Horizon Hydro Operations Ltd.

Toronto, Ontario

Environmental Report Volume 1 Trout Lake River Hydro Project

H327203.201.03 Rev. 1 April 2013

Horizon Hydro Operations Ltd.

Toronto, Ontario

Environmental Report Volume 1 Trout Lake River Hydro Project

H327203.201.03 Rev. 1 April 2013

Horizon Hydro Operations Ltd. - Trout Lake River Hydro Project Environmental Report

Disclaimer This report, including the information contained herein, has been prepared by Hatch Ltd. for the sole and exclusive use of Horizon Hydro (the “Client”) for the purpose of assisting the management of the Client in making decisions with respect to the potential development of the Trout Lake River Hydro Project; and shall not be (a) used for any other purpose, or (b) provided to, relied upon or used by any third party. This report contains opinions, conclusions and recommendations made by Hatch Limited, using its professional judgment and reasonable care. The report has been prepared by Hatch Limited, using its professional judgment and exercising due care consistent with the agreed level of accuracy. Any use of or reliance upon this report and estimate by Client is subject to the following conditions: (a) the report and estimate being read in the context of and subject to the terms of the Agreement between Hatch Limited and the Client, including any methodologies, procedures, techniques, assumptions and other relevant terms or conditions that were specified or agreed therein; (b) the report being read as a whole, with sections or parts hereof read or relied upon in context; (c) the conditions of the site may change over time (or may have already changed) due to natural forces or human intervention, and Hatch Limited takes no responsibility for the impact that such changes may have on the accuracy or validity or the observations, conclusions and recommendations set out in this report; and (d) the report contains information made available to Hatch Limited by the Client or by certain third parties; and unless stated otherwise in the Agreement, Hatch Limited has not verified the accuracy, completeness or validity of such information, makes no representation regarding its accuracy and hereby disclaims any liability in connection therewith.

H327203.201.03, Rev. 1, Page i © Hatch 2013/04

Horizon Hydro Operations Ltd. - Trout Lake River Hydro Project Environmental Report

Blank back

H327203.201.03, Rev. 1, Page ii © Hatch 2013/04

Horizon Hydro Operations Ltd. - Trout Lake River Hydro Project Environmental Report

Project Report April 2013

Horizon Hydro Operations Ltd. Trout Lake River Hydro Project

Environmental Report Notice of Completion Table of Contents VOLUME 1 VOLUME 2A VOLUME 2B

MAIN REPORT APPENDIXES A TO C APPENDIXES D AND E

VOLIME 1 – MAIN REPORT List of Tables List of Figures Glossary of Abbreviations 1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 1-1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5

Project Location and Study Area ............................................................................................... 1-2 Purpose and Need ..................................................................................................................... 1-2 Alternative Means of Carrying out the Project ........................................................................... 1-7 Project Alternatives and Preferred Scheme .............................................................................. 1-7 Regulatory Requirements .......................................................................................................... 1-8 1.5.1 Ontario Environmental Assessment Act .......................................................................... 1-8 1.5.2 Water Management Planning Guidelines ...................................................................... 1-11 1.5.3 Environmental Approvals and Permits ........................................................................... 1-11 1.6 Project Timeline ....................................................................................................................... 1-12 1.7 Organization of the Report ....................................................................................................... 1-12 2. Description of the Project ................................................................................................................. 2-1 2.1

Project Components/Structures ................................................................................................. 2-1 2.1.1 Powerhouse ..................................................................................................................... 2-2 2.1.2 Intake Channel ................................................................................................................. 2-3 2.1.3 Tailrace ............................................................................................................................ 2-4 2.1.4 Overflow Weir ................................................................................................................... 2-4 2.1.5 Head Pond ....................................................................................................................... 2-4 2.1.6 Transmission and Interconnect Requirements ................................................................ 2-5 2.2 Project Construction and Schedule ........................................................................................... 2-5 2.3 Hydraulic Characteristics and Project Operation ....................................................................... 2-9

H327203.201.03, Rev. 1, Page iii © Hatch 2013/04

Horizon Hydro Operations Ltd. - Trout Lake River Hydro Project Environmental Report

2.4 2.5 2.6

Dam Safety .............................................................................................................................. 2-10 Facility Maintenance Activities ................................................................................................. 2-12 Decommissioning..................................................................................................................... 2-12

3. Public, Agency and Aboriginal Consultation ................................................................................. 3-1 3.1 3.2 3.3

