Wahnapitae Water Management Plan

Scoping Report

December, 2004

Plan Author Jeff Fournier, Power Generation With the Research Assistance of The Wahnapitae Water Management Planning team Table of Contents

1. Table of Contents 46. Mcvittie Generating Station 2. Important Information About This Document 47. Mcvittie Dam Site 3. Introduction 48. Mcvittie Water Levels, Flows, Storage 4. Scoping Report For The Wahnapitae Water 49. Mcvittie Generating Station Water Levels, Flows, Management Plan Storage 5. Purpose of the Wahnapitae Water Management 50. Burnt Lake Weir (Dam) Plan 51. How Was The Current Level & Flow Operating 6. Wahnapitae Water Management Plan Highlights Strategy Developed? 7. The Wahnapitae Watershed – Physical 52. Water Monitoring / Regulation On The Wahnapitae Description and Facts 53. Current Operating Strategy – Lake Wahnapitae 8. Land Cover – Wahnapitae Watershed 54. Current Operating Strategy – Generating Stations 9. Surficial Geology: Wahnapitae Watershed 55. Ice On The Wahnapitae 10. Wahnapitae – Geology/Topography 56. Public & First Nation Consultation For A New 11. Wahnapitae Watershed Pits, Quarries and Waste Water Management Plan Sites 57. Consultation 12. Climate and Hydrological Information 13. Wahnapitae Bathymetric Data 14. Fisheries On The Wahnapitae 15. Fisheries On The Wahnapitae 16. Commercial Fisheries On The Wahnapitae 17. Wahnapitae Watershed – Bait Fish Areas 18. Wildlife Within the Wahnapitae Watershed 19. Wiaterfowl Habitat Requirements - Invertebrates On the Wahnapitae 20. Wahnapitae Watershed – Wetland Values 21. Species At Risk On The Wahnapitae 22. Wahnapitae Watershed – Moose Aquatics 23. Parks And Protected Areas Within The Wahnapitae Watershed 24. Parks And Protected Areas On The Wahnapitae (Table) 25. Wahnapitae Watershed – OLL Sites and Ownership 26. Wahnapitae – Cultural and Environmental Areas 27. Wahnapitae Recreational Map 28. Wahnapitae Watershed – Trap Line Areas 29. Wahnapitae Water Treatment & Intake / Other Water Uses 30. Overview of Levels, Flows & Power Production 31. North River & Wahnapitae Lake Tributaries 32. Wahnapitae Lake / River Inflows 33. Wahnapitae Control Dam 34. Wahnapitae Lake Dam Site 35. Wahnapitae Lake Water Levels, Flows, Storage 36. Moose Rapids Generating Station 37. Moose Rapids Water Levels, Flows, Storage & MW Capacity 38. Stinson Generating Station 39. Stinson Dam Site 40. Stinson Water Levels, Flows, Storage 41. Stinson Water Levels, Flows, Storage 42. Coniston Generating Station 43. Coniston Dam Site 44. Coniston Water Levels, Flows, Storage 45. Coniston Water Levels, Flows, Storage 1 Important Information About This Document!!!

This printed document is an “executive summary” covering the most pertinent details in the Wahnapitae Water Management Plan Scoping Report. It is user-friendly and designed for quick and easy reference. Whenever the symbol to the right appears in this document, refer to the accompanying CD for more detailed information.

Acronyms & Abbreviations Used In This Document ANSI Area of Natural and Scientific Interest BI Business Instruction CFWIP Community Fisheries and Wildlife Program Acknowledgements CGD Geodetic Datum CMS Cubic Metres per second CR Conservation Reserve The Planning Team and DCP Data Collection Platform Steering Committee DFO Fisheries and Oceans EBR Environmental Bill of Rights would Like to EE Evergreen Energy acknowledge the EECC Evergreen Energy Control Center EMA Enhanced Management Area tremendous contribution FNAC Advisory Committee FR Forest Reserve made to this document FWIN Fall Walleye Index Netting and the Water GS Generating Station KW Killowatt Management Process, by LO License of Occupation the members of the LRIA Land and Rivers Improvement Act m Metres Public Advisory MNR Ministry of Natural Resources MOEE Ministry of Environment and Energy Committee (PAC), who MSL Meters Above Sea Level gave freely of their time MTO Ministry of Transportation Ontario MW Megawatt on a voluntary basis. MWh Megawatt hour(s) Their input and advice NDCA Nickel District Conservation Authority NRVIS Natural Resource Values Information System helped shape this NTS Not To Scale OFAT Ontario Flow Assessment Techniques document and helped fill OLL Ontario's Living Legacy numerous information OPG Ontario Power Generation OPG-EE Ontario Power Generation – Evergreen Energy gaps. PAC Public Advisory Committee PP Provincial Park PWGSC Public Works and Government Services Canada THANK YOU!! SAR Species At Risk SPOFF Strategic Plan for Ontario Fisheries TWh Tera Watt hour(s) VTE Vulnerable, Threatened or Endangered Species WIP Work Instruction Procedure (OPG) WMP Water Management Plan WPLA Water Power Lease Agreement

**Refer to CD for a complete glossary of terms** 2 Introduction The Lake Wahnapitae control dam was constructed in the latter half of the 19th century to serve the interests of the logging industry. Early in the 20th century, the dam was rebuilt to aid in water storage for the production of hydroelectricity, intended primarily for use by the mining industry. While it did serve this purpose, the dam also proved invaluable in flood mitigation on the Wahnapitae River. Moreover, it created numerous recreational and economic opportunities for area residents, businesses and so forth. Having taken ownership of the Lake Wahnapitae dam and the three hydroelectric generating stations on the Wahnapitae River between 1929 and 1930, the Hydroelectric Power Commission of Ontario (formerly Ontario Hydro and now Ontario Power generation - OPG) also took over the responsibility of water level and flow management for the system. Much of what occurs with respect to water levels and flows on the Wahnapitae (or any other watershed for that matter), is determined by variables such as precipitation, temperature, topology and geology. Working in close conjunction with the public, area businesses, First Nations, the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and many other regulatory agencies, and by carefully tracking water level and flow trends over the years, OPG has been able to employ a reasonably balanced operating regime to exert a degree of control over the Wahnapitae system: one of its primary objectives being flood mitigation. This current regime, or Water Management Plan (WMP), incorporates a myriad of environmental, social and economic values of importance to these individuals and groups. It has a variety of water level and flow constraints – most of them voluntary - that take into account the multiple uses of the river, while ensuring the structural and operational integrity of the dam site and generating facilities. The watershed’s newest hydroelectric generating facility– Moose Rapids generating station, owned by Canadian Hydro Developers Inc. – has only negligible control over the water levels and flows on the Wahnapitae River. Even so, it was built only after a detailed environmental assessment was undertaken to analyze the effects that this structure would exert on the surrounding ecosystem. Complex studies were conducted and many measures were implemented to ensure that Moose Rapids GS would have as little impact to the site as possible. In 1998, the Ontario Government passed the Energy Competition Act in order to establish a competitive electricity market in Ontario. With an open electricity market, and new private producers vying for a share of it, it was feared that voluntary level and flow constraints could make way for operating decisions that were overly sympathetic to the economics of power production. Thus, in 2000, the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act (LRIA) was amended. It established the authority of the MNR to order the preparation of a formal WMP for waterpower facilities and associated control structures that would ensure legal compliance to water level and flow regimes: hence the necessity for the development of a new plan for the Wahnapitae. The goal of the Wahnapitae WMP is to develop a water level and flow management strategy for the Wahnapitae Lake and River that builds on the current operating regime for the system. It will attempt to balance environmental, social and economic considerations through the sustainable management of waterpower resources. The plan will be prepared according to the Water Management Planning Guidelines for Waterpower (May 2002) and other applicable direction, such as the Aquatic Ecosystem Guidelines, and will result in a comprehensive, legally enforceable WMP. Extreme events such as drought and flood conditions will be defined in the WMP by specific thresholds, in which case other applicable protocols and procedures will be followed. Public and stakeholder participation and input is highly valued by the MNR, OPG, Canadian Hydro Developers, Public Advisory Committee and Wahnapitae First Nations and is believed to be of utmost importance to the development of the final WMP. It is paramount, therefore, that the public clearly understands water management on the Wahnapitae. For this reason, the Wahnapitae Planning Team, Steering Committee and Public Advisory Committee have attempted to compile a scoping report that is straightforward and uncomplicated . Hopefully, it will encourage informed citizens to present issues and concerns regarding water levels and flows in the Wahnapitae watershed, that will ultimately contribute to a more complete and effective Water Management Plan. 3 Scoping Report For The Wahnapitae Water Management Plan (WMP) A formal, written, legally enforceable procedure for managing the water What Will The Wahnapitae WMP Be? levels and flows on Lake Wahnapitae and the Wahnapitae River

OPG Currently Uses a WMP Designed For The Wahnapitae It outlines maximum and minimum water levels and flows allowable at the Wahnapitae Dam and OPG’s 3 hydroelectric generating stations. There are many constraints – some are legally binding, but most have been imposed voluntarily. Canadian Hydro Developers Inc. have an operating strategy for the Moose Rapids Generating Station which they own.

Developed over a period of more than 50 years by OPG with substantial input from: The Public, Industry, Government and First Nations How The Current WMP and consideration for: Safety, Environment, Was Developed Ecosystem, Socioeconomics, Recreation, Power Production and especially…..MOTHER NATURE

The current WMP will form the baseline. The new A New WMP Is plan will take into account the above considerations In The Works and input from those parties mentioned above as well.

