Environmental Impact Assessment Part of Lots 11 & 12, Concession 2 Township of Russell

Prepared for:

Melanie Construction 900 Route 500 Russell, Ontario K4R 1ES

Prepared by:

McIntosh Perry Consulting Engineers Ltd. 115 Walgreen Road Carp, ON K0A 1L0

December 2014 Melanie Construction Environmental Impact Assessment CP-08-512 Part of Lots 11 & 12, Concession 2, Township of Russell

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 1

2.0 METHODOLOGY ...... 3 3.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE SITE AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT ...... 4

3.1 Existing Land Use ...... 4

3.2 Landforms, Soils & Geology ...... 4

3.3 Surface Water, Groundwater and Fish Habitat ...... 4

3.4 Vegetation ...... 5

3.5 Designated Natural Heritage Features ...... 5

3.6 Wildlife ...... 6

3.7 Species at Risk ...... 6

4.0 IMPACTS AND ASSESSMENT ...... 9

4.1 Vegetation ...... 9

4.2 Surface Water, Groundwater & Fish Habitat ...... 9

4.3 Significant Areas ...... 10

4.4 Wildlife ...... 10

4.5 Species at Risk and their Habitat ...... 10

4.6 Identifying Cumulative Impacts ...... 12

5.0 RECOMMENDED MITIGATION ...... 13

6.0 SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 15

7.0 REFERENCES ...... 16

8.0 LIMITATIONS ...... 17

FIGURES Figure 1: Key Map ...... 2

Figure 2: Proposed Concept Plan ...... 8

TABLES

Table 1: Species at Risk Potentially Present on the Subject Property ...... 6

i Melanie Construction Environmental Impact Assessment CP-08-512 Part of Lots 11 & 12, Concession 2, Township of Russell

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Melanie Construction Inc. is currently in ownership of a 27.32 ha parcel of undeveloped land on Part of Lots 11 & 12, Concession 2, Township of Russell, within the Village of Russell, Ontario (subject property) (Figure 1). The subject property is found within the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) Kemptville District and South Nation Conservation Authority (SNCA). According to the Township of Russell’s Official Plan Schedule A2 (October 2010), the current land use designation is ‘residential’ with a hazard area identified as ‘flood plain’, adjacent to the Castor River. The zoning of the subject property is Residential (R1A-h) (Township of Russell Zoning By-law, July 2011).

In support of draft plan submission for a proposed subdivision, the SNCA and Township of Russell require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) be carried out for the subject property. This EIA would determine the impacts as they relate to the proposed development plans, the surrounding natural heritage features (Castor River/fish habitat) and species at risk (SAR) and their habitat. According to the Untied Counties of Prescott Russell’s Official Plan (May 2006), potential negative impacts to the natural heritage features of the subject property must be examined through a process of environmental impact assessment prior to development approval.

The proposed development to be known as the ‘Southwest Park Subdivision’ will include 516 single family homes, 100 semi-detached homes, 52 townhouse units, 90 apartment/condo units, a stormwater management facility and a sanitary sewer lift station (Figure 2). Herbaceous vegetation will be required to be removed from the majority of the subject property for the construction of the buildings and associated infrastructure. The remaining area will be landscaped or left to regenerate naturally, including a 30 m wide buffer adjacent to the Castor River.

McIntosh Perry Consulting Engineers Ltd. (McIntosh Perry) was retained by Melanie Construction Inc., in order to carry out an EIA to assess the existing terrestrial and aquatic communities, and determine the potential for SAR and associated habitat on the subject property. This report summarizes the findings of the investigations and provides recommendations in order to mitigate impacts on natural heritage resources from the proposed development.

