4902/P-3023
GRIZZLY SALES GAS PIPELINE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
APPENDIX 1: TECHNICAL DATA REPORT
Prepared for:
Westcoast Energy Inc. Carrying on business as:
Spectra Energy Transmission
Prepared by:
3990 - 22nd Avenue Prince George, BC V2N 3A1 January 2014
Westcoast Grizzly Sales Gas Pipeline Replacement Project January 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 Introduction ...... 7 1.1 Project Setting ...... 8 2.0 Physical and Biophysical Elements ...... 9 2.1 Physical and Meteorological Environment ...... 9 2.1.1 Terrain ...... 9 2.1.2 Natural Hazards ...... 9 2.1.3 Climate ...... 9 2.2 Soil and Soil Productivity ...... 10 2.2.1 Soil Characteristics ...... 10 2.2.2 Contaminated Soils ...... 11 2.2.3 Canada Land Inventory ...... 11 2.3 Surface Water Quality and Quantity ...... 11 2.3.1 Historical Water Quality Information ...... 12 2.4 Groundwater Quality and Quantity ...... 12 2.5 Acoustic Environment ...... 13 2.6 Air Quality ...... 13 2.6.1 Ambient Air Quality ...... 13 2.6.2 Greenhouse Gases ...... 13 2.7 Vegetation ...... 14 2.7.1 Ecosystems Classification ...... 14 2.7.2 Pre-Field Assessment ...... 15 2.7.3 Field Survey ...... 15 2.7.4 Results of Field Survey ...... 16 2.7.5 Non-native and Invasive Species ...... 28 2.8 Wetlands ...... 28 2.9 Fish and Fish Habitat ...... 29 2.9.1 Background Species Information ...... 29 2.9.2 Field Assessments ...... 29 2.9.3 Species of Conservation Concern ...... 31 2.10 Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat ...... 33 2.10.1 Background Wildlife Information...... 33 2.10.2 Regionally Important Wildlife Species ...... 33 2.10.3 Wildlife Habitat Assessment...... 34 2.10.4 Species and Species Sign Observations ...... 35 2.10.5 Wildlife Species at Risk ...... 37 3.0 Socio-Economic Elements ...... 49 3.1 Heritage Resources and Traditional Land Use ...... 49 3.1.1 First Nation Interests ...... 50 3.2 Human Occupancy and Resource Use ...... 51 3.2.1 Human Occupancy ...... 51 3.2.2 Development and Land Use Plans ...... 51 3.2.3 Environmentally Significant and Protected Areas ...... 52 3.2.4 Natural Resource Use ...... 52 3.3 Navigation and Navigation Safety ...... 53
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3.4 Social and Cultural Well-being ...... 53 3.4.1 Populations and Demographics ...... 53 3.5 Human Health and Aesthetics ...... 54 3.6 Infrastructure and Services ...... 54 3.6.1 Policing and Security ...... 54 3.6.2 Health and Social Services ...... 54 3.6.3 Fire Protection Services ...... 54 3.6.4 Water, Wastewater, and Solid Waste ...... 55 3.6.5 Commercial Accommodations...... 55 3.6.6 Community Recreation ...... 55 3.7 Employment and Economy ...... 55 4.0 Public Consultation ...... 56 References ...... 57
LIST OF TABLES Table 1. Average climate normals for Chetwynd, BC (1971-2000) ...... 10 Table 2. Ecosystem classifications (site series) present in the LSA ...... 17 Table 3. Red- and blue-listed ecosystems with the potential to occur in the BWBSmw zone in the Peace Forest District ...... 20 Table 4. Red- and blue-listed vascular plant species within the BWBS BEC zone in the Peace Forest District...... 22 Table 5. Red and blue-listed non-vascular plants within the BWBSmw zone in the Peace Forest District...... 27 Table 6. Red- and blue-listed fish species located in the Peace Forest District ...... 32 Table 7. Key indicator (regionally important) wildlife species in the LSA ...... 34 Table 8. Wildlife species observed in the LSA...... 36 Table 9. Red and blue-listed wildlife species occurring in the BWBS BEC zone of the Peace Forest District...... 39 Table 10. Aboriginal Communities with Traditional Territories within the Project Footprint Area ...... 50
LIST OF ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1. Ecological Communities Map Attachment 2. Archaeology Impact Assessment Attachment 3. Traditional Land Use Sites Overview Attachment 4. Photographs
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GLOSSARY
Term Definition Acoustic Environment The cumulative auditory effect of all objects within a study area. Alluvial Material Water-transported materials that typically form at the base of topographic features where there is a marked break in slope. Deposition is often fan-shaped and deposited into channels. Anthropogenic Resulting from human activity, such as activities that utilize or impact an ecosystem or resource. Aquifers A permeable body of rock that may contain or transmit groundwater. Biogeoclimatic Ecological A large geographic area having a homogenous macroclimate, resulting in similar Classification (BEC) zone structures of soil and vegetation throughout the zone. Each zone is assigned a name based on the characteristics of its macroclimate. Blue-listed Species and ecosystems that are of special concern, such as those that are species/ecosystem sensitive to disturbance or have a limited geographic range and are candidates for the red list. Bog Shrubby or treed nutrient-poor peatland with distinct communities of ericaceous shrubs and Sphagnum species adapted to highly acidic and oxygen-poor soil conditions. Bryophyte A division of the plant family containing terrestrial photosynthetic non-vascular plants. Includes mosses, liverworts, and bladderworts. Ecoprovince An area with uniform climate processes, geological history, and regional landforms, mapped for use in provincial state of the environment reporting. There are 11 ecoprovinces in BC. Each ecoprovince is made up of one or more ecoregions. Ecoregion An area with minor macroclimatic and major physiographic variations, mapped for regional strategic planning. There are 47 ecoregions in BC. Ecoregions are mapped at a larger-scale than ecosections. Ecosection An area with minor macroclimatic and physiographic variations, mapped at a smaller scale than ecoregions for resource area planning purposes. There are 139 ecosections in BC. Endangered species A wildlife species that is facing imminent extirpation or extinction. Extirpated A species that no longer exists in the wild, but does exist elsewhere; local extinction Fen Peatland where groundwater inflow maintains relatively high mineral content within the rooting zone. Fens are characterized by non-ericaceous shrubs, sedges, grasses, reeds and brown mosses. Heath Open shrubland characterized by free-draining, acidic, and nutrient poor soils. Mesic A moisture regime often pertaining to soils and climates. Mesic soils have moderate moisture levels, with moisture loss that is relatively slow compared to supply. Orthophoto An aerial image in which scale has been adjusted to account for topography, to make the scale uniform. Project footprint The effect expected to occur as a result of undergoing Project activities, which encompasses, but is not limited to both regional and local study areas. Red-listed Species and ecosystems that have or are candidates for extirpated, endangered, or species/ecosystem threatened status rankings in BC. Salinity The amount of salt contained in a material Sub-mesic A moisture regime often pertaining to soils and climates. Sub-mesic soils are moist for a moderately short period following precipitation. Water loss is relatively high compared to supply. Suspended Solids Small solid particles held in solution as a suspension or colloid, related to turbidity. Threatened Species A wildlife species that is likely to become an endangered species if nothing is done to reverse the factors leading to its extirpation or extinction.
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Term Definition Traditional Land Use A study of anthropological activities of a given area that may have occurred in the past or present. It is often associated with traditional ecological knowledge and focuses on the use of resources by Aboriginal peoples (i.e., the first or earliest known people in a particular region, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) Turbidity A water quality parameter used to describe the amount of suspended solids in aqueous solution that may limit light penetration through the fluid. Ungulate A term used to describe hoofed mammals including deer, moose, and elk. Vascular Species Any plant species that contain vascular tissues (xylem and phloem) to transport water and nutrients between roots and leaves. Wetland Area where soils are water-saturated for a sufficient length of time such that excess water and low soil oxygen levels determine vegetation and soil development. Wetlands are abundant in hydrophytes, and are classified into bogs, fens, swamps, shallow open water, and semi-aquatic marshes.
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LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS Term Definition AIA Archaeological Impact Assessment ALR Agricultural Land Reserve BCAS British Columbia Ambulance Service BC MFLNRO British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations BC MOE British Columbia Ministry of Environment BC OGC British Columbia Oil and Gas Commission BC SEE British Columbia Species and Ecosystems Explorer BEC Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification BWBS Boreal White and Black Spruce (BEC Zone) BWBSmw Boreal White and Black Spruce Moist Warm Variant CDC Conservation Data Centre (of British Columbia) CLI Canadian Land Inventory COSEWIC Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada EC Environment Canada EPP Environmental Protection Plan ESA Environmental and Social Assessment GHG Greenhouse Gas LRMP Land and Resource Management Plan LSA Local Study Area NEB National Energy Board OCP Official Community Plan OD Outside Diameter OPR Onshore Pipeline Regulations PRRD Peace River Regional District RCMP Royal Canadian Mounted Police RISC Resources Inventory Standards Committee ROW Right-of-Way RSA Regional Study Area SARA Species at Risk Act SBS Sub-Boreal Spruce (BEC Zone) VC Valued Component
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1.0 Introduction
Westcoast Energy Inc. (Westcoast), carrying on business as Spectra Energy Transmission, retained the services of Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. (Triton) to prepare an Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment (ESA) report for the proposed Westcoast Energy Grizzly Sales Gas Pipeline Replacement Project, approximately 27 km southwest of Chetwynd, BC (Project).
Approximately 1,700 m of 610 mm (24 inch) Outside Diameter (OD) sweet gas pipeline will be installed using Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD). The Project will require new permanent right- of-way (ROW) and temporary workspace to accommodate drill entry and exit points, containment for drilling mud, and laydown areas. The Project is located on Crown and private lands.
The Project is regulated by the National Energy Board (NEB) under Section 58 of the NEB Act and Section 45.1 of the Onshore Pipeline Regulations (OPR). This Technical Data Report provides information on the current environmental and socioeconomic setting for the Project and provides a backdrop against which the Project’s effects can be assessed. The baseline information prepared in this report follows the requirements listed in Section 58, Filing Manual – Guide A – Facilities Applications, Guide A.2 – Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment (NEB, 2013) (the “Filing Manual”).
The report is divided into the following sections: Section 1 – Introduction Section 2 – Physical and Biophysical Elements Section 3 – Socio-Economic Elements Section 4 – Consultation References Attachments Sections within this report include information pertaining to the following Valued Components (VCs), which are consistent with those found in the NEB Filing Manual (2013): Physical and Meteorological Environment Soils and Soil Productivity Surface Water Quality and Quantity Groundwater Quality and Quantity Acoustic Environment Air Quality Vegetation, including species at risk Wetlands Fish and Fish Habitat, including species at risk Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat, including species at risk
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Heritage Resources Human Occupancy and Resource Use Navigation and Navigation Safety Social and Cultural Well-being Human Health and Aesthetics Infrastructure and Services Employment and Economy The following information is provided in the Attachments: Figures are provided in Attachment 1. An Archaeological Impact Assessment (AIA) and Traditional Land Use (TLU) Site Overview, completed by Landsong Heritage Consulting, Ltd. (Landsong), are included in Attachments 2 and 3. Representative photos are included in Attachment 4. In accordance with the Filing Manual (NEB, 2013), spatial boundaries were determined separately for each VC (Local Study Area [LSA], which also includes the Project footprint, and Regional Study Area [RSA ]).
1.1 Project Setting The Project is located within the Pine River valley, approximately 27 km southwest of Chetwynd, BC (ESA report, Figure 1).
The Province of British Columbia (BC) has a number of classification systems and administrative boundaries that are relevant to the Project area and used throughout the baseline discussion: Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification (BEC) – Boreal White and Black Spruce (BWBS) BEC Zone. The zone covers over 10% of the province of BC, mainly within northeast BC, and contains a mixture of two main ecosystems: upland forests and muskeg (Demarchi, 2011). The Project falls within the moist warm (mw) sub-zone/variant. British Columbia Ecoregion Classification System – Sub-Boreal Interior Ecoprovince (located in north-central BC and is bordered by the Coast Mountains to the west and the Interior Plains to the east); Central Canadian Rocky Mountains Ecoregion (consists of steep, round-topped mountains and foothills that are lower than the Rocky Mountains to the north and south); and the Hart Foothills Ecosection (located on the east side of the Hart Ranges of the Rocky Mountains) (Demarchi, 2011). Regional District – Peace River Regional District (PRRD) Forest District – Peace Forest District Watershed Group – Pine River
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2.0 Physical and Biophysical Elements
2.1 Physical and Meteorological Environment The extent of the study area boundary selected for the Physical Environment component includes the Project footprint. A LSA of 500 m surrounding the Project has been set in order to include any potential for slope/terrain instability associated with the Project (e.g., from excavation activities). An RSA of 5 km is considered sufficient for assessing the potential effects of the Project on the Physical Environment.
2.1.1 Terrain The RSA falls within the eastern system of the Canadian Cordillera Physiographic Region, which is located mostly in BC and the Yukon and includes plateaus, valleys, plains, and mountains. The mountains of the eastern zone consist of sedimentary rocks that have been tilted, faulted, and folded (Church and Ryder, 2010).
The Project is located within the Hart Foothills ecosection, which contains low rounded mountains and wide valley areas on the east side of the Hart Ranges of the Rocky Mountains. The eastern boundary of the ecosection is dissected by eastward flowing rivers (Moberly, Pine, Sukunka, Wolverine, and Murray), which eventually drain into the Peace River. The area has a subdued topography due to lessened elevation and relief, different bedrocks and structure, and reduced glaciation (Demarchi, 2011).
Surficial material is composed of till blanket or alluvial deposits (Fulton, 1995). Medium to fine textured glacial till dominates valley bottoms. Glacial meltwaters flowing east out of the Rocky Mountains deposited coarser textured glaciofluvial deposits in some lower slope and valley bottoms. Localized, medium, and coarse textured colluvial and fluvial deposits also occur throughout the valleys (DeLong et al., 2011).
2.1.2 Natural Hazards The Project is located in an area with isolated patches of permafrost (NRC, 2009a) and low seismic hazard (NRC, 2009b). An online search of Natural Resource Canada maps found no instances of landslides causing fatalities, no major floods, and no major forest fires within the LSA or RSA (NRC, 2009c, d, e).
2.1.3 Climate The average monthly temperatures in Chetwynd, BC (location of the closest Environment Canada meteorological station to the Project) are below 0°C for four months of the year and above 10°C for only four months of the year (EC, 2013a). This is typical of the Boreal White and Black Spruce (BWBS) Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification (BEC) zone, which tends to have long, very cold winters with short growing seasons (DeLong et al., 2011).
Annual rainfall in the region is 318 mm and annual snowfall is 178 cm (Table 1) (EC, 2013a). Most precipitation falls in the summer as a result of moist Pacific air flowing across the Rocky
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Mountains; as temperatures rise, convective showers and thunderstorms are generated (DeLong et al., 2011). Rain typically occurs in the summer and early fall (EC, 2013a). The wind most frequently originates from the southwest, with average speeds ranging from 7.2 to 9.0 km/hr.
Table 1. Average climate normals for Chetwynd, BC (1971-2000)
Temperature Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Daily Average (°C) -10.7 -7.6 -2.4 4.7 9.6 13.2 15.3 14.5 10 3.9 -5.9 -9.4 3.0 Standard Deviation 4.9 4.2 3.8 1.1 1.7 1 0.9 1.1 1.9 1.8 3.9 5.4 3.0 (°C) Daily Maximum -5.4 -1.7 3.4 11.4 16.7 20 22.2 21.6 16.5 9.2 -1.3 -4.4 9.0 (°C) Daily -15.9 -13.5 -8.2 -2.0 2.5 6.5 8.4 7.4 3.5 -1.3 -10.4 -14.3 -3.1 Minimum
Precipitation Rainfall (mm) 0.9 0.6 1.3 10.3 33 76.1 79.3 53.9 42.1 16.1 3.5 1.3 318.4 Snowfall (cm) 27.7 22 25.4 9.1 4.4 0 0 0 2.4 19.2 33.9 25.6 169.6 Precipitation (mm) 21.6 16 19.5 18.7 37.2 76.1 79.3 53.9 44.4 30.7 29.6 20.5 447.5 Wind Speed (km/h) 8.5 7.9 8.6 9.2 9.0 8.2 7.8 7.2 7.7 8.6 7.4 8.6 8.2 Most Frequent Direction SW SW SW SW SW SW SW W SW SW SW SW SW Chetwynd Climate Data obtained from EC climate normals data (EC, 2013a)
2.2 Soil and Soil Productivity The LSA and RSA for assessing the potential effects of the Project on soils are the same as those used for the Physical and Meteorological Environment VC.
2.2.1 Soil Characteristics Soils in the Project and surrounding areas consist of Eutric Brunisols, which occur in broad valleys within the BWBS BEC zone. Eutric Brunisols often contain extensive deposits of fluvioglacial material and occur on calcareous coarse textured parent materials, especially on well-drained fluvioglacial and colluvial deposits (Young and Alley, 1978).
Soil surveys were conducted in July 2013. Soils within the pipeline ROW are classified as Moberly (gray wooded loams and clay loams) and Alluvial (undifferentiated river flat and terrain deposits). Surface and subsurface soils were moist at the time of assessment, and saturated soils were found in a wetland area adjacent to the west bank of the Pine River.
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2.2.2 Contaminated Soils The Project does not fall within any contaminated sites listed on the Federal Contaminated Sites Inventory (TBCS, 2013). Federal contaminated sites in the area are located at Environment Canada hydrometric stations (e.g., Pine River at East Pine) or in aboriginal communities (e.g., West Moberly First Nations).
The potential for spills due to construction-related activities (e.g., hydrocarbons or coolants from construction equipment) will be addressed via spill control and response procedures detailed in Westcoast’s Environmental Manual for Construction Projects (2010) and the Environmental Protection Plan (EPP).
2.2.3 Canada Land Inventory Land capability for agriculture in the LSA has been classified as 5C, which indicates severe limitations that restrict production to perennial forage or other specially adapted crops due to thermal limitations to plant growth (minimum temperature near freezing during winter season and/or insufficient heat units during the growing season). In the area to the southwest of the Project location (closer to the mountains), stoniness and a steep topography significantly hinder the agricultural potential of the area (CLI, 1998).
The Project falls within designated Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) lands (Data BC, 2013).
2.3 Surface Water Quality and Quantity In order to capture the potential release and downstream travel of sediment or other deleterious substances, an LSA of 200 m upstream and 400 m downstream from the Project footprint was established. The RSA for surface water quality and quantity is 10 km on either side of the Project.
A desktop review of available water quality and quantity information for the LSA and RSA was conducted using available online government websites, existing reports, and applications for other pipelines within the RSA. During the field survey in July 2013, watercourses known to be in close proximity to the Project footprint were assessed for the presence or absence of water and channel characteristics (results are detailed in section 2.9.2).
The Project crosses the Pine River, which is an 8th order tributary to the Peace River. The Pine River originates in the Rocky Mountains and crosses three physiographic regions (Rocky Mountains, Rocky Mountain foothills, and the Alberta Plateau plains) while flowing eastward past Chetwynd to East Pine before eventually meeting the Peace River at Taylor, BC. The Pine River is a fast flowing, gravel-bottomed meandering river with numerous backwaters, oxbows, floodplains, and wetlands.
