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DRAFT CONSTRUCTION PLAN REPORT
Sandringham Solar Farm
July 2011
Dillon File No: 10-3523
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Sandringham Solar Farm
Renewable Energy Approval (REA) Draft Submission Package
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Table of Contents Page 1. 2. 3. Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Overview ..................................................................................................................... 4 Construction Activities .......................................................................................................... 4 2.1 Surveying and Geo‐Technical Investigations .................................................................. 6 2.2 Clearing, Ground Leveling and Grading .......................................................................... 6 2.3 Installation of Perimeter Fences..................................................................................... 7 2.4 Construction of Access Roads......................................................................................... 7 2.5 Installation of PV Panel Racking...................................................................................... 8 2.6 Installation of PV Panels ................................................................................................. 8 2.7 Construction of Inverters and Sub‐Station ..................................................................... 8 2.8 Wiring and Connection to the Provincial Grid ................................................................ 9 2.9 Remediation and Clean‐up of Work Areas ................................................................... 11 2.10Site Landscaping ........................................................................................................... 11 Negative Environmental Effects And Proposed Mitigation Measures.............................. 12 3.1 Heritage and Archaeological Resources ....................................................................... 12 3.1.1 Existing Conditions.................................................................................... 12 3.1.2 Potential Effects........................................................................................ 13 3.1.3 Mitigation Measures................................................................................. 13 3.2 Natural Heritage Resources .......................................................................................... 14 3.2.1 Existing Conditions.................................................................................... 14 3.2.2 Potential Effects........................................................................................ 18 3.2.3 Mitigation Measures................................................................................. 21 3.3 Water Bodies................................................................................................................. 23 3.3.1 Existing Conditions.................................................................................... 23 3.3.2 Potential Effects........................................................................................ 24 3.3.3 Mitigation Measures................................................................................. 24 3.4 Air, Odour, Dust ............................................................................................................ 25 3.4.1 Mitigation Measures................................................................................. 26 3.5 Noise ................................................................................................................... 26 3.5.1 Potential Effects........................................................................................ 26 3.5.2 Mitigation Measures................................................................................. 26 3.6 Land Use and Resources ............................................................................................... 26 3.6.1 Existing Conditions.................................................................................... 26 3.6.2 Potential Effects........................................................................................ 27 3.7 Provincial and Local Infrastructure ............................................................................... 27 3.8 Public Health and Safety ....................................................................................... 27 3.9 Areas Protected under Provincial Plans and Policies............................................ 27 Dillon Consulting Limited DRAFT i Sandringham Solar Farm
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4. Environmental Effects Monitoring Plan...........................................................................27 5. Timing Of Construction Activities....................................................................................30 6. Conclusions .............................................................................................................32 List of Tables Table 1: List of Construction Equipment and Materials Table 2: Description of Significant Woodlands within 120 meters of the Project Location Table 3: Summary of Negative Environmental Effects Table 4: General Aquatic Impacts, Mitigation Measures and Net Effects Table 5: Environmental Effects Monitoring Plan List of Figures Figure 1: Context Map Figure 2: Project Location Figure 3: Proposed Connection to the Grid Figure 4: Evaluation of Natural Features Significance Map Figure 5: Proposed Construction Schedule Appendices Appendix A: Stormwater Management Report Dillon Consulting Limited DRAFT ii Sandringham Solar Farm
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Sandringham Solar Farm ("the Project") is being planned by Invenergy Solar Canada ULC. (‘Invenergy Canada’). The Project has a maximum name plate capacity of 10 MW, located near the community of Woodville in the City of Kawartha Lakes. The draft Construction Plan Report has been prepared under the requirements of the Renewable Energy Approvals (REA) process as outlined in Ontario Regulation 359/09 and is being made available for agency, aboriginal organizations and public review and comment. The Construction Report provides a description of all activities to occur during the construction and installation phase of the project, as well as the potential environmental effects from construction activities and proposed mitigation and monitoring measures. Environmental impacts are described as they relate to the project location and lands within 300m of the project components. The construction phase of any major project such as this has the potential for adverse effects on the environment. Key activities during the construction phase include: clearing, grading, installing the access road, trenching of underground electrical cables, installing foundations, transporting materials, and assembling, erecting and wiring of the solar arrays. To minimize the potential for environmental effects during the construction phase, the contractor will be made aware of the environmental management commitments that have been made and need to be met. An Environmental Effects Monitoring Plan (EMP) for the construction period is included in Section 4.0 of the Construction Report. Site construction activities leading up to project operation are anticipated to take approximately 6 to 8 months. No special housing, healthcare, or food facilities will be required as part of the project’s activities. The Construction Report provides details of specific construction activities, the materials and equipment used, and the location and duration of the activity. In general, the building materials consist of concrete, wood, aggregate, and metal. To the extent possible, these materials will be procured from local and/or regional sources where they are available in sufficient quality and quantity, at competitive prices. Excavation and fill requirements will likely be balanced to avoid importing off site material. Hazardous materials used during construction would include fuels and lubricants that will be on‐site for use in equipment and vehicles. Any temporary work areas will be demarcated to ensure construction vehicles and personnel stay within the allocated areas. Sufficient fieldwork and data collection was performed to assist in the determination of potential construction effects to environmental and social features. Various mitigation measures to manage these potential effects have been identified. Significant adverse effects from construction activity to the natural and social environment will be avoided through careful facility layout planning, the application of appropriate mitigation measures, and adherence to all regulatory requirements. Dillon Consulting Limited DRAFT iii Sandringham Solar Farm
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There are no Significant Valleylands, Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest, provincial parks or conservation reserves within 120m of the project location. Wetlands that met the minimum size criteria (i.e., ≥2 hectares) for evaluation as possible provincially significant wetlands were assumed to be provincially significant and evaluated using the wetland characteristics and ecological functions rapid assessment protocol provided by the MNR for renewable energy projects. One wetland was identified to meet the criteria, and has been assumed to be Provincially Significant. There is one woodland unit within 120 m that has been evaluated as “significant” the basis of its probable linkage function, proximity to significant shrub/early successional bird breeding habitat and potential function as a headwater area. Significant Wildlife Habitat (SWH) within 120 m of the project location includes Shrub/Early Successional Bird Breeding Habitat. Within the project location there are no water bodies (i.e., permanent watercourses, intermittent watercourses, seepage areas or lakes), as defined by Ontario Regulation 359/09. Impacts from the construction of the solar farm on water bodies are expected to be nil. Construction of the solar farm is planned to occur outside of the defined Conservation Authority Regulated Areas. Consequently, permits under Ontario Regulation 158/6 will not be required. Significant adverse effects from the construction activities to the natural and social environment have been avoided through careful facility layout planning, the application of appropriate mitigation measures, and adherence to all regulatory requirements. No power lines or access roads are expected to be constructed near or across watercourses. The overall conclusion of the Construction Plan Report is that this project can be constructed without any significant adverse residual effects to the natural or social environment. There are net benefits of this project resulting from an increased municipal tax base for the City of Kawartha Lakes, increased number of employment opportunities, especially during the construction stage, and the generation of clean, renewable electricity from solar power. For more information on the project, please refer to the documents listed in Section 1.0 of the Construction Report. These additional reports are provided as part of a completed submission package to the MOE and were prepared in accordance with Ontario Regulation 359/09. Dillon Consulting Limited DRAFT iv Sandringham Solar Farm
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1.