List of Stakeholders and Potentially Affected and Interested Aboriginal Communities ............. 3-1 Record of Public, Agency and Aboriginal Issues and Concerns ............................................... 3-2 Public Consultation .................................................................................................................... 3-2 3.3.1 Public Consultation Summary .......................................................................................... 3-2 3.4 Agency Consultation ................................................................................................................ 3-22 3.4.1 Federal Agency Consultation Summary ........................................................................ 3-22 3.4.2 Provincial Agency Consultation Summary ..................................................................... 3-32 3.4.3 Municipal Consultation Summary .................................................................................. 3-38 3.5 Aboriginal Consultation ............................................................................................................ 3-38 3.5.1 Objectives of Aboriginal Consultation ............................................................................ 3-39 3.5.2 Aboriginal Consultation Principles ................................................................................. 3-39 3.5.3 Aboriginal Consultation Activities – General .................................................................. 3-40 3.5.4 Grassy Narrows First Nation Consultation Activities ..................................................... 3-55 3.5.5 Lac Seul First Nation Consultation Activities ................................................................. 3-62 3.5.6 Wabauskang First Nation Consultation Activities .......................................................... 3-73 3.5.7 Métis Nation of Ontario Consultation Activities .............................................................. 3-84 4. Existing Environment ........................................................................................................................ 4-1 4.1

Natural Environment .................................................................................................................. 4-1 4.1.1 Climate ............................................................................................................................. 4-1 4.1.2 Air Quality and Noise ....................................................................................................... 4-1 4.1.3 Bedrock and Surficial Geology ......................................................................................... 4-2 4.1.4 Groundwater Resources .................................................................................................. 4-2 4.1.5 Surface Water Resources ................................................................................................ 4-3 4.1.6 Water Chemistry ............................................................................................................ 4-31 4.1.7 Water Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen ................................................................... 4-54 4.1.8 Fish Community ............................................................................................................. 4-56 4.1.9 Benthic Invertebrates ................................................................................................... 4-107 4.1.10 Aquatic Habitat ............................................................................................................. 4-114 4.1.11 Terrestrial Vegetation ................................................................................................... 4-156 4.1.12 Terrestrial Wildlife ........................................................................................................ 4-159 4.1.13 Species at Risk ............................................................................................................ 4-169 4.1.14 Significant Natural Areas ............................................................................................. 4-173 4.2 Social Environment ................................................................................................................ 4-174 4.2.1 Population and Economic Profile ................................................................................. 4-177 4.2.2 Infrastructure ................................................................................................................ 4-181 4.2.3 Land Tenure, Crown Land Use Policy and Land Use.................................................. 4-183 4.2.4 Resource and Commercial Activities ........................................................................... 4-184 4.2.5 Recreation and Tourism ............................................................................................... 4-186 4.2.6 Lands and Resources Used for Traditional Purposes by Aboriginal Persons ............. 4-207 4.2.7 Cultural Resources/Heritage and Archaeological Sites ............................................... 4-208 5. Effects Assessment and Proposed Mitigation During Project Construction .............................. 5-1 5.1

Assessment Methodologies ....................................................................................................... 5-1 5.1.1 Potential Effects ............................................................................................................... 5-2 H327203.201.03, Rev. 1, Page iv © Hatch 2013/04

Horizon Hydro Operations Ltd. - Trout Lake River Hydro Project Environmental Report

5.2 5.3

5.4

5.5

5.6

5.1.2 Mitigation Measures ......................................................................................................... 5-2 5.1.3 Net Effects ........................................................................................................................ 5-7 Sources of Effect........................................................................................................................ 5-8 Effects and Mitigation – Natural Environment ......................................................................... 5-14 5.3.1 Terrain and Topography ................................................................................................ 5-14 5.3.2 Soil Quantity and Quality ............................................................................................... 5-14 5.3.3 Air Quality and Noise ..................................................................................................... 5-19 Noise and Vibration ..................................................................................................................... 5-21 5.3.4 Groundwater .................................................................................................................. 5-21 5.3.5 Surface Water Hydrology and Hydraulics ...................................................................... 5-22 5.3.6 Surface Water Quality .................................................................................................... 5-23 5.3.7 Aquatic Habitat ............................................................................................................... 5-30 5.3.8 Aquatic Biota .................................................................................................................. 5-36 5.3.9 Terrestrial Environment .................................................................................................. 5-40 5.3.10 Species at Risk .............................................................................................................. 5-45 Effects and Mitigation – Socioeconomic Environment............................................................. 5-47 5.4.1 Employment and Economy ............................................................................................ 5-47 5.4.2 Transportation and Infrastructure................................................................................... 5-49 5.4.3 Crown Land Policy and Land Use.................................................................................. 5-50 5.4.4 Resource and Industrial Activities .................................................................................. 5-50 5.4.5 Hunting, Trapping and Fishing ....................................................................................... 5-51 5.4.6 Recreational Uses .......................................................................................................... 5-52 5.4.7 Tourism .......................................................................................................................... 5-53 5.4.8 Lands and Resources Used for Traditional Purposes by Aboriginal Persons ............... 5-53 5.4.9 Archaeological and Heritage Resources ....................................................................... 5-54 5.4.10 Health and Safety........................................................................................................... 5-55 5.4.11 Waste Management ....................................................................................................... 5-55 Accidents and Malfunctions ..................................................................................................... 5-56 5.5.1 Dam and Cofferdam Failure ........................................................................................... 5-56 5.5.2 Flooding of Work Area ................................................................................................... 5-56 5.5.3 Spills ............................................................................................................................... 5-57 5.5.4 Accidental Fires .............................................................................................................. 5-60 Summary of Impacts and Mitigation During Project Implementation ....................................... 5-61