The Pine River has several small and larger tributaries throughout the Pine River valley. Ivorline Creek (approximately 600 m upstream of the crossing), is a second order tributary which enters the Pine River from the south bank. An unnamed second order tributary to the Pine River (WSC: 234-617800) is located in the northwest portion of the LSA. This tributary originates north of the highway, and is composed of a frequently dry (seasonally wetted), armoured channel. Other
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Hydrometric data for the Pine River (at East Pine) is available from 1961 to the present. An historic station on the Pine River (above Mountain Creek) has three years of data available between 1985 and 1989. In general, the data from both stations show that maximum discharge levels in the Pine River typically occur between May and July, after which flows steadily decrease throughout the fall and winter, when flows are at their lowest (WSC, 2013).
The Project is located in the Pine River watershed group. There are no existing water licences within the LSA (BC OGC, 2013). Existing points of diversion within the RSA are located on Johnsen and Hasler creeks, tributaries located downstream of the Project (BC OGC, 2013). The largest licence is issued to Westcoast Energy (approximately 290,000 m3/year).
The Project does not fall within any designated community watersheds (BC MFLNRO, 2013a) or near any Canadian Heritage Rivers (Parks Canada, 2013); however, the Pine River is the primary source of drinking water for the community of Chetwynd, BC.
2.3.1 Historical Water Quality Information Historical water quality information is available for the Pine River, downstream of the community of Chetwynd, BC. Previous water quality reports for the Pine River indicate that water quality objectives were met consistently for the majority of parameters tested (e.g., fecal coliforms, nitrates, suspended solids, etc.) (BC MOE, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991; BC MELP, 1993). However, in 1990 a pipeline rupture resulted in the spill of approximately 950,000 L of sour crude oil in the Pine River, approximately 100 km upstream of Chetwynd. Approximately half of the crude oil was dispersed into the river, while the other half was spilled onto land, contaminating sediments and groundwater. The spill resulted in mortality to fish, insects, and wildlife, and the domestic water supply to Chetwynd and many groundwater wells in the area were temporarily discontinued. The majority of the product was removed from the environment and most of contaminants in the river returned quickly to background or non-detectable levels. However, contaminated suspended sediments were expected to be present in the upper and lower Pine River during high flow periods for up to 10 years post-spill, or even longer under anoxic conditions (AMEC, 2002).
2.4 Groundwater Quality and Quantity The LSA and RSA boundaries are located 500 m and 5 km, respectively, from the Project footprint (as for Physical and Meteorological Environment and Soils and Soil Productivity).
There are five groundwater wells located approximately 3 km east of the Project in the Hasler Flats area, and two located along Highway 97 northwest of the Project (Data BC, 2013). In total, 10 wells are documented in the RSA, for either domestic or industrial/commercial uses (BC MOE, 2013a). Depths vary from 5 m to 360 m. Due to the calcareous nature of the sediments,
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2.5 Acoustic Environment In the absence of federal or provincial regulations, the British Columbia Oil and Gas Commission’s (BC OGC) Noise Control Best Practices Guideline (the Guideline) was adopted in 2009. The Guideline, which applies to operations approved under the Oil and Gas Activities Act, states that dwellings located within 1.5 km of a facility boundary are potentially affected by nuisance noise (BC OGC, 2009). Although the Project falls under the jurisdiction of the NEB, the Guideline was used to establish the LSA for this assessment. The RSA for the acoustic environment VC is 5 km.
The closest residences are located in the Hasler Flats area, approximately 3 km east of the Project. Furthermore, noise from the Project is likely to be construction-related (e.g., drilling and use of heavy equipment) and temporary in nature. Noise generated during the operational phases is expected to be undetectable.
Noise-related concerns have not been mentioned during consultation activities. Potential effects of construction-related nuisance noise on wildlife and domestic animals will be addressed in the Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat Assessment section of the ESA.
2.6 Air Quality
2.6.1 Ambient Air Quality Primary sources of air emissions associated with the Project will be from fuel combustion of transport vehicles and construction equipment, and particulate matter (road dust during transportation to and from the Project site, and from soil excavation during the construction phase). This may result in temporary and small increases in sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter. However, the Project is not expected to result in an increase of combustion emissions above the normal range for the local area. The generation of road dust is also not expected to increase dust levels beyond the normal range for the area, given the proximity to Highway 97 as well as gravel-surfaced industrial roads. Therefore, in accordance with the NEB Filing Manual, detailed analysis is not required (NEB, 2013).
2.6.2 Greenhouse Gases As the Project involves the replacement of a small section of pipeline, the primary source of GHG emissions will be from fuel combustion associated with transport vehicles and construction equipment, as well as venting of the existing pipeline prior to completing tie-ins. An increase in GHG emissions is not anticipated from the construction or operational phases of the Project, and no concerns regarding GHG emissions have been raised during public or First Nations’ consultation. In accordance with the NEB Filing Manual, further analysis is not warranted (NEB, 2013).
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2.7 Vegetation The LSA boundaries for the vegetation component are based on areas of potential disturbance and include: Project footprint disturbance – a quantitative assessment based on the amount of each type of available habitat that was directly associated with clearing the Project footprint; Disturbance to habitats of species at risk (Sub-footprint) – a field assessment of rare plants and communities was conducted in July 2013; and, Disturbance of ecologically sensitive areas (Sub-footprint) – some habitats (e.g., water bodies and wetlands) receive concentrated seasonal use, or contain primary habitats or critical features (e.g., seasonal foraging opportunities), and may be particularly sensitive to disturbance. Collection of baseline vegetation data focused on the area directly disturbed by the Project footprint in addition to a minimum of 30 m on either side of the footprint (the LSA). The RSA is a 1 km buffer of the Project area.
2.7.1 Ecosystems Classification The Project site is located within the Central Canadian Rocky Mountains ecoregion, which has a summer mean temperature of 12°C and a winter mean temperature of -10°C. Mean annual precipitation ranges from 500 to 700 mm. Forest cover at low elevations consists predominantly of mixed species with lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia), trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides), and white (Picea glauca) and black spruce (Picea mariana) (Ecological Stratification Working Group, 1995). The Hart Foothills ecosection is drier than adjoining ecosections, as it is located in a rainshadow of easterly flowing Pacific air, and cold Arctic air often stalls along the eastern margin or in the valleys (Demarchi, 2011).
BEC zones are based on local climate, soil, and vegetation data (Meidinger and Pojar, 1991). The moist warm subzone of the boreal white and black spruce (BWBSmw) BEC zone contains a mix of upland forests and muskeg ecosystems. The BWBSmw has 1,202 growing degree days (greater than 5°C) with 94 frost-free days (DeLong et al., 2011). Elevation ranges from 600 m to 1,050 m in the south and 350 m to 1,100 m in the north (DeLong et al., 1991).
BWBSmw upland sites are dominated by trembling aspen with wetter sites dominated by white spruce and balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) (DeLong et al., 2011). Black spruce dominates the lowland sites on poorer soils usually with a thick organic layer. Tamarack (Larix larcina) has been documented in some of the wetlands. Soil material is primarily old marine deposits reworked by glacial action which has formed layers of fine-textured soils that are generally free of coarse fragments (DeLong et al., 2011).
A number of forest pathogens occur in spruce forests of the Peace Forest District. Tomentosus root rot, caused by Inonotus tomentosus, and spruce beetle (Dendroctonus rufipennis) are important agents of spruce mortality in boreal and sub-boreal forests in British Columbia, and both have been confirmed in the Chetwynd area (Lewis and Lindgren, 2002). Symptoms of tomentosus root rot include reduced growth height, stunted upper branches, and thin crowns (Hunt and Unger, 1994).
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Infection may cause conversion from spruce dominated stands to aspen dominated stands over the course of 20 to 40 years (DeLong et al., 2011). Spruce beetle preferentially attack recently windthrown or severely stressed trees, but will attack healthy, live trees when populations are high (BC MFLNRO, 2013b). Evidence indicates that incidences of tomentosus root disease help to maintain endemic levels of spruce beetle (Lewis and Lindgren, 2002).
2.7.2 Pre-Field Assessment Ecosystems and species of concern were identified using the British Columbia Species and Ecosystems Explorer (BC SEE) web utility (BC CDC, 2013). The search was limited based on spatial distribution (Peace Forest District, BWBS BEC zone) and conservation status (e.g., red- and blue-listed, SARA- and COSEWIC-listed). Species and ecological communities that were identified in the desktop search were the primary focus of the field survey.
2.7.3 Field Survey A field survey was completed to: Identify and describe the ecosystems present within and immediately adjacent to the Project footprint; Confirm the presence of any ecosystems at risk and identify any unique or sensitive ecosystems; Determine the potential for ecosystems to sustain flora or fauna species of management concern; and, Provide photo documentation of representative and unique or important features.
A crew of two biologists completed a field survey in July 2013. Due to the presence of numerous wet or densely vegetated areas, it was not possible for crews to walk in defined lanes or transects; therefore, the LSA was assessed to the extent feasible. All features of significance were geo-referenced and photographed. Crews also completed a running list of identified plant species including weeds. Crew members were aware of preferred habitat types for rare and endangered plant species and plant inventory effort was focused in these areas.
Terrestrial ecosystems were classified to the site series level using criteria from DeLong et al. (2011). Other standards used to classify and delineate ecosystems include Vegetation Resources Inventory Photo Interpretation Procedures (RISC, 2009) and Field Manual for Describing Terrestrial Ecosystems, 2nd Edition (BC MOFR and BC MOE, 2010).
Westcoast’s existing ROW and the large cultivated pasture along the east boundary of the Project Area were not classified to the site series level as they are previously disturbed and maintained in an early seral state. Classification of these areas was based on the classes established in the Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification of Non-forested Ecosystems of British Columbia manual (Mackenzie, 2012).
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As changes to the proposed Project footprint occurred during the design process, the west layout area was not assessed during field surveys in July 2013. The area is largely located on cleared agricultural land, although some small forested sections are present. Polygons have been identified using available orthophotos (RISC, 2009); however, it will be necessary to conduct field surveys prior to construction activities to confirm the identities of ecological communities and search for rare plants.
2.7.4 Results of Field Survey The LSA was delineated into 28 polygons, composed of 12 distinct ecological communities (Table 2; Attachment 1, Ecological Communities Map). Non-forested ecosystems that are heavily influenced by anthropogenic activities (e.g., farming, existing pipeline ROW) comprise approximately 50% of the LSA. Ecosystems characteristic of floodplain and low bench areas (BWBSmw/111$6B.1, 111, 101$6B.1, 111$6B.2, 110$6B.1, Fm02, Fl03, and Fa) are the most prevalent forested ecosystems, making up approximately 45% of the LSA (Attachment 4, Photos 1 to 6). Floodplain ecosystems are highly productive in the BWBS, as sub-irrigation by river groundwater systems warms the normally cold soils and provides abundant nutrients and moisture (DeLong et al., 2011). Wetlands (BWBSmw/Ww, Wm02, and Wf01) represent approximately 5% of the LSA (Attachment 4, Photos 7 to 9).
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Table 2. Ecosystem classifications (site series) present in the LSA Area Label Common Name Scientific Name Description (ha) Relatively small, common, and restricted to wet sites, occurring on floodplains of small watercourses; the canopy is composed of white spruce with an undergrowth consisting of prickly rose, BWBSmw/ White spruce - Picea glauca – Ribes high-bush cranberry, red swamp current, 19.8 111* Currant - Horsetail triste – Equisetum spp. and black twinberry; groundcover is moderately well-developed to dense, including horsetails, twinflower, trailing raspberry, and bunchberry (DeLong et al., 2011). Small and generally restricted to moist or Balsam poplar - Populus balsamifera – very moist sites which often occur near BWBS/mw/ Dogwood - Cornus stolonifera – watercourses (DeLong et al., 2011); 18.9 111$6B.1 Highbush-cranberry Viburnum edule trembling aspen dominant component of canopy Trembling aspen - Populus tremuloides- Small and generally restricted to wet BWBS/mw/ Cow-parsnip- Heracleum maximum – sites, which often occur along 5.2 111$6B.2 Meadowrue Thalictrum occidentale watercourses (DeLong et al., 2011). Uncommon, small, and generally restricted to areas of past cultural disturbance; canopy is open or sparse and usually dominated by trembling Populus tremuloides – Trembling aspen – aspen; understory is moderately BWBSmw/ Viburnum edule – Highbush-cranberry - developed to dense and includes 0.4 110$6B.1 Gymnocarpium Oak fern highbush-cranberry, red swamp current, dryopteris mountain alder; groundcover consists of oak fern and wood horsetail; moss layer is sparsely developed (DeLong et al., 2011). Very common and tends to dominate upland areas within the BWBSmw; generally occur on gentle to moderate slopes with fine to medium textured Trembling aspen - Populus tremuloides – BWBSmw/ soils; forest canopy is dominated by Rose - Creamy Rosa acicularis – 20.8 101$6B.1 trembling aspen; undergrowth is usually peavine Lathyrus ochroleucus well developed or dense, including prickly rose and high-bush cranberry; moss layer is predominantly composed of step moss (DeLong et al., 2011). Typically restricted to middle-bench floodplains; mixed canopy composed of Balsam poplar – Populus balsamifera – balsam poplar and white spruce; well- BWBSmw/ White spruce - Picea glauca – Alnus developed undergrowth dominated by 3.6 Fm02(112)* Mountain alder – incana – Cornus prickly rose, red-osier dogwood, Red-osier dogwood stolonifera highbush-cranberry, and mountain alder; herb layer dominated by horsetails (DeLong et al., 2011).
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Area Label Common Name Scientific Name Description (ha) Vegetated sandbar/flooded area; low elevation flood ecosystem that occurs in Pacific willow - Red- Salix lucida – Cornus areas adjacent to large rivers and BWBSmw/ osier dogwood - stolonifera – Equisetum experiences prolonged spring flooding, 18.0 Fl03 Horsetail spp. but in locations that are protected from erosive currents; often adjacent to balsam poplar floodplains (DeLong et al., 2011). Small marsh ecosystem located in lower level depressions near an outside meander bend of the Pine River; plant BWBSmw/ Swamp horsetail - Equisetum fluviatile – diversity is typically low; sites are 0.3 Wm02 Beaked sedge Carex utriculata usually dominated by swamp horsetails, although beaked sedge may co-dominate (DeLong et al., 2011). Fen association that is annually inundated by shallow, low energy flood BWBSmw/ Water sedge - Beaked Carex aquatilis – Carex waters; species diversity is typically low; 4.1 Wf01 sedge utriculata sedge cover is continuous with scattered forbs and mosses in the understorey (MacKenzie and Moran, 2004). Gravel bars present on inside meanders of the Pine River; seasonally inundated Fa Active Channel N/A for prolonged periods, which prevents 3.2 the establishment of coniferous species (MacKenzie, 2012). Agricultural pasture area; intense ongoing human or domestic animal Anthropogenic Xa N/A activities result in ecosystems that 100.0 Disclimax contrast with adjacent site associations (MacKenzie, 2012). Aquatic wetland dominated by rooted, submerged, and floating aquatic plants; Ww Shallow-Water N/A associated with permanently still or 4.9 slow-moving water (DeLong et al., 2011). * Indicates blue-listed ecosystem (see following section)
2.7.4.1 Rare and Endangered Ecosystems One red-listed ecosystem and 11 blue-listed ecosystems are found within the BWBSmw subzone of the Peace Forest District (BC CDC, 2013); the majority are found within wetland areas (e.g., bogs and fens) (Table 3).
Field surveys conducted in July 2013 confirmed the presence of two blue-listed plant communities: white spruce/red swamp current/horsetails (BWBSmw/111, 12.6% of the LSA), and balsam poplar – white spruce/mountain alder – red-osier dogwood (BWBSmw/Fm02, 4.14% of the LSA) (Attachment 4, Photo 5).
The BWBSmw/111 occurs in relatively small areas and is restricted to wet sites, but is noted to be relatively common in distribution. The unit has high productivity and provides suitable habitat for
Appendix 1: Technical Data Report Page 18 Prepared by Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. Westcoast Grizzly Sales Gas Pipeline Replacement Project January 2014 a variety of wildlife. High water tables and deep humus layers can impede regeneration of this unit. Given that the site unit can be restored over the long term and is relatively common in small patches across the landscape, disturbance to this unit is not expected to result in a significant reduction of its availability or distribution on the local landscape.
Similarly, the Fm02 site association is the most common middle-bench unit of lower elevations across several BEC zones. Since it commonly occurs along large rivers, erosion and flooding of the sites can be a concern following disturbance. The units are productive and also provide high-value wildlife habitat. Given the widespread occurrence of the unit, a significant reduction in the local availability of this site series as a result of Project activities is not expected.
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Table 3. Red- and blue-listed ecosystems with the potential to occur in the BWBSmw zone in the Peace Forest District Provincial BC Potential to Common Name Scientific Name Ecosystem Group(s) Status List Occur in LSA
Scrub birch/ water sedge Betula nana/Carex aquatilis S3 Blue Wetland-Peatland: Wetland Fen (Wf) Moderate Juncus arcticus - Puccinellia Arctic rush - Nuttall's Terrestrial - Hydrogenic: Spring-seepage nuttalliana - Suaeda S1 Blue Low alkaligrass - seablite (Hs) calceoliformis Tamarack/water sedge/ Larix laricina/Carex aquatilis/ S3 Blue Wetland-Peatland: Wetland Bog (Wb) Moderate golden fuzzy fen moss Tomentypnum nitens Tamarack/buckbean – Larix laricina/Menyanthes S3 Blue Wetland-Peatland: Wetland Fen (Wf); Low shore sedge trifoliata – Carex limosa Muhlenbergia richardsonis - Mat muhly - arctic rush - Terrestrial - Hydrogenic: Spring-seepage Juncus arcticus - Poa secunda ssp. S1 Red Low Nevada bluegrass (Hs) juncifolia White spruce/oak fern - Picea glauca / Gymnocarpium S3 Blue Terrestrial - Forest: Coniferous - mesic Moderate wild sarsaparilla dryopteris - Aralia nudicaulis White spruce - black Picea glauca - Picea mariana / spruce/Labrador tea/glow Rhododendron groenlandicum / S3 Blue Wetland - Mineral: Wetland Swamp (Ws) Low moss Aulacomnium palustre Terrestrial-Flood: Flood (Highbench) Confirmed White spruce/red swamp Picea glauca/Ribes triste/ S2S3 Blue Terrestrial-Forest: Coniferous- presence in the current/horsetails Equisetum spp. moist/wet LSA Black spruce/common Picea mariana/Equisetum S3S4 Blue Wetland-Peatland: Wetland Bog (Wb) Low horsetails/peat mosses arvense/ Sphagnum spp. Black spruce/ Picea mariana/Vaccinium vitis- S3 Blue Wetland-Peatland: Wetland Bog (Wb) Low lingonberry/peat mosses idaea/ Sphagnum spp. Balsam poplar – white Populus balsamifera – Picea Terrestrial-Flood: Flood Midbench Confirmed spruce/mountain alder – glauca/Alnus incana – Cornus S3 Blue (Fm) presence in the red-osier dogwood stolonifera Terrestrial-Forest: Broadleaf-moist/wet LSA
Common cattail marsh Typha latifolia marsh S3 Blue Wetland - Mineral: Wetland Marsh (Wm) Moderate
S1 = critically imperiled; S2 = imperiled; S3 = special concern, vulnerable to extirpation or extinction; S4, Red-listed = candidates for extirpated, endangered, or threatened status rankings; Blue-listed = species of special concern.
