St. Clair River Watershed Plan - AOC Area 1-A

Map 24: Stewardship Projects 92 5.2 Prioritized Works and Actions The prioritized works and actions are meant as templates to be built upon by the various subcommittees working on the St. Clair River AOC.

5.2.1 List of BUIs and Delisting Guidelines – 2009 Table 15: Impairment of Beneficial Use (BUI) and Delisting Guidelines Number Current Letter BUI description Delisting Guidelines - Goals Objectives assigned status assigned When contaminant levels do not exceed current Restriction on fish and Impaired for 1 standards, objectives or guidelines and no public A wildlife consumption fish health advisories are in effect Bird or animal Requires When chironomid mouthpart anomalies occur at 2 deformities or further B rates similar to “control” populations reproductive problems assessment When invertebrate community structure can be Degradation of 3 documented as unimpaired or intermediate as Impaired C benthos defined by recent OMOEE benthic investigations Restrictions on 4 No limitations on disposal of dredging spoils Impaired D dredging activities Restrictions on drinking water No treatment plan shutdowns due to exceedences 5 Impaired E consumption or taste of drinking water guidelines over a two year period and odour problems Zero beach closings based on fecal coliform Beach closings / Water 6 standards regulating beach closings over a two year Impaired F contact sports period When over a two year period there is/are no Degradation of objectionable deposits, unnatural colour or 7 Impaired G aesthetics turbidity, unnatural odour or unnatural scum/ floating materials No plant shutdowns attributable to water quality Added costs to 8 over a two year period. No added costs for the Impaired H agriculture or industry disposal of contaminated sediments Loss of fish and 9 Protection Impaired I_1.0 wildlife habitat - protect existing aquatic and wetland habitat I_1.1 - ensure sufficient enforceable mechanisms are in I_1.2 place to protect habitat Restore and Enhance Impaired I_2.0

- restore a target area (ha) of wetland habitat I_2.1

- restore a target area (ha) of aquatic habitat I_2.2

- restore a target area (ha) of prairie habitat I_2.3

- restore a target area (ha) of woodland habitat I_2.4

St. Clair River Watershed Plan - AOC Area 1-A

93 5.2.2 Tracking Sheets Organized by Work Plan Subcommittees The Priority Sites and Alternative Actions build upon recommendations previously adopted by various committees working on the St. Clair RAP. Based on additional data since the 2007 Work Plan, priorities and actions have been revised and adapted. It is expected priorities and actions will continuously be revised and adapted as new information becomes available. The various committees need to assign the tasks and funding requirements. If feasible a schedule and time line can be added.

Key: C Current Practice; ongoing LF Long-term Funding Dependent S Short-term W Wish-list Item and Priority (High, Medium, Low) L Long-term Blank Not Currently Planned SF Short-term Funding Dependent Co Completed

Table 16: Habitat & Non-point Source Pollution Priority Actions

Responsible Party

Goals & Funding Funding BUI Habitat and Non-point Source Pollution Priority Actions Objectives Expected Received Addressed SC CRIC MOE EC RLSN MNR SCRCA DU HNPSC S SCT C-K PE WIFN A FN As part of the integrated shoreline management plan for the St. Clair River a GIS inventory has been completed on 9, 3 C, I_2.2 X Co shoreline hardening structures. On candidate sites, assess site quality for habitat features, sediment profile and contaminants as well as project 9, 3 C, I_2.2 X SF potential and priority. Establish shoreline rehabilitation toward meeting targets. Engineering and construction initiated for Guthrie Park 9, 3 and CN lands in Sarna Bay. Other sites include: Courtright Waterfront Park, Willow Park, Cathcart Park, Marshy Creek C, I_2.2 X SF Park, Stag Island and Walpole Island Delta. Where softening has occurred, rehabilitate littoral habitat by incorporating higher quality fish habitat. Establish 9, 3 C, I_2.2 X SF native grasses, shrubs, trees, etc. Underway at Guthrie & CN lands. 9, 3 Assess the extent of shoreline projects completed elsewhere within the AOC (i.e. Chatham-Kent). C, I_2.2 9, 6 Identify ownership and zoning status adjacent to St. Clair River direct tributaries. F, I_2.3, I_2.5 9, 6 Undertake a landowner contact program and id buffer targets for each tributary based on cooperation. Track uptake. F, I_2.3, I_2.5 9, 6 Rehabilitate a minimum of 20 km/year of riparian habitat to a minimum 3-5 m. F, I_2.3, I_2.5 Track restoration which improves the biological connectivity i.e. Hwy 40; refer to Lambton Cty NHS and Walpole 9 I_2.3, I_2.5 X SF SF Island FN. 9 Establish signs on Hwy 40 re: restoration. I_2.3, I_2.5 X SF Develop site specific subwatershed plans which identify priority NPS sites. C, F, G, I_1.1, 3, 6, 7, 9 I_1.2, Track urban/stormwater control via site specific subwatershed plans. C, F, G, I_1.1, 3, 6, 7, 9 I_1.2,

94 Responsible Party Abbreviations SC Sediment Committee HNPSC Habitat & Non-Point Source Committee CRIC Canadian RAP Implementation Committee S Sarnia MOE Ministry of the Environment SCT St. Clair Township EC Environment Canada C-K Chatham-Kent RLSN Rural Lambton Stewardship Network PE Point Edward MNR Ministry of Natural Resources WIFN Walpole Island FN SCRCA St. Clair Region Conservation Authority AFN Aamjiwnaang FN DU Ducks Unlimited

Responsible Party

95 Table 16: Habitat & Non-point Source Pollution Priority Actions (cont’d)

Responsible Party

Goals & Funding Funding BUI Habitat and Non-point Source Pollution Priority Actions Objectives Expected Received Addressed SC CRIC MOE EC RLSN MNR SCRCA DU HNPSC S SCT C-K PE WIFN A FN Identify issues related to domestic sanitary sources and support ongoing improvements. C, F, G, I_1.1, 3, 6, 7, 9 I_1.2, 9 Obtain a GIS tile drain layer and identify where water can be retained in fields to mitigate NPS/rural runoff. I_2.1 9 Track NPS projects and provide annual reports on the status. I_2.1 Complete a GIS analysis of existing data to determine tributary lengths, riparian habitat, land use and land 9, 6 F, I_2.3, I_2.5 ownership to establish targets for streamside buffers. Evaluate existing natural features toward meeting targets. Wetlands a priority. I_1.1, I_1.2, 9 I_2.1 Establish a Natural Woodland Wetland (NWWW) Strategy for AOC 1-A; strategy to include performing high quality I_1.1, I_1.2, 9 natural features inventories. I_2.1, I_2.3, I_2.4 Incorporate recreation opportunities (i.e. trails) into NWWW plan (i.e. trails) = greenway corridor plan. C, I_1.1, I_1.2, 3, 9 I_2.1, I_2.3, I_2.4 Based on greenway corridor plan, install and maintain streambank stabilization and buffers; no mow zones; track C, I_1.1, I_1.2, 3, 9 success. I_2.1, I_2.3, I_2.4 Promote an institutional framework for watershed wide actions where gaps exist (i.e. drainage act). C, F, I_1.1, 3, 6, 9 I_1.2, 2.1, I_2.3, I_2.4 Identify the flood vulnerable areas for the St. Clair River tributaries - (develop the methodology to refine estimated C, F, I_1.1, floodlines and delineate the flood limits for the purpose of targetting potential fish and wildlife habitat along 3, 9 I_1.2, 2.1, I_2.3, watercourses providing core greenway corridors and streamside buffering - purpose being lower lying areas I_2.4 potential high quality wetland habitat). Update drain classification and fisheries. C, I_1.1, I_1.2, 3, 9 I_2.1,

96 Responsible Party

Goals & Funding Funding BUI Habitat and Non-point Source Pollution Priority Actions Objectives Expected Received Addressed SC CRIC MOE EC RLSN MNR SCRCA DU HNPSC S SCT C-K PE WIFN A FN Identify issues related to domestic sanitary sources and support ongoing improvements. C, F, G, I_1.1, 3, 6, 7, 9 I_1.2, 9 Obtain a GIS tile drain layer and identify where water can be retained in fields to mitigate NPS/rural runoff. I_2.1 9 Track NPS projects and provide annual reports on the status. I_2.1 Complete a GIS analysis of existing data to determine tributary lengths, riparian habitat, land use and land 9, 6 F, I_2.3, I_2.5 ownership to establish targets for streamside buffers. Evaluate existing natural features toward meeting targets. Wetlands a priority. I_1.1, I_1.2, 9 I_2.1 Establish a Natural Woodland Wetland (NWWW) Strategy for AOC 1-A; strategy to include performing high quality I_1.1, I_1.2, 9 natural features inventories. I_2.1, I_2.3, I_2.4 Incorporate recreation opportunities (i.e. trails) into NWWW plan (i.e. trails) = greenway corridor plan. C, I_1.1, I_1.2, 3, 9 I_2.1, I_2.3, I_2.4 Based on greenway corridor plan, install and maintain streambank stabilization and buffers; no mow zones; track C, I_1.1, I_1.2, 3, 9 success. I_2.1, I_2.3, I_2.4 Promote an institutional framework for watershed wide actions where gaps exist (i.e. drainage act). C, F, I_1.1, 3, 6, 9 I_1.2, 2.1, I_2.3, I_2.4 Identify the flood vulnerable areas for the St. Clair River tributaries - (develop the methodology to refine estimated C, F, I_1.1, floodlines and delineate the flood limits for the purpose of targetting potential fish and wildlife habitat along 3, 9 I_1.2, 2.1, I_2.3, watercourses providing core greenway corridors and streamside buffering - purpose being lower lying areas I_2.4 potential high quality wetland habitat). Update drain classification and fisheries. C, I_1.1, I_1.2, 3, 9 I_2.1,

97 Table 17: Point Source Priority Actions

Responsible Party

Goals & Funding Funding BUI Point Source Priority Actions Objectives Expected Received Addressed SC CRIC MOE EC RLSN MNR SCRCA DU HNPSC S SCT C-K PE WIFN A FN Maintain and review point source regulatory monitoring (Municipal Industrial Strategy for Abatement (MISA), 1,2,3,4,9 Certificate of Approval (C of A) to ensure timely reporting and information dissemination on environmental A?,B, C, D, I X X concerns. Maintain and review corridor/river monitoring programs and ensure timely delivery of results for synthesis and BUI 1,2,3,4,9 A?,B, C, D, I X X X assessments. Cities of Sarnia and Wallaceburg, villages of Point Edward, Corunna and Courtright, towns of Sombra and Port 2,6,7 Lambton must continue to operate their WPCPs and lagoons in order to meet discharge criteria as identified in their B,F,G X X X X X C of A. Develop a Master Plan for sewage treatment for the City of Sarnia which includes plan optimization, elimination of 2,6,7 B,F,G X X by-passes and CSOs. Assess the need for disinfection at Port Lambton and Sombra lagoons if Beach Closings for bacteria are still occurring 2,6,7 B,F,G X X once all other sources are remediated. Determine the wastewater treatment practices on Walpole Island and assess if there are any impacts on St. Clair River 2,6,7 B,F,G X beneficial uses and identify work plan addition to support delisting. 2,6,7 Maintain and review WPCP regulatory monitoring (C of A) to ensure that recommendation is achieved. B,F,G X 2,6,7 Eliminate Exmouth Street CSO in the City of Sarnia. B,F,G X X 2,6,7 Eliminate Christina Street CSO in the City of Sarnia. B,F,G X X 2,6,7 Completely separate cross connections within the City of Sarnia Sanitary Drainage Area 1. B,F,G X X 2,6,7 Complete City of Sarnia Street sanitary interceptor sewer to divert sewage from Drainage Areas 2 & 4 to WPCP. B,F,G X X 2,6,7 Determine the effectiveness of the Devine Street CSO holding tank in the City of Sarnia at full capacity. B,F,G X X Determine whether there are CSO discharges from Walpole Island First Nation impacting on the river beneficial uses 2,6,7 B,F,G X and identify work plan additions to support delisting. Determine whether there are CSO discharges from Aamjiwnaang First Nation impacting on the river beneficial uses 2,6,7 B,F,G X and identify work plan additions to support delisting. Determine whether there are sanitary / stormwater sewer cross connections in Point Edward and identify work plan 2,6,7 B,F,G additions to support delisting. Assess extent to which regulatory changes made in 2005-2007 have addressed IPAT recommendations and identify 5,7,8,9 E,G,H,I X which remaining recommendations will be implemented. Continue to work with industry to develop closed loop cooling water systems, cooling water towers or monitor and 5,7,8,9 E,G,H,I X divert systems. Continue MISA and C of A monitoring and improve MOE data reporting to AOC lead agencies for use in assessing BUI 5,7,8,9 E,G,H,I X status.

98 Responsible Party

99 Table 18: Sediment Priority Actions

Responsible Party

Goals & Funding Funding BUI Sediment Priority Actions Objectives Expected Received Addressed SC CRIC MOE EC RLSN MNR SCRCA DU HNPSC S SCT C-K PE WIFN A FN 1,9,2,3,4 Establish a Technical Steering Committee. A,I,B,C,D X X X X Hire a Project Manager to facilitate the decision making process for contaminated sediments in zones 2 and 3 (if “ A,I,B,C,D X X X X required). “ Identify and address sediment chemistry, biological and other data gaps for zones 2 & 3. “ X X X X Use the COA “Assessment Framework” on St. Clair River sediment to determine the need for contaminant sediment “ “ X X X X management strategies. “ Develop sediment management options and select preferred option for zones 2 & 3. “ X X X X “ a. Conduct “Public, First Nation and Stakeholder Consultation” to seek consensus. “ X X X X “ If sediment removal is necessary, the following steps are required for implementation: “ “ - Develop engineering design “ X X X X “ - Secure funding “ X X X “ - Undertake an Environmental Assessment “ X X X X “ - Implement sediment remediation strategy “ X X X X “ - Environmental Monitoring “ X X X X “ - Public and agency communications “ X X X “ Evaluate the effectiveness of remediation on beneficial uses. “

100 Responsible Party

101 Table 19: Monitoring & Research Priority Actions

Responsible Party

Goals & Funding Funding BUI Monitoring & Research Priority Actions Objectives Expected Received Addressed SC CRIC MOE EC RLSN MNR SCRCA DU HNPSC S SCT C-K PE WIFN A FN Determine the relative role of out of basin sources (i.e. atmospheric contaminants), local ongoing sources, and local 1 A sources from historical sediment contamination. Work with MOE and MNR to develop consistent, long-term, corridor-wide collections of sport fish species from the 1 upper, middle and lower St. Clair River to track spatial and temporal contaminant trends. Fish sampling in the upper, A middle and lower St. Clair River should be conducted every four years at the very least. (Timeline: ongoing) Conduct additional monitoring studies to determine the extent to which contaminant exposure and uptake occurs 1 in mergansers, over-wintering waterfowl and other game species to address the BUIs “consumption of wildlife”. A (Timeline: CRIC to decide if additional waterfowl contaminant studies are required in 2007) 1,3,4,5,8 Review and revise delisting criteria. (Timeline: 2007) A,C,D,F, H Complete a clear and concise synthesis of existing information to document existing conditions and trends on 3 C benthic communities and body burdens. Identify information gaps in order to review existing delisting criteria, develop management plans and recommend additional remedial options for contaminated sediments (i.e. Integrate findings of the Benthic Assessment of 3 C Sediment (Beast) National Water Research Institute, Sarnia Lambton Environmental Association, Great Lakes Institute of Environmental Research (GLIER). Determine the need to continue the comprehensive (MOE) benthic community assessment for the entire St. Clair 3 River and delta to determine overall benthic community health as was completed in 1957, 1968, 1977, 1985, 1990, C 1994 and 1996. (Timeline: CRIC to decide in 2007 if benthic studies are required) 4 Collect and synthesize sediment contaminant data for the St. Clair River such as: D 4 - PWGSC for each dredging event in the St. Clair River AOC; D Consult with GLIER and synthesize results from Drouillard, Hafner and Ciborowski contaminant results for the St. Clair 4 D River, St. Clair River Delta, Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River (Huron Erie Corridor); 4 - MOE and EC sediment core results; and D 4 - SLEA sediment results. (Timeline: 2007) D Identify the disposal outcome from dredging events based on sediment chemistry analysis and compare with 4 D delisting criteria. (Timeline: 2007) 5 Continue to monitor spills to the St. Clair River. (Timeline: ongoing) E Review and, if necessary, revise the delisting criteria for “restrictions on drinking water consumption or taste and 5 E odour problems”. (Timeline: 2007) 5 Identify the need for imporvement to current monitoring programs. (Timeline: 2007) E Obtain water quality monitoring data from the Public Health Unit (bacteria levels in beaches and day-use parks) and 6 F MOE - Provincial Water Quality Monitoring Network data for stations within the AOC and St. Clair watershed. Obtain routine beach surveillance data from Lambton County and Chatham-Kent Community Health Services 6 F Departments. (Timeline: ongoing) 6 Evaluate the source(s) of bacterial contamination of beaches. (Timeline: unknown, research needed) F Evaluate the performance of municipality infrastructure upgrades on sewage treatment plants, stormwater 6 F treatment, and combined sewer overflows and facility optimization. (Timeline: ongoing) 6 Conduct river wide screening in 2008 and compare with results from 2004. F Work closely with Walpole Island First Nation to determine if there are beach closings at local beaches. (Timeline: 6 F onoging) Support the Lambton County Public Health Unit to conduct a St. Clair River wide sampling “to determine if the AOC 6 creeks that enter into the river have a significant impact upon the presence and concentrations ofE. coli. (Timeline: F ongoing)

102 Responsible Party

103 Table 19: Monitoring & Research Priority Actions (cont’d)

Responsible Party

Goals & Funding Funding BUI Monitoring & Research Priority Actions Objectives Expected Received Addressed SC CRIC MOE EC RLSN MNR SCRCA DU HNPSC S SCT C-K PE WIFN A FN Develop an appropriate methodology (e.g. questionnaire, contact MOE district office, Health Units, municipalities 7 and the MNR to determine if there have been recent complaints) to evaluate degradation of aesthetics in the St. Clair G River AOC. (Cost to produce questionnaires is estimated at $2,000 and a survey of river users is expected in 2007.) 7 Include all partners (U.S., Canadian and First Nations) in the development of study and the decision BUI status. G 8 Collect spills data from MOE and review for mandated shutdowns. (Timeline: ongoing) H 9 A St. Clair River shoreline survey for rehabilitation and design of restorative works report. I Pre- and post-monitoring of fish abundance and diversity in areas designated for shoreline softening projects to 9 I assess the success of aquatic habitat rehabilitation. Complete GIS analysis of existing 2006 data to determine tributary lengths, amount of existing riparian habitat, land 9 I use and land ownership in order to establish targets. Benthic monitoring and fish habitat assessments in the tributaries flowing directly into the St. Clair River following 9 I major rehabilitation pilot projects in order to measure ecological benefits. As identified in Recommendation 3.4, work with the Walpole Island Heritage Centre to develop a list identifying 9 priority coastal wetland sites on WIFN for CWS wetland habitat quality assessments (i.e. water quality, I macroinvertebrate, submerged aquatic vegetation and marsh birds). Complete wetland assessments and obtain results from WIFN / CWL and WIFN / Bird Studies Canada wetland 9 I assessments in order to determine their biological integrity and functionality. Walpole Island Heritage Centre to identify and develop habitat and community project proposals that will contribute 9 I to restoring BUIs for habitat / shoreline remediation (i.e. wetland rehabilitation plan). Include all partners (U.S., Canadian and First Nations) and use information gathered to assess the status of the BUI 9 I based on study results. Conduct additional monitoring studies to determine the extent to which contaminant exposure and uptake occurs 9 in mergansers, over-wintering waterfowl and other game species to address the BUIs “consumption of wildlife”. I (Same action as identified for BUI Restrictions on Fish and Wildlife Consumption.) Evaluate aquatic wildlife population dynamics in the AOC including Walpole Island First Nation through wetland 9 I evaluations. (Timeline: 2007-2009, Cost: $10,000/year) Work with existing Species at Risk programs (i.e. Canadian Wildlife Service, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, 9 and Walpole Island Heritage Centre) and synthesize information to comprehensively assess wildlife related BUIs. I (Timeline: ongoing) Await a report on the 2006 fish collection and liver evaluation from EC-NWRI and undertake a comprehensive review on the current status. Integrate previous studies with the 2006 results to determine if this BUI is impaired or 2 B not impaired. (A complete liver tumour assessment completed by Environment Canada’s National Water Research Institute is anticipated by the end of 2007. 2 Integrate previous studies on birds, reptiles and mammals with the 2006/2007 amphibian results. B 2 Complete a comprehensive assessment of vertebrate classes to determine the status of this BUI (i.e. Impaired, Not B Impaired, Requires Further Study on a Site-Specific Basis).

