ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT and TREE CONSERVATION REPORT

PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT and GOLF COURSE RELOCATION

PART of LOTS 7 and 8, CONCESSION IV GEOGRAPHIC TOWNSHIP of GOULBOURN CITY of OTTAWA

RIVERBEND GOLF COURSE

A report prepared for:

Riverbend Golf and Country Club

by Muncaster Environmental Planning Inc.

November, 2009 MUNCASTER ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION...... 1 1.1 Scoping the Environmental Impact Statement ...... 4

2.0 METHODOLOGY ...... 5

3.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS ...... 5 3.1 Terrestrial Features ...... 5 3.1.1 Jock River and Dowdall Riparian Corridors ...... 6 3.1.2 Other Terrestrial Features ...... 6 3.2 Aquatic Features ...... 14 3.2.1 Jock River ...... 14 3.2.2 Dowdall Municipal Drain ...... 15 3.3 Species of Interest ...... 19

4.0 DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL ...... 19

5.0 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ...... 20 5.1 Water Quality and Quantity ...... 20 5.1.1 Water Taking ...... 20 5.1.2 Septic Systems ...... 20 5.2 Terrestrial Habitat ...... 21 5.3 Aquatic Habitat ...... 22

6.0 MITIGATION MEASURES and RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 23 6.1 Tree Conservation Report ...... 23 6.2 Aquatic Habitat ...... 26 6.3 Stormwater Mitigation ...... 28 6.4 Erosion and Sediment Controls and Monitoring ...... 28

7.0 SUMMARY ...... 29

8.0 REFERENCES ...... 30

FIGURES

Map 1: Natural Environment Features with Current Vegetation ...... 2 Map 2: Draft Plan of Subdivision and Proposed Conserved Vegetation ...... 3

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

The overall site consists of an area of approximately 57.8 hectares, within part of Lots 7 and 8, Concession IV, in the Geographic Township of Goulbourn, City of Ottawa, Ontario. The site is located between Franktown and Copeland Roads to the south and north, respectively, and is bounded by rural farms to the east and the Heron Lake rural residential subdivision to the west (Map 1).

The site is currently the active Riverbend Golf Course. The proposed draft plan of subdivision includes removing a short play golf course, realigning six of the current 18-hole golf course to provide a greater setback from the Jock River and adding 26 rural residential lots, with a minimum lot size of 0.8 hectares (Map 2). A typical house will have a footprint area between 200 and 300 m2 with four to five bedrooms and a garage of 50 m2. Each home will be serviced by an individual water well and private sewage system with a capacity of 3500 L/day.

Surrounding land uses to the site include:

 Rural farms to the east, south and north of the site;  A 200 metre wide deciduous forest to the north of the site, north of Copeland Road; and,  The Heron Lake rural residential subdivision to the west of the site, with active agricultural land and the DND Dwyer Hill Training Centre further to the west, east of Dwyer Hill Road.

The site is designated General Rural Area on Schedule A of the 2003 City of Ottawa Official Plan (City of Ottawa, 2003). There are no Provincially Significant Wetlands, Rural Natural Features or Natural Environment Areas in proximity to the site. Schedule K in the Official Plan identifies a landform feature in the vicinity of Franktown Road, which are the Jock River Stromatolites, a Provincially Significant Earth Science Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) discussed in Section 3.2. The former Region of Ottawa Carleton’s Natural Environment System Strategy did not identify any Natural Areas in the general vicinity of the site (Brunton, 1997).

The Jock River is the dominant natural environment feature in the general area. The site is located within the north-central portion of Reach 3 of the Jock River, as identified in the Jock River Watershed Management Plan (RVCA, 2001). The Watershed Management Plan identified environmental features for Reach 3 of the River, but only the Jock River Stromatolites are in proximity to the site (OMNR, 2009). The Provincially significant Richmond Fen is in the southeast corner of Reach 3, west of Richmond, and the Marlborough Forest is along the south portions of the Reach, south of the Jock River. White sucker spawning at the Ashton Dam at the upstream end of reach 3 is reported by RVCA (2001). In addition to the Jock River Stromatolites, RVCA (2001) also identified an Earth Science ANSI along Franktown Road in proximity to the Richmond Fen, approximately 5.5 kilometres to the east of the site.

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MUNCASTER ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING INC.

The Watershed Management Plan notes that riparian vegetation is lacking in some stretches of Reach 3 and the water quality is impaired with high counts of nutrients and bacteria. Flow and associated water depths are limited in the summer months with much of the Reach reported as non-navigable (RVCA, 2001). Improvement of riparian vegetation was a recommendation in the Watershed Management Plan for the general area of the site.

In summary, the Jock River in the vicinity of the site provides warmwater aquatic habitat, with limited flows in the summer months. The identified natural environment features of special interest in the Jock River system are not in proximity to the site outside of the Jock River Stromatolites. In addition to the aquatic habitat and other functions of the Jock River system, the Dowdall Municipal Drain joins the Jock River from the west in the middle portion of the site.

This Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been completed due the presence of fish habitat within the Jock River and the Dowdall Municipal Drain and the Earth Science ANSI at Franktown Road. In addition this report contains a Tree Conservation Report, following the Revised Guidelines for City of Ottawa Tree Conservation Report, found at www.ottawa.ca/residents/healthy_lawns/forestry/urban_ tree_conservation/guidelines_en.html.

1.1 Scoping the Environmental Impact Statement

The EIS was prepared in accordance with Section 4.7.8 of the City of Ottawa Official Plan (City of Ottawa, 2003), following the standards of the Natural Heritage Reference Manual (OMNR, 1999) and the Environmental Impact Statement Draft Guidelines for the former Region of Ottawa-Carleton (RMOC, 1998), and includes the components of an Environmental Impact Statement as identified in Section 4.7.8.2 a) through h) of the City of Ottawa Official Plan (City of Ottawa, 2003).