Introduction The Sandringham Solar Farm ("the Project") is being planned by Invenergy Solar Canada ULC. (‘Invenergy Canada’). This draft Construction Report is being submitted to the Ministry of the Environment as required under the Renewable Energy Approvals (REA) process as outlined in Ontario Regulation 359/09 and is being made available for public review and comment. Other reports included in the draft submission package include: •
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Project Description Report Design and Operations Report Noise Study Report (appended to the Design and Operations Report) Decommissioning Plan Report Natural Heritage Assessment Reports (Records Review Report, Site Investigation Report, Evaluation of Significance Report, Environmental Impact Study Report) • Water Bodies Assessment Reports (Records Review Report, Site Investigation Report) • Stage 1 and 2 Archaeological Assessment • Cultural Heritage Assessment Report The Project has a maximum name plate capacity of 10 MW. The renewable energy facility will be rated as a ‘Class 3 Solar Facility’ according to the O. Reg. 359/09. Invenergy Canada has received a contract from the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) for the purchase of electricity generated by photovoltaic solar panels from the solar farm through the Province’s Feed‐in‐
Tariff (FIT) program (enabled by the Green Energy and Green Economy Act). For the proponent contact information, refer to the draft Project Description Report submitted as part of this package. Figure 1 provides the geographical location of the proposed project within the City of Kawartha Lakes. The closest community to the project is the town of Woodville. The property is located on the north of Glenarm Road and east of Sandringham Road. It is noted that ‘project location’ refers to the land proposed to locate all project components. Figure 2 shows the project location, as defined in Ontario Regulation 359/09 as the land proposed to locate all project component. Project components, including solar modules and electrical facilities such as inverters, transformers, substation and electrical lines, will be located on private land or municipally owned right‐of‐ways. The total land parcel within the project boundary is approximately 80 hectares. Dillon Consulting Limited DRAFT 1 Sandringham Solar Farm
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Figure 1: Context Map Dillon Consulting Limited DRAFT 2 Sandringham Solar Farm
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Figure 2: Project Location Dillon Consulting Limited DRAFT 3 Sandringham Solar Farm
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1.1
Overview The Construction Report provides a description of all activities to occur during the construction and installation phase of the project, as well as the potential environmental effects from construction activities and proposed mitigation and monitoring measures. Environmental impacts are described as they relate to the project location and lands within 300m of the project components. Please refer to the Draft Design and Operations Report for technical specifications of permanent project components (i.e. those present for the lifetime of the renewable energy facility). Where information has been provided in detail in other documents it is summarized briefly and referenced. The following is a list of the other reports referenced in this draft Construction Plan Report: • Design and Operations Report • Noise Study Report • Natural Heritage Assessment Report • Stage 1 and 2 Archaeological Assessment Report 2.
Construction Activities The construction phase of any major project such as this has the potential for adverse effects on the environment. Key activities during the construction phase include: clearing, grading, installing access roads, trenching of underground electrical cables, installing foundations, transporting materials, and assembling, erecting and wiring of the solar arrays. To minimize the potential for environmental effects during the construction phase, the contractor will be made aware of the environmental management commitments that have been made and need to be met. An Environmental Effects Monitoring Plan (EMP) for the construction period is included in Section 4.0 of this report. Site construction activities leading up to project operation are anticipated to take approximately 6 to 8 months. No special housing, healthcare, or food facilities will be required as part of the project’s activities. The following sections provide details of specific construction activities, the materials and equipment used, and the location and duration of the activity. In general, the building materials consist of concrete, wood, aggregate, and metal. To the extent possible, these materials will be procured from local and/or regional sources where they are available in sufficient quality and quantity, at competitive prices. Excavation and fill requirements will likely be balanced to avoid importing off site material. Hazardous materials used during construction would include fuels and lubricants that will be on‐site for use in equipment and vehicles. There are no known hazardous by‐products of the solar energy generation process itself. Any temporary work areas will be demarcated to ensure construction vehicles and personnel stay within the allocated areas. Table 1 presents a listing by construction activity of the materials and construction equipment to be used. Dillon Consulting Limited DRAFT 4 Sandringham Solar Farm
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Table 1 – List of Construction Equipment and Materials Material Used Activity Duration Survey Facility and Stake 4 weeks Laydown Area Preparation Type Quantity Survey Stacks TBD Aggregate Top Soil 2 weeks Top Soil Aggregate TBD Granular ‘A’= 5,400 metric tones Granular ‘B’= 13,500 metric tonnes Access Road Construction 2 weeks Water Well Installation 1 week Well Pipe PV Field and Substation Preparation 4 weeks Topsoil Soil 90,000 m
Array Foundation Installation 4 weeks Steel Posts Aprox 9,000 posts Rack Installation 11 weeks Panel Installation 10 weeks Steel and Aluminum racking Cystalline Silcon PV panels TBD 3 Pickup Truck Ford F150 (3) Bulldozer Scraper Motor Grader Soil Compactor Dump Truck Wheel Loader Bulldozer Scraper Motor Grader Soil Compactor Dump Truck Wheel Loader Cat D8 (44) Cat 627 (42) Cat 140 (19) Cat 56 (13) Cat 730 (25) Cat 950 (21) Cat D8 (44) Cat 627 (42) Cat 140 (19) Cat 56 (13) Cat 730 (25) Cat 950 (21) Well Drilling Rig MAITHR45 Bulldozer Scraper Motor Grader Dump Truck Pile Driving Rig Rock Drill Telehandler Cat D8 (44) Cat 627 (42) Cat 140 (19) Cat 730 (25) ICE 60S JLG G9 (13) JLG G9 (13) Terex RT60 (43) Approx 4,500 racks Telehandler RT crane Up to 68,200 Telehandler JLG G9 (13) Excavator Backhoe Wheel Loaders Concrete Trucks Dump Trucks Excavator Trenching Machine Dump Truck Pickup Truck Telehandler Bucket Truck Backhoe w/auger Cat 336 (40) Cat 420 (8) Cat 950 (21) TBD Cat 730 (25) Cat 336 (40) Cat 730 (25) Ford F150(3) JLG G9 (13) TBD Cat 420 (8) Telehandler RT crane JLG G9 (13) Terex RT60 (43) Concrete Foundations 5 weeks Concrete TBD Cable Trench and Conduit 6 weeks Soil Sand Bedding Cable 1600 trench meters Onsite 44 kV distribution line 3 weeks Substation 8 weeks Dillon Consulting Limited DRAFT Construction Equipment Size and Type Weight (tons) Wooden Poles Insulators Cable Breakers Switches Aluminum Bus Tower Control House Control Wiring 830 m TBD Number of Truck Loads N/A N/A 310 3 N/A 100 140 210 15 30 5 20 5 Sandringham Solar Farm
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Cable Transformer Fencing 4 weeks Fence Poles Chain link fence 2700 meters Commissioning 4 weeks N/A N/A Re‐vegetation 2 weeks Native Seed 65 acres Power Auger Skid steer Pickup Truck Pickup Truck Service Vehicles Pickup Truck Hydroseeding device Cat 242 (8) Ford F150(3) 16 Ford F150(3) N/A Ford F150(3) 3 2.1
Surveying and Geo‐Technical Investigations Environmental studies and surveys have been conducted on foot, at a site/area specific level. Stage 2 archaeological surveys have been completed, which involved digging of numerous test pits and visual inspections (see section 3.1: Heritage and Natural Resources). A legal boundary and topographical survey by an Ontario Land Surveyor has also been conducted. A geotechnical investigation was conducted to determine the subsurface soil and groundwater conditions at the site and to provide geotechnical recommendations for the design and construction of the proposed Sandringham Solar Farm structures. Based on the subsurface conditions encountered at the borehole locations, recommendations for project design were made and considered. Information was provided on issues such as the foundations, lateral earth pressures, slab‐on‐grade, excavation and groundwater control, re‐use of soil material, thermal resistivity properties, electrical resistivity properties, soil corrosivity and sulphate content, and construction monitoring and testing. This information will be further considered in the detailed stage of the project. 2.2
