: Abbo~sf?rd rr ">; /NIlSSlOD Water & Sewer Services REPORT

To: Abbotsford/Mission Water & Sewer Commission (WSC)

From: Lisa Mirfatahi, Water Planning Engineer

Date: March 26, 2010

Subject: Stave Lake Environmental Assessment

File: 5710-50/Stave Lake

Report No.: WSC 25-2010

UTILITY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (UMC) RECOMMENDATION

THAT Report No. WSC 25-2010, dated March 26, 2010, from Lisa Mirfatahi, Water Planning Engineer, regarding the Stave Lake Environmental Assessment, be received.

BACKGROUND

The Abbotsford/Mission Water & Sewer Commission (AMWSC) are working to develop a new source of water from Stave Lake. The Project triggers an Environmental Assessment (EA). Staff plan to request a waive out or an exemption from the EA process. A written request for an exemption must be attached to the Project Description upon submission to the Environmental Assessment Office.

DISCUSSION

The Stave Lake Water Supply project triggers a review under the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Act (BCEM) based on the proposed water diversion rate. Based on the Stave Lake Water Supply Conceptual Design Report, March 2010, AECOM, the raw water intake and pumping facilities are being designed to ultimately supply a maximum of 424 MLD of raw water demand. This would exceed the threshold of 10 million m3/year (27.3 MLD) specified in the Reviewable Projects Regulation. Consequently an application would be required for the proposed Stave Lake Water Supply Project, unless the Environmental Assessment office determines that the Project will not have significant adverse effects based on the Project Description, and issues an exemption under Section 10(1)(b) of the BCEM.

A copy of the letter requesting the exemption to the BCEM is attached in Appendix A and a copy of the Project Description is attached in Appendix B. WSC Report No. 25-2010 Page 2 of 3

ANALYSIS

The AMWSC are requesting the exemption from Provincial Environmental Assessment review under Section 10(1)(b) of the BCEM for the proposed Stave Lake Water Supply Project. The exemption is based on certain considerations which are detailed in full in the letter (Appendix A) and briefly detailed here:

• The Project construction and operations will be subject to oversight by other permitting processes, including:

o An authorization under the Water Act which would scrutinize the conditions for extraction of water from the Stave Lake reservoir to ensure that operating parameters for enhanced habitat for fish in the Stave River watershed, improved water levels in Stave Lake reservoir for industry and recreation, and enhanced archaeological site protection and investigation opportunities are not adversely affected;

o The authorization under the Water Act may require the submission of plans for the works for scrutiny by an engineer under the Water Act before leave to begin construction is granted;

o The construction and operation of works may be regulated by an engineer under the Water Act as a condition of the authorization to use water from Stave Lake reservoir. The scope of the regulated works would include the intake structure, pump station and pipeline;

o Construction Permit for the new water system from the Fraser Health Authority as well as an Operating Permit before the system becomes operational; and,

o Crown land tenure (Licence of Occupation) from the BC Integrated Land Management Bureau for Project facilities located on Crown land.

• Alignment of the proposed raw water pipeline along Dewdney Trunk Road, thereby minimizing potential for adverse environmental effects;

• The relatively small scale of the proposed footprint for the proposed Project components.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

If the AMWSC are not granted an exemption and are required to go through the Environmental Assessment process, it is expected to cost several hundred thousand dollars.

COMMUNICATIONS PLAN

No communications plan is required. WSC Report No. 25-2010 Page 3 of 3

SUMMARY

The Stave Lake Water Supply Project triggers an Environmental Assessment. A written request for an exemption will be attached to the Project Description upon submission to the Environmental Assessment Office.

Jim Gordo General anager. Engineering and Water Planning Engineer Regional Utilities

Solid Waste Appendix A

April 9, 2010

File No. 5710-50/Stave Lake

John Mazure Executive Director BC Environmental Assessment Office 2nd Floor - 836 Yates Street Victoria, BC V8W 1L8

Dear Mr. Mazure:

Re: Stave Lake Water Supply Project

Please accept this letter as the Abbotsford Mission Water & Sewer Commission's (AMWSC's) request for an exemption from provincial environmental assessment review under Section 10(1 )(b) of the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Act (BCEM) for the proposed Stave Lake Water Supply Project.

The City of Abbotsford administers the AMWSC, which provides bulk potable water to the City of Abbotsford and the District of Mission. The proposed Project is located in the District of Mission approximately 55 km east of Vancouver and 5 km north of the Mission urban area along the Fraser River. Proposed Project components include a water intake structure in Stave Lake, a pump station on the east shore of Stave Lake, a water treatment plant, and a raw water supply pipeline along Dewdney Trunk Road from the pump station to the water treatment plant.

Access to the majority of the Project Area would be from Dewdney Trunk Road. The proposed Project would be constructed from 2012 and be operational from 2015. It will be constructed in three stages up to 2031, but is being designed to provide an ultimate capacity of 400 Million Litres per Day (MLD) of potable water to supplement existing water sources and meet growing demand within the City of Abbotsford and the District of Mission. The enclosed Project Description and Conceptual Design Report provide additional details regarding the proposed Stave Lake Water Supply Project, and surrounding environmental resources and land uses.

Based on the conceptual design for the proposed Project, each of the water diversion rate scenarios for withdrawal of water from an intake structure within Stave Lake would exceed the threshold of 10 million m3/year (equivalent to 27.3 MLD) specified in Part 5 of the Reviewable Projects Regulation. At this time, it is not known if the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEM) will apply to the development and operation of the proposed Stave Lake Water Supply Project. If the proposed Project were to be deemed reviewable under CEM, it would likely be as a result of requirements for authorizations from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) under Section 35(2) of the Fisheries Act and/or from Transport Canada under Section 5(2) or Section 5(3) of the Navigable Waters Protection Act for the proposed intake structure in Stave Lake. The AMWSC is requesting an exemption from a provincial environmental review under Section 10(1 )(b) of BCEM based on the following considerations:

• The source of water for the Project would be the Stave Lake Reservoir, subject to an authorization under the Water Act of an agreement between AMWSC and BC Hydro for use of some of the water stored by BC Hydro in the reservoir;

• The diversion, storage and use of Stave River under the licences held by BC Hydro is regulated by the Comptroller of Water Rights (the "CWR") to a set of operating parameters developed by BC Hydro in consultation with the public, First Nations and government agencies. The parameters are in the Stave River Water Use Plan (SRWUP). The CWR has accepted the SRWP, and issued an order on May 6, 2004 that set the parameters for the operation of the Stave Falls and Ruskin Projects, which include the Stave Lake Reservoir. Provided that the Project is approved, the AMWSC would participate in the review of the SRWUP in 2013 as a holder of the necessary certificates, licences and permits for the Project;

• The proposed agreement between AMWSC and BC Hydro would stipulate that the diversion of water from the Stave Lake Reservoir to supply Abbotsford and Mission with water cannot affect the parameters set by the CWR for the operation of Stave Lake Reservoir or any changes to these parameters;

• The Project construction and operations will be subject to oversight by other permitting processes, including:

o An authorization under the Water Act which would scrutinize the conditions for extraction of water from the Stave Lake reservoir to ensure that operating parameters for enhanced habitat for fish in the Stave River watershed, improved water levels in Stave Lake reservoir for industry and recreation, and enhanced archaeological site protection and investigation opportunities are not adversely affected;

o The authorization under the Water Act may require the submission of plans for the works for scrutiny by an engineer under the Water Act before leave to begin construction is granted;

o The construction and operation of works may be regulated by an engineer under the Water Act as a condition of the authorization to use water from Stave Lake reservoir. The scope of the regulated works would include the intake structure, pump station and pipeline;

o Construction Permit for the new water system from the Fraser Health Authority as well as an Operating Permit before the system becomes operational; and ,

o Crown land tenure (Licence of Occupation) from the BC Integrated Land Management Bureau for Project facilities located on Crown land.

• Potential for the proposed Project to require a federal screening review under CEM; • Alignment of the proposed raw water pipeline along Dewdney Trunk Road, thereby minimizing potential for adverse environmental effects;

• The relatively small scale of the proposed footprint for the proposed Project components; and ,

• Proposed measures to avoid, manage or compensate for potential adverse environmental, social, health, heritage and economic effects of the proposed Project such as those outlined in Table 13 of the enclosed Project Description.

We appreciate your consideration of this request. Please feel free to contact Lisa Mirfatahi at 604-864-5519 or [email protected] should you require additional information or have any questions or comments regarding this request.

Yours truly, DRAFT

Jim Gordon, P.Eng. General Manager, Engineering and Regional Utilities

Attachments: Project Description: Stave Lake Water Supply Project Stave Lake Water Supply Conceptual Design Report c: Kathy Eichenberger, BC Environmental Assessment Office Jason Quigley, Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency Don Gamble, Golder Associates Ltd . April 6, 2010

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Stave Lake Water Supply Project, Mission, Be

Submitted to: : Abbotsford Be En vi ronmental Assessment Office 1st Floor - 836 Yates Street ".. ~ I 1vIisslon P.O. Box 9462 Stn Prov Govt Victoria, BC V8W 9Vl Water & Sewer Services.

Distribution:

2 Copies - City of Abbotsford 1 Copy - Be Environmental Assessment Office 1 Copy - CEA Agency 2 Copies - Golder Associates Ltd . Golder .....'Associates STAVE LAKE WATER SUPPLY PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Executive Summary

The Abbotsford/Mission Water & Sewer Commission (AMWSC; The Proponent) is proposing to construct and operate the Stave Lake Water Supply Project (the Project.) within the District of Mission, British Columbia (BC). The City of Abbotsford administers the AMWSC which provides bulk potable water to the City of Abbotsford and the District of Mission. The AMWSC has an equal number of representatives from the City of Abbotsford and District of Mission and was formed to take over the operation of the water supply system from the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) in 2005. The proposed Project is located approximately 55 km east of Vancouver and 5 km north of the Mission urban area along the Fraser River (Figure 1).

The proposed Project includes a water intake structure in Stave Lake, a pump station on the east shore of Stave Lake, a water treatment plant, and a raw water supply pipeline along Dewdney Trunk Road from the pump station to the water treatment plant (Figure 2). Access to the majority of the Project Area would be from Dewdney Trunk Road. New access would be required to the pump station and treatment plant from the Dewdney Trunk Road. Access to the intake structure is anticipated to be by boat, barge or causeway within Stave Lake. The proposed Project would be developed in stages but is being designed to accommodate an ultimate capacity equivalent to 400 Million Litres per Day (MLD) of potable water to supplement existing water sources and meet growing demand within the City of Abbotsford and the District of Mission (Figure 3).

This report supports the AMWSC's Application to the BC Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) to determine if the BC Environmental Assessment Act (BCEAA) andlor the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) apply to the proposed Stave Lake Water Supply Project. The primary objective of this report is to present a detailed description of the proposed Project. A secondary purpose is to provide interested parties with an understanding of proposed Project components and to assist the AMWSC in working with public stakeholders, government agencies and First Nations. This will in turn support a successful and sustainable Project which benefits local communities, First Nations and the Province of British Columbia .

Al l proposed maximum intake rate scenarios for the proposed Project exceed the threshold of 10 million m'lyear (27.3 MLD) specified in Part 5 of the Reviewable Projects Regulation. Consequently, an application for an Environmental As sessment Certificate (EAC) would be required for the proposed Stave Lake Water Supply Project unless the EAO determines that the Project will not have significant adverse effects based on the Project Description and issues an exemption under Section 10(1 )(b) of BCEAA.