The major objective of this EIS is to determine the anticipated impacts associated with the proposed change in land use on the significant features and functions of the Jock River and Dowdall Municipal Drain systems, along with the Earth Science ANSI and, as required, to provide the methodology to mitigate any negative impact, or enhance positive impacts, on the significant natural heritage features and functions in the area. To attain this objective, the original conceptual draft plan of subdivision was reviewed and recommendations made for revisions based on field observations of the features and functions of the natural environment. In addition, mitigation measures are presented in Section 6 of this EIS to reduce the potential for impacts on the features and functions.

The following items were identified for particular attention, recognizing that many of these issues are interrelated:

 what are the anticipated direct and indirect potential impacts on the adjacent fish habitat within the Jock River and Dowdall Municipal Drain?;  what setbacks are required to provide adequate protection for the adjacent fish habitat?;  what are the features and functions of the terrestrial features, including wooded areas,

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wetlands, other vegetation communities and wildlife habitat on the balance of the existing golf course, and as required how can these features and functions be protected and enhanced?;  what are the features and functions of the Jock River Stromatolites Earth Science ANSI and how does the site interact with these features?;  what are the features and functions of the woodlot to the north of Copeland Road and how does the site interact with this woodlot?;  will increases in impermeable surfaces result in impacts on infiltration and groundwater?; and,  what are the potential impacts associated with the construction and operation of potable water and septic facilities?

2.0 METHODOLOGY

Environmental information was collected and summarized through information on the Jock River and Dowdall Municipal Drain, including the Jock River Watershed Management Plan, correspondence with Kemptville District Ministry of Natural Resources and the City of Ottawa, and a review of the Natural Heritage Information Centre database.

Colour aerial photography (2005) was used to assess the natural environment features in the general vicinity of the site. Field observations were conducted on October 19th, 2009, both on and adjacent to the site. In addition field observations were completed for other studies associated with the site on December 22nd, 2006 and June 20th and 27th, 2007.

Ecological units were defined based on species present, the wetness index of the species, dominant species, drainage observations, health, age, topography and soil conditions. Records of wildlife were made through direct sightings and observations of tracks and scat. Other aspects of the surveys included photographs of site representative features and observations on the level of disturbance from human activities and other disturbances such as non-native flora.

NHIC (2009) and Muncaster and Brunton (2005) were used for the current status of the flora and fauna observed.

3.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS

3.1 Terrestrial Features

The topography is generally level and in most areas the natural topography would prevent surface water flowing towards the Jock River from the existing golf playing surfaces. The area is tiled drained with excellent infiltration among the turfgrass. Clayey sands dominate the site soils, with thickness of overburden varies from less than 0.3 metres to a maximum of about 3 metres. The average overburden depth is of the order of 1.5 metres (Paterson, 2009).

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3.1.2 Jock River and Dowdall Riparian Corridors

In areas, the existing golf course is within five metres of the east top-of-bank of the Jock River (Photos 1and 2). There are scattered woody vegetation within this setback area, including a line of white cedar trees up to 34cm diameter at breast height (dbh), along with a couple of mature basswoods up to 45cm dbh to the south of Copeland Road (Photo 1). Scattered regenerating stems of Manitoba maple and a mature coppice crack willow with individual stems up to 40cm dbh are further south of Copeland Road on the east side of the Jock River. Several red-osier dogwoods have been planted in the buffer along the east side of the Jock River north of the current Hole 12 green. A mature (60cm dbh) white ash is between the green and the River. The balance of the setbacks are well vegetated with ground cover including reed canary grass, brome grass, bluegrass, witch’s grass, wild cucumber, chicory, calico aster, common milkweed, wild carrot, tall agrimony, stinging nettle, and Canada goldenrod, riverbank grape, Canada thistle, wild parsnip, tall goldenrod, blue vervain and ostrich fern.

No signs of surface erosion were observed in proximity to the Jock River. Placed cuttings of small branches in the buffer add to the wildlife habitat value and further assist in delineating the areas not maintained.

The riparian corridor along the Dowdall Municipal Drain is a combination of treed and open areas associated with the existing golf course holes (Photos 3 and 4). The setback between the channel and the maintained sections of the golf course generally varies between 5 and 10m, with short sections near the pathway crossings where the riparian corridor adjacent to the channel is manicured and woody vegetation is lacking. The largest trees in the corridor are white ash up to 60cm dbh on the north side of the channel and white cedars up to 39cm dbh on the south side. Ash is the dominant species in the corridor with white elm and white cedar well represented, and bur oak and basswood also present. Regenerating white elm and bur oak stems are common in the corridor along with common buckthorn and red raspberry shrubs.

3.1.2 Other Terrestrial Features

The lands proposed for the rural residential lots and relocation of the golf course holes are dominated by the existing golf course holes, with pockets of woody vegetation. Scattered trees are along the north portion of the east site boundary, including a 58cm dbh white elm. The mature elm has some broken branches but generally appears to be in good condition. Regenerating white spruce stems are common.

Recent deciduous and coniferous plantings are scattered between the existing golf course holes (Photo 6). These stems are up to 15cm dbh and include white ash, red ash, white cedar, sugar maple, Scot’s pine and white spruce. Larger trees among the golf course holes are white ash, Scot’s pine, Colorado spruce, white cedar and white spruce up to 35cm dbh. Where the ground is not maintained, common ground cover among the trees includes reed canary grass, common milkweed, tall white aster, New England aster, common dandelion, purple loosestrife, wild parsnip, wild carrot, curled dock, Canada goldenrod and Canada thistle, along with red raspberry, red-osier dogwood and pussy willow shrubs.

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Several areas of larger white cedars, white ash, white elm, sugar maple and trembling aspen are north and west of the Jock River, between the south portions of the existing golf course holes (Photos 7, 8 and 9). The white cedars are up to 50cm dbh. Some of the larger trees have been pruned. A coppice, over-mature crack willow with major trunk and branch damage is south of the proposed Lot 24. The individual stems of the crack willow are up to 70cm dbh. Some of the larger elms and ash have trunk damage and broken major limbs. The ground among the trees is generally mowed, with some slender and pussy willow shrubs.