104 Responsible Party

105 Table 20: Outreach & Education Priority Actions Responsible Party

Goals & Funding Funding BUI Outreach & Education Priority Actions Objectives Expected Received Addressed SC CRIC MOE EC RLSN MNR SCRCA DU HNPSC S SCT C-K PE WIFN A FN Support the BPAC in their efforts to enhance local coordination of present and future public outreach projects (e.g. All Photo Contest & Promotions; Advertising Campaign; News Releases; PowerPoint Presentation; Portable Display; All Report Card; Fact Sheet). Develop outreach/ education materials to promote the rehabilitation of nearshore aquatic habitat and shoreline All All softening, such as shoreline tabloid, website, presentation, demonstration day. All Recognize the need for and provide funding support for RAP coordination. All Continue to provide support to the Friends of the St. Clair River (Canada) for information development and BPAC All All outreach projects. All Develop education materials to inform the public on correct direct discharges of untreated grey water from boats. All All Celebrate successes and milestones via site visits for public and agency trips to implementation sites. All

106 Responsible Party

107 5.2.3 Works and Actions Organized by Subwatersheds At the Ministry of the Environment and Environment Canada’s request, works and actions were reviewed by Conservation Authority staff and listed by subwatershed based on the knowledge and expertise at the Conservation Authority. Terrestrial and aquatic biologists, hydrologists, foresters, extension services specialists, planners and geographic information experts reviewed site specific mapping and, through a consensus exercise, formulated habitat and non-point source pollution priority actions. As background, staff utilized the existing work plan information and built upon these actions. In order to recognize the past work of the habitat committee led by Greg Mayne at Environment Canada, it was requested that actions identified in the “Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat, 2006” report be clearly marked on the charts. It is recommended the Habitat and Non-point Source Subcommittee further identify information gaps and constraints on the charts as they arise.

Table 21: Clay Creek Subwatershed Habitat and Non-point Source Pollution Priority Actions Identified in “Loss of Habitat: Priority Actions Data gaps Constraints BUI Assessment” report* GIS and field analysis of trib riparian status at the mouth of Clay Creek. Establish priorities and targets for riparian/ wetland restoration and where feasible implement. √ Evaluate natural features for wetland potential. √ Identify wetlands utilizing MNR standard. √ Perform natural heritage inventories of high priority

natural areas. Establish a Natural Area Corridor Strategy - 1) id key areas for protection and restoration; 2) incl. GIS analysis

to determine trib lengths, riparian habitat, land use and ownership; 3) priorities (ie buffers) for restoration. Implement the Strategy. *”Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat in the Canadian Portion of the St. Clair River Area of Concern”, Beneficial Use Impairment Assessment, August 2006, Greg Mayne

St. Clair River Watershed Plan - AOC Area 1-A

108 Table 22: Baby Creek Subwatershed Habitat and Non-point Source Pollution Priority Actions Identified in “Loss of Habitat: Priority Actions Data gaps Constraints BUI Assessment” report* GIS and field analysis of trib riparian status at the mouth of Baby Creek. Establish priorities and targets for riparian/ wetland restoration and where feasible implement. √ Evaluate natural features for wetland potential. High potential for wetland id. √ Identify wetlands utilizing MNR standard. √ Perform natural heritage inventories of high priority

natural areas. Establish a Natural Area Corridor Strategy - 1) id key areas for protection and restoration; 2) incl. GIS analysis to determine trib lengths, riparian habitat, land use and ownership; 3) priorities (ie buffers) for restoration; 4) set target for %impervious in Industrial designated areas. Implement the Strategy. *”Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat in the Canadian Portion of the St. Clair River Area of Concern”, Beneficial Use Impairment Assessment, August 2006, Greg Mayne

Table 23: Direct Drainage Subwatershed Habitat and Non-point Source Pollution Priority Actions Identified in “Loss of Habitat: Priority Actions Data gaps Constraints BUI Assessment” report*

Establish shoreline rehabilitation toward meeting targets. √ On candidate shoreline sites, assess site quality for habitat features, sediment profile and contaminants as well as project potential and priority. √ GIS and field analysis of trib riparian status on tribs. Establish priorities and targets for riparian/wetland restoration and where feasible implement. √ Evaluate and establish a Natural Area Corridor Strategy with emphasis on connection of existing core features to St. Clair River. Implement the Strategy. *”Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat in the Canadian Portion of the St. Clair River Area of Concern”, Beneficial Use Impairment Assessment, August 2006, Greg Mayne

St. Clair River Watershed Plan - AOC Area 1-A

109 Table 24: Whitebread/Marshy Creek Subwatershed Habitat and Non-point Source Pollution Priority Actions Identified in “Loss of Habitat: Priority Actions Data gaps Constraints BUI Assessment” report* Establish a Natural Area restoration potential with emphasis on increasing connection along watercourse corridors. √ GIS and field analysis of trib riparian status. Establish priorities and targets for riparian/wetland restoration and where feasible implement. √ Promote & support best mgt municipal drain practices. Target landowners re: BMP outreach & education with incentives. *”Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat in the Canadian Portion of the St. Clair River Area of Concern”, Beneficial Use Impairment Assessment, August 2006, Greg Mayne

Table 25: Bowens Creek Subwatershed Habitat and Non-point Source Pollution Priority Actions Identified in “Loss of Habitat: Priority Actions Data gaps Constraints BUI Assessment” report* GIS and field analysis of riparian status on Bowens Creek and tribs. Establish priorities and targets for riparian restoration and where feasible implement. √ High priority to establsh connection of wetland/woodland patches to Bowens Creek/St. Clair River corridor. Identify buffers required for wetlands based on Industrial designation. *”Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat in the Canadian Portion of the St. Clair River Area of Concern”, Beneficial Use Impairment Assessment, August 2006, Greg Mayne

St. Clair River Watershed Plan - AOC Area 1-A

110 Table 26: Talford Creek Subwatershed Habitat and Non-point Source Pollution Priority Actions Identified in “Loss of Habitat: Priority Actions Data gaps Constraints BUI Assessment” report* GIS and field analysis of trib riparian status from Aamjiwnaaang F.N. to the mouth of Talford Creek. Establish priorities and targets for riparian restoration and where feasible implement – incl. carrying out additional benthic √ work to set priorities. Establish a Natural Area Corridor Strategy - 1) id key areas for protection and restoration with emphasis on connection to core F.N. lands and St. Clair River. Implement the Strategy. *”Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat in the Canadian Portion of the St. Clair River Area of Concern”, Beneficial Use Impairment Assessment, August 2006, Greg Mayne

Table 27: Running/Lower Sydenham Subwatershed Habitat and Non-point Source Pollution Priority Actions Identified in “Loss of Habitat: Priority Actions Data gaps Constraints BUI Assessment” report* GIS and field analysis of trib riparian status of non-road tribs. Establish priorities and targets for riparian/ wetland restoration and where feasible implement. √ Establish Natural Area restoration potential with emphasis on increasing natural connection between Sydenham River to St. Clair River via Running Creek as well as increasing √ coastal wetland area along Chenal Ecarte. Evaluate natural features for wetland potential. *”Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat in the Canadian Portion of the St. Clair River Area of Concern”, Beneficial Use Impairment Assessment, August 2006, Greg Mayne

Table 28: Maxwell/Bear/Rankin Subwatershed Habitat and Non-point Source Pollution Priority Actions Identified in “Loss of Habitat: Priority Actions Data gaps Constraints BUI Assessment” report* GIS and field analysis of trib riparian status of non-road tribs. Establish priorities and targets for riparian/ wetland restoration and where feasible implement. √ Establish Natural Area restoration potential with emphasis on increasing coastal wetland connection along the Chenal Ecarte and Lake St. Clair. √ Evaluate natural features/properties for wetland potential. *”Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat in the Canadian Portion of the St. Clair River Area of Concern”, Beneficial Use Impairment Assessment, August 2006, Greg Mayne

St. Clair River Watershed Plan - AOC Area 1-A

111 Table 29: Pt. Edward/Sarnia Subwatershed Habitat and Non-point Source Pollution Priority Actions Identified in “Loss of Habitat: Priority Actions Data gaps Constraints BUI Assessment” report* Establish shoreline rehabilitation toward meeting targets with emphasis on public lands. √ On candidate shoreline sites, with emphasis on natural shorelines, assess site quality for habitat features, sediment profile and contaminants as well as project potential and √ priority. Perform natural heritage inventories of high priority natural areas in urban core and provide recommendations on enhancement with emphasis on connection to St. Clair River. *”Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat in the Canadian Portion of the St. Clair River Area of Concern”, Beneficial Use Impairment Assessment, August 2006, Greg Mayne

Table 30: Walpole Island Subwatershed Habitat and Non-point Source Pollution Priority Actions Identified in “Loss of Habitat: Priority Actions Data gaps Constraints BUI Assessment” report* Consult with Walpole Island Heritage Centre to develop a list of priority coastal wetland sites. √ Complete wetland assessments in WIFN/CWS lands for biological integrity. √ *”Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat in the Canadian Portion of the St. Clair River Area of Concern”, Beneficial Use Impairment Assessment, August 2006, Greg Mayne

St. Clair River Watershed Plan - AOC Area 1-A

112 5.3 St. Clair River Report Card Indicators and Recommended Strategies In 2008, the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority completed its first Watershed Report Card. The St. Clair River and Lake St. Clair Tributaries Watershed Report Cards are two in a set of 14 report cards that are based on forest and surface water quality conditions from 2001 to 2005. The provincial indicators and scoring system were recommended by Conservation Ontario to provide a standard reporting system across the Conservation Authorities of Ontario. The scoring system uses grades on a five-point scale from A down to F.

St. Clair River Tributaries Watershed Report Card The area evaluated includes the AOC 1-A to the southerly limit of the Whitebread Marshy subwatershed. See Appendix C for Report Card.

St. Clair River Tributaries Watershed Report Card results: Forest Conditions rated a “C” and Surface Water Quality rated a “D”. Due to the presence of Aamjiwnaang First Nation lands and the Bickford Oak Woods, which have a large amount of interior forest habitat, the St. Clair River Watershed as a whole receives a better grade in comparison to the Grade “D” the other watershed received in the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority. The poorest water quality conditions are found here. Other than the forest cover concentrated at Aamjiwnaang and Bickford Oak Woods, forest cover is limited. The area has been heavily impacted by humans. The conditions reflect both natural features such as predominantly clay soils, intensive agricultural activities and some urbanization.

The report card recommended strategies for improving forest cover: follow Forest Management Plans, naturalize urban areas, encourage industry to protect and enhance natural features.

Report card recommended strategies for improving water quality: separate the combined sewer outfalls in the urban areas, work with industry to implement agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs) on their properties and maintain, repair or replace septic systems.

Lake St. Clair Tributaries Watershed Report Card The area represents a downstream portion of the Lake St. Clair Tributaries subwatershed area. See Appendix C for Report Card.

Lake St. Clair Tributaries Watershed Report Card: Forest Conditions rated a “D” and Surface Water Quality rated a “C”. Certainly forest conditions would have rated an “F” without the presence of the large % forest cover on Walpole Island First Nation. Without the First Nation lands, this watershed rates extremely low in forest cover and interior. The report card finds water quality conditions marginally better than the St. Clair River tributaries report. One of the lowest Total Phosphorus readings was in this subwatershed. The Lake St. Clair sampling location is influenced by dilution from Lake St. Clair and would impact the quality.

Report card recommended strategies for improving forest cover: plant trees, educate watershed residents about natural area protection, conserve the few remaining natural areas including wetlands, woodlands and prairie remnants, through designations in Official Plans, tree conservation bylaws, landowner incentives and education.

Report card recommended strategies for improving water quality: enhance cover along watercourses by planting, protecting or enhancing buffers along open watercourses to filter runoff and shade the water, encourage Environmental Farm Plans, implement BMPs for spreading and storage of fertilizer, pesticide and manure.

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113 5.4 Monitoring and Analysis Through the Canadian Remedial Action Plan Implementation Committee Work Plan, 200758, a Research and Monitoring Subcommittee reviewed each Beneficial Use Impairment to determine status, and based on existing information, proposed research and monitoring actions. Scientific studies have been ongoing and recent information has been included in the 2009 ENVIRON international project report for applying the Canada-Ontario Decision-Making Framework for Assessment of Great Lakes Contaminated Sediment (COA Framework) to the St. Clair River AOC. Smaller data gap identification and analysis is ongoing as the St. Clair River Sediment Remediation project progresses. These information needs will concentrate on sediment remediation decision requirements. Section 4 of the Work Plan identifies other Research and Monitoring Actions as:

• Determine relative role of out of basin sources, local ongoing sources and local sources from historical sediment contamination • Continue working with MOE and MNR to obtain long-term sport fish species contaminant trends • Review and revise delisting criteria. Identify information gaps in order to review existing delisting criteria • Review and compare results from sediment contaminant studies for the St. Clair River, St. Clair River delta, Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River

E. coli monitoring on the Canadian side of the St. Clair River AOC is being conducted in the summer of 2009, to determine the extent of beach closings as a result of bacterial levels above the provincial water quality objectives for recreational use. E. coli monitoring on the inland tributaries may be recommended dependent on the results of the 2009 sampling.

Also, the report card has recommended the inland water chemistry monitoring site in the Lake St. Clair watershed be relocated to provide a better reflection of the regional watershed influences. It currently appears to be influenced by Great Lakes waters.

58 St. Clair River Remedial Action Committee, St. Clair River Area of Concern Canadian Remedial Action Plan Implementation Committee Work Plan, 2007.

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114 Chapter 6 Municipal Planning and Policy Analysis

6.1 Introduction

Official Plans To assist municipalities in directing where development and growth should occur, Municipal Official Plans are key planning documents required for each municipality under the Ontario Municipal Planning Act. Official Plans incorporate provincial policies and recognize federal, provincial and local land use, and environmental, social and economic issues related to anticipated development. To accomplish orderly sound development, Section 3 of the Municipal Planning Act requires that, in exercising any authority that affects planning matters, planning authorities “shall have regard to” policy statements issued by the Province under the Act. The Provincial Policy Statement, and its regular updates, is intended to promote a policy- led system that recognizes the complex inter-relationships among environmental, economic 6 and social factors in land use planning. It is the intent and requirement that locally generated Official Plans will incorporate the provincial interests reflected in Provincial policies and local interests are protected by locally generated policies which should complement provincial interests.

Municipal Zoning Bylaws While Official Plans contain planning policies to establish the context for growth and development, bylaws are necessary to regulate the use of lands and the character, location and use of buildings and structures. They are the legal tool for managing the use of land and future development. Section 34 of the Planning Act provides municipalities with the ability to pass such bylaws. Zoning bylaws must conform to the policies set out in the Official Plans.

Upper Tier Approval Authorities in the AOC Lambton County has a two-tier planning system in which planning responsibilities are divided between the County and the local level. The lower-tier municipalities – City of Sarnia, Village of Point Edward and Township of St. Clair – have separate, more detailed, local Official Plans. The City of Sarnia has been delegated plan of subdivision approval with planning policies to guide such approvals.

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has a one-tier planning system. The municipality was formed on January 1998, amalgamating 23 separate communities. Therefore, Chatham- Kent’s Official Plan applies to all lands within the Municipality. Local official plans for the communities do not exist.

Projected population growth in the AOC, as discussed in Section 2.3, will be small and urban growth will be limited. The status of urban residential versus rural land use cover in the AOC is expected to remain unchanged. The conversion of rural land use cover to industrial may change dependent on several factors. These factors will be explored in the section on St. Clair Township. A generalized land use cover map for the AOC is provided on Map 25: Generalized Land Cover.

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115 Map 25: Generalized Land Cover 116 6.1.1 Considerations Based on AOC Goals, Objectives and Actions As discussed previously, the bi-national work plan prepared for the 1995 St. Clair River Stage 2 Plan identified 45 actions/ issues to address Beneficial Use Impairments delisting criteria. A particular BUI may be re-designated to a status of “Not Impaired” when the delisting criteria are achieved. When all BUIs have been re-designated as “Not Impaired”, a recommendation and submission to the IJC can be made to delist the St. Clair River as an AOC. Recently, MOE and Environment Canada have issued a report card on the status of the BUIs. See Table 1: AOC BUI Report Card.

