ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REPORT HERITAGE AIRPORT CUSTODY TRANSFER STATION MARITIMES & NORTHEAST PIPELINE

FINAL REPORT

Submitted to: Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline 1600 - 1801 Hollis Street Halifax NS B3J 3N4

Submitted by: AMEC Earth & Environmental A Division of AMEC Americas Limited 32 Troop Avenue Dartmouth NS B3B 1Z1

February 2006

Ref. No. TV51084

Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE

1.0 INTRODUCTION...... 1

2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION...... 1 2.1 CONTACT INFORMATION ...... 1 2.2 PROJECT LOCATION...... 1 2.3 NATURE OF THE PROJECT...... 1 2.4 PROJECT ACTIVITIES...... 5 2.4.1 Construction Activities...... 5 2.4.2 Operation Activities ...... 7 2.4.3 Maintenance and Monitoring Activities ...... 8 2.4.4 Decommissioning/Abandonment Activities ...... 8

3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING...... 9 3.1 ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS...... 9 3.1.1 Climatology ...... 9 3.1.2 Air Quality...... 9 3.1.3 Ambient Noise Levels ...... 12 3.2 TERRESTRIAL PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT ...... 13 3.2.1 Physiography ...... 13 3.2.2 Geology...... 13 3.2.3 Hydrogeology...... 14 3.3 TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT ...... 15 3.3.1 Species of Special Status Review ...... 16 3.3.2 Migratory Birds ...... 25 3.3.3 Significant Habitat ...... 26 3.4 AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT ...... 27 3.5 WETLANDS ...... 28 3.6 TRADITIONAL ABORIGINAL USE ...... 29 3.6.1 Archaeological/Heritage and Paleontological Resources ...... 29 3.7 SOCIO-ECONOMIC SETTING ...... 30 3.7.1 Population ...... 30 3.7.2 Labour Force in HRM...... 31 3.7.3 Labour Force by Industry in HRM...... 31 3.7.4 Landuse...... 31

4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY...... 34 4.1 BOUNDARIES ...... 34 4.2 BASELINE INFORMATION...... 35 4.3 CONSULTATION...... 35

TV51084 Page iii Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

4.3.1 Consultation with First Nations ...... 35 4.3.2 Consultation with Local Government Agencies and Resource Managers ...... 36 4.4 PREDICTING ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS...... 37 4.5 CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ...... 37 4.6 IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE RATING ...... 37

5.0 VALUED ECOSYSTEM COMPONENTS...... 40

6.0 POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS, PROPOSED MITIGATION, AND RESIDUAL EFFECTS...... 44 6.1 AIR QUALITY...... 44 6.1.1 Construction and Decommissioning...... 44 6.1.2 Operation...... 45 6.2 SOIL QUALITY AND QUANTITY...... 46 6.2.1 Construction and Decommissioning...... 46 6.2.2 Operations...... 47 6.3 MIGRATORY BIRDS ...... 47 6.3.1 Construction...... 48 6.3.2 Operations and Decommissioning...... 48 6.4 SPECIES AT RISK- FLORA...... 48 6.4.1 Construction and Decommissioning...... 49 6.4.2 Operations and Decommissioning...... 49 6.5 SURFACE WATER QUALIT Y AND QUANTITY...... 50 6.5.1 Construction and Decommissioning...... 50 6.5.2 Operations...... 51 6.6 SOCIO-ECONOMIC EFFECTS...... 52 6.6.1 Local Economy...... 52 6.6.2 Emergency Services...... 52 6.6.3 Traffic 53

7.0 ACCIDENTAL EVENTS AN D MALFUNCTIONS...... 55

8.0 EFFECTS OF THE ENVIRONMENT ON THE PROJECT ...... 56

9.0 CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ASSESSMENT...... 57

10.0 MITIGATION AND MONITORING MEASURES ...... 58 10.1 INSPECTION AND TRAINING ...... 58 10.2 MONITORING MEASURES ...... 58

11.0 CONCLUSION...... 59

12.0 REFERENCES...... 60

TV51084 Page iv Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued) PAGE LIST OF TABLES

TABLE 1 Plant and Animal Species of Special Status Known to Occur Within 5 km of the Study Site (ACCDC, 2006) ...... 17 TABLE 2 Significant Habitat within 5 km Radius Around the Proposed CTS ...... 27 TABLE 3 Nova Scotia Population and Principal Labour Force Statistics (December 2005)30 TABLE 4 Halifax Regional Municipality Principal Labour Force Statistics...... 31 TABLE 5 Government and Scientific Consultation ...... 36 TABLE 6 Criteria to Facilitate Assessment...... 39 TABLE 7 Valued Ecosystem Components of Concern (VECs)...... 41

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 General Site Location ...... 2 Figure 2 Project Location – Aerotech Drive ...... 3 Figure 3 Detailed Site Plan ...... 4 Figure 4 Hieracium kalmii Location ...... 22

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix A Species at Risk in Nova Scotia Appendix B Breeding Birds in the Project Area

TV51084 Page v Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

GLOSSARY

Acronyms

ACC Agricultural Capability Class ACCDC Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre COSEWIC Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada CTS Custody Transfer Station dB(A) Decibel (A - weighted) EA Environmental Assessment EPP Environmental Protection Plan HRM Halifax Regional Municipality HRSDC Human Resources Skills Development Canada km2 Kilometre kPa Kilo Pascal mg/ m3 Milligrams per cubic metre µg/ m3 Micrograms per cubic metre µm Micrometre MBCA Migratory Birds convention Act M&NP Maritimes and Northeast Pipeline Management Limited NAPS National Air Pollution Surveillance Network NEB National Energy Board NSDEL Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Labour NSDNR Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources NSESA Nova Scotia Endangered Species Act ppb Parts per billion ppm Parts per million psig Pounds per square inch gauge RLUL Restricted and Limited Use Land RoW Right of Way SARA Species at Risk Act StatCan Statistics Canada TSP Total suspended Particulates VEC Valued Ecosystem Component (including socio-economic components) VOC Volatile Organic Compounds

TV51084 Page vi Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

1.0 INTRODUCTION

At the request of Heritage Gas Limited (Heritage Gas), the natural gas distribution franchise holder for Nova Scotia, Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline (M&NP) proposes to construct and operate a Custody Transfer Station (CTS) adjacent to the M&NP Halifax Lateral Pipeline and proposed Heritage Gas Medium Pressure Polyethylene Pipeline at Aerotech Drive, Halifax County, Nova Scotia as shown in Figure 1.

2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2.1 CONTACT INFORMATION

The main contact for this Project is:

Proponent: Stephanie More, P.Eng. Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline C/O Duke Energy Gas Transmission 1600-1801 Hollis Street Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3N4

2.2 PROJECT LOCATION

The proposed CTS will be located on a parcel of land with the PID 00515239, adjacent to Aerotech Business Park and Halifax International Airport. The land, which is bisected by an extension of Aerotech Drive, is currently owned by HRM (Halifax Regional Municipality). It houses municipal treatment facilities including the Biosolids Handling Facility currently under construction (Figure 2). Heritage Gas will acquire the ownership for the parcel of land that will contain the proposed CTS.

The proposed location for the CTS is approximately 1.5 kilometres (km) southwest of Halifax Airport on the north side of Aerotech Drive, adjacent to the existing M&NP NPS 12 Pipeline (Halifax Lateral) at kilometer post (KP) 97.1 (Figure 2 and 3). The proposed property has a frontage of about 23 m along Aerotech Drive and is 22 m deep, for a total of about 506 m2 (Figure 3). The proposed location is near Exit 5A on Highway 102.

2.3 NATURE OF THE PROJECT

The CTS will provide natural gas to the Heritage Gas distribution system. Construction of the CTS is scheduled to extend from April 1 to May 31st, 2006.

Heritage Gas is proposing to provide natural gas service to the HRM Biosolids Handling Facility as well as other commercial customers in the vicinity of Aerotech Business Park and Halifax International Airport via a Medium Pressure Polyethylene (PE) distribution system operated at a maximum operating pressure of 690 kPa (100 psig). Downstream of the CTS, Heritage Gas will be responsible for pressure regulation facilities including odorization and natural gas heating (if required). The facilities are required in-service in early June 2006. Heritage Gas will operate all facilities downstream of the CTS.

TV51084 Page 1

SITE LOCATION

FIGURE 1 GENERAL SITE LOCATION SCALE 1:50 000

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REPORT HERITAGE AIRPORT CUSTODY TRANSFER STATION MARITIMES & NORTHEAST PIPELINE HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA

Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

The proposed CTS will consist of the following: · Valving and associated equipment; · Measurement; · Gas filtration; and · Fenced perimeter with security lock.

The CTS station will be contained within a fenced area with the approximate dimensions of 22 m (metres) by 23 m. The CTS will include two small buildings of approximately 2.5 m x 2.5 m and 2.5 m x 3.1m to house SCADA, communication and measurement equipment. A driveway to the CTS and power / telecommunications connections will be constructed as part of this project. An underground pipeline of about 7 m length will be installed outside of the fenced area to connect the CTS to the future Heritage Gas Pressure Reducing Station (PRS) (Figure 3).

2.4 PROJECT ACTIVITIES

The following is a description of typical construction, operation, and decommissioning/ abandonment activities associated with the CTS. Specific environmental protection measures and construction techniques are described in the M&NP Halifax Lateral Environmental Protection Plan (EPP), which has been previously filed and approved by the National Energy Board (NEB) (M&NP, 2000).

2.4.1 Construction Activities

Earthworks

A short driveway (approximately 10 m) will be constructed to provide access to the CTS from Aerotech Drive. The CTS including the underground pipeline connecting it to the future Heritage Gas PRS will be on Heritage Gas Property and the construction of the proposed CTS will be confined to this property.

The existing vegetation (mixed forest) on the property will be cleared. While the proposed CTS location is relatively level, site preparation may require additional grading to provide a level area for the station equipment and to ensure proper drainage. Concrete will be placed for building foundations and equipment supports and gravel will cover the remaining ground surface within the fenced area. Some minor clearing may be required along the edges of the CTS for working room. The CTS area will be graded to drain towards the bar ditches along Aerotech Drive.

Equipment Installation

Construction will require staging of piping, storage of material, parking of vehicles, and storage of equipment. Equipment (e.g. filter), fittings, and pipe will be transported to the site and fabricated according to the station design. This will consist primarily of cutting pipe to the required length, joining pipe, fittings and flanges, and bolting the various assemblies together. Some components may be fabricated off-site and transported to the CTS as needed.

TV51084 Page 5 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

Hydrostatic Testing

Hydrostatic testing is to be performed on all piping components following the requirements set out in Canada Standards Association (CSA) Document Z662. Hydrostatic testing may be conducted on the individual components prior to assembly. If hydrostatic testing is required at the construction site, a small quantity of water (2500 L) will be brought to the site via a water truck. There will be no additives such as glycol needed in the hydrostatic test water. Nitrogen may be used as an alternative to water for hydrostatic testing.

Following hydrostatic testing, the piping will be dried to remove any moisture from the hydrostatic testing operation. The Nova Scotia Department of Environment’s water withdrawal permit requirements stipulate that a permit is not required for volumes of 50,000 l (50 cubic meters) or less. No permits are required for the discharging of hydrostatic test water.

Water disposal will be discharged on-Site in accordance with regulatory requirements, environmental guidelines and with the Halifax Lateral Environmental Protection Plan (M&NP, 2000). Water discharge will be over land, controlled at low velocities and monitored so as to prevent flooding or soil erosion. M&NP will monitor the discharge of test water off-Site.

Traffic

During construction, site traffic will consist of an average of 25 vehicle trips per day for personnel travel, equipment movement and materials delivery. An estimated 25 loads will be required for large construction equipment and prefabricated piping and component movement. In the unlikely event that an over dimensional load size is required, the contractor will secure all necessary permits and approvals from Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Public Works (NSTPW). Where the unloading of large equipment or prefabricated piping may require a brief closure of one lane of traffic, the contractor shall provide traffic controls in accordance with NSTPW regulations. Any potential delays to local traffic will be infrequent and short term.

The contractor will be required to post traffic control signage for the construction zone in accordance with the NSTPW regulations.

Site Rehabilitation

As construction nears completion, crews will begin the final clean up of the CTS site. This will include painting above-grade piping, laying and grading gravel on the site, installing fences, picking up debris, and installing markers and other signs. Disturbed areas outside of the fenced facility and road will be regraded and seeded.

Air and Noise Emissions

Air emissions during construction of the CTS will include emissions from construction equipment (trucks, bulldozers, backhoes, pumping equipment, generators). Air emissions will also be produced during welding, and overburden disturbance. There will also be air emissions during the initial purging of the station.

The majority of noise emissions during construction will be associated with the operation of the construction equipment.

TV51084 Page 6 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

Liquid Waste

Liquid wastes generated during construction may include oils, greases, various products from the construction equipment (petroleum, oil, and lubricants), and solvents. These wastes will be collected and disposed of in accordance with applicable local and provincial standards/ regulatory requirements, as outlined in the Halifax Lateral Environmental Assessment Report and the M&NP Lateral Pipeline EPP (JWEL, 1998; M&NP, 2000).

Solid Waste

Solid wastes generated during construction may include brush, cables, temporary fencing, signs, metal containers and canisters, and welding rods. These wastes will be disposed of in accordance with applicable local and provincial standards/regulatory requirements, as outlined in the above mentioned documents (JWEL, 1998; M&NP, 2000). Materials that can be reused or recycled will be taken to appropriate facilities.

2.4.2 Operation Activities

The CTS will be operated by M&NP in accordance with M&NP’s Operations Procedures Manual, which has been filed and approved by the NEB for M&NP’s mainline and lateral facilities.

Air and Noise Emissions

During operation, natural gas (methane) emissions may occur during system blowdown and system purging. During most planned blowdowns at the CTS, M&NP will flare gas rather than venting methane emissions to the atmosphere. Blowdowns and controlled releases of methane will be carried out in accordance with M&NPs’ Operations Procedures Manual and the Emergency Response Plan which has been filed with the NEB. Also, fugitive emissions including methane may result from the operation of automatic isolation valves, over pressure relief valves, and leakage of the pipeline system. Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and particulate emissions will occur from the exhaust of maintenance vehicles and equipment.

Noise emissions during operations will be associated with vehicles and maintenance activities, during the weekly visits by M&NP field technicians.

Liquid Wastes

Liquid wastes that are typically produced during operation of a CTS include waste methanol, ethylene, and spent Varsol solvent used for maintenance. The gas within the M&NP mainline and laterals feeding these facilities is clean and dry, and consequently there will likely be few, if any, liquid wastes associated with natural gas. All wastes will be considered hazardous and will be collected and disposed of in accordance with applicable local and provincial regulatory requirements.

Solid Waste

During operation, a limited amount of solid wastes may come from gas filtering equipment and spent grease containers used for the maintenance of valves. M&NP will cooperate with

TV51084 Page 7 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006 municipal recycling programs and will encourage conservation throughout M&NPs facilities. Hazardous materials and other waste materials will be handled and disposed of in accordance with local and provincial regulatory requirements.

2.4.3 Maintenance and Monitoring Activities

Maintenance procedures, consistent with those developed by M&NP and other major pipeline companies across Canada, will be employed. Maintenance will be undertaken by M&NP personnel and/or qualified local contractors. CTS maintenance activities will include property upkeep, instrumentation verification, and valve maintenance. Maintenance activities will be undertaken in accordance with M&NP’s operations practices. Where required, vegetation control will be accomplished by methods outlined in M&NP's Operations Procedures Manual, which was filed previously with the NEB. Vegetation control methods at the CTS may include spraying of herbicides of low persistence if this method is approved by local regulatory authorities.

The CTS will be properly secured and protected by suitable fences to prevent tampering by unauthorized parties. The fenced areas will be maintained to ensure security and acceptable appearance and will be clearly marked with signs. M&NP representatives will monitor the CTS and other surface facilities on a regular basis and qualified personnel will undertake required maintenance. M&NP has filed an approved Emergency Response Plan Manual and Operations Procedures Manual with the NEB for its mainline and lateral facilities. Any accidents or malfunctions at the CTS will be managed according to these Manuals. The Manuals take into consideration current and ongoing discussions with regulatory agencies, stakeholders, and community groups to ensure consideration of local needs.

2.4.4 Decommissioning/Abandonment Activities

If facilities need to be decommissioned or abandoned, plans will be developed after consulting with the NEB and other regulatory authorities. Environmental and socio-economic issues associated with decommissioning and abandonment options are regulatory requirements and will be considered through the applicable review process. Decommissioning and abandonment of facilities will be carried out in a safe, efficient, and environmentally sound manner.

Surface facilities, including valves, may be removed. Site decommissioning will meet legislative standards and sites will be left clean and safe. In some cases, groundwater and/or soils testing may be undertaken as required to ensure that sites are free of contamination. If contamination is discovered, sites will be restored to the applicable standards.

Emissions, Solid & Liquid Wastes

Potential wastes/emissions (i.e., air, noise, liquid and solid wastes), produced during decommissioning would be similar to emissions associated with construction and/or operation of the CTS. Potential sources of air emissions will be identified for the abandonment procedure to be implemented and will be detailed in the decommissioning and abandonment plans filed with the NEB.

TV51084 Page 8 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING

This section provides a description of the environmental setting for the CTS. This description has been prepared from available information, discussions with government representatives, resource managers, and relevant mapping.

The description of the environmental setting typically encompasses the immediate area surrounding the proposed CTS, while focusing on the footprint of the facilities. This description has been prepared to provide information on environmental components which may potentially be affected by the Project, or which may influence or place constraints on the execution of Project-related activities.

3.1 ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS

3.1.1 Climatology

Nova Scotia is in a maritime region, and is classified as a modified continental type. A wide range of temperatures characterizes a continental climate. Maritime climate has a reduced temperature range, in part because the ocean supplies heat in winter and provides cooling in the summer.

Environment Canada provides Canadian Climate Normals for winds, temperature, precipitation, sunshine and fog for the weather station at Halifax International Airport, Nova Scotia. The Climate Normals are estimates of the true mean, obtained in a 30 year sample record from 1971 to 2000. However, the Normals for Halifax Airport are coded “A”, indicating that the mean is based on no more than three consecutive years, or that five years are missing between 1971 and 2000 (Environment Canada, 2006).

The annual mean temperature for Nova Scotia in proximity of the proposed Site is approximately 6.3oC. The annual mean daily maximum temperature is approximately 11oC, and annual mean daily minimum temperature is approximately 1.6oC. Extreme temperatures over this period of record ranged from -28.5oC in January of 1993, to 35oC in August 1995 (Environment Canada, 2006).

The total annual mean precipitation (snowfall and rainfall) for the station at Halifax International Airport is 1452.2 mm. Rainfall accounts for 85 % of the total for the station (Environment Canada, 2006).

3.1.2 Air Quality

Air quality is influenced by the concentrations of air contaminants in the atmosphere. Air contaminants are emitted by both natural and anthropogenic sources and are transported, dispersed, or concentrated by meteorological and topographical conditions. Air contaminants are eventually deposited on vegetation, soil, water surfaces, and other objects, when they are washed out of the atmosphere by precipitation. In some cases, the contaminants may be reinserted into the atmosphere by the action of wind.

Provincial and federal governments currently monitor the air quality within the general area continuously. The information in this section is based on results from monitoring stations near

TV51084 Page 9 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006 the proposed Project, operated by the National Air Pollution Surveillance Network (NAPS) of the Environment Protection Service of Environment Canada and the Air Quality Branch of the Nova Scotia Environment and Labour (NSDEL). The parameters continuously monitored at these stations are nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and total suspended particulate matter (TSP). Air quality in Halifax and surrounding areas generally meets federal and provincial guidelines.

The air quality monitoring station in Halifax/Dartmouth is the closest such station in Nova Scotia to the proposed CTS Site. The air quality measured at this station remains within the NSDEL regulated limits (where available) for the constituents noted above.

The parameters of concern that will be discussed in this section are TSP, CO, NO2, SO2, O3, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbon dioxide (CO2).

Total Suspended Particulates (TSP)

The term TSP refers to those particulates in the air such as smoke, soot and dust that remain suspended in the air and do not readily settle out. TSPs are a broad class of chemically and physically diverse substances that can either be in a solid or liquid state or in combination. TSPs greater than 10 micrometres (µm) in size create problems such as visibility reduction, soiling, material damage, and vegetation damage. The TSPs become a potential hazard to human health when the particle size is less than 10 µm in diameter. Such particles are commonly generated from building materials, combustion devices, human activities, and outdoor sources, including atmospheric dust and combustion emissions from mobile and stationary sources.

Regulatory authorities in Nova Scotia set Maximum Permissible Ground Level Concentrations of 70 µg/m3 (micrograms per cubic metre) (i.e. geometric mean) for an annual averaging period and 120 µg/m3 for a 24-hour averaging period (Nova Scotia Environment Act, 2005). These are identical to the Maximum Acceptable Levels of the National Air Quality Objectives (NAPS, 2005). The Maximum Desirable Levels as outlined by the National Air Quality Objectives are 60 µg/m3 for the annual geometric mean (NAPS, 2005). The Canada Wide Standard for airborne 3 particles of 2.5 micrometers or less (PM2.5) is 30 µg/m over 24 hours based on the 98th percentile measurement of 24 hour means annually, averaged over 3 consecutive years, and is to be achieved in 2010 (NAPS, 2005).

In 2003 (the most recent NAPS report available), the annual average of PM 2.5 for 1-hour 3 periods recorded in downtown Halifax was 4 µg/m (NAPS, 2005). PM10 are not reported for the Halifax monitoring station. The PM2.5 values averaged over 24 hours found at the Halifax monitoring station at Lake Major, are below NS limits and below the Canada Wide Standard with15 µg/m3, though this value is based on one year, not three (NAPS, 2005).

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

CO is formed from the incomplete combustion of carbon compounds.

Regulatory authorities in Nova Scotia have set an air quality guideline for CO at 34.6 mg/m3 (milligrams per cubic metre) or 30 ppm for a 1-hour averaging period and 12.7 mg/m3 or 11 ppm for an 8-hour period (Nova Scotia Environment Act, 2005). These are identical to or slightly

TV51084 Page 10 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006 below the Maximum Acceptable Levels of the National Air Quality Objectives (15 mg/m3 or 13 ppm for the 8-h period; 35 mg/m3 or 31 ppm for a 1-hour period). Maximum Desirable Levels are 6 mg/m3 and 15 mg/m3 for the 8- hour period and 1- hour period, respectively (NAPS, 2005).

In 2003 (the most recent NAPS report available), the annual average of CO recorded in downtown Halifax was 0.7 ppm (NAPS, 2005). The CO concentrations averaged over 1hour and 8 hour periods did not exceed the permissible levels in Nova Scotia nor the acceptable or the desirable levels set in the National Air Quality Objectives (NAPS, 2005).

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

Nitric oxide (NO) is released from the exhaust of combustion engines and furnaces. NO is an unstable compound and is readily converted to nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which contributes to the formation of acid rain and is a primary precursor pollutant in the formation of smog.

Regulatory authorities in Nova Scotia have set Maximum Permissible Ground Level Concentrations for nitrogen dioxide of 400 µg/m3 for a 24-hour period, and 100 µg/m3 for annual averaging period (Nova Scotia Environment Act, 2005). These are identical to the Maximum Acceptable Levels of the National Air Quality Objectives. Maximum Desirable Levels are 60 µg/m3 for the annual mean (NAPS, 2005).

The most recent NAPS report (NAPS, 2005) does not provide NO2 or NO levels for the downtown Halifax monitoring station in 2003.

Ground Level Ozone (O3)

Nova Scotia emission sources do not contribute significantly to the creation of O3. Nova Scotia is, however, a receptor of O3, since it lies in the path of emissions from major urban and industrialized centers in the eastern United States and central Canada. O3 is formed as a result of a photochemical reaction between nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons. It is mostly generated during daylight hours, with levels highest between late spring and early fall.

Regulatory authorities in Nova Scotia have set Maximum Permis sible Ground Level Concentrations of 160 µg/m3 or 82 ppb for an 1-hour averaging period (Nova Scotia Environment Act, 2005). This is identical to the Maximum Acceptable Level of the National Air Quality Objectives. The Maximum Desirable Level is 100 µg/m3 or 50 ppb for the 1-hour average (NAPS, 2005). The Canada Wide Standard for ground level ozone is 65 ppb over 8 hours based on the fourth highest measurement annually, averaged over 3 consecutive years, and is to be achieved in 2010 (NAPS, 2005).

In 2003 (the most recent NAPS report available), the annual average of O3 recorded in downtown Halifax was 22 ppb (0.022 ppm) (NAPS, 2005). The O3 concentration averages over 1-hour periods did exceed the desirable values by 33 ppb, but not the acceptable limits set in the National Air Quality Objectives (NAPS, 2005). Also, the ozone values measured in Halifax would be below the Canada Wide Standard, with a 3- year average of 53 ppb.

TV51084 Page 11 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

CO2 is estimated to account for approximately half of the anticipated world temperature increase. Major contributors of CO2 are stationary sources (such as power plants) and mobile sources (vehicles that burn fossil fuels).

Ambient CO2 is not currently monitored in proximity to the proposed Site. There are no regulatory limits on CO2 levels (NSDEL, 2005; NAPS, 2005).

Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)

Nova Scotia relies on imported oil, natural gas, and local or imported coal supplies for energy production and space heating, each containing sulphur as an impurity in various concentrations. Other potential sources of SO2 to the environment include oil refineries, pulp and paper mills, and the transportation sector.

The NSDEL Air Quality Regulations set Maximum Permissible Ground Level Concentrations for 3 3 SO2 of 900 µg/m or 0.34 ppm for a 1-hour period, 300 µg/m or 0.11 ppm for a 24-hour period, and 60 µg/m3 or 0.02 ppm for an annual average. This is identical to the Maximum Acceptable Level of the National Air Quality Objectives. Maximum Desirable Levels are 450 µg/m3, 150 µg/m3 and 30 µg/m3, respectively (NAPS, 2003).

In 2003 (the most recent NAPS report available), the annual average of S02 recorded in downtown Halifax was 9 ppb (0.009 ppm) (NAPS, 2005). This is far below the limits set in the Nova Scotia Air Quality Regulations (0.02 ppm) (Nova Scotia Environment Act, 2005). The SO2 concentrations averaged over 1-hour and 24- hour periods do not exceed either the acceptable or the desirable values set in the National Air Quality Objectives( NAPS, 2005).

