HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-03-20 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
MARCH 20, 2014 CITY OF KITCHENER
The Environmental Committee met this date commencing at 4:08 p.m.
Present: Ms. S. Danckert, Chair
Councillors Y. Fernandes and P. Singh, Ms. E. Donaher, Ms. A. MacDonald, Ms. K
Milicic, Messrs. G. Zador, D. Hoshowsky and R.Younis.
Staff: N. Gollan, Manager, Stormwater Utility
J. Shea, Natural Area Coordinator
B. Steiner, Senior Environmental Planner
H.Anderson, Environmental Planner
D. Saunderson, Committee Administrator
1. INS-14-031 — STORMWATER MANAGEMENT POLICY REVIEW / 2013 STORMWATER
AUDIT RESULTS
The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Committee report INS-14-031, dated March
5, 2014, regarding a review of Council Policy 1-1135 (Stormwater Management Policy) and
development of a Stormwater Management Master Plan. In addition, the Committee was in
receipt this date of a presentation entitled, Stormwater Management Audit Results 2013.
Mr. N. Gollan gave a presentation highlighting the existing Stormwater Management (SWM)
Policy and the 2013 SWM Audit results. He stated that as part of the SWM Policy, a
monitoring program is to be completed annually. He commented that, as part of the monitoring
program, water quality testing is undertaken at various creeks located throughout the City to
determine the chemical and biological characteristics of the watercourses and whether any
trends can be identified. He indicated as part of the water testing, a consultant has been
retained to take grab samples, 5 "wet", 1 "melt/wet" and 5 "dry", which are tested for a range of
chemical parameters. Mr. Gollan reviewed a summary of the findings from the 2013
stormwater audit,which showed:
• E.coli was above the respective guidelines for all sites;
• interim averages for Chloride and Total Phosphorus were above the respective
guidelines;
• interim averages for Total Suspended Solids, Zinc,Total and Dissolved Phosphorus, and
Copper were above the respective guidelines;
• interim averages for Total Suspended Solids, Total and Dissolved Phosphorus, and
Zinc,were above the respective guidelines;
• interim averages for Total Suspended Solids, Total Phosphorus, and Zinc, were above
the respective guidelines. In 2012, no guidelines were exceeded for any parameter
occurred;
• interim EMC was established. Additional samples shall be completed in Spring 2014 to
complete the baseline EMC;
• dry weather averages for Total Suspended Solids, Chloride, Zinc and Dissolved &Total
Phosphorus were above the respective guidelines. In 2012, annual averages for
Chloride, Zinc and Dissolved & Total Phosphorus were above the respective guidelines
for SB13 located directly upstream; and,
• benthic communities had the highest%tolerant organisms and very few intolerant taxa.
Mr. Gollan further advised as part of the SWM, Audit staff are recommending for 2014: the
establishment of a second flow proportionate sampling site; monitoring of Balzer Creek and
Hidden Valley Creek; further monitoring of SWM facilities as a part of the continuous
improvement process; and, the installation of signage at all stormwater facilities to advise the
public of the facility name, what the facility is intended for, what unpermitted uses of the facility
are and relevant by-laws which enforce those uses.
In response to questions, Mr. Gollan agreed to follow up with the Committee on Bethic
Community 2013 chart referenced in the presentation and the reason why some lines did not
indicate the comparison water quality levels using the status colour indicators.
Mr. Gollan then presented Report INS-12-031, dated March 5, 2014 regarding the Stormwater
Management Policy review. He stated staff received direction from Council to review Council
Policy 1-1135 (Stormwater Management Policy) to ensure it is consistent with the new
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
MARCH 20, 2014 -5- CITY OF KITCHENER
1. INS-14-031 — STORMWATER MANAGEMENT POLICY REVIEW / 2013 STORMWATER
AUDIT RESULTS (CONT'D)
stormwater utility model. He further advised a comprehensive Stormwater Management Master
Plan will provide a methodology for the prioritization of works and will help to establish
stormwater management guidelines and policies for the next 10-15 years.
Questions were raised about the timing of the Plan and Environmental Committee participation
in the Plans development. Mr. Gollan advised the creation of a Stormwater Master Plan will
take approximately 18 months to 2 years to complete, noting that a member of Council, as well
as a member of the Environmental Committee, is invited to participate on the Stormwater
Master Plan Steering Committee.
In response to further questions, Mr. Gollan agreed to include the Environmental Committee in
the EA Process listed in the Report where it states public and agency consultation is an
important and necessary component of the five phases.
Mr. Gollan further advised staff would be presenting the recommendation contained within the
background of the report to Council at Community & Infrastructure Services Committee on
April 7, 2014 and he would like the Committees' endorsement of the recommendation and
development of a Stormwater Master Plan.
