ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PLAN

SPENCER ENVIRONMENTAL

Table of Contents 1.0 1.0 2.0 INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................. 1-1 RELEVANT POTENTIAL IMPACTS IDENTIFIED IN THE EIA ........... 2-1 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MEASURES ...................................... 3-1

2.1 Roadway Construction........................................................................................... 3-1 2.2 Roadway Operation ............................................................................................... 3-4 2.2.1 Roadway Runoff ............................................................................................. 3-4 2.2.2 Operational Spills............................................................................................ 3-4 2.2.3 Roadway/Bridge Maintenance........................................................................ 3-5 3.0 CONCLUSIONS ................................................................................................ 4-1

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1.0

INTRODUCTION

This Environmental Protection Plan (EPP) was prepared as a supplemental document to the West Regional Road Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). That EIA was prepared on behalf of City of St. Albert (the City) and submitted to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) in October 2003. DFO, acting as Lead Responsible Authority, requested the EIA as supporting information for their environmental screening of the proposed road project, in accordance with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAAct). The Terms of Reference (T of R) issued to the City by DFO in May 2003, indicated that the Citys assessment should include an environmental protection plan (EPP) for dealing with contaminated runoff during bridge construction and operation (as a result of roadside drainage), and, an emergency response plan for any accidental spills of hazardous materials. The information is requested as a means of ensuring that the introduction of deleterious substances into the river is avoided. The EIA identified three locations at which, in the absence of mitigation, deleterious substances could enter waterbodies creating potential to adversely affect water quality and perhaps ultimately fish. These are: the bridge crossing at the Sturgeon River; the Sturgeon River outfall of the new stormwater management facility (SWMF); and, the Riel Marsh outfall of the reconfigured Riel Pond. This EPP focuses on those three locations. Much of the requested information has already been provided in the EIA. This document consolidates information presented in the EIA and provides some new information directly relevant to prevention of the introduction of contaminants to the Sturgeon River and Riel Marsh. As requested in the T of R, this EPP covers both the construction and operation project phases. For purposes of this EPP, the term contaminated runoff, used in DFOs T of R, is interpreted to refer to hazardous materials, exclusive of sediment generated through erosion. While the EIA identified several activities that, in the absence of mitigation, could result in increased sediment loads in nearby waterbodies, these are not included here. Detailed mitigation measures to reduce or avoid sedimentation of the Sturgeon River and Riel Marsh are found in sections 5.5.3 and 5.9.3 of the EIA. The primary means of ensuring that the proposed project does not result in increased sediment loads in natural waterbodies is through undertaking all work in accordance with the Fish Habitat Manual: Guidelines and Procedures for Watercourse Crossings in Alberta (Alberta Transportation 2001).

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2.0

RELEVANT POTENTIAL IMPACTS IDENTIFIED IN THE EIA

The EIA identified the following construction and operations activities as having potential, in the absence of mitigation, to result in the introduction of deleterious substances (contaminated runoff) into the Sturgeon River or Riel Pond/Riel Marsh: Hazardous materials spills in the vicinity of the river/marsh during the course of roadway construction. Release of re-suspended, contaminated bottom sediments during the course of construction of roadway embankment over Riel Pond. During operation, introduction of contaminants (deleterious substances) into the Sturgeon River/Riel Marsh as a result of discharge of roadway/bridge runoff from stormwater management facilities. During operation, release of hazardous materials as result of a spill associated with a vehicular accident on the roadway, bridge deck or approaches. During operation, introduction of contaminants (deleterious substances) into the Sturgeon River/Riel Marsh as a result of roadway/bridge maintenance procedures.

Mitigation measures to be undertaken to reduce the adverse effects of the above impacts are noted in several locations in the EIA. These measures are herein reiterated as components of this EPP (in section 3). Further detail has been added, where required.

