Wetlands_term_paper_2015

(Nova Scotia Environment, 2011)

Proposed Plan for Road Construction in Nichols Lake: Assessing and Avoiding Alterations

Prepared for:Elizabeth Kennedy M.Sc, PGeo. PWS.

Prepared by:Cindy Quigley, Jordan Gardiner, Mikasa Quaife, and Tanya Prystay

March 26, 2015

March 26, 2015Page 2 of 19

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Page Number1.0 Project Description......................................................................................................... 42.0 Wetland Description....................................................................................................... 5

2.1 Methods................................................................................................................. 5

2.2 Classification.......................................................................................................... 5Table 1 Wetland Areas and Classification................................................ 5

2.3.1 Character..................................................................................................... 6

2.3.2 Wetland Functions....................................................................................... 62.3.3 Wetland Sensitivities.................................................................................... 7

3.0 Interactions..................................................................................................................... 73.1 Hydrology............................................................................................................... 7

Table 2 Hydraulic Interactions................................................................... 73.2 Soil......................................................................................................................... 8

Table 3 Soil Interactions............................................................................ 8

3.3 Ecology.................................................................................................................. 8

Table 4 Ecological Interactions................................................................. 84.0 Recommended Mitigations............................................................................................. 9

Table 5 Avoidance Measures Taken Before Construction Begins........... 9

Table 6 Actions Taken to Minimize Effects of Construction...................... 9Table 7 Compensation for Effects that can Neither be Avoided nor Minimized.................................................................................................. 10

5.0 Effects to Wetlands......................................................................................................... 11

5.1.1 Loss of Wetland and Wetland Fragmentation............................................... 11

5.1.2 Sedimentation............................................................................................... 11

5.1.3 Water Quality...................................................................................................... 11

5.1.4 Other Impacts..................................................................................................... 11Table 8 Mitigations to Help Counteract Effects to Wetlands..................... 12

6.0 Recommendations for Follow-Up Monitoring................................................................. 13

6.1 Objectives.............................................................................................................. 13

6.2 Methods................................................................................................................. 136.3 Locations............................................................................................................... 136.4 Frequency and Duration........................................................................................ 13

7.0 Closing Statement.......................................................................................................... 138.0 References 14


LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix Page Number

Appendix 1: Delineated Wetlands by Air Photo Interpretation............................................... 17

Appendix 2: Prospect River Watershed................................................................................. 18

Appendix 3: Wetland Construction Permits and Legislations................................................ 19

Appendix 4: Specifications for a standard cross section Minor F.......................................... 20


1.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Nichol’s Lake is a popular recreational area for local residents of the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) who use it for fishing, hiking, paddling, hunting, and swimming. The project will provide lake access via a paved, two-lane, minor F-collector highway extending from highway 333 to the northeast corner of Nichol’s Lake (Appendix 1). The lake is directly fed by Little Indian Lake via Stillwater Run and is part of the Prospect River Watershed, beginning at Otter Lake and emptying into Prospect Bay (Appendix 2). Upstream, Otter Lake and Big Indian Lake are part of the provincial fish-stocking program for sport fishing and are currently being stocked by the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (EDM, 2010). Important fish species found in the watershed include Brook trout, Sea trout, Atlantic salmon, and Gaspereau. There are no rare or endangered species of concern; however, the area has an established population of snapping turtles. There are a number of wetlands along the east side of Nichol’s Lake that provide important ecosystem services.

Road construction through these wetlands will cause direct loss that must be compensated for at a 2:1 ratio (Nova Scotia Environment, 2014). Minimization of wetland loss through careful planning and design will reduce the compensable wetland area. Project concerns include loss of ecosystem services from wetland loss and loss of fish and fish habitat from watercourse alterations. Permits will be required from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), Nova Scotia Environment (NSE), and Halifax Regional Municipality. It is assumed that all legislative and permitting requirements will be complete prior to project commencement (Appendix 3).