•A Public Advisory Committee, Planning Team & Steering Committee Have Been Formed •Relevant Data Has Been Gathered •The Public, Hydroelectric Power Industry, DFO, MNR, NDCA, City of and Wahnapitae First Nations Have Been Consulted – This consultation will be ongoing •THIS SCOPING REPORT WILL PROVIDE THE INFORMATION NECESSARY SO THE PUBLIC CAN GIVE FURTHER INPUT INTO THE NEW WMP WITH REGARDS TO WATER LEVELS & FLOWS ON THE WAHNAPITAE AND WILL BE USED BY THE PLANNING TEAM AND STEERING COMMITTEE TO DEVELOP OPERATING STRATEGY OPTIONS IN ORDER TO DEVELOP A PREFERRED METHOD OF LEVEL AND FLOW OPERATION The new WMP for the Wahnapitae will be publicly accessible and will have to be legally adhered to by the existing or any new facility owners on the watershed. It will contain information regarding the maximum & minimum water levels and flows allowable at OPG and Canadian Hydro Developer Inc. facilities. The WMP will also outline a monitoring program to ensure that it is effective and legally complied to. A formal review process will be implemented for making any future changes to the document. 4 THE MNR WILL OVERSEE THE ENTIRE WMP PROCESS Purpose Of The Wahnapitae Water Management Plan

GOAL>>> To Create A Plan To Manage Water Levels & Flows On The Wahnapitae Lake & River That Balances Socio- Economic & Environmental Needs

DRIVER Energy Competition Act (Bill 35): Opening of Competitive electricity market (May, 2002)

DIRECTION ➢ LRIA (Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act) ➢ Conservation Authority Act ➢ Fisheries Act ➢ Species at Risk Act ➢ Ontario Water Resources Act ➢ Endangered Species Act ➢ Migratory Birds Convention Act ➢ Beyond 2000 ➢ MNR (Ministry of Natural Resources) -- Statement of Environmental Values ➢ Fisheries and Oceans Canada -- Policy for the Management of Fish Habitat ➢ SPOFF II (Strategic Plan for Ontario Fisheries) ➢ Public Lands Act ➢ MNR’s “Water Planning Guidelines for Waterpower”

THE WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN A “document of legal effect” under LRIA, to be approved by Minister or delegate

PRINCIPALS ➢ Transparent Management of WATER LEVELS & FLOWS on the Wahnapitae watershed as affected by generating stations & water control structures ➢ Multi-criteria approach to decision-making -- industry/government/public -- work together ensuring sustainable development – long term health of aquatic ecosystems -- benefits to waterpower industry, Ontario economy, public & First Nations ➢ Increased public understanding of challenges of water resource management & need/contribution of Ontario waterpower industry ➢ Use of Best Available Information ➢ Thorough assessment of options ➢ Adaptive management ➢ Implementation of study findings

WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN STAGES 1. Planning, organization and commencement 2. Scoping 3. Option development, evaluation and selection 4. Draft plan 5. Final plan 6. Plan review and approval 5 Final Water Management Plan Completion Date….March, 2005 Wahnapitae Water Management Plan Highlights

WMP Plan Proponents

Evergreen EnergyTM

MNR

The Facilities ➢Wahnapitae Dam (Ontario Power Generation) ➢Moose Rapids Generating Station (Canadian Hydro Plan Objectives… A Balanced Approach Developers Inc.) ➢Stinson Generating Station (Ontario Power to Water Management Generation) ➢Coniston Generating Station (Ontario Power ***Plan Objectives Were Set As Part Of Scoping Results Generation) With Public Input…..Refer to Issues Document For ➢Mcvittie Generating Station (Ontario Power More Complete Details*** Generation) 1. Flood Mitigation. ➢Burnt Lake Dam (Ministry of Natural Resources) 2. Erosion Mitigation Committees 3. Fisheries Sustainability/Enhancement Public Advisory Committee - advisory role 4. Wildlife & Wetlands Habitat Steering Committee - decision makers Sustainability/ Enhancement Planning Team: data collection/plan authorship 5. Protection of Species at Risk Potential Values Considered In Plan 6. Maximiztion Of Power Generation Development ➢Native Values 7. Maintain Adequate Water Levels for ➢ANSI potable water. ➢Land Use (Other Values) 8. Maintain/Enhance Tourism and ➢Cultural Concerns Recreational Opportunities ➢Land & Resources Tenure – Special Designations 9. Minimize Damage to Shoreline Public Consultation Structures ➢EBR postings 10. Maintain/Enhance Riparian Vegetation ➢Media Advertising and Ecological Integrity ➢Public and First Nation Open Houses 6 ➢Public Advisory Committee ➢Questionnaires The Wahnapitae Watershed – Physical Description and Facts

NOTE Throughout the water management plan Wahnapitae River document, “Wahnapitae” is the only spelling used Watershed (for consistency only) •Covers area approximately 2538 km2 •Northern boundary = 60 km north of Lake Wahnapitae •Southern extent forms the Wahnapitae River down to the French River

Lake Wahnapitae THE MEANING OF THE •Situated 30 km northeast of the WORD “WAHNAPITAE” Wahnapitae, or more correctly, City of Sudbury Wahnapitaeping - as it was spelled •Sudbury District’s largest lake on maps prior to 1856 and called 2 by the Ojibway peoples of the area •Surface area = 83.7 km (largest - was changed to 'Wahnapitae' by lake in the world that is totally Alexander Murray (Geological within a city’s boundaries) survey of Canada) when he surveyed the lake and the river in •Exposed shoreline = 86.9 km 1856. The word ‘Wahnapitae' has •Max. depth = 200 meters no meaning in the Ojibway language without the ending of '- •Lies within the townships of ping'. The former spelling means Rathbun, Scadding, MacLennan “hollow (molar) tooth” and was probably suggested by the Ojibway and Norman. (who were good map makers) prior •Main Bays: Massey Bay on to the arrival of Europeans, due to the outline of the lake which southwest and Outlet Bay on resembles a side view of a molar southeast tooth. •Minor Bays: West Bay on the The Wahnapitae West and Portage Bay on the WMP east Deals only with •Islands = 2% of lake surface levels And flows as they (generally parallel to south & east are shorelines) Affected by the •Outlet of lake located at south control And power dam end of Outlet Bay Facilities on Lake Wahnapitae and the 7 Wahnapitae River Land Cover – Wahnapitae Watershed

8 Surficial Geology Wahnapitae Watershed

Surficial Geology: Wahnapitae Watershed

Surficial G eology (TA) 1- Weakly Broken Bedrock 2- Moderately Broken Bedrock 3- Strongly Broken Bedrock 4- Weakly Broken G round Moraine 5- Moderately Broken Ground Moraine 6- Strongly Broken G round Moraine 7- Weakly Broken End Moraine 8- Moderately Broken End Moraine 9- Strongly Broken End Moraine 10- Esker 11- Weakly Broken Outw ash Deposit 12- Moderately Broken O utwash Deposit N 13- Strongly Broken Outw ash Deposit 14- Lacustrine Deposit 15- Weakly Broken Beach and Aeolian Deposit 16- Moderately Broken Beach and Aeolian Deposit 17- Strongly Broken Beach and Aeolian Deposit 18- Organic Deposit W E 19- Weakly Broken Limestone and Shale Plain 20- Moderately Broken Limestone and Shale Plain 21- Strongly Broken Limestone and Shale Plain 22- Escarpment S 9 Wahnapitae – Geology/Topography

Lake Wahnapitae •Area may be remnant of an ancient crater originating from meteorite impact •Terrain surrounding lake consists of rounded hills •Small lakes or swamps occupy lower and flatter areas •Hills on either side of valley near dam = 305m max. height, 258m minimum •Max. regional relief = 47m •Pleistocene & recent age soil deposits exert local control on topography & drainage in flat, low-lying areas •Dam has Precambrian Shield bedrock as a foundation •Rocks = consist of quartz-fledspar sandstone, siltstone, argillite & conglomerate, gabbro, amphibolite & pyroxenite •Overburden in area consists of silty to sandy till with local cover of lacustrine sand, varved clay, massive clay or silt – numerous bedrock exposures. •Foundation area – 80% occupied by rocks – igneous origin consisting of hard gabbro •20% of foundation area dominated by quartzite (quartz & feldspar) – local carbonate layers and breccia also present Stinson •Area characterized by rounded hills, max. elevation = 305m •Rocks = quartzite – some gabbros & metagabbrose Granitic gneiss – some gneissic metagabbro & anorthosites •Area formed by glaciation •Silty to sandy till – overlain by clay and silt and/or sand – low permeability – good source of fill for dams •Extensive lacustrine deposits composed of varved or massive clay, silt & sand - low permeability – not a good source of fill. •Main dam, spillway, forebay, headworks built on quartzite composed of quartz & feldspar – very hard •Earth-filled block dam located south of Stinson main dam in shallow depression – area is flat with glacial till Coniston •Local topographic relief = 55m, ranges in elevation from 276m to 221m •Bedrock below station = granitic gneiss Metagabbro rock, Mafic igneous gabbro, Mylonite, quartz •Area formed by glaciation •Silty to sandy till – overlain by clay and silt and/or sand – low permeability

Mcvittie •Generally hilly terrain •Terrain controlled by bedrock – glacial sediments cover much of region •Max. relief = 76m •Elevations range from 198m to 274m •Main dam, side dam constructed of gneisses •Rock = muscovite, quartzitic gneiss & bitite gneiss •Several major inactive faults in area •Bedrock along main dam = hornblende & biotite-rich granitic gneiss Mcvittie Tailrace

10 11 Climate and Hydrological Information

Sudbury has an annual average of 2,059 hours of sunshine, 657 millimeters of rain, 274 millimeters of snow, a daily annual average temperature of 3.7 degrees celcius and an annual average wind speed of 20.5 KPH.

Sudbury Region – Average Monthly Temperatures (Celcius) Source: Nipissing U. Weather Stn. Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.

-13 -11 -5 3 11 16 19 18 12 6 -2 -10

Sudbury Region – Average Monthly Rainfall (mm) Source: Nipissing U. Weather Stn. Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.

13 7 30 47 76 78 77 91 101 77 48 14

Sudbury Region – Average Monthly Snowfall (mm) Source: Nipissing U. Weather Stn. Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.

64 50 39 18 2 0 0 0 0.1 5 32 64

Sudbury Region – Average Bright Sunshine (Hours) Source: Nipissing U. Weather Stn. Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.

100.5 131.7 152.2 207.2 247.2 246 288 251 150.8 122.2 77.7 84.5

Sudbury Region – Average Wind Speed (KPH) Source: Nipissing U. Weather Stn. Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.

