endangered Species ....................................... 36 5.3 Significant Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) ........................................... 37 5.4 Fish Habitat ................................................................................................................... 37 5.5 Significant Woodlands ................................................................................................... 37 5.6 Significant Valleylands .................................................................................................. 37 5.7 Significant Wildlife Habitat ............................................................................................. 38 5.8 Permanent/Intermittent Watercourses .......................................................................... 38 5.9 Threatened and Endangered Species .......................................................................... 39 6. Constraints and Opportunities................................................................ 41 7. Description of the Proposed Development ............................................ 42 7.1 Development Concept ................................................................................................... 42 7.2 Storm Water Management ............................................................................................ 43 8. Impact Assessment and Proposed Mitigation ....................................... 43 9. Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan ................................ 48 10. Policy Conformity Assessment .............................................................. 58 11. Conclusions .............................................................................................. 59 12. Literature Cited ......................................................................................... 62 Page ii Environmental Impact Study – May 2013 Meaford Highlands Resort Figures Figure 1. Site Location .........................................................................................................after page 2 Figure 2. Existing Conditions ..............................................................................................after page 15 Figure 3. Preliminary Constraints Analysis .........................................................................after page 41 Figure 4. Preliminary Development Concept Plan ..............................................................after page 42 Tables Table 1. Summary of Field Investigations ............................................................................................ 11 Table 2. Amphibian Survey Detail ....................................................................................................... 12 Table 3. Results of Nocturnal Amphibian Call Surveys ....................................................................... 26 Table 4. NHIC Records of Species of Conservation Concern in Vicinity of Study Area ...................... 28 Table 5. Area of Proposed Land Uses ................................................................................................. 42 Table 6. Impact Assessment Matrix ..................................................................................................... 44 Table 7. Potential Ecological Indicators for Monitoring Long Term Ecological Integrity ...................... 49 Table 8. Proposed Ecological Integrity Monitoring Framework ........................................................... 51 Table 9. Recommended Environmental Management Strategies and Mitigation Measures ............... 53 Table 10. Performance Monitoring Framework
Recommended publications
  • Ontario's Stream Rehabilitation Manual
    Ontario’s Stream Rehabilitation Manual Written by Mark G. Heaton Rick Grillmayer And Jack G. Imhof Illustrations By Roy DeGuisti Copyright by Ontario Streams 17266 Old Main Street, Belfountain, Ontario L0N 1B0 May 2002 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 1 Introduction The Created Need Restoration, Rehabilitation or Reclamation Building on Experience Partnerships Mean Ownership Chapter 2 Perspectives What is a Watershed? Life in a Dynamic Physical Environment ….. Eco ~ System Stream Corridors The Natural Tendency of Rivers (written by Jack G. Imhof) Chapter 3 Look Before You Leap Project Planning Basics STEP 1: Focus STEP 2: Research and Reconnaissance STEP 3: Evaluation and Impact Assessment STEP 4: Goal, Objectives and Targets Chapter 4 Charting the Course to Action! STEP 5: Plan, Prepare and Consult STEP 6: Implement STEP 7: Monitor and Report Chapter 5 Learning From The Past Gathering The Information Drawing Conclusions... Chapter 6 Techniques Introduction Barrier Management Barrier Modification Fishways Soil Bioengineering (written by R. Grillmayer) Live Staking Fascines Brushlayers Brushmattress Live Cribwall Willow Posts Native Material Revetment Live Rock Revetment Habitat Improvement L.U.N.K.E.R.S. Boulder Placement Half Log Cover Instream Log Cover The Sweeper Palette Cover Cabled Log Jam Channel Rehabilitation Natural Channel Reconstruction (Under Construction) Riparian Corridor Rehabilitation (Under Construction) Woody Debris Management Low Stage Weirs (Under Construction) Wing Deflectors Bibliography Bibliography Appendices Appendix
    [Show full text]
  • Download Issue 67