The timing window for project activities should fall between June 1 and September 30 to accommodate migrating fish species and comply with DFO to reduce harm to fish and fish habitat (DFO, 2014). Specifications for the collector include a total length of 1.80 Km and width of 30.4m, which includes an additional 10m of treed cutback on both sides of the paved edge (Appendix 3). The preferred route connected Nichol’s Lake to Highway 333 just north of the Sandstone Drive turnoff and would have avoided wetlands; however, this route is outside property boundaries and is unavailable for development. The alternate route was chosen to minimize highway length and wetland alteration; however, there will be approximately 0.70-0.80 hectares of wetland destruction that is unavoidable unless adjacent properties can be utilized (Appendix 1).

Even though wetland alteration has been avoided and mitigated where possible, highway design requires infilling of the fen, which must be compensated for at a 2:1 ratio, requiring at least 2 hectares of new wetland to be created in the area (NSE, 2014). The indirect effects may require further compensation due to hydrological, chemical, and physical alterations to the wetlands that will occur over time after project completion. The total project footprint will be no more than one hectare, which includes highway construction, vegetative cutbacks, flow diversions, and stockpiling areas for sand and gravel.

The new road will not impede the flow of Stillwater Run; however, there will be a temporary diversion of flow to accommodate in stream works during installation of the boxed culvert. Project activities will include clearing and grubbing the site, and infilling with clean fill material from approved quarries. Temporary diversion of Stillwater Run and possible drainage of the site will be required to facilitate boxed culvert installation, which will be done in consultation with DFO and NSE as per approval permits. Paving will include gravel and asphalt placement, installation of road signs and pavement markings, and filling and grading the site using clean materials that are not prone to acid rock drainage. Maintenance activities will include snow


clearing, salting and/or sanding, tree and vegetation management along shoulders and cut backs, pothole repairs, asphalt patching, culvert maintenance and repair, shoulder and washout repairs, and maintenance of signage.

2.0 WETLAND DESCRIPTION

2.1 Methods

Air Photo InterpretationLikely wetlands were delineated by examining air photos of the project site with a stereoscope, looking for depressions, evidence of saturated soil, and surface water inputs to wetland. Delineated wetlands were classified according to visual cues identified on the air photos, which were then compared with the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources Wetland Inventory database (2004). Resulting wetlands were further confirmed using nearby watercourses identified on topographic maps of the area. Surface water inputs to each wetland were also identified.

Field Delineation Wetland boundaries were delineated in situ by identifying the boundary of upland, facultative, and wetland plants. Soil samples were taken to identify histosol boundaries and pH was measured. Saturated soils were identified as sapric or fibric to identify the wetland type. Water levels were measured for two years prior to construction using piezometers. The piezometers were placed throughout each wetland to obtain baseline values of depth, duration, and timing of saturation, with which to compare post-construction water levels. The piezometers also allowed characterization of groundwater flow.

2.2 Classification

Wetlands were classified into class and form based on Canadian Wetlands Classification System (Table 1).

Table 1 Wetland Areas and Classification

Wetland Class Form Reasoning

1 Swamp Riverine Water table is below surface for at least part of the year. More than 30% covered by wooded vegetation (Nova Scotia

Environment, 2011). Fed by groundwater, runoff, and surface water Adjacent to a river.

2 Swamp Flat Water table is below surface for at least part of the year. More than 30% covered by wooded vegetation (Nova Scotia

Environment, 2011). Fed by groundwater, runoff, and surface water.

3 Fen Stream Water table is below surface for at least part of the year. Located on the edge of a stream (Warner & Rubec, 1997). Graminoids and mosses dominate in wetter areas, while low

shrubs are present in drier areas (Nova Scotia Environment, 2011, EDM 2009).


Table 1 Wetland Areas and Classification (Cont’d)4 Fen Stream Water table is below surface at least part of the year.