21 21.8 21.4 21.7 21.1 20.1 18.8 17.9 19.6 20.4 21.5 21

12 13 Fisheries On The Wahnapitae

Lake Wahnapitae is classified as an oligotrophic lake, and provides habitat for coldwater species such as lake trout and whitefish. Oligotrophic is a trophic classification of lakes having little or few nutrients and are generally deep, cold lakes (Mackie, 2001).The lake supports a varied community of fish species, both indigenous and introduced. Lake trout and northern pike are game fish believed to be native to Wahnapitae. The extreme depth of the lake, along with its lack of islands, reduces its productivity. The north shore of the lake, Portage Bay, and the mouth of the Wahnapitae River contain warmwater fish species such as walleye and smallmouth bass. According to 1969 netting results, approximately 85% of fish captured were coldwater species with 15% of the fishery being comprised of warmwater species. The lake herring, or Cisco, introduced in 1951 to the system is the most abundant species in the lake. Following the herring in descending order ranked by abundance is lake trout, pickerel, northern sucker, common white sucker, lake whitefish, ling, smallmouth bass, yellow perch and rock bass (MNR, 1969). 66% of the fish are thought to be forage species, with 34% being predatory or piscivorous (MNR, 1969). Walleye, although now well established in the lake, were originally introduced from Lake Metagamasi during a period of high water around 1923 (Department of Lands and Forests, 1950). Smallmouth bass are also not native to the lake but was introduced in approximately 1929 (MNR, pers. Comm.). Atlantic salmon were introduced into the lake in 1934 and rainbow trout were introduced in 1924, both with little success. American smelt were introduced to the West Bay of Lake Wahnapitae in 1973. The lake whitefish is reported to be native to the lake. Until 1961 it was subjected to minor and sporadic exploitation by sport and commercial fishermen. In the early logging years it was taken to supplement the camp diet in spring and early fall. Brook trout, not native to the lake and was planted in the 1940’s, are periodically caught in Lake Wahnapitae. It is thought that recent introductions of trout from neighboring waters have made their way into Lake Wahnapitae and today contribute more to this fishery than natural reproduction. Prior to the introduction of the lake herring, trout from the lake had long slender bodies and large heads, and were heavily parasitized by tapeworms and roundworms (MNR, 1949, 1951). In the 1940’s, it was thought that introduction of lake herring would assist in the recovery of lake trout by providing an alternate food source and reducing parasitic infection. Herring were introduced in 1951, and following the lake herring’s introduction, the fish captured had a larger proportion of body fat, making them appear well-rounded in girth (MNR, 1969)

14 Fisheries On The Wahnapitae The extreme (10 foot) drawdown on the lake between the fall and spring to optimize hydroelectric generation was recognized as creating problems for lake trout spawning and hatching as early as the 1940’s (MNR, 1949). In the late 1960’s, a marked decline in the walleye fishery on Wahnapitae Lake was reported by a local tourist outfitter (MNR, 1968). A number of residents voiced their concern about declines in sport fishing opportunities at this time and MNR responded by planning further studies on the lake. A 1970 study of Lake Wahnapitae showed that lake trout spawning is optimal when lake levels are between 29.87 m (98 ft) and 30.18 m (99 ft) during the month of October. From November to March, a lake level of 28.96 m (95 ft) was recommended to enhance incubation and from March to the end of April, it was recommended that water levels were to be maintained at 28.35 m (93 ft) to protect larval fish (MNR, 1970). Lake trout in Lake Wahnapitae were thought to spawn in water depths of 1.22 m (4 ft) to 2.13 m (7 ft) of water and on shoals. In 1975, rainbow trout were introduced to Lake Wahnapitae. In 1978/79, a gill netting project and Lake Survey were carried out to study the effects of this introduction. Water level fluctuations between 1985 and 1991 were studied in relation to their effect on the walleye and lake trout fishery. It was found that walleye are not affected by the large change in water levels that had been taking place on Lake Wahnapitae. Although they utilize nearshore areas on clean, coarse substrates, they spawn after ice-out and the eggs hatch within eighteen days. During this period, the increase in water levels was not detrimental to developing embryos. However, lake trout could be adversely affected by the changing water levels. Spawning, this occurs in mid to late October and usually take place when water levels are at or near their peak. Hatching occurs approximately 100 days later, in January or February. At this time water levels are lowered, and if spawning occurred in a vulnerable shallow location, the eggs could become exposed and die. This study recommended that spawning sites on the lake be documented, monitored and protected. With regard to pickerel a steady or rising water level throughout May should provide the optimum conditions for reproduction of this species.

In February of 1970, the following control of water levels in Wahnapitae Lake were recommended:

October Spawning 29.9 – 30.2 meters November – March 1 Incubation 29 meters March 1 – April 30 Larval Fish 28.3 meters

Creel Surveys Creel surveys involve interviewing anglers about the number of time they spent fishing, their targeted species and their catch. Creel survey data is used to calculate a CUE or “catch per unit effort”. This is a statistic that can be used to compare fishing pressure and success between different areas and different time scales. Creel surveys were done on a regular basis in 1969, between 1971 and 1975, and in 1979. 15 For a complete list of fish species present in the Wahnapitae system, refer to the accompanying CD. Commercial Fisheries On The Wahnapitae

The first record of Lake Wahnapitae being fished commercially was in 1912 when a license was issued to A. Boland. Six fishermen followed Boland between 1920 and 1954, most of them operating only one season. Reasons cited for lack of fishing success include loss of nets due to ice breakup in spring, and prevailing winds, which limited the length of nets used. A daily catch report from October of 1950 shows that for a total of 21 days (504 hrs) spent fishing, a total of 3,097 fish were captured. Fish composition was as follows: Lake Trout (175), Whitefish (454), Pickerel (54), Suckers (27) and Ling (4). Between 1961 and 1972, Mr. Paul Labatte was the only holder of a commercial fishing license to take suckers and whitefish. Commercial fishing continued until 1976 (MNR, 1976). Today, only one commercial fisherman operates out of the community of Boland’s Bay. Lake Wahnapitae was fished experimentally by Sudbury District Staff in the fall of 1960 and the spring of 1961 to assess the feasibility for enhanced commercial fishing of whitefish. A total of 1,227 whitefish were sampled and a growth curve for Lake Wahnapitae walleye was constructed. Detailed catch records for 1961 and 1962 can be seen in the Sudbury District MNR Files. There appeared to be a relationship between the year class strength of whitefish and the amplitude of the water level fluctuation in Lake Wahnapitae (MNR, pers. Comm.). Tapeworms of the genera Proteocephalus and Cystocephalus were found in most whitefish captured. Heavy infestations of a worm parasite, Cytidicola stigmatura, were found in the swim bladders of lake trout and whitefish, suggesting hyperparasitism (MNR, pers. Comm.). Common foods found in the stomachs of Lake Wahnapitae whitefish include small whitefish, pickerel, ling and pike. Most commercial fishing during the fall was carried out on beaches and shoals. Wahnapitae whitefish were found to move out of deep water prior to spawning into the shallow water of sand beaches during October. In spring, fishing was carried out along sand beaches of the north shore. This was the most productive period for fishing, however, it was also the least suitable for fishing due to weather conditions. Data obtained for Wahnapitae Lake showed that the lake had a potential for a quota of 18, 771 kg of fish to be taken, however in 1980 only 2000 kg of whitefish was taken. A 1976 statement on the commercial fishery stated that the commercial fishery during this time harvested lake whitefish, lake herring, burbot and suckers, which were sold locally (MNR, 1976).

16 17 Wildlife Within The Wahnapitae Watershed

The Wahnapitae River system is home to a wide diversity of mammal, reptile, amphibian and bird species. In many cases the life cycles of these species are directly related to the river and corresponding land-water interface. One example of this important linkage would be the numerous wetland areas found along the river and the shores of some lakes. Loons, ducks and other waterfowl use these wetlands for nesting and staging areas. Furbearing mammals such as beaver, muskrat and racoon derive food and shelter from wetlands. Reptiles also depend on wetlands for much or all of their life cycle and osprey and herons benefit from the shallow water feeding opportunities they provide.

Furbearers The primary furbearers within the watershed include the beaver, muskrat, mink, snowshoe hare, black bear, raccoon, marten, fisher, red fox and gray wolf. The muskrat is the most frequently trapped animal, followed by the beaver and mink and provides an economic return to many trappers throughout the watershed area. Muskrats may be attracted to any formidable water area in the watershed including wetlands, small ponds, marshes, creeks or sloughs, all of which provide suitable habitat. Beaver and mink tend to inhabit similar areas.

Large Game Animals Hunting within the Wahnapitae watershed for moose, bear and deer is a common activity. Bear populations in Ontario are managed by using zones, called Bear Management Areas (BMA's). BMA's are issued and managed by MNR. Hunting lodges or camps may apply for a specific BMA, which limits the geographic area where parties may hunt. Information on the harvest is reported to MNR on a seasonal basis. Within the watershed, there are a total of 43 areas managed by Sudbury District and a total of 10 areas managed by Gogama district for a total of 53 areas.

Waterfowl and Migratory Birds Migratory bird hunting provides additional recreational activity during the fall season. The hunting of grouse, in particular, ruffed grouse, commonly referred to as partridge, accounts for the most popular type of game birds hunted within the watershed area. The hunting for this species is primarily confined to the months of September, October and November. Other game birds found within the study area include the woodcock, common snipe and coots. The watershed area contains many lakes, rivers and streams, which provide suitable habitat for many waterfowl species, especially species of ducks, geese and teal. Large numbers of the species move through the area during the migration periods and localized species (i.e. Loons) are present at different times of the year and require large lakes for habitation. Additional species of water-based birds include herons, gulls, sandpipers, killdeer, plovers and terns. The most suitable habitats for these species are swamps, marshes and bogs.