Cultural woodlands are present in areas of no maintenance (Photo 10, Map 1). White ash, white elm, trembling aspen, balsam poplar, white birch and white cedar are the common tree species in the cultural woodlands, with white ash in the range of 65cm dbh representing the largest trees. The ground flora is generally reflective of disturbed conditions and includes wild cucumber, wild parsnip, reed canary grass, common milkweed, wild grape, lady fern, scouring rush, common burdock, calico aster, New England aster, ciliolate aster, tall goldenrod and Canada goldenrod, along with red raspberry, prickly ash and red-osier dogwood shrubs. Two butternuts, an Endangered Species at Risk at both the Provincial and Federal level, were observed in the cultural woodland south of proposed Lot 24. The butternut stems are both 9cm dbh and are in poor condition. Wild grape is extensive on the butternuts and canker is present on many areas of the trunks (Photo 11).

The forest north of Copeland Road, on either side of the Jock River is a young dry-fresh mixed forest of red ash, white cedar and white elm, with white ash also represented (Photo 12). The maximum tree size is 30cm dbh, with most stems less than 20cm dbh. Ice storm damage is present in the forest and common buckthorn is well established in many areas of the understorey. The 200 metre width of the forest precludes forest interior habitat conditions. The rectangular forest is about 10 hectares in size. Swales on both sides of Copeland Road lead to the Jock River and prevent any direct hydrological connection between the site and the forest north of Copeland Road outside of the Jock River.

Wildlife observations during the field surveys included northern leopard frog, ring-billed gull, red-tailed hawk, American robin, dark-eyed junco, golden-crowned kinglet, blue jay, black- capped chickadee, white-breasted nuthatch, blue jay, American crow and red-winged blackbird, as well as woodpecker activity in some of the older white cedars.

There is no forest cover on the site and thus no potential for forest interior habitat. The linkage function along the Jock River corridor is reduced by the lack of forests in the corridor on and to the south of the site. The forest in the Jock River corridor to the north of the site extends for about 500 metres north of Copeland Road. No natural areas are in proximity to the site, with the closest natural area about 2.6 kilometres to the northeast of the site. This Mansfield at Munster Natural Area was rated low overall.

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Photo 1 – Existing Hole 13 (right) to be relocated outside of Jock River (left) riparian corridor. View looking upstream (northwest)

Photo 2 – Existing Hole 11 to be relocated outside of Jock River riparian corridor. Jock River shoreline is adjacent to cedars on left. View looking north

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Photo 3 – Riparian corridor of Dowdall Municipal Drain, with one of the crossings to be removed in background. View looking upstream (west)

Photo 4 – South side of riparian corridor of Dowdall Municipal Drain showing vegetation to be removed for relocated Hole 3

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Photo 5 – North side of Dowdall Municipal Drain riparian corridor with ash trees to be removed for municipal drain work

Photo 6 – Typical plantings along edges of current golf course holes that will be relocated to Jock River and Dowdall corridors and between the relocated golf course holes

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Photo 7 – Grove of white cedars to be retained in sw portion of Lot 25 (Area ‘C’ on Map 2)

Photo 8 – Coppice white cedar to be retained west of the fairway for relocated Hole 5 (Area ‘I’ on Map 2)

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Photo 9 – Grove of white cedar and other trees to be retained in west portion of Lot 24 (Area ‘B’ on Map 2)

Photo 10 – Young woody vegetation to be removed for fairway of relocated Hole 4

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Photo 11 – Butternut in poor condition to be retained in cultural woodland between Holes 4 and 6.

Photo 12 – Young mixed forest to the north of the site, north of Copeland Road

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3.2 Aquatic Features

3.2.1 Jock River

Despite environmental stresses on the aquatic ecosystem such as high nutrient loadings, low summertime base flows and barriers to fish movement, the Jock River supports a high quality and diverse cool and warmwater fishery. The Jock River Watershed Study (RVCA, 2001) emphasized the importance of the muskellunge population within the Jock River and stated it was the only natural small muskellunge stream in eastern Ontario. A small sampling of anglers by RVCA (2001) suggested that the Jock River has the second highest catch per unit effort for muskellunge in southeastern Ontario, although no specific significant biological features were identified in Reach 3 of the Jock River watershed outside of the Earth Science ANSI at Franktown Road. Recommendations applicable to the study area in RVCA (2001) include improved riparian vegetation.

The Jock River meanders through the Riverbend Golf Course, varying in width between 8 and 36 metres (Photo 13). Features of note include a good diversity of exposed substrate, including gravel and cobbles, beds of submergent and emergent aquatic vegetation, with larger areas of vegetation at the extended outside bends of the meanderings about 600 and 825 metres north of Franktown Road, clear water colour, boulders, and woody debris. There is a diverse combination of pool and riffle morphology (Photo 14). As described in Section 3.1.1, the riparian corridor of the Jock River is generally lacking in continuous woody vegetation cover through the site (Photo 13), although the local trees and shrubs do have overhanging branches that assist in bank stability, while providing some shading and food and nutrient inputs to the Jock River system. The diversity in substrate and vegetation and other in-stream structure is important in providing spawning, nursery and feeding habitats for the fish communities. No barriers to fish migration were observed along the Jock River in the vicinity of the site. The golf paths cross the Jock River with removable bridges, with no in-stream structures.

The significant feature at Franktown Road is the Jock River Stromatolites, a Provincially Significant Earth Science ANSI. These fossils, preserved in the grey dolomitic Oxford Formation, are reported to be between 1 and 3 metres in diameter and are located within the bed of the Jock River (Billings, 1975). The stromatolites were created by communities of blue-green algae when the area was covered by warm salt water. The calcite produced by the algae and the normal sedimentation of minerals became trapped within the sticky algae, which then settled and hardened each night. Over time a solid mound is formed with a new algae colony growing on top. This feature eventually fossilizes and is partially flattened by glaciation and other erosion mechanisms. The best known and readily observed stromatolites in the area are on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River to the west of the Champlain Bridge (Billings, 1975).