1 Castor River Blackcreek Road None

Parkway Road Bols Street ³

Eadie Road

Drainage Unna med Channel Watercourse Route 300

Boundary Road ³

Hwy 417 17.3 km

Route 200 Cooper Hill Road

0 200 400

Scale 1:15,000 Meters

Prescott and RussellUnited Counties of

North Russell Road Forced Road

Pana Road

CIty of Ottawa

Hamilton Road

Castor River

Wade Road Craig Street Russell

Cartwright Road Gregoire Road SITE Yorks Corners Road

South Russell Road

Route 300 MacDonald Road

Ray Wilson Road

0 1 2 4 LEGEND SCALE 1:50,000 KILOMETERS Subject Property Boundary Main Road/Highway Watercourse CLIENT:

Local Road Waterbody MELANIE CONSTRUCTION

Utility Line Drainage Channel PROJECT:

Railroad PATENAUDE SOUTHWEST SUBDIVISION

Municipal Border TITLE: SITE LOCATION

PROJECT NO: CP-08-512 FIGURE: REFERENCE Date DEC. 22, 2014 Base data provided by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2014. GIS ED 1 Imagery provided by Bing Maps, 2014 115 Walgreen Rd., RR#3, Carp, ON K0A1L0 Tel: 613-836-2184 Fax: 613-836-3742 Checked By HL Document Path:H:\01 Project- Proposals\2008Jobs\CP-08-512 Patenaude Southwest\GIS\CP08512_01_SiteLocationPatenaudeSouthwestSubdivision.mxd Melanie Construction Environmental Impact Assessment CP-08-512 Part of Lots 11 & 12, Concession 2, Township of Russell

2.0 METHODOLOGY

In order to acquire current information on habitat present within the study area, a desktop review was completed for a 2 km search radius in relation to the subject property. The desktop review of the available information sources listed below, provided data on the following: SAR that have been found or have the potential to be found in the vicinity of the subject property, local habitat conditions in the vicinity of the subject property, fish species and habitat type present within the Castor River adjacent to the subject property, location of any Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) and Provincially Significant Wetlands (PSW) in vicinity of the subject property and any significant wildlife habitat. The review was conducted using the following sources:

 Fisheries and Aquatic Ecosystems Assessment Report Melanie Construction Russell, Ontario. McIntosh Perry Consulting Engineers. October 2009.

 Data from the MNRF’s Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC) database was accessed via http://www.giscoeapp.lrc.gov.on.ca/web/MNR/NHLUPS/NaturalHeritage/Viewer/Viewer.html (MNRF, 2014). This search tool allows areas to be searched at up to 1 km2 grid resolution and provides reports concerning rare species tracked by the NHIC. Information for each 1 km2 grid where the identified projects were located was accessed.

 Data from the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas Database was accessed from the data summaries page of the Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Ontario website (http://www.birdsontario.org/atlas/datasummaries.jsp?lang=en) (BSC, 2008). Information for the 10 km2 grid (18VR71) where the subject property was located was accessed.

 Data from the Ontario Nature Reptiles and Amphibians of Ontario Atlas was accessed via http://www.ontarionature.org/protect/species/reptiles_and_amphibians/index.php (Ontario Nature, 2013). Location information was obtained from the range maps provided on the website for each SAR reptile.

 Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Conservation Authorities of Ontario aquatic SAR distribution maps (http://conservation-ontario.on.ca/projects/DFO.html).

 Habitats in identified project areas were evaluated by use of aerial photography accessed through the Prescott Russell À La Carte and Google Earth StreetView mapping. The search radius for habitat was 2 km.

 Information on species at risk and significant habitat was requested from Kemptville District MNRF office. This information had not been received at the writing of this report (December, 2014).

3 Melanie Construction Environmental Impact Assessment CP-08-512 Part of Lots 11 & 12, Concession 2, Township of Russell

3.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE SITE AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 3.1 Existing Land Use

According to Google Earth aerial imagery (September 24, 2013), the subject property was undeveloped (Figure 1). The majority of habitat present consisted of agricultural fields (hay/corn). The north end of the subject property was adjacent to the Castor River, while the south fronted onto Church Street. The east side of the property was adjacent to multiple residential properties. The west side of the subject property was adjacent to undeveloped agricultural land.

3.2 Landforms, Soils & Geology

Soils present on the subject property were classified as from the Castor series; a fine sandy loam, with imperfect drainage (Richards, et. al., 1962). The topography of the subject property was cited as gently undulating with a steep slope down to the Castor River (Richards, et. al., 1962).