At this time, it is not known if CEAA will apply to the development and operation of the proposed Stave Lake Water Supply Project. CEAA applies when a federal department or agency is required to make a decision on a proposed project. If the proposed Project were to be deemed reviewable under CEAA, it would likely be as a result of requirements for authorizations from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) under Section 35(2) of the Fisheries Act and/or from Transport Canada under Section 5(2) or Section 5(3 ) of the Navigable Waters Protection Act for the proposed intake structure in Stave Lake. These authorizations are included in the Law List Regulations which trigger a CEAA review.

s · April 6, 2010 ~' Golder Report No. 10-1422-0010 \Z7Associates STAVE LAKE WATER SUPPLY PROJECT DESCRIPTION

It is anticipated that if an environmental assessment is triggered under CEAA for the proposed Stave Lake Water Supply Project, that it would be limited to a screening level study since no applicable water intake or pipeline thresholds are specified in the Comprehensive Study List Regulations. The trigger for a new water diversion structure noted in the Regulation is a structure for the diversion of 10 million m' /year or more of water from a natural water body into another natural water body. Although the proposed Stave Lake Water Supply Project would exceed the specified diversion threshold, it is intended to transfer water from one natural waterbody into a municipal water system and not directly into another natural waterbody.

If the Project were to trigger a review under CEAA, it is expected that the EAO would lead a harmonized review of the Project under the Provincial/Federal cooperation agreement.

In addition to the environmental assessment requirements outlined above, the AMWSC is anticipated to require certain provincial permits, approvals, authorizations and licenses to construct and operate the proposed Stave Lake Water Supply Project. These are anticipated to include:

• A licence under the Water Act to use part of the water that BC Hydro is authorized to store in Stave Lake Reservoir to support its diversion licences for power purposes. The water licence granted to the AMWSC would include a condition that the AMWSC and BC Hydro hold a valid agreement for the use of part of the stored water for waterworks purposes instead of power purposes;

• A Construction Permit for the new water system from the Fraser Health Authority as well as an Operating Permit before the system becomes operational; and ,

• Crown land tenure (License of Occupation) from the BC Integrated Land Management Bureau for Project facilities located on Crown land.

April 6, 2010 ~;Gol

List of Abbreviations

AMWSC Abbotsford/Mission Water & Sewer Commission AB Alberta asl Above Sea Level BC British Columbia BCEAA British Columbia Environmental Assessment Act BCTC British Columbia Transmission Corporation BMP Best Management Practice CDC Conservation Data Centre CEA Agency Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency CEAA Canadian Environmental Assessment Act COSEWIC Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada CWL Conditional Water License DFO Fisheries and Oceans Canada EAO BC Environmental Assessment Office EMP Environmental Management Plan FVRD Fraser Valley Regional District GDP Gross Domestic Product ha Hectare(s) HADD Harmful Alteration, Disruption or Destruction ILM Interior to Lower Mainland ILMB BC Integrated Land Management Bureau kV Kilovolt(s) ML Million Litres MLD Million Litres per Day MOE BC Ministry of Environment MOU Memorandum of Understanding MW Megawatt( s) NWPA Navigable Waters Protection Act SARA Species at Risk Act TRIM Terrain Resource Information Management WSC Watershed Code WUP Water Use Plan

-. April 6, 2010 . Golder Report No. 10-1422-0010 (1AAssociates STAVE LAKE WATER SUPPLY PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Table of Contents

1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 1

1.1 Project Location and Access ...... 1

1.2 Proponent Identification ...... 2

2.0 PROJECT JUSTIFICATION ...... :.. 3

2.1 Existing AMWSC Water System .... 3

22 Existing and Future Water Demands ...... 4

2.3 Stave Lake Water Supply Capacity and Staging ...... 5

3.0 PROJECT OVERVIEW AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION ...... 6

3.1 Project Components ...... 6

3.1.1 Intake Structure ...... 7

3.1.2 Pump Station ...... 8

3.1.3 Water Treatment Plant ...... 8

3.1.3.1 Water Treatment Goals ...... 8

3.1.3.2 Water Treatment Process ...... : ...... 9

3.1.3.3 Water Treatment Plant Location ...... 9

3.1.4 Water Pipeline ...... 10

3.1.5 Power Requirements ...... 10

32 Estimated Project Costs and Employment...... 10

3.2.1 Construction ...... 10

3.22 Operations and Maintenance ...... 10

4.0 PROJECT SETTING ...... 12

4.1 Geology and Terrain ...... 12

4.2 Climate ...... 12

4.3 Hydrology ...... 12

4.4 Fisheries and Aquatic Resources ... .13

4.5 Terrestrial Resources ...... 15

4.5.1 Ecological Setting ...... 15

4.5.2 Vegetation ...... 15

April 6, 2010 Report No. 10-1422-0010 \%7Assodates~ Golder STAVE LAKE WATER SUPPLY PROJECT DESCRIPTION

4.5.3 Wildlife ...... 16

4.6 Species at Risk ...... 16

4.6.1 Species at Risk Designations ...... 16

4.6.1.1 British Columbia Conservation Data Centre ...... 16

4.6.1.2 Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada ...... 17

4.6.2 Species at Risk Potentially Occurring within the Project Area ...... 18

4.7 Socioeconomic ...... 20

4.8 Land Use .... 21

4.9 Archaeology ...... 22

5.0 SUSTAINABILITY FACTORS ...... 23

6.0 POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT ...... 24

7.0 FIRST NATIONS AND PUBLIC CONSULTATION ...... 27

7.1 First Nations Consultation and Engagement ...... 27

7.2 Public. Stakeholder and Agency Consultation . .... 27

7.3 Consultation Planning ...... 27

8.0 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REVIEW PROCESSES ...... 29

8.1 British Columbia Environmental Assessment Act (SCEM)...... 29

8.2 Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEM) .. ..29

9.0 PERMITS AND APPROVALS ...... 31

9. 1 WaterAci...... 32

9.2 Fisheries Act ...... 33

9.3 Navigable Waters Protection Act ...... 34

10.0 SCHEDULE ...... 35

11 .0 CONCLUDING REMARKS ...... 36

12.0 REFERENCES ...... 37

April 6, 2010 I"f\, Golder Report No. 10-1422-0010 ii \DAssociates STAVE LAKE WATER SUPPLY PROJECT DESCRIPTION

TABLES

No table of figures entries found .

FIGURES

Figure 1 Key Plan Figure 2 Proposed Project Layout Figure 3 Existing AMWSC Water System

APPENDICES APPENDIX A Site Photograph s

APPENDIX B CDC Species and Ecosystems at Risk Information

,. . April 6, 2010 ~l Golder Report No. 10-1422-0010 iii \Zi7 Associates STAVE LAKE WATER SUPPLY PROJECT DESCRIPTION

· 1.0 INTRODUCTION The Abbotsford/Mission Water & Sewer Commission (AMWSC; The Proponent) is proposing to construct and operate the Stave Lake Water Supply Project (the Project) within the District of Mission, British Columbia (BC). The City of Abbotsford administers the AMWSC which provides bulk potable water to the City of Abbotsford and the District of Mission. The AMWSC has an equal number of representatives from the City of Abbotsford and District of Mission and was formed to take over operation of the water supply system from the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) in 2005. The Abbotsford/Mission system presently services 123,295 people in Abbotsford and 33.930 people in Mission, for a total of 157,225 people (AECOM 2010a).

The proposed Project includes a water intake structure in Stave Lake, a pump station on the east shore of Stave Lake, a water treatment plant, and a raw water supply pipeline along Dewdney Trunk Road from the pump station to the water treatment plant The facility is being designed to accommodate an ultimate capacity equivalent to 400 Million Litres per Day (MLD) of potable water to supplement existing water sources and meet growing demand within the City of Abbotsford and the District of Mission.

1.1 Project Location and Access The proposed Project is located in the District of Mission, approximately 55 km east of Vancouver and 5 km north of the Mission urban area along the Fraser River (Figure 1). The nearest communities to the Project Area are Steelhead , loca ted along the proposed pipeline route between the pump station and treatment plant, and Stave Falls, loca ted approximately 1 km to the southwest of the proposed intake structure near the Stave Falls Dam .

The approximate locations of proposed Project components are provided below and shown on Figure 2:

• Intake structure within Stave Lake (Watershed Code [WSC] 100-047100) and pump station on the east shore of Stave Lake at latitude 49 ' 14 N and longitude 122 ' 21 W;

• Raw water supply pipeline approximately 6.6 km in length situated along Dewdney Trunk Road from the pump station to the treatment plant; and,

• Water treatment plant located adjacent to Dewdney Trunk Road at latitude 49 ' 11 N and longitude 122 ' 19 W.

Acce ss to the majority of the Project Area would be from Dewdney Trunk Roa d. New access would be required to the pump station and treatment plant from Dewdney Trunk Road. Access to the intake structure is anticipa ted to be by boat, barge or causeway within Stave Lake.

Photographs of the Project Area are provided in Appendix A.

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1.2 Proponent Identification The City of Abbotsford administers the AMWSC which supplies potable water to the City of Abbotsford and the District of Mission. Key proponent contacts for the proposed Stave Lake Water Supply Project are provided below:

Proponent: Abbotsford/Mission Water & Sewer Commission (AMWSC)

Lisa Mirfatahi , P.Eng. Water Planning Engineer City of Abbotsford 32315 South Fraser Way Abbotsford, BC V2T 1W7 Phone: 604-851-4190 Fax: 604-853-2219 E-mail: [email protected]

Agent (on behalf of the AMWSC): Golder Associates Ltd.

Don Gamble, MCIP, R.P.Bio. Principal / Environmental Planner Golder Associates #500 - 4260 Still Creek Drive Burnaby, B.C. V5C 6C6 Phone: 604-296-2878 Fax: 604-298-5253 E-mail: [email protected]

April 6, 2010 2 ~Golder Report No. 1 0-1422-001 0 \D'"Associates STAVE LAKE WATER SUPPLY PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2.0 PROJECT JUSTIFICATION 2.1 Existing AMWSC Water System The existing AMWSC water system includes two surface water sources, 19 groundwater wells located in the Abbotsford - Sumas aquifer, two water storage reservoirs, and approximately 86 km of transmission watermains (Figure 3). The City of Abbotsford and District of Mission maintain their own water distribution systems including distribution mains, pump stations, pressure reducing stations, and reservoirs. Table 1 summarizes existing AMWSC water sources.

Table l' AMWSC Water Sources

0 0;_ E.J ~ E .J - ,,~ ~ c:: Water Water .§ Z- " 0 Water Supply Source >< .- -.. .-- Treatment .. " 3: !: ::;;[ c..!! .. oW U ...

• Primary AMWSC water source with good water quality • Can service the majority of the AMWSC without pumping Norrish Creek Water Treatment Plant which Norrish Creek 89 232 • Licensed to withdraw 33,600 ML with a 141 ML daily limit, but limited to 89 MLD due to hydraulic restrictions includes sand filters • Experiences high turbidity events during heavy rain due to and membrane filters erosion between Dickson Lake and Norrish Creek • Open reservoir with limited capacity due to small 2 km 2 catchment area • Only AMWSC water source that can supply Pressure Zones 4 and 5 in Mission No filtration at the Cannell Lake 9 278 source but disinfected • Used during peak demand periods to supplement Norrish with chloramines Creek water supply • Provides back-up for AMWSC systems when high turbidity events limit output from Norrish Creek

Used during peak demand periods and high turbidity AMWSC is currently Groundwater add ing disinfection 45 • events in Norrish Creek Wells --- systems to many Water is reported to generally be good quality • existing well sites Source: Stave Lake Water Supply Conceptual Design Report, AECOM 2010b

The AMWSC water transmission system is currently undergoing upgrades and expansion to accommodate additional demand in Abbotsford and Mission. These upgrades will facilitate distribution of water from the proposed Stave Lake Water Supply Project throughout the AMWSC service area.