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2.7.4.2 Rare and Endangered Plant Species A query of the British Columbia Species and Ecosystem Explorer (BC SEE) web utility indicated that 22 red-listed and 59 blue-listed vascular plant species are known or have the potential to occur within the BWBS BEC zone in the Peace Forest District (BC CDC, 2013) (Table 4). COSEWIC and SARA-listed species are not known to have a potential to occur. Probability of occurrence at the Project site was based on known habitat affinities and documented presence near the LSA. Six blue-listed non-vascular/bryophyte plant species also have the potential to occur in the LSA and RSA (BC CDC, 2013) (Table 5). Although none were observed during the field survey in July 2013, as the sampling was not exhaustive, the potential remains for plant species at risk to occur at the Project site. However, it is unlikely that there are widespread occurrences of rare plant species within the LSA.
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Table 4. Red- and blue-listed vascular plant species within the BWBS BEC zone in the Peace Forest District Potential Provincial BC Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Comments to Occur Status List in LSA Alpine meadow- Moist meadows in the subalpine zone; known only from Beatton Alopecurus magellanicus S1S3 Red Low foxtail River to Pink Mountain; rare in northern BC (BC CDC, 2013). Moist meadows, thickets, and forest openings in the montane zone; rare in BC south of 56°N and east of the Coast-Cascade Canada anemone Anemone canadensis S2S3 Blue Mountains (Douglas et al., 2002); 3 confirmed cases in the Pine Moderate Valley area, including near Big Boulder Creek, growing in a wet roadside ditch (BC CDC, 2013). Moist and mesic gravel bars, streambanks, and forests in the Anemone virginiana var. steppe and montane zones (Douglas et al., 2002); recorded Riverbank anemone S3 Blue Moderate cylindroidea locations near Fort St. John and in the Peace River valley (Klinkenberg, 2013a). Wet to mesic meadows and forest openings in the montane and Arnica chamissonis ssp. subalpine zones; incana subspecies rare in BC; closest recorded Meadow arnica S2S3 Blue Low incana location is approximately 15 km from the Project (BC CDC, 2013). Open woods and river flats; open, rocky or gravelly alpine Herriot’s slopes or in heathlands (Kershaw et al., 2001); recorded in mugwort/white Artemisia herriotii S2 Red Low abundant amounts in Kiskatinaw Provincial Park (Klinkenberg, sagebrush 2013a). Known only from the Peace River region; grows in harsh, dry, Atriplex gardneri var. Gardner’s sagebrush S2 Red often saline, clay, silt, and sandy soils (Pearson and Healey, Low gardneri 2012). Mesic to dry forest openings, grassy slopes, and meadows in the Spike-oat Avenula hookeri S2S3 Blue montane and subalpine zones; confirmed locations along the Low Peace River (Douglas et al., 2002). Mesic to dry grasslands, gravelly river banks, and disturbed Stretching suncress Boechera sparsiflora S2 Red areas in the steppe and lower montane zones (Douglas et al., Low 2002). Marshy meadows and springy places in the montane zone; rare Dainty moonwort Botrychium crenulatum S2S3 Blue Low in northeast BC (Douglas et al., 2002). Moist to wet vernal pools and ephemeral seepages in the Botrychium simplex var. Least moonwort S2S3 Blue lowland and montane zones (Douglas et al., 2002); one recorded High compositum occurrence at Hasler Creek (BC CDC, 2013).
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Potential Provincial BC Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Comments to Occur Status List in LSA Dry to mesic sand dunes, old fields, and grassy railroad sidings Spoon-shaped in the montane zone (Douglas et al., 2002); closest recorded Botrychium spathulatum S1 Red Low moonwort location south of Tumbler Ridge, adjacent to the Murray River (BC CDC, 2013). Calamagrostis Dry slopes and open forests in the steppe and montane zones Plains reedgrass S3 Blue Low montanensis (Douglas et al., 2002); Moist to wet meadows and shorelines in the montane to alpine Two-coloured sedge Carex bicolor S2S3 Blue zones (Douglas et al., 2002); known locations in Fort St. John Low and Dawson Creek areas (BC CDC, 2013). Carex rupestris ssp. Dry, rocky slopes, scree slopes and meadows in the alpine zone; Curly sedge S2S3 Blue Low rupestris rare in northern BC (Douglas et al., 2002). Moist to wet ditches, lakeshores, marshes, and meadows in the Pointed broom sedge Carex scoparia S2S3 Blue lowland and montane zones (Douglas et al., 2002); recorded Low locations in the Sukunka River valley (BC CDC, 2013). Mesic to dry meadows, shorelines and open forests in the Tender sedge Carex tenera S2S3 Blue Low montane zone (Douglas et al., 2002). Mesic to moist meadows and shrublands in the montane zone; Torrey’s sedge Carex torreyi S2S3 Blue Low rare in northeast BC (Douglas et al., 2002). Dry slopes and open forests in the steppe and montane zones; Dry-land sedge Carex xerantica S3 Red Low rare in northeast BC (Douglas et al., 2002). Wet to dry meadows, grassy slopes, fens, shrub-carrs, tidal Castilleja miniata var. marshes, clearings, roadsides, thickets, and open forests from Tawny paintbrush SH Red Low fulva the lowland to subalpine zones; infrequent north of 57°N (Douglas et al., 2002). Only one recorded location in BC (in the Peace River valley, Gaping goosefoot Chenopodium hians S2 Red Low near the mouth of Alces River) (BC CDC, 2013). Iowa golden- Wet to moist streambanks and marshy ground in the montane Chrysosplenium iowense S1 Red Low saxifrage zone; rare in northeast BC (Douglas et al., 2002). Mesic to dry roadsides, meadows, and forest openings in the Drummond’s thistle Cirsium drummondii S2 Red steppe and lower montane zones; recorded locations in the Low Dawson Creek and Peace River areas (Douglas et al., 2002). Mesic to dry meadows and cliffs in the montane, subalpine, and Gray-leaved draba Draba cinerea S2S3 Blue Low alpine zones; rare in BC above 53°N (Douglas et al., 2002).
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Potential Provincial BC Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Comments to Occur Status List in LSA Mesic to dry meadows and cliffs in the subalpine and alpine Milky draba Draba lactea S2S3 Blue Low zones; rare in northern BC (Douglas et al., 2002). Northern bog Bogs, wet meadows, and moist forests in the montane zone; rare Galium labradoricum S3 Blue Low bedstraw in northeast BC (Douglas et al., 2002). Streamsides, marshes, lakeshores, and ponds in the montane Slender mannagrass Glyceria pulchella S2S3 Blue zone; rare in BC east of the Coast-Cascade Mountains (Douglas Low et al., 2002). Gymnocarpium jessoense Moist cool shale or limestone slopes in the montane and Nahanni oak fern S3 Blue Low ssp. parvulum subalpine zones; rare in northern BC (Douglas et al., 2002). Helianthus nuttallii ssp. One recorded location in northeast BC near Hudson’s Hope in Nuttall’s sunflower S2 Red Low rydbergii the montane zone (BC CDC, 2013). Dry to mesic grassy slopes and open forests in the steppe and Porcupinegrass Hesperostipa spartea S2 Red Low montane zone (Douglas et al., 2002). Juncus arcticus ssp. Tidal flats and lakeshores in the lowland montane zones; rare in Arctic rush S2S3 Blue Low alaskanus northeast BC (Douglas et al., 2002). Fennel-leaved desert- Lomatium foeniculaceum Dry grassy slopes in the montane zone; rare in northeast BC S1 Red Low parsley var. foeniculaceum (Douglas et al., 2002). Dry to moist rocky cliffs and slopes in the alpine zone (Douglas Northern wood-rush Luzula confusa S2S3 Blue Low et al., 2002). Moist meadows, shrubby slopes, and snowbed sites in the Arctic wood-rush Luzula nivalis S2S3 Blue subalpine and alpine zones; rare in northern BC (Douglas et al., Low 2002). Dry to mesic open forests and forest margins, gravel bars, Rusty wood-rush Luzula rufescens S2S3 Blue riverbanks, and wetland edges in the montane zone; rare in Low northeast BC (Douglas et al., 2002). Dry to mesic sandy, gravelly or rock sites, river bars, terraces, rock outcrops, grassy slopes, meadows, clearings, roadsides, Oxytropis campestris alpine tundra and heath, and open forests in the steppe, montane, Davis’ locoweed S3 Blue Moderate var. davisii subalpine, and alpine zones (Douglas et al., 2002); recorded location in the Pine River valley, east of Chetwynd (BC CDC, 2013). Dry to moist, sandy, or rocky grasslands; rare in northeast BC Slender penstemon Penstemon gracilis S2 Red Low (Douglas et al., 2002).
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Potential Provincial BC Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Comments to Occur Status List in LSA Sphagnum bogs and ponds in the lowland and montane zones; Hairy butterwort Pinguicula villosa S2S3 Blue Low rare in northeast BC (Douglas et al., 2002).
Canada ryegrass Piptatherum canadense SH Red Dry slopes, grasslands, and open forests (BC CDC, 2013). Low Mesic to dry meadows, tundra, scree slopes, and rock outcrops Northern Jacob’s Polemonium boreale S2S3 Blue in the montane to alpine zones; rare east of Coast-Cascade Low ladder Mountains and north of 52°N (Douglas et al., 2002). Moist to mesic grassy slopes in the montane zone; rare in Seneca-snakeroot Polygala senega SH Red Low northeast BC (Douglas et al., 2002). Dry to mesic rocks in the montane zone; rare in northeast BC Siberian polypody Polypodium sibiricum SH Red Low (Douglas et al., 2002). Purple rattlesnake- Dry grassy slopes in the montane zone; rare in northeast BC Prenanthes racemosa SH Red Low root (Douglas et al., 2002). Dry to moist forests in the montane zone (Douglas et al., 2002); White wintergreen Pyrola elliptica S2S3 Blue recorded locations in the Dawson Creek and Fort St. John area Low (Klinkenberg, 2013a). Heart-leaved Ranunculus Moist to mesic grasslands, meadows, and forest openings; rare S1 Red Low buttercup cardiophyllus in BC (Klinkenberg, 2013a). Moist meadows in the montane to alpine zone; rare in BC east Ranunculus pedatifidus of the Coast-Cascade Mountains (Douglas et al., 2002); Birdfoot buttercup S2S3 Blue Low ssp. affinis recorded locations near Mackenzie, BC and Bullmoose Mountain (BC CDC, 2013). Dry grasslands, thickets, and open forests in the montane zone; Prairie buttercup Ranunculus rhomboideus S1 Red rare in northeast BC (Douglas et al., 2002); recorded occurrence Low near Dawson Creek in a grazed meadow (BC CDC, 2013). Dry grassy slopes, cutbanks, thickets, and open forests in the Rosa arkansana var. Arkansas rose S2S3 Blue montane zone (Douglas et al., 2002); recorded presence near Low arkansana Williston Lake and along the Peace River (BC CDC, 2013). Moist to wet meadows, streambanks and forest openings from Arctic dock Rumex arcticus S3 Blue the montane to alpine zones; generally rare in northern BC Low (Douglas et al., 2002) Occurs in wet thickets in the lower montane zone (Douglas et Meadow willow Salix petiolaris S2S3 Blue Low al., 2002).
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Potential Provincial BC Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Comments to Occur Status List in LSA Wet thickets, meadows, and fens in the montane zone (Douglas Autumn willow Salix serissima S2S3 Blue Moderate et al., 2002). Bogs and fens in the montane zone (Douglas et al., 2002); Common pitcher- Sarracenia purpurea ssp. S2S3 Blue recorded location at Bear Mountain, south of Dawson Creek, Moderate plant purpurea BC (BC CDC, 2013). Dry, grassy ridges in the montane zone; rare in northeast BC Rock selanginella Selanginella rupestris S1 Red Low (Douglas et al., 2002). Mount Sheldon West to moist meadows and forests openings in the montane to Senecio sheldonensis S2S3 Blue Low butterweed alpine zones (Douglas et al., 2002). Drummond’s Silene drummondii var. Dry sites in the steppe to alpine zones; rare in BC east of the S3 Blue Low campion drummondii Coast-Cascade Mountains (Douglas et al., 2002). Moist meadows and streambanks, shallow ponds, and hot Slender wedgegrass Sphenopholis intermedia S3 Blue Moderate springs in the steppe and montane zones (Douglas et al., 2002). Lakes in the montane zone; rare in BC east of the Coast- Sheathing pondweed Stuckenia vaginata S2S3 Blue Low Cascade Mountains (BC CDC, 2013). Symphyotrichum Moist streambanks, wetlands, and openings in the montane zone Purple-stemmed aster S3 Blue Moderate puniceum var. puniceum (Douglas et al., 2002). Wet to moist streambanks, lakeshores, ponds, and marshes in Marsh fleabane Tephroseris palustris S1S3 Red Moderate the montane zone (Douglas et al., 2002). Ochroleucous Oligotrophic and dystrophic lakes in the montane zone (Douglas Utricularia ochroleuca S2S3 Blue Low bladderwort et al., 2002). S1 = critically imperiled; especially susceptible to extirpation or extinction due to extreme rarity or other factors S2 = imperiled; very susceptible to extirpation or extinction due to rarity or other factors S3 = special concern, vulnerable to extirpation or extinction due to restricted range or other factors S4 = apparently secure; uncommon but not rare; widespread in BC SH = historical; not located in the last 50 years Red-listed = candidates for extirpated, endangered, or threatened status rankings Blue-listed = species of special concern
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Table 5. Red and blue-listed non-vascular plants within the BWBSmw zone in the Peace Forest District Potential to Provincial BC Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Comments Occur in Status List LSA Fens and meadows with organic soils; found in northeast BC, Amblyodon moss; Amblyodon dealbatus S3 Blue though no confirmed locations near Project (Klinkenberg, Low short-tooth hump-moss 2013b). Known from a high sandstone outcrop terrace and shaded Thread-moss Bryum stenotrichum S2S3 Blue Low humid cliff ledge (Klinkenberg, 2013b). One recorded location in BC near the east Pine River, with sandstone and calcareous shale outcrops in a dry lodgepole Cernuous thread-moss Bryum uliginosum S2S3 Blue Low pine (Pinus contorta) – white spruce (Picea glauca) forest (Klinkenberg, 2013b). Found along damp slopes and peatlands; recorded location Meesia moss Meesia longiseta S3 Blue near Dawson Creek, in an open transitional poor fen near the Low Pine River (Klinkenberg, 2013b). Very little known habitat information; known locations on wet Elegant lanceolate leaf Orthotrichum S2S3 Blue conifer and deciduous (birch, maple) trees (Klinkenberg, Unknown rock moss speciosum var. elegans 2013b). No common name Schistidium pulchrum S2S3 Blue Unknown habitat affinities Unknown S1 = critically imperiled; especially susceptible to extirpation or extinction due to extreme rarity or other factors S2 = imperiled; very susceptible to extirpation or extinction due to rarity or other factors S3 = special concern, vulnerable to extirpation or extinction due to restricted range or other factors S4 = apparently secure; uncommon but not rare; widespread in BC SH = historical; not located in the last 50 years Red-listed = candidates for extirpated, endangered, or threatened status rankings Blue-listed = species of special concern
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2.7.5 Non-native and Invasive Species A search of the BC MFLNRO Invasive Alien Plant Program (IAPP) database found multiple occurrences of invasive plants along linear corridors in the Pine River valley (BC MFLNRO, 2013c). Common groundsel (Senecio vulgaris) occurs most frequently, but oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare), meadow salsify (Tragopogon pratensis), and perennial sow-thistle (Sonchus arvensis) also occur within 1 km of the Project.
The following noxious and nuisance weed species were observed within the LSA during field surveys conducted in July 2013: Canada thistle, oxeye daisy, sow-thistle (Sonchus spp.), scentless mayweed (Tripleurospermum inodorum), bull thistle, foxtail barley (Hordeum jubatum), and pineapple weed (Matricaria discoidea).
2.8 Wetlands The LSA and RSA boundaries for the Wetlands VC are 30 m and 1 km, respectively from the Project footprint.
The importance of wetlands to ecological communities is well understood. Wetlands filter water, recharge groundwater, mitigate the effects of flooding and droughts, remove carbon from the atmosphere, and support diverse flora and fauna (Ducks Unlimited Canada, 2011). Wetlands typically develop in response to a number of underlying factors including the depth of the water table, the degree of water flows, and the availability of nutrients. Resulting vegetation in a given wetland is composed of species adapted to varying degrees of flooding frequency and duration, wave energy, and available dissolved minerals (Ducks Unlimited Canada, 2011). Wetlands are relatively common in the BWBS BEC zone as short, cool growing seasons promote peatland formation in wet depressions (DeLong et al., 2011).
Wetlands were classified in the field using the site-series methodology found in MacKenzie and Moran (2004) and the criteria found in DeLong et al. (2011). Two wetland associations, representing approximately 5% of the LSA, are present. A water sedge-beaked sedge fen (Wf01), mixed with areas of shallow open water (Ww), is located within the ROW at the northwest boundary of the LSA. Fens are groundwater fed, resulting in relatively high mineral content within the rooting zone, and develop where the water table is at or just below the surface for most of the growing season (MacKenzie and Moran, 2004). In addition to deciduous shrubs and brown mosses, fens often contain marsh-like vegetation (e.g., sedges), and minerotrophic species are common (Mitsch and Gosselink, 2007). Two small swamp horsetai l – beaked sedge marshes (Wm02) are situated north of the ROW and are unlikely to be affected by Project activities. Marshes are shallow, flooded mineral wetlands dominated by emergent vegetation. Although common in association with larger lakes and river systems, marshes are typically smaller in area than other wetland associations (DeLong et al, 2011).
Wetlands present in the LSA provide high value habitats for a number of wildlife species, including migratory birds (see Section 2.10).
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2.9 Fish and Fish Habitat The study areas (LSA and RSA) for fish and fish habitat are the same as those for water quality and quantity (LSA: 200 m upstream and 400 m downstream from the Project footprint; RSA 2 km from the Project footprint).
Pine River is the only fish bearing watercourse present in the LSA. The unnamed tributary located in the northwest portion of the LSA does not have direct connection to the Pine River and is non- fish bearing. Tributaries to the Pine River that occur in the RSA include Ivorline Creek (approximately 600 m south of the Project), Hasler Creek (approximately 2.7 km east of the Project), and Johnsen Creek (a tributary to Hasler Creek, approximately 3 km southeast of the Project). Hasler Creek joins the Pine River approximately 30 km west of Chetwynd. Johnsen Creek joins Hasler Creek approximately 2 km upstream of the Pine River confluence.
Previous pipeline protection works were completed on this crossing in 1995. Works included armouring the east bank, installation of a key strip, and armouring of the river bed with the use of instream rock groynes (AGRA, 1995). The west bank was also previously armoured.
