DFO Land Development Guidelines

Land Development Guidelines

for the Protection of Aquatic Habitat
These guidelines were produced by the Habitat Management Division of the Department of Fisheries and
Oceans and the Integrated Management Branch of the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks.
The authors gratefully acknowledge all those people who contributed to the composition of these
guidelines.
Complied and edited by Barry Chilibeck, Department of Fisheries and Oceans,

and Geoff Chislett and Gary Norris, Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks.
First Printing: May 1992

Second Printing: September 1993
1
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS..........................................................................................................3
LIST OF FIGURES.................................................................................................................5
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................9
SECTION 2
LEAVE STRIPS......................................................................................................................15
SECTION 3
EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL AND SITE DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES
................23
SECTION 4
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT............................................................................................45
SECTION 5
INSTREAM WORK.................................................................................................................63
SECTION 6
FISH PASSAGE AND CULVERTS..........................................................................................69
SECTION 7
IMPLEMENTING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES
.................................................81
SECTION 8
LAND DEVELOPMENT EXAMPLE.........................................................................................89
APPENDIX I
REGULATIONS......................................................................................................................109
APPENDIX II
SALMONID HABITAT.............................................................................................................117
APPENDIX III
OPERATING WINDOWS FOR FISHERIES SENSITIVE ZONES
...........................................123
REFERENCES.......................................................................................................................127
3
4
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 2.1
Riparian and Fisheries Sensitive Zones...................................................................................15
Figure 2.2
Riparian Zone Benefits to Aquatic Habitat...............................................................................16
Figure 2.3
Minimum Leave Strip for a Well-defined High Water Mark
in a Residential/Low Density Area...........................................................................................18
Figure 2.4
Minimum Leave Strip Width for a Poorly-defined High Water Mark
Figure 2.5
Minimum Leave Strip for a Ravine or Steep-sloped Banks
Figure 2.6
Plan View of Riparian Leave Strips..........................................................................................21
Figure 3.1
Surface and Slope Erosion and Sediment Control Applications
................................................27
Figure 3.2
Typical Interceptor Ditch Construction and Application............................................................31
Figure 3.3
Typical Silt Fence Construction and Applications
.....................................................................33
Figure 3.4
Sediment Control Pond Plan and Sections..............................................................................39
Figure 3.5
Sediment Control Pond Riser Details and Baffle Layouts
.........................................................40
Figure 3.6
Single Lot Development Erosion and Sediment Control Features
............................................44
Figure 4.1
Dry Detention Pond Plan and Sections....................................................................................51
Figure 4.2
Wet Detention Pond Plan and Sections...................................................................................53
Figure 4.3
Detention Pond Control Structure Typical Details....................................................................54
Figure 4.4
Infiltration System Design and Typical Application...................................................................58
Figure 4.5
Coalescing Plate Oil-Water Separator.....................................................................................59
Figure 6.1
Culvert Installation Limiting Fish Access..................................................................................72
Figure 6.2
Culvert Providing Upstream Fish Passage
...............................................................................73
5
Figure 6.3
Culvert Installation for a Small Creek with Provision for Fry Passage
.......................................75
Figure 6.4
Diagram and Photo of a Rock Outlet Pool and Tailwater Control Structure
..............................78
Figure 6.5
Diagram and Photo of Typical Culvert Baffle Layout and Installation
........................................80
Figure 7.1
Land Development Guidelines Screening and Application Chart
..............................................84
Figure 8.1
Predevelopment Map..............................................................................................................91
Figure 8.2
Erosion and Sediment Control Map.........................................................................................94
Figure 8.3
Developed Site Map................................................................................................................96
Figure 8.4
Stream Information Summary (SIS) Report Data for Land Development Example
...................97
Figure 8.5
Land Development Example Site IDF Curves..........................................................................103
Figure 8.6
Calculation of Predevelopment and Post-development Peak Flows for Land Development
Example..................................................................................................................................106
Figure 8.7
Calculation Spreadsheet and Simplified Hydrograph for Detention Volume Requirements
.......107
Figure A2.1
Anadromous Salmonid Life Cycle............................................................................................119
Figure A3.1
Fisheries Sensitive Zone Areas of British Columbia
.................................................................126
6
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1.1 - Partial List of Agency Approvals for Land Development Projects
............................12
Table 3.1 - Required Surface Area and Overflow Rates for Discrete Particle Settling
...............35
Table 4.1 - Advantages and Disadvantages of Various Detention Technologies
......................47
Table 6.1 - Fisheries and Design Considerations for Stream Crossing Structures
....................70
Table 6.2 - Sustained, Prolonged and Burst Swimming Speeds For Various Fish
....................75
Table 8.1 - Example Development Construction Schedule
.......................................................91
Table 8.2 - Land Cover Factors used for Rational Formula
......................................................98
Table 8.3 - Land Cover Factors used in Overland Flow Tc Calculation
....................................99
Table 8.4 - Recurrence Intervals and Catchment Areas
...........................................................100
Table 8.5 - Land Development Example IDF Data
...................................................................101
Table A3.1 - Fisheries Sensitive Zone Species Timing Windows
.............................................126
7
8
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
Purpose and Scope

