Upper York Sewage Solutions Environmental Assessment
Assessment of the Proposed Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River
Prepared for: The Regional Municipality of York
Prepared by:
Conestoga-Rovers
& Associates DECEMBER, 2013 REF. NO. 050278 (103) 1195 Stellar Drive, Unit 1 ORK EGION O Newmarket, Ontario L3Y 7B8 Y R N . 74270
Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Executive Summary
The main objectives of the Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River are:
. To document the existing conditions of aquatic species and habitat in the East Holland River in the area of the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water Outfall location (referred to as the proposed Queensville Sideroad Outfall Discharge Location) . To assess potential adverse effects from the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge on aquatic species and habitat, focusing particularly on any thermal effects to the fish community in the East Holland River
Study Area
The study area considered for this assessment (referred to as the Receiving Water Assessment Area) includes the lower portion of the East Holland River from Doane Road to the confluence of the East Holland River with the West Holland River. This area was subject to field-based investigations, while the main branch of the Holland River to the confluence with Cook’s Bay in Lake Simcoe was also considered in the overall assessment given the consistency in fish community. This is the area considered for the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge location and/or the area potentially affected by the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge. For purposes of this study, the lower portion of the East Holland River within the study area limits and the main branch of the Holland River are referred to as the "East Holland River".
Approach
Baseline information collected through a review of existing information and field investigations were used to assess potential effects of the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge, focusing particularly on potential thermal effects to the fish community in the East Holland River. As described in Section 36(3) of the Federal Fisheries Act, thermal changes have the potential to be considered a deleterious substance for fish.
This report complements two additional studies that are documented in individual standalone reports, for consideration during the Impact Assessment stage of the UYSS EA:
. Comprehensive Assimilative Capacity Study of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge (CRA et al., 2013a) . Thermal Effects of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on the East Holland River (CRA et al., 2013b)
These studies provide a detailed analysis of the potential water quality and thermal effects, respectively, of the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge on the East Holland River. The data in these reports were analysed in this assessment in relation to the fish species and fish habitat of the East Holland River. Along with an assessment of the
050278 Page ii York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
general fish community, the potential effects specifically on Northern Pike, which is considered an important fish species within the East Holland River, were examined.
Results
The existing conditions of aquatic species and habitat in the East Holland River in the area of the proposed Queensville Sideroad Outfall Discharge Location are as follows:
. The East Holland River aquatic habitat is currently degraded, with high water temperatures and low dissolved oxygen in the summer. . The East Holland River provides fish habitat for all life stages of 24 known native species, ranging from coolwater to warmwater thermal regime. Community assessments completed as a part of this study indicate that the fish community within the East Holland River is comprised of species that are largely common and tolerant to environmental conditions such as high temperatures. . There is no specialized, sensitive or critical aquatic habitat in the main channel of the East Holland River. Soldiers’ Bay provides rearing and feeding areas for a range of species, although it is considered poor quality. . No aquatic Species at Risk or species of Special Concern were identified within the East Holland River. . The benthic community in the East Holland River shows evidence of impairment, with low diversity and low abundance of sensitive species, reflecting degraded water quality and habitat conditions.
The results of the Comprehensive Assimilative Capacity Study of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge (CRA et al., 2013a) and the Thermal Effects of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on the East Holland River (CRA et al., 2013b) were used to assess potential adverse effects from the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge on aquatic species and habitat as follows:
. The proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge would follow a pattern of seasonal variability in wastewater flow conditions that typically occurs in Ontario in relation to wet weather periods, would have a moderating effect on summer water temperatures, and would supplement baseflow and improve aquatic habitat conditions. . The proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge is not anticipated to cause any spatial or temporal thermal effects to Lake Simcoe (i.e., water temperatures in Lake Simcoe would not change). . The proposed Water Reclamation Centre would not discharge water temperatures above the lethal limit for any of the fish species identified in the East Holland River and would not affect the spawning requirements for the existing fish community. . Fish may be attracted to the warmer plumes of water from the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge during the winter months. This may in turn attract anglers, potentially requiring fisheries management in the future.
050278 Page iii York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
. The proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge would not alter the thermal regime of the East Holland River in such a way that would result in impairment to the existing aquatic habitat or species. Therefore, mitigation measures to address potential thermal effects of the proposed Water Reclamation Centre discharge on aquatic habitat or species in the East Holland River are not required. A monitoring plan will be implemented to confirm the anticipated effects.
050278 Page iv York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Table of Contents
Page
1.0 Introduction 1
2.0 Methodology 3 2.1 Receiving Water Assessment Area 3 2.2 Fish and Fish Habitat Assessment 3 2.3 Review of Existing Information 6 2.4 Field Investigations 8 2.4.1 Aquatic Habitat Assessment 8 2.4.2 Fish Community Assessment 11 2.4.3 Benthic Macroinvertebrate Community Assessment 12
3.0 Results of Existing Information Review and Field Investigations 14 3.1 Existing Information Review 14 3.1.1 Fish and Fish Habitat 14 3.2 Aquatic Habitat Assessment 16 3.2.1 Water Quality Field Parameters 19 3.3 Fish Community Assessment 22 3.4 Summary of Existing Fish Habitat Conditions in the East Holland River 23 3.4.1 Benthic Macroinvertebrate Community Assessment 24
4.0 Analysis of Temperature Conditions in the East Holland River 26 4.1 Temperature Effects on Fish 28
5.0 The Ecology of Northern Pike (Esox lucius) 40 5.1 Life Cycle 40 5.2 Habitat 40 5.3 Migration Characteristics 41 5.4 Temperature 41 5.5 Pike in the East Holland River 41
6.0 Conclusions and Recommendations 43
7.0 References 45
8.0 Glossary of Terms 48
050278 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
List of Figures
Page
Figure 2.1 UYSS Infrastructure Regional Environmental Context ...... 4 Figure 2.2 Watershed Context of East Holland River ...... 5 Figure 2.3 East Holland River Riparian Habitat ...... 9 Figure 2.4 Fish and Benthic Surveys of the East Holland River ...... 10 Figure 4.1 Spawning Preferences for Four Coolwater Species in the East Holland River with and without the Proposed Water Reclamation Centre Discharge at the Proposed Queensville Sideroad Outfall Discharge Location ...... 32 Figure 4.2 Spawning Preferences for Five Coolwater Species in the East Holland River with and without the Proposed Water Reclamation Centre Discharge at the Proposed Queensville Sideroad Outfall Discharge Location ...... 33 Figure 4.3 Spawning Preferences for Five Coolwater Species in the East Holland River with and without the Proposed Water Reclamation Centre Discharge at the Proposed Queensville Sideroad Outfall Discharge Location ...... 34 Figure 4.4 Spawning Preferences for Four Warmwater Species in the East Holland River with and without the Proposed Water Reclamation Centre Discharge at the Proposed Queensville Sideroad Outfall Discharge Location ...... 35 Figure 4.5 Spawning Preferences for Five Warmwater Species in the East Holland River with and without the Proposed Water Reclamation Centre Discharge at the Proposed Queensville Sideroad Outfall Discharge Location ...... 36
050278 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
List of Tables
Page
Table 3.1 Fish Species of the East Holland River ...... 15 Table 3.2 Total Area of Riparian Habitat in the Receiving Water Assessment Area ...... 17 Table 3.3 Water Quality Vertical Profile in the East Holland River, February 2012 ...... 20 Table 3.4 Water Quality Vertical Profile in the East Holland River, April 2012 ...... 21 Table 3.5 Water Quality Vertical Profile in the East Holland River, July 2012 ...... 21 Table 3.6 Fish Species Caught in Portable Traps in the East Holland River, July 2012 ...... 22 Table 3.7 Benthic Macroinvertebrate Community Summary Indices for East Holland River Sites (October 2011) ...... 24 Table 4.1 Fish Community of the East Holland River and Spawning Requirements ...... 28 Table 4.2 Upper Incipient Lethal Temperatures for Fish of the East Holland River...... 30
050278 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
List of Appendices
Appendix A Habitat Description and Total Catch of Each Portable Trap in the East Holland River, July 2012 Appendix B Life History Table of the Fish Community of the East Holland River Appendix C Representative Water Quality Profiles of the East Holland River Appendix D Spatial Modelling Results of Water Temperatures with and without the proposed Water Reclamation Centre Discharge
050278 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Section 1.0 Introduction
This report documents the Aquatic Habitat Assessment undertaken of the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge on the East Holland River carried out as part of the Upper York Sewage Solutions Environmental Assessment (UYSS EA). In March 2010, the Minister of the Environment (Minister) approved the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the UYSS EA with an amendment to consider "Innovative Wastewater Treatment Technologies" as part of the UYSS EA. In response, The Regional Municipality of York (York Region) developed the Preferred Lake Simcoe Water Reclamation Centre alternative with proposed York Durham Sewage System (YDSS) Modifications.1
In this alternative, wastewater resulting from growth in the Town of Aurora and most of the Town of Newmarket would be conveyed through the YDSS for treatment at the Duffin Creek Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) and discharge to Lake Ontario. To accommodate this, modifications to the existing YDSS (proposed as an additional sewage forcemain through the Town of Newmarket) would be required. To provide additional system reliability during high flow conditions, the existing YDSS would be upgraded/twinned to accommodate additional flows from the Towns of Newmarket and Aurora. Wastewater from growth in the Town of East Gwillimbury and a portion of the Town of Newmarket would be conveyed to the proposed Water Reclamation Centre for treatment, using environmentally sustainable wastewater purification and water recycling technologies, and the clean treated water would be discharged to the East Holland River within the Lake Simcoe watershed.
In particular advanced membrane technologies applied following conventional biological secondary treatment will produce high quality, phosphorus-reduced water for discharge to the East Holland River within the Lake Simcoe watershed.
The proposed Water Reclamation Centre with YDSS modifications was selected as the Preferred Alternative to the Undertaking. In support of the wastewater purification technologies proposed for the Water Reclamation Centre, a series of studies were carried out to further assess the receiver and the proposed Water Reclamation Centre discharge requirements as part of the Alternative Methods of Carrying Out the Undertaking stage of the UYSS EA. These studies, collectively referred to as the Receiving Stream Assessment Studies, include the following:
. Study of Potential Impacts of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Flooding Potential in the East Holland River (CRA et al., 2013c) . Comprehensive Assimilative Capacity Study of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge (CRA et al., 2013a) . Thermal Effects of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on the East Holland River (CRA et al., 2013b) . Hydrodynamic Analysis of the Water Reclamation Centre Outfall (CRA et al., 2013d)
1. The alternative described herein is considered as proposed until the Undertaking identified through the UYSS EA is approved by the Minister of the Environment.
050278 Page 1 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
. Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River (CRA et al., 2013) . Geomorphological Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on the East Holland River (CRA et al., 2013e)
The results of the preceding Receiving Stream Assessment Studies were documented in individual stand-alone reports and incorporated into the Natural Environment Impact Assessment Report (CRA et al., 2013g) . Upon completion, the Receiving Stream Assessment Studies would be made available during the UYSS EA to review agencies, First Nations and Métis organizations, and the public for their information on the project website and upon request, and would become a reference document to the submitted Environmental Assessment (EA) Report.
050278 Page 2 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Section 2.0 Methodology 2.1 Receiving Water Assessment Area
The UYSS EA Study Area was defined as part of the UYSS EA ToR for generating a general description of the potentially affected environment. The area extends north to Lake Simcoe, east to Woodbine Avenue, west to Bathurst Street, and south to Green Lane East where the east/west boundaries constrict to Yonge Street and Leslie Street, respectively, and the southern boundary terminates at St. John’s Sideroad. The UYSS EA Study Area includes the Towns of Aurora (very northern portion), Newmarket (bounded by Yonge Street and Leslie Street), East Gwillimbury (western half), and Georgina (extreme southwestern portion). Figure 2.1 shows the boundaries of the UYSS EA Study Area, as well as the proposed Queensville Sideroad Outfall Discharge Location and associated infrastructure, within a regional environmental context.
The study area associated with this assessment focused on a smaller portion of the UYSS EA Study Area (referred to as the Receiving Water Assessment Area). Specifically, it includes the lower portion of the East Holland River from Doane Road to the confluence of the East Holland River with the West Holland River near Concession Road 10. This area was subject to field- based investigations, while the main branch of the Holland River to the confluence with Lake Simcoe was also considered in the overall assessment given the consistency in fish community. The confluence of the East Holland River and the West Holland River is located near 10th Line, approximately 5 kilometres (km) south of Cook’s Bay – an embayment located at the southernmost portion of Lake Simcoe. Figure 2.2 identifies the watershed context of the portion of the East Holland River that comprises the Receiving Water Assessment Area. The Receiving Water Assessment Area encompasses the proposed Queensville Sideroad Outfall Discharge Location and the area potentially affected by the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge. The West Holland River is not included in the Receiving Water Assessment Area.
2.2 Fish and Fish Habitat Assessment
The assessment of aquatic habitat in the East Holland River employed a combination of background review of existing records and field data collected between Doane Road and Concession Road 10 to confirm the existing fish and benthic macroinvertebrate communities and assess the overall aquatic sensitivity in the vicinity of the proposed Queensville Sideroad Outfall Discharge Location. An analysis of the thermal preferences of this fish community was then undertaken using modeled water temperature time series at different locations in the East Holland River, with and without the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge. The modeled effects of the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge on water temperatures were examined in respect of the thermal tolerances of the entire fish community, as well as one species in detail – the Northern Pike (Esox lucius).
050278 Page 3 York Region No. 74270 615000 618000 621000 624000 627000 630000
Brown Hill Cook's Bay Town of Georgina
4896000 Maskinonge River Wetland Complex 4896000 Holland Marsh Wetland Complex
Sideroad 20 Line 13
Youngs Point Canals
Catering Road Kennedy Road
Boag Road Ravenshoe Road
Line 12 Cole Road
Yonge Street 4893000 4893000 Holland Marsh (BW5) Holborn Road
Leslie Street Black River Wetland Complex #1
Warden Avenue Line 11 Holborn Road
Line 10 Holland River
Woodbine Avenue 4890000 4890000
Black River WH1 West East Holland
Town of Queensville Sideroad Doane Road East Gwillimbury Maskinonge River Significant Groundwater Recharge )" ^_ 2nd Concession 4887000 4887000
Holland Landing
Harrison Creek ./11 Cedar Valley
Mount Albert Road
Bathurst Street
)" Yonge Street Graham Sideroad
Dufferin Street 4884000 4884000
Black River )" Sharon Creek
Emma Road
Morning Sideroad
Green Lane Davis Drive
King Street 4881000 4881000 Town of King Miller's Sideroad Ansnorveldt Wetland Complex
404 BogartGorham Creek Street () Vivian Road WesternTown Creek of Newmarket Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville Glenville Road 4878000 4878000
Mulock Drive ./9 Bayview Avenue Weslie Creek St. John'sVivian Sideroad Infiltration Area
Old Bathurst Street Glenville Hills ()404 Marsh Creek
Keele Street Town of Aurora 19 Sideroad Aurora (McKenzie) Marsh Wetland Complex Aurora Road Ground Water Recharge Area
615000 618000 621000 624000 East Aurora Wetland Complex627000 630000
Figure 2.1 Legend UYSS Study Area Approved Infrastructure Watercourse/Drain ² Recommended Conceptual Route ^_ Queensville Sideroad Outfall Freeway UYSS Infrastructure Metres (Route A) Discharge Location Expressway / Highway Regional Environmental 0 750 1,500 3,000 Water Reclamation Centre Site )" Queensville West Pumping Station Context 1:65,000 Major Road UTM Zone 17N, NAD 83 Conveyance Infrastructure Provincially Significant Local Road December 2013 from the Site Wetland This drawing has been prepared for the use of AECOM's client and may not be used, reproduced or relied upon by third parties, Ramp except as agreed by AECOM and its client, as required by law or Conveyance Infrastructure for use by governmental reviewing agencies. AECOM accepts no Environmentally Significant Area responsibility, and denies any liability whatsoever, to any party to the Site Municipal Division that modifies this drawing without AECOM's express written consent. Basemapping from Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Oak Ridges Moraine Boundary
Path: E:\112138\2013\AprilReporting\Fig_1_1_RegionalContext_UYSS_11x17.mxd Maskinonge River Legend Cook's Bay Subwatershed Watercourse Waterbody Subwatershed Receiving Water Assessment Area
East Holland River
Black River Subwatershed
West Holland ² River Subwatershed 01 2 4 6 East Holland Kilometres River Subwatershed Basemapping: Produced by AECOM under license from Regional Municipality of York, and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Land Information Ontario (LIO), 2013. © Queens Printer 2013 This drawing has been prepared for the use of AECOM’s client and may not be used, reproduced or relied upon by third parties, except as agreed by AECOM and its client, as required by law or for use by governmental reviewing agencies. AECOM accepts no responsibility, and denies any liability whatsoever, to any party that modifies this drawing without AECOM’s express written consent.
