DRAFT FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES Environmental Report Big Eddy (Petawawa River) Hydroelectric Generating Station Project Big Eddy Draft Environmental Report July 2013 Table of Contents Executive Summary 1. Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Waterpower in Ontario ................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Introduction to Project .................................................................................................. 1 1.2.1 Zone of Influence ................................................................................................... 1 1.3 Overview of the Environmental Screening Process ........................................................ 4 1.4 Approach to the Environmental Screening Process ........................................................ 5 1.4.1 Legal Framework ................................................................................................... 6 1.4.2 Characterize Local Environment of Proposed Development ................................... 7 1.4.3 Identify Potential Environmental Effects ................................................................. 8 1.4.4 Identify Required Mitigation, Monitoring or Additional Investigations ................... 8 1.4.5 Agency and Public Consultation and Aboriginal Communities Engagement ............ 9 2. Existing Conditions............................................................................................................. 13 2.1 Location and Land Ownership in Project Area ............................................................. 13 2.2 Existing Infrastructure................................................................................................... 13 2.3 Topography ................................................................................................................ 14 2.4 Climate ........................................................................................................................ 14 2.5 Soils ............................................................................................................................. 15 2.6 Geology ...................................................................................................................... 15 2.7 Hydrogeology ............................................................................................................. 15 2.8 River Hydrology .......................................................................................................... 15 i Big Eddy Draft Environmental Report July 2013 2.8.1 Water Levels, Flow and Movement ...................................................................... 16 2.8.2 Surface Water Quality .......................................................................................... 16 2.8.3 Thermal Regime ................................................................................................... 17 2.9 Ecology ....................................................................................................................... 17 2.9.1 Terrestrial Habitat and Species .............................................................................. 18 2.9.2 Aquatic Habitat and Species ................................................................................. 22 2.9.3 Valued Ecosystem Components ........................................................................... 26 2.9.4 Species at Risk ...................................................................................................... 27 2.9.5 Significant Wildlife Habitats ................................................................................. 32 2.10 Cultural Heritage ........................................................................................................ 33 2.10.1 Archaeological Sites and Assessments ................................................................... 33 2.10.2 Buildings and Structures ....................................................................................... 33 2.11 Current Land and Water Use ...................................................................................... 34 2.11.1 Land Use/Land Policies ........................................................................................ 34 2.11.2 Access .................................................................................................................. 35 2.11.3 Recreation Use and Commercial Tourism ............................................................ 35 2.11.4 Navigation .......................................................................................................... 38 2.11.5 Area Aesthetics .................................................................................................... 45 2.11.6 Forestry ............................................................................................................... 45 2.11.7 Hunting ............................................................................................................... 45 2.11.8 Fishing ................................................................................................................. 45 2.11.9 Trapping and Baitfish Harvesting ......................................................................... 46 2.11.10 Protected Areas ................................................................................................ 46 ii Big Eddy Draft Environmental Report July 2013 2.11.11 Mineral Resources ............................................................................................... 46 2.12 Aboriginal Land and Water Use .................................................................................. 47 2.12.1 Reserves and Communities .................................................................................. 47 2.12.2 Land Claims ......................................................................................................... 48 2.12.3 Spiritual, Ceremonial, Cultural and Burial Grounds .............................................. 48 2.12.4 The American Eel (Kitchisippi Pimisi) ................................................................... 48 2.13 Social and Economic ................................................................................................... 49 2.13.1 Municipal Structure and Community Profile ........................................................ 49 2.13.2 Employment & Economic Setting ......................................................................... 52 2.13.3 Water Supply ...................................................................................................... 54 3. Description of Proposed Project ........................................................................................ 55 3.1 Description of the Proposed Hydroelectric Facility ...................................................... 56 3.2 Design Options and Rationale .................................................................................... 56 3.3 Generating Station Components ................................................................................. 57 3.3.1 Headworks Structure ........................................................................................... 57 3.3.2 Intake and Conveyance System ............................................................................ 58 3.3.3 Powerhouse ........................................................................................................ 58 3.3.4 Turbines .............................................................................................................. 58 3.3.5 Tailrace ............................................................................................................... 59 3.3.6 Fishway ............................................................................................................... 59 3.3.7 Portage Trail ........................................................................................................ 59 3.4 Access Roads .............................................................................................................. 60 3.5 Ancillary Works ........................................................................................................... 61 iii Big Eddy Draft Environmental Report July 2013 3.5.1 Connection Line Route ......................................................................................... 61 3.5.2 Electrical Substation .............................................................................................. 61 3.5.3 Other Civil Works ................................................................................................ 61 4. Construction Strategy ........................................................................................................ 62 4.1 Construction Schedule ................................................................................................ 62 4.2 Construction Activities ................................................................................................ 63 4.2.1 Clearing and Grubbing ........................................................................................ 63 4.2.2 Aggregate Borrow and Laydown Areas ................................................................ 64 4.2.3 Dewatering.......................................................................................................... 64 4.2.4 Cofferdams .........................................................................................................