Clearing, Ground Leveling and Grading To prepare the project location for the placement of solar module foundations and support, the ground must be prepared prior to other construction activities. A Stormwater Management Report has been completed and is available in Appendix A. Natural vegetation will be cleared from the construction area as required. Graders, bulldozers, scrapers, and backhoes will be used to prepare the site. Topsoil removed from the permanent access road will be feathered out on lands adjacent to the access road. Hay bales will be used to prevent erosion and a silt fence put around the perimeter where needed. Following topsoil stripping and salvage, grading will be conducted on irregular ground surfaces to provide a safe and clean work surface. Grading is expected to be minimal, and will be done in such a manner to maintain the general drainage patterns of the site while creating appropriate slopes for the safe construction and operation of the solar field. Dillon Consulting Limited DRAFT 6 Sandringham Solar Farm
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2.3
Installation of Perimeter Fences To protect the public during construction activities, as well as to prevent trespass and vandalism, a minimum 2.0 m chain link fence will be erected around the perimeter of the project location with a gate on the access road from Sandringham Road (see Section 2.4). The fence will be a steel chain link fence and installation will require the use of skid steer and auger. The fencing materials will be transported to the site. The vehicles will access the site via the proposed access road which will be located off Sandringham Road. The fence will be erected after the site has been graded and before any further construction. Installation will take place during normal working hours in accordance with the City's noise by‐law (2005‐025). The location of the perimeter fence is located on the Site Plan contained within the Design and Operations Report. 2.4
Construction of Access Road An access road will be needed for the construction and equipment transportation vehicles to enter the project location. It will also provide long term access to the site for maintenance. This access road will be off of Sandringham Road. The access road will have a length of approximately 830 m, width is approximately 18 m and the total land area occupied by the road is approximately 1.37 ha. Crushed gravel will be used for the road surface and would be applied to a depth of approximately 350 mm. The subgrade should be free of depressions and sloped (at a minimum grade of 2%) to provide effective drainage. During construction of the road the topsoil will be stripped and spread on‐site and some cut and fill is expected (see Appendix A). Access road subgrades are expected to consist of the existing native granular deposits. The subgrade will be cut as cleanly as possible to minimize disturbance and be proofrolled with heavy rollers to locate any loose or disturbed areas. Should weak areas or other incompatible material be detected during proofrolling, further excavation and subsequent backfill with approved native deposits (moisture content within 3 percent of optimum moisture content) or imported granular materials may be required. The replacement granular materials should be compacted to at least 95 percent SPMDD. The depth of the roadbed will be constructed as required to transport loads associated with construction and maintenance of the solar farm. No materials will be removed from the site. Because road construction will involve the use of machinery, it will take place during normal working hours in accordance with the City's noise by‐law. It is expected that the road construction will take approximately 4 weeks. The access road will be constructed prior to the balance of the construction activities. The location of this road is located on Figure 2: Project Location. Dillon Consulting Limited DRAFT 7 Sandringham Solar Farm
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2.5
Installation of PV Panel Racking To provide support for the PV modules, it is expected that the PV module rack will be made of steel or aluminum. Given the shallow depth of bedrock, the foundations for the racks will likely be steel beams which are grouted into a pre‐drilled holes or steel beams connected to ground screws placed into predrilled and grouted holes. As with the other project construction activities, panel racking installations will require the use of heavy machinery and will take place during normal working hours in accordance with the City's noise by‐law. The general location of the PV racking is shown on Figure 2. All project components will be transported to the site by truck. 2.6
Installation of PV Panels Approximately 68,200 crystalline modules are planned for the project contained in a series of arrays. These modules are designed to withstand the winter weather. The modules will be attached to fixed tilt steel or aluminum racks. 2.7
Construction of Inverters and Sub‐Station The electricity generated by the PV panels will be in the form of direct current (DC). Inverters will be required to perform the conversion of the variable DC output of the PV cells into alternating current (AC) suitable for supplying the electrical grid. All makes of inverters use essentially the same technology to convert the DC output of the solar panels into AC used within electrical distribution and transmission systems. The output voltage of an Inverter is typically three phase, 208 or 480 volt AC. Transformers located at each inverter location will be required to “step‐up” the generated voltage from 208 or 480‐Volts to 27.6‐35 kV. The aggregated output will be further increased by a substation transformer to 44 kV to allow connection to Hydro‐One’s electrical distribution system. The transformers to be used are described in the Design and Operation Report. The location of the inverters and substation is shown on Figure 2. The installation of the equipment will not result in any negative environmental effects except for temporary noise and dust emissions from the use of construction equipment. For information on the operational noise emissions of the inverters and substation, please see the Noise Study Report and information in the Design and Operations Report. Dillon Consulting Limited DRAFT 8 Sandringham Solar Farm
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Once constructed, the solar energy farm will have no moving parts and will not produce any harmful emissions, allowing for the generation of renewable electricity with minimal impact on the surrounding community and natural environment. 2.8
Wiring and Connection to the Provincial Grid The output of the solar panels is connected by DC wiring mounted to the back side of the racks. These cables are connected to a combiner box on the end of each row of racks. Buried electrical collection cables will connect the combiner boxes to the inverters. Buried cables will connect the inverter AC output to the substation transformer. The buried lines will be contained within the project location and would be buried to a minimum depth of 1 m. The cable will be installed by cable trenching machine or laid in trenches created by an excavator. The cable is then dropped into the trench from a spool pulled by a truck. The material removed from the trench will be used as backfill in the trench. Topsoil and subsoil will be excavated, stored and replaced separately on agricultural lands. Equipment used in cable installation may include a backhoe or track mounted excavator, and trenching/boring equipment. From the on‐site transformer/substation, an overhead 44 kV distribution line would extend along the access road to Sandringham Road (a distance of approximately 830 m). Hydro One will construct a new 44 kV overhead distribution line within the Sandringham Road right‐of‐way allowance to connect with the existing Hydro One distribution line located near the intersection of Glenarm Road and Sandringham Road, a distance of approximately 1.65 km (see Figure 3). As Hydro One will build, own, and maintain the 44kV line, they will be responsible for any permits associated with this distribution line. Dillon Consulting Limited DRAFT 9 Sandringham Solar Farm
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Figure 3: Hydro One Distribution Line Route Dillon Consulting Limited DRAFT 10 Sandringham Solar Farm
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2.9
Remediation and Clean‐up of Work Areas After all major construction activities are complete, work areas will be remediated and, with the exception of permanent structures, returned to their pre‐construction condition. All debris and materials brought to the site will be removed. Trucks will be used to remove all non‐permanent equipment from the project location, along with any debris. The truck(s) will access the site via the permanent access road located off Sandringham Road (see section 5.0). The majority of site clean‐up works will occur prior to site landscaping. 2.10 Site Landscaping Landscaping with low maintenance grass species will occur within the project location. Native species vegetation that could be planted include using a prairie seed mix that provides foraging and breeding habitat for a variety of wildlife that frequents the City of Kawartha Lakes. The selected vegetation would need to grow to low heights only so that the panels are not blocked. Landscaping is the final construction activity at the Sandringham Solar Farm. It is anticipated that no heavy machinery or equipment will be required for the planting. Seeding would be completed in a seasonally appropriate time period to maximize the success of the plantings. Final planting is to be determined in consultation with the Ministry of Natural Resources. Ongoing landscape maintenance is addressed in the draft Design and Operations Report. Dillon Consulting Limited DRAFT 11 Sandringham Solar Farm
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3.
