Musgrave Road and Teal Road Lake Accesses at Gardom Lake

Transcription

REPORT
Environmental Assessment of
the Musgrave Road and Teal
Road Lake Accesses at
Gardom Lake, BC
September 2013
Acknowledgements
Summit Environmental Consultants Inc. acknowledges the residents of Gardom Lake
who generously contributed to this report.
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This document is for the sole use of the addressee and Summit Environmental Consultants Inc. The document contains proprietary and
confidential information that shall not be reproduced in any manner or disclosed to or discussed with any other parties without the express
written permission of Summit Environmental Consultants Inc. Information in this document is to be considered the intellectual property of
Summit Environmental Consultants Inc. in accordance with Canadian copyright law.
This report was prepared by Summit Environmental Consultants Inc. for the account of Columbia Shuswap Regional District. The material in it
reflects Summit Environmental Consultants Inc.’s best judgement, in the light of the information available to it, at the time of preparation. Any
use which a third party makes of this report, or any reliance on or decisions to be made based on it, are the responsibility of such third parties.
Summit Environmental Consultants Inc. accepts no responsibility for damages, if any, suffered by any third party as a result of decisions made
or actions based on this report.
REPORT
Table of Contents
SECTION
PAGE NO.
Table of Contents
i
List of Tables
iii
List of Figures
iv
1
2
3
4
5
6
Introduction
1-5
1.1
Background
1-5
1.2
Scope and Objectives
1-5
1.3
Access Descriptions
1-6
1.4
Proposed Development
1-10
Methods
2-12
2.1
Background Review
2-12
2.2
Field Assessment
2-12
2.3
Fisheries
2-13
2.4
Water Quality
2-13
2.5
Public Consultation
2-13
Legislation and Approvals
3-1
3.1
Provincial
3-1
3.2
Federal
3-1
Baseline Environment
4-1
4.1
Watershed Overview
4-1
4.2
Land Uses
4-1
4.3
Water Extraction
4-2
4.4
Fisheries Assessment
4-4
4.5
Vegetation Inventory
4-7
4.6
Vegetation Species at Risk
4-9
4.7
Wildlife Inventory
4-9
4.8
Wildlife Species at Risk
4-14
Public Consultation
5-1
5.1
Email Submissions
5-1
5.2
Public On-Site meeting
5-2
Potential Impacts
6-1
i
Columbia Shuswap Regional District
7
6.1
Potential Impacts Shared by Both Options
6-1
6.2
Musgrave Road Access Development Below the HWM
6-1
6.3
Revegetating the Teal Road Access
6-2
Mitigation
7-1
7.1
Work Timing
7-1
7.2
Worksite Isolation
7-1
7.3
Sediment and Erosion Control Above the HWM
7-2
7.4
Sediment and Erosion Control Below the HWM
7-2
7.5
Spill Management
7-3
7.6
Vegetation Management
7-3
7.7
Environmental Monitoring
7-3
8
Conclusions
8-1
9
Recommendations
9-1
References
Appendix A – Bathymetric Map
A-1
Appendix B - Musgrave Road Proposed Site Plan
B-1
Appendix C - Photographs
C-1
Appendix D –Wildlife Species at Risk
D-1
Appendix E - Plant Species at Risk
E-1
Appendix F - Public Email Documents
F-1
Appendix G - Public Site Meeting Documents
G-1
ii
List of Tables
List of Tables
PAGE NO.
Table 4-1
Table 4-2
Table 4-3
Table 4-4
Table 4-5
Table 4-6
Table 4-7
Table 6-1
Field Water Quality Results
Observed Vegetation at the Teal Road and Musgrave Road Access
Vegetation Coverage in Vegetation Zones at each Access
Observed or Reported Birds
Observed or Reported Mammals
Observed or Reported Amphibians and Reptiles
Observed or Reported Insects
Potential Impacts Associated with Option 1 and Option 2
4-7
4-8
4-9
4-11
4-12
4-13
4-13
6-3
iii
List of Figures
PAGE NO.
Figure 1-1
Figure 1-2
Figure 1-3
Figure 4-1
iv
Project Area Location
Musgrave Road Access
Teal Road Access
Wells and Water Licence Diversions
1-7
1-8
1-9
4-3
1 Introduction
1.1
BACKGROUND
Summit Environmental Consultants Inc. (Summit) completed an Environmental Assessment (EA) of lake
accesses at Musgrave Road and Teal Road on Gardom Lake, B.C at the request of the Columbia Shuswap
Regional District (CSRD) (project area). The project area is located at the southeastern end of Gardom
Lake, between Enderby, BC and Salmon Arm, BC (Figure 1-1). The Musgrave Road access is a hand
launch site for canoes and kayaks. The Teal Road access provides boat trailer access to the lake. CSRD
upgraded the Musgrave Road access in 2012 by increasing the parking area to include spaces for boat
trailers and installing a washroom, picnic table, fencing and garbage cans. We understand that two
of the planned upgrades, re-grading the boat ramp and installing bollards, were not completed at the
Musgrave Road access due to community concerns. The Teal Road access is owned by the Ministry of
Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) and was never formally developed as a boat launch (CSRD 2011).
The results of this EA are meant to assist the CSRD in deciding whether to (1) keep Musgrave Road
access as a hand launch only site and continue letting Teal Road (owned and maintained by the Ministry of
Transportation and Infrastructure) be used as an informal boat launch site, or (2) use the Musgrave Road
access as the only boat launch (trailer and hand-launching) and close down the Teal Road access,
converting it into a conservation area / picnic area.
1.2
SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES
This EA included a background review and field assessment of the environmental resources at each access
followed by public consultation, including a public meeting (and emails) where anecdotal information about
the lake’s environmental values was documented. This EA was designed to address the following:
Use information from the background review, site assessment, public consultation (emails and
onsite meeting) to identify sensitive and high value areas (aquatic and terrestrial) at each access
that may be directly or indirectly affected by the project;
Describe the potential environmental impacts of the construction and operation of the proposed
construction;
Describe which permits and/or approvals from local government, provincial, and federal
agencies are required to complete the proposed works; and
Provide guidance for the environmental practices and mitigation associated with site preparation,
site restoration, construction activities and operation.
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Environmental Assessment of Two Lake Accesses at Gardom Lake BC
1.3
1.3.1
ACCESS DESCRIPTIONS
Musgrave Road
The Musgrave Road access is located within 100 m of the most southern tip of Gardom Lake in a shallow
bay (Figure 1). It is operated by the CSRD. The shape of the access is predominantly rectangular with a
narrow arm, fenced on either side, that tapers towards the northwest where it meets Mallory Road, and a
western extent that cuts diagonally towards the southeast along 20 .5 m of shoreline. The access is
bordered by a 1.4 hectare residential lot to the north and a 52.7 hectare farm to the south. The average
width of the access is about 38 m and the average length is about 290 m (area of about 11,000 m 2). The
assessed portion has an area of about 4,540 m 2 and is limited by a western boundary located about 23 m
west of the driveway at 884 Musgrave Road (Figure 1-2).
The Musgrave Road access is comprised of a cleared upper area (Photograph 1) and lower mostly
vegetated area. The cleared upper area is flat and includes parking stalls along the northern and southern
boundary, a picnic table in the northeast corner and a public toilet and garbage receptacle located
southwest of the picnic table across the parking area (Figure 1-2). The fenced area north of the parking
and picnic area is lined with bird boxes. The vegetated area is situated on a slope that grades down to the
shoreline at a slope between 27 and 30% for 28 m. It is intersected by a compacted dirt path (about 4 m
wide) that allows hand-launching access to the lake (Photograph 2). The access enters the lake onto a
shallow shelf that deepens from 0 to 2 m for 70 m into the foreshore (Appendix A).
1.3.2
Teal Road
The Teal Road access is located off Park Road at the western end of Gardom Lake, about 290 m north of
the Musgrave Road access (Figure 1-1). It is operated by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
and was never formally developed as a boat launch. The shape of the access is a parallelogram situated
diagonally in a northeast / southwest direction (Figure 1-3). The Teal Road access is bordered by a 1,290
m2 residential lot to the north and a 1,910 m 2 residential lot to the south, which has a driveway bisecting the
access’s southern boundary. The average width of the access is about 21 m and the average length is
2
about 75 m (area of about 1,575 m ). It includes about 19 m of shoreline. The entire access was included in
the assessment.
The Teal Road access is comprised of a cleared center area and vegetated side areas (Figure 1-3). The
cleared center area facilitates hand and trailered boat launching, and parking (Figure 3). This cleared area
narrows from about 17 m at the Park Road entrance to about 9 m along the foreshore at a slope between
10 and 13%. The vegetated side areas include narrow strips and segments of vegetation between 1 and 6
m wide along the access’s northern and southern boundaries (Photograph 4). There are no public
washrooms at this access and garbage facilities consist of a garbage bag hanging from a tree. The access
enters the lake onto a narrow shelf that deepens from 0 m to 2 m within 25 m of the foreshore (Appendix A).