The following section analyzes the planning documents of the communities within Area 1-A in the context of the AOC Beneficial Use Impairments. Policies or the lack thereof which would impact the BUIs will be examined in respect to their effectiveness.

In a review of the BUIs, it is the planning policies and guidance which protect water quality that require analysis. Chemical spills via municipal and industrial point sources are dealt with by Ministry of the Environment legislation.

Policies under the Provincial Planning Act and Drainage Act can impact water quality in the AOC and particularly on inland watercourses. Policies and guidelines which preserve and protect natural features play an important role in the protection of water quality and fish and wildlife habitat. Natural Heritage Protection is also a key component in ensuring a healthy ecosystem and community. Municipal planning documents were reviewed to assess how well natural heritage policies protected the natural heritage system. Other items under municipal jurisdiction which can influence water quality were also reviewed. They include: stormwater management, impervious surface reduction, erosion and sedimentation control, sanitary sewer planning and infrastructure, groundwater, wetland preservation, woodland preservation, stream corridors and flood plains, and the site plan approval process. Official Plans and Zoning Bylaws derived under the Planning Act were first assessed followed by an assessment of other planning tools and its effectiveness in the AOC.

Note that the assessment and recommendations are based on the review of documents and that input should be obtained from the communities.

6.1.2 Municipal Documents

Lambton County Official Plan Extensive urban growth is not forecasted for the County and therefore a significant conversion to residential urban cover is not expected in the AOC. However, the 1997 Official Plan does recognize the significance of the petrochemical industry in the County and land has been designated to accommodate existing and future large-scale industrial uses. Map 9: Generalized Land Cover and Designated Growth Areas identifies where future industrial lands will be situated. A large supply of industrial land is needed in close proximity to the St. Clair River for docking and source water purposes. Currently much of the future industrial lands are in agriculture which represents a pervious land use in comparison to heavy industrial, an impervious land use. In terms of future development in the AOC, this land use cover conversion has the greatest potential to negatively impact upon the natural heritage system and local hydrology. Municipal documents have identified that petrochemical industries may be situated within the designated industrial lands as outlined in each subwatershed map titled “Base Map and Industry Locations” (See Appendix A). The Lambton County Official Plan states that “development in the petrochemical industrial lands should be integrated with the County natural heritage corridors or the local municipal natural heritage system, where feasible”59.

City of Sarnia Official Plan Population growth is directed in the eastern portion of the City of Sarnia outside of the AOC proper. Major heavy industrial development already exists within the City boundaries. The physical legacy associated with Sarnia’s industrial heritage also includes a number of abandoned, idled or underused industrial and commercial properties in the built- up urban area. These are referred to as “brownfields”. In the last decade, as global restructuring has taken place, some industries have closed or downsized, leaving parcels abandoned or for sale. On some of the older sites, the soil is contaminated. To address redevelopment or expansion in real or perceived environmentally contaminated sites, the City

59 Lambton County Planning and Development Department, Lambton County Official Plan, 1997, Section 3.8

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117 has adopted a “Brownfield Community Improvement Plan”60. The Community Improvement Plan provides guidance and policy in cleaning up sites instead of industries seeking to situate new facilities in non-industrial lands creating land use inefficiencies and promoting urban sprawl. Among other things, the plan includes incentives for remediation of sites which promotes environmental quality. The project area consists of existing and former older industrial areas occupying a total area of approximately 2,295 hectares. Approximately 95% of the land is presently designated for industrial use and is zoned as either Light Industrial or Heavy Industrial. The lands are basically situated between Confederation Street and Highway 40 in the City of Sarnia, however there are historic areas north of London Road which are contaminated with coal tar. The brownfield plan is a positive incentive program which assists in improving the environmental health of the AOC by soil remediation as well as slowing urban expansion into rural areas.

City of Sarnia Natural Heritage Policies In November 2007, the City of Sarnia Community Round Table held an Environmental Summit that was focused on individual actions to improve the environment. The Steering Committee arising from the summit developed an Environmental Action Plan that is focused on the city becoming a green community and reducing its carbon footprint. One of the recommendations was increasing native tree cover. It was further recommended that the City develop a strategy to protect existing natural heritage features and enhance and restore natural areas using core areas and creating linkages between them.

The City has established a number of environmental committees and appointed City representatives to other committees to advise Council on the protection of the environment and preservation of habitats within the City. The Urban Wildlife Committee is responsible for identifying lands for natural areas and assisting with the management of the areas. The Sarnia Urban Wildlife Committee has identified that a natural heritage study is needed for Sarnia. Currently, Terms of Reference and financing for the study are being investigated. The Committee chair has contacted the Authority for support and a written request is expected.

Township of St. Clair Official Plan Fawn and Stag Island Two islands in the St. Clair River fall within the Township of St. Clair jurisdiction. They are Fawn Island and Stag Island. Fawn Island is 0.21 km² and Stag Island is 1.1 km² in area. Both islands are unique seasonal private residential areas with a large portion of Stag Island presently in a natural state (approximately 80%). Fawn Island is basically built out in terms of seasonal residential development. Both islands are serviced by municipal piped water and private sewage.

According to the Municipal Official Plan, any multi-lot development on Fawn Island will require investigation into improved servicing such as communal sewage. The investigations must be completed in accordance with Ministry of the Environment guidelines, demonstrating that the impacts on ground and surface water will be within acceptable limits. On Stag Island, the creation of additional lots is not permitted. Any new redevelopment requires receipt of necessary Ministry of the Environment certificates of approval for private sanitary disposal systems and must be compatible with and protective of natural features and functions.

General The Municipal Official Plan encourages an interconnected open space system. In fact, a progressive system of Bonusing dedicated lands for such purposes exists in municipal policy.

Natural Heritage As is the case with Sarnia, the protection of Natural Heritage features and corridors along the St. Clair River is reactive to proposed development. With the exception of the Bickford Oaks Woods natural area and its surroundings, detailed assessments of the areas and recommended development buffers have not been established. The lack of assessment has precluded any potential restoration and connections between the natural features. However, prior to development in natural areas (as identified in the OP), an environmental evaluation may be required, unless a report under the Environmental Assessment Act is prepared for the development. This is completed on a site by site basis.

60 http://city.sarnia.on.ca/pdf/Planning_Brownfields_Community_Improve_Plan.pdf

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118 Progressive policies exist for proposed development (non-agricultural) along watercourses. The Official Plan provides principles for encouraging natural stream bank vegetation and natural stream buffers which enhance the “biological corridor” role of watercourses. While no clearing of woodlands is permitted, Lambton County council may require, as a condition of approval, reforestation at a rate of twice the area of forest cover removed. This does not account for the time required to establish mature woodlands which provide the form and function that the existing woodland provides. A detailed assessment should be done prior to allowing re-plantings.

Although a system of open space parks exists sporadically along the St. Clair River, the parks are manicured and not considered natural. The municipality is promoting the use of more indigenous vegetation species and opportunities to improve water quality along the St. Clair River shoreline parks.

A natural heritage strategy does not exist for the municipality.

Stormwater Management and Industrial Lands The amount of land designated for future industrial growth in St. Clair Township is the driving factor in terms of potential land use change. As shown in the subwatersheds of Talford, St. Clair River Direct Drainage, Baby, Clay and Bowens Creek, the future Industrial designation is presently used as agriculture. It could mean a large conversion of pervious lands to impervious cover and increased stormwater runoff to receiving water bodies. Clearly subwatershed plans which provide targets for impervious cover in these watersheds would be beneficial. The Official Plan does recognize this need in their acknowledgement that “the principles of natural stormwater management fit into the larger concept of watershed and subwatershed planning”61.

Chatham-Kent Official Plan Natural Heritage Natural cover in Chatham-Kent is extremely low at 4% of the total land area which is well below Environment Canada’s Draft Framework Guideline of 30%. As expected, those AOC Area 1-A subwatersheds within Chatham-Kent jurisdiction have the lowest forest cover.

Table 31: % Woodland Cover Within Each Subwatershed Total Woodland Subwatershed % Cover of SCRCA % woodland cover area (km2) area (km2) Total Woodlands Baby Creek 2.515950134 21.0097 11.97518353 0.512413469 Bowens Creek 2.432339711 6.6198 36.74340178 0.49538487 Clay Creek 11.46666219 56.6698 20.23416739 2.335369082 Whitebread/Marshy Creek 2.403702394 43.849 5.481772433 0.489552422

Agriculture is the primary pressure on the Natural Heritage features. The new Official Plan has established a natural heritage system which considers natural corridors and linkages in any future development or site alteration. The plan recognizes that these may be identified in future and added by amendment to the Plan. The Natural Heritage features are designated by way of an overlay which is less protective than Lambton County. Chatham-Kent does not have a Tree Cutting Bylaw. Due to the low cover, a Forest Management Strategy has been recommended in the Official Plan. The Forest Management Strategy is to protect existing forested areas, reforest target natural corridor areas, increase forest cover to at least 10% of total land area and allow for complementary uses.

Stormwater Management and Subwatershed Planning The Chatham-Kent Official Plan contains the most detail and direction with regard to Subwatershed Planning. It recognizes the importance of watershed planning and states where it should be targeted. Minimal growth is expected in Chatham-Kent in the Area of Concern. Any new development will require stormwater management.

61 Township of St. Clair, Township of St. Clair Official Plan, 2001, Section 3.3 Stormwater Management

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119 Land Use Planning Recommendations – Summary

General See Map 25: St. Clair River AOC 1-A Generalized Land Cover.

Lambton County Official Plan An update is necessary. The Planning Act (Provincial legislation) requires that an Official Plan Review (OP Review) must be undertaken, not less frequently than every five years, to ensure that it: conforms to, or does not conflict with provincial plans; has regard for matters of provincial interest; and, is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement. The County Official Plan was approved in 1997.

The existing language in the current Official Plan is weak when referring to the protection of natural heritage features. For example, the plan only states natural heritage features are to be protected “when feasible.” An update of the plan to be consistent with provincial policy should strengthen the language in the updating process.

6.1.3 Urban Areas • Upon completing a Natural Heritage strategy for Talford, St. Clair River Direct Drainage, Bowens, Baby, and Clay Creek watersheds, seek the removal of the “Future Industrial” designation from these lands. A significant amount of site specific assessment has already been completed for the Bickford Oaks Natural Environment area surround. • Implement a Stormwater Best Management Practices report that will place limits on impervious cover for subwatershed plots based on watershed ecological needs and conditions: hydrology, hydrogeology, fish habitat, natural area sustainability, watercourse base flow requirements, procedures for water quality and quantity monitoring, etc. • Prepare a report on the success of the City of Sarnia ‘Brownfield Plan’ which goal should be to discourage new industrial uses on non-serviced pervious lands south of Corunna. • Concurrently with the ongoing separation of sanitary and storm sewers in the City of Sarnia, undertake a Stormwater Management study to provide recommendations for improved stormwater quality control in an as-built city core environment. • Support and fund the Urban Wildlife Committee’s proposed Natural Heritage study for the City of Sarnia.

6.1.4 Rural Areas • Carry out Natural Heritage strategies for the high priority subwatersheds and ensure planning document updates incorporate recommendations under the Provincial Policy framework. • Strengthen the stream bank buffer requirements for development in planning documents. Ensure planning documents support tributary riparian studies that may be undertaken. • Ensure drainage act works support tributary riparian studies and recommendations where feasible. Although drainage act works do not fall under the Planning Act, general information could be included in Planning documents.

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120 Chapter 7 Evaluation Process

7.1 Watershed Plan Implementation The St. Clair Area of Concern Watershed Plan has identified where remedial works for habitat and non-point source pollution should be targeted as well as identifyied recommendations under Land Use Planning. All actions are identified and prioritized in charts outlined in Chapter 5.2. For those subwatersheds where a substantial conversion from agricultural (impervious surface) to industrial is proposed, more detailed watershed ecological information is required to implement a Stormwater Best Management Practices report which will set targets. The subwatersheds are Talford, St. Clair River Direct Drainage, Bowens, Baby and Clay Creek watersheds. This is a significant data gap for progressing with Watershed Plan Implementation.

Upon filling the data gaps as outlined above and in Section 6.1.3 Urban Areas and Section 7 6.1.4 Rural Areas, the lead agency should involve stakeholders who are involved in directing actions geared toward their specific land use issues. In this manner, buy-in to the issues and an understanding of the solutions are achieved. This may involve several subcommittees. With the updated information, stakeholders and watershed partners can work together on achieving consensus on a coordinated implementation strategy.

Other AOC Watershed Plans have identified key elements to successful implementation. They are as follows:

1. Appoint a single lead agency to act as an advocate and facilitate working with the community and political representatives. 2. Need to establish a strong linkage to existing programs, including local and regional land use planning, water quality and flow monitoring programs, etc. to optimize use of available information and minimize duplication of effort. 3. Clearly identify project actions, responsibilities, timetables and anticipated costs. 4. Ensure effective laws, regulations and policies are in place to provide a framework for the tasks. 5. Ongoing monitoring, tracking and reporting of progress, both to assess the effectiveness of individual actions and sustain interest and enthusiasm for the plan. 6. Ongoing public education and communication program. 7. Periodic review and revision of the plan. 8. Adequate funding for activities.

There are numerous methods on how to approach the implementation and evaluation process. Several are provided below and these can be adapted as needed.

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121 7.2 Methods of Evaluating Actions and Progress Suggested methods for meeting targets and evaluating progress:

• A draft tracking chart has been set up for the actions associated with the Remedial Action Work Plan. This should be adapted and revised accordingly. Ongoing actions should be monitored and progress reported on the chart. • Photographic surveys. • Reporting via a grading system for the priority subwatersheds. Need to assess this applicability. Improving or declining. Refer to Chapter 5.3 above. • Identify the indicators which can be utilized for measuring progress and meeting goals and objectives. Group and summarize the indicators. For example, indicators could include number of projects implemented, water quality indicators (benthic and surface water), photographic surveys, biological indicators (natural features assessment). Water treatment models are a valuable tool for estimating effectiveness of various BMPs on water quality.

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122 Chapter 8 Revising and Updating the Plan

As progress on the actions taken to meet the goals and objectives of the Plan are met, Chapter 5 will need to be updated on a continuous basis. In addition, water quality and biological indicators will be evaluated and reported on every 5 years and this will require an addendum to the Plan. Several other reasons for revising and updating the Plan could include but are not limited to the following:

• If additional watershed concerns are identified. • The beneficial use impairments/delisting criteria are revised and therefore different objectives to achieve the watershed goals are identified. • New science and technology result in additional methods or practices to achieve goals and objectives and targets. 8 • Through the evaluation process, Best Management Practices and Actions will be monitored for their success and recommendations provided. Any significant changes may warrant revisions and updates to sections of the Plan.

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123 124 Appendix A Base Map and Industry Locations

Map 26: Baby Creek Subwatershed 125 Map 27: Bowens Creek Subwatershed 126 Map 28: Clay Creek Subwatershed 127 Map 29: Maxwell, Bear, Rankin Creek Subwatershed 128 Map 30: McKeough Subwatershed 129 Map 31: Running Creek Subwatershed 130 Map 32: Point Edward and Sarnia Subwatershed 131 Map 33: St. Clair Direct Drainage Tributaries 132 Map 34: Talford Creek Subwatershed 133 Map 35: Walpole Island Subwatershed 134 Map 36: Whitebread, Marshy Creek Subwatershed 135 Appendix B 2007 CRIC Work Plan

136 St. Clair River Area of Concern Canadian Remedial Action Plan Implementation Committee Work Plan 2007

Foreword In October of 2005 the St. Clair River Canadian RAP Implementation Committee (CRIC) was formed. The mandate of the CRIC is to restore beneficial use impairments (BUIs) identified in the Stage 1 Remedial Action Plan for the Canadian portion of the St. Clair River AOC through the achievement of delisting criteria. This committee recognizes the effort undertaken to date within the AOC towards improving and restoring these BUIs. To achieve this mandate, the CRIC is responsible for the overall coordination of implementation actions that address the outstanding beneficial use impairments applicable to the Canadian portion of the Area of Concern.

One of the first actions undertaken by this committee was to update the 1995 Stage 2 Recommended Plan. In order to undertake this task the committee formed four sub committees including, i) Point Source, ii) Sediments, iii) Habitat/Non- point Source and iv) Monitoring and Research. The entire committee completed a section on Public Outreach and Education. Each sub committee was responsible for reviewing priority actions from the 1995 Stage 2 Recommended Plan to identify achievements and identify outstanding priority actions. .

The following individuals are or have been members of the Canadian RAP Implementation Committee and have been instrumental in the creation of this document.

Ted Briggs (MOE) Donald Craig (SCRCA) Rich Drouin (MNR) Dean Edwardson (SLEA) John Jackson (BPAC) Tom Kissner (Municipality of Chatham Kent) Ron Ludolph (RLSN) Greg Mayne (EC) Scott Munro (SLEA) Darrell Randell (St. Clair Township) Cale Selby (RLSN) Holly Simpson (MNR) Norm Smith (DFO) Stew Thornley (MOE) Phil Vallance (BPAC) Jennifer Vincent (EC) Theresa Warren (SLHS) Naomi Williams (WIFN) Elizabeth Wright (MNR)

Introduction The St. Clair River was identified in 1985 by the International Joint Commission (IJC) as one of 42 Areas of Concern (AOC) in the Great Lakes Basin because it failed to meet the general or specific objectives of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA) and changes in the chemical, physical or biological integrity of the system resulting in the impairment of beneficial uses. These impairments occurred because of elevated contaminant concentrations in the water, biota and sediment of the St. Clair River and the physical loss and degradation of aquatic shoreline and coastal wetland habitat. A letter of intent was signed in December, 1985 by the Premier of Ontario and the Governor of Michigan, establishing a joint Remedial Action Plan (RAP) process and providing for Ontario to take the lead role for the St. Clair River AOC. This agreement facilitated the development of a Binational Remedial Action Plan (RAP) Committee/Team in 1987, comprised of federal, state and provincial representatives.

