Environmental Assessment West Carleton Environmental ...

Environmental Assessment West Carleton Environmental Centre

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chapter 4. description of the environment potentially affected by the undertaking

Figure 4-11 Fish Habitat Classification


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Figure 4-12 Vegetation Communities


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This wetland covers a larger area than what has been mapped by MNR, so the actual area of

the provincially significant wetland (PSW) is likely more extensive than what is shown in

Figure 4-12. The wetland and surrounding forest has been identified as a Centre of Ecological

Significance in the context of the Carp River watershed.

Flora

A total of 194 vascular plant species were recorded during field investigations, of which 38

(approximately 20%) are non-native species. No locally rare species were encountered but 22

are considered to be locally uncommon.

The only plant species at risk encountered was the Endangered Butternut (Juglans cinerea).

Three individual trees occur within the landfill site, near the north edge of the dry-fresh birch

deciduous forest in the southeast corner. Four other individual trees occur in the forest block

southwest of William Mooney Road (refer to Figure 4-12). In November 2003, the Committee

on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) designated Butternut an

Endangered species. Although the Butternut is relatively common south of the Canadian

Shield, COSEWIC has designated it “endangered” because of a disease, the Butternut Canker,

which has rapidly spread through North America. This disease causes a high degree of

mortality in Butternut trees. The Butternut is listed provincially as “S3?” (provincially rare to

uncommon, status uncertain) by the Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC). No individuals

showed symptoms of the lethal Butternut canker.

Wildlife

Wildlife surveys focused on breeding bird surveys and nocturnal amphibian surveys, as

discussed in the following sections. Some key wildlife observations are shown on Figure 4-13.

Birds

During the breeding bird surveys on June 3 and 16, 2011, a total of 34 species and 22 species,

respectively, were recorded within the existing landfill property, and 50 species and 37 species

within the west and north landfill envelopes. The previous survey work in 2006 recorded 48

species of birds on the existing landfill site, which included some non-breeding species such as

Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) and gulls.

The most commonly occurring breeding birds include Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius

phoeniceus), European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris); Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia),

American Robin (Turdus migratorius), Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia) and Common

Yellowthroat (Geothlyphis trichas).


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Figure 4-13 Wildlife Observations


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The forested areas both on the existing landfill site and the project envelopes support a number

of area sensitive breeding birds, as recognized by MNR (2000). Eight species were recorded

on the landfill, three to the north of the landfill, and ten in the forest to the west. The approximate

locations of the area sensitive species are all shown in Figure 4-13.

The old field habitat to the west of William Mooney Road appears to provide suitable habitat to

the provincially Threatened Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus). The breeding bird survey was

conducted on two dates in early and mid-June at an appropriate time of year when this species

would have been present. During the breeding season the male Bobolink is not easily

overlooked with its distinct pattern, bubbling territorial song, and habit of singing from

conspicuous perches. Surveys adequately covered the open field in broad transects roughly

250 m apart. The operator of the agricultural field to the west of the existing site was

questioned as to whether he had seen Bobolink on his land. The operator of the agricultural

field noted that he had seen them in the area previously, but not in the past several years. The

fields are in the early stage of succession but woody shrubs are establishing. Bobolink typically

prefer fields with little or no shrubs so it is possible that the regeneration makes the area no

longer favourable to this species.

It is also noteworthy that approximately 100 Bank Swallow (Riparia riparianesting) holes were

observed on a steep exposed earthen bank within the existing landfill property. Bank Swallow is

a colonial nesting species. The location is important since there are a large number of breeding

individuals that will forage over a large distance away from the site.

The ponds in the existing landfill site are used for staging by a small number of migratory

waterfowl as observations of Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) and Lesser Scaup (Aythya

affinis) on May 3, 2011 indicate. Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) and likely other gull

species are frequent visitors to the landfill. Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) may also

congregate in ponds, on the landfill, or surrounding fields. A flock of 70 were observed in a field

north of the landfill on June 1, 2011.

On June 13, 2007, the non-regulated wetlands to the north revealed the presence of a breeding

pair of Canada Geese, and one breeding pair of Mallard Ducks.