Figure 2.2
Watershed Context of East Holland River
December 2013
E:\112138\2013\AprilReporting\Fig_1_2__WatershedContext.mxd Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
2.3 Review of Existing Information
As part of the Natural Environment Baseline Conditions Report (CRA et al., 2013f), field assessments were conducted in July 2011 in the East Holland River. A fish habitat reconnaissance survey was completed via canoe from Queensville Sideroad to Doane Road. In addition to this fish habitat survey, minnow traps were deployed and water quality field parameters were collected (i.e., pH, temperature, conductivity and dissolved oxygen) at various locations. The data collected during this field assessment and reported in the Natural Environment Baseline Conditions Report (CRA et al., 2013f) were considered in this report.
To ensure the most up to date information on the fish community within the East Holland River, agency consultation was undertaken and online databases were searched in 2012. Below is the list of agencies consulted and existing information sources used in the 2012 background data collection:
. Fisheries data/resources were requested from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) Aurora District office, and Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA); . Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC) online database from the MNR; . LSRCA published watershed reports (e.g., Lake Simcoe Watershed Monitoring Reports (five reports from 2005 – 2007); Stormwater Report (2007); . GIS data from the MNR land information warehouse; . Previous Environmental Assessment Studies completed in the UYSS EA Study Area (e.g., MMM Group, 2010); . Natural Environment Baseline Conditions Report (CRA et al., 2013f); . Hutchinson Environmental Sciences Ltd., 2011. East Holland River: Existing Conditions and Response to Discharge from Proposed UYSS Water Reclamation Centre. Prepared for CRA, July 2011; and . Previous internal project team experience in the UYSS EA Study Area.
The sensitivities of each species identified in the fish community of the East Holland River were defined based on a review of Provincial Status and Species at Risk rankings.
The following are descriptions of Federal and Provincial Regulations protecting Species at Risk and Species of Conservation Concern.
The Species at Risk Act (SARA, 2002) is piece of Canadian federal legislation that became law in December 2002. The purpose of the Act is to monitor and protect disappearing species; provide recovery strategies for Extirpated, Endangered or Threatened species, as well as to manage species of Special Concern. The Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA, 2007), provides a protection and recovery strategy for Species at Risk in Ontario. The legislation applies to the following categories of species:
. Extirpated (a wildlife species that no longer exists in the wild in Canada, but exists elsewhere in the wild);
050278 Page 6 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
. Endangered (a wildlife species that is facing imminent extirpation or extinction); . Threatened (a wildlife species that is likely to become endangered if nothing is done to reverse the factors leading to its extirpation or extinction); and . Special Concern (a species that may become a Threatened or an Endangered species because of a combination of biological characteristics and identified threats).
Fish within the East Holland River were also reviewed to highlight any Species of Conservation Concern. The Provincial Rank (S Rank) is used by the MNR NHIC as a protection tool for rare species and natural communities. However, the S Rank is not a legal designation. The status, rarity and urgency of conservation is evaluated by NHIC on a continual basis (NHIC, 2012). The rankings are as follows:
S1: Critically Imperiled: ...Species critically imperiled due to extreme rarity. S2: Imperiled: ...... Species imperiled due to restricted range, very few populations or steep declines. S3: Vulnerable: ...... Species vulnerable due to a restricted range, relatively few populations and/or population decline. S4: Apparently Secure: ...Uncommon but not rare; some cause for long-term concern due to declines or other factors. S5: Secure: ...... Common, widespread, and abundance in the nation or province.
Only S4 and S5 ranked species were documented in the East Holland River (as described in Section 3.1.1 of this report). Therefore, to further characterize the fish community, a tolerance level was also assigned to each species caught in the minnow traps. This aides in the understanding of the significance or sensitivity of the fish community in the East Holland River, especially for those species which are classified as common and not at risk. Tolerance levels were assigned based on the assessments in The Ontario Freshwater Fish Life History Database (Eakins, 2011). These tolerance levels are defined as:
. Tolerant – a species that is fairly insensitive or adaptive to environmental or anthropogenic stresses; . Intermediate – a species that is neither particularly sensitive nor insensitive to environmental or anthropogenic stresses; . Intolerant – a species that is sensitive to environmental or anthropogenic stresses.
Background benthic macroinvertebrate data were also reviewed, including available existing sources and previous reports (e.g., LSRCA, 2010) as part of the Natural Environment Baseline Conditions Report (CRA et al., 2013f). This background benthic macroinvertebrate data was plotted on a UYSS EA Study Area map and was used to describe the existing benthic communities and identify potential data gaps within the UYSS EA Study Area.
050278 Page 7 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
2.4 Field Investigations
In July 2012, AECOM ecologists completed additional investigations on the East Holland River. Fish and habitat surveys were completed on July 11 and 18, 2012 from Doane Road to Concession Road 10 (Figure 2.3 and Figure 2.4). The purpose of these surveys was to determine the variety and location of aquatic habitat, as well as the existing fish community to help provide information on the function of this habitat. Field parameters of water quality (e.g., temperature, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen) were also taken to provide some indication of habitat conditions during the fish surveys in July 2012. Water quality depth profiles were also taken as part of the sediment sampling and geomorphology investigation in February and April 2012 and are considered in this assessment to provide an indication of seasonal trends.
2.4.1 Aquatic Habitat Assessment
Aquatic habitat refers to those physical characteristics of the environment that are capable of supporting aquatic life. The suitability of aquatic habitat is largely dependent on three variables: temperature, water clarity (or turbidity), and dissolved oxygen. The federal Fisheries Act defines Fish Habitat as “Spawning grounds and nursery, rearing, food supply and migration areas on which fish depend directly or indirectly in order to carry out their life processes”.
Riparian vegetation (Figure 2.3) is a critical component of aquatic habitat that directly contributes to aquatic habitat suitability. A healthy riparian zone consists of vegetation characterized by trees, shrubs, grasses and herbaceous plants. These plants help buffer the water body from runoff, provide shade, moderate water temperatures, stabilize banks and create habitat for fish and insects. Riparian vegetation is an important source of carbon from leaves and woody debris that contributes to quality habitat by serving as a food source for benthic macroinvertebrates and providing cover for fish. The type of riparian habitat is also important as it may provide seasonal floodplain habitat or prevent bank erosion by stabilizing river banks.
Although previous aquatic habitat assessments within the UYSS EA Study Area were carried out using the Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol (OSAP), as described in the Natural Environment Baseline Conditions Report (CRA et al., 2013f), this assessment method can only be used for wadeable streams (Stanfield, 2010). Due to the characteristics of the East Holland River it was determined that the best approach to assess the habitat for the UYSS EA was to access the river via canoe and record visual observations of in-stream and riparian cover. Information collected included bank stability, in-water cover, channel morphological characteristics and riparian characteristics, to provide a qualitative assessment of aquatic habitat. In addition, Global Positioning System (GPS) points were taken at locations where riparian changes were observed in order to provide a quantitative assessment of habitat conditions. For the purposes of habitat characterization, 10 metres (m) inland from the water’s edge was considered the riparian zone.
050278 Page 8 York Region No. 74270 Ravenshoe/Boag Drain
Concession Road 10
West Holland
Holland Marsh
Holborn Road
2nd Concession
Reach 3 7
Eg. Residential
East Holland 7 T O W N O F EAST GWILLIMBURY
Eg. Mixed Cattail Marsh and Deciduous Swamp Reach 2 Hochreiter Road
Queensville Sideroad Eg. Cattail Marsh Soldiers' Bay
Bathurst Street
Queensville drainage ditch
Yonge Street West Holland W a t e r s h e d
7
T O W N O F Lake TOWN OF KING Simcoe GEORGINA
Kennedy Road Ravenshoe Road
Map Extent Reach 1 Warden Avenue Eg. Deciduous Swamp
TOWN OF EAST GWILLIMBURY Doane Road Woodbine Avenue Leslie Street Yonge Street Highway 11 Doane Road
Highway 11 East Holland 11. / TOWN OF W a t e r s h e d KING TOWN OF NEWMARKET
Holland Landing Creek Figure 2.3 Basemapping: Produced by AECOM under license from Regional Municipality of York, and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Legend Land Information Ontario (LIO), 2011. © Queens Printer 2011 UYSS Study Area Habitats Subwatersheds Roads Cattail Marsh Municipalities East Holland River
Riparian Habitat
Railway Deciduous Swamp Waterbody ² Residential 7 ANSI Mixed Cattail Marsh Flow Direction December 2013 0100 200 400 600 800 and Deciduous Swamp Reach Breaks Metres
UTM Zone 17N, NAD 83 1:30,000
Path: F:\112138\2013\AprilReporting\xUYSS Figures Files (2013-04-08)\UYSS Figures\Figure 2_1 - East Holland River Riparian Habitat (10-03-2012)8x11.mxd 5s Ravenshoe/Boag Drain oq#0 #0 14 15
Concession Road 10 West Holland
16 Holland Marsh #0 oq 3
17 #0#018 #019 Holborn Road #020 oq 2
#021 7
oq 4s 23 22#0#0 East Holland
#024 7
T O W N O F EHR-3 (! 25 EAST GWILLIMBURY #0oq 1
26
Bathurst Street #0 27 Soldiers' #0 Bay 30 2nd Concession 7 #0 29 #0 Queensville Sideroad
13 12 #0 #0 28 #0 11Queensville drainage ditch oq7s #0#0 #09 10 6s Yonge Street T O W N O F oq KING 8 #01 oq #07 Queensville Sideroad West #06
West Holland W a t e r s h e d
Lake 5 TOWN OF Bathurst Street Simcoe GEORGINA #0 1 Kennedy Road 3 Ravenshoe Road #0 #0 #0 2 Map Extent 4 2 Warden Avenue oq Doane Road
TOWN OF EAST GWILLIMBURY EHR-2 (!
Woodbine Avenue Leslie Street Yonge Street Highway 11 Doane Road Highway 11 East Holland TOWN OF KING TOWN OF W a t e r s h e d NEWMARKET
Basemapping: Produced by AECOM under license from Regional Holland Landing Creek Municipality of York, and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Figure 2.4 Land Information Ontario (LIO), 2011. © Queens Printer 2013 Legend Sampling Types UYSS Study Area ANSI #0 Minnow Traps Watercourses Subwatersheds Fish and Benthic Surveys oq Water Quality 2011 Railway Municipalities of the East Holland River
² oq Water Quality (Feb 2012) 7 Flow Direction December 2013 0100 200 400 600 800 oq Water Quality (April 2012) Metres
UTM Zone 17N, NAD 83 1:20,000 oq Water Quality (July 2012) (! Benthic Macroinvertebrates (October 2011) Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
The following categories were used in defining habitat on both banks of the East Holland River and are documented in Figure 2.3:
. Residential – residential homes or marinas where the property edge is adjacent to the East Holland River. Indicates that the riparian zones have been altered in some form. For example, stream banks armored, docks installed and/or mowed grasses to edge with little overhanging vegetation or undercut banks. . Cattail marsh – vegetation is dominated by cattails with some pockets of sedges and sedge hummocks. Standing or slow flowing water is present. . Deciduous swamp – vegetation is dominated by deciduous trees and shrubs that are water tolerant. Usually large woody debris found at stream edge and in some areas cattails fringe along the edges providing cover. . Mixed cattail marsh and deciduous swamp – instances where there is approximately 5 m of cattail marsh followed by deciduous swamp moving inland, or areas where cattail marsh pockets (less than 5 m wide) and pockets of deciduous swamp are occurring along the banks. Provides a variety of cover, both in-stream and riparian.
2.4.2 Fish Community Assessment
Background information was available and reviewed from the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) Aurora District office and Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA). However, in some cases this information was dated. As a result, a fish community survey was completed during 2012 to obtain current data and better characterize the local fish community in the East Holland River. A License to Collect Fish for Scientific Purposes was obtained from the MNR Aurora District office (License #1069135).
During a reconnaissance visit on July 10, 2012 it was determined that electrofishing and setting hoop nets were not feasible due to the soft mucky substrate of the river. The best method available was to set minnow traps throughout the river at locations shown in Figure 2.4. The minnow traps (dimensions: 42 centimetres (cm) long x 23 cm high, with 0.6 cm mesh diameter) were set in 2 batches. The first batch of traps was set from Queensville Sideroad to Doane Road on July 11, 2012 and retrieved July 12, 2012.
The second batch was set from Queensville Sideroad to Concession Road 10 on July 18, 2012 and retrieved July 19, 2012 (Figure 2.4). Minnow traps did not soak for longer than 30 hours. All species caught in the traps were identified, recorded and then live released back into the water. The GPS co-ordinates of each trap were recorded, as were the habitat and water depths at each trap location, which are described in Appendix A.
In addition to habitat information, in situ water quality parameters were measured using a multi- sonde YSI Professional Pro Plus 30M and included water temperature measured in degrees Celsius (C), dissolved oxygen measured in milligrams per litre (mg/L), pH, and conductivity measured in microsiemens per centimetre (µs/cm). Each measurement was taken at approximately 0.15 m below water surface. Three temperature and dissolved oxygen profiles were also completed and measurements were taken at 0.5 m intervals to within 1.0 m of the
050278 Page 11 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
river bottom. These profiles were completed to support the spot readings taken at the minnow traps and to give a more comprehensive assessment of the water quality throughout the water column (Appendix A).
2.4.3 Benthic Macroinvertebrate Community Assessment
Quantitative benthic macroinvertebrate samples were collected on October 6, 2011 at sites selected to fill data gaps identified through the background review. Benthic macroinvertebrate survey locations within the Receiving Water Assessment Area considered in this assessment are shown on Figure 2.4. Surveys were conducted within the East Holland River using the Grab Sampling method for non-wadeable streams described in the Ontario Benthos Biomonitoring Network Protocol Manual (January 2007).
At each site, three grab samples were collected using a Ponar Grab sampler (surface area = 0.0225 m2). Samples from the same site were pooled in the field. An Ontario Benthos Biomonitoring Network “Stream Field Sheet” was completed for each location. Samples were processed and macroinvertebrates identified according to the Ontario Benthos Biomonitoring Network Protocol (i.e., sub-sampled until 100 individuals had been identified).
The following benthic macroinvertebrate community descriptors were calculated:
. Taxonomic richness; . Simpson’s Diversity Index (D); . Percent (%) Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT); . Percent (%) Worms; . Percent (%) Dominant group; and . Hilsenhoff Biotic Index (HBI).
Taxonomic richness is the number of different taxonomic groups represented at a site. This is a measure of the overall diversity of the community. Smaller values generally indicate dominance by a few tolerant or dominant groups, which may reflect poor water quality.
Simpson’s Diversity Index (D) is a measure of community diversity that takes into account both the abundance patterns (e.g., dominance) and the taxonomic richness of the community. Simpson’s Diversity Index (D) is calculated using the formula:
2 D = 1 - Σ(pi)
th where pi is the proportion of the i taxon in a sample, summed across the total number of taxonomic categories in the sample. The value of this index ranges between 0 and 1, with larger values indicating greater diversity and a more balanced community structure. Simpson’s diversity index is expected to decrease in response to increasing perturbation of the environment.
Percent (%) EPT is the number of organisms belonging to the environmentally sensitive taxonomic orders Ephemeroptera (mayflies), Plecoptera (stoneflies) and Trichoptera
050278 Page 12 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
(caddisflies), compared to the total number of organisms in the sample. A higher % EPT is generally associated with better environmental quality.
The relative percentages of the total sample comprised by worms or the dominant macroinvertebrate group also give an indication of general water quality at the site. In these cases, higher values may indicate impaired conditions.