Negative Environmental Effects and Proposed Mitigation Measures The construction, operation and maintenance of the Sandringham Solar Farm have the potential to affect the local natural and socio‐economic environments. This section examines the interactions between the project activities and the environment (natural and social). For each component of the environment, the following is described: 1. Existing Conditions ‐ describes the potentially affected environmental feature. 2. Potential Effects – describes the potential effects, both positive and negative, to the environmental features that may occur as a result of the project. 3. Mitigation Measures – Recommends specific mitigative measures that will be implemented to minimize any potential negative effect of the project on environmental features. As part of the construction program, good site practices and procedures will be implemented to further reduce the environmental effects as identified in this Construction Plan Report. These practices will include specifications and protocols regarding management of excavated material, stormwater runoff and sediment control, dust control, soil compaction control, natural heritage resources, cultural resources, agricultural / biohazard control, and local hiring. In addition, staff and contractors will be made aware of the environmental commitments contained in this report to ensure the commitments are implemented. To reduce the risk of negative environmental impacts the construction staging will be aimed at minimizing the duration of work. The following sections present the potential negative environmental effects and proposed mitigation measures associated with the Sandringham Solar Farm. 3.1
3.1.1
Heritage and Archaeological Resources Existing Conditions Scarlett Janusas Archaeological and Heritage Consulting and Education (SJAHCE) was contracted by Invenergy Canada, to conduct a Stage 1 and 2 archaeological resource assessment for the proposed Sandringham Solar Farm, in the City of Kawartha Lakes, Ontario. The assessment was conducted in accordance with the Ontario Heritage Act (MCL 2005) and using the Ministry of Culture’s Draft Standards and Guidelines for Consultant Archeologists (MCL 2009). A background study determined that there are no registered archaeological features within two kilometers of the project site. However information from the Annual Archaeological Reports of Ontario suggests there are archaeological sites two concessions distant from the study area. There are a number of extant structures located on the subject property – a modern residence is located at 764 Sandringham Road, and is accessed by a long driveway. In addition, there is evidence of two ruins on the property – the first a structure with a cellar and an outbuilding. Dillon Consulting Limited DRAFT 12 Sandringham Solar Farm
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None of the structures are located within any areas of projected development. The access road has been aligned towards the north portion of the property to avoid any development impact to these ruins (BcGr‐12). To the east of this ruin is the second ruins, a foundation with a cellar and a well, located approximately 120 meters east of the outbuilding associated with BcGr‐12. This foundation has been assigned Borden No. BcGr‐13. There are wire and wooden rail fences surrounding the property. The Cultural Heritage Assessment found that all buildings identified within the project location are not designated as heritage properties and are not currently recognized for any heritage or cultural value. There are no heritage concerns regarding the built or cultural landscape for the study area, and there are therefore no recommendations with respect to the property and its proposed use. Although the project location has been used for agricultural purposes, the area has remained relatively undisturbed. The Stage 1 and 2 archaeological assessment of the project area was conducted under license P027, (Scarlett Janusas, PIF #P027‐106‐2010) during three weeks in August 2010 and submitted to the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. A Stage 3 Archaeological Assessment was recommended, which was completed in July 2011 and submitted to the ministry. Please reference the Archaeological Assessment Report and the Cultural Heritage Report which are part of the REA submission for more detail. 3.1.2
Potential Effects Construction activities on the site have the potential to cause negative effects on archaeological resources by altering, disrupting and/or destroying historic cultural materials. Recovery of some historic cultural material during the construction phase of the project is possible. No heritage buildings or features will be affected. 3.1.3
Mitigation Measures Based upon the background research of past and present conditions and the Stage 2 archaeological resource assessment, the following is recommended: • Avoidance of the site BcGr‐12 was recommended during the project, and the proponent concurred with the recommendation and rerouted the proposed access road to avoid any development impact to the area of BcGr‐12. • Avoidance of the site BcGr‐13 is recommended with a buffer of 20 m (from last artifact/cultural feature located) on all sides to ensure that all potential associated cultural features be avoided, unless the Stage 3 Archaeological Assessment suggests otherwise. With respect to the site BcGr‐13, the Stage 3 Archaeological Assessment recommends no further archaeological assessment is required. Dillon Consulting Limited DRAFT 13 Sandringham Solar Farm
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3.2
The remainder of the study area (where no cultural material or features were located) is recommended to be cleared of archaeological concerns; however, Should previously undocumented archaeological resources be discovered, they may be an archaeological site and therefore subject to Section 48 (1) of the Ontario Heritage Act. The proponent or person discovering the archaeological resources must cease alteration of the site immediately and engage a licensed consultant archaeologist to carry out archaeological fieldwork, in compliance with sec. 48 (1) of the Ontario Heritage Act; The Cemeteries Act requires that any person discovering human remains must notify the police or coroner and the Registrar of cemeteries, Ministry of Small Business and Consumer Services. Natural Heritage Resources Details on natural heritage existing conditions and the potential for effects to these features are described in the Natural Heritage Assessment Report Package. The following provides a summary of conditions and potential effects. Figure 4 shows the location of natural features in proximity to the project location. 3.2.1
Existing Conditions On‐site existing natural feature conditions were based on a records review and on‐site investigations. The results of this work are documented as part of the Natural Heritage Reports package. The majority of the project location is shrubby pastureland with scattered patches of deciduous swamp, deciduous thicket swamp and coniferous thicket. Cattle graze throughout most of the site’s shrubby pastureland. Habitat conditions present are mainly suitable to species that prefer open country and shrubland habitats and have adapted to landscapes altered by human activity. Much of the site is relatively dry upland sparse to dense thicket, with shallow soils over bedrock. There are no Significant Valleylands, Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest, provincial parks or conservation reserves within 120m of the project location. Wetland areas are concentrated in the southwest and eastern sections of the project location. Wetland vegetation communities include five distinct Mixed Willow Mineral Deciduous Thicket Swamp wetland areas and a Poplar Mineral Deciduous Swamp. Wetland units are small are associated with overland drainage. Wetlands that met the minimum size criteria (i.e., ≥2 hectares) for evaluation as possible provincially significant wetlands were assumed to be provincially significant and evaluated using the wetland characteristics and ecological functions rapid assessment protocol provided by the MNR for renewable energy projects (MNR 2010a). One wetland was identified to meet the criteria, and has been assumed to be Provincially Significant. The Dillon Consulting Limited DRAFT 14 Sandringham Solar Farm