    THE OSPrEY A Journal Published by the Steelhead Committee Federation of Fly Fishers Dedicated to the Preservation of Wild Steelhead • Issue No. 67 • SEPTEmbEr 2010 Nottawasaga River Steelhead A Great Lakes lesson in local adaptation and naturalization by Brian P. Morrison, Fred Dobbs and Chris Atkinson — Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority, Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority, Nottawasaga Steeheaders — Fisheries biologist Brian Morrison accidentally released into the Pine steelhead in the Canadian waters of the Ganaraska Region River, a Nottawasaga River tribu - of the Great Lakes proper. Shortly Conservation Authority, Fred thereafter, steelhead were making Dobbs, stewerdship services man - seasonal migrations between the ager for the Nottawasaga Valley Nottawasaga River and Georgian Conservation Authority and Chris Bay/Lake Huron; with these fish Atkinson of the Nottawasaga As early as 1903, likely resulting from the acciden - Steelheaders outline the establish - tal release of steelhead into the ment of a naturalized steelhead adult steelhead were Pine River. population in the Lake Huron documented in The life history characteristics of Basin, Ontario, Canada and how it the naturalized steelhead popula - might provide insight for re-intro - tributaries of the tions in the Great Lakes resemble ducing extirpated steelhead popu - those of anadromous forms native lations in other regions. Nottawasage River. to Pacific coastal drainages, although local populations display igratory rainbow varying life history traits. trout ( Oncorhynchus tary (Figure 1) by 1900, likely off - Continued on Page 4 mykiss ), also known spring of fish spawned from the as steelhead, were McLeod River, California. As Mintroduced into Lake Huron in 1876 The Osprey is now early as 1903 adult steelhead were when the AuSable River in documented in tributaries of the also available via Michigan was stocked with rain - Nottawasaga River, and it has been electronic delivery.
    [Show full text]
  • Mary Williams Trout: Diaries of a Small Town Lady Trevor Parsons
    Document generated on 09/27/2021 3:19 a.m. Ontario History Mary Williams Trout: Diaries of a Small Town Lady Trevor Parsons Volume 102, Number 1, Spring 2010 URI: https://id.erudit.org/iderudit/1065601ar DOI: https://doi.org/10.7202/1065601ar See table of contents Publisher(s) The Ontario Historical Society ISSN 0030-2953 (print) 2371-4654 (digital) Explore this journal Cite this article Parsons, T. (2010). Mary Williams Trout: Diaries of a Small Town Lady. Ontario History, 102(1), 147–149. https://doi.org/10.7202/1065601ar Copyright © The Ontario Historical Society, 2010 This document is protected by copyright law. Use of the services of Érudit (including reproduction) is subject to its terms and conditions, which can be viewed online. https://apropos.erudit.org/en/users/policy-on-use/ This article is disseminated and preserved by Érudit. Érudit is a non-profit inter-university consortium of the Université de Montréal, Université Laval, and the Université du Québec à Montréal. Its mission is to promote and disseminate research. https://www.erudit.org/en/ 1 rchival Sources Treasures from Ontario’s Archives A Mary Williams Trout: Diaries of a Small Town Lady by Trevor Parsons, Archives Digital Project Assistant he compelling story of a small town lady, Mary Williams Trout (1847-1922) from the Town of TMeaford, on the shore of Georgian Bay, is told in twenty-six of her personal diaries, housed at the Grey County Archives. The diaries have also been scanned, transcribed, and posted online at the Grey Roots website (www.greyroots.com/troutdiaries). The earliest journal dates from the year of Confederation, 1867, and following journals document Mary’s life through her marriage, the birth of her children, through the First World Mary (Williams) Trout—her diaries War and up to two Grey County Archives chronicle small town life and develop- years before her death Grey Roots Museum & Archives ment in Meaford, Ontario.
    [Show full text]
  • Meaford PUC WTP Municipality: Municipality of Meaford Drinking Water System Category: Large Municipal Residential
    System Name: Meaford PUC WTP Municipality: Municipality of Meaford Drinking Water System Category: Large Municipal Residential The Municipality of Meaford is located in Grey County completely in the Grey Sauble Source Protection Area. Key features include kilometres of Georgian Bay shoreline, the Niagara Escarpment, the Bighead River and tributaries, the Bruce and Georgian Trails, substantial forests, rolling valleys, and large wetland areas. In 2011, the population was 11,100, which was an increase of 1.4% from 2006. Seasonal residents add to the population during peak periods. The main town is Meaford (population 4,524). Smaller villages include Leith, Annan, Bognor, and Woodford. The one municipal drinking water system is an intake located in the town of Meaford. No new drinking water systems are planned. Meaford water The Meaford PUC WTP is a Great Lakes (Type A) intake that is located on Nottawasaga Bay. It treatment building services approximately 4,800 people and is classified as a large municipal residential system, under Ontario Regulation 170/03, with a rated capacity of the treatment plant of 3 26,848m /day. The treatment process includes two filter beds with multimedia and backwash troughs, a flash mixer, gas chlorination disinfection, ultraviolet disinfection, and backwash wastewater treatment. The filter backwash wastewater system consists of a surge tank, a treatment clarifier and an injection of sodium metabisulphate for dechlorination. Treated backwash wastewater is discharged into the storm sewer system. Chemicals used in the treatment process include polyaluminum chloride, sodium metabisulphate and chlorine gas (Stantec 2008). Meaford WTP The raw water intake is located at a northing of 531614.37 and an easting of 4940904.72.