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1.4
PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
As mentioned previously, the proposed development considers one of the two following options:
(1) Keep Musgrave Road access as a hand launch only site and continue letting Teal Road (owned
and maintained by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure) be used as an informal boat
launch site.
(2) Use the Musgrave Road access as the only boat launch (trailer and hand-launching) and close
down the Teal Road access, converting it into a conservation area / picnic area.
1.4.1
Option 1
Option 1 involves continued use of the both sites as they are currently being used with modifications to the
Musgrave Road site only. A conceptual design of these modifications is shown as Appendix B.
Modifications include re-grading, clearing, re-vegetation and various installations. Re-grading from a 30%
slope to a 15% slope is proposed along a 3 m by 14 m section of the upper part of the access trail (upper
ramp) to allow vehicle access part way down to the foreshore. These works would involve clearing shrubs
and ground cover (mature trees will be left in place) on either side of the upper ramp to allow for
construction of slope fortification. Slopes on either side of the upper ramp would be fortified with natural
substrate (rock) and vegetation (top soil and native grass seed mix). The lower access trail (about 3 m wide
and 10 m long) would be considered an ‘area of no disturbance’ and would provide pedestrian only access
to the lake. Two bollards that mark the limit of vehicle access are proposed to be installed at the base of
the upper ramp. Other installations include a fish cleaning station east of the garbage receptacle and
additional delineated parking stalls along the southern access boundary. Re-vegetation includes seeding
the area surrounding the washroom, garbage and fish cleaning station with a native seed mix and planting
trees on either side of the upper ramp and along the outside of the parking areas (Appendix B).
1.4.2
Option 2
Although a conceptual design of Option 2 has not been developed, it would likely involve the following
1
modifications to each access (assuming that the CSRD acquired tenure over the Teal Road access) :
Musgrave Road:
vegetation clearing to widen the access for vehicle use;
reducing the grade down to the foreshore;
reinforcing side slopes;
placing concrete slabs into the ramp area and foreshore;
adding parking delineations, and
may or may not include installing a dock.
1
Pers. comm. Marcin Pachcinski via email July 31, 2013
1-2
Teal Road:
removing fill from the vehicle access areas;
adding top soil above the HWM;
planting native vegetation above and below the HWM;
removing aquatic and terrestrial invasive plant species;
making parking improvements, and
installing a picnic table and garbage can.
1-3
2 Methods
2.1
BACKGROUND REVIEW
The background review included an investigation of the following sources:
BC Government Conservation Data Centre (MOE 2013a);
BC Government Water Resource Atlas (MOE 2013b);
Columbia Shuswap Regional District Mapping (CSRD 2011);
Columbia Shuswap Regional District Mapping (CSRD 2013);
Email submissions from Gardom Lake residents (Appendix F);
Gardom Lake Rotenone Treatment Plan 2009 (MOE 2009);
Gardom Lake Bathymetric Map (Renner 2009, Appendix A);
Gardom Lake News (Friends of Gardom Lake (FOGL 2012a,b)
Government of Canada. Species at Risk Public Registry (Government of Canada 2006,2008,2010);
Habitat Wizard Streams Report (MOE 2013a);
Invasive Spiny-Ray Treatment Program Gardom Lake – Update. Presentation by Andrew Klassen
(Forest Lands and Natural Resource Operations 2011);
Interior Douglas- r Zone (Hope et.al. 1989);
In-person and telephone conversations with Gardom Lake residents;
Onsite public meeting comments and observations (Appendix G);
Shuswap Naturalist Club. To Know Nature and Keep it Worth Knowing. Newsletter, Gardom Lake
Bulletin (Vrabac 2013);
Shuswap Market News Article Gardom Lake Plan in Demand (Shuswap Market News 2013), and
Stewardship Center for British Columbia (2012).
2.2
FIELD ASSESSMENT
On June 17, 2013 the project area, which includes the Musgrave Road and Teal Drive accesses, was
assessed by Trina Koch, B. Sc. Slope, vegetation, wildlife, fish and fish habitat and in-situ water quality
were assessed at each access. The scope of this environmental assessment did not include a
geotechnical assessment, soils assessment or detailed site survey.
2.2.1
Slope
A clinometer was used to measure slope from about 2 m into the foreshore to a representative distance
upslope into each access. At the Musgrave Road access, this distance was to the top of the slope, which
1-2
was about 20 m from the high water mark2 (HWM). At the Teal Road access this distance was about 30 m
from the HWM.
2.2.2
Vegetation and Wildlife
Vegetation and wildlife were assessed at each access. Riparian vegetation, observed within 30 m of the
HWM, and aquatic vegetation, observed within 8 m of the foreshore were documented. The species and
general condition of terrestrial vegetation outside of the riparian area (general vegetation zone) was also
documented. Riparian vegetation was assessed using methodology outlined by the BC Fisheries
Information Services Branch (2001). Aquatic vegetation was assessed using methodology found in the
Lake Survey Toolkit prepared by Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management (2004). Clippings of
vegetation that could not be identified on site were taken back to the office for identification by Summit’s
terrestrial biologists. Wildlife was observed within the boundaries of each access and within about 10 m of
the foreshore. Vegetation and wildlife were photographed and geo-referenced using an iPhone 4S.
Significant characteristics, including vegetated zones were mapped for each access using on-site
measurements and orthometric photos. A detailed site survey of each access using survey equipment was
not included in the scope of this assessment.
2.3
FISHERIES
The fisheries habitat assessment was completed using assessment methods outlined by the BC Fisheries
Information Serves Branch (2001). The assessment included observations of land use, shoreline type,
shoreline cover, and fish identification. The riparian assessment (described above) and in-situ water quality
analysis (described below) also contributed to the fisheries assessment. Photographs of each access are
attached as Appendix C.
2.4
WATER QUALITY
The in-situ water quality analysis was completed using a calibrated turbidity meter (LaMotte 2020e) and a
calibrated ‘multimeter’ (Oakton PCS Testr35). All measurements were taken within about 2 m of the
shoreline at the mid-point of each access. One set of turbidity readings (in triplicate) were taken at each
access. The multi-probe water quality meter was used to measure pH, temperature, salinity, conductivity
and total dissolved solids (TDS).
2.5
PUBLIC CONSULTATION
Public consultation included email submissions, initiated by the CSRD, and a public on-site meeting that
was advertised by the CSRD. Email responses were directed to Trina Koch, Summit Environmental
Scientist. These responses were compiled and summarized and included in Section 6.1. The public on-site
2
The high water mark is indicated by a clear and natural line upon the shore distinguished by rafted debris and a marked change in
the character of the soil.
1-3
meeting was conducted on July 16th from 9:00 to 12:00 am. Approximately 10 people attended the meeting,
including Trina Koch of Summit and Marcin Pachcinski of the CSRD. During the meeting, attendees were
encouraged to describe their knowledge of wildlife and vegetation observed at each site and around the
lake. Some attendees also voiced their concerns about the proposed development. Information pertaining
to wildlife and vegetation inventories and environmentally-related development concerns was documented
during the onsite public meeting. This information is provided in Section 6.2 and Appendix G.
1-2
3 Legislation and Approvals
Both accesses are rights-of-way owned by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) and are
zoned as Highways and Roads in the Deep Creek Ranchero Official Community Plan (OCP) (CSRD 2011).
The Musgrave Road access is managed by the CSRD, which has tenure over the property in the form of a
licence of occupation issued by the Ministry of Forest, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO).
In order to develop and manage the Teal Road access, the CSRD would also have to obtain tenure over it
in the form of a lease or licence of occupation.
Assuming that the CSRD obtains tenure over each access, the following provincial and federal legislation
would apply to the proposed development.
3.1
PROVINCIAL
Riparian Areas Regulation
The Riparian Areas Regulation (RAR) provides municipalities with an assessment tool and planning
process that protects riparian areas during development and is often incorporated into the Official
Community Plan and development permitting process. For properties managed under the CSRD, such as
parks and boat launches, the CSRD has the ability to work outside of the regulation, but most often follows
the riparian area protection practices described under the RAR (ex. constructing buildings outside of the
riparian area) (MOE 2006a).
Water Act (BC)
Approval or Notification under Section 9 of this Act would be required from the MFLNRO for any work
planned in or near Gardom Lake. This process involves the completion of an environmental assessment by
a Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) and a Section 9 Water Act Approval ($130.00 application
fee) or Notification (no charge) Application. A requirement of work completed in or near water under this
Act is full-time environmental monitoring completed by a QEP.
Wildlife Act (BC)
This Act protects wildlife so that breeding, nesting, foraging and fledging is not interrupted (Government of
British Columbia 2004). Any site preparation or vegetation clearing planned within the breeding bird window
(April 1 to August 15) must be preceded by wildlife surveys conducted by a QEP. Mitigation measures
including captures, salvages and relocations, must avoid contravention of this Act.