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3.2.2 Dowdall Municipal Drain

The main channel of the Dowdall Drain is classified by RVCA as type E (permanent warm water top predators) with the branches tributary to the main channel assigned type F (intermittent). No tributaries of the Dowdall Drain are on the site, with Branch # 8 to the west of the site, east of Roger’s Creek Way.

Muncaster (2008) netted thirteen fish species from the Dowdall Municipal Drain, representing a good diversity of cool and warm water fish species. In addition to a diverse assemblage of forage fish, rock bass and pumpkinseed were present at all sampling stations between the Jock River and Dwyer Hill Road (Muncaster, 2008). Muncaster (2008) concluded that several attributes of the Dowdall Municipal Drain system are important to a variety of species, including coarse exposed substrate, pools and riffles and aquatic vegetation (Photos 16 and 18). In addition to several direct spawning area observations (Photo 17), the capture of several young-of-the-year forage fish, pumkinseed and rock bass indicate spawning activity is common in the system. No apparent blockages to fish movement were observed between the confluence with the Jock River and a weir upstream of Lakewood Drive.

The Dowdall Municipal Drain is channelized with a straight east-west orientation between the confluence and the west boundary of the site. Fines (clay and silt), cobble, gravel and sand are all present as exposed substrate. The channel morphological units consisted of run (90%) and riffle (10%). Although the channel on-site has no meandering, several positive aquatic features were noted. Riffles are present adjacent to the existing Hole 3 green, cobble, gravel and boulders are common, and several spawning areas were observed among the gravel (Photos 16 and 17). In addition to the boulders, emergent vegetation, including cattails, water plantain, common coontail, lesser duckweed and sedges, and undercut banks provide in-stream structure (Photo 18). Several live fingernail clams were observed, along with a couple of live Unionids (Elliptio sp.).

The canopy cover is good in areas where the riparian corridor is well vegetated with live deciduous and coniferous trees, with white cedar density thick in along much of the banks. The cedar branches provide good overhanging vegetation in many areas. Erosion is common, especially along the south bank east of the Hole 3 green, but most of the banks are generally well vegetated with the trees, reed canary grass, tufted vetch, white clover, common milkweed, red raspberry, goldenrods and black-eyed susan.

RVCA (in Muncaster, 2008) report smallmouth bass utilizing the on-line pond west of the site, west of Lakewood Drive, with the bass observed during the spring spawning period. Rock bass, central mudminnow, black crappie and other cyprinids are also reported in the Dowdall system in the RVCA records.

The Dowdall Drain system is managed for baitfish production by OMNR, with an active baitfish license utilized. The baitfish harvester indicated that he collects creek chub and common shiner from the Dowdall system in the vicinity of Dwyer Hill Road (Muncaster, 2008).

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Photo 13 – Jock River in the central portion of the site. View looking downstream (east)

Photo 14 – Jock River in the northwest corner of the site, south of Copeland Road. Note riffle habitat. View looking downstream (south)

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Photo 15 – Jock River to the northwest of the site, north of Copeland Road. Note overhanging vegetation. View looking upstream (north)

Photo 16 – Riffle morphological unit in the Dowdall upstream of confluence with the Jock River

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Photo 17 – Evidence of spawning activity in the Dowdall upstream of confluence with Jock River

Photo 18 – Emergent and submergent aquatic vegetation in the Dowdall at west-central portion of the site, with footbridge to be removed

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3.3 Species of Interest

All of the flora and fauna species observed are considered very common in Ontario, demonstrably secure (NHIC, 2009). No species of interest were identified in proximity to the site in the Jock River Watershed Management Plan (RVCA, 2001). Other databases were reviewed to determine whether any species at risk are likely to occur in the general area. Schedule 1 (List of Wildlife Species at Risk) of the Species at Risk Act was reviewed, including the COSEWIC lists for endangered and threatened species and species of special concern, and outside of two butternut trees in poor condition, none of the listed species were observed or have been reported in the vicinity of the site. Historical records from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Kemptville District Office and the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority identified no features of special concern in the general area outside of the Jock River Stromatolites Provincially Significant Earth Science ANSI at Franktown Road. Two fish species of interest reported from the Jock River system, the bridle shiner and the greater redhorse, are not considered Species at Risk or species of special concern. A review of the Provincial Natural Heritage Information Centre Database, maintained by the Ministry of Natural Resources, revealed no species of interest in proximity to the site, with the closest record for milksnake, a species of concern, about three kilometers to the northeast of the site.

The potential Species at Risk in the City of Ottawa were reviewed, with an emphasis on the endangered and threatened species historically reported in the overall City, including butternut, American ginseng, eastern prairie fringed-orchid, flooded jellyskin, wood turtle, spiny softshell, Blanding’s turtle, musk turtle, Henslow’s sparrow, loggerhead shrike, whip-poor-will, bald eagle, golden eagle, least bittern, peregrine falcon, eastern cougar, common gray fox, lake sturgeon, and American eel. The habitat requirements of these species along with those listed as special concern were reviewed. None of these Species at Risk were observed during the field surveys and given the general disturbed nature of the golf course area and lack of wetland habitat of note, no specific habitat characteristics related to the Species at Risk are considered present. Lake sturgeon and American eel have not been reported from the Rideau or Jock River systems.

4.0 DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL

The draft plan of subdivision includes 26 rural residential lots, with a minimum lot size of 0.8 hectares, ranging up to 10.1 hectares (Map 2). Lots 1 – 21 will be accessed off the north side of Franktown Road, in the vicinity of a historical driveway. A crossing of the Dowdall Municipal Drain will be required to access the north four lots (Lots 9 – 12). Lots 22 – 26 will be accessed off Copeland Road.

A typical house will have a maximum footprint area of 200 - 300 m2, with four to five bedrooms and a garage of 50 m2. Each home will be serviced by an individual water well and private sewage system with a capacity of 3500 L/day.