6. Effects Assessment and Proposed Mitigation During Facility Operation ................................... 6-1 6.1

Assessment Methodologies ....................................................................................................... 6-1 6.1.1 Potential Effects ............................................................................................................... 6-2 6.1.2 Mitigation Measures ......................................................................................................... 6-2 6.1.3 Net Effects ........................................................................................................................ 6-9 6.2 Sources of Effects ...................................................................................................................... 6-9 6.3 Effects and Mitigation – Natural Environment ......................................................................... 6-10 6.3.1 Soils ............................................................................................................................... 6-10 6.3.2 Sediment ........................................................................................................................ 6-12 6.3.3 Air Quality and Noise ..................................................................................................... 6-14 6.3.4 Groundwater .................................................................................................................. 6-16 6.3.5 Surface Water Hydrology and Hydraulics ...................................................................... 6-17 6.3.6 Surface Water Quality .................................................................................................... 6-28 6.3.7 Aquatic Biota .................................................................................................................. 6-35 6.3.8 Aquatic Habitat and Productivity .................................................................................... 6-38 6.3.9 Terrestrial Biota/Vegetation ........................................................................................... 6-58 6.3.10 Species at Risk .............................................................................................................. 6-58

H327203.201.03, Rev. 1, Page v © Hatch 2013/04

Horizon Hydro Operations Ltd. - Trout Lake River Hydro Project Environmental Report

6.4

Effects and Mitigation – Socioeconomic Environment............................................................. 6-58 6.4.1 Employment ................................................................................................................... 6-58 6.4.2 Economic Benefit ........................................................................................................... 6-59 6.4.3 Trapping ......................................................................................................................... 6-59 6.4.4 Hunting ........................................................................................................................... 6-59 6.4.5 Recreational Uses .......................................................................................................... 6-60 6.4.6 Tourism .......................................................................................................................... 6-61 6.4.7 Traditional Uses ............................................................................................................. 6-61 6.4.8 Public Safety .................................................................................................................. 6-61 6.5 Accidents and Malfunctions ..................................................................................................... 6-62 6.5.1 Dam Failure .................................................................................................................... 6-62 6.5.2 Transmission Line Failure .............................................................................................. 6-62 6.5.3 Spills ............................................................................................................................... 6-62 6.5.4 Accidental Fires .............................................................................................................. 6-63 6.6 Facility Decommissioning ........................................................................................................ 6-64 6.7 Summary of Operational Effects and Mitigation ...................................................................... 6-64 7. Significance of Net Adverse Effects ................................................................................................ 7-1 7.1

Significance of Net Effects ......................................................................................................... 7-1

8. Water Management Plan ................................................................................................................... 8-1 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5

8.6 8.7 8.8 8.9

Introduction and Zone of Influence ............................................................................................ 8-1 Physical and Biological Description of River Ecosystem ........................................................... 8-2 Socioeconomic Description Related to River Ecosystem and Users ........................................ 8-2 Waterpower Facilities, Water Control Structures, and Current Water Management Strategies ................................................................................................................................... 8-2 Issues, Data Gaps and Baseline Data Collection Program ....................................................... 8-2 8.5.1 Issues, Resource Values and Interests ........................................................................... 8-2 8.5.2 Baseline Data Collection and Data Gaps......................................................................... 8-3 8.5.3 Baseline Field Investigations to Fill Data Gaps ............................................................... 8-3 Option Development and Preferred Option ............................................................................... 8-3 Environmental Effects of Preferred Option ................................................................................ 8-4 Operating Plan for the Trout Lake River Project ........................................................................ 8-4 Compliance and Effectiveness Monitoring ................................................................................ 8-5

9. Environmental Monitoring Programs .............................................................................................. 9-1 9.1 9.2 9.3

Pre-Construction Phase ............................................................................................................. 9-1 Construction Phase.................................................................................................................... 9-2 Post-Construction (Operational) Phase ..................................................................................... 9-2

10. Conclusions and Recommendations ............................................................................................ 10-1 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4

Summary of Positive and Negative Effects ............................................................................. 10-1 Screening Conclusion .............................................................................................................. 10-2 Mitigation, Monitoring and Permitting Recommendations ....................................................... 10-2 Statement of Completion ......................................................................................................... 10-3

H327203.201.03, Rev. 1, Page vi © Hatch 2013/04

Horizon Hydro Operations Ltd. - Trout Lake River Hydro Project Environmental Report

11.  Environmental Permits and Approvals ......................................................................................... 11-1  12.  References ....................................................................................................................................... 12-1 