    [Show full text]
  • Watershed Checkup
    What Are We Doing? What You Can Do ? Where Are We? With the use of environmental indicators, Grey Sauble Conservation sta are able We are one of to monitor our watershed health. Be a Watershed Steward! 36 Conservation - Surface Water Sampling- 27 locations across the watershed are sampled 8 Grey Sauble Conservation Authorities across times a year Plant trees and shrubs along streams, lake, rivers and ponds. This will - BioMap (Biological Monitoring and Assessment Program) - Benthic samples provide shade and help keep the water cool for thriving sh species in our Ontario under are collected from 30 long-term monitoring sites throughout the watershed. watersheds. Trees and shrubs will also help prevent erosion, improve water WATERSHED the umbrella - Other Watershed Monitoring quality, clean our air by reducing emissions, clean our water, provide shade Grey Sauble organization of • Sta and volunteers record important information every time they visit to keep our environment cool and provide homes for wildlife. Report Card 2013 Conservation Conservation a stream crossing. This includes: stream crossing type and size, general Plant native species - don’t be an invader to our watershed. Watershed Ontario. description of ow (i.e. lots, some, trickle or dry), water clarity, the Decommission an unused well. Remember, an unused well can provide a presence of sh, and any other site features that may aect water quality direct pathway to our ground water system. and quantity. To date, over 4,600 crossings have been visited and eld Septic Systems need to be working properly. Septic systems can What Does This Report Card Measure? information recorded.
    [Show full text]
  • Community Profile
    COMMUNITY PROFILE SET YOUR SIGHTS ON MEAFORD Welcome to the Municipality of Meaford, on the southern shore of Georgian Bay. The Municipality of Meaford is a fascinating, four-season destination that has it all: fresh local food, unique shopping, nature at your doorstep, a beautiful waterfront, and hundreds of local charms and amenities awaiting your discovery. Our charming, historic downtown district features Meaford Hall – a restored 330-seat theatre, concert and cinema venue, plus distinctive boutiques, eclectic eateries and services of all kinds. Just a few minutes away, you’ll find acres of rolling countryside, charming historic villages, sandy beaches and unspoiled natural areas. TABLE OF CONTENTS Reasons To Invest ............................................................................... 4-5 Location ................................................................................................... 6 County of Grey .................................................................................. 7-8 Municipality of Meaford ........................................................................ 9 Population Trend ................................................................................. 10 Affordability ........................................................................................ 11 Real Estate Activity ............................................................................. 12 What Makes Meaford Unique ........................................................... 13 Lifestyle - Premier Parks ....................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Fully Accounting for Canada's Conservation Lands
    Fully Accounting for Canada’s Conservation Lands – Phase II: Assessing the Protection and Conservation Value of 12 Property Clusters Managed by the Conservation Authorities and Partners in Ontario December 2018 Fully Accounting for Canada’s Conservation Lands – Phase II: Assessing the Protection and Conservation Value of 12 Property Clusters Managed by the Conservation Authorities and Partners in Ontario December 2018 Paul A. Gray, Thomas J. Beechey, Christopher J. Lemieux, Jocelyn Sherwood, Annette Morand, Allan G. Douglas and Andrea Kettle The contract is managed by the Ontario Centre for Climate Impacts and Adaptation Resources (OCCIAR). The principal contact is: Al Douglas Director, OCCIAR MIRARCO/Laurentian University Sudbury, ON, Canada 705-675-1151 x1506 www.climateOntario.ca The Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) contact is: Andrea Kettle Biodiversity Coordinator Environment and Climate Change Canada – Canadian Wildlife Service Toronto, ON, Canada 416-739-4918 Recommended Citation: Gray, P.A., T.J. Beechey, C.J. Lemieux, J. Sherwood, A. Morand, A.G. Douglas and A. Kettle. 