In addition to the rural residences, the proposed draft plan of subdivision includes removing the short play golf course and realigning six of the current 18-hole golf course to provide a greater

08/11/09 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT – RIVERBEND GOLF Page 19 MUNCASTER ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING INC. setback from the Jock River (Map 2). Specifically in the north portion of the site, on the east side of the Jock River the existing Holes 10, 11, 12 and 13 of the short course will be removed from the riparian corridor where the current setback is in the range of five metres in many areas.

The lands identified for development are currently part of the existing golf course, with areas of woody vegetation between the golf course holes and along the riparian corridors.

A Conceptual Stormwater Management Plan has been prepared for the site (Novatech, 2009). The Plan describes how the site characteristics will be utilized to design stormwater mitigation in the form of Best Management Practices, as described in Section 6.3.

5.0 POTENTIAL IMPACTS

The potential impacts of the proposed development considered critical to the local natural system were scoped from features identified in the review of existing information and field visits to the site and adjacent lands.

5.1 Water Quality and Quantity

5.1.1 Water Taking

A terrain and hydrogeological study undertaken by Paterson (2009) concluded that well yields are generally considered to be quite high in the area, water quality in the test wells was generally satisfactory, an adequate water supply can be obtained with private wells and all health-related parameters were met.

5.1.2 Septic Systems

The aforementioned terrain analysis and hydrogeological report concluded that the on-site sewage disposal can be handled with in-ground leaching beds Class 4 septic systems, as per Part 8 of the Ontario Building Code. Suitable soil is generally available throughout the site above an unacceptable layer (bedrock) and above the water table level.

Paterson (2009) also concluded that a typical home and services will fit onto the proposed lot, and can meet all pertinent regulations without causing environmental constraints. One objective of the hydrogeological study is to enhance development and minimize the effects of sewage systems on the surrounding environment. This is achieved through proper construction of water supply and sewage systems and by coordinating the overall positioning of the services to maximize separations. A minimum separation of 15 m (18 m for fully- raised systems) is required between a well and sewage system, whether they are servicing a single lot, or are on neighbouring lots. It is important to ensure the separation criteria for the relative position of the home, sewage system and well is maintained, and that the separation criteria are applied to the adjacent lots as well. Where possible, the sewage system should be placed down slope from any nearby wells.

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5.2 Natural Habitat

The Plan of Subdivision has utilized Design with Nature concepts to minimize the potential for impacts on the natural habitat, and to enhance the long-term site conditions by increasing the setbacks between the Jock River and the relocated golf course holes. All new playing areas, indicated in red on Map 2, will be a minimum of 30 metres from the Jock River except for the portions of the fairway of re-located Hole 5. This is a major improvement over the four current holes located on the east side of the Jock River south of Copeland Road. The intrusions into the 30 metre setback for the relocated Hole 5 will be greater than 15 metres from shoreline. The first tee for Hole 1 on the north side of Franktown Road has been relocated to be about 30 metres from the Jock River.

The majority of existing woody vegetation will be retained on the portions of the rural residential lots that will not be developed and the areas to be untouched between the relocated golf course holes. Some tree removal will be required for the fairway of relocated Hole 3, the fairway of the relocated Hole 4 (Photo 10), the north portion of the fairway of the relocated Hole 5 and the tees and west portion of the fairways for the relocated Hole 6. The trees are dominated by white cedar and white ash and are in areas with maintained ground cover or cultural woodlands with ground cover dominated by goldenrods or other invasive vegetation. The two butternuts in poor condition to the west of the tees for the relocated Hole 4 are not anticipated to be removed. If detailed grading requirements identify the need for removal, the butternuts will be formally assessed and compensatory plantings provided as required.

Forest interior habitat is absent from the site and lands adjacent to the site. No new forest edges will be created.

In other areas such as the fairways of relocated Holes 1 and 9, the existing young woody vegetation will be transplanted to portions of the revised golf course layout that are not in play on the revised layout and along the Jock River and Dowdall corridors. Given the transplanting and plantings of native vegetation along the riparian corridors and at the rear and sides of the rural residential lots, it is anticipated that the future woody vegetation cover on the site will be greater than current conditions.

As the Jock River Stromatolites, a Provincially Significant Earth Science ANSI is within the Jock River, there will be no direct impacts on this feature. It is not anticipated that there is a potential for indirect impacts as the closest feature, the tees for Hole 1 will be about 30 metres from the river shoreline.

The terrain analysis (Paterson, 2009) indicates that there should be no potential impacts associated with an increase in nutrient inputs.

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5.3 Aquatic Habitat

The site characteristics including level topography, good infiltration, lack of surface water runoff and no erosion observed along the Jock River reduce the potential for impacts on the Jock River system. It is anticipated that most of the surface water from the rural residences will infiltrate in proximity to the development portion of each lot. The relatively small percentage of impervious surface among the rural residential development and golf course should result in no notable impacts on the moisture regime of the area.

It is anticipated that there will be a net environmental gain for the Jock River system as the riparian corridor south of Copeland Road currently occupied by Holes 10, 11, 12 and 13 of the short course will be rehabilitated and allowed to naturalize over time. There will be no changes in the golf cart trail crossings of the Jock River and there will be no in-water work or other direct impacts on the river. Stormwater management measures outlined in the Stormwater Management Brief will be designed to ensure that the development can proceed without adversely affecting the receiving watercourses in terms of water quality or peak flow rates. The terrain analysis and hydrogeological report (Paterson, 2009) concluded that there would be no detectable impacts on the water quality and quantity from operation of the septic systems and water taking. Best management practices identified in Section 6.3 will ensure that the water quality and quantity of the Jock River and Dowdall Municipal Drain will not be impacted.

Some tree removal will be required along the north and south sides of Dowdall Municipal Drain for the fairway of the relocated Hole 3. Due to an approved lowering of the municipal drain and other maintenance on the Dowdall channel, woody vegetation removal would be required regardless of this project on the north side of the channel (Robinson, 2008). However some tree cover along the south side of the Dowdall Municipal Drain will be lost for a width of approximately 25 metres as a result of the relocation of Hole 3.