VOLUMES 2A AND 2B – APPENDIXES VOLUME 2A Appendix A

Engineering Drawings

Appendix B

Additional Project Information

Appendix C Appendix C1 Appendix C2 Appendix C3 Appendix C4 Appendix C5 Appendix C6 Appendix C7 Appendix C8 Appendix C9 Appendix C10 Appendix C11

Aboriginal, Public and Agency Consultation Notice of Commencement and Stakeholder Letter Public Responses to Notice of Commencement Notice of Modification and Stakeholder Letter Notice of Public Information Centre and Stakeholder Letter Public Information Centre Materials and Comment Sheets OWA Class EA Transition Notice and Stakeholder Letter Notice of Inspection and Stakeholder Letter Federal Agency Correspondence/Consultation Provincial Agency Correspondence/Consultation Municipal Correspondence/Consultation Aboriginal Community Contacts and Consultation

VOLUME 2B Appendix D

Additional Investigations/Studies

Appendix E

Hydrology, Erosion and Sediment Transport Studies

H327203.201.03, Rev. 1, Page vii © Hatch 2013/04

Horizon Hydro Operations Ltd. - Trout Lake River Hydro Project Environmental Report

Blank back

H327203.201.03, Rev. 1, Page viii © Hatch 2013/04

Horizon Hydro Operations Ltd. - Trout Lake River Hydro Project Environmental Report

List of Tables Table 1.1 Table 2.1 Table 3.1 Table 3.2 Table 3.3 Table 3.4 Table 3.5 Table 3.6 Table 3.7 Table 3.8 Table 3.9 Table 3.10 Table 3.11 Table 3.12 Table 3.13 Table 3.14 Table 3.15 Table 3.16 Table 3.17 Table 3.18 Table 3.19 Table 3.20 Table 3.21 Table 3.22 Table 3.23 Table 3.24 Table 3.25 Table 3.26 Table 3.27 Table 3.28 Table 3.29 Table 3.30 Table 3.31 Table 3.32 Table 4.1 Table 4.2 Table 4.3 Table 4.4

Federal and Provincial Approvals .................................................................................. 1-11 Estimated Hydraulic Characteristics .............................................................................. 2-10 Newspaper Announcements (September 2007) .............................................................. 3-3 Issues Raised by Public/Stakeholders in Response to the Notice of Commencement and Horizon Responses ....................................................................... 3-3 Issues Raised by Provincial Stakeholders in Response to the Notice of Commencement .................................................................... 3-8 Newspaper Announcements (July 2009) ......................................................................... 3-9 Summary of Responses to Comment Sheets, September 29, 2009 Public Information Centre ............................................................. 3-10 Issues Raised by Public/Stakeholders and ER Section, September 29, 2009 Public Information Centre ............................................................. 3-13 Comments by Public/Stakeholders, September 29, 2009 Public Information Centre ............................................................. 3-17 Issues Raised by the MNR During August 15, 2007 Meeting ....................................... 3-23 Issues Raised by Agencies Following August 15, 2007 Agency Meeting and Submission Hatch’s Field Study Program .............................................................. 3-24 Issues Raised by Agencies During October 4, 2007 Meeting ....................................... 3-25 Issues Raised in Response to Redistribution of Field Study Program .......................... 3-33 Aboriginal Issues Tracking Table ................................................................................... 3-41 Responses/Issues Raised by Aboriginal Community Members Following the Notice of Commencement ....................................................................... 3-48 Responses/Issues Raised by Aboriginal Community Members Following the Notice of Modification .............................................................................. 3-48 September 30, 2009 Information Centre Attendance .................................................... 3-50 Summary of Responses to Comment Sheets, September 30, 2009 Information Centre ....................................................................... 3-50 Issues Raised and Relevant ER Section, September 30, 2009 Information Centre .. 3-51 Grassy Narrows First Nation Peer Review Comments/Concerns ................................. 3-58 Issues Raised During Lac Seul First Nation December 4, 2007 Meeting...................... 3-62 Issues Raised During Lac Seul First Nation December 5, 2007 Meeting...................... 3-63 Issues Raised by Agencies During February 14, 2008 Meeting .................................... 3-64 Issues Raised by Lac Seul First Nation During September 28, 2009 Meeting .............. 3-65 September 28, 2009 Information Centre Attendance .................................................... 3-66 Summary of Responses to Comment Sheets, September 28, 2009 Information Centre ....................................................................... 3-67 Issues Raised and Relevant ER Section, September 28, 2009 Information Centre ....................................................................... 3-68 Comments by Lac Seul First Nation, September 28, 2009 Information Centre............. 3-68 Lac Seul First Nation Peer Review Comments/Concerns ............................................. 3-70 June 12, 2012 Information Centre Attendance .............................................................. 3-78 Summary of Responses to Comment Sheets, June 12, 2012 Information Centre ................................................................................. 3-78 Issues Raised and Relevant ER Section, June 12, 2012 Information Centre ................................................................................. 3-80 Comments by Wabauskang First Nation, June 12, 2012 Information Centre ............... 3-80 Wabauskang First Nation Peer Review Comments/Concerns ...................................... 3-81 Trout Lake River Above Big Falls, Station O5QC003 ...................................................... 4-3 Maximum Floods at Trout Lake River Above Big Falls .................................................... 4-4 Minimum Daily Flows at Trout Lake River Above Big Falls ............................................. 4-7 Descriptive Mean Daily Flow Statistics for Big Falls ........................................................ 4-8 H327203.201.03, Rev. 1, Page ix © Hatch 2013/04