~ -. April 6, 2010 3 ~Golder Report No. 10-1422-0010 '27Associates STAVE LAKE WATER SUPPLY PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2.2 Existing and Future Water Demands Due to increased growth in Abbotsford and Mission, the AMWSC commissioned AECOM to develop a comprehensive Water Master Plan to forecast future water supply demands and provide recommendations for future developments and upgrades to meet the increased demand. Existing (2007) and future (2031) water demands expressed in Million Litres (ML), as identified in the AMWSC Water Master Plan, are summarized in Table 2.

Table 2' 2007 and Predicted 2031 AMWSC Water Demands Demand 2007 (ML) 2031 (ML) Increase (ML) % Increase Abbotsford Average Day 59.4 132.5 73.1 123% Mission Average Day 18.8 30.9 12.1 64% Total Average Day 78.2 163.4 85.2 109% Abbotsford Maximum Day 111 .0 247.9 136.9 123% Mission Maximum Day 30.6 49.5 18.9 62% Total Maximum Oay 141.6 297.4 155.8 110% Source: Stave Lake Water Supply Conceptual Design Report, AECOM 201 Ob

A comparison of the maximum sustainable yields of the three existing AMWSC water sources to demand experienced in 2007 and future demand anticipated in 2031 is provided in Table 3.

Table 3: Existing AMWSC Water Supplies Water Supply Maximum Quantity (MLD) Norrish Creek 89 Cannell Lake 9' Groundwater Wells 45 Total 143 2007 Maximum Day Water Demand 142 2007 Water Supply Surplus 1 2031 Maximum Day Water Demand 297 2031 Water Supply Deficit 154 .AMWSC IS currently seekmg permiSSion for higher one day withdrawals, as Cannell withdrawals have hlstorrcally exceeded 9 MLD several times per year. Source: Water Master Plan, AECOM 2010a

Table 3 demonstrates that the AMWSC neared its supply limit in 2007 and is predicted to experience a considerable water supply deficit of 154 MLD by 2031 (AECOM 2010a). Additional water supply will be required to meet the increased demand.

:"i".• April 6, 2010 4 rBGolder Report No. 10-1422-0010 \Z7Associates STAVE LAKE WATER SUPPLY PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2.3 Stave Lake Water Supply Capacity and Staging The AMWSC Water Master Plan reviewed a variety of potential new water supply sources and recommended development of a new water source from Stave Lake. Water in Stave Lake is generally described as having low turbidity «2 NTU) and low concentrations of dissolved organics (AECOM 2010b). However, the water is slightly acidic and pH correction of the water will be required (AECOM 2010b). Overall, it presents an excellent source of raw water that can be effectively treated through filtration and disinfection.

The Stave Lake Water Supply Project will be developed in the following stages:

• Phase 1 which would be commissioned in 2015 and supply a maximum of 150 MLD of potable water;

• Phase 2 which would be commissioned in 2024 and increase the capacity to a total of 300 MLD of potable water; and ,

• Phase 3 which is anticipated to increase the ultimate capacity to a total of 400 MLD of potable water.

Phase 2 of the proposed water source is expected to meet future AMWSC water demands until 2031 . Recognizing the difficulties in further expanding the intake structure , transmission watermains and associated pump station , the Stave Lake Water Supply Project would be designed and constructed to accommodate an ultimate capacity equivalent to 400 MLD of potable water, as shown in Table 4.

Table 4' Stave Lake Raw Water Demands Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 (2015-2024) (2024-2031) (2031 -Ultimale) Maximum Day Potable Water Dem and (MLD) 150' 300' 400 Average Day Potable Water Demand (MLD) 85 108 165 Maximum Day Raw Water Demand (MLD) 159 318 424 Average Day Raw Water Demand (MLD) 90 115 175 Revised dunng AMWSC budgeting process ·Sourc e: Stave Lake Water Supply Conceptual Design Report, AECOM 2010b

Raw water demands are assumed to be approximately 6% greater than treated water demand due to in-plant losses and waste residuals (AECOM 2010b).

Sizing of the proposed Stave Lake infra structure was based on consideration of the following two anticipated reductions in wa ter supplies from existing sources (AECOM 2010b):

• Decrease in the maximum reliable water supply from Norrish Creek to 81 MLD due to challenges in maximizing flows under the hydraulic conditions anticipated when th e new Stave Lake water source is added; and,

• Uncertainty regarding the long-term sustainable yield of groundwater wells and the potential for nitrate levels to increase.

!i. . April 6, 2010 5 ~' Golder Report No. 10-1422-0010 \Z7Associates STAVE LAKE WATER SUPPLY PROJECT DESCRIPTION

3.0 PROJECT OVERVIEW AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION 3.1 Project Components The proposed Stave Lake Water Supply Project consists of the following components:

• Intake structure and pump station;

• Water treatment plant;

• Raw water pipeline from the intake structure to the water treatment plant;

• Power requirements for the pump station and treatment plant; and,

• Access to the pump station and treatment plant from Dewdney Trunk Road.

Several site and layout options were considered for the intake structure and pump station, as outlined in Table 5. The preferred alternative, indicated in bold, consists of an intake structure in Stave Lake and a pump station located on the east shore adjacent to the lake. Components comprising the preferred alternative are described below according to the Conceptual Design Report (AECOM 2010b).

T a bl e 5: PrOlect' A ternatlves Description Advantages Disadvantages • No o n ~s hore pump station required Direct access to works [s prov ided by • Considerable in-lake Intake and pump station within • bridge structure Stave Lake Raw water discharge pipe is attached Cost of access bridge is • to bridge, which decreases disturbance • greater than access by boat of lake shore Clearing and on-shore • footprint required for Intake within Stave Lake and Smaller in-lake footprint of intake pump station pump station on shore • tower In-lake footprint of raw • water discharge line • Access to intake by boat 600 m longer pipeline than • east shore option Pump station located on west shore • Flat terrain • Challenges in routing the of Stave Lake Existing access pipeline across the Stave • Faits Dam • Increased capital cost Shorter pipeline than west shore • option Steeply sloped and heavily Pump station located on east Avoids routing the pipeline across • treed area shore of Stave Lake • the Stave Falls Dam • Difficult access • Reduced capital cost

April 6, 2010 6 ~GOlder Report No. 10-1422-0010 \D'Assodates STAVE LAKE WATER SUPPLY PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Description Advantages Disadvantages Dam integrity concerns • 500 m longer pipeline than • other options Use of original, decommissioned No facilities required within the lake Increased capital costs Be Hydro penstock intake structures • • at Stave Falls Dam Smaller pump station required Access coordination required • • with BC Hydro • Considerable concerns expressed by BC Hydro Source: Stave Lake Water Supply Conceptual Design Report. AECOM 2010b

The proposed intake structure and pump station layout from the Stake Lake Water Supply Conceptual Design Report (AECOM 2010b) is shown in the schematic below.

- OI'D''';'_ "'-"TI'OIIN , I Ir=..,'- , I, I,

3.1.1 Intake Structure The proposed intake structure would consist of a 5 m diameter concrete tower supporting three intakes located at 70 .0 m. 74.0 m and 78.0 m in elevation. It would be located in a deep portion of Stave Lake approximately 700 m north of the Stave Falls Dam (Photograph 1). Multiple intakes would be installed to account for better quality water within a few metres of the surface as well as requirements to access deeper waters during periods of lake turnover or lower water levels. Johnson Vee Screens would be installed externally to the intake tower at each draw off elevation to trap material and flush it back into Stave Lake. A small compressor house required for screen back-scouring would be located on the operating platform above the Stave Lake maximum flood level. A floating safety barrier would be installed around the tower to prevent boats and swimmers from approaching the structure.

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3.1.2 Pump Station Drawing water from Stave Lake and supplying it into the existing AMWSC system would require pumping to the proposed water treatment plant located at approximately 220 m elevation. The proposed pump station would be constructed on the east shore of Stave Lake and would be connected to the intake structure by a 2,000 mm diameter gravity intake pipe. The pump station would be constructed to ultimately accommodate six large vertical turbine pumps, although only four would be required initially for Phase 1.

3.1.3 Water Treatment Plant 3.1.3.1 Water Treatment Goals The current British Columbia drinking water regulations are not as stringent as in other North American jurisdictions. This issue is recognized by the local health authorities who have developed drinking water guidelines requiring purveyors of potable water in BC meet the more stringent standards currently in place elsewhere in North America. These water quality guidelines are known as the "4-3-2-1-0 Dual Treatment Guidelines" and include the following objectives (Interior Health 2006; AECOM 2010b):

• 4-log (99.99%) inactivation of vi ru ses;

• 3-log (99.9%) removal or inactivation of Giardia Lamblia and Cryptosporidium;

• Dual Phase treatment including both a filtration and a di sinfection phase;

• Less than 1.0 NTU turbidity in treated water at all times; and ,

• Zero total and fecal coliforms and E. Coli.

With the exception of the turbidity objective, these guidelines are considered the basis for water treatment associated with the proposed Stave Lake Water Supply Project. The turbidity objective of 1.0 NTU is considered more lenient than standards imposed by other regulators and is likely to become more conservative in the fu ture . Consequently, the following turbidity goals would be adopted for the proposed Project, depending on the treatment technology that would be adopted (AECOM 2010b):

• Granular Media Filtration - <0.3% NTU 95% of the time; never exceed 1 NTU; or

• Membrane Filtration - <0.1 NTU.

All other potable water quality parameters would meet the current Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality (Health Canada 2008).

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3.1.3.2 Water Treatment Process The following four potential water treatment processes were identified and evaluated at a conceptual level for the proposed Stave Lake Water Supply Project (AECOM 2010b):

• Slow sand filtration - UV - Chlorine/chloramines disinfection;

• Rapid gravity filtration - UV - Chlorine/chloramines disinfection;

• Immersed membrane filtration - Chlorine/chloramines disinfection; and,

• Pressure membrane filtration - Chlorine/chloramines disinfection.

Potential treatment process options are summarized in Table 6, including predicted operating costs in 2015 and 2023. All estimates are based on November 2009 price levels and do not include allowances for inflation (AECOM 2010b).

Table 6: Summary 0 f Treatment Process o ptions Phase 1 Land Tolerance to Ability to Process Option Operating Costs Area Changing Raw Achieve Residuals 2015 (2023) (ha) Water Quality <0.3 NTU Slow Sand $0.78 M 30 to 40 Poor Poor Low - no "chemical" content Filtration ($1 .06 M) Rapid Gravity $1 .17 M Moderate - always 6 to 8 Good Good Filtration ($1.55 M) "chem ical" content Immersed $1 .28 M Moderate - normally no Membrane 6 to 8 Good Excellent ($1.59 M) "chemical" content Fi ltration Pressure $1 .33 M Moderate - normally no Membrane 6t08 Good Excellent ($1.65 M) "chemical" content Filtration

Source: Stave Lake Water Supply Conceptual Design Report. AECOM 201 Ob

At this stage, only the slow sand filtration option has been discarded from further consideration due to the large land area requirements and since it cannot reliably meet the treated water quality goal for turbidity. A final selection within the three remaining treatment options would be made following a more detailed review of their relative performance, reliability, ease of operation , and life cycle costs.