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

All VOCs contain carbon and readily produce vapours at room temperature and at normal atmospheric pressure. VOCs are emitted from fuels, solvents, paints, glues, etc. The are no limits on VOCs set in the Nova Scotia Air Quality Regulations, nor the National Air Quality Objectives (NAPS, 2005). Individual VOCs are monitored in Halifax, but the data are not continuous. Annual averages are not available.

3.1.3 Ambient Noise Levels

NSDEL has established noise guidelines, typically measured at the nearest receptor, which are as follows: · Leq of 55 dB(A) at night (2300-0700);

· Leq of 60 dB(A) in the evenings (1900-2300); and · Leq of 65 dB(A) in the daytime (0700-1900).

No baseline ambient noise data is available for the proposed CTS location. There will be no noise generated during the operation of the CTS and noise generated by the construction

TV51084 Page 12 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006 activities will be of short duration, low levels, and will be typical of local construction related noise.

3.2 TERRESTRIAL PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

3.2.1 Physiography

The proposed CTS is located in the Atlantic (southern) Uplands (Stea et al., 1992). Surficial geology can be described as stony till plains and drumlins (Stea et al., 1992).

The actual Site footprint is a relatively flat (even), forested area located on a slight slope. The land rises from Aerotech Drive in northward direction. Tree species include typical boreal forest species such as Red Maple, Red Spruce, Balsam Fir, aspen and at least two species of birch.

3.2.2 Geology

Surficial Soils

The susceptibility of a soil to erode is known as its “erodibility”. Erodibility depends upon parameters such as soil texture, moisture content, void ratio, exchange ions, pH, and composition or ionic strength of the eroding water. Some soils are inherently more erodible (silts) than others (coarse well-graded gravels). In general, increasing organic content and clay size fraction decreases erodibility. Typically, the erodibility of soils, rated in order of lowest to highest erodibility are: peat, coarse textured fluvial deposits, morainal deposits, lacustrine deposits, fluvial deposits (silts and fine sands), and aeolian deposits.

The Environmental Protection Plan mapping indicates that the soil at the proposed Site is considered to have a low risk of erosion (M&NP and JWEL, 2000).

The soil at the proposed Site is Liverpool soil. South of the proposed Site, this soil type is bordered by Rockland soil (MacDougall and Nowland, 1972). Liverpool soil is characterized by moderately coarse over coarse skeletal texture, i.e. sand and loamy sand over coarse soil with 35 % or more (by volume) of gravel and stones. Drainage is imperfect and stoniness great enough to be a serious handicap to cultivation, if it does not make it altogether impossible (Agricultural Capability Class (ACC) 5 and 7). Generally, such areas are forested and unsuitable for arable agriculture (MacDougall and Nowland, 1972). The dominant soils subgroup in Liverpool soil is Gleyed Humo- Ferric Podsol. Generally, Liverpool soils are connected with a landform of gently undulating to gently rolling peneplains with slopes between 1 and 9 %, and with a thin layer of till and scattered peat bogs (MacDougall and Nowland, 1972).

Baker et al. (1998) note an outcrop on or near the proposed Site, which was not found on the proposed Site during field visits in December 2005/ January 2006. However, bolders of various sizes were seen all over the property.

Bedrock

Cambrian rock of the Meguma Group, Goldenville formation, underlies the entire area of the proposed Site. This rock in this formation consists of undivided metasandstone, green siltstone and minor slate (Baker et al., 1998).

TV51084 Page 13 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

Acid Rock Drainage

Acid generating rocks are a group of mineralized geologic materials that contain various sulphides. When these minerals are disturbed and come into contact with water, oxygen, and iron reducing bacteria, the sulphide minerals become oxidized and acid is generated in the process. The presence of iron reducing bacteria serves as a catalyst that accelerates acid production, and the potential for generation of acid rock drainage (ARD). Carbonate minerals, where present, serve to buffer acid generation.

Several areas were identified along the mainline and Halifax Lateral Pipeline corridor where acid-generating formations may potentially be encountered. Rocks underlying most of the Halifax Airport are known to be such rock: Meguma Group, Halifax Formation (Keppie et al., 1979; Baker et al., 1998). However, the proposed CTS is not located within any of these potential areas.

Sinkholes and Subsidence

Sinkholes are unique geologic structures that result from surface water infiltration into, or groundwater flow through, soluble geological formations, leading to the creation of cavities that may or may not be filled with water. The composite constraint maps, which are part of the Halifax Lateral Environmental Assessment (M&NP and JWEL, 1998), indicate that there are geological formations in proximity to the proposed CTS location, which are subject to karst topography. These formations are located about 500 m south of Aerotech Drive. During visits to the proposed Site in December 2005/ January 2006, no sinkholes were discovered.

3.2.3 Hydrogeology

Groundwater originates from percolation of precipitation in the form of rain or snowmelt. Groundwater flows from areas of high groundwater head (recharge area) and migrates to areas of low elevation (discharge area). There are two types of water bearing geologic formations, called aquifers, which are used as groundwater resources: unconsolidated aquifers and bedrock aquifers, neither of which will be affected by the CTS.

Groundwater quality in a general sense is influenced primarily by the media through which it passes and its transient time within the media. For example, groundwater with origins in stable mineralogical rock types such as granites, flows relatively quickly to the point of discharge and are in general of better quality than those which percolate slowly through soluble media such as limestones or evaporates.

The groundwater quality along the Halifax Lateral Pipeline is generally adequate for potable use and falls within acceptable drinking water guidelines (JWEL, 1998). The occurrence of dissolved iron and manganese is commonplace in the shallow fractured rock zone. Rocks of the Halifax and Goldenville formation are expected to have low well yields since they are described as fractured crystalline bedrock yields (JWEL, 1998). The bedrock at the proposed CTS belongs to the Goldenville formation (see above). There are occasional problems including high iron and manganese concentrations which exceed aesthetic guidelines, or arsenic concentrations which may exceed health guidelines. Rocks of the Goldenville formation are susceptible to blasting

TV51084 Page 14 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006 damage to aquifers and wells (JWEL, 1998). No blasting is expected in conjunction with construction of the CTS.

NSDEL has identified groundwater protection areas for a number of municipalities (e.g., Amherst), and are in the process of identifying groundwater protection areas for other municipalities using groundwater as their water supply source. The proposed CTS is not located within any groundwater protection areas. It is, however, located in a non-designated water supply area (see Section 3.7.4.3.)

An inventory of wells assembled for the Environmental Assessment of the Halifax Lateral Pipeline shows that there are very few domestic wells within the 1 km pipeline corridor, and there are no major industrial or municipal ground water supply systems within 5 km of the pipeline (JWEL, 1998). There are few small industrial and commercial ground water supplies within 4 to 5 km of the proposed CTS: the Airport Hotel (four wells), Airport Tourism Bureau, Fall River Medical Centre and the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Public Works Deport near Miller Lake (two wells) (JWEL, 1998). None of these is near the proposed CTS. There also is one potential well identified off Aerotech Drive, at the sewage lagoon about 450 m east of the proposed CTS Site (M&NP and JWEL, 2000). However, there is no record of this well in the NSDEL well log database (NSDEL, 2005). There are no wells on the proposed CTS or within approximately one kilometer of it (NSDEL, 2005).

3.3 TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

Nova Scotia supports a variety of flora and fauna. Many wildlife species provide important tourism and recreational opportunities to both provinces (e.g., hunting, fishing, eco-tourism). Nova Scotia is thought to fall within the Acadian Forest Region, characterized by red spruce stands with interspersed balsam fir, yellow birch and sugar maple, as well as red pine, eastern white pine and eastern hemlock.

The area of the proposed CTS is covered with mixed forest. Hardwood is dominant, though this may be the result of selective logging or successional sequence, since a neighbouring property is clearly dominated by tall softwood trees. The tree species at the proposed CTS location are Red Maple, at least two species of birch, Balsam Fir, Black and Red Spruce, and aspen. The Balsam Fir and spruce trees are generally smaller than the hardwood trees, and many should be qualified as seedlings or saplings. There is no conspicuous shrub layer, though there are shrubs such as Sheep Laurel, Labrador Tea and Blueberries. There is a ground layer of herbaceous plants, such as ferns, Goldthread, Bunchberry and mosses . The tree stems reach 30- 35 cm diameter. Crown closure is dense.

There are 54 species of mammals native to Nova Scotia. It is reasonable to expect that some of these mammals are utilizing habitat upon the proposed CTS site. These include herbivores (e.g., deer, moose), insectivores (e.g., bats), carnivores (e.g., bobcat) and omnivores (e.g., bear, fox).

The distribution of birds in Nova Scotia is largely determined by vegetative cover rather than the geologic conditions of an area. The Acadian Forest Region, typical of the Site, is transitional in nature and thus may support a wide variety of birds at the limit of their geographic range. A total of 168 species of non-coastal birds were reported to breed in the Maritimes (Erskine, 1992).

TV51084 Page 15 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

There are approximately 25 species of amphibians and reptiles that inhabit Nova Scotia (Gilhen, 1984). This includes salamanders, frogs, turtles, and snakes.

Terrestrial biological components described below include species at risk, migratory birds, and significant habitats. Sources include: literature, previous environmental assessment work for the pipeline corridor, the Halifax Biosolids Handling Facility, and environmental protection plans (M&NP, 2000; JWEL, 2004).

3.3.1 Species of Special Status Review

Available information on the known or potential occurrence of species at risk (i.e., endangered, threatened, special concern, and rare species of flora and fauna) in the area of the proposed CTS was compiled and reviewed to determine their presence relative to the proposed Project. These species are of concern due to potential disturbance by project activities. Sources included previously completed reports that summarize published and unpublished listings of occurrence of rare species (i.e., NS Museum, NSDNR, and the ACCDC (Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre)). Plant and animal species of special status in Nova Scotia include: · species listed by COSEWIC (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada) as endangered, threatened or of special concern; · species protected under the Nova Scotia Endangered Species Act (NSESA); · wildlife protected under the Nova Scotia Wildlife Act; · species listed in the NSDNR General Status of Wild Species in Nova Scotia Report as “Red” or “Yellow”; and · species designated as rare by species/resource experts such as the ACCDC (as S1, S2 and S3) and the NS Museum.

A list of species that are of conservation concern in Nova Scotia and their associated habitat is included in Appendix A. The General Status of Wildlife in Nova Scotia Report (NSDNR, 2002) lists 28 bird species, 9 butterfly species, 6 species of freshwater mussels, 13 species of dragonflies and damselflies, 10 fish species, 4 species of herpetiles, and 13 species of mammals as Red or Yellow (Appendix A). NSDNR (2002) also has ranked a total of 90 red and 119 yellow plant species throughout the province. The database available on the NSDNR website has not been updated since 2003 (Appendix A).

In addition, all raptors are protected under the Nova Scotia Wildlife Act. Several species which are considered to be “of concern” by NSDNR are also protected under the Nova Scotia Endangered Species Act, or are listed by COSEWIC.

Based on the review of information from the species at risk databases, there are potential and known occurrences of plant and animal species of special status within a 5 km radius of the proposed Site. It is possible that other species of special status, including mammals, exist within the area but have not been identified.

3.3.1.1 Potential Plant and Animal Species

A list of species that are of conservation concern in Nova Scotia (NSDNR, 2002) is provided in Appendix A. This list includes all species that might occur in the area even though it does not

TV51084 Page 16 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006 demonstrate recorded occurrences. The area might provide acceptable habitat for these species.

3.3.1.2 Known Plant and Animal Species of Special Status within a 5 km radius around the Project Site

In an email dated January 18, 2006, the ACCDC indicated that there are records of three rare plant species (all vascular plants) and 21 rare animal species (one vertebrate, 20 invertebrate species) known to be located within a 5 km buffer around the Study Site (Table 1) (ACCDC, 2006). The 5 km buffer area contains a relatively small (quintile 1) number of rare taxon records: 28 records of 24 taxa from five sources, for a data density of 0.09 records/ km2) (ACCDC, 2006). In addition, ACCDC (2006) points out that Wood Turtles (Glyptemis insulpta; ACCDC rank: S3, NSDNR: Yellow, NSESA: Vulnerable, COSEWIC: Special Concern) are potentially present at the Study Site, as they are present in adjacent watersheds, and that they utilize both upper and lower elevations.

TABLE 1 Plant and Animal Species of Special Status Known to Occur Within 5 km of the Study Site (ACCDC, 2006) Scientific Name Common Name ACCDC Rank NSDNR/ NSESA/COSEWIC Plants: Carex pensylvanica Pennsylvania Sedge S1S2 Undetermined / - / - Liparis loeselii Loesel’s Twayblade S3S4 Green /- /- Listera australis Southern Twayblade S1 Red /- /- Herpetiles: Hemidactylum scutatum Four- toed Salamander S3 Yellow / - /NAR Odonates: Aeshna Canadensis Canada Darner S3 - Anax junius Common Green Darner S3 - Basiaeshna janata Springtime Darner S3 - Cordulia shurtleffii American Emerald S3 - Didymops transversa Stream Cruiser S3 - Enallagma civile Familiar Bluet S3 - Enallagma erbium Marsh Bluet S3 - Epitheca canis Beaverpond Baskettail S3 - Epitheca cynosure Common Baskettail S3 - Gomphus borealis Beaverpond Clubtail S2 - Gomphus exilis Lancet Clubtail S3 - Gomphus spicatus Dusky Clubtail S2 - Hagenius brevistylus Dragonhunter S3 - Leucorrhina frigida Frosted Whiteface S3 - Leucorrhina glacialis Crimson-ringed Whiteface S3 - Leucorrhina intacta Dot- tailed Whiteface S3 - Libellula pulchella Twelve-spotted Skimmer S2 - Plathemis Lydia Common Whitetail S3 - Nehalennia Irene Sedge Sprite S3 - Somatochlora elongata Ski-tailed Emerald S3 - Notes: NAR- Not At Risk S1- Extremely rare throughout its range in the province. May be especially vulnerable to extirpation. S2- Rare throughout its range in the province. S3- Uncommon throughout its range in the province, or found only in a restricted range, even if abundant in at some locations. S3/S4 - May be uncommon or widespread through its range in Nova Scotia, depending on the location Red- Species at risk or may be at risk from extirpation or extinction Yellow- Species not believed to be at risk for immediate extirpation or extinction, but may require special attention or protection to prevent them from becoming at risk. Green- Species not believed to be sensitive or at risk.

TV51084 Page 17 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

It should be noted that the odonates in Table 1 are not listed by NSDNR (2002), COSEWIC (2005) or SARA (2006), nor under the NS Endangered Species Act (2003), and are therefore not protected by law. The same applies to Loesel’s Twayblade, which is not considered to be at risk by NSDNR (Green), while Pennsylvania Sedge is undetermined (L. Benjamin, personal communication, 2006). “Undetermined” means that the species status is under review. None of the species listed in Table 1 are listed under SARA (Species at Risk Act).

The ACCDC points out that the fact that a taxon is not listed in an ACCDC report can not be interpreted to mean that the species is not present in the area (ACCDC, 2006). Therefore, the presence of other rare species should be evaluated based on habitat requirements, and the presence or absence of species of conservation concern (both known and unknown to occur in the Study Corridor) should be confirmed through field surveys at an appropriate time before the project proceeds (ACCDC, 2006). Field surveys were carried out earlier on the property of the Halifax Biosolids Handling Facility and included the area of the proposed CTS (JWEL, 2004) (see below).

Listera australis and Carex pensylvanica are known from Airport property (ca. 0.9 km northwest of the proposed Site), Liparis loeselii from Old Guysborough Road (ca. 4 km from the proposed Site), and Four-toed Salamander from two lakes southeast of the Site (L. Benjamin, NSDNR, personal communication, 2006) (Table 2, Section 3.3.3.).

In addition to these species, there are records for other species of conservation concern in the SigHab Database (NSDNR, 2006 a). The following species have been found within a 5 km radius around the proposed Site: two records for Dwarf Birch (Betula michauxii or Betula nana, depending on the author), and one record for Canadian Mountain Rice (Oryzopsis canadensis) (Table 2). Both are not listed as of concern by COSEWIC.

NSDNR had records of Southern Twayblade at Halifax International Airport (D. Archibald, personal communication, 2006).

The Nova Scotia Museum (NSM), Heritage Division, has records for Four- toed Salamander (also see Table 1), Wood Turtle (see above), Osprey (S5B, Green, Provincial Bird), Eastern Bluebird (Yellow; COSEWIC Not at Risk) and Horned Lark (S2B, Green) for the area that includes the proposed Site, and areas downstream and downwind of it. They also note Inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic Salmon (S2, Red; SARA and COSEWIC Endangered), Striped Bass (S1, Red; Bay of Fundy Population: COSEWIC Threatened) in Shubenacadie- Grand Lake, Atlantic Sturgeon (“S1?”, Red) and spawning runs of Gaspereau (S4, Yellow) as potentially effected by the project, while pointing out that it is unclear which watershed would be impacted, based on the mapping provided to the NSM for the Site location. Therefore, it is not clear if the watershed containing these species would be impacted at all. The Museum also lists eight species of plants that are known from the geographic region around the proposed Site, without giving information on the distance of the species to the proposed project: Eleocharis olivacea (Yellow), Euthamia caroliniana (E. tenuifolia) (Yellow), Ophioglossum pusillum (Yellow), Salix sericea (Yellow), Spiranthes ochroleuca (Yellow), Vaccinium cespitosum (Yellow), as well as Listera australis (Table 1) and Betula michauxii (Table 2) (NS M, 2006). Four of the species names provided by the NSM were also provided by ACCDC (2006) and NSDNR (2006).

TV51084 Page 18 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

3.3.1.3 Potential for Rare Species to Occur at the Site

This paragraph focuses on the potential for presence of rare species/ species of conservation concern at the proposed Site, based on available habitat and habitat requirements.

Field surveys carried out in 1997 and 1998 in conjunction with the preparation of the Environmental Impact Assessment for the Halifax Lateral Pipeline Project did not find any rare plant or animal species nor habitat for endangered mammals along pipeline RoW at the proposed Site (M&NP and JWEL, 2000). While three rare plant species were found within or adjacent to the RoW during those field surveys, none of them was found at or near the proposed Site (M&NP, 2000).

Plant Species at Risk

None of the 210 plant species at risk in Nova Scotia are known to occur within the CTS location. However, three species considered to be of conservation concern by ACCDC have been observed within 5 km from the proposed Site (Table 1), and another two species which are considered significant by NSDNR (2006) have also been found within 5 km of the proposed Site (Table 2). The Nova Scotia Museum has records of another six species in the general area of the proposed Site (see 3.3.1.2).

Previous botanical investigations were conducted as part of the M&NP Halifax Lateral Pipeline Environmental Impact Assessment (JWEL, 1998). The scope of this previous assessment included the following components: · Use of predictive habitat modelling to define areas with suspected potential to support plant species of special status; and · Field assessments to confirm accuracy of habitat modelling predictions.

Based on the modeling exercise and field reconnaissance at the site at that time, the proposed Facility Site was not considered to have potential for rare plants. No rare plants are indicated in the EPP maps for the area that includes the proposed CTS location (M&NP and JWEL, 2000). However, the first observations of Southern Twayblade and Pennsylvania Sedge near the airport were only made in 2001.

Eleven plant species considered to be of concern by ACCDC, NSM or NSDNR were recorded within a 5 km radius around the proposed Site (Table 1 and 2) or in the geographic area around the proposed CTS (see 3.3.1.2). It should be noted that Loesel’s Twayblade, and Pennsylvania Sedge do not have legal protection, they are not listed by NSDNR (2002), NSESA (2003), COSEWIC (2005) or SARA (2006). None of the nine remaining species is listed under NSESA, COSEWIC or SARA. O. canadensis is not listed by ACCDC.

A review of habitat requirements and comparison with available habitat based on a preliminary field visits in December 2005/ January 2006, shows that there is no suitable habitat for all but two species.

Liparis loeselii (ACCDC S3S4, NSDNR Green), was found in Fall River, on a sphagnum mat on the edge of a moist roadside ditch. Habitat can be characterized as freshwater wetland with poor drainage (ACCDC, 2006). It can also be found in bogs, peaty meadows, cobbly lake

TV51084 Page 19 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006 shores and the edges of ponds and bogs (Zink, 1998), as well as damp alder thickets, abandoned gravel pits and low sandy areas (Hinds, 2000). The ditch in front of the proposed CTS station could potentially provide suitable habitat.

Carex pensylvanica (S1S2, Undetermined) and Listera australis (S1, Red) were both found on airport property. Pennsylvania Sedge grows in mixed woods (ACCDC, 2006), on dry, rocky or gravelly soil, and in open, dry woodlands (Zinck, 1998). There is no such habitat at the proposed Site.

The provincially and nationally rare Listera australis (Southern Twayblade) can be found in shaded, moist sphagnum moss and sphagnous woods. Its habitat can be characterized as boggy (ACCDC, 2006). Zink (1998) describes the habitat as shaded sphagnum moss of bogs and damp woods. It can be found in open areas near edges of spruce bogs, usually on mounds of Sphagnum moss at the base of stunted Black Spruce near the edge of bogs (Hinds, 2000), in moss in semi-open mixed woods bordering a lake or sphagnum bog (Munden, 2001) or in open or sparsely wooded fens (Hoy, 2003). The habitat descriptions (damp woods) provided by ACCDC (2006) and Zinck (1998) seem to make it possible that Southern Twayblade may occur at the proposed Site, though the habitat would be marginal. A field visit in December 2005/ January 2006 showed that there are a few sphagnum cushions near conifers, and there are a few water filled puddles. However, most of these puddles contained flooded vegetation that is not normally growing in water, such as Goldthread, indicating short term flooding due to melting snow and rain. Information obtained from R. Newell, who saw or discovered several of the known populations of Southern Twayblade in Nova Scotia, showed that it is unlikely that Southern Twayblade occurs at the proposed CTS, because it is found in more open and wet habitat situations, such as under tall shrubs (Nemopanthes sp., Viburnum cassinoides), or in Red Maple Swamps. Southern Twayblade often grows with Cinnamon Fern (R. Newell, personal communication, 2006). Therefore, it can be concluded that there is no suitable habitat for Southern Twayblade since there is no bog, poor fen or Red Maple swamp at the Site, the soil is not peat based, and the crown closure is too great.

The common name “Dwarf Birch” is given to either Betula michauxii or Betula nana. B. nana includes B. michauxii and B. glandulosa. The Dwarf Birch found at Johnson River was identified as B. michauxii (S2; Yellow) when it was first found (L. Benjamin, personal communication, 2006); this nomenclature follows the Flora of Nova Scotia. It grows in peat and sphagnous bogs (Zinck, 1998). R. Newell (personal communication, 2006) also states that it grows in open bogs. There is no such habitat at the proposed Site.

Oryzopsis canadensis (Canadian Mountain Rice; NSDNR:Yellow) grows on dry, sandy soils (Zinck, 1998) and sandy barrens and rocky clearings (Hinds, 2000). There is no such habitat at the proposed Site.

Eliocharis olivacea (E. flavescens; Capitate Spikerush; Bright- green Spikerush; S2; Yellow) grows on wet peat (Hinds, 2000), peaty muck of bogs, wet sandy shores, and swales (Zinck, 1998). There is no such habitat at the proposed Site.

Euthamia caroliniana (E. tenuifolia, Grass-leafed Goldenrod; S3, Yellow) can be found on dry, sandy soil and on beaches (Zinck, 1998). There is no such soil or habitat at the proposed Site.

Ophioglossum pusillum (Adder’s Tongue, Northern Adder’s Tongue; S2S3, Yellow) grows on open slopes, edges of old logging roads and moist dune depressions (Hinds, 2000). It can also

TV51084 Page 20 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006 be found in sterile meadows, grassy swamps, and damp, sandy or cobbly beaches of lakes (Zinck, 1998). There is no such habitat at the proposed Site.

Salix sericea (Silky Willow; S2, Yellow) grows in low thickets and along stream banks (Zinck, 1998), and can also be found on gravelly shores (Hinds, 2000). There is no such habitat at the Site.

Spiranthes ochroleuca (Yellow Ladies’ Tresses; S2, Yellow) can be found in Nova Scotia in the driest sand barrens in southwestern counties, also along rivers, and in dry habitats such as road sides and fields. It blooms in the fall (Zinck, 1998). It may also be found in abandoned gravel pits, open roadsides and lawns (Hinds, 2000). There may be suitable habitat at the top of the road side bank in front of the proposed CTS.

Vaccinium cespitosum (Dwarf Huckleberry, Dwarf Blueberry; S2, Yellow) is characteristic of rocky cliffs and rock crevices; it can be found on dry or wet acidic Sites from Sea level to alpine elevations (Zinck, 1998). It also was found on rocky shores, ledge crevices and in clearings (Hinds, 2000). There is no such habitat at the proposed Site.

In summary, there appears to be no suitable habitat for most of the above listed rare species at the proposed CTS Site. However, there may be suitable habitat for Loesel’s Twayblade in the ditch in front of the proposed CTS. Also, there may be potential habitat for Yellow Ladies’ Tresses at the top of the road side bank in front of the proposed CTS. Both could be impacted by the construction of the driveway to the CTS.

The construction schedule (clearing in early April) would make a field survey for rare plants at an appropriate time of the year impossible. However, the site has already been surveyed for rare plants in August 2004 in conjunction with the adjacent Biosolids Handling Facility (JWEL, 2004) The Biosolids Facility property included the area of the proposed CTS. No Loesels’ Twayblade or Yellow Ladies’ Tresses were found, and habitat was judged unsuitable for Southern Twayblade (M. Crowell, personal communication, 2006). However, a species that is somewhat of conservation concern was found about 30 to 35 m southwest of the CTS Site: Hieracium kalmii. The report (JWEL 2004) identifies the species, but not the variety. H. kalmii grows along roadsides, rough ground, clearings and thickets (Zinck, 1998). It was found growing on the embankment right at the treeline (M. Crowell, personal communication, 2006) (Figure 4). This species is not listed as being of conservation concern by NSESA (2005) or COSEWIC, but ACCDC has ranked it “S2?”, and NSDNR (2002) lists its status as “undetermined”. It is likely much more common, since it has been found frequently during surveys in the Halifax area (M. Crowell, personal communication, 2006). While this species is not protected by law, NSDNR and the Nova Scotia Museum should be consulted to find out whether mitigation measures protecting these plants should be put in place when constructing the CTS. Preliminary consultations with NSDNR (M. Elderkin, February 2006) show that NSDNR is interested in protecting the species, since the status is undetermined, and would welcome mitigation measures.

