5.0 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT BASE CASE AND...

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REPORT FOR THE PHASE 1 NEW TRANSMISSION LINE TO PICKLE LAKE PROJECT SECTION 5.0: PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT BASE CASE AND EFFECTS ASSESSMENT

5.0 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT BASE CASE AND EFFECTS ASSESSMENT

The physical environment base case and effects assessment seeks to understand and characterize potential effects of the Phase 1 New Transmission Line to Pickle Lake Project (the Project) and other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable developments on the physical environment. The following subsections present the assessment of the physical environment through assessment of surface water, groundwater, air quality, climate change, and noise.

5.1 Surface Water This section describes and summarizes the surface water baseline studies undertaken for the Project and presents an assessment of the effects of the Project on the surface water environment. The assessment follows the general approach and concepts described in Section 4.0.

For the purposes of this document, waterbodies are defined as areas with defined bed and banks, whether or not water is continuously present, and is consistent with the general definition used under the Conservation Authorities Act (Government of Ontario 1990a) and Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol (Stanfield 2010). A waterbody may be permanent, intermittent, or ephemeral. Types of waterbodies include watercourses (e.g., streams, rivers), lakes, and ponds (Government of Ontario 2009).

5.1.1 Input from Engagement Issues pertaining to surface water quality and quantity that were raised by Aboriginal communities, Aboriginal groups and stakeholders during engagement and how they are addressed in the environmental assessment (EA) are listed in Table 5.1-1. Comments, responses and follow-up actions are provided in Appendix 2.3A Aboriginal Engagement Summary Report and Appendix 2.4A Stakeholder Engagement Summary Report.

Table 5.1-1: Summary of Issues Raised during Engagement Related to Surface Water

Issue How Addressed in the Environmental Assessment Aboriginal

Community or Aboriginal Group/

Stakeholder

Interest in the number of rivers crossed by the proposed transmission line.

Waterbody crossings are documented in Section 5.1.6.1.2 and Appendices 5.1A and 5.1B, recognizing that there are 182 waterbodies crossed by the Preliminary Proposed Corridor, 172 waterbodies crossed by the Corridor Alternative Around Mishkeegogamang, and 170 waterbodies crossed by the Corridor Alternative Through Mishkeegogamang.

Round 3 Part 1 Engagement with Cat Lake First Nation

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-1





Stakeholder

Water is very important and must be protected.

Potential effects from the Project to surface water is addressed in this section. The Project will have appropriate impact management measures in place, mainly during construction, to reduce potential effects of the Project to surface water (Section 5.1.6 and Section 9.0). With the implementation of these impact management measures, no significant effects to surface water are predicted.

Round 3 Part 1 Engagement with Eagle Lake First Nation

A long time ago there was a promise not to put a hydro line through the reserve because of flooding – why is it being looked at now?

The corridor through Mishkeegogamang reserve is being considered as a corridor alternative for the Project. Potential flooding events are not anticipated to affect the operation of the transmission line.

Round 3 Part 1 Engagement with Mishkeegogamang First Nation

Long Lake, Dobie Lake could possibly be affected.

Surface waterbodies and waterbody crossings that could potentially be affected by the Project are identified in Section 5.1.5 and Appendices 5.1A and 5.1B. Dobie Lake and Long Lake are more than 20 km from the preliminary proposed ROW; and therefore will not be directly affected by the Project footprint or predicted to be affected by changes in surface water flow and quality of waterbodies that are connected to these lakes. Impact management measures will be implemented, mainly during construction, to reduce potential effects of the Project to surface water.

Engagement on the Terms of Reference (ToR) with Cat Lake First Nation

Concern that waters will be polluted, if not monitored. Project will change environment (e.g., water, land) and will change human health.

Effects to surface water from accidental spills and releases will be mitigated through the implementation of a Spill Prevention and Emergency Response Plan (Section 9.3.1.13). Therefore, accidental spills of pollutants are not predicted to affect surface water quality.

A monitoring program will be implemented by Wataynikaneyap during the construction stage of the Project to monitor potential changes in surface water quality, streamflow rates and/or water levels at waterbody crossings targeted for in-stream works. Results of the monitoring program will provide input to Wataynikaneyap to determine if any further impact management measures are required.

A summary of the monitoring activities to verify effects predictions and confirm the effectiveness of surface water related impact management measures is provided in Section 5.1.10.

Engagement on the ToR with Eabametoong First Nation

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-2





Stakeholder

We must have our own people to monitor the Project (First Nation).

Wataynikaneyap will work with First Nation communities to implement the monitoring programs.

Engagement on the ToR with Eabametoong First Nation

Concerned about how impending projects will affect their waters.

Surface waterbodies and waterbody crossings that could potentially be affected by the Project are identified in Section 5.1.5 and Appendices 5.1A and 5.1B.


Engagement on the ToR with Eagle Lake First Nation

Concerns about the effects of the Project on lakes, streams, rivers.



Engagement on the ToR with Slate Falls Nation

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-3





Stakeholder

Concerned about damage to water, destroying fish (especially eating fish)


Effects to surface water from accidental spills and releases will be mitigated through the implementation of a Spill Prevention and Emergency Response Plan (Section 9.3.1.13). Therefore, accidental spills of pollutants are not predicted to affect surface water quality.


Potential effects on fish are addressed in Section 6.2 Fish and Fish Habitat.

Engagement on the ToR with Slate Falls Nation

Concerned about effects mostly during construction (e.g., waterbody crossings, nesting sites).

Most of the potential effects on surface water are predicted to occur during construction. Surface waterbodies and waterbody crossings that could potentially be affected by the Project are identified in Section 5.1.5 and Appendices 5.1A and 5.1B.


Potential effects to nesting sites are addressed in Section 6.3 Wildlife

Engagement on the ToR with Township of Ignace

Any changes in the water regime would be a concern.

An assessment on effects to groundwater and surface water is presented in sections 5.1 and 5.2 of the Draft EA Report Surface water has been selected as a criteria for assessment, and is presented in Section 5.1.3.

Round 3 Part 1 Engagement on the criteria and indicators with the MOECC

Notes: km = kilometre; ROW = right-of-way; ToR = Terms of Reference.

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-4


5.1.2 Information Sources Information for the surface water baseline was collected from review of the following sources:

electronic data obtained from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) through Land Information Ontario (LIO) (Government of Ontario 2011, 2015, 2016b), including tertiary watersheds, Ontario Hydro Network (OHN) waterbody and watercourse (1:20K) datasets and Ontario Integrated Hydrology Data;

ArcGIS World Imagery, satellite and aerial imagery published by Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) and updated in August 2016;

Geology Terrain Data (1:100K), Northern Ontario Engineering Geology Terrain Study (NOEGTS), published by MNDM in March 2006;

ArcGIS World Topographic Map, published by ESRI and updated in August 2016;

Ontario Flow Assessment Tool Version 3 (OFAT III), developed by MNRF and powered by LIO, Queen’s Printer for Ontario, 2013;

Permits to Take Water Data Catalogue, published by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) in August 2016 and updated quarterly;

various online sources of information on hydropower production in Ontario (White River Hydro LP and Pic Mobert First Nation 2011, Ojibways of the Pic River First Nation 2012, Pic Mobert Hydro Inc. 2013, OWA 2013a and 2013b, Wikipedia 2015, Regional Power 2015, OPG 2016, Brookfield 2016);

archived hydrometric data, published by Water Survey of Canada (WSC), Environment and Climate Change Canada, and periodically updated;

Provincial (Stream) Water Quality Monitoring Network (PWQMN) Data Catalogue, published by MOECC in October 2013 and updated yearly;

Atlas of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, 4th Edition, 1974; and

Hydrological Atlas of Canada, Fisheries and Environment Canada, January 1978.

For the purposes of the EA, sufficient information was deemed to be available from the references listed above to assess the potential effects of the Project on surface water.

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-5


5.1.3 Criteria, Indicators, and Endpoints The criteria, assessment endpoint and indicators selected for the assessment of Project effects on surface water, and the rationale for their selection, are provided in Table 5.1-2.

Table 5.1-2: Surface Water Criteria and Indicators

Criteria Rationale Indicators Endpoint

Surface water

Represents the freshwater habitat for fish, aquatic organisms and aquatic vegetation.

Important for recreational use and aesthetics. Important to fauna and flora abundance and

diversity. Important to human use (drinking water or other

consumption).

Surface water quantity

Surface water quality

Maintenance of surface water quantity and quality

5.1.4 Assessment Boundaries 5.1.4.1 Temporal Boundaries The Project is planned to occur during two stages:

Construction stage: the period from the start of construction to the start of operation (approximately 18 to 24 months); and

Operation and maintenance stage: encompasses operation and maintenance activities throughout the life of the Project.

The assessment of Project effects on surface water quality and quantity considers effects that occur during the construction and operation and maintenance stages. This timeframe is intended to be sufficient to capture the effects of the Project.

5.1.4.2 Spatial Boundaries Based on a preliminary corridor routing analysis and results of engagement, three corridors were identified and referred to as:

Preliminary Proposed Corridor originating in Dinorwic (east of Dryden) and extending north to Pickle Lake.

Corridor Alternative Around Mishkeegogamang originating 20 kilometres (km) west of Ignace that travels west Around Mishkeegogamang and extending north to Pickle Lake.

Corridor Alternative Through Mishkeegogamang originating 20 km west of Ignace that travels east through Mishkeegogamang and also terminates at Pickle Lake.

The spatial boundaries for surface water, which coincide with the spatial boundaries for fish and fish habitat, are defined by the Project footprint, a local study area (LSA), and a regional study area (RSA) ( and Figure 5.1-2). The spatial boundaries were determined separately for each corridor alternative (Table 5.1-3). The Project footprint for each corridor includes the 40-m-wide transmission line alignment ROW, connection facilities, transformer station, turn-around areas, laydown areas, construction camps, and new and existing access roads.

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-6


The Project footprint boundary was designed to capture the potential direct effects of the physical footprint of the Project.

For the Preliminary Proposed Corridor and each corridor alternative, the surface water LSAs include the 2-km-wide corridor and a buffer of 500 metres (m) around the connection facilities, transformer station, turn-around areas, laydown areas, construction camps, and new and existing access roads. The LSAs were designed to capture local effects of the Project on the surface water criteria that may extend beyond the Project footprint.

For each corridor alternative, the surface water RSA includes the catchment areas (as defined on a tertiary watershed scale) of each waterbody crossed by the 2-km-wide corridor. The RSAs for the Preliminary Proposed Corridor and the corridor alternatives are captured in the broader watersheds from the regional area. These include the Wabigoon, Upper English, Central English – Lac Seul, Upper Albany – Cat, and Otoskwin tertiary watersheds for the Preliminary Proposed Corridor, and the Wabigoon, Upper English, Upper Albany – Cat, Otoskwin, and Upper Ogoki tertiary watersheds for the corridor alternatives. The RSAs were designed to provide a large enough area to assess the cumulative and regional effects on the surface water criteria.

It is worth noting that although there are no waterbody crossings in the Upper Ogoki watershed, the LSAs of the corridor alternatives around and through Mishkeegogamang have a minor overlap with the Upper Ogoki watershed near one waterbody crossing only.

Table 5.1-3: Area of the Surface Water Spatial Boundaries

Spatial Boundary

Area (ha) Description Rationale

Preliminary Proposed Corridor Project footprint

1,630 Preliminary Proposed Corridor from Dinorwic (east of Dryden) to Pickle Lake that includes the Project footprints for the preliminary 40-m-wide transmission line alignment ROW, connection facility at Dinorwic, transformer station at Pickle Lake, turn-around areas, laydown areas, construction camps, and access roads and trails.

To capture the potential direct effects of the physical footprint of the Project (i.e., local direct effects).

Local study area

77,954 Includes the 2-km-wide corridor and a buffer of 500 m around the connection facilities, transformer station, turn-around areas, laydown areas, construction camps, and new and existing access roads and trails.

To capture potential local direct and indirect effects of the Project on surface water criteria that may extend beyond the Project footprint.

Regional study area

6,844,020 The Wabigoon, Upper English, Central English – Lac Seul, Upper Albany – Cat, and Otoskwin tertiary watersheds.

To provide a large enough area to assess the cumulative and regional effects on the surface water criteria.

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-7


Table 5.1-3: Area of the Surface Water Spatial Boundaries

Spatial Boundary

Area (ha) Description Rationale

Corridor Alternative Around Mishkeegogamang Project footprint

1,455 Corridor Alternative Around Mishkeegogamang ROW that travels west Around Mishkeegogamang including connection facilities located 20 km west of Ignace, connection facility at Dinorwic, transformer station at Pickle Lake, turn-around areas, laydown areas, construction camps, and access roads and trails.


Local study area


To capture local direct and indirect effects of the Project on surface water criteria that may extend beyond the Project footprint.

Regional study area

7,134,012 The Wabigoon, Upper English, Upper Albany – Cat, Otoskwin, and Upper Ogoki tertiary watersheds.


Corridor Alternative Through Mishkeegogamang Project footprint

1,445 Corridor Alternative Through Mishkeegogamang ROW that travels east through Mishkeegogamang including connection facilities located 20 km west of Ignace, connection facility at Dinorwic, transformer station at Pickle Lake, turn-around areas, laydown areas, construction camps, and access roads and trails.


Local study area


To capture local direct and indirect effects of the Project on surface water criteria that may extend beyond the Project footprint.

Regional study area

7,134,012 The Wabigoon, Upper English, Upper Albany – Cat, Otoskwin, and Upper Ogoki tertiary watersheds.


Notes: ha = hectare; km= kilometre; m = metre; ROW = right-of-way.

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-8

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!.

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(!(

!(

!(

WapesiLake

MamiegowishLake

Bow Lake

CollishawLake

KapikikLake

Springpole Lake

NarrowLake

WenasagaLake

GardenLake

OtukamamoanLake

MercutioLake

EsoxLake

ManionLake

Fry Lake

SmoothrockLake

ClearwaterWest Lake

IndianLake

RugbyLake

LostLake

PenassiLake

AmikLake

KukukusLake

BellLake

BasketLake

UpperManitou

Lake

DinorwicLake

AgimakLake

ManitouRiver

GulliverLake Scotch

Lake

WhiteOtter LakeKaopskikamak

Lake

VickersLake

CarillonLake

ShabumeniLake

TroutLake

BerthaLake

SesikinagaLakeConfederation

LakeJeanette

Lake

PerraultLake

ZionzLake

CedarLake

BluffyLake

BlackstoneLake

Lake St.Joseph

AdamhayLake

MinissLake

CarlingLake

Savant Lake

HeathcoteLake

OnamakawashLake

St.Raphael

Lake

De LessepsLake

TullyLake

MarchingtonLake

KawaweogamaLake

RaggedWood Lake

UnevenLake

VistaLake

HarmonLake

HilltopLake

BigVermilion

LakeAbramLake

Big SandyLake

MountairyLake

MetiongaLake

WeaverLake

WawangLake

MooselandLake

ArmisticeLake

MuskegLake

Lac Seul

Lac desIles

PelicanLake

AchapiLake

RedpathLake Upturnedroot

Lake

TotoganLake

OchigLake

CoucheemoskogLake

MenakoLakes

WrightLake

KamungishkamoLake

OsnaburghLake

WhitestoneLake

KasagiminnisLake

Cat Lake

KapkichiLake

WilliamsLake Badesdawa

Lake

PickleLake

TarpLake

MeenLake

ObaskakaLake

KishikasLake

BrennanLake

GraysonLake

GraniteLake

DoranLake

BamajiLake

BedivereLake

Lac desMilleLacs

IreneLake

PettitLake

SelwynLake

GooseLake

BirchLake

LittleTroutLake

WhitemudLake

DobieLake

WapikaimaskiLake

SparklingLake

LowerWabakimi

Lake

KashishibogLake

ObustigaLake

FairchildLake

SeseganagaLake

FinlaysonLake

BotsfordLake

MorrisLake

SowdenLake

BoyerLake

BertrandLake

CrowrockLake

RouteLake

GullwingLake

EltrutLake

Ord Lake

BendingLake

KeecheneekeeSahkaheekahn/Upper

Goose Lake

ArmitLake

VincentLake

TurtleLake

RaleighLake

ElsieLake

ChurchillLake

NoraLakeHarris

LakeDibbleLake

SeineRiver

JoyceLake

BarringtonLake

PaguchiLake

KinlochLake

HighstoneLake

PressLake

Holinshead Lake

GullLake

WapageisiLake

MinchinLake

FitchieLake

StormyLake

EntwineLake

EastPashkokogan

Lake

McCreaLake

BarrelLake

MinnitakiLake

SturgeonLake

CecilLake

ClearLake

KezikLake

McVicarLake

MattawaLake

MamakwashLake

HookerLake

ZarnLake

SlateLake

ObongaLake

Shikag Lake

WomanLake

HorseshoeLake

WhitefishLakeThaddeus

Lake

WinteringLake

LowerManitou

Lake

SandbarLake

PekagoningLake

Eye Lake

MountLake

HamiltonLake

OtatakanLake

PakashkanLake

EagleLake

FawcettLake

WhitewaterLake

UchiLake

Dog Lake

WatcombLake

HWY

599

H W Y 1 7

H W Y 1 7

HWY

516

H W Y6 22

HWY

50 2

HWY72

H W Y 6 4 2

VERMILION RIVER ROAD

SLATE FALLS ROAD

HWY

599

ST. RAPHAELLAKE PROVINCIAL PARK

(WATERWAY CLASS)

!

BUTLER LAKEPROVINCIAL

NATURE RESERVE

!

KOPKA RIVERPROVINCIAL PARK(WATERWAY CLASS)

!

OBONGA-OTTERTOOTHPROVINCIAL PARK(WATERWAY CLASS)

!

EAST ENGLISH RIVERPROVINCIAL PARK

(WATERWAY CLASS)

!TURTLE RIVER-WHITE OTTERLAKE PROVINCIAL PARK

(WATERWAY CLASS)

!

WINDIGO POINTPROVINCIAL NATURERESERVE

!

MINNITAKI KAMESPROVINCIAL

NATURE RESERVE

!

KAIASHKPROVINCIAL

NATURE RESERVE!SANDBAR LAKEPROVINCIAL PARK(NATURAL ENVIRONMENTCLASS)

!

PIPESTONE RIVERPROVINCIAL PARK

!

BRIGHTSAND RIVERPROVINCIAL PARK

! OJIBWAYPROVINCIAL PARK

WABAKIMIPROVINCIAL PARK

!

PANTAGRUELCREEK PROVINCIAL

NATURE RESERVE

!

LOLA LAKEPROVINCIAL

NATURERESERVE

! AARONPROVINCIAL

PARK

!

PAHNGWAHSHAHSHKOHWEEMUSHKEEG

!

GULL RIVER PROVINCIALPARK (WATERWAY

CLASS)

ALBANY RIVERPROVINCIAL PARK

!

BEEKAHNCHEEKAHMEENGDEEBAHNCHEEKAYWEEHNEENAHOHNAHNUHN

!

PIPESTONERIVERPROVINCIAL PARK

!

PANTAGRUELCREEK PROVINCIAL

NATURE RESERVE

!

BEEKAHNCHEEKAHMEENGDEEBAHNCHEEKAYWEEHNEENAHOHNAHNUHN

!

BONHEUR RIVER KAME PROVINCIAL NATURE RESERVE

E1CTRANSMISSION LINE

M1MTRANSMISSION LINE

Cat LakeFirstNation

Lac Seul First Nation

McDowell Lake FirstNation

Slate Falls Nation

WabigoonLake Ojibway

Nation

Eagle LakeFirst

Nation

Lac Des MilleLacs First Nation

Mishkeegogamang FirstNation

OjibwayNation ofSaugeen

WabauskangFirst Nation

Savant Lake

PICKLELAKE

!

OSNABURGHHOUSE

WABIGOON

AMESDALE

CAMPROBINSON

CASUMMIT LAKE

COLLINS

ENGLISHRIVER

GOLDPINES

RAITH

TRAPPER'SLANDING

UCHI LAKE

DRYDEN

SIOUXLOOKOUT

IGNACE

DINORWIC

HUDSON

ALLANWATERBRIDGE

EAR FALLS

SAVANT LAKE

CATLAKE

FRENCHMAN'S HEAD

SIX MILECORNER

CENTRALPATRICIA

PICKLE CROW

SWAIN POST

EAGLERIVER MINNITAKI

SAVANNE

SAMLAKE

UPSALA

MIGISISAHGAIGAN

MACDOWELL

PERRAULTFALLS

NARROW LAKE

SLATE FALLS

SOUTHBAY

GRAHAM

! NEWOSNABURGH

SUPERIORJUNCTION

CLIENTWATAYNIKANEYAP POWER L.P.