18 Waterfowl Habitat Requirements The following lists the habitat requirements for Waterfowl that may occur within the Wahnapitae Watershed and how they are affected by water level fluctuations:

Loons: The Canadian Lakes Loon Survey monitors numbers and breeding success of loons on lakes across Canada. Loons are more likely to be found on large lakes. They nest in quiet, shallow bays and marshes located near the water’s edge, so they can easily escape predators. Late hatches (2nd and 3rd nestings) are often attempted if the first hatch is destroyed. Researchers have reported nest losses due to water level fluctuations when water levels rise by 15 cm (6 inches) or drop by 30 cm (12 inches) during the incubation period. Floating nest platforms can help loons deal with changing water level fluctuations or shoreline developments replacing their habitat. Acidification of lakes has had a negative impact on loons. Trumpeter Swans: Trumpeter swans nest on freshwater marshes and lakes and avoid stagnant, acid or eutrophic waters. Previous nest sites may be re-used. Mud (mounded) and aquatic vegetation are used to construct the nest, which is surrounded by a moat. Incubation takes between 32 and 37 days and during this time eggs may be susceptible to water level fluctuations. Canada Goose: Geese nest in brackish marshes, wet meadows and around small islands, on the ground near water. They use the same nest area year after year and have an incubation of 25 to 30 days. Depending on their nest locations they may be affected by water level fluctuations. Sandhill Cranes: This species nests near shallow wetlands and on the edges of freshwater lakes or ponds. Their nests are concealed by tall vegetation and may be surrounded by water. This species is also prone to water level fluctuations since incubation takes 1 month to complete. Merganser Ducks: Both hooded and common mergansers nest in the cavities of dead and dying trees, nesting on lakes and rivers in forested areas. The tree crevices used are from 4.5 m to 15 m high. They may also nest in crevices in riverbanks and rocks are also used on occasion. This species is less likely to be affected by water level fluctuations because nesting does not take place in a susceptible location. Goldeneye Ducks: This species breeds in wooded marshes on ponds, lakes and rivers. They nest in tree cavities 2 to 18 metres off the ground or will also use nest boxes provided by humans. The incubation period is between 28 to 32 days. This species is unlikely to be affected by water level fluctuations. Bufflehead Duck: This species nests in tree hollows in mixed woodlands near lakes and large ponds. It nests in natural cavities left behind by pileated woodpeckers and will also nest in man-made nest boxes. It is unlikely to be affected by water level fluctuations. Mallard Duck: This species nests in shallow ponds and marshes or flooded agricultural areas. The nest is almost always near water on the ground and is constructed of grasses, cattails and reeds hidden by tall vegetation. The incubation period is 28 days and this species is much more likely to be affected by water level fluctuations. Blue-winged Teal: This species nests in potholes, marshes, ponds, sloughs, lakes, sluggish streams and the nest is on the ground concealed by overhanging vegetation. The incubation period is 24 days and this species can be affected by water level fluctuations. Invertebrates On The Wahnapitae The only studies conducted on benthic invertebrate density and diversity known to date were conducted in 1991 and 1999 at Moose Rapids, to monitor pre and post-development effects associated with construction of the weir in 1997/1998. During the pre-operative survey, the benthic community was reflective of good water quality. Post impact monitoring showed that the invertebrate community remained unchanged downstream of the weir. The current maintenance flow of 1.5 cms was adequate to maintain the wetted perimeter of the channel, and there was no net loss of habitat due to construction. Habitat 300 meters downstream of Moose Rapids showed a change in species diversity and abundance, likely due to the reduction in water velocity following weir construction and the blockage of organic material to this section of the river. The species composition and abundance remained unchanged in the pools located upstream and downstream of the rapids, following the construction phase. The most pronounced changes in macroinvertebrate communities were found in the downstream even flow area between the two pools, where the diversity and abundance of taxa have shown a significant decline. 19 20 Species At Risk On The Wahnapitae

Ontario’s Endangered Species Act (ESA) serves to protect the habitat of any species threatened with extinction as regulated under this Act, and protects the habitat of these species. The species that have been evaluated as being at risk in Ontario and regulated under the ESA, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act or other applicable Acts appear on the ‘list of designated species at risk in Ontario’. The list includes status designations assigned to native Ontario species by the MNR (Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario or COSSARO) and the national Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) (OMNR, 2002 – Water Management Planning Guidelines for Waterpower). The following five species appear on the list and are present in the Wahnapitae River watershed. Their habitat requirements should be considered in the planning process. All species on this list in the status categories Endangered- Regulated, Endangered, and Threatened are afforded habitat protection under the Provincial Policy Statement of the Planning Act. Refer to the accompanying CD for distribution maps (Ontario and North America) and life history traits of these species. Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus alascanus): COSEWIC: Not at Risk; MNR: Regulated under provincial Endangered Species Act Most Canadian populations are now stable or are increasing. Declines noticed in the past, especially in southwestern Ontario and Maritime provinces, have been reversed. Potential negative impacts of waterpower operations include individuals abandoning breeding site when vegetation and water levels change (Cadman et. al., 1987). Low river flows exert neutral or positive influences on habitat use and prey capture, whereas high river flows reduce eagle foraging habitat diversity, lowered forage success in river habitat, and restricted foraging opportunities (Brown et. al., 1998). This species was recorded in the north portion of the watershed (north of Lake Wahnapitae) and is therefore beyond the scope of this plan. Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus): COSEWIC: Threatened; MNR: Threatened. The Massasauga has undergone a large decline in distribution and abundance because of persecution by humans, mortality on the expanding road system in southern Ontario, loss of habitat via drainage of wetlands and destruction of hibernacula and fragmentation of habitat by roads. Potential negative impacts of hydro power production on the survival of this species include lowering water levels during hibernation and sudden increases in water level during the active season (Johnson et. al., 2000). The rattlesnake has been observed inland within the north portion of the watershed (NHIC, 2004). Erosion has been identified as an issue on this system and as a result may be a potential negative impact of waterpower operation on the life history of this species (SARA site, 2003). Management should strive to limit erosional inputs that add sediment to pools (Novinger & Coon, 2000). Suitable habitats should be protected and monitored, and modified streams that still have occurrences should be targeted for riparian and perhaps in stream habitat restoration (MNFI, 2000). This species was observed in 1967 within a lake, off a tributary of the lower Wahnapitae River (MNR Sudbury Lake Survey Files). Re-evaluation of its presence in the system is recommended (by the MNR). The following species occur on the system and appear on the proposed Species at Risk in Ontario list (February 27, 2004). Blanding's Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii): COSWEIC: Threatened. MNR: Threatened. The species has a low reproductive rate and very late age of maturity. Flooding of nest sites may also limit reproductive success. Eastern Foxsnake (Elaphe uulipina): COSWEIC: Threatened. MNR. Threatened decline in Ontario due to draining of wetlands and shoreline for cottagers. Rare to uncommon in Ontario (not ranked by COSEWIC) Purplish Copper (Lycaena hellodes) Bulbostylis (Bulbostylis capillaries) Historically known from Ontario, but not verified recently (not ranked by COSEWIC) Nuttall Alkali Grass (Puccinellia nuttalliana)

21 22 Parks And Protected Areas Within The Wahnapitae Watershed Due to the location and size of the Wahnapitae watershed, it is important that protected and sensitive lands potentially affected by changes in water levels and flows due to hydropower and dam operation be identified in the Water Management Plan. Only those parks and protected areas that intersect the water management planning area will be considered during planning. These protected areas include existing provincial parks and newly created protected areas designated through the Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy. The accompanying map highlights the location of these sites within the planning area. The Ontario Living Legacy Land Use Strategy focuses on four specific objectives: completing Ontario's system of parks and protected areas; recognizing the land use planning needs of the resource-based tourism industry; providing the forest, mining, and other resource industries with greater land and resource use certainty; and enhancing angling, hunting and other Crown land recreation opportunities. The Land Use Strategy contains two types of geographic-specific land use categories - Land Use Designations and Enhanced Management Areas. There are four Land Use Designations in the Wahnapitae watershed: 1)provincial park; 2)conservation reserve 3)forest reserve; 4)general use areas There are two types of Enhanced Management Areas in the Wahnapitae watershed: 1)recreation; 2)remote access Each of the areas identified here are protected through a variety of provincial policies, legislations and acts depending on the nature of their original classification. These areas were identified to protect unique physical, geological and, or biological features of the landscape, natural and cultural heritage values, scenic vistas and recreational opportunities. In some instances, future studies within these protected areas may be warranted to determine the sensitivity of these unique features to changing flows and levels. For a detailed description of the sites and their regulation in the Wahnapitae River watershed refer to the OLL Crown Land Use Atlas. Data used for this document were compiled by combining several geographic information layers from the Natural Resource Values Information System (NRVIS) database available through the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). Additions to this data set will be reflected in future revisions. This list therefore should not be considered a complete and exhaustive list of the parks and protected areas connected to the Wahnapitae River water management planning area. Parks and protected areas that intersect the Wahnapitae River Water Management Planning Area. Area is the entire size of the site (within and outside of the Wahnapitae watershed). Location only includes townships within the Wahnapitae watershed.

23 Parks And Protected Areas On The Wahnapitae

SITE TYPE AREA (ha) LOCATION (Townships) Ontario Living Legacy

Conservation Reserve

Meteor Lake Outwash Fans (C1587) 3,552 Beulah Attlee (C166) 263 Attlee MacLennan Esker Forest (C178) 368 MacLennan Tilton Forest (C210) 725 Tilton Attlee Central Forest (C213) 286 Attlee Friday and Scotia Lakes (C327) 1,930 Scotia and Dunbar Forest Reserve

Daisy Lake Uplands (F172)* 603 Dill and Neelon MacLennan Esker Forest (F178) 368 MacLennan Provincial Park

French River Additions (P110)** 21,309 Struthers and Allen Enhanced Management Area

Onaping/Friday/Scotia Lake (E190a) 32,327 Sweeny and Dunbar Killarney East Area (E211a) 29,622 Tilton, Bevin, Halifax, Secord, and Laura Chiniguchi River (E183r) 60,083 Rathbun, Aylmer, and MacKelcan

Provincial Park

Wahnapitae Provincial Park** 3,413 Aylmer and MacKelcan

*Recommended protected area not currently regulated.