Located on the edge of a stream (Warner & Rubec, 1997). Graminoids and mosses dominate (Nova Scotia Environment, 2011,

EDM, 2009).5 Fen Stream Water table is below surface at least part of the year

Located on the edge of a stream (Warner & Rubec, 1997) Graminoids and mosses dominate in wetter areas, low shrubs in drier

areas (Nova Scotia Environment, 2011, EDM 2009).6 Fen Stream Water table is below surface at least part of the year

Located on the edge of a stream (Warner & Rubec, 1997) Graminoids and mosses dominate in wetter areas, low shrubs

in drier areas (Nova Scotia Environment, 2011, EDM 2009).7 Fen Stream Water table is below surface at least part of the year

Located on the edge of a stream (Warner & Rubec, 1997) Graminoids and mosses dominate in wetter areas, low shrubs in drier

areas (Nova Scotia Environment, 2011, EDM 2009).8 Swamp Flat Water table is below surface at least part of the year

More than 30% covered by wooded vegetation (Nova Scotia Environment, 2011).

Fed by groundwater and runoff.

2.3.1 Character

Appendix 1 illustrates the delineated wetlands in the project region. Woody vegetation, particularly coniferous bushes and trees dominate swamps 1, 2, and 8. Fens 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 are mostly dominated by graminoids; although fens 3, 5, 6, and 7 also have some low shrubs in drier areas. Swamps 1, 2, and 8 have variable pH (Nova Scotia Environment, 2011) but soils tend to be acidic due to the historic use of the land for agriculture, stripping the land of nutrients (EDM, 2009). These swamps are fed by runoff, groundwater, and precipitation. Swamps 1 and 2 are also fed by surface streams (Warner & Rubec, 1997). There is an accumulation of peat in the surface soils of these wetlands. Fens 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 are characterized by mucky peat and are fed by groundwater and surface water (Nova Scotia Environment, 2011).

2.3.2 Wetland Functions

Since both fens and swamps can be peatlands, they provide an opportunity for carbon sequestration. With a water table below ground level, swamps and fens provide protection from storm surges (Nova Scotia Environment, 2011). All wetlands identified in the area are tied to the groundwater system and therefore likely play a role in filtering and recharging groundwater. Fens and swamps around Nichol’s lake also provide habitat for local snapping turtles and other hydrophytic flora and fauna. Stream fens provide the additional service of slowing the input of groundwater into the river, preventing flooding following large precipitation events (Nova Scotia Environment, 2011).

2.3.3 Wetland Sensitivities


Both fens and swamps could be sensitive to pollutants since they are fed by surface water. Additionally a change in the pH could severely impact the vegetation in these wetlands. Increased inputs due to the addition of an impermeable surface could permanently change the water table level. Since swamps and fens are also partially groundwater fed changes in groundwater flow could result in desiccation or flooding. Flooding would have a particularly strong effect on swamps, as the trees growing in the swamp cannot adapt to constant high water level conditions.

3.0 INTERACTIONS

3.1 Hydrology

The fen is fed by precipitation, surface water from Stillwater Run, and groundwater. The groundwater source may be a deep aquifer and/or localized recharge from the stream. Infilling the fen will cause hydraulic isolation that will permanently alter the upstream and downstream hydraulic characteristics. Increased storm water runoff, decreased groundwater recharge, and flow constrictions are the three main hydraulic characteristics that would be most affected (Table 2).

Table 2 Hydraulic InteractionsFlow constrictions In stream changes in flow patterns caused by culvert

installation may cause stormwater to back up and flood low-lying areas.

Flooding Infilling will cause changes in the hydropattern that will reduce the wetland’s storage capacity, resulting in increased runoff and an increase in the magnitude and frequency of flood events.

Loss of hydraulic connectivity Culvert installation may drain the upstream portion of the wetland or may routinely restrict flow due to sedimentation.

Changes in stream stage and hydropattern

Stream stage and hydropattern changes may cause scouring of the riverbanks and bottom, bringing sediment downstream, further altering stream hydraulic characteristics, both downstream and upstream.

Increased runoff An increase in impervious surfaces from paving and vegetation removal reduces soil infiltration capacity causing increased runoff, flooding, erosion, and sedimentation downstream

Reduced groundwater recharge

Stormwater drainage control structures prevent groundwater recharge due to the lack of retention time in the wetland. This may affect wetland type and function.

Hydraulic isolation The downstream portion of the fen will not receive surface water inflows from the stream and will only be fed by groundwater and precipitation. As the fen dries out, hydrophytic vegetation will be replaced by upland vegetative species that are more tolerant to drier conditions.