Amphibians

Amphibian calling surveys were conducted on evenings of May 3 and June 2, 2011 at areas of

apparent amphibian habitat within the existing landfill site and the adjacent area. Five species

were recorded between the two surveys. A total of six species - four on the existing landfill site

and five in the wetland area to the north - were recorded during previous surveys conducted in

2006. The locations of amphibians observed during the various field visits are shown in

Figure 4-13.


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The existing landfill site contains several permanent ponds, and intermittent ponds that are used

by breeding amphibians. Only the Green Frog (Rana clamitans) and, to a lesser extent

Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens), remain in the permanent ponds through the summer.

Other species breed in the ponds but spend most of the active season in the adjacent

woodlands or old field habitat. Therefore, the proximity to ponds and woodlands is important to

maintain functional amphibian habitat.

There were no nationally or provincially at-risk amphibian species or provincially rare (S1

through S3) species recorded.

Other Fauna

Seven mammal species were observed in 2006 during visits to the site or by landfill staff

throughout the year (refer to Table 4-5). Additional species, such as Striped Skunk (Mephitis

mephitis), Meadow Vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus), and other small nocturnal mammals are

likely present on the site, but these species are difficult to observe. None of the species

recorded are rare or At-Risk nationally or provincially.

Table 4-5 Mammals Recorded at Ottawa WMF

Common Name Scientific Name Comments

Woodchuck Marmota monax Observed in southwest and south-central woods; young seen

Muskrat Ondatra zibethicus Observed in northernmost pond (SASa)

Meadow Jumping Mouse Zapus hudsonius Observed in edge of northwest woods

Coyote Canis latrans Occasionally seen by landfill staff

Red Fox Vulpes vulpes Occasionally seen by landfill staff; probable den seen at

edge of northwest woods

Northern Raccoon Procyon lotor Observed in several locations; regularly seen by landfill staff

White-tailed Deer Odocoileus virginianus Observed in several locations; minor winter concentration in

northwest woods

During the December 2006 field visit, a small group of White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus

virginianus) was observed in the northwest woods. The conifer trees in this section of the site

likely provide good wintering habitat for a small number of deer due to the shelter provided by

the trees. The remaining woods appear to be of lower quality for wintering wildlife because they

contain few conifer trees (species that keep their needles) to provide shelter, and fewer mature

trees to provide cavities for nesting or hibernation.

No reptiles were observed while on the property. However, professional experience suggests

that some common snake species, such as Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis),

probably occur on the property.


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4.4.4.4 Natural Heritage Designations

Some of the natural heritage features within the Study Area are already designated for their

environmental functions and therefore receive some level of protection through the Provincial

Policy Statement (PPS).

Provincially Significant Wetland

Under the PPS the Province of Ontario protects wetlands that rank as Provincially Significant.

The PPS states that “Development and site alteration shall not be permitted in significant

wetlands”.

Two units of the Provincially Significant Goulbourn Wetland have been mapped by MNR in the

core natural area in the west portion of the On-Site Study Area. A 30 m natural buffer is

typically applied to a PSW boundary and an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) is required

where development is proposed within 120 m of a PSW to show that there will be no detrimental

effects to the wetland function.

Significant Woodland

The Ottawa Official Plan OPA 76 (2009) has identified Significant Woodlands in their jurisdiction

based on meeting the following criteria: contiguous woodland patches that contain mature

woodlands greater than 80 years, forest interior greater than 100 m from an edge and are within

5 m of a water feature. Areas within the Study Area which are mapped in Annex 14 of the

Official Plan (OP) are shown in Figure 4-12. The Significant Woodland includes the forest block

associated with the Goulbourn Wetland, the southern portion of the woodlots in the landfill, and

the small woodlot in the north that is contiguous with the adjacent property. According to the

PPS the function of the significant woodland must be maintained.

The Carp River Watershed Plan, which includes the Study Area, also maps woodlands as part

of Greenland strategy to protect watershed functions. Their designation is based on woodlands

that are at least 50 years of age. The woodlands mapped are similar to the Significant

Woodland of the OP except for the inclusion of the central woodlot in the landfill and the

absence of the woodlot in the north.