**Protected Areas Within Planning Area

24 25 26 27 28 Wahnapitae Water Treatment & Intake

Waste Water Treatment The Wahnapitae Water treatment plant is located off hwy. 17 directly across from Coniston Hydro Road (approx. 1 km from Coniston Generating station). It discharges periodically into the Wahnapitae River

239.02 m Lagoon 240.14 m

Berm

237.50 m 236.64 m

Drinking Water Intake Sudbury’s water intake on the Wahnapitae River is a flooded intake well (no pipe) with an elevation of 232.56 metres. At maximum, only 0.44 cms is extracted from the river. Other Water Uses Aggregate Pits A small number of aggregate pits are located within the Wahnapitae watershed. These include pits owned by: Alexander Centre Industries; William Day; Emerald Isle Resources; Pioneer Construction; Ministry of Transportation; Rintala Construction Ltd.; Marslen Investments Ltd.; Northstar Sand & Gravel; Ethier Sand & Gravel. Canoe Routes Numerous canoe routes relate or are tied to Wahnapitae Lake: •Upper Wahnapitae canoe route (from Onaping Lake to Boland’s Bay on Lake Wahnapitae) •2 important district canoe routes terminate and two commence at the Wahnapitae Park Reserve Forestry The Wahnapitae watershed falls into the Vermilion Waste Disposal Sites Forest. The Sudbury portion of the forest is managed by Two waste disposal sites are located in Vermilion Forest Products. The area to the west side of close proximity to Lake Wahnapitae. A the watershed, around Scotia Lake, is actually a part of septic field is located in MacLennan the Spanish Forest, Managed by Domtar Township on the western side of the (Espanola). The majority of the northern part of the lake. On the north shore of the lake, a Watershed (Gogama District) falls within the Shining household waste disposal site is located Tree Forest and is managed by Shining Tree Forest in Aylmer Township. Only two other Inc. The townships on the extreme northeast side fall waste disposal sites are located within within the Timiskaming Forest and are managed by the watershed, one is in the northeast Timiskaming Forest Alliance, who also manage Shining corner of Dryden Township, and the Tree Forest. other is in Cleland Twp. Forestry in the watershed was historically predominated by the quest for old growth pine. More recently, 29 operators have been shifting to lesser species. Greater potential lies in the utilization of pulpwood. Overview Of Levels, Flows & Power Production IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS

HYDRAULIC TIME LAG: The Amount Of Time It CMS (CUBIC METERS PER SECOND): A Takes Water To Pass From One Point To volume of water, measured in cubic meters, that Another (Time lag for water on Wahnapitae passes by a given point every second - 1 meter x shown on graphic) 1 meter x 1 meter = 1 cms (or 1 m3),

CMS DAY: One cubic meter of water passing a given point every second for one day (24 hours). Used in the calculation of inflows for Lake Wahnapitae and the 4 power stations on the Wahnapitae River.

CMS HOUR: One cubic meter of water passing a INFLOW: The total amount of given point every second for one hour (used for water coming into a body calculations as above) of water. OUTFLOW: The total amount of water going out of a body of water.

RAISE RATE (BUILD RATE): The amount of water (measured in cms days or cms hours) required to raise or lower the water level by 1 cm per hour. NTS MW (MEGAWATT): A unit used to measure power (energy) actually used to energize electrical machines, appliances, lightbulbs, heaters etc… 1 MW = 1000 KW (Killowatts). 1 KW = 1000 W (Watts). HEAD: The net difference in elevation between the RUN-OF-THE-RIVER: A power plant (all 4 on the Wahnapitae River) that headwater (at top of dam) has no appreciable storage capacity and must pass all flows as they and tailwater (water below come. dam)

MW PRODUCTION, DAM SPILL AND MAXIMUM FLOW

Facility Generators(#) Mw (max.) Log Sluices Sluicegates Max. Potential Flow

Wahnapitae Dam 0 0 15 0 1164 cms

Moose Rapids GS 3 1.35 mw 0 0 26 cms (not including diversion and overflow weirs)

Stinson GS 2 4.8 mw 9 0 333 cms

Coniston GS 3 3.6 mw 3 2 476 cms

Mcvittie GS 2 2.2 mw 3 2 440 cms

ELEVATION RANGES AND RAISE RATES

Facility Minimum and Maximum Elevations in Seasonal Operating Hourly Raise Rate Daily Raise Rate meters (net head in brackets) Ranges? (in cms hours) (in cms days)

Lake Wahnapitae 265.05 to 267.95 (2.90 meters) Yes 372.0 cms 15.5 cms

Moose Rapids GS 261.35 to 262.50 (1.10 meters) No Negligible Negligible

Stinson GS 254.66 to 255.42 (0.78 meters) Yes 8.7 cms 0.36 cms

Coniston GS 236.62 to 237.17 (0.55 meters) No 3.6 cms 0.15 cms

Mcvittie GS 209.28 to 210.00 (0.72 meters) No 0.48 cms 0.02 cms 30 All elevations given are recorded in “ Meters Above Sea Level” (MASL) North River & Wahnapitae Lake Tributaries

The Northern part of the Wahnapitae River is divided into two branches. The eastern branch of the river covers a drainage area of approximately 193 Square kilometers. The western branch drains a number of large tributaries including the Scotia Lake area to the west and creeks including Meteor, Raven, Rosie, Silvester, Unwin, Barnet and Demott Creeks in the northernmost reaches of the watershed. These creeks drain large watershed areas before emptying into the western branch of the Wahnapitae and contribute a large portion of water to the upper river system. A total of twenty-one rivers and streams empty directly into Lake Wahnapitae. The North Wahnapitae River is the largest river draining into the lake, followed by Parkin Creek and Post Creek, which are the largest streams emptying into the lake. A number of smaller inflows also come into the lake from Boland’s Bay, West Bay, Scadding Bay, Frost Lake, Horseshoe Lake, Kolari Bay, Southeast Bay, Rathbun Lake, Blackthorn Lake, Bonhomme Lake, and numerous other unnamed tributaries.

31 Wahnapitae Lake/River Inflows

Wahnapitae Lake North River – 70% of inflow to Lake Wahnapitae (1) 21 Minor Tributaries Feed Into the Lake (30% Inflow) (Dam at Outlet Bay)

Bonanza Creek (2) N Bonhomme Creek (2) Olivier Creek (2) W E Portage Creek (2) S Moose Rapids Dam and Generating Station

Moose Creek (2) Lambart Creek (2) Hidden Creek (2) Timmins Creek (1) Campeau Creek (2) Leblanc Creek (1) Paradis Creek (3) Firebreak Creek (3) Heinz Creek (2) Margaret Creek (3) Gervais Creek (2) Manix Creek (2) Duncan Creek (3) McDonald Creek (3) Frenchman Creek (2)

Stinson Dam and Generating Station Water Out ---

Emery Creek (1) Wahnapitae Water Treatment Plant (-5 cms) Valley Creek (2) Doctor Creek (1) Mountain Creek (2)

Coniston Dam and Generating Station CNR Creek (3) Dryden Creek (3) Coniston Creek (1) Little Creek (3) Slag Creek (3) Cleland Creek (3) Finni Creek (1) Alice Creek (2) Wanup Creek (2) St Cloud Creek (3) Dill Creek (2) Baby Creek (3) West Creek (3) Elbow Creek (1)

Paddy Creek (1) Burwash Creek (2) Sled Creek (1) Secord Creek (3) Mcvittie Creek (2) TRIBUTARY CLASSIFICATION Mcvittie Dam and Generating Station Numbers in graphic appear in brackets

Irwin Creek (1) Major Continuous: creek runs with Oak Creek high flows throughout the year Wolf Creek Unnamed Creek (2) Minor Continuous: creek runs with UnnamedCreek UnnamedCreek low flows throughout most of the year except spring & rainy periods Unnamed Creek UnnamedCreek UnnamedCreek (3) Minor Seasonal: creek flows intermittently throughout the year with Unnamed Creek minor flows UnnamedCreek UnnamedCreek UnnamedCreek INFLOWS Many sources of water contribute to the total flow down the Wahnapitae River including flow from the Outlet Bay dam, water from UnnamedCreek UnnamedCreek precipitation and melting snow and infeed from creeks/streams. The river flow increases the further downstream it progresses due to all of these inflows. On March 30th, 2003, for example, the flow out of Lake Unnamed Creek Wahnapitae dam was 11cms; at Stinson, the total station flow was Loon Creek 17cms (a gain of 6cms due to inflows); at Coniston, total station flow was 36cms (a gain of 19cms from Stinson) and at Mcvittie, the total Unnamed Creek station flow was 100cms (a gain of 64cms from what was passing at Unnamed Creek Coniston Generating Station) – a net increase of approx. 90 cms from Wahnapitae dam to Mcvittie. 32 French River (Thompson Bay) French River (Wahnapitae Bay) Wahnapitae Lake Control Dam

Wahnapitae Lake Dam Log Sluice Setup

In 1927, a concrete control dam was built by the Wahnapitae Power Co. to impound Lake Wahnapitae. In 1929, it was purchased by The Hydroelectric Power Commission of Ontario (later Ontario Hydro and since 1999, OPG). Although the intent has been to use the dam as a storage reservoir for hydroelectric developments along the river, it has played a greater role in mitigating the effects of extreme water flows during various times of the year - especially spring freshet (thaw). Originally, the dam had 15 sluiceways allowing for the release of water. In 1985, however, it was determined that two of the sluices would require extensive structural repairs to ensure their safe operation. Since 13 sluices could easily handle the high volumes of water that might be expected during a “100 year flood” scenario, it was decided to fill two of the 15 sluiceways with concrete . Above is a schematic representation of the log sluices with the top elevation of each log shown in meters. Sluices 7 to 13 are generally the only sluices 33 used for passing water through the dam so only these are depicted. A minimum flow of approx. 2 cms is maintained through the low flow channel via an embedded 6 cm pipe in the dam. Wahnapitae Lake Dam Site

Low flow channel at Wahnapitae Lake Dam Wahnapitae Lake Dam looking upstream with log boom

34 Wahnapitae Lake Dam looking downstream Wahnapitae Lake Dam with spill Wahnapitae Lake Water Levels, Flows, Storage Wahnapitae Lake Dam Storage Elevation Range - CGD Storage (cms days) Operating Range (Mar. 15 – May 25) 2.60 meter range (265.05 meters to 267.65 meters) 3,994 cms Operating Range (May 25 – Oct. 15) 0.35 meter range (267.30meters to 267.65 meters) 3,994 cms