Horizon Hydro Operations Ltd. - Trout Lake River Hydro Project Environmental Report

Table 4.5 Table 4.6 Table 4.7 Table 4.8 Table 4.9 Table 4.10 (a) Table 4.10 (b) Table 4.10 (c) Table 4.10 (d) Table 4.10 (e) Table 4.10 (f) Table 4.11 Table 4.12 Table 4.13 Table 4.14 Table 4.15 Table 4.16 Table 4.17 Table 4.18 Table 4.19 Table 4.20 Table 4.21 Table 4.22 Table 4.23 Table 4.24 Table 4.25 Table 4.26 Table 4.27 Table 4.28 Table 4.29 Table 4.30 Table 4.31 Table 4.32 Table 4.33 Table 4.34 Table 4.35 Table 4.36 Table 4.37 Table 4.38 Table 4.39 Table 4.40 Table 4.41 Table 4.42 Table 4.43 Table 4.44 Table 4.45 Table 4.46 Table 4.47 Table 4.48

Annual 7-Day Average Flow Minima – Trout Lake River at Big Falls .............................. 4-8 7-Day Average Extreme Low Flow Statistics – Trout Lake River at Big Falls ................. 4-9 Estimated Instantaneous Flood Maxima for the Trout Lake River at Big Falls .............. 4-10 Flood Frequency Analysis for the Trout Lake River at Big Falls .................................... 4-17 HEC-RAS Simulation Results for Existing Conditions ................................................... 4-19 Trout Lake River Water Quality Sampling Results (Upstream Control) ......................... 4-35 Trout Lake River Water Quality Sampling Results (Head Pond) ................................... 4-35 Trout Lake River Water Quality Sampling Results (Downstream North Channel) ........ 4-35 Trout Lake River Water Quality Sampling Results (Downstream South Channel) ........ 4-35 Trout Lake River Water Quality Sampling Results (Downstream Control) .................... 4-35 Trout Lake River Water Quality Sampling Results (Whitefish Falls) ............................. 4-35 Total and Methyl Mercury Results ................................................................................. 4-53 Dissolved Oxygen and Water Temperature Results – May 2008 .................................. 4-54 Water Temperatures in the Trout Lake River – May 7 to 18, 2011 ............................... 4-55 Summary of Species Richness – October 2007 ............................................................ 4-58 Summary of Experimental Gillnet Results – October 2007 ........................................... 4-59 Summary of NORDIC Netting Results – October 2007 ................................................. 4-60 Large Mesh RIN Catch Downstream of Big Falls – August 2011 .................................. 4-61 Large Mesh RIN Catch Upstream of Big Falls – August 2011 ...................................... 4-62 Small RIN Catch Downstream of Big Falls .................................................................... 4-63 Small RIN Catch Upstream of Big Falls – August 2011................................................. 4-64 RIN Fish Catch Summary – August 2010 RIN ............................................................... 4-65 Summary of Walleye Life History Habitat Requirements (Kerr et. al., 1997, Finucan, 2004) ................................................................................. 4-69 Egg Collection Results – Spring 2008 ........................................................................... 4-78 Trap Net Results – Spring 2008 ..................................................................................... 4-80 Summary of Spring 2008 Spawning Survey .................................................................. 4-82 Summary of Fish Catch – Fall 2010............................................................................... 4-84 Summary of Egg Mat Results – Fall 2010 ..................................................................... 4-85 Summary of Fish Capture – Spring 2011 ...................................................................... 4-88 Summary of Egg Mat Results – Spring 2011 ................................................................. 4-89 Fish Catch Summary For Trout Lake River Spring Survey............................................ 4-90 Summary of Walleye Spawning Observations and Activity ........................................... 4-90 Summary of Fish Species Distribution in the Study Area .............................................. 4-92 Summary of Confirmed Spawning Areas and Habitat Features .................................... 4-94 2008 Benthic Sampling Results ................................................................................... 4-108 Benthic Invertebrate Community – Upstream Channel 2011 ...................................... 4-111 Benthic Invertebrate Community – North Channel 2011 ............................................. 4-112 Benthic Invertebrate Community – South Channel 2011............................................. 4-113 Benthic Invertebrate Community – Interconnecting Channel 2011 ............................. 4-113 Substrate at Big Falls Benthic Sampling Locations – September 2011 ...................... 4-139 Fish Use of Head-Pond Wetlands (NWST, 1996) ....................................................... 4-153 Fish Use of Upstream Wetlands (NWST, 1996) .......................................................... 4-155 Fish Use of Downstream Wetlands (NWST, 1996) ..................................................... 4-156 Vegetation Species Recorded During .......................................................................... 4-160 Mammals Potentially Occurring within the Study Area and 1 Their Conservation Status .......................................................................................... 4-163 1 Birds Observed within the Study Area and Their Conservation Status ...................... 4-167 Reptiles and Amphibians Potentially Occurring within the Study Area and 1 Their Conservation Status .......................................................................................... 4-170 Population Characteristics for the Township of Ear Falls, Municipality ....................... 4-177 Highest Levels of Education for the Township of Ear Falls and Municipality of Red Lake and the Province of Ontario, 2006 ................................ 4-178