3.2
FEDERAL
Fisheries Act
The federal Fisheries Act addresses all fish, fish habitat and water quality. Section 36 (3) of the act
prohibits deposition of deleterious substances in water frequented by fish. The harmful alteration, disruption
1-3
or destruction of fish habitat was prohibited under Section 35 (1); however, following recent amendments
(2012) to the Fisheries Act, Section 35 (1) now states “No person shall carry on any work, undertaking or
activity that results in serious harm to fish that are part of a commercial, recreational or Aboriginal fishery, or
to fish that support such a fishery.” The DFO will require a review that includes an aquatic affects
assessment to determine potential impacts to fish habitat, and a notification or approval under the Act may
be required.
Species at Risk Act
The Species at Risk Act (SARA) provides legal protection of wildlife and their habitats designated under
Schedule 13 of the Act. The purpose of the Act is to prevent Canadian indigenous species, subspecies, and
distinct populations from becoming extirpated or extinct, to provide recovery of endangered or threatened
species, and encourage the management of other species to prevent them from becoming at risk.
It is an offence under Sections 32 and 33 of the SARA to:
kill, harm, harass, capture, or take an individual of a listed species that is extirpated, endangered, or
threatened;
possess, collect, buy, sell, or trade an individual of a listed species that is extirpated, endangered,
or threatened, or its part or derivative; and,
damage or destroy the residence of one or more individuals of a listed endangered or threatened
species or of a listed extirpated species if a recovery strategy has recommended its re-introduction.
Migratory Bird Convention Act (Migratory Birds Regulation)
The Migratory Bird Convention Act protects migratory birds and nests from indiscriminate harvesting and
destruction. Specifically, the Regulations stipulates that ”no person shall disturb, destroy or take a nest,
egg, nest shelter, eider duck shelter or duck box of a migratory bird” (Section 6 [a]), and “no person shall
deposit or permit to be deposited oil, oil wastes or any other substances harmful to migratory birds in any
waters or any area frequented by migratory birds” (Section 35 [1]).
3
Schedule 1: is the official list of species that are classified as extirpated, endangered, threatened, and of special concern. Schedule
2: species listed in Schedule 2 are species that had been designated as endangered or threatened, and have yet to be re-assessed by
COSEWIC using revised criteria. Once these species have been re-assessed, they may be considered for inclusion in Schedule 1.
1-2
REPORT
4 Baseline Environment
4.1
WATERSHED OVERVIEW
Gardom Lake is situated approximately 12 km southeast of Salmon Arm, B.C. within the Columbia
Shuswap Regional District’s Area D (CSRD 2013). It encompasses an area of approximately 76 hectares
and at its maximum elevation contains approximately 7,668 cubic decameters of water. The lake is part of
the extensive South Thompson River watershed, which covers an area of about 1.7 million hectares. There
is one creek of approximately 1 kilometer in length that flows into the lake along its south shore near the
end of Glenmary Road. Natural springs are the additional source of inflow into the lake.
The lake is drained by Gardom Creek which joins with other tributaries downstream before emptying into
the Shuswap River. The mouth of the inflowing creek, which does not have a gazetted name but may be
locally referred to as Gardom Creek as well, is about 900 m from the current boat launch on Teal Road, and
about 675 m from the hand launch on Musgrave Road (Figure 1-1).
At its widest, Gardom Lake is just over a kilometer wide (1070 m) and 1.5 km long (1540 m). The two
deepest spots in the lake measure at 25 and 23 m below the recorded elevation of the lake at 546 m.a.s.l.
The two islands in the lake are Turtle Island and Main Island (Figure 1-1). On the east side of Turtle Island
the water drops off rapidly to a depth of 25 m. A similar rapid decrease in bathymetric elevation occurs off
the southeast side of Main Island to a depth of 23 m. While the lake bottom drops off moderately in the
vicinity of the Teal Road launch, reaching a depth of 5 m over a distance of 25 m, the bay at Musgrave
Road is considerably shallower, requiring a distance of at least 80 m and in one spot 130 m to reach a
similar depth (Appendix A).
Land uses within the Gardom Lake watershed and water extraction sites closest to each access are
discussed in the following sections.
4.2
LAND USES
The Gardom Lake area is characterized by a mix of land uses, including residential, agricultural and
recreational. There are approximately 40 residential parcels with lake frontage ranging in size from 0.2-1
ha (0.5-2.5 ac), with an additional 20 residential parcels approximately 0.2 ha (0.5 ac) each, and a number
of larger agricultural parcels across Gardom Lake Road, including a large scale dairy farm (CSRD 2011). It
is a popular recreational site for wildlife viewing, canoeing, kayaking and fishing. Boats with gas motors are
restricted to 10 hp or less. Public lake accesses include a hand-launch site with a dock at the day use
community park, a trailed boat launch site at the Teal Road access and a hand-launch site at the Musgrave
Road access. The community park also includes a beach, picnic area, and ball diamond. The private
camps include the Gardom Lake Bible Camp and the Royal Canadian Legion Camp located on the south
side of the lake (CSRD 2011).
4-1
4.3
WATER EXTRACTION
Drinking water diversions and water wells located near Gardom Lake were investigated. Two recorded
drinking water diversion licenses (water licence numbers 389002 and 389003) were found using provincial
mapping software (MOE 2013b) (Figure 4-1). Both occur along the south shore. It has been noted that
there are additional unlicensed diversions in operation (MOE 2009). During the public on-site meeting,
residents informed Summit that there were a total of five diversions, including the two mapped in Figure 3-1
that extract water along the south shore. Six domestic wells occur on properties within about 100 m of the
Teal Road boat launch. Each taps into a low productivity aquifer that underlies a portion of the lakeshore.
There are no wells in the vicinity or the Musgrave Road access.
4-2
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4 - Baseline Environment
Figure 4-1
Wells and Water Licence Diversions
4-3
4.4
FISHERIES ASSESSMENT
Aquatic and fisheries values were assessed using information gathered during the field assessment and
background information, including reports and government websites. This assessment includes information
on the history and current state of fisheries in Gardom Lake, resident fish (rainbow trout), onsite fisheries
habitat and water quality.
4.4.1
History
Gardom Lake has a history of human intervention. It is currently stocked with rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus
mykiss) and in previous years has been stocked with cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii), brook trout
(Salvelinus fontinalis) and lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush). The lake has received two rotenone
treatments to remove course fish; once in 1972 and again in 2009 and has been aerated since 1978 to
improve winter oxygen levels (MOE 2009). Before the second rotenone treatment in 2009, the lake
contained rainbow trout, yellow perch (Perca flavesens), smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieui) and
goldfish (Carassius auratus auratus). Since the 2009 rotenone treatment4 and the addition of 5,700 sterile,
catchable rainbow trout in 2010, spiny-rayed fish species have not been reported in Gardom Lake and
recreational rainbow trout fishing is thriving (MFLNRO 2011). The daily fishing quota for rainbow trout is two
fish per day (MFLNRO 2013). An adult rainbow trout observed in a fisherman’s boat during the field
assessment is pictured in Photograph 5.
In BC, rainbow trout have been introduced into many lakes for sport fishing and now occurs throughout
most of the country. It has a variable diet and will forage throughout the water column on a variety
of items, depending upon the strain of the fish. In general, the fish’s diet changes with the seasons, and
generally the species forages near the bottom (BC Ministry of Fisheries. No Date). In smaller lake systems
like Gardom Lake, rainbow trout are primarily insectivorous, foraging on Dipetera (e.g., chironomids),
Ephemoptera (mayflies), Plecoptera (stoneflies), Crustacea (e.g., amphipods such as Gammerus sp.)
etc. The stocked rainbow trout in Gardom Lake are sterile so do not require habitat for spawning (ex.
shoreline gravel).
4.4.2
Fish Habitat
In general, the identified accesses on Gardom Lake exhibit different characteristics in terms of fish habitat
suitability and preference. The foreshore along the Musgrave Road access consists of a shallow shoal with
abundant riparian habitat that provides highly suitable juvenile rearing habitat (Photograph 6), while the
foreshore along the Teal Road access is substantially deeper and likely provides moderate to high value
habitat for adult fish (Photograph 7). However, it is expected that all age classes of fish may utilize each of
these sites for foraging. Figures 1-2 and 1-3 delineate the assessed riparian zone and aquatic zone
(emergent vegetation).
4
CFT Legumine and Powdered Rotenone (MFLNRO 2011)
4-4
august 20 2013.docx
Fish habitat characteristics included substrate, riparian vegetation, emergent vegetation and woody debris.
Silty substrate can result in highly turbid water when it is disturbed, which can stress resident fish. Larger
substrate, emergent vegetation and woody debris offer fish cover from predators and gravelly substrate is
ideal for spawning. Overhanging riparian vegetation also provides cover and shades the foreshore, which
cools the water resulting in higher oxygen concentrations suitable for fish.