3.1.3.3 Water Treatment Plant Location To permit gravity flow of water into the distribution system and avoid unnecessary pumping, it was recommended that the water treatment plant be located on a high point of land between 215 m and 235 m in elevation (AECOM 2010b). Based on this criterion , land adjacent to Dewdney Trunk Road in the vicinity of the Lafarge Cannon Pit was identified as a suitable location. Further work would be undertaken to identify a 6 to 8 hectare (ha) location for the proposed water treatment plant within the general area identified on Figure 2.

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3.1.4 Water Pi pe line A single 1,380 mm diameter raw water delivery pipeline would be installed over the approximate 6.6 km distance from the pump station to the treatment plant. The water main pipeline would be buried within or adjacent to the Dewdney Trunk Road right-of-way for the majority of its length.

The portion of the water line from the intake structure to the pump station would be placed within an open trench along th e lake bed and tunnelled into the bank as it joins into the pump station. The "in-lake" portion of the water line would be sized at 2,000 mm diameter to avoid the need for future expansions within Stake Lake.

The facilities would allow for mechanical "pigs" to occasionally clean the raw water pipeline and would provide for the storage and occasional dosing of hypochlorite solution into the line to control potential bacterial or organic growth upstream of the treatment plant.

3.1.5 Power Requirements Maximum power demand for the pump station would approximately 9.7 MW for the Phase 3 build-out. It ·is anticipated that a reliable power supply can be provided to the pump station from the substation located adjacent to BC Hydro's Stave Falls Dam Powerhouse. In the event that the Stave Lake Powerhouse is off-line for a period of time, it is anticipated that a power supply could be back-fed to the pump station from the distribution grid.

Power requirements for the treatment plant would be provided from the local distribution grid.

3.2 Estimated Project Costs and Employm ent 3.2.1 Construction The estimated capital cost to construct Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the proposed Stave Lake Water Supply Project, including the intake structure, pump station, raw water pipeline, and treatment plant, would be approximately $18,300,000 (AECOM 2010b). The estimate is based on November 2009 price levels and does not include allowances for inflation. Most of the costs would be incurred during construction of Phase 1, with some additional costs required for upgrades associated with Phase 2. Capital cost estimates are not currently available for Phase 3 of the proposed Project.

The construction workforce for the proposed Project is anticipated to mainly be sourced from nearby communities in the Lower Mainland and Greater Vancouver. Potential effects to local accommodation and community infrastructure are anticipated to be minimal. The AMWSC will explore opportunities for First Nations involvement in the construction workforce during the First Nations communication and consultation process.

3. 2.2 Operations and Maintenance Table 7 provides a summary of estimated operating and maintenance costs associated with the proposed Stave Lake Water Supply Project. All estimates are based on November 2009 price levels and do not include allowances for inflation.

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Tab e 7: Estlmate . d P rolect . Operating & Maintenance c osts Project Component 2015 2020 2025 2030 Annual volume of water withdrawn 18,000 25,000 32.000 38.000 from Stave Lake (ML) Intake/Pump Station $1,206,000 $1 ,633,000 $2,065,000 $2,456,000 $1,166,100- $1,327,000 - $1,177,500 - $1,271,500 - Treatment Plant $1,326,000 $1,453,570 $1,719,620 $1 ,827 ,210 $2,372,100 - $2,960,000 - $3,242,500 - $3,727,500 - Total $2,532,000 $3,086,570 $3,784,620 $4,283,210 Source : Stave Lake Water Supply Conceptual Design Report, AECOM 2010b

The number of full time equivalent staff for operation of the treatment plant is estimated at 3 - 5 people depending on the selected process and the year of operation (AECOM 2010b). The intake structure and pump station are assumed to be normally un-manned and operated remotely from staff at the treatment plant. Average on -site attendance at these facilities during operations is estimated at 20 person hours per week (AECOM 2010b).

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4.0 PROJECT SETTING 4.1 Geology and Terrain The lower Stave River valley comprises over half the surface of the District of Mission, including the majority of the Project Area. The terrain of the lower valley is gently hilly, with dense old growth and dense deciduous second growth forest in some areas. From Stave Lake, the proposed water supply pipeline alignment would traverse a steep slope up to Dewdney Trunk Road and then follow the road up a moderate slope for the first portion of the route . The proposed route would then traverse gently sloping terrain to the proposed treatment plant location.

The bedrock geology in the Project Area consists of middle Jurassic to late Jurassic quartz dioritic intrusive rocks with minor granodiorite and minor orthogneiss (ILMB 2010). The Project Area varies in elevation from approximately 83 - 234 m above sea level (asl).

4.2 Climate The climate within the District of Mission is characterized by mild temperatures and relatively high precipitation. Daily average temperatures at the Mission weather station range from a minimum of 2.5°C in January to a maximum of 18°C in August (Environment Canada 2010). Total annual precipitation is approximately 1,764.5 mm , with over 95% constituting rainfall (Environment Canada 2010). Average total monthly precipitation ranges from 249.1 mm in November to 63.6 mm in July (Environment Canada 2010).

4.3 Hydrology The proposed water intake structure would be located within Stave Lake, north of the Stave Lake Dam (Photographs 1 and 2). Stave Lake (WSC 100-047100) is a reservoir formed by the Stave Falls Dam on the Stave River. The Stave River has been a regulated river since the impoundment of Stave Lake by the construction of the Stave Falls Dam between 1909 and 1912, and the impoundment of Hayward Lake by the construction of the Ruskin Dam in the tate 1920s. The only free flowing parts of the river today are the 3 km section downstream of the Ruskin Dam to its confluence with the Fraser River, and the 45 km section from its source in Garibaldi Provincial Park to the head of Stave Lake. Prior to hydroelectric development in the early 1900s, the total length of the Stave River was approximately 85 km.

According to the BC Hydro (2003) Stave River Water Use Plan, at normal maximum water levels, the Stave Lake Reservoir area is approximately 6,200 ha and the drainage area is 1,170 km' (BC Hydro 2003). The maximum and minimum normal water levels in the reservoir are 82.08 and 73.0 m, respectively. The maximum flood elevation is 85.4 m. Major tributaries draining into Stave Lake include the Stave River, Winslow Creek (WSC 100-047100-46300), Tingle Creek (WSC 100-047100-39600), Roaring Creek (WSC 100-047100-43700), Salsbury Creek (WSC 100-047100-31100), Cascade Creek (WSC 100-047100-22100), Cardinalis Creek (WSC 100-047100-21600), and Seventynine Creek (WSC 100-047100-16600) (Fish Wizard 2010).

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The proposed water intake structure would function within existing Stave Lake water levels prescribed in BC Hydro's Stave River Water Use Plan (BC Hydro 2003) and within BC Hydro's existing water license for water storage within Stave Lake. At the maximum proposed intake rate of 400 MLD (equivalent to 4.63 m3/s), the proposed water intake would represent approximately 3.5% of the Stave Lake mean annual discharge of 132 m3/s (BC Hydro 2000).

From west to east, the proposed water pipeline alignment along Dewdney Trunk Road between the pump station and treatment plant would bisect Brown Creek, a tributary of Steelhead Creek, and Steelhead Creek (Photographs 3 and 4). Based on the alignment of Dewdney Trunk Road , three crossings of Steelhead Creek are anticipated. Roadside ditches and wetlands at the south end of the Project Area drain south into Silverdale Creek, although the proposed water pipeline would not cross this watercourse. These watercourses are listed in Table 8, wi th order and magnitude determined at the proposed pipeline crossing locations based on 1:20,00 0 Terrain Resource Information Management (TRIM) data.

Table 8' Watercourse Information Name Watershed Code (WSC) Tributary to Crossings Order Magnitude Length Brown Creek 100-0471 00-09300 Hayward Lake 1 1 1 3.25 km Tributary to 1 100-047100-09100-43800 Steel head Creek 1 1 1.01 km Steel head Creek Steel head Creek 100-047100-09100 Hayward Lake 3 2 6 5.2 km Silverdale Creek 100-051900 Fraser River 0 N/A N/A 8.17 km Source: Fish Wizard 2010, ILMB 2010

4.4 Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Based on historical fish distribution information (Fish Wizard http://www.fishwizard .com/) and fish distribution sampling conducted as part of the environmental assessment for the Bri tish Columbia Transmission Corporation's (BCTC's) Interior to Lower Mainland (ILM) Transmission Project, the following fish species have been documented in streams and lakes within the overall Project Area (Table 9).

T a bl e 9 F'IS h S;pecles p resent Wit. h'm t h e P rolect. A rea ".. ".. .." Fish Species "", ~J::",o " J::"," 'E", >", ~ " ,cia;CU a; " l!l" ".. e E .~ .! f:! .! E "> " Ul...J IIIU I-UlU UlU UlU= - , Atlantic Salmon (Sa/mo safar) , Brook Trout (Sa/velinus fontinalis) , , Brown Catfish (Ame;urus nebulosus) , Chum Salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) , Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) , , , Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus c/ark,) " " Dolly Varden (Sa/velinus rna/rna) ,

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.".. .".. " ..." <::", o " Fish Species -~..::.:: .<::'"" ~'" ">", " o~ ".. Q; " > .. S .. ~ ~ :g'"" ~ ~ g ~ " " V>..J aJU f-V>U v>U (f)U== r.. Kokanee (Oncorhynchus nerka) " Largescale Sucker (Catostomus macrochei/us) " Northern Pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus oregonensis) " Pea mouth Chub (Mylcheilus caurinus) " Pink Salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) " Prickly Sculpin (Coitus asper) " Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) " " Redside Shiner (Richardsonius balteatus) " River Lamprey (Lampetra ayresii) " Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) " Steel head (Oncorhynchus mykiss) " Threespine Stickleback (Gasterosteus acu/eatus) " White Sucker (Catostomus commersoni) " Source: Fish Wizard 2010, 'BCTC 200B.

In 2008, as part of BC Hydro's Water Use Planning Process, the total number of fish in Stave Lake was estimated at approximately 630,097 ± 91 ,573 (BC Hydro 2009). Estimated areal density and biomass of individual species are provided in Table 10.

Ta bl e 10 : A rea 10ensllyan d S'.omass 0 f F'IS h S,pecles In. SI ave L a k e Species Fish per Hectare Biomass per Hectare (kg/ha) Kokanee 216.3 5.2 Cutthroat Trout 2.B 0.9 Native Char 0.4 0.3 Northern Pikeminnow 1.1 0.1 Pea mouth Chub 2.2 0.09 Rainbow Trout 0.1 0.01 TOTAL 222.9 6.7 Source: Stave River Project Water Use Plan Fish Biomass Assessment (Year 4), BC Hydro 2009

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4.5 Terrestrial Resources 4.5.1 Ecological Setting According to the BC Ministry of Forests' Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification for the province, the majority of the Project Area is located within the dry maritime subzone of the Coastal Western Hemlock Biogeoclimatic Zone (CWHdm), including the proposed intake structure, pump station, treatment plant, and a portion of Ihe water pipeline from the intake to the treatment plant. The CWHdm subzone experiences long, dry summers and moist, mild winters wilh little snowfall (Meidinger and Pojar 1991). Common tree species in the CWHdm forest canopy include western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla), western red cedar (Thuja plicata), and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). Predominant understory species include salal (Gaultheria shallon), dull Oregon-grape (Mahonia nervosa), and red huckleberry (Vaccinium parvifolium).