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evaluation of the wetlands is provided in Table 2 below and the Natural Heritage Assessment Package. There is one woodland unit within 120 m that has been evaluated as “significant” the basis of its probable linkage function, proximity to significant shrub/early successional bird breeding habitat and potential function as a headwater area (see Figure 4 and the Natural Heritage Assessment Package). A summary description of this woodland, including its known or potential ecological functions, is provided in Table 3. Significant Wildlife Habitat (SWH) within 120 m of the project location includes Shrub/Early Successional Bird Breeding Habitat. The Wildlife Habitat assessment summary is provided in Table 4 below and available in the Natural Heritage Assessment Package. Dillon Consulting Limited DRAFT 15 Sandringham Solar Farm
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Figure 4: Evaluation of Natural Features Significance Map Dillon Consulting Limited DRAFT 16 Sandringham Solar Farm
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Table 2: Description of the Assumed Provincially Significant Wetland within 120 m of the Project Location Value OWES Manual Section (South) OWES Name Field Visit 5.79 ha SIZE1 Yes Wetland Type Swamp 1.1.2 WLTYPE Yes Site Type Palustrine 1.1.3 SITE Yes Characteristic/ Ecological Function Actual Wetland Size Details Wetland boundaries confirmed during the site investigation Treed and thicket swamp; Score = 8; Swamp Fractional Area – 1.00 Score = 2; Fractional Area – 1.00 1. h ‐ Populus tremuloides, Populus balsamifera; 1. h; ts, gc, ts – Cornus stolonifera, 2. ts; h, re, gc – Rubus pubescens, Onoclea sensibilis Vegetation ne, gc Communities 1.2.2 VEG Yes 2. ts – Salix exigua; h ‐ Populus tremuloides, Populus balsamifera Score = re – Scripus atrovirens 3.5 ne – Carex bebbii, Carex vulpinoidea gc – Prunella vulgaris, Ranunculus acris Proximity to Other Wetlands Interspersion Open Water Types 330 m 1.2.4 WPROX Yes Distance to wetland to the east (in adjacent watershed) 63 1.2.5 INTER n/a Score = 12 Type 1 1.2.6 OPWAT Yes Open water occupies <5% of wetland area; Score = 8 3.1 FLOOD n/a 3.2 WQI n/a 3.4 SEC n/a Wetland entirely palustrine 3.5 TGR n/a Wetland entirely palustrine Flood Attenuation Total (Total) Score = Upstream Catchment Area (19.3 ha) determined using digital elevation model; headwater area. 100 Water Quality Improvement Total (Total) Score = 37 Shoreline Erosion Control Score = 0 Catchment basin determined to be >50% agricultural because surrounded by pastureland Groundwater Total Recharge (Total) Score = 57 Species Rarity Total (Total) Score = 0 Significant Features and Habitats (Total) Fish Habitat (Total) Total Score = 0 Total Score = 0 Dillon Consulting Limited DRAFT No species at risk habitat or provincially significant 4.1.2 RTOT2 Yes animal and plant species were observed; no region or local significant species lists are known 4.2 SGFT Yes 4.2.6 FISHAB Yes No significant features or habitats were observed. No fish habitat or migration and staging habitat was observed within the wetland. 17 Sandringham Solar Farm
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Table 3: Description of Significant Woodlands within 120 meters of the Project Location Significant Size Woodland Criterion Location Woodland Woodland Size (hectares) 20 5.06 East of Project Location Interior 2 none Ecological Functions Criteria Proximity to other significant woodland or habitats Linkages Water Protection Size Threshold (hectares) 4 4 2 Within 30 m Probable ‐ Potential of Significant linkage function as Shrub/Early function a Successional headwater Bird Breeding area Habitat ‐ Not a known groundwat
er discharge/
recharge area Woodland Diversity Representation 4 ‐ Identified as Black Ash Mineral Swamp (SWDM2‐1), Poplar Mineral Deciduous Swamp community (SWDM4‐5), Fresh‐Moist White Cedar Coniferous Thicket Type (THCM2‐1) Woodland Project Uncommon Component Characteristics within 120 m 2 Not uncommon in terms of species composition, cover type, age or structure ‐solar panels ‐access road Table 4: Description of the Significant Wildlife Habitats within 120 m of the Project Location Composition Significant Wildlife Habitat Shrub/Early Successional Bird Breeding Habitat Attributes 44.98 ha deciduous shrub thicket units overlap the project location and 120 m setback 4.54 ha of cedar thicket inclusions overlap the project location and 120 m setback Species Recorded During Site Investigations* Breeding Birds ‐ MODO, BBCU, SOSP, CCSP, FISP, AMGO, GRCA, BRTH, YEWA, HOWR, EAKI Function Breeding bird habitat; Vegetative cover Natural Features Associated with Wildlife Habitat Dry‐Fresh Deciduous Shrub Thicket – THDM2 Fresh‐Moist White Cedar Coniferous Thicket – THCM2‐1 Project Components within 120 m All project components Distance from attribute to project location Within project location * Bird Codes are according to Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas, 2001 (See Appendix A1 of the Natural Heritage Assessment Package) 3.2.2
Potential Effects Approximately 0.12 hectares of the 5.06 hectare significant woodland identified to the east of the project location falls within 120 m of where solar panel installations and an access road are Dillon Consulting Limited DRAFT 18 Sandringham Solar Farm
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planned. To the southwest, approximately 0.08 hectares of the 5.79 hectare assumed Provincially Significant Wetland falls within 120 m of solar panel installations and the access road. The planned solar energy development is located 90 m from the identified significant woodland and 85 m from the assumed Provincially Significant Wetland, and as such, there will be no direct impacts to these features and indirect impacts are expected to be minor and short‐
term (i.e., no loss in size, health, form, diversity or functionality). An estimated 49.52 hectares of shrubland evaluated to be significant shrub/early successional bird breeding habitat is located within the project location and surrounding 120 m. The potential direct and indirect negative environmental effects on these natural features are detailed in Table 5. The project location does not function as a significant wildlife corridor. Therefore, from a landscape ecology perspective, the proposed development will not alter the ecological connectivity of the natural heritage system. Moreover, the ecological linkages from the significant and provincially significant natural features within 120 m of the project location to the greater natural heritage system will be maintained. Dillon Consulting Limited DRAFT 19 Sandringham Solar Farm
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Table 5: Summary of Potential Negative Environmental Effects Distance to Location of Nearest Potential Negative Natural Feature Natural Project Environmental Effect 1 Feature Component Magnitude Frequency of of Effect Effect Duration of Effect Loss of edge vegetation due to the Significant Woodland East of project location 90 m deposition of silt and/or overland release of silt derived from site grading Low; indirect Periodic during site grading Short‐term activity Loss of edge vegetation due to the Assumed Provincially Significant Wetland Southwest of project location 85 m deposition of silt and/or overland release of silt derived from site grading Low; indirect Periodic during site grading Short‐term activity Significant Shrub/Early Successional Bird Breeding Habitat Within project location and 120 m setback 0 m Within project location and 120 m setback 0 m Within project location and 120 m setback 0 m Within project location and 120 m setback 0 m Within project location and 120 m setback 0 m Temporary usage of 4.38 ha of habitat for construction laydown/parking Removal of 20.70 ha of habitat for solar panels, substation and access roads Potential behavioural displacement of shrub/early successional breeding birds within 120 m of the project location Potential disturbance to migratory breeding birds Potential Injury or mortality of migratory breeding birds Low; direct Once Short‐term Medium; direct Once Long‐term Medium; indirect Seasonal and during operational Long‐term phase Seasonal during site Low; indirect preparation and Short‐term construction Seasonal during site Medium; direct preparation and Short‐term construction 1. The potential negative environmental effect assumes a scenario with no mitigation. Through mitigation, the effects will be avoided or minimized. Dillon Consulting Limited DRAFT 20 Sandringham Solar Farm
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3.2.3
Mitigation Measures The objective of the implementation of mitigation measures is to maintain the size, diversity, health, form and function of significant and assumed provincially significant natural features identified within 120 meters of the project location. With regards to the environmental effects described in Table 4, the following mitigation measures are proposed for the potential short‐