TV51084 Page 21

Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

Mammal Species at Risk

There are 13 mammal species at risk in Nova Scotia: Moose (Alces alces ), Lynx (Lynx lynx), American Marten (Martes americana), Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans), Fisher (Martes pennanti), Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus), Red Bat (Lasiurus borealis), Silver-haired Bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans), Eastern Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus subflavus), Northern Long-eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis), Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus), Long-tailed Shrew (Sorex dispar), and Gaspe Shrew (Sorex gaspensis) ( Appendix A).

None of the species was indicated as present along the RoW in the Halifax Lateral Pipeline EPP (M&NP and JWEL, 2000).

Based on habitat observed at the proposed project site during preliminary field visits in December 2005/ January 2006, the proposed facility does not contain the habitat required to support the above species at risk in Nova Scotia listed by COSEWIC (2005), NSDNR (2002) and NSESA (2005). No sensitive mammals or evidence of their presence were found during previous surveys at the location at the Biosolids facility in March and August 2004 (M. Crowell, pers. communication, 2006). Red Squirrels, hare, raccoon, white-tailed deer, black bear and shrews (Sorex sp.) were observed on the Biosolid Facility property during that survey, but these species are not of conservation concern. The area of the proposed CTS was included in that survey.

Avian Species at Risk

There are currently 28 avian species at risk in Nova Scotia: Roseate Tern, Piping Plover, Peregrine Falcon, Harlequin Duck, Atlantic Puffin, Snowy Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Brant, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Northern Goshawk, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Red-necked Phalarope, Red Phalarope, Common Tern, Common Loon, Razorbill, Eastern Meadowlark, Long-eared Owl, Short-eared Owl, Purple Martin, Eastern Bluebird, Bicknell’s Thrush, Vesper Sparrow, Ipswich Sparrow, Sharp-tailed Sparrow, Bobolink, Arctic Tern, and Eskimo Curlew (Appendix A). Also, raptors such as eagles, Osprey or hawks, are protected under the Nova Scotia Wildlife Act.

None of the species at risk or raptor nests were observed in or near the Halifax Lateral Pipeline RoW; the pipeline corridor was adjusted to avoid raptor nests where necessary (M&NP and JWEL, 2000). Also, there are no known occurrences of bird species at risk within 5 km of the proposed CTS site (Table 1) (ACCDC, 2006). Migratory birds are discussed below (Section 3.3.2).

Based on habitat observed at the proposed project site during preliminary field visits in December 2005/ January 2006, there is no suitable habitat to support most of the above species at risk in Nova Scotia as listed by COSEWIC (2005), NSDNR (2002) and NSESA (2005)(Appendix A), except for Northern Goshawk and potentially Long- eared Owl, which both prefer woodlands. However, the property is so close to Aerotech Drive, human activities and facilities, that the presence of these species is highly unlikely. No raptor nests were evident during the field visit in December 2005/ January 2006. Also, there is no habitat for Horned Lark which was listed as being of concern by the Nova Scotia Museum (see 3.3.1.2).

TV51084 Page 23 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

Bird surveys were carried out on the property of the Halifax Biosolids Handling facility in March and August, 2004. The area of the proposed CTS was included in that survey (JWEL, 2004). No owls were heard during several night surveys in March of that year (M. Crowell, pers. communication, 2006). During those field surveys, Northern Harrier, Sharp- shinned Hawks and Broad- winged Hawks were seen on the Biosolids Handling Facility property. While the habitat could potentially be used for nesting by both hawk- species, it is not suitable for Northern Harrier. The latter species therefore was deemed transient. The proposed CTS is located near the road. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that these or other raptors would breed at the Site of the proposed CTS. No raptor nests were found during above mentioned bird surveys.

Also, no avian species at risk which are legally protected were found during the above mentioned field surveys (JWEL, 2004). Black- backed Woodpeckers, which are of minor concern, were seen. Black-backed Woodpeckers are ranked S3S4 (uncommon to widespread) by ACCDC, but the species is considered to be secure by NSDNR. Therefore, they are not considered to be a constraint for this project. Also, these birds breed in coniferous forest, which is not present at the Site of the proposed CTS. Mitigation measures applied for the protection of migratory birds will also protect this species.

Therefore, the potential for presence of avian species at risk or protected species is considered to be very small.

Herpetile Species at Risk

In Nova Scotia there exist only four herpetile species at risk which are listed by COSEWIC (2005), NSDNR (2002) and/or NSESA (2005): Blanding’s Turtle, Wood Turtle, Northern Ribbon Snake, and Four-toed Salamander (Appendix A).

None of these species at risk, nor any other herpetile species that is considered to be rare by other authors (M&NP, 2000) were observed in or near the Halifax Lateral Pipeline near the proposed Project Site during field surveys for the Halifax Lateral construction (M&NP and JWEL, 2000).

Based on habitat observed at the proposed project site during preliminary field visits in December 2005/ January 2006, there is no suitable habitat to support the three reptile species. In addition, while Wood Turtles were recorded within 5 km from the proposed CTS (ACCDC, 2006), they were recorded in watersheds which drain into the Shubenacadie River. The proposed CTS is not located in the Shubenacadie River Watershed (JWEL, 2004).

There are several records for Four- toed Salamander within 5 km radius from the proposed Site, the nearest records just over 1 km from the Site (Table 1 and 2) (ACCDC, 2006; NSDNR, 2006 a; M&NP and JWEL, 2000). Four-toed Salamanders can be found in sphagnum mats along sphagnum pools, in forests adjacent to wet sphagnum bogs, and in woods (ACCDC, 2006). They very rarely are found away from their nesting habitat, which are sphagnum moss hummocks in swamps or bogs. There is no wetland habitat at the proposed Site.

Therefore, the potential for the presence of herpetile species at risk is considered to be very low. No herpetile species at risk, nor suitable habitat, was found during previous surveys at the location at the Biosolids Facility in March and August 2004. The area of the proposed CTS was included in that survey. Spring peepers and mink frogs were observed on the Biosolids Facility

TV51084 Page 24 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006 property (M. Crowell, pers. communication, 2006), but these species are not of conservation concern.

Arthropod Species at Risk

In Nova Scotia there are 13 dragonfly and damselfly (odonates) species at risk listed under the NSDNR General Status of Species (NSDNR, 2002): Zebra Clubtail, Rusty Snaketail, Brook Snaketail, Black Meadowfly, Elfin Skimmer, Muskeg Emerald, Prince Baskettail, Zorro Clubtail, Greenstriped Darner, Zigzag Darner, Mottled Darner, Harlequin Darner, and Little Bluet. Odonates are found in either lentic (i.e., standing water) or lotic (i.e., running water) environments.

ACCDC lists 20 species of dragonflies of concern within 5 km radius. None of these is listed by NSDNR (2002), NSESA (2005) or COSEWIC (2005). Based on available habitat as observed during the preliminary field visits in December 2005/ January 2006, there are no lakes, ponds or streams on the proposed Site. While there were small pools and relatively short water filled, shallow natural drainage channels at the time of the field survey, these water features are not likely to be present in the summer, and also do not fit the substrate and waterflow requirements for watercourses that would be inhabited by the odonates listed in Table 1 or in Appendix A (Appendix A; ACCDC 2006).

There are currently nine butterfly species at risk in Nova Scotia listed by COSEWIC (2005) and NSDNR (2002): Jutta Arctic, Early Hairstreak, Bog Elfin, Northern Cloudywing, Monarch, Hoary Comma, Satyr Anglewing, Arctic Fritillary, and Short-tailed Swallowtail (Appendix A). None of these species is known to occur within 5 km radius (ACCDC, 2006), and none of these was found in previous field surveys along the Halifax Lateral Pipeline RoW (M&NP and JWEL, 2000).

The CTS is not located in the regions where these butterfly species are normally found and do not support similar habitat. In particular, Arctic Fritillary butterflies, only ever seen in Colchester County, have not been reported for several decades and are thought to have be “accidental” occurrences, which may result in downgrading from their current “Yellow “ ranking (M. Elderkin, personal communication, 2005).

Freshwater Mussels and Fish There is no suitable habitat for freshwater mussel or fish species at the proposed location, since there are no ponds, rivers, lakes, or running streams. The fish species listed by the Nova Scotia Museum (see above) live in water courses at least 6 km from the proposed Site, e.g. Shubenacadie Grand Lake.

3.3.2 Migratory Birds

Migratory birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Convention Act (MBCA), such that “no person shall deposit or permit to be deposited oil, oil wastes or any other substance harmful to migratory birds in a waters or in an area frequented by migratory birds” and “no person shall disturb, destroy or take a nest, egg, nest shelter, eider duck shelter or duck box of a migratory bird”.

TV51084 Page 25 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

Migratory birds include many passerines, but also waterfowl and other water- related birds, as well as several species of raptors. There is a high potential that some migratory birds may nest at the proposed location or in the vicinity of the proposed CTS, given the wide range of species and habitat types that support this group.

Surveys of breeding birds, carried out over a period of four years (1986-1989), resulted in 238 records of 96 species of birds in the 10X10 km square that contains the proposed Site (ACCDC, 2006, based on data extracted from Erskine (1992) (Appendix B). The birds confirmed as breeding in the survey included many songbirds and several species of raptors, including Northern Goshawk (NSDNR: YELLOW, COSEWIC/SARA: Threatened), Northern Harrier, hawks, Osprey, as well as Barred Owl and Saw-Whet Owl. Several of these species may be found breeding at the proposed Site, based in the available habitat. Several species of water- related birds were also recorded, however, there is no habitat for the latter at the proposed CTS Site.

Bird surveys were carried out previously on the property of the Halifax Biosolids Handling facility in August, 2004. The area of the proposed CTS was included in that survey (JWEL, 2004). Twenty species of birds were noted during those surveys, based on sightings, sound, or traces of their presence (JWEL, 2004): Northern Harrier, Broad-winged Hawk, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Black-backed Woodpecker, American Crow, Common Raven, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Hermit Thrush, Cedar Waxwing, Blue-headed Vireo, Magnolia Warbler, Yellow- rumped Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Palm Warbler, Black-and White Warbler, Dark-eyed Junco and American Goldfinch (JWEL, 2004). Nesting evidence was found for Hermit Thrush and Red-breasted Nuthatch. Several species are migratory.

Based on the fact that the proposed CTS Site is very small, near the road, and home to only one forest type (Red Maple/Balsam Fir), it is not likely that all of the above species are found on the CTS property. Northern Harrier and Broad –winged Hawk are not expected to breed at the proposed CTS Site due to the nearness of the road. However, other species of migratory birds may be present that were not detected during the above mentioned surveys.

Therefore, it is highly likely that migratory bird species are present at the proposed CTS Site. To avoid impacting breeding birds through the construction of the CTS, mitigation measures such as land clearing outside of the breeding season (May 1st to August 1st) should be put in place.

3.3.3 Significant Habitat

Significant habitats are areas that require special consideration because they include habitat that is important due to its ecological function or as habitat for species at risk or certain wildlife. Significant habitats include:

· Migratory bird areas

· Species of concern

· Species at risk

· Rare Plants

TV51084 Page 26 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

· Deer wintering areas

· Moose wintering areas

· Old growth forest

· Salt marsh

· Wetlands

· Other habitat None of these features was identified as present at or near the proposed CTS Site during the environmental constraints mapping and the field surveys carried out for the Halifax Lateral Pipeline Project (M&NP and JWEL, 1998; M&NP and JWEL, 2000). Also, a perusal of the Significant Species and Habitats database did not show any significant species or habitats at the proposed Site (NSDNR, 2006 a).

The following areas marked in the SigHab Database are located closest to the proposed Site (Table 2). All of these are within about 5 km radius around the proposed Site, but none is closer than 0.9 km.

TABLE 2 Significant Habitat within 5 km Radius Around the Proposed CTS WLD # Species * Distance Species of Conservation Concern: HX 592 Southern Twayblade about 0.9 km north , on Halifax Int. Airport property HX 267 Dwarf Birch (Betula michauxii / B. nana) 0.9 to 1.6 km south, southeast and southwest, at Johnson River HX 432 Four-toed Salamander 1.2 to 1.5 km east at King and Queen Lakes HX 143 Darf Birch (Betula michauxii / B. nana) about 4.8 km north, at Bennery Lake bog HX 309 Canadian Mountian Rice (Oryzopsis about 4.9 km east along a truck road canadensis) HX 478 Loons, landlocked salmon and smelt, also about 5.8 km northwest: Grand Lake several plant species records that need verification and update HX 279 Wood Turtle, Atlantic Sturgeon, Striped Bass, over 5 km west: Shubenacadie River System Tomcod, American Shad, Alewife (Gaspereau), Sea Lamprey, American Eel, Atlantic Salmon, Brook Floater, Triangle Floater, Brown Trout Wetlands HX 471 not applicable about 1.4 km southwest: Preeper Pond, Gole Score 66.5 Notes: Most, but not all, of these species are listed in the NSDNR General Status of Wildlife Report (NSDNR, 2003) (Appendix A). * Species identity received from NSDNR upon request (2006 d).

3.4 AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT

Available information on the aquatic resources and habitat enhancement initiatives for the surface waters along M&NP's Halifax Lateral pipeline corridor was reviewed during the site selection process. Watercourses were identified as a Class I constraint during the pipeline corridor- and CTS Site selection process and therefore avoided. Watercourses were a Class II constraint in determining power and access requirements. There will be no requirement to cross

TV51084 Page 27 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006 watercourses for either power supply or access roads for the proposed Project, as both are already in place. The nearest watercourse, a tributary to the Johnson River, is located south east of the proposed CTS property, as indicated in the Halifax Lateral Pipeline Environmental Protection Plan mapping (M&NP and JWEL, 2000). There also is a small pond approximately 350 m north of the Site, and a small pond approximately 350 m east of the Site (M&NP and JWEL, 2000).

Natural influences on surface water quality include local geology, watershed size, response to precipitation, topography, vegetation, and proximity to marine waters. The variation in water quality observed between various watershed basins and watercourses is due, in part, to the bedrock mineral erodibility and the hydrological cycle of the specific areas.

Runoff is influenced by many factors, including soil type and moisture conditions, grade or slope, and vegetative cover. In general, coarse soils with low to moderate runoff potential occur throughout the province with higher runoff potential areas consisting of more finely textured soils usually occurring in the central and northern areas of the province.

Site run-off currently drains into the road side ditch, and is assumed to ultimately drain into a small stream , which likely is a tributary to Johnson River. There are no lakes, ponds, rivers or streams at the proposed CTS location. There are no surface water supply areas in the vicinity of the proposed Site. The northern edge of the Lake Major designated water supply area, which is protected under the Nova Scotia Environment Act, is located about 3.5 km south of the proposed Site (NSDNR, 2006 c).

3.5 WETLANDS

Wetlands are defined as "...lands transitional between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table is at, or near, the surface or the land is covered by shallow water at some time during the growing season. Wetlands are characterized by poorly drained soils and predominantly hydrophytic, or water tolerant vegetation”.

The Nova Scotia Significant Habitats Database (NSDNR, 2006 c) and M&NP Halifax Lateral Environmental Protection Plan (EPP) mapping (M&NP and JWEL, 2000) were consulted in locating wetlands near the Site. EPP mapping identified wetlands at a 1:10000 scale, as well as wetlands that were field identified prior to construction of the M&NP Halifax Lateral Pipeline. Wetlands were identified as a Class I constraint when siting the pipeline corridor and were therefore avoided where practical. The proposed CTS is located about 10 m north of the Pipeline. A small wetland about 150 m south of the Site, and south of Aerotech Drive, is the nearest wetland to the proposed CTS Site (M&NP and JWEL, 2000).

During preliminary field visits in December 2005/ January 2006 several water- filled depressions were noticed across the property. These pools or puddles are not considered wetlands due to their small size (1- 4 m2), and the fact that most contained flooded vegetation that not normally is associated with water, such as Goldthread and Polytrichum moss. This vegetation indicates that the flooded conditions are short term. Very few water-filled depressions also contained some Sphagnum cushions. The field visit was carried out after rain and snow-melt, which likely resulted in flooded conditions in the shallow depressions. Some of these depressions were left by fallen trees. The water in some depressions showed slow movement towards the road, by following the natural slope. A 2-3 m2 shallow pool with non- aquatic vegetation as well as some

TV51084 Page 28 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

Sphagnum near the road drained into the roadside ditch via a small drainage channel. The slope towards the ditch was disturbed and not protected by vegetation, likely due to the construction of sewer lines (wooden markers) and/or water supply as indicated by a hydrant. The drainage channel was shallow and flat bottomed, and was likely shaped after the construction.

3.6 TRADITIONAL ABORIGINAL USE

Traditional aboriginal use refers to the current use of land and resources by aboriginal peoples for traditional purposes. This included collection of medicinal plants, traditional ceremonial or spiritual areas, archaeological sites, sites of past events and areas that traditionally have been used to hunt and gather (M&NP, 2000). As part of a Traditional Environmental Knowledge (TEK) Study undertaken for the Halifax Lateral Pipeline Project, a series of interviews were conducted with Mi’kmaq people knowledgeable of the area to identify past and current land use, physically identifiable resources and other areas of concern that may be impacted by the pipeline.

However, M&NP agreed with Mi’kmaq representatives to consider those areas identified by Aboriginal people and intersected by the RoW as somewhat confidential (M&NP, 2000). These areas are therefore not included in the EPP mapping. However, M&NP worked with aboriginal peoples to address issues and concerns (M&NP and JWEL, 2000). M&NP made the commitment to avoid Aboriginal occupation sites and burials (M&NP, 2000). A field visit to the proposed CTS Site carried out in December 2005/ January 2006 showed that proposed Site is covered by forest consisting of common species. No species dominated the area. In summary, based in this information, there is no evidence that the proposed Site has been or is currently used for traditional purposes.

3.6.1 Archaeological/Heritage and Paleontological Resources

Archaeological sites include pre-contact and historic (post-contact) archaeological sites. A range of heritage resources was identified within the original 1 km wide pipeline corridor. These include in-ground pre-contact and historic archaeological resources, sites of historical significance, heritage structures, and sensitive sites and areas of high heritage resource potential. While the majority of sites may contain physical evidence, such as archaeological remains, there may be some sites that have a metaphysical value, such as sacred sites.

Due to the remoteness of much of the original corridor, existing information on heritage resources was limited. Therefore, predictive modeling was used to identify areas with elevated heritage potential. The modeling criteria, were based on historical, cultural, and environmental factors frequently associated with the occurrence of heritage sites. Areas that were identified as having high archaeological potential were subjected to further field-testing to determine the presence or absence of archaeological resources.

If archaeological potential still existed, further archaeological monitoring was required in specific areas of the pipeline right-of-way (RoW) during the groundbreaking activities of pipeline construction. This monitoring also included a review of areas adjacent to the pipeline RoW for the purposes of acquiring additional working room and temporary storage areas. This monitoring was conducted during the construction of the Halifax Lateral Pipeline by qualified

TV51084 Page 29 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006 and permitted archaeologists. Research permits were issued by the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History to conduct the above-mentioned archaeological testing and monitoring.

The proposed Site is located in an area of low archaeological potential (M&NP and JWEL, 2000). Prior to construction of the Halifax Lateral Pipeline, areas of low archaeological potential within and adjacent to the RoW were subjected to a walkover by a licensed archaeologist, which included testing at sites where it was deemed appropriate. The walkover was conducted from 1997 to 1999. No heritage resources were identified in the 1 km wide pipeline corridor that contains the proposed Site.

Based on this information, the presence of archaeological and heritage resources at the proposed CTS site is not likely.

3.7 SOCIO-ECONOMIC SETTING

Nova Scotia is a service-based economy, with 80% of employment in services sectors in 2005 (StatCan, 2006). In December 2005, the service- based economy provided employment for 352,740 people in over 32,000 businesses, compared to a total of 441.5 thousand employed people in all industries (StatCan, 2006). Within the Service Industry, trade occupations accounted for 76,600 jobs, or 21.7 % of the total Service Industry. This is followed by health care and social assistance occupations with 57,800 jobs or 16 % of employment in the Service Industry, and education services with 35,700 jobs (StatCan, 2006).

In 2004, Public Sector employment accounted for 104,056 employments out of a total of 441,600 employed people (NSDF, 2006 a). Also in 2004, 348,600 people were employed in Service Industries, while 93,000 were employed in Goods Industries (NSDF, 2006 b).

3.7.1 Population

Nova Scotia

In December 2005, Nova Scotia’s population was 937,900. Current labour force data show a participation rate of 63.2% (December 2005) for the province, and an unemployment rate of 7.9% (Table 3) (HRDC, 2006 a). The median family income in Nova Scotia was $46,523 (StatCan, 2006).

TABLE 3 Nova Scotia Population and Principal Labour Force Statistics (December 2005) Population Unemployed Employed Labour Force (000s) Unemployment Rate Participation (000s) (000s) Rate 937,900 37.8 443.7 481.5 7.9 63.2 Source: Nova Scotia Statistics (2005) (HRSDC, 2006 a)

Halifax Regional Municipality

The population of Halifax Regional Municipality was 359,111 in the year 2001 and 342,851in the year 1996, which represents a 4.7 % increase since 1996. The employed labour force 15 years and older is 182,455 people (StatCan, 2001). In 2004, 11,380 of the over 32,000 businesses in Nova Scotia were located in Halifax County (NSDF, 2005, preliminary data).

TV51084 Page 30 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

Between 1994 and 2004, HRM’s population grew by 15.9 % from 265,100 to 307,500 (HRDC, 2006 b). At the same time, the labour force grew by 36,200 people, and the participation rate increased by 2.4 %. HRM has the highest participation rate in Nova Scotia (HRSDC, 2006 b). Also, HRM has the highest employment rate and the lowest unemployment rate in Nova Scotia in that time period (HRSDC, 2006 b).

3.7.2 Labour Force in HRM

Table 4 shows recent employment and labour force participation rate statistics for Halifax Regional Municipality (Service Canada, 2006; HRSDC, 2006 c).

TABLE 4 Halifax Regional Municipality Principal Labour Force Statistics Year Labour Employed Unemployment Unemploy- Employment Participation Working Force (000s) (000s) ment Rate Rate Rate age Po- (000s) pulation (000s) 1999 193,5 180,4 13,1 6.8 63.6 68.2 283,7 2000 202 189,5 12,5 6.2 65.7 70 288,6 2001 204,2 189,8 14,4 7.1 64.9 69.9 292,3 2002 204,6 189,1 15,5 7.6 63.8 69.1 296,2 2003 207,9 194,0 13,9 6.7 64.6 69.2 300,5 NS 2003 480,1 435,4 44,7 9.3 57.3 63.2 760 Dec.2005* 214,5 203,2 11,1 5.2 68.4 313,5 NS Dec. 481,5 443,7 37,8 7.9 63.2 761,8 *2005 Source: Halifax Regional Municipality Labour Market Review 2004 (Service Canada, 2006) * HRSDC 2006 c: Nova Scotia Labour Force Statistics ; For December 2005, based on a 3-month average.

3.7.3 Labour Force by Industry in HRM

The employed labour force 15 years and older is 182,455 people (StatCan, 2001). Sales and service occupations top the list with 54,065 jobs, followed by business, finance and administration occupations with 38,510 jobs and trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations with 23,375 jobs (2001 Census) (StatCan, 2001). In total, these three sectors account for 59,8 % of all occupations, based on a total experienced labour force of 193,680 persons. The first two sectors account for 47.8 % of all occupations (StatCan, 2001).

3.7.4 Landuse

The area around the proposed site, while mostly covered with trees, is currently zoned as business/ industrial park and will be zoned as such in the future (HRM, 2006). Several businesses/companies are already located along Aerotech Drive. Adjacent to the proposed Site, the HRM Biosolids Handling Facility is under construction.

There are no private residences in the vicinity of the proposed Site. A visit to the proposed Site showed that there is no designated recreational landuse, such as hiking-, skiing-, biking- or ATV trails on the proposed Site.

There also is no agricultural landuse, nor are there mines or pits on Site (NSDNR, 2006 b; M&NP and JWEL, 1998 and 2000). Areas west and north of the proposed Site used to be agricultural fields, but were abandoned several decades ago (JWEL, 1998).

TV51084 Page 31 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

Areas designated as having aggregate resources, whether currently used or not, were considered Class I constraints during the selection of the pipeline corridor and were avoided where practical. Otherwise, disruption was minimized as far as possible (M&NP, 2000).

3.7.4.1 Municipal Services and Infrastructure.

HRM provides sewer services. A hydrant is located in front of the proposed CTS Site.

3.7.4.2 Transport Infrastructure

The proposed Site is located adjacent to Aerotech Drive, about 1.5 km from Exit 5A on Highway 102. Halifax International Airport is located about 1.5 km northeast of the proposed Site, however, the distance to the airport property boundary is only about 1km.

3.7.4.3 Sensitive and protected Areas

Parks and protected areas were considered Class I constraints during the Halifax Lateral pipeline corridor selection, and were avoided as much as possible (M&NP, 2000). A few wildlife/ ecological reserve or protected areas are located within the 1 km pipeline corridor, but none at the proposed Site (M&NP, 2000).

A review of NSDNR’s Restricted and Limited Use Land (RLUL) Data revealed that there are no protected areas of any kind at the proposed Project Site (NSDNR, 2006 c), such as federal, provincial or municipal parks, national historic sites, wilderness areas, wildlife management areas, wildlife sanctuaries, Nature Conservancy of Canada Lands, Indian Reserve lands or designated water supply areas. Nondesignated water supply areas are sensitive, but are not protected under any legislation.

The Site is located within the Shubenacadie River Watershed nondesignated water supply area, as is all of Aerotech Business Park and part of Halifax International Airport (NSDNR, 2006 c).

