Ontario Waterpower Association Best Management Practices

Brett Woodman

Natural Resource Solutions Inc.

225 Labrador Drive, Unit 1, Waterloo, Ontario, N2K 4M8 Tel: (519) 725-2227 Web: www.nrsi.on.ca Email: [email protected]

Ontario Waterpower Association WorkshopBest Management Practices

Wetlands andMigratory Birds

OVERVIEW

• Rationale for these BMPs

• Wetlands

• Migratory Birds

RATIONALE

• Continued waterpower development in Ontario

• BMP Guide (2012)

• Identified gaps

WETLANDS

“lands that are seasonally or permanently flooded by shallow water as well as lands where the water table is close to the surface…”

4 types of wetlands• Marsh

• Swamp

• Bog

• Fen

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

• Different types of waterpower

• Construction can have negative impacts

• Opportunities are best identified early in the planning process

• Clear demarcation of boundaries

• Maintain hydrological balance

• Mitigation must consider wetland type and sensitivity

MITIGATION

• Protection

• Enhancement

• Restoration

• Creation

SPECIFIC MITIGATION - PROTECTION

• Hydrogeological study

• Minimize soil compaction

• Seasonally timed

• Appropriate erosion control

• Roads (location, maintenance)

• Wildlife

• Invasive species

• Sod mats

• Culverts

• Placement of fill

SPECIFIC MITIGATION - ENHANCEMENT

SPECIFIC MITIGATION – RESTORATION

& CREATION

MIGRATORY BIRDS

• What are they

• Relevant policies

• Relation to waterpower

MIGRATORY BIRDS

MIGRATORY BIRDS - MITIGATION

• Avoidance timing for clearing, de-watering and flooding

• Dust control

• Directional lighting

• Speed limits

• Exclusion fencing

• Noise control

MIGRATORY BIRDS - ENHANCEMENT

• Artificial nesting structures

• Retaining backbay areas during headpong filling

• Mudflats for shorebirds

THANK-YOU

Brett Woodman, M.E.S.

Senior Manager

Natural Resource Solutions Inc.

(519) 725-2227

[email protected]