The Carp River Watershed Plan recognises the Goulbourn PSW and immediately adjacent

forest land as a “Category 1” area and therefore recommend that it should receive a high level

of protection.


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4.4.4.5 Landscape Connectivity

Landscape connectivity, including the concept of ‘wildlife corridors,’ is recognized as an

important part of natural heritage planning. It is generally accepted that a wide range of benefits

can be attributed to the maintenance or reconnection of the natural landscape. These benefits

may include: increased local species richness and biodiversity, more immigration and

movement opportunities for individuals between core natural areas, and greater likelihood of

seed dispersal and exchange of other genetic material between populations.

In the fragmented landscape of southern Ontario, connectivity functions are subjectively

described. A low connectivity landscape is one where there are relatively small quantities of

natural habitat (forest, wetland, thicket, etc.) separated by larger amounts of agricultural lands,

urban areas and or roads. A high or very good connectivity landscape is one where the

landscape is mostly natural habitat, with minimum quantities of agriculture or development

breaking up the landscape and where the roads are not major highways or commuter roads.

Larger areas (typically >25 ha) of natural habitat are sometimes identified as core areas.

The specific connectivity value of the Study Area appears relatively low (refer to Figure 4-14).

Highway 417 to the south forms a significant obstacle and cause of mortality for wildlife that

attempt to cross. The highway bisects the Goulbourn PSW where there is a natural interface for

about 1.5 km. Traffic is nearly continuous but some wildlife are likely able to move across,

particularly at night when traffic is less. The largest contiguous block of core forest and wetland

habitat lies on the southwest side of Highway 417. The adjacent industrial area northeast of

Carp Road effectively isolates the site to the east. There is a potential wildlife corridor along the

north branch of Huntley Creek just to the north of Richardson Side Road. Forest cover remains,

but is fragmented by residential development and a series of roads; however, habitat linkage is

fairly good in that direction.

4.4.5 Archaeology

The Study Area for the archaeological assessment includes lands within 4 km of the existing

facility. An inventory of archaeological resources was compiled using the following three

sources: site record forms for registered sites housed at the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture

and Sport (MTC); published and unpublished documentary sources; and the files of

Archaeological Services Inc.

Nine registered archaeological sites occur within the Study Area. One of these sites is within

2 km of the existing facility, but none fall within the existing facility or within either footprint

envelope.


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Figure 4-14 Landscape Context


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The Ontario Ministry of Culture (now known as MTC) Primer on Archaeology, Land Use

Planning and Development in Ontario (1997: 12-13) stipulates that undisturbed lands within 300

m of a primary water source, and undisturbed lands within 200 m of a secondary water source,

are considered to exhibit archaeological site potential. Undisturbed lands within 100 m of an

early settlement road are also considered to have potential for the presence of Euro-Canadian

archaeological sites. The major historic routes in the vicinity of the Study Area coincide with

Richardson Side Road (east of David Manchester Road), Cavanmore Road, Carp Road, William

Mooney Road (from Richardson Side Road nearly to the southwest corner of the existing WM

property), and David Manchester Road (from Cavanmore Road to west of the southwest

property corner). Therefore, depending on the degree of previous land disturbance, it may be

concluded that there is potential for the recovery of pre-contact archaeological remains and/or

historic cultural material within the Study Area.

In The Archaeological Resource Potential Mapping Study of the Regional Municipality of

Ottawa-Carleton various criteria, including the presence of a suitable water source and suitable

soils, were utilized to generate a model of archaeological site potential within the region. Based

on that model and the mapping generated from it there is potential for archaeological sites

within the Study Area (refer to Figure 4-15).

A June 30, 2006 field review indicated that there is potential for pre-contact and historic sites on

the locales of higher ground, particularly along the treed western margin, and within 100 m of

Richardson Side Road and William Mooney Road within the West Envelope. Additionally, there

is potential for archaeological sites in five locales within the North Envelope: one at the

southeast corner of the envelope, where a small remnant of the historical agricultural landscape

survives between residential properties and the existing WM facility entrance; the second in the

west corner of the area where there is a low knoll beyond the low area near the road; the third is

the woodlot in the south corner; the fourth is along Carp Road just north of the main entrance to

WM’s facility, which includes a remnant of the historical landscape; and the fifth is the woodlot in

the west corner of the existing property.