A GIS Scan carried out by ACCDC indicates 15 managed areas with some degree of protected status which occur within 5 km radius around the proposed Site (ACCDC, 2006): · Oakfield Provincial Park · Laurie Provincial Park · Waverley Game Sanctuary (Provincial Game Sanctuary) · Waverly-Salmon River- Long Lake Wilderness Area · Bennery Lake Watershed Area (Nondesignated Water Supply Area) · Lake Fletcher Watershed Area (Nondesignated Water Supply Area) · Lake Major (Designated Water Supply Area) · Long Lake (Nondesignated Water Supply Area) · Shubenacadie River Watershed (Nondesignated Water Supply Area) · Shubenacadie Canal (Provincial Parks and Park Reserves) · Fletchers Locke (Special Places)

TV51084 Page 32 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

· Horne Settlement · Myra Road · Portobello · Wellington All of these, except the Shubenacadie River Watershed nondesignated water supply area, are more than 1 km distance from the proposed Site. Nondesignated water supply areas are not protected under the Nova Scotia Environment Act or other Legislation (NSDNR 2006 c).

TV51084 Page 33 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY

An Environmental Assessment (EA) is a complete process, which should begin at the earliest stages of planning and remain in force throughout the life of a project, moving through a series of stages: · Describing the project and establishing environmental baseline conditions; · Scoping the issues and establishing the boundaries of the assessment; · Assessing the potential environmental effects of the project, including residual and cumulative effects; · Identifying potential mitigative measures to eliminate or minimize potential adverse effects; and · Environmental effects monitoring and follow-up programs.

The EA focused on the evaluation of potential interactions between Project components and activities, and Valued Ecosystem Components (VECs) that were identified through an issues scoping process. The assessment of the potential effects of the environment on the Project, including extreme weather events, was conducted during the Project design phase. Any mitigative Project design modifications that may have been required were incorporated in the final Project design that is described in this document.

The technique of Beanlands and Duinker (1983) and the guidance provided by various CEAA documents were employed to assist in the design and conduct of the EA. This approach emphasizes the use of VECs as the focal points for impact assessment. Generally, VECs are defined as those aspects of the ecosystem or associated socio-economic systems that are important to humans.

Two approaches were taken to identify the potential VECs. First, those parameters for which provincial or federal regulations are in place were identified. The second approach used for the identification of VECs involved a scoping exercise based on experience gained during other comparable environmental assessments and the scientific community, supplemented by available information on the environment surrounding the proposed project; and the technical and professional expertise of AMEC. The public was consulted during the planning of the Halifax Lateral Pipeline corridor.

For the purpose of this environmental assessment, the interactions (effects) between project activities and VECs are examined to select a defined set of VECs that will be assessed. The significance of potential interactions and the likelihood of the interactions are also considered. Possible measures to mitigate impacts are identified, and where residual impacts are identified, measures to compensate have been considered.

4.1 BOUNDARIES

The effect of a specific project activity on a VEC may differ in both space and time from the effect of any other activity. Certain project activities may have long-term consequences; others will be of short duration. Therefore, an important aspect of the EA process is the determination

TV51084 Page 34 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006 of boundaries. Temporal and spatial boundaries have been considered for the construction, operation, and decommissioning phases of the Project.

The spatial boundaries for construction include the actual footprint of the Site, as well as those VECs, which the assessment has determined to be potentially affected. Spatial boundaries are identified for each VEC. Specific considerations were also given to the geographic ranges of particular VECs. Temporal bounding for this phase is estimated to extend over a three to four year period.

The operation phase includes similar spatial bounds as the construction phase. For the operation phase, the temporal bounds extend for at least 25 years subsequent to completion of construction.

The decommissioning phase also includes similar spatial bounds as the construction and operation phase. The temporal boundaries for decommissioning extend for about three years to allow the effectiveness of restoration activities to be monitored and to conduct any required maintenance.

4.2 BASELINE INFORMATION

Baseline information for this EA was gathered from the Environmental Assessment Report for the M&NP Halifax Lateral Project (JWEL, 1998), the EPP (M&NP, 2000), the Environmental Alignment Sheets for the EPP (M&NP and JWEL, 2000), and the EA Report for the Halifax Biosolids Facility (JWEL, 2004). Additional baseline data was gathered from federal and provincial government departments, resource managers, and site visits. The baseline is described in Section 3.

4.3 CONSULTATION

In September to November 1997, M&NP conducted two rounds of public consultation as part of its Halifax Lateral Pipeline Project, presenting the preliminary 1 km corridor and the preliminary preferred corridor. M&NP conducted two open house sessions each in Dartmouth and Waverly (October and November 1997) related to the Halifax Lateral Pipeline (M&NP, 2000). Concerns voiced during those open house sessions were considered during the final selection of the 1 km corridor and the delineation of the 20m RoW (M&NP, 2000). While the proposed CTS was not included in the plans at that time, any concerns or issues the public voiced regarding the placement of the gas pipeline in terms of ecological or socio-economic conditions can be considered to apply to the proposed CTS as well, since it is located within about 10 m of the pipeline.

None of the issues voiced at those meetings causes concerns for the proposed CTS project. M&NP has also consulted with Halifax Regional Municipality, who is the current owner of the proposed CTS site and the owner of the surrounding properties.

4.3.1 Consultation with First Nations

Consultation with the First Nations of Nova Scotia is conducted in accordance with the First Nations Agreement signed on December 14, 1999 between M&NP and the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs. This agreement establishes a steering committee named the Mi’kmaq

TV51084 Page 35 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

Advisory Committee (“MAC”), which is the primary contact with First Nations for all matters pertaining to M&NP’s projects in Nova Scotia.

Under the terms of the First Nations Agreement, the normal procedure for M&NP to inform the First Nations of any addition of new facilities to its existing system is to advise the First Nations representatives on the MAC, and jointly establish an appropriate consultation process.

First Nations Representatives were contacted during the Environmental Assessment of the Halifax Lateral Pipeline project: the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq and the Native Council of Nova Scotia.

During a meeting with MAC on February 15th, 2006, MAC indicated that they had no issues with the proposed CTS, because the area was studied as part of the Halifax Lateral Pipeline Project.

4.3.2 Consultation with Local Government Agencies and Resource Managers

M&NP has consulted with representatives from local regulatory agencies, local government representatives, and resource managers for the proposed CTS Project. Consultations were conducted in order to identify any issues specific to the proposed project and identify appropriate mitigation strategies. Agencies consulted in this process are noted in Table 5.

TABLE 5 Government and Scientific Consultation Means of Contact Date Issues or Concerns Consultation Doug Archibald – Email and phone January 17 to 27, Requested information of rare species, migratory Nova Scotia 2006; February birds, significant habitats, wetlands, forest Department of 13, 2006 management programmes at or near the Site. Natural Resources Concerns were Southern Twayblade which is (NSDNR) located on airport property, and Preeper Pond. Lawrence Benjamin, Email January 26,2006 Requested and received identification of WLD Nova Scotia numbers of significant species and habitats Department of within 5 km radius around the Site. No significant Natural Resources species and habitats are located on the Site. (NSDNR) Stefan Gerriets – Email January 18, 2006 Requested and received information on species Atlantic Canada at risk and environmentally sensitive area from Conservation Data the ACCDC database. Two species at risk and Centre (ACCDC) 22 species that are considered to be of conservation concern by ACCDC, as well as 15 management areas are located within 5 kilometres of the Site. Robert Ogilvie – Nova Email January 11, 2006 Requested information on natural heritage for the Scotia Museum area. Data will be available around February (NSM) 15th, 2006 due to absence of staff. Ruth Newell, Acadia Phone February 3, 2006 Discussed habitat requirements of Southern University Twayblade; habitat appears to be not suitable; Ms. Newell also pointed to Dwarf Birch as a species of concern in the area of Halifax International Airport. Mark Elderkin, Phone and email February 8 to 13, Discussion of NSDNR interest in Hieracium NSDNR 2006 kalmii , a potentially rare plant near the proposed CTS

TV51084 Page 36 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

4.4 PREDICTING ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS

Methodologies used in the identification and assessment of impacts may be specific to each discipline. They can be grouped in the following categories: · Review of published literature; · Interviews with resource persons and knowledgeable individuals; · Stakeholder consultations; and · Formulation of impact hypotheses and linkages for each VEC deemed to be vulnerable to impact from project activities.

Predictions are based on a combination of objective (measurable) and subjective (deduced) experience based on professional judgment and evaluation. Impacts are assessed using a defined impact rating as discussed in Section 4.6.

Reference to EA’s undertaken for similar projects are a useful method of checking the spectrum and intensity of anticipated impacts. Comparative analysis can be used to prepare checklists and to draw analogies.

4.5 CUMULATIVE EFFECTS

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) requires consideration of cumulative effects that are likely to occur in respect to the Project. CEAA does not define cumulative environmental effects, but does provide a number of points that indicate what should be considered. First, all environmental effects as described in CEAA can be considered cumulatively. Second, CEAA states that environmental assessments must consider the cumulative environmental effects "that are likely to result from the project in combination with other projects or activities that have or will be carried out" (Drouin and LeBlanc, 1994).

The term "Cumulative Effect" has been defined as: · The summation of effects over time which can be attributed to the operation of the Project itself; and · The overall effects on the ecosystem of the Project area that can be attributed to the Project and other existing and planned future projects.

The effects of the Project in conjunction with other activities and planned projects in the study area are examined. For the purpose of identifying and assessing cumulative effects, the spatial dimensions of the Project remain the same. The temporal boundaries, however, are extended to include past, current, and known planned projects.

4.6 IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE RATING

The Reference Guide "Determining whether a project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects" (Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, 1994) provides the framework for responsible authorities to decide whether a project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects under CEAA. As stated in the Reference Guide, the concept of

TV51084 Page 37 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006 significance is extremely important in CEAA "to ensure that projects that are to be carried out in Canada or on federal lands do not cause significant adverse environmental effects outside the jurisdiction in which the projects are carried out."

A common scale of reference for rating an impact is needed to compare the relative importance of various environmental effects. An impact is defined as "the change effected on one or more of the VECs as a result of project activities". It affects specific groups, populations or species, and results in the state of the VEC being modified in terms of an increase or decrease in its nature (characteristics), abundance, or distribution. It is categorized as negative (adverse) or positive.

The scoping exercise used to describe the VECs (including definition of spatial and temporal bounds) included an element of likelihood of interaction between the VEC and project activities. The focus of the environmental assessment is, therefore, on these interactions.

The following considerations have been applied when evaluating the significance of potential impacts on the VECs: · The geographic extent - the area affected; · Duration - the length of time that the impact will be experienced; · The magnitude - the fraction of the population or the resource base that will be affected; and · The sensitivity and the ability of the VEC to recover.

The framework for guiding the responsible authorities in determining whether environmental effects are adverse, significant, and likely within the context of CEAA consists of the following: · Determine whether the environmental effect is adverse; · Determine whether the adverse environmental effect is significant or, in other words, determine the impact rating; and · Determine whether the significant environmental effect is likely (i.e., the likelihood or probability of occurrence of significant adverse environmental effects).

The key words in this section are "adverse," "significant," and "likely." Although these terms are not directly defined, Table 6 sets out the criteria used to facilitate their interpretation.

Based on these criteria, where adverse effects are likely, mitigation or intervention on the part of the Proponent is required. Effects that are not considered adverse or likely require no mitigative response. If residual impacts remain after the application of mitigation, these impacts need to be assessed for significance. Determination of "significance" should also consider scientific determinations, social values, public concerns, and economic judgments. Significance is assessed in two ways:

· Where available/applicable environmental standards, guidelines, and objectives are used to assess significance.

TV51084 Page 38 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

· Where environmental standards, guidelines and objectives are not applicable, experience and professional judgment are used to assess significance in the context of population level effects and VEC function.

TABLE 6 Criteria to Facilitate Assessment Key Terms Criteria Adverse · Loss of rare or endangered species; · Reductions in species diversity; · Loss of critical/productive habitat; · Transformation of natural landscapes; · Toxic effects on human health; · Reductions in the capacity of renewable resources to meet the needs of present and future generations; · Loss of current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes by aboriginal persons; and · Foreclosure of future resource use or production. Significant · Magnitude; · Geographic extent; · Duration and frequency; · Irreversibility; and · Ecological context. Likely · Probability of occurrence; and · Scientific uncertainty. Source: CEAA, 1994. Responsible Authority’s Guide, p.91.

TV51084 Page 39 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

5.0 VALUED ECOSYSTEM COMPONENTS

Issues scoping is an important part in the VEC identification process. The issues scoping process for this assessment included a review of past relevant environmental reports; review of public concerns; regulatory agency consultation and AMEC’s professional judgment.

From this input, a preliminary list of VECs is developed, and then Project VECs are selected. The approach to the selection of VECs involves an initial evaluation to determine the likelihood of an interaction or linkage between VECs and project activities, including all the components of the Project. Where linkages between VECs and project activities exist and potential effects are of concern, these components are selected as VECs and subject to further analysis. Where a linkage between proposed project activities and the VECs is absent, or is deemed unlikely to result in an effect, no further analysis is required.

A preliminary issues list containing environmental and socio-economic components of concern (ECCs) has been developed from previous M&NP projects including the Mainline and Halifax Lateral, as well as other proposed and constructed CTS facilities. This list of issues was also reviewed against those contained in the NEB Filing Manual for inclusion. A summary of the potential VECs are identified in Table 7.

TV51084 Page 40 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

TABLE 7 Valued Ecosystem Components of Concern (VECs) Environmental Rationale for Components of ECC Avoided Inclusion/Exclusion as Environment/ During Site Pathway of Possible Concern (Biophysical Valued Ecosystem Resources Selection Concern Pathways VEC and Socio-Economic) Component (VECs) (ECCs) Yes No Yes No Yes No Biophysical/Ecosystem Setting: Atmospheric Air Quality X X 1, 2, 6 X Included as a VEC - Protected Environment by statute/regulation. Terrestrial Groundwater X X None X Excluded as a VEC – no Physical Resources (including interaction with groundwater Environment wells) and no such use. Soil Quality and X X 1, 2, 3, 7 X Included as a VEC – Quantity Preservation of productive forest soils . Terrestrial · Wildlife (mammals, X X 1, 2, 3, 7, 8 X Excluded as a VEC - Biological reptiles and Populations/critical habitats of Environment amphibians these species are (herpetiles), birds, 1 protected/included with other and ECCs (species at risk and Invertebrates) wetlands). The rationale for · Plants this is to protect habitat characteristics that are deemed limiting to each population. Migratory Birds X X 1 X Included as a VEC – Protected (including nest sites) by statute/regulation. Designated Areas and X X None X Excluded a VEC – No critical Other Critical Habitats habitat features present Species at Risk- Fauna X X None X Excluded as a VEC – no such species or critical habitat is not present. Species at Risk- Flora X X 1, 2 Included as a VEC – protected by statute Aquatic Fisheries (recreational) X X None X Excluded as a VEC – Avoided Environment during site selection. No fish present. Fish Habitat and X X None X Excluded as a VEC – Avoided species during site selection. No fish present.

TV51084 Page 41 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

TABLE 7 Valued Ecosystem Components of Concern (VECs) Environmental Rationale for ECC Avoided Environment/ Components of Possible Inclusion/Exclusion as Concern (Biophysical During Site Pathway of Valued Ecosystem Resources Selection Concern Pathways VEC and Socio-Economic) Component (VECs) (ECCs) Yes No Yes No Yes No Surface Water Quality X X 3, 7 X Included as a VEC – Potential and Quantity for surface runoff to leave the site. Hydrology X X None X Excluded as a VEC – Protected/included with other VECs (groundwater resources). Hydrogeology X X None X Excluded as a VEC – No interactions . Acid Rock Drainage X X None X Excluded as a VEC – No acid generating rock present in the area of the site. Wetland · Wildlife (mammals, X X None X Excluded as a VEC – Environment herpetiles, birds, Populations of these species and Invertebrates) are protected/included with · Plants other VECs (wetland habitat, species at risk) and no wetlands present at the site. Wetland Habitat X X X Excluded as a VEC – no wetland present. Ongoing Management X X None X Excluded as a VEC – Avoided Initiatives, Including DU during site selection process and EHJV Project Sites and protected with other VECs (wetlands). No such sites. Water Quality X X 1, 2, 3, 7 X Excluded as a VEC – Protected/included with other VECs (surface water quality). Hydrologic Regime X X 1, 2, 3, 7 X Excluded as a VEC – Protected/included with other VECs (surface water quality and groundwater resources). Socio-Economic Setting: Socio- Local Economy X X 8 X Included as a VEC – identified Economic (expenditures and as a benefit to economy. employment)

TV51084 Page 42 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

TABLE 7 Valued Ecosystem Components of Concern (VECs) Environmental Rationale for ECC Avoided Environment/ Components of Possible Inclusion/Exclusion as Concern (Biophysical During Site Pathway of Valued Ecosystem Resources Selection Concern Pathways VEC and Socio-Economic) Component (VECs) (ECCs) Yes No Yes No Yes No Land use X X X Excluded as a VEC – No interaction with current or future land use Emergency Services X X 8 X Included – emergency procedures required Traffic X X 1, 2, 5 X Included – Project interaction with traffic circulation and transportation infrastructure during construction Archaeological Archaeological/Heritage X X None X Excluded as a VEC – Area and Heritage Resources was previously surveyed with Resources the Halifax Lateral Pipeline corridor and found to be low potential. Traditional Resources traditionally X X None X Excluded as a VEC – No Aboriginal used by Aboriginal known resources within project Resources Peoples footprint. Key: 1. Clearing and Grubbing 5. Noise 2. Excavation 6. Air Emissions 3. Release of Hazardous Materials 7. Site Runoff 4. Light 8. Physical Presence

TV51084 Page 43 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

6.0 POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS, PROPOSED MITIGATION, AND RESIDUAL EFFECTS

The approach to analysis of environmental effects considers whether or not an effect is considered adverse and significant, and whether the identified significant adverse effect is likely to occur. If this is the case, appropriate mitigative measures are developed, and residual effects are assessed. The significance of an effect is determined by its magnitude, geographic extent, duration and reversibility.

The VECs that have been selected for further assessment are: · Air Quality; · Soil Quality and Quantity; · Migratory Birds; · Species at Risk- Flora; · Surface Water Quality and Quantity; · Local Economy; · Emergency services; and · Traffic.

The following sections outline the assessment of potential environmental effects, the proposed mitigation and the residual effects for each of these selected VECs.

6.1 AIR QUAL ITY

Air quality effects will be associated with equipment operation during grading, trenching, and backfilling, and accidental release of hazardous materials, which may have a potential effect on human health or safety. Releases of hazardous materials and emissions from equipment can also contribute greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. However, the availability of natural gas for electricity production or heating will have a limited positive effect on air quality in the area where the customers are located (Aerotech Business Park and Halifax International Airport), because natural gas produces less deleterious emissions than other fossil fuels.

Boundaries Spatial boundaries of potential effects on air quality are expected to be fairly limited and not exceed 100 m, due to the small scale of the proposed project. Temporal boundaries are limited to hours (operations) or days (construction and decommissioning).

6.1.1 Construction and Decommissioning

The heavy equipment operation, grading, trenching, and backfilling activities expected during construction will contribute emissions typical of gas or diesel engines (carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, etc.) and particulate matter to the surrounding environment. Generally, emissions may cause occasional nuisance problems on the construction site. However, they typically do not present problems outside the immediate construction area. Additionally, the

TV51084 Page 44 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006 heavy equipment operation, construction activities and construction traffic may generate a certain amount of dust.

During decommissioning, heavy equipment may be operated to remove the CTS equipment and to prepare the soil for re-vegetation. Heavy equipment operation is expected to result in similar emissions as during the construction phase.

Hazardous materials could be released if there is accidental spillage of solvents, fuels, and epoxies used during construction.

Mitigative Measures · Surface particulate (dust) will be controlled by the use of water sprays and dust suppressants, as required. Some airborne particulate is anticipated to result from normal construction activities. · Certain practices can be employed to reduce or mitigate gaseous emissions from construction equipment to acceptable levels. Equipment will be kept in good working order, operated efficiently, and inlet caps will be maintained to reduce vaporization of fuel. · Accidental Spills and leaks of Petroleum products or other deleterious substances from the vehicles and equipment will be immediately contained and cleaned up in accordance with regulatory requirements. Spill kits will be required to be present in equipment at the construction site.

Significance of Residual Effects These effects are expected to be of small magnitude, of short duration and very localized. With implementation of these recommended mitigative measures, it is not likely that will be any significant adverse residual effects to air quality from construction activities.

6.1.2 Operation

Methane, the primary component of natural gas, is colourless, odourless, and tasteless. It is not toxic, but is classed as an asphyxiant and is consequently a potential concern for human health and safety during operations. Fugitive methane emissions may occur at surface facilities or during the unlikely occurrence of an unplanned venting of natural gas from the proposed facilities.

Typically, effects on air quality from operational activities will be negligible. Some operational wastes will be generated as part of normal operations and they will be managed in accordance with M&NP operation procedures.

Mitigative Measures · During operational maintenance the use of flaring will be practiced where practical, to burn off any emissions of natural gas. Periodic monitoring of facilities will be conducted and measures outlined in M&NP’s Operating Manual and Emergency Response Manual will be followed in the case of any accidental event.

TV51084 Page 45 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

Significance of Residual Effects These effects are expected to be of small magnitude, of short duration and very localized. With implementation of these recommended mitigative measures, it is not likely that will be any significant adverse residual effects to air quality from operations activities.

6.2 SOIL QUALITY AND QUANTITY

In Nova Scotia the forest floor is very uneven due to mound and pit micro-topography. This is the result of wind throw. When mature trees are blown over, their root system pulls out topsoil leaving a considerable hole/depression. As the root system decays, the soil adhering to it creates a mound of topsoil on top of the duff layer. It has been estimated that the upper part of the forest soil has been completely turned over in the last 500 years, thereby increasing its productivity. A concern during the development on forestland is the loss of these productive soils.

Boundaries The spatial boundaries are restricted to the area of the proposed CTS. Temporal boundaries are predominately restricted to the construction phase, but effects from spills of hazardous materials, including accidental spills, can also occur during operation of the CTS.

6.2.1 Construction and Decommissioning

The main issue associated with construction activities in these soils is the loss of soil productivity caused by mixing of the organic and inorganic soils during grubbing and stripping, and compaction.

During the site grubbing and grading activities, there is the potential to cause mixing of the top layer of the organic soils with the mineral subsoil. The mixing of these soils can result in a reduction of future productivity.

In addition, vehicular traffic over bare soils in areas adjacent to the custody transfer station can result in rutting and subsoil compaction. This can also result in reduced soil productivity, and poor re-vegetation. Mitigation is recommended for soil preservation.

Also as part of the construction activities, on-site hydrostatic testing may be conducted on components of the meter station. The uncontrolled release of the hydrostatic test water can potentially result in erosion and loss of productive soils.

In addition, soil quality may be negatively affected by accidental spills or leaks of petroleum products or other deleterious substances from the construction equipment and vehicles.

Mitigative Measures · Organic soils shall be stripped from the construction area and re-used. These productive soils may be used for re-vegetation of the Site, provided to the local landowners for their use, or hauled off-Site; · If long-term storage is required, ensure soil is left in a stable condition; · On-Site construction activities will be limited to the boundaries of the M&NP property and associated access roads;

TV51084 Page 46 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

· In areas of high vehicle traffic, the subsoil shall be mechanically loosened where re- vegetation is planned; · If hydrostatic test water is used, it shall be disposed of in a controlled manner in a stable and/or vegetated area to prevent erosion; and · The discharge area will be monitored for evidence of scour. If scour of soils is occurring, additional measures shall be implemented at the discharge location to prevent scour, or a new discharge location shall be selected. · Accidental spills or leaks of petroleum products or other deleterious substances from the vehicles and equipment will be immediately contained and cleaned up in accordance with regulatory requirements. Spill kits will be required in equipment at the Construction Site. Significance of Residual Effects Potential effects of construction on soil quality and quantity are expected to be infrequent, localized, and of small magnitude. It is not likely that any significant residual adverse effects will result from construction, with proper implementation of the recommended mitigative measures.

6.2.2 Operations

Potential effects to soil quality and quantity are not likely during the operation of the CTS, except for accidental spills or leaks of hazardous substances.

Mitigative Measures · Accidental spills or leaks of petroleum products or other deleterious substances from the vehicles and equipment will be immediately contained and cleaned up in accordance with regulatory requirements. Spill kits will be required as part of the normal operations and maintenance equipment.

Significance of Residual Effects Potential effects of hazardous materials spills on soil quality and quantity are expected to be very infrequent, localized, and of small magnitude. With proper implementation of the recommended mitigative measures, any significant residual adverse effects are unlikely.

6.3 MIGRATORY BIRDS

Migratory birds are protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act (MBCA), which states that no person may disturb, destroy, or take/have in their possession a migratory bird (alive or dead), or its nest or eggs, except under authority of a permit. In Nova Scotia, migratory birds could potentially nest from May 1st to August 1st and begin migrations in late September. The peak of spring migration is also in May. Birds typically follow river valleys or coastlines during migration.

Boundaries Spatial Boundaries for impacts on migratory bird species are restricted to the footprint of the CTS, because no critical habitat or rare species are present at the proposed Site, and the Site is small. Breeding season is the viewed as the most critical season for birds. Therefore, the temporal boundaries are essentially limited to the breeding season, though there may be effects on birds during migration.

TV51084 Page 47 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

6.3.1 Construction

Site clearing activities associated with the Project will result in loss of breeding, foraging and potentially resting habitat for migratory bird species. Clearing activities also pose a threat to active nests, which may be destroyed or abandoned due to disturbance (noise, human presence). Effects on migratory birds (e.g., disturbance to nesting sites) could potentially occur if clearing activities are conducted in the spring and summer during the sensitive nesting period. Loss of breeding habitat or habitat in general is not considered an issue of concern, because the footprint of the proposed facility is so small, and the fact that there is no critical habitat or rare or sensitive bird species.