Operating Range (Oct. 15 – Mar. 15) 1.99 meter range (265.66 meters to 267.65 meters) 3,994 cms Flood Allowance 0.30 meter range (267.65 meters to 267.95 meters) 461 cms Energy Reserve None 0 cms Absolute Range 2.90 meter range (265.05 meters to 267.95 meters) 4,455 cms Wahnapitae Lake Dam Forebay Response Water Levels

Level Response Level Elevation - CGD Structural/operational equivalent 1 Non-failure emergency 267.95 meters Absolute Maximum water level

2 Potential failure developing 268.53 meters 30 cm below crest of main dam 3 Imminent dam failure 268.83 meters Crest of main dam

Wahnapitae Lake Dam Discharge Capacities Sluices At elevation 267.65m # Of Sluices Discharge per Sluice Total Discharge Sluices 1 to 6 and 8 to 13, each (crest 12 93.3 cms 1,119.6 cms elevation 262.36meters) Sluice 7 (crest elevation 264.51meters) 1 44.7 cms 44.7 cms

Wahnapitae Lake Dam with spill (note hydraulic log lift) Wahnapitae Lake Dam DCP (Digital Collection Platform)

35 Moose Rapids Generating Station

The Moose Rapids Generating Station was constructed by Canadian Hydro Developers Incorporated in 1997 . It is located approximately 5 km downstream from Wahnapitae Lake. Power is generated at the station using three induction generators coupled through gearboxes to Kaplan turbines. The power produced is sold to Ontario Power Generation under the terms of a 30-year Power Sale Agreement which 36 expires on November 13, 2027. Moose Rapids Water Levels, Flows, Storage & MW Capacity

Moose Rapids Elevation Levels Elevation Top of diversion weir 261.50 meters Top of overflow weir 262.50 meters Top of main dam 263.50 meters 100 yr. flood level at overflow weir 263.00 meters Normal Operating Level 261.50 meters Headrace channel Starts at 260.90 meters and finishes at 256.65 meters at the trash rack Tailrace Channel Starts at 252.63 meters at the powerhouse exit and finishes at 255.10 meters Moose Rapids Station Data

Unit Number Output (KW) Discharge (CMS) Economy Factor (KW/CMS)

1 450 kW 8.5 cms 52.9

2 450 kW 8.5 cms 52.9

3 450 kW 8.5 cms 52.9

Moose Rapids Operating Regime General Operation The Moose Rapids Generating Station is a run-of-the-river plant It operates year round via a computer control system that automatically starts and stops turbines to keep the water level at the diversion weir at 261.50 meters. The water level at the diversion weir is set no lower than 261.35 meters to ensure the minimum bypass water flow of 1.5cms is maintained through the two culverts installed in the weir due to fisheries concerns. Maximum plant output is attained at 25 cms with all excess water flowing over the diversion weir and down the rapids. At levels over 262.5 meters, water will flow over both the diversion weir and the Moose Rapids control panel overflow weir. Good communication with OPG-Evergreen Energy operators in North Bay, regarding flows from the Wahnapitae Dam, is maintained to ensure proper operation of the Moose Rapids facility.

Spring & Summer Operation Normally, reduced river flows are experienced in the summer. Safety buoys are installed at the mouth of the headrace channel in the spring and removed in the fall. In general, the Moose Rapids plant has very little effect on water levels Moose Rapids high water 37 upstream due to the length of the diversion weir (100 meters), which allows level great volumes of water to pass before the upstream river levels increase. Stinson Generating Station

Stinson G.S. Log Sluice Setup

The Stinson Generating Station is located on the Wahnapitae River, 19.8 km downstream of the Wahnapitae Lake control dam. It was placed in service in 1925 by the Wahnapitae Power Company and was sold to the Hydroelectric Power Commission of Ontario (later Ontario Hydro) in 1930. Assets were transferred to Ontario Power Generation on April 1, 1999. The schematic representation of the dam sluices, above, show the elevation, in meters, of the top of each log. 38 Stinson Dam Site

Stinson Dam Sluiceways Looking Northward Stinson Dam Looking Southward

39 Stinson Water Levels, Flows, Storage Forebay Storage Elevation (meters – CGD) Storage (CMS) days Summer operating range (May 15 to Oct. 15) 0.21 meter range (255.18 meters to 255.39 7.6 meters) Winter operating range 0.76 meter range(254.66 meters to 255.42 27.5 meters) Flood Allowance 0.03 meters (255.42 meters to 255.45 1.1 meters) Energy reserve 0.64 meters (254.02 meters to 254.66 23.2 meters) Absolute range (254.02 meters to 255.45 meters) 51.8 Stinson Generating Station Forebay Response Water Levels Level Response Level Elevation (m –cgd) Structural/operational equivalent 1 Non-failure emergency 255.45 meters Absolute Max. water level

2 Potential failure developing 256.15 meters 30 cm below crest of main dam 3 Imminent dam failure 256.45 meters Crest of main dam

Stinson Generating Station Discharge Facilities

Description Operation Powerhouse 2 horizontal units with Francis runners Full supervisory control from OPG – Evergreen Energy Control Centre – North Bay Dam Log sluices #1 to #4 – hand operated crab winch Manually operated at dam site by OPG staff

Dam Log sluices #5 to #9 – hydraulic lifter Operated at dam site by OPG staff

Dam 1 log chute Inoperable

Stinson Tailwater Spill Through Log Sluices – Looking Upstream 40 Stinson Water Levels, Flows, Storage

Stinson Generating Station Discharge Capacities # of Units Discharge/Unit Total Discharge or Sluices or Sluice (CMS) (CMS) Turbines at head 16.00 meters – units 1 and 2 each 2 24.4 cms 48.8 cms

Sluices at Elevation 255.39 meters – sluices 1 to 3 each 3 32.0 cms 96.0 cms Sluices at Elevation 255.39 meters – Sluices 4 to 8 each 5 28.4 cms 142 cms (sill elevation 253.00 meters) Sluices at elevation 255.39 meters– sluice 9 (sill elevation 1 18.7 cms 18.7 cms 253.61 meters Log chute at elevation 255.39 meters (sill elevation 253.00 1 27.4 cms 27.4 cms meters) - inoperable Stinson Station Data – Normal Head 16.00 meters

Unit # Output (KW) Discharge (CMS) Economy Factor (KW/CMS) Efficiency 1 & 2 2400 KW x 2 20.8 cms x 2 115.4 each Maximum 1 & 2 2700 KW x 2 24.4 cms x 2 110.7 each

Stinson Powerhouse Floor Stinson Reservoir (forebay) with boom

41 Coniston Generating Station

The Coniston Generating station- located approximately 8 km downstream from Stinson G.S., was built by the Wahnapitae Power Company beginning in 1905. By 1915, 3 generators were in service. At the time, this station was known as the upper plant or Plant No. 1. The Wahnapitae Power Company eventually operated three generating stations (Coniston, McVittie and Stinson) and furnished power to the Mond Nickel Company at Coniston, the Treadwell Yukon Company, Falconbridge Nickel Mines and the City of Sudbury. In 1930, the Hydro-Electric Power Commission of Ontario (later Ontario Hydro) completed the purchase of Coniston G.S. on behalf of the Provincial Government. Assets were transferred to Ontario Power Generation on April 1, 1999.

The schematic representation of the dam Coniston Log Sluice Setup sluices, at right, shows the elevation, in meters, of the top of each log sluice.

NOTE: A minimum average daily flow of 3 cms is maintained at Coniston for environmental benefits at the request of the Ministry of the Enviroment. The flow is maintained on a best effort basis and is not legally binding at this time. The 3 cms flow may be passed through the generators, log sluices or motorized sluicegates. 42 Coniston Dam Site

Coniston South Channel Wall Coniston North Channel Wall

43 Coniston Water Levels, Flows, Storage Coniston Generating Station Forebay Storage

Elevation (meters – CGD) Operating Range 0.55 meter range (236.62 meters to 237.17 meters) Absolute range 0.55 meter range (236.62 meters to 237.17 meters)

Coniston Generating Station Forebay Response Water Levels

Level Response Level Elevation (m –cgd) Structural/operational equivalent 1 Non-failure emergency 237.17 meters Absolute Maximum water level

2 Potential failure developing 237.75 meters 30 cm below crest of main dam 3 Imminent dam failure 238.05 meters Crest of main dam

Coniston Generating Station Discharge Facilities

Description Operation Powerhouse 3 double horizontal generating units with Partial supervisory control from OPG – Evergreen Francis runners Energy Control Centre – North Bay (shutdown for units 1 to 3 and gate movement for unit 1 only) Dam 2 gate sluices – motor operated rack and Operated remotely from OPG – Evergreen Energy pinion (flat gear) Operating Center – North Bay Dam 3 log sluices (steel) – operated by crane Manually operated at dam site by OPG – Evergreen Energy staff Dam 1 log chute Inoperable

Coniston motor-operated sluicegates and bubbler system Left to right: log sluices #’s 1, 2 and 3; steel sluicegates #’s (bubbler keeps sluicegates free of ice in the winter) 1 and 2

44 Coniston Water Levels, Flows, Storage

Coniston Generating Station Discharge Capacities

# of Units or Discharge/Unit or Total Discharge Sluices Sluice (CMS) (CMS) Turbine at head 16.50 meters – unit 1 1 6.8 cms 6.8 cms

Turbine at head 16.50 meters – unit 2 1 9.3 cms 9.3 cms Turbine at head 16.50 meters – unit 3 1 18.5 cms 18.5 cms

Gate Sluices (Sill elevation 232.56 meters) 2 88.3 cms 176.6 cms

Log Sluices (Sill elevation 232.56 meters) 3 88.3 cms 264.9 cms

Log Chute 1 18.2 (Inoperable) 18.2 cms (inoperable)

Coniston Station Data – At Normal Head 16.50 meters

Unit # Output (KW) Discharge (CMS) Economy Factor (KW/CMS) Efficiency 1 600 KW 6.3 cms 95.2

Efficiency 2 1,000 KW 8.8 cms 113.6 Efficiency 3 2,000 KW 16.8 cms 119.0 Maximum 1 750 KW 6.8 cms 110.3 Maximum 2 1,050 KW 9.3 cms 112.9 Maximum 3 2,200 KW 18.5 cms 118.9

Inside Coniston Generating Station Coniston dam with spill through sluices 45 Mcvittie Generating Station

The Mcvittie Generating Station is located on the Wahnapitae River, 42KM downstream of the Coniston dam. Upstream flows are managed by the Wahnapitae Lake control dam, Stinson G.S. & Coniston G.S. Mcvittie was placed in service in 1912 by the Wahnapitae Power Company and acquired by the Hydro-Electric Power Commission of Ontario (later Ontario Hydro) in April, 1930. Assets were transferred to Ontario Power Generation on April 1, 1999. The schematic representation of the dam sluices, below, show the elevation, in meters, of the top of each log.