H327203.201.03, Rev. 1, Page x © Hatch 2013/04

Horizon Hydro Operations Ltd. - Trout Lake River Hydro Project Environmental Report

Table 4.49 Table 4.50 Table 4.51 Table 4.52 Table 4.53 Table 4.54 Table 4.55 Table 5.1 Table 5.2 Table 5.3 Table 6.1 Table 6.2 Table 6.3 Table 6.4 Table 6.5 Table 6.6 Table 6.7 Table 6.8 Table 6.9 Table 6.10 Table 6.11 Table 6.12 Table 6.13 Table 6.14 Table 6.15 Table 7.1 Table 7.2 Table 7.3 Table 9.1 Table 9.2 Table 9.3 Table 10.1 Table 11.1

Total Experienced Labour Force by Occupation and Industry .................................... 4-180 Mine Claims in the Vicinity of the Project ..................................................................... 4-185 Furbearer Harvests From Selected Red Lake Registered Trapping Areas, 1995-96 to 2006-07* .................................................................................................... 4-187 Natural Background Concentrations of Mercury in the Environment ........................... 4-200 Mercury Biomagnification Factors (Environment Canada, 2003) ................................ 4-200 Fish Consumption Restrictions on the Trout Lake River Watershed (MOE, 2013) ..... 4-203 Fish Flesh Mercury Concentration Results – 2010 and 2012 ...................................... 4-204 Potential Construction Effects Identification Matrix .......................................................... 5-3 Vegetation to be Cleared ............................................................................................... 5-41 Summary of Effects and Mitigation During Construction ............................................... 5-63 Potential Operation Effects Identification Matrix .............................................................. 6-3 Shear Stresses Comparison .......................................................................................... 6-13 Power and Bypass Flow Allocation at Various Monthly Flows ...................................... 6-18 Total Daily Average Flow Duration Analysis for all 12 Months of the Year ................... 6-19 Head-Pond Water Levels at Various Flow Rates .......................................................... 6-22 Head-Pond Volume and Residency Time ...................................................................... 6-22 Pre-Development Conditions – HEC-RAS Simulation Results ...................................... 6-24 Post-Development Conditions – HEC-RAS Simulation Results .................................... 6-25 Pre- and Post-Project Model Scenarios ......................................................................... 6-26 Soil Methylmercury Generation Rates from Flooded Boreal Upland Forests (Bodaly et al., 2004) ....................................................................................................... 6-30 Estimates of MeHg Generation Potential and Incremental Increase in Head-Pond Outflow Concentration ............................................................. 6-31 Estimated Fish Turbine Mortality – One and Two Unit Plant ......................................... 6-37 Summary of Aquatic Habitat Impacts............................................................................. 6-54 Fish Habitat Compensation Works Areas ...................................................................... 6-57 Summary of Operational Effects and Mitigation ............................................................ 6-65 Residual Effects Significance Criteria and Levels ........................................................... 7-1 Assessment of the Significance of the Net Adverse Effects During Construction ........... 7-3 Assessment of the Significance of the Net Adverse Effects During Operation ............... 7-6 Pre-construction Monitoring Phase Tasks ....................................................................... 9-1 Environmental Monitoring Program During Construction ................................................ 9-3 Environmental Monitoring During Operations .................................................................. 9-9 Summary of Positive and Negative Environmental Effects............................................ 10-1 Typical Environmental Permits and Approvals .............................................................. 11-1

H327203.201.03, Rev. 1, Page xi © Hatch 2013/04

Horizon Hydro Operations Ltd. - Trout Lake River Hydro Project Environmental Report

Blank back

H327203.201.03, Rev. 1, Page xii © Hatch 2013/04

Horizon Hydro Operations Ltd. - Trout Lake River Hydro Project Environmental Report

List of Figures Figure 1.1 Figure 1.2 Figure 1.3 Figure 2.1 Figure 2.2 Figure 4.1 Figure 4.2 Figure 4.3 Figure 4.4 Figure 4.5 Figure 4.6 Figure 4.7 Figure 4.8 Figure 4.9 Figure 4.10 Figure 4.11 Figure 4.12 Figure 4.13 Figure 4.14 Figure 4.15 Figure 4.16 Figure 4.17a Figure 4.17b Figure 4.18a Figure 4.18b Figure 4.19 Figure 4.20 Figure 4.21a-f Figure 4.22a Figure 4.22b Figure 4.22c Figure 4.23 Figure 4.24 Figure 4.25 Figure 4.26 Figure 4.27 Figure 4.28 Figure 4.29 Figure 4.30a Figure 4.30b Figure 4.31 Figure 4.32 Figure 4.33 Figure 4.34 Figure 4.35 Figure 4.36 Figure 5.1 Figure 6.1 Figure 6.2 Figure 6.3