3.3 Surface Water, Groundwater and Fish Habitat

Surface water adjacent to and within subject property boundaries included the Castor River (adjacent to the subject property in the north), an unnamed watercourse (located in the northeast corner of the subject property) and a drainage channel (located approximately 215 m east of the western subject property boundary). All surface water present in the area of the subject property is shown on Figure 1.

The Castor River is a large tributary of the South Nation River. A number of sport fish and baitfish species are known to occur within the Castor River. Data provided by the MNRF from 1998 and 2005 for the Castor River indicated that the following species have been observed in the vicinity of the subject property: Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolimeu), Walleye (Sander vitreus), Pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus), Rockbass (Ambloplites rupestris), White Sucker (Catostomus commersoni), Greater Redhorse (Moxistoma valencienessi), Silver Redhorse (Moxistoma anisurum), Brown Bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus), Stonecat (Noturus flavus), Tadpole Madtom (Noturus gyrinus), Longnose Dace (Rhinichthys cataractae), Fallfish (Semotilis corporalis), Fathead Minnow (Pimephales promelas), Brook Stickleback, Log Perch (Percina caprodes), Trout-perch (Percopsis omiscomaycus), and Johnny Darter (Etheostoma nigrum).

The unnamed watercourse present on the subject property is considered to be an ephemeral tributary of the Castor River. According to information obtained from the Fisheries and Aquatic Ecosystems Assessment Report Melanie Construction Russell, Ontario (McIntosh Perry, October 2009), the unnamed watercourse flowed west to east in the northeast portion of the subject property and into the Castor River approximately 150 m downstream of the northeastern property boundary (Figure 1). Downstream of the subject property the watercourse had a moderate gradient and flowed through a channel with moderately eroded slopes. The report also indicated that the substrate was comprised of sand and silt and that there was minimal flow at

4 Melanie Construction Environmental Impact Assessment CP-08-512 Part of Lots 11 & 12, Concession 2, Township of Russell

the time of the August 2008 and April 2009 field investigations. During the 2009 field investigation completed for the Fisheries and Aquatic Ecosystems Assessment Report Melanie Construction Russell, Ontario, five Brook Stickleback were observed approximately 10 m from the confluence of the Castor River. No other fish were observed upstream. Therefore, the report concluded it is highly unlikely fish migrate upstream onto the subject property during spring flows, due to the watercourse’s ephemeral nature and the fact that no fish were captured any farther upstream during either field investigation. Water flow in the unnamed watercourse comes primarily from runoff from the adjacent agricultural field. No defined channel exists outside of the initial 190 m of the watercourse. Therefore, the 2009 report concluded that the unnamed watercourse, within the property boundaries, can be considered to provide indirect fish habitat during rain events and spring runoff. It may provide small amounts of nutrients and food to fish located downstream and within the Castor River. It also provides base flow to lower reaches of the watercourse that contain fish for brief periods during the spring.

The drainage channel present approximately 215 m east of the western subject property boundary outlets directly into the Castor River with a slope that is too great for fish to migrate up (migration barrier). Therefore, it can be considered an ephemeral channel that provides poor quality indirect habitat for fish within the Castor River. The Fisheries and Aquatic Ecosystems Assessment Report Melanie Construction Russell, Ontario indicated that a large migration barrier was present adjacent to the Castor River and no flow was present during either field investigation.

3.4 Vegetation

The subject property was located in the St-Lawrence Lowlands Ecoregion, within the Mixedwood Plains Ecozone (Ecological Stratification Working Group, 1995). Aerial photos (September 24, 2013) indicated that the majority of the subject property was comprised of agricultural fields, with a 15 to 40 metre band of deciduous trees and herbaceous vegetation directly adjacent to the Castor River (Figure 1). As a condition of draft plan approval, at least one vegetation field survey should be completed during the growing season, to confirm the existing conditions of vegetation communities present within subject property boundaries.