The Hilsenhoff Biotic Index (HBI) provides an indication of water quality based on published tolerance values for different benthic macroinvertebrates. Tolerance values range from zero to ten, with zero being intolerant and ten being very tolerant. HBI is calculated as:
HBI = Σ(xiti/N)
th th where xi is the number of individuals in the i taxon in a sample, ti is the tolerance value of the i taxon, and N is the total number of organisms in the sample. The HBI is a weighted average of tolerance values for the macroinvertebrates collected at a site; therefore, a lower HBI suggests better water quality.
050278 Page 13 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Section 3.0 Results of Existing Information Review and Field Investigations 3.1 Existing Information Review
3.1.1 Fish and Fish Habitat
The East Holland River subwatershed comprises the southwest portion of the larger Lake Simcoe watershed. The East Holland River subwatershed extends from the Oak Ridges Moraine in the south to Lake Simcoe in the north (Figure 2.2). It borders with the West Holland River watershed to the west, the Black River watershed to the east, and the Maskinonge River 2 watershed to the northeast. The East Holland River subwatershed covers an area of 247 km (LSRCA, 2010). The watershed is highly urbanized with over 17 % of the land use being urban area (LSRCA, 2010). Natural heritage features comprise 33 %, while intensive and non- intensive agriculture make up 31 % of the watershed (LSRCA, 2010).
Water quality within the East Holland River can be described as impaired. Water quality results reported by the LSRCA (2010) between 2002 and 2008 at the Holland Landing station indicate that the median concentrations of phosphorus, total suspended solids, iron, aluminum and zinc have historically been above the Provincial Water Quality Objectives (PWQO). These exceedances include 100 % of phosphorus samples, and 63 % of total suspended solids samples (LSRCA, 2010).
These results indicate that the East Holland River has been deleteriously affected by human activities, and can most likely be attributed to adjacent and surrounding land use in the East Holland River subwatershed. The East Holland River is located in one of the most urbanized areas of the larger Lake Simcoe watershed, and is also surrounded by intensive farming activities.
The fisheries community found within the East Holland River is a reflection of tributaries that originate in the Oak Ridges Moraine and then flow into a large main branch ultimately entering Lake Simcoe. The fish community found in the East Holland River subwatershed ranges from coldwater species, typically found in Oak Ridges Moraine headwater areas, to diverse coolwater and warmwater species in the warmer large order streams. The East Holland River itself is classified as warmwater by the MNR.
Temperature monitoring in the East Holland River, conducted by AECOM in 2011, supported this classification and found that the surface water temperature between July and September 2011 mimicked air temperature fluctuations. During this period, the maximum stream temperature was 30.0 C and the mean water temperature was 20.0 C. These data suggest that stream temperatures in the portion of the East Holland River located within the Receiving Water Assessment Area are not buffered by cold groundwater inputs.
Available background information was gathered and reviewed prior to conducting field investigations in order to identify any documented natural heritage features of concern along the East Holland River; the largest feature is the Holland Marsh Wetland Complex. It is considered a Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW) complex and runs the length of the East Holland River from Lake Simcoe south to Doane Road (Figure 2.1).
050278 Page 14 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
An NHIC search was completed for the length of the East Holland River and no aquatic Species at Risk (SAR) were listed. In addition, the DFO Species at Risk 2012 mapping was reviewed, and no aquatic Species at Risk or critical habitat of aquatic Species at Risk was identified in the East Holland River.
Historical records of the fish community in the East Holland River were compiled using background data provided by the MNR Aurora District, Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Burlington Office, LSRCA, as well as surveys completed by AECOM in 2011 and 2012. This review identified a total of 26 species that have been documented in the East Holland River (Table 3.1). Of these species, two are introduced and non-native species (Goldfish and Common Carp). With the exception of one species (Blacknose Dace) that is ranked as Apparently Secure (G4) meaning it is uncommon but not rare, all species are ranked as Secure (G5) meaning they are common, widespread, abundant, and secure on a global level.
All fish species found within the East Holland River are classified provincially as either Apparently Secure (S4), meaning they are uncommon but not rare in Ontario; or Secure (S5), meaning they are common, widespread and abundant in Ontario. There are no records or observations of aquatic Species at Risk, or Special Concern species, and all species range between intermediate to tolerant in their tolerance to environmental conditions and perturbations. The fish community of the East Holland River reflects the overall poor water quality and thermal regime of the East Holland River, with no sensitive or coldwater species present within the waters. Life history characteristics of the fish species comprising this community are found in Appendix B.
Table 3.1: Fish Species of the East Holland River
G S Origin Family Common Name Scientific Name Data Source1 Abundance Tolerance Rank2 Rank3 (Ontario) Amiidae Bowfin Amia calva MNR; DFO G5 S4 native common intermediate Catostomidae White Sucker Catostomus commersonii LSRCA; DFO G5 S5 native common tolerant Centrarchidae Black Crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus MNR; LSRCA; G5 S4 native/ common tolerant DFO introduced Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus AECOM; DFO G5 S5 native common intermediate Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides MNR; AECOM; G5 S5 native/ common tolerant DFO introduced Pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus MNR; LSRCA; G5 S5 native common intermediate AECOM; DFO Rock Bass Ambloplites rupestris MNR; DFO G5 S5 native common intermediate Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu MNR; AECOM; G5 S5 native/ common intermediate DFO introduced Cyprinidae Blacknose Dace Notropis heterolepis MNR; DFO G4 S5 native common intolerant Bluntnose Minnow Pimephales notatus MNR; LSRCA; G5 S5 native common intermediate DFO Common Carp4 Cyprinus carpio MNR; LSRCA; G5 SNA introduced common tolerant DFO Common Shiner Luxilus cornutus LSRCA; DFO G5 S5 native common intermediate
050278 Page 15 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Table 3.1: Fish Species of the East Holland River
G S Origin Family Common Name Scientific Name Data Source1 Abundance Tolerance Rank2 Rank3 (Ontario) Creek Chub Semotilus atromaculatus MNR; LSRCA; G5 S5 native common tolerant DFO Fathead Minnow Pimephales promelas MNR; LSRCA; G5 S5 native common tolerant DFO Golden Shiner Notemigonus crysoleucas MNR G5 S5 native common intermediate Goldfish Carassius auratus LSRCA G5 - introduced common tolerant Hornyhead Chub Nocomis biguttatus DFO G5 S4 native/ common intermediate introduced Northern Redbelly Chrosomus eos MNR; DFO G5 S5 native common intermediate Dace Sand Shiner Notropis stramineus MNR; DFO G5 S4 native common intermediate Spottail Shiner Notropis hudsonius MNR G5 S5 native common intermediate Esocidae Northern Pike Esox lucius MNR; AECOM G5 S5 native common intermediate Gasterosteidae Brook Stickleback Culaea inconstans MNR; DFO G5 S5 native common intermediate Ictaluridae Brown Bullhead Ameiurus nebulosus MNR; DFO G5 S5 native common intermediate Percidae Johnny Darter Etheostoma nigrum MNR; DFO G5 S5 native common tolerant Yellow Perch Perca flavescens MNR; LSRCA; G5 S5 native common intermediate AECOM; DFO Umbridae Central Umbra limi AECOM; DFO G5 S5 native common tolerant Mudminnow
Notes: Table created using data from The Ontario Freshwater Fish Life History Database (http://www.fishdb.ca/home.htm) accessed September 30, 2012. SAR designations updated November 2011. 1. Data Sources: MNR locations 25, 26, 32, 184, 330, 183, 265, 32, 279, 347, 374 and the date range of 1968-2005; LSRCA locations EH02 and EH08 and the year of 2003; DFO records between Doane Road to Ravenshoe Road within UYSS EA Study Area (exact locations and dates unavailable); AECOM minnow trap data from 2012 and observational data from 2011 and 2012 (summer). 2. G Rank (Global Rank): Global conservation status ranks are assigned by NatureServe scientists with input from relevant natural heritage member programs and experts on particular taxonomic groups. These ranks reflect an assessment of the condition of the species across its entire range. G4: Apparently Secure; uncommon but not rare; some cause for long-term concern due to declines or other factors. G5: Secure; common, widespread, and abundant. 3. S Rank (Subnational Rank): Subnational conservation status ranks are assigned for Ontario by the Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC) to set protection priorities for rare species. S4: Apparently Secure; uncommon but not rare; some cause for long-term concern due to declines or other factors. S5: Secure; common, widespread and abundant in the province 4. Includes Mirror Carp sp. (Cyprinus carpio carpio)
3.2 Aquatic Habitat Assessment
The East Holland River is described as a wide flat slow moving channel that flows in a northerly direction towards Lake Simcoe. At the time of the investigation (summer 2012) the wetted width of the river was approximately 18 m wide near the upstream reach before it gradually widened to approximately 90 m prior to its confluence with the West Holland River. Water depth varied from 0.50 m to 2.0 m near the riverbanks, and the water colour was brown and clarity was slightly turbid. Substrates were soft and deep and consisted mainly of fines including silts and sands, muck and clay.
050278 Page 16 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
In-stream cover is low and is mostly provided by aquatic vegetation and woody debris. Floating and attached algae were observed throughout the East Holland River. The aquatic vegetation consisted of pondweed species, duckweed (Lemna sp.), white water lily (Nymphaea odourata), and arrowhead (Sagittaria sp.). The aquatic vegetation was primarily observed in the near shore areas and not within the main channel, probably due to the lack of light penetration reaching the deeper parts of the channel and use of the main channel by boats.
The East Holland River flows through a variety of land uses within the Receiving Water Assessment Area including residential, agricultural, woodlot features, recreational areas and large wetland areas. Small drainage features were observed flowing into the East Holland River from both the west and east banks. The inputs from the west are mostly agricultural drainage channels that may transport nutrients and sediments in to the East Holland River. The drainage from the east side likely originates from the Holland Marsh Wetland Complex.
To aide in the description of habitat, the portion of the East Holland River located in the Receiving Water Assessment Area was divided into three reaches as shown on Figure 2.3:
. Reach 1 – between Doane Road and Queensville Sideroad . Reach 2 – between Queensville Sideroad and Holborn Road . Reach 3 – between Holborn Road and Concession Road 10
As outlined in Section 2.5.1, the riparian vegetation was classified into one of four categories: residential, cattail marsh, deciduous swamp, and mixed cattail marsh and deciduous swamp. The location and length of these habitats are shown in Figure 2.3 along with representative photos of each habitat. Table 3.2 summarizes the total area of each riparian habitat, measured in square metres (m2).
Table 3.2: Total Area of Riparian Habitat in the Receiving Water Assessment Area
Total Area within Receiving Water Assessment Area Riparian Habitat Type 2 (m ) Residential 4,475 Cattail Marsh 9,016 Deciduous Swamp 2,476 Mixed Cattail Marsh and Deciduous Swamp 5,321 Total 21,288
Reach 1 – Between Doane Road and Queensville Sideroad
The riparian habitat in Reach 1 consists of deciduous swamp on both banks, that transitions into residential and areas of mixed cattail marsh and deciduous swamp. A tributary of the East Holland River, known as the west branch, converges with the East Holland River. Surrounding riparian habitat in this location consists of cattail marsh on the south side and deciduous swamp and mixed cattail marsh on the north. After the convergence of the two channels, the riparian habitat is mixed cattail marsh and deciduous swamp on both banks and transitions into a cattail
050278 Page 17 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
marsh. Further downstream, the habitat ranges from mixed cattail marsh and deciduous swamp, with some pockets of residential properties on the west, up to the Queensville Sideroad bridge.
Just south of the Queensville Sideroad bridge is a small watercourse known as Queensville drainage ditch2, which is the site of the proposed Queensville Sideroad Outfall Discharge Location. This channel is an area of slow-flowing and stagnant water where Common Carp were observed in the main channel disturbing the substrate during field investigations in 2012. There is dense pondweed and floating algae throughout the mouth of the Queensville drainage ditch to the East Holland River, indicating a lack of flow over time. Surrounding the open channel is a cattail marsh which is contiguous with and part of the greater Holland Marsh Wetland Complex, a Provincially Significant Wetland.
During the late summer months the water levels in the marsh are low and the water is stagnant; however, in the fall and spring the area floods and a well-defined channel connects the marsh to the East Holland River. The higher water levels also connect the upstream portion of Queensville drainage ditch, a roadside ditch along Queensville Sideroad, east to Yonge Street. This section of the Queensville drainage ditch is highly vegetated with grasses and cattails, and patches of watercress. The vegetation present in the marsh and roadside ditch portions of the Queensville drainage ditch could potentially be suitable fish spawning and nursery habitat for a number of coolwater and warmwater species, including Northern Pike. During previous investigations by AECOM ecologists in 2011, one Northern Pike was observed approximately 500 m upstream in the Queensville drainage ditch.
Reach 2 – Between Queensville Sideroad and Holborn Road
North of the Queensville Sideroad bridge a residential area is located on the west side that ends approximately 1 km north of the bridge. Soldiers’ Bay also has residential properties and a marina on the east side and cattail marsh on the west and north sides. Soldiers’ Bay is an open backwater bay area where there is little to no flow and the water is clear. There is dense submerged pondweed with areas of deep pools, and dense algae blooms are present creating potential refuge and nursery habitat for fish. There is also a gravelly sandy area at the south end offering potential spawning habitat for the existing fish community. During the 2012 site investigation, young of year and/or juvenile Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed and Sunfish species were all observed in Soldiers’ Bay.
A marina and cattail marsh, with a small pocket of deciduous swamp are located just north of Soldiers’ Bay. Further downstream there are two marinas located on the west bank, approximately 0.5 km from each other, and both are surrounded by deciduous swamp and mixed cattail marsh. A golf course was observed on the east side and ended at Holborn Road. Immediately past the second marina is a pocket of cattail marsh followed by mixed cattail marsh and deciduous swamp. No fish were observed during investigations in the main channel of this reach.
2. Previously referred to as Queensville Drain; however, during the UYSS EA process it was determined that this roadside drainage feature is not subject to the Municipal Drainage Act.
050278 Page 18 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Reach 3 – Between Holborn Road and Concession Road 10
Downstream of Holborn Road, the riparian cover on both sides is cattail marsh until Ravenshoe/Boag drainage ditch3 (Concession Road 10). The majority of this riparian habitat in this area is part of the Holland Marsh Wetland Complex, a Provincially Significant Wetland complex, consisting of seven individual wetlands and composed of four wetland types including bog, fen, swamp, and marsh. This wetland provides a range of wildlife habitat and has not been drained for agriculture. The floodplain within this area is very flat and the East Holland River has a very flat gradient draining slowly into the Holland River. No fish were observed during field investigations in this reach, although conversations with a local angler just upstream of this reach indicated that Smallmouth Bass (adult) were in the area.
During the 2012 field investigations, it was observed that the East Holland River was a relatively high traffic area for access to and from Lake Simcoe. The river was also popular with anglers, particularly in Soldiers’ Bay where kayaks and pleasure boats were also observed accessing the main channel. Incidental wildlife observations included a Blue Heron, Green Frogs and turtles.
The greatest amount of riparian habitat in the Receiving Water Assessment Area was that of cattail marsh, reflecting the large area of the adjacent Holland Marsh Wetland Complex. Cattail marsh serves as an important form of aquatic habitat by providing organic debris and cover, and helping to stabilize banks. The marsh (including when mixed with deciduous swamp) also provides habitat for a range of wildlife, contributing to a healthy ecosystem. The riparian habitat of deciduous swamp provides a similar function in terms of aquatic habitat, but with greater provision of woody debris as cover for fish, and greater capacity for thermal shading.
Residential land use along the riparian zone largely reflects altered banks and lack of habitat diversity and cover along the shoreline. There is also increased risk of erosion, sedimentation and uncontrolled runoff over impervious surfaces, potentially reducing water quality. In some instances, the wood structures of docks in the marinas may provide fish habitat, and Northern Pike have been observed in some of these areas, out of the main flow in the channel (MNR 2012, Pers. Comm.).
3.2.1 Water Quality Field Parameters
In situ water quality parameters were collected at each of the minnow trap locations. These field parameters were compared against the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) Guidelines and the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) Provincial Water Quality Objectives (PWQO). The goal of the PWQO is to protect aquatic life by providing numerical and narrative criteria which serve as chemical and physical indicators representing a satisfactory level for surface waters. CCME Guidelines provide nationally endorsed science based goals for the quality of aquatic ecosystems.