2.9.1 Background Species Information The Pine River is known to contain a variety of fish species, including: Largescale Sucker (Catostomus macrocheilus), White Sucker (Catostomus commersonii), Longnose Sucker (Catostomus catostomus), Lake Whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis), Slimy Sculpin (Cottus cognatus), Lake Chub (Couesius plumbeus), Northern Pike (Esox lucius), Burbot (Lota lota), Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), Trout-Perch (Percopsis omiscomaycus), Finescale Dace (Chrosomus neogaeus), Flathead Chub (Platygobio gracilis), Mountain Whitefish (Prosopium williamsoni), Northern Pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus oregonensis), Longnose Dace (Rhinichthys cataractae), Redside Shiner (Richardsonius balteatus), Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus), Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma)1, Walleye (Sander vitreus), and Arctic Grayling (Thymallus arcticus) (BC MOE, 2013b). All of the above-noted species may potentially occur at the Project crossing location.
There is no documented fish presence in Ivorline Creek (BC MOE, 2013b). Hasler Creek and Johnsen Creek provide habitat for salmonid species, including Bull Trout, Arctic Grayling, Rainbow Trout, and Mountain Whitefish, and non-salmonid species, including Slimy Sculpin, Longnose Dace, Northern Pikeminnow, and Redside Shiner (BC MOE, 2013b).
2.9.2 Field Assessments A site assessment was conducted in July 2013 using criteria from the Fish-stream Identification Guidebook (FPC, 1998) and Reconnaissance (1:20,000) Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory: Standards and Procedures (RIC, 2001). The assessment of fish habitat within the LSA consisted of ground inspections at the crossing location of the Pine River, as well as Ivorline Creek.
1 Records of Dolly Varden in the Pine River are most likely Bull Trout, based on morphological and genetic evidence presented in Haas and McPhail (1991).
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Suitability for sport and non-sport fish species were assessed based on an assessment of habitat quality at the proposed crossing, as well as both upstream and downstream of the crossing.
In the general area of the crossing, the Pine River meanders between actively eroding banks (on the outside bends) and well-developed sand/gravel bars (on the inside bends) (Attachment 4, Photos 11 and 12). The reach of the Pine River at the crossing consists of glide-pool habitat with a section of riffle that begins at the downstream extent of the ROW (Attachment 4, Photo 13). The channel width varies from 46 to 55 m wide. The wetted width at the time of survey was 42 m. Glide habitat is present upstream of the crossing location (Attachment 4, Photo 15). Undercut banks with a pool, which may be suitable for overwintering, are present on the west bank along an outside meander bend. The downstream area consists of a mixture of riffle-pool and glide habitat. Gravels are present, as is large woody debris. Banks within the ROW are sparsely vegetated, containing willow shrubs on the west bank and weedy forbs on the east bank. A small section of rip rap is located on the downstream end of the east bank (within the ROW); however, extensive erosion of the sandy banks has occurred on the upstream end of the ROW. Assessment of spawning habitat potential was difficult due to the presence of turbid water. Gravel patches were covered with fines (from the upstream eroding banks), likely rendering them unsuitable for salmonid spawning. However, large woody debris is present throughout and a large pool is present on the upstream portion of the ROW (Attachment 4, Photo 14). Overall this reach of the Pine River is rated as Important (BC MFLNRO, BC MOE, and DFO, 2012) due to the high-value rearing habitat and potential overwintering habitat present. Habitats with cleaner gravels and riparian cover are available elsewhere within the Pine River mainstem, including upstream and downstream of the crossing. As such, habitats within the LSA are not deemed to be critical to Pine River fish populations.
Ivorline Creek was dry at the time of assessment, and therefore was not sampled. The channel does not appear to provide spawning or overwintering habitat, even when wetted (Attachment 4, Photo 16). The substrate is dominated by fines mixed with cobbles and has an approximate channel width of 1 m. There is a 2 m drop at 35% slope down to the Pine River; however, during higher waters in the Pine River, the channel is likely backwatered. Due to the presence of instream complexity (e.g., woody debris), fish may use lower portions of the channel, at the confluence with the Pine River.
Assessments of other tributaries within the RSA were not completed as works associated with the Project will not interact with these watercourses. Hasler and Johnsen creeks join the Pine River downstream but will not be affected by the Project, and therefore, assessments of these tributaries were also not completed. Previous studies indicate that Hasler Creek provides migratory and rearing habitat at its lower reaches, downstream of its confluence with Johnsen Creek. Upstream of the confluence, fish habitat has been rated as good to excellent with several potential spawning locations up to a 200 m long high gradient chute, which is likely impassable to fish at low to moderate flows (Stockwell and Allen, 1997). Johnsen Creek has a 2 m high rock falls that occur approximately 1.5 km from its confluence with Hasler Creek. The falls are a barrier to fish passage.
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2.9.3 Species of Conservation Concern A search of BCSEE found one Red-listed and six Blue-listed fish species that occur within the Peace Forest District (Table 6). Of the provincially-listed species, only one, Bull Trout, has a documented presence in the Pine River and many of its tributaries, with important spawning habitat located throughout the Pine River watershed. Bull Trout was designated as a species of special concern by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC, 2012), but does not yet have federal designation or protection under the federal Species at Risk Act. Bull Trout has also been designated as a “key indicator” species in the Dawson Creek Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP) (BC ILMB, 1999) and an “identified wildlife” species under BC’s Identified Wildlife Management Strategy (BC MWLAP, 2004). Key indicator species are defined as regionally important, threatened, or endangered species within the planning area (e.g., forest district). Primary threats to BC populations include habitat fragmentation and angling pressure.
Bull Trout are rarely found in waters with temperatures above 15°C (Hammond, 2004). They require clean, well-oxygenated water, and therefore, their distribution and abundance are highly influenced by hydrologic and channel stability. Spawning occurs in areas with groundwater upwelling, which provides thermal stability for eggs incubating over the winter months (Hammond, 2004). Adults are primarily piscivorous and are highly dependent on cover (i.e., deep pools, woody debris, and undercut banks) while foraging. Fry feed on benthic aquatic insects and tend to be associated with low velocity, shallow water side channels with abundant cover. Older juveniles prefer pool habitat over riffles or runs. Overwintering habitat requires overhead cover, deep, low velocity water, and the absence of anchor ice (Hammond, 2004).
Bull Trout in the Pine River are known to begin spawning migration and staging in August, with peak spawning occurring during the first three weeks of September. By late September, the majority of migrating Bull Trout are located in the lower reaches of the Pine River (Goddard, pers. comm., 2013).
Due to the presence of fines, this reach is unlikely to be used as spawning for Bull Trout (or other salmonids such as Mountain Whitefish or Arctic Grayling). Furthermore, known Bull Trout spawning locations have been mapped and are present in the upper reaches of the Pine River (in the vicinity of Callazon Creek and above) (Goddard, pers. comm., 2013). Overwintering habitat may be provided by the pools present throughout the reach, especially the deep pool against the west bank, upstream of the crossing. This particular reach of the Pine River is also likely used for rearing (habitat complexity provided by LWD and undercut banks) and as a migratory corridor, for travelling to and from spawning and overwintering areas.
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Table 6. Red- and blue-listed fish species located in the Peace Forest District Potential Provincial Common Name Scientific Name BC List SARA Habitat Comments to Occur Status in the LSA Often found in slow boggy streams and shallow, Northern Chrosomus eos S3 Blue boggy lakes; waters are usually tannic (McPhail, Low Redbelly Dace 2007; BC CDC, 2013). Northern Chrosomus eos x Likely have similar habitat requirements as Northern Redbelly Dace X Chrosomus S2S3 Blue Low Redbelly Dace (McPhail, 2007). Finescale Dace neogaeus In BC, populations are confined to large, turbid Goldeye Hiodon alosoides S3 Blue rivers and are known from the lower Peace River Low (McPhail, 2007). Reported sporadically in the lower Peace and Liard Northern Pearl Margariscus systems, though many are likely misidentified Lake S3 Blue Low Dace nachtriebi Chub; most are collected in sluggish, stained streams or small lakes (McPhail, 2007). In BC native only to Maxhamish Lake, in the lower Liard River system, though some populations have been introduced into the Peace River system; adults Spottail Shiner Notropis hudsonius S1S2 Red typically found in large rivers and lakes (McPhail, Low 2007); “identified wildlife” under BC’s Identified Wildlife Management Strategy (BC MWLAP, 2004). Native range is along the western slope of the Rocky Westslope Oncorhynchus SARA-SC Mountains in southern BC; presence in northeast BC Cutthroat Trout, S3 Blue Low clarkii lewisi (2010) due to introductions into lakes of the Peace River lewisi subspecies system (McPhail, 2007). Cold water species that is widely distributed throughout BC including the Pine River; rarely Salvelinus COSEWIC- Bull Trout S3S4 Blue found in waters that exceed 15°C (McPhail, 2007); High confluentus SC (2012) “identified wildlife” under BC’s Identified Wildlife Management Strategy (BC MWLAP, 2004). S1 = critically imperiled; especially susceptible to extirpation or extinction due to extreme rarity or other factors S2 = imperiled; very susceptible to extirpation or extinction due to rarity or other factors S3 = special concern, vulnerable to extirpation or extinction due to restricted range or other factors S4 = apparently secure; uncommon but not rare; widespread in BC Red-listed = candidates for extirpated, endangered, or threatened status rankings; Blue-listed = species of special concern COSEWIC-SC = Assessed by COSEWIC to be a species of special concern SARA-SC = Listed as a species of special concern on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act
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2.10 Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat As potential effects to vegetation have implications for wildlife habitat, the LSA for considering potential effects to wildlife and wildlife habitat is the same as for vegetation, a minimum of 30 m surrounding the Project. A 5 km RSA boundary around the Project footprint is sufficient to address potential cumulative effects, if any.
2.10.1 Background Wildlife Information The forests of the Hart Foothills Ecosection provide suitable habitat for many large mammals, including American Black Bear (Ursus americanus), Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos), Grey Wolf (Canis lupus), Coyote (Canis latrans), Canada Lynx (Lynx canadensis), Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus hemionus), Moose (Alces americanus), and Caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) (DeLong et al., 1991). Smaller mammals such as Wolverine (Gulo gulo), Pacific Marten (Martes caurina), Fisher (Pekania pennanti), and Beaver (Castor canadensis) are also present. River and stream systems, such as the Pine River and its tributaries, provide migration corridors for wildlife as well as important breeding and nesting habitat, and are designated ‘Special Management’ in the Dawson Creek LRMP (BC ILMB, 1999).
Songbirds are highly prevalent within the BWBSmw BEC zone in the Hart Foothills Ecosection. Songbird observations have been recorded in areas adjacent to the LSA, including the Hasler area, approximately 2.5 km southeast of the Project, and along the Highway 97 corridor, approximately 4 km northwest of the Project. The most common species include Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus), Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia), Swainson's Thrush (Catharus ustulatus), Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus), White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis), Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis), Dusky Flycatcher (Empidonax oberholseri), MacGillivray's Warbler (Oporornis tolmiei), American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina), Wilson’s Snipe (Gallinago delicata ), Wilson’s Warbler (Cardellina pusilla), American Robin (Turdus migratorius), Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus), Red Eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus), and Tennessee Warbler (Oreothlypis peregrina). Canada Warbler (Cardellina canadensis) has also been observed along the highway ROW (Data BC, 2013).
The Common Gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis) is known to occur in northeastern BC. Observations of five amphibian species have been recorded in northern and north-central BC: Wood Frog (Lithobates sylvaticus), Long-toed Salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum), Boreal Chorus Frog (Pseudoacris maculata), Columbia Spotted Frog (Rana luteiventris), and Western Toad (Anaxyrus boreas) (Ovaska and Govindarajulu, 2010).
2.10.2 Regionally Important Wildlife Species Identified Wildlife are defined as species at risk and regionally important wildlife that require special management attention under BC Forest and Range Practices legislation, with application to Crown forest and range land. In the Peace Forest District, Grizzly Bear, Fisher, Wolverine, Caribou, Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus), Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis), Nelson’s Sparrow (Ammodramus nelsoni) and warblers have been designated as “identified wildlife” (BC MWLAP, 2004). A list of regionally important wildlife, as defined under BC’s Identified Wildlife Management Strategy, has not yet been developed. However, for the purposes of this report,
Appendix 1: Technical Data Report Page 33 Prepared by Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. Westcoast Grizzly Sales Gas Pipeline Replacement Project January 2014 regionally important species are considered to be equivalent to “key indicator” species designated in the Dawson Creek LRMP (BC ILMB, 1999). Key indicator species are defined as regionally important, threatened, or endangered species, for which habitat protection is necessary to sustain viable, genetically diverse populations (BC ILMB, 1999). Regionally important species are also of particular importance to First Nations, guide outfitters, trappers, hunters, non-consumptive wildlife users, and other stakeholders. Based on the wildlife habitat assessment (see Section 2.10.3) and known habitat affinities, warblers, carnivores, ungulates, and small furbearers have a high potential to occur in the LSA.
Table 7. Key indicator (regionally important) wildlife species in the LSA
Common Name Scientific Name Potential to Occur in LSA
Passerine songbirds (e.g., warblers) N/A High
Bighorn Sheep Ovis canadensis Low
Mountain Goat Oreamnos americanus Low
Moose Alces americanus High
White-tailed Deer Odocoileus virginianus High
Mule deer Odocoileus hemionus hemionus High
Elk Cervus elaphus nelsoni High
Woodland caribou Rangifer tarandus caribou Low
Grizzly Bear Ursus arctos Moderate Small furbearers (e.g., Marten, Fisher, N/A High (species dependent) Wolverine) *Identified in Dawson Creek Land and Resource Management Plan (BC ILMB, 1999)
2.10.3 Wildlife Habitat Assessment The purpose of the wildlife habitat assessment conducted in July 2013 was to identify important wildlife habitats and wildlife presence in the vicinity of the Project, including resident and migratory species and species of concern. Methods used to assess potential effects to wildlife within the LSA included: Gathering and reviewing existing information relevant to identifying the capability, suitability, and potential significance of available wildlife habitats at provincial, regional, and sub-regional levels; Completing a field survey to identify and describe site conditions, species presence, and patterns of utilization; Identifying species groupings and species of special management concern that could be affected by Project activities; and,
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Identifying any information gaps and methods that could be employed to improve information to a level that would support decision-making and determine follow-up assessments.
Because many wildlife species are migratory and/or generally avoid human contact, specific searches for wildlife species were not conducted by field crews. Rather, the field survey was completed by walking the LSA to the extent feasible. Field crews recorded baseline reconnaissance information such as the presence or absence of species, and made note of important wildlife habitat features and habitat that may indicate use by wildlife species, including listed and regionally important species.
As mentioned in Section 2.7.3, the west layout area was not assessed during field surveys in July 2013. The area is largely located on cleared agricultural land, although some small forested sections are present. Polygons have been identified using available orthophotos (RISC, 2009), which provides some indication regarding the quality and quantity of wildlife habitat. However, due to the high potential for the occurrence of listed wildlife species (see Section 2.10.5) in the general area, a wildlife and wildlife habitat survey will be conducted prior to any clearing activities. Given the disturbed nature of the area, it is anticipated that wildlife values will be low when compared to the rest of the LSA.
2.10.4 Species and Species Sign Observations Signs of 15 wildlife species were observed during the field assessment in July 2013 (Table 8). The LSA contains multiple habitat types (e.g., wetland and broad-leaf ecological communities), which provide diverse habitat features for a variety of wildlife species. Moose and beaver sign were prevalent throughout the LSA, particularly in wetland and floodplain ecological communities. Generally, the majority of wildlife, particularly songbirds, was observed in wetland areas with several species of migratory birds observed in the open water wetland area in polygon 6. No active nests were observed in the LSA. Given that the timing of the field survey coincided with nesting/breeding season, it is reasonable to assume that some of the songbird species observed were nesting in the general area.
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Table 8. Wildlife species observed in the LSA Signs Used to Common Name Scientific Name Comments Identify Species Mammals Generally observed in wetland areas (marshes, open water); Beaver Castor canadensis Dam, lodge activity noted in Polygons 2, 3, and 6 appears recent Tracks observed within or Odocoileus hemionus Mule Deer Tracks adjacent to the riparian area of hemionus the Pine River Tracks observed adjacent to the Elk Cervus elaphus nelsoni Tracks Pine River Most commonly observed in Moose Alces americanus Tracks, rub, lay wetland and floodplain areas American Black Tracks observed adjacent to the Ursus americanus Track Bear Pine River. Birds
Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis Visual No nest observed
Observed in an open water area Diving Duck Aythya spp. Visual (Polygon 6) Red-winged Observed in an open water area Aglaius phoeniceus Visual Blackbird (Polygon 6) Observed in an open water area Varied Thrush Ixoreus naevius Visual (Polygon 6) Observed in an open water area Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis Visual (Polygon 5 6) and Polygon 18 Observed in an open water area Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia Visual (Polygon 6) Observed in an open water area House Sparrow Passer domesticus Visual (Polygon 6)
American Robin Turdus migratorius Visual Observed in Polygon 18
Black-billed Pica hudsonia Visual Observed in Polygon 18 Magpie Amphibians Observed in an isolated pool adjacent to the Pine River (Polygon 14); species unknown, Tadpoles N/A Visual but likely Western Toad (Anaxyrus boreas) based on habitat and timing
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2.10.5 Wildlife Species at Risk Red-, blue-, COSEWIC-, and SARA-listed wildlife species that potentially occur in the LSA and RSA were compiled using the BC SEE web utility, COSEWIC’s online search engine, and the SARA registry (BC CDC, 2013; COSEWIC, 2013; SARA, 2013). Search criteria were limited to species within the Peace Forest District. Nineteen Red-listed species (8 birds, 4 mammals, and 7 invertebrates) and 34 blue-listed species (11 birds, 1 amphibian, 6 mammals, and 16 invertebrates) have the potential to occur in the LSA and RSA (Table 9). None were observed during field surveys, though two blue-listed bird species, Canada Warbler and Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) have been observed along the highway ROW (Data BC, 2013). The red-listed Connecticut Warbler (Oporornis agilis) has also been recorded approximately 5 km from the LSA. The Project is located within the range of the Hart Grizzly Bear population unit. Grizzly Bear is blue-listed in BC and has a moderate probability of occurring near the Project site. Fisher, which occurs in low densities throughout northern and central BC, has a moderate probability of occurring within portions of the LSA, as they have a strong affinity for forest riparian areas; however, no documented presence in the general area was found. Females typically give birth in late winter (February to early April) in maternal dens located in cavities of large declining deciduous trees (e.g., black cottonwood or balsam poplar; Weir, 2003).
Ten species with the potential to occur in the BWBS BEC zone in the Peace Forest District are listed on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act: Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor), which is yellow-listed in BC (secure), Canada Warbler, Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus), Yellow Rail (Coturnicops noveboracensis), Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus), Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi), Western Toad (Anaxyrus boreas), Wood Bison (Bos bison athabascae), Plains Bison (Bos bison bison), and Woodland Caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou). Rusty Blackbird, Olive-sided Flycatcher, and Canada Warbler have a high probability of occurring during nesting season in the LSA due to the presence of suitable habitats and documented presence in the area (Table 9). Breeding dates (encompassing pre-laying to fledgling) in the Peace Region for the three SARA-listed species range from mid-May to late July (BC MOE, 2009).
