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Presentation of Alternative Solutions for Riverside Dam
Class Environmental Assessment City of Cambridge
June 18, 2013
Welcome
Presentation Outline
1. Opening Remarks Kealy Dedman, Director, Engineering Services 2. Main Presentation Ron Scheckenberger, Consultant Team PM 1. Introduction/Background 2. Baseline Inventory 3. Study Progress and Timeline Since First Public Session 4. Problem and Opportunity Statement 5. Selection of Alternatives 6. Assessment of Alternatives 7. Legislative and Regulatory Requirements 8. Costs and Liabilities 9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 10. Next Steps 3. Closing Remarks George Elliott, Commissioner of Transportation and Public Works 4. Breakout to Work Stations Anne McIlroy, Public Facilitator
Riverside Dam Class Environmental Assessment
Welcome
Public Information Centre Outline
After the presentation individuals can visit Work Stations to view the
preliminary alternatives and to ask questions and provide comments directly to City Staff and Consultant Team members
1. INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND
Riverside Park
Riverside Dam
2. BASELINE INVENTORY
2. Baseline Inventory
As part of this study, the AMEC Team conducted numerous baseline assessments to develop a better understanding of the Riverside Dam and its local environs, these included: land use hydrology (flows) hydraulics (levels) park use cultural heritage water quality structural engineering sediment quantity and quality geotechnical topographic surveys (above fisheries/aquatic habitat and below water line) vegetation stream stability wildlife
2. Baseline Inventory
Park Use and Inventory
Various components of the park include: The Speed River Interface Riverside Dam Active Park Programming Passive Leisure Circulation (roadway) Built Heritage Features
2. Baseline Inventory
Cultural Heritage Assessment
The current dam was constructed in the late 1800s as a water supply source for the Erb Mill The Cherry family, acquired the mill from the Erb family and operated the mill until 1923, after which it was operated by the Standard Milling Company, Dover Flour Mills, and currently P&H Milling The existing railway bridge (now owned by CP Rail) was constructed in July 1894 the Riverside Dam is listed on the City of Cambridge Heritage Properties Inventory
2. Baseline Inventory
Fisheries and Terrestrial (Vegetation/ Wildlife) Assessment
Fish Community
Mixed water fishery: cool water predators (pike), warmwater based fishery One Species at Risk (SAR) fish identified downstream of the study area - Silver Shiner (Notropis photogenis) One Species at Risk (SAR) mussel identified downstream of the study area Wavy-rayed Lampmussel (Lampsilis fasciola)
Mussel Community
2. Baseline Inventory
Flood and Water Level Assessment
Speed River Flow Rates @ Riverside Dam (m3/s)
Summer Riverside Mean Base Park Floods Flow 2 Year Flood 10 Year Flood 100 Year Flood Regional Storm Flood
>45
110
181
269
679
Flood flows and flood levels have previously been determined by GRCA using computer models Levels used to generate Regulatory floodplain Riverside Dam is understood to increase flood levels 0.56 m and 0.58 m for the 100 year and Regional Storm floods, respectively Floodplain includes a Two-Zone policy which establishes distinct regulatory restrictions on local development potential within the flood fringe vs. the floodway
Riverside Dam Class Environmental Assessment
2. Baseline Inventory
River Morphology (Physical Properties)
Study Activities Built upon information from existing studies Examined the head pond as well as upstream and downstream channel reaches with a particular focus on the sediment that has accumulated behind the dam Field work included re-measurement of river stations set in 2007 to assess change
Depth (m)
14-Nov-07
273.5
Water
Bankfull
28-Nov-11
273
272.5
272
271.5
271 0 10 20 30 40 50
Width (m)
Findings The river in the vicinity of the study area has not been overly dynamic The sediment within the reservoir has accumulated to approximately 13,000 m3 The sediment within the reservoir is finer than the surrounding reaches
Riverside Dam Class Environmental Assessment
2. Baseline Inventory
Water Quality and Sediment Quantity/Quality
Water and sediment quality studies have demonstrated the Riverside Dam causes the following: Decreased dissolved oxygen concentrations in the head pond (below Provincial objectives) Increased summer water temperatures downstream A build-up of sediment with metals (Cadmium, Copper and Zinc) exceeding Provincial standards A sediment management plan would be required for any future works affecting the Riverside Dam (Provincial Ministry of the Environment requirement)
Riverside Dam Class Environmental Assessment
2. Baseline Inventory
Survey of Dam and Head Pond