The results of the water quality field sampling, recorded in July 2012, show that pH within the East Holland River ranges between 7.36 and 9.85 (Appendix A). The highest pH values were recorded in Soldiers’ Bay (9.13, 9.22 and 9.85) and were the only pH values that exceeded the CCME Guideline of 9.0 and MOE PWQO of 8.5. This high pH is likely due to the high density of
3. Previously referred to as Ravenshoe/Boag Drain; however, during the UYSS EA process it was determined that this roadside drainage feature is not subject to the Municipal Drainage Act.
050278 Page 19 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
aquatic vegetation in these areas, which increases pH by removing CO2 during the daytime due to photosynthesis.
Both the conductivity and temperature values were consistent across the Receiving Water Assessment Area. Conductivity ranged from 856 to 1053 microsiemens per centimetre (µs/cm), and reflected the highly urbanized and disturbed nature of the subwatershed. Water temperatures ranged from 24.39 to 27.17 degrees Celsius (°C), with max air temperatures of 32.5 °C on July 12 and 23.8 °C on July 19, 2012. The water temperature values are close to the maximum recorded temperatures from 2002 to 2010, which were in the range of 24.5 C to 29.6C in the East Holland River.
During July 2012, just below-surface values for dissolved oxygen ranged from 4.89 to 24.33 milligrams per litre (mg/L). The CCME Guideline for dissolved oxygen, for warmwater biota, is a minimum of 5.5 mg/L, which means three of the values (4.89, 4.98 and 5.3 mg/L) were just below the Guideline (Appendix A). For temperatures between 20 and 25 °C, the PWQO for dissolved oxygen is a minimum of 4 mg/L; therefore, none of the values were below the PWQO for warmwater biota. The dissolved oxygen values of 4.89 and 4.98 mg/L were found in Soldiers’ Bay, while 5.3 mg/L was recorded 1 km north of Doane Road in a deciduous swamp area. The low dissolved oxygen observed in Soldiers’ Bay is likely due to a high oxygen demand from organic sediments and the lack of flow in the bay as it is located out of the main channel of the East Holland River (Figure 2.4).
Water quality profiles were completed in the East Holland River at two locations during February 2012 (Table 3.3), two locations in April 2012 (Table 3.4), and three locations during July 2012 (Table 3.5). Water quality profile locations are shown on Figure 2.4. Representative water quality profile plots showing the relationship of dissolved oxygen and temperature are provided in Appendix C.
Table 3.3: Water Quality Vertical Profile in the East Holland River, February 2012
Temperature Conductivity Dissolved Oxygen Depth pH (°C) (µS/cm) (mg/L) (mbis1) 5s 4s 5s 4s 5s 4s 5s 4s 0.1 0.52 0.64 7.83 6.91 541 850 30.73 27.08 0.2 0.4 0.52 7.76 7.56 550 826 27.01 21.62 0.3 0.42 0.51 7.51 7.57 597 821 23.74 20.46 0.4 0.44 0.5 7.25 7.46 637 824 22.1 20.03 0.5 0.65 0.52 6.97 7.29 664 847 21.03 19.47 0.6 0.84 0.64 6.78 7.09 691 922 20.36 19.78 0.7 0.97 0.68 6.66 6.99 742 975 19.86 20.22 0.8 1.08 0.7 6.61 6.92 777 999 19.98 20.37 0.9 1.1 0.7 6.57 6.87 778 1003 19.9 20.36 1 1.12 0.7 6.51 6.83 780 1005 19.9 20.34 1.1 0.7 6.82 1006 20.26 1.2 0.7 6.79 1006 20 1.3 0.71 6.77 1006 19.67 Notes: Max air temperature 4.6C. 1. mbis: metres below ice surface
050278 Page 20 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Table 3.4: Water Quality Vertical Profile in the East Holland River, April 2012
Depth Temperature Conductivity Dissolved 1 pH (mbws ) (°C) (µS/cm) Oxygen (mg/L) 7s 6s 7s 6s 7s 6s 7s 6s 0.2 9.16 5.01 778 9.9 0.62 9.03 9.15 6.17 5 818 753 13.49 4.04 0.8 9 9.13 6.13 5.02 811 754 13.8 4.69 1 8.98 9.13 5.99 5.1 744 755 14.02 5.3 1.2 8.99 9.16 5.9 5.3 785 767 14.4 16.23 1.4 8.99 9.32 5.84 6.04 794 835 14.91 16.14 1.6 8.93 9.3 5.59 6.7 810 835 15.23 18.71 Notes: Max air temperature 9.1C. 1. mbws: metres below water surface 2. Multi-meter would not record data over the first 0.40 m
Table 3.5: Water Quality Vertical Profile in the East Holland River, July 2012
Depth of Temperature pH Conductivity Dissolved Oxygen Measurement (°C) (µs/cm) (mg/L) (mbws) 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 0.15 26.0 25.7 26.1 7.9 8.0 8.2 917 974 1014 5.9 6.2 6.0 0.5 26.0 25.7 26.1 7.8 8.0 8.2 917 974 1014 5.8 6 6.0 1 25.9 25.7 26.0 7.8 8 8.1 916 974 1014 5.3 6 5.9 1.5 25.9 25.7 26.0 7.7 8.0 8.1 917 974 1012 4.9 5.7 5.5 2 25.9 25.6 26.0 7.7 7.9 8.0 918 971 1012 4.6 5.4 5.0 2.5 25.9 25.6 26.0 7.4 7.9 7.5 807 970 997 4.2 5.2 5.1 Notes: Max air temperature 23.8C. 1. mbws: metres below water surface
The water quality profiles were collected from the surface of the water to up to 2.5 m below the water surface. In general, the profiles did not show a strongly stratified river system in any season. The winter (February 2012) profile had no exceedances of the CCME Guidelines or PWQO. The spring (April 2012) profile had low pH with 12 of the 13 recorded values below the CCME Guideline and PWQO of 6.5 (results ranging from 5.00 to 6.17). Although the dissolved oxygen values were not below the CCME Guideline of 5.5 mg/L, three values were below their respective PWQO (values of 4.04, 4.69 and 5.3).
For the summer (July 2012) water quality profile, a slight decrease in all parameters was observed as depth increased. All pH values were within the CCME Guidelines and PWQO for aquatic life. During July 2012, there were a total of eight readings below the CCME Guideline of 5.5 mg/L for dissolved oxygen. Six of the eight readings occurred below the 1.5 m mark. No dissolved oxygen values were below the PWQO of 4 mg/L at 25C. Water temperatures were consistent throughout the water column at all three sampling locations. This is likely due the shallow water depth and the ability of light to reach the East Holland River bed.
050278 Page 21 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
The dissolved oxygen concentrations observed in the depth profiles of the East Holland River are consistent with those found in a warmwater system. The winter profiles show moderate temperatures and high dissolved oxygen levels and indicate no anoxic conditions close to the East Holland River bed. During the summer months the water quality profiles demonstrate that due to the shallow nature of the river, sediment oxygen demand, warm water temperatures, and lack of flow, dissolved oxygen concentrations are on the low side. The values of dissolved oxygen are lower than those from the MOE Provincial Water Quality Monitoring Network (PWQMN) reported by Hutchinson Environmental Sciences Ltd. (2011), which show that for data collected between 2003 and 2009, the minimum dissolved oxygen concentration for the East Holland River was 6.63 mg/L and the maximum water temperature was 29.6C.
Clean treated water from the proposed Water Reclamation Centre is proposed to be discharged at concentrations of 5 mg/L of dissolved oxygen. Dynamic simulation of dissolved oxygen was conducted by Conestoga-Rovers & Associates (CRA et al., 2013a) to present a more effective representation of dissolved oxygen. The results of this modelling show that, with the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge, dissolved oxygen concentrations do not fall below PWQO within the East Holland River from the proposed Queensville Sideroad Outfall Discharge Location to the confluence of the Holland River with Cook’s Bay in Lake Simcoe.
3.3 Fish Community Assessment
Fish community surveys were completed in different areas of riparian and aquatic habitat conditions throughout the Receiving Water Assessment Area (refer to Figure 2.4 and Appendix A). In total, 43 fish compromised of commonly occurring (S Rank of S5) species were caught (Table 3.6). These species have been identified before in the East Holland River, indicating a stable and temporally consistent fish community (Table 3.1). All species are in the coolwater to warmwater range of thermal preferences. The tolerance levels range from intermediate to tolerant and no sensitive species were found throughout the survey. The life history characteristics of all species recorded in the East Holland River are provided in Appendix B.
Table 3.6: Fish Species Caught in Portable Traps in the East Holland River, July 2012
Thermal Provincial Common Name Scientific Name Regime S Rank Tolerance Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus Warm S5 Intermediate Central Mudminnow Umbra limi Cool S5 Tolerant Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides Warm S5 Tolerant Pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus Warm S5 Intermediate Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu Cool S5 Intermediate Yellow Perch Perca flavescens Cool S5 Intermediate
There were no obvious trends of more fish being caught in one particular habitat type, although there were less fish caught downstream of Holborn Road compared to the upstream reaches. This may reflect the wider channel in this area and more open water compared to the upstream reaches. The majority of the fish caught were juveniles or young of the year, but this also
050278 Page 22 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
reflects the time of the year and the selection of margin habitat, as well as a bias of the fishing method. Given the channel conditions (i.e., deep water), it was not possible to fish the open waters and target the adult fish which may be migrating in the main channel. The presence of juvenile fish of six different species does support that there are self-sustaining populations of both coolwater and warmwater species within the East Holland River.
3.4 Summary of Existing Fish Habitat Conditions in the East Holland River
The results of the review of existing information, aquatic habitat assessment and fish community assessment field surveys show that the East Holland River is a transitional zone between coolwater and warmwater fish species. Given the wide thermal tolerances and generalist nature of habitat preferences of these species, it is not uncommon to have overlap between community types.
All species within the East Holland River are common, or not rare, and demonstrably secure on a provincial and global level. There are no records or observations of any Species at Risk, species of conservation concern or Special Concern species, and no critical or sensitive habitat for specialist fish species. With the exception of Blacknose Dace, which is generally considered intolerant of turbidity, all other species in the East Holland River are intermediate to tolerant of factors such as turbidity, low dissolved oxygen, high temperatures and low pH.
There are two known invasive fish species in the East Holland River, the Common Carp (which includes the Mirror Carp, a subspecies of the Common Carp) and the Goldfish. These species compete with native species for resources and uproot vegetation, destroying aquatic habitat and increasing turbidity in the water column. These species are very tolerant of a poor habitat and water quality environment.
The aquatic habitat characteristics throughout the East Holland River are fairly uniform, with a lack of cover away from the margins and riparian zone. The margin habitat provides suitable habitat for all life stages of the fish community, but no obvious specialised or critical habitat was observed.
Soldiers’ Bay likely provides spawning and rearing habitat for a range of fish such as sunfish, minnows and bass. This area likely performs this function as it is out of the main channel, and there is good cover by aquatic vegetation. However, the water quality in Soldiers’ Bay is poor, particularly during the summer months with high water temperatures, high pH and low dissolved oxygen – likely because of the lack of flow and density of aquatic vegetation. The use and quality of this habitat indicates the extremely tolerant and generalist nature of many of the fish species within the East Holland River.
Although one juvenile Northern Pike was observed in Soldiers’ Bay, this area likely presents feeding opportunities to this species rather than providing spawning habitat. This is due to the shallow water depth and lack of flow in Soldiers’ Bay. This species largely spawns in Cook’s Bay in Lake Simcoe, with some potential localised spawning in marinas or cuts off the main channel of the East Holland River (MNR, 2012, Pers. Comm.).
Overall, the aquatic ecosystem of the East Holland River is currently degraded, a conclusion supported by LSRCA (2012).
050278 Page 23 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
3.4.1 Benthic Macroinvertebrate Community Assessment
In addition to being an important food source for fish, benthic macroinvertebrate communities, which include insect larvae, snails and other small animals, are excellent indicators of environmental condition because these organisms are continuously exposed to the full rigor of their environment for long periods of time. Different benthic macroinvertebrates exhibit different physiological tolerances to stressors such as nutrient enrichment, dissolved solids, low dissolved oxygen and high temperature. Because of this, the type and relative abundance of invertebrate species can give a good indication of the presence and degree of impairment at a given site.
Based on the benthic macroinvertebrate surveys conducted as well as available background data (LSRCA, 2010), benthic communities in the East Holland River exhibit evidence of impairment. A summary of the benthic macroinvertebrate community indices from surveys completed in the East Holland River is provided in Table 3.7.
Table 3.7: Benthic Macroinvertebrate Community Summary Indices for East Holland River Sites (October 2011)
East Holland River Index EHR-11 EHR-2 EHR-3 Taxonomic Richness 8 8 4 Simpson’s Diversity Index 0.59 0.36 0.50 Percent (%) EPT 0.00 2.63 0.00 Percent (%) Worms 54.46 10.53 10.00 Percent (%) Dominant Group 54.46 78.95 70.00 Hilsenhoff Biotic Index (HBI) 7.48 6.90 5.70 Note: 1. Survey station EHR-1 is located within the East Holland River south of Green Lane, upstream of the proposed Queensville Sideroad Outfall Discharge Location.
Higher values of taxonomic richness and Simpson’s Diversity Index represent more diverse and generally healthier communities. Sites in the East Holland River had low values of these indices, indicating that few macroinvertebrates are able to tolerate the existing conditions within the East Holland River. In particular, very few benthic marcoinvertebrate taxonomic groups were recorded at EHR-3, located downstream of the proposed Queensville Sideroad Outfall Discharge Location.
In general, if the dominant group makes up more than 45 % of the organisms in a community the site may be impaired, particularly if the dominant group is associated with poor water quality or degraded habitat conditions. The benthic macroinvertebrate communities at the East Holland River sites were dominated by chironomids (EHR-2, EHR-3) and oligochaetes (EHR-1), which are generally indicators of poor water quality.
Ephemeroptera (mayflies), Plecoptera (stoneflies) and Trichoptera (caddisflies) require rocky substrates and high concentrations of dissolved oxygen, and are indicators of high quality stream environments including good water quality and habitat quality status. Percent (%) Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT) values in samples collected from the East
050278 Page 24 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Holland River were very low and can be attributed to the general lack of suitable rocky substrates and low dissolved oxygen.
Aquatic worms (mainly Oligochaetes) are commonly found in soft sediments rich in organic matter and typify sites adversely affected by organic pollution or nutrient enrichment because they are tolerant of low oxygen conditions. In general, sites with Percent (%) Worms values greater than 30 % indicate impaired conditions, while sites with values less than 10 % indicate unimpaired conditions. A very high value of the Percent (%) Worms index (54.46 %) was recorded in the East Holland River, downstream of Green Lane (EHR-1), while the values of this index recorded at the other sites indicate relatively unimpaired conditions.
The Hilsenhoff Biotic Index (HBI) is designed to reflect the status of nutrient enrichment in streams. HBI values are associated with a descriptive ranking system that can be used to characterize the water quality of the sampled site. The HBI value for EHR-3 (5.70) indicates fair conditions, whereas the HBI values for the remaining East Holland River sites indicate fairly poor conditions.
The benthic macroinvertebrate community assessment supports the conclusions drawn from the fish habitat and fish community surveys described in this report, as well as the assessment completed by LSRCA (2010) regarding the status of the aquatic habitat in the lower East Holland River subwatershed.
The conditions within the East Holland River show evidence of impaired water quality and uniform habitat. The benthic macroinvertebrate community in the East Holland River reflects these conditions through its low diversity and low abundance of sensitive species. LSRCA (2010) has attributed this impairment of benthic macroinvertebrates in the lower East Holland River subwatershed to the surrounding urban and agricultural land uses. The benthic macroinvertebrate community in the East Holland River would not be adversely affected by the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge.
050278 Page 25 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Section 4.0 Analysis of Temperature Conditions in the East Holland River
The thermal regime describes the typical summer water temperature of a water body. Thermal regime is determined using measures of water temperature and/or inferred from knowledge of the fish community. The MNR groups fish into three broad fish community classifications: coldwater (mean summer temperature of less than 19C), coolwater (19 to 25C) and warmwater (greater than 25C). The East Holland River is a transitional zone between coolwater and warmwater fish species, with the warmwater community characterized by Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Brown Bullhead, and Common Carp. Coolwater assemblages are characterized by percids such as Walleye or esocids such as Northern Pike. Given the overlap in thermal ranges between these species, it is not uncommon to find overlap between these community types. In addition, habitat needs may vary with the life stage of the fish.