PROJECT

TITLESURFACE WATER AND FISH AND FISH HABITAT LOCAL STUDYAREA

G:\Projects\2011\11-1151-0456_Dryden_To_PickleLake_TransmissionLine\GIS\MXDs\Working\Baseline\Aquatics\P1_B_Fish_0001.mxd

IF TH

IS M

EASU

REME

NT D

OES N

OT M

ATCH

WHA

T IS

SHOW

N, TH

E SH

EET S

IZE H

AS BE

EN M

ODIFI

ED FR

OM:

25mm

0

1535751 #### #### 5.1-1

2017-06-20JMCJMC/MMAMMH

CONSULTANT

PROJECT NO. CONTROL REV. FIGURE

YYYY-MM-DDDESIGNEDPREPAREDREVIEWEDAPPROVED

LEGEND!. City!( Town

")

Wataynikaneyap PowerCommunity(First Nation Community)

") First Nation CommunityRailwayRoadHighwayWaterbodyProvincial ParkConservation ReserveFirst Nations Reserve

Utility LinesExisting ElectricalTransmission LineNatural Gas Pipeline

Surface Water and Fish andFish Habitat Local Study Area

PHASE 1 NEW TRANSMISSION LINE TO PICKLE LAKE PROJECT

0 20 40

1:1,100,000 KILOMETERS

REFERENCE(S)1. BASE DATA - MNRF LIO AND NTDB, OBTAINED 20152. CORRIDOR ALTERNATIVES - PROVIDED BY GENIVAR MAR-AUG 20123. PRELIMINARY PROPOSED 40-M-WIDE ALIGNMENT ROW - PRODUCED BYGOLDER ASSOCIATES LTD. OCTOBER 24, 20134. ACCESS DATA - PROVIDED BY POWERTEL. POWTEL ACCESS STUDY2015-06-26.ZIP, CAMPS PREFERRED ROUTE.KMZ, 599 ROUTE ACCESS.KMZ5. CONNECTION FACILITY & TRANSFORMER STATION - PROVIDED BYPOWERTEL. STATIONS PREFERRED ROUTE.KMZ6. FIRST NATION COMMUNITIES FROM INDIGENOUS AND NORTHERN AFFAIRSCANADA (WWW.AINC-INAC.GC.CA)7. PRODUCED BY GOLDER ASSOCIATES LTD UNDER LICENCE FROM ONTARIOMINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES, © QUEENS PRINTER 20088. PROJECTION: TRANSVERSE MERCATOR DATUM: NAD 83 COORDINATESYSTEM: UTM ZONE 15

1. THIS FIGURE IS TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ACCOMPANYING TEXT.2. ALL LOCATIONS ARE APPROXIMATE.3. NOT FOR ENGINEERING PURPOSES.

NOTE(S)

DRAFT

https://capws.golder.com/sites/WataynikaneyapPowernewPhase1TransmissionLineToPickleLakenorthernOntario/Disciplines/08_Fish/Figures


This page intentionally left blank

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-10

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!( !(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(!(

!.

!.

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!( !(!(

!(!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!( !(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(!(

WapesiLake

OpakopaLake

MamiegowishLake

Bow Lake

CollishawLake

AgutuaLake

GunflintLake

NorthWind Lake

LakeJean

WapikopaLake

KapikikLake

AerobusLake

MameigwessLake

Springpole Lake

NarrowLake

WenasagaLake

MagissLake

GardenLake

Rainy Lake(lac à laPluie)

OtukamamoanLake

LoonhauntLake

MercutioLake

EsoxLake

ManionLake

LittleTurtle Lake

RussellLake

Fry Lake

SmoothrockLake

CrookedLake

ClearwaterWest Lake

AgnesLake

FingerLake

IndianLake

KawnipiLake

RugbyLake

CobbleLake

LostLake

PenassiLake

AmikLake

KukukusLake

BellLake

BasketLake

WinnangeLake

AtikwaLake

UpperManitou

Lake

DinorwicLake

AgimakLake

ManitouRiver

KakagiLake Gulliver

Lake ScotchLake


Lake

PipestoneLake

VickersLake

CarillonLake

ShabumeniLakeColi

Lake

TroutLake

BerthaLake

FishbasketLake

Red Lake


LakeJeanette

Lake

ConiferLake

WineLakeAnishinabi

Lake

PerraultLake

CliffLake

WiniskLake

CanyonLake

DanielsLake

GreenwaterLake

ForganLake

ZionzLake

CedarLake

BluffyLakeLonglegged

Lake

GowieBay

KawitosLake

WeggLake

BlackstoneLake

Lake St.Joseph

CaribouLake

AdamhayLake

MinissLake

CarlingLake

Savant Lake

HeathcoteLake

OnamakawashLake

St.Raphael

Lake

De LessepsLake

TullyLake

MarchingtonLake

KawaweogamaLake Waweig

Lake

RaggedWood Lake

UnevenLake

VistaLake

KopkaLake

HarmonLake

HilltopLake

BigVermilion

Lake

AbramLake

Big SandyLake

WapikiskapikaLake

MountairyLake

MetiongaLake

WeaverLake

WawangLake

MooselandLake

ArmisticeLake

KanuchuanLake

MuskegLake

GraceLake

Lac Seul

PakwashLake

BlackSturgeon

Lake

FrazerLake

Lac desIles

PelicanLake

DryberryLake

PoohbahLake

WabigoonRiver

Ara Lake

MojikitLake

MachawaianLake

OpikeigenLake

AchapiLake

RedpathLake Keezhik

LakeUpturnedroot

Lake

MariaLake

PipestoneRiver

MuchmoreLake

BosworthLake

RowlandsonLake

TotoganLake

OchigLake

CoucheemoskogLake

MenakoLakes

WrightLake

KamungishkamoLake

OsnaburghLake

WhitestoneLake

KasagiminnisLake

Cat Lake

MaynardLake

KapkichiLake

WilliamsLake

NeawagankLake

WigwascenceLake

BadesdawaLake

PickleLake

TarpLake

MeenLake

OzhiskiLake

ObaskakaLake

NangoLake

KishikasLake

WapikopaRiver

HawleyLakes

McCoy Lake

WindigoLake

UpperWindigo

Lake

SettingNet Lake

SandyLake

BrennanLake

MeddickLake

NiskaLake

BuckettLake

KakapitamLake

OpapimiskanLake

GraysonLake

GraniteLake

PeeagwonLake

MisamikwashLake

ReebLake

OnisabaweiganLake

NibinamikLake

KabaniaLake

DoranLake

AsheweigRiver

PikeLake

KingfisherLake

TroutflyLake

McKenzieLake

OpasquiaLake

AngekumLake

FavourableLake

BruceLake

BamajiLake

GiffordLake

BedivereLake

Lac desMilleLacs

BarilLake

IreneLake

PettitLake

SakwasoLake

EyapamikamaLake

BigNorthLake

SeniaLake

NikipLake

OchekLake

MuskratDam Lake

PetownikipLake

WhiteloonLake

SelwynLake

GooseLake

BirchLake

LittleTroutLake

WhitemudLake

DobieLake

WapikaimaskiLake

SparklingLake

LowerWabakimi

Lake

KashishibogLake

WabinoshLake

BerryLake

ObustigaLake

MisquamaebinLake

LowerShebandowan

Lake

FairchildLake

SeseganagaLake

FinlaysonLake

BotsfordLake

ArrowLake

ShabuskwiaLake

PineimutaLake

BallLake

MorrisLake

SowdenLake

BoyerLake

SandPointLake

MainvilleLake

ClayLake

KatimiagamakLake

MuhekunLake

Namakan Lake

BertrandLake

NamakanRiver

CrowrockLake

Nym Lake

QueticoLake

RouteLake

GullwingLake

EltrutLake

Ord Lake

BendingLake

OoooweeSahkaheekahn/McInnes

Lake


Goose Lake

LakeNipigon

ArmitLake

VincentLake

Bad Vermilion Lake

TurtleLake

RaleighLake

ElsieLake

TeggauLake

ChurchillLake

KaiashkonsLake

NoraLakeHarris

Lake

DibbleLake

SeineRiver

RowanLake

JoyceLake

BarringtonLake

PaguchiLake

KinlochLake

HighstoneLake

PressLake

BasswoodLake

Holinshead Lake

PeninsularLake

GullLake

Wahshaykahmeesheeng/KirknessLake

CirrusLake

SkinnerLake

WapageisiLake

HornbyLake

DucklingLake

DogpawLake

MinchinLake

FitchieLake

StormyLake

BurdittLake

CalmLake

EntwineLake

WolseleyLake

CampingLake

EastPashkokogan

Lake

McCreaLake

AthelstaneLake

Seeseep Lake

ChipaiLake

MacDowellLake

BarrelLake

Obabigan Lake

MinnitakiLake

NorthwindLake

ForesterLake

LongDog Lake

SturgeonLake

Eva Lake

MakoopLake

PickerelLake

Big CanonLake

CecilLake

ClearLake

Helen Lake

MiminiskaLake

TriangularLake

OgokiReservoir

AttwoodLake

PetawangaLake

Rainy River(rivière àla Pluie)

KagianagamiLake

LittleVermilion

Lake

GullrockLake

KezikLake

NorthLake

CaviarLake

McVicarLake

WindsorLake

MattawaLake

MamakwashLake

SaganagaLake

NorthernLight Lake

WeikwabinonawLake

EabametLake

LochLomond

PeekahchekahmeeweeSahkaheekahn/Pikangikum

Lake

PeekwatahmaeweeSahkaheekahn/Berens

Lake

SheshepaeseeweeSahkaheekahn/Barton

Lake

HurstLake

MuskratLake

HookerLake

ZarnLake

WeagamowLake

SlateLake

ObongaLake

Shikag Lake

WunnumminLake

WomanLake

NorthSpiritLake

BeaverhouseLake

Oak Lake

HorseshoeLake


Lake

NorthCaribou

Lake

WinteringLake

LowerManitou

Lake

BatchewaungLake

Saganagons Lake

SandbarLake

PekagoningLake

Eye Lake

MountLake

WilcoxLake

HamiltonLake

OtatakanLake

PasatekoLake

WarwickLake

PakashkanLake

EagleLake

FawcettLake

WhitewaterLake

MiddleShebandowan Lake

UchiLake

SchadeLake

Kashabowie Lake

Dog Lake

WatcombLake

Lake Superior

H WY

5 87

H WY

599

HW

Y5 9 3

H W Y 1 0 5

H W Y 11

HWY

615

H W Y 1 7

H WY

11&

1 7

H WY

61

H W Y 1 7

HWY

516

HWY 6

13

H W Y 5 8 8

HWY

71

H W Y62 2

HWY

585

H WY

5 0 2

HWY72

H W Y 11

H W Y 6 4 2

H W Y 11

H W Y 6 0 0

HW

Y6 0 2

JONES

ROAD HWY

801


SLATE FALLS ROAD

HWY

599

HWY 17



Cat LakeFirstNation

Deer LakeFirst Nation

KeewaywinFirst Nation

KingfisherLake First Nation



MuskratDam First

Nation

North CaribouLake FirstNation

North SpiritLake

First Nation

Sandy LakeFirstNation

Slate Falls Nation


Nation

WawakapewinFirst Nation

WunnuminLake

First Nation

EabametoongFirst

Nation

Eagle LakeFirst

Nation

Asubpeeschoseewagong(GrassyNarrows)



NibinamikFirst Nation


PikangikumFirst Nation


WebequieFirst Nation

KiashkeZaaging

Anishinaabek

NeskantagaFirst Nation

WhitesandFirstNation

Savant Lake

BiinjitiwaabikZaaging

Anishinaabek

AnimbiigooZaagi'igan

Anishinaabek

Red RockFirstNation

Fort WilliamFirst Nation

Lac La Croix

Seine RiverFirst Nation

NicickousemenecaningMitaanijigaming

Couchiching

Naicatchewenin

Rainy River

Onigaming

Naotkamegwanning(Whitefish Bay)

NorthwestAngle 37

PICKLELAKE

!

OSNABURGHHOUSE

WABIGOON

AMESDALE

AUDEN

BARNHART

BEARDMORE

BOXALDER

CAMPROBINSON

CASUMMITLAKE

COLLINS

COUGHLIN

DANCE

DORION

EAGLE MOUNTAIN

ENGLISHRIVER

EVERARD

FARLINGER

FINLAND

GOLDPINES

GOVERNMENT LANDING

HAWKLAKE

HORSECOLLAR JUNCTION HURONIAN

KASABONIKA

KASHABOWIE

LAC LA CROIX

LAKE WASAW

LEATHERDALE LANDING

MACKIES

MANOMIN

MUD RIVER

OMBABIKA

OWAKONZE

POPLAR LODGE

QUETICO

RAITH

REMICKS

SHENSTON

STEEPROCK LAKE

SUMMER BEAVER

TANSLEYVILLE

TRAPPER'SLANDING

UCHI LAKE

WEAGAMOWLAKE

WUNNUMMIN LAKE

DRYDEN

THUNDER BAY

FORT FRANCES

SIOUXLOOKOUT

ATIKOKAN

ARMSTRONGSTATION

BALMERTOWN

BARWICK

FLANDERS

IGNACE

LOON

MADSEN

MCKENZIEISLAND

REDLAKE

RED ROCK

WILLARDLAKE

LANSDOWNEHOUSE

PIGEON RIVER

BECK

BIGBEAVER HOUSE

BOWKER

NORTH SPIRITLAKE

AMETHYSTHARBOUR

CLOUD BAYCROOKS

DORION LANDING

GLENWATER

HYMERS

JACKPINE

JARVIS RIVER

JOHNSONSLANDING

JONES

KAMINISTIQUIA KNUDSENS CORNER

MILLARMOKOMON

MOOSE HILL

MUSKRAT DAM

ORIENTBAY

PARDEE

PEARL

SELLARS SILVER ISLETSILVER MOUNTAIN

SOUTHGILLIES

STEPSTONE

SUNSHINETOIMELA

WILD GOOSE

WINDY POINT

BAIRD

INTOLA KIVIKOSKI

VICKERSHEIGHTS

CROZIER

DINORWIC

HUDSON

HURKETT

LAPPE

MCINTOSH

MURILLO

NEZAH

SNAKE FALLS

STARRATT-OLSEN

ALLANWATERBRIDGE

CAMERON FALLS

COCHENOUR

DEVLIN

EARFALLS

EMO

KAKABEKA FALLS

MACDIARMID

NIPIGON

REDLAKE ROAD

SAVANTLAKE

CATLAKE

FRENCHMAN'S HEAD

GURNEYNESTORFALLS

PIKANGIKUM

SIX MILECORNER

CALIPERLAKE

CENTRAL PATRICIA

CROWLAKE

EASTMCKIRDY

OPASQUIA

PICKLE CROW

SCOBLE WEST

SWAIN POST

BIG FORK

BURCHELL LAKE

EAGLERIVER

KAWENE

MINNITAKI

PINEPORTAGE

QUIBELL

SAPAWE

SAVANNE

SHABAQUACORNERS

STANLEY

VERMILION BAY

GULL BAY

SAMLAKE

PASS LAKE

JUMBO GARDENS

UPSALA

MIGISISAHGAIGAN

O'CONNOR

BURRISS

PENEQUANI

TASHOTA

MACDOWELL

PERRAULTFALLS

WEBEQUIE

OLDMINECENTRE

SLATE FALLS

DEER LAKE

MANITOU FALLS

SAGANAGALAKE

SANDY LAKE

SOUTHBAY

FORT HOPE

KINGFISHER LAKE

MCKELLAR ISLAND

PAWITIK

EABAMET LAKE

GRAHAM

MISSION ISLAND

SUPERIORJUNCTION

! NEWOSNABURGH


PROJECT

TITLESURFACE WATER AND FISH AND FISH HABITAT REGIONALSTUDY AREA

G:\Projects\2011\11-1151-0456_Dryden_To_PickleLake_TransmissionLine\GIS\MXDs\Working\Baseline\Aquatics\P1_B_Fish_0002.mxd

IF TH

IS ME

ASUR

EMEN

T DOE

S NOT

MAT

CH W

HAT I

S SHO

WN, T

HE SH

EET S

IZE H

AS BE

EN M

ODIFI

ED FR

OM:

25mm

0

1535751 #### #### 5.1-2

2017-06-20JMCJMC/MMAMMH

CONSULTANT



LEGENDPreliminary Proposed Corridor Centreline

Corridor Alternatives Proposed Centreline

Potential New Access

Potential Existing AccessLaydown Area(Preliminary Location)Construction Camp(Preliminary Location)Connection Facility(Preliminary Location)Transformer Station(Preliminary Location)

!. City

!( Town

")


") First Nation Community

Railway

Road

Highway

Waterbody

Provincial Park

Conservation Reserve

First Nations ReserveUtility Lines

Existing ElectricalTransmission LineNatural Gas Pipeline

Surface Water and Fish andFish Habitat PreliminaryProposed Corridor RegionalStudy AreaSurface Water and Fish andFish Habitat CorridorAlternatives Regional StudyArea


0 40 80




NOTE(S)

DRAFT



June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-12


5.1.5 Description of the Existing Environment (Base Case) This section provides a summary of the existing environment for the surface water criteria based on review of desktop information.

5.1.5.1 Methods A desktop study was completed to characterize baseline conditions in the LSAs and RSAs. This involved a review of the information sources listed in Section 5.1.2 and the subsequent summary of relevant data to provide a general understanding of the following:

watershed characteristics;

surface water use;

surface water yield1 and its seasonal distribution; and

surface water quality.

Watersheds intersected by the Project footprint, and waterbodies potentially crossed by the preferred corridor ROW and access roads and trails, were identified by reviewing the Project components relative to OHN waterbody and watercourse datasets, and available aerial and satellite imagery. The OFAT III tool was used to delineate and characterize the catchments of the watersheds.

Active Permits to Take Water (PTTWs) in the LSAs and various sources of publicly available information on hydropower production in Ontario were reviewed to understand existing surface water use in the LSAs and RSAs. Existing surface water yield and surface water quality conditions were determined by analysis and review of information extracted from the OFAT III and atlases, as well as the available WSC and PWQMN datasets.

5.1.5.1.1 Waterbody Crossing List Development The surface water baseline program started with the development of waterbody crossing lists for the Preliminary Proposed Corridor, Corridor Alternative Around Mishkeegogamang, Corridor Alternative Through Mishkeegogamang, connection facilities, transformer station, laydown areas, construction camps, and new and existing access roads or trails. The waterbody crossing lists were developed using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to overlay the proposed Project footprint with the Ontario Hydro Network (Government of Ontario 2011) and identify hydrology features crossed by the Preliminary Proposed Corridor, Corridor Alternative Around Mishkeegogamang, Corridor Alternative Through Mishkeegogamang, and new and existing access roads or trails. Waterbodies identified within the area of the connection facilities, transformer station, laydown areas, and construction camps were also included in the crossings lists. Additional waterbodies that were identified during the desktop study were added to the waterbody crossing lists. Figures illustrating the waterbodies interested by the Preliminary Proposed Corridor and corridor alternatives are provided in Appendix 5.1A. The waterbody crossings lists are provided in Appendix 5.1B.

1 Surface water yield is the average outflow from a watershed or catchment through a watercourse over a given time. It is calculated by dividing the mean volume of streamflow over the time period by the surface area of the watershed or catchment.

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-13


Proposed waterbody crossings were assigned a unique, identifying site number that consisted of a minimum two-digit number with one decimal point, followed by an abbreviation to indicate where the crossing is located.

Table 5.1-4: Abbreviations Used to Identify Waterbody Crossings

Infrastructure Preliminary Proposed Corridor

Both Corridor Alternatives

Corridor Alternative Around

Mishkeegogamang

Corridor Alternative Through

Mishkeegogamang All Three Corridors

40-m-wide Transmission Line Alignment ROW

-WC-P -WC-A -WC-AA -WC-AT -WC

Access Roads and Trails -WC-P-R -WC-A-R -WC-AA-R -WC-AT-R -WC-R

Laydown Areas -WC-P-LA(a) -WC-A-LA(a) n/a n/a n/a

Construction Camp n/a -WC-A-CC(a) n/a n/a n/a

Notes: a) A buffer will be applied to any waterbodies that fall within the planned boundary for construction camps or laydown areas. WC = waterbody crossing; P = Preliminary Proposed Corridor; A = corridor alternatives; AA = alternative around Mishkeegogamang; AT = alternative through Mishkeegogamang; R = road or trail; ROW = right-of-way; CC = construction camp; LA = laydown area; n/a = not applicable (i.e., there are no waterbody crossings); ROW = right-of-way.