The purpose of these guidelines is to protect fish populations and their habitat from the damaging
effects of land development activities. The information contained in these guidelines pertains to
the preservation of Pacific salmon populations, a federally-managed resource (DFO), and
steelhead, trout, char and other freshwater species, which are managed by the provincial Ministry
of Environment, Lands and Parks (MOELP). These guidelines apply primarily to salmon, trout
and char, collectively termed salmonids, but are applicable to all fish species. Understandably,
the recommendations contained in these guidelines are generalized and, as such, are applicable
to a wide range of situations. Although the federal and provincial agencies work in close
association, it is important that both be contacted whenever a problem arises regarding fisheries
resources that cannot be resolved through reference to the land development guidelines. In
some instances and locations, it may be necessary for personnel of the federal and provincial
habitat management agencies to modify recommendations presented in these guidelines to
reflect site specific conditions and in order to protect salmonid habitat.
Fish Habitat, Land Development and Fisheries Sensitive Zones

DFO is responsible, under the Fisheries Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. F-14), to protect fish and fish
habitat in "waters frequented by fish" (Appendix I provides a brief regulatory synopsis for land
development purposes). This includes protection from any work in or near these waters. The
provincial government (MOELP) is responsible for management of steelhead, trout, char and
other non-salmonid freshwater species under theFisheries Act. The definitions of fish and fish
habitat under the Fisheries Act are as follows:
• Fish all fish, shellfish, crustaceans and marine animals, and the eggs, spawn,
spat and juvenile stages of fish, shellfish, crustaceans and marine
animals.
• Fish Habitat the spawning grounds, nursery, rearing, food supply and migration areas
on which fish depend directly or indirectly in order to carry out their life
processes.
All developments in or adjacent to waters containing fish or fish habitat, whether marine or
freshwater, require the approval of DFO and MOELP. In order to better define the requirements
for protection of aquatic habitat, Fisheries Sensitive Zones (FSZ) were developed. They are
defined as the instream aquatic habitats, as well as the out-of-stream habitat features such as
side channels, wetlands and riparian areas. Land developments have the potential to seriously
9
degrade and destroy fish habitat and impact fish populations. Accordingly, DFO and MOELP
carefully control work in and around the Fisheries Sensitive Zone.
Land Development Guideline Objectives