term indirect impacts associated with loss of edge vegetation due to the deposition of silt derived from construction grading activities: • Erosion and Sediment Control. • Shrubland Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Plan. • Grassland Habitat Maintenance. • Compliance with the federal Migratory Bird Convention Act. Each of these mitigation measures are described further below. The impacts to the on‐site non‐
provincially significant wetlands have been avoided by the placement of the project components around these features. Erosion and Sediment Control For the potential loss of edge vegetation due to the deposition of silt derived through construction grading activities: •
•
•
•
•
•
•
Minimize the area and duration of soil exposure; Minimize the clearing of vegetation; Prohibit the clearing of vegetation outside of the project location; Install erosion and sediment control (E&SC) structures (e.g., straw bales barriers and/or filter cloth barriers) in/around existing swales, drains, wetlands or at critical downstream flow points until lands with exposed soil have stabilized in order to intercept suspended solids carried by overland flow and to prevent runoff from directly entering surface water drainage features southeast of the project location (see Natural Heritage Assessment Package); Use appropriate grading techniques (e.g., allow stormwater runoff to drain adequately, prevent and/or mitigate ponding, etc.) to prevent increased runoff potential and maintain positive drainage; Wet exposed soils and access roads as required to control dust; and Restrict equipment lay‐down to the project location and access roads. In addition to construction mitigation, it should be noted that during operations, stormwater will be allowed to infiltrate into the ground naturally to maintain a runoff coefficient consistent with pre‐development conditions. By maintaining the runoff coefficient during the operations phase, the runoff potential will not be increased from pre‐development levels. Dillon Consulting Limited DRAFT 21 Sandringham Solar Farm
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Shrubland Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Plan The shrubland habitat restoration and enhancement plan has been developed in consultation with the MNR. The objective of the shrubland habitat restoration and enhancement plan will be to maintain the approximate size, connectivity and ecological form and function of shrubland habitat. To that end, to mitigate the removal of 20.70 ha of significant shrub/early successional bird breeding habitat within the project location, the Proponent is committed to restoring 1.5 ha of shrub/early successional habitat through planting native shrubs and enhancing 24.6 ha of shrub/early successional habitat through natural regeneration (see Natural Heritage Assessment Package). Natural regeneration will involve the exclusion of cattle grazing from the restoration and enhancement area, which will allow existing and planted shrub species to propagate the natural regeneration area. A detailed shrubland habitat restoration and enhancement plan drawing is appended to the Environmental Impact Study Report as part of the Natural Heritage Assessment Package. In addition, an environmental effects monitoring plan will be developed to verify the survivorship of shrub plantings and identify if the project has a long‐term, localized habitat displacement effect on the shrub/early successional breeding bird species observed within 120 m of the project location. Grassland Habitat Maintenance A total of 18.2 ha of grassland habitat will be maintained in an existing pasture northwest of the project location predominantly north of the access road, and within an extensive section of the project location, including the temporary construction laydown area (see Natural Heritage Assessment Package). The Proponent is committed to maintaining, or in the case of the temporary construction laydown area, re‐establishing and maintaining this grassland habitat using native grasses and herbaceous species suitable to the area. The maintenance of these grassland areas will include a maintenance (cutting) schedule to prevent the growth of woody vegetation and avoid injury to grassland breeding birds. Grass‐cutting will be prohibited during the breeding period for Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) (i.e., May 20th to July 15th), the target grassland bird species, and restricted during the broader breeding bird period (i.e., April 15th to August 1st). If grassland cutting must take place during the broader breeding bird period outside of the prohibited window, the Proponent will complete a bird nest search to verify that no active nests are present in or immediately adjacent to the cutting area. In the event that bird nesting activity is observed during a nest search, appropriate mitigation will be employed (e.g., use of buffers) until it has been determined that the breeding attempt is complete (i.e., young are fully fledged). Compliance with the Federal Migratory Bird Convention Act In order to avoid disturbance, injury and/or mortality of breeding birds protected under the federal Migratory Bird Convention Act (MBCA), 1994 (e.g., shrub/early successional species), the Proponent will plan vegetation clearing activities outside of the breeding bird period (i.e., April Dillon Consulting Limited DRAFT 22 Sandringham Solar Farm
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15th to August 1st), where possible. If vegetation clearing must take place during the breeding bird period, the Proponent will complete a bird nest search to verify that no active nests are present in or immediately adjacent to the project location. In the event that bird nesting activity is observed during a nest search, appropriate mitigation will be employed (e.g., use of buffers) to ensure compliance with the MBCA. 3.3
3.3.1
Water Bodies Existing Conditions As outlined in the Water Assessment Reports, the project location falls within the Balsam Lake Watershed under the jurisdiction of the Kawartha Region Conservation Authority (KRCA) and the Lake Simcoe Watershed under the jurisdiction of the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA). As outlined in the Records Review, the only mapped aquatic feature is a “watercourse” in the eastern portion of the project location Aerial photographs and our site investigation also identified the presence of two small on‐line farm ponds. This area falls entirely within the Balsam Lake Watershed in the KRCA jurisdiction. Ontario Regulation 182/06 mapping shows this watercourse as a Regulated Area. During our site investigations, the occurrence of the watercourse was confirmed to not exist. Letter correspondence from the KRCA on August 10, 2010 confirmed the results of our site investigation and outlined that there is no identifiable depression in the ground consistent with a watercourse (see Water Bodies Assessment Site Investigation Report). The mapped watercourse feature does not meet the Conservation Authorities Act definition of a watercourse or the definition of a water body under Ontario Regulation 359/09. Further, the two small farm ponds also do not meet the definition of a water body under Ontario Regulation 359/09 and are not considered to be fish habitat regulated by the Fisheries Act (see Water Bodies Assessment Reports). Therefore, within the project location there are no water bodies (i.e., permanent watercourses, intermittent watercourses, seepage areas or lakes), as defined by Ontario Regulation 359/09, in the project location. Within the surrounding 300 m of the project, in the Balsam Lake Watershed, a road culvert with standing water was observed to occur in the area of the mapped crossing. Although a stream channel was not observed upstream of this crossing, the areas to the southeast of the small wetland units (<0.5 hectares) will likely convey some surface drainage to the road culvert similar to pre‐development. Due to the natural filtration provided by these small wetland units of any overland drainage of surface water, the existing conditions of the receiving intermittent stream will remain unchanged and no impacts to water quality will occur when appropriate erosion and sediment control (ESC) measures are implemented during construction. The general area of the project location will not experience any significant change in percentage of impervious cover as the area below the solar panels will be maintained with low‐lying vegetative cover. Dillon Consulting Limited DRAFT 23 Sandringham Solar Farm