The following Canadian work plan is a continuation of, and revision to, the binational work plan of the 1995 St. Clair River Stage 2 – Recommended Plan. These work plans propose actions that will lead to the rehabilitation of Beneficial Use Impairments (BUIs) of the St. Clair River that presently have a status of “Impaired”, or “Require Further Assessment.” The Binational work plan prepared for the 1995 St. Clair River Stage 2 – Recommended Plan listed 45 Actions/Issues to address BUI delisting criteria. A particular BUI may be re-designated to a status of “Not Impaired” when the delisting criteria are achieved. When all BUIs have been re-designated as “Not Impaired”, a recommendation and submission to the IJC can be made to de-list the St. Clair River as an AOC. The Actions/Issues of the 1995 binational work plan were grouped under the following headings: Point Source; Non-Point Source (NPS); Sediment; Habitat; Public Education and Outreach; Monitoring and Research; and RAP Implementation. For each Action a responsible agency and anticipated completion date were specified. Completion dates in the work plan ranged from 1995 to 2005. In recognition that the RAP process was in the Stage

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137 2 implementation stage, the original RAP Team and Binational Public Advisory Committee (BPAC) established four “Task Teams” to undertake the assessment and evaluation of remedial options. The Task Teams formed were: Point Source; NPS; Sediment and Habitat; and, Common Issues e.g. education.

It was anticipated that certain actions of the 1995 binational work plan would require more time to complete than the 1995 to 2005 time frame. Consequently, continuation of certain actions was necessary and representatives of the Canadian RAP Implementation Committee (CRIC) established in 2005 have prepared the following Canadian work plan. Representatives include federal and provincial governments, industry, municipalities and First Nations. Two representatives from the BPAC also sit on the CRIC. The CRIC chose to establish four sub-committees to complete the work plan: Point Source, Habitat and NPS, Monitoring and Research, and Sediment. The mandate of these sub-committees was to assess the status and progress of the priority actions in the 1995 binational work plan and to review original delisting criteria (targets). A variety of sources were used to establish the progress and status of these actions and targets. Through the collection of additional data, some actions were deemed to be completed, while other actions were found to be on-going or in need of additional monitoring, research and implementation actions. The present work plan recommendations and actions were developed by the four sub-committees and combined to create a single CRIC work plan.

While numerous agencies and organizations are listed as being responsible in providing information through monitoring and research activities, it is important to understand that these activities are dependent upon available funding, sufficient field staff, available time for field studies and coordination among respective agencies and branches within agencies.

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138 SECTION 1 – POINT SOURCE WORK PLAN

Introduction The 1995 Binational work plan listed some 16 Issues related to Point Sources of pollution that included direct discharges from: industry; municipal Water Pollution Control Plants (WPCPs); municipal Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs), and discharge from the Cole Drain. The 1995 Binational work plan grouped these Point Sources by Issue. As a first step, it was decided by the Point Source Sub-committee to re-list Point Sources separately, rather than grouping them by Issue. A variety of sources were used to establish the progress and status of these Actions. Through the collection and discussion of this information, the Point Source Subcommittee identified many Actions as completed. However, other Actions were found to be on-going and/or requiring additional focus and steps in order to conclude all actions.

#1.1 Recommendation Track monitoring of decommissioned and decommissioning of industrial facilities and landfills in the St. Clair River (e.g. Dow Canada, Chinook) and continue to examine and mitigate any existing or potential future environmental impacts due to residual contaminant sources on St Clair River beneficial uses. BUIs Potentially Impacted Rationale Current Status x Restrictions on fish and wildlife Dow Chemical Canada is closing the A Canada-Ontario Agreement (COA) consumption Sarnia plant in 2008. Remedial actions Contaminated Sediment Assessment Decision x Fish tumours and other related to Dow may be required. There Making Framework for the Great Lakes Basin deformities are ongoing groundwater capture and AOCs (Environment Canada\Ontario Ministry of x Degradation of benthos treatment systems in place. Monitoring Environment (EC/MOE)) has been developed and maintenance of these systems will and will soon be available for use at all x Restrictions on dredging activities be necessary. There will be a need to contaminated sediment sites. For additional x Loss of fish and wildlife habitat continue to monitor and ensure information on Dow remediation actions, see

compliance of sewer discharge quality Appendix 1- Stage 2 Point Source Work Plan and quantity. Assessment and Status.

Actions Responsible Organizations x Maintain and review point source regulatory monitoring (Municipal Industrial x Ministry of the Environment Strategy for Abatement (MISA), Certificate of Approval (C of A) to ensure x Environment Canada timely reporting and information dissemination on environmental concerns. x Dow Chemical x Maintain and review corridor/river monitoring programs and ensure timely delivery of results for synthesis and BUI assessments. Anticipated Costs and Timelines Work is ongoing. Costs unknown, but depend on future work associated with risk management required and regulatory monitoring to meet Certificate of Approval.

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139 #1.2 Recommendation Ensure that Water Pollution Control Plants (WPCPs) continue to meet current regulations and do not negatively affect beneficial uses. BUIs Potentially Impacted Rationale Current Status x Bird or animal deformities or Water Pollution Control Plants are an WPCPs are currently meeting C of A reproductive problems ongoing source of loadings to AOCs as requirements which include consideration of x Beach closings a result of their basic function. Water BUIs. x Degradation of aesthetics Pollution Control Plants in the St. Clair River currently meet discharge limits See Appendix 1 for details. and are not currently targeted for action related to the identified BUIs. Should WPCPs be determined to be contributing to BUIs, then future improved treatment may be considered (i.e., improved disinfection, plant optimization).

Actions Responsible Organizations x Cities of Sarnia and Wallaceburg, villages of Point Edward, Corunna and x Ministry of the Environment Courtright, towns of Sombra and Port Lambton must continue to operate x Municipalities their WPCPs and lagoons in order to meet discharge criteria as identified in x Walpole Island First Nation (WIFN) their C of A. x Environment Canada x Develop a Master Plan for sewage treatment for the City of Sarnia which x Indian and Northern Affairs (INAC) includes, plan optimization, elimination of by-passes and CSOs. x Assess the need for disinfection at Port Lambton and Sombra lagoons if Anticipated Costs and Timelines Beach Closings for bacteria are still occurring once all other sources are Work is ongoing for regulatory monitoring. remediated. Master Plan is estimated to cost $300,000 with a x Determine the wastewater treatment practices on Walpole Island and assess if completion over the next three years. The there are any impacts St. Clair River beneficial uses and identify work plan Courtright and Corunna WPCP cost is expected additions to support delisting. to be $30 M with an unknown timeline. x Maintain and review WPCP regulatory monitoring (C of A) to ensure that recommendation is achieved. x Maintain and review corridor/river monitoring programs and ensure timely delivery of results for use in BUI assessments. x

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140 #1.3 Recommendation Complete programs to eliminate combined sewer overflows (CSOs). BUIs Potentially Impacted Rationale Current Status x Bird or animal deformities or CSOs have been a problem in the The City of Sarnia is currently working to eliminate reproductive problems AOC for many years and are thought CSOs within the city (i.e. Exmouth Street Sanitary x Beach closings to be directly related to Beach Disconnection and Devine St. holding tanks). The St. x Degradation of aesthetics Closings. Although it will take time to Clair River CRIC is working closely with the City and address the issue completely, ongoing supports this ongoing work. projects will help to reduce or No CSOs exist in Corunna, Courtright, Mooretown, eliminate these discharges to the St. Sombra and Port Lambton. It is unknown if Point Clair River. Edward is experiencing mixing of sanitary sewage with stormwater discharging to the river. Wallaceburg has Actions completed 95 percent of projects dealing with CSOs x Eliminate Exmouth Street CSO in the City of Sarnia. and programs are in place for remaining actions. x Eliminate Christina Street CSO in the City of Sarnia. x Completely separate cross connections within the City of Sarnia Responsible Organizations Sanitary Drainage Area 1. x Ministry of the Environment x Complete City of Sarnia East Street sanitary interceptor sewer to divert x Municipalities sewage from Drainage Areas 2 & 4 to WPCP. x Walpole Island First Nation (WIFN) x Determine the effectiveness of the Devine Street CSO holding tank in x Aamjiwnaang First Nation (AFN) the City of Sarnia at full capacity. x Environment Canada (EC) x Determine whether there are CSO discharges from Walpole Island x Indian and Northern Affairs (INAC) First Nation impacting on the river beneficial uses and identify work plan additions to support delisting. Anticipated Costs and Timelines x Determine whether there are CSO discharges from Aamjiwnaang First With respect to the City of Sarnia municipal Nation impacting on the river beneficial uses and identify work plan wastewater control, current estimates for infrastructure additions to support delisting. upgrades are estimated to be in the order of $100 M x Determine whether there are sanitary/stormwater sewer cross for combined CSOs. The anticipated timeline for connections in Point Edward and identify work plan additions to completion is 2027. support delisting. x Maintain and review corridor/river monitoring programs and ensure timely delivery of results for synthesis and BUI assessments.

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141 #1.4 Recommendation Continue to work closely with industries to improve spill prevention to the St. Clair River. BUIs Potentially Impacted Rationale Current Status x Restriction on drinking water Current delisting criteria for drinking The Industrial Pollution Action Team (IPAT) consumption or taste and odour water require “no spills over a two year examined causes of industrial spills to the St. problems period resulting in a mandated Clair River and made recommendations on x Degradation of aesthetics shutdown of a drinking water intake.” spill prevention measures for industries and x Added cost to agriculture and others. industry Implementations of IPAT recommendations are ongoing. x Degradation of fish and wildlife

populations Ont. Regulation 224/07 "Spill Prevention and Contingency Plans" was put in place and defines the mandates for spill prevention and contingency plans and must be in place by September 2008.

Actions Responsible Organizations x Assess extent to which regulatory changes made in 2005 – 2007 have x MOE addressed IPAT recommendations and identify which remaining x Industries recommendations will be implemented. x Sarnia Lambton Environmental x Continue to work with industry to develop closed loop cooling water systems, Association (SLEA) cooling water towers or monitor and divert systems. x Continue MISA and C of A monitoring and improve MOE data reporting to Anticipated Costs and Timelines AOC lead agencies for use in assessing BUI status. Costs are unknown, but would be incurred through the implementation of IPAT recommendation, implementation (industry) and ongoing regulatory monitoring programs (C of A and MISA). Timelines are unknown and depend on IPAT recommendations.

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142 ST. CLAIR RIVER AOC - POINT SOURCE WORK PLAN Recommendation Actions 07 08 09 10 Beyond Lead Comments Maintain and review point Track decommissioned source regulatory monitoring Dow will be and decommissioning of (Municipal Industrial Strategy undertaking the industrial facilities and for Abatement (MISA), * * * * * MOE ongoing monitoring. landfills in the St. Clair Certificate of Approval (C of A) Chinook has also River (e.g. Dow Canada, to ensure timely reporting and already shut down. Chinook) and continue information dissemination on to examine and mitigate environmental concerns. any existing or potential future environmental Maintain and review Identify ongoing impacts due to residual corridor/river monitoring agency monitoring to MOE/ contaminant sources on programs and ensure timely * * * * * determine if programs EC St Clair River beneficial delivery of results for synthesis are adequate for BUI uses. and BUI assessments. assessment.

Cities of Sarnia and Wallaceburg, Ensure that Water villages of Point Edward, Pollution Control Plants Corunna and Courtright, towns of Sombra and Port Lambton continue to meet current * * * * * MOE regulations and do not must continue to operate their negatively affect WPCPs and lagoons in order to beneficial uses. meet discharge criteria as identified in their C of A. Assess the need for disinfection at Port Lambton and Sombra lagoons if Beach Closings for * MOE bacteria are still occurring once all other sources are remediated. Develop a Master Plan for CRIC to identify key sewage treatment for the City of milestones not already City of Sarnia which includes plant * identified in work plan Sarnia optimization, elimination of once the master plan bypasses and CSOs. is completed. Determine wastewater treatment If impacts are practices on Walpole Island to identified, develop determine if there are any and implement * EC impacts St. Clair River beneficial remedial strategy and uses and identify work plan identify within work additions to support delisting. plan. Maintain and review WPCP Monitoring used to regulatory monitoring (C of A) assess BUIs to * * * * * MOE to ensure that recommendation determine benefits of is achieved. work. Maintain and review Monitoring used to corridor/river monitoring MOE/ assess BUIs to programs and ensure timely * * * * * EC determine benefits of delivery of results for use in BUI work. assessments.

This work is currently Eliminate Exmouth Street CSOs City of * * underway as part of a Complete programs to in the City of Sarnia. Sarnia eliminate combined three year project. sewer overflows (CSOs). Eliminate Christina Street CSOs City of * in the City of Sarnia. Sarnia Completely separate cross City of connections within the City of * Sarnia Sarnia Sanitary Drainage Area 1.

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143 ST. CLAIR RIVER AOC - POINT SOURCE WORK PLAN Recommendation Actions 07 08 09 10 Beyond Lead Comments The City has already Complete City of Sarnia East received $3,000,000 Street sanitary interceptor sewer City of towards this project * to divert sewage from Drainage Sarnia and has applications Areas 2 & 4 to WPCP. in for further federal funding. Determine the effectiveness of the Devine Street CSO holding City of * tank in the City of Sarnia at full Sarnia capacity. Determine whether there are If impacts are CSO discharges from Walpole identified then Island First Nation impacting on EC/ develop and * the river beneficial uses and MOE implement remedial identify work plan additions to strategy and identify support delisting. within work plan. Determine whether there are If impacts are CSO discharges from identified, develop Aamjiwnaang First Nation EC/ and implement * impacting on the river beneficial MOE remedial strategy and uses and identify work plan identify within work additions to support delisting. plan. If impacts are Determine whether there are identified then sanitary/stormwater sewer cross MOE/ develop and connections in Point Edward * EC implement remedial and assess work plan additions strategy and identify to support delisting. within work plan. Maintain and review corridor/river monitoring MOE/ programs and ensure timely * * * * * delivery of results for synthesis EC and BUI assessments. Assess extent to which Continue to work closely regulatory changes made in 2005 with industries to – 2007 have addressed IPAT improve spill prevention recommendations and identify to the St. Clair River. which remaining recommendations will be implemented e.g., Track the progress of * MOE industries meeting the requirements as stated under MOE Bill 133; Continue to work with industry to develop closed loop cooling water systems, cooling water towers or monitor and divert systems. Continue Municipal Industrial Strategy for Abatement (MISA) and Certificate of Approval (C of A) monitoring and improve * * * * * MOE MOE data reporting to AOC lead agencies for use in assessing BUI status.

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144 SECTION 2 – SEDIMENT WORK PLAN

Introduction Since the 1997 Update Report, much of the bottom sediment and benthic quality work has focused on sediment characterization of three known contaminated zones offshore from the Sarnia Industrial Complex adjacent to the St. Clair River (Zones 1, 2 and 3). The area for highest priority remediation “Zone 1” was directly adjacent to Dow Chemical Canada. Dow undertook a three-phase sediment cleanup project in the portion of “Zone 1” adjacent to their river-front property during the period from June 2001 through to 2004. Phase 1 was completed in 2002, Phase 2 in 2003, and Phase 3 was completed in 2004, resulting in the removal of 13,370 m3 of contaminated bottom sediment.

#2.1 Recommendation Undertake an assessment of contaminated sediments in the St. Clair River and determine actions. BUIs Potentially Impacted Rationale Current Status x Restrictions on fish and wildlife While data has been collected for The proposed COA Contaminated Sediment consumption zones 2 and 3, sediment management Assessment Decision-Making Framework was x Degradation of fish and wildlife decisions are required to determine developed by the OMOE and EC and provides a populations remedial measures for these consistent and harmonized approach for assessing x Fish tumours and other remaining priority zones. contaminated sediments. The Decision-Making deformities Framework is a science-based approach for assessing contaminated sediment on a site-by-site basis by x Bird or animal deformities and incorporating information from four lines of reproductive problems evidence: sediment chemistry, laboratory sediment x Degradation of benthos toxicity, benthic community structure, and x Restrictions on dredging biomagnification potential. activities Sediment samples and benthic community data have been collected from the entire St. Clair River beginning in 1958 and most recently in 2006 to further delineate the contaminated sediment area for management. For additional background information, refer to Appendix 2.

Actions Responsible Organizations 1. Establish a Technical Steering Committee. x MOE 2. Hire a Project Manager to facilitate the decision making process for x EC, contaminated sediments in zones 2 and 3. (if required) x Industries 3. Identify and address sediment chemistry, biological and other data x SLEA gaps for zones 2 & 3. 4. Use the COA “Assessment Framework” on St. Clair River sediment to determine the need for contaminant sediment management Anticipated Costs and Timelines Sediment management options will be approved by strategies. 2010. 5. Develop sediment management options and select preferred option for zones 2 & 3. a. Conduct "Public, First Nation and Stakeholder Consultation" to seek consensus.

If sediment removal is necessary, the following steps are required for implementation: 6. a) Develop engineering design b) Secure funding c) Undertake an Environmental Assessment d) Implement sediment remediation strategy e) Environmental Monitoring f) Public and agency communications 7) Evaluate the effectiveness of remediation on beneficial uses.

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145 ST. CLAIR RIVER AOC - SEDIMENT WORK PLAN Recommendation Actions 07 08 09 10 Beyond Lead Establish a Technical Steering EC, * Undertake an Committee. OMOE assessment of contaminated Hire a Project Manager to facilitate the sediments in the St. decision making process for Clair River and $50 EC, contaminated sediments in zones 2 & 3. $100K $100K $100K determine actions. K OMOE Position depending on 2007 funding and may include non-sediment related tasks.

Identify and address sediment chemistry, EC, biological and other data gaps for zones 2 * * OMOE & 3.

Use the COA “Assessment Framework” on St. Clair River sediment to determine EC, * * the need for contaminant sediment OMOE management strategies.

Develop sediment management options and select preferred option for zones 2 & EC, 3. a) Conduct "Public, First Nation and * * OMOE Stakeholder Consultation" to seek consensus. If sediment removal is necessary, the following steps are required (Following * EC, OMOE points are dependent upon above results and expected to commence after 2010): a) Develop engineering designs * EC, OMOE

b) Secure funding * EC, OMOE c) Undertake an Environmental * EC, OMOE Assessment (EA) d) Implement the sediment remediation * EC, OMOE strategy e) Environmental Monitoring (i.e., as per * EC, OMOE C of A)

Evaluate the effectiveness of remediation * EC, OMOE on beneficial uses.

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146 SECTION 3 - HABITAT & NON-POINT SOURCE (NPS) WORK PLAN

Introduction Physical loss of fish and wildlife habitat was listed as a BUI for the St. Clair River AOC in the 1991 Stage 1 RAP - Environmental Conditions and Problem Definition. The impairment status was based on coastal wetland loss and fragmentation, loss of wetland function, and extensive bulkheading and infilling of the St. Clair River shoreline. The 1995 Stage 2 RAP - Recommended Plan also recognized environmental problems associated with NPS pollution in the watershed due mainly to urban and rural storm runoff, waste sites without leachate and runoff collection, malfunctioning septic systems and generation and disposal of household hazardous waste.

