March 13, 2007

    To:

     

    Kelly Pender                Town of Perth

    Anne Bendig                Ministry of Natural Resources, Kemptville District

    Al Robertson               Transport Canada, Prescott

    Georgina Williston      Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Prescott

    Kerry McGonegal        Rideau Canal - Parks Canada

    Bruce Hawkins             Ministry of the Environment. SE Region, Kingston

    David Taylor                Friends of the Tay River

    Bob Argue                   EcoPenth

     

    From:     Bruce A. Reid, P.Eng.

    Director, Watershed Science and Engineering Services

     

    Subject:           Haggart Island Dam Reconstruction

    Final Design Report Distribution

    This distribution of the above-noted report, prepared on behalf of the RVCA and the Town of Perth by Ainley Group Ltd. and their sub-consultants, marks the completion of the functional design phase of a proposed project to re-construct two fixed weir structures on the Tay River in the Town of Perth.

    The report sets out the rationale for a decision by the RVCA and the Town of Perth to proceed with a project to reconstruct the weirs and provides a cost estimate for doing so, following the recommended design and general arrangement as depicted in the drawings.

    The RVCA and the Town are currently proposing to allocate funds in their respective 2007 budgets to cover 50% of the estimated re-construction cost, and the RVCA will soon be applying for matching funding from the 2007-08 round of the Conservation Authorities' Water and Erosion Control Infrastructure (WECI) Fund, administered by the Ministry of Natural Resources.

    Drawing on the contents of this report, a "Project Plan" will be prepared and placed on the public record for review and comment prior to initiating construction, if and when the required funding is in place, to satisfy RVCA's obligations under the Environmental Assessment Act.

     

    Formal requests for regulatory approvals under the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act and the Navigable Waters Protection Act will also be 'Made after the required funding has been secured. In the meantime, the regulatory agencies are invited to review and comment on the enclosed report. Any feedback we receive will be taken into consideration during the preparation of formal applications for approval and the final tender documents (construction drawings and specifications).

     

    We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the valuable input that you and your organization have made to the planning ad design of the project so far. Your assistance is appreciated. Thank you in advance for any additional comments and suggestions that you may have at this time.         

     

    Please don't hesitate to contact the undersigned at your convenience if you have any questions.            ,

    Best Regards,

     

    (signed)

     

    Bruce A. Reid, P.Eng.

    Director, Watershed Science

    and Engineering Services

    (613) 692-3571 ext. 1103

    bruce[email protected]

     

    cc:        John McEwan, P.Eng.

    Ainley Group Ltd.



    HAGGART ISLAND DAMS

    RECONSTRUCTION

    Final Design Report

    February 2007

    Prepared for:

    Rideau Valley Conservation Authority

    Prepared by:

    Ainley Group

     

    In Association with:

    EcoTec Environmental Consultants Inc.

    Commonwealth Historic Resource Management Ltd.

    J.F. Sabourin and Associates Inc.

    Harmer Podolak Engineering Consultants Inc.



    Haggart Island Dams                               Rideau Valley Conservation Authority

    _________________________________________________

    Table of Contents

     

     

    Page

    1.0

    Introduction

    1

    2.0

    Background Information

    1

     

    2.1 Fisheries and Wildlife Habitat- Aquatic Environment

    2

     

    2.2 Landscape Aesthetics, Park Planning and Heritage Conservation

    2

     

    2.3 Water Level and Stream Flow Control - Hydraulics

    3

     

    2.4 Structural Integrity of the Dams and Rainbow Bridge

    3

     

    2.5 Public Safety

    3

    3.0

    Public Consultation

    4

     

    3.1 Flow Related Issues

    4

     

    3.2 Design Related Issues

    4

     

    3.3 Nature and Historical Issues

    5

     

    3.4 Safety Issues

    5

     

    3.5 Recreational Issues

    5

    4.0

    Existing Conditions

    5

     

    4.1 Aquatic Environment

    5

     

    4.1.1 Fisheries Survey

    5

     

    4.1.2 Existing Fisheries and Aquatic Habitat

    6

     

    4.1.3 Habitat Characteristics

    6

     

    4.1.4 Areas of Concern

    7

     

    4.2 Landscape and Architecture

    8

     

    4.2.1 Landscape Aesthetics and Park Planning

    8

     

    4.2.2 Heritage Conservation

    9

     

    4.2.3 Historic Value and Interpretive Potential

    9

     

    4.3 Hydraulics Analysis

    10

     

    4.3.1 Natural Conditions

    10

     

    4.3.2 Existing Conditions

    10

     

    4.4 Structures

    11

     

    4.4.1 Dam Structures

    11

     

    4.4.2 Pedestrian Bridge

    11

     