Mitigative Measures · Conduct Project clearing activities outside of the sensitive nesting period (May 1st - August 1st). · If clearing must be conducted within the nesting period, prior to cutting, a Professional Biologist/Ornithologist shall survey the site, to identify the presence of any active migratory bird nests. Any nests that are discovered shall be left undisturbed until the chicks have fledged and abandoned the nest. The presence and type of bird nests shall be recorded. · To avoid early breeders, site clearing should be preceeded by a survey to account for potential early breeders and avoid their nests as outlined above.

Significance of Residual Effects Potential effects of construction on migratory birds are expected to be localized, and of short duration. It is not likely that any significant residual adverse effects will result from Project activities, with proper implementation of the recommended mitigative measures.

6.3.2 Operations and Decommissioning

Potential effects to migratory birds resulting from operation or decommissioning activities are not likely during the operation of the CTS, because the Site is so small. There is sufficient similar habitat adjacent to the proposed CTS Site which birds can use for nesting and foraging. Birds which are sensitive to noise or human activities (regular maintenance visits) could be impacted by the presence of the CTS. However, such species are highly unlikely to occur at the Site because they have likely already been displaced by the presence and use of Aerotech Drive, the Halifax Biolsolids Facilty and other businesses and activities in the general area.

6.4 SPECIES AT RISK- FLORA

Plant species at risk may be negatively affected by construction and operation. Only one plant species that is somewhat of concern has been found at the proposed Site: H. kalmii. It is located about 43 m west-southwest of the southwest corner of the proposed CTS, between the roadside ditch and the current tree line (Figure 4). This species is ranked “S2?” by ACCDC, indicating that it is considered rare, but that data are deficient. NSDNR ranks the species ‘undetermined”. The species is not legally protected. NSDNR was consulted to find out if they require the protection of the population at the proposed Site even though there is no legal requirement. NSDNR indicated they believe that the species is potentially rare and that they would be interested in mitigation measures to protect these plants.

TV51084 Page 48 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

This plant may be negatively affected during construction and operation through loss of individuals and habitat. Due to the distance of the population for the proposed CTS, the likelihood for adverse effects is small.

Boundaries The special boundaries of the effects coincide with the boundaries of the area used for the construction of the CTS. Since there is indication that this species is likely more common than is documented at this time, it is unlikely that loss or damage of the population at the CTS would have effects on the population province-wide. Temporal boundaries are limited to the lifetime of the project.

6.4.1 Construction and Decommissioning

Clearing activities and soil disturbance associated with the Project could potentially destroy the plants. However, there is some potential that the soil and vegetation disturbance caused by the construction activities may provide new habitat for surviving individuals or seed of H. kalmii, as it prefers roadsides and rough ground, provided that there is no soil disturbance or destruction of the H. kalmii plants in conjunction with vegetation removal during maintenance.

Mitigative Measures: · Minimize the footprint for the Site. This mitigation has been integrated into project design where practical. · Field survey to confirm presence or absence of rare plant species has been carried out in August 2004. · Minimize disturbance to existing vegetation. Limit vegetation removal to only that required for the footprint and to address safety concerns. · Removal, storage and re-instatement of organic soils will be undertaken when possible. · Mark the area where the population grows and avoid disturbance if possible. · Prevent run-off from flowing over the population to prevent smothering by sediments or loss of plants through erosion.

Significance of Residual Effects Potential effects of construction on this species are expected to be localized and of small magnitude. It is not likely that any significant adverse residual effects will result from construction, with proper implementation of the recommended mitigative measures.

6.4.2 Operations H. kalmii could potentially be negatively affected by vegetation removal for maintenance of the CTS if herbicides are used inappropriately. Due to the distance of the H. kalmii population from the proposed CTS, it is unlikely that the area containing the plants will be disturbed during the maintenance of the CTS.

Mitigative Measures: · The off-Site location of this plant should be made known to maintenance personnel (marker or GPS).

TV51084 Page 49 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

· Use approved herbicides and apply following the application guidelines set out by NSDEL. These guidelines are designed to minimize off-site damage such as damage through drift. · Herbicides will be applied by trained professionals. · Prevent run-off from the CTS property to flow over the population if herbicides are used anywhere on the property. · Use herbicides with no retention time in the soil, which have no potential for leaching or run-off potential if such could reach the H. kalmii population. · Avoid disturbance of the population during maintenance activities. · In the unlikely event that spray reaches the H. kalmii plants despite the above measures, immediately rinse the plants with clean water to remove the chemicals.

Significance of Residual Effects Potential effects of maintenance activities on this species are expected to be localized and of small magnitude. It is not likely that any significant adverse residual effects will result from operation of the proposed CTS, with proper implementation of the recommended mitigative measures.

6.5 SURFACE WATER QUALITY AND QUANTITY

Surface water can provide a medium for biological activity as well as a transport mechanism to other resources. A reduction in the quantity and quality of surface waters could have effects in the immediate area or in the downstream receptors of the surface water (e.g., Groundwater, fish habitat in streams or lakes). An increase in surface water run-off, or spills of deleterious substances, can also have negative effects on surface water quality.

Boundaries Spatial boundaries are described by the Site footprint, as well as the roadside ditch and a limited area of the small stream which are the receptors of surface run-off. Temporal boundaries are limited to the lifetime of the project.

6.5.1 Construction and Decommissioning

Construction and decommissioning activities are likely to cause adverse effects on surface water quality and quantity.

Site run-off caused by grubbing and grading of soils and hydrostatic test water discharge (construction only) can lead to erosion followed by sedimentation in surface water courses. During the grubbing and grading operations for the preparation of the site, large areas of soil may be exposed to the elements for a period of time. As part of the construction activities, hydrostatic testing may be conducted on components on the CTS. The on-Site discharge of hydrostatic test water can have potential effects on surface water quality and quantity. There also are potential negative effects from accidental spills or leaks of petroleum products or other deleterious substances.

TV51084 Page 50 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

Mitigative Measures · Appropriate erosion and sediment control measures shall be implemented on site to prevent erosion and subsequent Site runoff into surface waters. These erosion and sediment control measures shall be implemented as per M&NP’s Halifax Lateral Environmental Protection Plan; · Where necessary and practical, drainage shall be directed away from the Site; and · Hydrostatic test water, if used, shall be disposed of in a controlled manner (low velocity) in a stable and/or vegetated area to prevent erosion. · Accidental spills or leaks of petroleum products or other deleterious substances from the vehicles and equipment will be immediately contained and cleaned up in accordance with regulatory requirements. Spill kits will be required in equipment at the construction site.

Significance of Residual Effects Potential effects of construction or decommissioning on surface water quality and quantity are expected to be infrequent, localized, and of small magnitude. It is not likely that any significant residual adverse effects will result from construction, with proper implementation of the recommended mitigative measures.

6.5.2 Operations

During the operation of the proposed CTS, there is there is limited potential for adverse effects on surface water quality and quantity from vegetation control or spills or leaks of deleterious substances during maintenance activities and site visits.

Mitigative Measures · Accidental spills or leaks of petroleum products or other deleterious substances from the vehicles and equipment will be immediately contained and cleaned up in accordance with regulatory requirements. Spill kits will be required as part of the operations and maintenance activities. · Soil disturbance should be avoided to prevent erosion and sedimentation. · Herbicides use will be limited to approved substances with low ecological toxicity and all regulations will be followed.

Significance of Residual Effects Potential effects of operation activities on surface water quality and quantity are expected to be infrequent, localized, and of small magnitude. It is not likely that any significant residual adverse effects will result from the operation of the proposed CTS, with proper implementation of the recommended mitigative measures.

TV51084 Page 51 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

6.6 SOCIO-ECONOMIC EFFECTS

6.6.1 Local Economy

The effects of the project on the local economy are expected to be positive. The majority of the economic benefits will be generated during the construction phase of the Project. The type of construction to take place is not noticeably different from the types of projects that have historically been undertaken within the region. The project will require some driveway construction to gain access to the CTS and provision of utilities (electricity, phone).

Labour needed during construction of the CTS could likely come from within Halifax Regional Municipality. Key road infrastructure in the area includes a Highway 102. The fact of availability of natural gas in the Halifax area may also have a positive economic impact over the lifetime of the project.

Boundaries Spatial boundaries are set by the economic region of the Halifax Regional Municipality. Temporal boundaries are mostly limited to the construction and decommissioning phase. However, positive effects from the delivery of the natural gas can be expected to extend over the lifetime of the project.

Mitigative Measures · No mitigation is required regarding socio-economic impacts.

Significance of Residual Effects Through the potential hiring of local contractors for construction, operations, maintenance and decommissioning, the project activities will likely result in a small positive economic impact. No adverse negative residual effects are expected.

6.6.2 Emergency Services

Potential interactions between Project activities and local emergency services are related to medical aid, police, and fire services. These services are adequate in the HRM area to support the construction, operations and decommissioning phases of the station. As the CTS is controlled remotely, it is not believed that any additional stress will be placed on health and safety services in these communities.

Boundaries Spatial boundaries are limited to the HRM. The temporal boundaries are given by the lifetime of the project.

Mitigative Measures · The working area will be secured and properly signed to prevent general public from approaching the construction Site and/or the working equipment. At this point in time, the proposed Site is located on HRM property. This property is separated by a fence and gate from the adjacent business park. The gate is currently locked on weekends, with signs indicating that access is only permitted to authorized personnel.

TV51084 Page 52 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

· All employees will be provided with safety training prior to their entrance to the work Site. M&NP’s Operations Procedures Manual and the Health & Safety programs require that maintenance and operations be conducted in a safe manner, to prevent accidents.

M&NP’s established engineering and technical safety measures and its public awareness initiatives will reduce the potential for third party damage and demands on emergency services. These measures include: · A “call-before-you-dig” program (noted on all pipeline and station signage); · Emergency response procedures including conducting “mock” exercise with local community emergency services (police, fire, etc.); · Periodic monitoring of the CTS site after construction in accordance with facility maintenance and inspection procedures; and · Ensuring that the Site is fenced and locked to discourage third party trespassing.

Significance of Residual Effects Potential adverse effects of construction, operation and decommissioning of the CTS on emergency services is expected to be localized and of small magnitude. It is not likely that any significant residual adverse effects will result from construction and operations activities with the implementation of the recommended mitigation measures.

6.6.3 Traffic

The proposed Site can be accessed from Aerotech Drive, which is connected both to Highway 102 at Exit 5A and to Old Guysborough Road.

Equipment and supply trucks accessing the Site during construction, maintenance and decommissioning may create traffic delays (slow moving vehicles, off-loading equipment) and may present an increase in traffic volume along Aerotech Drive. Modifications to existing traffic patterns may be required during construction with full lane closures and pull off areas. However, the number of vehicles accessing the Site during construction is small enough to be unlikely to create traffic problems on highway 102, particularly since that highway has three lanes in each direction near Exit 5A. Noise emissions are not thought to create significant issues, since there are no private residences at Aerotech Drive, and the construction activities are short term.

Operations vehicles are expected to access the site at a rate of one vehicle per week and will not cause any noticeable effect on traffic.

Boundaries Spatial boundaries are limited to the roads and buildings near the proposed Site. Temporal boundaries are set by the few weeks of construction or decommissioning work. Operation phase activities are not expected to have significant effects, thus, the operations phase is not included in the temporal boundaries.

Mitigative Measures · When required, adequate traffic control will be implemented at the Site that meets municipal and NSTPW traffic requirements. This may include proper signage, flag

TV51084 Page 53 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

persons and traffic barriers/cones. Construction contractors will ensure that properly trained and qualified personnel are assigned to traffic control. · Public notifications will be circulated to the affected public regarding any changes to existing traffic patterns.

Significance of Residual Effects Potential effects of construction and decommissioning of the CTS on existing traffic is expected to be localized and of small magnitude. CTS related traffic during the operation is not expected to have an adverse effect at all. It is not likely that any significant residual adverse effects will result from construction and decommissioning activities with the implementation of the recommended mitigation measures.

TV51084 Page 54 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

7.0 ACCIDENTAL EVENTS AN D MALFUNCTIONS

The approach taken for the mitigation of impacts due to accidental events is to reduce the likelihood of the event and to ensure that, where possible, effects of the accidents are minimal. In the event of an unforeseen occurrence (accident), contingency plans will be required that outline the additional actions needed to rectify the particular situation. The goal of such plans will be to reduce the frequency, extent, and duration of accidental events and to reduce the risk to the environment from such events.

As part of the Halifax Lateral Pipeline Project in 2000, contingency and response plans were developed to address accidental events and malfunctions during construction. These plans are still directly relevant to the construction and operation of the CTS. In the event of an accident or malfunction, these contingency and response plans will be implemented. Any site clean up or restoration that may be required will be completed as per the legislative requirements and the M&NP standards. These measures and standards are outlined in the Halifax Lateral Pipeline EPP (previously filed with the NEB) and shall be implemented during the construction and operation of the CTS.

TV51084 Page 55 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

8.0 EFFECTS OF THE ENVIRONMENT ON THE PROJECT

Several environmental factors could potentially have adverse effects on the project: fire and extreme weather events.

Boundaries The spatial boundaries for these effects are restricted to the project area. Temporal boundaries are set by the lifetime of the project.

Mitigative measures

· Mitigative measures have been considered during the planning of the project and the development of Emergency Response Plans.

Significance of Residual Effects Significant residual adverse effects of the environment on the project are not expected after implementation of the mitigation measures.

TV51084 Page 56 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

9.0 CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ASSESSMENT

The cumulative effects assessment (CEA) process involves the selection of appropriate VECs identified in this Environmental Screening, identifying other projects in the general area, and conducting the assessment of the cumulative impacts of these projects in association with the residual effects of the proposed Project.

Cumulative effects are defined as changes to the environment that are caused by residual effects of a proposed project in combination with other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future human actions and activities in the local area. This includes the effects caused by several activities of the project under review on the same VEC (CEAA 1999).

The central question is what contribution the proposed Project would make to the overall stresses on selected VECs, caused by all stressors due to human activities. CEA is conducted when a project will have a likely measurable effect on a VEC.

There are several other industrial projects/facilities near the proposed site, including the Halifax Biosolids Handling Facility, a sewage lagoon, several businesses, Halifax International Airport, and potential forest harvesting, which could interact with residual effects from the proposed Project.

All VECs selected in the scoping exercise were considered as candidates for the CEA (refer back to Table 7). However, none of the net effects of this project was determined to be significant and all are localized in nature. No residual adverse effects, either on site or off site, are anticipated. Therefore, a cumulative effects assessment is not required.

TV51084 Page 57 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

10.0 MITIGATION AN D MONITORING MEASURES

10.1 INSPECTION AND TRAINING

Inspection staff will be supplied by M&NP will ensure compliance with construction specifications and conditions of approval imposed by regulatory authorities.

10.2 MONITORING MEASURES

For the construction and operation of the CTS, M&NP will use several standard documents that have been developed and reviewed by the NEB for use on previous projects, which are directly relevant to the CTS. These will include: · M&NP Operations Procedures Manual (July, 1999, continuous revisions); · M&NP Field Emergency Response Plan (October, 1999, and updates/revisions); and · M&NP Waste Management Plan for Construction – Halifax Lateral (May 2000) · M&NP Halifax Lateral EPP (January 2000, and updates/revisions)

TV51084 Page 58 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

11.0 CONCLUSION

Through identification of relevant environmental issues, and the detailed analysis documented in this report, the environmental effects of the construction and operation of the proposed CTS at Aerotech Drive have been assessed. This assessment has concluded that the construction and operation of the CTS is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects given proper implementation of the recommended mitigation measures outlined in this report.

TV51084 Page 59 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

12.0 REFERENCES

ACCDC, 2006: ACCDC Data response 1941 Aerotech NS. Data for a 5 km radius; January 18, 2006.

Baker, D.E., R.J. Horne and M. Feetham, 1998. Geological Map of Airport (part of NTS sheet 11D/13), Halifax County. Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources. Mines and Energy Branch, Open File Map 1998-004, scale 1: 10,000.

Beanlands, G.E and P.N. Duinker, 1983. An Ecological Framework of Environmental Impact Assessment in Canada. Institute for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, and Federal Environmental Assessment Review Office, Hull, Canada, 132 pp.

CEAA (Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency), 1999. Cumulative Effects Assessment Practitioners Guide. Available at www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca.

COSEWIC (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada), 2005. http://www.cosewic.gc.ca;

Drouin C. and P. LeBlanc, 1994. The Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and Cumulative Environmental Effects. In: Cumulative Effects Assessment in Canada: From Concept to Practice. Papers from the 15th Symposium held at the Alberta Society of Professional Biologist. Edited by A.J. Kennedy. Alberta Society of Professional Biologist, pp. 25-36.

Environment Canada, 2006: Canadian Climate Normals 1971 – 2000. Halifax International Airport, Nova Scotia. Available at: http:// www.climate.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/climate_normals/ results_e.html; accessed January 2006.

Erskine, A.J., 1992. Atlas of Breeding Birds of the Maritime Provinces. Nova Scotia Museum, 270 pp.

Gilhern, J., 1984. Amphibians and Reptiles of Nova Scotia. The Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, Nova Scotia. 162 pp.

Hinds, H.R., 2000. Flora of New Brunswick. Biology Department, University of New Brunswick. 695 pp.

Hoy, J., 2003. Listera australis Lindl. (Southern Twayblade) Conservation and Research Plan for New England. New England Plant conservation Program, Framingham, Massachusetts, USA. 20 pp.

HRM (Halifax Regional Municipality), 2006: Generalized Future Land Use Map 2. Available a www.halifax.ca/regional planning/documents/Generalized_Future_LandUse.pdf; accessed January 23, 2006.

HRDC (Human Resources and Skills Development Canada), 2006 a. Nova Scotia Statistics. Available at: www.hrdc.gc.ca/asp/gateway.asp?hr=en/ns/lmi/statistics/index_statistics.shtml& hs=ns0; Accessed January 23, 2006.

TV51084 Page 60 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

HRDC (Human Resources and Skills Development Canada), 2006 b. Nova Scotia Labour Market ( B). Available at: www.hrdc.gc.ca/en/ns/lmi/statistics/lfs_index.html), accessed January 26, 2006

HRDC (Human Resources and Skills Development Canada), 2006 c. Nova Scotia Labour Force Statistics (A). Available at: www.hrdc.gc.ca/en/ns/lmi/statistics/lfs_index.html), accessed January 26, 2006

Jacques Whitford Environment Limited (JWEL), 1998. Halifax Lateral Pipeline Project Environmental Assessment Report. Report to Maritimes and Northeast Pipeline Management Limited. February 19, 1998.

Jacques Whitford Limited (JWEL), 2004. Biophysical Inventory for the Proposed Biosolids Facility at Aerotech Park. Final Report to Halifax Regional Municipality. October 15, 2004.

Keppie, J. Duncan, and G.K. Muecke, 1979. Metaporphic Map of Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia Department of Mines and Energy, scale 1: 1,000,000.

MacDougall, J.I. and J.L. Nowland, 1972. Soils of Nova Scotia. Canada Department of Agriculture, Ottawa. Scale 1:450,000.

MacDougall, J.I., D.B. Cann and J.D. Hilchey. 1963. Soil Survey of Halifax County, Nova Scotia. Report No.13 Nova Scotia Soil Survey, Truro, Nova Scotia. Agriculture Canada. Scale 1:63,360.

Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline Management Limited (M&NP), 1998. Environmental Management Plan.

Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline Management Limited (M&NP), 2000. Halifax Lateral Pipeline Project EPP (Environmental Protection Plan), January 14, 2000 and subsequent revisions.

Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline Management Limited (M&NP) and Jacques Whitford Environment Limited (JWEL), 1998. Proposed Halifax Lateral Constraints Atlas.

Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline Management Limited (M&NP) and Jacques Whitford Environment Limited (JWEL), 2000. Halifax Lateral Pipeline Project- Environmental Protection Plan. Environmental Alignment Sheet, 25 May 2000.

Munden, C., 2001. Native Orchids of Nova Scotia. A Field Guide. University College of Cape Breton Press Inc, Sydney, Nova Scotia. 96 pp.

NAPS (National Air Pollution Surveillance Network), 2005. Annual Data Summary for 2003. Environment Canada, Environmental Protection Series; Report EPS 7/AP/37. April 2005.

Newell, R. 2006. Listera australis habitat. Personal communication, Feb. 3, 2006.

Nova Scotia Environment Act 2005. Air Quality Regulations made under Section 112 of the Environment Act, S.N.S. 1994-95, c.1, O.I.C. 2005-87, N.S. Reg. 28/2005, effective March 1, 2005.

TV51084 Page 61 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

NSDEL (Nova Scotia Department of the Environment), 2005. Well Log Database.

NSDF (Nova Scotia Department of Finance), 2005. Nova Scotia Business Statistics 2005. Available at: www.gov.ns.ca/fina/publish/publicationsb.asp?id=Pub18; accessed January 25, 2006.

NSDF (Nova Scotia Department of Finance), 2006 a. Public Sector Employment- Nova Scotia. Available at: http:www.gov.ns.ca/finance/; accessed January 15, 2006.

NSDF (Nova Scotia Department of Finance), 2006 b. Nova Scotia/Canada Economic Indicators December 2005. Available at: www.gov.ns.ca/fina/statistics/agency/publications.asp?id=Pub15; accessed January 25, 2006

NSDNR (Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources), 2002. General Status Ranks of Wildlife in Nova Scotia. Available at the www.gov.ns.ca/natr/wildlife/genstatus.

NSDNR (Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources), 2006 a. Significant Species and Habitats Database, 2004. Available at: http://gis2gov.ns.ca/website/nssighabpub/viewer.htm; Accessed January 25, 2006.

NSDNR (Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources), 2006 b. Mineral Resources Land Use Map. Available at: http://gis2.gov.ns.ca/website/mrlu 83/viewer.html; Accessed January 17, 2006.

NSDNR (Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources), 2006 c. Restricted and Limited Use Land (RLUL) Database. Available at: http://gis2.gov.ns.ca/website/rlul/viewer.html; Accessed January 17, 2006.

NSDNR (Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources), 2006 d. Data Response - Identification of SigHab WLD numbers. January 23, 2006.

NSESA, 2003. Wildlife listed under the Nova Scotia Endangered Species Act. List updated in 2003.

Nova Scotia Museum (2006). Data response: Botanical and Zoological Heritage, February 14, 2006.

SARA, 2006. Species at Risk Act. Schedule 1- List of Wildlife Species at Risk. Last updated February 3, 2006.

Service Canada, 2006. Halifax Regional Municipality Labour Market Review 2004. Available at: www.servicecanada.gc.ca/asp/gateway/asp?hr=/en/ns/lmi/Reviews2003/hfx2003/shtml&hs=ns0 ; Accessed January 23, 2006.

StatCan (Statistics Canada), 2001. 2001 Census of Canada. Halifax Regional Municiaplity. Available at: www.statcan.ca; accessed January 23, 2006.

StatCan (Statistics Canada), 2006. Available at www.statcan.ca.

TV51084 Page 62 Environmental Assessment Report Heritage Airport Custody Transfer Station Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline February 2006

Stea, R.R., H. Conley and Y. Brown, 1992. Surficial Geology of the Province of Nova Scotia. Map 92-3. Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Branch. Scale 1:500,000.

Zinck, M.,1998. Roland’s Flora of Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, Nova Scotia. 1297 pp.

TV51084 Page 63

APPENDIX A

Species at Risk in Nova Scotia

Common Name Scientific Name Priority List Status Habitat Region Russet Sedge Carex saxatilis NSDNR General Red Damp, peaty or gravelly soils. Collected once in NS at Warren Status lake, Victoria County. Northern Wild Comfrey Cynoglossum virginianum NSDNR General Red / Open beech woods, on dryish soils West of Kentville, and near Status / NSESA / Endangered / or gypsum. Woods and thickets. Windsor…not common. COSEWIC Endangered Purple Lousewort Pedicularis palustris NSDNR General Red Marshes and meadows. Specimens reported in Status Guysborough County, not common.

Common Butterwort Pinguicula vulgaris NSDNR General Red Moist ledges, especially on Cape Paul Island, Cheticamp River, Status limestone or shores. Southwest Brook (Inverness). Corney Brook Gorge, South of French lake.

Northeastern Bladderwort Utricularia resupinata NSDNR General Red Ponds, lakes and river shores. Digby Neck. Barren lake in Status Richmond County, near Argyl (yarmouth County). Northern Arnica Arnica lonchophylla NSDNR General Red Calcareous gravel ledges, cliffs. Waterfall at Grand Anse River Status (Inverness). Some in Cape Breton Island. Cliff edges at Big Southwest Pacific Wormwood Artemisia campestris NSDNR General Red Talus slopes in native habitats. LockhartBrook (Victoria), Brook, Salmonand once River, in Status Victoria County.

Rose Coreopsis Coreopsis rosea NSDNR General Red Sandy or cobbly beaches, wet Tusket valley (yarmouth County). Status shores, and margins of lakes and streams. High wave energy Spiked Wood-Rush Luzula spicata NSDNR General Red Exposedshorelines. headland, over 300 m St. Lawrence Bay, north of Cape Status A.S.L. Breton Is.

Slender Blue Flag Iris prismatica NSDNR General Red Wet ground near the coast. Annapolis, Guysborough, and Status Inverness. Possibly Louisbourg.

Livid Sedge Carex livida NSDNR General Red calcareous bogs and meadows. Reported from Windsor, collected at Status Louisbourg, some in Richmond County.

Plymouth Gentian Sabatia kennedyana NSDNR General Red Cobbly, Sandy Beaches, and peaty Tusket River Valley in Yarmouth Status margins of lakes, rivers and boggy County. savanahs. Tuckerman Sedge Carex tuckermanii NSDNR General Red Swales Sweets Corner, Hants County, and Status along Wallace River in Cumberland County. Also Pugwash River.

Long-Tubercled Spike-Rush Eleocharis tuberculosa NSDNR General Red / Sandy or boggy lake margins, as in Harper's Lake, Shelbourne County; Status / NSESA / Endangered / coastal plain areas. Great Pubnico Lake, Yarmouth COSEWIC Threatened County. Horned Beakrush Rhynchospora capillacea NSDNR General Red / Alkaline bogs Southern end of Lake Ainslie at Status / NSESA / Threatened / Black River and in the Baddeck Bay COSEWIC Threatened region. Bottlebrush Grass Hystrix patula NSDNR General Red Wooded bottomlands Five Mile River and Meander River Status in Hants County. Also in the River Valley of the East River at Charcoal, Pictou County. Wiegand's Wild Rye Elymus wiegandii NSDNR General Red Streambanks and meadows Sydney, Alma and River John, Status Pictou County.