5.1.5.2 Results 5.1.5.2.1 Watersheds The RSAs for the Preliminary Proposed Corridor and corridor alternatives around and through Mishkeegogamang are in the Nelson River and Southwest Hudson Bay primary watersheds. The RSAs are comprised of the following six tertiary watersheds: 5QC-Wabigoon, 5QA-Upper English, 5QE-Central English-Lac Seul, 4GA-Upper Albany-Cat, 4FA-Otoskwin, and 4GB-Upper Ogoki. The number and two letters that precede the watershed names identify the primary, secondary, and tertiary watersheds according to the federal ‘Drainage Area’ reporting framework’s (MNRF 2015b) naming convention. This is based on the following:

First Character – ‘4’ represents the Southwestern Hudson Bay primary watershed and ‘5’ represents the Nelson River primary watershed;

Second Character – ‘Q’ represents the English River secondary watershed, ‘G’ represents the Upper Albany secondary watershed, and ‘F’ represents the Attawapiskat-Coast secondary watershed; and

Third Character – ‘A’ through ‘E’ represent the tertiary watershed identifiers.

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-14


In the RSAs, the watersheds crossed by the Project generally drain either northwest towards the Nelson River or northeast towards Hudson Bay (Figure 5.1-3). As none of the river systems are in the jurisdiction area of a conservation authority (the closest being the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority, 250 km to the southeast), they are instead in the jurisdiction area of the MNRF under the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act (Government of Ontario 2012). As such, construction activities adjacent to or within these waterbodies will require approval from the MNRF under Ontario Regulation (O. Reg.) 454/96 (Government of Ontario 2007).

The main characteristics of the watersheds in each tertiary watershed are summarized in the following sections. More detailed characterization of the individual river systems is provided in Appendix 5.1B. Characteristics described include stream order, drainage area, surficial geology, land cover, catchment length, catchment shape factor, topographic relief, and catchment slope. The following are definitions for these characteristics:

Stream order is a measure of the relative size of a natural watercourse. The smallest watercourse is referred to as a First order stream and generally comprises the headwaters of a river system. The stream order increases in the downstream direction as one watercourse joins another in a river system of similar order (e.g., the confluence of two First order streams results in a second order stream). Stream orders range from First order to 12th order.

Drainage area is the geographical area drained by a river and its tributaries where surface water from rain, melting snow or ice converges to a single point at a lower elevation, usually where the water joins another waterbody.

Surficial geology refers to the unconsolidated sediment overlying bedrock within the river’s catchment, which is indicative of the soil cover and its drainage properties.

Land cover refers to the surface cover on the ground whether urban infrastructure, vegetation, water, bare soil or other. Land cover affects hydrologic processes by intercepting precipitation, altering water infiltration into the soil, affecting energy budgets and evaporation, and influencing water and sediment conveyance.

Catchment length is defined as the distance measured along the longest flow path from the catchment divide to the mouth of the watershed. The length of a catchment influences the flow through its outlet. For the same rainfall, a longer flow path may generate a lower instantaneous outlet flow than a shorter flow path.

Catchment shape factor “represents how the surface runoff flows are collected through the drainage network” (Eagleson 1970 as cited in Guo 2009). Shape factor is calculated as the square of the catchment length divided by the catchment area. The shape of a catchment influences the flow through its outlet. For the same rainfall, a longer shape may generate a lower instantaneous outlet flow than that from a fan-shaped catchment.

Topographic relief describes the difference in elevation from the lowest point to the highest point within the catchment. The relief of a catchment influences the flow through its outlet. For the same rainfall, a high relief may generate a higher instantaneous outlet flow than a low relief.

Catchment slope represents the rate of change of elevation along the catchment length. Similar to topographic relief, a steep slope may generate a higher instantaneous outlet flow than a shallower slope for the same rainfall.

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-15


5QC-Wabigoon Tertiary Watershed The Wabigoon watershed is situated at the southwestern part of the RSAs (Figure 5.1-3). The Preliminary Proposed Corridor and associated access roads cross 25 watercourses and two lakes. The corridor alternative ROWs route and associated access roads cross three watercourses and one lake in this watershed. Tributary watercourses in the Wabigoon watershed flow to the mainstem of the Wabigoon River, which in turn discharges to the English River at Ball Lake, north of Kenora, and from there towards Lake Winnipeg.

The Wabigoon catchment has a catchment area of approximately 8,700 square kilometres (km2). Apart from the Wabigoon River, the only river system in the watershed over 1,000 km2 is the Eagle River (with a catchment area of approximately 2,500 km2) (MNRF 2013a, 2013b).

The surficial geology underlying the watershed is a mix of glaciomarine silt and clay (primarily around Dryden and along Highway 17) and bedrock (to the south and west) which occurs either exposed or covered by a thin layer of drift (MNDM 2006). The entire watershed is dominated by a treed land cover, which accounts for more than 67% of the catchment area (MNRF 2013b). The percentage of land cover occupied by open water and wetlands is approximately 26% (MNRF 2013b).

The length of the main channel to the discharge point at Ball Lake is approximately 386 km. The shape factor for the catchment is 17.2, suggesting a relatively elongated catchment (i.e., longer distance from headwaters to outlet). Topographic relief in the Wabigoon watershed varies from approximately 317 to 526 m, with a mean elevation of 391 m. The mean slope of the catchment is roughly 6% (MNRF 2013b).

5QA-Upper English Tertiary Watershed The Upper English watershed is situated in the southeastern part of the RSAs and east of the Wabigoon watershed (Figure 5.1-3). Table 5.1-5 indicates that the Preliminary Proposed Corridor and associated access roads cross 101 watercourses and three lakes in this watershed. Table 5.1-5 indicates that the corridor alternative ROWs and associated accessed roads cross 121 watercourses and 21 lakes within this watershed. The mainstem and associated tributary watercourses in this watershed represent the upper reaches (i.e., headwaters) of the English River, which in turn becomes the Central English River (after going over Pelican Falls, just west of Sioux Lookout), and from there towards Lake Winnipeg.

The Upper English watershed has a catchment area of approximately 14,100 km2. Apart from the English River, the only other river system in the watershed over 1,000 km2 is the Sturgeon River (with a catchment of approximately 4,600 km²) (MNRF 2013a, 2013b).

The surficial geology underlying the watershed is bedrock (which occurs either exposed or covered by a thin layer of drift), with some glaciomarine and glaciofluvial deposits in the south (MNDM 2006). The entire watershed is dominated by a treed land cover, which accounts for more than 59% of the catchment area (MNRF 2013b). The percentage of land cover occupied by open water and wetlands is approximately 22% (MNRF 2013b).

The length of the main channel of the Central English River to the overflow point at Pelican Falls is approximately 378 km. The shape factor for the catchment is 10.2, suggesting a slightly wider, shorter catchment than the Wabigoon Tertiary Watershed (i.e., expected to see shorter distances from headwater to discharge). Topographic relief in the catchment of the Central English River varies from approximately 355 to 574 m, with a mean elevation of 427 m. The mean slope of the catchment is roughly 4% (MNRF 2013b).

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-16

")

")

")

!R

!R

!R

!R

!R

!R

!R

!R

!R

!R

!R

!R

!R

!R

!R

!R!R!R!R

!R

!R

"/"/

"/"/

"/

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

")

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!( !(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(!(

!.

!.

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!( !(!(

!(!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!( !(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(!(

WapesiLake

OpakopaLake

MamiegowishLake

Bow Lake

CollishawLake

AgutuaLake

GunflintLake

NorthWind Lake

LakeJean

WapikopaLake

KapikikLake

AerobusLake

MameigwessLake

Springpole Lake

NarrowLake

WenasagaLake

MagissLake

GardenLake

Rainy Lake(lac à laPluie)

OtukamamoanLake

LoonhauntLake

MercutioLake

EsoxLake

ManionLake

LittleTurtle Lake

RussellLake

Fry Lake

SmoothrockLake

CrookedLake

ClearwaterWest Lake

AgnesLake

FingerLake

IndianLake

KawnipiLake

RugbyLake

CobbleLake

LostLake

PenassiLake

AmikLake

KukukusLake

BellLake

BasketLake

WinnangeLake

AtikwaLake

UpperManitou

Lake

DinorwicLake

AgimakLake

ManitouRiver

KakagiLake Gulliver

Lake ScotchLake


Lake

PipestoneLake

VickersLake

CarillonLake

ShabumeniLakeColi

Lake

TroutLake

BerthaLake

FishbasketLake

Red Lake


LakeJeanette

Lake

ConiferLake

WineLakeAnishinabi

Lake

PerraultLake

CliffLake

WiniskLake

CanyonLake

DanielsLake

GreenwaterLake

ForganLake

ZionzLake

CedarLake

BluffyLakeLonglegged

Lake

GowieBay

KawitosLake

WeggLake

BlackstoneLake

Lake St.Joseph

CaribouLake

AdamhayLake

MinissLake

CarlingLake

Savant Lake

HeathcoteLake

OnamakawashLake

St.Raphael

Lake

De LessepsLake

TullyLake

MarchingtonLake

KawaweogamaLake Waweig

Lake

RaggedWood Lake

UnevenLake

VistaLake

KopkaLake

HarmonLake

HilltopLake

BigVermilion

Lake

AbramLake

Big SandyLake

WapikiskapikaLake

MountairyLake

MetiongaLake

WeaverLake

WawangLake

MooselandLake

ArmisticeLake

KanuchuanLake

MuskegLake

GraceLake

Lac Seul

PakwashLake

BlackSturgeon

Lake

FrazerLake

Lac desIles

PelicanLake

DryberryLake

PoohbahLake

WabigoonRiver

Ara Lake

MojikitLake

MachawaianLake

OpikeigenLake

AchapiLake

RedpathLake Keezhik

LakeUpturnedroot

Lake

MariaLake

PipestoneRiver

MuchmoreLake

BosworthLake

RowlandsonLake

TotoganLake

OchigLake

CoucheemoskogLake

MenakoLakes

WrightLake

KamungishkamoLake

OsnaburghLake

WhitestoneLake

KasagiminnisLake

Cat Lake

MaynardLake

KapkichiLake

WilliamsLake

NeawagankLake

WigwascenceLake

BadesdawaLake

PickleLake

TarpLake

MeenLake

OzhiskiLake

ObaskakaLake

NangoLake

KishikasLake

WapikopaRiver

HawleyLakes

McCoy Lake

WindigoLake

UpperWindigo

Lake

SettingNet Lake

SandyLake

BrennanLake

MeddickLake

NiskaLake

BuckettLake

KakapitamLake

OpapimiskanLake

GraysonLake

GraniteLake

PeeagwonLake

MisamikwashLake

ReebLake

OnisabaweiganLake

NibinamikLake

KabaniaLake

DoranLake

AsheweigRiver

PikeLake

KingfisherLake

TroutflyLake

McKenzieLake

OpasquiaLake

AngekumLake

FavourableLake

BruceLake

BamajiLake

GiffordLake

BedivereLake

Lac desMilleLacs

BarilLake

IreneLake

PettitLake

SakwasoLake

EyapamikamaLake

BigNorthLake

SeniaLake

NikipLake

OchekLake

MuskratDam Lake

PetownikipLake

WhiteloonLake

SelwynLake

GooseLake

BirchLake

LittleTroutLake

WhitemudLake

DobieLake

WapikaimaskiLake

SparklingLake

LowerWabakimi

Lake

KashishibogLake

WabinoshLake

BerryLake

ObustigaLake

MisquamaebinLake

LowerShebandowan

Lake

FairchildLake

SeseganagaLake

FinlaysonLake

BotsfordLake

ArrowLake

ShabuskwiaLake

PineimutaLake

BallLake

MorrisLake

SowdenLake

BoyerLake

SandPointLake

MainvilleLake

ClayLake

KatimiagamakLake

MuhekunLake

Namakan Lake

BertrandLake

NamakanRiver

CrowrockLake

Nym Lake

QueticoLake

RouteLake

GullwingLake

EltrutLake

Ord Lake

BendingLake

OoooweeSahkaheekahn/McInnes

Lake


Goose Lake

LakeNipigon

ArmitLake

VincentLake

Bad Vermilion Lake

TurtleLake

RaleighLake

ElsieLake

TeggauLake

ChurchillLake

KaiashkonsLake

NoraLakeHarris

Lake

DibbleLake

SeineRiver

RowanLake

JoyceLake

BarringtonLake

PaguchiLake

KinlochLake

HighstoneLake

PressLake

BasswoodLake

Holinshead Lake

PeninsularLake

GullLake

Wahshaykahmeesheeng/KirknessLake

CirrusLake

SkinnerLake

WapageisiLake

HornbyLake

DucklingLake

DogpawLake

MinchinLake

FitchieLake

StormyLake

BurdittLake

CalmLake

EntwineLake

WolseleyLake

CampingLake

EastPashkokogan

Lake

McCreaLake

AthelstaneLake

Seeseep Lake

ChipaiLake

MacDowellLake

BarrelLake

Obabigan Lake

MinnitakiLake

NorthwindLake

ForesterLake

LongDog Lake

SturgeonLake

Eva Lake

MakoopLake

PickerelLake

Big CanonLake

CecilLake

ClearLake

Helen Lake

MiminiskaLake

TriangularLake

OgokiReservoir

AttwoodLake

PetawangaLake

Rainy River(rivière àla Pluie)

KagianagamiLake

LittleVermilion

Lake

GullrockLake

KezikLake

NorthLake

CaviarLake

McVicarLake

WindsorLake

MattawaLake

MamakwashLake

SaganagaLake

NorthernLight Lake

WeikwabinonawLake

EabametLake

LochLomond

PeekahchekahmeeweeSahkaheekahn/Pikangikum

Lake

PeekwatahmaeweeSahkaheekahn/Berens

Lake

SheshepaeseeweeSahkaheekahn/Barton

Lake

HurstLake

MuskratLake

HookerLake

ZarnLake

WeagamowLake

SlateLake

ObongaLake

Shikag Lake

WunnumminLake

WomanLake

NorthSpiritLake

BeaverhouseLake

Oak Lake

HorseshoeLake


Lake

NorthCaribou

Lake

WinteringLake

LowerManitou

Lake

BatchewaungLake

Saganagons Lake

SandbarLake

PekagoningLake

Eye Lake

MountLake

WilcoxLake

HamiltonLake

OtatakanLake

PasatekoLake

WarwickLake

PakashkanLake

EagleLake

FawcettLake

WhitewaterLake

MiddleShebandowan Lake

UchiLake

SchadeLake

Kashabowie Lake

Dog Lake

WatcombLake

Lake Superior

HWY

587

H WY

599

HW

Y59 3

H W Y 1 0 5

H W Y 11

HWY

615

H W Y 1 7

HWY

11&

17

HWY

6 1

H W Y 1 7

HWY

516

HWY 6

13

H W Y 5 8 8

HWY

71

H W Y 6 22

HW

Y58

5

HWY

50 2

HWY72

H W Y 11

H W Y 64 2

H W Y 11

H W Y 6 0 0

HW

Y60 2

JONES

ROAD HWY

8 01


SLATE FALLS ROAD

HWY

599

HWY 17



Cat LakeFirstNation

Deer LakeFirst Nation

KeewaywinFirst Nation

KingfisherLake First Nation



MuskratDam First

Nation

North CaribouLake FirstNation

North SpiritLake

First Nation

Sandy LakeFirstNation

Slate Falls Nation


Nation

WawakapewinFirst Nation

WunnuminLake

First Nation

EabametoongFirst

Nation

Eagle LakeFirst

Nation

Asubpeeschoseewagong(GrassyNarrows)



NibinamikFirst Nation


PikangikumFirst Nation


WebequieFirst Nation

KiashkeZaaging

Anishinaabek

NeskantagaFirst Nation

WhitesandFirstNation

Savant Lake

BiinjitiwaabikZaaging

Anishinaabek

AnimbiigooZaagi'igan

Anishinaabek

Red RockFirstNation

Fort WilliamFirst Nation

Lac La Croix

Seine RiverFirst Nation

NicickousemenecaningMitaanijigaming

Couchiching

Naicatchewenin

Rainy River

Onigaming

Naotkamegwanning(Whitefish Bay)

NorthwestAngle 37

PICKLELAKE

!

OSNABURGHHOUSE

AMESDALE

AUDEN

BARNHART

BEARDMORE

BOXALDER

CAMP ROBINSON

CASUMMITLAKE

COLLINS

COUGHLIN

DANCE

DERMID

DORION

EAGLE MOUNTAIN

ENGLISHRIVER

EVERARD

FARLINGER

FINLAND

GOVERNMENT LANDING

HAWKLAKE

HORSECOLLAR

JUNCTIONHURONIAN

KASABONIKA

KASHABOWIE

LAC LA CROIX

LAKE WASAW

LEATHERDALE LANDING

MACKIES

MANOMIN

MUD RIVER

OMBABIKA

OWAKONZE

POPLAR LODGE

QUETICO

RAITH

REMICKS

SHEBANDOWANSHENSTON

STEEPROCK LAKE

SUMMER BEAVER

TANSLEYVILLE

TRAPPER'SLANDING

UCHI LAKE

WEAGAMOWLAKE

WUNNUMMIN LAKE

DRYDEN

THUNDER BAY

FORT FRANCES

ATIKOKAN

ARMSTRONGSTATION

BALMERTOWN

BARWICK

FLANDERS

IGNACE

LOON

MADSEN

MCKENZIEISLAND

REDLAKE

RED ROCK

WILLARDLAKE

LANSDOWNE HOUSE

PIGEON RIVER

BECK

BIGBEAVER HOUSE

BOWKER

NORTH SPIRITLAKE

AMETHYSTHARBOUR

CLOUD BAYCROOKS

DORION LANDING

GLENWATER

HYMERS

JACKPINE

JARVIS RIVER

JOHNSONSLANDING

JONES

KAMINISTIQUIA KNUDSENS CORNER

MILLARMOKOMON

MOOSE HILL

MUSKRAT DAM

ORIENTBAY

PARDEE

PEARL

SELLARS SILVER ISLETSILVER MOUNTAIN

SOUTHGILLIES

STEPSTONE

SUNSHINETOIMELA

WILD GOOSE

WINDY POINT

BAIRD

INTOLA KIVIKOSKI

VICKERSHEIGHTS

CROZIER

DINORWIC

HURKETT

LAPPE

MURILLO

NEZAH

SNAKE FALLS

STARRATT-OLSEN

ALLANWATERBRIDGE

CAMERON FALLS

COCHENOUR

EMO

KAKABEKA FALLS

MACDIARMID

NIPIGON

REDLAKEROAD

SAVANTLAKE

CATLAKE

FRENCHMAN'S HEAD

GURNEYNESTORFALLS

PIKANGIKUM

CALIPERLAKE

CENTRAL PATRICIA

CROWLAKE

EASTMCKIRDY

OPASQUIA

PICKLE CROW

SCOBLE WEST

SWAIN POST

BIG FORK

BURCHELL LAKE

KAWENE

PINEPORTAGE

SAPAWE

SAVANNE

SHABAQUA CORNERS

STANLEY

VERMILIONBAY GULL BAY

SAMLAKE

PASS LAKE

JUMBO GARDENS

UPSALA

O'CONNOR

BURRISS

PENEQUANI

TASHOTA

MACDOWELL

PERRAULTFALLS

WEBEQUIE

OLDMINECENTRE

SLATE FALLS

DEER LAKE

SAGANAGALAKE

SANDY LAKE

SOUTHBAY

FORT HOPE

KINGFISHER LAKE

MCKELLAR ISLAND

PAWITIK

EABAMET LAKE

GRAHAM

MISSION ISLAND

19000103800

19004300200

SUPERIORJUNCTION

! NEWOSNABURGH

05QD00605QD016

05QD029

05QA002

05QA00405QA006

05QB001

05QB002

05QB003

04GA002

04GA003

04FA001

04FA002

04FA003

WAINWRIGHTFALLS GS

MCKENZIEFALLS GS

OBISHIKOKAANGWAASIGANIKEWIGAMIG

LAC SEUL GS

EAR FALLS GS

EAGLERIVERSTATION GS


PROJECT

TITLELOCATIONS OF MONITORING SITES, HYDROPOWERGENERATING STATIONS AND TERTIARY WATERSHEDS

G:\Projects\2011\11-1151-0456_Dryden_To_PickleLake_TransmissionLine\GIS\MXDs\Working\Baseline\SurfaceWater\P1_B_SW_0001.mxd

IF TH

IS M

EASU

REME

NT D

OES N

OT M

ATCH

WHA

T IS

SHOW

N, TH

E SH

EET S

IZE H

AS BE

EN M

ODIFI

ED FR

OM:

25mm

0

1535751 #### #### 5.1-3

2017-06-20JMCJMC/MMLVMH

CONSULTANT



LEGENDPreliminary Proposed Corridor Centreline

Corridor Alternatives Proposed Centreline

Potential New Access

Potential Existing AccessLaydown Area(Preliminary Location)Construction Camp(Preliminary Location)Connection Facility(Preliminary Location)Transformer Station(Preliminary Location)

!. City

!( Town

")


") First Nation Community

Railway

Road

Highway

Waterbody

Provincial Park

Conservation Reserve

First Nations ReserveUtility Lines

Existing ElectricalTransmission LineNatural Gas Pipeline

!RWater Survey of Canada(WSC) HydrometricGauges

"/WaterPower GenerationStation

!RProvincial (Stream) WaterQuality Monitoring Network(PWQMN) Sites04FA Otoskwin

04GA Upper Albany - Cat

04GB, Upper Ogoki

05QA Upper English

05QB Central English - Lac Seul

05QD Wabigoon


0 40 80




NOTE(S)

DRAFT

!.