Tadpoles that were observed in a ponded area adjacent to the Pine River are likely Western Toad, based on tadpole shape, habitat, and timing; however, adults were not observed during field surveys. The species tends to be associated with riparian and wetland/ponded habitats adjacent to forested areas (Wind and Dupuis, 2002), and therefore also has a high probability of occurring in the LSA. Western Toads undertake yearly migrations from hibernation sites to communal breeding ponds, and then to upland summer foraging sites. Breeding occurs in the spring, but is temperature dependent, beginning when daily minimum temperatures are above 0°C and daily maximum temperatures are above 10°C. Depending on the location, breeding will typically occur in May or June. Tadpoles emerge 3 to 10 days later (again, temperature dependent), with development from tadpole to toadlet occurring within 6 to 8 weeks. Western Toad breeds in a variety of aquatic habitats, with or without cover, including ponds, stream edges, or shallow margins of lakes, and exhibits strong site fidelity. Outside of breeding season, adult toads move into a variety of upland habitats, including wetlands, and tend to favour dense shrub cover for protection from desiccation and predation (Wind and Dupuis, 2002).
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The LSA does not contain critical caribou habitat, as defined by the Species at Risk Act (SARA, 2013), or Wildlife Habitat Areas (WHAs) and Ungulate Winter Range (UWR), as defined by the BC Forest and Range Practices Act (Data BC, 2013). However, the Project falls within the designated boundary of the Implementation Plan for the Ongoing Management of South Peace Northern Caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou, pop. 15) in British Columbia (BC MOE, 2013c). Three distinct ecotypes of Woodland Caribou exist in BC; the ecotypes are defined by differences in habitat use, behaviour patterns, and migration patterns (Heard and Vagt, 1998). South Peace Northern Caribou, comprised of seven herds, are of the northern ecotype and are blue-listed in BC; however, they are included as part of the Southern Mountain Caribou population designated by COSEWIC (2002) and are listed as Threatened on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act. The Project is located within the boundaries of the Burnt-Pine herd range, though it does not fall within documented summer or winter high or low elevation range (Data BC, 2013). The Burnt-Pine caribou herd has steadily declined and is now considered to be extirpated, although occasionally caribou immigrate from adjacent ranges (Kennedy Siding, Moberly and Scott) (Seip and Jones, 2013). South Peace Northern Caribou generally utilize habitats at higher elevations (alpine or sub- alpine areas). Use of Sub-Boreal Spruce (SBS) and BWBS BEC zones that occur in valley bottoms at lower elevations is rare (Jones, 2008).
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Table 9. Red and blue-listed wildlife species occurring in the BWBS BEC zone of the Peace Forest District Potential Common BC Provincial Scientific Name COSEWIC SARA Habitat Comments to Occur in Name List Status LSA Birds Seasonal resident and confirmed breeder in eastern portions of the Peace Forest District, Le Conte’s Ammodramus though no recorded locations near the Project; Blue S3S4B Not Listed Not Listed Low Sparrow leconteii prefers sedge fields and dense, tall grass meadows near water; very sparsely distributed (BC CDC, 2013). Seasonal resident and confirmed breeder in eastern portions of the Peace Region. Confirmed Nelson’s Ammodramus breeding locations in the Fort St. John and Red S2B Not at Risk Not Listed Low Sparrow nelsoni Dawson Creek areas. Breeding habitats include cattail marshes on lake edges and wet meadows (BC MWLAP, 2004). “Identified wildlife” under BC’s Identified Wildlife Management Strategy (BC MWLAP, 2004); breeding range includes the Peace River lowlands; nest in open areas such as fallow fields, dry marshes, and grasslands with ground cover Short-eared Special Special Asio flammeus Blue S3BS2N sufficient to cover nests (BC MWLAP, 2004). In Low oOwl Concern Concern BC, nests tend to be found in shrubby fields within agricultural areas (BC MOE, 2005); confirmed breeding locations in the Dawson Creek and Fort St. John areas, but none near the Project (BC CDC, 2013). Confirmed breeder in the Peace Forest District. Nests occur in clear-cuts, pastures, and agricultural fields, primarily between Chetwynd and Dawson Creek; restricted primarily to Upland Bartramia extensive, open tracts of short grassland habitat. Red S1S2B Not Listed Not Listed Low Sandpiper longicauda Nest in native prairie, dry meadows, pastures, domestic hayfields, short-grass savanna, plowed fields, along highway ROWs and on airfields, and (in the north) peatlands and scattered woodlands near the timberline (BC CDC, 2013).
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Potential Common BC Provincial Scientific Name COSEWIC SARA Habitat Comments to Occur in Name List Status LSA Confirmed breeder in the Peace Forest District, in many BEC zones, including the BWBS. Breeds American Botaurus Blue S3B Not Listed Not Listed and nests primarily in large freshwater marshes or Low Bittern lentiginosus lake/pond edges with emergent vegetation and abundant cover (BC BBA, 2013). Confirmed breeder in the Peace Forest District. Nests in broadleaf and mixed forest, preferring Broad- denser situations, less frequently in open winged Buteo platypterus Blue S3B Not Listed Not Listed woodland; generally perches under or in tree Moderate Hawk canopy, forages at openings, edges, and wet areas; known occurrence 11 km northeast of Chetwynd (BC CDC, 2013). Typical nesting habitat in BC is open agricultural areas, grasslands, and wetlands with nearby Swainson’s woodlands (BC MOE, 2005); listed as a seasonal Buteo swainsoni Blue S3B Not Listed Not Listed Moderate Hawk resident and confirmed breeder in the Peace Forest District, though no locations near the Project have been recorded (BC CDC, 2013). Common characteristics of breeding habitat in BC include mixed woods in floodplains or riparian areas with slopes nearby, wet sites with colluvial material and wind-thrown debris, dominant deciduous, always with a white spruce association with shrubby understories. Breeds in well- Canada Cardellina developed shrub layers of moist, mixed forests Blue S3S4B Threatened Threatened High Warbler canadensis (COSEWIC, 2008). Nests placed on or near the ground in moss-covered logs, beneath stream bank overhangs, in grass hummock, or beside a clump of herbs. Documented occurrences in the Chetwynd and Moberly Lake areas, as well as in the Pine River valley 2 km north of the Project area (BC CDC, 2013). Lark Chondestes Red S2B Not Listed Not Listed Summer resident in low elevation grassland areas Sparrow grammacus with tall shrubs, mostly in southern BC interior. Low
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Potential Common BC Provincial Scientific Name COSEWIC SARA Habitat Comments to Occur in Name List Status LSA Confirmed breeding locations 15 km NE of Project, along Commotion Creek and additional locations along the Pine River watershed. Associated with habitats adjacent to wetlands in open areas with tall trees or snags for perching Olive-sided (COSEWIC, 2007). Breed in various forest and Contopus cooperi Blue S3S4B Threatened Threatened High Flycatcher woodland habitats: taiga, subalpine coniferous forest, mixed coniferous-deciduous forest, burned-over forest, spruce, or tamarack bogs and other forested wetlands, and along the forested edges of lakes, ponds, and streams (BC CDC, 2013; Klinkenberg, 2013b). Range occurs in the eastern portion of the Peace Forest District. Nest in wetlands with fine- Coturnicops Special Special Yellow Rail Red S2B stemmed sedges, rushes or grasses that occur over Low noveboracensis Concern Concern shallow water or wet soils overlain by dead canopies of previous growth (EC, 2013b). Breeding confirmed both in the Peace and Makenzie Forest Districts. Habitat includes moist woodlands (primarily coniferous), bushy bogs and fens, and wooded edges of watercourses and beaver ponds. Nests are in trees or shrubs, usually Rusty Euphagus Special Special in or near water, frequently in conifers up to 6 m Blue S3S4B High Blackbird carolinus Concern Concern above ground. During migration and winter, habitat is primarily wooded wetlands and riparian areas but also includes various open woodlands, scrub, pastures, and cultivated lands (BC CDC, 2013, BC BBA, 2013). Not included in the Migratory Birds Convention Act. Confirmed recent breeder in the Peace Forest District, including the Pine River watershed between Mackenzie and Chetwynd. Preferred Barn habitat is open situations, less frequently in partly Hirundo rustica Blue S3S4B Threatened Not Listed Moderate Swallow open habitats, frequently near water; nests in barns or other buildings, under bridges, in caves or cliff crevices, usually on vertical surfaces close to ceiling (BC CDC, 2013).
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Potential Common BC Provincial Scientific Name COSEWIC SARA Habitat Comments to Occur in Name List Status LSA Rare migrant and summer visitor in the BC interior; occasionally an uncommon autumn migrant in the Peace Lowlands. Nests in grassy or Short-billed Limnodromus Blue S2S3B Not Listed Not Listed mossy tundra and wet meadows in muskeg; non- Low Dowitcher griseus breeding birds prefer shallow salt water with soft, muddy bottoms, but visits various wetlands during migration (BC CDC, 2013). Breeding observations occur in the Peace Forest District, primarily along the Cameron Lakes/Moberly Lake area. Breeding habitat in boreal regions is characterized by shallow clear Melanitta Surf Scoter Blue S3B, S4N Not Listed Not Listed lakes surrounded by scrub forest. Nests in brushy Low perspicillata tundra, in freshwater marshes, or in wooded areas near ponds, bogs, or streams. Nests on the ground in an area protected by vegetative cover (BC CDC, 2013). “Identified wildlife” under BC’s Identified Wildlife Management Strategy (BC MWLAP, 2004). In the Dawson Creek TSA, this species prefers aspen-dominated stands. Breeds in spruce and tamarack bogs, dry ridges, poplar and aspen Connecticut Oporornis agilis Red S2B Not Listed Not Listed woods, moist areas with low shrubby growth, High Warbler thick undergrowth, or sapling thickets. In thickets of low wet woods or wet meadows in migration. Multiple known occurrences throughout the Dawson Creek and Fort St. John area including 5 km from the LSA (BC CDC, 2013). Nests in sparsely vegetated habitats, often on islands surrounded by deep water, if available. In American Recurvirostra BC, nesting tends to occur adjacent to alkali Blue S2S3B Not Listed Not Listed Low Avocet americana lakes; a nest was also reported on a hummocky “island” within an uncultivated field (Gebauer, 2000).
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Potential Common BC Provincial Scientific Name COSEWIC SARA Habitat Comments to Occur in Name List Status LSA Breeds in the NE portion of the Peace Forest Region. Rare and sparsely distributed in BC, restricted to the Boreal Plains and Taiga Plains Bay- Setophaga ecoprovinces; occurs in white spruce forest, either breasted S1S2B Not Listed Not Listed castanea Red pure or mixed stands which may contain aspen, Low Warbler birch, and cottonwood (Cooper et al., 1997); recorded occurrences in Beatton Park, near Fort St. John (BC CDC, 2013). “Identified wildlife” under BC’s Identified Wildlife Management Strategy (BC MWLAP, 2004). Breeding status confirmed in the Peace Forest District, primarily east of Project; two breeding records in 2010 near Pine Lemoray Provincial Park. Primarily in forests of spruce Cape May Setophaga tigrina Red S2B Not Listed Not Listed (Picea spp.) and/or fir (Abies spp.), typically in Low Warbler stands >50 years old, >15 m tall, with well- developed crowns and some trees that rise above canopy for use as singing posts; proliferates in areas heavily infested by spruce-budworm and may not occur after the outbreak has subsided (BC CDC, 2013; Klinkenberg, 2013b). “Identified wildlife” under BC’s Identified Wildlife Management Strategy (BC MWLAP, 2004). In northeastern BC, nesting habitat includes mature riparian white spruce or mixed wood spruce, trembling aspen and balsam poplar Black- forests. Pure deciduous forests are rarely used in throated Setophaga virens Blue S3B Not Listed Not Listed this province and even a small clump of mature High Green spruce will attract this species. Usually nests Warbler between 2 – 8 m above ground in mature stands. Many occurrences located throughout the Peace Forest District, with multiple breeding evidence observations recorded within the Project RSA (BC CDC, 2013).
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Potential Common BC Provincial Scientific Name COSEWIC SARA Habitat Comments to Occur in Name List Status LSA Amphibians Observed in a variety of aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Breeds in shallow, littoral zones of lakes, temporary and permanent pools and wetlands, bogs and fens, and roadside ditches. Toads utilize riparian areas and lotic habitats with little to no flow. Small, moist depressions may be used for rehydration. Toads utilize a variety of terrestrial habitats in BC, including all forest and woodland Western Special Special Anaxyrus boreas Blue S3S4 types, shrubland/chaparral, savanna, cropland/ High Toad Concern Concern hedgerow, grassland/herbaceous cover, old fields, and suburban/orchard. Hibernacula are located in areas with loose soils and burrows. Two records of Western Toads occur from the Pine River watershed, approximately 35 km NE of the Project, with 3 more near Pine Breaks Provincial Park and Pine Le Moray Provincial Park (BC CDC, 2013; Klinkenberg, 2013b). Mammals Known to exploit coarse grass and sedge meadows, including industrially disturbed sites (Gates et al., 2001), with wetland-associated Bos bison meadows, open savannah-like shrublands, and dry Wood Bison Red S2 Threatened Threatened Low athabascae grasslands (BC CDC, 2013); found further north of the Project, along the Alaska Highway corridor; bogs and fens are unsuitable habitat (Harper, 2002). Habitat in BC primarily consists of sedge meadows and grasslands; known only from the Plains bison Red SX Threatened Not Listed Low Bos bison bison Pink Mountain area, northwest of Fort St. John (COSEWIC, 2004).
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Potential Common BC Provincial Scientific Name COSEWIC SARA Habitat Comments to Occur in Name List Status LSA “Identified wildlife” under BC’s Identified Wildlife Management Strategy; found throughout BC in low densities; home ranges may be as large Wolverine, as 1,366 km2; highly nomadic and generally Special luscus Blue S3 Not Listed follow higher densities of prey such as caribou, Low Gulo gulo luscus Concern subspecies moose calves, and carrion; mature forest used most prominently; females tend to situate dens near tunnels leading to masses of fallen trees (Weir, 2004). Prefers forested areas, wooded hedgerows, and areas with large shade trees (e.g., city parks). Summer roosts are typically in tree foliage (or in Spanish moss in some regions), 1.5 - 6 m above ground; avoids caves and buildings during Eastern Red summer/winter; non-migratory individuals Red S1 Not Listed Not Listed Low Bat Lasiurus borealis hibernate in trees, probably under bark or in hollow branches; solitary female roosts with young in tree foliage (BC CDC, 2013); documented occurrences at Bear Mountain, near Dawson Creek, BC (Nagorsen and Patterson, 2012). Roost primarily in cavities, cracks and under Northern Myotis Blue S2S3 Endangered Not listed loose bark in mature stands of deciduous trees Low Myotis septentrionalis (Vonhof and Wilkinson, 2000). “Identified wildlife” under BC’s Identified Wildlife Management Strategy; strong affinity for forested riparian areas and late successional forests; tend to avoid areas that lack overstory cover, and in winter, areas with soft snow; Fisher Pekania pennanti Blue S2S3 Not listed Not listed females birth and rear young exclusively in large Moderate diameter black cottonwood or balsam poplar; suitable habitat may be present in the LSA, but fisher occur in low densities in BC (approximately 1 animal per 65-100 km2 (Weir, 2003).
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Potential Common BC Provincial Scientific Name COSEWIC SARA Habitat Comments to Occur in Name List Status LSA The species generally resides in alpine and subalpine areas and feeds on terrestrial lichens Woodland (Cladina sp., Cladonia sp., Cetraria sp. and Caribou, Stereocaulon sp.); known habitat ranges in north- Rangifer tarandus Low northern Blue S3 Threatened Threatened central BC (BC CDC, 2013). The Project falls caribou ecotype within the boundaries of the Burnt-Pine herd of (pop. 15) South Peace Northern Caribou; however, the Burnt Pine herd is considered to be extirpated (Seip and Jones, 2013). “Identified wildlife” under BC’s Identified Wildlife Management Strategy; wide-ranging species with large home ranges. They occupy a diverse array of habitats, including mountains, Special Grizzly Bear Blue S3 Not Listed forested areas, open slopes, and mountain tundra. Moderate Ursus arctos Concern Harvest records indicate potential presence in the RSA (Klinkenberg, 2013b); Hart population density is estimated to be 13 bears per 1000 km2 (BC MFLNRO, 2012). Invertebrates Butterfly species found in open grassy areas, Arctic usually in slightly damp habitats although not Skipper, typically in marshes, bogs or places with open Carterocephalus mandan Red S2 Not Listed Not Listed water; forest trails, clearings and edges; as well as Low subspecies palaemon mandan the margins of deciduous forests (BC CDC, 2013); known only from the Peace River region in BC. Common Found in grassy forest openings, clearcuts, Wood- Cercyonis pegala roadsides, meadows, and stream banks (BC CDC, nymph, Blue S3 Not Listed Not Listed Low 2013); subspecies found known only from the nephele nephele Peace River region in BC (Klinkenberg, 2013b). subspecies Damselfly that is an uncommon inhabitant of marshy lakes and ponds; range from Kamloops Coenagnion Prairie Bluet Blue S3S4 Not Listed Not Listed north to the Peace-Liard river drainage, though Low angulatum most often seen in the Cariboo and Prince George regions in BC (BC CDC, 2013).
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Potential Common BC Provincial Scientific Name COSEWIC SARA Habitat Comments to Occur in Name List Status LSA Subspecies is known from the Peace Region around the Ft. St. John /Clayhurst/Dawson Creek Common region; found at low elevations in the Peace area; Ringlet, Coenonympha Blue S3 Not Listed Not Listed habitat includes grassy meadows and openings, Low benjamini tullia benjamini roadsides and the edges of transportation subspecies corridors, prairies, bogs, woodland edges and the alpine (BC CDC, 2013). Damselfly known only from Peace River and Fort Nelson Forest Districts (BC CDC 2013); common Hagen’s Blue S1S4 Not Listed Not Listed near grassland ponds and forest marshes on the Low Bluet Enallagna hageni northern great plains and adjacent boreal forests (Klinkenberg, 2013b). Preferred habitats include northern shortgrass Assiniboine Hesperia prairie and aspen parkland; multiple documented Red S2 Not Listed Not Listed Low Skipper assiniboia occurrences along the Peace River valley (BC CDC, 2013). In BC, this species is confined to the grasslands of Alberta the Peace region and a restricted range in the Red S2 Not Listed Not Listed Low Arctic Oeneis alberta Dawson Creek-Fort St. John and Clayhurst areas (BC CDC, 2013). Prairie and foothill grasslands and mountain pine forest openings (BC CDC, 2013); known in BC Uhler’s Blue S2S3 Not Listed Not Listed only from the Peace River near the AB border, Low Arctic Oeneis uhleri inhabiting dry bunchgrass hillsides (Klinkenberg, 2013b). Old World Inhabit open, dry grass slopes along the Peace Papilio machoan Swallowtail, Red S2? Not Listed Not listed River canyon; larvae feed on Dragonwort Low pikei pikei (Artemesia dracunculus) (Layberry et al., 1998). Tawny Butterfly found in mature, open aspen woodlands and adjacent mesic meadows; larvae feed on Crescent Blue S3 Not Listed Not Listed Low Phyciodes batesii asters or thistles; known location in BC along the Peace and Liard rivers (BC CDC, 2013). Known to inhabit subalpine and alpine areas Arctic Blue, above the treeline, tundra, mountainous areas, Plebejus glandon lacustris Blue S3 Not Listed Not Listed open grassland and dry sandy areas, small rocky Low subspecies lacustris outcrops, and within jackpine sandhills in the Peace River (BC CDC, 2013).