    4.5 Public Safety

    11

    Ainley Group  Final Design Report



    Haggart Island Dams                                         Rideau Valley Conservation Authority

    Table of Contents (cont'd)

     

     

    Page

    5.0

    Analysis and Observations

    11

     

    5.1 Aquatic Environment

    12

     

    5.2 Landscape

    12

     

    5.2.1 Landscape Aesthetics and Park Planning

    12

     

    5.2.2 Heritage Conservation

    13

     

    5.3 Hydraulics

    13

     

    5.4 Structures

    13

     

    5.4.1 Dams

    13

     

    5.4.2 Pedestrian Bridge

    14

     

    5.5 Public Safety

    14

    6.0

    Statement of Design Objectives

    14

     

    6.1 Water Levels

    14

     

    6.2 Flow Splitting-Haggart Island Dam and Tay Road Dam

    14

     

    6.3 Environmental Factors

    15

     

    6.4 Fish Migration

    15

     

    6.5 Landscape and Architecture

    15

     

    6.6 Public Safety

    15

    7.0

    Design Options

    16

     

    7.1 Development of Design Options

    16

     

    7.2 Assessment of Design Options

    16

     

    7.3 Design Alternatives

    16

    8.0

    Public Consultation and Municipal Approval during

    The Feasibility Study

     

     

    17

     

    8.1 Public Consultation

    17

     

    8.2 Municipal Approval of the Feasibility Study

    18

    9.0

    Development of the Detailed Design

    18

     

    9.1 Geotechnical Investigation

    19

     

    9.2 Additional Fisheries and Aquatic Habitat Assessment

    19

     

    9.3 Hydraulic Analysis

    19

     

    9.4 Preliminary Concrete Dam Design

    21

     

    9.5 Preliminary Timber Crib Alternatives

    22

     

    9.5.1 Alternative 1 - Timber Cribs Stay in Place

    22

     

    9.5.2 Alternative 2 - Timber Cribs Encased

    22

     

    9.5.3 Alternative 3 - Timber Cribs Removed

    22

     

    9.6 Timber Crib Recommendations

    23

     

    9.7 Functional Design of Fish Migration Options

    23

     

    9.7.1 Fish Ramp on the Tay River

    23

     

    9.7.2 Fish Passageway on the Tay River

    25

     

    9.7.3 Fish Migration Options on the Little Tay

    26

     



    Haggart Island Dams                                                        Rideau Valley Conservation Authority

    Table of Contents (con 'd)

     

     

    9.8 Construction Cost Estimate

    9.9 Outstanding Issues

    Page

    27

    27

    10.0

    Potential Environmental Effects and Mitigation Measures

    28

     

    10.1 Removal of Woody Vegetation and Associated Wildlife

     

     

    Habitat, and Damage to Adjacent Vegetation

    28

     

    10.2 Decreased Water Quality and Aquatic Habitat Quality

     

     

    in the Tay River

    28

     

    10.3 Accidents and Malfunctions

    29

     

    10.4 Compromised Human Health and Safety

    29

     

    10.5 Disruption to Adjacent Residences, Traffic, Transitway

     

     

    Access and Pathway Users

    30

     

    10.6 Improper Waste Management

    30

     

    10.7 Disruption of Archaeological Resources

    30

     

    10.8 Improved Water Supply Reliability

    31

    11.0

    Monitoring Activities

    31

    12.0

    Public Consultation and Municipal Approval

    Of the Detailed Design

    32

     

    12.1 Friends of the Tay Watershed (FoTW)

    32

     

    12.2 Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and

     

     

    Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR)

    32

     

    12.3 Transport Canada

    33

     

    12.4 Adjacent Properties

    34

    Appendices

    Appendix A:

    Feasibility Study- Paper Ad and Questionnaire

     

    Appendix B:

    Feasibility Study- Hydraulic Analysis and Modeling Results

     

    Appendix C:

    J.F. Sabourin and Associates Inc. - Field Investigation Report

     

    Appendix D:

    Detailed Design - Hydraulic Analysis and Modeling Results

     

    Appendix E:

    Correspondence between RVCA & the property owner at 2 John Street



    Haggart Island Dams                                           Rideau Valley Conservation Authority

    Haggart Island Dams Reconstruction

    Final Design Report

    1.0 Introduction

    The Ainley Group (Ainley) has been studying the redesign of the Haggart Island Dams for some time. Ainley was originally retained in 2004 by the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RCVA) to prepare a Feasibility Study for the Rehabilitation of the Haggart Island Dams. The Ainley project team also included Commonwealth Historic Resource Management (CHRM), EcoTec Environmental (ET), Harmer Podolak Engineering Consultants (HP) and J.F. Sabourin and Associates (JFS). Subsequently in 2005, the Ainley team was retained to complete the Environmental Assessment process through the preparation of the design of the recommended option from the 2005 Feasibility Study, incorporating all known outstanding issues. In order to satisfy the Federal Environment Assessment requirements in a single document, this Final Design Report includes the key information from the 2005 Feasibility Study, and provides additional design information and updated construction cost estimates. This report also looks at the potential environmental effects associated with reconstructing the Haggart Island dams, as well as mitigation measures and suggested environmental monitoring activities.