The primary goal of these guidelines is to ensure that the quantity and quality of fish habitat are
preserved and maintained at the productive level that existed prior to land development activities.
The Fisheries Act provides the legislative basis for DFO'sPolicy for the Management of Fish
Habitat (DFO 1986) and the principle of no net loss of the productive capacity (i.e. the maximum
natural capacity) of fish habitat. Each land development project, therefore, is subject to the
following guideline objectives.
• Provision and protection of leave strips adjacent to watercourses.
• Control of soil erosion and sediment in runoff water.
• Control of rates of water runoff to minimize impacts on watercourses.
• Control of instream work, construction and diversions on watercourses.
• Maintenance of fish passage in watercourses for all salmonid life stages.
• Prevention of the discharge of deleterious substances to watercourses.
The second goal of these guidelines is to encourage the provision of environmental
assessment/impact information to DFO and MOELP thereby improving the efficiency and
effectiveness of the regulatory referral and approval process. These guidelines are intended to
assist land developers to identify problems prior to development and present feasible solutions or
measures to prevent potential negative effects on fish and fish habitat. Their use will also avoid
potentially costly mitigation, restoration and compensation requirements. An overall awareness
of environmental concerns regarding land development, fish and fish habitat is essential if the
national goal of sustainable development is to be achieved.
Referral and Approval Process

Land development projects are referred by individuals, companies and other agencies to both
DFO and MOELP. In most cases, the proponent of the project is responsible for providing the
required assessment information to the agencies involved. This information is summarized in an
impact assessment document, described later in the guidelines, that outlines the development
proposal and describes how the features of these guidelines will be incorporated. Generally, the
potential impacts on fish and fish habitat will be determined by DFO and MOELP staff based on
habitat function, productivity, uniqueness and sensitivity. The productive capacity is then rated
and used to evaluate the impact of the proposed development. If a potential impact exists,
alternate siting, mitigation or compensation options are examined to determine if no net loss can
be achieved. If no net loss can be achieved, the project will be approved under the
Fisheries
Act. In some cases, additional information will be requested from the proponent to substantiate
10
the impact assessment. If impacts are unacceptable and alternative siting, mitigation or
compensation are not possible, or the required information has not been provided, the project will
not be approved. Generally, early consultation with DFO and MOELP, and application of these
guidelines, will facilitate generation of a suitable land development plan. Proponents should
provide as much accurate information as possible so as to improve the efficiency of the process
for all parties concerned.
Federal Environmental Assessment and Review Process (EARP)

The EARP process requires the lead federal agency (the agency with the primary decision-
making responsibility) on a project to carry out an initial environmental assessment screening. If
there are no impacts or the impacts can be mitigated with known technology, the project will be
allowed to proceed. If the screening indicates significant adverse impacts will result, the project
will be referred to the Minister of the Environment for public review by the Federal Environmental
Assessment Review Office (FEARO).
Regulation of Land Development - Other Jurisdictions

While satisfying the requirements of theFisheries Act is one step in the approval process, there
are a number of other possible requirements. Other federal, provincial, municipal or local acts or
by-laws may require applications, approvals and permits. These guidelines do not take
precedence over statutory and other requirements imposed by other agencies. Approval by DFO
in no way constitutes regional or local authority approval of the development of the project. On
the other hand, no approval given or implicit, by any regional or local authority, relieves the
proponent of responsibilities for the protection of the aquatic habitat as required by federal and
provincial statutes. Where fish habitat is damaged or lost, the powers of theFisheries Act,
through the court system, may be used to order the proponent to restore or compensate for that
habitat and pay the associated expenses. Where other limits or conditions are specified by acts
or by-laws, the more stringent or limiting requirement shall take precedence. A list of some
federal, provincial and municipal statutes, approvals and permits is included in Table 1.1.
11
Agency Legislation Description

Federal:
Department of Fisheries Fisheries Act Approval for activities that impact fish and
and Oceans fish habitat including discharges of
deleterious substances. Requirements for
the provision of fishways, canals,
fishscreens or guards and the flow of water.
Transport Canada: Navigable Waters Protection Act Permit for activities in, around, under and
Canadian Coast Guard over navigable waters for commerce,
transportation or recreation.
Department of Indian Indian act Approval for activities on lands under

and Northern Affairs jurisdiction
Department of Energy, Mines Explosives Act Use and transport of explosives.
and Resources:
Explosives Branch
Federal Environmental Environmental Assessment and Requirement for impact assessment,