2018. Fully Accounting for Canada’s Conservation Lands – Phase II: Assessing the Protection and Conservation Value of 12 Property Clusters Managed by the Conservation Authorities and Partners in Ontario. Ontario Centre for Climate Impacts and Adaptation Resources (OCCIAR), MIRARCO/Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. Cover Photos: 1 - Morris Island Conservation Area (photo credit: Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority) 2 – Murray Marsh
    [Show full text]
  • FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN January 1, 2013
    GREY SAUBLE CONSERVATION AUTHORITY FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN January 1, 2013 – December 31, 2032 APPROVAL PAGE Moved by: Michael Martin Seconded by: Judy Gay Motion #: FA13-017 That the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority adopt, in principle, this Forest Management Plan for the plan period of January 1, 2013 – December 31, 2032. Carried. January 16, 2013 Dick Hibma, Chair Date: Note: Above motion approved at the Full Authority Meeting on January 16, 2013. Authored by: January 16, 2013 Anne Lennox, Forestry & Wildlife Coordinator Date: With Contributions from: Cam Bennett, Forest Technician & Gloria Dangerfield, GIS Specialist ii Acknowledgments Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA) thanks the following members of the Forestry Advisory Committee who provided valuable input and guidance towards the development of forest management policies on GSCA lands and nominated properties for a ‘No forest management’ classification: Dick Hibma - GSCA Chair, Forestry Committee Robert Reid - former GSCA Director, Forestry Committee Arnold Kuhl (deceased) - former GSCA Director, Forestry Committee John Gowan - former GSCA Director, Forestry Committee David Fidler - Owen Sound Field Naturalists Frank Beirnes - former County of Grey, Tree By-law Enforcement Officer Ken Goldsmith - County of Bruce, Tree By-law Enforcement Officer Robert Hurst - Trapper Austin Ramage - Horse Logger Marg Gaviller - Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation Robert Lesperence - Maple Syrup Producer’s Association Russell Horning - Woodlot Owner, former GSCA Director Mark Cressman
    [Show full text]
  • Grey Sauble Conservation Authority and Its Programs March 20, 2017
    Update for Meaford Council on Grey Sauble Conservation Authority and its Programs March 20, 2017 1 Purpose • To update Meaford Council on the work of the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA) • This update will compliment the Service Delivery Review work by Meaford staff • To highlight GSCA’s priorities for 2017 • To provide an opportunity for Council Members to meet new CAO Sonya Skinner, ask questions and make suggestions. 2 What is a Conservation Authority? Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities: • Are created under the Conservation Authorities Act as “…a program designed to further the conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources other than gas, oil, coal and minerals.” • Are governed by a Board of Directors from the eight watershed municipalities. Meaford’s representatives on GSCA’s Board are: • Jaden Calvert • Harley Greenfield 3 Grey Sauble Conservation Authority Jurisdictions Grey Sauble’s Mission Statement: In partnership with stakeholders of the watershed, to promote and undertake sustainable management of renewable natural resources and to provide responsible leadership to enhance bio-diversity and environmental awareness. Vision Statement: A healthy watershed environment in balance with the needs of society. Drinking Water Source Protection Mission Statement: Providing leadership to engage the entire community in developing comprehensive, responsible solutions to protect our water resources. Municipality of Meaford Watersheds 1. Sydenham River 2. Bothwell Creek 3. Keefer Creek 4. Waterton Creek 5. Johnson Creek 6. Centreville Creek 7. Bighead River 8. Beaver River Tributaries 5 2017 Budget: $3.153 M The Municipality of Meaford Contributes: 1. $176,349 through the Municipal Levy 2. $6,000 of the Self Generated Funds (for Source Water Risk Management Plans) 3.