In order to guide rehabilitation efforts, the 1995 St. Clair River RAP Stage 2 – Recommended Plan provided a summary of significant habitat and NPS actions and delisting criteria for the “loss of fish and wildlife habitat.” Delisting criteria consist of wetland protection, a long-term habitat management plan and rehabilitation and enhancement projects focused on wetland creation in the Chenal Ecarte (155 ha), aquatic habitat creation around Stag Island (80 ha) and in the W. Darcy McKeough Floodway (445 ha).

In 2005, the CRIC established a Habitat and NPS Subcommittee (the Committee) to assess the status and progress on the 1995 Stage 2 delisting criteria and priority habitat and NPS actions. Proceedings from a 2006 Habitat and NPS Workshop and subsequent Committee meetings revealed that, while many milestones have been achieved, the 1995 delisting criteria for “loss of fish and wildlife habitat” were not achieved due to unforeseen constraints and certain priority habitat and NPS actions have not been addressed. The present Work Plan was developed by the Habitat and NPS Subcommittee to guide remedial actions to rehabilitate fish and wildlife habitat with an emphasis on “aquatic habitat and water quality” within the AOC boundary.

The Committee identified a need to refocus efforts on the original causes of habitat impairment and non-point source pollution using a systematic approach. In order to guide habitat and NPS project site selection, the following the hierarchical “Updated Habitat and NPS Rehabilitation Priority Sites” were developed by the Committee:

1) Coastal wetlands with direct hydrological connection to the St. Clair River & delta; 2) Shoreline softening of the St. Clair River and riverine habitat rehabilitation; 3) Other wetlands in Area 1A providing aquatic habitat; 4) Riparian buffers along the St. Clair River; 5) Riparian buffers in the tributaries of Area 1A; and, 6) Other habitat rehabilitation work which address improved water quality conditions and fish and aquatic wildlife habitat in Areas 1A and 1B.

An explanation and maps of the St. Clair River AOC boundaries are provided in Appendix 1.

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147 #3.1 Recommendation In addition to the delisting criterion pertaining to Chenal Ecarte wetland creation, broaden the scope of wetland habitat projects to include creation, rehabilitation, acquisition and maintenance within the Walpole Island First Nation delta and headwaters of AOC creeks (as per the Updated Habitat and NPS Rehabilitation Priority Sites).

BUIs Potentially Impacted Rationale Current Status x Loss of fish and wildlife One of the 1995 Stage 2 rehabilitation and Approximately 106 ha of wetlands have been habitat; enhancement delisting criteria for habitat created, acquired and rehabilitated adjacent to x Degradation of fish and included wetland creation (155ha) at 10 sites the Chenal Ecarte. The invasiveness of wildlife population adjacent to the Chenal Ecarte. This criterion Phragmites within these wetlands is degrading the x Degradation of benthos was not achieved, and by including quality of habitat and out-competing native rehabilitation, acquisition and maintenance, and vegetation, leading to dense monotypic stands. targeting the entire coastal wetland complex and headwaters of tributaries within the AOC, there will be greater opportunity to increase wetland quantity as well as improve wetland quality. Currently, a review of the existing delisting criterion may result in a change to the original target. This would require wetland evaluations to be conducted to identify priority sites.

Participants at the 2006 St. Clair River AOC Habitat Workshop and members of the Habitat and NPS Subcommittee also expressed concern over the expansion of non-native Phragmites into existing and previously rehabilitated wetlands. Thus, efforts to maintain and rehabilitate the quality of existing wetlands should be pursued.

Actions Responsible Organizations x Make use of the 2006 GIS database created by Aylmer District OMNR to locate WIFN, SCRCA, Lambton County, Municipality potential wetland habitat project sites. of Chatham-Kent, OMNR, EC, DFO x Create an inventory of prioritized wetland project sites by following the “2007 Updated Habitat and NPS Rehabilitation Priority Sites” presented in the Introduction. Anticipated Costs and Timelines x Establish wetland goals and objectives for the AOC and develop numerical (or See table at end of section. qualitative) wetland delisting criteria (targets). Track progress toward wetland targets. x Identify and engage landowners, seek funding and implement coastal wetland habitat projects within the AOC to maintain and improve the integrity and hydrologic connectivity of coastal wetlands for fish spawning, nursery and feeding areas and aquatic wildlife needs. x Assess the quality of coastal wetland habitat in the Chenal Ecarte and WIFN delta by collecting data on water quality, aquatic macroinvertebrates, amphibians (if possible), marsh birds, and submerged aquatic vegetation (for more detail see Section 4- Research and Monitoring).

o Examine options, risks and benefits of improving fish access to impounded wetlands (i.e., possible impacts on species at risk (SAR, waterfowl production etc.). o Work with Walpole Island Heritage Centre regarding aquatic habitat needs to meet fish and wildlife goals and develop a list of project sites in the First Nation delta. o Examine ways to control and prevent Phragmites invasion; monitor high- quality and susceptible wetlands, select demonstration areas for control, and plan steps for controlling established Phragmites. Share experiences and transfer knowledge. o Prepare wetland quality report with management recommendations once assessments have been completed.

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148 #3.2 Recommendation Integrate shoreline erosion control approaches and shoreline development (or redevelopment) projects with environmentally friendly habitat approaches (e.g. shoreline softening, buffer strips and spawning channels) that take nearshore aquatic habitats and hydraulic impacts into account.

BUIs Potentially Impacted Rationale Current status x Loss of fish and wildlife habitat Shoreline hardening was listed as one Much of the St. Clair River shoreline has been of the original causes of impairment of replaced with steel sheet piling and other structures x Degradation of fish and wildlife the beneficial use “Fish and Wildlife which have resulted in the loss of shoreline and populations Habitat” (RAP Stage 1, 1991). littoral habitat. Projects have been initiated to x Degradation of benthos Participants of the 2006 Habitat address shoreline hardening such as the Lanxess Workshop identified the St. Clair River shoreline cleanup, erosion control and fish and nearshore/shoreline as a major priority wildlife habitat enhancement project in 2006, and the for the AOC. MacDonald Park shoreline softening and rehabilitation project.

A St. Clair River Shoreline Rehabilitation Assessment and Design of Restorative Work was recently completed by the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA). A more detailed survey and report is expected to be completed in 2007. Class Environmental Assessments are ongoing at Guthrie Park and the CN Lands on Sarnia Bay and shoreline rehabilitation is expected in 2007.

Actions Responsible Organizations x Develop an Integrated Shoreline Management Plan for the St. Clair River EC, DFO, SCRCA, MNR, Lambton County and Municipalities, Municipality of Chatham-Kent, x Use GIS to inventory/map existing shoreline hardening structures on industries public and private lands and assess condition, habitat features, sediment

profile and contaminants, plant, fish and wildlife communities at each Anticipated Costs and Timelines site. A St. Clair River Shoreline Rehabilitation x Establish quantitative and/or qualitative shoreline rehabilitation targets Assessment and Design was initiated in 2005/2006. including cost benefits and environmental analysis. Candidate sites In 2007, data assembly will be completed and web include but are not limited to: CN Lands on Sarnia Bay, Guthrie Park; access to Geoportal for controlled external access to Courtright Waterfront Park; Willow Park; Cathcart Park, and Marshy the information collected will be provided for Creek Park , Stag Island and Walpole Island Delta. Develop engineering testing. Initial cost is $70,000. plans for candidate sites on public lands which incorporate shoreline softening techniques that replace degraded structures. Class Environmental Assessments are under way at Guthrie Park and in the City of Sarnia – CN lands. x At sites where softening has occurred, rehabilitate littoral habitat by The implementation of shoreline softening and installing reef structures, submerged rock clusters/shoals, cobble or fish aquatic habitat rehabilitation is at these locations is mix and coves to improve the quality of littoral fish habitat. Establish expected to occur in 2007 with completion in winter native grasses, shrub and tree plantings at candidate sites behind the of 2009. shoreline structure. x Assess the extent of shoreline projects completed elsewhere within the The proposed shoreline softening and rehabilitation AOC (e.g., SCRCA projects, Chatham-Kent work at MacDonald Park) project is expected to cost approximately for reporting purposes. $3,000/metre. x Identifying potential opportunities for increasing river flow capacity as credits for in fill projects.

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149 #3.3 Recommendation Establish and implement a riparian habitat and buffering program for the St. Clair River AOC (as per the Updated Habitat and NPS Rehabilitation Priority Sites).

BUIs Potentially Impacted Rationale Current Status x Loss of fish and wildlife habitat Riparian habitat or vegetation refers to The 2006 St. Clair River Area of Concern x Degradation of fish and wildlife the plant communities established Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis populations; immediately adjacent to stream, river, shows that the percentage of tributaries buffered by x Beach closings (bacteria from lake and/or wetland systems. Riparian greater than five (5) meters of natural vegetation in urban and rural runoff, domestic buffering addresses GLWQA and Area 1A of the AOC is approximately 12 percent. sanitary sources) COA goals for both NPS pollution This represents approximately half of the tributary control and habitat rehabilitation. buffering in the surrounding watersheds (Area 1B = Headwaters of creeks, drains, and the 28.7%; Area 2 = 22.1%). Riparian buffering is most confluence of creeks and the St. Clair needed in Area 1A. River provide important aquatic habitat. These habitats should be maintained and where possible rehabilitated. As the majority of opportunities for habitat rehabilitation and riparian buffering are on private lands, a comprehensive and systematic stewardship program with financial incentives is an essential component for the implementation of riparian buffering and aquatic habitat needs . Actions Responsible Organizations x Systematically identify public, private and industrial land use and ownership EC, MNR, DFO, OMAFRA, WIHC adjacent to tributaries flowing directly into the St. Clair River and prepare a land-use inventory including zoning status (as per the Updated Habitat and Anticipated Costs and Timelines NPS Rehabilitation Priority Sites). Total costs are unknown; however, the RLSN has x Undertake a proactive landowner contact program starting in Area 1A to identified four creek/drain systems in Area 1A increase the number of landowners involved in tributary buffering within flowing into the St. Clair River and will be targeting the AOC boundaries. these systems for appropriate vegetative buffering in x Identify riparian buffer priorities and targets for each tributary based on 2007. The St. Clair River Stewardship Initiative will land-owner cooperation and habitat value. provide funding to private landowners in these watersheds to cover the costs of planting and x Rehabilitate a minimum of 20 km/year of riparian habitat by establishing establishing the riparian buffers. The approximate vegetative buffer strips, planting appropriate native vegetation, undertaking cost for habitat rehabilitation: 1200/ha ($3000/acre). stream bank stabilization activities, and/or restricting livestock access to The approximate cost for incentive payment to riparian areas adjacent to tributaries in Area 1A to a minimum of 3-5 farmers: based on the average rental rate in St. Clair metres. Township $320-400/ha/year ($130.00- x Track habitat and riparian buffer projects and provide annual reports on the $160.00/acre/year.) status towards meeting targets. Include information such as: uptake on Environmental Farm Plans; uptake on landowner funding programs; SCRCA and RLSN annual reports.

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150 #3.4 Recommendation Improve the biological connectivity within the AOC with a focus on Area 1A. BUIs Potentially Impacted Rationale Current status x Loss of fish and wildlife habitat; Habitat creation on lands adjacent to This project was started in 1997 and receives x Degradation of fish and wildlife Highway 40 provides one of few financial support from Environment Canada-Great populations opportunities to establish a biological Lakes Sustainability Fund. Approximately 30 km of corridor in the St. Clair River AOC. Highway 40 has been planted with 2 rows of shrubs The area available is of sufficient size and trees and 48 ha of native prairie grasses along to provide a minimum corridor width the roadside ditches and agricultural drains. of 50 metres which would provide a Recently, the Rural Lambton Stewardship Network link between Walpole Island, one of (RLSN), the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) Canada’s most biological diverse and the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) have habitats, the Bickford Oak Woods created a partnership to complete vegetative Conservation Reserve and the buffering adjacent to Hwy 40 right-of-way and Aamjiwnaang First Nation forest tract. naturalize adjacent lands. As an additional benefit, this project will mitigate the negative environmental effects associated with surface water runoff from Highway 40 into adjacent ditches and drains. Actions Responsible Organizations x Link the Walpole Island First Nation habitats with the McKeough Floodway, SCRCA, MTO, MNR, EC, DFO headwaters of the St. Clair River tributaries, Bickford Oak Woods and Aamjiwnaang First Nation forest tract through: Anticipated Costs and Timelines Planting riparian buffers consisting of rows of native grasses, tallgrass prairie, See table below for details. savannah and native shrubs adjacent to agricultural drains and roadsides along Highway 40; Potential Funding Sources: Incorporating wetland creation wherever conditions are favourable. Environment Canada-Great Lakes Sustainability Fund, Great Lakes Renewal Foundation, DU Canada, Imperial x Examine other linkages proposed in the Lambton County NHS (e.g. Clay Creek to Oil, Eco-Action, Industry. the North Sydenham River) and investigate and develop actions for additional opportunities on Walpole Island First Nation x Establish signs on Hwy 40 to educate the public on the benefit of biological corridors through riparian buffering.

HIGHWAY 40 – FIVE YEAR WORK PLAN LANDS OUTSIDE OF RIGHT-OF-WAY Lot/Con Township Target Acres Year Cost (x 1000) Lot 5, Con 3 Chatham 5 2009-2010 15 Lot 5, Con 3 Chatham 15 2009-2010 45 Lot 5, Con 4 Chatham 8 2009-2010 24 Lot 5, Con 2 Chatham 22 2009-2010 66 Lot 5, Con 2 Chatham 12.8 20010-2011 38 Lot 5, Con 1 Moore 73 2007 219 Lot 5, Con 1 Moore 4.9 2008-2009 7.9 Lot 5, Con 3 Moore 20.7 2008-2009 62.1 Lot 5, Con 4 Moore 7.9 2008-2009 27.3 Lot 5, Con 5 Moore 15.3 2008-2009 45.9 Lot 5, Con 9 Moore 4.9 2008-2009 14.7 Lot 5, Con 11 Sombra 21.2 2008-2009 63.6 Lot 5, Con 12 Sombra 38.2 2007-2008 114.6 Lot 5, Con 12 Sombra 7.5 2008-2009 22.5 Lot 5, Con 15 Sombra 13.9 2009-2010 41.7 TOTAL 270.3 TOTAL 807.3 LANDS INSIDE RIGHT-OF-WAY East side Approx. 30 km at 4.6 138 2008-2011 414 ac/km TOTAL 408.3 1221.3

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151 #3.5 Recommendation Address and complete all Rural Non-Point Source Pollution and Urban Non-Point Source Pollution “Priority Actions” and track progress impacting on beneficial uses (as per the Updated Habitat and NPS Rehabilitation Priority Sites). BUIs Potentially Impacted Rationale Current status x Restriction on fish and wildlife Chemical fertilizers and pesticides are While substantial effort has been put into addressing consumption frequently applied to agricultural, rural and non-point source pollution in the St. Clair River x Loss of fish and wildlife residential lands. These fertilizers and AOC (e.g. road salt and pesticide reduction plans, habitat chemicals can cause water quality problems agricultural BMPs etc.) many of the 1995 Stage 2 x Degradation of fish and that impact fish and wildlife health. As priority actions have yet to be addressed and/or wildlife populations; well, livestock operations run the risk of completed. their animal waste contaminating surface x Beach closings and ground water. Land management Past and present programs have been implemented practices such as the nature and timing of to target contamination from runoff, such as; tillage and nutrient applications can Ontario Rural Runoff; Clean Up Rural Beaches positively or negatively influence NPS (CURB) program; Permanent Cover II Program; runoff. A confounding issue is the impact Environmental Farm Plans, and development of of tile drainage because field tile drains BMP manuals. Numerous programs commenced in discharge directly to tributaries and bypass the 1980s and provided grants to farmers and rural biofiltration actions of buffer strips. landowners for projects including: • fragile land retirement; • conservation tillage; • manure spreading equipment modification; • manure storage; • milk house wash water treatment; • clean water diversions; • fencing livestock from watercourses; • nutrient management plans; • correction of faulty septic systems; and, • vegetated buffer strips Actions Responsible Organizations x Continue to provide funding support, technical advice and outreach materials MOE, OMAFRA, EC, DFO, Municipalities, and assist land owners to access funding as part of ongoing NPS and Developers, Canadian Coast Guard (CCG), SCRCA, stewardship programs within the AOC (“Updated Habitat and NPS MNR, Agriculture Canada Rehabilitation Priority Sites”). x Develop appropriate Watershed/Subwatershed Management Plans to Anticipated Costs and Timelines identify priority NPS sites in the AOC (“Updated Habitat and NPS Unknown Rehabilitation Priority Sites”). Consult with St. Clair Region CA, examine MDEQ Plan and use existing reports (e.g. Wetlands, riparian buffer, land use, land ownership) and as a foundation for a SCR-AOC subwatershed Management plan. x Link (integrate) urban/rural storm water control through subwatershed plans. x Support implementation of rural stormwater projects e.g. oxbow management x Identify problems relating to domestic sanitary sources and ensure proper maintenance and repair. Investigate private septic systems within smaller communities and other homes along the St. Clair River including the delta within the AOC to ensure that they are not causing negative effects on water quality of the St. Clair River. Support the implementation to mitigate septic system related problems within smaller communities and other homes along the river within the AOC e.g.Froomfield and Wilkesport. Mandate ongoing maintenance of private sewage disposal systems. x Obtain a GIS tile drain layer and identify tile-drain outlet locations. Investigate options to improve water quality at selected pilot sites. x Track NPS projects and provide annual reports on the status to key stakeholders.

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152 #3.6 Recommendation Promote the protection, preservation and rehabilitation of the natural heritage features of the St. Clair River AOC by encouraging Lambton County and municipalities, and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent to incorporate wording in their Official Plans such that the St. Clair River Area of Concern is recognized as a priority area in need of water quality protection and fish/wildlife habitat conservation and protection.