!.!.

!.

!.

!.

!.

!.

!.

!.

!.

!.

!.

!.

NAKINA

DRYDENKENORA

THUNDER BAY

LONGLAC

MARATHON

SIOUX LOOKOUT

ATIKOKAN

DINORWIC

NIPIGON

SAVANTLAKE

PICKLE LAKE

WAWA

EXTON

James Bay

LakeNipigon

Lake Superior

KEY MAP



June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-18


5QB-Central English-Lac Seul Tertiary Watershed The Central English-Lac Seul watershed is situated in the west-central part of the Preliminary Proposed Corridor RSA (Figure 5.1-3). Table 5.1-5 indicates that the Preliminary Proposed Corridor and associated access roads cross 88 watercourses and eight lakes in this watershed. Table 5.1-5 indicates that the corridor alternatives do not cross any waterbodies within this watershed. The mainstem and associated tributary watercourses of the Central English-Lac Seul watershed flow to Lac Seul, which discharges to the English River at Ear Falls, 110 km northwest of Sioux Lookout, and from there towards Lake Winnipeg.

The outlet of the Central English-Lac Seul watershed drains a catchment area of approximately 26,400 km2, combining 12,300 km2 of drainage area from the Central English Tertiary watershed and 14,100 km2 from the Upper English catchment (which contributes to the Central English Tertiary watershed). Apart from the English River itself, there are two other river systems larger than 1,000 km2 in the watershed: the Wenesaga River (with a catchment of approximately 2,700 km²) and the Vermillion River (with a catchment of approximately 1,200 km2) (MNRF 2013a, 2013b).

The surficial geology underlying the watershed is primarily bedrock (which occurs either exposed or covered by a thin layer of drift), with some areas glaciomarine silt and clay around Lac Seul and other lakes in the catchment (MNDM 2006). The watershed is approximately half (44%) treed land cover, with another 22% open water and wetland, primarily in and around Lac Seul (MNRF 2013b).

The length of the mainstem channel of the Central English-Lac Seul tertiary watershed to the discharge point at Ear Falls is approximately 530 km. The majority of this channel length (i.e., 427 km or approximately 80%) represents the Upper English River. The shape factor for the catchment is 10.6 suggesting similar catchment of the Upper English watershed (i.e. expected to see shorter distances from headwater to discharge). Topographic relief the Central English-Lac Seul tertiary watershed varies from approximately 345 to 574 m, with a mean elevation of 412 m. The mean slope of the catchment is roughly 4% (MNRF 2013b).

4GA-Upper Albany-Cat Tertiary Watershed The Upper Albany-Cat watershed is situated in the northwest part of the RSAs (Figure 5.1-3). Table 5.1-5 indicates that the Preliminary Proposed Corridor, and associated access roads and facilities cross 31 watercourses and two lakes in this watershed. Table 5.1-5 indicates that the Corridor Alternative Around Mishkeegogamang ROW and associated accessed roads cross 47 watercourses and 25 lakes. Table 5.1-5 indicates that the Corridor Alternative Through Mishkeegogamang ROW and associated accessed roads cross 42 watercourses and 25 lakes. The mainstem and associated tributary watercourses of the Upper Albany-Cat watershed flow to Lake St. Joseph, which discharges to the Albany River at Rat Rapids, 30 km south of Pickle Lake, and from there towards Hudson Bay.

The Upper Albany-Cat watershed has a catchment area of approximately 12,200 km2. Other river systems in the watershed with a catchment area greater than 1,000 km2 include the Cat River (with a catchment of approximately 7,700 km² draining to Lake St. Joseph via an East and West Channel) and the Miniss River (with a catchment of approximately 2,200 km²) (MNRF 2013a, 2013b).

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-19


The surficial geology underlying the watershed is primarily bedrock (which occurs either exposed or covered by a thin layer of drift), with areas of till in the north and east (MNDM 2006). An arc of lakes (including Lake St. Joseph, Bamaji Lake, Zion Lake, and Cat Lake) generally define the boundary between bedrock and till. The watershed is approximately half (47%) treed land cover, with another 34% open water and wetland (MNRF 2013b).

The length of the main channel Upper Albany-Cat watershed to the discharge point at Rat Rapids is approximately 395 km. The shape factor for the catchment is 10.0, suggesting a slightly wider, shorter catchment (i.e., expected to see shorter distances from headwater to discharge). Topographic relief in the Upper Albany-Cat watershed varies from approximately 366 to 515 m, with a mean elevation of 403 m. The mean slope of the catchment is roughly 4% (MNRF 2013b).

4FA-Otoskwin Tertiary Watershed The Otoskwin watershed is situated in the northern portion of the RSA (Figure 5.1-3). Table 5.1-5 indicates that the Preliminary Proposed Corridor and associated access roads cross 24 watercourses and 16 lakes in this watershed. Table 5.1-5 indicates that the Corridor Alternative Around Mishkeegogamang ROW and associated accessed roads cross six watercourses and one lake. Table 5.1-5 indicates that the Corridor Alternative Through Mishkeegogamang ROW and associated accessed roads cross six watercourses. The mainstem and associated tributary watercourses flow to the Otoskwin and Pineimuta Rivers, which discharge to the Kabania and Windsor Lakes near Lansdowne House, and in turn discharge to the Attawapiskat River and ultimately Hudson Bay.

The Otoskwin catchment has a catchment area of approximately 18,500 km2. Apart from the Otoskwin River, the four largest river systems in the watershed that have catchment areas larger than 1,000 km2 are the Pineimuta River (with a catchment of approximately 6,600 km2), the Kawinogans River (1,500 km²), the Spruce River (1,400 km²), and the Dobie River (1,200 km²) (MNRF 2013a, 2013b).

The surficial geology underlying the watershed is primarily till and glaciomarine deposits, with some areas of bedrock north of Pickle Lake (MNDM 2006). The watershed is approximately half (44%) treed land cover, with another 43% open water and wetland (MNRF 2013b).

The length of the main channel of the Otoskwin watershed to the discharge point at Kabania Lake is approximately 480 km. The shape factor for the catchment is 12.4, suggesting a slightly wider, shorter catchment (i.e., expected to see shorter distances from headwater to discharge). Topographic relief in the Otoskwin watershed varies from approximately 243 to 474 m, with a mean elevation of 348 m. The mean slope to the catchment is roughly 3% (MNRF 2013b).

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-20


4GB-Upper Ogoki Tertiary Watershed The Ogoki watershed is situated in the east portion of the RSA for the corridor alternatives around and through Mishkeegogamang (Figure 5.1-3), and entirely outside the LSAs. The Project does not cross any part of this watershed. The mainstem and associated tributary watercourses generally flow to the Ogoki Reservoir, which was created by the Waboose Falls Dam; flows from the reservoir are diverted into the adjacent Lake Nipigon Tertiary Watershed and ultimately to the St. Lawrence River. Occasional discharge at the Waboose Falls dam flows into the remaining portion of the Ogoki River below the dam which, along with the remaining watershed downstream of the dam, flows into the downstream reaches of the Ogoki River, which discharges into the Albany River and ultimately Hudson’s Bay.

The Ogoki catchment has a catchment area of approximately 15,200 km2 (including 13,900 km2 upstream of the Ogoki Reservoir and 1,300 km2 downstream of the Waboose Falls Dam). Apart from the Ogoki River, the only other river systems in the watershed that has catchment areas larger than 1,000 km2 is the Allan Water (with a catchment of approximately 4,900 km2) (MNRF 2013a, 2013b).

The surficial geology underlying the watershed is primarily bedrock (MNDM 2006). The watershed is approximately half (42%) treed land cover, with another 26% open water and wetland (MNRF 2013b).

The length of the main channel of the Ogoki watershed to the discharge point below the Waboose Falls Dam is approximately 660 km. The shape factor for the catchment is 28.4, suggesting a slightly long, thin catchment (i.e., expected to see longer distances from headwater to discharge, with most areas draining quickly to the main channel). Topographic relief in the Ogoki watershed varies from approximately 298 m to 574 m, with a mean elevation of 395 m. The mean slope to the catchment is roughly 4% (MNRF 2013b).

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-21


Table 5.1-5: Summary of Waterbodies Crossed by the Preliminary Proposed Corridor and Corridor Alternatives and Associated Access Roads

Tertiary Watershed

Preliminary Proposed Corridor Corridor Alternative Around Mishkeegogamang

Corridor Alternative Through Mishkeegogamang

Number of Waterbody Crossings Flow Regime Number of

Waterbody Crossings Flow

Regime Number of

Waterbody Crossings Flow

Regime

Lake/ Pond Watercourse Total NP Perm Lake/

Pond Watercourse Total NP Perm Lake/ Pond Watercourse Total NP Perm

40-m-wide Transmission Line Alignment ROW Wabigoon 0 9 9 0 9 1 1 2 0 2 1 1 2 0 2 Upper English 2 47 49 1 48 21 83 104 1 103 21 83 104 1 103 Central English – Lac Seul 7 58 65 9 56 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Upper Albany – Cat 1 27 28 4 24 22 38 60 1 59 22 37 59 1 58 Otoskwin 16 15 31 1 30 1 5 6 0 6 0 5 5 0 5 Total 26 156 182 15 167 45 127 172 2 170 44 126 170 2 168 Access Roads and Trails Wabigoon 2 16 18 0 18 0 2 2 0 2 0 2 2 0 2 Upper English 1 54 55 1 54 0 38 38 2 36 0 38 38 2 36 Central English – Lac Seul 1 30 31 5 26 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Upper Albany – Cat 1 4 5 1 4 3 9 12 0 12 3 5 8 0 8 Otoskwin 0 9 9 0 9 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 Total 5 113 118 7 111 3 50 53 2 51 3 46 49 2 47

Notes: m = metre; NP = not permanent; Perm = permanent; ROW = right-of-way; n/a = not applicable (the watershed is not crossed by the Project corridor alternative).

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-22


5.1.5.2.2 Surface Water Use Active Permits to Take Water The MOECC’s PTTW data catalogue (MOECC 2013a) was accessed on January 24, 2017 to identify active permits to take surface water, and surface water and groundwater, within and in close proximity to the Preliminary Proposed Corridor and corridor alternatives LSAs. Six active PTTWs (with takings at 12 locations) were identified, as summarized in Table 5.1-6. Detailed PTTW information is provided in Appendix 5.1C.

One PTTW (for a location south of Pickle Lake) was issued for construction activities, recognizing that these type of PTTWs are generally of a temporary nature, or a local taking and return, and may not be active at the time of Project construction and operation and maintenance. Permits to take water that were issued for other purposes include:

municipal water supplies for Sioux Lookout and Pickle Lake;

communal water supplies for the Pickle Lake Airport; and

remediation by the Canadian National Railway at Sioux Lookout.

Table 5.1-6: Active Permits to Take Water (Surface Water) near the Local Study Areas

Tertiary Watershed Total Number of Active PTTWs

Number of Active PTTWs for

Construction(a)

Number of Active PTTWs

for Other Purposes

5QD-Wabigoon 0 n/a n/a 5QA-Upper English 3(b) 0 3(b) 5QB-Central English-Lac Seul 0 n/a n/a

4GA-Upper Albany-Cat 0 n/a n/a 4FA-Otoskwin 3(c) 1(c) 2(c)

Totals 6 1 5 Notes: a) PTTWs issued for the purpose of construction are generally of a temporary nature, or a taking and local return, and may not be active at the time of Project construction or operation and maintenance. b) PTTWs apply to the Preliminary Proposed Corridor LSA. c) PTTWs apply to the LSAs of all the three corridors (i.e., Preliminary Proposed Corridor, Corridor Alternative Around Mishkeegogamang and Corridor Alternative Through Mishkeegogamang). n/a = not applicable; PTTW = Permit to Take Water

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-23


Hydropower Generation There are two hydropower generating stations in the Lower English watershed and three in the Wabigoon watershed with a combined capacity of 33.5 megawatts (MW). These hydropower generating stations are listed in Table 5.1-7, and shown on Figure 5.1-3. A summary is provided below:

Ontario Power Generation owns and operates two facilities on the English River at Ear Falls (at the outlet to Lac Seul). This includes the Ear Falls Dam, which has controlled water levels at Lac Seul, since 1930, and the Obushikokaang facility, which operates in parallel to the Ear Falls Dam and was opened more recently, in 2009.

Regional Power operates three stations that were constructed between 1928 and 1938. Two of these stations are located on the Eagle River west of Dryden, and the third (the Wainwright Falls station) is located on the Wabigoon River north of Dryden. While these stations are generally run of the river stations with relatively small impoundment areas, flow at the Wainwright Falls stations is largely controlled by the water level control dam at the outlet of Wabigoon Lake (located five kilometres upstream).

All stations operate as dams, noting that published hydraulic head differences at the structures range from eight to ten metres.

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-24


Table 5.1-7: Hydropower Generating Stations in Tertiary Watersheds

Tertiary Watershed River System Watercourse Generating Station Latitude

(oN) Longitude

(oW) Operator In-Service Year

Capacity (MW)

Head (m)

05QE Lower English/05QB Upper English

English River English River Obishikokaang Waasiganikewigamig Lac Seul

50.631557 93.218013 Ontario Power

Generation 2009 12.5 9.78

05QE Lower English/05QB Upper English

English River English River Ear Falls 50.630744 93.220385 Ontario Power

Generation 1930 17.0 9.60

05QD Wabigoon Eagle River Eagle River McKenzie Falls 49.801470 93.189446 Regional Power 1938 1.1 8.00

05QD Wabigoon Eagle River Eagle River Eagle River Station 49.790925 93.197665 Regional Power 1928 1.8 9.50

05QD Wabigoon Wabigoon River

Wabigoon River Wainwright Falls 49.821726 92.875575 Regional

Power 1928 1.1 9.10

Notes: oN = Degrees North; oW = Degrees West; MW = megawatts; m = metre.

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-25


5.1.5.2.3 Surface Water Quantity Mean annual precipitation and mean annual flow in the watershed systems crossed by the Project were estimated using the OFAT III. The full dataset is presented in Appendix 5.1B. Results are summarized by tertiary watershed in Table 5.1-8.

Table 5.1-8: Mean Annual Precipitation, Surface Water Yields and Runoff Coefficients in the Regional Study Areas

Tertiary Watershed Number of

Watercourses Crossed

Total Catchment

Area(a) (km2)

Mean Annual Precipitation(b)

(mm)

Mean Annual Surface Water Yield(c) (mm)

Mean Annual Runoff

Coefficient(d)

5QD Wabigoon 10 8,700 699 227 0.32 5QA Upper English 130 14,100 720 244 0.34 5QB Central English-Lac Seul 58 26,400 717 209 0.32

4GA Upper Albany-Cat 78 12,200 691 260 0.29 4FA Otoskwin 19 18,500 661 292 0.38 4GB Upper Ogoki 0 15,200 727 306 0.42

Notes: a) Calculated as the sum of the catchment areas of the river systems crossed by the Project within the tertiary watershed. b) Calculated as the area-weighted average of the mean annual precipitation in the catchments crossed by the Project. c) Calculated as the area-weighted average of the mean annual surface water yield in the catchments crossed by the Project, noting that, for each catchment, mean annual surface water yield in mm was calculated from the mean annual flow in m3/s and the catchment area in km2. d) Calculated as the ratio of mean annual surface water yield to mean annual precipitation. km2 = square kilometres; mm = millimetre.

Based on the results above, mean annual surface water yield in the tertiary watersheds varies from 209 to 306 mm, representing between 29% and 42% of mean annual precipitation. Surface water yield was shown to generally increase from west to east, corresponding to increasing mean annual precipitation trends. These findings are consistent with information provided in published atlases (Fisheries and Environment Canada 1978, Natural Resources Canada 1978).

The WSC operates 16 hydrometric stations (listed as “Active”) located within the RSAs. These hydrometric stations are presented in Table 5.1-9, as well on Figure 5.1-3. Streamflow is monitored at 11 of the stations, while lake levels are collected at five stations. Streamflow and water levels at six of the stations are regulated (controlled). Note that regulated streamflow and water levels represent the redistribution of water volumes over time to meet the needs of different economic sectors (e.g., hydropower, flood control, navigation, and mine water supply).

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-26


Table 5.1-9: Water Survey of Canada Hydrometric Gauges within the Regional Study Areas

Tertiary Watershed Station ID Station Name Latitude (oN)

Longitude (oW)

Catchment Area (km²)

Data Type Regulation Type(a)

Available Record

5QD Wabigoon 05QD006 Wabigoon River near Quibell

49.95783 -93.40053 6,487 Flow, Level Regulated 1953-2014

5QD Wabigoon 05QD016 Wabigoon River at Dryden

49.82917 -92.87083 2,337 Flow Regulated 1970-2014

5QD Wabigoon 05QD029 Forest Lake Above Canyon Lake

49.95736 -93.61208 n/a Level Regulated 2003-2015

5QA Upper English 05QA002 English River at Umfreville

49.87339 -91.45992 6,230 Flow, Level Natural 1921-2014

5QA Upper English 05QA004 Sturgeon River at Mcdougal Mills


5QA Upper English 05QA006 Pelican Lake at Sioux Lookout

50.09214 -91.91289 n/a Level Natural 2009-2014

5QB Central English-Lac Seul

05QB001 Lac Seul at Lac Seul 50.323 -92.26461 n/a Level Regulated 1917-2014


05QB002 Lac Seul at Hudson 50.09229 -92.17011 n/a Level Regulated 1921-2014


05QB003 Lac Seul at Goldpines

50.637 -93.17803 n/a Level Regulated 1917-2014

4GA-Upper Albany-Cat 04GA002 Cat River below Wesleyan Lake


4GA Upper Albany-Cat 04GA003 Pashkokogan River at Outlet of Pashkokogan Lake


4FA Otoskwin 04FA001 Otoskwin River below Badesdawa Lake


June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-27


Table 5.1-9: Water Survey of Canada Hydrometric Gauges within the Regional Study Areas

Tertiary Watershed Station ID Station Name Latitude (oN)

Longitude (oW)


Data Type Regulation Type(a)

Available Record

4FA Otoskwin 04FA002 Kainogans River near Pickle Crow


4FA Otoskwin 04FA003 Pineimuta River at Eyes Lake


4GB Upper Ogoki 04GB004 Ogoki River Above Whiteclay Lake

50.86842 -88.93161 11,200 Flow, Level Natural 1971 2014

4GB Upper Ogoki 04GB005 Brightsand River at Moberley

49.61131 -90.58081 1,138 Flow, Level Natural 1968 2014

Notes: a) Regulation type indicates whether streamflow and water levels at the gauge follows a natural regime (uninfluenced by humans) or a regulated (controlled) regime. n/a = Lake level monitoring stations are not assigned a catchment area by Water survey of Canada; oN = Degrees North; oW = Degrees West; km2 = square kilometre.

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-28


Based on the WSC hydrometric stations identified above, data records were reviewed to assess the mean annual surface water yield and its monthly distribution at stations where streamflow is gauged, and the monthly fluctuation in lake levels at stations where water levels are gauged. The results are summarized in Table 5.1-10 and are shown on Figure 5.1-3.

Table 5.1-10: Mean Annual Surface Water Yields at Water Survey of Canada Stream Gauging Stations

Tertiary Watershed Station ID Station Name Regulation Type


Mean Annual Surface

Water Yield(a) (mm)

5QD Wabigoon 05QD006 Wabigoon River near Quibell Regulated 6,487 255

5QD Wabigoon 05QD016 Wabigoon River at Dryden Regulated 2,337 218

5QA Upper English 05QA002 English River at Umfreville Natural 6,230 353

5QA Upper English 05QA004 Sturgeon River at Mcdougal Mills Natural 4,439 360

4GA Upper Albany - Cat 04GA002 Cat River below Wesleyan Lake Natural 5,390 312

4GA Upper Albany - Cat 04GA003 Pashkokogan River at Outlet of Pashkokogan Lake

Natural 2,230 419

4FA Otoskwin 04FA001 Otoskwin River below Badesdawa Lake

Natural 9,010 331

4FA Otoskwin 04FA002 Kainogans River near Pickle Crow Natural 1,540 324

4FA Otoskwin 04FA003 Pineimuta River at Eyes Lake Natural 4,900 344

4GB Upper Ogoki 04GB004 Ogoki River Above Whiteclay Lake Natural 11,200 322

4GB Upper Ogoki 04GB005 Brightsand River at Moberley Natural 1,138 274

Notes: a) Calculated from the mean annual flow in m3/s and the catchment area in km2. km2 = square kilometre; mm = millimetre.