A portion of the proposed water pipeline from the pump station to the treatment plant is located within the submontane variant of the very wet maritime subzone of the Coastal Western Hemlock Biogeoclimatic Zone (CWHvm1). The CWHvm1 subzone has a wet, mild climate with cool summers and mild winters wilh little snowfall (Green and Klinka 1994). Common tree species in the CWHvm1 forest canopy include western hemlock, western red cedar, and Amabilis Fir (Abies amabilis). Understory species include red huckleberry and Alaskan blueberry (Vaccinium alaskensis).

The study area lies within the Fraser Lowland Ecosection, which includes the Fraser River delta, estuary, lowlands, and associated uplands (Demarchi 1996). The Fraser Lowland Ecosection is part of the Lower Mainland Ecoregion, which is in turn part of the larger Georgia Depression Ecoprovince.

4. 5.2 Vegetation The proposed pump station would be located in an older second-growth coniferous forest community adjacent to Stave Lake, which is dominated by western hemlock and western red cedar (Photographs 5 and 6). The sparse understory is dominated by sword fern (Polystichum munitum), with red huckleberry, salal, and Oregon-grape also present. Moss is abundant in the area , particularly on rocks, tree trunks, and fallen logs.

The proposed pipeline alignment would be located within or adjacent to the Dewdney Trunk Road right-of-way and would pass through young second-growth coniferous and mixed forest (Photograph 7). Developed/disturbed areas and swamp/marsh wetland communities are also present along the proposed pipeline route .

The proposed treatment plant would be located in a young mixed forest in the vicinity of the Lafarge Cannon Pit (Photograph 8). Common tree species in these areas include western hemlock, western red cedar, big leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), and red alder (Alnus rubra). Understory species include deer fern (Blechnum spicant), sword fern , Himalayan blackberry (Rubus discolor), trailing blackberry (Rubus ursinus), and salal.

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4.5.3 Wildlife The Project Area provides important wildlife habitat for a wide variety of species including rodents, lagomorphs and large mammals such as black bear (Ursus americanus), deer (Odocoifeus hemionus), coyote (Canis latrans), and cougar (Puma concolor). Habitat types present within the Project Area include:

• Second-growth coniferous and mixed forest. Mature coniferous trees and snags provide potential nesting and foraging habitat for woodpeckers, owls, hawks and other bird species. Berry-producing shrubs provide foraging opportunities for bears and several species of songbirds;

• Wetland, lake and riparian habitats. Stave Lake which provides potential habitat for waterfowl, bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), and osprey (Pandion haliaetus). Mill Pond and several watercourses which provide potential habitat for waterfowl, amphibians, red-winged blackbird (Age/aius phoeniceus) and great blue heron (Ardea herodias); and ,

• Developed/disturbed areas associated with the community of Steel head and aggregate quarries.

Wildlife species observed during a March 3, 2010 site visit to the Project Area include northwestern crow (Corvus caurinus), common raven (Corvus corax), black-capped chickadee (Poecife atricapillus), American robin (Turdus migratorius), bald eagle, dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis), and mallard (Anas plalyrhynchos).

4.6 Species at Risk A review of species at risk potentially occurring within the Project Area was undertaken using species lists generated by a search of the BC Conservation Data Centre (CDC) web site and the Species at Risk Act (SARA) Registry, which uses Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) designations.

4.6.1 Species at Risk Designations 4.6.1.1 British Columbia Conservation Data Centre The CDC assigns a provincial rank or listing of 'red', 'blue' or 'yellow' to a species based on its status within BC (MOE 2010). The rankings or provincial listing categories described below highlight the wildlife and plant species as well as natural plant communities that require special attention (MOE 2010):

• Red - any indigenous species, subspecies or plant community that is Extirpated, Endangered, or Threatened in BC. Extirpated elements no longer exist in the wild in BC , but do occur elsewhere. Endangered elements are facing imminent extirpation or extinction. Threatened elements are likely to become endangered if limiting factors are not reversed;

• Blue - any indigenous species, subspecies or comm unity considered to be Vulnerable (Special Concern) in BC . Vulnerable elements are of special concern because of characteristics that make them particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events; and,

• Yellow - Any indigenous species or subspecies (taxa) which is not at risk in BC .

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No legal protection or designation is associated with provincial species at risk rankings. Instead the designations help guide provincial conservation, land use planning, management and protection activities (MOE 2010).

4.6.1.2 Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada Federally, species ranking is conducted by COSEWIC, established under Section 14 of SARA. Below is a listing of the status categories used by COSEWIC to rank or list a species (Environment Canada 2007):

• Extinct - a species that no longer exists;

• Extirpated - a species no longer existing in the wild in Canada, but occurring elsewhere;

• Endangered - a species facing imminent extirpation or extinction;

• Threatened - a species likely to become endangered if limiting factors are not reversed;

• Special Concern - a species that is particularly sensitive to human activities or nalural events, but is not an endangered or threatened species;

• Data Deficient - a species for which there is inadequate information to make a direct, or indirect, assessment of its risk of extinction; and,

• Not At Risk - a species that has been evaluated and found to be not at risk.

SARA contains general prohibitions that make it an offence to :

• Kill, harm, harass, capture, or take an individual of a species listed in Schedule 1 of SARA as endangered, threatened or extirpated;

• Possess, collect, buy, sell or trade an individual of a species listed in Schedule 1 of SARA as endangered, threatened or exlirpated; or,

• Damage or destroy the residence (e.g., nest or den) of one or more individuals of a species listed in Schedule 1 of SARA as endangered, threatened or extirpated, if a recovery strategy has recommended the reintroduction of that extirpated species.

Schedule 1 is the official list of wildlife species at risk receiving legal protection under SARA. Although Schedule 1 lists olher designations in addition to endangered, threatened and extirpaled, the prohibitions of Ihe Act do not apply to these species (En vi ronment Canada 2007). SARA applies on federal land, bu t typically does not apply to other areas with the exception of aquatic (i.e., fish) species and migratory birds also listed in the federal Migratory Birds Convention Act. 1994 (Environment Canada 2007). In some circumstances, the federal prohibitions could be applied to other species on private or provincial Crown land if it is deemed that provincial or voluntary measures do not adequately protect a species and its residence (Environment Canada 2007).

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4.6.2 Species at Risk Potentially Occurring within the Project Area Based on available CDC records. no "element occurrences" for rare or endangered species have been recorded in the vicinity of the Project Area (MOE 2010).

A search of the BC CDC web site using the Species and Ecosystems Explorer for the Chilliwack Forest District, FVRD, and CWH Biogeoclimatic Zone produced 166 listings of provincially-designated red-listed or blue-listed and legally designated species, including (Appendix B):

• 11 fish species (5 red-listed, 5 blue-listed, and 1 yellow-listed);

• 9 amphibian species (2 red-listed, 2 blue-listed, and 5 yellow-listed);

• 6 reptile species (3 red-listed, 2 yellow-listed, and 1 no status);

• 21 bird species (4 red-listed, 11 blue-listed, 5 yellow-listed , and 1 no status);

• 11 mammal species (5 red-listed and 6 blue-listed);

• 17 invertebrate species (6 red-listed and 11 blue-listed);

• 46 vascular plant species (13 red-listed and 33 blue-listed); and,

• 45 moss and lichen species (10 red-listed and 35 blue-listed).

Twenty (20) species listed on Schedule 1 of SARA were identified by the CDC search which , based on their kn own geographical distributions, could potentially occur within the general vicinity of th e Project Area. These species are outlined in Table 11.

Ta bl e 11 : SARAI'- Iste dS;pecles at RIS' k P otentla• 1/Iy 0 ccurnng Wit. h'In t h e P rOJec . t A rea ;;; .- '" Potentia Common Name I r::_ Federal Ito " " Habitat Requirements Rationale Scientific Name 'S: .!! Status Occur at tl.2'" Site

Coastal Tailed Special Breeds in cool, mountainous, permanent watercourses with Suitable habitat exists Frog Blue Concern Possible quiet pools and gravel. cobble within Project Area. Ascaphus true ii Schedule 1 and boulder su bstrates .

Special Breeds in an impressive range of Western Toad natural and arti fi cial aquatic Suitable habitat exists Yellow Concern Possible Buto boreas habitats from lakes to roadside within Project Area. Schedule 1 ditches. Special Generally found along small Red-Legged Frog Suitable ha bitat exists Blue Concern streams, ponds or swamps within Possible Rana aurora within Project Area . Schedule 1 moist forests. Grassy margins of streams, Oregon Spotted Suitable habitat not Endangered lakes, ponds, springs, and Not Frog Red present withi n Project marshes . Breeds in shallow, Expected Schedule 1 Area Rana pretiosa stable water in pools and ponds.

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Potentia ...-

Western Pond Permanent and intermittent Suitable habitat present Turtle Extirpated waters of rivers , creeks, small within Project Area; Red Marginal Actinemys Schedule 1 lakes and ponds, marshes, species considered marmorata irrigation ditches, and reservoi rs. extirpated from SC. Special Found under logs' and rocks in Rubber Boa Suitable habitat exists Yellow Concern woodlands, forests, meadows, Possible Charina bottae within Project Area . Schedule 1 and edges of rocky streams. Western Painted Shallow waters of ponds, lakes, Endangered Suitable habitat exists Turtle Red slough and slow-moving stream Possible Schedule 1 within Project Area. Chrysemys piela reaches. Forests with large stands of Northern Goshawk Threatened mature trees and dense Suitable habitat exists Accipiter gentifis Red Possible Schedule 1 canopies, but with an open within Project Area. laingi understory. Marbled Murrelet Suitable habitat not Threatened Feeds offshore in saltwater. Not Brachyramphus Red present within Project Schedule 1 Nests in old growth conifers . Expected marmoratus Area. Peregrine Falcon Occurs in a variety of terrestrial Threatened Suitable habitat exists Falco peregrinus Red and coastal habitats. Typically Possible Schedule 1 within Project Area. anatum nests on rock cliffs. Western Screech· Owl Special Riparian, wetland, and forested Suitable habitat exists Megascops Slue Concern POSSible habitats at low elevations. within Project Area. kennicoftH spp. Schedule 1 kennicottH Marginally suitable Spotted Owl Endangered Generally found in late seral Red Marginal habitat exists within Strix occidentalis Schedule 1 stage coniferous forests . Project Area. Special Open and partly open country in Suitable habitat not Sarn Owl Not Slue Concern a wide variety of situations, often present within Project Tyto alba Expected Schedule 1 around human habitation. Area. Pacific Water Endangered Riparian habitat along low Suitable habitat exists Shrew Red Possible Schedule 1 gradient streams. within Project Area. Sorex bendirii Oregon Forestsnail Mixed·wood and deciduous Endangered Suitable habitat exists Allogona Red forests. typically dominated by Possible Schedule 1 within Project Area. townsendiana big leaf maple. Suitable habitat not Moist old-growth and late Puget Oregonian Extirpated Not present within Project Red successional stage forests and Cryplomastix devia Schedule 1 Expected Area; species considered riparian areas. extirpated from BC.

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;;; .- '" Potentia Common Name I U :J Federal Ito .-"- Habitat Requirements Rationale Scientific Name >-.. Status Occur at ~cn a. Site

Special Breeds in patches of milkweed Monarch Suitable habitat exists Blue Concern host plant. Overwinters in Possible Danaus plexippus within Project Area . Schedule 1 Coastal California. Open, moist areas; can be of a Dun Skipper Threatened Suitable habitat exists Blue disturbed nature such as right-of- Possible Euphyes vestris within Project Area . Schedule 1 ways or roadside ditches. Vancouver Island Special Ditches. wet fields . and salt Suitable habitat exists Beggarticks Blue Concern Possible marshes. within Project Area. Bidens amplissima Schedule 1 Phantom Orchid Threatened Dense moist coniferous forests , Suitable habitat exists Cephalanthera Red Possible Schedule 1 especially in the mounta ins . with in Project Area. austiniae Source: MOE 2010.