On motion, the Committee endorsed in principle that staff be directed to proceed with the
development of a Stormwater Management Master Plan as a Municipal Class Schedule `B'
Environmental Assessment to replace Council Policy I-1135 (Stormwater Management Policy).
2. PRESENTATION -2014 EARTH DAY EVENTS
Mr. J. Shea gave a presentation outlining the following as the City of Kitchener's 2014 Earth
Day events, and gave a brief summary of their overall goals and objectives:
• Earth Hour;
• 20 Minute Makeover;
• Tim Hortons Community Litter Pick-up;
• Community Organized Litter Pick-ups;
• School Yard Clean-ups PLUS;
• Huron Natural Area Earth Day Celebration;
• Environmental Sustainability Forum; and,
• Bloomin' Earth Eco-Fair
Mr. Shea encouraged anyone interested in taking part in Kitchener's Earth Day events to
register as a participant on the City's website at http.// www.kitchener.ca/earthday. He
suggested all members of the Committee could volunteer or plan their own Earth Day event
and further advised if anyone wanted to participate specifically in the Huron Natural Area Earth
Day Celebration email him directly at Joshua.Shea(�kitchener.ca.
3. BEST BETS -SUB-COMMITTEE UPDATES
Ms. B. Steiner and Ms. H. Anderson addressed the Committee regarding the Best Bets,
advising annually since 2006, the Environmental Committee selects five `Best Bets' from the
Air Quality in Kitchener report to pursue. Ms. Steiner stated Council approves the five Best
Bets and the Committee presents a follow-up report on the status of the work the Committee
has undertaken. She further advised staff are requesting a status report on the Best Bets to
assist in preparing the follow-up report which will be presented at the April 17, 2014
Environmental Committee meeting and subsequently to Council following the Committee's
endorsement at the April meeting.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MINUTES
MARCH 20, 2014 -6- CITY OF KITCHENER
3. BEST BETS -SUB-COMMITTEE UPDATES (CONT'D)
Best Bet#1 (in combination with Best Bet#3)- Encourage Onsite Runoff Controls
Ms. A. MacDonald addressed the Committee on behalf of the Best Bet#1 Sub-Committee and
noted the Sub-Committee reviewed and provided feedback on the Stormwater Credit Program
communication materials. She further advised she would follow up with Mr. N. Gollan and Mr.
M. Wilson to determine if any additional work was required, and would report back to
Environmental Planning staff for the purpose of the follow-up report to Council.
Best Bet#2—Review of"Green" Building/Development Standards
Ms. E. Donaher addressed the Committee on behalf of Best Bet#2 Sub-Committee, advising
they met with Mr. B. Sloan, Manager of Long Range and Policy Planning, to undertake
background research which would provide a foundation of suggested actions for creating future
"green" building/development standards in Kitchener. Ms. Steiner advised the City is at the
beginning stages for reviewing "Green" building/development standards and likely the next
step is to discuss and recommend any elements that may be appropriate for consideration in
Kitchener and supplement with other practical recommendations.
Best Bet#3 (In combination with Best Bet#1)—Develop Incentive/Recognition Programs
Ms. A. MacDonald addressed the Committee on behalf of the Best Bet#3 Sub-Committee and
noted she would follow up with Mr. N. Gollan and Mr. M. Wilson to determine if any additional
work was required, and would report back to Environmental Planning staff for the purpose of
the follow-up report to Council.
Best Bet#4—Development of Community Energy Plans
Ms. B. Steiner advised that the Best Bet#4 Sub-Committee brought forward a motion that was
approved by the Committee at the February 20, 2014 Environmental Committee meeting to
endorse and support the policies related to energy and sustainable development as outlined in
the City's new Official Plan (Sections 6.C.4 and 6.C.6 respectively in the Draft OP, May 2013).
Best Bet#5—Promote Sustainable Park and Yard Care Practices
Councillor Y. Fernandes addressed the Committee on behalf of the Best Bet #5 Sub-
Committee, noting they had met with Mr. G. Hummel, Manager, Parks Planning, Development
and Operations, and advised staff are working towards sustainable methods of turf
maintenance. She indicated Operations has implemented the "E3 Fleet Rating system" which
will help staff audit park maintenance equipment including quality and quantity of work. She
stated the Sub-Committee has made various recommendations including: looking for more
opportunities to naturalize areas; encouraging community gardens and landscaping of cul-de-
sac with bulbs rather than turf; creating higher standards for top soils along boulevards and
park areas to sustain future growth of turf and plant material; assuring staff are encouraged to
pursue new and sustainable land management practices; and, consulting with the
Environmental Committee to help define operational priorities.
At the request of Best Bet #5 Sub-Committee, staff agreed to follow-up with Mr. Hummel to
request a presentation on the E3 Fleet Rating system at a future Committee meeting.
4. ADJOURNMENT
On motion, this meeting adjourned at 5:46 p.m.
D. Saunderson
Committee Administrator