Mcvittie Log Sluice Setup

NOTE: A minimum flow of 10cms is maintained at the Mcvittie site during the pickerel spawn (as per MNR direction). This minimum flow is maintained on a voluntary basis and is not 46 legally binding at this time. Mcvittie Dam Site

Upstream Deck Headworks Structure and Sluicegates

47 Mcvittie Water Levels, Flows, Storage

Mcvittie Generating Station Discharge Capacities

# of Units or Discharge/Unit or Total Discharge Sluices Sluice (CMS) (CMS) Turbine at head 11.50 meters – units 1 and 2 2 13.6 cms 27.2

Gate Sluices 1 & 2 (at elevation 209.73 meters) 2 66.2 cms 132.4 Log Sluices 1 & 3 (at elevation 209.73 meters) 2 70.2 cms 140.4

Log Sluice 2 (at elevation 209.73 meters) 1 150.9 cms 140.4

Mcvittie Station Data – Normal Head 11.50 meters

Unit # Output (KW) Discharge (CMS) Economy Factor (KW/CMS) Efficiency 1 & 2 each 1,050 KW x 2 12.2 cms x 2 86.1

Maximum 1 & 2 each 1,150 KW x 2 13.6 cms x 2 84.6

Mcvittie Generating station and dam overhead view

Mcvittie Tailrace and draft tubes (water outlet from generators)

48 Mcvittie Generating Station Water Levels, Flows, Storage

Mcvittie Generating Station Forebay Storage

Elevation (meters – CGD) Operating Range 0.72 meter range (209.28 meters to 210.00 meters) Absolute range 0.72 meter range (209.28 meters to 210.00 meters)

Mcvittie Generating Station Forebay Response Water Levels

Level Response Level Elevation (m –cgd) Structural/operational equivalent 1 Non-failure emergency 210.00 meters Absolute Max. water level

2 Potential failure developing 210.95 meters 30 cm below crest of main dam 3 Imminent dam failure 211.25 meters Crest of main dam

Mcvittie Generating Station Discharge Facilities

Description Operation Powerhouse 2 horizontal units with reaction Francis runners Operated remotely from OPG – Evergreen Energy Operating Center – North Bay

Dam 2 gate sluices (sill elevation 205.49 meters) moved Operated remotely from OPG – Evergreen using an electric motor driven cable hoist Energy Operating Center – North Bay Dam 3 log sluices (sluices 1 and 3 – the sill elevation is Operated manually at site by OPG – 205.47 meters, sluice 2 – the sill elevation is 202.57 Evergreen Energy staff meters ). Logs removed using power log lifter.

Mcvittie Tailrace with spill in background coming from dam sluices Mcvittie Dam (note hydraulic log hoist as well as 2 motor operated sluice gates) 49 Burnt Lake Weir (Dam)

The Burnt Lake Weir is owned by the Ministry of Natural Resources. It is not currently operated by the MNR or any other agency, but acts as a run-of-the-river dam. An inspection completed on October 28th, 2003 showed less than .03 cms of water flowing over the wooden weir. A concrete dam structure was once present upstream of the current weir structure but has since deteriorated. The dam was originally built to control water levels on Burnt Lake so that float planes could land, but is currently used to provide access for cottagers on Horseshoe Lake.

50 How Was The Current Level & Flow Operating Strategy Developed?

Water Safety Structural/Mechanical Current Water Levels Limitations •Information received from manually operated •On Dams staff gauges, located at all generating stations •On Generators and Lake Wahnapitae Dam Dam Safety •Electronic gauges (located at all generating Dam safety inspections stations – signal sent via telephone circuits) are conducted at regular • DCP: “Digital Collection Platform” – Located intervals and repairs on the upper Wahnapitae River. Solar made when necessary to powered. Signal transmitted via satellite ensure the integrity of the structure

Power Production Total power production on the Wahnapitae River is about 12MW (Enough to supply about 4000 average size homes). This displaces over 11,000 kg

of C02 every hour, which would have been emitted into the Geology atmosphere had the power been generated by burning Because The Ground In The Sudbury fossil fuels. Area Is So Rocky In Many Areas, The Wahnapitae River Is Subject To Flash Flooding. Water From Rain And Melting Snow Saturates The Ground. This Water Finds Its Way Into The Wahnapitae River Quite Quickly, Especially During Wet Periods Of The Year Such As Freshet (The Spring Melt).

Public Input •Local Businesses (tourist outfitters etc…) •Recreationalists (Fisherman, canoeists) •Landowners (year- Environment/Ecosystem round and seasonal)

An Ad Hoc Committee helps in the decision making process

Legal Licenses, Agreements, Restrictions DFO, MNR & Other Gov’t organizations Weather •Precipitation: (from Enviro. Canada) Historical Information

Wahnapitae Lake Elevations - 1950 • Snow Surveys: Conducted at Skead (Bolands Bay), 268

2 6 7 . 5

Milnet and Biscotasing on the 267 1st & 15th of each month 2 6 6 . 5 266

from March to May (approx.) 2 6 5 . 5 Sample weights are taken 265 2 6 4 . 5

and recorded in water 264 equivalent centimeters. M o n t h •Temperature (from Enviro. Canada) 51 •Wind (from Enviro. Canada) Water Monitoring/Regulation On The Wahnapitae

Canadian Hydro Developers Inc. have neglible control over water on the Wahnapitae River. Their flows and levels are dictated by the water OPG Some Water Control on the Wahnapitae is passes through the Wahnapitae dam. OPG is also limited to the control it accomplished by varying the flow through the dam has over levels and flows, with precipitation, temperature, topography and geology having the greatest degree of influence. OPG must make flow adjustments based on these factors. The Evergreen Energy Control Center is Located in North Bay and Staffed by Operators on a 24/7 basis. It is here that water Levels and Flows for OPG generating stations on the Wahnapitae are monitored and required actions taken . Generating station forebay levels are monitored continuously and recorded every hour. The elevation of Lake Wahnapitae is taken and recorded daily. A sophisticated computer software program is used to aid in archiving this data and helping with water level and flow decisions. This allows the operators to react by starting/ stopping generating units, opening or closing sluicegates, or dispatching personnel to remove or replace logs as required. By starting or stopping the generators, the amount of water going through them can be varied. Manually operated Staff Gauges and Electronic Gauges (incorporating transducers) are used to Obtain Water Levels at the Generating stations on the Wahnapitae. A DCP (Digital Collection Platform) Powered By Solar Energy, Can be Accessed Via Satellite to obtain the water level Most Stop Logs are Made of Wood (though at Coniston they are constructed and flow on the upper Wahnapitae of steel) . The wooden logs are generally about 4-5 meters in length and have River. Water Level Gauging Stations a width and depth of approximately 30 cm. By Removing or Replacing These Are Required For: Stoplogs, the Amount of Water Going Through the Wahnapitae Dam or the ➢Computing storage and inflows for dams at the 3 OPG owned hydroelectric generating stations can be varied. production scheduling, Turbine These Logs are Taken Out of or Placed in the Dam Using a Motor/Hydraulic discharge, streamflow and spill flow Log Puller, crane, or hand-operated winch. through hydraulic structures ➢Planning log operations

Steel Sluicegates at Coniston Wahnapitae Ad hoc Committee (pictured) and Mcvittie are Mounted An ad hoc committee comprised of on a Hoist and are Raised or industry, business and area Lowered by remote to Vary the residents participate in a conference Amount of Water Going Through call to discuss spring freshet level the Dams. They Offer Considerable and flow strategies, pickerel Flexibility in Water Control, But Are spawning and other points of Expensive to Install and Maintain. concern. Discussions help assist OPG in their operating decisions

OPG is responsible for operation, repair, maintenance and calibration of all water level gauging stations at the Lake Wahnapitae control dam, the upper Wahnapitae (DCP) and their 3 generating stations (Stinson, Coniston and Mcvittie). Readings are maintained to within an accuracy of +/- cm. Canadian Hydro Developers are responsible for gauges at their Moose Rapids Generating Station. A water level gauging station consists of two basic components – a primary device used to measure elevation and a secondary device used to record or transmit water level information. These components are inspected on a regular basis by employees (minimum yearly) to verify the accuracy of reported water levels. Weekly gauge inspections are generally conducted at the generating stations and control dam. The Wahnapitae DCP is inspected at least once a year or more often if required due to 52 equipment failures, battery replacements and so forth. Current Operating Strategy - Lake Wahnapitae

Precipitation Tributaries Evaporation Melting Snow Ground Saturation Melting Ice Water Through Dam Areas of Flooding Lake Wahnapitae Operating Regime Wahnapitae Lake Goal = to maintain proper balance between power production & impacts of flooding downstream (below dam) with effects of •Minor flooding when level above 267.65m upstream high water on lake residents. Elevation targets based Town of Wahnapitae on the amount of precipitation received, water content in snow, •Damage to properties when flows 225+ cms temperature and historical water levels (see 50 yr. average below). In general, the dam is opened gradually over the winter Village of Wanup to lower the lake level in anticipation of the spring thaw. At the •Minor damage when Coniston flows 100+ cms onset of freshet, flow through the dam is closed off. The dam is •Medium damage at flows 125+ cms reopened once inflows into the lake and river have subsided. *This historical trend curve below was developed •Major damage at flows 200+ cms over a period of more than 50 years, with considerable input from government organizations, businesses and the general public