Several of Ihe species at risk identified in Table 11 which could potentially be found within the Project Area would only be present along the proposed pipeline route. Provided the pipeline is situated within or adjacent to the existing Dewdney Trunk Road disturbance corridor, potential effects to these species are anticipated to be minimaL

Twenty two (22) listings of provincially-designated red- or blue-listed ecosystems we re identified through a CDC search of ecosystems that could potentially occur within the Project Area. A regional list of ecological communities present wi thin the CWHdm and CWHvm1 biogeoclimatic subzones generated by the CDC ecosystems at ri sk search. including provi ncial status, is provided in Appendix B.

4.7 Socioeconomic

The proposed Project is being designed to provide an additional safe water supply source for the AMWSC. which services both the District of Mission and the City of Abbotsford. Both the District of Mission and the City of Abbotsford are situated within the FVRD.

The District of Mission has a total area of approximately 226 km' and is bounded to the south by the Fraser River and City of Abbotsford, and to the west by Maple Ridge. Its population in 2006 was 33,930, representing an 8% increase from 2001 (AECOM 2010a and Statistics Canada 20 10). The District of Mission's labour force is diverse, with 16% employed in business services, 13% in manufacturing, 12% in construction, 12% in retail trade, 10% in health care and social services, 18% in other services, and the remainder in agriculture and resource-based industri es, wholesale trade, educational services, and finance and real estate (Statistics Canada 2010).

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The City of Abbotsford has a total area of approximately 359 .36 km' and had a population of 123,295 in 2006, representing a 7% increase from 2001 (AECOM 2010a and Statistics Canada 2010). The City of Abbotsford's labour force is also diverse, with 16% employed in business services, 12% in manufacturing, 11% in agriculture and resource-based industries, 10% in retail trade, 17% in other services, and the remainder in construction, wholesale trade, finance and real estate, health care and social services, and educational services (Statistics Canada 2010).

The closest economic and commercial centre to the Project Area is the Mission urban area located approximately 5 km to the south. The nearest communities to the Project Area are Steelhead, located along Dewdney Trunk Road between the proposed pump station and treatment plant, and Stave Falls located approximately 1 km to the southwest of the proposed intake structure near the Stave Falls Dam.

4.8 Land Use Land uses in the Project Area include agricultural land and resource use, rural residential land use, resource extraction, forestry and recreation. Recreation interests on and surrounding Stave Lake include camping, boating and fishing, hiking, bird watching, and other activities (BC Hydro 2003).

The proposed pump station would be located in an area that is currently forested between Stave Lake and Dewdney Trunk Road. The proposed treatment plant would be located in an area that is currently forested adjacent to Lafarge Cannon Pit.

The proposed pipeline alignment along Dewdney Trunk Road between the pump station and treatment plant would pass adjacent to or bisect:

• BC Hydro's Stave Lake and Hayward Lake Reservoir Recreation Areas;

• Mission Municipal Forest (Tree Farm License 26), which includes both industrial forest development and public recreation opportunities;

• The Stave Dam Forest Interpretation Trail trailhead and parking area situated along Dewdney Trunk Road;

• A 500 kV transmission line between Stave Lake and the Minnie's Pit Landfill. BCTC is proposing to construct an additional 500 kilovolt (kV) transmission line adjacent to the existing line as part of the ILM Transmission Project (BCTC 2008);

• Hayward Reservoir Trail trailhead and parking lot situated along Dewdney Trunk Road;

• Minnie's Pit Landfill, an active municipal landfill, located approximately 1 km southeast of the proposed intake structure (Photograph 9);

• Hoover Lake Trail trailhead situated along Dewdney Trunk Road opposite the Minnies Pit Landfill;

• Rural residential areas within the community of Steelhead (Photograph 10);

• Several aggregate quarries south of Steelhead including the Lafarge Cannon Pit and Davies Sand and Gravel Ltd . Pits #1 and #2 (Photograph 11); - April 6, 2010 21 ~: Golder Report No. 10-1 422-0010 (1tAssociates STAVE LAKE WATER SUPPLY PROJECT DESCRIPTION

• Silver Creek Park located south of Steelhead and north of the Lafarge Cannot Pit (Photograph 12); and,

• Red Mountain - East Trail Network trailhead situated along Dewdney Trunk Road opposite Silver Creek Park.

The proposed Project passes through lands designated within the District of Mission Official Community Plan as parkland (Stave Lake and Hayward Lake Reservoir recreation areas and Silver Creek Park), industrial (Minnie's Pit Landfill and aggregate quarries), municipal forest (Mission Municipal Forest), rural (near Steelhead), and rural residential (Steelhead) (District of Mission 2008).

The proposed Project does not pass through or adjacent to any federal land such as Indian Reserves, National Parks, or properties managed by the Department of National Defense or the Correctional Service of Canada. There are also no provincial parks, ecological reserves, or protected areas within the Project area.

4.9 Archaeology Archaeological sites, both recorded and unrecorded, are protected under the BC Heritage Conservation Act and cannot be altered or relocated without a Site Alteration Permit from the Archaeology Branch (Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts).

Provincial records indicate that 17 recorded archaeological sites are located within the general vicinity of the proposed Project Area (Kanipe, Archaeology Branch, January 27, 2010 pers. comm .). The majority of the sites are located along the shores of Stave Lake and in the vicinity of the Stave Falls Dam. Additionally, archaeological potential mapping indicates several areas along the shore of Stave Lake and around Stave Falls as having significant potential to contain unrecorded archaeological sites. The Stave River Water Use Plan allows for periodic archaeological drawdowns of Stave Lake for a minimum of 6 weeks between January 1 and March 31 and for one out of three years on average (BC Hydro 2003).

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5.0 SUSTAINABILITY FACTORS The Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEM) defines sustainable development as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". This definition is adapted from the World Commission on Environment and Development (Brundtland 1987).

Project environmental, social, economic, heritage and health sustainability issues will be identified by considering aspects linked to Project site layout, planning and design. The AMWSC will support sustainability by designing, constructing, and operating the proposed Stave Lake Water Supply Project by incorporating the following measures, where possible and feasible:

• Environmental Sustainability: • Minimize in-water and terrestrial Project footprint to reduce clearing and limit residual effects to vegetation, wildlife and aquatic resources; • Incorporating trenchless construction methods for pipeline crossings beneath watercourses along Dewdney Trunk Road to minimize potential effects to riparian vegetation and aquatic resources; and, • Align the water supply pipeline along an existing disturbance corridor such as Dewdney Trunk Road.

• Economic Sustainability: • Provide employment and business opportunities, and associated income benefits to local communities and First Nations.

• Social Sustainability: • Consult and coordinate with First Nations and stakeholders such as BC Hydro, recreation user groups, Mission Municipal Forest, and aggregate operators;

• Support individual capacity and skill development (including transferable skills) through training opportunities for local residents and First Nations; and, • Support local business capacity such that their skill base is strengthened and can be applied elsewhere in the economy (i.e., supporting longer term economic diversification and stability).

• Cultural Sustainability: • Preserve cultural heritage and structures or sites of archaeological significance; and • Maintain access to traditional territories and accommodation of traditional culture and customs in the Project Area.

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6.0 POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT Development of the proposed Stave Lake Water Supply Project will involve the construction and operation of various Project components and infrastructure, which could potentially result in environmental, economic, social, heritage, or health effects. As discussed in Section 3, the proposed Project components include the intake structure, pump station, treatment plant, raw water pipeline, and associated access and power requirements.

A brief summary of the potential effects of the Project and examples of potential mitigation measures is provided in Table 12.

T able 12 : Pre rImlnary . Assessment 0 fP otentla. IP rOJect·re ale dEftec t s an dP 05S1'bl e M"Illgatlon M easures Environmental Examples of Potential Issue/Potential Effect Component Mitigation Measures • Fugitive dust • Water access roads to reduce dust Air Quality Emissions from heavy Maintain equipment in good working order • machinery during the • Minimize engine idling construction phase • Maintain equipment in good working order Noise from heavy equipment • Noise Implement standard construction practices such as • during the construction phase • mufflers for noise control • Minimize in-water footprint • Trenchless methods for pipeline crossings beneath • Mortality of fish through watercourses, where feasible impingement on and ingestion Screen water intake structure in accordance with by intake structure • Fisheries and Oceans Canada (OFO) requirements Alterations in site hydrology and Develop an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) • habitat due to land clearing and • Implement appropriate Best Management Practices construction activity • (BMPs) during instream works Potential for introduction of Implement appropriate BMPs for sediment and • contaminants, such as • erosion control and spill prevention and emergency hydrocarbons and lubricants Surface Water, response Fisheries and during Project construction The source of water supply for the Project is under Aquatic Habitat Potential for elevated pH levels • licence to BC Hydro and the impacts of the use of • due to in-water concrete works water from the reservoir have been assessed in the • Potential for erosion of Stave River Water Use Plan (WUP). The Comptroller disturbed sediments to of Water Rights has accepted the water use plan and downstream and offsite ordered the Stave Lake Reservoir to be operated locations according to a schedule of parameters that are Reduces availability of water to intended to mitigate the impacts identified during the • Hayward Lake and Stave River development of the water use plan. The agreement to below Ruskin dam be negotiated with BC Hydro for the use of water for waterworks purpose from the Stave Lake Reservoir will not affect the implementation of the WUP

Alteration of existing • groundwater levels and patterns Develop an EMP Introduction of contaminants, • Groundwater Implement appropriate BMPs for spill prevention and • such as hydrocarbons and • emergency response lubricants during Project construction -.. April 6, 2010 24 Golder Report No. 10·1422·0010 (/l. Associates STAVE LAKE WATER SUPPLY PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Environmental Examples of Potential Issue/Potential Effect Component Mitigation Measures Minimize clearing and grubbing activities to those • areas required to complete construction activities Loss of plant species and Align the pipeline along an existing disturbance • communities during site clearing • corridor such as Dewdney Trunk Road Accidental introduction of Vegetation Salvage and replant native vegetation, where • invasive, non-native plant • appropriate. Remove cleared native and non-native species during site clearing and vegetation species from the Site to an appropriate landscaping disposal location • Plant native species during landscape activities Permanent loss of wildlife • Minimize clearing and grubbing activities to those • habitat at the location of Project areas required to complete construction activities components • Align the pipeline along an existing disturbance • Temporary loss of vegetation corridor such as Dewdney Trunk Road and wildlife habitat from tree • Develop an EMP Wildlife and brush clearing and grubbing Avoid clearing and grubbing during the bird nesting st st Disturbance or accidental • period from April 1 to July 31 • harm/mortality to wildlife species Leave wildlife trees and snags undisturbed, where and accidental destruction of • possible critical habitat during sensitive Implement BMPs to avoid or limit adverse effects to wildlife periods • Species at Risk. • Employment generation • Income generation • Demands on local community • Develop health and safety plans services • Traffic safety planning Construction and transient Construct a floating barrier around the intake structure • workforce • Community management planning with local Public and workforce health and Socio-community • communities, First Nations and stakeholders • safety and Economic Public consultation Local business opportunities • Conditions • First Nations consultation and engagement Fiscal benefits to governments • Potential for Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), • (Gross Domestic Product • Participation Agreements with First Nations [GDP], tax revenue) Negotiate an agreement with BC Hydro to offset the Reduces availability of water for • decrease in generation of electricity • generation of electricity by BC Hydro at Stave Falls Generating Station • Agency and Public consultation (i.e. ILMB, FVRD) • Recreational and industrial land Coordinate with stakeholders such as BC Hydro, use • Mission Municipal Forest, aggregate operators, and Land Use Existing tenures and recreation user groups • agreements on land Seek input on recreational access and other end land • use objectives

s ·, April 6, 2010 25 Report No. 10·1422·0010 \Z1~~OC1ate~ol4er s STAVE LAKE WATER SUPPLY PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Environmental Examples of Potential Issue/Potential Effect Component Mitigation Measures • Archaeological and heritage assessments • First Nations traditional land use • Archaeological monitoring and management plans • Impacts to archaeological and • Sustainable employment and procurement strategies Heritage heritage resources due to • Sustainable economic development planning Resources ground-disturbing activities, Traditional knowledge and traditional use studies, as including clearing and grubbing, • appropriate and excavation • First Nations consultation and engagement • MOUs, Participation Agreements with First Nations Intake structure within Stave Minimize vegetation clearing • Lake • Model visual effects Visual Aesthetics Clearing for Pump station on • Align the pipeline along an existing disturbance • shore of Stave Lake, treatment • corridor such as Dewdney Trunk Road plant, and pipeline