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3.0

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MEASURES

The following sections state the measures that will be undertaken, should the roadway project be approved, to prevent/minimize the introduction of deleterious substances into the Sturgeon River and Riel Marsh. 3.1 Roadway Construction Storage and handling of all petroleum products will be undertaken using current best management practices. The following specific measures are designed to minimize the potential for a hazardous materials spill to occur during construction: During construction, no fuel or other hazardous materials will be stored in quantities greater than 5000 L within 300 m of the river. Quantities between 5000 and 500 L will be stored at least 100 m from the river. During construction, no fuel or other hazardous materials will be stored in quantities greater than 5000 L within 300 m of Riel Marsh. Quantities between 5000 and 500 L will be stored at least 100 m from Riel Marsh. Any storage tanks will be diked with a capacity of at least 110 percent of the largest tank and the wall and base shall be constructed of an impermeable material. Individual equipment refueling will be done from tanks located on pick-up trucks, or from service trucks designed to undertake equipment maintenance. Specific refueling and equipment maintenance areas will be established. These will be situated at least 100 m from a natural waterbody. Or, maintenance will be undertaken using a self-contained oil change unit. Engine oil filters, hydraulic oil filters and used oil will be taken to the nearest authorized disposal area. Equipment operating within 10 m of the Sturgeon River or Riel Marsh shall contain only environmentally-friendly hydraulic fluids and be free of external grease, oil and mud. Other petroleum products such as engine oil, hydraulic oil and grease will be stored separately from fuel. Any storage building will meet the requirements of the Alberta Fire Code 1997. All motorized equipment will be maintained and checked prior to work in sensitive sites.

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The appointed environmental monitor (see section 3.2.2.5 of the EIA) will liaise regularly with the construction foreman and recommend corrective action as necessary. Appropriate fire fighting equipment will be available near any flammable storage sites, including fuels, lubricants and other petroleum products. All portable toilet facilities shall be located at least 100m from the Sturgeon River or Riel Marsh. Two copies of all environmental authorizations, including statements of conditions will be kept on site at all times.

The potential impact of any spill that does occur during construction will be minimized through implementation of the following measures: Appropriate spill response kits will be kept at designated locations on both the north and south sides of the river and near Riel Marsh, in particular at or near any fuel or hazardous materials storage areas, refueling and maintenance areas, or refueling/service vehicles. Any spills will be handled according to the City of St. Albert Environmental Incident and Concern Reporting Policy and the Release Reporting Guideline issued by Alberta Environment (revised June 2001) (see Volume II, Appendix C, EIA document). Prior to construction initiation, the contractor will develop an Environmental Construction Operations (ECO) Plan to be approved by the City. This plan will include, but not be limited to, spill response procedures specific to the site that tie in with the above-mentioned standard City practices. Specifically, they will include a contact procedure for alerting the City of St. Alberts Fire Department and Alberta Environment of a spill. A site ECO Plan orientation will be required for all personnel working within 300 m of the Sturgeon River or Riel Marsh. Where appropriate, this will include response training for the types of incidents requiring spill response, and the use of spill kits. Prior to construction initiation, the City will develop spill response procedures specific to the site that tie in with the above-mentioned standard City practices but acknowledge the sites road access and position relative to the Citys fire stations. Spill remediation will be undertaken in consultation with Alberta Environment and other applicable agencies. In addition, during site remediation, lands/water in the vicinity of the spill will be monitored twice daily, by the appointed
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environmental monitor, for signs of affected wildlife. Where required, the environmental monitor will develop appropriate measures for handling of affected wildlife. The potential for release of re-suspended contaminated bottom sediments during the course of construction of roadway embankment over Riel Pond will be eliminated through the use of the following measures (also stated in Table 7.1 of the EIA): Ensure that draw down to desired depth is complete prior to placement of fill. Coordinate timing of placement of fill and periodic draw down required following storm events, such that re-suspended sediments have time to settle. Ensure that sufficient freeboard is present to enable cessation of draw down as required. Draw down from the surface or near surface so that bottom sediments are not disturbed and released into the water column. Ensure draw down occurs during late summer and early autumn when the potential for a major precipitation event is low. Ensure water levels will only be reduced to an elevation that will not permit the contaminants from the bottom to spill over the dike breach or be inhaled by a floating draining hose. Monitor draw down daily by on-site personnel representing the City of St. Albert. Undertake all operations within the pond from a boat or from the newly-placed embankment such that the potential for direct disturbance of bottom sediments is avoided. Ensure that all work is done when receiving water levels are lower than all outlet pipe inverts. All dike reconfiguration associated with wetland mitigation will be done through placement of fill rather than excavation. Ensure that pond sediments are not disturbed during fish compensation works.