The foreshore at the Musgrave Road access is more susceptible to turbidity due to its predominantly silty
substrate. Lake bed substrates within 2 m of the shoreline at each access are composed of silts, detritus
and imported gravel. Imported gravel substrates are predominant within the immediate launch area at the
Teal Road access but are much less prominent at the Musgrave Road launch area. There is an anoxic
layer of silt and detritus on either side of the imported gravel launch area at the Teal Road access and
along much of the foreshore at the Musgrave Road access.
There is more cover for fish at the Musgrave Road access than at the Teal Road access (Figures 1-2 and
1-3). Emergent and overhanging foreshore vegetation was noted at both accesses, although coverage was
notably higher at the Musgrave Road access (66% compared to 26%, Table 5-6). Woody debris was also
more frequent along the Musgrave Road foreshore compared to the Teal Road foreshore. Tree stumps,
noted at both accesses but much more predominantly along the foreshore at the Musgrave Road access,
also provide some protective cover for small fish.
Riparian habitat at the Musgrave Road access is more abundant and creates more shade than at the Teal
Road access. Vegetation coverage in the riparian zone at the Musgrave Road access was higher than
riparian vegetation coverage at the teal Road access (71% compared to 25%, Table 4-3). Riparian areas
adjacent to the Musgrave Road access consist mainly of mature forest with a dense understory of shrubs
that provides good shading to the lake (Figure 1-2). Riparian areas adjacent to the Teal Road access
consist of a combination of mature forest and cleared areas as a result of residential shoreline development
(Figure 1-3). Cleared shoreline areas result in degraded fisheries habitat due to diminished fish cover,
reduced leaf litter and increased water temperature.
4.4.3
Water Quality
Field water quality parameters recorded include temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), salinity, pH, total
dissolved solids (TDS) and turbidity (Table 4-1). Wading into the foreshore at the Teal Road access was
observed to release less sediment than wading into the Musgrave Road access foreshore. Disturbed
sediments at the Musgrave Road access released a strong sulfur-smell indicating anoxic (low oxygen)
conditions near the lake bed.
4-5
Table 4-1
Field Water Quality Results
Parameter
Units
temperature
Salinity
EC
TDS
pH
C
g/L
µS
mg/L
pH
units
NTU
*Turbidity
Musgrave
Road
Access
21.9
0.225
389
275
8.5
Teal Road
Access
1.61
2.87
21.9
0.267
403
389
7.5
*average of three readings
The differences in temperature, TDS, EC and salinity measurements at each access are not substantial
enough to indicate site-specific differences. The temperature measurements of 20.6 and 21.9 C taken
near the water’s surface were relatively warm. A temperature of 18-19°C taken at depth is the maximum
weekly temperature average for adult and juvenile fish (Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks et.al.
1998). TDS is a measure of the amount of dissolved salts in the water column including sodium, chloride,
magnesium and sulphate and electrical conductivity is the measure of a material that accommodates the
transport of electric charge. Freshwater bodies can have electrical conductivity values that range from 30
uS/cm to 2000 uS/cm and TDS concentrations as high as 750 mg/L. The EC and TDS concentrations
measured at each access are typical for many freshwater lakes in the Okanagan / Shuswap. The working
water quality guidelines for BC indicate that the maximum salinity concentration threshold for aquatic life in
freshwater systems is 1.5 g/L (MOE 2006b). The salinity concentrations of 0.275 and 0.267 g/L collected at
each access are far below this threshold.
The differences in pH and turbidity measurements may indicate slight variations in water chemistry at each
access. Turbidity is a measurement of the suspended particulate matter in a water body that interferes with
light passage through the water and pH is a measurement of the hydrogen-ion concentration in the water.
The Musgrave Road access had a pH value of 8.5 and an average turbidity measurement of 1.61 NTU,
whereas the Teal Road access had a pH value of 7.5 and an average turbidity measurement of 2.87 NTU.
Although the pH and turbidity measurements at each access are within the normal range for many lakes in
BC, the lower pH and higher turbidity at the Teal Road access may reflect acid released from the disturbed
sediments during sampling. However, a more thorough water quality sampling regime would need to be
incorporated to confirm any differences between the sites.
4-6
august 20 2013.docx
4.5
VEGETATION INVENTORY
Gardom Lake is situated within the Shuswap Moist Warm Interior Douglas-Fir biogeoclimatic variant
(IDFmw1) (MOE 2013a). The climate of this zone is characterized by warm, dry summers and cool winters,
and is located along most the major valleys and side drainages within the Thompson Okanagan region
(MOFR 2013). Small lakes and wetlands in this zone, like Gardom Lake, are typically surrounded by
cattails, sedges, and bulrushes. Such water bodies are especially important for wildlife survival in such a
dry zone.
Although both accesses share many of the same vegetation species there are some differences in the
vegetation communities at each site (Table 4-2). Eleven of the same native species and one invasive
species (common burdock) were found at both accesses. Oregon grape and invasive orange hawkweed
(Photograph 8), Canada thistle and common tansy (Photograph 9) were unique to the Musgrave Road
access. Prickly rose, tufted loosestrife, Canadian buffalo-berry, sarsaparilla and the invasive yellow flag iris
(Photograph 7) were unique to the Teal Road access. Nightshade (Solanum sp.) was anecdotally reported
to grow in abundance along the Gardom Lake shoreline. However, it was not identified during the field
assessment or during the public on-site meeting.
The three vegetation zones at each access are delineated in Figure 1-2 (Musgrave Road Assessment
Area) and Figure 1-3 (Teal Road Assessment Area). An estimate of vegetation cover in each vegetation
zone was calculated for each access. Results show that the Musgrave Road access is significantly more
vegetated than the Teal Road access in every zone (Table 4-3). The total vegetated area at the Teal Road
access was estimated to be 388 m 2, which is 21% of its total area. The total vegetated area at the
Musgrave Road access was estimated to be 2,720 m 2, which is 54% of its total area.
4-7
Table 4-2
Observed Vegetation at the Teal Road and Musgrave Road Access
Common Name
Scientific Name
Native
Douglas fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii
western redcedar
Thuja plicata
Douglas Maple
Acer glabrum
Saskatoon berry
Amelanchier alnifolia
Willow
Salix sp.
trembling aspen
Populus tremuloides
red osier dogwood
Cornus sericea
prickly rose
Rosa acicularis
balsam poplar
Populus balsamifera
black hawthorn
Crataegus douglasii
sarsaparilla
Aralia nudicaulis
Oregon grape
Mahonia aquifolium
common snowberry
Symphoricarpos
grasses
various native grasses
cattail
Typha
tufted loosestrife
Lysimachia thyrsiflora
Thimble berry
Rubus parviflorus
Canadian buffalo-berry
Shepherdia canadensis
Invasive
common burdock
Arctium minus
Common tansy
Tanacetum vulgare
Canada thistle
Cirsium arvense
orange hawkweed
Pilosella aurantiaca
yellow flag iris
Iris pseudacorus
Teal Access Zone
Riparian / General
Riparian / General
Riparian / General
Riparian
Riparian
Riparian
Riparian /General
Riparian
Riparian
Riparian
Riparian
Musgrave Access
Zone
Riparian
Riparian / General
Riparian / General
Riparian
Riparian
Riparian
Riparian
Riparian
Riparian
Riparian
Riparian / General
Aquatic
Aquatic
General
Riparian
Riparian / General
Riparian / General
Aquatic
General
General
General
General
Riparian / General
Aquatic
4-8
august 20 2013.docx
Table 4-3
Vegetation Coverage in Vegetation Zones at each Access
Teal
Total
Zone
Area
(m2)
Vegetation
Coverage
(m2)
Percent
Vegetation
Coverage
Zone
Area
(m2)
Vegetation
Coverage
(m2)
Percent
Vegetation
Coverage
Foreshore
172
45
26
827
543
66
General
953
178
19
1,969
556
29
Riparian
650
165
25
2,287
1,621
71
1,775
388
21
5,083
2,720
54
Zone
Totals
4.6
Musgrave
VEGETATION SPECIES AT RISK
Sensitive plant species were not identified during the field assessment or public onsite meeting and have
not been documented by the province as inhabiting either access. However, the following provincially bluelisted vascular plant species have been documented within 20 km of the project area along other shoreline
areas (MOE 2013a):
Giant Helleborine (Epipactis gigantean), located approximately 5 km southeast of Gardom Lake;
Fox Sedge (Carex vulpinoidea), located primarily along the shoreline of Mara Lake, 19 km
northeast of Gardom Lake and
Thyme-leaved Spurge (Chamaesyce serpyllifolia ssp. serpyllifolia) located primarily along the
shoreline of Shuswap Lake, 18 km north of Gardom Lake.
Vegetation species at risk documented within the CSRD are attached as Appendix E.