Project Location ............................................................................................................... 1-3 Project Location and Study Area ..................................................................................... 1-5 Class EA for Waterpower Projects Process .................................................................... 1-9 Project Schedule .............................................................................................................. 2-7 Bruce Lake Area ............................................................................................................ 2-11 (SAAS) Superimposed Daily Hydrographs at Big Falls ................................................... 4-4 Average Annual Flow at Big Falls .................................................................................... 4-5 (SAAS) Period of Record Total Daily Average Flow Duration Curve ............................ 4-11 (SAAS) Period of Record Monthly Composite Flow Duration Curves ........................... 4-12 (SAAS) Period of Record Baseflow Flow Duration Curve ............................................. 4-13 (SAAS) Period of Record Monthly Composite Baseflow Flow Duration Curves............ 4-14 (SAAS) Median Annual Flow Duration Curve ................................................................ 4-15 (SAAS) Median Monthly Composite Flow Duration Curves .......................................... 4-16 3 North Falls at 42 m /s Pre-Project ................................................................................. 4-23 3 South Falls at 42 m /s Pre-Project ................................................................................. 4-25 3 Reach Below Big Falls at 24.5 m /s – Pre-Project ......................................................... 4-27 3 Reach Below Big Falls at 8 m /s Pre-Project ................................................................. 4-29 Surface Water Quality Sampling Locations ................................................................... 4-33 Mercury Water Quality Sampling Locations ................................................................... 4-51 Trout Lake River – Fall 2010 Water Temperatures ....................................................... 4-55 Chutes – Spawning Habitat Summary ........................................................................... 4-95 Upper Section of Headpond Rapids – Spawning Habitat Summary ............................. 4-97 Lower Section of Headpond Rapids – Spawning Habitat Summary ............................. 4-99 Big Falls – North Channel Spawning Habitat Summary .............................................. 4-101 Big Falls – South Channel Spawning Habitat Summary.............................................. 4-103 Confirmed Spawning Locations – Whitefish Falls ........................................................ 4-105 Benthic Invertebrate Sampling Locations – 2008 and 2011 ........................................ 4-109 Aquatic Habitat Features ............................................................................................. 4-115 Aquatic Habitat Features – Headpond Above Big Falls............................................... 4-127 Aquatic Habitat Features – Middle of Headpond ......................................................... 4-129 Aquatic Habitat Features – Upper End of Headpond .................................................. 4-129 Big Falls Channels and Flow Paths ............................................................................. 4-141 Aerial View of South Channel – October 2011 ............................................................ 4-143 Aerial View of North Channel – September 2011 ........................................................ 4-145 Aerial View of Interconnecting Channel Through Island – October 2011 .................... 4-149 Terrestrial Environment Survey Locations ................................................................... 4-157 Significant Natural Areas ............................................................................................. 4-175 Mining Claims, Dispositions and Alienations ............................................................... 4-189 Trapline Areas .............................................................................................................. 4-191 Location of Trapper Cabin ........................................................................................... 4-193 Bear Management Areas ............................................................................................. 4-195 Existing Portage Trails ................................................................................................. 4-197 Lake Whitefish Mercury Concentration vs. Total Length ............................................. 4-204 Walleye Mercury Concentration vs. Total Length ........................................................ 4-205 Northern Pike Mercury Concentration vs. Total Length ............................................... 4-206 White Sucker Mercury Concentration vs. Total Length ............................................... 4-207 River Diversion Stages .................................................................................................. 5-11 Big Falls Channels and Flow Paths ............................................................................... 6-69 Location of Control Point/Proposed Structures at Entrance to South Channel ............. 6-71 Side Channel Diversion to South Channel .................................................................... 6-73

H327203.201.03, Rev. 1, Page xiii © Hatch 2013/04

Horizon Hydro Operations Ltd. - Trout Lake River Hydro Project Environmental Report

Figure 6.4 Figure 6.5a Figure 6.5b Figure 6.6 Figure 6.7 Figure 6.8 Figure 6.9 Figure 6.10a Figure 6.10b Figure 6.11 Figure 6.12 Figure 6.13a Figure 6.13b Figure 6.14 Figure 8.1 Figure 8.2