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Potential Common BC Provincial Scientific Name COSEWIC SARA Habitat Comments to Occur in Name List Status LSA Found in BC only on the north banks of the Peace River Canyon and some of its tributaries; males Striped Red S2 Not Listed Not Listed can be easily observed at the tops of the south- Low Hairstreak Satyrium liparops facing banks wherever chokecherry grows (Klinkenberg, 2013b). Found in riparian areas, along the banks of large Coral rivers where the larval foodplant, chokecherry Hairstreak, Satyrium titus Red S2 Not Listed Not Listed (Prunus virginiana), is found (Klinkenberg, Low titus titus 2013b); known from the Peace and Murray Rivers subspecies and their tributaries (BC CDC, 2013). Three distinct populations present in BC; Peace Aphrodite Speyeria populations are associated with mesic meadows in Fritillary, Blue S3 Not Listed Not Listed aspen woodland habitat; nectaring may be Low manitoba aphrodite associated with thistles (Cersium spp.) subspecies manitoba (Klinkenberg, 2013b) Great Spangled In the Peace, it is found at the edges of and in Fritillary, Speyeria cybele open mature aspen woodland (Klinkenberg, Red S2 Not Listed Not Listed Low pseudocarpe psuedocarpenteri 2013b); documented occurrences along the Peace nteri River and its tributary (BC CDC, 2013). subspecies Snail species often found in forest habitats including balsam-white spruce forest, aspen Callused Moderate Blue S3 Not Listed Not Listed forest, jack pine forest, sedge meadow, tamarack Vertigo Vertigo arthuri wetland, wet prairie, and fen habitats (BC CDC, 2013). S1 = critically imperiled; especially susceptible to extirpation or extinction due to extreme rarity or other factors S2 = imperiled; very susceptible to extirpation or extinction due to rarity or other factors S3 = special concern, vulnerable to extirpation or extinction due to restricted range or other factors S4 = apparently secure; uncommon but not rare; widespread in BC Red-listed = candidates for extirpated, endangered, or threatened status rankings Blue-listed = species of special concern COSEWIC-Not at Risk = Assessed by COSEWIC and not found to a risk of extinction given current circumstances Special Concern = may become threatened or endangered because of a combination of biological characteristics and identified threats Threatened = likely to become endangered if nothing is done to reverse the factors leading to extirpation or extinction Endangered = facing imminent extirpation or extinction
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3.0 Socio-Economic Elements
Study areas for Heritage Resources and Traditional Land Use, Human Occupancy and Resource Use, Social and Cultural Well-being, Human Health and Aesthetics, Infrastructure and Services, and Employment and Economy are as follows:
Local Study Area – 200 m on either side of the Project Footprint Area, Peace River Electoral Area E, District of Chetwynd, West Moberly First Nations (IR#168A), and Saulteau First Nations (East Moberly Lake IR#169).
Regional Study Area – Peace River Regional District (PRRD) census division as it includes the populations of the Peace River Regional District, Halfway River First Nation (#168), and Kelly Lake (Métis Settlement Society, Cree, First Nation).
3.1 Heritage Resources and Traditional Land Use An Archaeological Impact Assessment (AIA), completed by Landsong, concluded that the probability of finding undiscovered archaeological sites at the Project is low (Attachment 2). No impacts to previously unrecorded archaeological site are expected as a result of construction activities. Further assessment in association with the Project is not recommended.
The Project is within the traditional territories of West Moberly First Nations, Saulteau First Nations, Halfway River First Nation, McLeod Lake Indian Band, Horse Lake First Nation, Kelly Lake Cree Nation, and Kelly Lake First Nation. Kelly Lake Métis Settlement Society, Moccasin Flats Métis Society, Northeast Métis Association, and Fort St John Métis Society are located in the region, and are generally represented by the Métis Nation of BC. The distances of these Aboriginal communities from the Project Footprint Area are listed in Table 10.
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Table 10. Aboriginal Communities with Traditional Territories within the Project Footprint Area Approximate Location of Main Aboriginal Community Reserve/Settlement from Project Footprint Area West Moberly First Nations 20 km north Saulteau First Nations 30 km north Halfway River First Nation 100 km north McLeod Lake Indian Band 100 km southwest Kelly Lake Métis Settlement 130 km southeast Society Kelly Lake Cree Nation 130 km southeast Kelly Lake First Nation 130 km southeast Horse Lake First Nation 160 km southeast Moccasin Flats Métis Society 35 km northeast Northeast Métis Association 135 km east Fort St. John Métis Society 185 km northeast Metis Nation of BC 185 km northeast
Source: Data BC (2013)
West Moberly First Nations, Saulteau First Nations, Halfway River First Nation, McLeod Lake Indian Band, Blueberry River First Nations, Doig River First Nation, Fort Nelson First Nation and Prophet River First Nation are signatories to Treaty 8, whereas Horse Lake First Nation is a signator to Treaty 8 signed in Alberta ( BC MARR, 2013; T8TA, 2013; Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta, 2013). Treaty 8 territory comprises the northeast quarter of British Columbia, the northern half of Alberta, the northwest section of Saskatchewan, and south of Great Slave Lake and Hay River in the Northwest Territories (AANDC, 2010).
3.1.1 First Nation Interests The most common species hunted by the four closest First Nations (West Moberly First Nations, Saulteau First Nations, Halfway River First Nation, and McLeod Lake Indian Band) are Moose, Elk and White-tailed Deer (Candler et al., 2012; Traditions, 2013a). Birds (e.g., Grouse), fish (e.g., Mountain Whitefish) and small mammals, such as Beavers, Coyotes and rabbits, are also harvested. Wild berries and fruits are also gathered throughout their territories (Candler et al., 2012; Traditions, 2013a).
Sites with cultural values are prevalent across the traditional territories of the First Nations. Most cultural value sites are unnamed, likely due to the sacred and confidential nature of the activities practiced (Candler et al., 2012; Traditions, 2013a).
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A Traditional Land Use (TLU) Sites Overview was completed by Landsong (Attachment 3). No site-specific TLU sites were identified during the review. However, First Nations participants requested mitigation for two sites with important wildlife habitat features. Mitigation measures have been incorporated in the Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat section of the ESA and Environmental Protection Plan (EPP) completed for the Project.
3.2 Human Occupancy and Resource Use
3.2.1 Human Occupancy The Project is located approximately 27 km southwest of the District of Chetwynd on Crown and agricultural private land (ALR), within the boundaries of Electoral Area D of the Peace River Regional District (PRRD). Chetwynd is the closest incorporated community, with a population of approximately 2,700 (Statistics Canada 2012a, Urban Systems, 2012). The Project is located approximately 2 km west of the unincorporated community of Hasler Creek.
The nearest First Nations communities are West Moberly First Nations (IR#168A) and Saulteau First Nations (East Moberly Lake IR#169), located north of Chetwynd on Highway 29. These First Nations communities are located on the northwest and northeast shores, respectively, of Moberly Lake.
Other Aboriginal communities in the PRRD are Halfway River First Nation (IR#168), Blueberry River First Nations (IR#205), Doig River First Nation (IR#206), Kelly Lake Cree Nation, Kelly Lake First Nation, and Kelly Lake Métis Settlement Society.
3.2.2 Development and Land Use Plans The Project is within the boundaries of the Dawson Creek Land LRMP, which provides land and resource management direction for all Crown land within its boundaries (BC ILMB, 1999). The Project is within a Special Resource Management Zone of the LRMP, more specifically a River Corridor Zone, which is defined as an area with substantial fish and wildlife habitat, recreation, tourism, and scenic/visual quality values. Resource development is permitted, although all substantial values identified must be considered and addressed (BC ILMB, 1999). Settlement/Agricultural Management Zones are present on both sides of the crossing, adjacent to the River Corridor Zone. Settlement/Agriculture Resource Management Zones are currently used or proposed for settlement under the West Peace Official Community Plan (OCP) or for agriculture and range. Oil and gas exploration and development is considered an agriculturally compatible industry and is therefore appropriate for use in these zones under the LRMP (BC ILMB, 1999).
The Project is also situated within the boundaries of the West Peace OCP. The primary goals of the OCP are to protect prime agricultural land, enhance the rural community lifestyle, and protect unique natural physical features of the West Peace region (PRRD, 1997a). The Project lies within an ‘Industrial’ designation of the West Peace OCP, which provides for natural resource extraction and processing activities. Settlement (mixed residential and commercial activities) and Resource- Agricultural designated areas are situated adjacent to the Project. Resource-Agricultural areas may
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3.2.3 Environmentally Significant and Protected Areas The LSA does not overlap with any protected areas. The closest provincial parks are located approximately 30 km from the Project (Data BC, 2013).
3.2.4 Natural Resource Use The proposed pipeline replacement of the Project does not traverse an existing or planned natural resource use and extraction area. No coal mines (current or planned) are located in the vicinity of the Project, and the proposed route does not cross any active coal deposits. There are one mineral and two placer reserves over the Project Footprint Area, indicating that placer and coal titles are prohibited or restricted (Data BC, 2013).
Timber is harvested within the vicinity of the Project; West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. and BC Timber Sales’ bid winners harvest timber north of the Pine River, and Canfor Corporation harvests timber south of the Pine River. Tembec Inc. harvested a number of deciduous blocks in the area prior to closing its Chetywnd pulp mill in 2012 (BC MFLNRO, 2013d, pers. comm.).
3.2.4.1 Agriculture The Project is surrounded by ALR lands (Data BC, 2013). Agricultural activity within the vicinity of the Project predominantly consists of small hobby farms (PRRD, 2013, pers. comm.).
Excavation within the Project footprint will be limited to boreholes and pits required for drilling. No surface soil stripping or significant compaction or rutting is reasonably expected to occur, and the site will be reclaimed following completion of the construction phase activities and available for agricultural use (BC ALC and BC OGC, 2013).
3.2.4.2 Fish and Wildlife Harvesting The Project lies within the northern boundary of an active trapline area (TR#0722T006), which runs south from Highway 97 (Data BC, 2013), and two Guiding Territory Certificates (No. 701222 and 701245), which are located on either side of the Pine River (Data BC, 2013).
The Project is located within the boundaries of Wildlife Management Unit 7-22 (BC ILMB, 2006). Mammals hunted or trapped in this management unit include Mule Deer (November), White-tailed Deer (September to November), Moose (August to October), Elk (September to October), American Black Bear (April to June, August to November), Grey Wolf (April to June, August to March), Cougar (September to March), Coyote (September to March), Wolverine (October to January), Canada Lynx (November to February) and Snowshoe Hare (August to April). Birds harvested include Grouse (September to November), Ptarmigan (August to February), Coots/Common Snipe (September to November), ducks (September to November) and geese (September to November) (BC MFLNRO, 2013e). Other species that are trapped in the region include Pacific Marten and Beaver (BC Hydro, 2013).
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Hunters may travel by boat on the Pine River to access hunting areas (BC Hydro 2013a). The Project Footprint Area is not likely to be accessed as a recreational fishing spot from land, as it is approximately 830 m southeast of Highway 97 (Data BC, 2013). Species of fish caught in the Pine River include Arctic Grayling and Bull Trout (BC Hydro, 2013; District of Chetwynd, n.d.a).
3.2.4.3 Recreation and Tourism Trails for hiking, ATVs and snowmobiles and developed campsites do not appear to be present in the LSA (Data BC, 2013). Based on the BC Recreation Features Inventory, recreational significance and sensitivity of the land and waterways covered by the Project Footprint Area is of moderate importance (Data BC, 2013; BC MOF, 1998). There are no forest service recreation sites in the vicinity of the Project (Data BC, 2013; BC MFLNRO, 2013d, pers. comm.).
3.3 Navigation and Navigation Safety The Pine River is navigable by jet boat, canoe, and other small watercraft in the vicinity of the Project. However, as the proposed crossing method of Horizontal Directional Drill will not involve instream works, navigation will not be affected, nor have consultation activities uncovered issues regarding navigation. Therefore, in accordance with the NEB Filing Manual (2013), detailed analyses of navigation and navigation safety are not required.
3.4 Social and Cultural Well-being
3.4.1 Populations and Demographics The populations of Peace River Electoral Area E, District of Chetwynd, West Moberly First Nations (IR #168A), and Saulteau First Nations (East Moberly Lake IR#169) in the 2011 Census were 2,764, 2,635, 95, and 324, respectively. The Peace River Electoral Area E accounted for approximately 5% of the regional district’s population (60,082). Population in the region has generally increased since 2006 (Statistics Canada, 2012a, b, c, d, e).
Typical of remote, resource-based communities, the median age in the District of Chetwynd is low (32.5), which is reflective of a relatively young workforce. The median age of the Peace River Electoral Area E is older (43.0), which is representative of longer-term residents, especially in its agricultural sector. The median age of West Moberly First Nations and Saulteau First Nations is 22.5 and 29.7 years, respectively. The BC average median age is 41.9 years (Statistics Canada, 2012a, b, c, d, e).
As reported in the 2011 National Household Survey, 15.1% of the PRRD’s population identified as Aboriginal; 73.1% were First Nations members, and 32.8% were Métis (Statistics Canada, 2013a).
In the PRRD in 2011, 88.2% of the population indicated that English only is their mother tongue, 1.2% reported French, and 0.5% reported an Aboriginal language (Statistics Canada, 2012e). Of the 0.5%, or 300 people, that reported an Aboriginal language, 96.7% (290 people) speak Cree, 1.7% (5 people) speak Dene, and 1.7% (5 people) speak Ojibway (Statistics Canada, 2012e).
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3.5 Human Health and Aesthetics As Project activities are typical of routine pipeline replacement/construction and operation, detailed analyses of Human Health and Aesthetics is not required (NEB, 2013). Westcoast will adhere to procedures outlined in their Environmental, Health, and Safety Policies as well as Westcoast’s Emergency Response Plan.
3.6 Infrastructure and Services Roads, transmission lines, and rail lines will not be crossed by the Project (Data BC, 2013). The Canadian National Railway Company’s (CN) tracks are approximately 600 m south of the Project Footprint Area and approximately 830 m southeast from Highway 97 (Data BC, 2013). The community of Chetwynd is the primary service centre within the vicinity of the Project (District of Chetwynd, n.d.b).
3.6.1 Policing and Security The closest Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) detachment to the Project is in Chetwynd (RCMP, 2013). The RCMP Provincial Force polices municipalities under 5,000 as well as unincorporated areas, including the District of Chetwynd and the unincorporated community of Hasler Creek (BC MOJ, 2012). The RCMP also provides policing services to West Moberly First Nations and Saulteau First Nations; as of 2011, one officer, based out of the Chetwynd detachment, responds to both communities (BC MOJ, 2013).
The PRRD provides 9-1-1 services to all municipalities and electoral areas within the Regional District (PRRD, n.d.a).
3.6.2 Health and Social Services Northern Health Authority administers the Chetwynd Hospital, Health Centre, and Health Unit (Northern Health, n.d.a). The Chetwynd Hospital provides 24-hour emergency health care, short- term acute care, 24-hour residential care, day programs for seniors and adults with disabilities, and diagnostic laboratory services and x-ray facilities (HealthLinkBC, 2013).
BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) provides emergency ambulance service in Chetwynd and surrounding areas (BCAS, 2012). The BCAS also provides emergency air service for Chetwynd and the rest of the PRRD, with the Chetwynd airport located approximately 30 km northeast of the Project.
Health centres located in the communities of West Moberly First Nations and Saulteau First Nations provide a variety of health services, including wellness counselling, vaccinations, and health education (HealthLinkBC, 2013b; Saulteau First Nations, n.d.).
3.6.3 Fire Protection Services The Chetwynd Volunteer Fire Department provides fire protection services for the District of Chetwynd as well as motor vehicle rescue services beyond the District boundaries, under the
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Provincial Emergency Plan. Hasler Creek, within the vicinity of the Project, does not have fire protection service (PRRD 2013, pers. comm.).
The Moberly Lake Volunteer Fire Department provides fire protection services to the Moberly Lake area, including the communities of West Moberly First Nations and Saulteau First Nations (NDIT, 2013; PRRD, n.d.b).
3.6.4 Water, Wastewater, and Solid Waste The Pine River is the main source of water for the District of Chetwynd, with a groundwater well maintained as an emergency backup water source (District of Chetwynd, 2010). The Hasler Creek area obtains potable water through a water well system (PRRD, 2013, pers. comm.). Since floods in 2011, West Moberly First Nations’ potable water has been transported from Chetwynd (T8FNs Community Assessment Team and Firelight Group, 2012).
Wastewater in the District of Chetwynd is treated and discharged to the Pine River (District of Chetwynd, 2010). Wastewater disposal in the Hasler Creek area is on-site, through the use of a sewage lagoons or septic tanks (PRRD 2013, pers. comm.).
The PRRD is the main provider of waste management in unincorporated rural areas, including the general Project area (Earth Tech, 2008). There are four regional landfills in the PRRD, with one located in Chetwynd (PRRD, n.d.c). One transfer site is located in Hasler Flats, approximately 3 km east of the Project (Earth Tech, 2008; PRRD, 2010). Transfer sites are also located at West Moberly First Nations and Saulteau First Nations reserves (BC Hydro, 2013b).
3.6.5 Commercial Accommodations There are a variety of hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts in Chetwynd and the Moberly Lake area, and more camping options in private campgrounds, RV parks, provincial and forest service campgrounds in the general area surrounding Chetwynd (District of Chetwynd, n.d.c; BC MFLNRO, 2013f).
3.6.6 Community Recreation The Chetwynd and District Recreation Centre is owned by the PRRD and operated by the District of Chetwynd (District of Chetwynd, n.d.d). The Recreation Centre and Leisure Pool offers a wide range of athletic programs for youth, adults and seniors (District of Chetwynd, n.d.e) . Chetwynd also has a number of parks and trails located throughout the community and two golf courses within 30 km driving distance of Chetwynd’s town centre (District of Chetwynd, n.d.f).
3.7 Employment and Economy Given the small work force required for the Project, a detailed assessment of employment and economy is not necessary, in accordance with the NEB Filing Manual (NEB, 2013). Westcoast will hire, procure, and contract locally where possible.
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4.0 Public Consultation
A complete list of Project consultation activities and issues tracking is included in the Consultation and Aboriginal Matters section of the application.