Spreading Panic-Grass Panicum dichotomiflorum NSDNR General Red Along railways and in towns. Might Truro, and Halifax. Status be a serious weed in grain fields.

Small White Leek Allium tricoccum NSDNR General Red Rish Deciduous Forests Cape Blomidon and Brooklyn Status Corner and Cambridge in Kings County; Kemptown in Colchester County; Beaman's Mountain in Digby; and Inverness County. Carolina Redroot Lachnanthes caroliana NSDNR General Red Peaty Shores and lakeside Ponhook, Little Ponhook, Molega, Status marshes Cameron, Hog, and Beartrap lakes, Queens County. Northern Maidenhair-Fern Adiantum pedatum NSDNR General Red In fertile or alkaline soils. Under Yarmouth to north cape Breton Status oak-birch-sugar maple trees. Island along Meander River.

Page 1 of 14 Common Name Scientific Name Priority List Status Habitat Region Moonwort Grape-Fern Botrychium lunaria NSDNR General Red Open, turfy and gravelly slopes, New Campbellton and Indian Brook Status shores, and meadows on basic in northern Cape Breton Island. soils. Also Halifax County on Conrad's Beach. Northern Bog Sedge Carex dioica NSDNR General Red Sphagnum bogs and coniferous St. Paul Island and bog at Black Status swamps. River, Inverness County. Oval-Leaf Huckleberry Vaccinium ovalifolium NSDNR General Red / Moist coniferous woods to an North Cape Breton Island Status / NSESA / Threatened / elevation of 2100 m a.s.l. COSEWIC Threatened Round-Leaved Liverleaf Hepatica americana NSDNR General Red Dry mixed deciduous forests. St. Andrews River, Bridgewater, Status New Minas, Windsor, Pictou, Stewiacke, Antigonish and on the North Mountain. Thread-Leaf Sundew Drosera filiformis NSDNR General Red Nutrient poor peat bogs, peaty Swaines Road bog, Quinns Status depressions, intermediate meadows, Port La Tour, West moisture. Baccarobogs in Shelbourne County.

Canada Frostweed Helianthemum canadense NSDNR General Red / Sand Barrens Sand plains between Aylesford and Status / NSESA / Endangered / Middelton. Greenfield in Queens COSEWIC Endangered County. Tomentose Sand-Heather Hudsonia tomentosa NSDNR General Red Sandy Shores and dunes Near coast on sandy shore near Status pictou and New Glasgow. Hoary Willow Salix candida NSDNR General Red Calcareous bogs and thickets Black River bog in Inverness. Status Halifax County (possible) Gray Willow Salix cordifolia NSDNR General Red Arctic and alpine St. Paul Island, off northern Cape Status Breton Island. Bearberry Willow Salix uva-ursi NSDNR General Red Barrens and subalpine areas. On Cape Breton Island, St. Paul Island, Status calcareous ledges. Corney Brook gorge, Cape Breton Highlands park, inverness County.

Rock Whitlow-Grass Draba glabella NSDNR General Red Crevises of cliff ledges and talus Head of Bay of Fundy in north and Status slopes. east Cape Breton Island; Cape Blomidon, Kings County. Isle Haute cliffs, Cape D'or, and New Prospect cliffs in Cumberland County.

Eastern Lilaeopsis Lilaeopsis chinensis NSDNR General Red Muddy and rocky tidal banks in Tusket River in Yarmouth County. Status estuaries. La Have River in Lunenburg County. Medway River in Queens County. Norwegian Whitlow-Grass Draba glabella NSDNR General Red / Special Cliff or Talus Slope Upper Corney Brook, Big Southwest Status / Concern Brook CBHNP, Big Intervale, COSEWIC Margaree Inv. Co. Many-Flowered Pennywort Hydrocotyle umbellata NSDNR General Red Wet, sandy, and gravelly lake Wilson's lake in Yarmouth County. Status margins Lake Kejimkujik and George Lake in northern Queens County. Lapland Diapensia Diapensia lapponica NSDNR General Red / In clumps on projecting shoulders, Lockhart Brook, Salmon River in Status / NSESA / Endangered / and in crevices of steep, north Victoria County. Upper Cheticamp COSEWIC Threatened facing slopes. River gorge above waterfalls.

Yellow Mountain Saxifrage Saxifraga aizoides NSDNR General Red Dripping cliffs. Within spray of Big Southwest Brook, south of Status waterfalls on north facing limestone French Lake at Corney Brook ledges. gorge, Cape Breton Highlands. Mountain Avens Geum peckii NSDNR General Red Boggy areas and sphagnum Digby County, Digby neck. Status hummocks. Robbins' Milk-Vetch Astragalus robbinsii NSDNR General Red Cliff headlands. Cape D'or and West Advocate in Status Cumberland County. Showy Tick-Trefoil Desmodium canadense NSDNR General Red / Open woods and river banks Lake Kejimkujik to rivers od Pictou Status / NSESA / Endangered / County. COSEWIC Endangered St. John's Oxytrope Oxytropis campestris NSDNR General Red Exposed cliff crevises, rocky or St. Paul Island, north of Inverness Status gravelly scree. County, Cumberland County. Threadfoot Podostemum ceratophyllum NSDNR General Red Fast flowing gravelly streams La Have River in Cumberland Status County. New Germany and Dog Falls in Lunenburg County. Eastern Leatherwood Dirca palustris NSDNR General Red Rich Deciduous or mixed woods. Milford Station in Hants County. St. Status Croix River near Newport in Hants County. Ram's-Head Lady's-Slipper Cypripedium arietinum NSDNR General Red Gypsum sinkholes. St. Croix to Brooklyn in Hants Status County. Norwegian Whitlow-Grass Draba norvegica NSDNR General Red Calcareous ledges, gravel and turf On dry limestone on cliff in Big Status Southwest Brook, Inverness County. Sparse-Flowered Sedge Carex tenuiflora NSDNR General Red Wet woods and bogs Little Harbour, Richmond County. Status Purple Mountain Saxifrage Saxifraga oppositifolia NSDNR General Red Seepage area on partly shaded Corney Brook gorge in Cape Breton Status rock face. Highlands. Poison Sumac Toxicodendron vernix NSDNR General Red Swampy lakeshores and marshy Tefler Lake in Queens County. Status areas.

Page 2 of 14 Common Name Scientific Name Priority List Status Habitat Region Northern Gentian Gentianella amarella NSDNR General Red Field / meadow Meat Cove Vict. Co. Status Black Snake-Root Sanicula gregaria NSDNR General Red Rich Aluvial woods. Five Mile River, Hants County. Status Cornwallis River and Margaree in Foxtail Sedge Carex alopecoidea NSDNR General Red Moist, overgrown, clearcut woods St.Inverness Georges County. Bay, east of Status near coast Antigonish. Creeping Sedge Carex chordorrhiza NSDNR General Red bog Gisborne Vict. Co. Status Slender Wood Sedge Carex digitalis NSDNR General Red Dry, Sandy Woodlands. Kejimkujik Nationalk Park Status Elk Sedge Carex garberi NSDNR General Red Fen, river or stream St Paul Island CB Co., Black River Status Inv. Co. Sticky False-Asphodel Tofieldia glutinosa NSDNR General Red Swamps, bogs and rochy beaches. Black River bog and Cheticamp in Status Inverness. Loose-Flowered Sedge Carex rariflora NSDNR General Red Fens, calcareous coastal heaths, Scatarie Island and Baleine in Cape Status bogs. Breton Island. Large Toothwort Cardamine X maxima NSDNR General Red Woodland streams or calcareous Isle haute Status woods. Tinged Sedge Carex tincta NSDNR General Red Rich soils, at the edge of mixed West of Bay Field in St. Georges Status woods. Bay, Inverness County. Little Green Sedge Carex viridula NSDNR General Red Sphagnous swales, rocky and Scattered around province. Status gravelly shores, and low patures near coast or borders of brackish ponds. A Sedge Carex lepidocarpa NSDNR General Red Cacareous bogs and gravels. Black River in Inverness. Status Stout Wood Reed-Grass Cinna arundinacea NSDNR General Red Aluvial Floodplain Sable Island Status

Slender Dichanthelium Panicum xanthophysum NSDNR General Red Open thickets in dry, rocky, sandy Bridgewater only. Status soils. Downy Rattlesnake-Plantain Goodyera pubescens NSDNR General Red Woodlands and thickets Melanson Mountain and Kentville in Status Kings County. Annapolis County near Eleven Mile Lake and South Milford. Narrow-Leaved Wild Leek Carex hirtifolia NSDNR General Red Rich, deciduous forests. Cape Blomidon and Cambridge in Status Kings County. Kepmtown in Colchester County. Beaman's Mountain in Digby County. And Inverness County. Narrow-Leaved Wild Leek Allium tricoccum NSDNR General Red Rich, deciduous forests. Cape Blomidon and Cambridge in Status Kings County. Kepmtown in Colchester County. Beaman's Mountain in Digby County. And Inverness County. Pubescent Sedge Carex prairea NSDNR General Red Calcareous regions in meadows Shubenacadie and Brookfield. Status and thickets on forest slopes. Prairie Sedge Carex castanea NSDNR General Red Typha swamp Centreville, Kings County Status

Chestnut-Colored Sedge Listera australis NSDNR General Red Swamps and wet meadows, cliff Northern Cape Breton, and exected Status crevices and ledges. elsewhere. Southern Twayblade Malaxis monophyllos NSDNR General Red Sphagnum moss bogs or damp Between Hay's River and Lake Status woods. Always near small spruce Ainslie Chapel, south of Inverness. or tamarak. Also one location in King's county. Unsubstainiated report at Halifax International Airport.

Northern White Cedar Thuja occidentalis NSDNR General Red Lakesides and swamps or old Annapolis, Digby and Cumberland Status pastures. Counties. Hairy Rock-Cress Arabis hirsuta NSDNR General Red Dry cliffs, crevices, ledges, talus Colchester, Victoria, and Status slopes and gravels. Cumberland Counties. Coast Pepper-Bush Clethra alnifolia NSDNR General Red Shores of Lake headwaters, sandy Digby County. Canoe Lake, Louis Status woods, swamps, thickets. Lake and East Quinan in Yarmouth County. Also in Halifax (introduced). Nodding Fescue Festuca subverticillata NSDNR General Red / Rish, deciduous forest, alluvial Cape Blomidon, Kings County. Five Status / NSESA / Vulnerable / woods. Mile River in Hants County. COSEWIC Special Southern Cumberland County. Concern

Page 3 of 14 Common Name Scientific Name Priority List Status Habitat Region Blue Cohosh Caulophyllum thalictroides NSDNR General Red Deciduous Forests Colchester County, Hants County, Status Kings County and Inverness County. Northern Blueberry Vaccinium boreale NSDNR General Red Exposed headlands and barrens Cape Breton, and 2 records on the Status mainland.

Large Tick-Trefoil Desmodium glutinosum NSDNR General Red Rich, deciduous forests. Rare. Halfway River in Hants Status County. Gaspereau River in Kings County. Kejimkujik National Park in Queens County. Lapland Azalea Rhododendron lapponicum NSDNR General Red Located on calcareous ledges at 1 Cape Breton Highlands National Status location in Nova Scotia. Park, Inverness County. Joe-Pye Thoroughwort Eupatorium dubium NSDNR General Red Rocky shores, swamps and damp Tusket Valley, and scattered east to Status thickets. Halifax and Lunenberg County. Limestone Scurvy-grass Cochlearia tridactylites NSDNR General Red Calcareous or brackish soils. Salt Little-white Island and Big White Status loving species Island in Halifax County. Golden Crest Lophiola aurea NSDNR General Red Lakshores, wet savannahs, and Southwest Counties Status sphagnous swale Showy Lady's Slipper Cypripedium reginae NSDNR General Red Alkaline Swamps and Bogs Hants and Cumberland Counties to Status Northern Cape Breton County. Prototype Quillwort Isoetes prototypus NSDNR General Red Dark water in nutrient poor acidic Sutherland Lake in Cumberland Status water County. Economy Lake in Colchester County. Pottle Lake in North Sydney. Sandy Lake in Annapolis County. Early Anemone Anemone multifida NSDNR General Red Shores and rocky banks on One colony found on north face of Status calcareous soil. limestone cliff below waterfall at Corney Brook gorge in Inverness.

Small-Flower Anemone Anemone parviflora NSDNR General Red Wet limestone cliffs bordering Cape Breton Highlands National Status waterfalls, gravelly bluffs. Park, in Inverness County. Purple Clematis Clematis occidentalis NSDNR General Red Rocky,alcareous slopes and open One plant found in Amherst Point Status woods Bird Sanctuary. Net-Veined Willow Salix reticulata NSDNR General Red Calcareous Barrens and cliffs. Only in Corney Brook gorge in Status Inverness. Rock Willow Salix vestita NSDNR General Red Humid, north facing crevices on Corney Brook gorge in Inverness. Status cliffs in calcareous soil. Low Spike-Moss Selaginella selaginoides NSDNR General Red Border bog tusseks, peat bogs and Brier Island, Richmond County. Status stream margins. North Cape Breton County. Coffee Tinker's-Weed Triosteum aurantiacum NSDNR General Red Rich soils along rivers. Limestones Rare above Truro. Found in Status banks in one location Kemptown in Colchester County. Also near New Glasgow. Meander River, and also in north Cape Breton. Squashberry Vibernum edule NSDNR General Yellow Cold woods and along streams. Northern Cape Breton. Status Climax coniferous forest Mountain Sandwort Arenaria groenlandica NSDNR General Yellow Granitic ledges and gravel. On Halifax and Lunenburg counties. Status coasts at higher elevations. Collected from rocks at Northwest Arm but not typical. Found in a gorge south of French Lake, Inverness County. Willow Dock Rumex salicifolius NSDNR General Yellow Beaches or along rivers. Sweets Corner, Hants County, and Status River Inhabitants, Inverness County. Below a bridge in Kentville. Northern Bog Violet Viola nephrophylla NSDNR General Yellow Cool mossy bogs. Borders of Wet woods north of Truro. Status streams, and damp woods. Occasionally in Cape Breton. Also is Wolfville and Shelburne County.

Bog Willow Salix pedicellaris NSDNR General Yellow Swampy thickets, poorly drained From Digby County to Cape Breton. Status soils, bogs, and heavy soils. Uncommon near the Atlantic coast, and not known in northern Cape Breton. Silky Willow Salix sericea NSDNR General Yellow Low thickets and streambanks. Western Nova Scotia. Scattered Status east to Shubenacadie Grand Lake. Brier Island. Drummond Rockcress Arabis drummondii NSDNR General Yellow Dry slopes and talus. Occasionally The head of the Bay of Fundy and Status in fertile areas at lower elevations. northern Cape Breton. Hayfields in West New Annan, Colchester County. Rock Whitlow-Grass Draba arabisans NSDNR General Yellow Muddy soils or calcareous rocks. Cumberland and Kings counties. Status Cliff crevices and ledges. Northen Cape Breton. Dwarf Huckleberry Vaccinium cespitosum NSDNR General Yellow Rocky cliffs and crevices. Dry or Black River, Gaspereau Valley, Status wet acidic sites from sea level to Kings County. Northern Victoria 3800 m. and Inverness counties. Halifax County.

Page 4 of 14 Common Name Scientific Name Priority List Status Habitat Region Alpine Blueberry Vaccinium uliginosum NSDNR General Yellow Dry or wet, organic or inorganic Northern and eastern Cape Breton. Status acid soils. Tolerant of high copper Halifax and Digby counties. concentrations. Water Pimpernel Samolus floribundus NSDNR General Yellow Brackish meadows, and tidal Tusket River, Yarmouth to Status banks. Edge of salt marshes. Bridgewater. Antigonish. White Mountain Saxifrage Saxifraga aizoon NSDNR General Yellow Pockets in cliffs, mossy hillsides, Cape Blomidon. Cape d'Or and Status dripping cliffs, and limestone northern Cape Breton. ledges. Heart-Leaved Foam Flower Tiarella cordifolia NSDNR General Yellow Deciduous forests and gravelly Colchester and Pictou counties. Status roadsides. Huntington Point, Kings County. Clammy Hedge-Hyssop Gratiola neglecta NSDNR General Yellow Wet or muddy places. Muddy swale at the Stewiacke River Status in Middle Stewiacke. The Hilden area, Colchester County. Humped Bladderwort Utricularia gibba NSDNR General Yellow Shallow lake margins. Small pools, Southwest of the Nova Scotia and Status and small ponds in quagmires or St. Paul Island. peat. Greater Creeping Spearwort Ranunculus flammula NSDNR General Yellow Semi-aquatic, in bogs and cold Annapolis and Cumberland Status streams. counties to northern Cape Breton. Seabeach Groundsel Senecio pseudoarnica NSDNR General Yellow Gravelly seashores. Scattered along Atlantic coast to Status Northern Cape Breton. Waxy-Leaved Aster Aster undulatus NSDNR General Yellow Old fields and edge of thickets. Lunenburg County to Kings, Status Queens, and Halifax counties Highland Rush Juncus trifidus NSDNR General Yellow Dry cliff crevices. North-facing Margaree, the Cheticamp River, Status cliffs in northern Cape Breton. Gray Glen Brook, and Lockhart Brook, all in Cape Breton. Capitate Spikerush eleocharis flavescens NSDNR General Yellow Peaty muck of bogs. Wet sandy Argyle Head, Yarmouth County; Status shores, and swales. Italy Cross, Lunenburg County; Tiddville, Digby County. Also in Antigonish County. Slender Cotton-Grass Eriophorum gracile NSDNR General Yellow Wet peat and inundated shores. Annapolis eastward. Status Long's Bulrush Scirpus longii NSDNR General Yellow Peaty or mucky shores of lakes in Ponhook Lake and Moosehorn Status the southwest. Stillwater Lake, Queens County. Also meadows, and ferns. Eighteen Mile Brook, Shingle Lake, Dunraven Fen, and Quinn's Meadow, Shelburne County. Redtop Panic Grass Pancium longifolium NSDNR General Yellow Sandy and peaty beaches. Yarmouth County to Lake Status / NSESA / Gravelly lake margins. Kejimkujik. Along the Mersey River. COSEWIC Canada Mountain-Ricegrass Oryzopsis canadensis NSDNR General Yellow / Dry sandy soils. Cumberland and Colchester Status Vulnerable / counties. Near Porters Lake, Special Halifax County. Near Jordan Falls, Concern Shelburne County. Long-Bract Green Orchis Coeloglossum viride NSDNR General Yellow Boggy spots, damp mature woods. Sable Island. The northern tip of Status Fir or floodplain forests. Cape Breton. Bay St. Lawrence, Victoria County. Black River Lake region, Kings County. Southern Rein Orchid Platanthera flava NSDNR General Yellow Sandy or gravelly beaches. Wet Tusket River in Yarmouth County Status peat, and lake or river margins. and Medway River in Queens Bogs, swamps, and meadows. County. Kings County and Kemptown region of Colchester County. Yellow Nodding Ladies'- Spiranthes ochroleuca NSDNR General Yellow Driest sand barrens in Southwestern of Nova Scotia, Tresses Status southwestern counties. Near northeast to West Gore, Hants rivers, and in dry habitats like County. roadsides and fields. Least Grape-Fern Botrychium simplex NSDNR General Yellow Lakeshores, or mossy edges of A number of locations from Status streams or waterfalls. Yarmouth County to northern Cape Breton (gravelly beach at Cedar Lake, Yarmouth County; West Berlin, Queens County; Petpeswick, Halifax County; Antigonish, Victoria, and Inverness counties).

Yellow-Seed False-Pimpernel Lindernia dubia NSDNR General Yellow Wet areas and muddy edges of Sheffield Mills, Kings County. The Status streams. Drained millponds and bottom of Maitland Pond, gravel pits. Lunenburg County. The banks of the River Philip near Oxford and Wallace River, Cumberland County.

Bentgrass Calamagrostis stricta NSDNR General Yellow Around lakes and bogs, and wet Some lakes near Amherst. Status cliff-faces. Reported at Beaver Lake, Yarmouth County. A larch bog at Big Baddeck, Cape Breton; and at Lockhart Brook, Salmon River, Cape Breton.

Page 5 of 14 Common Name Scientific Name Priority List Status Habitat Region Estuary Beggar-Ticks Bidens hyperborea NSDNR General Yellow Estuarine, on tidal mud flats. River Philip, Oxford, Cumberland Status County. The estuaries at Antigonish, and Margaree, Inverness County. Cinnamon-Spot Pondweed Potamogeton oblongus NSDNR General Yellow Freshwater ponds on Sable Island. Only on Sable Island. Status Bulbous Rush Juncus bulbous NSDNR General Yellow The borders of freshwater ponds, Sable Island. Near Sydney and Status ditches, canals, and roadsides. Louisbourg National Historic Site, Especially in alkaline soils. Cape Breton.

Moor Rush Juncus stygius NSDNR General Yellow Wet moss, bogs, and bog pools. Gracieville, Richmond County. Isle Status Madame, and Louisbourg. New England Northern Reed Calamagrostis stricta NSDNR General Yellow Around lakes and bogs, and wet Some lakes near Amherst. Grass Status cliff-faces. Reported at Beaver Lake, Yarmouth County. A larch bog at Big Baddeck, Cape Breton; and at Lockhart Brook, Salmon River, Cape Breton. Mountain Timothy Phleum alpinum NSDNR General Yellow River ledges. Along the Cheticamp River and Status LeBlanc Brook, Inverness County.

Purple False Oats Graphephorum melicoides NSDNR General Yellow Gravelly shores and banks, Indian Brook, Victoria County; Status especially alkaline areas. Digby County, Cumberland County to Pictou County. Fragile Rockbrake Cryptogramma stelleri NSDNR General Yellow Shaded limestone cliffs, and Hillsborough and Waycobah, Status shaded crevices in conglomerate Inverness County. The region of cliff-face. Windsor. Northern Woodsia Woodsia alpina NSDNR General Yellow Dryish cliffs North Aspy River, Cape Breton. Status Cheticamp River and Big Southwest Brook, Inverness County; Indian Brook, Victoria County.

River Anemone Anemone virginiana NSDNR General Yellow Streamsides. Calcareous and slaty Meander River in Hants County. Status ledges, shores, and thickets. Colchester and Pictou counties. Northern Cape Breton. Truro area.

Swedish Dwarf Dogwood Cornus suecica NSDNR General Yellow Sphagnous depressions in barrens, St. Paul Island , Scatarie Island, Status gravelly shores,, and dry exposed and Canso. Near Port Mouton, headlands. Queens County.. Common Alexanders Zizia aurea NSDNR General Yellow Meadows, shores, damp thickets, Ponmquet River and South River, Status and wet woods. Roadsides. Antigonish County. Upper Musquodobit, Halifax County. Truro area and northeast. Swamp Birch Betula glandulosa NSDNR General Yellow Acidic, rocky barrens, crests, and Twin Island Lake, Ingonish Barrens Status summits. New Jersey Rush Juuncus caesariensis NSDNR General Yellow Bogs and fens along Cape Breton's Gracieville, Richmond County. Status southeastern coastal plain. Lower L'Ardoise to Fourchu, Cape Breton County, and inland to Loch Lomond.. Brook-Side Alder Alnus serrulata NSDNR General Yellow Lakeshores Southwestern Nova Scotia. Status / NSESA / COSEWIC Proliferous Red Fescue Festuca rubra NSDNR General Yellow / Pastures, exposed situations, in Throughout the province. Status Vulnerable / sand and gravel along beaches, Special and in upper zones of salt Concern marshes. Northern Bur-Reed Sparganium hyperboreum NSDNR General Yellow Peaty pools. Cape Breton. New Harbour, Status Guysborough County. Lance-Leaf Grape-Fern Botrychium lanceolatum NSDNR General Yellow Rich, wooded hillsides. Kentville ravine, Kings County. Status Colchester and Cumberland counties. Indian Brook, Cheticamp River, and Grand Anse in Northern Cape Breton Green Spleenwort Asplenium NSDNR General Yellow Shaded cliffs along streams, on East branch of Five Islands River, trichomanesramosum Status limestone or other basic rocks. Colchester County. Cumberland County and Cape Breton. Fragrant Fern Dryopteris fragrans NSDNR General Yellow Dry overhanging cliffs, and in cliff Between Earltown and Parrsboro. Status crevices along streams or near Along streams in Northern Cape waterfalls. Breton. Northern Holly-Fern Polystichum lonchitis NSDNR General Yellow Alkaline areas. On or near Cape North, Bay St. Lawrence, Status limestone or gypsum in rocky south to Waycobah and River areas, and cool shaded places. Denys in Cape Breton. Smooth Woodsia Woodsia glabella NSDNR General Yellow Shaded verticle cliffs. Along Jeffers Brook, Cumberland County. Status streams in Northern Cape Breton. Big Southwest Brook, Lockhart Brook, and Skye Glen Mountain, northern Cape Breton. Netted Chainfern Woodwardia areolata NSDNR General Yellow Swamps, bog margins, and Yarmouth and Shelburne counties. Status particularily along streams. A stream at Argyle Head, Yarmouth County.

Page 6 of 14 Common Name Scientific Name Priority List Status Habitat Region Canada Anemone Anemone canadensis NSDNR General Yellow Damp thickets, meadows, and Near the sea at Cape Jack and Status gravelly shores, on calcareous or Havre Boucher, Antigonish County. alluvial soils. North of Cheticamp, at Presquille, Cape North, and Bay St. Lawrence, Cape Breton. Meander River area, Hants County, and Queens County.