    2.0    Backqround Information

    The Haggart Island Dams are located on the Tay River in the Town of Perth and were constructed in approximately 1971. These dams are comprised of two separate and independent dams - the Haggart Island Dam and the Tay Road Dam. The Haggart Island Dam is located on the south arm of the Tay River and the Tay Road Dam is located on the north arm. Figure 1 illustrates the locations of the dams; Photograph 1 and 2 are photographs of the Haggart Island Dam and the Tay Road Dam respectively.

    Due to the deteriorating condition of these structures, the RVCA, in partnership with the Town of Perth (Perth), commissioned Ainley to undertake a Feasibility Study to address the following items:

    Ø      To identify and evaluate the range of options that were available for the repair or reconstruction of the two dams;

    Ø      To provide the technical information required allowing the RCVA and the Town of Perth to decide upon the preferred solution and to support efforts to secure funding for the final design and construction; and

    Ø      To satisfy the initial stages of the environmental assessment process regarding the selection of RCVA Program Options related to the structures.

    As noted above, although the primary focus for the Ainley team was to determine the required alternative for the water control structures (dams), there was also the inherent "environmental process" that had to be followed - to compile, present and assess the information to determine the preferred alternative, including public consultation. In particular, the information relating specifically to the following items was reviewed in detail:

    Ø      Fish habitat;

    Ø      Flood Mapping (HEC2 modeling);

    Ø      Historical flow data;

    Ø      Condition of the dams;

    Ø      Historical significance of the dams and their relation to the area;

    Ø      Recreational opportunities for the area; and

    Ø      Previous public consultation records.

     

    In this regard, all relevant material from information sources such as RVCA, Town of Perth, historical records, community groups and related websites, was gathered to provide accurate and acceptable design options.


    2.1     Fisheries and Wildlife Habitat - Aquatic Environment

    Field and background data has been compiled in order to establish the existing conditions of the study area. All background information regarding the natural features of the study area, including fisheries, aquatic habitat, significant riparian vegetation or wildlife species, area sensitivities, and management strategies for these natural resources has been reviewed in order to establish all potential environmental sensitivities, issues and/or commitments that may influence this project. More specifically, the fish and wildlife information has been obtained from the RVCA, Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) fisheries and wildlife data, Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) fisheries data, MNR Natural Resource Values and Information System (NRVIS), and any other published or unpublished sources.

    Initially our team conducted a field survey of the study area in order to acquire up-to-date information on the late fall/early winter fisheries resources, aquatic habitat, water quality, terrestrial vegetation and resident wildlife. The intent was to set baseline conditions with respect to other unrelated development activities which may affect the environment without this project being considered.

    Subsequently, our team conducted three separate field surveys of the study area in the spring of 2005 in order to acquire some up-to-date information on the spring fisheries resources. The intent was to compliment field data collected from the fall of 2003. The fisheries and aquatic habitat inventory was conducted 200m upstream and downstream of the Haggart Island dams and included the following:

    Ø      assessment of existing fish communities using various fish collection techniques (fish were captured using an electrofisher and gill nets (max. 30 min duration to prevent mortalities);         

    Ø      visual night-time survey to determine whether walleye are using the areas below the dam for spawning activities;

    Ø      general water quality parameters including dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, water colour, and electrical conductivity;

    Ø      critical habitat areas (e.g. potential spawning areas, foraging areas, deepwater holding habitat, large woody debris) and

    Ø      potential habitat compensation or enhancement opportunities.

    The first spring field survey was carried out at night in order to assess the presence of spring migratory walleye. The second survey included an electro fishing survey of the study area. The third survey included a daytime gill netting survey upstream of the dam.

    A photographic record was kept for the study area showing critical habitat, areas of potential compensation, and representative/rare fish species.

    Following the collection of field data, an analysis of the potential effects of the preferred repair or replacement concept was examined. This included loss of spawning, nursery or foraging habitat for resident and migratory fisheries, deterioration of water quality, loss of riparian and terrestrial vegetation, and displacement of wildlife habitat. Generally the potential effects examined were within the immediate study area, however, consideration was also given to downstream or upstream effects.