3.2 Soil


Disturbances to soil affect the physical and chemical properties of the soil, which can further alter wetland function (Table 3). Important redox reactions occur in anoxic soils that reduce decomposition rates and recycle nutrients.

Table 3 Soil InteractionsDisturbed and exposed soil Project activities will disturb and expose soil, making it

vulnerable to erosion and sedimentation.Erosion and scouring of stream banks

Increases in runoff volume and velocity will remove protective riparian vegetation, further increasing stream bank scouring and erosion.

Sedimentation Soil disturbances, scouring of stream banks, and the removal of bottom sediments will carry sediments downstream to be deposited.

Eutrophication Nutrient laden sediment entering the lake can cause algae blooms, poor water quality, and anoxia resulting in fish kills in late summer.

Water quality Sand and gravel used for road building can alter the pH and chemistry of runoff water entering the stream, affecting fish and fish habitat and changing wetland vegetative species composition.

3.3 Ecology

Wetland plant communities will be affected by nutrient availability caused by changes in hydro-pattern and hydraulic isolation (Table 4). Changes from hydrophytic vegetation to more upland species may cause permanent changes in the insect, amphibian, and higher animal communities. Changes to wetland plant communities may change the wetland class, form, and type, depending on the hydraulic regime of groundwater sources.

Table 4 Ecological InteractionsFish and fish habitat Road construction across Stillwater Run may cause alterations,

to fish and fish habitat, which must be mitigated against and/or compensated for.

Invasive species Increased accessibility may cause the introduction of invasive species, which outcompete native species and contribute to reductions in wetland function and species diversity.

Removal of alluvial sediments and deposits

Reduced nutrient availability for vegetative species may cause a reduction in wetland primary productivity, loss of potential carbon storage, and a reduction in wetland function.

Water level fluctuations Drier conditions caused by stable water levels may reduce species richness and diversity by increasing unfavourable conditions for species that thrive in a wet environment.

Herbicides and pesticides Runoff containing contaminants used for vegetation management may enter surface water and groundwater systems and have adverse effects on the wetland ecosystem.

Salt Highway runoff containing salt may cause stress to plants that are not salt tolerant and suppress their growth rates.


4.0 RECOMMENDED MITIGATIONS

The proposed road will remove wetland area and have residual long term effects (Section 3). This will result in fragmentation and likely alter these local wetlands. Tables 5 and 6 list different mitigation tactics that will be taken before, during and after the construction process to help avoid, minimize, and compensate for any damage.

Table 5 Avoidance measures taken before construction beginsMitigation RationaleAvoid fragmenting wetlands

By constructing the road between wetlands 4 and 6, wetland fragmentation of can be avoided and damage to these wetlands can be minimized. This allows the local biota to move through the wetlands without finding alternative ways around obstructions. By avoiding wetland fragmentation, the hydrology within these areas can also remain unaffected. The road will also be built through part of wetland 7. This interrupts one end of the wetland and thus minimizes the amount fragmented (Government of British Columbia, 2009a).

Table 6 Actions taken to minimize effects of constructionMitigation RationaleShoulder slope and material

Maintaining the shoulder slope of the road to a 10% grade will minimize the erosion of the nearby soil. The shoulder will be made with a permeable substance to reduce runoff from the road during storm events (Environment Canada, 2000: Grand Lake Meadows case study).

Buffer Zones Buffer zones will be added between the road and adjacent wetlands. This buffer zone is suggested to be approximately 10 m in size to help minimize the effect on water quality, sediment control, and nutrient load from activities on the road. The buffer zone should consist of native plants and follow the natural curve of the wetlands.During construction, a raised berm of heavy clay will be built to prevent runoff of construction activities from entering the wetlands (North American Waterfront Management Plan, n.d.).

Open boxed culvert

An open box culvert will be designed and installed according to Best Management Practices for wetland crossings. This type of culvert avoids impeding water and facilitates animal crossing in wetland regions. Water will be diverted around the construction site during installation (Environment Canada, 2000: Grand Lake Meadows case study).

Night lighting It is recommended there be minimal change to the amount of night light in these areas. This will help to minimize the effect on daily cycles of biota in the wetlands (Environment Canada, 2000: Road through a wetland case study).