3.5 Designated Natural Heritage Features

According to the United Counties of Prescott and Russell’s GIS mapping (À La Carte, 2014), the Castor River and unnamed watercourse present on the subject property are both considered to be ‘fish habitat’. According to studies completed by McIntosh Perry in 2009, the unnamed watercourse does not have a defined channel outside of the initial 190 m of the watercourse and water flow within the channelized portion comes primarily from runoff from the adjacent agricultural field (Photos 1 & 2). Therefore, this watercourse, within the property boundaries, can be considered indirect fish habitat during rain events and spring runoff. In addition, according to Schedule A2 of the Township of Russell’s Official Plan (October, 2010), the area directly adjacent to Castor River on the subject property is designated as ‘floodplain’. No other

5 Melanie Construction Environmental Impact Assessment CP-08-512 Part of Lots 11 & 12, Concession 2, Township of Russell

designated natural heritage features were identified in background information sources as present within a 2 km radius of the subject property.

3.6 Wildlife The subject property is located in the St. Lawrence Lowlands Ecoregion within the Mixed Plains Ecozone (National Ecological Framework for Canada, 1995). Characteristic wildlife within this Ecoregion includes: black bear, moose, deer, wolf, hare, chipmunk, other small mammals, waterfowl, turtles, snakes and various bird species. In order to confirm wildlife species present within subject property boundaries and as a condition of draft plan approval, at least one field survey should be completed during the spring or summer.

3.7 Species at Risk

Background information obtained from the NHIC (2014), Ontario Nature Reptiles and Amphibians of Ontario Atlas (2014), the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas (2008), and professional knowledge of SAR potentially present within the area of the subject property indicated that the species listed below in Table 2 have the potential to be present in the vicinity of, or within subject property boundaries. Table 2 also labels what the provincial and federal status of each species is and if habitat is likely to be present within subject property boundaries.

Table 1: Species at Risk Potentially Present on the Subject Property

Common Scientific Name Provincial Federal Habitat Present Name Status Status Bird Species Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Threatened Threatened Yes (foraging habitat) Yes (breeding, Dolichonyx Bobolink Threatened Threatened nesting & foraging oryzivorus habitat) Eastern Yes (breeding, Sturnella magna Threatened Threatened nesting & foraging Meadowlark habitat) Eastern Whip- Caprimulgus Threatened Threatened No poor-will vociferus Bank Swallow Riparia riparia Threatened Threatened No Vegetation Species Butternut Juglans cinerea Endangered Endangered Yes Reptile Species Yes Lampropeltis Special Special (spring/summer/fall Milksnake triangulum Concern Concern foraging habitat)

Northern Thamnophis Special Special Yes Ribbon- sauritus (spring/summer/fall Concern Concern snake septentrionalis foraging habitat)

6 Melanie Construction Environmental Impact Assessment CP-08-512 Part of Lots 11 & 12, Concession 2, Township of Russell

Common Scientific Name Provincial Federal Habitat Present Name Status Status Yes (Cat. 1 habitat Blanding’s Emydoidea present directly Threatened Threatened adjacent in Castor, Turtle blandingii Cat. 2 & 3 present on subject property) Snapping Chelydra Special Special Yes Turtle serpentina Concern Concern (foraging/migration habitat present directly adjacent in Castor River) According to background information and analysis of aerial photos, suitable habitat for the following SAR is potentially present within subject property boundaries: Butternut, Milksnake, Blanding’s Turtle, Northern Ribbonsnake, Snapping Turtle, Barn Swallow, Bobolink and Eastern Meadowlark. As a condition of draft approval, field surveys should be completed during the appropriate season to determine if these species are present within subject property boundaries. Appropriate habitat for all other species listed in Table 2 is not expected to be present within subject property boundaries.

7

Melanie Construction Environmental Impact Assessment CP-08-512 Part of Lots 11 & 12, Concession 2, Township of Russell

4.0 IMPACTS AND ASSESSMENT

This section outlines the potential impacts development on the subject property may have on the natural heritage features present (habitat & species).

