HomeMy WebLinkAboutINS-15-039 - Melitzer Creek Consultant PO Extension Staff Rport
I r rc'.�► t .R Infrastructure Services Department wmkitchener.ca
REPORT TO: Finance and Corporate Services
DATE OF MEETING: Monday May 25, 2015
SUBMITTED BY: Hans Gross, P.Eng., Director of Engineering
(519-741-2200 x 7410)
PREPARED BY: Matt Wilson, M.Eng, P.Eng., Stormwater Technologist
(519-741-2200 x 7149)
Nick Gollan, C.E.T., Manager, Stormwater Utility
(519-741-2200 x 7422)
WARD(S) INVOLVED: Ward 1
DATE OF REPORT: May 14, 2015
REPORT NO.: INS-15-039
SUBJECT: Melitzer Creek Consultant PO Extension
RECOMMENDATION:
That an extension of the purchase order issued to Ahydtech Geomorphic for
engineering services including detailed design, permitting, tendering and
construction administration all related to restoration work along eroded sections
of Melitzer creek and repair work for Melitzer Creek Trail Bridge in the amount of
$15,000.00 be approved.
BACKGROUND:
The Melitzer Creek trail bridge, located east of Sunbridge Crescent in Kitchener, is
currently closed due to channel erosion and associated safety concerns. The soil below
the northern embankment of the bridge has been washed away exposing the tie down
anchors and the screw piles. In addition some of the revetment stones have been
dislodged on the southern embankment of the bridge. The Grand River Trail which
leads to the Melitzer Creek Trail Bridge is less safe while the trail bridge is closed.
Residents currently must cross the river using privately owned lands. Multi-use
pathways and trails are important to the citizens of Kitchener and are the most heavily
used recreational facility by all groups. In addition, approximately 35 meters of Melitzer
Creek, on either side of the bridge, is actively eroding.
In December of 2014, the City retained Ahydtech Geomorphic, and four sub
consultants, for engineering services including detailed design, permitting, tendering
and construction administration services relating to restoration of Melitzer creek and
repair of the trail bridge. The Council approved consulting fees for Ahydtech
Geomorphic, including a 10% contingency, was $41,321.50 plus applicable taxes.
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REPORT:
A Terms of Reference for consultant services was developed as the basis for the
consultant bids. The successful Consultant, Ahydtech Geomorphic, began site visits
and topographic survey work shortly after winning the bid in December of 2014.
Early in the New Year the consultant analyzed a number of alternative stream/bridge
design options to help the City select a recommended preferred design approach for the
bridge and stream. This involved investigation of the sizing of a privately owned access
culvert located just upstream of the trail bridge, the sizing of the existing trail bridge, the
optimal location of the trail bridge and a number of different approaches to in-stream
channel works including armoring the stream versus redesigning/restoring the channel
to reduce erosive conditions.
During the analysis stage, it was determined that an endangered species (the Wavy
Rayed Lampmussel) lives within the study area. The consultants prepared a package to
the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) requesting an exemption from the permitting
process that would typically be required under the Endangered Species Act. Additional
topographic survey and estimation work was required by the MNR to determine the area
of disturbance in the project area. The exemption was granted by the MNR saving
considerable time and project expense.
The exemption was granted because the MNR agreed with the proposed project
approach. The selected design alternative presented to the MNR involves channel
restoration works, as opposed to stream armouring, and the MNR deemed the long
term benefit of the project to outweigh the short term impacts to aquatic habitat.
Incurred consultant costs to date are within the council approved purchase order
amount. However, once the full realization of services related to design and permitting
is incurred an extension of the consultant purchase order will be required to
accommodate the following changes to the original terms of reference:
• Due to the presence of the Wavy Rayed Lampmussel, the consultants prepared a package
to the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and were successful in obtaining an exemption
for a permit that would typically be required under the Endangered Species Act.
• Due to the presence of the Wavy Rayed Lampmussel, additional assessment is also
required in the process of obtaining permits from the Department of Fisheries and
Oceans, and Grand River Conservation Authority.
• Due to the selected preferred design alternative, the consultant requested to use a
2D hydraulic modelling approach in order to better estimate the depth where
restoration techniques (bioengineering) can replace armour stone to stabilize the
stream banks.
• The selected preferred design alternative involves additional design and construction
considerations, and a frequent monitoring plan for the extended work.
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ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
Community Priority - Environment
"Continue to show leadership in the development of an environmentally sustainable community."
Stream restoration can be defined as a set of activities that help improve the
environmental health of a river or stream. These activities aim to restore the natural
state and functioning of the river system in support of biodiversity, recreation, flood
management and landscape development.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The consultant requests an additional $15,000.00 to complete the project due to
unforeseen permitting expenses and additional work related to the preferred project
approach.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
Copies of the preliminary report prepared by the consultant have been forwarded to members of
the Steering Committee (City of Kitchener, The primary consultant and four sub consultants and
the GRCA).
The landowner whom owns the land adjacent to the Old Cottage Lane Natural Area has
been informed of the project.
The consultants will prepare of a letter to approximately 50 residents living close to Melitzer
Creek Trail Bridge informing them of upcoming works once the contractor tender is awarded.
CONCLUSION:
Staff has reviewed the request and recommend that the existing purchase order to
Ahydtech Geomorphic be increased to complete the remaining phases of this project.
ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Dev Tyagi, Deputy CAO, Infrastructure Services Department
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