Assessment Review Office Review Process Guidelines Order environmental protection, EARP screening,
(FEARO) assessment and review. Administration of
public review panel.
Environment Canada:
Environment Protection Environmental Protection Act Environment and human health, toxic
substances, water/air quality standards.
Canadian Wildlife Service Canadian Wildlife Act Permission for activities affecting wildlife and
wildlife habitat in wildlife areas.
Migratory Bird Conventions Act Approval for activities affecting migratory
birds and their habitat.
Inland Waters International River Improvements Approval of work affecting water quality and
Act environment of rivers flowing outside
Canada.
12
Agency Legislation Description

Provincial:
Ministry of Environment, Lands
and Parks:
Regional Operations Fisheries Act Approval for activities that impact fish and
fish habitat.
Water Management Branch Water Act Approval for short term use, storage and
diversion of water. Approval of alterations
and work in and about a stream (Section 7).
Environmental Protection Division Waste Management Act Permit the discharge or emission of effluent,
waste or contaminants into air, land or water.
Restrictions regarding solid and toxic
Crown Lands Branch Land Act wastes.
Regulation of the sale, lease and license of
occupation, rights-of-way, special use
permits, easements, map reserves and
Environmental Assessment Environment Management Act permission to construct on crown lands.
Branch Requirements for impact assessment and
environmental protection as ordered.
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries Soil Conservation Act Permit for the removal of soil from an ALR.
and Food: Regulations to prevent and control soil
Agricultural Land Commission Agricultural Land Commission Act erosion.
Approval to use land in the ALR for other
than farm use.
Ministry of Health: Health Act Approval of construction camps.
Provincial Health Officer Regulations for potable water supply,
sewage disposal, sanitation and food supply
operations.
Ministry of Attorney General: Fire Services Act Approval for more than 22.5 liters of fuel
Fire Commissioner storage onsite and onsite fuel dispensing.
Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Heritage Conservation Act Approval to excavate or alter sites of
Recreation and Housing: archaeological or historical significance.
Archaeology Branch
Regional/Municipal:
Regional/Municipal Governments Municipal Act Permits for construction. Approval of zoning

Regional and Municipal By-laws or re-zoning. Regulation of set backs,
development densities (FSR), local land use
and building codes. Permits for clearing and
burning.
13
Review and Updating of the Land Development Guidelines

These guidelines will be reviewed and updated every two years to account for changes in
technologies, standards or requirements regarding land development and its associated impacts
on the aquatic environment. Comments and input into these guidelines are welcomed and
should be forwarded to:
Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Habitat Management Division
Station 327 - 555 W. Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 5G3
phone: 666-6566
fax: 666-7907.
14
SECTION 2
LEAVE STRIPS
Objective
The primary objective of leave strips is to protect the riparian zone, which is critical to the
maintenance of a healthy aquatic environment. Riparian zones, located next to streams, rivers,
lakes and wetlands, have direct influence on aquatic habitat values. They can broadly be
described as the area of the streambank, including any side channels and associated banks, and
the area of influence, which contains upland areas not normally inundated during high water
conditions. Riparian zones and the instream aquatic habitat are both part of the Fisheries
Sensitive Zone (FSZ). Leave strips are the areas of land and vegetation adjacent to
watercourses that are to remain in an undisturbed state, throughout and after the development
process. The extent of the leave strip will be determined by the presence and proximity of a
watercourse on or adjacent to the development site, and by the nature of the watercourse and
surrounding land use. Leave strips should be provided on all watercourses that flow into
or contain fish or fish habitat. This may include wetlands, ponds, swampy areas or
other intermittently wetted areas, small streams, side channels and ditches which may
not flow throughout the entire year (ephemeral). The leave strip also helps to protect
private property from flooding and potential loss of land due to stream erosion and instability.
Figure 2.1 Riparian and Fisheries Sensitive Zones
15
Impact of Riparian Zones on Aquatic Fish Habitat