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-29


Mean annual surface water yields varied from 274 to 419 mm at stations with natural (not regulated) flows, and from 218 to 255 mm at stations with regulated flows (Table 5.1-10). The range of values is generally higher than the mean annual surface water yields estimated by the OFAT III (Table 5.1-10).

Monthly surface water yields at natural stations (without regulation) generally exhibited a bimodal distribution, with a primary peak that typical occurs in May and a secondary peak that occurs in October (Figure 5.1-4). The period of high flows in May corresponds to the annual snow melt event, coupled with spring rainfall, whereas the period of moderate to high flows in October is in response to a typically wet period (frequent rainfall events) following the summer low flow conditions. Two exceptions were stations 04GA002 (Cat River below Wesleyan Lake) and 04GA003 (Pashkokogan River at Outlet of Pashkokogan Lake) where the primary peak appeared later (June and July), and the secondary peak was absent. Monthly surface water yields at regulated stations generally exhibited a single peak in May in response to the snowmelt event and spring rainfall (Figure 5.1-4), recognizing that flows during other times of the year remain low to moderate. At stations with natural flows, surface water yield between April and June accounted for 19% to 49% of the annual total, while at stations with regulated flows, surface water yield between April and June accounted for 36% to 37% of the annual total.

Figure 5.1-4: Mean Monthly Surface Water Yields at Water Survey of Canada Stream Gauging Stations with Natural Flows

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-30


Figure 5.1-5: Mean Monthly Surface Water Yields at Water Survey of Canada Stream Gauging Stations

with Regulated Flows

Mean monthly lake levels at the lake monitoring stations are shown in Figure 5.1-6. Lake levels are referenced to an arbitrary datum based on the average annual lake level.

At stations with regulated flows (i.e., 05QD029, 05QB001, 05QB002 and 05QB003), the mean monthly lake levels varied from -0.93 to 0.58 m relative to the average annual level. Water levels at station 05QD029 (Forest Lake above Canyon Lake) are controlled by a weir structure at the lake outlet, with very little change in elevation. The remaining three stations are all on Lac Seul (5QB001, 5QB002, and 5QB003), and reflect the drawing down and refilling of the reservoir to maintain flows at the Lac Seul Generating Station at Ear Falls.

At the only station that is not regulated (i.e., 05QA006 Pelican Lake at Sioux Lookout), the mean monthly lake levels varied from -0.39 to 0.75 m relative to the average annual level. This station reflects the spring melt events shown at natural stream flow stations in Figure 5.1-3.

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-31


Figure 5.1-6: Mean Monthly Lake Levels at Water Survey of Canada Water Level Gauging Stations

5.1.5.2.4 Surface Water Quality The MOECC’s PWQMN data catalogue (MOECC 2013b) was accessed on January 26, 2017 to identify stations within the six identified tertiary watersheds of the RSAs (5QD-Wabigoon, 5QA-Upper English, 5QB-Central English-Lac Seul, 4GA-Upper Albany-Cat, 4FA-Otoskwin, and 4GB-Ogoki). Six stations were identified within the tertiary watersheds (five within the Wabigoon watershed and a sixth in the Otoskwin watershed), with a seventh station identified on the English River (30 km downstream of the Central English-Lac Seul catchment at Ear Falls). There is no MOECC data for the Upper English or Upper Albany watersheds. The selected stations are listed in Table 5.1-11, and are shown on Figure 5.1-3.

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-32


Table 5.1-11: Provincial Water Quality Monitoring Network Stations in the Regional Study Areas

Tertiary Watershed Station ID Station Name Latitude (°N)

Longitude (°W)

Available Record

No. of Results Location

5QD Wabigoon 19000103602 Wabigoon River 49.959 93.401 1980-1996 3665 Hwy 609, West of

Hwy 105, near Quibell

5QD Wabigoon 19000103502 Wabigoon River 49.851 93.090 1980-1996 3716

Minnitaki Sideroad, North of Hwy 17, West of Hwy 605

5QD Wabigoon 19000103802 Wabigoon River 49.815 92.874 1987-1995 85 Hwy 17, W of Hwy 665,

Northwest of Dryden

5QD Wabigoon 19000100602 Wabigoon River 49.791 92.853 1968-1996 5627 3 St, East of Gordon

Road, Dryden

5QD Wabigoon 19000100502 Wabigoon River 49.782 92.843 1968-1996 5632 West River Rd, West of

Earl Ave, Dryden 5QB Central English-Lac Seul 19000100702 English River 50.583 93.455 1968-1982 3358 At Manitou Falls

hydro dam

4FA Otoskwin 19004300202 Ekwan River 51.824 89.602 1983-1983 28 Otoskwin River below Badesdawa

4FA Otoskwin 19004300302 Pinemuta River 50.932 88.850 1983-1983 82 Pinemuta River at Eyes Lake

4GB Upper Ogoki 19005300402 Ogoki River 52.203 88.690 1983-1983 55 Ogoki River Upstream of Whiteclay Lake

Notes: oN = Degrees North; oW = Degrees West.

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-33


Water quality data collected at the seven PWQMN stations were analyzed to characterize the baseline conditions in the RSAs. This information is outlined in the following paragraphs. The water quality data for the PWQMN stations are summarized in Table 5.1-12, together with relevant guideline values.

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-34


Table 5.1-12: Surface Water Quality at Provincial Water Quality Monitoring Network Stations in the Regional Study Areas

ID Units Guideline Value

Wabigoon River (Station ID

19000103602)


19000103502)


19000103802)


19000100602)


19000100502)

English River (Station ID

19000100702)

Ekwan River (Station ID

19004300202)

Pinemuta River (Station ID

19004300302)

Ogoki River (Station ID

19005300402)

Average(a) % Meet Guideline Average(a) % Meet

Guideline Average(a) % Meet Guideline Average(a) % Meet



Guideline Average(a) % Meet Guideline

Water temperature °C ±10(b) 10.6 n/a 10.5 n/a 2.5 n/a 10.7 n/a 9.0 n/a 7.4 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

pH n/a(k) 6.5-8.5(b) 7.0 100% 7.0 100% n/a n/a 7.0 99% 7.2 100% 7.1 100% n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

Alkalinity mg/L (CaCO3) 30-500(c) 50.1 100% 67.4 100% n/a n/a 62.9 100% 47.4 100% 38.7 100% 60.0 100% 70.7 100% 16.0 100%

Conductivity µS/cm n/a (l) 151.2 n/a 226.8 n/a n/a n/a 228.4 n/a 119.5 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 142.7 n/a 40.0 n/a Chloride mg/L 250(c)(e) 23.9 100% 43.2 100% n/a n/a 46.1 99.6% 2.8 100% 1.9 100% 5.2 100% 0.6 100% 0.3 100% Phosphorus mg/L 0.02(b)(f) 0.06 0% 0.09 1% n/a n/a 0.11 0% 0.04 13% 0.03 14% 0.02 100% 0.02 33% 0.01 100% Nitrate mg/L 10(c) 0.10 100% 0.11 100% n/a n/a 0.02 100% 0.02 100% n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Nitrite mg/L 1(c) 0.02 100% 0.02 100% n/a n/a 0.01 100% 0.004 100% n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Sulphate mg/L 500(c) 8.5 100% 13.6 100% n/a n/a 18.3 100% 3.5 100% 5.8 100% 1.1 100% 1.2 100% 2.5 100% Total suspended solids

mg/L 25(d) 8.1 99% 12.2 95% n/a n/a 19.5 83% 6.8 98% 6.6 99% 4.0 100% 7.3 100% 2.0 100%

Turbidity NTU 5(c)(e) 11.1 4% 17.0 2% n/a n/a 20.4 2% 14.3 5% 6.3 47% 1.7 100% 2.4 100% 0.5 100%

Total dissolved solids mg/L 500(c)(e) 129.7 100% 181.6 100% n/a n/a 175.3 100% 86.3 100% 65.1 100% n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

Dissolved Oxygen mg/L >4(b)(g) 9.5 96% 7.4 85% 9.5 25% 9.3 98% 10.8 100% 11.1 100% n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

Total Cadmium(8) μg/L 0.2(b)(i) 0.21 86% 0.25 50% n/a n/a 0.42 73% 0.09 86% 0.001 100% 0.001 100% 0.001 100% 0.001 100%

Total Copper(8) μg/L 5(b)(i) 1.55 96% 1.94 92% n/a n/a 1.96 90% 1.18 99% 0.28 99% 0.01 100% 0.002 100% 0.002 100%

Total Iron(8) μg/L 0.3(b) 302.1 48% 399.1 50% n/a n/a 310.5 58% 282.1 61% 0.4 100% 0.6 100% 0.3 100% 0.1 100% Total Lead(8) μg/L 10-25(b)(j) 1.80 100% 1.90 100% n/a n/a 0.83 100% 0.58 100% 0.004 100% 0.003 100% 0.005 100% 0.01 100% Notes: a) Corresponds to median value. b) Ontario Ministry of Environment and Energy (OMOEE) 1999 - Provincial Water Quality Objectives. c) Environment Canada and Health Canada 2001, Ontario Drinking Water Standards, Objectives and Guidelines. d) Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) 1999 - Canadian Water Quality Guideline, Water Quality (Freshwater) for the Protection of Aquatic Life. e) Aesthetic objective. f) Interim PWQO to avoid nuisance concentrations of algae in lakes. g) Criteria for dissolved oxygen is based on minimum values presented in the standard. h) Results are reported for unfiltered samples. i) The values of the samples with detection limits higher that the guidelines were set at the detection limits. j) The PWQO criteria for total lead is dependent on the alkalinity. Average alkalinity at the Michipicoten River Station is between 20 to 40 mg/L (CaCO3) with a respective lead criteria of 0.01 mg/L. Average alkalinity at the remaining stations is above 80 mg/L (CaCO3) with a respective lead criteria of 0.025 mg/L. k) Dimensionless parameter. l) No guideline value. n/a = not available; CaCO3 = calcium carbonate; mg/L = milligrams per litre; μg/L = micrograms per litre; µS/cm = microsiemen per centimetre NTU = Nephelometric Turbidity Units; >= greater than.

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-35



June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-36


5QD – Wabigoon The temperature at PWQMN stations within the Wabigoon tertiary watershed was generally between 0 and 30.0°C with a median of 9.0°C; a single reading was outside this range (38 ○C in June 1994). The pH at these stations ranged from 4.0 to 9.4 with a median of 7.1, while alkalinity ranged from 0 to 123 milligrams per litre (mg/L) calcium carbonate (CaCO3), with a median of 52 mg/L. Turbidity readings at these stations ranged from 0.45 to 110 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) with a median of 15 NTU, whereas Total Suspended Solids (TSS) varied from 1 to 160 mg/L with a median of 9 mg/L. The results for the selected metals, nutrients and anions generally satisfied relevant guidelines (PWQO and other), with the exception of cadmium, iron and phosphorus.

5QB – Central English – Lac Seul Temperature at the English River station ranged from 0 to 20 ○C with a median of 3.5°C. The pH generally was between 6.8 and 7.9, with a single reading out of this range (pH of five on August 1978) suggesting a neutral pH environment. Alkalinity at the station ranged from 10 to 100 mg/L (as calcium carbonate [CaCO3]). Turbidity exceeded the five NTU objective 67 times, or slightly more than half the samples. Total Suspended Solids (TSS) generally ranged from 0 to 20 mg/L, with a single reading out of this range (TSS of 90 mg/L on October 1969). Levels for Cadmium, Copper, and Lead were below the Provincial Water Quality Objectives (PWQO) levels for the majority of samples. The results for the selected metals, nutrients and anions generally satisfied relevant guidelines (PWQO and other), with the exception of iron, phosphorus and dissolved oxygen. All the readings for dissolved oxygen (a total of 118) exceeded the 4 mg/L objective.

4FA – Otoskwin One round of sampling was conducted at the Ekwan River and three rounds were conducted at the Pinemuta River stations in 1983. The field pH and temperature at PWQMN stations within the Otoskwin tertiary watershed was not recorded, while alkalinity ranged from 47 to 93 milligrams per litre (mg/L) calcium carbonate (CaCO3), with a median of 72 mg/L. Turbidity readings at these stations ranged from 1.5 to 3.4 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) with a median of 2.3 NTU, whereas Total Suspended Solids (TSS) varied from 4 to 10 mg/L with a median of 8 mg/L. The results for the selected metals, nutrients and anions generally satisfied relevant guidelines (PWQO and other), with the exception phosphorus.

4GB – Upper Ogoki Two rounds of sampling was conducted at the Ogoki River stations in 1983. The field pH and temperature at the PWQMN station was not recorded, while alkalinity was measured at 16 milligrams per litre (mg/L) calcium carbonate (CaCO3) on both occasions. Turbidity readings at these stations ranged from 0.4 to 0.5 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU), whereas Total Suspended Solids (TSS) was measured at 2 mg/L on both occasions. The results for the selected metals, nutrients and anions generally satisfied relevant guidelines (PWQO and other).

5.1.5.2.5 Summary of Existing Environment (Base Case) The key findings of the baseline assessment of surface water conditions are as follows:

Watershed Characteristics – Based on the waterbody crossings lists, presented in Appendix 5.1B, the Preliminary Proposed Corridor and associated access road crossings accounts for a total of 269 watercourses and 31 lakes. The Corridor Alternative Around Mishkeegogamang ROW and associated access road crossings account for a total of 177 watercourses and 48 lakes. The Corridor Alternative Through Mishkeegogamang ROW and associated accessed road crossings account for a total of 172 watercourses

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-37


and 47 lakes. These surface water features generally drain to Hudson Bay (via the English River and Lake Winnipeg, the Albany River, or the Attawapiskat River), and range from small headwater ponds to large rivers with catchments exceeding 26,400 km². The surficial geology of the watersheds is dominated by bedrock with instances of glaciolacustrine deposits, glaciofluvial deposits and till, while land cover is characterized by mostly forest.

Surface Water Use – A total of six PTTWs are active within and in close proximity to the LSAs (six along the Preliminary Proposed Corridor LSA and three along the corridor alternatives LSAs, based on MOECC records), mostly providing water supply around Sioux Lookout and Pickle Lake. In addition, a total of five hydropower generating stations are located within the RSAs.

Surface Water Yield and Seasonal Distribution – Based on WSC records from hydrometric stations in the RSA, surface water flows and water levels in the watersheds crossed by the Project are largely controlled by snowmelt and rainfall generated runoff patterns. The spring and fall hydrographs are typically characterized by high flows in response to the annual snowmelt event in April-May and fall rains in October-November, while hydrographs during the summer and winter months are marked by mostly low to moderate flows (due to comparatively dry or frozen conditions). Mean annual surface water yields were shown to vary from 218 to 419 mm based on data from OFAT III and WSC.

Surface Water Quality – Based on available data from PWQMN stations in the RSAs, surface water quality conditions generally within relevant guideline values (PWQO and other), with the exception of iron, cadmium, and phosphorus.

5.1.6 Project-Environment Interactions and Pathways Analysis The linkages between Project components and activities and potential effects to surface water are identified and assessed through a pathway analysis (Section 4.4). Potential effect pathways were identified by reviewing the Project Description (Section 3.0), existing environmental conditions, input from engagement, knowledge from similar projects and activities, and the preliminary potential effects identified in the Amended Terms of Reference (ToR) (Golder 2014). Net effects after the implementation of impact management measures are screened. The screening process classifies potential effect pathways into the following categories:

No pathway: the pathway is removed (i.e., effect is avoided) by implementation of impact management measures or Project design. The pathway is not expected to result in a measurable change relative to the Base Case and, therefore, would not have a net effect on a criteria’s assessment endpoint.

Secondary: the pathway could result in a measurable environmental change relative to the Base Case but would have a negligible net effect on a criteria’s assessment endpoint. The pathway is, therefore, not expected to additively or synergistically contribute to effects of other past, previous or reasonably foreseeable projects.

Primary: the pathway is likely to result in an environmental change relative to the Base Case that could contribute to net effects on a criteria’s assessment endpoint.

Potential pathways for effects to surface water are presented in Table 5.1-13. Classification of effects pathways to surface water are also presented in Table 5.1-13, and detailed descriptions are provided in the following sections.

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-38


Table 5.1-13: Potential Effect Pathway for Effects to Surface Water Project Component

or Activity Effect Pathway Pathway Duration Impact Management Measures Pathway

Type

Project activities during the construction stage: Water taking from

surface water sources for the purposes of construction and water supply.

Changes to surface water quantity (streamflow and/or water levels) during construction from short-term water taking.

Temporary (limited to construction), with no measurable effects.

Water taking will be in compliance with O. Reg. 387/04 as amended by O. Reg. 64/16 (pertaining to permits, data and reporting, and water transfers), where applicable, and good industry practice.

Potable water for work sites, laydown areas, and construction camps will be obtained from existing local suppliers via water tank trucks, where practical.

Construction camps are anticipated to be located in communities with existing water supplies, where practical.

Secondary

Project activities during the construction stage: Discharges of

wastewater from construction, vehicle and equipment wash, and domestic activities

Changes to surface water quantity (streamflow and/or water levels) and surface water quality (suspended solids and chemical constituents) during construction from short-term wastewater discharges.


Construction water will be discharged in compliance with O. Reg. 387/04 as amended by O. Reg. 64/16 and/or O. Reg. 63/16 where applicable, and good industry practice.

Wash water will be collected in closed-loop recycle systems, or contained and hauled to existing municipal Waste Water Treatment Plants (WWTPs).

Grey water will be discharged to leaching beds constructed at the construction camps.

Grey water from construction camps will be disposed of in compliance with the Ontario Building Code.

Construction camps are anticipated to be located in communities with existing wastewater collection and disposal systems, where practical.

Domestic effluent will be removed from construction camps by disposal trucks and disposed of accordingly.

No pathway

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-39




Type

Project activities during the construction stage: clearing, grading,

earth moving, grubbing of vegetation, and stockpiling of materials along the ROW and other access and construction areas, and construction of infrastructure (e.g., access roads, bridges, turn-around areas, laydown areas, and temporary construction camps);

surface water management and erosion control;

borrow pits for aggregates;

concrete mixing on-site or in batch plants;

operation of vehicles, construction

Changes to surface water quality (suspended solids and chemical constituents) during construction from the transport and delivery of airborne particulate matter to nearby waterbodies.

Ongoing (extending into operation and maintenance), with no measurable effects.

Construction stage: For vehicles and equipment owned/rented by Wataynikaneyap only

properly functioning vehicles and equipment will be operated. Vehicles and equipment will be regularly serviced and maintained. Where reasonable and practical, vehicles and equipment will be

turned off when not in use, unless weather and/or safety conditions dictate the need for them to remain turned on and in a safe operating condition.

Multi-passenger vehicles will be used to transport personnel, where practical.

Soil and aggregate materials will be transported wetted or under cover.

Vehicle speeds at work sites and on access roads will be limited. Dust control practices will be employed at concrete batch plants, work

sites and on access roads. Progressive re-vegetation of disturbed areas will be employed, where

practical. Soil stockpiles will be vegetated, where appropriate (e.g., if soils are

prone to wind erosion). Topsoil handling will be suspended during high wind conditions, where

practical and as required. Stripped soil will be stored outside waterbody buffers. Stripped soils

will not be placed in surface drainage channel or wetland. Operation and maintenance stage: For vehicles and equipment owned/rented by Wataynikaneyap only

properly functioning vehicles and equipment will be operated. Vehicles and equipment will be regularly serviced and maintained. Where reasonable and practical, vehicles and equipment will be

turned off when not in use, unless weather and/or safety conditions

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-40




Type equipment and diesel generators; and

transportation of personnel, materials and equipment.

Project activities during the operation and maintenance stage: Transportation of

personnel, materials, and equipment.

dictate the need for them to remain turned on and in a safe operating condition.

Multi-passenger vehicles will be used to transport personnel, where practical.

Soil and aggregate materials will be transported wetted or under cover.

Vehicle speeds at work sites and on access roads will be limited.

Project activities during the construction stage: Hazardous

materials, solid and liquid waste handling.

Changes to surface water quality (suspended solids and chemical constituents) during construction from the wash off of trash and leachate at waste handling and storage facilities to nearby waterbodies.


A Spill Prevention and Emergency Response Plan will be prepared and implemented. An overview of this plan is provided in Section 9.3.1.13.

Waste Management Plans to manage liquid and solid waste will be prepared and implemented. An overview of these plans is provided in Sections 9.3.1.10, 9.3.1.11 and 9.3.1.12.