4.1 Vegetation

Habitat on the subject property had been previously disturbed through agricultural practices. Aerial photos from 2013 indicated the subject property was comprised mainly of an agricultural field with a band of woody (deciduous) and herbaceous vegetation directly adjacent to the Castor River (Figure 1). The proposed development would result in the removal of the agricultural field but would maintain a 30 m wide band of woody and herbaceous vegetation adjacent to the Castor River (Figures 1 & 2). No significant vegetation communities or woodlands are present on the subject property. Therefore impacts are expected to be limited due to the fact that there will be limited tree removal during the construction of the proposed subdivision. A minimum of one vegetation field survey completed during the growing season is recommended prior to draft plan approval, in order to confirm the status of the existing vegetation communities present within subject property boundaries.

4.2 Surface Water, Groundwater & Fish Habitat

The following impact analysis is taken directly from the observations and conclusions of the Fisheries and Aquatic Ecosystems Assessment Report Melanie Construction Russell, Ontario (McIntosh Perry, October 2009). No fish were captured or observed within any of the watercourses on the subject property. The unnamed watercourse and drainage channel were noted to be ephemeral. No groundwater upwellings or springs were noted within the subject property. It was determined that the reaches of the unnamed watercourse within the subject property is an ephemeral system and provides limited indirect fish habitat for downstream sections of the channel and the Castor River.

The developer has proposed to fill in the majority of the channel on the subject property. A ditchline will be excavated at the back of the lots along the east edge of the property to ensure that current flows will be maintained within the watercourse downstream of the subject property. Although this will result in the loss of approximately 275 m of ephemeral indirect fish habitat it is not expected that this will have any significant impact on fish bearing watercourses. Nutrients and food will still be allowed to flow into the Castor River from the development site from the creation of approximately 500 m of channel along the eastern boundary. This watercourse does not have any impact on base flow within the Castor River.

Disturbed sediments resulting from construction activities may be carried downstream to fish bearing areas. Therefore, mitigation measures will be required in order to avoid the downstream effects of sediment on fish. Erosion and sediment control measures (e.g. silt fence, straw bale check dams) should be installed prior to

9 Melanie Construction Environmental Impact Assessment CP-08-512 Part of Lots 11 & 12, Concession 2, Township of Russell

the onset of construction in order to ensure that no sedimentation occurs. These measures should be maintained in good condition for the duration of construction and be removed once the site has stabilized.

Filling in most of the unnamed watercourse on the subject property and the drainage ditch are proposed. Provided proper mitigation measures are maintained around the watercourse no significant negative impacts to fish habitat are expected to occur. It is recommended that native vegetation be planted along the channel to be excavated along the properties eastern boundary in order to help mitigate any potential negative impacts. No lots will be located within 30 m of the high water mark.

It is anticipated that no significant negative impacts to the unnamed watercourse and drainage channel, with respect to their function as indirect fish habitat, will occur from the proposed development. The current agricultural activities that are taking place around the watercourses will be replaced with residential development. With the development of the subdivision a small channel will be provided at the eastern property boundary in order to mitigate the loss of the current channel. 4.3 Significant Areas

According to Schedule A2 of the Township of Russell’s Official Plan, the area on the subject property directly adjacent to the Castor River is designated ‘floodplain’. In addition, the Castor River itself, is designated ‘fish habitat’ by the United Counties of Prescott and Russell’s GIS mapping. As indicated in Section 4.2 of this report, proposed development should be setback 30 m from the high water mark, and sediment and erosion mitigation measures utilized during development to prevent impacts to fish habitat. Therefore, impacts to these areas are not anticipated.

4.4 Wildlife

The majority of habitat impacted by the proposed development would not be considered significant to the majority of wildlife species present in the area. The 30 m wide band of vegetation adjacent to the Castor River will be maintained and additional native species should be planted to enhance this riparian habitat. The habitat in this area would therefore continue to function as breeding and foraging habitat, and a wildlife corridor for wildlife species in the area.