Emergency action plan

An emergency action plan should be implemented during construction to ensure a quick and efficient clean-up for any potential accidents. This will help to minimize effects on surrounding wetlands (Environment Canada, 2000: Grand Lake Meadows case study).

Table 6 Actions taken to minimize effects of construction (Cont’d)


No Service Stations

No service stations (i.e. Gas stations, restaurants, shops, etc.) will be placed around wetlands on the road to help avoid detrimental spills and accidents from further affecting surrounding wetlands (Government of British Columbia, 2009, Environment Canada, 2000: Road through a wetland case study).

Waste disposal Chemical waste will be collected in bins and disposed of according to Best Management Practices (TransCanada, 2012). Other waste will be collected and disposed of offsite according to Best Management Practices. Construction will include drains to redirect runoff into trees forest region where it can be filtered before reaching the wetland.

Minimize amount of land cleared at one time

Land cleared at one time should be kept to a minimum while construction occurs. This will permit better management of the area and rapid changes if necessary (Environment Canada, 2000: Drain Lake Wetland case study).

Invasive species management

A washing station will be implemented. All construction vehicles and materials must be washed prior to entering the project site to avoid spreading invasive species.

Vehicle regulation Movement of construction vehicles will be restricted to project boundaries (TransCanada, 2012). Locked barriers at road entrances will be implemented to prevent recreationalists from entering the wetland.

Monitoring during construction

Monitoring during construction will detect early negative environmental effects. This will permit proposed modifications to the construction plan to be implemented during the construction period and maintain ecological integrity. Monitoring will include water quality parameters, and biota diversity (Environment Canada, 2000).

Table 7 Compensation for effects that can neither be avoided nor minimizedMitigation Rationale2:1 compensation ratio

Affected wetlands will be compensated in a 2:1 ratio. This will mainly affect part of a fen (wetland 7), and alter approximately 0.8 ha. This 0.8 ha land damaged will be compensated for by extending the bottom of wetland 6 by approximately 2 ha. The functions of wetland 7 should be maintained in this new created wetland. Both, wetlands 6 and 7 are fens located downstream so the ecology and functions should be similar (Environment Canada, 2000).

Public education The surrounding wetlands will be affected by an increase in human traffic and activities facilitated by the new road. To compensate and minimize these effects, the wetlands close to human activities could be created into public education sites with raised boardwalks that keep pedestrians off of vegetation and vulnerable land. Educational signs can also help increase care and empathy towards the land (Environment Canada, 2000: Vancouver International Airport Runway Expansion case study).

5.0 EFFECTS TO WETLANDS


5.1 Post mitigation and unavoidable effects

The protection and management of wetlands aims to optimise preservation and maintenance of water quantities, qualities, habitats, and species (Government of British Columbia, 2009). Direct impacts are the long term effects on wetlands that occur when dredging, filling, draining, or other alterations take place inside the wetland and often yield loss of wetland territory (Wright, et. al. 2006). Indirect impacts are caused by an increase in storm water and pollution due to increased activity in the wetland drainage region. Such impacts alter the hydrology and impose stress on the vegetation and animals living in the wetlands. The four main categories of impacts the road construction may have on wetlands are loss and of wetland and wetland fragmentation, sedimentation, water quality, and other impacts.

5.1.1 Loss of wetland and wetland fragmentation

Filling and fragmenting the wetland can alter the hydrology, such as the lateral flow in fens (Government of British Columbia, 2009b). This could result in the entire wetland flooding, changes in wetland class, desiccation, or partial desiccation while other sections flood. Loss of wetland could create barriers to wildlife movement and alter breeding and feeding behaviours. Flooded regions tend to cause tree mortality, and tree species replacement with better adapted species to the wet environment (Gillies, C. 2011). The dead trees would also increase the volume of hummock micro-habitats in the wetland. These alterations could substantially alter the treed swamps and fens in the construction region.