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Statistics Canada. 2012b. Chetwynd, British Columbia (District Municipality; Code 5955010) [table]. Census Profile. 2011 Census. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 98-316-XWE. Ottawa. Released October 24, 2012. Accessed August 11 2013: http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census- recensement/2011/dp- pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CSD&Code1=5955010&Geo2=PR&Code2=61&Data =Count&SearchText=chetwynd&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All&Custom=&TAB ID=1
Statistics Canada. 2012c. West Moberly Lake 168A, British Columbia (Indian Reserve; Code 5955802) [table]. Census Profile. 2011 Census. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 98-316-XWE. Ottawa. Released October 24, 2012. Accessed August 11 2013: http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/dp- pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CSD&Code1=5955802&Geo2=PR&Code2=61&Data =Count&SearchText=west%20moberly&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All&Custom =&TABID=1
Statistics Canada. 2012d. East Moberly Lake 169 (Saulteau First Nations), British Columbia (Indian Reserve; Code 5955801) [table]. Census Profile. 2011 Census. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 98-316-XWE. Ottawa. Released October 24, 2012. Accessed August 11 2013: http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/dp- pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CSD&Code1=5955801&Geo2=PR&Code2=61&Data =Count&SearchText=east%20moberly&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All&Custom =&TABID=1
Statistics Canada. 2012e. Peace River, British Columbia (Regional District; Code 5955) and British Columbia (Code 59) [table]. Census Profile. 2011 Census. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 98-316-XWE. Ottawa. Released October 24, 2012. Accessed August 11 2013: http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/dp- pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CD&Code1=5955&Geo2=PR&Code2=59&Data=Cou nt&SearchText=british%20columbia&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All&Custom=& TABID=1
Statistics Canada. 2013a. Peace River, RD, British Columbia (Code 5955) [table]. National Household Survey (NHS) Profile. 2011 National Household Survey. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 98-004-XWE. Ottawa. Released June 26, 2013. Accessed August 11 2013: http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/nhs-enm/2011/dp- pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CD&Code1=5955&Data=Count&SearchText=peace %20river&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&A1=All&B1=All&Custom=&TABID=1
Statistics Canada. 2013b. Chetwynd, DM, British Columbia (Code 5959010) [table]. National Household Survey (NHS) Profile. 2011 National Household Survey. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 98-004-XWE. Ottawa. Released June 26, 2013. Accessed August 14 2013: http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/nhs-enm/2011/dp- pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CSD&Code1=5955010&Data=Count&SearchText=ch etwynd&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&A1=All&B1=All&Custom=&TABID=1
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Statistics Canada. 2013c. West Moberly Lake 168A, IRI, British Columbia (Code 5955802) [table]. National Household Survey (NHS) Profile. 2011 National Household Survey. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 98-004-XWE. Ottawa. Released June 26, 2013. Accessed August 14 2013: http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/nhs-enm/2011/dp- pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CSD&Code1=5955802&Data=Count&SearchText=w est%20moberly&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&A1=All&B1=All&Custom=&TABID=1
Statistics Canada. 2013d. East Moberly Lake 169 (Saulteau First Nations), IRI, British Columbia (Code 5955801) [table]. National Household Survey (NHS) Profile. 2011 National Household Survey. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 98-004-XWE. Ottawa. Released June 26, 2013. Accessed August 14 2013: http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/nhs-enm/2011/dp- pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CSD&Code1=5955801&Data=Count&SearchText=ea st%20moberly&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&A1=All&B1=All&Custom=&TABID=1
Statistics Canada. 2013e. British Columbia (Code 59) [table]. National Household Survey (NHS) Profile. 2011 National Household Survey. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 98-004-XWE. Ottawa. Released June 26, 2013. Accessed August 14 2013: http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/nhs-enm/2011/dp- pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=PR&Code1=59&Data=Count&SearchText=british%2 0columbia&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&A1=All&B1=All&Custom=&TABID=1
[TBCS] Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat. 2013. Federal Contaminated Sites Inventory. Accessed August 15, 2013: http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/fcsi-rscf/home-accueil-eng.aspx.
[T8FNs Community Assessment Team and Firelight Group] The Treaty 8 First Nations Community Assessment Team and The Firelight Group Research Cooperative. 2012. Telling a Story of Change the Dane-zaa Way: A Baseline Community Profile of Four Treaty 8 First Nations. On behalf of The Treaty 8 First Nations of Doig River, Halfway River, Prophet River and West Moberly. Submitted to BC Hydro for the Site C Environmental Assessment. Accessed August 12 2013: http://a100.gov.bc.ca/appsdata/epic/documents/p371/d35289/1359391668442_00ebbd079254b5 011c1a9ade6e98297d8519fbba806dac24c32a9f9cec3fbb26.pdf
Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta. 2013. List of Nations. Accessed August 8 2013: http://www.treaty8.ca/About-Us/List-of-Nations
[T8TA] Treaty 8 Tribal Association. 2013a. Communities: Overview. Accessed August 8 2013: http://www.treaty8.bc.ca/communities
Urban Systems. 2012. District of Chetwynd. 2012 Municipal Census and Workforce Survey. Report on file, District of Chetwynd, BC.
Vonhof M.J., and L.C. Wilkinson. 2000. A Summary of Roosting Requirements of Northern Long- Eared Myotis in Northeastern British Columbia. Pp. 459-460 in L.M. Darling, ed. 2000. Proc. Conf. on the Biology and Manage. Species and Habitats at Risk, Kamloops, BC, 15-19 Feb., 1999. Vol. 1; BC Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Victoria, BC, and University College of the Cariboo, Kamloops, BC. 490pp.
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Weir, R.D. 2004. Wolverine in Accounts and Measures for Managing Identified Wildlife – Accounts v. 2004. British Columbia Ministry of Water, Land, and Air Protection, Victoria, BC.
Weir, R.D. 2003. Status of the Fisher in British Columbia. Wildlife Bulletin No. B-105. British Columbia Ministry of Water, Land, and Air Protection, Biodiversity Branch, and British Columbia Ministry of Sustainable Resource Development, Conservation Data Centre, Victoria, BC.
Wind, E.I. and L.A. Dupuis. 2002. COSEWIC status report on the western toad Bufo boreas in Canada, in COSEWIC assessment and status report on the western toad Bufo boreas in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. 1-31pp.
[WSC] Water Survey of Canada. 2013. Hydrometric Data 1961 - 2010. Pine River at East Pine. Station ID 07FB001. Environment Canada. Accessed August 13, 2013: http://www.wsc.ec.gc.ca/applications/H2O/HydromatD-eng.cfm
Young, G.K. and N.F. Alley. 1978. The North and Central Plateaus and Mountains. In: The Soil Landscapes of British Columbia (Valentine, K.W.G., Sprout, P.N., Baker, T.E., and Lawkulis, L.M., eds.). B.C. Min. Environ., Resource Analysis Branch.
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ATTACHMENT 1
ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES MAP
Appendix 1: Technical Data Report Attachment 1 Prepared by Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 559500 560000 560500 561000 561500 562000 562500 563000 6163500 6163500 6163000 6163000 6162500 6162500
Workspace - Workspace (ha) Contingency West Laydown (ha) Truck Turnaround (ha) ROW (ha) Label Definition (ha) Comments BWBWmw Boreal White and Black Spruce, moist warm variant Restricted to wet sites, but commonly distributed; high productivity and provides habitat for widlife; high water tables deep hummus may impede regeneration, but can be restored in the long term; limit 111 White spruce - Current - Horsetail 0.746 0.671 0.364 0.000 1.954 disturbance to only what is required for construction; disturbance not expected to result in significant reduction of availability or distribution on the local landscape Common middle bench unit; commonly occurs along large rivers, Balsam poplar - White spruce - Mountain alder - erosion and flooding can be a concern following disturbance; given Fm02 (112) 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.492 Red-osier dogwood widespread occurrence, significant reduction of local availability as a result of construction activities is not expected 6162000 Migratory songbird observed in Polygon 18; does not fall within the 6162000 110$6B.1 Trembling aspen - Highbush cranberry - Oak fern 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 construction footprint Mixed with open water areas in the pipeline ROW; provides habitat for Balsam poplar - Red-osier dogwood - Highbush- 111$6B.1 0.000 0.000 0.126 0.000 0.079 migratory birds (Polygon 5); disturbance limited to west laydown area cranberry and hand slashing in ROW Potential to provide habitat for migratory birds; does not fall within 111$6B.2 Trembling aspen - Cow parsnip - Meadowrue 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 construction footprint Very common and tends to dominate upland areas in BWBSmw; 101$6B.1 Trembling aspen - Rose - Creamy peavine 0.636 1.168 0.091 0.000 0.723 potential to provide habitat for migratory birds Low elevation flood ecosystem; erosion may occur from flooding Fl03 Pacific willow - Red-osier dogwood - Horsetail 0.000 0.000 0.066 0.113 0.833 following disturbance; leave disturbed areas in stable, non-erosive state Evidence of flooding ; moose sign throughout; does not fall within Wm02 Swamp horsetail - Beaked sedge marsh 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 construction footprint; flag for avoidance Found in Polygon 2, mixed with shallow open water areas; likely not Wf01 Water sedge - Beaked sedge fen 0.033 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.48 sensitive to disturbance, but may provide habitat for migratory birds Gravel bars on outside meander bends of Pine River; wildlife sign is Fa Active channel 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.11 prevalent (black bear ungulates), western toad tadpoles found in Polygon 14 ; does not fall within construction footprint Xa Anthropogenic Disclimax 1.988 0.218 0.750 0.169 3.672 Cultivated pasture/existing pipeline ROW Several species of migratory birds found in open water areas in
6161500 0.022 0.000 0.014 0.000 0.599 6161500 Ww Shallow water Polygons 5 and 6
Clearing within ROW limited to hand slashing of three 2 m lines of Total (ha) 3.426 2.058 1.410 0.282 8.942 sight (Crown land), and clearing on private land portion of west side of crossing (up to 2.3 ha)
*Indicates blue-listed ecological communities
559500 560000 560500 561000 561500 562000 562500 563000
Polygon Number NO. DATE REVISION BY Westcoast Energy Grizzly Valley Pipeline Label Key (yyyy/mm/dd) Legend HDD Project 2 1 7/23/2013 TEM Map Rev 1 SA ER Site Truck Turnaround Ecological Communities Ecology Observation Point West Laydown WF01 8Ww 2 File No: N:\ACTIVE\4902_Spectra_GrizzlyLineReplacement\MXD\TEM_Map.mxd Road Workspace Decile 2 Basemap Source: Bing Maps Aerial Map Datum: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 10N Site Series 2 Project No: 4902 Date: Jan 09, 2014 R/W TEM Polygons Decile 1 100 50 0 100 200 300 400 Meters Site Series 1 Scale: 1:10,000 Westcoast Grizzly Sales Pipeline Replacement Project January 2014
ATTACHMENT 2
ARCHAEOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Appendix 1: Technical Data Report Attachment 3 Prepared by Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. PO Box 70 2262 Highway 29 Moberly Lake, BC V0C 1X0 Phone: 250-788-3813 Fax: 250-788-3816 Email: [email protected] www.landsong.com
ARCHAEOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT INTERIM REPORT
LANDSONG FILE #: 139097 OGC FILE #:
DEVELOPMENT: Westcoast U2377 Grizzly 24” Pipeline Pine River Replacement Crossing
CLIENT FILE: AFE: Company Name: Westcoast Energy Inc. Contact: Rudy Wartlik Address: Suite 2600, 425 1st Street SW Fifth Avenue Place, East Tower PROPONENT: Calgary, AB T2P 3L8 Phone: 604-691-5716 Fax: 604-691-5950 Email: [email protected]
PROJECT INFORMATION
HERITAGE PERMIT: 2013-0092 PERMIT HOLDER: Beth I. Hrychuk, M.A., RPCA
REPORT DATE: December 16, 2013 REPORT REVISION DATE:
REPORT AUTHOR: Keyna Burden, B.A. DEVELOPMENT LOCATION: The proposed development is located in northeastern British Columbia, approximately 27 km southwest of the town of Chetwynd, 673 m south of Highway 97 and crosses the Pine River. NTS MAPSHEET: 93 O/8 LAND STATUS: Crown (Treaty No. 8) & Private
SURVEY PLAN REVISION No.: 0 (preliminary) SURVEY PLAN DATE: December 11, 2013
DEVELOPMENT COORDINATES (NAD83): Start: 559349E 6163047N End: 562363E 6162365N
MANAGEMENT SUMMARY
No previously unrecorded archaeological sites were identified. Ten (10) areas of moderate to high archaeological potential were identified adjacent to the proposed development: 1) 5 m x 10 m bank of drainage @ UTM 10U 559580E 6162971N 2) 5 m x 60 m bank of drainage @ UTM 10U 560139E 6162848N 3) 5 m x 50 m bank of drainage @ UTM 10U 560115E 6162817N 4) 15 m x 15 m break-in-slope @ UTM 10U 560435E 6162724N 5) 5 m x 20 m break-in-slope @ UTM 10U 560444E 6162750N 6) 30 m x 60 m break-in-slope @ UTM 10U 560483E 6162738N 7) 10 m x 10 m break-in-slope @ UTM 10U 560474E 6162713N 8) 10 m x 12 m break-in-slope @ UTM 10U 560498E 6162705N
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9) 12 m x 100 m bank of Pine River @ UTM 10U 561777E 6162585N 10) 5 m x 100 m bank of drainage @ UTM 10U 561956E 6162524N
No further archaeological assessment is recommended in association with the proposed development.
Previously Unrecorded Sites: 0 Previously Recorded Sites Revisited: 0
No. of Subsurface Test Locations: 11 No. of Subsurface Tests: 178
Development Flagged Prior to AIA: N Construction Schedule: Winter/Spring 2014
FIELD DATES & PERSONNEL
FIELD DATE(S): September 23 – 25 & December 12 – 14, 2013 FIELD SUPERVISOR: John Cormier, B.A., Chrissy FIELD DIRECTOR: George Brons, B.A. Foreman, M.A., & Keith Hansen, B.A. Keyna Burden, B.A. Marina McCaffrey, M.A. ADDITIONAL LANDSONG FIELD PERSONNEL: Adam Gentry Chenise McClarty Barry Mierau Jennifer Field (Halfway River First Nation; contact: Roslyn Pokiak T: 250-772-5135, F: 250-772-5124) Chris Fox (McLeod Lake Indian Band; contact: Eran Spence T: 250-788-2227, F: 250-788- ABORIGINAL PARTICIPANTS & AFFILIATED 8824) COMMUNITY: Ben Fuchs (Saulteau First Nations; contact: Josh Foerderer; T: 250-788-7916; F: 250-788- 7918) West Moberly First Nations was notified of the AIA but was unable to attend
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES WITHIN 5000 m OF DEVELOPMENT DISTANCE FROM BORDEN # SITE TYPE COMMENTS DEVELOPMENT Precontact, Cultural GjRl-2 Material, Surface, ~6,699 m southeast No further work Lithics Note: Distance and direction of the development from the archaeological site, measured from the closest portion of the development Previous Archaeological Assessments in Proximity to Development: None Pre-Field Archaeological Potential Assessment: Landsong recommended an AIA based on utilization of the Peace District Model and the AOA Potential Model in RAAD (showing areas of low to high potential) and a map review identifying numerous drainages and tributaries of the Pine River within the project area, as well as the crossing of the Pine River.
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ASSESSMENT METHODS DEVELOPMENT COMPONENT ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY PT=1-10, GV=none, ST=89, FST=10, Pipeline Right-of-Way (9.21 ha) TA=sc, hs Truck Turnaround (0.28 ha) PT=1-10, GV=none 11 Temporary Workspaces (0.12 ha, 0.15 ha, 2 @ 0.18 ha, 0.49 PT=1-10, GV=none, ST=15, TA=sc ha, 4 @ 80 m x 110 m, 0.66 ha, 10 m x 1450 m) 2 Laydown Areas (2 @ 50 m x650 m) PT=1-10, GV=none
4 Disposal Areas (4 @ 60 m x 60 m) PT=1-10, GV=none
Preliminary Study Area (200 m x 1200 m) PT=1-10, GV=none, ST=64, TA=sc Definitions: HR=helicopter reconnaissance, PT=pedestrian traverse, GV=ground visibility (none, poor, good, excellent), ST=subsurface testing, FST=frozen subsurface testing, TA=test analysis method (sc=screened in whole or part, hs=hand sorted/troweled), EU=1m x 1m evaluative unit
COMPONENTS & SUBSURFACE TEST LOCATION RESULTS COMPONENT(S): Pipeline Right-of-Way, Truck Turnaround, 5 Temporary Workspaces, Laydown Area & Preliminary Study Area (West Side of Pine River) Archaeological Potential: Low to No. of Subsurface Test No. of Subsurface Tests: 128 Moderate Locations: 9 Assessment Results: Nine areas of moderate archaeological potential were identified within the proposed development. Eight areas of moderate archaeological potential were identified adjacent to the proposed development: 1) 5 m x 10 m bank of drainage @ UTM 10U 559580E 6162971N 2) 5 m x 60 m bank of drainage @ UTM 10U 560139E 6162848N 3) 5 m x 50 m bank of drainage @ UTM 10U 560115E 6162817N 4) 15 m x 15 m break-in-slope @ UTM 10U 560435E 6162724N 5) 5 m x 20 m break-in-slope @ UTM 10U 560444E 6162750N 6) 30 m x 60 m break-in-slope @ UTM 10U 560483E 6162738N 7) 10 m x 10 m break-in-slope @ UTM 10U 560474E 6162713N 8) 10 m x 12 m break-in-slope @ UTM 10U 560498E 6162705N Adherence to development plans is recommended to avoid impacting potential archaeological resources in these areas. Terrain: Featureless to undulating
Slope & Aspect: Gentle slopes with northwestern aspects Drainage: Poorly to rapidly drained Land Type: 60% forested, 40% agricultural field White and black poplar, white and black spruce, birch, willow, diamond willow and Forest Cover: alder Grasses, mosses, lichens, caribou lichen, rose, bunchberry, coltsfoot, raspberry, Ground Cover: highbush cranberry, horsetail, aster, vetch, fireweed, Canadian thistle Disturbance: Oil & Gas development, Agricultural activities
Soil Visibility: None
SUBSURFACE TEST LOCATION No.: 1
Test Location: Pipeline Right-of-Way @ UTM 10U 559588E 6162978
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Landform: Moderately well drained bank of drainage
Forest Cover: Willow Soil Description: 0 cm littermat; A Horizon 1 - 2 cm 10YR 2/2 very dark brown wet loam; B Horizon 3 -5 cm 10YR 3/3 dark brown wet silty sand. Five alternating layers of A and B within 45 cm. Test Area Size: 5 m NE/SW x 13 m NW/SE No. of Subsurface Tests: 10
Potential: Moderate Results: No cultural materials were identified
SUBSURFACE TEST LOCATION No.: 2
Test Location: Pipeline Right-of-Way @ UTM 10U 560122E 6162828N
Landform: Moderately well drained bank of drainage
Forest Cover: White poplar
Soil Description: 0 cm littermat; A Horizon 0 - 30 cm 10YR 3/2 very dark greyish brown wet loam.