Portable, secure, solid waste receptacles will be provided on work sites, laydown areas and construction camps and periodically emptied.

Solid waste handling and storage facilities at construction camps will be sited outside a minimum 30 m buffer around waterbodies.

Solid waste handling and storage facilities at construction camps will be provided with drainage controls.

Solid waste will be managed and disposed of in compliance with O. Reg. 347 as amended by O. Reg. 86/16.

Personnel will be trained in proper solid waste handling and management procedures.

No pathway

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-41




Type

Waste Management Plans will be in place that describes the appropriate management of waste (Sections 9.3.1.10, 9.3.1.11, and 9.3.1.12), including: construction-related garbage, debris, and surplus materials, hazardous materials such as used oil, filter and grease

cartridges, lubrication containers, and domestic garbage and camp waste (i.e., food and grey water).

Project activities during the construction stage: hazardous

materials, solid and liquid waste handling;

re-fueling, service and maintenance of vehicles and construction equipment;

operation of vehicles, construction equipment and diesel generators; and

transportation of personnel, materials, and equipment.

Changes to surface water quality (chemical constituents) during construction and operation and maintenance from the wash off of spills and leaks to nearby waterbodies.

Ongoing (extending into operation and maintenance), with no measurable effects.

Construction stage: The transportation, storage, and handling of fuel will be in compliance

with the Technical Standards and Safety Act. A Spill Prevention and Emergency Response Plan will be prepared

and implanted. An overview of this plan is provided in Section 9.3.1.13.

Waste Management Plans will be prepared and implemented to manage liquid and solid waste. An overview of these plans is provided in Sections 9.3.1.10, 9.3.1.11 and 9.3.1.12.

Fuel and hazardous materials will be transported in approved containers in licensed vehicles. Transportation of fuel on winter roads will only take place in safe ice conditions.

Fuel and hazardous materials will be stored and handled in designated areas with appropriate secondary containment.

Re-fueling, service and maintenance of vehicles and equipment will generally be carried out in designated areas at construction camps and laydown areas, designed and constructed to collect and contain minor leaks and spill. Containment measures may consist of impermeable liners, sloped appropriately and buried into the ground, portable berms (insta-berms) or concrete pads with perimeter drainage control.

No pathway

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-42




Type Project activities during the operation and maintenance Stage: Transportation of

personnel, materials, and equipment.

Carry out re-fueling, service and maintenance of construction equipment on-site will be carried out in designated areas, a minimum 30 m from waterbodies, and appropriate practices and procedures will be employed to prevent spills and leaks. If re-fueling within 30 m of a waterbody cannot be avoided, a spill prevention plan will be implemented.

For vehicles and equipment owned/rented by Wataynikaneyap only properly functioning vehicles and equipment will be operated.

Vehicles and equipment will be regularly serviced, maintained and inspected for leaks.

Machinery and equipment will be inspected for leaks routinely throughout the duration of construction.

Machinery is to arrive on site in a clean condition and will be maintained free of fluid leaks.

Spill response kits will be provided in fuel and hazardous materials storage and handling facilities and/or in vehicles and equipment.

Personnel will be trained in spill avoidance, clean-up and reporting procedures.

Operation and maintenance stage: Hazardous materials will be transported in approved containers in

licensed vehicles. Vehicles and equipment for ROW maintenance activities will be

regularly serviced, maintained and inspected for leaks. For vehicles and equipment owned/rented by Wataynikaneyap only

properly functioning vehicles and equipment will be operated. Spill response kits will be provided in vehicles and equipment.

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-43




Type

Project activities during the construction stage: Use of explosives

and blasting to create level areas for transmission structures, roads and for foundation excavations.

Changes to surface water quality (chemical constituents) during construction from the wash off of explosives spills and residues from blasting activities to nearby waterbodies.


A Blast Management Plan will be prepared and implemented that describes specific measures that would be implemented if blasting is required. An overview of this plan is provided in Section 9.3.1.15.

Wataynikaneyap will use explosives if excavation to remove materials for foundation systems and roads is not feasible.

No pathway

Project activities during the operation and maintenance stage: Mechanical

vegetation maintenance along ROW at an appropriate height to protect the facility and improve public and worker safety.

Changes to surface water quality (suspended solids and chemical constituents) during operation and maintenance from the wash off of organic debris from mechanical vegetation maintenance activities to adjacent waterbodies.

Ongoing (commencing in operation and maintenance), with no measurable effects

Vegetation will managed according to clearance-to-ground levels. Removed vegetation will be immediately transported outside a

waterbody buffer zone (30 m), and above its high water mark.

No pathway

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-44




Type


earth moving, grubbing of vegetation, and stockpiling of materials along the ROW and other access and construction areas, and construction of infrastructure (e.g., access roads, bridges, turn-around areas, laydown areas, and temporary construction camps);

surface water management and erosion control; and

reclamation of decommissioned access roads, turn-around areas, laydown areas, staging areas, and construction camps.

Changes to surface water quality (land surface erosion-sedimentation processes, suspended solids) during construction from the wash off of organic debris from work sites to nearby waterbodies, and/or increased rates of erosion in disturbed and exposed areas with sediment transport and delivery to adjacent waterbodies.

Temporary (limited to construction), with measurable effects

The 40-m-wide transmission line alignment ROW, access roads and trails will be used for access where practicable to limit disturbance caused by new construction.

Laydown areas and construction camps will be constructed on existing disturbed areas and/or at reasonably flat areas with stable soil sites, where possible.

New access roads will be constructed in accordance with the MNRF’s Environmental Guidelines for Access Roads and Water Crossings (1990).

Waterbody crossings will be constructed in compliance O. Reg. 180/06 as amended by O. Reg. 63/13 and O. Reg. 454/96, as applicable.

Buffer zones of 30 m will be maintained around waterbodies, and clearing of riparian vegetation will be limited to the extent practical. Clearing at waterbody crossings along the 40-m-wide transmission line alignment ROW will generally be limited to a 6-m-wide ROW for equipment access to waterbody crossing structures (e.g., temporary bridges).

Cleared vegetation will be immediately transported outside a waterbody buffer zone, and above its high water mark to minimize disturbance to the bed and banks.

Wataynikaneyap will work with both Aboriginal communities and forest management units to dispose of merchantable timber cleared by the Project.

Slash will be chipped and spread over the ROW or burned in compliance with O. Reg. 207/96.

Appropriate erosion and sedimentation control measures will be installed, monitored and managed to minimize or avoid sediment mobilization from the disturbed area to drainages, or waterbodies. Adequate and appropriate erosion and sedimentation control materials shall be on site and available prior to commencement of construction.

Secondary

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-45




Type

Temporary erosion control measures to be: properly installed; installed before or immediately after initial disturbance; and inspected and properly maintained (e.g., repaired, replaced or

supplemented with functional materials) throughout construction until permanent erosion control is established or reclamation is complete.

Seeding will follow as close as possible to final cleanup and topsoil material replacement pending seasonal or weather conditions.

Disturbed areas will be stabilized (e.g., cover exposed areas with erosion control blankets or tarps to keep the soil in place and prevent erosion).

Progressive reclamation of disturbed areas will be practised. Aggregates used as fill material (e.g., gravel, shipped rock) will be

sourced from existing borrow pits and quarries where feasible, taking into consideration that some communities have a preference for new borrow sources, situated a reasonable distance from their location, to prevent usage of their aggregate supply.

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-46




Type


earth moving, grubbing of vegetation, and stockpiling of materials along the ROW and other access and construction areas, and construction of infrastructure (e.g., access roads, bridges, turn-around areas, laydown areas and temporary construction camps);

surface water management and erosion control; and

reclamation of decommissioned access roads, turn-around areas, laydown areas, staging areas, and construction camps.

Changes to surface water quantity (streamflows and/or water levels, in-water erosion-sedimentation processes) during construction and operation and maintenance due to changes in land cover.

Ongoing (extending into operation and maintenance), with measurable effects

Construction stage: The 40-m-wide transmission line alignment ROW, and existing roads

and trails will be used for access, where feasible, to minimize changes in land cover.

Laydown areas and construction camps will be constructed on existing disturbed areas and/or at reasonably flat areas with stable soil sites, where possible.

New access roads will be constructed in accordance with the MNRF’s Environmental Guidelines for Access Roads and Water Crossings (1990).

Construction camps laydown areas and temporary construction easements to be located a minimum 30 m away from waterbodies.

Progressive re-vegetation of the preferred corridor ROW will be implemented.

Temporary access roads, construction camps, turn-around areas, laydown areas, and construction easements will be reclaimed at the end of construction.

Seeding will follow as close as possible to final cleanup and topsoil material replacement pending seasonal or weather conditions.

Appropriate erosion and sedimentation control measures will be installed, monitored and managed to minimize or avoid sediment mobilization from the disturbed area to drainages, or waterbodies. Adequate and appropriate erosion and sedimentation control materials shall be on site and available prior to commencement of construction.

Temporary erosion control measures to be: properly installed; installed before or immediately after initial disturbance; and inspected and properly maintained (e.g., repaired, replaced or

supplemented with functional materials) throughout construction until permanent erosion control is established or reclamation is complete.

Secondary

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-47




Type Project activities during the operation and maintenance stage: Operation and

maintenance of new ROW, fencing, transmission line, conductors, tower foundations, and permanent access roads.

Operation and maintenance stage: Multi-stage drainage and sediment controls will be employed at work

sites as appropriate.

Project activities during the construction stage: Upgrade of existing

waterbody crossings, and construction of new waterbody crossings.

Changes to surface water quantity (streamflows and/or water levels, in-water erosion-sedimentation processes) and surface water quality (suspended solids and chemical constituents) during short-term water diversions at waterbody crossings during construction.

Temporary (limited to construction), with measurable effects

Waterbody crossings will be constructed in compliance with MNRF regulatory permits and approvals, as applicable.

Waterbody crossings will be designed and constructed in compliance with O. Reg. 180/06 as amended by O. Reg. 63/13 and O. Reg. 454/96, as applicable.

Waterbody crossings will be constructed in accordance with MNRF’s Environmental Guidelines for Access Roads and Water Crossings (1990).

Temporary waterbody crossings will be reclaimed at the end of construction. The reclamation will involve removal of temporary waterbody crossing structures (if constructed), restoration and stabilization of waterbody banks, and other disturbed areas when the crossing is no longer required.

Secondary

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-48




Type

Project activities during the construction stage: Upgrade of existing

waterbody crossings, and construction of new waterbody crossings.

Changes to surface water quantity (streamflows and/or water levels, in-water erosion-sedimentation processes) and surface water quality (suspended solids) during construction and operation and maintenance due to changes in channel hydraulics at waterbody crossings.

Ongoing (extending into operation and maintenance), with measurable effects

Waterbody crossings will be constructed in compliance with MNRF regulatory permits and approvals, as applicable.

Waterbody crossings will be designed and constructed in accordance with the MNRF’s Environmental Guidelines for Access Roads and Water Crossings (1990).

Secondary

Notes: m = metre; MNRF = Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry; O. Reg. = Government of Ontario Regulation; ROW = right-of-way; WWTP = Waste Water Treatment Plant.

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-49


5.1.6.1 Pathway Screening 5.1.6.1.1 No Pathway A pathway was assessed as having “no pathway” if the activity would not occur (e.g., no release of sediment) or if the pathway would be removed by impact management measures such that the Project would result in no measurable environmental change in, and no expected net effect to, surface water. The pathways described below were assessed as having no pathway to surface water. No further assessment or characterization of net effects, including determination of significance, is required for these pathways.

Changes to surface water quantity (streamflows and/or water levels) and surface water quality (suspended solids and chemical constituents) during construction from short-term discharges

Discharges of wastewater from Project activities during the construction stage could result in changes to surface water quantity and quality if not mitigated. Discharges could result in increases to streamflow and/or water levels, as well as increases to the concentrations of suspended solids and chemical constituents in receiving waterbodies. Sources of wastewater during Project construction may include:

construction water from dewatering activities during excavations for tower foundations;

water diversion to create and maintain a dry work area for the construction of waterbody crossings;

wastewater from concrete batch plants, if required;

wash water from cleaning concrete mixing equipment and concrete delivery systems on work sites;

wash water from vehicle and equipment wash facilities on work sites and at construction camps, laydown areas; and

domestic wastewater from construction camps and construction offices.

Construction water from dewatering activities will be discharged in compliance with O. Reg. 387/04 as amended by O. Reg. 64/16 under the Ontario Water Resources Act, and/or O. Reg. 63/16 under the Environmental Protection Act, where applicable.

A PTTW will not be required for dewatering activities associated with the construction, repair, alteration, extension or replacement of a waterbody crossing (diverting water by means of a pump). For these activities, the following (and other) conditions will be met to minimize effects of discharge waters on the surface water environment:

receiving waters will be monitored to verify that there is no visible petroleum hydrocarbon film or sheen present; and

erosion and sediment control measures will be used during the return of the waterbody.

The specific approach and strategy to undertake water diversion and associated discharge activities that satisfy the above conditions will be determined in the detailed design stage of the Project.

Water taking for construction dewatering purposes between 50,000 L/d and 400,000 L/d will be registered on the Environmental Activity and Sector Registry (EASR), recognizing that the following conditions will be satisfied to minimize the effects of discharge waters on the surface water environment:

a discharge plan will be prepared by a qualified person;

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-50


the discharge plan will identify appropriate erosion-sedimentation control measures;

there will be no visible petroleum hydrocarbon film or sheen present in the water; and

water will be discharged to an approved sewage works, a municipal sanitary or storm sewer, or in most cases to land.

If a PTTW is required for construction dewatering, Wataynikaneyap Power LP (Wataynikaneyap) will plan and execute water taking and discharge activities to avoid adverse environmental effects or interference with other water users. Water taking plans will be developed that consider the quantity, timing and location of water discharges, water quality conditions, and erosion and sedimentation processes/controls at the point of water return. If an Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) is required, Wataynikaneyap will plan and execute the discharge of water from sewage works in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act.

If the total of groundwater and stormwater taken for construction dewatering amounts to 50,000 L/d or less, Wataynikaneyap will, at a minimum, discharge via a filter bag to a vegetated area at least 30 m away from any waterbody or where not possible at the greatest distance possible.

Further to the impact management measures described above:

Concrete for the Project will be locally sourced and delivered in concrete mixer trucks, to the extent feasible. Concrete may be mixed on-site in batch plants along the preferred corridor ROW and will be fully consumed. Where applicable, treatment and disposal of wastewater from any such concrete batch plants will be in compliance with ECAs issued by the MOECC under the Environmental Protection Act.

Wash water from cleaning concrete mixing equipment and delivery systems, as well as vehicles and equipment, will be collected in closed-loop recycle systems, or contained and hauled to an existing municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Closed-loop recycle systems will be non-discharging systems where wash water is recycled until a certain level of contamination is reached, when it will be disposed of to an existing municipal WWTP. Wash water will be passed through a treatment system (e.g., an oil-water separator fitted with a grit-settling chamber) prior to reuse. Separated solids will be tested, and contaminated material will be temporarily stored in containers, then hauled and disposed of at an approved landfill.

Domestic wastewater from construction camps and work sites will be disposed of in one of two ways. Wastewater from toilets at construction camps and portable sanitation facilities at work sites will be collected in approved vehicles and hauled to existing municipal WWTPs authorized to accept this type of waste. Greywater will be discharged to leaching beds constructed at the construction camps, approved under the Ontario Building Code 2012. The treatment unit (e.g., septic tank system) shall be connected to a leaching bed constructed in accordance with the requirements of Section 8.7 of the Ontario Building Code. In compliance with the Code, leaching beds will be sited a minimum of 15 m away from any waterbody.

With effective implementation of the impact management measures identified above (also summarized in Table 5.1-13) and in the Draft Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP; Section 9.0), there are no anticipated pathways that would generate measurable changes to surface water quantity (streamflows and/or water levels) and surface water quality (suspended solids and chemical constituents) from short-term discharges during construction. Therefore, no net effects on surface water quantity and quality are expected as a result of Project discharges.

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-51


Changes to surface water quality (suspended solids and chemical constituents) during construction from the transport and delivery of airborne particulate matter to nearby waterbodies

Air emissions from Project activities during the construction stage could result in changes to surface water quality, if not mitigated. The transport and delivery of airborne particulate matter could result in increased concentrations of chemical constituents and suspended solids in receiving waterbodies. During Project construction, particulate matter may be combustion products and/or fugitive dust generated from:

vehicle and equipment exhausts;

transportation of personnel, materials, and equipment on access roads;

site preparation, earthworks, stockpiling, and demolition activities;

blasting activities; and,

on-site concrete mixing.

Impact management measures planned to reduce the effects of airborne particulate matter on the surface water environment includes:

operating properly functioning vehicles and equipment;

regularly servicing and maintaining vehicles and equipment;

vehicles and equipment will be turned off when not in use, unless weather and/or safety conditions dictate the need for them to remain turned on and in a safe operating condition, where reasonable and practical;

using multi-passenger vehicles to transport personnel, where practicable;

minimize dust-generating activities, as practical and where required, during periods of high wind;

transportation of wetted or covered soil and aggregate materials;

reducing vehicle speeds at work sites and on access roads;

employing dust suppression at concrete batch plants, work sites and on access roads; and

vegetating stockpiles, where appropriate.

The results of a screening level assessment of air emissions during the construction stage indicate a negligible net effect on existing ambient concentrations of particulate matter with the implementation of the above impact management measures (Section 5.3). As such, it is expected that the effect pathway in relation to the transportation and delivery of airborne particulate matter to receiving waterbodies will be removed. No net effect on surface water quality is anticipated.

Changes to surface water quality (suspended solids and chemical constituents) during construction from the wash off of trash and leachate at waste handling and storage facilities to nearby waterbodies

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-52


Wataynikaneyap will establish and operate temporary waste handling and storage facilities at various locations during the construction stage of the Project. The wash off of trash and leachate at these facilities to nearby waterbodies could result in changes to surface water quality relative to the Base Case. Changes may include increases in concentrations of suspended solids (including floating debris) and chemical constituents in the receiving water.

Portable, secure, solid waste receptacles will be provided on work sites, and at laydown areas for the collection and temporary storage of domestic waste (e.g. food scraps, paper, cardboard, bottles, cans) and non-hazardous construction waste (e.g., wiring, metal, rubble). Receptacles will be located outside a minimum 30 m buffer around waterbodies. Solid waste collected in these receptacles will be hauled periodically to waste handling and storage facilities located at the construction camps.

Waste handling and storage facilities and waste recycling areas will be established at each construction camp. These facilities will be: located outside of the minimum 30 m buffer zone around waterbodies; provided with drainage controls; and require personnel to be trained in industry standard waste management practices and procedures. Organic waste, recyclable materials, and non-hazardous solid waste at the facilities will be separated and temporarily stored in appropriate containers before being transported to an approved waste disposal site. Hazardous solid and liquid waste will be temporarily stored in labelled, closed, compatible containers, with secondary containment if appropriate. Hazardous solid and liquid waste will be managed and disposed of in compliance with O. Reg. 347 as amended by O. Reg. 86/16 under the Environmental Protection Act. Hazardous waste will be periodically transported by a registered hauler to an approved disposal site. The generation of hazardous waste is expected to be mainly associated with the servicing and maintenance of construction vehicles and equipment, although there may be other sources. Hazardous waste may include used oils, lubricants, and antifreeze, as well as spent lubricating cartridges, oily rags, oily drums, fuel containers, batteries and fluorescent bulbs.

There are no pathways that would result in measurable changes to surface water quality due to the wash off of trash and leachate from waste handling and storage facilities to nearby waterbodies with effective implementation of the impact management measures identified above (also summarized in Table 5.1-13 and in the Draft ESMP (Section 9.0). Therefore, no net effects to surface water quality are expected as a result of Project waste management activities.

Changes to surface water quality (suspended solids and chemical constituents) during operation and maintenance from the wash off of organic debris and chemical constituents from mechanical vegetation maintenance activities to adjacent waterbodies

During the operation and maintenance stage of the Project, mechanical vegetation maintenance activities will be required along the preferred corridor ROW to minimize the potential for vegetation to grow into, or fall onto, the conductors. Activities will generally include mechanical and/or manual methods to manage vegetation to an appropriate height. Mechanical vegetation maintenance activities along the preferred corridor ROW could result in changes to surface water quality, if not mitigated, recognizing that potential pathways may include the transport of organic debris and chemical constituents to nearby waterbodies.

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-53


Vegetation will be managed to clearance-to-ground levels to allow for increased vegetation height (i.e., over watercourses and within ravines). Mechanical and manual methods will be employed within 30 m buffer zones around waterbodies or riparian areas. Removed vegetation will be immediately transported outside a waterbody buffer zone, and above its high water mark. Wataynikaneyap will work with both Aboriginal communities and forest management units to dispose of merchantable timber cleared by the Project. First Slash and other organic debris will be hauled and disposed of at an approved waste disposal site.