5.1.2 Sedimentation

Site preparation for construction and the road construction processes increase the wetland’s vulnerability to erosion as the procedures disturb the land and expose the soil (Government of British Columbia, 2009b). Sediment erosion can reduce biological activity in the wetland, impose stress on the wildlife by altering breeding and feeding behaviours of animals the wildlife inhabiting the region, and may affect downstream habitats as well by either continuing erosion or dumping sediment, creating a buildup.

5.1.3 Water quality

Contaminants, such pesticides and fertilizers, used on surrounding vegetation, de-icers, metal, petroleum products, and nutrients build up on roads and runoff during a precipitation event (Government of British Columbia, 2009b). These contaminants in the runoff into the wetlands promote wetland eutrophication.

5.1.4 Other impacts

The road increases the distribution of invasive species into the ecosystem (Government of British Columbia, 2009b). Vehicles and construction equipment pick up non-native species and deposits them along the road where they ultimately flow into the wetland. The road also


provides more opportunity for recreationalists to boat, use their all-terrain vehicle (ATV), etc. in the region and alter the ecosystem.

Mitigations to counteract these effects are listed in table 8.

Table 8 Mitigations to help counteract effects to wetlandsImpacts Type of Effect MitigationWeed management Indirect A weed management plan will be implemented to

prevent the spread of invasive species, or species thriving due to increase in fertilization introduced by the construction process. Weed management will occur as part of the monitoring program (TransCanada, 2012).

Sedimentation and erosion management

Direct Seed native species along the road to reduce water velocity and decrease erosion. This would also prevent native plants from being outcompeted (TransCanada, 2012).

Maintenance of buffer zone

Direct Seeding native plant species and weeding will be focused around the road perimeter to prevent contaminants from flowing into the wetland. Effective buffer zones can reduce sediment runoff by up to 90% and filter pesticides and fertilizers that cause eutrophication (North American Waterfront Management Plan, n.d.).

Maintenance of ditches

Direct Maintain ditches to ensure they remain unplugged and continue to direct the runoff to a culvert crossing (Government of British Columbia, 2009b).

Waste Disposal Indirect To avoid recreationalists deposing garbage into the wetland, wildlife-safe garbage, compost, and recycling bins will be included in the entrance, at boat ramp sites, and ATV trails. Waste pick-up will be included in the local waste pick-up schedule (TransCanada, 2012).

Signage for animal crossings

Indirect Caution signs for turtle crossings will be placed along the road to warn drivers about potential turtle crossings (Biolinx Environmental Research LTD, 2004).

Signage for preventing spread of invasive species

Indirect Signs advising recreationalists to wash their equipment between sites will be placed at the entrance of the road, at the entrance of ATV tails, and at the boat ramps in Nichols Lake, in order to prevent invasive species distribution.


6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FOLLOW-UP MONITORING 6.1 Objectives

Post-construction monitoring should be completed to meet the following objectives: To confirm that the effects of the construction and maintenance on the project area were

accurately predicted. To optimize mitigation success and to minimize natural wetland loss of function. To diagnose any unpredicted changes as early as possible and to minimize the potential

negative effects of these changes. To publish the results from the monitoring program in order to increase public understanding

of the impacts of road construction on wetlands and to reduce the impact of future projects on wetlands.

6.2 Methods

The following processes should be followed to ensure the monitoring objectives are met: Water levels in wetlands 4, 5, 6, and 7 should be monitored with piezometers placed

throughout each wetland. Wetland area should be monitored to identify whether wetlands are shrinking or growing. Changes in vegetation, including percent cover and type, should be recorded. Changes in pH should be monitored. Culvert depth should be measured.

6.3 Locations

Wetlands 4, 5, 6, and 7, should be monitored both during and after construction as these are the wetlands most likely to be affected by the project. Wetlands 2 and 3 should also be monitored as indicators for natural variations between years.

6.4 Frequency and duration

All monitoring should occur weekly during the construction period and for the first month after construction is completed. Monitoring should then become monthly for one year after construction is completed, and yearly in subsequent years.