The findings were documented in a Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment. In light of the results

of the Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment, a Stage 2 Archaeological Assessment is required

for all undeveloped lands in the selected area of construction impact.

A Stage 2 Archaeological Assessment has been undertaken for the Preferred Alternative

Landfill Footprint and associated infrastructure (e.g., SWM ponds). The results of the Stage 2

Archaeological Assessment are detailed in Chapter 6.


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Figure 4-15 Archaeological Potential


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4.4.6 Cultural Heritage

The Study Area for the Cultural Heritage existing conditions assessment includes the lands

bounded by Highway 417, Carp Road, and Richardson Side Road.

Historic research revealed that the Study Area has origins in nineteenth-century survey and

settlement and has remained largely undeveloped, with the exception of the current Ottawa

WMF.

A field survey, conducted in July 2006, confirmed the Study Area to be a little-altered nineteenth

century landscape that maintains much of its rural heritage character. A number of cultural

heritage resources exist in the landscape surrounded by sizable acreages (refer to Table 4-6

and Figure 4-16). These include: four built heritage features, including three houses (two of

which are abandoned) and a school house which has been converted into a restaurant; and

seven cultural landscapes, including three roadscapes and four farm complexes (one of which is

abandoned).

Table 4-6 Cultural Heritage Resources

Feature Address Feature Type

BHF 1 2431 Carp Road House

BHF 2 2491 Carp Road House

BHF 3 2193 Richardson Side Road School House/Restaurant

BHF 4 2511 Carp Road House and Barn

CLU 1 Carp Road Roadscape

CLU 2 Richardson Side Road Roadscape

CLU 3 William Mooney Road Roadscape

CLU 4 427 William Mooney Road Farm Complex

CLU 5 569 William Mooney Road Farm Complex

CLU 6 2485 Carp Road Farm Complex

CLU 7 2425 Carp Road Farm Complex

There are no designated structures under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act within the Study

Area.


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Figure 4-16 Cultural Heritage Resources


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4.4.7 Transportation

For the transportation component, the On-Site Study Area includes the lands owned or optioned

by WM and is bounded by Highway 417, Carp Road, and Richardson Side Road. For the

transportation component (effects from truck transportation along access roads), the boundary

of the Site-Vicinity Study Area is:

South of the eastbound ramps and ramp terminals on the south side of

Highway 417;

East of Carp Road, the westbound off ramp and eastbound on ramp;

North of Richardson Side Road; and

West of William Mooney Road, the westbound on ramp and the eastbound off

ramp.

This Site-Vicinity Study Area was chosen to include all of the Carp Road interchange and

Highway 417 in the vicinity of the interchange, the signalized and unsignalized intersections

along Carp Road from the interchange to Richardson Side Road as well as Richardson Side

Road between Carp Road and William Mooney Road, and William Mooney Road south of

Richardson Side Road. In particular, the interchange and Carp Road have been identified as the

roads most directly affected by truck transportation along access roads. The On-Site and Site-

Vicinity Study Areas for the transportation component related to effects from truck transportation

along access roads are illustrated in Figure 4-17. There is no Regional Study Area associated

with the transportation component as the area of potential effects is contained within the Site-

Vicinity Study Area.

For the transportation component related to effects on airport operations, the On-Site Study

Area includes the lands owned or optioned by WM and is bounded by Highway 417, Carp Road,

and Richardson Side Road. Features of particular interest are the landfill footprint area and

surface water ponds, which may serve as potential attractions for gulls. The Regional Study

Area extends to include observed local movement patterns of gulls to/from the existing landfill

including the Carp Airport, surrounding agricultural fields, the adjacent quarry, the Ottawa River,

and other local resting spots.

The On-Site and Regional Study Areas for the transportation component related to effects on

airport operations are illustrated in Figure 4-18.