Test Area Size: 6 m N/S x 8 m E/W No. of Subsurface Tests: 8
Potential: Moderate Results: No cultural materials were identified
SUBSURFACE TEST LOCATION No.: 3
Test Location: Pipeline Right-of-Way @ UTM 10U 560436E 6162734N
Landform: Well drained bank of drainage
Forest Cover: White poplar, white spruce Soil Description: 4 cm littermat; A Horizon 0 – 8 cm 10YR 3/3 dark brown dry loam; B Horizon 8 – 35 cm 10YR 5/3 brown dry silt, all with 50% inclusions. Test Area Size: 4 m N/S x 6 m E/W No. of Subsurface Tests: 5
Potential: Moderate Results: No cultural materials were identified
SUBSURFACE TEST LOCATION No.: 4
Test Location: Pipeline Right-of-Way @ UTM 10U 560465E 6162726N
Landform: Well drained break-in-slope
Forest Cover: White poplar, white spruce Soil Description: 4 cm littermat; A Horizon 0 - 8 cm 10YR 3/3 dark brown dry loam; B Horizon 8 - 20 cm 10YR 5/3 brown dry silt; C Horizon 20 – 30 cm 10YR 5/6 Yellowish brown dry silt. Test Area Size: 5 m NW/SE x 12 m NE/SW No. of Subsurface Tests: 9
Potential: Moderate Results: No cultural materials were identified
SUBSURFACE TEST LOCATION No.: 5
Test Location: Pipeline Right-of-Way @ UTM 10U 560498E 6162718N
Landform: Moderately well drained terrace of Pine River
Forest Cover: White poplar, white spruce, willow Soil Description: 3 cm littermat; A Horizon 0 – 4 cm 10YR 3/3 dark brown dry loam; B Horizon 4 – 20 cm 10YR 5/3 brown dry silt; C Horizon 20 – 30 cm 10YR 5/6 yellowish brown dry silt.
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Test Area Size: 10 m N/S x 30 m E/W No. of Subsurface Tests: 20
Potential: Moderate Results: No cultural materials were identified
SUBSURFACE TEST LOCATION No.: 6
Test Location: Temporary Workspace @ UTM 10U 560597E 6162570N
Landform: Well drained bank of drainage
Forest Cover: None
Soil Description: 2 cm littermat; 0 – 35 cm 10YR 3/3 dark brown wet sandy silt.
Test Area Size: 3 m NW/SE x 40 m NE/SW No. of Subsurface Tests: 15
Potential: Moderate Results: No cultural materials were identified
SUBSURFACE TEST LOCATION No.: 7
Test Location: Preliminary Study Area @ UTM 10U 561364E 6162611N
Landform: Imperfectly drained bank of Pine River
Forest Cover: White spruce, willow, alder
Soil Description: 1 cm littermat; A Horizon 0 – 30 cm 10YR 5/3 brown dry silt.
Test Area Size: 6 m NE/SW x 30 m NW/SE No. of Subsurface Tests: 25
Potential: Moderate Results: No cultural materials were identified
SUBSURFACE TEST LOCATION No.: 8
Test Location: Preliminary Study Area @ UTM 10U 561428E 6162590N
Landform: Rapidly drained bank of Pine River
Forest Cover: None
Soil Description: 0 cm littermat; A Horizon 0 – 30 cm 10YR 3/2 very dark greyish brown dry sand.
Test Area Size: 5 m N/S x 29 m E/W No. of Subsurface Tests: 14
Potential: Moderate Results: No cultural materials were identified
SUBSURFACE TEST LOCATION No.: 9
Test Location: Preliminary Study Area @ UTM 10U 561796E 6162416N
Landform: Moderately well drained terrace of Pine River
Forest Cover: Willow
Soil Description: 0 cm littermat; A Horizon 0 – 30 cm 10YR 3/2 very dark greyish brown wet sand.
Test Area Size: 5 m NE/SW x 20 m NW/SE No. of Subsurface Tests: 12
Potential: Moderate Results: No cultural materials were identified
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COMPONENT(S): Pipeline Right-of-Way, 6 Temporary Workspaces, Laydown Area & Preliminary Study Area (East Side of Pine River) No. of Subsurface Test Archaeological Potential: Low to High No. of Subsurface Tests: 50 Locations: 2 Assessment Results: Two areas of moderate to high archaeological potential were identified within the proposed development. Two areas of moderate to high archaeological potential were identified adjacent to the proposed development: 1) 12 m x 100 m bank of Pine River @ UTM 10U 561777E 6162585N 2) 5 m x 100 m bank of drainage @ UTM 10U 561956E 6162524N Adherence to development plans is recommended to avoid impacting potential archaeological resources in these areas. Terrain: Featureless to undulating
Slope & Aspect: None Drainage: Poorly to rapidly drained Land Type: 20% forested, 80% agricultural field
Forest Cover: Black poplar, white spruce and willow
Ground Cover: Grasses, mosses, cow parsnip, rose, coltsfoot, raspberry, horsetail
Disturbance: Oil & Gas development, Agricultural activities
Soil Visibility: None
SUBSURFACE TEST LOCATION No.: 10
Test Location: Preliminary Study Area @ UTM 10U 561785E 6162477N
Landform: Well drained bank of Pine River
Forest Cover: White spruce, willow
Soil Description: 0 cm littermat; A Horizon 0 – 30 cm 10YR 3/2 very dark greyish brown wet sand.
Test Area Size: 4 m E/W x 74 m N/S No. of Subsurface Tests: 29
Potential: High Results: No cultural materials were identified
SUBSURFACE TEST LOCATION No.: 11
Test Location: Preliminary Study Area @ UTM 10U 561796E 6162416N
Landform: Rapidly drained bank of Pine River
Forest Cover: White spruce, willow
Soil Description: 0 cm littermat; A Horizon 0 – 30 cm 10YR 3/2 very dark greyish brown wet sand.
Test Area Size: 6 m E/W x 42 m N/S No. of Subsurface Tests: 12
Potential: Moderate Results: No cultural materials were identified
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PROJECT RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations:
No impacts to previously recorded archaeological sites are expected from construction activities associated with the proposed development.
No previously unrecorded archaeological sites were identified during the AIA. The probability of finding archaeological sites on this project is considered low.
Ten (10) areas of moderate to high archaeological potential were identified adjacent to the proposed development and adherence to development plans is recommended to avoid impacting potential archaeological resources in these areas. If future development is to occur in these areas, further archaeological assessment will be required.
No further archaeological assessment is recommended in association with the proposed Westcoast U2377 Grizzly 24” Pipeline Pine River Replacement Crossing development.
Notes and Caveats:
This report has been prepared as per the Interim Reporting Guidelines of the BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources, Archaeology Branch and the Oil and Gas Commission. Reporting pertains only to archaeological findings and potential impacts to archaeological resources by oil and gas operations related to this specific development.
The addition or revision of proposed development components may require review by a qualified archaeologist and potential additional archaeological assessment.
This report does not address potential concerns by Aboriginal communities including possible impacts to traditional land use activities, resources and specific sites.
In the unlikely event that archaeological resources or human remains are encountered prior to or during development, all ground altering activities should cease immediately and the Oil and Gas Commission, the BC Archaeology Branch and a qualified archaeologist should be contacted.
REPORT DISTRIBUTION
Oil and Gas Commission, Vera Brandzin, Heritage Conservation Program Manager
Westcoast Energy Inc., Rudy Wartlik
Westcoast Energy Inc., Korey Green
Westcoast Energy Inc., Jay Morrison
Halfway River First Nation, Land Use Department
McLeod Lake Indian Band, Land Referral Office
Saulteau First Nations, Land Use Department
West Moberly First Nations, Land Use Department
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______
Beth Hrychuk, M.A., RPCA Heritage Inspection Permit Holder
______
Keyna Burden, B.A. Interim Report Author
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Bo w ld e r C q reek
Chetwynd ~27 km NE
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Proposed 9.21 ha Pipeline Right of Way
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Westcoast Energy Inc. Westcoast U2377 Grizzly 24" Pipeline Pine River Replacement Crossing
Westcoast Development Previously Identified *# Archaeological Site
Rivers/Creeks
Roads NTS Mapsheets 93 O/9 0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000
Meters Map Scale 1:60,000 Map from: GeoBC, Province of British Columbia, 2013
Figure 1 Westcoast Energy Inc.; Westcoast U2377 Grizzly 24" Pipeline Pine River Replacement Crossing
Page 9 Prepared By: Westcoast Energy Inc. Westcoast U2377 Grizzly 24" Pipeline Pine River Replacement Crossing Westcoast Development NTS Mapsheet 93 O/9 Pedestrian Transects 0 125 250 375 500 Prepared For: Preliminary Study Area Meters Subsurface Test Location Map Scale 1:9,500 Chetwynd ~27 km NE Area of Archaeological Potential Map from: GeoBC, Province of British Columbia, 2013 ÛÚ Photo Location & Direction q Temporary Workspace (110 m x 80 m)
Disposal Area (60 m x 60 m)
Truck Turnaround Û Ú
(0.28 ha) 2
Û Ú 1 Temporary Workspace 1 (0.18 ha)
2 093O/09 4 Temporary Workspace 5 (10 m x 1450 m) 3ÛÚ Laydown Area 3 (65 m x 50 m) Temporary Workspace Temporary Workspace (0.18 ha)
(0.66 ha) Ú
Û Disposal Area (60 m x 60 m) 4 7 Temporary Workspace ÛÚ (110 m x 80 m) 5 8 Temporary Workspace 6 (110 m x 80 m) 9 Disposal Area (60 m x 60 m) 10 Temporary Pipeline Right of Way ÛÚ6 Workspace (.012 ha) (9.21 ha) 11 Temporary Workspace
(0.15 ha)
Ú
Preliminary Study Area Û
Ú Subsurface Archaeological Number Frozen (200 m x 1200 m) 7 Û Test Location Potential of Tests Tests Temporary Workspace 9 r e (0.49 ha) v 1 Moderate - 10 i R 2 Moderate 8 - Laydown Area
e
n (65 m x 50 m) i Ú
3 Moderate 5 - Û P 4 Moderate 9 - 8 Temporary Workspace (110 m x 80 m) 5 Moderate 30 - 6 Moderate 15 - Disposal Area (60 m x 60 m) 7 Moderate 25 - 8 Moderate 14 - 9 Moderate 12 - 10 High 29 - 11 Moderate 21 -
Figure 2 Westcoast Energy Inc.; Westcoast U2377 Grizzly 24" Pipeline Pine River Replacement Crossing
Page 10 Plate 1 View west of proposed truck turnaround from east boundary showing dense new growth willow
Plate 2 View west of proposed 80 m x 100 m temporary workspace from east corner showing level and featureless agricultural land
Page 11 Plate 3 View southeast of subsurface test location 3, located on a well drained bank of drainage exhibiting moderate archaeological potential
Plate 4 View west of proposed pipeline right-of-way from ~1+500 showing forest cover of white poplar, willow and alder
Page 12 Plate 5 View southwest of proposed pipeline right-of-way from ~1+750 showing dense forest cover of white and black poplar, white spruce and willow
Plate 6 View south of subsurface test location 10, located on a well drained bank of the Pine River exhibiting high archaeological potential
Page 13 Plate 7 View west of preliminary study area from east boundary showing level, featureless terrain and previous agricultural disturbance
Plate 8 View northeast of proposed 80 m x 100 m temporary workspace depicting level and featureless terrain of low archaeological potential
Page 14 Plate 9 View northeast of proposed 80 m x 110m temporary workspace from south corner displaying featureless terrain and agricultural disturbance
Page 15 Westcoast Grizzly Sales Pipeline Replacement Project January 2014
ATTACHMENT 3
TRADITIONAL LAND USE SITES OVERVIEW
Appendix 1: Technical Data Report Attachment 3 Prepared by Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd.
December 19, 2013 (via email)
Rudy Wartlik Westcoast Energy Inc. Suite 2600, 425 1st Street SW Fifth Avenue Place, East Tower Calgary, AB T2P 3L8
Re: Traditional Land Use Sites Overview of proposed Westcoast Energy Inc. U2377 Grizzly 24” Pipeline Pine River Replacement Crossing
At the request of Westcoast Energy Inc. (Westcoast), Landsong Heritage Consulting Ltd. (Landsong) contacted Halfway River First Nation (HRFN), McLeod Lake Indian Band (MLIB), Saulteau First Nations (SFN) and West Moberly First Nations (WMFN) to invite a representative from each community to participate in a Traditional Land Use Sites Overview (TLU Sites Overview) of the proposed Westcoast U2377 Grizzly 24” Pipeline Pine River Replacement Crossing.
A participation form was faxed to HRFN, MLIB, SFN and WMFN on September 14, 2013. The participation was also emailed to MLIB on September 14, 2013 and to SFN on September 20, 2013. Roslyn Pokiak of HRFN faxed a completed form on September 18, 2013 confirming the participation of Jennifer Field. Eran Spence of MLIB faxed a completed form on September 20, 2013 confirming the participation of Chris Fox. Josh Foerderer of SFN emailed a completed form on September 23, 2013 confirming the participation of Ben Fuchs. West Moberly First Nations was notified of the TLU Sites Overview but was unable to attend.
On September 24 & 25, 2013, George Brons and Keith Hansen of Landsong and Jennifer Field of HRFN, Chris Fox of MLIB and Ben Fuchs of SFN conducted a TLU Sites Overview of the proposed development.
Owing to the small scale of the proposed development a TLU Summary Report will not be completed. Please consider this letter as a summary of the TLU findings. In addition, a TLU Data Package including detailed TLU site forms and TLU site photos will be provided to HRFN, MLIB and SFN.
The primary objective of the TLU Sites Overview was to:
to identify and document past and current TLU sites information at both a site-specific and landscape-level, as well as Environmental Biophysical Features and Observations within the proposed Project area
to document proposed Project related concerns raised by the Aboriginal participants
PO BOX 70 2262 HWY 29 MOBERLY LAKE, BC V0C 1X0 PHONE: (250) 788-3813 FAX: (250) 788-3816 EMAIL: [email protected]
to develop feasible measures to mitigate and/or negate significant impacts to TLU Sites and Environmental Biophysical Features
to maintain a community-based approach through involvement of local Aboriginal participants and to provide Aboriginal communities with TLU deliverables that are relevant and of utility
to provide Proponents with information and deliverables necessary to respond to Aboriginal communities’ questions and concerns and to manage TLU impact mitigation recommendations during construction and throughout the life of a proposed Project
No site-specific TLU sites were identified during the review. Nineteen (19) site-specific Environmental Biophysical Features and Observations (ER) sites were recorded during the review. The participants requested impact mitigation recommendations for to two sites: ER2 and ER6. ER2 is a beaver pond with dams and the participants requested that impact be minimized and that a biologist be contacted for habitat protection guidelines. ER6 is an old oxbow now cut off from the Pine River that is currently being utilized by animals as a water source, and the participants requested that impact be minimized. This information has been provided to Westcoast and may require action.
Please contact our office at your convenience if you have any questions or concerns in regards to the TLU Sites Overview conducted for the proposed Westcoast U2377 Grizzly 24” Pipeline Pine River Replacement Crossing.
Sincerely,
Tamara Martel, B.Sc. Landsong Heritage Consulting Ltd.
cc: Land Use Department, Halfway River First Nation Land Referral Office, McLeod Lake Indian Band Land Use Department, Saulteau First Nations
Page 2 Westcoast Grizzly Sales Pipeline Replacement Project January 2014
ATTACHMENT 4
PHOTOGRAPHS
Appendix 1: Technical Data Report Attachment 4 Prepared by Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. Page 1 Westcoast Grizzly Sales Pipeline Replacement Project January 2014
Photo 1. Trembling aspen forms the dominant component of site association BWBSmw/111$6B.1
Photo 2. Representative photo of the white spruce – currant – horsetail (BWBSmw/111) site association
Appendix 1: Technical Data Report Attachment 4 Prepared by Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. Page 2 Westcoast Grizzly Sales Pipeline Replacement Project January 2014
Photo 3. Trembling aspen – rose – creamy pea vine (BWBSmw/101$6B.1)
Photo 4. Open water channel within the balsam poplar – dogwood – highbush-cranberry (BWBSmw/111$6B.1) site association
Appendix 1: Technical Data Report Attachment 4 Prepared by Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. Page 3 Westcoast Grizzly Sales Pipeline Replacement Project January 2014
Photo 5. Sand deposited within the balsam poplar – white spruce –mountain alder – dogwood (BWBSmw/Fm02(112)) site association
Photo 6. Vegetated sandbar dominated by willow shrubs in the Pacific willow – red-osier dogwood – horsetail (BWBSmw/F103) site association
Appendix 1: Technical Data Report Attachment 4 Prepared by Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. Page 4 Westcoast Grizzly Sales Pipeline Replacement Project January 2014
Photo 7. Water sedge – beaked sedge fen (BWBSmw/Wf01)
Photo 8. Swamp horsetail – beaked sedge marsh (BWBSmw/Wm02)
Appendix 1: Technical Data Report Attachment 4 Prepared by Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. Page 5 Westcoast Grizzly Sales Pipeline Replacement Project January 2014
Photo 9. Open water area present in the northwest portion of the pipeline ROW
Photo 10. Understory of dogwood and mountain alder in the balsam poplar – white spruce – mountain alder- dogwood (BWBSmw/112) site association
Appendix 1: Technical Data Report Attachment 4 Prepared by Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. Page 6 Westcoast Grizzly Sales Pipeline Replacement Project January 2014
Photo 11. Pine River near the crossing location (facing upstream)
Photo 12. Pine River near the crossing location (facing downstream)
Appendix 1: Technical Data Report Attachment 4 Prepared by Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. Page 7 Westcoast Grizzly Sales Pipeline Replacement Project January 2014
Photo 13. Glide-pool habitat at the crossing location
Photo 14. Eroding sandy banks on the Pine River
Appendix 1: Technical Data Report Attachment 4 Prepared by Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. Page 8 Westcoast Grizzly Sales Pipeline Replacement Project January 2014
Photo 15. Pine River downstream of the crossing location (glide habitat)
Photo 16. Ivorline Creek facing upstream
Appendix 1: Technical Data Report Attachment 4 Prepared by Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. Page 9 Westcoast Grizzly Sales Pipeline Replacement Project January 2014
Photo 17. Beaver chew marks within a broad leaf site association (BWBSmw/111$6B.2)
Photo 18. Tadpoles in an isolated pool adjacent to the Pine River
Appendix 1: Technical Data Report Attachment 4 Prepared by Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. Page 10 Westcoast Grizzly Sales Pipeline Replacement Project January 2014
Photo 19. Mule Deer track located on the southeast side of the Pine River (Polygon 16)
Photo 20. Beaver lodge located in Polygon 8 (on the north side of the ROW)
Appendix 1: Technical Data Report Attachment 4 Prepared by Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. Page 11 Westcoast Grizzly Sales Pipeline Replacement Project January 2014
Photo 21. Black Bear track located on sand bar on the west side of the Pine River (Polygon 11)
Photo 22. Moose stripping bark
Appendix 1: Technical Data Report Attachment 4 Prepared by Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. Page 12 Westcoast Grizzly Sales Pipeline Replacement Project January 2014
Photo 23. Beaver dam/channel located on the southwest side of the pipeline ROW in Polygon 3
Photo 24. Beaver dam located on the northwest portion of the pipeline ROW in Polygon 2
Appendix 1: Technical Data Report Attachment 4 Prepared by Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. Page 13