4.7
WILDLIFE INVENTORY
A diverse amount of wildlife is known to inhabit areas within and surrounding Gardom Lake including birds
(Table 4-4), mammals (Table 4-5) and reptiles, amphibians (Table 4-6), insects (Table 4-7) and freshwater
molluscs. The tables list wildlife species that were observed by Summit onsite (during the initial site
assessment or the public on-site meeting), described anecdotally by residents (in-person or email) or
referenced in other literature. The observed location is indicated for each species. Most sources indicated
that the species were found in the general area of Gardom Lake. Where reported, the Teal Road Access
and/or the Musgrave Road access are specified as observed breeding or nesting locations (at the access
property or on neighboring properties). Provincially listed species (species at risk) are identified in the tables
and discussed further in Section 6.2.
4-9
Thirty-four bird species were reported or observed. Two of these bird species, the flammulated owl and
great blue heron are provincially listed species (Section 4.8). Anecdotal information suggests that seven
bird species breed and/or nest at, or near (on neighboring properties), the Musgrave Road access and
three bird species breed and/or nest at, or near, the Teal Road access. However, it can be assumed that
all of the bird species listed in Table 4-4 have the potential to frequent either access. Mallard ducks at both
accesses and a tree swallow at the Teal Road access were the only bird species observed by Summit. A
reported loon’s nest was observed within the vicinity of the Musgrave Road access (Photograph 10).
4-10
august 20 2013.docx
Table 4-4
Observed and Reported Birds
Common Name
Species Name
Observed Location (s)
Source(s)
American coot
Fulica Americana
Gardom Lake, Musgrave
FLNRO 2011, Anecdotal
bald eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
barn swallow
Hirundo rustica
Gardom Lake
Vrabac 2013
barred owl
Strix varia
Gardom Lake
Vrabac 2013
belted kingfisher
Ceryle alcyon
Gardom Lake
Vrabac 2013
blackchinned hummer
Archilochus alexandri
Gardom Lake
FOGL 2012a
bufflehead
Bucephala albeola
Musgrave
Anecdotal
Canada goose
Branta Canadensis
Gardom Lake
FLNRO 2011
chickadee
various
Teal
Anecdotal
common loon
Gavia immer
Cooper’s hawk
Accipiter cooperii
Gardom Lake
FOGL 2012a
Eurasian collared-doves
Streptopelia decaocto
Gardom Lake
Vrabac 2013
*flammulated owl
Otus flammeolus
Gardom Lake
CSRD 2011
gray catbird
Dumetella carolinensis
Gardom Lake
Anecdotal
*great blue heron
Ardea herodia
Gardom Lake
FLNRO 2011
great horned owl
Bubo virginianus
Gardom Lake
Vrabac 2013
mallard
Anas platyrhynchos
Teal, Musgrave
Observed by Summit, Anecdotal
mourning dove
Zenaida macroura
Gardom Lake
Vrabac 2013
Stelgidopteryx serripennis
Gardom Lake
Vrabac 2013
northern saw whet owl
Aegolius acadicus
Gardom Lake
Vrabac 2013
nuthatches
unnamed species
Gardom Lake
FOGL 2012a
osprey
Pandion haliaetus
Gardom Lake
FLNRO 2011
peregrine falcon
Falco peregrinus
Gardom Lake
FOGL 2012b
pied-billed grebe
Podilymbus podiceps
red-necked grebe
Podiceps grisegena
redtailed hawk
Buteo jamaicensis
Gardom Lake
FOGL 2012a
red-winged blackbird
Agelaius phoeniceus
Gardom Lake
Vrabac 2013, Anecdotal
ruffed grouse
Bonasa umbellus
Gardom Lake
Vrabac 2013
sharp-shinned hawk
Accipiter striatus
Gardom Lake
Vrabac 2013, FOGL 2012a
sora
Porzana carolina
Gardom Lake
Vrabac 2013
tree swallow
Tachycineta bicolor
Musgrave
warbler
various
Teal
Anecdoatal
violet-green swallow
Tachycineta thalassina
Gardom Lake
Vrabac 2013
fly catcher
northern rough-winged
swallow
Vrabac 2013, Anecdotal, FOGL
2012b
Observed by Summit, Vrabac
2013
* Blue-listed: Includes any ecological community, and indigenous species and subspecies considered to be of special concern in
British Columbia. Species are of special concern because of characteristics that make them particularly sensitive to human activities
or natural events.
4-11
Twelve mammal species were reported or observed. None of these species are provincially listed species.
Anecdotal information suggests that eight mammal species have been observed at or near (on neighboring
properties) the Musgrave Road access and seven mammal species have been observed at or near the Teal
Road access. However, these species are highly mobile and likely move freely around the lake. A red
squirrel, observed at the Musgrave Road access, was the only mammal observed by Summit (Table 4-5).
Table 4-5
Observed or Reported Mammals
Common Name
Bats
black bear
California myotis
Canada lynx
coyotes
little brown myotis
Mink
Moose
mule deer
muskrat
North American beaver
red squirrel
white tailed deer
Species Name
Observed Location (s)
Mammals
Unnamed species
Gardom Lake
Gardom Lake,
Ursus americanus
Musgrave, Teal
Myotis californicus
Gardom Lake
Gardom Lake,
Lynx canadensis
Musgrave, Teal
Canis latrans
Gardom Lake, Teal
Myotis lucifugus
Gardom Lake
Mustela
Gardom Lake
Gardom Lake,
Alces alces
Musgrave, Teal
Gardom Lake,
Odocoileus hemionus
Musgrave, Teal
Ondatra zibethicus
Gardom Lake
Castor canadensis
Gardom Lake
Tamiasciurus
hudsonicus
Odocoileus virginianus
Source (s)
FOGL 2012a
Hope et.al. 1989,
Anecdotal
Hope et.al. 1989
Anecdotal
Anecdotal
Hope et.al. 1989
Hope et.al. 1989
Anecdotal
Anecdotal
FLNRO 2011
Hope et.al. 1989
Anecdotal, Observed by
Summit
Five amphibian species and three reptile species were reported (Table 4-6). All of which were reported in
the general area of Gardom Lake. Two amphibian species, the Great Basin spadefoot and western toad are
provincially listed; and one reptile species, the western painted turtle, is provincially listed (Section 4.8).
The western painted turtle was observed by Summit immediately north and south of the Musgrave Road
access (Photograph 10). During the public on-site meeting residents provided the location of western
painted turtle nesting areas which were located in the gravel at the top of the Musgrave Road launch area).
Residents also reported that the western painted turtles traverse through both accesses during spring and
fall migrations.
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august 20 2013.docx
Table 4-6
Observed or Reported Amphibians and Reptiles
Common Name
*great basin spadefoot
toad
*western toad
Columbia spotted frog
long toed salamander
Pacific tree frog
rubber boa
western alligator lizard
Species Name
Observed Location(s)
Amphibians
Source(s)
Spea intermontana
Gardom Lake
Anecdotal
Anaxyrus boreas
Rana luteiventris
Ambystoma
macrodactylum
Pseudacris regilla
Gardom Lake
Gardom Lake
Anecdotal
FLNRO 2011
Gardom Lake
FLNRO 2011
Gardom Lake
Reptiles
Gardom Lake
Gardom Lake
FLNRO 2011
Charina bottae
Elgaria coerulea
principis
Chrysemys picta bellii
Anecdotal
Anecdotal
*western painted turtle
Gardom Lake, Musgrave MOE 2013a, Anecdotal
* Blue-listed: Includes any ecological community, and indigenous species and subspecies considered to be of special concern in
British Columbia. Species are of special concern because of characteristics that make them particularly sensitive to human activities or
natural events.
Seven insect species were observed or reported (Table 4-7). All seven species likely inhabit the general
area of Gardom Lake. Insects observed during the field assessments included mosquito, dragon fly, damsel
fly and common green darner at both accesses.
Table 4-7
Observed or Reported Insects
Common Name
Species Name
Dragon flies
infraorder Anisoptera
Damsel Flies
suborder Zygoptera
spotted skimmer
spiny basket tail
Libellula quadrimaculata
Epitheca spinigera
common green darner
Anax junius
variable darner
mosquito
Aeshna interrupta
Culiseta ongiareolata
Observed Location(s)
Gardom Lake,
Musgrave, Teal
Gardom Lake,
Musgrave, Teal
Gardom Lake
Gardom Lake
Teal
Gardom Lake
Teal, Musgrave
Source(s)
Vrabac 2013, Observed
by Summit, Anecdotal
Vrabac 2013, Observed
by Summit, Anecdotal
FLNRO 2011
FLNRO 2011
FLNRO 2011, Observed
by Summit
FLNRO 2011
Observed by Summit
Freshwater molluscs (species unidentified) have also been reported to inhabit Gardom Lake (CSRD 2011)
but were not observed during the field assessment.
4-13
4.8
WILDLIFE SPECIES AT RISK
Based on provincially reported observations (Appendix D) and anecdotal reports, species at risk known to
inhabit Gardom Lake and its riparian areas include the flammulated owl, great blue heron, western painted
turtle, Great Basin spadefood and western toad. These species are discussed below.