The effective implementation of the impact management measures identified above (also summarized in Table 5.1-13) and in the draft ESMP (Section 9.0) is expected to remove potential pathways related to the transport of organic debris and chemical constituents to nearby waterbodies. As such, no net effects to surface water quality are expected as a result of mechanical vegetation maintenance activities during Project operation and maintenance.

Changes to surface water quality (chemical constituents) during construction and operation from the wash off of spills and leaks to nearby waterbodies

Spills and leaks from the transportation, storage, and handling of hazardous materials during the construction stage, and the operation of vehicles and equipment during the construction and operation and maintenance stages, have the potential to change surface water quality. Spills and leaks could be washed off into nearby waterbodies during a runoff event or when using winter roads, and, if occurring in high enough volumes, could change the chemical constituents in receiving waters.

Hazardous materials that may be handled and stored during Project construction include:

fuels and batteries for vehicle and equipment operation;

oils, grease, and liquid chemicals for vehicle and equipment maintenance; and

explosives for blasting activities.

The transportation, storage, and handling of fuels during construction will be in compliance with the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000. Fuels will be transported to construction camps, and laydown areas in tanker trucks, drums, or other approved containers, and stored in aboveground steel tanks featuring secondary containment. Vehicles used for transportation will be licensed and properly maintained. The storage tanks will meet the requirements of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME 2003). If transportation of fuel takes place on winter roads, safe ice thickness will be measured and used as a guide to define limits of transportation period.

Re-fueling, service, and maintenance of vehicles and equipment will generally be carried out in designated areas at construction camps and laydown areas. These areas will be set up away from sensitive environmental receptors and be designed and constructed to collect and contain minor leaks and spill. Containment measures may consist of impermeable liners, sloped appropriately and buried into the ground, portable berms (insta-berms) or concrete pads with perimeter drainage control. Drainage will be passed through an oil-water separator to remove hydrocarbons prior to its release to a vegetated area. Construction equipment with reduced mobility will be re-fueled, serviced and maintained on-site at a minimum of 100 m from a waterbody. Appropriate practices and procedures will be employed to prevent spills and leaks (e.g., use of drip trays, portable secondary containment).

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-54


Spill response kits will be provided in fuel and hazardous materials storage and handling facilities at construction camps and laydown areas, in on-site work areas, and/or in vehicles and equipment, and personnel will be trained in spill response practices and procedures. Spills and leaks will be contained and cleaned up as soon as possible following incidents.

The transportation, storage, and handling of explosives for blasting activities are discussed in the subsequent pathway discussion.

The effective implementation of the impact management measures identified above (also summarized in Table 5.1-13) and in the Draft ESMP (Section 9.0) is anticipated to minimize the frequency, spatial extent and severity of spills during construction and operation and maintenance of the Project. Spills and leaks on Project components are not expected to result in measurable changes to the chemical constituents of receiving waterbodies, and therefore will have no net effect on surface water quality.

Changes to surface water quality (chemical constituents) during construction from the wash off of explosives spills and residues from blasting activities to nearby waterbodies

Blasting may be required for the construction of tower foundations and new permanent access roads where other options are not feasible. A potential pathway for the wash off of explosives spills and residues to nearby waterbodies during runoff events could occur during blasting activities for Project construction.

The transportation and storage of explosives will be in compliance with the Explosives Act and the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992, where applicable. Explosives will be transported in vehicles with valid Natural Resources Canada (NRC) permits, and stored in properly sited and secured magazines licensed by the NRC.

Ammonium nitrate and fuel oil will not be used. Explosives will be in emulsion form, to mitigate potential dissolution and poor explosive performance in the presence of water, noting that emulsion type explosives are highly water resistant.

Wataynikaneyap will employ only qualified persons, with appropriate training and experience, to carry out the transportation and handling of explosives. Good housekeeping practices will be observed during loading of explosives with a plan to immediately clean up spills and detonate in the blast. Proper loading techniques will be applied to minimize the use of excess explosives and the potential for spillage. Waste rock (from the construction of tower foundations) and aggregates (from quarrying activities) are expected to be free of blasting residues.

Blasting wastes may include discarded explosives and packaging containing chemical residues (classified as hazardous wastes), as well as waste rock. Discarded explosives will either be detonated on-site as part of the blast with explosives packaging on a day-to-day basis, or temporarily stored in the explosives magazine and returned to the explosives distributor. With the application of proper loading techniques, waste rock is expected to be free of residues and will be disposed of by spreading it over the preferred corridor ROW.

The effective implementation of the impact management measures identified above (also summarized in Table 5.1-13) and in the Draft ESMP (Section 9.0) is expected to remove potential pathways related to the wash off of explosives spills and residues from blasting activities. Therefore, no measurable change in the chemical constituents of nearby waterbodies relative to the Base Case is expected, and there will be no net effect on surface water quality.

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-55


5.1.6.1.2 Secondary Pathway A pathway was assigned to the category of “secondary pathway” if the pathway would result in a measurable change in surface water quantity and quality, relative to the Base Case, but would have a negligible net effect on a criteria’s assessment endpoint. Secondary pathways are not expected to additively or synergistically contribute to effects of other past, previous, or reasonably foreseeable projects.

The pathways described below were assessed as secondary pathways and were not carried through to the net effects assessment.

Changes to surface water quantity (streamflows and/or water levels) during construction from short-term water takings

During the construction stage, short-term water takings from surface water sources for the purposes of construction and water supply could result in changes to surface water quantity in the form of reductions in streamflows and/or water levels. These water takings may include:

dewatering of excavations for tower foundations, and of any new borrow pits/quarries if required;

water diversion to create and maintain a dry work area for the construction of waterbody crossings;

water for drilling as part of geotechnical investigations;

water for on-site concrete mixing and earthworks (compaction);

water for dust suppression at work sites and along access roads;

water for washing concrete mixing equipment and delivery systems, as well as vehicles and equipment, on work sites, construction camps, laydown areas; and

water for drinking and sanitation at construction offices, construction camps, laydown areas and other work areas.

Water taking activities will be carried out in compliance with O. Reg. 387/04 as amended by O. Reg. 64/16 under the Ontario Water Resources Act, recognizing that designated water taking activities may require registration on the EASR or a PTTW from the MOECC.

The amended regulation clarifies that the passive diversion of water in a waterbody, for the purpose of creating or maintaining a dewatered work site within the waterbody, is not considered a water taking and therefore does not require registration on the EASR or a PTTW if the activity meets the following conditions:

The water levels upstream and downstream of the work area are not affected by the diversion; and

The water that is diverted is not removed from the waterbody, or the water is removed from the waterbody without the use of a pump and is returned to the same waterbody.

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-56


The amended regulation also provides exemption, under specified conditions, for active dewatering for construction, repair, alteration, extension or replacement of a waterbody crossing (i.e., the diversion of water by means of a pump). EASR registration or the requirement for a PTTW will not be required for these activities, recognizing the following conditions (and others) will be met to minimize the potential environmental effects:

water pumped from the waterbody will be returned to the same waterbody at a location immediately downstream of the construction area;

measures will be implemented to control the rate of water taking and the flow rate of the returned water to minimize changes to water quantity and quality conditions upstream or downstream of the work area; and

erosion and sediment control measures will be used to during the return of the water to the waterbody to minimize changes to water quantity and quality conditions downstream of the work area.

The specific approach and strategy to undertake water diversion activities that satisfy the above conditions will be determined in the detailed design stage of the Project.

Water taking for the purposes of road construction and construction site dewatering will be registered on the EASR, assuming that the water taking is greater than 50,000 litres per day (L/d), the source waterbody represents one of the applicable surface water features (i.e., permanent and third order watercourse or greater, a lake with a surface area greater than ten hectares (ha), or a pond that it is not connected to watercourse), and the following conditions are met:

the instantaneous rate of water taking from a watercourse will not exceed five per cent of the streamflow rate at the point of water taking; and

water taking will not involve a transfer from a water basin.

Water taking for construction dewatering purposes between 50,000 L/d and 400,000 L/d will be registered on the EASR, with the understanding that the following (and other) conditions will be met to minimize effects of dewatering on the surface water environment:

a water taking plan will be prepared by a qualified person;

measures identified in the water taking plan to address the potential effects of soil settlement or water taking on other water users will be implemented when applicable; and

a water monitoring program will be implemented in accordance with the water taking plan when applicable.

Water taking for other construction purposes (e.g., to supply concrete batch plants, for earthworks and for washing vehicles and equipment) will be in compliance with the approval conditions of the PTTW (if the water taking is greater than 50,000 L/d) and/or carried out in a manner that avoids unacceptable adverse environmental effects or interference with other water users. Construction water sources and volume of water for concrete production is not known at this stage of Project planning, but will be conducted in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements. Water used for dust suppression will be brought to the site by tanker truck.

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-57


Potable water will be trucked to work sites and laydown areas for drinking and sanitation, and for small scale concrete mixing using bagged concrete. No new water taking from surface water sources will be required for these domestic purposes.

Overall, water taking for construction purposes will be in compliance with the applicable legislation and regulations and good industry practice, while water taking for domestic purposes will be from existing permitted sources.

Measurable changes to surface water quantity could occur as a result of water taking activities during the construction stage of the Project. However, these changes are expected to be short-term in duration (limited to the duration of the construction activities), infrequent (limited to discrete construction activities) and localized in spatial extent (limited to flow and/or water level change at the point of water withdrawal in the waterbody). To that end, any Project related water taking activities are expected to result in a negligible net effect on surface water quantity with effective implementation of the impact management measures outlined above (also summarized in Table 5.1-13) and in the Draft ESMP (Section 9.0).

Changes to surface water quality (land surface erosion-sedimentation processes, suspended solids) during construction from the wash off of organic debris from work sites to nearby waterbodies, and/or increased rates of erosion in disturbed and exposed areas with sediment transport and delivery to adjacent waterbodies

A potential pathway for the transport of organic debris to nearby waterbodies could occur during vegetation clearing for Project construction. Increased rates of wind and water erosion can also be expected in disturbed and exposed areas, with the potential for consequent increases in sediment transport and delivery to nearby waterbodies, during this Project stage. Activities that could result in changes to surface water quality if not mitigated (i.e., changes to TSS concentrations resulting from increased rates of erosion) include:

site preparation;

earthworks;

stockpiling; and

construction of access roads and waterbody crossings.

The preparation of work sites will include clearing of vegetation, grubbing, stripping of topsoil and removal of unsuitable subsoil, as well as rough grading. The corridor ROW preparation will be carried out in accordance with standard utility practices and procedures and will involve the clearing of all incompatible vegetation that exceeds 2 m at maturity. An approximate 40-m-wide transmission line alignment ROW will be cleared of non-compatible vegetation within the 2-km-wide corridor. There may be additional right of way easement required at major water crossings and sharp corners. Clearing will consist of cutting tree trunks parallel to, and within 15 centimetres (cm) of the ground or lower, as well as the removal of all shrubs, debris and other such materials. Diseased or damaged trees located at the edge of the ROW that may fall onto the overhead line conductors or structures will also be removed.

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-58


Clearing of the ROW will take into consideration:

widths of watercourses;

location of wetlands;

locations of known archaeological and heritage sites;

areas of timber storage and the method of cutting and storing timber; and

required buffer zones (e.g., for watercourses).

Vegetation will be cleared using mechanical harvesters to remove the timber. Chainsaws may be used for small scale clearings (e.g., tree removal adjacent to a watercourse), as required.

Earthworks will include excavation, fill, backfill, and final grading activities. Excavations for tower foundations along the ROW may include blasting, drilling and shallow digs. Excavation and fill for access road upgrades and construction will be required along the proposed corridors to provide appropriate grades, widths and travel surfaces (road subbase and base courses) for the safe transportation of personnel, materials and equipment. Earthworks for the installation of waterbody crossings will be required to make sure the structural stability of bridges and culverts, and to provide adequate widths and travel surfaces for vehicular traffic. Earthworks at waterbody crossings will include removal of unsuitable subsoil, excavation and placement of bedding and/or backfill materials for bridge foundations and culverts, and fill to construct road embankments and travel surfaces. Earthworks for access road upgrades and construction, and the installation of waterbody crossings, will be accomplished using heavy construction equipment where possible, with light equipment being used in sensitive areas.

Stockpiling will consist of the short-term storage of topsoil and unsuitable subsoil removed during site preparation, as well as excavated materials (rock, subsoil) and required aggregates (sand, gravel, crushed rock) for the construction of tower foundations, access road upgrades and construction, and the installation of waterbody crossings. Stockpiling will be accomplished using heavy or light construction equipment, as appropriate.

To limit the disturbance caused by new construction, Wataynikaneyap will use existing corridors, roads and trails for access, where feasible. In addition, laydown areas will be constructed on existing disturbed areas with appropriate land use designations, where possible.

Access roads and waterbody crossings will be constructed in accordance with MNR (1990), where feasible. The MNR provides comprehensive guidance with respect to sound design and construction practices to mitigate environmental effects. Where applicable, waterbody crossings will also be constructed in compliance with MNRF approvals issued under O. Reg. 454/96 and the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act. In accordance with these approvals, Wataynikaneyap will be required to complete construction along waterbody shorelines as well as in-water works in a manner that minimizes adverse environmental effects such as increased flooding, waterbody and shoreline erosion, and sediment loads.

Clearing of vegetation will take into consideration 30 m buffer zones around waterbodies, and clearing of riparian vegetation will be restricted to the extent feasible. Clearing at waterbody crossings along the 40-m-wide transmission line alignment ROW will generally be limited to a 6-m-wide ROW for equipment access to waterbody crossing structures (e.g., temporary bridges). Cleared vegetation will be immediately removed outside a waterbody buffer zone, and above its high water mark where this is identified to extend beyond the buffer zone.

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-59


Small trees and branches will be chipped on-site, and the chips may be spread over the ROW. In some cases, it may be more practical to burn cleared wood. The remaining timber will be de-limbed, cut into lengths and stacked along the edge of the ROW in neat piles for short-term storage. Wataynikaneyap will work with both Aboriginal communities and forest management units to dispose of merchantable timber cleared by the Project. Timber, chips and other organic debris will be stored outside the buffer zone and above the high water mark of any nearby waterbody. Slash and debris will be chipped, or will be burned on-site with other organic debris in compliance with O. Reg. 207/96 under the Forest Fires Prevention Act. Diseased or damaged trees located at the edge of the ROW that may fall onto the overhead line conductors or structures will also be removed.

Some excavations will be internally draining, and eroded material from disturbed and exposed surfaces will be contained within the excavation. Such excavations will be subject to dewatering activities as described under a pathway above. Where disturbed and exposed areas are externally draining, multiple stages of drainage, erosion and sediment controls will be employed, as appropriate, consistent with good industry practice. Controls may include seeding, surface roughening (scarification), lockdown netting, straw bales, straw and/or wood fibre logs, rock check dams, silt fences, sediment traps/basins, diversion swales/dykes and collection ditching. Similar to the clearing of vegetation, earthworks will take into consideration buffer zones around waterbodies where feasible. Re-vegetation of work areas will be initiated at the First opportunity, where appropriate, to stabilize disturbed and exposed ground.

Measurable changes to surface water quality could occur due to the wash off of organic debris, and/or increased rates of sediment erosion/transport, to nearby waterbodies as part of site preparation, earthworks, stockpiling activities, and construction of access roads and waterbody crossings during the construction stage of the Project. However, these changes are expected to be localized in spatial extent (restricted to the Project footprint), short-term in duration (isolated to the period when materials are First cleared and stockpiled), and infrequent in occurrence (in response to large runoff events). Given implementation of the above impact management measures, this pathway is expected to result in a negligible net effect on the maintenance of surface water quality.

Changes to surface water quantity (streamflows and/or water levels, in-water erosion-sedimentation processes) during construction and operation and maintenance due to changes in land cover

Construction of the preferred corridor ROW, tower foundations, new access roads, construction camps, turn-around areas, laydown areas, and temporary construction easements could result in changes to surface water quantity. Construction of these Project components will result in changes in land cover from treed to bare ground or low-growing grasses and shrubs (ROW and temporary construction easements), and from treed to gravel, paved or roofed surfaces (access roads, construction camps, turn-around areas and laydown areas). Operation and maintenance of the preferred corridor ROW represents a change in land cover from the undisturbed treed cover to one of low-growing grasses and shrubs. The potential pathway for changes in land cover to affect the surface water assessment endpoint is local increases in runoff rates and runoff volumes, eventually reporting to waterbodies and increasing streamflows and water levels.

The likely magnitude of changes to surface water quantity and surface water quality as a result of alterations in land cover were assessed in several of the river systems crossed by the Project. This assessment was completed by estimating the proportion of disturbed land area relative to the overall catchment area at selected Assessment Points (APs), recognizing that the approach considers drainage area as a proxy or analog for streamflow and, to a lesser extent, the potential for sediment erosion and transport (with implications on surface water quality).

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-60


The number of APs selected for assessment were as follows:

72 along the Preliminary Proposed Corridor, which crosses five tertiary watersheds including 4FA – Otoskwin, 4GA – Upper Albany-Cat, 5QA – Upper English, 5QB – Central English-Lac Seul, and 5QC Wabigoon;

50 along the Corridor Alternative Around Mishkeegogamang , which crosses four tertiary watersheds including 4FA – Otoskwin, 4GA – Upper Albany-Cat, 5QA – Upper English, and 5QC – Wabigoon; and,

54 along the Corridor Alternative Through Mishkeegogamang , which crosses four tertiary watersheds including 4FA – Otoskwin, 4GA – Upper Albany-Cat, 5QA – Upper English, and 5QC – Wabigoon.

The selected APs captured a wide range of watershed sizes and characteristics. In general, an AP was assigned to the most downstream crossing of any waterbody bisected by the Project footprint, noting that this approach considers the total cumulative effect of Project activities/components on each relevant catchment area. Furthermore, in instances where the same waterbody was crossed at multiple locations, the catchment area of the most upstream crossing was evaluated given that the proportion of disturbed area relative to the total catchment area at this location would be inherently larger (compared to downstream crossing locations). If the proportion of disturbed area resulted in a magnitude that could not be considered negligible (i.e., the disturbed land area represented more than 5% of the overall catchment area of the crossing location), an AP was also assigned to the most upstream crossing so the assessment would account for the potentially “worst case” scenario. Catchments within the project boundaries, but without a waterbody crossing were not assessed.

The results of the assessment are as follows:

The Preliminary Proposed Corridor – Project footprint as a percentage of the catchment to the selected APs ranged from 0.1% to 32%, and had a median value of 1.1%. The disturbed area represented 5% or less of 63 (87%) of the 72 AP catchments that were assessed, and between 5% and 15% of four (6%) of the AP catchments. The disturbed area exceeded 15% of the catchment area for five (7%) of the APs, noting, however, that these particular catchments were comparatively small in size (less than 2 km2).

The Corridor Alternative Around Mishkeegogamang – Project footprint as a percentage of the catchment to the selected APs ranged from 0.1% to 39%, and had a median value of 1.5%. The disturbed area represented 5% or less of 39 (78%) of the 50 AP catchments that were assessed, and between 5% and 15% of eight (16%) of the AP catchments. The disturbed area exceeded 15% of the catchment area for three (6%) of the Aps, noting, however, that these particular catchments were comparatively small in size (less than 0.5 km2).

The Corridor Alternative Through Mishkeegogamang – Project footprint as a percentage of the catchment to the selected APs ranged from 0.1% to 39%, and had a median value of 1.8%. The disturbed area represented 5% or less of 41 (76%) of the 54 AP catchments that were assessed, and between 5% and 15% of ten (18%) of the AP catchments. The disturbed area exceeded 15% of the catchment area for three (6%) of the APs noting, however, that these particular catchments were comparatively small in size (less than 0.5 km2).

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-61


The likely magnitude of changes to surface water quantity and surface water quality, resulting from changes in land cover, are expected to be negligible (not measurable) where the disturbed land area represents 5% or less of the overall catchment area of the AP, noting that the value of ±5% is within the typical error of a streamflow measurement and output from a hydrologic/hydraulic model (Fulford et al. 1994, James 2005). The likely magnitude of changes to surface water quantity and surface water quality as a result of alterations in land cover are expected to be measurable but small where the disturbed land area lies between 5% and 15% of the overall catchment area of the AP. The upper limit of 15% is a conservative estimate of the amount of land disturbance that would result in noticeable changes in streamflow, water levels, and water body stability, recognizing that observations and inferences from the literature (Bosch and Hewlett 1982, Hibbert 1967, Swanson et al. 1986, Stednick 1996, British Columbia Ministry of Forests 1999, and Schnorbus et al. 2004) show that marked changes in streamflow and channel stability as a result of land disturbance (i.e., clear-cut practices) are typically not expected if less than approximately 20% of the contributing catchment is disturbed..