7.0 CLOSING STATEMENT

The proposed plan for the construction of a road joining Highway 333 to Nichol’s lake addresses the requirements according to the understanding and conditions of the project. If unforeseen adverse impacts are detected, construction will cease and appropriate authorities will be notified immediately (Nova Scotia Department of Energy and Marine Renewables, n.d.). Construction will only resume once mitigations agreeable to all parties have been established, and the monitoring framework will be modified accordingly. Similar protocols will be followed if unforeseen impacts are detected during post-monitoring.


8.0 REFERENCES

Biolinx Environmental Research LTD. 2004. Best management practices for amphibians and reptiles in urban and rural environments in British Columbia. BC Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection. Retrieved 03 20, 2015, http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/BMP/herptile/HerptileBMP_final.pdf

DFO. 2014. Timing windows to conduct projects in or around water. Retrieved 03 07, 2015, from http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/pnw-ppe/timing-periodes/index-eng.html

EDM. 2010. Western Common Wilderness Common Master Plan Final Report. Retrieved 03 13, 2015 from https://www.halifax.ca/proprty/WCWA/document/FinalReport-WesternCommonMasterPlans.pdf

EDM. 2009. Western Common Wilderness Common Master Plan. Retrieved 03 13, 2015 from https://www.halifax.ca/property/WCWA/documents/SAR_Chapter3.pdf

Environment Canada. 2000. Wetland mitigation in Canada: A framework for application. Sustaining wetlands issues paper. Secretariat: Ottawa, On. Retrieved 03 23, 2015, from http://nawcc.wetlandnetwork.ca/Wetland%20Mitigation%202000-1.pdf

Gillies, C. 2011. Contract report CR-652: Water management techniques for resource roads in wetlands. Retrieved 03 13, 2015 from https://fpinnovations.ca/ResearchProgram/Pages/research-program-forest-operations-resourceroads-wetlands.aspx

Government of British Columbia. 2009a. Chapter 2: General Guidelines. Wetland ways: Interim guidelines for wetland protection and conservation in British Columbia. Retrieved 03 23, 2015, from http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/documents/bmp/wetlandways2009/Wetland%20Ways%20Ch%202%20General.pdf

Government of British Columbia. 2009b. Chapter nine: Road and utility corridors. In Wetland Stewardship Partnership, Wetland ways (pp. 9-1 – 9-11). Retrieved 03 04, 2015, from http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/documents/bmp/wetlandways2009/Wetland%20Ways%20Ch%209%20Corridors.pdf

Government of Canada. 2014. Acts. Retrieved 03 13, 2015, from http://www.ec.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=En&n=E826924C-1.

Government of Canda. 2015. Canada wildlife act. Retrieved 03 04, 2015, from http://www.ec.gc.ca/alef-ewe/default.asp?lang=En&n=E8EA5606-1

Government of Nova Scotia. 2010. Forest Act. Retrieved 03 20, 2015, from http://nslegislature.ca/legc/statutes/forests.htm

Government of Nova Scotia. 2014a. Woodlands and wetlands: what you should know before you harvest. Retrieved 03 20, 2015, from http://www.novascotia.ca/nse/wetland/docs/Woodlands_and_Wetlands.pdf.


Government of Nova Scotia. 2014b. Municipal Government Act – Resource Binder. Retrieved 03 21, 2015, from http://novascotia.ca/dma/publications/mga.asp.

Lahey, W.,and Doelle, M. 2012. Environmental goals and sustainable prosperity act: Negotiating the interface of environmental and economic governance: Nova Scotia’s environmental goals and sustainable prosperity act. Dalhousie L. J. 35 (1): [Excerpt]. Retrieved 03 21, 2015, from http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2164282

North American Waterfront Management Plan. (n.d). PEI wetland notes: Eastern habitat joint venture. Retrieved 03 23, 2015, from http://www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/eef_wildlife_p8.pdf

Nova Scotia department of energy and marine renewables. (n.d.). Statement of best practices for in-stream tidal energy development and operation. Retrieved 03 21, 2015, from http://energy.novascotia.ca/sites/default/files/files/Statement%20of%20Best%20Practices%20Booklet.pdf

Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources. 2004. Natural resources: Significant habitats of Nova Scotia. Retrieved 03 15, 2015 from

http://gis4.natr.gov.ns.ca/website/nssighabnew/viewer.htm

Nova Scotia Environment. 2011. Retrieved 03 20, 2015, from http://www.novascotia.ca/nse/wetland/docs/Nova.Scotia.Wetland.Conservation.Policy.pdf