4.5 Species at Risk and their Habitat

According to background information and analysis of aerial photos, suitable habitat for the following SAR has the potential to be present on the subject property: Butternut, Blanding’s Turtle, Snapping Turtle, Northern Ribbonsnake, Milksnake, Barn Swallow, Bobolink and Eastern Meadowlark. As a condition of draft plan approval, targeted surveys are recommended on the subject property for the following species: Butternut, Blanding’s Turtle, Bobolink and Eastern Meadowlark. Habitat for these species, and the species themselves, is protected under the Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA). Therefore, if negative impacts to these species or their habitat are expected, authorization under the ESA through a permitting process with the MNRF would

10 Melanie Construction Environmental Impact Assessment CP-08-512 Part of Lots 11 & 12, Concession 2, Township of Russell

be necessary in addition to appropriate mitigation measures and compensation. As special concern species, the Snapping Turtle, Northern Ribbonsnake and Milksnake and their habitat do not receive protection under the ESA. However, the Snapping Turtle and Milksnake are protected from harm under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997. If any SAR are encountered during construction, the MNRF Kemptville district office should be contacted immediately.

If targeted surveys completed during the breeding season (June to July) reveal that Bobolink and Eastern Meadowlark are present within subject property boundaries, their habitat would be negatively impacted by the proposed subdivision by removal of the agricultural field. Therefore, authorization under the ESA would need to be obtained from the MNRF (i.e. permit) and appropriate compensation would need to occur. In addition, construction would need to occur outside of the breeding period for these species.

If any Butternuts are observed on the subject property, impacts to this species are unlikely as removal of woody vegetation will not be necessary with the proposed development. If this species is found to be present on the subject property, a 25 m buffer would need to be maintained from any construction works.

There is the potential that the Blanding’s and Snapping Turtle may be encountered during construction on the subject property. Both species likely use the adjacent Castor River as overwintering habitat and therefore may come onto land for feeding, thermoregulation and protection from predators during the spring, summer and fall (classified as Category 2 habitat for Blanding’s Turtle). If suitable nesting habitat and/or evidence of nesting is observed on the subject property (classified as Category 1 habitat for Blanding’s Turtle), then authorization under the ESA would need to be obtained from the MNRF (i.e. permit) and appropriate compensation would need to occur. Blanding’s Turtles can be mobile species and actively seek out nesting sites away from the water’s edge. Therefore, it would be necessary to prevent them from nesting within stockpiled soil or sand used for construction during the months of June and July specifically. The 30 m high water setback outlined in Section 4.2 would also act to protect any Category 1 and 2 Blanding’s Turtle habitat potentially present within the Castor River.

There is the potential that the Milksnake and Northern Ribbonsnake may be encountered during construction on the subject property. Both species may utilize the subject property for foraging purposes during the spring, summer and fall. In order to prevent impacts to these species, the Contractor and workers should be able to accurately identify them and safely avoid them while construction is occurring on the subject property.

Although Barn Swallows have the potential to have foraging habitat within the subject property, impacts to this species are not anticipated due to the fact that nesting habitat does not appear to be present on the subject property (no Category 1 habitat), and suitable foraging habitat (Category 2 & 3 habitat) would continue to exist over the Castor River. Although the subject property would likely be within Category 3 habitat for this species, Category 3 habitat has a high tolerance to alteration. Many activities are acceptable in this category of habitat, assuming the activities do not impair the function of the habitat (rearing of young,

11 Melanie Construction Environmental Impact Assessment CP-08-512 Part of Lots 11 & 12, Concession 2, Township of Russell

feeding/foraging, resting). The proposed development would not impair the function of Category 3 habitat. Therefore, impacts are not anticipated to the Barn Swallow due to the proposed development. However, further surveys are required in order to confirm that Barn Swallows are not nesting on the subject property. If nesting activity is observed, authorization would be required from the MNRF under the ESA in order to change the use of the property from agriculture to residential.

4.6 Identifying Cumulative Impacts

The subject property is a previously disturbed site comprised of an agricultural field and surrounded by residential properties, another agricultural field and adjacent to the Castor River. Maintenance of the woody vegetation within the riparian habitat of the Castor River and naturalization through native plantings within this area will enhance this sensitive area on the subject property. Assuming mitigation measures are employed properly, cumulative impacts to the Castor River, fish habitat and SAR habitat are not anticipated. However, further field review will need to take place in order to determine the full impacts to SAR as a result of the proposed development.

