The following environmental studies have been conducted to identify potential environmental and community impacts as well as mitigation measures associated with the proposed highway improvements:
- Fish and Fish Habitat Existing Conditions & Impact Assessment
- Terrestrial Ecosystems Existing Conditions & Impact Assessment
- Groundwater Study
- Noise Study Report
- Land Use Factors Report
- Contamination Overview Study
- Cultural Heritage Assessment Report
- Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment
- Landscape Composition Plan
- Air Quality Assessment
- Surface Water / Drainage & Hydrology Assessment
- Erosion and Sediment Control Measures
The findings from these studies will be documented in the TESR.
Environmental Protection and Mitigation Measures
Potential Impacts Summary of Key Mitigation Measures / Commitments to Future Work Natural Environment Fish & Fish Habitat Rehabilitation and extension of the Grindstone Creek culvert and its tributaries and encroachment on Long Pond, Hamilton Harbour and Cootes Paradise: Apply standard Erosion and Sediment Control and Best Management Practices for the protection of fish and fish habitat. Restoration of riparian vegetation and stream bed at culvert inlets / outlets. Work to be undertaken within the appropriate timing windows (i.e. April 1 and June 30 of any year for warmwater streams). Identify measures to minimize encroachment to Long Pond, Hamilton Harbour and Cootes Paradise. DFO will be engaged during the detail design stage regarding approvals under the Federal Fisheries Act. Terrestrial Ecosystems Scheduled vegetation removal is to occur outside of the breeding bird season (April 1 to August 31) to avoid breeding birds and active nests. Confirm presence for Species at Risk (SAR) through target surveys at the detail design stage (i.e. for Bat SAR, Barn Swallow) Niagara Escarpment Plan Areas Minimize tree removals in Niagara Escarpment Natural and Protection Areas. Minimize footprint impacts through retaining walls where feasible through NEC designated areas. Restoration Plantings to minimize new edge effects. Landscaping A Preliminary Landscape Plan has been prepared for disturbed/impacted areas along the Highway 6 and Highway 403 corridors Groundwater Determine the need for a Permit to Take Water based on excavation details during detail design. Erosion and Sediment Control To minimize the potential for erosion to newly exposed slopes and ground surfaces, standard mitigation measures will be applied during detail design (e.g. silt fence, seed and mulch, sod, erosion control blanket). Socio-Economic and Cultural Environment Bruce Trail Crossing at Highway 6 Rehabilitation of the Pedestrian Culvert and modifications to the Old Guelph Road turnaround will temporally affect access to the crossing. The timing and duration will be examined during detail design. Noise Replacement of the noise barriers on the west side of Highway 6 between Northcliffe Ave. and York Road. Air Quality Provisions to minimize potential temporary impacts during construction include following best management practices such as dust suppression and periodic watering, as required. Archaeology Undertake Stage 2 Archeology Assessments in areas identified as having archaeological potential. Technical Considerations Traffic During Construction Undertake Stage 2 Archeology Assessments in areas identified as having archaeological potential.