Wood Anemone Anemone quinquefolia NSDNR General Yellow Wooded riverbanks and shaded North of Bridgetown, Annapolis Status intervales. County. Newport, Hants County; and Middle Stewiacke, Colchester County. Two miles north of Sherbrooke, Guysborough County. Cape Breton. Marsh Marigold Caltha palustris NSDNR General Yellow Swamps, wet meadows, and wet The coastal plain of northern Status rocks. Inverness County, near Mabou; Northeast Margaree; Margaree River; St. Joseph du Moine; Cheticamp; and occasionally near the mouth of Grand Anse Brook, Pleasant Bay. Merigomish Island, Pictou County. Purple Crowberry Empetrum rubrum eamesii NSDNR General Yellow Headlands, bogs and barrens. Around the entire coast. Status Kalm's Lobelia Lobelia kalmii NSDNR General Yellow Dripping cliffs, meadows, and Alkaline bog at Black River, Status bogs. Usually in calcareous or Inverness County. A wet, quaking marly locations. bog near McAdam Lake, Cape Breton County. Wood Nettle Laportea canadensis NSDNR General Yellow Alluvial woods of mixed or From Coldbrook, Kings County, to Status deciduous trees. Floodplains on northwestern Cape Breton. Cape Breton plateau. Only the most fertile places. Dwarf Birch Betula pumila NSDNR General Yellow Bogs and bog meadows. Mixed Northern Victoria and Inverness Status with alders of the same size. counties. Black River, Inverness County at 60 m a.s.l. Large Yellow Lady's Slipper Cypripedium calceolus NSDNR General Yellow Calcareous soils, near outcrops of The Windsor-Brooklyn area of Status gypsum, or limestone. Hants County, sparingly west to Occasionally in deciduous forests. Kings County, east to Cape Breton (Iona Area). Large Round-Leaved Orchid Platanthera orbiculata NSDNR General Yellow Damp woods in deep shade Southwestern Nova Scotia. The Status coniferous forest of northern Cape Breton. Annapolis County. Purple-Leaf Willow-Herb Epilobium coloratum NSDNR General Yellow Low-lying ground, springy slopes, Scattered in mainland Nova Scotia, Status and similar locations. from Digby County to Guysborough.

Slim-Leaf Witchgrass Pancium linearifolium NSDNR General Yellow Dry , sandy soils. Annapolis County to Pictou County. Status Coldbrook, Kings County.

Lake Quillwort Isoetes lacustris NSDNR General Yellow Cobbly margins and gravel bottoms Scattered throughout Nova Scotia. Status of water bodies. Deep water of East branch, Tusket River and nutrient-poor lakes in the Pre- Clyde River in southwestern NS. Cambrian shield. Ethel Lake on St. Paul Island, Cape Breton. Adder's Tongue Ophioglossum pusillum NSDNR General Yellow Sterile meadows, grasy swamps, Yarmouth and Digby Counties, east Status and damp, sandy, or cobbly to Halifax and Amherst, George beaches of lakes. River in Cape Breton. Hornemann Willow-Herb Epilobium hornemannii NSDNR General Yellow Damp rocks, margins of rills, and Northern Cape Breton. Status similar locations. Hemlock Parsley Conioselinum chinense NSDNR General Yellow Swamps, mossy coniferous woods Digby Neck. St. Paul Island. Status or swales, and seepy slopes near the coast. American Germander Teucrium canadense NSDNR General Yellow Gravelly seacoasts, the crest of the Scattered. Status beach, beyond the reach of the tide. Mudwort Limosella subulata NSDNR General Yellow Low areas by ponds, gravel The coast near Yarmouth and Status lakeshores, the muddy edges of Shelburne counties. Near Wallace ponds behind barrier beaches, and Lake on Sable Island. Cape muddy river margins. Breton. Cut-Leaved Coneflower Rudbeckia laciniata NSDNR General Yellow Swales, the edges of swamps or in Kings county. Isolated from Status gullies, in small colonies. Annapolis and Cumberland counties to Guysborough County. Pale Jewel-Weed Impatiens pallida NSDNR General Yellow Rich alluvial soils, damp thicketsm Kings County to northern Cape Status and along intervales. Breton, becoming more frequent eastward.. The slope of Isle Haute, Cumberland County. Short-Awn Foxtail Alopecurus aequalis NSDNR General Yellow The muddy edges of rivers and Top of Cape Blomidon, and from Status shallow ponds, and gravel margins. Cumberland County to Strathlorne and Margaree in Cape Breton.

Page 7 of 14 Common Name Scientific Name Priority List Status Habitat Region Canada Buffalo-Berry Shepherdia canadensis NSDNR General Yellow Gypsum or talus slopes. Along the The roadside between Windsor and Status coast in the reach of salt spray. Brooklyn, and in northern Cape Grows with Shrubby Cinquefoil and Breton. Senecio pauperculus .

Longleaf Stitchwort Stellaria longifolia NSDNR General Yellow Damp or wet grassy places, in The meadow along the Salmon Status sandy to mucky soils. River, Truro, and in neighbouring gardens. From the Musquodoboit and Stewiacke River valleys; Kemptown; Colchester County; Ilse Haute. Comb-Leaved Mermaid-Weed Proserpinaca pectinata NSDNR General Yellow Wet savannas, sphagnous swales, Yarmouth and Shelburne counties. Status and the sandy, gravelly, or muddy Infrequent east to Cumberland borders of lakes or ponds. County, and through central Lunenburg to Halifax County. Medway Valley of Queens County.

Downy Willow-Herb Epilobium strictum NSDNR General Yellow Boggy areas and meadows. Scattered throughout Cape Breton. Status Infrequent from Cumberland County to Queens County.

Alderleaf Buckthorn Rhamnus alnifolia NSDNR General Yellow Swampy woods and boggy Central Nova Scotia and southern Status meadows. Alkaline areas, near Inverness County. limestone or in marl bogs in rich, alluvial soil. Poorly drained swamps in Cape Breton. Black Ash Fraxinus nigra NSDNR General Yellow Low ground, damp woods, and Digby and central Lunenburg Status swamps. counties to northern Cape Breton. Scattered through northern part of NS. Boreal Bedstraw Galium kamtschaticum NSDNR General Yellow Rich Deciduous forests and Grand Anse to the Lakes O'Law Status ravines. In fir-birch areas on top of and Waycobah in northern Cape Cape Breton plateau. Breton.. Also Richmond County. Beck Water-Marigold Bidens beckii NSDNR General Yellow Shallow quiet waters, slow moving Scattered throughout NS. Status streams, and ponds. Infrequent in southwestern counties. Abundant from Pictou to Cape Breton. Balsam Ragweed Senecio pauperculus NSDNR General Yellow Gypsum outcrops. Dry cliffs and Scattered from Hants County to Status talus slopes. northern Cape Breton. Elliot Goldenrod Solidago elliotii NSDNR General Yellow Boggy swales, clearings, damp Southern Yarmouth County and Status thickets, spruce and maple east to Queens and Halifax swamps, and lake shores. counties. Pennsylvania Blackberry Rubus pensilvanicus NSDNR General Yellow Thickets, the edges of woods, and Southwestern counties and Status clearings. scattered eastward. Marsh Bellflower Campanula aparinoides NSDNR General Yellow Meadows, ditches and river banks. Cumberland and Hants counties to Status Antigonish County. One location in Cape Breton County. Purple-Stem Swamp Beggar- Bidens connata NSDNR General Yellow Boggy swales, and the borders of LaHave River, Bridgewater; along Ticks Status ponds and ditches.. Thickets and the Atlantic shore; Annapolis River; swales behind brackish shores. and in the Minas area of Hants County. Sable Island. Arrow-Leaved Violet Viola sagittata NSDNR General Yellow Dry sterile woods, clearings, and From Yarmouth to Halifax and Status fields. Hants counties. Not collected eastward. Grassleaf Rush Juncus marginatus NSDNR General Yellow Clayey roadsides, damp fields, and Yarmouth and Shelburne counties, Status brooksides. north to Belleisle in Annapolis County. Ebony Sedge Carex eburnea NSDNR General Yellow Cliffs and talus slopes. Under From Cumberland and Hants Status conifers in calcareous soil. counties to Antigonish and Cape Breton. Slender Wedge Grass Sphenopholis obtusata NSDNR General Yellow Cliff faces, where roots are in Cape Blomidon and in cumberland Status contact wiith limestone, basalt, or County. More common in central gypsum. and northern Cape Breton. Hairy Swamp Loosestrife Decodon verticillatus NSDNR General Yellow Quaking margins of ponds or lakes. Shelburne County and New Tusket, Status Digby County. Kejimkujik National Park. Northern Comandra Geocaulon lividum NSDNR General Yellow Sterile soils and damp sands, in Kingston, Kings County. Auburn, Status acid or peaty areas. Kings County. Cape Breton and Spicer's Cove Cumberland County.

Field Milkwort Polygala sanguinea NSDNR General Yellow Poor or acidic fields, damp slopes, Cumberland, Annapolis, and Kings Status and open woods or bush. County.

False Mermaid-Weed Floerkea proserpinacoides NSDNR General Yellow Deciduous ravine slopes, river Glenora Falls and central Cape Status margins, and intervale forests. Breton. Antigonish County, Truro, and Shefield Mills, Kings County. Thyme-Leaved Speedwell Veronica serpyllifolia NSDNR General Yellow Moist soils. Pastures and damp Throughout NS. Status runs, creeping on the grass.

Page 8 of 14 Common Name Scientific Name Priority List Status Habitat Region Common Buttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis NSDNR General Yellow Granite boulders, rocky shores, Shelburne County; Deception Lake Status about lakes. and Lake John, Yarmouth County. Along the Medway River in Queens County. Daisy Fleabane Erigeron hyssopifolius NSDNR General Yellow Gypsum outcrops in central NS, or Hants County, near Antigonish, and Status damp stream banks between flood northern Cape Breton. levels. Banks, ledges, and cliff crevices in northern Cape Breton.

Flatstem Pondweed Potamogeton zosteriformis NSDNR General Yellow Lakes and deep rivers in less acid Rare in Kings, Colchester, Status regions. Cumberland, and Halifax counties. Mouth of the Hays River, Inverness County. White Bluegrass Poa glauca NSDNR General Yellow Cliff crevices, on shelves, and talus Cumberland County, Cape Breton, Status slopes. Cape Blomidon, and Isle Haute. Yellow Canada Lily Lilium canadense NSDNR General Yellow In meadows and in stream banks. Kings and Cumberland counties to Status Middle River and Margaree in Cape Breton. Giant Rattlesnake-Plantain Goodyera oblongifolia NSDNR General Yellow Deciduous climax forest. Slopes in Northern Cape Breton. Status damp, mixed forests, and ravines.

Small Yellow Lady's-Slipper Cypripedium calceolus NSDNR General Yellow Calcareous soils, near outcrops of The Windsor-Brooklyn area of Status gypsum, or limestone. Hants County, sparingly west to Occasionally in deciduous forests. Kings County, east to Cape Breton (Iona Area). Grass-Leaved Goldenrod Euthamia tenuifolia NSDNR General Yellow Dry sandy soils and beaches. Yarmouth County. Infequent Status elsewhere. Purple Crowberry Empetrum rubrum NSDNR General Yellow Headlands, bogs and barrens. Around the entire coast. atropurpureum Status Salt-Marsh False-Foxglove Agalinis maritima NSDNR General Yellow Salt marshes along the coast. Salt marsh along the Argyle River at Status Argyle Head, Yarmouth County.

A Hawthorn Crataegus flabellata NSDNR General Yellow Hedgerows and thickets. Eastern NS and northern Cape Status Breton. Hants County and Kentville.

A Bramble Rubus recurvicaulis NSDNR General Yellow Rough ground, thickets, the Southwestern areas, scattered east Status borders of woods and lake to northern Cape Breton. margins. Canada Clearweed Pilea pumila NSDNR General Yellow Cool, moist, shaded places. Seepage slope in rich maple-beech Status woods at West Branch, Pictou County. Fountain Miner's-Lettuce Montia fontana NSDNR General Yellow Springy or seepy slopes, wet Collected on a mossy bank above Status shores and brackish spots. the sea on the Northwest Arm, Halifax. Brier Island. Port Hawkesbury, Inverness County. Burke Brook, Advocate, Cumberland County. Acadian Quillwort Isoetes acadiensis NSDNR General Yellow Water up to 1 m deep, bordering Yarmouth County to northern Cape Status lakes or ponds, and occasionally Breton. Lake Kejimkujik, near exit of along rivers. Grafton Brook. Greene's Rush Juncus greenei NSDNR General Yellow Sandy soil and dune hollows. Halifax; near Pugwash, Cumberland Status County; Villagedale, Shelburne County; the dunes at Pomquet, Antigonish County. Philadelphia Panic Grass Panicum philadelphicum NSDNR General Yellow Floodplains, sandy shores, Near Bridgewater. Status cranberry bogs. Meadow Horsetail Equisetum pratense NSDNR General Yellow No existing collections Status Halberd-Leaf Tearthumb Polugonum arifolium NSDNR General Yellow Thickets, marshy borders, usually Kings, Colchester, and Cumberland Status under alders. Flourishes in the counties. richest alluvial soil. Climbing False-Buckwheat Polygonum scandens NSDNR General Yellow Low thickets along river intervales. Northern distribution from Digby to Status Luxuriant after ground has been Richmond counties. disturbed or woods cleared.

Golden-Heather Hudsonia ericoides NSDNR General Yellow Dry, rocky and sandy barrens. Shelburne to Halifax counties. The Status Disturbed areas or on open sandy centre of the Annapolis Valley. soils. Small-Flower Bitter-Cress Cardamine parviflora NSDNR General Yellow Dry woods, shaded or exposed The Bay of Fundy from Brier Island Status ledges, and in sandy soils. to Cape Blomidon and Cape d'Or. Halifax County to Victoria County in Northern Central Cape Breton.

Virginia Meadow-Beauty Rhexia virginica NSDNR General Yellow Peaty lake margins and swales, or Southwestern counties. Status wet thickets. Boreal Felt Lichen Erioderma pedicullatum NSESA/SARA Yellow Cool, maritime climates. Highly Found in Maritime climates (COSEWIC) sensitive to acid rain. Grow on throughout NS, NB and NL. A 90% bark of coniferous trees. reduction in NS and NB populations in past 2 decades.

Page 9 of 14 Common Name Scientific Name Priority List Status Habitat Region Butterflies Jutta Arctic Oeneis jutta NSDNR General Endangered / Tamarack and Black Spruce bogs Found in Cape Breton Status Endangered Early Hairstreak Erora laetus NSDNR General Deciduous woods where Beech is Recorded in the Wentworth Valley Status present and Annapolis Valley. Bog Elfin Incisalia lanoraieensis NSDNR General Red Black Spruce-Tamarack Bogs Gold River, Nova Scotia Status Northern Cloudywing Thorybes pylades NSDNR General Yellow Unknown for Nova Scotia Three records from Pictou and Status Colchester counties Monarch Danaus plexippus NSDNR General Yellow/ Monarchs in Canada exist primarily The eastern population includes all Status Special wherever milkweed (Asclepius) and Monarchs east of the Rocky Concern wildflowers (such as Goldenrod, Mountains, from the Gulf coast to asters, and Purple Loosestrife) southern Canada, and from the exist. This includes abandoned Great Plain States and Prairie farmland, along roadsides, and Provinces east to the Atlantic coast. other open spaces where these plants grow.

Hoary Comma Polygonia gracilis NSDNR General Yellow Boreal forest Status / Satyr Anglewing (Comma) Polugonia satyrus NSDNR General Yellow Boreal forest Status Arctic (Titania) Fritillary Boloria chariclea NSDNR General Yellow Boreal forest and bogs Status Short-tailed Swallowtail Papilio brevicauda NSDNR General Yellow Coastal areas, in the presence of Only found in the Atlantic provinces Status larval foodplant and eastern Quebec Freshwater Mussels

Yellow Lamp Mussel Lampsilis cariosa NSDNR General Red / Special Predominantly a river species. From Sydney River, Cape Breton to Status/ Cosewic Concern Occurs in swift currents on shoals Georgia. or in riffles and principally on sand bottom. Occasionally found in ponds. Squawfoot Strophitus undulatus NSDNR General Red Occurs in rivers and creeks but From Nova Scotia to South Carolina Status occasionally in lakes. Inhabits all substrates, Delicate Lamp Mussel Lampsilis ochraceae NSDNR General Yellow Occurs in quiet water, that is From Cape Breton to Savannah (Tidewater Mucket) Status ponds, canals, and slow moving River, Georgia parts of rivers. Found in mud or sand bottoms. Occurs only near the seacoast. Eastern Lamp Mussel Lampsilis radiata NSDNR General Yellow Occurs in rivers and lakes of all St. Lawrence River to South Status sizes, usually on gravel and sand Carolina. bottoms but occasionally on mud.

Brook Floater (Swollen Alasmidonta varicosa NSDNR General Yellow Usually found in rapids or riffles on From Nova Scotia and New Wedge Mussel) Status rocky or gravel substrates and in Brunswick to North Carolina sandy shoals Eastern River Pearl Mussel Margaritifera margaritifera NSDNR General Yellow Occur in small and medium-sized Abundant in Newfoundland and (E. Pearl Sh) Status running streams. Found on sandy Nova Scotia shoals and in pools with overhanging branches Dragonflies and Damsadiles Zebra Clubtail Stylurus scudderi NSDNR General Red Streams and rivers with slight Cornwallis River at Hwy 101, Status to moderate current and gravel Annapollis River at Middleton or sandy bottoms Rusty Snaketail Ophiogomphus rupinsulensis NSDNR General Red Common along rivers Status Inhabitants generally low- flowing mesotrophic rivers Brook Snaketail Ophiogomphus aspersus NSDNR General Red Clear sand bottomed streams Status with intermittant rapids. Current may be slow to strong.

Black Meadowfly Sympetrum danae NSDNR General Yellow Inhabitants marshes with slow Known from salt marsh ponds in Status moving streams and ponds. Cape Breton. Often Associated with Peatlands. Elfin Skimmer Nannothemis bella NSDNR General Yellow Stagnent pools in marshy Status places, bogs Muskeg Emerald Somatochlora septentrionalis NSDNR General Yellow Shallow and stagnant -choked In Nova Scotia confined to Cape Status ponds within bogs Breton Highlands Prince Baskettail Epitheca princeps NSDNR General Yellow rivers, streams and Lakes Status

Page 10 of 14 Common Name Scientific Name Priority List Status Habitat Region Zorro Clubtail Lanthus parvulus NSDNR General Yellow Cler streams and brookes with Status strong currents over clean gravel, cobbles or bedrock, on comparatively unproductive soils Greenstripped Darner Aeshna verticalis NSDNR General Yellow Open marshy areas and open Status fields Zigzag Darner Aeshna sitchensis NSDNR General Yellow High elevation sedge marshes Status near lakes and streams

Mottled Darner Aeshna clepsydra NSDNR General Yellow edges of ponds and lakes, most Status often with emergent vegetation

Harlequin Darner Gomphaeschna furcillata NSDNR General Yellow swamps or bogs Status Little Bluet Enallagma minusculum NSDNR General Yellow Ponds Status Fish Atlantic Salmon (Anadromous Salmo salar NSDNR General Red / In freshwater habitat, the species Salmon spawn young in rivers of pops.) Status Endangered requires clean, cool, flowing water NS and NB that drain to the Minas free from chemical or organic basin and Chigneto Bay, as far pollution. It prefers natural stream south as Black River in NB. They channels with rapids and pools, a remain in Bay of Fundy after going gravelly bottom, and water to sea for a few months. Winter temperatures between 15 and migration is not known. 25oC in summer.The marine habitat in the Bay of Fundyis ideal for the marine habitat.

Striped Bass Morone saxatilis NSDNR General Red / steady-flowing, turbid rivers that Bay of Fundy, Gulf of St. Lawrence, Status / Threatened have low slopes and large Annapolis River, Shubenacadie COSEWIC estuaries River Atlantic Salmon (Landlocked Salmo salar NSDNR General Red Lakes Pops.) Status Atlantic Sturgeon Acipenser oxyrhynchus NSDNR General Red estuarine Status Atlantic Whitefish Coregonus huntsmani NSDNR General Red / The specific habitat requirements It is found only in the Tusket and Status Endangered / are largely unknown. It is salmon- Petite Riviere watersheds in Endangered like in that is spawns in freshwater southern Nova Scotia. and runs to sea in the spring. Most populations are land locked however. Pearl Dace Margariscus margarita NSDNR General Yellow Status / NSESA / lakes, cool bog ponds, creeks, and COSEWIC cool springs Lake Trout (Char) Salvelinus namaycush NSDNR General Yellow lakes Status Sherbrooke Lake, Lunenburg County, and Dollar Lake, Halifax County. Pockwock and Big Indian Lakes, Halifax County, and Lochaber Lake, Antigonish County. Brook Trout (Char) Salvelinus fontinalis NSDNR General Yellow cool clear waters of 10 - 18C with a Status lot of cover. Usually they live in spring-fed streams with many pools and riffles. Gaspereau (Alewife) Alosa pseudoharengus NSDNR General Yellow rivers, freshwater lakes, ponds and Status streams Fourspine Stickleback Apeltes quadracus NSDNR General Yellow near shore marine species, Status however some inland populations generally found in brackish (salty) occur in lakes waters near the coast. It occurs in the Atlantic Provinces and Quebec. Amphibians Four-toed Salamander Hemidactylium scutatum NSDNR General Yellow found in forested areas Throughout NS. Status adjacent to wet Sphagnum bogs or in woods Reptiles Blanding's Turtle Emydoidea blandingi NSDNR General Red / Forested wetlands Status / NSESA / Endangered / COSEWIC Threatened Northern Ribbon Snake Thamnophis sauritus NSDNR General Yellow / Quiet, Vegetated ponds, coves of Southwestern, Nova Scotia - septentrionalis Status / NSESA / Threatened / lakes and grassy places along Queens County and Lunenburg COSEWIC Threatened streams. Enjoy an abundance of County. aquatic vegetation.

Page 11 of 14 Common Name Scientific Name Priority List Status Habitat Region Wood Turtle Clemmys insculpta NSDNR General Yellow / The species is associated with The species has been reported in Status / NSESA / Vulnerable / moving water; it frequents streams, most of New Brunswick, north- COSEWIC Special creeks and rivers. It is also one of central Nova Scotia (including Cape Concern the most terrestrial members of its Breton Island), southern Quebec, family and occupies a great variety and both south-central and north- of habitats, including forests, but central Ontario. favours riparian areas with open canopy. It also prefers moderate currents, clear streams and drainages. Generally, it overwinters in water, spends its spring and fall in or near water, and summers on the ground. It appears to select habitats rather than use them randomly.

Birds Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii NSDNR General Red / Nest on small offshore islands and Brothers Islands, Grassy Island, Status / NSESA / Endangered / inlets and Country Island Complex COSEWIC Endangered Piping Plover Charadrius melodus NSDNR General Red / Nest above normal high water mark Lunenburg County, Queens, Status / NSESA / Endangered / on sand and gravel beaches. Shelburne, Cape Breten Highlands, COSEWIC Endangered Pictou and Colchester Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus NSDNR General Red / Cliff ledges Colchester County Status / NSESA / Threatened COSEWIC Harlequin Duck Histrionicus histrionicus NSDNR General Red / Nests built on ground on islands or Breed in eastern Hudson Bay, but Status / NSESA Endangered / banks of fast-flowing streams. some inland on north shore of Gulf Special Favour marine environments, but of St. Lawrence and Gaspe Concern move inland to breed. In winter, Peninsila. Many winter in east and occurs along headlands where surf south caosts of NL, southern NS, breaks against rocks. Feed close NB, Maine and Cape Cod. to rocky shorelines or skerries.

Atlantic Puffin Fratercula arctica NSDNR General Yellow Islands Machais Seal Island, NB; Pearl Status / NSESA / Island, NS; and Hertford/Ciboux COSEWIC Islands, NS Snowy Egret Egretta thula NSDNR General Yellow salt marshes Bon Portage Island, NS Status Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax NSDNR General Yellow Spruce or fir trees and islands. Amherst and Southwestern NS Status Brant Branta bernicla NSDNR General Yellow Status Barrow's Goldeneye Bucephala islandica NSDNR General Yellow / Birds appear to be restricted to Small numbers breed in winter in Status / Special high elevation lakes north of St. Maritimes. During non-breeding COSEWIC Concern Lawrence Estuary and Gulf. season, species found in coastal Eastern Canada populations have waters of Estary and Gulf. During dwindled in recent years as a result late fall, winter and early spring, of habitat loss due to fish large numbers are found in a few introduction, logging and areas of St. Lawerence corridor. contamination. Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis NSDNR General Yellow Forested areas, farms and Scattered throughout NS Status / woodlots. COSEWIC Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla NSDNR General Yellow Status Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus NSDNR General Yellow Status Red Phalarope Phalaropus fulicaria NSDNR General Yellow Status Common Tern Sterna hirundo NSDNR General Yellow Coastal areas and lakes in Scattered throughout NS Status Southwest NS Common Loon Gavia immer NSDNR General Yellow lakes larger than 40 hectares Scattered throughout NS Status where plant growth is sparse. Razorbill Alca torda NSDNR General Yellow Islands Hertford/Ciboux Islands, Pearl Status Island, and Margaree Island, NS Eastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna NSDNR General Yellow Grasslands Annapolis Valley and Hantsport, NS Status Long-eared Owl Asio otus NSDNR General Yellow Large and small woodlands, dense Few coastal areas of NS Status or open, conifer or broad-leafed, and some open areas.

Page 12 of 14 Common Name Scientific Name Priority List Status Habitat Region Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus NSDNR General Yellow / Nests are slight depression in the Found in middle America, Europe, Status / Special ground. In Ontario, are cups of Asia and Africa for a global range. COSEWIC Concern dried weeds or flattened grassess. Breeds in every province and Often hidden under low shrubs, territory in Canada. It is absent reeds, and grasses near water. from the Boreal Forest and other Prefers extensive stretches of heavily forested areas. In winter, it relatively open habitat such as withdraws from north and remains marshland or dep grass fields. in southern range. Hunts in abandomned patures, airports, grain stubble and meadows, but marshes in the winter. Purple Martin Progne subis NSDNR General Yellow agricultural lands Northwest NS Status / COSEWIC Eastern Bluebird Sialia sialis NSDNR General Yellow clear cut areas amid forests northern and central NS Status Bicknell's Thrush Catharus minimus NSDNR General Yellow / Breed at high elevation, dense and Found throughout the maritimes. Status Special stunted fir/spruce forests (726 m to Primarily breed in Quebec, but Concern / 914 m a.s.l.) on rocky peaks. some populations breed in New Special Favour a wet, cool, windy climate Brunswick and Cape Breton Concern that increases in severity with Highlands. elevation. Vesper Sparrow Pooecetes gramineus NSDNR General Yellow short grass or low shrubs, such as northern nova scotia Status pastures, blueberry fields, and clearings Ipswich Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis NSDNR General Yellow / Nests of grass and vegetation built Nest almost exclusivly on Sable Status / NSESA / Special on hollows scratched in ground Island. Some on beaches in NS COSEWIC Concern under shelter of shrub, small tree and northern Florida. Some winter or tussock of grass. Nest in heath- in NS. dominated terrain in dense marram grass on coastal dunes and upper beaches. Prefer outer dune beaches with good grass coverage.