12 Melanie Construction Environmental Impact Assessment CP-08-512 Part of Lots 11 & 12, Concession 2, Township of Russell

5.0 RECOMMENDED MITIGATION

In order to minimize or eliminate environmental impacts and to help achieve ecological and environmental improvements from the proposed construction and development, the following mitigation measures are recommended:

 Targeted field surveys for the following SAR may be required to take place on the subject property dependent on correspondence with the MNRF, within the proper season, in order to confirm their presence on the subject property, and determine if mitigation and/or compensation measures would be necessary: Bobolink (June-July), Eastern Meadowlark (June-July), Butternut (April-September), Blanding’s Turtle (May-June).

 The contractor should have a spill kit on-hand at all times in case of spills.

 Retention of as much natural woody vegetation as possible, within development constraints, should be a priority. Removal of woody vegetation should be kept to the minimum required in order to develop the site.

 Native trees and shrubs could be planted in areas adjacent to the Castor River and the proposed channel along the eastern boundary in order to increase bank stability.

 No clearing of vegetation should take place between April 1st and August 15th of any year to protect breeding birds, unless a qualified avian biologist has determined that no nesting is occurring within 5 days prior to the clearing.

 Terrestrial enhancement opportunities within the riparian habitat present on the subject property should include native plantings from local seed sources to prevent the introduction of non-native species into the area.

 Due to the potential for the Northern Ribbonsnake, Milksnake, Snapping Turtle and Blanding’s Turtle, to be present foraging on the subject property during the spring, summer and fall, a thorough search of the construction area should take place just prior to the commencement of any construction works in order to protect these species from harm.

 During construction (specifically the months of June and July) all stockpiled sand or soil on the subject property should be covered with a tarp in order to prevent Blanding’s and Snapping Turtles from nesting.

 Should any species at risk be discovered throughout the course of the proposed works, the management biologist with Kemptville MNRF should be contacted immediately and operations

13 Melanie Construction Environmental Impact Assessment CP-08-512 Part of Lots 11 & 12, Concession 2, Township of Russell

modified to avoid any negative impacts to SAR or their habitat until further direction is provided by MNRF.

 Laminated fact sheets with coloured photos of the Milksnake, Northern Ribbonsnake, Blanding’s Turtle and Snapping Turtle should be produced and kept on site to assist the construction team if any SAR should be encountered. This will help the construction team to become familiar with species that could potentially be encountered and to avoid harming them.

 In order to mitigate the transport of sediment to the watercourse and downstream fish habitat during construction, a 30 m from high water mark development setback should be maintained and appropriate erosion and sediment control measures such as silt fence barriers and straw bale flow checks, should be installed prior to the commencement of construction. Sediment control measures should be maintained in good condition for the duration of construction. All measures should be removed from the construction zone once construction is complete and the site has been stabilized.

 Appropriate measures should be taken to eliminate the possibility of sediment from entering the watercourse during channel excavation. Construction should take place ‘in the dry’.

 In order to protect downstream fish habitat from unnecessary contamination, it is recommended that all machinery be maintained in good working order and that all machinery be fueled a minimum of 30 m from the high water mark.

 No in water work (including infilling the stream) should occur between March 15 and June 30 to protect breeding fish habitat downstream.

 South Nation Conservation approvals should be sought for all work required within, or adjacent to, the watercourses on site. This would include filling the channel, the removal of riparian vegetation, the installation of a stormwater drainage outlet, and/or regrading.

 It is recommended that any requirement for stormwater design be performed by a qualified engineer. A reduction in suspended sediments will prevent any harmful effects to sensitive fish habitat downstream of the subject property within the Castor River.

14 Melanie Construction Environmental Impact Assessment CP-08-512 Part of Lots 11 & 12, Concession 2, Township of Russell

6.0 SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Vegetation within the riparian zone should be maintained and enhanced through native plantings to protect against negative impacts to fish habitat within the Castor River from runoff and sedimentation. A 30 m from high water mark development setback would provide ample opportunity for any stormwater runoff from the development from entering the watercourse (Figure 2). In addition, proper sediment and erosion control measures should be installed prior to construction and maintained during all construction activities to prevent impacts to the river that would result from sedimentation.