There are currently four golf cart crossings of the Dowdall Municipal Drain. The two closest to the Jock River will remain in their existing position, although the culverts will be replaced as part of the municipal drain maintenance work. The two crossings in the central-west portion of the site, and associated culvert for the east crossing, will be removed. However, a twenty metre wide road crossing of the channel will be required to access Lots 9, 10, 11 and 12. With a road culvert between 15 and 18 metres in length, the net impact on the drain bed is anticipated to be in the range of 30 – 40 m2.

No other disturbances will occur within 15 metres of either side of the top-of-bank of the Dowdall Municipal Drain. The green for the existing Hole 3, which is currently within 15 metres of the south side of the channel, will be naturalized, as will other current open areas, about 80 metres in length, along the south side of the channel in the central-west portion of the site.

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6.0 MITIGATION MEASURES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This section outlines recommendations to minimize potential impacts to the natural environment features within and adjacent to the site.

This section also provides a Tree Conservation Report and further addresses the Design with Nature concepts. The Design with Nature concept encourages ways to maintain and use the natural features of the site.

6.1 Tree Conservation Report

The field surveys and this report were completed by Bernie Muncaster, who has a Master’s of Science in Biology and over twenty years experience in completing natural environment assessments. The purpose of this Plan is to establish which vegetation should be retained and protected on the site. The site is owned by 1039724 Ontario Limited, operated as the Riverbend Golf and County Club. As described above, a rural residential development, removal of the 18 holes of the existing short course and relocation of six of the main golf course holes are proposed for the site. It is proposed to remove or transplant the woody vegetation not identified in this report for retention in the latter half of 2010, after the breeding bird season.

Retention of healthy trees and regenerating tree stems are easily done given the relatively small portion of each lot that will be occupied by the residence, septic system, driveway and other infrastructure. An 8000 m2 lot will be occupied by a 200 - 300 m2 footprint for the house and garage, and another 300 m2 for the in-ground leaching bed. Even after considering room for driveways and lawns, this will allow for significant tree retention within the lots. It is estimated that less than twenty percent of each lot will be disturbed for construction. Scattered removal of white ash and trembling aspen up to 50 and 30cm dbh, respectively, along with smaller red ash and Scot’s pine trees will occur in Lots 9 - 14, as well as removal of an over-mature crack willow and smaller red ash in Lot 21.

Tree retention will assist in providing a future source of seeds and regenerating stems. On most lots there is minimal woody vegetation. Examples of specific trees recommended for retention are shown on Map 2 and listed here:

A. a 58cm dbh white elm at the rear (east edge) of Lot 22; B. a grove of white cedars up to 38cm dbh in the west portion of Lot 24, along with mature white ash, white elm and trembling aspen; C. a grove of white cedars up to 31cm dbh in the southwest portion of Lot 25; and, D. white cedars up to 26cm dbh along the west shared boundary of Lots 15 and 16.

Trees will also be protected along the Dowdall Municipal Drain corridor in the north portion of Lot 13 and south portion of Lot 9. Note that trees along the north side of the corridor are anticipated to be removed as part of the approved drain maintenance work.

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For the relocation of the golf course holes, the following trees and clumps of trees should be retained:

E. a cultural woodland of white ash up to 42cm dbh and smaller white birch, white cedar and white elm to the west of the proposed tee locations for relocated Hole 4; F. white ash and white elm to the south of the green of relocated Hole 6; G. white cedar up to 50cm dbh, along with smaller ash, white elm and slender willow, to the east of the green for relocated Hole 4; H. white cedar up to 40cm dbh to the east of the fairway for relocated Hole 5; I. white cedar up to 38cm dbh to the west of the fairway for relocated Hole 5 (this area will be part of the 30 metre setback to the east of the Jock River); and, J. a 80cm dbh white ash to the northwest of the tees for relocated Hole 5 and adjacent to the Jock River.

In addition to tree retention, all stems up to 20cm dbh that will be in conflict with the building envelopes or relocated golf course holes can be transplanted to open areas on the residential lots or elsewhere on the golf course. Priority areas for transplanting are the existing Holes 10 – 13 along the east side of the Jock River and the west portion of the south side of the Dowdall Municipal Drain. There are hundreds of white spruce, white cedar, Scot’s pine, ash and maple stems that have been planted over the years by the golf course superintendant.

The above tree retention can be enhanced through employing the following specific mitigation measures:

 minimizing the extent of vegetation removal as much as possible;

 pruning of branches on trees to be retained to improve their condition and anticipated longevity; and,

 close cutting of existing vegetation during clearing, as oppose to grubbing, where woody vegetation removal is required for access or work areas only and no re-grading is required, to encourage re-vegetation.

The trees and belts of trees to be retained and their associated critical root zone are to be protected by placing sturdy fencing along the dripline of the protected vegetation. The fencing is to be installed a minimum distance of ten times the tree diameter from the tree trunk or the outside dripline edge, whichever is greater. No grading or activities that may cause soil compaction such as heavy machinery traffic and stockpiling of material are permitted within the fencing. No machinery maintenance or refuelling, storage of construction materials or stockpiling of earth is to occur within five metres of the outer edge of the dripline of the trees to be retained and protected. The existing grade is not to be raised or lowered within the fencing and no digging is permitted within the fencing. The root system, trunk or branches of the trees to be retained must not be damaged. Exhaust fumes from all equipment during future construction will not be directed towards the canopy of the retained trees. If any roots of trees to be retained

08/11/09 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT – RIVERBEND GOLF Page 24 MUNCASTER ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING INC. are exposed during site alterations, the roots shall be immediately reburied with soil or covered with filter cloth or woodchips and kept moist until the roots can be buried permanently. Signs, notices or posters cannot be attached to any trees to be retained.

To protect the scattered woody vegetation to the west of the site, no excavations, grade raises or other site alterations should occur along the west boundary of Lots 1 – 10 where woody vegetation is present immediately to the west of the site. This setback area should extend for the dripline of the adjacent trees or ten times the trunk diameter of the adjacent trees, whichever is greater.