4.8.1
Flammulated owl (Otus flammeolus)
The flammulated owl is a provincially blue-listed species designated as a COSEWIC species of special
concern in April 2010. The secretive, nocturnal flammulated owl prefers old-growth stands (in B.C., trees
>141 years old), where there are snags containing nesting cavities. Flammulated owls nest in abandoned
woodpecker holes, especially those of flickers and produce only one brood per season. Such habitat was
not observed in the immediate vicinity of either access. Residents reported this owl as inhabiting the
general area of Gardom Lake. They eat insects, spiders and other arthropods, which they capture during
flight or by gleaning the bark of trees. The species is strictly nocturnal. Their breeding habitat is affected by
fire suppression, timber harvest, and livestock grazing and housing development. The flammulated owl is
potentially vulnerable to aerial spraying with pesticides or other management procedures used to control
forest insect pests which the owls eat (Government of Canada 2010).
4.8.2
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodia)
The great blue heron is a provincially blue-listed species designated as a species of special concern by the
Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) in April 2008. The great blue heron
nest in woodlands near foraging areas. They build their nests in a variety of species of trees, including Red
Alder, Black Cottonwood, Bigleaf Maple, Sitka Spruce and Douglas-fir. A suitable nesting site must include
an established colony and alternative sites that can be used in case of disturbance. Local residents
reported that there is a blue heron colony at the north end of the lake near the Musgrave Road access.
Some colonies are used for many years, but most colonies, especially those with fewer than 25 nests, are
relocated every few years. The main factors threatening heron populations are nesting failure and reduced
nesting productivity as a result of eagle predation, human disturbance and destruction of nesting and
foraging habitats by residential and industrial development, road construction and logging (Government of
Canada 2008).
4.8.3
Western Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta bellii)
The western painted turtle is a provincially blue-listed species designated as a COSEWIC species of
special concern in April 2006. This species is suited to Gardom Lake because of the lake’s muddy
substrate, abundance of emergent vegetation, and numerous basking sites (i.e rocks and logs). Although
this species forages, mates, and hibernates in water, it moves several hundred metres overland during
spring and fall migrations when individuals breed and hibernate in separate ponds. Females lay their eggs
in loose, warm, well-drained soils up to 150 m from the water’s edge of Gardom Lake (Government of
Canada 2006). Residents reported that western painted turtles have been observed nesting in the gravels
at the top of slope near the line of vegetation at the Musgrave Road Access and migrating through the
4-14
august 20 2013.docx
access at the Teal Road right-of-way. Summit observed western painted turtles basking on rocks and logs
along the foreshore near the Musgrave Road access (Photograph 11). Due to its overland migration and
breeding behaviors, the Government of Canada has reported that the Intermountain-Rocky Mountain
population has likely experienced a significant decline in the Okanagan valley because of extensive loss of
wetland habitats and the proliferation of roads (Government of Canada 2006).
4.8.4
Great Basin Spadefood (Spea intermontana)
The Great Basin Spadefoot is a provincially blue-listed species in British Columbia designated as a species
of special concern by COSEWIC in April 2007. Within BC, it is found mainly in the Okanagan Valley but
has also been identified in the Kettle, Nicola, Thompson, and Similkameen valleys. Adults breed in pond
edges, marshes slow moving creeks and temporary pools of water. They forage in dry shrub-grasslands
and open lower elevation forests. These toads require deep, loose soil for burrowing and will use rodent
burrows or burrow under rocks or logs during hibernation. Breeding begins after in mid- to late-April, or
later during cool, wet years. Loss of wetland breeding habitat and grassland foraging habitat has occurred
due to urbanization and intensive agriculture. While it is protected from capture or killing under the British
Columbia Wildlife Act, its habitat remains unprotected. Spadefoots have been reported as inhabiting the
Musgrave Road access by local residents. Both accesses provide suitable habitat for this species.
Landowners can help to ensure the continued survival of this amphibian by fencing breeding ponds,
stopping stocking of lakes and ponds with game fish, and retaining wetlands and the natural vegetation
around them (MOE 2007).
4.8.5
Western Toad (Anaxyrus boreas)
The Western Toad is a provincially blue-listed species in British Columbia designated as a COSEWIC
species of special concern in November 2012. Within BC, it occurs from the Rockies to the Pacific Coast
and from sea level to 3600 m elevation. This toad breeds in a wide variety of warm, shallow aquatic
habitats, from ditches to lakes margins. Both accesses provide suitable habitat for this toad. Females return
to the same site but do not breed every year. Outside the early spring breeding season, toads inhabit a
variety of habitats including forest, grassland, avalanche slopes and clear cuts. They prefer dense cover,
often use small mammal burrows, and eat a variety of invertebrates. Habitat degradation, loss, and
fragmentation due to urban and agricultural development are the largest threats in settled areas. Stocking
fish into naturally fishless streams or ponds, roadkill, pesticides and predation by introduced bullfrogs are
also concerns (Stewardship Center for British Columbia 2012).
4-15
REPORT
5 Public Consultation
Public consultation included email submissions and an on-site public meeting. Four respondents reiterated
their concerns via a phone conversation and another during a meeting. One resident also followed up with
an email with attached reference material that was incorporated into the report.
5.1
EMAIL SUBMISSIONS
As part of the request for public input on the development plans for the Gardom Lake boat launch facilities
there were five respondents that submitted written accounts of their observations and concerns. All five
respondents are local property owners and their families reside in the vicinity of Gardom Lake. The
feedback received from this group can be categorized as being for Option 1: Continued use of the both
sites as they are currently being used with modifications to the Musgrave Road access; or Option 2:
Convert the Musgrave Road access to a trailer and hand-launching access and close down the Teal Road
access, converting it into a conservation area / picnic area. A common theme expressed by respondents
on both sides of this issue is regarding the overuse of the lake. Two respondents perceive the proposed
development plans as promoting increased use of the lake for recreational purposes. One respondent
suggests that residents within the vicinity of the access will be frustrated, regardless of which option is
pursued, because the underlying issue will not be addressed
A summary of the comments made in the email submissions and unedited copies of the emails are
attached as Appendix F (Table 1, Photographs and Email Copies).
Option 1: Continued use of the both sites as they are currently being used with modifications to the
Musgrave Road access
Three respondents are generally concerned about the impact that an increase in traffic and usage will have
on the local ecology in the vicinity of Musgrave Road. The respondents noted that turtles rely heavily on the
riparian areas surrounding Musgrave Road and that active turtle nests are present in the roadside. They
believe these nests will be destroyed by increases vehicle traffic and that turtles will suffer habitat loss as
well as increase road mortality. Two respondents were also concerned about loons in the bay by Musgrave
Road that they feel would be forced out by increased boat and vehicle traffic if the site were further
developed. Two respondents make reference to nesting opportunities along the bay riparian area of
Musgrave Road for a variety of bird species and concerns that increased traffic accessing the site will
disturb this habitat.
Option 2: Convert the Musgrave Road access to a trailer and hand-launching access and close
down the Teal Road access, converting it into a conservation area / picnic area
The two property owners who promote the closure of the Teal Road launch are concerned with the high
amount of traffic the site experiences and, in their opinion, the inadequate facilities that exist to support the
usage at that site. Both refer to a lack of garbage and sanitation facilities that result in litter and human
5-1
waste being left behind. One also makes reference to the parking of vehicles along Teal Road and Park
Road that encroaches on the surrounding forest vegetation, and causes both ecological and aesthetic
damage to the area. Both respondents point out that Teal Road is built on a slope that results in pollutants
as well as road salt and sand being carried into the lake with surface water runoff. They appear to be of the
opinion that upgraded facilities at Musgrave Road would be better able to accommodate the amount of
usage the lake currently receives from anglers and boaters.
Summary
A common theme expressed by respondents on both sides of this issue is regarding the overuse of the
lake. Two respondents perceive the proposed development plans as promoting increased use of the lake
for recreational purposes. One respondent suggests that residents within the vicinity of the access will be
frustrated, regardless of which option is pursued, because the underlying issue will not be addressed
A summary of the comments made in the email submissions, submitted photographs and unedited copies
of the emails are attached as Appendix F (Table 1, Photographs and Email Copies).
5.2
PUBLIC ON-SITE MEETING
A public on-site meeting was held on July 16, 2013. It began at 9:00 am at the Musgrave Road access and
ended at the Teal Road access at noon. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the presence of wildlife
and wildlife habitat in the general area and at each access and document environmental impacts / concerns
related to either development option.
Approximately 12 people attended the meeting (Photograph 12). Their comments and concerns were
documented and pictures were taken to document their feedback. A boat was made available to Summit’s
Environmental Scientist for transport to and from the Teal Road access. This allowed for a broader view of
the foreshore and riparian areas surrounding each access (Photographs 6,7,10 and 11). Comments and
concerns related to environmental factors centered around seven main categories:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
western painted turtles;
foreshore;
birds;
riparian vegetation;
(5) water quality;
(6) mammals / insects; and
(7) fisheries.
Appendix G, Table 1 summarizes the information collected at the public on-site meeting.
