Haslam Lake, Water Main Upgrade, Powell River BC
January 2017-November 2017 [zilla_button url=”http://sage.nerdnorth.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Project-Profile-Haslam-Lake_md.pdf” style=”green” size=”medium” type=”square” target=”_blank”] Download this Project Profile [/zilla_button]
Summary
Sage Environmental was retained as a subconsultant for WSP Group to conduct an Environmental Assessment, provide Mitigation measures and Permitting Support prior to start of works to replace an existing water main line supplying the City of Powell River. The BC Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations were engaged early in the project, requesting a Compensation Plan be prepared and implemented for the Project.
Situation
The existing 1.3km water main line leading from Haslam Lake was installed in the 1960s. At the time of installation, soil displacement in the water main area created a large wetland. Various sensitivities including reptile and amphibian species at risk, beaver dams, water quality, and invasive bullfrogs had to be considered through all phases of the Project. Downstream sensitive receptors included Miller Creek, leading to, Cranberry Lake where at risk populations of Cutthroat Trout and Painted Turtle are present.
Solution
The decision was made to slipline the existing water line as it would cause the least disturbance to the sensitive habitat. Riparian Areas displacement was negligible due to the successful implementation of measures to AVOID and MINIMIZE project effects on the surrounding environment. Any disturbance due to road access was restored by vegetation planting. Sage provided Environmental Assessment, Permitting Support, Species at Risk Surveys, Invasive Species Management Practices, and Mitigation and Compensation Planning to support the permitting of this project, which was carried out with minimal disturbance to riparian habitat and no disturbance of the wetland itself.