Sharp-tailed Sparrow Ammodramus caudacutus NSDNR General Yellow salt marshes and other saline coastal areas around NS Status habitats Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus NSDNR General Yellow beaver meadows and lush grasses Throughout NS. Status along flood plains Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea NSDNR General Yellow islands facing the open sea. Lower Bay of Fundy to Cape Breton Status Island Eskimo Curlew Numenius borealis COSEWIC Endangered Tundra to Transitional Woodland NWT, Fly east to Maritimes during migration Mammals Moose Alces alces NSDNR General Red / young deciduous shrubs and trees Cobequid Mountains and Tobeatic Status / NSESA Endangered Wildlife Reserve Lynx Lynx lynx NSDNR General Red / Highlands of Cape Breton Island Status / NSESA Endangered American Marten Martes americana NSDNR General Red / Cape Breton Island Status / NSESA Endangered/ Endangered Southern Flying Squirrel Glaucomys volans NSDNR General Yellow / Southern Flying Squirrels inhabit In Canada, Southern Flying Status / Special hardwood forests in eastern North Squirrels are found in southern COSEWIC Concern America. Dead hollow trees are Ontario, southwestern Québec and used as den sites. southern Nova Scotia. NSDNR General Mixed forests Throughout NS. Mostly in Status Cumberland, Colchester and Pictou Fisher Martes pennanti Yellow Counties NSDNR General trees along floodplains Hoary Bat Lasiurus cinereus Status Yellow NSDNR General Large mature deciduous forests. Red Bat Lasiurus borealis Status Yellow NSDNR General Caves, cliff faces, coniferous and Silver-haired Bat Lasionycteris noctivagans Status Yellow deciduous forests NSDNR General caves Eastern Pipistrelle Pipistrellus subflavus Status Yellow NSDNR General Dense forest and caves Northern Long-eared Bat Myotis septentrionalis Status Yellow NSDNR General caves. Dead trees close to lakes Little Brown Bat Myotis lucifugus Status Yellow and ponds NSDNR General Talus slopes and rock slides in Status deciduous and coniferous forests Long-tailed Shrew Sorex dispar Yellow

Page 13 of 14 Common Name Scientific Name Priority List Status Habitat Region Gaspe Shrew Sorex gaspensis NSDNR General Yellow / The Gaspé Shrew prefers rock At the present time there are four Status / Special outcrops and talus slopes in populations of the Gaspé Shrew in COSEWIC Concern highlands where there are steep Canada: one in the Gaspé slopes. peninsula, two in New Brunswick, and one in northern Nova Scotia.

Page 14 of 14

APPENDIX B

Breeding Birds in the Project Area (ACCDC, 2006)

FAMILY GNAME GCOMNAME GRANK NRANK NPROT SRANK SPROT SURVEYNUM EOCOUNT Gaviidae Gavia immer Common Loon G5 N5B,N5 NAR S4B,S4N 1986 07 13 Gaviidae Gavia immer Common Loon G5 N5B,N5 NAR S4B,S4N 1986 07 31 2 Gaviidae Gavia immer Common Loon G5 N5B,N5 NAR S4B,S4N 1987 07 11 Gaviidae Gavia immer Common Loon G5 N5B,N5 NAR S4B,S4N 1988 07 06 Ardeidae Botaurus lentiginosus American Bittern G4 N4B,N3 S4B 1986 07 31 1 Anatidae Anas rubripes American Black Duck G5 N4B,N? S5B 1986 07 13 Anatidae Anas rubripes American Black Duck G5 N4B,N? S5B 1986 07 31 3 Anatidae Anas rubripes American Black Duck G5 N4B,N? S5B 1987 07 11 Anatidae Aythya collaris Ring-Necked Duck G5 N5B,N5 S5B 1986 07 31 2 Anatidae Aythya collaris Ring-Necked Duck G5 N5B,N5 S5B 1987 07 11 Accipitridae Pandion haliaetus Osprey G5 N5B,NZ S5B 1986 07 13 Accipitridae Pandion haliaetus Osprey G5 N5B,NZ S5B 1986 07 31 2 Accipitridae Pandion haliaetus Osprey G5 N5B,NZ S5B 1987 07 11 Accipitridae Circus cyaneus Northern Harrier G5 N5B,N4 NAR S5B 1986 07 13 Accipitridae Circus cyaneus Northern Harrier G5 N5B,N4 NAR S5B 1986 07 31 1 Accipitridae Circus cyaneus Northern Harrier G5 N5B,N4 NAR S5B 1989 06 01 2 Accipitridae Accipiter striatus Sharp-Shinned Hawk G5 N5B,N5 NAR S4B 1986 07 31 1 Accipitridae Accipiter gentilis Northern Goshawk G5 N4B,N4 (T,NAR) S3B 1989 06 02 Accipitridae Buteo platypterus Broad-Winged Hawk G5 N5B,NZ S4B 1989 06 01 2 Accipitridae Buteo jamaicensis Red-Tailed Hawk G5 N5B,N5 NAR S5B 1986 07 31 1 Phasianidae Bonasa umbellus Ruffed Grouse G5 N5 S5 1986 07 31 4 Phasianidae Bonasa umbellus Ruffed Grouse G5 N5 S5 1987 07 11 Charadriidae Charadrius vociferus Killdeer G5 N5B,NZ S5B 1986 07 31 2 Charadriidae Charadrius vociferus Killdeer G5 N5B,NZ S5B 1989 06 01 2 Scolopacidae Actitis macularia Spotted Sandpiper G5 N5B,NZ S5B 1986 07 13 Scolopacidae Actitis macularia Spotted Sandpiper G5 N5B,NZ S5B 1986 07 31 3 Scolopacidae Actitis macularia Spotted Sandpiper G5 N5B,NZ S5B 1987 07 11 Scolopacidae Actitis macularia Spotted Sandpiper G5 N5B,NZ S5B 1989 06 23 Scolopacidae Gallinago gallinago Common Snipe G5 N5B,NZ 1986 07 31 3 Scolopacidae Scolopax minor American Woodcock G5 N5B,NZ S4S5B 1989 06 01 3 Laridae Larus argentatus Herring Gull G5 N5B,N5 S5B,S5N 1989 06 23 Laridae Larus marinus Great Black-Backed Gull G5 N5B,N5 S5B 1986 07 13 Laridae Larus marinus Great Black-Backed Gull G5 N5B,N5 S5B 1986 07 31 3 Laridae Larus marinus Great Black-Backed Gull G5 N5B,N5 S5B 1987 07 11 Laridae Sterna hirundo Common Tern G5 N5B,NZ NAR S3B 1987 07 11 Laridae Sterna hirundo Common Tern G5 N5B,NZ NAR S3B 1989 06 23 Columbidae Columba livia Rock Dove G5 NE SEB 1986 07 13 Columbidae Columba livia Rock Dove G5 NE SEB 1986 07 31 4 Columbidae Columba livia Rock Dove G5 NE SEB 1987 07 11 Columbidae Columba livia Rock Dove G5 NE SEB 1989 06 01 3 Strigidae Strix varia Barred Owl G5 N5 S5 1988 00 00 Strigidae Aegolius acadicus Saw-Whet Owl G5 N5B,N5 S4B 1990 06 00 Caprimulgidae Chordeiles minor Common Nighthawk G5 N5B S4B 1986 07 13 Caprimulgidae Chordeiles minor Common Nighthawk G5 N5B S4B 1986 07 31 3 Apodidae Chaetura pelagica Chimney Swift G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 31 Trochilidae Archilochus colubris Ruby-throated Hummingbird G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 31 3 Alcedinidae Ceryle alcyon Belted Kingfisher G5 N5B,N5 S5B 1986 07 13 Alcedinidae Ceryle alcyon Belted Kingfisher G5 N5B,N5 S5B 1987 07 11 Picidae Sphyrapicus varius Yellow-bellied Sapsucker G5 N5B S5B 1989 06 23 Picidae Picoides pubescens Downy Woodpecker G5 N5 S5 1986 07 13 Picidae Picoides pubescens Downy Woodpecker G5 N5 S5 1986 07 31 3 Picidae Picoides pubescens Downy Woodpecker G5 N5 S5 1987 07 11 Picidae Picoides villosus Hairy Woodpecker G5 N5 S5 1986 07 13 Picidae Picoides villosus Hairy Woodpecker G5 N5 S5 1986 07 31 2 Picidae Picoides villosus Hairy Woodpecker G5 N5 S5 1987 06 21 Picidae Picoides villosus Hairy Woodpecker G5 N5 S5 1987 07 11 Picidae Picoides arcticus Black-Backed Woodpecker G5 N5 S4 1990 07 16 Picidae Colaptes auratus Northern Flicker G5 N5B,N? S5B 1986 07 13 Picidae Colaptes auratus Northern Flicker G5 N5B,N? S5B 1986 07 31 3 Picidae Colaptes auratus Northern Flicker G5 N5B,N? S5B 1987 07 11 Tyrannidae Contopus cooperi Olive-Sided Flycatcher G5 N5B S4S5B 1986 07 13 Tyrannidae Contopus cooperi Olive-Sided Flycatcher G5 N5B S4S5B 1986 07 31 2 Tyrannidae Contopus virens Eastern Wood Pewee G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 13 Tyrannidae Contopus virens Eastern Wood Pewee G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 31 3 Tyrannidae Empidonax flaviventris Yellow-Bellied Flycatcher G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 13 Tyrannidae Empidonax alnorum Alder Flycatcher G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 13 Tyrannidae Empidonax alnorum Alder Flycatcher G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 31 3 Tyrannidae Empidonax alnorum Alder Flycatcher G5 N5B S5B 1987 07 11 Tyrannidae Empidonax alnorum Alder Flycatcher G5 N5B S5B 1989 06 01 4 Tyrannidae Empidonax minimus Least Flycatcher G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 13 Tyrannidae Empidonax minimus Least Flycatcher G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 31 3 Tyrannidae Empidonax minimus Least Flycatcher G5 N5B S5B 1987 07 11 Tyrannidae Tyrannus tyrannus Eastern Kingbird G5 N5B S4S5B 1986 07 31 2 Alaudidae Eremophila alpestris Horned Lark G5 N5B,N5 S2B 1989 06 01 2 Hirundinidae Tachycineta bicolor Tree Swallow G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 13 Hirundinidae Tachycineta bicolor Tree Swallow G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 31 4 Hirundinidae Tachycineta bicolor Tree Swallow G5 N5B S5B 1987 07 11 Hirundinidae Tachycineta bicolor Tree Swallow G5 N5B S5B 1989 06 01 4 Hirundinidae Riparia riparia Bank Swallow G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 31 3 Hirundinidae Petrochelidon pyrrhonota Cliff Swallow G5 N5B S4B 1986 07 13 Hirundinidae Petrochelidon pyrrhonota Cliff Swallow G5 N5B S4B 1986 07 31 3 Hirundinidae Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 13 Hirundinidae Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 31 4 Hirundinidae Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow G5 N5B S5B 1987 07 11 Corvidae Perisoreus canadensis Gray Jay G5 N5 S5 1986 07 13 Corvidae Perisoreus canadensis Gray Jay G5 N5 S5 1986 07 31 2 Corvidae Perisoreus canadensis Gray Jay G5 N5 S5 1987 07 11 Corvidae Cyanocitta cristata Blue Jay G5 N5B,N5 S5 1986 07 13 Corvidae Cyanocitta cristata Blue Jay G5 N5B,N5 S5 1986 07 31 3 Corvidae Cyanocitta cristata Blue Jay G5 N5B,N5 S5 1987 07 11 Corvidae Corvus brachyrhynchos American Crow G5 N5B,N5 S5 1986 07 13 Corvidae Corvus brachyrhynchos American Crow G5 N5B,N5 S5 1986 07 31 3 Corvidae Corvus brachyrhynchos American Crow G5 N5B,N5 S5 1987 06 21 Corvidae Corvus brachyrhynchos American Crow G5 N5B,N5 S5 1987 07 11 Corvidae Corvus corax Common Raven G5 N5 S5 1986 07 13 Corvidae Corvus corax Common Raven G5 N5 S5 1986 07 31 3 Corvidae Corvus corax Common Raven G5 N5 S5 1987 06 21 Corvidae Corvus corax Common Raven G5 N5 S5 1987 07 11 Paridae Poecile atricapilla Black-Capped Chickadee G5 N5 S5 1986 07 13 Paridae Poecile atricapilla Black-Capped Chickadee G5 N5 S5 1986 07 31 4 Paridae Poecile atricapilla Black-Capped Chickadee G5 N5 S5 1987 07 11 Paridae Poecile hudsonica Boreal Chickadee G5 N5 S3S4 1986 07 13 Paridae Poecile hudsonica Boreal Chickadee G5 N5 S3S4 1986 07 31 3 Paridae Poecile hudsonica Boreal Chickadee G5 N5 S3S4 1987 07 11 Sittidae Sitta canadensis Red-Breasted Nuthatch G5 N5 S5 1986 07 13 Sittidae Sitta canadensis Red-Breasted Nuthatch G5 N5 S5 1986 07 31 3 Sittidae Sitta canadensis Red-Breasted Nuthatch G5 N5 S5 1987 07 11 Sittidae Sitta carolinensis White-Breasted Nuthatch G5 N5 S4 1986 07 31 2 Certhiidae Certhia americana Brown Creeper G5 N5 S5B 1986 07 13 Certhiidae Certhia americana Brown Creeper G5 N5 S5B 1986 07 31 2 Regulidae Regulus satrapa Golden-Crowned Kinglet G5 N5 S5B 1986 07 13 Regulidae Regulus satrapa Golden-Crowned Kinglet G5 N5 S5B 1986 07 31 3 Regulidae Regulus calendula Ruby-Crowned Kinglet G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 13 Regulidae Regulus calendula Ruby-Crowned Kinglet G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 31 4 Regulidae Regulus calendula Ruby-Crowned Kinglet G5 N5B S5B 1987 07 11 Turdidae Catharus fuscescens Veery G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 13 Turdidae Catharus fuscescens Veery G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 31 3 Turdidae Catharus fuscescens Veery G5 N5B S5B 1987 07 11 Turdidae Catharus ustulatus Swainson's Thrush G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 13 Turdidae Catharus ustulatus Swainson's Thrush G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 31 3 Turdidae Catharus ustulatus Swainson's Thrush G5 N5B S5B 1987 07 11 Turdidae Catharus guttatus Hermit Thrush G5 N5B,NZ S5B 1986 07 13 Turdidae Catharus guttatus Hermit Thrush G5 N5B,NZ S5B 1986 07 31 4 Turdidae Catharus guttatus Hermit Thrush G5 N5B,NZ S5B 1987 07 11 Turdidae Catharus guttatus Hermit Thrush G5 N5B,NZ S5B 1989 06 01 4 Turdidae Turdus migratorius American Robin G5 N5B,N? S5B 1986 07 13 Turdidae Turdus migratorius American Robin G5 N5B,N? S5B 1986 07 31 4 Turdidae Turdus migratorius American Robin G5 N5B,N? S5B 1987 07 11 Turdidae Turdus migratorius American Robin G5 N5B,N? S5B 1989 06 01 4 Mimidae Dumetella carolinensis Gray Catbird G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 31 3 Bombycillidae Bombycilla cedrorum Cedar Waxwing G5 N5 S5B 1986 07 13 Bombycillidae Bombycilla cedrorum Cedar Waxwing G5 N5 S5B 1986 07 31 3 Bombycillidae Bombycilla cedrorum Cedar Waxwing G5 N5 S5B 1987 07 11 Sturnidae Sturnus vulgaris Starling G5 NE SE 1986 07 13 Sturnidae Sturnus vulgaris Starling G5 NE SE 1986 07 31 4 Sturnidae Sturnus vulgaris Starling G5 NE SE 1987 07 11 Vireonidae Vireo solitarius Solitary Vireo G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 13 Vireonidae Vireo solitarius Solitary Vireo G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 31 3 Vireonidae Vireo solitarius Solitary Vireo G5 N5B S5B 1987 07 11 Vireonidae Vireo olivaceus Red-Eyed Vireo G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 13 Vireonidae Vireo olivaceus Red-Eyed Vireo G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 31 4 Vireonidae Vireo olivaceus Red-Eyed Vireo G5 N5B S5B 1987 07 11 Parulidae Vermivora peregrina Tennessee Warbler G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 13 Parulidae Vermivora peregrina Tennessee Warbler G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 31 4 Parulidae Vermivora peregrina Tennessee Warbler G5 N5B S5B 1987 07 11 Parulidae Vermivora ruficapilla Nashville Warbler G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 13 Parulidae Vermivora ruficapilla Nashville Warbler G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 31 4 Parulidae Vermivora ruficapilla Nashville Warbler G5 N5B S5B 1987 07 11 Parulidae Parula americana Northern Parula Warbler G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 13 Parulidae Parula americana Northern Parula Warbler G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 31 4 Parulidae Parula americana Northern Parula Warbler G5 N5B S5B 1987 07 11 Parulidae Dendroica petechia Yellow Warbler G5 N5B N S5B 1986 07 31 4 Parulidae Dendroica petechia Yellow Warbler G5 N5B N S5B 1987 07 11 Parulidae Dendroica petechia Yellow Warbler G5 N5B N S5B 1989 06 01 4 Parulidae Dendroica pensylvanica Chestnut-Sided Warbler G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 13 Parulidae Dendroica pensylvanica Chestnut-Sided Warbler G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 31 4 Parulidae Dendroica pensylvanica Chestnut-Sided Warbler G5 N5B S5B 1987 07 11 Parulidae Dendroica magnolia Magnolia Warbler G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 13 Parulidae Dendroica magnolia Magnolia Warbler G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 31 4 Parulidae Dendroica magnolia Magnolia Warbler G5 N5B S5B 1987 07 11 Parulidae Dendroica caerulescens Black-Throated Blue Warbler G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 31 3 Parulidae Dendroica caerulescens Black-Throated Blue Warbler G5 N5B S5B 1987 07 11 Parulidae Dendroica coronata Yellow-Rumped Warbler G5 N5B,NZ S5B 1986 07 13 Parulidae Dendroica coronata Yellow-Rumped Warbler G5 N5B,NZ S5B 1986 07 31 5 Parulidae Dendroica coronata Yellow-Rumped Warbler G5 N5B,NZ S5B 1987 07 11 Parulidae Dendroica coronata Yellow-Rumped Warbler G5 N5B,NZ S5B 1989 06 01 5 Parulidae Dendroica virens Black-Throated Green Warbler G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 13 Parulidae Dendroica virens Black-Throated Green Warbler G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 31 4 Parulidae Dendroica virens Black-Throated Green Warbler G5 N5B S5B 1987 07 11 Parulidae Dendroica fusca Blackburnian Warbler G5 N5B S4S5B 1986 07 13 Parulidae Dendroica fusca Blackburnian Warbler G5 N5B S4S5B 1986 07 31 2 Parulidae Dendroica fusca Blackburnian Warbler G5 N5B S4S5B 1987 07 11 Parulidae Dendroica palmarum Palm Warbler G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 31 4 Parulidae Dendroica palmarum Palm Warbler G5 N5B S5B 1987 07 11 Parulidae Dendroica castanea Bay-Breasted Warbler G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 31 2 Parulidae Dendroica castanea Bay-Breasted Warbler G5 N5B S5B 1987 07 11 Parulidae Mniotilta varia Black-and-White Warbler G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 13 Parulidae Mniotilta varia Black-and-White Warbler G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 31 5 Parulidae Mniotilta varia Black-and-White Warbler G5 N5B S5B 1987 07 11 Parulidae Setophaga ruticilla American Redstart G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 13 Parulidae Setophaga ruticilla American Redstart G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 31 5 Parulidae Setophaga ruticilla American Redstart G5 N5B S5B 1987 07 11 Parulidae Seiurus aurocapillus Ovenbird G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 13 Parulidae Seiurus aurocapillus Ovenbird G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 31 4 Parulidae Seiurus aurocapillus Ovenbird G5 N5B S5B 1987 07 11 Parulidae Geothlypis trichas Common Yellowthroat G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 13 Parulidae Geothlypis trichas Common Yellowthroat G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 31 5 Parulidae Geothlypis trichas Common Yellowthroat G5 N5B S5B 1987 07 11 Parulidae Geothlypis trichas Common Yellowthroat G5 N5B S5B 1989 06 01 4 Parulidae Wilsonia pusilla Wilson's Warbler G5 N5B S4B 1990 06 00 Parulidae Wilsonia canadensis Canada Warbler G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 13 Parulidae Wilsonia canadensis Canada Warbler G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 31 5 Parulidae Wilsonia canadensis Canada Warbler G5 N5B S5B 1987 07 11 Cardinalidae Pheucticus ludovicianus Rose-Breasted Grosbeak G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 31 3 Emberizidae Spizella passerina Chipping Sparrow G5 N5B S5B 1986 07 31 2 Emberizidae Spizella passerina Chipping Sparrow G5 N5B S5B 1987 07 11 Emberizidae Passerculus sandwichensis Savannah Sparrow G5 N5B,NZ (PS) S5B 1986 07 13 Emberizidae Passerculus sandwichensis Savannah Sparrow G5 N5B,NZ (PS) S5B 1986 07 31 3 Emberizidae Passerculus sandwichensis Savannah Sparrow G5 N5B,NZ (PS) S5B 1989 06 01 3 Emberizidae Melospiza melodia Song Sparrow G5 N5 S5B 1986 07 13 Emberizidae Melospiza melodia Song Sparrow G5 N5 S5B 1986 07 31 5 Emberizidae Melospiza melodia Song Sparrow G5 N5 S5B 1987 07 11 Emberizidae Melospiza melodia Song Sparrow G5 N5 S5B 1989 06 01 3 Emberizidae Melospiza lincolnii Lincoln's Sparrow G5 N5B,NZ S5B 1987 07 11 Emberizidae Melospiza georgiana Swamp Sparrow G5 N5B,NZ S5B 1986 07 13 Emberizidae Melospiza georgiana Swamp Sparrow G5 N5B,NZ S5B 1986 07 31 3 Emberizidae Melospiza georgiana Swamp Sparrow G5 N5B,NZ S5B 1987 07 11 Emberizidae Zonotrichia albicollis White-Throated Sparrow G5 N5B,NZ S5B,SZN 1986 07 13 Emberizidae Zonotrichia albicollis White-Throated Sparrow G5 N5B,NZ S5B,SZN 1986 07 31 4 Emberizidae Zonotrichia albicollis White-Throated Sparrow G5 N5B,NZ S5B,SZN 1987 07 11 Emberizidae Zonotrichia albicollis White-Throated Sparrow G5 N5B,NZ S5B,SZN 1989 06 01 4 Emberizidae Junco hyemalis Dark-Eyed Junco G5 N5 S5 1986 07 13 Emberizidae Junco hyemalis Dark-Eyed Junco G5 N5 S5 1986 07 31 4 Emberizidae Junco hyemalis Dark-Eyed Junco G5 N5 S5 1987 07 11 Icteridae Dolichonyx oryzivorus Bobolink G5 N5B S3B 1986 07 13 Icteridae Agelaius phoeniceus Red-Winged Blackbird G5 N5B,NZ S5B 1986 07 13 Icteridae Agelaius phoeniceus Red-Winged Blackbird G5 N5B,NZ S5B 1986 07 31 4 Icteridae Agelaius phoeniceus Red-Winged Blackbird G5 N5B,NZ S5B 1987 07 11 Icteridae Euphagus carolinus Rusty Blackbird G5 N5B S3S4B 1986 07 13 Icteridae Euphagus carolinus Rusty Blackbird G5 N5B S3S4B 1987 07 11 Icteridae Quiscalus quiscula Common Grackle G5 N5B,NZ S5B 1986 07 13 Icteridae Quiscalus quiscula Common Grackle G5 N5B,NZ S5B 1986 07 31 4 Icteridae Quiscalus quiscula Common Grackle G5 N5B,NZ S5B 1987 07 11 Fringillidae Pinicola enucleator Pine Grosbeak G5 N5 S5 1986 07 13 Fringillidae Pinicola enucleator Pine Grosbeak G5 N5 S5 1986 07 31 2 Fringillidae Carpodacus purpureus Purple Finch G5 N5B,N5 S5B 1986 07 13 Fringillidae Carpodacus purpureus Purple Finch G5 N5B,N5 S5B 1986 07 31 3 Fringillidae Loxia curvirostra Red Crossbill G5 N5 S3S4 1986 07 13 Fringillidae Loxia leucoptera White-Winged Crossbill G5 N5 S5 1986 07 13 Fringillidae Loxia leucoptera White-Winged Crossbill G5 N5 S5 1986 07 31 2 Fringillidae Carduelis pinus Pine Siskin G5 N5 S5 1986 07 31 3 Fringillidae Carduelis tristis American Goldfinch G5 N5B,N5 S5 1986 07 13 Fringillidae Carduelis tristis American Goldfinch G5 N5B,N5 S5 1986 07 31 4 Fringillidae Carduelis tristis American Goldfinch G5 N5B,N5 S5 1989 06 01 3 Fringillidae Coccothraustes vespertinus Evening Grosbeak G5 N5 S5 1986 07 31 3 Passeridae Passer domesticus House Sparrow G5 NE5 SE 1986 07 13 Passeridae Passer domesticus House Sparrow G5 NE5 SE 1986 07 31 4 Passeridae Passer domesticus House Sparrow G5 NE5 SE 1987 07 11

Note: Listed are confirmed and possible breeders Survey Site LATDEC LONDEC Fall River 44.836973 -63.569390