5-2
august 20 2013.docx
REPORT
6 Potential Impacts
Option 1 involves continued use of the both sites as they are currently being used, with modifications to the
launch area at the Musgrave Road above the HWM. Option 2 involves modifying the launch area at the
Musgrave Road access above and below the HWM to allow vehicle access into the foreshore. It also
involves decommissioning the boat launch at the Teal Road access and creating a conservation area /
picnic area within the Teal Road access boundaries (Section 1.4). Although both options present some of
the same potential impacts, Option 2 also includes impacts associated with placing construction materials
within the foreshore at the Musgrave Road access and revegetating the Teal Road access. Potential
impacts shared by both options and those unique to Option 2 are provided below.
6.1
POTENTIAL IMPACTS SHARED BY BOTH OPTIONS
The following impacts shared by Option 1 and 2 are those that have the potential to occur as a result of
development at the Musgrave Road access above the HWM:
Reduction in the value of fish habitat as a result of removal and/or damage to riparian vegetation,
Reduced water quality for aquatic life and humans caused by sediment release into the foreshore;
Hydrocarbon spill from heavy equipment during refueling or leaks;
Removal and /or damage to species at risk and their habitats (e.g., flammulated owl, great blue
heron, western painted turtle, Great Basin spadefood and western toad);
Removal and /or damage to other native songbird, mammal, reptile and amphibian habitat;
Sediment release into the foreshore during top soil placement and planting; and
The spread of invasive species (e.g., common burdock and Canadian thistle) as a result of clearing.
6.2
MUSGRAVE ROAD ACCESS DEVELOPMENT BELOW THE HWM
The following impacts are associated with Option 2 and include those that have the potential to occur as a
result of development at the Musgrave Road access below the HWM:
Reduction in the value of fish habitat as a result of removal of natural substrate, emergent
vegetation, tree stumps and/or logs;
Reduction in the value of fish habitat and water quality as a result of higher turbidity caused by
sediment release into the foreshore;
Removal and /or damage to western toad and Great Basin spadefood breeding habitat;
Removal of western painted turtle basking;
Removal and /or damage to other native songbird, mammal, reptile and amphibian habitat;
The spread of invasive aquatic species (ex. Yellow flag iris) as a result of disturbance; and
Hydrocarbon spill into the foreshore from heavy equipment used to place concrete slabs.
Cumulative effects of increased foreshore development, and
Reduced quality of drinking water.
1
6.3
REVEGETATING THE TEAL ROAD ACCESS
Although revegetating the Teal Road access results in environmental benefits including reduced foreshore
turbidity, reduced sedimentation, reduced vehicle pollution and increased riparian habitat, the following
impacts are associated with this construction of this development:
Temporary disruption of western painted turtle access to migration sites;
Sediment release into the foreshore during top soil placement and/or planting, and
Hydrocarbon spills into the soil from heavy equipment during refueling or leaks.
Potential impacts associated with each option are listed in Table 6-1.
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Table 6-1
Potential Impacts Associated with Option 1 and Option 2
Option 2
Option 1
Potential Impacts
Reduction in the value of fish habitat as a result of removal and/or damage to riparian vegetation
Reduced water quality for aquatic life and humans caused by sediment release into the foreshore
Hydrocarbon spill into riparian areas from heavy equipment during refueling or leaks
Removal and /or damage to flammulated owl habitat
Removal and /or damage to great blue heron habitat
Removal and /or damage to western painted turtle migratory routes
Removal and /or damage to western painted turtle nesting sites
Removal and /or damage to western toad and Great Basin spadefood foraging habitat
Removal and /or damage to other native songbird, mammal, reptile and amphibian habitat
Sediment release into the foreshore during top soil placement and planting
The spread of invasive species (e.g., common burdock and Canadian thistle) as a result of
vegetation clearing
Reduction in the value of fish habitat as a result of removal of natural substrate, emergent
vegetation, tree stumps and/or logs in the foreshore
Reduction in the value of fish habitat and water quality as a result of higher turbidity caused by
sediment release into the foreshore during foreshore grading and / or concrete pad placement
Removal and /or damage to western toad and Great Basin spadefood breeding habitat
Removal of western painted turtle basking sites
The spread of invasive aquatic species (ex. Yellow flag iris) as a result of disturbance
Hydrocarbon spill into the foreshore from heavy equipment used to place concrete slabs
Cumulative effects of increased foreshore development
Reduced drinking water quality
3-1
7 Mitigation
The following mitigation recommendations associated with work timing, worksite isolation, sediment and
erosion control above and below the HWM, spill management and environmental monitoring minimize
potential negative environmental impacts associated with proposed development in Option 1 and/or Option
2, as indicated.
7.1
WORK TIMING
Development should take place outside of the following sensitive periods:
To avoid sensitive timing for migratory birds, any proposed land clearing activities should be
completed outside of the active breeding season, which is between April 1st and July 31st, unless
no active nests are present. If land clearing activities are proposed within this time period, a
nesting survey should be completed by a qualified biologist;
For the best survival rates, shrubs and trees should be planted between September and October
(DFO 2006);
The western painted turtle is known to migrate through each access during the Spring and Fall.
Development during these migrations should also be avoided;
Any foreshore development, including concrete pad placement, should be completed during low
water conditions to avoid impacts associated with the release of deleterious substances (ex.
hydrocarbon spills and sediment) into the water, and
If species at risk are encountered during land clearing, grading, or launch pad placement, they
should not be destroyed or disturbed. This may result in project delay(s). Consultation with an
Ecosystem Biologist from the regional MFLNRO office on how to best manage the species at risk is
recommended.
In summary, if active nests are present at each access, vegetation removal above the high water mark
could take place before April 1 and after July 31, launch pad construction could take place after July 31st
and planting could take place in September or October. If no active nests are present, then vegetation
clearing above the high mark could be planned for any time between early Spring and late Fall. However,
all work must cease during the western painted turtle’s Spring and Fall migration (this is reported to vary
each year).
7.2
WORKSITE ISOLATION
The following worksite isolation practices are required to reduce the impact of launch pad construction
associated with Option 2:
A silt curtain should be installed to isolate the proposed work area from the lake prior to lake bed
grading and concrete pad placement. The silt curtain is intended to isolate the entire work area and
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remain in place for the duration of construction, and after project completion until all sediment has
settled.
Prior to instream works (grading and concrete pad placement), a fish salvage should be completed
inside the silt curtain. Salvaged fish will be released, unharmed outside of the silt curtain into the
main water body.
7.3
SEDIMENT AND EROSION CONTROL ABOVE THE HWM
The following sediment and erosions control practices will reduce the chance of sediment entering Gardom
Lake during revegetation of the Teal Road access associated with Option 2 and launch area re-grading and
widening at the Musgrave Road access associated with Options (1) and (2):
A silt fence should be installed immediately above the high water mark (except in the area where
the boat launch pad is being constructed) before construction activities begin. This silt fence will be
installed according to manufactures direction and will help to keep construction materials (ex. top
soil, fill, sediment) from entering Gardom Lake;
The silt fence should remain in place during and following construction until more permanent
mitigation is in place. Additional sediment and erosion control structures and measures would be
implemented as needed by the environmental monitor during construction, and
Disturbed (terrestrial) areas not included in a formal planting plan will be seeded with a native
ground cover seed mix once construction is completed.
7.4
SEDIMENT AND EROSION CONTROL BELOW THE HWM
The following sediment and erosions control practices will reduce the chance of sediment entering Lake
Lenore during placement of the launch pad at the Musgrave Road access associated with Option 2:
Any excavation required for placement of launch pad materials is to be kept at a minimum, as
required to level and place materials;
The use of heavy equipment below the lake HWM will be avoided wherever possible, or limited to
transporting and placing construction materials within the isolated work area;
Gravel or rock for fill must not be obtained from below the HWM. If rocks, stumps or logs are to be
moved on the lake bottom, they are to be relocated to an area of similar water depth as near to the
project area as possible, and
Sediment releases into Gardom Lake caused by boat launch construction will be reported to DFO's
Observe, Record and Report Hotline 1-800-465-4336, if the environmental monitor determines
that reporting is required.
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7.5
SPILL MANAGEMENT
The following spill management practices should be carried out throughout development associated with
Options 1 and 2:
No refuelling or washing of vehicles should occur within 30 m of Gardom Lake;
All waste material should be kept out of the aquatic environment and be properly disposed of offsite, and
A spill kit should be available on-site.
7.6
VEGETATION MANAGEMENT
The following vegetation management practices (DFO 2006) will increase the success of proposed planting
associated with Musgrave Road access development above the HWM (Option 1 and 2) and revegetation of
the Teal Road access (Option 2):
Suitable areas for mitigation planting at the Musgrave access are any cleared areas within the
riparian zone (Figure 1-2).