There are no specific sensitivities for plantings on the site. Homeowners and the golf course are encouraged to plant a mix of native species such as sugar maple, red maple, tamarack, white spruce, white cedar, red oak, bur oak and basswood.

As indicated above, the vegetation not identified for retention and protection is proposed to be removed in the latter portion of 2010. Forestry Services of the City of Ottawa is to be contacted after the protective fencing is installed and at least 24 hours prior to any tree removal so that Staff can verify the fencing has been properly constructed. To protect breeding birds, no tree or shrub removal should occur between May 15th and July 10th, unless a nesting survey conducted within five days of the woody vegetation removal identifies no breeding activity.

6.2 Aquatic Habitat

No direct impacts will occur on the Jock River and the river will be protected from indirect impacts with an enhanced setback. Relocation of Holes 10 – 13 from the Jock River riparian corridor will permit naturalize of a much greater area of the riparian corridor than current conditions. Over time the additional trees and shrubs will improve water quality by treating any surface water flow before the flow reaches the Jock River. The root networks of these plantings will further stabilize the banks of the River and the foliage will increase stream cover and food inputs for the aquatic habitat. Food and cover will also be increased for terrestrial habitats.

Application of herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers will be continued at the least amount possible. Currently spot chemical treatment is applied only to the greens as required, and this restrictive practice should continue. Chemical applications are to occur only during proper weather conditions of minimum wind and moderate temperatures.

In locations where there are minor intrusions into the 30 metre Jock River setback, plantings of native shrubs and trees will maximize the remaining setback. While maintaining golf playability this will occur between the east edge of the relocated Hole 9 green and the west side of the Jock River, and adjacent to the tees for the relocated Hole 5.

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The aquatic habitat in the Dowdall Municipal Drain will be protected with a setback of 15 metres on either side of the channel. This setback is considered sufficient given the straight nature of the channel, disturbances associated with the municipal drain functions, and flat topography with good infiltration adjacent on the lands adjacent to the channel. The tree removal along the south side of the Dowdall Municipal Drain for the road crossing and fairway of relocated Hole 3 should be kept as minimal as possible. Tree removal will occur on the north side for the municipal drain maintenance. Removed trees will be transplanted or replaced with new plantings in areas currently lacking cover to the west of the road crossing. In general tree and shrub removal must be kept to an absolute minimum.

An existing culvert and a footbridge over the Dowdall Municipal Drain will be removed, with a culvert installed for the road crossing to Lots 9 – 12. The road culvert will be embedded between 10 and 20 percent. The culvert will be installed either as part of the municipal drain work or the building of the rural residential subdivision. The following mitigation measures are important to reduce as much as possible potential impacts on the fish habitat of the Dowdall channel and the downstream Jock River system:

1. timing - all in-water work should be completed between July 1st and September 15th and must be completed outside of the more sensitive period for spawning and rearing of March 15th to June 30th. The summer period is recommended due to generally reduced flow, decreased potential for sediment input and the greater growing season afforded for re-vegetation of disturbed areas. If the proposed timing of the in-water work is to take place between October 15th and March 15th, it will be necessary to have all exposed areas along the banks to be covered with erosion control blankets to keep the soil in place and prevent erosion from occurring during the spring freshet time period;

2. the culvert installation will not be initiated when flows are elevated from local rains, storm events or seasonal floods, or when significant rains are forecasted;

3. all in-water work should be completed in the dry by de-watering the work areas as required and pumping flows around temporary cofferdams of clean shot rock, sandbags or steel plates placed at the limits of the work area. Any fish trapped within the isolated work areas must be safely relocated downstream outside of the enclosed areas. Dewatering from the work areas will be treated in a sediment trap or similarly effective sediment control prior to downstream release. If necessary, pumps and hoses will be used to convey the flow of the watercourses during the culvert installations. Rock flow checks, following the specifications in OPSD 219.211, along with a turbidity curtain (OPSD 219.26) will be installed downstream of the work areas. Existing flows should be maintained downstream of the de-watered work area without interruption, during all stages of the work. There should be no increase in water levels upstream of the de- watered work area. Silt or debris that has accumulated around the temporary cofferdams should be removed prior to their withdrawal;

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4. the bed of the watercourses and banks will be stabilized with clean shot rock one metre upstream and downstream of the culvert after installation. Smaller and rounded material will be placed over the larger rock protection to provide more habitat utilization potential;

5. all material to be placed in the watercourse is to be clean and free of fines;

6. it is important to ensure all banks are stabilized as soon as possible after the maintenance works are completed and exposed soil is kept to a minimum at all times;

7. additional mitigation measures to minimize the potential for inputs of sediments and other contaminants into the watercourse and the environment in general include proper maintenance on construction equipment with respect to refuelling, washing and fluid changes, and proper disposal of fluids, filters and other waste materials; and,

8. although mentioned above it is very important that monitoring be completed at all times and any water quality issues such as elevated turbidity levels be address immediately with cessation of work until proper sediment and erosion controls are in place.

Detailed information pertaining to the culvert installation and associated alteration to the watercourse will be required for review by the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority for Section 28 of the Conservation Act and Section 35 of the Canada Fisheries Act to obtain the necessary permits that will be required for work around or in the watercourse

6.3 Stormwater Mitigation

The Conceptual Stormwater Management Report (Novatech, 2009) identifies how the site characteristics will be utilized to design stormwater mitigation in the form of Best Management Practices. The subdivision will utilize the existing topography of the land.

Rear yard/side yard swales and roadside ditches, constructed at minimum grade where possible, will be used to convey the runoff. Vegetated swales and ditches will be used to promote infiltration. Only the area immediately surrounding the homes will be graded, thereby maintaining the natural landscape or pre-development conditions, promoting infiltration and minimizing downstream erosion and sediment loading.

To reduce outlet velocities of storm runoff from the site, grass swales will be constructed along the roads (Novatech, 2009). Minimum grade changes on the lots and along the grass swales will promote water infiltration and minimize erosion potential. The vegetative swales will be treated during construction with rock flow checks to promote infiltration and trap sediment.