Interconnecting Channel Through Mid Falls Island (Flow from North to South Channel) .............................................................................. 6-75 Water Level Comparisons Pre- and Post-Project .......................................................... 6-77 Flow Velocity Comparisons Pre- and Post-Project ........................................................ 6-79 3 North Falls at 42 m /s Post-Project ................................................................................ 6-81 3 South Falls at 42 m /s Post-Project ............................................................................... 6-83 3 Reach Below Big Falls at 42 m /s Post-Project ............................................................. 6-85 3 Reach Below Big Falls at 24 m /s Post-Project ............................................................. 6-87 3 3 Reach Below Big Falls at 8 m /s (Plant Q=5.0 m /s) Post-Project ................................ 6-89 3 3 Reach Below Big Falls at 8 m /s (Plant Q=7.0 m /s) Post-Project ................................ 6-91 Headpond Inundation Area at F.S.L. 368.77 m ............................................................. 6-93 Big Falls Survey Results/Wetted Area – Fall 2011 ........................................................ 6-95 Fish Habitat Shoal in the Headpond – Options 1 and 2 General Arrangement ............. 6-97 Fish Habitat Compensation Works Below Big Falls ....................................................... 6-99 Post-Project Portage Routes, Trails and Signs ........................................................... 6-101 Big Falls Bypass Reach – Weekly Flow Statistics ........................................................... 8-7 Trout Lake River Headpond Operating Plan .................................................................... 8-9

H327203.201.03, Rev. 1, Page xiv © Hatch 2013/04

Horizon Hydro Operations Ltd. - Trout Lake River Hydro Project Environmental Report

Glossary of Abbreviations ABA ANSI ARD ATK

Acid base accounting Area of Natural and Scientific Interest acid rock drainage Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge

BHA BMA BMP

Bait Harvest Area Bear Management Area Best management practice

CEAA CEA Agency CEAR CEE COSEWIC COSSARO CSA CPUE CWQG

Canadian Environmental Assessment Act Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry cumulative environmental effects Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario Canadian Standards Association Catch per unit effort Canadian Water Quality Guidelines

DFO DLUG DO DOC

Fisheries and Oceans Canada District Land Use Guidelines Dissolved oxygen Dissolved organic carbon

ELA ELARP EC ECA EPR ER/ES ESR EPT ERPP

Experimental Lakes Area Experimental Lakes Area Reservoir Project Environment Canada Environmental Compliance Approval Electricity Projects Regulation Environmental Report/Environmental Screening Environmental Screening Report Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera Emergency Preparedness Response Plan

FDC FEAC FIT FLUDEX FMZ FSL FWCA

Flow Duration Curve Federal Environmental Assessment Coordinator Feed-in-Tariff Flooded Upland Dynamics Experiment Fisheries Management Zone Full supply level Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act

GHG

Greenhouse Gases

HADD HC HONI

Harmful alteration, disruption or destruction Health Canada Hydro One Networks Inc.

H327203.201.03, Rev. 1, Page xv © Hatch 2013/04

Horizon Hydro Operations Ltd. - Trout Lake River Hydro Project Environmental Report

IC IDF INAC

Industry Canada Inflow Design Flood Indian and Northern Affairs Canada

LOI LRIA LUP

Letter of Intent Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act Land Use Permit

MAA MBCA MCL MDL MNO NMNOC MOE MOL MNR MNDM MTCS

Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs Migratory Birds Convention Act Ministry of Culture Method detection limit Métis Nation of Ontario Northwest Métis Nation of Ontario Council Ministry of Environment Ministry of Labour Ministry of Natural Resources Ministry of Northern Development and Mines Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport

NBCC NOL NOZ NRCan NWPA

National Building Code of Canada Normal Operating Level Normal Operating Zone Natural Resources of Canada Navigable Waters Protection Act

OEAA OEL-WESA OPG OPSS ORA OWA OWRA

Ontario Environmental Assessment Act Ottawa Engineering Limited/WESA Ontario Power Generation Ontario Provincial Standard Specifications Ontario Rivers Alliance Ontario Waterpower Association Ontario Water Resources Act

PIC PIF POD PTTW PWQO

Public Information Centre Partners in Flight Plan of Development Permit to Take Water Provincial Water Quality Objectives

RA ROW

Responsibility Authority Right of Way

Sa SAAS SAC SAR SARA SFL

Spectral-acceleration Streamflow Analysis and Assessment Software Standing Advisory Committee Species at Risk Species at Risk Act Sustainable Forest License

H327203.201.03, Rev. 1, Page xvi © Hatch 2013/04

Horizon Hydro Operations Ltd. - Trout Lake River Hydro Project Environmental Report

TC TDS TKN TSP TSS

Transport Canada Total Dissolved Solids Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen Total Suspended Particulate Total Suspended Solids

VECs VSCs

Valued Ecosystem Components Valued Socioeconomic Components

WMP WMU WSC

water management plan Wildlife Management Unit Water Survey of Canada

YOY

Young of the year

H327203.201.03, Rev. 1, Page xvii © Hatch 2013/04

Horizon Hydro Operations Ltd. - Trout Lake River Hydro Project Environmental Report

Blank back

H327203.201.03, Rev. 1, Page xviii © Hatch 2013/04