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Figure 4-17 Transportation Study Area for Effects from Truck Transportation along Access Roads


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Figure 4-18 Transportation Study Area for Effects on Airport Operations


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4.4.7.1 Road Network

The WCEC site is accessed via a one-way entrance and exit pair from the Ottawa arterial road

network off Carp Road just north of provincial, controlled-access Highway 417. Improvements to

Carp Road from the westbound ramp terminal southerly, Highway 417, and the Carp Road

structure are planned in the near future, including roadway widening to accommodate traffic

growth. Improvements will consider the designation of Carp Road as a primary bike route. Carp

Road is and will remain a truck route.

4.4.7.2 Traffic Operations

The capacity of a road network is often described in terms of a level of service (LOS) for both

intersections and roadways. A level of service is determined based on the average delay that a

vehicle experiences in passing through an intersection or along a section of road. LOS “A”

designates an excellent level of service with little delay, while LOS “F” indicates a poor level of

service and significant delay.

The acceptable length of delay at a stop-controlled intersection is less than the acceptable

length of delay at an intersection controlled by traffic signals because vehicles at a stop sign

must wait until they find a suitable gap in traffic to enter the main roadway where traffic signals

will eventually provide a dedicated phase for drivers to proceed. The average vehicle delay time

and the corresponding level of service are shown in Table 4-7.

Table 4-7 Level of Service Criteria

LOS Control Delay Per Vehicle (seconds)

Signalized Intersections Stop Controlled Intersections

A ≤10 ≤10

B >10 and ≤20 >10 and ≤15

C >20 and ≤35 >15 and ≤25

D >35 and ≤55 >25 and ≤35

E >55 and ≤80 >35 and ≤50

F >80 >50

Study Area intersections were analyzed using the Synchro version 7 modelling software

following the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) methodology. The overall result for each

intersection is presented as well as the results for each lane at the intersections. For an

unsignalized intersection, the overall volume/capacity (v/c) ratio for the intersection is not

calculated since the movements without stop-control do not experience any delay and therefore,

the average delay and LOS for the intersection as a whole would not reflect the delays

experienced by the stop-sign controlled movements. The results of the intersection analysis are

summarised in Table 4-8 and Table 4-9.


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Table 4-8 Intersection Analysis Results (Signalized Intersections)

Carp/Richardson Side Road

AM PM

v/c ratio Delay (s) LOS v/c ratio Delay (s) LOS

Overall Intersection 0.51 12.7 B 0.45 11.6 B

NB Through 0.45 9.2 A 0.35 7.8 A

NB Left 0.14 6.8 A 0.38 9.1 A

SB Through 0.34 8.1 A 0.39 8.1 A

SB Left 0.15 6.9 A 0.09 6.1 A

EB 0.65 22.1 C 0.29 17.2 B

WB 0.22 16.5 B 0.60 21.1 C

Carp/Highway 417 WB Ramps

AM PM


Overall Intersection 0.73 22.8 C 0.91 48.8 D

NB 0.42 14.4 B 0.76 46.0 D

SB Through 0.66 19.1 B 0.77 46.2 D

SB Left 0.07 10.8 B 0.48 43.0 D

WB 0.83 34.3 C 0.99 51.8 D

Table 4-9 Intersection Analysis Results (Unsignalized Intersections)

William Mooney/ Richardson Side Road

AM PM


NB 0.01 10.0 A 0.02 10.8 B

SB 0.12 14.6 B 0.07 12.0 B

EB 0.01 0.3 A 0.00 0.3 A

WB 0.02 0.9 A 0.00 0.2 A

Carp/Highway 417 EB Ramps

AM PM


NB 0.17 0 A 0.25 0 A

SB 0.40 0 A 0.67 0 A

EB 0.57 26.8 D 0.55 53.2 F

Carp / Landfill Entrance AM PM


NB 0.02 0.6 A 0.02 0.4 A

SB 0.33 0.0 A 0.32 0.0 A

Carp/Highway 417 EB Ramps

AM PM


NB 0.30 0.0 A 0.31 0.0 A

SB 0.33 0.0 A 0.31 0.0 A

EB 0.04 14.9 B 0.04 14.7 B


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The results of the analysis indicate that the intersection of Carp Road and Richardson Side

Road is operating at an acceptable level of service. The intersection of Carp Road and the

Highway 417 westbound ramps is approaching capacity in all directions. The Highway 417

eastbound off ramp at Carp Road is operating at an unacceptable level of service (over

capacity).

