Environmental Information

Environmental Studies

Merchantable Timber Transmission line, access roads (upgrading and new sections), headpond and project area* assessed in summer 2004 2890 cubic metres of merchantable timber would be cleared for project facilities (mostly transmission line and access roads, less than 125m3 within main project area* including headpond) Terrestrial Vegetation and Wetlands Transmission line, access roads (upgrading and new sections), headpond and project area* assessed in summer 2004 Dominant forest types include upland trembling aspen, white birch and black spruce communities and lowland swamps of black spruce and speckled alder, which are typical of this part of NW Ontario Seven wetland vegetation communities present in the headpond area, consisting of two swamps, two open water areas and three wet meadow marshes. Several small fens were identified within the project area No rare species or vegetation or wetland communities were found in the project area Archaeological/Heritage Survey Stage 1 and 2 Archaeological and Heritage impact assessment undertaken of project area* in summer 2004 Some water washed flakes and a medicine bottle from 1880’s found near the future diversion channel entrance Study found low potential for archaeological or heritage resources Ministry of Culture has provided a letter clearing the area for development

* project area defined as overflow weir, intake and sluice structures, powerhouse and switchyyard and associated work/laydown areas

Traditional Values Survey			Fish Community and Habitat
Elders were consulted during 2004 to determine presence of traditional ecological, cultural and/or spiritual values within project areas No significant values to be affected by proposed project   Recreational Use Survey A survey of recreational users (by canoe, ATV and mountain bike) was conducted in 2004 from June to September 149 people visited the area, with 126 by water and 23 by land Approximately 50% viewed the upper falls area and about 2/3 viewed Umbata Falls Many expressed a desire to maintain the isolation of the area, and keep the area as natural as possible Six expressed outright opposition to the project (not be built), three expressed full support			Studies conducted in spring and summer 2003, and summer 2004 Areas surveyed include the upper part of the head pond, below the gorge, and below the Hydro bridge Primary species include walleye, northern pike, white sucker and small forage species Head Pond Area Head Pond Area One pike captured in 2003 Upstream fish community of at least 10 fish species including walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, white sucker and forage species Limited habitat beyond the pool below the upper falls (due to high flow velocity and limited cover) Falls and Gorge Fish habitat observations in the gorge are limited to those available from shoreline vantage points Gorge offers no fish habitat due to high velocity flows and scoured bedrock substrate No fish access to the gorge due to flow velocity and gradient change at gorge mouth Gorge to Hydro-One Bridge Walleye spawn below the gorge, likely over the boulder/cobble bar during high spring flows (suitable habitat and mature walleye collected during 2003 spawning season) Nursery habitat for young-of-the-year white sucker in backwater bays in this area Other species collected include burbot, logperch, longnose sucker and johnny darter Downstream of Hydro-One Bridge Walleye, northern pike and yellow perch are dominant species in this area Area characterized by slow moving reaches and backwater bays, interspersed with islands and shoals Rapids at Hydro-One bridge may limit access to the preceding area for small fish and those with limited swimming ability

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Economic Analysis