Understanding the role of temperature in fish behavioural ecology is critical to understanding the potential effects of the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge on the fish species or community composition. Water temperatures that are not lethal may produce a wide variety of significant sublethal effects, and the length, frequency, and severity of exposures are all important determinants of an individual’s response to temperature changes (Fry, 1971). Fish species are able to adjust to alterations in ambient water temperatures through biological responses, either behavioural, physiological or biochemical, and for this reason gradual changes in water temperatures are better tolerated than sudden, acute changes.
The relationship of temperature to other abiotic factors is also a complicating factor in the analysis of any thermal effects, as water temperature affects dissolved oxygen concentrations. Oxygen is more soluble in cooler water than warm water, and turbidity (or suspended solids) can in turn increase water temperature. Warm temperatures also increase the proportion of ammonia that is present in the toxic, un-ionized form. These physical properties of the water ultimately influence the bioenergetics of the fish, which in the long term could result in implications to fitness and population-level effects as the thermal experience of a fish influences its available energy for spawning. Elevated temperatures increase the oxygen demand for the majority of aquatic organisms, while at the same time reducing the availability of dissolved oxygen in the water. At the same time, fish will grow more quickly in warmer waters than cold waters.
With this in mind, fish have preferred temperature ranges, which are those temperatures that provide optimal conditions for their growth and survival. Outside of these ranges, fish exhibit avoidance behaviours at certain thresholds, for example seeking deeper, cooler pools in summer. If temperatures continue to shift beyond preferred temperatures, or if fish cannot effectively avoid these temperatures, there may be a significant deleterious effect on the individual and possibly at a population level. Lethal temperatures represent the temperature values beyond which 50 percent of the population can no longer live given an indefinite period of time (Giattinna and Garton, 1982). These values vary depending on the ecology of the fish species.
The analysis of the temperature effects on aquatic organisms is complex and is dependent on data derived largely from laboratory studies, with some field data on well-studied fish, such as
050278 Page 26 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
salmonids (Wismer and Christie, 1987). For the fish community in the East Holland River, preferred temperature ranges are similar and all species can be considered eurythermal, that is, able to tolerate a wide range of temperatures. Even so, any proposed changes to the ambient temperatures of the East Holland River need to be examined to determine potential adverse effects.
Perhaps the most critical life stage of any organism is that of reproduction. Successful recruitment is vital in maintaining a viable population. For that reason, the spawning requirements of each of the fish species known to be in the East Holland River were compiled (Table 3.6 and Appendix B). As described in this report, the thermal effects of the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge were assessed against these requirements to determine any potential shift in the habitat suitability for spawning, and subsequent shift in community composition. Consideration was also given to potential changes in fish behaviour resulting from the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge. However, there is limited field data on such effects, and potential significant changes in fish behaviour will be monitored on a site-specific basis.
Extensive temperature monitoring in the East Holland River was used to model water temperature time series at different locations in the East Holland River, with and without the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge, as described in the Thermal Effects of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on the East Holland River (CRA et al., 2013b). The outfall location used in these models was the proposed Queensville Sideroad Outfall Discharge Location. Water temperatures were modelled throughout the East Holland River with results shown for selected locations at 50 m, 100 m, 250 m, 500 m, 1000 m, and 2500 m (near the confluence of the East and West Holland Rivers) downstream of the proposed Queensville Sideroad Outfall Discharge Location to provide some indication of spatial patterns in water temperatures. The model assumes an annual average of the proposed Water Reclamation Centre flow of 40 million Litres per day (MLD) with monthly variation based on the seasonal variability of typical wastewater flow conditions.
As described in the Thermal Effects of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on the East Holland River (CRA et al., 2013b), the summer temperatures of the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge are predicted to be similar to the monthly average East Holland River water temperatures in August (20.5 C), and 5 to 10 C cooler than the maximum recorded East Holland River temperatures of 25 to 30 C. The proposed Water Reclamation Centre discharge temperature is reported to be approximately 10 C in the winter period, compared to an average temperature of 2 C for the month of March in the East Holland River. Therefore, the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge would moderate temperatures in the East Holland River between the proposed Queensville Sideroad Outfall Discharge Location and the confluence with the West Holland River, warming them during the cooler periods of the year, and cooling them during the warmest periods, but the river would still follow the seasonal trend with no acute temperature changes.
Furthermore, the proposed Water Reclamation Centre discharge would be of high water quality, with low nutrient concentrations and low turbidity. There are no anticipated adverse effects of the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge on water temperatures in Lake Simcoe as mixing in the East Holland River and atmospheric processes negates any temperature changes before reaching Cook’s Bay.
050278 Page 27 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
4.1 Temperature Effects on Fish
The analysis of temperature effects on fish in the East Holland River examined the predicted temperature of the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge over time, and the spatial extent of the exposure. Both spatial and temporal trends were compared to existing conditions.
For analysis of the predicted temperature over time, two major factors were considered. Firstly, whether the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge would cause East Holland River water temperatures to be at the lethal limits of the thermal tolerances of the fish community; and secondly, whether the proposed Water Reclamation Centre discharge water temperatures would maintain East Holland River conditions within the preferred ranges of spawning temperatures for the existing fish community. If spawning is still able to occur within the preferred temperature ranges, this was taken as indicative of successful reproduction, as water temperatures with the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge would continue to follow the same seasonal trends and incubation periods, and hatching would not be adversely affected. Furthermore, the data on temperature effects on egg incubations and hatching success for the fish species of the East Holland River is very limited and therefore does not allow further assessment, particularly at a community level.
Spatial trends were examined to predict the extent of any temperature changes and the potential adverse effects on any sensitive or critical aquatic habitat that may be present.
As outlined in Table 4.1, the known fish community of the East Holland River is comprised of 24 native species, and two introduced species (Goldfish and Common Carp). These introduced species were removed from further analysis as they are not considered to be part of the natural ecosystem of the East Holland River, and compete with native fish and further degrade the aquatic habitat.
Table 4.1: Fish Community of the East Holland River and Spawning Requirements
Thermal Spawning Spawning Spawning Temperature Common Name Scientific Name Regime Season Months Requirements Bowfin Amia calva Warmwater spring May - June 16 to 19 C White Sucker Catostomus commersonii Coolwater spring April - June 10 to 20 C Black Crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus Coolwater spring May - June 14 to 22 C Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus Warmwater summer June - August 19 to 26 C Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides Warmwater spring May - June 15 to 21 C Pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus Warmwater spring summer May - August 17 to 26 C Rock Bass Ambloplites rupestris Coolwater spring May - June 18 to 23 C Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu Warmwater spring May - June 13 to 20 C Blacknose Dace Notropis heterolepis Coolwater summer May - June 15.5 to 21 C Bluntnose Minnow Pimephales notatus Warmwater summer June - August 19 to 26 C Common Shiner Luxilus cornutus Coolwater spring May - June 16 to 26 C Creek Chub Semotilus atromaculatus Coolwater spring May - June 12 to 17 C Fathead Minnow Pimephales promelas Warmwater spring summer May - August 14 to 29 C
050278 Page 28 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Thermal Spawning Spawning Spawning Temperature Common Name Scientific Name Regime Season Months Requirements Golden Shiner Notemigonus crysoleucas Coolwater summer June - August 20 to 27 C Hornyhead Chub Nocomis biguttatus Coolwater spring-summer May - July 16 to 26 C Northern Redbelly Dace Chrosomus eos Coolwater spring summer May-July 13 to 21 C Sand Shiner Notropis stramineus Warmwater summer June - August 21 to 27 C Spottail Shiner Notropis hudsonius Coolwater spring May - June 15 to 22 C Northern Pike Esox lucius Coolwater spring March-May 4 to 11 C Brook Stickleback Culaea inconstans Coolwater spring summer May - July 8 to 19 C Brown Bullhead Ameiurus nebulosus Warmwater spring May - June 14 to 25 C Johnny Darter Etheostoma nigrum Coolwater spring May - June 12 to 21 C Yellow Perch Perca flavescens Coolwater spring April - May 6 to 12 C Central mudminnow Umbra limi Coolwater spring April - May 10 to 16 C Note: Table created using data from The Ontario Freshwater Fish Life History Database (http://www.fishdb.ca/home.htm) accessed September 30, 2012.
Of the 24 native species, 15 species are considered to be coolwater species (preferences for mean summer temperatures of 19 to 25 C) and nine species are warmwater species (preferences for mean summer temperatures of greater than 25 C). Based on the monitoring data used in the analysis, the predicted mean summer (June to August) water temperatures with the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge are expected to be 21.4 C compared to existing water temperatures of 23.8 C. This demonstrates a slight cooling in summer temperatures, but not enough to have an adverse effect on the fish community as the thermal ranges are still well within the thermal preferences of both the coolwater and warmwater thermal ranges.
The upper incipient lethal temperature (UILT) is that at which 50 % of the fish in an experimental trial survive for an extended period (Spotila et al., 1979; Jobling, 1981; Wisner and Christie, 1987). These temperatures were compiled for the fish community of the East Holland River (Table 4.2). All UILT temperatures were above the predicted water temperatures with the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge, and given the existing maximum recorded summer temperatures in the range of 25 to 30C in the East Holland River, several species are currently exposed to temperatures at or above their documented upper lethal temperatures. The proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge is predicted to cool maximum water temperatures within the East Holland River by 5 to 10C in the summer months, which will reduce exposure of these species to potentially lethal temperatures, and provide more optimal environmental conditions.
All spawning in this fish community occurs throughout the spring and summer, although there are slight differences in the timing and temperature requirements for each species. The spawning temperature requirements represent the range where spawning occurs, although other factors such as photoperiod, flow and availability of conspecifics influence this spawning period as well.
050278 Page 29 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Table 4.2: Upper Incipient Lethal Temperatures for Fish of the East Holland River
Upper Incipient Lethal Common Name Scientific Name Temperatures (°C)1 Bowfin Amia calva - White Sucker Catostomus commersonii 27.8 Black Crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus 33.3 Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus 32.2 Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides 31.9 Pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus 31.7 Rock Bass Ambloplites rupestris 33.9 Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu 36.0 Blacknose Dace Notropis heterolepis 28.6 Bluntnose Minnow Pimephales notatus 31.5 Common Shiner Luxilus cornutus 30.4 Creek Chub Semotilus atromaculatus 29.1 Fathead Minnow Pimephales promelas 31.3 Golden Shiner Notemigonus crysoleucas 32.0 Hornyhead Chub Nocomis biguttatus - Northern Redbelly Dace Chrosomus eos 29.2 Sand Shiner Notropis stramineus - Spottail Shiner Notropis hudsonius 33 Northern Pike Esox lucius 31.0 Brook Stickleback Culaea inconstans 30.6 Brown Bullhead Ameiurus nebulosus 33.4 Johnny Darter Etheostoma nigrum - Yellow Perch Perca flavescens 25.6 Central mudminnow Umbra limi 33.5 Note: 1. Data from Hasnain et al., 2010. A dash (-) indicates no data were available.
To assess whether the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge will result in a temporal shift in temperatures, and therefore spawning behaviours, spawning temperature requirements and typical spawning months were overlaid with the existing and predicted water temperatures in the East Holland River. If the spawning temperature ranges are outside of the predicted water temperatures, this would indicate a potential effect on spawning behaviours.
Figures 4.1 to 4.5 show the preferred spawning temperatures and timing of all fish species in the East Holland River and temperatures modeled 50 m downstream of the proposed Queensville Sideroad Outfall Discharge Location, both with and without the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge. More specifically, each figure illustrates the following:
. Figure 4.1 shows the spawning temperatures ranges of four coolwater species. During the spawning periods, existing temperatures are similar to the predicted temperatures with the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water
050278 Page 30 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
discharge, and there is no shift in suitable spawning temperatures during the required spawning months. . Figure 4.2 shows that there is no shift in suitable spawning temperatures over time with the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge for five coolwater species that typically spawn in May to June. . Figure 4.3 shows that predicted water temperatures are within the ranges of suitable spawning temperatures for five coolwater species that typically spawn over a greater length of time in the summer. This graph clearly illustrates the benefit of the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge to these coolwater species, by reducing the maximum water temperatures at the height of the summer and bringing existing conditions more in line with the preferred spawning requirements. The fact that these species are successfully reproducing in the East Holland River, despite temperatures occurring outside of their preferred range, highlights the tolerant nature of these species and the role of other environmental cues and biological factors in successful reproduction. . Figures 4.4 and 4.5 show spawning temperature requirements for the warmwater species in the East Holland River. These figures again highlight the similarity between existing and predicted water temperatures during critical spawning periods. The occurrence of warmwater species such as Bluntnose Minnow, with spawning requirements that are largely outside of both existing and predicted temperatures, emphasizes the tolerance and flexibility of these fishes to adjust to environmental conditions and successfully reproduce at the edge of their preferred range.
This analysis for each of the species was also conducted at different spatial locations up to the outlet to Cook’s Bay in Lake Simcoe, located approximately 6 km north of the Receiving Water Assessment Area.
Snapshots of the spatial extent of the temperature changes with and without the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge can be seen on figures of the East Holland River on April 1, June 1 and August 1, 2011 (Appendix D; CRA, 2013). These dates represent spawning periods for all species in the East Holland River, and thermal modelling results show clearly that with the proposed Outfall location at the proposed Queensville Sideroad Outfall Discharge Location, water temperatures will be either similar in the spring or cooler in the summer. As previously assessed, small temperature shifts in the spring are not sufficient to shift the spawning temperature requirements of the five species that can spawn during April.
050278 Page 31 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Figure 4.1: Spawning Preferences for Four Coolwater Species in the East Holland River with and without the Proposed Water Reclamation Centre Discharge at the Proposed Queensville Sideroad Outfall Discharge Location
Note: [1] Minimum and maximum spawning temperatures are provided in Appendix B; more details of the thermal model are provided in Thermal Effects of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on the East Holland River (CRA et al., 2013b).
050278 Page 32 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Figure 4.2: Spawning Preferences for Five Coolwater Species in the East Holland River with and without the Proposed Water Reclamation Centre Discharge at the Proposed Queensville Sideroad Outfall Discharge Location
Note: [1] Minimum and maximum spawning temperatures are provided in Appendix B; more details of the thermal model are provided in Thermal Effects of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on the East Holland River (CRA et al., 2013b).
050278 Page 33 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Figure 4.3: Spawning Preferences for Five Coolwater Species in the East Holland River with and without the Proposed Water Reclamation Centre Discharge at the Proposed Queensville Sideroad Outfall Discharge Location
Note: [1] Minimum and maximum spawning temperatures are provided in Appendix B; more details of the thermal model are provided in Thermal Effects of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on the East Holland River (CRA et al., 2013b).
050278 Page 34 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Figure 4.4: Spawning Preferences for Four Warmwater Species in the East Holland River with and without the Proposed Water Reclamation Centre Discharge at the Proposed Queensville Sideroad Outfall Discharge Location
Note: [1] Minimum and maximum spawning temperatures are provided in Appendix B; more details of the thermal model are provided in Thermal Effects of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on the East Holland River (CRA et al., 2013b).
050278 Page 35 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Figure 4.5: Spawning Preferences for Five Warmwater Species in the East Holland River with and without the Proposed Water Reclamation Centre Discharge at the Proposed Queensville Sideroad Outfall Discharge Location
Note: [1] Minimum and maximum spawning temperatures are provided in Appendix B; more details of the thermal model are provided in Thermal Effects of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on the East Holland River (CRA et al., 2013b).
050278 Page 36 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
The proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge will lower the East Holland River temperatures to a similar extent in the summer months of June to August. These temperature differences decline moving further downstream, such that the East Holland River temperatures without and with the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge are similar at a distance of approximately 2.5 km downstream of the proposed Queensville Sideroad Outfall Discharge Location. The habitat along this reach is largely altered by residential development with some mixed cattail and deciduous swamp.
This does not represent specialised aquatic habitat, and taking into account that no shift in spawning behaviours are expected, the cooler waters would likely have many benefits to the overall aquatic habitat in this reach. The proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge would cool the water and provide other water quality benefits (lower phosphorus, lower turbidity) and the increased discharge will improve mixing in the water column and may provide areas of thermal refuges where none exist now.