Nova Scotia Environment. 2014. Compensation for Wetland Alterations. Retrieved 03 20, 2015, from http://www.novascotia.ca/nse/wetland/compensation.asp

NSTIR. 2009. Nova Scotia Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. Retrieved 03 13, 2015 from http://novascotia.ca/tran/highways/standarplanspdfs/Highway%20Design/Design%20Guidelines/S-2009008_Standard%20Cross%20Section%20Minor%20Collector.pdf

SWCS. 2013. Prospect River Watershed. Retrieved 03 13, 2015, from www.chebucto.ns.ca/ccn/info/Science/SWCS//TPMODELS/PIC/prospecr.jpg

TransCanada. 2012. Keystone XL project construction, mitigation, and reclamation plan. Retrieved 03 23, 2015, from http://keystonepipelinexl.state.gov/documents/organization/205587.pdf

Warner, B. G., & Rubec, C. D. A. (Eds.). 1997. The Canadian wetland classification system. Waterloo: Wetlands Research Centre

Wright T., Tomlinson J., Schueler, T., Cappiella, K., Kitchell, A., and Hirschman, D. (2006). Direct and indirect impacts of urbanization on wetland quality. Retrieved 03 19, 2015, from http://www.northinlet.sc.edu/training/media/resources/article1impact%20urbanization%20wetland%20quality.pdf



Appendix 1: Delineated Wetlands by Air Photo Interpretation


Appendix 2: Prospect River Watershed (SWCS, 2013).

Source: www.chebucto.ns.ca/ccn/info/Science/SWCS//TPMODELS/PIC/prospecr.jpg


Appendix 3: Wetland Construction Permits and Legislations

Wetland alterations are only permitted provided all the required legal permit applications have been approved by the appropriate government divisions. Only roads built through wooded swamps and less than 10 meters wide and 600m square in total area do not require an approval; all other permanent road construction through a wetland require an approval (Government of Nova Scotia, 2014a). Projects altering 2 or more hectares of wetland require an approval. The following table lists the legislations and permits applicable to this project.

Legislation Jurisdiction Authority

Description Approval Required (Yes/No)

Wildlife Act Federal Government

Environment Canada has developed the Act to preserve habitats and to protect all native and some non-native wildlife species from harmful human activity (Government of Canada 2015). Projects can only proceed once wildlife have left the site or by implementing effective mitigations.

Y

Environment Act

Provincial Government

The Department of the Environment Act developed the Act to preserve and enhance the natural environment from harmful anthropogenic activity (Government of Canada, 2014). The Act includes regulations such as the On-site Sewage Disposal Systems Regulations and Watercourse Alteration Regulation.

Y

Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act (EGSPA)


The Act was developed in order to achieve two goals by the year 2020: 1) serve as an international role model by having one of the top cleanest and sustainable environments in the world 2) obtaining an economic performance equal to or greater than the average Canadian economic performance (Lahey and Doelle, 2012).

N

Water Resource Protection Act


The Act prohibits the bulk removal of water from a watercourse in Nova Scotia (Water for Life: Nova Scotia’s water resource management strategy, 2010)

N

Forest Act Provincial Government

The Act is set to protect and promote healthy, more productive forests (Government of Nova Scotia, 2010). This includes regulations such as Wildlife Habitat and Watercourses Protection Regulations.

N

Municipal Government Act

Municipal Government

The Act gives authority to the Municipal Government to develop and implement by-laws, such as the Waste Water Discharge Bylaw (Government of Nova Scotia, 2014b).

Y

The listed requirements only include wetland legislations. Other legislations and bylaws apply to the broader project. Examples include the Fisheries Act and the Migratory Bird Convention Act under the Federal Government. Professionals in these domains should be consulted prior to development construction. Further Municipal Bylaws regarding the project construction, such as the Noise Bylaw, should also be considered prior to construction.


Appendix 4: Specifications for a standard cross section Minor F Collector (NSTIR, 2009).

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