BUIs Potentially Impacted Rationale Current Status on Regulations and Protection x Loss of fish and wildlife habitat Local governments have a very The only truly protected lands are federal, provincial x Degradation of fish and wildlife important role to play in wetland and and conservation authority owned lands, populations aquatic habitat protection because they Environmentally Significant Areas (ESAs) and Areas are responsible for land use decisions of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSIs) are areas that can negatively affect on public or private lands that have been designated environmental conditions and natural as significant areas; however, in most cases they are features in the AOC, and can take a not necessarily protected from detrimental land use. proactive approach that extends beyond individual sites to include the Some milestones include: Bickford Oak Woods entire AOC. Conservation Reserve (308 ha); Bear Creek Wetland Complex at 43.3 ha; Pigeon Marsh at 57 ha; Walpole Island Heritage Centre secured 68 ha of the 2,611 ha of prairie, oak savannahs, and Carolinian forest habitats on through acquisitions and leasing arrangements; Wallaceburg Sycamore Woods (4.5 ha) was acquired and protected by the Sydenham Field Naturalists.

Actions Responsible Organizations x Encourage Lambton County and municipalities and the Municipality of EC, OMNR, OMOE, DFO, Municipalities, WIFN, Chatham-Kent to strengthen “Natural Heritage Policies” for the AOC Aamjiwnaang FN, industries when amending their Official Plans (OPs) to provide greater protection to water quality and fish and wildlife habitat. Anticipated Costs and Timelines x As information becomes available, provide Planners with the necessary Communication with municipalities to garner science and documentation on significant habitats in the AOC to facilitate support would be an in-kind activity expected from their efforts to protect natural heritage features. all participating members. x Ensure that GIS-spatial analysis is shared with county, municipalities, conservation authority, government agencies, First Nations and other groups. x Encourage RAP partners utilize completed reports (e.g., St. Clair River NHS, Binational Habitat Management Plan, MNR Candidate Sites, Wetland Mapping) to guide habitat rehabilitation and protection. x Encourage efforts to protect and/or acquire significant natural spaces.

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153 ST. CLAIR RIVER AOC- HABITAT AND NON POINT SOURCE POLLUTION WORKPLAN Recommendation Actions 07 08 09 10 Beyond Lead Encourage Lambton County and municipalities and Promote the protection, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent to strengthen preservation and “Natural Heritage Policies” for the AOC when BPAC rehabilitation of the natural amending their Official Plans (OPs) to provide * * * * * with CRIC heritage features of the St. greater protection to water quality and fish and support. Clair River AOC by wildlife habitat. encouraging Lambton County and municipalities, As information becomes available, provide Planners MNR, CAs, and the Municipality of with the necessary science and documentation on * * * * * MOE Chatham-Kent to significant habitats in the AOC to facilitate their CRIC agencies incorporate wording in efforts to protect natural heritage features. their Official Plans such Ensure that GIS-spatial analysis is shared with that the St. Clair River Area County, Municipalities, Conservation Authority, * * MNR of Concern is recognized as government agencies, First Nations and other a priority area in need of groups. water quality protection Encourage RAP partners utilize completed reports and fish/wildlife habitat (e.g., St. Clair River NHS, Binational Habitat CRIC Agencies conservation and Management Plan, MNR Candidate Sites, Wetland * * * * * and members protection. Mapping) to guide habitat rehabilitation and protection. Encourage efforts to protect and/or acquire CRIC Agencies * * * * * significant natural spaces. and members

Make use of the 2006 MNR-GIS database to locate MNR, RLSN, * In addition to the delisting potential wetland habitat project sites. WIFN criterion pertaining to Create an inventory of prioritized wetland project MNR, RLSN, Chenal Ecarte wetland sites by following the “2007 Updated Habitat and * WIFN creation, broaden the scope NPS Rehabilitation Priority Guidelines" of wetland habitat projects Establish wetland goals and objectives for the AOC to include creation, and develop numerical and/or qualitative delisting Habitat & NPS * rehabilitation, acquisition criteria (targets). Track progress on goal Committee and maintenance within achievement. the Walpole Island First Identify and engage landowners, seek funding and Nation delta and implement wetland habitat projects to maintain and RLSN, SCRCA, headwaters of AOC creeks improve the integrity and hydrologic connectivity of * * * * * WIFN (as per the Updated coastal wetlands for fish spawning, nursery and Habitat and NPS feeding areas and aquatic wildlife needs. Rehabilitation Priority Assess the quality of coastal wetland habitat in the Sites). Chenal Ecarte and WIFN delta by collecting data on

water quality, aquatic macroinvertebrates, amphibians (if possible), marsh birds, and submerged aquatic * vegetation.

Examine options, risks and benefits of improving Chenal WIFN Ecarte *

fish access to impounded wetlands (i.e., possible EcarteChenal * impacts on species at risk (SAR, waterfowl production etc.). EC-CWS, WIFN Work with Walpole Island Heritage Centre regarding MNR, DFO aquatic habitat needs to meet fish and wildlife goals and develop a list of project sites in the First Nation delta. Examine ways to control and prevent Phragmites invasion; monitor high-quality and susceptible wetlands, select demonstration areas for control, and plan steps for controlling established Phragmites. Share experiences and transfer knowledge. Prepare wetland quality report with management recommendations once assessments have been completed.

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154 ST. CLAIR RIVER AOC- HABITAT AND NON POINT SOURCE POLLUTION WORKPLAN Recommendation Actions 07 08 09 10 Beyond Lead Develop an Integrated Shoreline Management Plan Integrate shoreline erosion for the St. Clair River : control approaches and Use GIS to inventory/map existing shoreline shoreline development (or hardening structures on public and private lands and 70K SCRCA redevelopment) projects assess condition, habitat features, sediment profile with environmentally and contaminants, plant, fish and wildlife friendly habitat approaches communities at each site. (i.e., shoreline softening, Establish quantitative and/or qualitative shoreline buffer strips and spawning rehabilitation targets. Candidate sites include but are channels) that take not limited to: CN Lands on Sarnia Bay; Guthrie nearshore aquatic habitats Park; Courtright Waterfront Park; Willow Park; H & NPS and hydraulic impacts into Cathcart Park; Marshy Creek Park; Stag Island, and * Committee account. Walpole Island Delta. Develop engineering plans for candidate sites on public lands which incorporate shoreline softening techniques that replace degraded structures. At sites where softening has occurred, rehabilitate littoral habitat by installing reef structures, submerged rock clusters/shoals, cobble or fish mix and coves to 1.8 1.8 * * SCRCA improve the quality of littoral fish habitat. Establish M M native grasses, shrub and tree plantings at candidate sites behind the shoreline structure. Assess the extent of shoreline projects completed elsewhere within the AOC (e.g., SCRCA projects, * SCRCA Chatham-Kent work at MacDonald Park) for reporting purposes.

Systematically identify public, private and industrial Establish and implement a land use and ownership adjacent to tributaries riparian habitat and flowing directly into the St. Clair River and prepare a * RLSN buffering program for the land-use inventory including zoning status (as per the St. Clair River AOC (as per Updated Habitat and NPS Rehabilitation Priority Sites). the Updated Habitat and Undertake a proactive landowner contact program NPS Rehabilitation Priority starting in Area 1A to increase the number of * * * * * RLSN, Sites). landowners involved in tributary buffering within the AOC boundaries. Identify riparian buffer targets for each tributary based on land owner cooperation. * * * * RLSN, Rehabilitate a minimum of 20 km/year of riparian habitat by establishing vegetative buffer strips, planting appropriate native vegetation, undertaking 20 20 20 20 RLSN, SCRCA stream bank stabilization activities, and/or restricting km livestock access to riparian areas adjacent to tributaries in Area 1A to a minimum of 3-5 m. Track habitat and riparian buffer projects and provide annual reports on the status towards meeting RLSN targets. Include information such as: uptake on * * * * * St. Clair Environmental Farm Plans; uptake on landowner Township funding programs; SCRCA and RLSN annual project reports.

Link the WIFN habitats with the McKeough Improve the biological Floodway, headwaters of the St. Clair River connectivity within the tributaries, Bickford Oak Woods and Aamjiwnaang 333K, 45 ha 333K,ha 45 244K,ha 82 192K,ha 64 AOC focusing on Area 1A. First Nation forest tract through: 38K,ha 13 Planting riparian buffers consisting of rows of native grasses, tallgrass prairie, savannah and * RLSN, SCRCA native shrubs adjacent to roadside and agricultural drains along Highway 40; Incorporate wetland creation wherever conditions are favourable.

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155 ST. CLAIR RIVER AOC- HABITAT AND NON POINT SOURCE POLLUTION WORKPLAN Recommendation Actions 07 08 09 10 Beyond Lead Establish signs on Hwy 40 to educate the public on the benefit of biological corridors through riparian * RLSN buffering. Examine other linkages proposed in the Lambton County NHS (e.g. Clay Creek to the North Habitat Sydenham River) and investigate and develop actions * * * * * & NPS for additional opportunities on Walpole Island First Committee Nation

Continue to provide funding support, technical Address and complete all advice and outreach materials and assist land owners SCRCA, RLSN, Rural Non-Point Source to access funding as part of ongoing NPS and * * * * * WIFN, Pollution and Urban Non- stewardship programs within the AOC (as per Aamjiwnaang Point Source Pollution “Updated Habitat and NPS Rehabilitation Priority Sites”). “Priority Actions” and Develop appropriate Watershed/Subwatershed track progress impacting Management Plans to identify priority NPS sites in on beneficial uses (“as per the AOC (as per “Updated Habitat and NPS SCRCA, Habitat Updated Habitat and NPS Rehabilitation Priority Sites”). Consult with St. Clair * and NPS Rehabilitation Priority Region CA, examine MDEQ Plan and use existing committee Sites”. reports (e.g. Wetlands, riparian buffer, land use, land ownership) and as a foundation for a SCR-AOC subwatershed Management plan. Link urban/rural stormwater control via SCRCA, Habitat subwatershed plans * * and NPS committee Identify problems relating to domestic sanitary sources impacting on St. Clair River BUIs and ensure proper maintenance and repair. x Investigate private septic systems within smaller communities and other homes along the St. Clair River within the AOC to ensure that they are not causing negative effects on water quality of the St. County, Citiy Clair River. * * * * building inspection x Support the implementation to mitigate septic system related problems within smaller communities and other homes along the river within the AOC e.g. Froomfield. x Mandate ongoing maintenance of private sewage disposal systems. x Obtain a GIS tile drain layer and identify tile- drain outlet locations. Investigate options to improve water quality at selected pilot sites. x Seek expertise and support seasonal restrictive * RLSN water control devices in fields to mitigate NPS/rural runoff and improve crop yield.

Track NPS projects and provide annual reports on OMAFRA, the status to key stakeholders. Use Environmental SCRCA, RLSN * * * * Farm Plan, SCRCA and RLSN uptake. H & NPS Committee

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156 SECTION 4- MONITORING AND RESEARCH WORK PLAN

Introduction The rehabilitation of beneficial uses is the cornerstone of Annex 2 of the GLWQA. Although the 2005 St. Clair River AOC Update identified significant remedial actions and milestones in the AOC which resulted in reduced loadings of many parameters to air and water, exceedences of yardstick values occur, information gaps exist and significant actions are required.

The Research and Monitoring Subcommittee reviewed each BUI to determine its current status based on existing information and proposed research and monitoring actions. Outstanding actions include obtaining recent results from scientific studies and complete a comprehensive BUI review, and if needed, revision of the delisting criteria.

While numerous government agencies are listed as responsible leads to conduct monitoring and research activities, it is important to understand that these activities are dependent upon available funding, sufficient staff, available time for field studies and coordination among respective agencies and branches within agencies. It is therefore important to maintain and encourage open lines of communication with other potential programs and sources of information (e.g. academic institutions and SLEA). Also important to consider is the use and importance of complementary/ standardized protocols to facilitate data interpretation for various BUIs and general environmental quality.

BENEFICIAL USES DESIGNATED AS “IMPAIRED” BUI #1 - Restrictions on Fish and Wildlife Consumption 1995 Delisting Criteria Current BUI Status When contaminant levels in fish or wildlife Restrictions on Fish Consumption - Impaired populations do not exceed current standards, Fish consumption guidelines are exceeded for smallmouth bass, rock bass, objectives or guidelines, and no public health yellow perch, carp, walleye, freshwater drum, bluegill, white and red horse advisories are in effect for human consumption of fish sucker, gizzard shad (MOE 2005; MUCH 2001). or wildlife. Contaminant levels in sport fish collected from the AOC in 2003 (and before Restrictions on Wildlife Consumption - Requires this year) exceeded consumption guidelines for both the sensitive and general further assessment on a Great Lakes Basin basis populations. Most of the consumption restrictions for the general population Health Canada advises that consumption of commonly in the Huron-Erie Corridor are caused by mercury (32%), polychlorinated hunted Ontario waterfowl poses no health hazards. biphenyls (PCBs) (51%) and dioxins (including furans, and dioxin-like PCBs) Additional study of the common merganser in the St. (17%). Based on these fish consumption advisories, the impairment status is Clair River and the hooded merganser in Lake St. Clair “impaired”. Mercury concentrations in walleye exceeded the 0.5 ug/g RAP is recommended (CWS 1997). biota yardstick. A sport fish collection from the Upper, Middle and Lower sections of the St. Responsible Organizations Clair River was completed in 2006 to determine tissue contaminant MOE, MNR an EC fish contaminants monitoring concentrations to update the Ontario Guide to Eating Ontario Sport Fish. program.

Existing Monitoring Programs MOE/MNR sport fish contaminants monitoring program. Environment Canada fish contaminants monitoring program.

Research and Monitoring Actions x Determine the relative role of out of basin sources (i.e., atmospheric contaminants), local on-going sources, and local sources from historical sediment contamination. x Work with MOE and MNR to develop consistent, long-term, corridor-wide collections of sport fish species from the upper, middle and lower St. Clair River to track spatial and temporal contaminant trends. Fish sampling in the upper, middle and lower St. Clair River should be conducted every four years at the very least. (Timeline: ongoing) x Conduct additional monitoring studies to determine the extent to which contaminant exposure and uptake occurs in mergansers, over-wintering waterfowl and other game species to address the BUIs “consumption of wildlife”. (Timeline: CRIC to decide if additional waterfowl contaminant studies are required in 2007). x Review and revised delisting criteria (Timeline: 2007).

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157 BUI #2 - Degradation of Benthos 1995 Delisting Criteria Current BUI Status When invertebrate community structure can be documented as Dynamics of Benthic Populations/Communities (Impaired) unimpaired or intermediate as defined by recent OMOEE benthic The 1991 Stage 1 reported that data up to 1985 revealed that investigations. community structure was impacted beginning at 7km downstream Body Burdens of Benthic Organisms (Requires further study from the Sarnia industrial complex and extending about 12km. on a GL basis) The most severely degraded portion occurred at a 1km reach of Bioassay and sediment toxicity studies (1994 and 1995 sampling) the river beginning offshore of Dow Chemical. As of 1990, this reported Provincial Sediment Quality Guidelines - lowest and BUI was “degraded” in several short segments along the Ontario severe effect level exceedences in the “priority 1" zones shore for about half the distance identified from the 1985 survey. downstream of the Sarnia industrial area (Pollutech Enviroquatics The “severely degraded” zone was not found in the 1990 survey. Limited 1997). Test species mortality, growth, and reproduction The 1997 RAP Update indicated that there was an increasing were adversely impacted during sediment toxicity testing. downstream invertebrate diversity density observed (Harris, 1996), Responsible Organizations and benthic communities remained moderately to slightly impaired EC (NWRI, WQMS), MOE (LIS 1997). Additional studies (Beak int. Inc. 1996) confirm that Existing Monitoring Programs benthic communities in these zones remain impaired and observed The Sarnia-Lambton Environmental Association (SLEA) currently no improvement in these areas since 1985. operates an integrated monitoring program that examines sediment conditions in the St. Clair River reflective of historical sediment contamination within the priority sediment zones. Research and Monitoring Actions x Complete a clear and concise synthesis of existing information to document existing conditions and trends on benthic communities and body burdens. x Identify information gaps in order to review existing delisting criteria, develop management plans and recommend additional remedial options for contaminated sediments (i.e., Integrate findings of the Benthic Assessment of Sediment (Beast) National Water Research Institute, Sarnia Lambton Environmental Association, Great Lakes Institute of Environmental Research (GLIER). x Determine the need to continue the comprehensive (MOE) benthic community assessment for the entire St. Clair River and delta to determine overall benthic community health as was completed in 1957, 1968, 1977, 1985, 1990, 1994 and 1996. (Timeline: CRIC to decide in 2007 if benthic studies are required). x Establish a technical committee to examine existing data and the need for additional studies. (Timeline: 2007) x Review and revise delisting criteria (Timeline: 2007).

BUI #3 – Restrictions on Dredging Activities 1995 Delisting Criteria Current BUI Status No limitations on disposal of dredging spoils. Impaired The Stage 2 document listed a suite of metals and organic Responsible Organizations pollutants that exceeded the provincial sediment quality guidelines EC, MOE, DOT along the St. Clair River, particularly along the Sarnia industrial waterfront and sites downstream. Exceedences of sediment quality Existing Monitoring Programs guidelines (severe effect levels) were found for the Southeast Bend Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) periodically dredges the southeast bend cutoff and measures Cutoff Channel for manganese, mercury, HCB, total PCBs, TKN, and total phosphorus, however, exceedences were less than 5% of contaminant concentrations in dredge spoils. Environment Canada’s National Water Research Institute conducts periodic samples collected and values were only slightly above sediment quality guidelines (PWGSC 2001). Maintenance dredging in the sediment (suspended and bottom) monitoring throughout the Huron-Erie Corridor including several stations in the St. Clair Southeast Bend Cutoff was most recently completed in 2006, and dredging of the main channel of St. Clair, at Stokes Point Shoal, River. approximately 2 km north of the village of Sombra, near the Ontario ferry dock was completed in 2005. Research and Monitoring Actions x Collect and synthesize sediment contaminant data for the St. Clair River such as: PWGSC for each dredging event in the St. Clair River AOC; Consult with GLIER and synthesize results from Drouillard, Hafner and Ciborowski contaminant results for the St. Clair River, St. Clair River Delta, Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River (Huron Erie Corridor); MOE and EC sediment core results, and SLEA sediment results (Timeline: 2007). x Review and revise delisting criteria (Timeline: 2007). x Identify the disposal outcome from dredging events based on sediment chemistry analysis and compare with delisting criteria (Timeline: 2007).