As part of the study, a bathymetric (underwater survey) investigation was conducted The depth of water to sediment versus former creek bed in the dam head pond is important to understand the flow properties, flood depths as well as the amount of sediment for potential remediation/removal The head pond water levels tend to be quite shallow (less than 1.2 m on average)
April 2012
PIC No. 1
June 2012
Aug 2012
Oct 2012
Dec 2012
Feb 2013
April 2013
June 2013
Develop Alternatives Assessment of Alternatives Draft Report Technical Committee Meeting No.2 Stakeholder Committee Meeting No.2 PIC No. 2
5. SELECTION OF ALTERNATIVES
5. Selection of Alternatives
Seven (7) preliminary alternatives have been considered to potentially address the future management requirements of the Riverside Dam and local environs: Alternative A: Do Nothing Alternative B: Rebuild Dam In-place Alternative C: Naturalize Speed River Alternative D: Construct In-stream Rock Structures Alternative E: Lower Dam Crest Alternative F: Build Offline Dam and Naturalize Speed River Alternative G: Incremental Decommissioning of Dam
Alternatives A, B, C, and D have been carried forward to be evaluated as part of the Short-listed Alternatives Alternatives E, F and G have been screened from further assessment as they were not considered technically feasible nor functionally effective or would not be permitable
Riverside Dam Class Environmental Assessment
6. ASSESSMENT OF ALTERNATIVES
6. Assessment of Alternatives
To systematically evaluate the short-listed alternatives, a set of appropriate Evaluation Factors needed to be established Functional Flooding Fluvial Stability/ Sediment Transport Natural Environment Fish Passage Aquatic Habitat / Health Water Quality and Temperature Natural Heritage Sediment Quality Social Cultural Heritage Boating Fishing Park Uses Public Safety Economics Capital Operations and Maintenance Liability Regulatory Permitability
Alternative A Do Nothing
6. Assessment of Alternatives
Alternative A Do Nothing
Required by the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) process Represents baseline conditions November 2008 permit (MNR) for temporary emergency works states that:
City has an obligation to the Province under the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act (LRIA) to complete a Class EA (the current study) and make an application to complete permanent works to address the dam condition Only engineered solutions would be considered permanent works, thus Alternative A: Do Nothing is not considered feasible nor compliant with the Provincial requirements
6. Assessment of Alternatives
Alternative B Rebuild Dam In-place
Riverside Dam would be replaced essentially in kind, maintaining existing structural
layout/configuration aesthetics and hydraulic performance; sediment upstream of the dam would need to be removed as part of the works; a feasibility study would be required to determine the potential for power generation
6. Assessment of Alternatives
Alternative B Rebuild Dam In-place
Visualization
6. Assessment of Alternatives
Alternative B Rebuild Dam In-place
Technical & Regulatory Considerations Existing structure has no status as a dam under Provincial policy (pre-dates), therefore a permit for a new dam is required from Province Province requires the City to obtain flooding rights for the increase in flood levels caused by a new dam (relative to a natural river condition); this likely will require City to purchase the affected land or acquire land rights The Province (MNR) has indicated Rebuilding the dam does not meet its mandate with respect to: restoration of fisheries improving water quality supporting recovery of Species at Risk improving navigation
Riverside Dam Class Environmental Assessment
6. Assessment of Alternatives
Alternative B Rebuild Dam In-place
Natural Environment Considerations No direct impact, but opportunities to improve the following are not realized: - Aquatic habitat - Fish passage - Water quality - Sediment transport/quality Social Considerations Considered preferred solution from a cultural heritage perspective best opportunity to maintain existing resource in existing configuration
6. Assessment of Alternatives
Property Impacted by Alternative B Rebuild Dam In-place
6. Assessment of Alternatives
Alternative C Naturalize Speed River
Remove Riverside Dam and with it the
headpond area Restore river from approximately King Street to Sulphur Creek Natural channel design - Riffle-pool sequences - Approximately 30 m wide channel - Depth varying from 1 m to 1.8 m +/ River would look and function like Speed River up and downstream of study area
6. Assessment of Alternatives
Alternative C Naturalize Speed River
6. Assessment of Alternatives
Alternative C Naturalize Speed River
Visualization
6. Assessment of Alternatives
Alternative C Naturalize Speed River