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3.2 Roadway Operation 3.2.1 Roadway Runoff The following measures will minimize the introduction of contaminants (deleterious substances) into the Sturgeon River/Riel Marsh as a result of discharge of roadway/bridge runoff from the SWM facilities: There will be no drains on the bridge decks. All bridge runoff will be collected and directed to an SWMF. Both SWMFs will detain runoff to comply with the release rates prescribed by applicable regulations, policies and guidelines, thereby settling out the majority of contaminants and other suspended sediments. Each SWMF will be maintained as required to ensure maximum performance. Each SWMF will be equipped with a trash rack to collect litter and a hydrocarbon skimmer to separate hydrocarbons collected from the road/bridge surface. All Riel Pond discharge to Riel Marsh will first pass through two detention facilities.

3.2.2 Operational Spills The following measures will prevent/minimize the release of hazardous materials as a result of a spill associated with a vehicular accident on the roadway, bridge deck or approaches: There will be no drains on the bridge decks. All bridge runoff will be collected and directed to an SWMF. In the vicinity of the Sturgeon River and Riel Marsh, the roadway will be bermed on both sides. This will contain large spills within the ROW. The SWMFs will be equipped with a control valve enabling cessation of discharge to receiving waters during spill clean-up under most conditions. This should totally contain most spills of small volumes. Any spills will be handled according to the City of St. Albert Environmental Incident and Concern Reporting Policy and the Release Reporting Guideline issued by Alberta Environment (revised June 2001) (see Appendix C). Prior to roadway commissioning, the City of St. Albert Fire Department will develop spill response procedures and training programs specific to the site that tie in with the above-mentioned standard City practices but acknowledge the sites unique road access and position relative to the Citys fire stations.
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3.2.3 Roadway/Bridge Maintenance The maintenance routine adopted for the proposed road and bridge would conform to the Citys procedures now in place for all roads and bridges in the City of St. Albert. Winter bridge maintenance involves snow removal and sanding as required. Specifically, the following measures will be in place to minimize introduction of contaminants (deleterious substances) into the Sturgeon River/Riel Marsh as a result of roadway/bridge maintenance procedures. All collected surface runoff (thus all runoff carrying sand or de-icing agents) will be detained in a SWMF allowing sediments to settle prior to release to the receiving water bodies. All plowed snow will be removed from the bridge and disposed of at a designated snow storage facility. Snow plowing and removal will occur at speeds that ensure that snow does not escape over the bridge sides and onto the river. Sanding will involve application of a coarse street sand (sand and calcium chloride mix at a maximum ratio of 2:1) and the addition of a de-icer (sodium chloride) as required, typically at a maximum ratio of 2:1, mix to de-icer. In spring, the bridge will be subject to a visual walk-around inspection to assess the condition of the structure. All sand and gravel will be swept up and removed off-site. No material will be deposited into the river. All bridge surfaces such as walkways, railings, and the bridge underside will be washed with water and any material deposited under the bridge as a result will be swept up and removed off-site.

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CONCLUSIONS

The above-described environmental protection measures will achieve the following: Minimization of the potential for hazardous materials spills to occur during construction. Minimization of the potential for any spill occurring during construction or operation to reach the Sturgeon River or Riel Marsh. Minimization of the volume of spilled material that could reach the Sturgeon River or Riel Marsh during construction. Minimization of the risk that spilled material could pose to water quality or aquatic organisms. Minimization of the volume of hazardous materials that could reach the Sturgeon River or Riel Marsh in the event of a spill resulting from a vehicular accident during roadway operation. Establishment of clear emergency response plans that ensure speedy and effective clean-up of any spills that do occur during construction or operation and full compliance with all spill reporting guidelines and regulations. Minimization of potential for the introduction of deleterious substances as a result of roadway/bridge maintenance procedures. The measures discussed above adhere to existing best management practices for roadway/bridge maintenance.

In addition, the EIA document for the WRR submitted by the City of St. Albert to DFO sets out numerous measures that will mitigate all potential impacts associated with increased sediment loading in nearby natural waterbodies.

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