Warmer waters are predicted with the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge during the winter, which is most obvious during February. Temperature differences of up to 10 C are predicted only at the proposed Queensville Sideroad Outfall Discharge Location, and temperature differences of between 2 to 4 C are predicted in the main channel (Appendix D). Given the contrast in existing winter temperatures, the extent of the thermal differences is only predicted to occur up until approximately the confluence with Soldiers’ Bay. There are no fish in the East Holland River that spawn during the winter months, and further the aquatic habitat is unspecialised and generally poor quality and largely residential riparian zone. Therefore, no adverse effects to fish and fish habitat are anticipated to result from this temperature increase.
In addition to potential temperature effects on spawning, consideration was also given to whether the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge would result in a shift in fish community composition and behaviour. As noted earlier, temperature plays an important role alongside other biotic factors, throughout the life cycle of a fish. In addition to spawning, migration, feeding and metabolism (growth) are important life processes that can be influenced by temperature. The preferred thermal regimes represent the optimal ranges for all of these life processes, and all fish species within the East Holland River will still be within their preferred temperature ranges with the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge. No adverse effects are therefore predicted to fish populations.
The discharge of clean treated water is only expected to influence a relatively small section of the East Holland River; however, consideration was given to whether the changes in water temperature could result in a shift in community composition, particularly with regard to invasive species. Climate change is expected to result in warmer temperatures, which has been hypothesised to modify the ecological impacts of invasive species by enhancing their competitive and predatory effects on native species (Rahel and Olden, 2008). In the River Rhine, it has been demonstrated that the increase in maximum river temperature negatively affected a higher percentage of native fish species than exotic species (Leuven et al., 2011).
050278 Page 37 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Within the East Holland River there are two invasive species: Common Carp and Goldfish. The Common Carp is known to be tolerant of turbidity, low dissolved oxygen, and a wide range of water temperatures. The Common Carp is considered to be a species with prolific population growth that has feeding behaviour (sucking up bottom mud and detritus and expelling it into the water column while selecting food items) which can be disruptive to substrates (Scott and Crossman, 1973). The Goldfish is also a tolerant species but has been less successful compared to carp in invading and becoming established in North American waters; this species typically invades and successfully becomes established in small water bodies such as ponds, and often where there is an abundance of fast growing aquatic plants (Scott and Crossman, 1973).
These non-native species are very tolerant to a wide-range of conditions, but the temperature regime of the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge will have a moderating influence on seasonal water temperatures in the East Holland River, which is likely to benefit the native species. Presently, the summer temperatures of the East Holland River are at the upper limits of the preferred temperature ranges for many native fish species.
Under likely climate change scenarios, and combined with continued low flows during the summer months, the trend of high summer temperatures is likely to continue within the East Holland River in the absence of the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge. At these upper limits of the preferred temperature ranges of native fish, and into the lethal limits, adverse effects of climate change on individual fitness and survival are likely, leading to population impacts. The two non-native species are much more tolerant of high water temperatures and their survival could lead to a competitive advantage and a potential shift in community composition over time. A study of Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) demonstrated its ability to regulate itself in acute temperature changes (Zhao et al., 2011). These results indicate an ecological advantage for this species under climate change scenarios.
Given the cooler waters in the summer and overall better water quality anticipated to result from the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge, habitat conditions will be optimal for native species without providing a competitive advantage to generalist, tolerant, non-native species. Nonetheless, the fish community present at the proposed clean treated water Outfall location will be monitored before and after the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge to confirm no such shift in species composition over time and to allow for adaptive management if a shift were to be observed.
Small-scale localized changes in fish behaviour are a potential effect of seasonal moderation of the water temperature at the proposed clean treated water Outfall location. Under some of the proposed Water Reclamation discharge scenarios, the proposed clean treated water Outfall location will be warmer than the rest of the East Holland River, and this could influence fish behaviour. It is well documented that fish can be attracted to warm thermal discharges in winter months (Benda and Proffitt, 1973). A study by Cooke et al. (2004) showed that Smallmouth Bass within a thermal discharge canal on Lake Erie spent the majority of the winter period within the area of the warmer waters, although this area also corresponded with greater habitat complexity and feeding opportunities.
050278 Page 38 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Fish will always choose their habitat based on their preferred temperatures, as this provides the optimal conditions for metabolism and growth (Casselman, 2002). However, fish will not select habitat based on temperature alone – preferred food and refuges must also available. Fish will also make voluntary forays into sub-optimal thermal conditions when it is advantageous to do so, for example to gain access to food resources (Jobling, 1981). This indicates that temperature alone is not sufficient to influence long-term changes in behaviour, and that there are inherent complexities with thermal preferences, including seasonality, acclimatization, and food availability (Despatie et al., 2001).
Previous studies have clearly demonstrated that some freshwater species have been shown to be attracted to warm water areas produced by power stations, and that furthermore, this change in seasonal behaviour may be exploited by anglers (Williams and Waldman, 2010; Sadler, 1980; Landry and Strawn, 1973; Jones et al., 1996). In the East Holland River, under cold winter scenarios and where warmer water is being discharged from the proposed Water Reclamation Centre, this could also be sufficient to influence fish behaviour and attraction into the plume. This attraction is likely to be short-term and vary even from year to year given climatic conditions, and therefore no significant effect is predicted at the population level. However, there are implications on fisher behaviour.
Thermal discharge areas are known fishing locations which anglers seek out, typically in the winter seasons. This type of fishing has been nicknamed “hot hole” fishing. Online blogs describe the techniques and best local areas to head out and fish. It is seen as an alternative to ice fishing and/or traveling to continue the fishing season into the winter months. Although the clean treated water discharge from the proposed Water Reclamation Centre is unlikely to provide the same scenarios as seen with power station cooling waters, some change in angler behaviour may be seen in the winter months near the proposed clean treated water Outfall. For this reason, monitoring of angler behaviour before and after operation of the proposed Water Reclamation Centre will be conducted to allow for fishery management actions if appropriate.
050278 Page 39 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Section 5.0 The Ecology of Northern Pike (Esox lucius)
The initial assessment of temperature effects of the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge shows that the species most likely to be potentially adversely affected is the Northern Pike (hereafter also referred to as ‘pike’). This is due to the warmer waters predicted in the winter months as the Northern Pike is the species which spawns the earliest in the year in the East Holland River. Northern Pike is a coolwater species with an intermediate tolerance level. It is also an important sports fish with recreational and economic value. Northern Pike lurk at the edge of weed beds and prey on other fish, crayfish, frogs, mice, muskrats and young waterfowl. The species is an opportunist and a carnivore, and it feeds on whatever is most readily available.
5.1 Life Cycle
Generally, pike spawn in spring shortly after ice-out in April or May, when the shallow waters have warmed to 8 to 12C (Harvey, 2009). The fish tend to migrate up tributaries to flooded marshes and wetlands or shallow shoreline inundations. Optimal spawning substrate consists of flooded vegetation in a shallow, sheltered area. Grasses and sedges are preferred, but other vegetation may be used. The vegetative hummocks and mats should be adequate to entrap the eggs and suspend them above the substrate, where anoxic conditions can develop. The breeding grounds of this species include areas that flood only in the spring and early summer and may be dry the remainder of the year.
During spawning, pike swim through the vegetated areas of shallow water and the eggs are scattered at random and attach to the vegetation. The eggs hatch in approximately 12 to 14 days and the young remain attached to the vegetation for 6 to 10 days. The young remain in the shallow spawning areas for several weeks after hatching. Young pike feed on larger zooplankton and immature aquatic insects until they reach about 5 cm (2 inches) in length, when fish becomes their main diet.
5.2 Habitat
Pike are widely distributed in Ontario and are present throughout most of the province. Pike have not been found historically in portions of central Ontario; however, they are gradually expanding their range into these areas. Pike habitat is usually warm, slow, heavily vegetated rivers or the weedy bays of lakes. In lakes, pike prefer vegetated bays, creek mouths and shoals where they can ambush prey. In the summer, large pike move to deeper water to avoid higher water temperatures. However, in northern areas of Ontario, water usually stays cool enough for large pike to remain in relatively shallow water all year.
050278 Page 40 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
5.3 Migration Characteristics
Northern Pike is a largely solitary predator, migrating only in spawning season and being relatively sedentary at other times. Lucas and Baras (2001) state that pike display limited migration, although local movement may be of key significance for population maintenance. However, a study tracking the long-range seasonal movements of Northern Pike in a river in Belgium found that the pike moved much more than expected (Ovidio and Philippart, 2003). Nonetheless, the migration of the pike was concluded to be reproductive event related. Pike began their migrations during important flow conditions and increasing water temperatures stimulating pike to migrate during thermal conditions that allow a sufficient swimming capacity and under high flow conditions associated with immersion of the terrestrial vegetation (Ovidio and Philippart, 2003).
5.4 Temperature
As with most fish, temperature plays a critical role in Northern Pike spawning, growth and development, as well as habitat selection. Although there are many factors in adult habitat selection, one of the key factors is temperature. In times when temperatures are higher than optimal, pike will seek refuge in deeper, cooler pools (Harvey, 2009).
Northern Pike adults prefer to live within the optimal range of 17 to 21 C. They have an upper lethal limit of 29.4 C, and can tolerate temperatures as low as 0.1 C (Harvey, 2009). As previously mentioned, pike spawn in spring shortly after ice-out in April or May, when the shallow waters have warmed to 8 to 12 C (Harvey, 2009), although the optimal temperature for spawning is considered to be below 10 C (Wismer and Christie, 1987). The temperature range for hatching is between 5.8 and 21 C, and the optimum temperature has been reported to be 20.8 C, with an upper lethal limit of 29.7 C (Wismer and Christie, 1987).
Each stage in the life cycle has an optimal temperature range. For the juvenile and sub-adult phase, it has been reported that the optimum temperature for growth is between 19 and 21 C, and for larval stages between 18 and 26 C (Wismer and Christie, 1987).
5.5 Pike in the East Holland River
Northern Pike are known to inhabit the East Holland River, although there is no evidence of spawning in any large numbers in this river. There is a lack of suitable spawning habitat and the majority of spawning is considered to occur in the Cook’s Bay area of Lake Simcoe. Should there be localised spawning in the East Holland River, the temperature assessment of preferred spawning temperatures with the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge shows no adverse effects to the species. The spawning migrations of pike are stimulated by water temperatures of 8 to 12C and high flow events.
050278 Page 41 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Although there is a potential for a localised ice-free area in the main channel of the East Holland River, as described in the Thermal Effects of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on the East Holland River (CRA et al., 2013b), water temperatures are not predicted to rise in the main channel to more than 6C in February. Furthermore, as with all species, it is the change in environmental factors rather than the threshold itself, which triggers a response such as a spawning migration. Spawning migrations would be triggered by the ice-out releasing a significant flow of warmer water throughout the East Holland River.
The proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge would likely result in a localised area of ice-free warmer water during the winter, which would not be a sufficient environmental cue to trigger any behaviour responses in isolation of factors such as flow, day length, and temperatures. Given the localised area of potential ice-free water, and its location away from Northern Pike spawning areas, no effect on the behavioural ecology of the Northern Pike in the East Holland River is anticipated under current modelling scenarios from the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge.
050278 Page 42 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Section 6.0 Conclusions and Recommendations
The key findings of the review of existing information, field investigations and assessment of potential thermal and water quality effects on the fish and benthic communities of the East Holland River are as follows:
a) The aquatic habitat of the East Holland River is currently degraded, with high water temperatures and low dissolved oxygen in the summer. b) The East Holland River provides fish habitat for all life stages of 24 native species, ranging from coolwater to warmwater thermal regime. c) There is no specialised or critical aquatic habitat in the main channel of the East Holland River. d) No aquatic Species at Risk or species of conservation concern are known to occur in the East Holland River. e) The fish species comprising the fish community in the East Holland River are largely common and tolerant to environmental conditions such as high temperatures. f) Soldiers’ Bay provides rearing and feeding areas for a range of species, although it can be considered to have poor habitat quality. g) The benthic community in the East Holland River shows evidence of impairment, with low diversity and low abundance of sensitive species, reflecting degraded water quality and habitat conditions. h) The proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge would follow a seasonal trend, have a moderating effect on summer water temperatures, supplement baseflow and improve aquatic habitat conditions. i) There are no spatial or temporal thermal effects anticipated to Lake Simcoe from the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge. j) The proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge would not raise water temperatures above the lethal limit for any of the fish species in the East Holland River. k) All spawning requirements for the existing fish community would be met under the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge. l) The proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge may result in short-term attraction of fish to the warmer plumes during the winter months. This may influence angler behaviour that may require fisheries management in the future. m) The thermal regime of the East Holland River would not be altered by the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge so as to
050278 Page 43 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
impair the quality of aquatic habitat. In particular, the diversity, distribution and abundance of aquatic life and habitat will not be adversely affected by the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge. Therefore, mitigation measures to address potential thermal effects of the proposed Water Reclamation Centre clean treated water discharge on aquatic habitat or species in the East Holland River are not required.
In order to confirm the anticipated benefit to aquatic habitat and species in the East Holland River, as well as the potential effects on fish and angler behaviour described in this report, the following monitoring program will be included as part of the Impact Assessment stage of the UYSS EA in concert with preliminary design:
. Prior to construction of the proposed Water Reclamation Centre, complete additional baseline fish community surveys and habitat mapping at the proposed clean treated water Outfall location, as well as angler surveys during the winter at the proposed clean treated water Outfall location. . During operation of the proposed Water Reclamation Centre, complete fish community surveys and habitat mapping at the proposed clean treated water Outfall location, as well as angler surveys during the winter at the proposed clean treated water Outfall location, to confirm the anticipated effects. Implement corrective management measures in the event that unanticipated adverse effects are determined through this monitoring program.
This monitoring program will be documented in the Natural Environment Impact Assessment of the Preferred Alternative Water Reclamation Centre Site WH1 West and the Preferred Alternative YDSS Modifications Route A (CRA et al. 2013g) report4.
4. ‘WH1 West’ is the Preferred Site for the proposed Water Reclamation Centre. The Site is located on the east side of 2nd Concession in the Town of East Gwillimbury, approximately one kilometre north of Queensville Sideroad, and is approximately 45 ha in size.
050278 Page 44 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Section 7.0 References
Casselman, J.M., 2002: Effects of Temperature, Global Extremes, and Climate Change on Year-Class Production of Warmwater, Coolwater, and Coldwater Fishes in the Great Lakes Basin. American Fisheries Society Symposium 32:39–60.
Conestoga-Rovers & Associates (CRA), AECOM, and Black & Veatch, 2013a: Upper York Sewage Solutions Environmental Assessment, Comprehensive Assimilative Capacity Study of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge. Prepared for the Regional Municipality of York.
Conestoga-Rovers & Associates (CRA), AECOM, and Black & Veatch, 2013b: Upper York Sewage Solutions Environmental Assessment, Thermal Effects of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on the East Holland River. Prepared for the Regional Municipality of York.
Conestoga-Rovers & Associates (CRA), AECOM, and Black & Veatch, 2013c: Upper York Sewage Solutions Environmental Assessment, Study of Potential Impacts of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Flooding Potential in the East Holland River. Prepared for the Regional Municipality of York.
Conestoga-Rovers & Associates (CRA), AECOM, and Black & Veatch, 2013d: Upper York Sewage Solutions Environmental Assessment, Hydrodynamic Analysis of the Water Reclamation Centre Outfall. Prepared for the Regional Municipality of York.
Conestoga-Rovers & Associates (CRA), AECOM, and Black & Veatch, 2013e: Upper York Sewage Solutions Environmental Assessment, Geomorphological Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on the East Holland River. Prepared for the Regional Municipality of York.
Conestoga-Rovers & Associates (CRA), AECOM, and Black & Veatch, 2013f: Upper York Sewage Solutions Environmental Assessment, Natural Environment Baseline Conditions Report. Prepared for the Regional Municipality of York.
Conestoga-Rovers & Associates (CRA), AECOM, and Black & Veatch, 2013g: Upper York Sewage Solutions Environmental Assessment, Natural Environment Impact Assessment of the Preferred Alternative Water Reclamation Centre Site WH1 West and the Preferred Alternative YDSS Modifications Route A. Prepared for the Regional Municipality of York.