Suitable habitat for the Northern Ribbonsnake, Milksnake, Snapping Turtle, Blanding’s Turtle, Butternut, Barn Swallow, Bobolink and Eastern Meadowlark has the potential to be present within subject property boundaries. Targeted surveys should be completed as a condition of draft plan approval for the Blanding’s Turtle, Butternut, Bobolink and Eastern Meadowlark in order to confirm that these species are present and what (if any) compensation and mitigation measures need to be completed or whether authorization under the ESA needs to take place.

Based on the results of the impact analysis (impacts to the natural environment are anticipated to be minimal) and provided that recommended mitigation measures are implemented as planned, no residual negative impacts are anticipated to the Castor River or SAR habitat. Therefore, assuming further targeted confirmatory field surveys are completed, it is recommended that the proposed development be allowed to proceed, ensuring that all SAR and their habitat are protected and mitigated for according to MNRF requirements and approval.

15 Melanie Construction Environmental Impact Assessment CP-08-512 Part of Lots 11 & 12, Concession 2, Township of Russell

7.0 REFERENCES

Cadman, M.D., D.A. Sutherland, G.G. Beck, D. Lepage, and A.R. Couturier (eds.). 2007. Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Ontario, 2001-2005. Bird Studies Canada, Environment Canada, Ontario Field Ornithologists, Ontario ministry of Natural Resources, and Ontario Nature, Toronto, xxii+706 pp.

Ecological Stratification Working Group (1996) A National Ecological Framework for Canada. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Research Branch, Centre for Land and Biological Resources Research, and Environment Canada. State of the Environment Directorate; Ecozone Analysis Branch, Ottawa/Hull.

Endangered Species Act, 2007 (S.O. 2007, c. 6)

Fish and Wildlife Act, 1997 (S.O. 1997, c. 41)

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

Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994. (S.C. 1994, c. 22)

Official Plan of the Township of Russell. October 2010.

Official Plan of the United Counties of Prescott Russell. May 2006.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry. March 2010. Natural Heritage Reference Manual for Natural Heritage Policies of the Provincial Policy Statement, 2005. Second Edition. Toronto: Queen’s Printer for Ontario. 248 pp.

Provincial Policy Statement. 2005. Toronto: Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Royal Ontario Museum Species at risk website. http://www.rom.on.ca/ontario/risk.php. Accessed December 20, 2014.

Wicklund, R.E. & N.R. Richards. 1962. Soil Survey of Russell and Prescott Counties Report No. 33 of the Ontario Soil Survey.

Zoning By-law of the Township of Russell. July 2011.

16 Melanie Construction Environmental Impact Assessment CP-08-512 Part of Lots 11 & 12, Concession 2, Township of Russell

8.0 LIMITATIONS The investigations undertaken by McIntosh Perry with respect to this report and any conclusions or recommendations made in this report reflect McIntosh Perry’s judgment based on the site conditions observed at the time of the site inspection(s) on the date(s) set out in this report and on information available at the time of the preparation of this report.

This report has been prepared for specific application to this site and it is based, in part, upon visual observation of the site, and terrestrial and aquatic investigations at various locations during a specific time interval, as described in this report. Unless otherwise stated, the findings cannot be extended to previous or future site conditions, or portions of the site which were unavailable for direct investigation.

If site conditions or applicable standards change or if any additional information becomes available at a future date, modifications to the findings, conclusions and recommendations in this report may be necessary.

If you have any question, comments, or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned at McIntosh Perry at 613-836-2184 (Ext. 2277) or 613-267-6524 (Ext. 211).

Sincerely, McIntosh Perry Consulting Engineers Ltd.

______Heather Lunn B.A. Terrestrial Ecologist

______Jeffrey King B.Sc. C. Tech. Senior Biologist

17

Appendix A - Study Area Photographs

Photo 1: Unnamed watercourse, facing east, August 11, 2008.

Photo 2: Undefined channel of unnamed watercourse, facing west, August 11, 2008.