The City of Ottawa Transportation Master Plan, 2008 notes the need for widening Carp Road

from two lanes to four lanes from Highway 417 southerly to Hazeldean Road. The Design and

Construction Report for Highway 417 Expansion indicates improvements to the intersection of

Carp Road and the westbound off-ramp including a double westbound left turn lane and

widening of the bridge over Highway 417 to accommodate two southbound and one northbound

lanes. Signalization of the intersection of Carp Road and the Highway 417 eastbound ramp may

be examined in conjunction with future improvements by the City of Ottawa.

An operations analysis was performed, using the traffic analysis software HCS, for the ramps to

the east of Carp Road. The analysis showed that the diverge movement on the westbound

Highway 417 off-ramp operates at an LOS of ‘A’ in the AM peak period and an LOS of ‘B’ in the

PM peak period. The merge movement on the eastbound Highway 417 on-ramp operates at a

LOS of ‘B’ in both the AM and PM peak hour periods.

4.4.7.3 Collisions

Collision data for the four years from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2009 were obtained

from the City of Ottawa and the MTO for the following locations:

The intersection of Carp Road and the eastbound Highway 417 ramp

terminals;

The intersection of Carp Road and the westbound Highway 417 ramp

terminals;

The intersection of Carp Road and Richardson Side Road;

The intersection of Richardson Side Road and Cardevco Road;

The intersection of Richardson Side Road and William Mooney Road;

The section of Carp Road between Highway 417 and Richardson Side Road;

and

The section of Richardson Side Road between Carp Road and William

Mooney Road.


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During the four year period 2006-2009, 36 collisions were reported at these combined locations,

summarized as follows:

Carp Road and the eastbound Highway 417 ramp terminal ......................................... 3

Carp Road and the westbound Highway 417 ramp terminal......................................... 2

Carp Road and Richardson Side Road ...................................................................... 10

Richardson Side Road and Cardevco Road ................................................................. 1

Richardson Side Road and William Mooney Road ....................................................... 0

Carp Road between the Highway 417 interchange and Richardson Side Road ......... 12

Richardson Side Road between Carp Road and William Mooney Road ...................... 8

Data for the 36 collisions were compared with statistics for all collisions within the City of Ottawa

in 2009 (the latest year for which City statistics are available) and within the Province of Ontario

for 2007 (the latest year for which provincial statistics are available). Given the small sample

size, collision characteristics for the 36 collisions under study are generally similar to those for

the overall City of Ottawa.

4.4.7.4 Airport Operations

The Carp Airport is a local commuter airport situated approximately 4.5 km north of the existing

WM landfill site. Gull activity at the landfill facility, local gull movements, and aircraft flight

patterns observed may create a potential hazard to safe aircraft operations at the Carp Airport.

Gull activity associated with the existing Ottawa WMF has decreased since 2006 due to a

combination of active management practices at the site and declining waste volumes being

received at the site. The landfill ceased accepting waste in September 2011. WM has

implemented an Integrated Gull Management Program (IGMP) at the existing landfill site which

has also been a key reason for the limited gull activity at the site.

The Carp Airport has also prepared and implemented an Airport Wildlife Management Plan

(AWMP) which includes practices to manage birds. Very few gulls are observed at the Carp

Airport. Historically the occurrence of bird strikes at the Carp Airport has also been limited, with

one or no occurrences annually in the majority of the past 11 years.

4.4.8 Land Use

The On-Site Study Area for the Land Use environmental component is generally defined as the

lands owned or optioned by WM for the proposed new landfill footprint. Instead of a generic 500

m radius, the Site-Vicinity Study Area has been defined as all properties lying wholly or partially

within a 500 m radius of the On-Site Study Area. The Regional Study Area extends an

additional 1 km from the Site-Vicinity Study Area, or 1.5 km from the On-Site Study Area (refer

to Figure 4-19).

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