Conduct regular maintenance to improve the chances of survival within the first year of plant
growth, which may include routine irrigation, removal of invasive species, observation of poor
growth, elevated erosion problems, and/or animal intrusion;
All planted tree and shrub species should be native to the local area and where available, of
guaranteed nursery stock for successful transplanting;
When nursery stock is used, the correct botanical name should be used to order planting stock and
tags should be left attached for field identification;
Purchased plant stock should be a minimum of 2 years old, and if transplanting an entire area,
planted no greater than 2.0 meters apart for all stock.
Salvage native plants wherever possible for replanting of the disturbed area;
For individual shrub replacement, two shrubs should be replanted for each shrub removed and
there should be no replacement of shrubs for trees.
Fruiting trees and shrubs should be planted to promote recolonization by seed and provide wildlife
food sources;
To ensure success of the transplants, at least 80% should survive within the first year of planting,
and
Additional fertilizing, dedicated watering and/or replanting may be required to establish vigorous
vegetative cover throughout the first year of growth.
7.7
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING
All work near and below the high water mark should be supervised by an environmental monitor (EM). The
EM will conduct a kick-off meeting to discuss applicable mitigation strategies with the construction
contractors before construction begins and the monitor will have the authority to stop work if work is not
deemed to be in compliance with applicable regulations and permits (ex. Section 9 Water Act Approval).
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8 Conclusions
The two development options include (1) keep the Musgrave Road access as a hand launch only site and
continue letting Teal Road (owned and maintained by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure) be
used as an informal boat launch site, or (2) use the Musgrave Road access as the only boat launch (trailer
and hand-launching) and close down the Teal Road access, converting it into a conservation area / picnic
area.
The proposed development must comply with two provincial Acts, one provincial regulation and three
federal Acts. Permits required for the proposed development include a Section 9 Water Act Notification or
Approval and a DFO Project Review accompanied by an Aquatic Effects Assessment. Additionally, under
the Wildlife Act any site preparation or vegetation clearing planned within the breeding bird window (April 1
to July 31) must be preceded by wildlife surveys conducted by a QEP.
Option 1 and 2 share the same impacts associated with widening the Musgrave Road access above the
high water mark which includes grading, clearing vegetation and replanting. Option 2 includes additional
impacts associated with installing a launch area in the foreshore at the Musgrave Road access and
revegetating the Teal Road access. Revegetation of the Teal Road access results in positive impacts to the
environment including reduced foreshore turbidity, reduced sedimentation, reduced vehicle pollution and
increased riparian habitat but also includes some negative environment impacts during construction.
The Musgrave Road access is comprised of a cleared upper area and lower mostly vegetated area
intersected by a dirt path (launch access). The vegetated area is situated on a slope that grades down to
the shoreline at a slope between 27 and 30%. The Teal Road access is comprised of a cleared center area
(launch access) and narrow vegetated side areas. The cleared area narrows into the foreshore at a slope
between 10 and 13%. Although both accesses are rights-of-way owned by MOTI, only the Musgrave Road
access is managed by the CSRD, which has tenure over the property in the form of a licence of occupation.
The Teal Road access is managed by MOTI.
Public consultation included email submissions and an on-site public meeting. Three respondents reiterated
their concerns via a phone conversation and another during a meeting. Five emails were documented.
Three email respondents are generally against Option 2 and two respondents support Option 2 over Option
1. A common theme expressed by respondents on both sides of this issue is regarding the overuse of the
lake. About 12 people attended the onsite meeting. Information from local residents included comments on
plant and animal species and concerns related to the proposed development.
The Gardom Lake area is rich in biodiversity. Based on provincially reported observations, Summit
observations, and anecdotal reports, five species at risk are known to inhabit Gardom Lake and its
surrounding areas including the flammulated owl, great blue heron, western painted turtle, Great Basin
spadefood and western toad. Thirty-four bird species, seven insect species, five amphibian species, three
7-1
reptile and twelve mammal species were observed or reported as inhabiting the general Gardom Lake area,
the Musgrave Road access and/or the Teal Road access. Although both accesses are reported to provide
suitable habitat for the Great Basin spadefoot, western toad and a migration route for the western painted
turtle, residents reported more species at risk utilizing the Musgrave Road access and its surrounding area
for breeding and nesting (ie. western painted turtles, blue heron colony).
The Musgrave Road access is significantly more vegetated than the Teal Road access in all three of the
vegetation zones. Eleven of the same native plant species and one invasive species (common burdock)
were found at both accesses. One native plant species and three other invasive plant species were unique
to the Musgrave Road access. Four native plant species and one invasive aquatic plant, the yellow flag iris,
were unique to the Teal Road access. No plant species at risk have been observed or reported at either
access.
The foreshore along the Musgrave Road access consists of a shallow shoal with abundant riparian habitat
that provides highly suitable juvenile rearing habitat, while the foreshore along the Teal Road access is
substantially deeper and likely provides moderate to high value habitat for adult fish. The Musgrave Road
access’s foreshore is more susceptible to turbidity due to its predominantly silty substrate. However, there
is more cover for fish at the Musgrave Road access than at the Teal Road access and riparian habitat at
the Musgrave Road access is more abundant and creates more shade than at the Teal Road access.
Despite the differences, it is expected that all age classes of fish use both sites for foraging.
Gardom Lake is currently stocked with rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The lake has received two
rotenone treatments to remove course fish; once in 1972 and again in 2009 and has been aerated since
1978 to improve winter oxygen levels. Since the 2009 rotenone treatment and the addition of 5,700 sterile,
catchable rainbow trout in 2010, all other fish species have been eradicated and the rainbow trout
recreational fishery is thriving. Since the rainbow trout are sterile when there are stocked, they do not
spawn in Gardom Lake.
Water quality parameters measured at each access were within the normal range for lakes within the
Okanagan / Shuswap. The differences in pH and turbidity measurements at the accesses may indicate that
acidity is increased (pH reduced) when sediments are disturbed. However, this would need to be confirmed
with a more detailed analysis.
Two recorded drinking water diversion licenses (water licence numbers 389002 and 389003) are located
along the south shore of Gardom Lake. During the public on-site meeting, residents informed Summit that
there were a total of five diversions that extract water along the south shore. Six domestic wells occur on
properties within about 100 m of the Teal Road boat launch. There are no wells in the vicinity of the
Musgrave Road access.
Option 1 and 2 share the same 11 potential impacts associated with widening the Musgrave Road access
above the high water mark. Eight other potential impacts, associated mainly with developing the Musgrave
Road access foreshore, were identified for Option 2. Mitigation to address these impacts includes working
within wildlife timing windows. This is made complicated by the potential for the presence of active bird
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nests and species at risk, especially the western painted turtle, which actively migrates at the Teal Road
access and migrates, nests and basks at the Musgrave Road access.
9-1
9 Recommendations
Based on applicable legislation and the environmental baseline information collected for this report,
including information obtained by local residents, it is recommended that the CSRD avoid the development
of the foreshore at the Musgrave Road access described in Option 2 for the following reasons.
There are significant impacts associated with developing the foreshore at the Musgrave Road
access including the cumulative impacts of increased foreshore development and impacts to
species at risk, especially the western painted turtle which is known to bask along the foreshore in
high numbers.
DFO prefers that fisheries habitat be replaced as “ like-for-like compensation” (DFO 2013).
Revegetating the Teal Road access would not suitably compensate for the foreshore habitat lost at the
Musgrave Road access since the foreshore at the Teal Road access has been greatly modified by
vehicle use and road-run-off;
Increasing boat traffic in the foreshore at the Musgrave Road access would likely increase turbidity
which would reduce the quality of fish habitat and may negatively affect the quality of drinking water
for those residents that extract water at the north end of Gardom Lake. Loons that nest close to the
Musgrave Road access would also likely be disturbed by the increased boat traffic, and
Development of the Musgrave Road foreshore as a vehicle boat launch would greatly increase the
risk of the foreshore becoming infested with yellow flag iris.
It is also recommended that clearing and widening of the riparian area at the Musgrave Road access as
described in Option 1 and 2 be minimized for the following reasons:
Modifications to the steep slope at the Musgrave Road right of way would have to be managed very
carefully during construction for damage to breeding and nesting sites, sediment and erosion
control and damage to riparian habitat;
Because the Musgrave Road access is surrounded by far less development than the Teal Road
access and is significantly more vegetated and undisturbed, the disturbance of the Musgrave Road
access is not evenly mitigated by the restoration of the Teal Road access;
Removing substrate from the riparian area at the Musgrave Road access would very likely be
detrimental to western painted turtle nesting sites. As a species at risk, it is an offence under
Sections 32 and 33 of the SARA to damage or destroy the residence of one or more western
painted turtles. Because of this, obtaining approvals for foreshore development and extensive
development of the riparian area at the Musgrave Road access could become complicated, and
expensive.
Finally, it is recommended that the CSRD consider placing fencing (ex. split rail) with informative signage
on either side of the Musgrave Road access to discourage disturbance of the gravel areas where the
western painted turtle has been observed nesting.
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Musgrave Road and Teal Road Lake Accesses at Gardom Lake

Transcription

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