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Invenergy Canada will mitigate potential effects of the project on non‐regulated ponds, headwater drainage areas and/or non‐provincially significant wetlands in the project location, by maintaining the ecological function of these features (e.g., surface water hydrology). Also, based on the site conditions observed, no water crossings will be required to access the site. 3.3.2
Potential Effects Land conversion from predominantly pastureland to solar farm may result in a minor decrease in natural water infiltration. The use of piles to support the PV panel structures instead of concrete platforms will minimize ground infiltration effects. Panel installation may lead to shorter run‐off release rates and increased run‐off volumes from the site, especially during larger storm events. It is not anticipates that the minimal change to the imperviousness of the site will significantly impact the site drainage. Further, the movement and loosening of soil during site grading could lead to stormwater runoff impacts (through sedimentation effects). While typical construction activities for a solar project have the potential for sedimentation effects, due to the absence of any streams or drains either on‐site or in the immediate vicinity of the project location, the potential for downstream sedimentation effects is low to nil. Any flow from storm events would be overland and would be limited in areas due to the amount of vegetation on and surrounding the site. Any overland flow on the site would infiltrate into the ground. As the site is not expected to generate any local pollution, no on‐site pollution abatement controls are proposed for this site. The extensive use of surface drainage allows for runoff peak flow attenuation and allows removal of suspended solids during flow over grassed areas. 3.3.3
Mitigation Measures Despite the lack of water bodies within the project location and surrounding 120 m, the mitigation measures outlined in Table 6 are recommended to protect aquatic resources in the general area from potential impacts. Dillon Consulting Limited DRAFT 24 Sandringham Solar Farm
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Table 6: General Aquatic Impacts, Mitigation Measures and Net Effects Potential Impact Erosion and sedimentation/silt release (due to adjacent land clearing) Appropriate Mitigation/Restoration ‐ install sufficient silt fencing, rock/straw bail check dams, erosion blankets to control flow and stabilize exposed surfaces ‐ use appropriate grading Increased site imperviousness (due to installation of solar panels techniques to prevent increased run‐off potential and access roads) ‐ maintain pervious land area appropriate for precipitation expected in area ‐ use of native riparian vegetation between solar farm and any road drainage features to minimize erosion potential, filter and slow runoff from overland drainage Net Effects (if any) / Rationale LOW Net Negative Effect ‐no water bodies/ aquatic resources on site ‐ mitigation measures will catch the majority of any released sediment LOW Net Negative Effect ‐ no aquatic resources on site ‐ disruption should be minimized by maintaining an appropriate amount of pervious area. ‐ native riparian shrubs will be planted between the fence and any road drainage features, where appropriate. To minimize the potential for impairment of the quality of receiving waters during construction, an erosion abatement control plan will be implemented during construction. The plan will consist of the following: • Straw bale barriers and/or filter cloth barriers will be installed in existing swales, drains, or at critical downstream flow points to intercept suspended solids carried by overland flow and to prevent the runoff from directly entering existing watercourses. • Topsoil will be stripped only from areas necessary for installation of the project panel components. • Use appropriate grading techniques to prevent increased run‐off potential and maintain positive drainage. 3.4
Air, Odour, Dust During construction, increases in particulate matter (dust) may be experienced in the adjacent lands. Additionally, there will be emissions from the diesel engines of construction machinery and equipment which will cause temporary negative impacts to local air quality. The impacts will be localized and temporary and will not have a significant impact on regional air emission and climate change. Dillon Consulting Limited DRAFT 25 Sandringham Solar Farm
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3.4.1
Mitigation Measures Appropriate air quality mitigation measures will be implemented during construction: i)
In order to minimize particulate matter from vehicles and equipment, idling will be prohibited where possible; ii)
Vehicular traffic will be minimized on exposed soils and high traffic areas will be stabilized with fresh gravel; iii)
All machinery will have muffles to reduce noise; and iv)
During construction the gravel roads will be watered down as required to reduce dust. 3.5
3.5.1
Noise Potential Effects During the construction period, which is expected to be 6 to 8 months, construction activities will lead to elevated levels of noise in the area. The closest off‐site receptor is about 170 m from the project. Please refer to the Design and Operations Report, Appendix A, for the Noise Study Report. 3.5.2
Mitigation Measures All efforts will be made to minimize this noise during construction. The following mitigation measures will reduce the impact of noise on surrounding land uses: i)
Vehicle and equipment idling will be prohibited where possible; ii)
Construction activities resulting in noise emissions will take place only during normal business hours; iii)
The contractor will be required to abide by local municipal noise by‐laws; iv)
All equipment will be maintained in good working order with effective muffling devices where appropriate; and v)
Any noise complaints will be investigated by the contractor. 3.6
3.6.1
Land Use and Resources Existing Conditions The subject property has one single family home on it with an access driveway to Sandringham Road. The land has been used strictly as pasture land for cattle. The surrounding land use is also dominated by pasture use, with some agricultural usage. Scattered residences are nearby. Figure 2 identifies the existing residences in the vicinity of the site. The subject property is zoned Agricultural A1 in the former Township of Mariposa Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw 94‐07 and designated Agricultural in the Victoria County Official Plan, which both allow farming related uses on the property. While the property has been used Dillon Consulting Limited DRAFT 26 Sandringham Solar Farm
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for agricultural purposes, it is predominantly Class 4 under the Canada Land Inventory soil classification system, which was demonstrated during the FIT Application process and deemed to meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements of the FIT Rules by the Ontario Power Authority. The site is designated as mineral aggregate resource area. Aggregate is not expected to be extracted but any aggregate extracted from the project location is for the sole purpose of constructing the proposed solar farm. 3.6.2
Potential Effects The proposed solar energy farm is a low‐profile and non‐obtrusive use in nature, and is on a similar scale as other “invisible” land uses due to the low impact on the subject site and the adjacent land uses. Further, solar projects do not result in effects on telecommunications facilities. Because no negative effects are expected, no mitigation measures are proposed 3.7
Provincial and Local Infrastructure The use of local roads will be the only local infrastructure required during construction. Any local roads damaged during construction would be repaired by Invenergy Canada. No other municipal services are anticipated to be required. 3.8
Public Health and Safety During construction, there is the potential for noise, vibration, equipment emissions, and dust effects which can be attributed to human health impacts. These effects are expected to be small, localized and temporary in nature. Standard construction mitigation measures as previously described will help to reduce these effects. 3.9
Areas Protected under Provincial Plans and Policies A search and analysis of the records and resources did not identify any portion of the Ontario Greenbelt, the Oak Ridges Moraine, the Niagara Escarpment or any local greenlands within the project location or the surrounding 300 meters. The results of the site investigation and consultation with the appropriate agencies and municipalities verified this determination. The western half of the project location and setback areas all fall within the Lake Simcoe Watershed. These areas are subject to the Lake Simcoe Protection Act. 4.