Builders will be encouraged to direct roof leaders to grassed areas to promote infiltration and reduce surface runoff.

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Given the low density of development, and infiltration and associated passive treatment, no impact of stormwater runoff from an estate-lot rural development on the water quality, erosion potential or associated wildlife habitat of the natural environment, including the Jock River system is anticipated.

6.4 Erosion and Sediment Controls and Monitoring

The erosion and sediment control discussed in Novatech (2009) outlines the erosion and sediment controls to be undertaken during construction. The following items are part of the erosion and sediment and erosion plan for the development:

 rock check dams with filter cloth and/or straw bale barriers will be placed as required in swales leading from the site;  silt fencing will be placed around the work areas, adjacent to the swales and around stockpiles; and,  stockpiles of cleared materials as well as equipment fuelling and maintenance areas will be located away from the wetland habitat, swales and other conveyance routes.

As mitigation measures may break down and environment conditions do change, monitoring is an important component of the overall objective to minimize potential impacts of the development. Monitoring is important to ensure the recommendations and mitigation measures identified in this assessment for the construction and the post-construction operation periods are implemented and are effective in preventing adverse impacts on the environment.

Sediment and Erosion Control During Construction

The effectiveness of the sediment and erosion control measures must be monitored during construction of the subdivision. Straw bale check dams and other sediment and erosion control measures will be installed as required downstream of disturbed areas. These control measures must be properly maintained to maximize their function during construction.

All sodding, seeding and tree and shrub planting are to be conducted correctly and as soon as weather and construction activity permits. The success of all vegetative plantings will be assessed for two years through visual inspections in the spring and autumn following planting. Any plantings that are dead or dying will be replaced.

7.0 SUMMARY

The site is actively used as two golf courses, with the Jock River the dominant natural heritage feature in the area. The Dowdall Municipal Drain enters the Jock River from the west in the middle of the site. The proposed draft plan of subdivision includes removing the 18 holes of the short play golf course, realigning six of the main golf course to provide a greater setback from the Jock River and adding 26 rural residential lots, with a minimum lot size of 0.8 hectares.

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The majority of existing woody vegetation will be retained or transplanted to the Jock River and Dowdall riparian corridors, the non-building portion of the rural residential lots or between the relocated golf course holes. It is anticipated with the naturalization of the riparian corridor and the non-building portion of the lots, the extent of woody vegetation on the site will increase over time.

No high quality specimen trees, significant woodlands, natural areas, rare communities, significant wetlands, steep slopes or valleys were observed on or adjacent to the site. The only Species at Risk identified were two small butternuts in poor condition. These butternut trees will be retained in their current location.

No direct impacts will occur on the Jock River and no impacts are anticipated on the Provincially significant earth science Area of Natural and Scientific Interest at Franktown Road. Removal of Holes 10 -13 of the existing short course from the Jock River riparian corridor will permit naturalization of a much greater area of the riparian corridor than current conditions. Only minor intrusions of portions of the relocated golf course holes will occur within the 30 metre setbacks from the Jock River. The balance of the corridor will naturalize over time. A 15 metre setback will protect the aquatic habitat within the Dowdall Municipal Drain.

Examples of trees to be considered for retention have been provided in this report. These trees represent a range of size classes of the more desirable species on the site. Minimizing the work areas and careful siting of the building envelopes will allow for other tree and shrub retention on the site.

This EIS identifies many important mitigation measures for protection of the aquatic habitat and the woody vegetation to be retained and protected. The EIS concludes that the construction and operation of the proposed rural residential development and realigned golf course will not have a detectable impact on the Jock River and Dowdall Municipal Drain habitat and the natural environment in general. The Jock Rive riparian corridor will be enhanced over existing conditions.

8.0 REFERENCES

Billings, M. D. 1975. Geological Sites and Features in the Regional Municipality of Ottawa- Carleton. October, 1975.

Brunton, D. F. 1997. Summary: Natural Area Reports for Natural Areas West of Rideau River (500 series). Prepared for the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton, Planning and Development Approvals Department. Report No. 28-08d. 164 pp.

City of Ottawa. 2003. City of Ottawa Official Plan. As adopted by City Council, May, 2003. Publication: 1-28. 227 pp & Sched.

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Lee, H.T., W.D. Bakowsky, J. Riley, J. Bowles, M. Puddister, P. Uhlig and S. McMurray. 1998. Ecological Land Classification for Southern Ontario: First Approximation and its Application. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Southcentral Science Section, Science Development and Transfer Branch. SCSS Field Guide FG-02.

Muncaster, B.W. and D.F. Brunton. 2005. Urban Natural Areas Environmental Evaluation Study. Prepared for the City of Ottawa.

Muncaster Environmental Planning Inc. 2008. Dowdall Municipal Drain. Fish Habitat and Fish Community Assessment. Goulbourn Ward, City Of Ottawa. Revised October, 2008. 32 pp & append.

Natural History Information Centre. 2009. List of Ontario Species. Vascular Plants. www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/nhic/querries/listont

Novatech Engineering Consultants Ltd. 2009. Conceptual Stormwater Management Report. Riverbend Golf Course, Goulbourn, ON. File 109097. December, 2009. 5 pp & attach.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 1999. Natural Heritage Reference Manual for Policy 2.3 of the Provincial Policy Statement. June 1999. 127 pp

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2009. Correspondence from Kemptville MNR District, Shaun Thompson. May 4th, 2009. 2 pp

Paterson Group. 2009. Hydrogeological Investigation. Riverbend Golf and Country Club.

Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton. 1998. Environmental Impact Statement Guideline. DRAFT. 66 p.

Rideau Valley Conservation Authority. 2001. Jock River Watershed Management Plan. November 2001. 51 pp

Robinson Consultants. 2008. Engineer’s Report. Dowdall Municipal Drain. Modifications and Improvements. Goulbourn Ward and Township of Beckwith. Draft 3. September, 2008. 29 pp. & append

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