Rocky Ramps - Latornell Conservation Symposium€¦ · Matrix Solutions Inc. & Rideau Valley...
Transcript of Rocky Ramps - Latornell Conservation Symposium€¦ · Matrix Solutions Inc. & Rideau Valley...
Rocky Ramps Managing Socio-Political
Expectations and Change to Provide Alternatives to Dams
November 20, 2019
Why Rocky Ramps? Case study – Decommissioning Haggart Island
Dams – Rideau Valley Conservation Authority What is a rocky ramp? Why a rocky ramp and how we got there?
Project process and other case studies Various steps Challenges and lessons learned
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Rocky Ramp
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From: “Improving Fish Passage and Public Safety at Low Head Dams, (Schweiger, Aadland, Roarabaugh, Neast & Hoover)”, a paper presented at the 31st Annual USSD Conference, San Diego, California, April 2011: 21st Century Dam Design – Advances and Adaptations
Riffle and Pool
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BEFORE: WEIR. Impassable upstream by fish or boat. Dangerous to pass downstream by boat.
AFTER: ROCKY RAMP. No obstruction to fish, canoes, or kayaks.
Before (left) and after (right) photos of a rock-ramp rapids fishway constructed at Riverside Dam at East Grand Forks, Minnesota
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McFall Dam – Humber River – Bolton Ont
Location of Perth Ontario
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Project Chronology 2004/05 – Feasibility Study (Ainley Group)
– Recommended reconstructing the dams in reinforced concrete
February 2007 – Functional Design Report (Ainley Group)
– Estimated cost of reinforced concrete dams = $800,000
2009/10 - RVCA field studies and hydraulic modeling to better understand upstream effects if dams were to be dismantled instead of rebuilt – species at risk in upstream reaches – potential for localized scouring of streambed
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February, 2011 – RVCA & Perth opt to proceed with reconstruction in two stages – Stage 1 – replace dam at Rainbow Bridge in 2012;
est.’d cost $280K – Stage 2 – replace dam on main channel; when
funding has been raised; est.’d cost = $575K to $600K
June, 2011 RVCA hires Aquafor Beech & Morrison Hershfield for engineering services (final design, LRIA approvals, construction admin)
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August, 2012: drawings and LRIA application submitted to MNR Pre-tender cost estimate = $460 to 500K (plus contingency), 65 to 78% higher than expected
November, 2012:
design process put “on hold” pending re-consideration of alternative, less expensive approaches (design costs to date – approx $35K)
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January , 2013 – Perth/RVCA/MNR meeting river restoration may be a viable and possibly less expensive alternative to dam reconstruction for
• balancing flows between the two channels • supporting upstream water level • enabling fish migration • addressing dam safety issues
but would be a change from “status quo” since 1971, so effective consultation with riparian landowners and community at large is important and necessary
Rocky Ramp Concept • December 2013 -Request for Qualifications to consultants
to work with RVCA and Town of Perth staff to develop Rocky Ramp Concept February 2014 - Parish Geomorphic selected March 2014 - Team Process, Roles and Deliverables
defined July 2014 – Open House to present concept to
community – generally well received Further consultation in 2015 to work out details with
riparian landowners
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Partners and Sponsors
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Tay River Rocky Ramps Little Tay Dam (left) – 25 m width, 1 m height Haggart Dam (right) – 50 m width, 1.5 m height
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Design Constraints – Maintain access for property owners – Fish passage – Walley and White Sucker – Maximize desired flow split between the two river branches – No impact on flood elevations – Aesthetic design – Keep the public informed and involved throughout
construction – manage expectations
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Little Tay Rocky Ramp - 2015 Client - Corporation of the Township of Perth To save costs:
– No construction management – Limited supervision
Ultimately, aesthetics and uniformitiy paid the price
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Council Meetings – Public Interests Enhance aesthetics of the rocky ramps Convince the public and council of concepts prior to
construction Address flow split issues and downstream impacts
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Addressing Concerns Informing/reminding the public and council of project goals, discussing
cost savings, and keeping the design in context of project constraints Municipality wanted an artistic rendering of the design drawings days
before the presentation – not well received Held site meeting to discuss
likes/dislikes of the existing structure
Proposed alterations to the existing ramp and aesthetic options for Phase II
Construction Management Discussed what we can’t control
– Vegetation, log jams, debris, garbage, poaching, kayaks
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What does a river look like? Dynamic Equilibrium vs. Controlled Uniformity
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Andes Amazon Credit: Elizabeth Anderson
Collins Company Dam Canton, Connecticut
Phase I Alterations Success from
– Lots of communication with each property owner and manage expectations, explain limitations
– Working in the wet
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Phase II – The Big One
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Cofferdam Installation These cofferdams provide a clean and relatively easy
method to construct in the dry.
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Field Equipment Failure Sometimes field equipment fails Ensure proper warning signs for pedestrians, close watch,
allow the bag to settle overnight before working
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Then Came the Flood
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Continued with the implementation of rock rows and a small low flow notch to improve fish passage
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Releasing the Flood
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Tay River – The Saga Continues In October of 2019 – Council meeting public concerns:
– Flow distribution between the two branches causing adverse changes (in vegetation/algae, swim-ability, water quantity, etc.)
– To be continued..
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Nepean – Heart’s Desire Ramp Rideau Valley Conservation Authority – Construction 2018
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Cobourg – Caswell Dam Ramp Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority – Construction 2018
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Multi-Functional Design
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