Cooke, S.J., C.M. Bunt and J.F. Schreer, 2004: Understanding Fish Behavior, Distribution, and Survival in Thermal Effluents Using Fixed Telemetry Arrays: A Case Study of Smallmouth Bass in a Discharge Canal During Winter. Environment Management, Volume 33, Issue 1. Pages 140-150
050278 Page 45 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Despatie, S.P., M. Castonguay, D. Chabot and C. Audet, 2001: Final thermal preferendum of Atlantic cod: effect of food ration. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 130, 263–275.
Eakins, R.J., 2011: The Ontario Freshwater Fish Life History Database. Online database version 4.07 http://www.fishdb.ca, accessed July 25, 2012.
Fry, F.E.J., 1971: The effect of environmental factors on the physiology of fish. In: Fish Physiolog, Vol., VI., Environmental relations and behaviour, W.S., Hoar and D.J., Randall, eds. Academic Press, New York.
Giattinna, J.D. and R.R. Garton, 1982: Graphical model of thermoregulatory behaviour by fishes with a new measure of eurythermality. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, volume 39, pages 524-528.
Jobling, M., 1981: Temperature preference and thermal preferendum – rapid methods for assessing optimum growth temperatures. Journal of Fish Biology 19, 439–455.
Jones, G.K., J.L. Baker, K. Edyvane and G.J. Wright, 1996: Nearshore fish community of the Port River-Barker Inlet Estuary, South Australia. I. Effect of thermal effluent on the fish community structure, and distribution and growth of economically important fish species. Marine and Freshwater Research, Volume 47, Issue 6, pages 785-799.
Harvey, B., 2009: A Biological Synopsis of Northern Pike (Esox Lucius), Canadian Manuscript Report of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 2885.
Hasnain, S.S., C.K. Minns and B.J. Shuter, 2010: Key Ecological Temperature Metrics for Canadian Freshwater Fishes. Ministry of Natural Resources, Applied Research and Development Branch, Climate Change Research Report 17.
Hutchinson Environmental Sciences Ltd., 2011: East Holland River: Existing Conditions and Response to Discharge from Proposed UYSS Water Reclamation Centre. Prepared for Conestoga Rovers and Assoc. For UYSS project. July 2011.
Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA), 2010: East Holland River Subwatershed Plan.
Landry, A.M. and K. Strawn, 1973: Annual Cycle of Sportfishing Activity at a Warmwater Discharge into Galveston Bay, Texas. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society, Volume 102, Issue 3.
050278 Page 46 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Lucas, M.C. and E. Baras, 2001: Methods for studying spatial behaviour of freshwater fishes in the natural environment. Fish, volume 1, pages 283-316.
Leuven, R.S.E.W, A.J. Hendriks, M.A.J. Huijbregts, H.J.R. Lenders, J. Matthews and G. Van Der Velde, 2011: Differences in sensitivity of native and exotic fish species to changes in river temperature. Current Zoology 57 (6): 852−862.
Ovidio, M. and J.C. Philippart, 2003: Long range seasonal movements of northern pike (Esox lucius L) in the barbell zone of the River Ourthe (River Meuse basin, Belgium). Aquatic telemetry: advances and applications.
Rahel, F.J. and J.D. Olden, 2008: Assessing the Effects of Climate Change on Aquatic Invasive Species. Conservation Biology, 22: 521–533.
Sadler, K., 1980: Effect of the Warm Water Discharge from a Power Station on Fish Populations in the River Trent. Journal of Applied Ecology, Volume 17, No. 2, pages 349-357.
Scott and Crossman, 1973: Freshwater Fishes of Canada.
Spotila, J.R., K.N. Terpin, R.R. Koons and R.L. Bonati, 1979: Temperature requirements of fishes from eastern Lake Erie and the upper Niagara River: A review of the literature. Environmental Biology of Fishes, volume 4, pages 281- 307.
Stanfield, L., 2010: Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol (OSAP), Version 8.
Williams, K. and J. Waldman, 2010: Aspects of the Wintering Biology of Striped Bass at a Power Plant Discharge. Northeastern Naturalist, Volume 17, No.3, pages 373-386.
Wisner, D.A. and A.E. Christie, 1987: Temperature relationships of the Great Lakes fishes: A data compilation. Great Lakes Fishery Commission, Ann Arbor, MI. Spec. Publ. 87-3, 196 pp.
Zhao, Z., S. Dong, F. Wang, X. Tian and Q. Gao, 2011: Respiratory response of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) to temperature changes. Aquaculture 322-323 (2011) 128–133.
050278 Page 47 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Section 8.0 Glossary of Terms
Glossary of Terms
Alternative Methods of Different ways of doing the same activity. Alternative methods Carrying out the could include consideration of one or more of the following Undertaking alternative technologies; alternative methods of applying specific (Interchangeable with technologies; alternative sites for a proposed undertaking; Alternative Methods) alternative design methods; and alternative methods of operating any facilities associated with a proposed undertaking.
Aquatic Refers to an environment that consists of, relates to, or is in water; or to animals and plants living or growing in, on, or near the water.
Baseline Conditions The existing conditions that are the physical, chemical, biological, social, economic, and cultural setting in which the proposed project is to be located and where local impacts (both positive and negative) might be expected to occur.
Channel Order The designation by a dimensionless integer series (1, 2, 3, …) of the relative position of stream segments in the network of a drainage basin.
(Department of) Fisheries DFO is the lead federal government department responsible for and Oceans Canada (DFO) developing and implementing policies and programs in support of Canada’s economic, ecological, and scientific interests in oceans and inland waters.
Drain Drains remove excess water from agricultural lands and can be either natural watercourses or manmade ditches. Municipal Drains are described as drainage systems located primarily in agricultural areas of Ontario that may consist of either ditches or closed systems such as pipes or tiles, grasses waterways, storm water detention ponds, culvert and bridges. Some creeks and small rivers may also be considered municipal drains.
Endangered species A species, landform or terrestrial feature that is at risk of becoming extinct because it is threatened by changing parameters.
050278 Page 48 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Glossary of Terms
Environment The Environmental Assessment Act defines “environment” broadly to include: i) air, land or water ii) plant or animal life, including human life iii) social, economic, and cultural conditions influencing the life of humans or a community iv) any building, structure, machine or other device or thing made by humans v) any solid, liquid, gas, odour, heat, sound, vibration, or radiation resulting directly or indirectly from the human activities vi) any part or combination of the foregoing and the inter- relationships between any two or more of them, in or of Ontario
Environmental A generic term for a study that assesses the potential Assessment (EA) environmental effects (positive or negative) of a proposal. Key components of an environmental assessment include consultation with government agencies and the public; consideration and evaluation of alternatives; and the management of potential environmental effects. Conducting an environmental assessment promotes good environmental planning before decisions are made about proceeding with a proposal. For the purposes of the Terms of Reference, an Environmental Assessment refers to the process and related documentation, including the submission of a Terms of Reference and final Environmental Assessment Report for approval by the Minister of the Environment, in accordance with the requirements of Part II of the EA Act.
Geographic Information A system for creating, storing, analyzing and managing spatial System (GIS) data and associated attributes.
Habitat The physical location or type of environment in which an organism or biological population occurs or lives, grows, and carries out life processes.
Holland Marsh Consists of 2900 ha of organic (muck) soil draining to the Holland River used for farming.
Impact Assessment The process of studying and identifying the future consequences of a current or proposed action.
050278 Page 49 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Glossary of Terms
Lake Simcoe Region Established under the Conservation Authorities Act (1946), the Conservation Authority LSRCA prepares and delivers programs for the management of (LSRCA) the renewable natural resources within watersheds in its jurisdiction.
Ministry of the The Ministry of the Environment is responsible for protecting air, Environment (MOE) land and water to ensure healthy communities, ecological protection, and sustainable development for present and future generations of Ontarians.
Ministry of Natural The Ministry of Natural Resources manages and protects Resources (MNR) Ontario’s natural resources for wise use across the province.
Mitigation Measure Action(s) that remove or alleviate to some degree the negative effects associated with the implementation of an alternative.
Ontario Stream Contains a series of standardized methodologies for identifying Assessment Protocol sites, evaluating benthic macro invertebrates, fish communities, physical habitat, and water temperature in wadeable streams.
Potential Effect An effect that is deemed possible to result from an activity or implementation of a particular alternative.
Provincially Significant Wetlands identified as provincially significant by the Ministry of Wetland (PSW) Natural Resources using evaluation procedures established by the province, as amended from time to time.
Species at Risk Act (SARA) A Canadian Federal law that seeks to prevent Canadian indigenous species, subspecies, and distinct populations from becoming extirpated or extinct, to provide for the recovery of endangered or threatened species, and encourage the management of other species to prevent them from becoming at risk.
Species of Special A species is of special concern because of characteristics that Concern make it particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events.
050278 Page 50 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Glossary of Terms
S-Rank Provincial (or Subnational) ranks, commonly referred to as S- Rank, are used by the Natural Heritage Information Centre to set protection priorities for rare species and natural communities. These ranks are not legal designations. Provincial ranks are assigned in a manner similar to that described for global ranks, but consider only those factors within the political boundaries of Ontario. By comparing the global and provincial ranks, the status, rarity, and the urgency of conservation, needs can be ascertained. The Natural Heritage Information Centre evaluates provincial ranks on a continual basis and produces updated lists at least annually.
Terms of Reference (ToR) The first step in an application for approval to proceed with a project or undertaking under the Environmental Assessment Act is the submission of a Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Environmental Assessment (EA). Public and agency consultation is required on the preparation and submission of the ToR to the Ministry of the Environment. Approval is required by the Minister of the Environment. If approved, the ToR provides a framework / work plan for the EA.
Threatened species A species that is listed or categorized as a “Threatened Species” on the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources’ official species at risk list, as updated and amended from time to time.
Undertaking An enterprise, activity, proposal, plan or program in respect of a commercial or business enterprise or activity of a person or persons that has potential environmental effects and is assessed in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act.
Watercourse A body of water having defined bed and banks with permanent or intermittent flow that may include rivers, creeks, streams and springs.
Watershed An area that is drained by a river and its tributaries.
Wetland Lands that are seasonally or permanently covered by shallow water, as well as lands where the water table is close to or at the surface. In either case the presence of abundant water has caused the formation of soils saturated with water and has favoured the dominance of either hydrophytic plants or water tolerant plants. The four major types of wetlands are swamps, marshes, bogs, and fens.
050278 Page 51 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
APPENDICES
Appendix A Habitat Description and Total Catch of Each Portable in the East Holland River, July 2012
Appendix B Life History Table for the Fish Community of the East Holland River
Appendix C Representative Water Quality Profiles of the East Holland River
Appendix D Spatial Modelling Results of Water Temperature with and without Proposed Water Reclamation Centre Discharge
050278 Page 52 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Appendix A
Habitat Description and Total Catch of Each Portable in the East Holland River, July 2012
050278 Page 53 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Habitat Description and Total Catch of Each Portable in the East Holland River, July 2012
Minnow Dissolved Depth of Trap Conductivity Temperature Fish Species Trap pH Oxygen Time Below Water Habitat Description Photograph (µs/cm) (°C) (Number Caught) Number (mg/L) Surface (m) July 13, 2012 1 7.93 7.99 1039 25.86 12:25 0.5 Attached to large No fish caught woody debris, 10 m from edge of watercourse
2 7.87 7.65 1053 26.48 12:30 0.1 Edge of cattail Smallmouth Bass marsh, riparian, in (YOY1) (15) pond lily clump Pumpkinseed (YOY) (1)
050278 Page 54 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Minnow Dissolved Depth of Trap Conductivity Temperature Fish Species Trap pH Oxygen Time Below Water Habitat Description Photograph (µs/cm) (°C) (Number Caught) Number (mg/L) Surface (m) 3 8.43 10.7 989 26.65 12:12 0.3 Edge of cattail Smallmouth Bass marsh, riparian, in (YOY) (1) pond lily clump
4 7.67 7.65 994 25.98 12:05 0.2 Edge of cattail Smallmouth Bass marsh, riparian, (YOY) (4) duckweed present
5 7.39 5.3 903 25.15 11:35 0.4 Attached to large No fish caught woody debris, pond lilies and duckweed in area
050278 Page 55 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Minnow Dissolved Depth of Trap Conductivity Temperature Fish Species Trap pH Oxygen Time Below Water Habitat Description Photograph (µs/cm) (°C) (Number Caught) Number (mg/L) Surface (m) 6 8.07 11.52 913 26.35 11:05 0 Edge of cattail Smallmouth Bass marsh, riparian, in (YOY) (6) shallow water
7 8.28 11.74 911 26.42 11:15 0.4 Attached to large No fish caught woody debris, pond lilies and duckweed in area
8 8.71 14.49 896 25.83 10:44 0.2 In pond lily clump, Largemouth bass 10 m from edge of (YOY) (1) watercourse
050278 Page 56 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Minnow Dissolved Depth of Trap Conductivity Temperature Fish Species Trap pH Oxygen Time Below Water Habitat Description Photograph (µs/cm) (°C) (Number Caught) Number (mg/L) Surface (m) 9 8.4 13.9 893 25.67 10:25 0.3 Mouth of side No fish caught channel, dense pondweed and algae in area
10 7.87 4.98 954 25.41 9:40 0.2 Soldiers’ Bay, dense No fish caught No picture available pond weed and algae present 11 8.31 4.89 949 25.35 9:50 0.2 Soldiers’ Bay, dense No fish caught No picture available pond weed and algae present 12 8.37 8.24 945 25.56 10:05 0.1 Soldiers’ Bay, dense No fish caught No picture available pond weed and algae present 13 8.36 10.74 922 26.05 10:15 0.25 Soldiers’ Bay, edge Sunfish species No picture available of cattail marsh (sp.) (YOY) (1) riparian
050278 Page 57 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Minnow Dissolved Depth of Trap Conductivity Temperature Fish Species Trap pH Oxygen Time Below Water Habitat Description Photograph (µs/cm) (°C) (Number Caught) Number (mg/L) Surface (m) July 19, 2012 14 8.12 6.03 981 26.22 11:45 0.4 Mouth of No fish caught Ravenshoe/ Boag Drain, edge of cattail marsh, riparian
15 8.08 5.6 987 26.15 11:55 0.5 West of Ravenshoe/ Pumpkinseed Boag Drain, (YOY) (2) attached to large woody debris, 5 m from edge of stream
050278 Page 58 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Minnow Dissolved Depth of Trap Conductivity Temperature Fish Species Trap pH Oxygen Time Below Water Habitat Description Photograph (µs/cm) (°C) (Number Caught) Number (mg/L) Surface (m) 16 8.21 6.39 1025 26.39 12:37 0.4 Edge of cattail No fish caught marsh, riparian
17 8.18 6.45 1016 26.2 12:49 0.3 Edge of cattail No fish caught marsh, riparian
050278 Page 59 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Minnow Dissolved Depth of Trap Conductivity Temperature Fish Species Trap pH Oxygen Time Below Water Habitat Description Photograph (µs/cm) (°C) (Number Caught) Number (mg/L) Surface (m) 18 8.14 6.04 1014 26.21 12:57 0.4 Attached to large No fish caught woody debris, at edge of stream
19 8.29 7.15 995 26.05 13:06 0.3 Adjacent to a clump Bluegill (YOY) (2) of cattails and pond lilies, 5 m from edge of stream
050278 Page 60 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Minnow Dissolved Depth of Trap Conductivity Temperature Fish Species Trap pH Oxygen Time Below Water Habitat Description Photograph (µs/cm) (°C) (Number Caught) Number (mg/L) Surface (m) 20 8.26 6.88 997 26.21 13:15 0.5 Approximately 15 m No fish caught from edge of cattail riparian
21 8.38 7.65 982 26.13 13:27 0.3 Attached to large No fish caught woody debris, approximately 10 m from edge of watercourse
050278 Page 61 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Minnow Dissolved Depth of Trap Conductivity Temperature Fish Species Trap pH Oxygen Time Below Water Habitat Description Photograph (µs/cm) (°C) (Number Caught) Number (mg/L) Surface (m) 22 8.44 8.53 987 26.95 13:51 0.3 Mouth of Holborne No fish caught drainage ditch5, 10 m from edge of cattail riparian
23 7.36 5.54 960 24.39 14:03 0.2 Mid-stream of Central Mudminnow Holborne Drain, (1) dense pondweed, duckweed and algae present
24 8.43 8.27 989 27.17 14:16 0.3 Edge of cattail Sunfish sp. (YOY) marsh, riparian (1)
5. Previously referred to as Holborn Drain; however, during the UYSS EA process it was determined that this roadside drainage feature is not subject to the Municipal Drainage Act.