Technical/Regulatory Considerations Permit required for dam decommissioning (Provincial/MNR) MOE would require a sediment removal plan The removal of the dam would be expected to result in an overall reduction in water surface elevations for all design events Natural Environment Considerations Removes an obstruction and provides migratory access for fish and aquatic species, including local Species at Risk (SAR) Eliminates the negative impact (i.e. warming) of the existing headpond on water temperature Improves water quality (dissolved oxygen) Eliminates future liability related to contaminated sediment build-up Reinstates natural movement of sediment Returns 800 m +/- of natural river and associated riparian habitat
Riverside Dam Class Environmental Assessment
6. Assessment of Alternatives
Alternative C Naturalize Speed River
Social Environment Considerations Highest impact on cultural heritage resources Mitigation can include: - Protect/restore/relocate the north and south control structures, a portion of the gravity dam structure, and the Mill Race control structure while accommodating the new channel - Install commemorative interpretation signage documenting the history of the Riverside Dam and its significance to the Preston community Reduction in nuisance flooding in Riverside Park and related park closures
Riverside Dam Class Environmental Assessment
6. Assessment of Alternatives
Alternative D Construct In-Stream Rock Structures
Remove Riverside Dam and headpond Construct 4 +/- rocky ramps from
downstream of King Street and upstream through headpond Rocky ramps would: - Collectively generate the height of the Riverside Dam (1.5 m) - Span the width of the existing headpond (+/-) - Cause localized ponding areas upstream - Would have a cascade effect on downslope (4%)
6. Assessment of Alternatives
Alternative D Construct In-Stream Rock Structures
Under low flow conditions, the top of the rocky ramps will be visible extending from the banks towards the centre of the ponded area The river would generally be navigable through Riverside Park when the similar reaches of the Speed River are navigable (this depends on flows and type of boat) Large storm events may cause minor shifting in the ramps; The river will be calmer upstream of the rocky ramps, especially towards the banks, and faster in the centre, as it flows over the ramps
Riverside Dam Class Environmental Assessment
6. Assessment of Alternatives
Alternative D Construct In-Stream Rock Structures
6. Assessment of Alternatives
Alternative D Construct In-Stream Rock Structures
Visualization
6. Assessment of Alternatives
Alternative D Construct In-Stream Rock Structures
Technical/Regulatory Considerations Permit required for dam decommissioning but does not require approval as a dam by the Province (requires approval as channelization) The removal of the dam would be expected to result in some reduction in water surface elevations for all design events MOE would require a sediment removal plan Natural Environment Considerations Provides migratory access for fish and aquatic species, including local Species at Risk (SAR) Improves water quality (dissolved oxygen) Social Environment Considerations Level of impact on cultural heritage resources would be the same as Alternative C Mitigation measures would be similar to Alternative C
Riverside Dam Class Environmental Assessment
6. Assessment of Alternatives
Assessment Category
Functional (Physical) Environment Natural Environment
Assessment Factor
Flooding Fluvial Stability / Sediment Transport Fish Passage Aquatic Habitat / Health Water Quality and Temperature Natural Heritage Sediment Quality
Alternative A: Do Nothing
Social Environment
Economic
Regulatory
Positive
Permitability
Positive Neutral Neutral Negative Neutral Negative Does not meet Regulatory Requirements Meets Regulatory Requirements
5,805,000
8,525,000+
1,205,000
802,000
16,337,000
4,953,000
275,000
5,228,000
6,715,000
190,000
6,905,000
Alternative A: Do Nothing Alternative B: Rebuild Dam In-place Alternative C: Naturalize Speed River Alternative D: In-Stream Rock Structures
* 1 = highest relative risk and 4 = least relative risk
1 2 4 (Typical river) 3
Closing Remarks
Public Consultation is essential to the EA Study Process Public reaction has been substantial, passionate and split We need and appreciate all comments Please share your passion....respectfully Work Stations provided for your comfort Ask questions, discover what we have learned Look, point, draw, write, chat, share...
Work Stations
Please join our Consultant Team at one of the three Work Stations you see in this room. Each Work Station is the same and includes: Drawings that illustrate each of the preliminary alternatives City Staff and Consultant Team Members to facilitate a discussion, answer questions and take notes Comment sheets are also available to fill out now or to take home and submit later.
We are here tonight to hear from you and answer your questions.