HGIS: Watershed Planning

Watershed Planning

December, 2001

Watershed Planning
Representative Assignments

Project Location Client Description

Lower Churchill River Labrador Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro Airphoto interpretation, aerial and ground surveys and an extensive literature review of the geology, hydrology, fluvial and sediment processes, vegetation, wildlife, fisheries, soils and microclimate for the 104,000 km2 watershed of the Lower Churchill River, Labrador. Preparation of report and maps documenting the existing biophysical conditions of the valley and potential impacts of its development for hydroelectric generation. Special emphasis was given to the lower reaches of the river where sensitive estuarine (marine) clays are prevalent. Documented and aged of existing bank failures and earth slides and predicted of sites for future slides.

Great Cat Arm Watershed Study Newfoundland Department of Environment Newfoundland This watershed study involved aerial and ground surveys and airphoto interpretation to describe and map the biophysical features and processes of this rugged subarctic/boreal watershed. The study involved the analysis of the watershed, climate, geology, geomorphology, hydrology, wildlife, fisheries, water chemistry, vegetation communities, and forest resources. The results of the study were used to predict environmental impact of development in this mountainous watershed for the production of hydroelectric energy. Socio-economic impacts of development in this remote area were also investigated.

Upper Salmon Watershed Study Newfoundland Department of Environment Newfoundland Preparation of a biophysical resource inventory for a watershed in Southern Newfoundland. Study involved extensive aerial and ground surveys as well as airphoto interpretation and interviews with government officials and concerned groups. Potential environmental impacts on hydrology, minerals, climate, forest resources, fish and wildlife were analyzed. The socio-economic impact of “opening up” this remotely settled area of Newfoundland was also assessed.

Nottawasaga Watershed Barrie
Ontario Township of Vespra Investigation of the environmental sensitivity of the Nottawasaga Watershed, particularly three significant bodies, Little Lake, Willow Creek and Minesing Swamp. Analysis also included the impact of a proposed urban drainage system on stream morphology, water quality, wildlife, agriculture and other downstream land uses. Expert witness testimony was prepared for an Ontario Municipal Board hearing.

Drainage Dispute Haldimand Ontario Town of Haldimand Comparative airphoto interpretation studies of drainage patterns and ditching activities on historic and recent aerial photographs to determine conditions. Preparation of expert witness materials for a law suit in the Supreme Court of Ontario.

Willow Creek Watershed Study Ontario Township of Vespra Watershed planning study to resolve agricultural land drainage problems and to develop recommendations for urban storm water management within the Minesing Swamp environment. Study included quantification of erosion, regional storm calculation, sediment transport (dissolved, suspended, bed load), nutrient flux, sediment loading and development of monitoring programs. Remedial measures, such as bank stabilization, outlet improvements and possible diversions, were investigated. Public meetings and public consultation, including a riverside walk, were completed to allow for citizen input.

Project	Location	Client	Description
Lower Churchill River	Labrador	Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro	Airphoto interpretation, aerial and ground surveys and an extensive literature review of the geology, hydrology, fluvial and sediment processes, vegetation, wildlife, fisheries, soils and microclimate for the 104,000 km2 watershed of the Lower Churchill River, Labrador. Preparation of report and maps documenting the existing biophysical conditions of the valley and potential impacts of its development for hydroelectric generation. Special emphasis was given to the lower reaches of the river where sensitive estuarine (marine) clays are prevalent. Documented and aged of existing bank failures and earth slides and predicted of sites for future slides.

Great Cat Arm Watershed Study	Newfoundland	Department of Environment Newfoundland	This watershed study involved aerial and ground surveys and airphoto interpretation to describe and map the biophysical features and processes of this rugged subarctic/boreal watershed. The study involved the analysis of the watershed, climate, geology, geomorphology, hydrology, wildlife, fisheries, water chemistry, vegetation communities, and forest resources. The results of the study were used to predict environmental impact of development in this mountainous watershed for the production of hydroelectric energy. Socio-economic impacts of development in this remote area were also investigated.

Upper Salmon Watershed Study	Newfoundland	Department of Environment Newfoundland	Preparation of a biophysical resource inventory for a watershed in Southern Newfoundland. Study involved extensive aerial and ground surveys as well as airphoto interpretation and interviews with government officials and concerned groups. Potential environmental impacts on hydrology, minerals, climate, forest resources, fish and wildlife were analyzed. The socio-economic impact of “opening up” this remotely settled area of Newfoundland was also assessed.

Nottawasaga Watershed	Barrie Ontario	Township of Vespra	Investigation of the environmental sensitivity of the Nottawasaga Watershed, particularly three significant bodies, Little Lake, Willow Creek and Minesing Swamp. Analysis also included the impact of a proposed urban drainage system on stream morphology, water quality, wildlife, agriculture and other downstream land uses. Expert witness testimony was prepared for an Ontario Municipal Board hearing.

Drainage Dispute	Haldimand Ontario	Town of Haldimand	Comparative airphoto interpretation studies of drainage patterns and ditching activities on historic and recent aerial photographs to determine conditions. Preparation of expert witness materials for a law suit in the Supreme Court of Ontario.

Willow Creek Watershed Study	Ontario	Township of Vespra	Watershed planning study to resolve agricultural land drainage problems and to develop recommendations for urban storm water management within the Minesing Swamp environment. Study included quantification of erosion, regional storm calculation, sediment transport (dissolved, suspended, bed load), nutrient flux, sediment loading and development of monitoring programs. Remedial measures, such as bank stabilization, outlet improvements and possible diversions, were investigated. Public meetings and public consultation, including a riverside walk, were completed to allow for citizen input.