Consult with Transport Canada and stakeholder user Intake structure within Stave • groups • Lake Navigation Implement signage and signal requirements Pipeline crossings of navigable • Trenchless methods for pipeline crossings beneath • watercourses • watercourses, where feasible

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7.0 FIRST NATIONS AND PUBLIC CONSULTATION 7.1 First Nations Consultation and Engagement The proposed Project Area is located within the asserted traditional territory claimed by the Kwantlen First Nation , Matsqui First Nation, St6:16 Nation Council, and St6:16 Tribal Council. Katzie First Nation, Chehalis First Nation, Sumas First Nation, and In-SHUCK-ch Nation also have asserted traditional territories located near the proposed Project, or that accompany a portion of Stave Lake upstream of the Project Area.

The AMWSC will consult with Chief and council to engage the First Nations at the band level through introductory meetings and communications. The AMWSC will send out Project introduction letters to the above­ referenced First Nations to gauge their interest in the proposed Project. There may be other First Nations that have yet to be identified as having interests in the proposed Project. Further communications and consultation requirements will be identified in discussions with the BC Environmental Assessment Office (EAO), the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEA Agency), andlor permitting agencies.

To date, the AMWSC has discussed the proposed Project with the Kwantlen First Nation and Matsqui First Nation. The AMWSC met with Kwantlen First Nation on September 22, 2008 to discuss the proposed Stave Lake Water Supply Project and the Bevan Wells Project. The Band indicated that they would like to be kept updated on the proposed Project. A follow-up meeting between the mayors of the City of Abbotsford and District of Mission and the Chief of Kwantlen First Nation is scheduled for April 6, 2010. Matsqui First Nation is aware of the proposed Project through consultation activities associated with the City of Abbotsford's Bevan Wells Environmental Assessment.

7.2 Public, Stakeholder and Agency Consultation No formal public consultation has been conducted by the AMWSC to date, although the AMWSC has commenced discussions wi th BC Hydro and regulatory agencies with respect to the proposed Project. On January 5, 2010, the AMWSC met with representatives from BC Hydro, MoE's Water Stewardship Division, Fraser Health Authority, and the EAO to discuss the proposed Project and anticipated environmental assessment process and permitting requirements. Follow-up consultations regarding permitting requirements have been undertaken with BC Hydro, the EAO, MoE's Water Stewardship Division, and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts (Archaeology Branch).

7.3 Consultation Planning The AMWSC will continue to:

• Communicate information about the proposed Project and applicable environmental assessment and permitting processes with First Nations;

• Identify and document First Nations preferred consultation protocols and capacity needs as they pertain to participation in the consultation process;

April 6, 2010 27 ~"Golder Report No. 10·1422-0010 \Z7 Associates STAVE LAKE WATER SUPPLY PROJECT DESCRIPTION

• Identify First Nations policies, regulations and community plans that might be relevant to consultation and the proposed Project; and

• Identify at a preliminary level, ke y First Nations concerns or interests related to the proposed Project.

First Nations and public consultation will be undertaken as part of the environmental assessm ent andlor permitting process, detailed design, and throughout Project implementation. Potential effects on First Nations whose traditional territories include the Project area, will be assessed as part of the environmental assessment andlor permitting process. The AMWSC will develop and implement First Nations Consultation and Public Consultation Programs to meet applicable environmental assessment andlor permitting requirements.

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8.0 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REVIEW PROCESSES Potential triggers and requirements for environmental assessment reviews under the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Act (BCEAA) and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) associated with the proposed Project are outlined below. Potential requirements for permits, approvals and authorizations from provincial and federal regulatory agencies are outlined in Section 9.0.

If the proposed Project were to trigger an environmental review under both BCEAA and CEAA, it is expected that the EAO would lead a harmonized review of the Project under the Canada - British Columbia Agreement on Environmental Assessment Cooperation (2004).

8.1 British Columbia Environmental Assessment Act (BCEAA) The proposed Project would trigger a review under BCEAA based on the proposed water diversion rate. An assessment is re quired pursuant to Part 5 of the Reviewable Projects Regulation under BCEAA, if the proposed Proje~t is constructed for the diversion of water at a maximum rate of? 1 0 million m3/y ear.

No trigger for the length or capacity of water supply pipelines exists under the Reviewable Projects Regulation.

All proposed maximum intake rate scenarios for the proposed Project would exceed the threshold of 10 million m3/year (27.3 MLD) specified in the Reviewable Projects Regulation. Consequently, an application for an EAC would be required for the proposed Stave Lake Water Supply Project, unless the EAO determines that the Project will not have significant adverse effects based on the Project Description, and issues an exemption under Section 10(1)(b) of BCEAA.

8.2 Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) At this time, it is not known if CEAA will apply to the development and operation of the proposed Stave Lake Water Supply Project. CEAA applies when a federal department or agency is required to make a decision on a proposed project. Federal regulatory agencies require specific project details to determine if and how CEAA will apply.

If the proposed Stave Lake Water Supply Project were to be deemed reviewable under CEAA, it would likely be as a result of requirements for authorizations from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) under Section 35(2) of the Fisheries Act andlor from Transport Canada under Section 5(2) of the Navigable Waters Protection Act. Authorizations from DFO and Transport Canada are included in the Law List Regulations which trigger a CEAA review. This trigger states that if a federal authority exercises a regulatory duty in relation to a project, such as issuing a permit or authorization which is included in the Law List Regulations, an environmental assessment is required. Potential federal permitting requirements for the proposed Project are discussed in Section 9.0.

Other mechanisms by which a review under CEAA could be triggered would apply if the proposed Project were to occupy federal land (i.e., Indian Reserves, National Parks, Department of National Defense lands, etc.), andlor if th e AMWSC we re applying for funding support from the federal government for implementation of the Project. Neither of these scenarios are anticipated to be applicable to the proposed Stave Lake Water Supply Project.

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It is anticipated that if an environmental assessment is triggered under CEAA for the proposed Stave Lake Water Supply Project that it would be limited to a screening level study since no applicable water intake or pipeline thresholds are specified in the Comprehensive Study List Regulations. The trigger for a new water diversion structure noted in the Comprehensive Study List Regulations is a structure for the diversion of 10 million m'lyear or more of water from a natural water body into another natural water body. Although the Stave Lake Water Supply Project would exceed the specified diversion threshold, it is intended to transfer water from one natural waterbody into a municipal water system and not directly into another natural waterbody. The proposed Project is therefore not anticipated to require a comprehensive study under CEM. No thresholds for water pipelines are specified in the Comprehensive Study List Regulations.

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9.0 PERMITS AND APPROVALS In addition to environmental assessment requirements outlined in Section 8.0, the AMWSC is anticipated to require several provincial permits, approvals, authorizations and licenses to construct and operate the proposed Stave Lake Water Supply Project. As indicated above, federal permits, approvals, and authorizations may also be required. Permits and approvals that could potentially be applicable to the proposed Stave Lake Water Supply Project are summarized in Table 13. Potential federal and provincial Water Act permit and approval requirements are described in further detail below.

Table 13: Permits and A rovals Potential! uired for the Stave Lake Water Su Statute Agency Action/Trigger Provincial Surface lease (exclusive property rights for a set time period). BC Ministry of license of Occupation (right to enter or use provincial land). Agriculture and Lands , Land Act Temporary Permit or Investigative Permit (short term) for use of Integrated Land Crown land. Required for facilities and pipeline, road or power line Management Bureau alignments over Crown land. Application for authority under the Water Act to use part of the water stored by Be Hydro in Stave Lake Reservoir under Conditional Water Licence (CWL) 117537, which supports several diversion licenses held by Be Hydro for the generation of electricity at Stave Falls Generating Station and Ruskin Generating Station. BC Ministry of The conditions for use of part of the water stored under CWL Water Act Environment, Water 117537 for water works purpose will be negotiated with Be Hydro. Stewardship Division The preferred authorization under the Water Act of an agreement between the AMWSC and BC Hydro is a license granted under section 12. Alternatively, an order to authorize the extension of rights under section 34 of the Water Act may validate the agreement. Notification for changes in and about a stream that can be BC Ministry of conducted in accordance with the regulation for watercourse Water Act Regulation Environment, Water crossings requ ired for the raw water supply pipeline along Dewdney Stewardship Division Trunk Road. Construction Permit for the new water system. Operating Permit Drinking Water before the system becomes operational. Water quality monitoring Protection Act and Fraser Health Authority likely to be required to assess compl iance with the Drinking Water Regulation Protection Regulation and the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. Forest Act, Forest and Occupant license to Cut and Road Use Permit for industrial use. BC Min istry of Forests Range Practices Act, Required for the use of Crown land for site clearing and access and Range Forest Practices Code clearance and development.

Heritage BC Ministry of Tourism , Heritage Alteration Permit to remove and/or relocate a cultural Conservation Act Culture and the Arts resource or artifact (should any be identified and if required) . (Archaeology Branch)

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Statute Agency ActionlTrigger Federal Habitat Authorization Agreement under Section 35(2) for the Fisheries and Oceans potential "harmful alteration, disruption, or destruction" (HADD) of Fisheries Act Canada (DFO) fish habitat. Section 32. Destruction of fish by any means other than by fishing. Construction of works in navigable waters considered to Navigable Waters substantially interfere with navigation - Section 5(2) approval for Transport Canada Protection Act (NWPA) any works built or placed in , on , over, under, through, or across any navigable water

9.1 Water Act The water licences held by BC Hydro use most of the water that is available in Stave River for storage and power purpose. Unrecorded water in the Stave River may be available when the spillway at the Stave Falls dam is discharging. The frequency and duration of such water is unreliable as a supply of water for waterworks purposes.

A water licence that may be issued for the Project would authorize BC Hydro to supply the AMWSC with water held under existing CWL 117537. This licence grants BC Hydro the right to take water from the natural watercourse that is Stave River and store the water in Stave Lake Reservoir. The storage purpose of CWL 117537 supports electricity generation at Stave Falls Generating Station, authorized under CWL 117530, 117531 , and 117532; and at Ruskin Generating Station, authorized under CWL 117533 and 117535.

Most water licences grant rights to take water from a stream that is a natural watercourse. However, the definition of a stream in the Water Act includes sources of water supply, which is interpreted to include the Stave Lake Reservoir.

