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HomeMy WebLinkAboutINS-13-082 - South Strasburg Creek Class Environmental Assessment - Environmental Study Report REPORT TO: Planning & Strategic Initiatives Committee DATE OF MEETING: January 13, 2014 SUBMITTED BY: Barbara Robinson, Director of Engineering Services, 519 741 2200 X 7410 PREPARED BY: Binu Korah, Manager of Development Engineering, 519 741 2200 X 7974 WARD(S) INVOLVED: Ward 5 DATE OF REPORT: January 2, 2014 REPORT NO.: INS–13-082 SUBJECT: STRASBURG CREEK FLOOD CONTROL STRUCTURE – ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY REPORT (ESR) RECOMMENDATION: THAT the Strasburg Creek Flood Control Environmental Study Report (ESR) prepared by Stantec Consulting Limited, dated December, 2013, be received; and further THAT the Strasburg Creek Flood Control Environmental Study Report (ESR) be filed with the Ministry of the Environment for the mandatory thirty (30) day review period as required by the Environmental Assessment (EA) Act. BACKGROUND: The Strasburg Creek watershed is located in the southwest part of the City of Kitchener. The main/middle branch of Strasburg Creek originates northwest of the intersection of Fischer- Hallman Road and Bleams Road and flows generally southeast through a well-defined, well- vegetated valley crossing Huron Road approximately 1 km west of Strasburg Road. The Strasburg Creek Master Watershed Plan (SCMWP) was completed by Paragon Engineering Ltd. (now Stantec Consulting Ltd.) and Ecologistics Ltd. in 1991. As part of the study, hydrologic modelling for the watershed was completed based on assumed development patterns and recommended a series of major on-line flood control structures to minimize the potential for downstream flooding and erosion impacts. The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) and the City of Kitchener approved the SCMWP shortly after its completion. One of the primary results of the SCMWP was the recommended construction of a flood control structure, at a location just upstream of the main branch’s crossing of Huron Road. This structure was to replace the existing berm / spillway structure that historically created the former Battler’s Pond. The function of the proposed structure is to control outflows during infrequent storm events to minimize the potential for negative downstream flooding impacts due to the development of the upstream catchments. As a result of the SCMWP, the City had identified the necessity of preparing a Schedule “B” Environmental Assessment (EA) for this project to examine alternatives for the proposed means of providing sufficient controls upstream of Huron Road to minimize the potential for flooding within this area, refer Figure 1.1, Site Location. 2 - 1 Stantec Consulting Ltd. was retained to initiate the work in 2003 (Council resolution, DTS-03- 038) and work continued until late 2003, when it was decided to wait for the updated watershed modelling to be completed as part of the Alder/Upper Strasburg Watershed Study before finalizing the Strasburg Creek Flood Control Structure EA. Subsequently in 2008, the City authorized additional work (Council resolution, DTS-08-066) to complete the Class EA project. The Strasburg Creek Flood Control Class EA study uses information from several complimentary projects that were completed from 2008 to 2012, including: - Alder Creek Watershed Study and Upper Strasburg Creek Subwatershed Plan Update (2008) - Upper Strasburg Creek Class EA (Fischer-Hallman Road crossing) (2008) - Huron Road Improvements Class EA (2010) - Rosenberg Secondary Plan (Southwest Urban Area Study), Stormwater Management Strategy (2011) - Huron Road Re-construction final engineering plans (2012) The technical analyses and public consultation has been concluded and Council endorsement is required prior to finalizing and posting the report for the 30-day review period required to fulfil the Class EA process. REPORT: The Class EA for this project has been undertaken in accordance with the approved provincial document titled Municipal Class Environmental Assessment, as prepared by the Municipal Engineers Association (October 2000, amended September 2007 and August 2011). As part of the Class EA process, the background technical reports, aerial mapping, Official Plans, land use information, GRCA regulations mapping and documentation, as well as other information relevant to the natural environment were collected and reviewed. A preferred option was developed as a result of an evaluation of alternatives and public/agency input, and is considered representative of the most appropriate option to achieve the required controls, while maximizing opportunities to conserve existing natural conditions. Details of the Study process, from conceptual development of alternatives through to selection and preliminary design of the preferred alternative, are summarized in the Environmental Study Report. The following alternatives were evaluated through this Class EA process: Alternative 1 – The “Do-Nothing” Approach. The “Do-Nothing” alternative includes no provision of flood control for the developing areas upstream of Huron Road. Under this scenario, the peak runoff rates exceed critical downstream rates following development of lands upstream of Huron Road. Alternative 2 – Multiple Off-Line Facilities throughout the Developing Areas. This alternative consists of numerous stormwater management facilities (SWMFs) scattered throughout the drainage area within individual development parcels. As development proceeds, each individual landowner or group of landowners would be required to design and construct a stormwater management facility to provide the necessary controls for all events up to and including the Regional Storm from their lands. Each of these facilities would also be required to operate in concert, so that downstream peak flow rates and timing targets are achieved. Alternative 3A – Multiple On-line Control Facilities. This alternative is equivalent to that presented within the SCMWP and includes on-line structures at the Former Battler’s Pond and upstream at the Board of Education Pond. These facilities would be designed and constructed to operate in tandem to achieve the specified targets. 