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158 BUI #4 – Restrictions – Drinking Water Consumption – Taste/Odour Problems 1995 Delisting Criteria Current BUI Status No treatment plant shuts downs due to exceedences of drinking Impaired water guidelines over a two year period. The Stage 2 document indicated that periodic closing of water treatment plants occurred due to consumption and taste and Responsible Organizations odour problems in at drinking water intakes at treatment plants in EC, MOE, SLEA, Municipalities Ontario as a result of chemical spills. Existing Monitoring Programs While there were no MOE or MDEQ issued drinking water x MOE- Spills Action Centre advisories or mandated water treatment shutdowns for several x Sarnia Lambton Environmental Association continuous years prior to 2000, this BUI requires additional assessment given chemical monitoring station. the incidence of spills in 2003-2004. x Environment Canada has annually monitored for a wide range of heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants at the head and mouth of the river since 1986.

Research and Monitoring Actions x Continue to monitor spills to the St. Clair River. (Timeline: ongoing) x Review and, if necessary, revise the delisting criteria for “restrictions on drinking water consumption or taste and odour problems”. (Timeline: 2007) x Identify the need for improvement to current monitoring programs. (Timeline: 2007)

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159 BUI # 5 – Beach Closings 1995 Delisting Criteria Current BUI Status Zero beach closings based on fecal coliform standards regulating Impaired beach closings over a two year period. Permanent signs warning of possible intermittent pollution of water are posted at four Ontario parks (Willow, Seager, Responsible Organizations Lambton Cundick and Brander). Postings are to remain until Local Health Units, MOE, EC surveying indicates that water quality has improved to a point where bacterial levels are consistently below Ministry of Health Existing Monitoring Programs guideline (LHU-OMEE 1994, 1995). The City of Sarnia has County of Lambton Community Health Services Department posted a “No Swimming” sign at Centennial Park on the St. continues to monitor E. coli levels along the St. Clair River and the Clair River. Chatham-Kent Health Services Department monitors Mitchell’s Bay. Research and Monitoring Actions x Obtain water quality monitoring data from the Public Health Unit (bacteria levels in beaches and day-use parks) and MOE – Provincial Water Quality Monitoring Network data for stations within the AOC and St. Clair Watershed. x Obtain routine beach surveillance data from Lambton County and Chatham-Kent Community Health Services Departments (Timeline: ongoing) x Evaluate the source(s) of bacterial contamination of beaches (Timeline: unknown, research needed) x Evaluate the performance of municipality infrastructure upgrades on sewage treatment plants, stormwater treatment, and combined sewer overflows and facility optimization (Timeline: ongoing) x Conduct River wide screening in 2008 and compare with results from 2004. x Work closely with Walpole Island First Nation to determine if there are beach closings at local beaches (Timeline: ongoing) x Assess beneficial use impairment and review delisting criteria (Timeline: 2007) x Support the Lambton County Public Health Unit to conduct a St. Clair River Wide sampling “to determine if the AOC creeks that enter into the river have a significant impact upon the presence and concentrations of Escherichia coli (Timeline: ongoing).

BUI # 6 – Degradation of Aesthetics 1995 Delisting Criteria Current BUI Status When over a two year period there is/are no, objectionable deposits, Impaired unnatural colour or turbidity, unnatural odour or unnatural Stage 2 document identified that floating scums, oil slicks, spills scum/floating materials. and odours have been periodically reported. CSO overflow events continue in both Port Huron and Sarnia. Responsible Organizations EC, MOE, MNR, Health Unit, Municipalities, WIFN, Aamjiwnaang First Nation

Existing Monitoring Programs No existing monitoring programs exist for this BUI.

Research and Monitoring Actions x Develop an appropriate methodology (e.g. questionnaire, contact MOE district office, Health Units, municipalities and the MNR to determine if there have been recent complaints) to evaluate degradation of aesthetics in the St. Clair River AOC. (Cost to produce questionnaires is estimated at $2,000.00 and a survey or River users is expected in 2007). x Include all partners (U.S., Canadian and First Nations) in the development of study and the decision BUI status.

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160 BUI # 7 – Added Costs To Agriculture or Industry 1995 Delisting Criteria Current BUI Status No plant shutdowns attributable to water quality over a two year Impaired period. No added costs for the disposal of contaminated sediment. The Stage 2 document indicated that food processing industries in Ontario have had to temporarily shut down their intakes due Responsible Organizations to upstream spills. EC, MOE There were no water treatment plant closures or associated interruptions in water supplies to industrial users between 1994 and 1997 (OMOE 1997). Existing Monitoring Programs MOE- Spills Action Centre report on spills that require mandates shutdowns. Research and Monitoring Actions x Collect spills data from MOE and review for mandated shutdowns. (Timeline: ongoing) x Review and revise existing delisting criteria (Timeline: 2007)

BUI # 8 – Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat 1995 Delisting Criteria Current BUI Status Protection: Impaired 1. Regulations: Ensure that sufficient enforceable mechanisms are in The rehabilitation and enhancement delisting criteria have not place to protect existing aquatic and wetland habitat from cultural been completed for the loss of fish and wildlife habitat. destruction or degradation, including filling, dredging, adversely affecting the hydrology, cutting or removing vegetation required for Existing Monitoring Programs habitat, and allowing pollutants such as sediment, excess nutrients or All proponents of habitat rehabilitation projects report on toxic substances to enter aquatic or wetland habitat. habitat projects and goals achieved to their respective funding agencies on an annual basis. 2. Protection: Protect existing habitat in Ontario. Rehabilitation and Enhancement: Responsible Organizations Of the 5200 ha (12,844 acres) identified as Candidate Sites in EC, MNR, WIFN, SCRCA, RLSN Ontario, complete the following habitat rehabilitation projects by the year 2000: Timelines and Costs a) Chenal Ecarte Wetland Creation (155 ha) (384 acres) See Section 3. b) Stag Island (80 ha) (198 acres) c) Darcy McKeough Floodway (445 ha) (1,100 acres)

A long term habitat management plan for both Michigan and Ontario, including an assessment of needs (GAP analysis) relating to wildlife diversity and integrity, will be completed to ensure continued habitat rehabilitation and protection beyond RAP delisting.

Research and Monitoring Actions x A St. Clair River shoreline survey for rehabilitation and design of restorative works report. x Pre- and post monitoring of fish abundance and diversity in areas designated for shoreline softening projects to assess the success of aquatic habitat rehabilitation; x Complete a GIS analysis of existing 2006 data to determine tributary lengths, amount of existing riparian habitat, land use and land ownership in order to establish targets. x Benthic monitoring and fish habitat assessments in the tributaries flowing directly into the St. Clair River following major rehabilitation pilot projects in order to measure ecological benefits. x As identified in Recommendation 3.4, work with Walpole Island Heritage Centre to develop a list identifying priority coastal wetland sites on WIFN for CWS wetland habitat quality assessments (i.e., water quality, macroinvertebrate, submerged aquatic vegetation, and marsh birds); and, x Complete wetland assessments and obtain results from WIFN/CWS and WIFN/Bird Studies Canada wetland assessments in order to determine their biological integrity and functionality. x Walpole Island Heritage Centre to identify and develop habitat and community project proposals that will contribute to restoring BUIs for habitat/shoreline remediation i.e., wetland rehabilitation plan

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161

BENEFICIAL USES “REQUIRING FURTHER ASSESSMENT” BUI # 1 - Tainting of Fish and Wildlife Flavour 1995 Delisting Criteria Current BUI Status When survey results confirm no tainting of fish or wildlife flavour. Requires further assessment on a St. Clair River basis. x A 1995 controlled subjective olfactory sensory evaluation Existing Monitoring Programs of tainting in walleye revealed no identifiable tainting by a There are no consistent monitoring programs to address this BUI. panel of BPAC members and the public (Myllyoja and Johnson, 1995). Responsible Organizations x The results of an Angler Survey (1996 – 1997) revealed EC, MNR, MOE that, out of 291 respondents that voiced concern over the fish they caught, four percent (N=11) reported fish tainting in previous years (Dawson, 1999). x Not one of the 106 respondents that consumed wildlife raised the issue of chemical contamination of. There was no mention of tainting of wildlife flavour. Research and Monitoring Actions x Develop an appropriate methodology (e.g. questionnaire, fish tainting panel) to evaluate fish tainting in the St. Clair River AOC (Timeline: 2007; Cost: questionnaire $2K, fish tainting panel cost unknown) x Include all partners (U.S., Canadian, and First Nations) and use information gathered to assess the status of the BUI based on study results.

BUI # 2 - Degraded Fish and Wildlife Populations 1995 Delisting Criteria Current BUI Status No specific delisting criteria for the St. Clair River are Dynamics of Fish Populations - Not Impaired developed for "degradation of fish and wildlife The fish community is considered diverse and FCGOs support the populations”. current fish community structure.

Existing Monitoring Programs Body Burdens of Fish - Requires further study on a Great Lakes x Bird Studies Canada marsh monitoring program Basin basis x Southern Ontario bald eagle monitoring project The role of exposure of fish to contaminants originating from outside the x MNR angler creel surveys St. Clair River relative to local sources is considered essential for a comprehensive evaluation. x MOE and EC fish contaminants program

x EC fish and wildlife health effects study Dynamics of Wildlife Populations - Requires further study on a site x MNR and DFO fish community assessment basis x 2006-2007 amphibian contaminant and reproductive No current information is available on wildlife population dynamics. study. x Canadian Wildlife Service wetland evaluations (wildlife) Body Burdens of Wildlife - Requires further study on a Great Lakes commenced in 2006 with plans to include the Walpole Basin basis Island First Nation delta in 2008. Wildlife contaminants studies on snapping turtles, Forster’s tern and black-tern, and mink have been completed. The Canadian Wildlife Responsible Organizations Service is currently conducting a 2006-2007 amphibian contaminant EC, MNR, MOE, WIFN, DFO study. Research and Monitoring Actions x Determine the relative role of out of basin sources (i.e., atmospheric contaminants), local on-going sources, and local sources from historical sediment contamination (same action as identified as for BUI Restrictions on Fish and Wildlife Consumption). x Conduct additional monitoring studies to determine the extent to which contaminant exposure and uptake occurs in mergansers, over-wintering waterfowl and other game species to address the BUIs “consumption of wildlife” (same action as identified as for BUI Restrictions on Fish and Wildlife Consumption). x Evaluate aquatic wildlife population dynamics in the AOC including Walpole Island First Nation through wetland evaluations (Timeline: 2007-2009, Cost: $10K/year). x Work with existing Species at Risk programs (i.e., Canadian Wildlife Service, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and Walpole Island Heritage Centre) and synthesize information to comprehensively wildlife related BUIs (Timeline: ongoing)

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162 BUI # 3 - Fish Tumours and Other Deformities 1995 Delisting Criteria Current BUI Status No specific delisting criteria have been developed for this Requires further assessment on a site specific basis BUI for the St. Clair River. The St. Clair River Stage 1- Environmental Conditions and Problem Definition reported that external tumours or skin lesions (i.e., lymphocystic Existing Monitoring Programs and dermal sarcoma) on fish (particularly walleye), caused concern among There are no consistent ongoing monitoring programs to anglers. Research by Johnson et al. (1990) later revealed that tumours may examine fish tumours, rather individual studies have been not be linked to anthropogenic factors, but rather by viral skin diseases. conducted with the most recent collection completed in 2006. A caging study to investigate fish tumours revealed one incident concerning liver tumours and early neoplastic tissue changes in a caged fish held Responsible Organizations downstream of the Sarnia industrial complex (Pollutech, 1989). The Stage 2 EC, MOE Recommended Plan recognized a growing consensus and sufficient evidence suggesting liver tumours are caused by chemical factors. For this reason additional studies are required on a site specific basis.

In 1999, liver samples from 61 fish representing 19 species from different trophic positions (bottom feeders to piscivorous fish) were evaluated to determine the liver tumour by the University of Guelph Pathobiology Laboratory using accepted histopathological criteria (Hayes, 2002). Results revealed no confirmed liver tumours. Environment Canada’s National Water Research Institute has been collecting River Redhorse Suckers from the St. Clair River (2001-2006) to evaluate livers for tumours. Results are pending further analysis. Research and Monitoring Actions Await a report on the 2006 fish collection and liver evaluation from EC-NWRI and undertake a comprehensive review on the current status. Integrate previous studies with the 2006 results to determine if this BUI is impaired or not impaired. (A complete liver tumour assessment completed by Environment Canada’s National Water Research Institute is anticipated by the end of 2007).

BUI # 4 - Bird or Animal Deformities or Other Reproductive Problems 1995 Delisting Criteria Current BUI Status No specific delisting criteria have been developed for this Requires further assessment in the SCR BUI for the St. Clair River. The Stage 1 document provided no evidence of bird and animal deformities. The Stage 2 document recommended further assessment for Existing Monitoring Programs the St. Clair River AOC based on chironomid mouth-part deformities. There are no consistent ongoing monitoring programs to Contaminant concentrations in snapping turtle eggs from Walpole Island examine bird and animal deformities and reproductive have been measured on three separate occasions during the 1990s. Results problems, rather individual studies have been conducted from the 1992, 1995, and 1999 studies indicate that the mean total PCB with the most recent examining amphibian contaminant concentration has not changed markedly over time (Ashpole, 2003; CWS and deformity rates occurring in 2006-2007 (WIHC and database). Contaminant levels in terns and mink have been measured CWS). (1999-2004) and are not suspected of having reproductive impacts (Martin et al, 2004; Weseloh and Jermyn, unpublished). Responsible Organizations EC Assessment of snapping turtle egg hatching success and deformity rates indicated no difference between Walpole Island turtle eggs and eggs from the Algonquin Park. The frequency of hatchling deformity in individuals from Walpole Island was similar to the Algonquin Park reference site (Ashpole, 2004).

Research and Monitoring Actions x Integrate previous studies on birds, reptiles and mammals with the 2006/2007 amphibian results. x Complete a comprehensive assessment of vertebrate classes to determine the status of this BUI (i.e. Impaired, Not- Impaired, Requires Further Study on a Site-Specific Basis).

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163

BENEFICIAL USES DESIGNATED AS “NOT IMPAIRED”

BUI # 1 – Eutrophication or Undesirable Algae 1995 Delisting Criteria Current BUI Status - Not Impaired No specific delisting criteria have been developed for this The 1991 Stage 1 and the 1995 Stage 2 indicate that the waters of the St. BUI for the St. Clair River. Clair river are mesotrophic and algae do not occur at nuisance levels.

BUI # 2 – Degradation of Phytoplankton and Zooplankton Populations 1995 Delisting Criteria Current BUI Status - Not Impaired There are no delisting criteria specific to the St. Clair The species composition of phytoplankton and zooplankton reflect the River AOC. oligotrophic to mesotrophic conditions of lower Lake Huron (Stage 1 RAP, 1991).

There are no Existing Monitoring Programs for the above BUIs and no long term monitoring is needed for the St. Clair River AOC.

St. Clair River Canadian RAP Work Plan 2007 28

164 ST. CLAIR RIVER AOC - RESEARCH AND MONITORING WORKPLAN Recommendation Actions 07 08 09 10 Beyond Lead Comment Determine the relative Understand migratory habits Restrictions on Fish contribution of out of basin of both fish and wildlife and and Wildlife sources (e.g., atmospheric likelihood of local exposure. contaminants, source water from Sources within SCR-AOC Consumption * * EC/ MOE L. Huron), local on-going must be addressed first. sources, and local sources from EC-Head and Mouth historical sediment monitoring current program. contamination. Work with MOE and MNR to develop consistent, long-term, corridor-wide collections of sport fish species from the Most recent sampling 2006. upper, middle and lower St. Clair Next field sampling and River to track spatial and * * MOE/MNR contaminant analysis to be temporal contaminant trends. conducted in 2009, Fish sampling in the Upper, assessment/reporting 2010. Middle and Lower St. Clair River should be conducted every four years.

Conduct additional monitoring study Fieldreview Lit. Finalreport studies to determine the extent Recommend a literature to which contaminant exposure review of BSC and EC and uptake occurs in research result. Consult with EC/ WIFN mergansers, over-wintering WIFN. Possible research by waterfowl and other game 2008 depending on literature species to address the BUIs review results (2007). “consumption of wildlife”. Assess BUI, review and revise * * EC/ MOE Report on 2006 fish sampling. delisting criteria

Degradation of SLEA conducting triad study Establish a technical committee Benthos MOE, EC, in 2007 to complement to examine existing data and the * SLEA previous studies. need for additional studies. Committee: MOE, SLEA, EC

Complete a clear and concise synthesis of existing information to document existing conditions and trends on benthic communities and body burdens. Identify information gaps in order to review existing delisting criteria, (i.e., Integrate findings * EC, MOE Currently underway. of the Benthic Assessment of Sediment (Beast) National Water Research Institute, Sarnia Lambton Environmental Association, Great Lakes Institute of Environmental Research).

Technical committee to determine the need to continue the comprehensive (MOE) benthic community assessment MOE, EC, for the entire St. Clair River and * SLEA delta to determine overall benthic community health as was completed in 1957, 1968, 1977, 1985, 1990, 1994. Undertake voluntary benthic SLEA study initiated 2007; * * macro-invert studies. completion 2008.

September, 2007 - St. Clair River Canadian RAP Work Plan 2007 29

165 ST. CLAIR RIVER AOC - RESEARCH AND MONITORING WORKPLAN Recommendation Actions 07 08 09 10 Beyond Lead Comment Assess BUI, review and revised * delisting criteria Synthesize existing sediment Restrictions on contaminant data for the St. Dredging Activities Clair River such as: Consult with GLIER and PWGSC for each dredging event synthesize results from * EC, MOE in the St. Clair River AOC; Drouillard, Hafner and MOE and EC sediment core Ciborowski. results, and SLEA sediment results Assess BUI, review and revise * EC, MOE delisting criteria. Review and, if necessary, revise the delisting criteria for Restrictions on Recommendation to establish drinking water “restrictions on drinking water * * MOE, EC a team to examine BUI. consumption or consumption or taste and odour taste and odour problems”. problems Evaluate ongoing and potential Four Requires input from all need for future improvements to * Agencies, stakeholders monitoring programs. WIFN Continue to monitor spills to the * * * * MOE, St. Clair River. Obtain routine beach Beach Closings surveillance data from Lambton EC, MOE, County and Chatham-Kent * Health Completed Community Health Services Units Departments Identify and evaluate the EC, MOE, source(s) of bacterial * * * * Health contamination of beaches Units Evaluate the performance of municipal infrastructure upgrades on sewage treatment MOE, * * * * plants, stormwater treatment, Municipalities and combined sewer overflows and facility optimization Conduct River wide bacterial MOE, Conduct shoreline sampling at screening in 2008 and compare * Health day-use areas. with results from 2005. Units Work closely with Walpole Island First Nation to determine * EC, WIFN if there are beach closings at local beaches Assess BUI, review and revise EC, MOE * delisting criteria. Conduct sampling at SCR creek mouths to determine if the AOC creeks that enter into the river * MOE have a significant impact upon the presence and concentrations of Escherichia coli. Develop an appropriate Degradation of methodology (i.e., questionnaire, Aesthetics contact MOE district office, Health Units, municipalities and 2007 River wide survey of EC, MOE, the MNR to determine if there * * aesthetics. BPAC have been recent complaints) to $5K Contact local offices in 2008. evaluate degradation of aesthetics in the St. Clair River AOC. Assess BUI, review and revise * EC, MOE delisting criteria.

