Draft Environmental Report Ivanhoe River - The Chute and Third Falls Hydroelectric Generating Station Projects Revised May 2013 The Chute and Third Falls Draft Environmental Report May 2013 Insert “Foreword” i The Chute and Third Falls Draft Environmental Report May 2013 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Waterpower in Ontario ................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Introduction to Project .................................................................................................. 1 1.2.1 Zone of Influence .................................................................................................. 2 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 ............ 8 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 ............................................................................................................. 16 2.8 River Hydrology .......................................................................................................... 16 2.8.1 Water Levels, Flow and Movement ...................................................................... 17 2.8.2 Surface Water Quality .......................................................................................... 17 2.8.3 Thermal regime .................................................................................................... 19 2.9 Ecology ....................................................................................................................... 19 2.9.1 Site Information Package ..................................................................................... 20 2.9.2 Terrestrial Habitat and Species .............................................................................. 21 2.9.3 Aquatic Habitat and Species ................................................................................. 22 2.9.4 Valued Ecosystem Components ........................................................................... 24 2.9.5 Significant Wildlife Habitats ................................................................................. 26 2.10 Cultural Heritage ........................................................................................................ 27 ii The Chute and Third Falls Draft Environmental Report May 2013 2.10.1 Archaeological Sites and Assessments ................................................................... 27 2.10.2 Buildings and Structures ....................................................................................... 29 2.11 Current Land and Water Use ...................................................................................... 29 2.11.1 Land Use/Land Policies ........................................................................................ 29 2.11.2 Access .................................................................................................................. 30 2.11.3 Navigation .......................................................................................................... 30 2.11.4 Recreational Use and Commercial Tourism ........................................................... 31 2.11.5 Area Aesthetics .................................................................................................... 33 2.11.6 Forestry ............................................................................................................... 34 2.11.7 Hunting ............................................................................................................... 35 2.11.8 Fishing ................................................................................................................. 37 2.11.9 Trapping and Baitfish Harvesting ......................................................................... 39 2.11.10 Protected Areas ................................................................................................ 40 2.11.11 Mineral Resources ................................................................................................ 41 2.12 Aboriginal Land and Water Use .................................................................................. 42 2.12.1 Reserves, Communities and Land Claims .............................................................. 42 2.12.2 Spiritual, Ceremonial, Cultural and Burial Grounds .............................................. 43 2.13 Social and Economic ................................................................................................... 44 2.13.1 Municipal Structure and Community Profile ........................................................ 44 2.13.2 Employment & Economic Setting ......................................................................... 47 2.13.3 Water Supply ...................................................................................................... 50 3. Description of Proposed Projects ........................................................................................ 51 3.1 The Chute GS ............................................................................................................. 52 3.1.1 Description of the Proposed The Chute Hydroelectric Facility .............................. 52 3.1.2 Design Options and Chosen Alternatives for The Chute GS .................................. 52 3.1.3 The Chute Generating Station Components ......................................................... 53 3.1.4 Ancillary Works for The Chute GS ....................................................................... 54 3.2 Third Falls GS ............................................................................................................. 55 3.2.1 Description of Proposed Third Falls Hydroelectric Facility .................................... 55 3.2.2 Original Design Options and Chosen Alternatives for Third Falls .......................... 55 3.2.3 Third Falls Generating Station Components ......................................................... 56 3.2.4 Ancillary Works for Third Falls GS ....................................................................... 57 iii The Chute and Third Falls Draft Environmental Report May 2013 3.3 Roads ......................................................................................................................... 57 4. Construction Strategy ........................................................................................................ 59 4.1 Construction Schedule ................................................................................................ 59 4.2 Construction Activities ................................................................................................. 61 4.2.1 Clearing and Grubbing ......................................................................................... 61 4.2.2 Aggregate Borrow ................................................................................................ 61 4.2.3 Laydown Areas .................................................................................................... 62 4.2.4 Construction Camp ............................................................................................. 63 4.2.5 Cofferdams .......................................................................................................... 63 4.2.6 Dewatering.......................................................................................................... 63 4.2.7 Excavation of Powerhouse and Tailrace Canal ..................................................... 64 4.2.8 Concrete Production............................................................................................ 64 4.2.9 Connection line ................................................................................................... 64 4.2.10 Management of Waste Materials during Construction .........................................