2 - 2 Alternative 3B – Single On-line Control Facility at the Former Battler’s Pond. This alternative was also presented within the SCMWP. It includes a single on-line structure at the Former Battler’s Pond designed and constructed to replace the failed dam at this location. A proposed facility would meet the specified target flow rates and timing requirements to minimize impact on downstream areas. Alternative 3C – Single On-line Control Facility at Huron Road. This alternative would be similar to Alternative 3B, except the location would be moved from the Former Battler’s Pond to Huron Road. The recently constructed Huron Road and associated structures have the ability to provide flood control measures. The culvert crossing design would meet the target flow rates and timing requirements specified in the SCMWP. A set of evaluation criteria/indicators was selected to reflect the issues, constraints and concerns considered most important when comparing the alternative alignments. The preferred solution, Alternative 3C, entails a flood control structure combined with Huron Road. While the primary focus of this study has been to ensure that the flow control targets are achieved downstream of Huron Road, further evaluation was also completed at the Fischer- Hallman Road crossing upstream of Huron Road to address floodplain issues with existing and future development, and to accommodate a pedestrian crossing. The following alternatives were evaluated: Alternative 1 – The “Do-Nothing” Approach. The “Do-Nothing” alternative includes no modifications to reduce flooding levels upstream of Fischer-Hallman Road or to provide a below grade pedestrian crossing. Alternative 2 – Separate Pedestrian and Creek Culverts. This alternative utilizes two separate groups of culverts; one for pedestrian use and one for flow passage. The pedestrian culvert would be usable during flood events. Alternative 3 – Combined Pedestrian and Creek Culverts. This alternative utilizes one group of culverts to provide pedestrian and flow passage under Fischer-Hallman Road. The pedestrian walkway would not be usable during flood events. Alternative 4 – Bridge. This alternative utilizes a bridge to provide pedestrian and flow passage under Fischer-Hallman Road. The pedestrian walkway would be located above frequent flood levels, but would not be usable during major flood events. The four alternatives were evaluated andthe preferred solution for Fischer-Hallman Road is Alternative 3 – Combined Pedestrian and Creek Culverts. Study Recommendations: The Strasburg Creek Flood Control Class EA provides the following key recommendations: 1) Identify the newly constructed Huron Road and associated infrastructure as a flood control structure to meet the specified target flow rates and timing requirements specified in the SCMWP (Alternative 3C). No additional work or mitigation measures are required at this time 2) Construct the Fischer-Hallman Road crossing (Alternative 3) in accordance with appropriate standards and coordinated with the Fischer-Hallman Road improvements. This recommendation supersedes that from the Upper Strasburg Creek Class EA (CH2M Hill, 2008). 2 - 3 Next Steps: - Obtain City of Kitchener Council endorsement of the Strasburg Creek Flood Control Class EA and allow staff to file the Environmental Study Report with the Ministry of the Environment for the 30 day mandatory public review period. - Allow Region of Waterloo staff to present the study findings to Regional Council in January/February 2014 - Allow Grand River Conservation Authority staff to present the study findings to the GRCA Board for approval in February/March 2014 - File the Environmental Study Report with the Ministry of the Environment for the 30 day mandatory public review period in March 2014. ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN: The Strasburg Creek Flood Control Class EA project is aligned with the City of Kitchener Strategic Plan (refer to Strategic Plan document, Community Priorities – Development, sections 1 & 3). Further, this project is also one of the priority projects identified in the Kitchener Growth Management Plan, as it provides service to lands identified as Priority B. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: This project was identified in the City’s 2004 and 2009 Development Charge Background studies. The project is to be funded 100% from the Development Charges with a total estimated cost for the preferred Alternative 3 to be $1,928,604. The Region of Waterloo and the City will share the cost to complete this project. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: As required by the Class EA process, community engagement and communication were key elements of the study throughout the process, including the following points of contact with various stakeholders: The Project Team, including the consultant, City and agency staff members had formal meetings at various key stages in the Study process to review pertinent data, alternative options, design concepts, public and agency responses, and other information Written submissions and review by agencies were also used to solicit specific feedback for the Study A series of meetings were held with the adjacent landowners and their representatives to keep them informed on the study progress/findings and to solicit relevant feedback Opportunities for Public Involvement related to this Class EA included: Public Information Centre (PIC) Meeting #1 held on October 28, 2008, in conjunction o with the Huron Road EA PIC. A series of displays introduced the public to the various alternative flood control options and background information. No decisions on a preferred alternative were presented at this meeting. The PIC was attended by approximately 56 people and all attendees were invited to provide written comments to the Project Team on any issues of interest on the Study. Public Information Centre Meeting #2 held on May 9, 2013. A series of displays o illustrated the preferred alternatives. The PIC Meeting was attended by approximately 9 people and all attendees were invited to provide written comments to the Project Team on any issues of interest on the study. CONCLUSION: In accordance with Class Environmental Assessment process together with studies and detailed assessment completed by the Consultant Team, the Project Team has selected a preferred alternative, which was presented to stakeholders, public and the City of Kitchener Environmental Committee. 2 - 4 There were two PIC’s and other consultation process mechanisms used to solicit stakeholder input to review the study findings and receive comments on this project. As part of the Class EA process, staff also met with various agencies and affected property owners to address their concerns. In conclusion, staff recommend that the Strasburg Creek Flood Control Environmental Study Report (ESR) prepared by Stantec Consulting Limited, dated December, 2013, be received. Further, staff recommend that the Strasburg Creek Flood Control Environmental Study Report (ESR) be filed with the Ministry of the Environment for the mandatory thirty (30) day review period as required by the Environmental Assessment (EA) Act. ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Pauline Houston, DCAO, Infrastructure Services Department Attachments: AppendixA-StrasburgCreekFloodControl-SiteLocation 2 - 5 StrasburgCreekFloodControl-SiteLocationAppendixA N CITY OF KITCHENER STRASBURG CREEK FLOOD CONTROL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2 - 6