050278 Page 62 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Minnow Dissolved Depth of Trap Conductivity Temperature Fish Species Trap pH Oxygen Time Below Water Habitat Description Photograph (µs/cm) (°C) (Number Caught) Number (mg/L) Surface (m) 25 8.25 8.01 957 26.98 14:35 0.3 Edge of pond lilies, Bluegill (YOY) (1) 10 m from cattail riparian edge
26 8.32 8.7 924 27.09 14:51 0.2 Edge of pond lilies, Yellow Perch 5 m from cattail (Juvenile) (1) riparian edge
27 8.34 8.68 908 26.86 15:03 0.2 In pond lily clump, 5 No fish caught m from cattail riparian edge
050278 Page 63 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Minnow Dissolved Depth of Trap Conductivity Temperature Fish Species Trap pH Oxygen Time Below Water Habitat Description Photograph (µs/cm) (°C) (Number Caught) Number (mg/L) Surface (m) 28 9.13 8.21 948 26.45 15:40 0.5 Soldiers’ Bay, at No fish caught edge of pondweed and algae clump
29 9.22 10.58 927 26.79 15:30 0.6 Soldiers’ Bay, in Bluegill (YOY) (1) dense pondweed Smallmouth Bass and algae (YOY) (2) Pumpkinseed (YOY) (2)
30 9.85 24.33 856 26.77 15:17 0.1 Soldiers’ Bay, edge Smallmouth Bass of cattail, riparian (Juvenile) (1)
Notes: 1. YOY: young-of-the-year
050278 Page 64 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Appendix B
Life History Table for the Fish Community of the East Holland River
050278 Page 65 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Life History Table for the Fish Community of the East Holland River
Spawning Common Scientific G S Origin General Thermal Trophic Spawning Abundance Tolerance Temp- Habitat Notes Name Name Rank Rank (Ontario) Habitat Regime Class Months erature Black Pomoxis G5 S4 native/ common tolerant lacustrine, coolwater invertivore/ May - 14 - 22°C Clear, quiet waters of large Expanding its range in Crappie nigromaculatus introduced riverine carnivore June ponds, small lakes, bays Ontario; hybrids with White and shallower areas of Crappie are reported; larger lakes and areas of moderately tolerant of low flow in larger rivers, turbidity; often occurs in associated with abundant schools aquatic vegetation and mud or sand substrate; preferred water temperature range 21-25°C Blacknose Notropis G4 S5 native common intolerant lacustrine, coolwater invertivore/ May - 15.5 - Clear vegetated lakes and Moderately intolerant of Dace heterolepis riverine herbivore June 21°C pools of creeks and small turbidity; tolerant of low rivers with sandy dissolved oxygen substrates Bluegill Lepomis G5 S5 native common intermediate lacustrine, warmwater generalist June - 19 - 26°C Vegetated small lakes, Hybrids with Pumpkinseed macrochirus riverine August ponds, shallow weedy bays are common; usually of larger lakes and pools of spawn 2-3 weeks after creeks and small to large Pumpkinseed; moderately rivers; preferred water tolerant of turbidity; temperature range 24-30°C intolerant of siltation; often occur in schools Bluntnose Pimephales G5 S5 native common intermediate lacustrine, warmwater detritivore June - 19 - 26°C Sand and gravel bottomed Fractional spawner; Minnow notatus riverine August shallows of clear lakes, tolerant of siltation and creeks, rivers and ponds; organic enrichment; preferred water moderately tolerant of temperature 26.3°C turbidity Bowfin Amia calva G5 S4 native common intermediate lacustrine warmwater carnivore May - 16 - 19°C Warm, weedy lake Tolerant of high water June embayments and sluggish temperature (35°C), pools and backwaters of turbidity and low dissolved lowland rivers; preferred oxygen water temperature range 28-32°C Brook Culaea G5 S5 native common intermediate lacustrine, coolwater planktivore/ May - July 8 - 19°C Small, boggy headwater Tolerant of low dissolved Stickleback inconstans riverine invertivore streams, shallow lake oxygen, acidity and margins, ponds, and clear alkalinity; intolerant of pools and backwaters of turbidity; often only species creeks and small rivers; occurring in marginal usually associated with habitats aquatic vegetation; occasionally brackish water; preferred water temperature 21.3°C
050278 Page 66 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Spawning Common Scientific G S Origin General Thermal Trophic Spawning Abundance Tolerance Temp- Habitat Notes Name Name Rank Rank (Ontario) Habitat Regime Class Months erature Brown Ameiurus G5 S5 native common intermediate lacustrine, warmwater invertivore/ May - 14 - 25°C Pools and sluggish runs Tolerant of pollution, low Bullhead nebulosus riverine herbivore/ June over sand to mud dissolved oxygen (0.2 carnivore substrates in creeks and mg/L) and high water rivers, impoundments, temperature (36°C); ponds and lake moderately tolerant of embayments; preferred turbidity; reported to water temperature range hybridize with Black 26-30°C Bullhead Central Umbra limi G5 S5 native common tolerant riverine coolwater invertivore April - May 10 - 16°C Heavily vegetated ponds, Tolerant of low dissolved Mudminnow wetlands, bogs or pools of oxygen (<1 mg/L), low pH small creeks and quiet, and high water temperature shallow (0.5 m) areas of (29°C); moderately lakes with mud and organic intolerant of turbidity; substrates commonly associated with Brook Stickleback Common Cyprinus carpio G5 SNA introduced common tolerant lacustrine, warmwater invertivore/ May - 17 - 26°C Pools of small to large low Indigenous to Eurasia; Carp* riverine detritivore August gradient rivers, lakes, tolerant of turbidity, low reservoirs and ponds, with dissolved oxygen and wide abundant aquatic water temperature range; vegetation, at depths of varieties include "mirror <30 m; preferred water carp" (enlarged scattered temperature range 28-32°C scales) and "leather carp" (scales absent); use as bait prohibited Common Luxilus G5 S5 native common intermediate riverine coolwater invertivore May - 16 - 26°C Pools near riffles in clear, Hybrids are common, Shiner cornutus June cool creeks and small to notably with Creek Chub, medium rivers, and River Chub, Hornyhead nearshore in clear-water Chub, Fallfish, Central lakes; preferred water Stoneroller and Rosyface temperature 21.9°C Shiner; tolerant of turbidity Creek Chub Semotilus G5 S5 native common tolerant riverine coolwater generalist May - 12 - 17°C Pools of clear creeks and Hybrids occur with redside atromaculatus June small rivers; rare in lakes dace, common shiner, and large rivers; preferred longnose dace and central water temperature 20.8°C stoneroller; tolerant of pollution Fathead Pimephales G5 S5 native common tolerant lacustrine, warmwater detritivore/ May - 14 - 29°C Still waters of ponds, lakes, Fractional spawner; Minnow promelas riverine invertivore August creeks and small rivers tolerant of high water with muddy substrate; temperature (33°C), preferred water variable pH, salinity and temperature range 23-29°C low dissolved oxygen; moderately tolerant of turbidity
050278 Page 67 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Spawning Common Scientific G S Origin General Thermal Trophic Spawning Abundance Tolerance Temp- Habitat Notes Name Name Rank Rank (Ontario) Habitat Regime Class Months erature Golden Notemigonus G5 S5 native common intermediate lacustrine coolwater invertivore/ June - 20 - 27°C Clear, weedy, quiet waters Reported to hybridize with Shiner crysoleucas herbivore August of lakes, ponds, reservoirs Rudd, an introduced and pools of small to large species from Europe; rivers with muddy tolerant of high water substrate; preferred water temperature (34°C), low temperature range 17-24°C dissolved oxygen and highly eutrophic conditions; moderately tolerant of turbidity Goldfish Carassius G5 - introduced common tolerant lacustrine, warmwater invertivore/ May - July 16 - 25°C Shallow, pools and Indigenous to eastern Asia; auratus riverine herbivore backwaters of sluggish introduced by release of rivers, ponds and lakes aquarium stock; hybridize with dense aquatic readily with Common Carp; vegetation; preferred water tolerant of high water temperature 27.9°C temperature (41°C), turbidity and low dissolved oxygen; use as bait prohibited Hornyhead Nocomis G5 S4 native/ common intermediate riverine coolwater invertivore/ May - July 16-26°C Pools and runs of clear, Bait-bucket introductions Chub biguttatus introduced herbivore slow-flowing, gravelly have expanded range in small- to medium-sized Ontario; moderately streams, often tributary to intolerant of turbidity larger rivers Johnny Etheostoma G5 S5 native common tolerant lacustrine, coolwater invertivore May - 12 - 21°C Sandy, silty, gravelly, Fractional spawner; Darter nigrum riverine June sometimes rocky, pools of tolerant of many organic creeks and small to and inorganic pollutants; medium rivers, and sandy avoids excessive siltation; shores of lakes; preferred moderately tolerant of water temperature 22.8°C; turbidity; often associated reported to a depth of 42 m with Rainbow Darter and in the Great Lakes Fantail Darter Largemouth Micropterus G5 S5 native/ common tolerant lacustrine, warmwater invertivore/ May - 15 - 21°C Clear, warm, shallow lakes, Lies in a semidormant state Bass salmoides introduced riverine carnivore June bays, ponds, marshes and during winter; tolerant of backwaters and pools of high water temperature creeks and small to large (36.5°C) and wide range of rivers, often with soft mud pH (5-10); intolerant of low or sand substrate and dissolved oxygen; dense aquatic vegetation; moderately tolerant of usually at depths <6 m; turbidity preferred water temperature range 26-30°C
050278 Page 68 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Spawning Common Scientific G S Origin General Thermal Trophic Spawning Abundance Tolerance Temp- Habitat Notes Name Name Rank Rank (Ontario) Habitat Regime Class Months erature Northern Pike Esox lucius G5 S5 native common intermediate lacustrine, coolwater carnivore March- 4 - 11°C Clear, cool to warm, weedy Tolerant of short-term low riverine May bays of lakes and slow, dissolved oxygen (0.1 meandering, heavily mg/L); moderately tolerant vegetated rivers; preferred of turbidity; natural water temperature range hybridization with 17-21°C Muskellunge called "Tiger Muskellunge"; colour phase lacking white spots known as "silver pike" Northern Chrosomus G5 S5 native common intermediate lacustrine, coolwater invertivore/ May-July 13 - 21°C Lakes, bogs, ponds and Fractional spawner; Redbelly eos riverine planktivore pools of creeks with hybridize freely with Dace organic substrates and Finescale Dace; often aquatic vegetation; usually associated with Finescale stained water; preferred Dace, Brassy Minnow, water temperature 25.3°C Brook Stickleback and Northern Pearl Dace Pumpkinseed Lepomis G5 S5 native common intermediate lacustrine, warmwater generalist May - 17 - 26°C Warm, shallow, vegetated Hybrids with bluegill are gibbosus riverine August lakes and ponds; quiet common and hybrids with vegetated pools of creeks other sunfishes (Lepomis and small rivers; preferred spp.) are known water temperature 26.0°C Rock Bass Ambloplites G5 S5 native common intermediate lacustrine, coolwater invertivore/ May - 18 - 23°C Rocky or vegetated Life span 5-6 years in rupestris riverine carnivore June shallows of lakes and pools riverine habitats; intolerant of creeks and small to of low dissolved oxygen medium rivers; preferred (<3 mg/L) and siltation; water temperature range moderately tolerant of 21-26°C; reported to turbidity; inhabit deep water depths of 21 m and remain in a condition of semi-hibernation during the winter Sand Shiner Notropis G5 S4 native common intermediate lacustrine, warmwater invertivore/ June - 21 - 27°C Sand and gravel runs and Sensitive to siltation; stramineus riverine carnivore August pools of warm, clear creeks tolerant to some inorganic and small to large rivers, pollution and low dissolved and sandy shallows of oxygen; moderately lakes with rooted aquatic tolerant of turbidity vegetation Smallmouth Micropterus G5 S5 native/intr common intermediate lacustrine, warmwater invertivore/ May - 13 - 20°C Clear, gravel-bottomed Inhabits deep waters and Bass dolomieu oduced riverine carnivore June runs and flowing pools of lies in a semidormant state small to large rivers and during winter; moderately shallow (5-7 m), rocky and tolerant of turbidity; sandy areas of lakes; intolerant of pH <6; often preferred water associated with Rock Bass temperature range 20-26°C
050278 Page 69 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Spawning Common Scientific G S Origin General Thermal Trophic Spawning Abundance Tolerance Temp- Habitat Notes Name Name Rank Rank (Ontario) Habitat Regime Class Months erature Spottail Notropis G5 S5 native common intermediate lacustrine, coolwater invertivore/ May - 15 - 22°C Lakes, rivers and streams Fractional spawner; Shiner hudsonius riverine planktivore June with slow to moderate tolerant of turbidity and current and sand, gravel, water high temperature mud or silt substrates; (35°C); intolerant of preferred water pollution; northernmost temperature range 13-22°C range of any species of shiner (Notropis spp.) White Sucker Catostomus G5 S5 native common tolerant lacustrine, coolwater generalist April - 10 - 20°C Pools and riffles of creeks Very tolerant of polluted commersonii riverine June and rivers, warm shallow waters; hybrids with lakes and embayments of longnose sucker are larger lakes usually at reported depths of 6-9 m; preferred water temperature range 22-26°C Yellow Perch Perca G5 S5 native common intermediate lacustrine, coolwater invertivore/ April - May 6 - 12°C Lakes, ponds and pools of Tolerant of low dissolved flavescens riverine carnivore creeks and small to large oxygen, turbidity and rivers with moderate salinity; species usually aquatic vegetation and found in schools; use as clear water, usually at bait restricted to the Great depths <9 m; preferred Lakes water temperature range 18-24°C Notes: 1. * Includes Mirror Carp sp. (Cyprinus carpio carpio) 2. Table created using data from The Ontario Freshwater Fish Life History Database (http://www.fishdb.ca/home.htm) accessed September 30, 2012. SAR designations updated Nov. 2011 3. COSEWIC Status: Species designation assigned by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, '' - ' no status
4. GRank (Global Rank): Global conservation status ranks are assigned by NatureServe scientists with input from relevant natural heritage member programs and experts on particular taxonomic groups. These ranks reflect an assessment of the condition of the species across its entire range. - G4: Apparently Secure; uncommon but not rare; some cause for long-term concern due to declines or other factors. - G5: Secure; common, widespread, and abundant. 5. NRank (National Rank): National conservation status ranks in Canada are assigned similar to global ranks. The condition of a species can vary from one country to another, and national conservation status ranks document its condition in a particular country. - N4: Apparently Secure; uncommon but not rare; some cause for long-term concern due to declines or other factors. - N5: Secure; common, widespread and abundant in the nation. - NNA: Not Applicable; a conservation status rank is not applicable because the species is not a suitable target for conservation activities (i.e., exotic or hybrid). 6. SRank (Subnational Rank): Subnational conservation status ranks are assigned for Ontario by the Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC) to set protection priorities for rare species. - S4: Apparently Secure; uncommon but not rare; some cause for long-term concern due to declines or other factors. - S5: Secure; common, widespread and abundant in the province. - SNA: Not Applicable; a conservation status rank is not applicable because the species is not a suitable target for conservation activities (i.e., exotic or hybrid).
050278 Page 70 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Appendix C
Representative Water Quality Profiles of the East Holland River
050278 Page 71 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
050278 Page 72 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
050278 Page 73 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
050278 Page 74 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
Appendix D
Spatial Modelling Results of Water Temperature with and without Proposed Water Reclamation Centre Discharge
050278 Page 75 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
050278 Page 76 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
050278 Page 77 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
050278 Page 78 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
050278 Page 79 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
050278 Page 80 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
050278 Page 81 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
050278 Page 82 York Region No. 74270 Assessment of the Water Reclamation Centre Discharge on Aquatic Habitat in the East Holland River Upper York Sewage Solutions EA
050278 Page 83 York Region No. 74270