Environmental Effects Monitoring Plan The Environmental Effects Monitoring Plan outlines how potential negative environmental effects of project construction will be mitigated and how ongoing monitoring will occur to meet the requirements set out in O.Reg.359/09. Dillon Consulting Limited DRAFT 27 Sandringham Solar Farm
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Those mitigation measures that are in relation to the construction activities are outlined in Table 7. The potential environmental effects are anticipated to be short‐term and indirect. Dillon Consulting Limited DRAFT 28 Sandringham Solar Farm
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Table 7: Environmental Effects Monitoring Plan Potential Negative/Positive Effect(s) Physical Functional SITE PREPARATION & CONSTRUCTION Loss of edge vegetation n/a in Significant Woodland and assumed Provincially Significant Wetland due to the deposition of dust and/or overland release of silt derived from site grading Significant Natural Feature Affected by Activity Performance Objective Significant Woodland & No negative effects assumed Provincially on woodland Significant Wetland /wetland vegetation as indicated by excessive mortality of edge species Mitigation Measures ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
Minimize soil exposure Install E&SC measures (e.g., silt fence) Use appropriate grading techniques Restrict vegetation clearing and construction lay‐down areas to the project location Residual Effects None Monitoring Strategy & Methods Contingency Measures1 Submit annual monitoring report to the MNR Replace vegetation lost as a result of excessive dust deposition and/or siltation with appropriate native species, as permitted by landowner(s) Submit annual monitoring report to the MNR ƒ Additional seed mix application if 80% plant survivorship is not attained after 3 years At the end of the construction phase Monitor deficiencies in E&SC measures Along silt fence and at other E&SC structures Grassland habitat Monthly and/or after 10 mm rain events After year 1, 2 and 3 post‐
construction Shrubland habitat After year 1, 2 and 3 post‐
construction Submit annual monitoring report to the MNR ƒ Additional plantings if 80% plant survivorship is not attained after 3 years ƒ Offsite habitat restoration or establish partnership and/or funding program with stewardship groups if shrubland indicator/ common bird species richness is not maintained at predevelopment levels In areas of active clearing if clearing activity includes the disturbance of an active nest location Active nests will be monitored weekly or as appropriate until chicks have fledged Submit annual monitoring report to the Environment Canada (if required) Establish nest buffer(s) and prohibitions on cutting, as required. 4.38 ha of Shrub Early/Successional Bird Breeding Habitat Restore and maintain ƒ Restore 4.38 ha of grassland habitat 4.38 ha of grassland ƒ Maintain overall site drainage patterns habitat ƒ Maintain habitat patch size ƒ Maintain habitat ecological form, function and connectivity Possible colonization of exotic invasive flora species Removal of 20.7 ha of shrubland for solar panels, substation and access roads Loss of breeding & foraging habitat 20.7 ha of Shrub Early/Successional Bird Breeding Habitat ƒ Restore/ enhance 26.1 ha of shrubland habitat ƒ Maintain shrubland indicator/ common bird species richness at predevelopment levels ƒ Restore 1.5 ha of shrubland habitat with new plantings ƒ Enhance 24.6 ha of shrubland habitat through natural regeneration and excluding cattle from the site ƒ Maintain overall site drainage patterns Shrub Early/Successional Bird Breeding Habitat No disturbance, injury or mortality of birds protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act (1994) ƒ Restrict vegetation clearing to the project location ƒ Timing restriction for vegetation clearing during breeding period (April 15th and August 1st). ƒ Complete a bird nest search prior to vegetation clearing conducted during the breeding period. Possible ƒ Botanical surveys to colonization estimate the of exotic survivorship of invasive plantings, percent flora species cover of shrubland habitat and determine the extent of invasive species colonization ƒ Breeding bird surveys to determine species richness None Monitoring plan required if active nest is found during vegetation clearing activity Reporting Requirements Along edge of woodlands and wetland Temporary loss of breeding & foraging habitat Dillon Consulting Limited DRAFT Frequency & Duration Visual assessment of edge vegetation Temporary usage of 4.38 ha of shrubland habitat for construction laydown and parking Disturbance, injury or Nest mortality of a migratory disturbance breeding bird and/or abandonment Monitoring Locations Botanical surveys to estimate the survivorship of seed mixes and determine the extent of invasive species colonization 29 Sandringham Solar Farm
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5.
Timing of Construction Activities Construction of the project is anticipated to take approximately six to eight months to complete. The exact calendar dates of construction activities are yet to be determined and will be based on the timing of the REA approval. Figure 5 below provides an overview of the construction activities, their timing in relation to each other, and their duration Dillon Consulting Limited DRAFT 30
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Figure 5: Proposed Construction Schedule Construction Activity Anticipated Duration Site Mobilization & Preparation 6 weeks Safety Fencing 4 weeks Installation of Transformer and Inverter Pads Install Underground Feeders Install Inverters Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 Month 4 Month 5 Month 6 5 weeks 6 weeks 3 weeks Pier Foundation Installation Rack Installation Solar Module Installation 11 weeks Rack Wiring 10 weeks String Testing 5 weeks Substation Construction Commissioning & Demobilization TOTAL Dillon Consulting Limited DRAFT 4 weeks 10 weeks 8 weeks 4 weeks ~6 Months <‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐Total construction schedule‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐> 31 Sandringham Solar Farm
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CONCLUSIONS This Construction Plan Report has been completed to fulfill regulatory requirements as mandated by the provincial government for the development of the Sandringham Solar Farm. This report is consistent with the provisions of Ontario Regulation 359/09 for a Class 3 solar facility as set out by the Green Energy Act. Sufficient fieldwork and data collection was performed to assist in the determination of potential construction effects to environmental and social features. Various mitigation measures to manage these potential effects have been identified. Significant adverse effects from construction activity to the natural and social environment have been avoided through careful facility layout planning, the application of appropriate mitigation measures, and adherence to all regulatory requirements. No Provincially Significant Wetlands, ANSIs or associated wildlife habitat will be displaced or disrupted as all solar farm infrastructure is located well away from these features and appropriate mitigation measures implemented. Impacts from the construction of the solar farm on aquatic resources are expected to be nil. Construction of the solar farm is planned to occur outside of the defined Conservation Authority Regulated Areas. Consequently, permits under Ontario Regulation 158/6 will not be required. No power lines or access roads are expected to be constructed near or across watercourses. In addition, there are no Provincial Parks or Conservation Reserves in proximity to the project location. The local Planning Authority has not designated Provincially Significant Valleyland, Woodland or Significant Wildlife Habitat on the site or within 120 m of project components. The overall conclusion of this Construction Plan Report is that this project can be constructed without any significant adverse residual effects to the natural or social environment. There are net benefits of this project resulting from an increased municipal tax base for the City of Kawartha Lakes, increased number of employment opportunities, especially during the construction stage, and the generation of clean, renewable electricity from solar power. For more information on the project, please refer to the documents listed in Section 1.0 of this report. These additional reports are provided as part of a completed submission package to the MOE and were prepared in accordance with Ontario Regulation 359/09. Dillon Consulting Limited DRAFT 32 APPENDIX A
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT REPORT