    2.2     Landscape Aesthetics, Park Planning and Heritage Conservation

    The dams were integral to the operation of Haggart's Mill in the early 1800's and remain today as physical remnants of Perth's industrial and economic development. Once again, they have the potential to play a vital role within this community's contemporary landscape. As well, they provide an opportunity to be the catalyst in developing an interpretive pathway system in and around Perth that would benefit visitors and local residents alike.


    The design and planning work strive to achieve the sensitive integration of conservation needs with contemporary usage, life safety, and code requirements, as well as with the improvement of a property's functional and economic performance.

    2.3     Water Level and Stream Flow Control - Hydraulics

    To initially address the effects/impacts on water levels and flow distribution around the Haggart Island when replacing either dam (or both) or incorporating additional water level control devices, the previously developed HEC-2 model of the Tay River was used. In doing so, the existing HEC-2 model data was verified and updated to ensure that sufficient information was available to properly simulate the current conditions. Since the  previous HEC-2 model (circa 1981) was only done for the estimated 1:100-year flows of 150 m /s, the flow was re-evaluated based on several lower return peak flows to better assess the impacts of any proposed changes to the dams.

    Through the hydraulic analysis, issues regarding water level were addressed to determine whether or not the dams were required in controlling the water level. With the analysis results under various conditions/flows, we were able to develop a summary statement of the foregoing points outlining the pros and cons of each option (with and without the dams).

    Additionally, both water level control and stream flow control were considered simultaneously to arrive at the appropriate assessment. In determining the stream flow control requirements, several points were addressed such as:

    Ø      Expectations of the community regarding the apportionment of both present and future flows;

    Ø      Requirements of the stakeholders such as RVCA, MNR and the Town of Perth with respect to flows;

    Ø      D Conservation of the historical aspect of the dams and the area in general; Impacts on fish habitat, migration and spawning; and

    Ø      Development of a summary statement of the foregoing points.

     

    2.4     Structural Integrity of the Dams and Rainbow Bridge

    Initially, the existing condition report for the structures was reviewed and updated as required based on a field review to confirm the recommendations of the report. The field inspection consisted of a review (visual inspection) by a senior structural engineer to verify the existing conditions of both dams but did not include in-water inspection. Additionally, the Rainbow Bridge was only briefly reviewed to determine whether it creates potential hazards for users.

    2.5     Public Safety

    Throughout the research and design stages of the feasibility study, public safety was a prime concern. More specifically, safety issues were assessed in developing landscaping features and pathway planning. Although not limited to this, the main concern was the safety of the public with respect to the Rainbow Bridge, as well as the dams and recreational activities in and around the water.



    12.0      Consultation with Regulatory Aqencies, Neiqhborinq Landowners and Friends of the Tay Watershed

    During the preparation of this final design report, RVCA personnel met with representatives of  agencies that are in a position to exercise regulatory control over the reconstruction c dams, and owners of lands immediately adjacent to the structures. The purpose of t meetings was to ensure that issues of concern to regulatory agencies and adjacent landowners would be identified and that measures to address those concerns would be provided in the  design, and accounted in the cost estimates. A meeting with the members of the Friends c Tay Watershed was also held to inform them of the status of the design work, and to seek input.

    These consultations were carried out in the summer of 2006 and are documented in minutes that are retained on file at the Conservation Authority. They are summarized here as follow

    12.1   Friends of the Tay Watershed (FoTW)

    Personnel of the RVCA met with the Friends of the Tay Watershed (FoTW) on June 7, 2006 at the Perth City Hall. RVCA staff provided a brief overview of the design drawings for the structures and invited any comments that the group may have.

    FoTW agreed with the goal of achieving a natural flow split between the two channels of 20 % to the Little Tay with 80 % to the Tay River. There was also a discussion regarding the need for "stop logs" in the new design. It was noted that 1;100-year flood elevations would be slightly reduced from previous estimates, with the proposed dam configuration, according to the JF Sabourin computations, so it is not expected that additional flow capacity through a stop log section would be needed. The "stop logs" have not been used in the past. There is significant concern as to who would be responsible for the addition/removal of the logs and how the various implications to the competing concerns for the upstream and downstream impacts would be determined. The incorrect operation of the "stop log" system could alter the resulting flow split, which would impact adjacent properties. Therefore, the design team considers the preferred solution to be the construction of permanent structures that would provide the recommended flow split.

    FoTW is interested in promoting a micro-hydro element of this project. Due to limited capital funds, RVCA has indicated its willingness to amend the design of the dam reconstruction to accommodate a micro-hydro installation, if a party, who is willing to finance the initial investment in micro-hydro equipment, is identified.

    There was some concern regarding the height of the existing abutments. Abutment designs will be selected such that the overall height of the proposed embankments will be minimized.

    As part of an overall recreation plan, FoTW encourages the development of a well-marked portage route for canoeists. This would be undertaken as a separate project.