St. Clair River Canadian RAP Work Plan 2007 30

166 ST. CLAIR RIVER AOC - RESEARCH AND MONITORING WORKPLAN Recommendation Actions 07 08 09 10 Beyond Lead Comment Through a survey, or other Added Costs to means, examine if industry or Agriculture or agricultural sectors have incurred Industry extra costs due to water * EC, MOE, treatment methods or due to disposal of contaminated sediments.

Review and revise existing * EC, MOE delisting criteria

Complete pre- and post Loss of Fish and monitoring of fish use and Wildlife Habitat diversity in areas designated for DFO,MNR, Consider expanding this to all * * shoreline softening projects to EC habitat projects. assess success of aquatic habitat rehabilitation. Complete a GIS analysis of existing 2006 data to determine tributary lengths, amount of MNR, * existing riparian habitat, land use RLSN and land ownership in order to establish targets. Continue benthic monitoring and fish habitat assessments in the tributaries flowing directly into the St. Clair River following * * * * SCRCA major rehabilitation pilot projects to measure ecological benefits (1A). Consult with Walpole Island Heritage Centre to develop a list of priority coastal wetland sites on WIFN for CWS wetland * EC, WIFN habitat quality assessments (i.e., water quality, macroinvertebrate, submerged aquatic vegetation and marsh birds). Complete wetland assessments and obtain results from WIFN/CWS and WIFN/Bird Studies Canada wetland * * EC, WIFN assessments in order to determine wetland biological integrity. Develop a methodology (i.e., Tainting of Fish and questionnaire, fish tainting Wildlife Flavour panel) to evaluate fish tainting in the St. Clair River AOC. EC, MOE, Include all partners (U.S., $5K First Canadian, First Nations) and use Nations information gathered to assess the status of the BUI based on study results. Determine the relative role of out of basin contaminant Degraded Fish and Understand migratory habits sources (i.e., atmospheric Wildlife Populations of both fish and wildlife and contaminants), local on-going local exposure. sources, and local sources from * * EC/MOE Sources within SCR-AOC historical sediment must be addressed first. contamination (same action as EC-Head and Mouth identified as for BUI monitoring program. Restrictions on Fish and Wildlife Consumption).

St. Clair River Canadian RAP Work Plan 2007 31

167 ST. CLAIR RIVER AOC - RESEARCH AND MONITORING WORKPLAN Recommendation Actions 07 08 09 10 Beyond Lead Comment

Conduct additional monitoring Field Lit. studyreview * reportFinal * studies to determine the extent to which contaminant exposure Recommend a literature and uptake occurs in review of BSC and EC mergansers, over-wintering research result. Consult with waterfowl and other game EC/WIFN WIFN. Possible research by species to address the BUIs 2008 depending on literature “consumption of wildlife” (same review results (2007). action as identified as for BUI Restrictions on Fish and Wildlife Consumption). Evaluate aquatic wildlife population dynamics in the AOC including Walpole Island * * * EC/WIFN First Nation through wetland evaluations Utilize existing Species at Risk program research data to assess EC/ BUI status (i.e., Canadian WIFN/ * * * Wildlife Service, Department of MNR/SCR Fisheries and Oceans, and CA /DFO Walpole Island Heritage Centre) Obtain a report on the 2006 fish collection and liver evaluation Fish Tumours and A complete liver tumour from the NWRI and undertake a Other Deformities assessment completed the comprehensive review on the * * NWRI National Water Research current status. Integrate previous Institute is anticipated by the studies with the 2001 results to end of 2008. determine if this BUI is impaired or not impaired. Integrate previous studies on work Field * Bird or Animal birds, reptiles and mammals with Deformities or the 2006/2007 amphibian * EC Other Reproductive results. Problems

Complete an assessment of report Final * vertebrate classes to determine the status of this BUI (i.e. * EC Impaired, Not- Impaired, Requires Further Study on a Site-Specific Basis).

St. Clair River Canadian RAP Work Plan 2007 32

168 SECTION 5 – PUBLIC OUTREACH AND EDUCATION

#5.1 Recommendation Continue to develop and implement education and communication programs to deal with significant actions for RAP Implementation. BUIs potentially impacted Current status x All BUIs Numerous public education projects have been initiated over the years, such as: the Friends of St. Clair River website; Waterways of Wildlife Rationale (Biodiversity Atlas for the Huron to Erie Corridor); St. Clair Region The St. Clair River RAP should have an ongoing strategy to Conservation Authority educational programs; St. Clair River Binational educate the public and promote the objectives and mandate Public Advisory Council (BPAC) fact sheets, and the BPAC/ Friends of to rehabilitate and delist the AOC. As such, key St. Clair St. Clair River 2006 summer public awareness campaign and photo River education and outreach efforts should be ongoing to contest. In addition, the BPAC/FOSCR completed an advertising encourage progress to completing recommended actions. campaign targeting local media outlets (TV, radio, news) including the The St. Clair River AOC should use resources to increase development of a media kit (advertisements, news releases, etc) for use by attention on its efforts as increased public attention will the BPAC and the Canadian RAP Implementation Committee. A Power garner increased public support. Point Presentation was completed to engage public groups to educate key Responsible Organizations stakeholder of the need to complete priority remedial actions. BPAC, SCRCA, EC, MOE, MNR, DFO Actions x Support the BPAC in their efforts to enhance local coordination of present and future public outreach projects (e.g. Photo Contest & Promotions; Advertising Campaign; News Releases; Power Point Presentation, Portable Display; Report Card, Fact Sheet). x Develop outreach/ education materials to promote the rehabilitation of nearshore aquatic habitat and shoreline softening, such as shoreline tabloid, website, presentation, demonstration day. x Recognize the need for and provide funding support for RAP coordination. x Continue to provide support to the Friends of the St. Clair River (Canada) for information development and BPAC outreach projects. x Develop education materials to Inform the public on correct direct discharges of untreated grey water from boats x Celebrate successes and milestones via site visits for public and agency trips to implementation sites.

ST. CLAIR RIVER AOC - PUBLIC OUTREACH AND EDUCATION Recommendation Actions 07 08 09 10 Beyond Lead Support the BPAC in their efforts to enhance local Continue to develop coordination of present and future public outreach and implement projects (e.g. Photo Contest & Promotions, * * * * * EC/ MOE education and Advertising Campaign, News Releases, Power communication Point Presentation, Portable Display, Report Card, programs to deal with Fact Sheet). significant actions for RAP Implementation. Develop outreach/ education materials to promote Fact Demonst the rehabilitation of nearshore aquatic habitat and sheet -ration * SCRCA shoreline softening (5K) Day (3K) Recognize the need for and provide funding * * * * * MOE/ EC support for RAP coordination. Continue to provide support to the Friends of the St. Clair River (Canada) for information * * * * development and BPAC outreach projects Develop education materials to Inform the public DFO, MOE, on correct direct discharges of untreated grey water * * * CCG from boats. Celebrate successes and milestones via site visits * * * * CRIC for public and agency trips to implementation sites.

St. Clair River Canadian RAP Work Plan 2007 33

169 Appendix 1. Explanation of the St. Clair River Area of Concern Boundary

The 1991 Stage 1 “Problem Definition” defined the Lake Huron AOC as the St. Clair River proper. The boundaries extended from the Blue Water Bridge to the southern tip of Seaway Island, west to St. John’s Marsh and east to include the north shore of Mitchell’s Bay on Lake St. Clair. This area encompasses Walpole Island First Nation Territory

In 1995, the Stage 2 - Recommended Plan, expanded the scope of the RAP to encompass the immediate drainage basin (Area 1 in green) of the St. Clair River and include the immediate watershed area including the tributary creeks (Talfourd, Baby, Bowens, Clay, Marshy) in Ontario (see Figure 2.2 o the 1995 Stage 2 –Recommended Plan). Lake St. Clair

Additional habitat rehabilitation opportunities were identified in the late 1990s (Area 1B). The map to the left illustrates the approximate AOC boundaries.

St. Clair River Canadian RAP Work Plan 2007 34

170 171 172 Appendix C St. Clair River Tributaries Report Card

173 174 175 176 Lake St. Clair Tributaries Report Card

177 178 179 180 Appendix D List of Acronyms ABCA - Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority AO - Aesthetic Objective AOC - Area of Concern ARDA - Agricultural and Rural Development Act BUI - Beneficial Use Impairment CA - Conservation Authority CCME - Canadian Council of Ministries of the Environment CDW - Committee on Drinking Water CEQG - Canadian Environmental Quality Guidelines CN - Canadian National CNR - Canadian National Railways CO - Conservation Ontario CoAs - Certificates of Approvals COA - Canada-Ontario Agreement C & O - Chesapeake and Ohio COSEWIC - Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada CPR - Canadian Pacific Railway CSO - Combined Sewer Overflow CURB - Clean Up Rural Beaches DAR - Development Assessment Report DFO - Department of Fisheries and Oceans DNAPLs - Dense Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids DOC - Dissolved Organic Carbon DWIS - Drinking Water Information System DWS - Drinking Water Systems DWSP - Drinking Water Surveillance Program EIS - Environmental Impact Statement EMRB - Environmental Monitoring and Reporting Branch END - Endangered ERCA - Essex Region Conservation Authority FBI - Family Biotic Index FN - First Nation FTU - Formazin Turbidity Unit GLWQA - Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement HPC - Heterotrophic Plate Count IAP - Initiative Action Plan IAP - Infrared Aerial Photography IAS - Invasive Alien Species IC - Implementation Committee IJC - International Joint Commission IMAC - Interim MAC IPWQO - Interim Provincial Water Quality Objectives IPZ - Intake Protection Zones ISI - Intrinsic Susceptibility Index IRS - Indian Research Satellite LaMP - Lakewide Management Plan LAWSS - Lambton Area Water Supply System LHPWSS - Lake Huron Primary Water Supply System

St. Clair River Watershed Plan - AOC Area 1-A

181 LTVCA - Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority MAC - Maximum Acceptable Concentration MCL - Maximum Concentration Level MDL - Method Detection Limit MISA - Municipal Industrial Strategy for Abatement NAR - Not At Risk NHIC - Natural Heritage Information Centre NIS - Non-native Invasive Species NPDWRs - National Primary Drinking Water Regulations NTU - Nephelometric Turbidity Unit OBBN - Ontario Benthic Biomonitoring Network ODWS - Ontario Drinking Water Standard OG - Operational Guideline OMOE - Ontario Ministry of Environment OMNR - Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources OMAF - Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food OMAFRA - Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs OMMAH - Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing OMNDM - Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mining OWRA - Ontario Water Resources Act PAHs - Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons PCBs - Polychlorinated Biphenyls PGMIS - Provincial Groundwater Monitoring Information System PTTW - Permit To Take Water PWQMN - Provincial Water Quality Monitoring Network PWQO - Provincial Water Quality Objective PWSS - Primary Water Supply System RAP - Remedial Action Plan ROM - Royal Ontario Museum SAR - Species at Risk SC - Special Concern SCRCA - St. Clair Region Conservation Authority SOLRIS - Southern Ontario Land Resources Information System SOLEC - State of the Great Lakes Ecosystem Conference SOWAQ - Southern Ontario Water Quality SVCA - Sydenham Valley Conservation Authority SWIG - Source Water Implementation Group TDS - Total Dissolved Solids TEC - Technical Experts Committee THMs - Trihalomethanes THR - Threatened USEPA - United States Environmental Protection Agency UTRCA - Upper Thames River Conservation Authority WHI - Waterloo Hydrogeologic, Inc WHPA - Wellhead Protection Area WSS - Water Supply System WTP - Water Treatment Plant WWTP - Wastewater Treatment Plant

St. Clair River Watershed Plan - AOC Area 1-A

182 Appendix E References Campbell, C.A, 1974. A preliminary assessment of ecological assets and impacts on Walpole Island Indian Reserve. Prepared for Indian and Northern Affairs, Ontario Regional Office, Planning Sect8on. 29 pp.

Cinura, K.A., L.A. Meyerson, and A. Gutierrez. 2004. The ecological and socio-economic impacts of invasive alien species in inland water ecosystems. Report to the Conservation on Biological Diversity on behalf of the Global Invasive Species Programme, Washington, D.C. p 34 (may be downloaded at http://www.biodiv.org/doc/ref/alien/ias-inland-waters-en.pdf)

Conservation Ontario. 2003. The Guide to Watershed Report. Prepared by Conservation Ontario in partnership with the Government of Ontario, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority and the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority.

Edwards, A., J. Barnucz and N.E. Mandrak, 2006. Boat electro-fishing survey of the fish assemblages in the St. Clair River, Ontario. Can. Manuscr.Rpt.Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2742:v + 57 p.

Environment Canada, 2004. How much habitat is enough? A framework for Guiding Habitat Rehabilitation in Great Lakes Areas of Concern. Second Edition. Available from Canadian Wildlife Service, Downsview, Ontario or wildlife.ontario.ec.gc.ca

Environment Canada, Freshwater Website, Fluctuating Water Levels (Great Lakes), July 2006

ESA 59 in “University of Waterloo. 1980. Lambton County preliminary environmentally significant areas study. Prepared for the County of Lambton Planning Department, Sarnia, Ontario. 243 pp.”

Eyles, N., Arnaud, E., Scheidegger, A.E., and Eyles, C.H. 1997. Bedrock jointing and geomorphology in southern Ontario, Canada; an example of tectonic predesign: Geomorphology, 19, 17-34.

Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research & Department Biological Sciences, University of Windsor, 2006, Revised via Environment Canada comments Aug 3, 2008.

Hilsenhoff, W.L. 1988. Rapid Field Assessment of Organic Pollution with a Family Level Biotic Index, J. N. Am. Benthol. Soc., 7:65-68

Hilsenhoff, op.cit.

Holm, Erling. 2001. Report to the Ministry of Natural Resources, Chatham Area Office on Biological Inventory and Assessment Activities in the Sydenham River between Tupperville and Dresden,June 2001 l15 pp. http:lis.sarnia.com/pdf%20files/Water2Biomonitoring.pdf Retrieved November 6 2005. http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/water-eau/drink-potab/cyanobacteria-cyanobacteries_e.html http://city.sarnia.on.ca/pdf/Planning_Brownfields_Community_Improve_Plan.pdf

INTERA Technologies Ltd., 1992 Hydrogeologic Study of the Fresh Water Aquifer and Deep Geologic Formations, Sarnia, Ontario

Jacques Whitford-AXYS, Proposed Shell Refinery Project, Surface Water Baseline Report, April 2008

Jacques Whitford Environment Ltd 2001, Sydenham River Recovery Plan.

Klinkenberg, R. 1984. Life Science Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest in Site District 7-1: A Review and Assessment of Significant Natural Areas in Site District 7-1. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, London. Vii + 22pp. + appendices

Lake St. Clair Canadian Watershed Technical Report: an examination of current conditions, 2005, Environment Canada and Lake St. Clair Canadian Watershed Coordination Council.

St. Clair River Watershed Plan - AOC Area 1-A

183 Lambton County Groundwater Study, Dillon and Golder, 2004

Lambton County Planning and Development Department, Lambton County Official Plan, 1997, Section 3.8

Metcalfe-Smith, J., A. MacKenzie, I. Carmichael and D. McGoldrick. 2005. “Photo Field Guide to the Freshwater Mussels of Ontario” St. Thomas Field Naturalist Club Incorporated, St. Thomas, ON. 60pp.(in press)

Metcalfe-Smith, J. L. 1999. Sydenham River Mussel Communities. Unpublished report from National Water Research Institute. 12pp.

NHIC website www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/nhic/nhic.html

Natural Resources Canada, 2007, From Impacts to Adaptation: Canada in a Changing Climate, Chapter 6: Ontario or Jacques Whitford, Consultant, Draft EA, Apr 14, 2008, Shell Refinery, p. 6-107-109.

Ontario Ministry of Finance, Ontario Population Projections, 2004-2031

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Natural Heritage Resource Centre (NHIC), 2006

Report on Spills in the Great Lakes Basin – with a special focus on the St. Clair-Detroit River Corridor, July 2006, International Joint Commission

SCRCA Board Report – PGWMN, November 2008, H. MacKenzie & M. Andreae

Shawn Staton 2004 pers. commun.

Sierra Legal, 2006 www.sierralegal.org

St. Clair AOC Stage 1RAP, 1992

St. Clair Region Conservation Authority Watershed Description Report, April 2007

St. Clair Region Draft Watershed Characterization Report, August 2007, Section 3.0 Water Quality

St. Clair River Canadian RAP Work Plan 2007, p. 14

St. Clair River Remedial Action Committee, St. Clair River Area of Concern Canadian Remedial Action Plan Implementation Committee Work Plan, 2007.

State of Canada’s Environment (SOE) Report, 1991, Minister of the Environment.

Township of St. Clair, Township of St. Clair Official Plan, 2001, Section 3.3 Stormwater Management

Traditional Ecological Knowledge Study: Walpole Island First Nation and the St. Clair River Corridor, Final Report, 2008, Victor P. Lytwyn, Ph.D., for Walpole Island FN.

University of Waterloo op.cit.

Walpole Island Heritage Centre, 2002, Species at Risk on the Walpole Island First Nation.

Woodliffe, P.A. and G.M. Allen, 1990. A Life Science Inventory and Ranking of 30 Natural Areas of Walpole Island Indian Reserve pp. 37-48 in “Conserving Carolinian Canada”, edited by G.M. Allen, P.F.J. Eagles and S.D. Price.

www.scrca.on.ca

www.friendsofstclair.ca

St. Clair River Watershed Plan - AOC Area 1-A

184

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Watershed Plan - 5L LU

Draft 6W October, 2009 AOC Area 1-A

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with funding support from

St. Clair Region Conservation Authority 205 Mill Pond Cr. Strathroy, ON, N7G 3P9 E-Mail [email protected] Website: www.scrca.on.ca