    [Show full text]
  • Grey Sauble Source Protection Area
    Approved Chapter 2 WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION APPROVED ASSESSMENT REPORT for the Grey Sauble Source Protection Area October 15, 2015 Approved Assessment Report -- Grey Sauble Source Protection Area Approved This page intentionally left blank. Approved Assessment Report -- Grey Sauble Source Protection Area Approved APPROVED ASSESSMENT REPORT for the Grey Sauble Source Protection Area Table of Contents CHAPTER 2.0 WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION 2.0 Watershed Characterization ......................................................................................... 2-1 2.1 Source Protection Region .............................................................................................. 2-1 2.2 Grey Sauble Source Protection Area ........................................................................... 2-1 2.2.1 Jurisdictions .......................................................................................................... 2-2 2.2.1.1 Conservation Authorities ......................................................................... 2-2 2.2.1.2 Municipalities .......................................................................................... 2-3 2.2.1.3 Provincial Ministries ................................................................................ 2-4 2.2.1.4 Federal Government ................................................................................. 2-5 2.2.1.5 First Nations ............................................................................................. 2-5 2.2.2 Non-Governmental Organizations
    [Show full text]
  • Water Quality and Hydrology of the Bighead River, Grey County. 1982
    WATER QUALITY AND HYDROLOGY OF THE BIGHEAD RIVER GREY COUNTY Ministry of the Environment Copyright Provisions and Restrictions on Copying:. This Ontario Ministry of the Environment work is protected by Crown copyright (unless otherwise indicated), which is held by the Queen's Printer for Ontario. It may be reproduced for non-commercial purposes if credit is given and Crown copyright is acknowledged. It may not be reproduced, in all or in part. for any commercial purpose except under a licence from the Queen's Printer for Ontario. For information on reproducing Government of Ontario works, please contact ServiceOntario Publications at [email protected] Water Quality and Hydrology of the Bighead River Grey County Water Resources Assessment Unit Technical Support Southwestern Region Field Work - 1980 Report Preparation - 1982 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 1.0 SUMMARY, DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS 1 2.0 INTRODUCTION 5 3.0 METHODS 7 3.1 Hydrology 7 3.2 Water Temperatures 8 3.3 Chemical and Bacterial Data 8 3.4 Storm Event 8 3.5 Bottom Fauna 8 3.6 Aquatic Vegetation 9 4.0 DISCUSSION OF RESULTS 9 4.1 Hydrology 9 4.2 Water Temperatures 12 4.3 Suspended Solids 14 4.4 Phosphorus 14 4.5 Nitrogen 16 4.6 Other Chemical Parameters 16 4.7 Storm Conditions 18 4.8 Bacteria 18 4.9 Bottom Fauna 20 5.0 AQUATIC VEGETATION 20 6.0 GROUNDWATER 21 i Page APPENDIX I 23 Average Mean Monthly Flow Bighead River Near Meaford 24 Bighead River Flow Data - May-October 1980 Summary of 30 selected streamflow sites 25 Bighead River Flow Data - May-October 1980 Summary of nine main sites and their percent contribution to total flow in the Bighead River 28 APPENDIX II 29 Macroinvertebrates collected at 41 sample sites on the Bighead River and tributaries 30 APPENDIX III 52 Water quality data May-November 1980 53 Water quality data collected during a heavy rainfall event July 15, 1980 58 ii LIST OF FIGURES Page Figure 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Expl Rere Lookouts Waterfalls Beaches Hiking
    ExplExpl rere Lookouts Waterfalls Beaches Hiking Old Baldy Conservation Area Inglis Falls Hibou Conservation Area Conservation Area >> www.greysauble.on.ca Parking and Pass fees P can be paid via phone Explore $ or your computer. Purchase a season pass for Grey Sauble’s the year to explore all of our properties. Properties www.greysauble.on.ca Take your next active adventure at a Grey Sauble property! Grey Sauble Conservation (GSC) owns and manages almost 29,000 acres of the most scenic and environmentally sensitive lands in Grey and Bruce Counties. This guide provides maps of amenities and recreational trails for our popular adventure spots. A Season Pass allows you to visit as many of the properties as you would like in a year. Your fees and donations are important to ensure that we can maintain and make these properties available to the public. GSC has facilities available for group use; to rent for your next group event call 519-376-3076. Page Number Epping - John Muir Lookout ............................ 1 Spirit Rock & McNeill Estate ............................. 2 Bruce's Caves.......................................................... 4 Colpoy's Lookout.................................................. 5 The Glen................................................................... 6 Hepworth................................................................ 8 Kemble Mountain.................................................10 Indian Falls..............................................................11 Jones Falls & Pottawatomi.................................12
    [Show full text]