A water licence granted from an application under section 12 of the Water Act would authorize the Stave Lake Reservoir as the source of water supply for the AMWSC and would authorize works for the diversion of water from the reservoir for waterworks purposes. However, the Stave Falls dam would not need to be authorized as works under such a licence. Neither BC Hydro nor the AMWSC wish to be in a joint works agreement for the operation and maintenance of the Stave Falls dam.

An agreement between BC Hydro and the AMWSC for the use of some of the water stored under CWL 117537 would be a condition of any water licence that may be issued for the AMWSC to divert water from Stave Lake Reservoir.

An agreement for the use of water stored under CWL 117537 may also be authorized by an order under section 34 of the Water Act, which states :

(1) If the comptroller or regional water manager considers that no other supply is available at reasonable cost, the comptroller or regional water manager may authorize a licensee to use or supply water for use for other purposes or on other land than specified in the licence and may set the terms on which the water is to be used or supplied.

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(2) An authorization under subsection (1) is subject to any jurisdiction in that respect of a commission, board, body or member of the Executive Council designated by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

A water licence is preferable to a section 34 order for the authorization to use some of the water under CWL 117537 for a bulk supply to the AMWSC.

9.2 Fisheries Act A Section 35(2) Habitat Authorization Agreement under the federal Fisheries Act may be required for the proposed Project due to the intake structure and riparian clearing associated with Project infrastructure. Depending on the alignment, design, and construction methodologies proposed, the water supply pipeline, access road(s), and power line(s) associated with the proposed Project could potentially require Fisheries Act Authorizations. These approvals may not be required if all pipeline stream crossings were done using trenchless methods such as horizontal directional drilling and riparian vegetation is retained when constructing power line and access road crossings.

Watercourses within the Project study area, their known fish-bearing status, and their potential interaction with Project components is provided in Table 14. Ta bl e 14: P otentia IP roject c omponent- watercourse nteractlons Watercourse Fish~bearing Potential Project Interactions Intake structure, water pipeline from intake Stave Lake (100-047100) Yes structure to pump station, and potential riparian clearing adjacent to pump station Brown Creek (100-047100-09300) Yes Water pipeline crossing Steelhead Creek (100-041700-09100) Yes Multiple water pipeline crossings Tributary to Steelhead Creek Unknown Water pipeline crossing (100-047100-09100-43800) Silverdale Creek (100-051900) Yes No direct interaction

No authorization under Section 32 of the Fisheries Act for the destruction of fish is anticipated associated with the proposed project. Appropriate site isolation and fish salvage protocols would be undertaken prior to any instream works being undertaken.

April 6,2010 33 (jJtGOlder Report No. 10-1422-0010 Associates STAVE LAKE WATER SUPPLY PROJECT DESCRIPTION

9.3 Navigable Waters Protection Act A Section 5(2) Navigable Waters Protection Act (NWPA) Approval may be required for the intake structure and the pipeline from the intake structure to the pump station if Transport Canada determines that the proposed works "substantially interfere with navigation" in Stave Lake. Transport Canada can also issue an Approval under Section 5(3) for works, if they determine that the proposed works are likely to "interfere, other than substantially, with navigation". It is understood that approvals under Section 5(3) of the NWPA do not trigger a CEAA review (Gowe, Transport Canada, February 18, 2010 pers. comm.). The water supply pipeline from the pump station to the treatment plant crosses over Steelhead Creek, Brown Creek, and a tributary to Steel head Creek which may be considered navigable by small craft and may require Approvals from NWPA Approvals from Transport Canada.

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10.0 SCH ED ULE The key milestones throughout the design, assessment, and operation of the proposed Project are summarized in Table 15. The following schedule assumes that the proposed Project would be subject to an environmental assessment under BCEAA. Environmental review under CEAA, if required, is anticipated to follow similar timelines.

Ta bl e 15 P rOlect 5 c h e d ueI Task Start Date Completion Date Intake/Pump Station/Raw Water Pipeline: • Preliminary Design (including geotechnical investigations) April 2010 December 2010 • Detailed Design January 2012 December 2012 • Construction January 2013 December 2014 Water Treatment Plant: • Preliminary Investigations March 2010 December 2011 • Preliminary Design (including geotechnical investigations) Jan uary 2012 December 2012 • Construction January 2013 June 2015 Inilial meeting with EAO and CEA Agency --- November 2009 First Nations engagement and public consultation March 2010 Ongoing Prepare and submit Project Description to EAO and CEA Agency March 2010 April 2010

Determine Environmental Assessment Review Requirements 1 April 2010 June 2010 Submit Draft Appl ication Information Requirements to EAO --- July 2010 Regulatory, First Nations and Public Review of Draft Application August 2010 December 2010 Information Requirements Conduct Discipline-Specific Environmental Assessment Techn ical May 2010 October 2010 Studies Prepare EAC Application September 2010 April 2011 EAC Application review: • 30-Day Screening Period April 2011 May 2011 • 180-Day Regulatory Review June 2011 December 2011 45-Day Referral to the Minister of Environment and Minister of December 2011 January 2012 • Community and Rural Development Environmental Assessment Certificate Issued --- January 2012 Permits and approvals August 2011 May 2012 Operation and Maintenance July 2015 Ongoing

Due to the long-term nature of the operational phase of the proposed Project, this Project Description does not include a description of activities associated with the dismantling or decommissioning phase of the Project.

1 If no requirement for an environmental review is determined for the proposed Project under CEAA and an exemption for the proposed Project is received under Section 10(1 )(b) of BCEAA, appli cation for permits and approvals would likely commence in June 2010. Regulatory, First Nations and Public consultation as we ll as discipline-specific technical studies are anticipated to be required in support of permit applications.

April 6, 2010 35 ~ Golder Report No. 10· 1422-0010 \ZTAssociates STAVE LAKE WATER SUPPLY PROJECT DESCRIPTION

11.0 CONCLUDING REMARKS The Abbotsford/Mission Water & Sewer Commission (AMWSC) is committed to constructing and operating the proposed Stave Lake Water Supply Project in a sustainable manner to avoid and/or mitigate potential Project­ related environmental, social or cultural effects. The AMWSC will work with public stakeholders, government agencies and First Nations to successfully develop the Project in a manner that will benefit local communities, First Nations, the environment and the Province of British Columbia.

GOLDER ASSOCIATES LTD.

ORIGINAL SIGNED ORIGINAL SIGNED

Sean Weston, B.Sc., R.P.Bio. Don Gamble, MCIP, R.P.Bio. Environmental Assessment Specialist Principal/ Environmental Planner

SWIDBG/cap

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April 6, 2010 36 Report No. 10-1422-0010 (/)'GOlder. Associates STAVE LAKE WATER SUPPLY PROJECT DESCRIPTION

12.0 REFERENCES AECOM Canada Ltd. (AECOM). 2010a. Water Master Plan. Prepared by AECOM Canada Ltd. for the City of Abbotsford and the AMWSC. April 2010.

AECOM Canada Ltd. (AECOM). 2010b. Stave Lake Water Supply Conceptual Design Final Report Prepared by AECOM Canada Ltd. for the City of Abbotsford and the AMWSC. March 2010.

BC Hydro. 2000. Bridge-Coastal Fish & Wildlife Restoration Program. Volume 2: Stave River Watershed. Available at: http://www.bchydro.com/bcrp/abouVdocs/ch07_final.pdf.

BC Hydro. 2003. Stave River Water Use Plan (Stave Falls and Ruskin Projects). December 15, 2003. Available at: http://www.llbc.leg.bc.ca/public/pubdocs/bcdocs/400454/environment30835.pdf.

BC Hydro. 2009. Stave River Project Water Use Plan Fish Biomass Assessment (Year 4). February 2009. Availabl e at: http://www.bchydro.com/etc/medial ib/i nterneVdocuments/environ menVpdf/wup _ -_ sflmon- 3_yr4. Par.0001 . File.SFLMON_3 _ Yr4Jeb_ 2009.pdf

British Columbia Transmission Corporation (BCTC). 2008. Interior to Lower Mainland (ILM) Transmission Project Environmental Assessment Certificate (EAC) Application. Prepared by Golder Associates Ltd . for BCTC. Available at: http://a100.gov.bc.ca/appsdata/epic/html/deploy/epic_projecChome_290.html. Accessed March 2010.

Bruntland, G. 1987. "Our Common Future: The World Commission on Environment and Development". Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Demarchi, DA 1996. An Introduction to the Ecoregions of British Columbia. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Wildlife Branch.

District of Mission. 2008. Official Community Plan. July 28,2008. Available at: http://www.mission.ca/AssetFactory.aspx?did=3982. Accessed March 2010.

Environment Canada. 2010. Canadian Climate Normals 1971-2000. Available at: http://climate.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/climate_normals/index_e.html. Accessed March 2010.

Environment Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service. 2007. Species at Risk Public Registry. Available at: http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/default_e.cfm. Accessed March 2010.

Fish Wizard. 2010. Fish Wizard maintained by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC . Available at http://www.fishwizard.com . Accessed March 2010.

Gowe, Bob. 2010. Transport Canada, Superintendent, Navigable Waters Protection Division. February 18, 2010 personal communication.

Green, R.N . and K. Klinka. 1994. A Field Guide to Site Identification and Interpretation for the Vancouver Forest Region. Land Management Handbook Number 28. BC Ministry of Forests, Victoria, British Columbia. 285 pp.

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on Health and the Environment. May 2008. Available: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh- semtiaICformats/hecs-sesc/pdf/pubs/water-eau/sum_guide-res_recom/summary-sommaire-eng.pdf.

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Kanipe, Hayley E. Archaeological Site Inventory and Data Administrator, Archaeology Branch, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts. January 27,2010 e-mail communication between the City of Abbotsford and the Archaeology Branch.

Meidinger, D. and Pojar, J. 1991 . Ecosystems of British Columbia. Research Branch, Ministry of Forests, Victoria, British Columbia.

Ministry of Environment (MOE). 2010. BC Conservation Data Centre: Terrestrial Information Mapping Service and associated reports [web application] Victoria, British Colum bia, Canada. Available: http://maps.gov. bc.ca/imf406/imf.jsp?site=rrid_tib_ti. Accessed March 2010.

Statistics Canada. 2010. 2006 Community Profiles. Available at: http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census- recensementi2006/dp-pd/prof/92-59 1/index.cfm?Lang=E. Accessed March 2010. l\bur1·s·filesrv2IfinaI\201 0\1422110-1422-OO10\rep 0406_10 stave lake pd final\rep 0406_' 0 stave lake pd . finaLdocx

:oi: ~. April 6, 2010 38 fiB Golder Report No. 10-1422-0010 \Z7"Associates STAVE LAKE WATER SUPPLY PROJECT DESCRIPTION

FIGURES

~ . April 6, 2010 ~Golder Report No. 10·1422·0010 'Z7Associates 2,000 2,000 LEGEND o Expressway ----- SCALE 1:100,0 00 METRES Major Road C Indian Reserve PROJECT STAVE LAKE WATER SUPPLY PROJECT o Provincai Park ~ Abbotsford C Prqject Site r~lJ\lission AMWSC Walet & Sewer Sen ' ke ~ MISSION, B.C. TtTLE KEY PLAN

REFERENCE PRO.ECTNO. l().1412.()()10 PltASENo :lOOO OCSIGN ,. 10Mar.20W SCALE AS SHOWN Ortho·imagcry obtained from Google Ea rth Pro. 2009. Transportation and ptace features obtained frCHTI ""