Wataynikaneyap plans to carefully manage runoff from disturbed areas to minimize or avoid changes in surface water quantity in receiving waterbodies. Impact management measures being planned include:

progressive re-vegetation of the preferred corridor ROW;

use of existing roads and trails for access, where feasible, to minimize new disturbance;

upgrading and constructing new access roads in accordance with MNR (1990), which provides comprehensive guidance with respect to design and construction practices to mitigate environmental effects;

construction of laydown areas on existing disturbed land, where possible, to minimize new disturbance;

siting of construction camps, laydown areas, and temporary construction easements a minimum distance of 30 m away from waterbodies to provide a buffer between Project activities and waterbodies;

reclamation of temporary access roads, construction camps, laydown areas, turn-around areas, and construction easements at the end of construction; and,

provision of multi-stage drainage and sediment controls to collect and treat stormwater runoff from Project components, as appropriate, recognizing that controls may include diversion swales/dykes, collection ditches, rock check dams, sediment traps/basins, level spreaders and riparian buffer strips.

Based on the results of the assessment outlined above, changes in land cover as a result of the construction, operation and maintenance of Project components are not expected to result in measurable changes to surface water quantity and surface water quality in the majority of water bodies crossed by the Project. Measurable changes in streamflow and water levels may occur where the catchment area of a water body is comparatively small (i.e., catchments of water bodies that are not permanent or that are first- and second-order ), where the ROW and/or access roads are parallel to the longest axis of the catchment, and where there is more than one Project component. However, these changes are expected to be localized in spatial extent (restricted to the Project footprint), short term in duration (largely mitigated once the Project footprint has been reclaimed), and infrequent in occurrence (in response to large runoff events). With effective implementation of the impact management measures outlined above (also summarized in Table 5.1-13) and in the Draft ESMP (Section 9.0), changes in land cover due to the construction, operation and maintenance of the Project are expected to result in a negligible net effect on maintenance of surface water quantity.

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-62


Changes to surface water quantity (streamflows and/or water levels, in-water erosion-sedimentation processes) and surface water quality (suspended solids and chemical constituents) during short-term water diversions at waterbody crossings during construction

The construction (and removal as needed) of waterbody crossings (temporary and permanent) along access roads and the preferred corridor ROW will, in most cases, require the diversion of water to maintain a dry work site either wholly or partially within the waterbody during the installation of the crossing. Dewatered work areas may be achieved by means of pumping, temporary diversion channels and/or temporary dams. Effect pathways for changes in surface water assessment endpoints as a result of water diversions may include:

localized changes in streamflows and/or water levels immediately upstream and downstream of the work area and/or within the work area depending on the dewatering method and dewatering controls;

localized changes in in-stream erosion-sedimentation processes at the points of water taking and discharge; and

localized changes in the concentrations of suspended solids (from changes in in-water erosion-sedimentation processes) and chemical constituents in the waterbody (from equipment leaks).

There will also be the temporary, short-term, and local bypass of flow through the work site (i.e., change in drainage patterns), and the potential for increased rates of erosion-sedimentation immediately following the water diversion due to the disturbance of the water body bed and banks within the work area.

A review of the waterbody crossings lists, presented in Appendix 5.1B, indicates the following:

Preliminary Proposed Corridor – a total of 182 waterbody crossings are planned for the 40-m-wide transmission line alignment ROW, and a total of 118 waterbody crossings are planned for the access roads. On some waterbodies, more than one crossing may be required. As many as 167 (92%) and 111 (94%) of the waterbody crossings along the ROW and access roads, respectively, are on permanent waterbodies (containing water at least nine months of the year). There will be 26 waterbody crossings over lakes or ponds along the ROW, and five waterbody crossings over lakes or ponds along access roads.

Corridor Alternative Around Mishkeegogamang – a total of 172 waterbody crossings are planned for the 40-m-wide transmission line alignment ROW, and a total of 53 waterbody crossings are planned for the access roads. On some waterbodies, more than one crossing may be required. As many as 170 (99%) and 51 (96%) of the waterbody crossings along the ROW and access roads, respectively, are on permanent waterbodies. There will be 45 waterbody crossings over lakes or ponds along the ROW, and three waterbody crossings over lakes or ponds along access roads.

Corridor Alternative Through Mishkeegogamang – a total of 170 new waterbody crossings are planned for the 40-m-wide transmission line alignment ROW, and a total of 49 waterbody crossings are planned for the access roads. On some waterbodies, more than one crossing may be required. As many as 168 (99%) and 47 (96%) of the waterbody crossings along the ROW and access roads, respectively, are on permanent waterbodies. There will be 44 waterbody crossings over lakes or ponds along the ROW, and three waterbody crossings over lakes or ponds along access roads.

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-63


Based on the surficial geology underlying the Project the following is observed:

Preliminary Proposed Corridor – 38 (53%) of the AP catchments are dominated by bedrock (surficial geology classification comprising largest area within catchment), and 18 (25%) of the AP catchments are dominated by till.

Corridor Alternative Around Mishkeegogamang – 27 (54%) of the AP catchments are dominated by bedrock, and 14 (28%) of the AP catchments are dominated by till.

Corridor Alternative Through Mishkeegogamang – 27 (50%) of the AP catchments are dominated by bedrock, and 18 (33%) of the AP catchments are dominated by till.

The waterbody crossings located over bedrock may be exposed or covered by a thin layer of drift, and are therefore expected to be relatively stable with a lower likelihood of increased opportunities for erosion-sedimentation processes.

As discussed previously, O. Reg. 387/04 as amended by O. Reg. 64/16, under the Ontario Water Resources Act allows that water diversions for the purpose of creating and maintaining a dewatered area in a waterbody may not be considered a water taking, or may be exempt from regulation, depending on whether specified conditions are met. Specified conditions include (but are not limited to):

water pumped from the waterbody will be returned to the same waterbody at a location immediately downstream of the construction area;

measures will be implemented to control the rate of water taking and the flow rate of the returned water to minimize changes to water quantity and quality conditions upstream or downstream of the work area; and

erosion and sediment control measures will be used to achieve sufficient settling and filtration of suspended solids in the water that is returned to the receiver.

Wataynikaneyap will satisfy these conditions, and will construct the waterbody crossings in compliance with MNRF approvals, required under O. Reg. 454/96 of the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act, as applicable. The purpose of MNRF approvals is to prevent alteration to fish and wildlife habitat, flooding, erosion, and pollution.

Wataynikaneyap will manage dewatering activities to minimize adverse environmental effects and interference with downstream water users. Planned impact management measures consists of the following:

minimizing the number of waterbody crossings required, to the extent possible, by appropriate alignment of the preferred corridor ROW and access roads;

limiting the number of waterbody crossings installed simultaneously on a single waterbody, where more than one waterbody crossing on the waterbody is required;

constructing waterbody crossings in compliance with MOECC specified conditions and MNRF approvals, if required;

constructing waterbody crossings in compliance with MNR (1990); and

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-64


constructing waterbody crossings over a relatively short time period, and under low water conditions (during the winter and/or summer seasons) where possible.

Specific measures to be undertaken during water diversion activities to satisfy the conditions above will be determined in the detailed design stage of the Project.

The temporary diversion of water to create and maintain a dewatered area for the purpose of upgrading or constructing waterbody crossings will result in measurable changes to surface water quantity and surface water quality, despite the implementation of impact management measures. However, these changes are expected to be short-term in duration (limited to the duration of the construction activities), infrequent (limited to crossing installation only), and localized in spatial extent (limited to discrete and small areas of the channel). To that end, any project related water diversion activities are expected to have a negligible net effect on maintenance of surface water quantity and quality.

Changes to surface water quantity (streamflows and/or water levels, in-water erosion-sedimentation processes) and surface water quality (suspended solids) during construction and operation and maintenance due to changes in channel hydraulics at waterbody crossings

The installation of waterbody crossings will result in changes to channel hydraulics at the affected portion of the waterbody, and, in turn, potential changes in surface water quantity and quality (due to modifications/adjustments in channel form and function). The installation and maintenance of a waterbody crossing structure may result in changes to flow velocities, shear stresses and water levels at locations upstream and downstream of the crossing. For example, local impedance of streamflow (i.e., backwater with increased water levels) may occur upstream of a waterbody crossing, with a corresponding reduction in flow velocities and shear stresses. Localized increases in flow rates at the inlets and outlets of waterbody crossings are also possible, which in turn could result in changes in rates of erosion and sediment loads within the waterbodies.

A review of the waterbody crossings lists, presented in Appendix 5.1B, indicates the following:

Preliminary Proposed Corridor – a total of 300 waterbody crossings along the 40-m-wide transmission line alignment ROW and access roads are planned, which will include culverts, clear span, and multi-span bridges. A total of 31 waterbody crossings will be located on lakes or ponds. A total of 38 (53%) of the AP catchments are dominated by bedrock geology where waterbody stability is expected to be high.

Corridor Alternative Around Mishkeegogamang – a total of 225 waterbody crossings along the 40-m-wide transmission line alignment ROW and access roads are planned, which will include culverts, clear span, and multi-span bridges. A total of 48 waterbody crossings will be located on lakes or ponds. A total of 27 (54%) of the AP catchments are dominated by bedrock geology where waterbody stability is expected to be high.

Corridor Alternative Through Mishkeegogamang – a total of 219 waterbody crossings along the 40-m-wide transmission line alignment ROW and access roads are planned, which will include culverts, clear span, and multi-span bridges. A total of 47 waterbody crossings will be located on lakes or ponds. A total of 27 (50%) of the AP catchments are dominated by bedrock geology where waterbody stability is expected to be high.

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-65


Wataynikaneyap will carefully design and construct waterbody crossings to minimize potential adverse environmental effects resulting from changes to cross-section hydraulics. Similar impact management measures to that described in the above pathway is planned, specifically:

minimizing the number of waterbody crossings required, to the extent possible, by appropriate alignment of the preferred corridor ROW and access roads, and use of existing roads or trails as much as possible;

carrying out construction activities without any permanent in-water works or fording (no alteration of the bed of the watercourses) are anticipated;

designing the infrastructure at waterbody crossings to pass peak flows and maintain sufficient flow conveyance in such a way that no discernible effects on stream hydraulics occur;

implementing sediment and erosion control measures prior to commencing construction work;

returning the watercourse banks to their original profile and stabilizing disturbed areas as necessary, to prevent soil erosion, upon completion of construction work;

designing and constructing waterbody crossings in compliance with MNR (1990);

constructing waterbody crossings in compliance with MNRF approvals; and

reclaiming temporary waterbody crossings at the end of construction.

The installation of waterbody crossings along the preferred corridor ROW and access roads will result in measurable changes in channel hydraulics at some crossing locations, with the potential for changes in surface water quantity (streamflow, water levels, and erosion-sedimentation processes) and quality. However, it is expected that the changes will be largely limited to infrequent, short-term extreme runoff events rather than typical or low water conditions. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the changes will be localized (limited to short sections of the channel reach). To that end, the installation of waterbody crossing structures is expected to have a negligible net effect on the maintenance of surface water quantity and quality with effective implementation of the impact management measures summarized in Table 5.1-13 and the Draft ESMP (Section 9.0).

5.1.6.1.3 Primary Pathway No primary pathways were predicted for effects to surface water. Subsequently, there is no further assessment, characterization, and determination of the significance of net effects (Section 4.5).

5.1.7 Project Case Effects Assessment No non-negligible net effects on the surface water assessment endpoint have been identified as a result of the Project. No further assessment or characterization of net effects, including determination of significance, is required.

5.1.8 Reasonably Foreseeable Developments Case Effects Assessment No non-negligible net effects are identified on surface water as a result of the Project. Consequently, the surface water criteria is not carried forward for assessment of cumulative effects.

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-66


5.1.9 Prediction Confidence in the Assessment The confidence in the effects assessment for surface water is moderate, considering the following:

Based on the scale of the Project and the substantial number of waterbody crossings, the predicted effects on the surface water environment were assessed from a largely qualitative standpoint, recognizing that this approach was considered appropriate and valid for the scope of the EA.

The evaluation and the associated confidence in the assessment was based on past experience on similar transmission line projects, with specific attention to the following:

the predicted effects of the planned development activities on waterbody crossings, along with the application and effectiveness of the proposed best management practices (BMPs)/mitigation, are well known and understood; and

the effects assessment for the Project considered the characteristic surface water conditions in the study area and the design methodology (including all of the incorporated BMPs/mitigation).

Where appropriate, the magnitude of the predicted effects was assessed based on the proportion of the catchment area for a given waterbody that will be disturbed or influenced by a specific Project activity, recognizing that this approach considers drainage area as a proxy or analog for streamflow and, to a lesser extent, the potential for sediment erosion and transport.

The impact management measures described in the Draft ESMP (Section 9.0) are anticipated to be sufficient to minimize any predicted effects on the surface water environment. These impact management measures are based on accepted and proven best management practices that are well-understood and have been applied to numerous transmission line projects throughout Canada.

Uncertainty in the assessment has been further reduced by making conservative assumptions, planning implementation of known effective impact management and monitoring measures, and using available adaptive management measures to address unforeseen circumstances should they arise.

5.1.10 Monitoring This section identifies any recommended effects monitoring to verify the prediction of the effects assessment and to verify the effectiveness of the impact management measures and compliance monitoring to evaluate whether the Project has been constructed, implemented, and operated in accordance with the commitments made in the EA Report. Monitoring will:

evaluate the effectiveness of impact management measures and reclamation, and modify or enhance measures as necessary through adaptive management;

identify unanticipated potentially adverse effects, including possible accidents and malfunctions; and

contribute to continual improvement.

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-67


The following monitoring programs will be required following the assessment of, and implementation of impact management measures for, surface water in the LSAs:

Monitoring/inspections of all erosion and sediment management measures, bank stabilization features and coffer dams during construction to verify effectiveness.

Monitoring of turbidity and/or TSS, coupled with monitoring of streamflow rates and/or water levels, at all waterbody crossings targeted for in-stream works during construction to verify effectiveness of dam and pump/diversion activities associated with the removal and/or installation of temporary or permanent crossing structures.

Monitoring of one or more surface water quantity and quality parameters at water taking or discharge locations to satisfy the conditions/requirements of water discharge plans related to applicable PTTWs, ECAs or EASR.

Monitoring/inspections of all new permanent waterbody crossing structures and roadside drainage features (on a twice annual basis for the first two years following post-construction and then annually thereafter) for physical function and condition.

Monitoring of TSS and streamflow rates at waterbodies that include greater sensitivity or implication to change from the standpoint of fish habitat, species at risk, channel stability, drainage pattern, or other environmental considerations. The specific monitoring locations will be determined during the permitting and design stages of the project; however, it is expected that water bodies of varying size (small, medium, large) would be captured, recognizing that this would allow the performance/effectiveness of impact management measures to be evaluated at a range of scales. Monitoring of TSS and streamflow rates will be carried out on a twice annual basis during the early stages of the operation and maintenance stage (to verify the effectiveness of reclamation measures). The monitoring program may be discontinued thereafter if conditions are observed to match pre-construction conditions.

5.1.11 Information Passed on to Other Components Results of the surface water assessment were reviewed and incorporated into the following components of the EA:

Vegetation and Wetlands (Section 6.1);

Fish and Fish Habitat (Section 6.2);

Wildlife (Section 6.3);

Archaeological Resources (Section 7.1);

Heritage Resources (Section 7.2);

Non-Aboriginal Land and Resource Use (Section 7.4)

Human Health (Section 7.6); and

Aboriginal and Treaty Rights and Interests (Section 8.0).

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-68


5.1.12 Component Summary Table 5.1-14 presents a summary of the assessment results for surface water by criteria and corridor alternative.

Table 5.1-14: Surface Water Assessment Summary

Criteria Preliminary Proposed Corridor

Corridor Alternative Around Mishkeegogamang

Corridor Alternative Through

Mishkeegogamang

Surface water Negligible predicted net effects for the Project Case.

The Project is not predicted to contribute to cumulative effects in the RFD Case.

Negligible predicted net effects for the Project Case.


Negligible predicted net effects for the Project Case.


Notes: RFD = Reasonably Foreseeable Developments.

5.1.13 References

Bosch, J.M. and J.D. Hewlett. 1982. A review of catchment experiments to determine the effect of vegetation changes on water yield and evapotranspiration. Journal of Hydrology. 55: 2-23.

British Columbia Ministry of Forests. 1999. Forest Practices Code of British Columbia - Coastal Watershed Assessment Procedure Guidebook & Interior Watershed Assessment Procedure Guidebook. Second Edition Version 2.1.

Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME). 1999. Canadian Water Quality Guidelines, Water Quality (Freshwater) for the Protection of Aquatic Life.

CCME, 2003. Environmental Code of Practice for Aboveground and Underground Storage Tank Systems Containing Petroleum and Allied Petroleum Products.

Environment Canada and Health Canada. 2001. Ontario Drinking Water Standards, Objectives and Guidelines.

Fisheries and Environment Canada. 1978. Hydrological Atlas of Canada. January.

Fulford, J.M., K.G. Thibodeaux, and W.R. Kaehrle. 1994. Comparison of current meters used for stream gaging. Proceedings of the Symposium on Fundamentals and Advancements in Hydraulic Measurements and Experimentation. Pages 376-385.

Golder (Golder Associates Ltd.). 2014. Amended Terms of Reference for the Wataynikaneyap Power Project, Phase 1: New Transmission Line to Pickle Lake Project Environmental Assessment. Submitted to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. Available at: www.wataypower.ca

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-69


Government of Ontario. 2007. O. Reg. 454/96: Construction under Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. L.3. Current to April 20, 2007. https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/960454.

Government of Ontario. 2011. Conservation Authorities Act. R.S.O. 1990, c. C.27. Current to June 6, 2011. https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90c27.

Government of Ontario. 2012. Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act. R.S.O. 1990, c. L.3. Current to June 20, 2012. https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90l03

Government of Ontario. 2013. O. Reg. 180/06: Lakehead Region Conservation Authority: Regulation Of Development, Interference With Wetlands And Alterations To Shorelines And Watercourses under Conservation Authorities Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.27. Current to February 8, 2013. https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/060180.

Guo, J.C.Y. 2009. Conversion of Natural Watershed to Kinematic Wave Cascading Plane. Journal of Hydrologic Engineering. August 2009.

Hibbert, A.R. 1967. Forest treatment effects on water yield. In: Sopper, W.E.; Lull, H.W. [Eds.]. Forest hydrology. Pergamon, New York, N.Y: 527-543.

James, W. 2005. Rules for Responsible Modeling. 4th Edition. Published by CHI, Guelph.

Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF). 2002. Tertiary Watersheds. Spatial Dataset. January. Revised April 2010.

MNRF. 2013a. Ontario Hydro Network. Spatial Dataset. July. Updated as required.

MNRF. 2013b. Ontario Flow Assessment Tool Version 3 (OFAT III). Powered by LIO. Queen’s Printer for Ontario.

MNRF. 2015a. Ontario Integrated Hydrology Data. April. Periodically updated.

MNRF. 2015b. User Guide for Watershed LIO Data Classes: Watershed, Primary; Watershed, Secondary; Watershed, Tertiary; Watershed, Quarternary. Spatial Data Infrastructure, Mapping and Information Resources Branch, Corporate Management and Information Division. 2015-05-20.

MNRF. 2015c. User Guide for the Ontario Hydro Network (OHN), Version 1.2, September 2015.

MOECC. 2013b. Provincial (Stream) Water Quality Monitoring Network. October. Updated yearly.

Natural Resources Canada. 1978. National Atlas of Canada. 4th Edition.

Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOEE). 1999. Provincial Water Quality Guidelines.

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-70


Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC). 2013a. Permit to Take Water Data Catalogue. November. Updated Quarterly.

Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines (MNDM). 2006. Geology Terrain Data (1:100K). Northern Ontario Engineering Geology Terrain Study (NOEGTS). March.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). 1990. Environmental Guidelines for Access Roads and Water Crossings. Queen’s Printer for Canada.

Schnorbus, M.A., R.D. Winkler, and Y. Alila. 2004. Modelling forest harvesting effects on maximum daily peak flow at Upper Penticton Creek. B.C. Ministry of Forests Forest Science Program. Extension Note 67.

Stednick, J.D. 1996. Monitoring the effects of timber harvest on annual water yield. Journal of Hydrology. 176: 79-95.

Swanson, R.H., D.L. Golding, R.L. Rothwell, and P.Y. Bernier. 1986. Hydrologic effects of clear-cutting at Marmot Creek and Streeter Watersheds, Alberta. Canadian Forest Service, Northern Forestry Centre, Edmonton, Alberta. Information Report NOR-X-278.

June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-71



June 2017 Project No. 1535751 5-72

5.0 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT BASE CASE AND...

Documents

Transcript of 5.0 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT BASE CASE AND...