WAHNAPITAE LAKE HISTORICAL TREND CURVE Min. operat ing level: Mar.15 to May 25 = 265.05m Normal Max. operat ing level: 267.65m Min. operat ing level: May 26 to Oct . 15 = 267.30m Absolut e Max. operat ing level: 267.95m Min. operat ing level: Oct .16 to Mar.14: 265.66m 268.00

267.50

267.00

266.50

266.00

265.50

265.00

264.50

264.00

Wahnapitae Lake Dam Freshet Operating Strategy ➢Lake elevation < 267.65 meters: Let lake rise. Discharge 100 cms max. at Coniston GS. Avoid nearing this elevation if ice on lake ➢Lake elevation = 267.65 meters (Provided upper Wahnapitae River has peaked or is flat & flows at Coniston GS are <100cms): Discharge lake inflow. For inflows between 100 cms & 128cms – discharge 100 cms through dam and let lake rise (obtain permission from MNR if required to go to max. elevation of 267.95). If inflow to lake is >128cms, discharge 128cms at Coniston GS. If upper Wahnapitae has not peaked & estimated inflow at Coniston doesn’t exceed 128 cms, discharge 100cms and allow lake to rise. If estimated inflow is >128cms, discharge up to 170cms. Once inflows peak , reduce discharge to reduce Coniston inflow. ➢Lake elevation = 267.80 (and if upper Wahnapitae flow has not peaked): Discharge inflows. If upper Wahnapitae flows have peaked, reduce discharge to reduce peak at Coniston GS. 53 Current Operating Strategy - Generating Stations

Once flooding, environmental, safety and citizenship concerns are addressed, attempts are made to maximize power production at the generating stations. OPG has limited control over the lake and water levels (dictated by amount of water received from precipitation, melting snow and by amount of ground saturation and evaporation). There is limited potential at the generating station forebays to store water since they are all run-of-the-river types. OPG attempts to produce full power at Coniston GS while remaining within the operating ranges at the lake and all other stations. To do this, Stinson GS must be cycled (started and stopped) at various times, since it has the potential to pass more water through its generators than what can be passed through those at Coniston. Even when running full out at Mcvittie, water may have to be spilled there due to its limited discharge capacity. 2 cms min. flow Water from Lake maintained through Wahnapitae embedded pipe at INFLOWS Wahnapitae dam

Moose Rapids GS •Water for station use dictated by amount received from Wahnapitae Dam (OPG) •Computer control system maintains diversion weir water level at 261.40 meters (+/- 0.05 meters). •Diversion Weir water level set no lower than 261.35 meters - ensures minimum bypass flow of 1.5 cms. •Maximum plant output attained at 25 cms with excess water flowing over diversion weir.

Water from Moose Rapids INFLOWS

Stinson GS •Maintain Elevation Between 254.66 m and 255.42 m (Max. flow through generators = 48.8 cms) during winter and between 255.18 m and 255.39 m from May 15 to Oct. 15 When possible, pass a maximum of 32cms to match maximum flow possible at Coniston (through generators) – Stinson generators may have to be cycled for best efficiency

Water from Stinson GS INFLOWS

Coniston GS •Maintain Elevations Between 236.62 m and 237.17 m (Max. flow through generators = 32 cms) •Match water coming from Stinson GS (with consideration for local inflows) – attempt to run all 3 generators at full capacity. Average 3 cms daily flow maintained on “best effort” basis.

Water from INFLOWS Coniston GS

Mcvittie GS •Maintain Elevations Between 209.28 m and 210.00 m (Max. flow through generators = 24.4 cms) •Match water coming from Coniston GS (with consideration for local inflows) – attempt to run both generators at full capacity – Spill water through motor-operated gate sluices (and/or log sluices in the spring) when 3 unit water is received from Coniston (max. flow from Coniston generators = 32cms). 10 cms flow maintained during pickerel spawn.

Water to Moose Rapids = Water from Lake Wahnapitae + local inflows & precipitation Water To Stinson GS = Water from Moose Rapids + local inflows & precipitation Water To Coniston GS = Water from Stinson GS + local inflows & precipitation Water To Mcvittie GS = Water from Coniston GS + local inflows & precipitation 54 Ice On The Wahnapitae

Ice can present significant challenges in the management of the Wahnapitae Lake and River water levels and flows. Lake Wahnapitae Any drastic level changes that occur on Lake Wahnapitae once an ice cap has been formed, can cause the ice to crack. Once cracks or fissures occur, there is a likelihood that the ice will shift and break up into chunks. This is a considerable safety hazard to anyone using the lake during the winter months (skiers, snowmobilers etc…) Furthermore, ice chunks that break off can settle against the dam doing damage to it or the sluiceways. For these reasons, OPG attempts not to make any sudden, significant lake level changes during the winter months. Any operations to remove or replace logs are generally done over a period of time. Moreover, ice also forms on the logs and in the sluiceways often necessitating its removal via a long ice pick. Large torches are also used to melt ice so the logs can be removed. This is a manually intensive job and for this reason, significant log pulls are not only impractical, but oftentimes not possible or at the least, extremely time consuming. Generating Stations – General The above facts hold true at the Wahnapitae generating stations as well. However, there are a few other problems encountered at these facilities. Ice that banks against the trash racks at the entranceway to the generator penstocks can badly damage them. As well, it can impede the water flow into the penstocks which can significantly reduce the amount of power the generators can produce. Sometimes, the ice blocks so much water flow to the generators that they will shut down automatically. If the generators do not shut down automatically, the operators at the Evergreen Energy Control Center must shut them down for if they don’t, a vacuum could be created in the penstock which could result in its collapse. Finally, ice chunks that find their way down the penstocks and into the generators can damage the turbine (propeller) For this reason, it is imperative that levels at generating stations not be varied too quickly during the winter months. 55 Public & First Nation Consultation For A New Water Management Plan

Wahnapitae Water Management Plan Public Consultation Chronology of Events

DATE EVENT DESCRIPTION

December 20, 2002 EBR posting Invitation to participate

January 15th, 2003 Invitation to participate Public introduction to WMP process

February 12th & 15th, Advertisement – Sudbury Star page B-7 Invitation to participate (PAC formation) 2003

February 12th, 2003 Advertisement – Northern life Invitation to participate (PAC formation)

February 12th, 2003 Advertisement – Le voyageur Invitation to participate (PAC formation)

March 1st, 2003 Advertisement – Anishnawbek News Invitation to participate (PAC formation)

May 9th, 2003 Deadline for PAC applications PAC formation

June 20th, 2003 1st PAC meeting Planning team presentation – basics of hydrology and hydroelectricity

July 10th & 17th, 2003 Hydro producers’ facility tours For all WMP committee members

September, 2003 Open house notice posters Placed in strategic locations in the community of Skead, Wahnapitae and Wanup (general stores etc…)

September 3rd, 2003 Mailout notice of open house Sent to 100 tourist operators, First Nations, Baitfish licensee holders, public (pre-established mailing list)

September 6th, 2003 Advertisement – Sudbury Star Public open house notice

September 6th, 2003 Advertisement – Northern Life Public open house notice

September 9th, 2003 EBR posting # Xb02e2009 Public open house notice

September 9th, 2003 Public open house – (questionnaires 1pm – 4pm; 6pm – 9pm: Skead Community available for issues input, comments) Center

September 10th, 2003 Advertisement – Le Voyageur Public open house notice

September 16th, 2003 Public open house – (questionnaires 1pm – 4pm; 6pm – 9pm: Wanup Community available for issues input, comments) Center

September 18th, 2003 Questionnaires from public info. sessions Count conducted for number of comments made summarized at planning team meeting on each issue.

September 29th, 2003 Wahnapitae Water Treatment Plant Tour For all WMP committee members

October 3rd, 2003 Questionnaires from public info. sessions Count conducted for number of comments made summarized at planning team meeting on each issue

January 22nd, 2004 First Nations Public Open House 3pm to 7pm – Wahnapitae First Nations Fire hall Pertinent Key Issues Identified Via Public Consultation •Flooding (17) •Wildlife (8) •Erosion (16) •Tourism & Outfitters (3) •Fisheries (9) •Winter Drawdown (3) •Low water in summer (8) •Historical Concerns (3) •Swimming (8) •Communication with Residents (2)

(# of responses in brackets) – Note that other issues arose that weren’t relative to the Water Management plan, but were dealt 56 with, nevertheless. More info. appears on the accompanying CD Wahnapitae First Nation Consultation

The Wahnapitae First Nation were involved at the planning team and steering committee levels. An open house was held in the local firehall on the Wahnapitae First Nation reserve on January 22, 2004. Questionnaires were provided to allow local residents to give their input into the levels and flows on the Wahnapitae system. First Nation chose not to include the consultation plan and report in this document, but for more information, contact the MNR First Nation liaison. At left -- First Nations Open House in January, 2004: Members from the PAC, Steering committee, OPG, MNR, Canadian Hydro Developers and First Nation representatives were present Community Profile Wahnapitae First Nation is signatory to the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850. It is listed as #11 on the Schedule of Reserves. The First Nation is an Ojibway Band and is part of the Anishinabek Nation. The Indian Reserve is located some 50 km north of Sudbury, Ontario, and is accessible by all season gravel roads from the town of . The reserve land base is 2 miles by 2 miles on the north shore of Lake Wahnapita and covers approximately 1036 hectares of land. It is anticipated that a pending land claim settlement will increase this base significantly. The Wahnapitae First Nation elects it’s Chief & Council under Band Custom. There is One Chief and Four Councillors. The Wahnapitae First Nation (WFN) is a developing community with a growing population and expanding land base. There are approximately 320 members with some 60 living on reserve. There are several tourism related businesses owned by individual members. These include a licensed restaurant and four camp/trailer/cottage grounds. Band members residing on reserve are employed in Band administration, public works and in other areas of reserve. Limited development has occurred on reserve, primarily along the north shore of Lake Wahnapitae. There are more than seventy surveyed residential lots. The community is surrounded by mining (nickel exploration/mining, and gold exploration activity), forestry (pine and spruce harvesting) and tourism. The Band participates in some of these activities, however considering the potential; the community has developed a Community Development Plan. This Plan is based on the priority needs of the community as follows: Economic Development, Watershed Management, Infrastructure

****Refer to reference CD for First Nation History of Lake Wahnapitae Flooding and Use****

57