The riparian zone has characteristics that protect and nurture quality aquatic fish habitat.
Disturbance or destruction of the riparian zone can have serious impacts to both the short and
long-term viability and productivity of fish and fish habitat.
Figure 2.2 Riparian Zone Benefits to Aquatic Habitat
Food Source
The largest supply of food items and material supporting the aquatic food chain originates from
outside the stream's waters. Riparian zones provide food directly by providing habitat for
terrestrial insects that fall into the water becoming food items for fish. The organic matter, leaves
and needles provide a food source for many aquatic insects which in turn become food items for
fish.
Large Organic Debris (LOD) Source
The large mature deciduous and coniferous trees along a streambank provide a future source of
large organic debris in the aquatic environment and should be preserved. Fallen dead trees and
snags, eroded root structures and logs are the large organic debris that provides stream bed
stability, cover and habitat for young fish. LOD should not be removed from the stream FSZ.
16
Water Temperature Regulation

The density and height of the streamside vegetation influence the amount of light reaching the
water surface, hence water temperatures and dissolved oxygen saturation levels of streams. A
developed canopy provides a stable shading influence which helps regulate water temperature
ranges and rates of fluctuation. This ultimately reduces stress on fish populations and improves
habitat quality.
Stream Buffer Zone
Streamside vegetation and ground cover intercept runoff and act as an effective filter for
sediment and pollutants that would normally be deposited into the water column and would
impact fish and fish habitat.
Stream Cover
Streamside vegetation plays an important role by providing cover and shelter which reduces
stress and losses from predation for both juvenile and adult salmonids.
Streambank Stability
The living network of roots and vegetation provide "living rip rap", limiting bank erosion and
stream degradation. Channel stability enhances aquatic habitat values in productive stream
reaches.
Permanent Protection of Leave Strips

The leave strip should be permanently protected under one of the following methods: dedication
as park, by return of the land to the Crown in the name of the local government, re-zoned as a
protected area or reserve status, or secured with restrictive covenants. The development of trails
for public access and use may be considered, however they should not be designed or
constructed so that they adversely affect the stream's aquatic habitat and should be included in
the overall development plans for DFO/MOELP review.
Leave Strip Boundaries

Once the extent of the leave strip has been determined, the boundary must be defined by legal
survey and depicted on the appropriate development project drawings as "Leave Strip". Leave
strip boundaries should be clearly defined in the field (e.g. by the installation of snow type
fencing) prior to the commencement of any site work. The fencing should be securely fastened
on posts to prevent movement and have signs notifying the leave strip boundary. Such boundary
definition should remain in place and be maintained in good order until completion of construction
of buildings on the site. It can be removed as part of final inspection on completion of the site
work. To prevent incursions into the leave strip after construction or to protect sensitive areas,
permanent fencing should be installed.
17
Leave Strip Widths

Minimum leave strip widths for riparian zone protection can be established with these guidelines.
The stream high water mark must first be determined, usually the water level reached during the
mean annual flood event or top of the stream bank, and the widths specified are then measured
from that high water mark. They are measured perpendicular to and away from the stream bank,
for the distance specified, on both sides of the stream.These are suggested minimum
widths and may be altered by DFO/MOELP staff to suit onsite conditions . DFO or
MOELP should be contacted if there is any difficulty in determining the existing high
water mark, or required leave strip width for a certain watercourse or development . In
many cases, the leave strip may have to be widened to protect critical fish habitat within the FSZ.
Many regional and municipal authorities have specific zoning and set-back requirements for flood
protection, parks, community planning, etc. They will take precedence if they exceed the
minimum requirements of these guidelines.
Watercourse with well defined high water mark in a Residential/Low Density Area
The minimum leave strip width on each side of the watercourse should be 15 meters from the
high water mark.
Figure 2.3 Minimum Leave Strip for a Well-defined High Water Mark
in a Residential/Low Density Area
18
Watercourse with poorly-defined high water mark in a Residential/Low Density Area

Careful consideration must be given to establishing the existing high water mark in wide flood
plain or multi-channel areas, and features such as floating vegetation mats, undercut banks and
seasonally dry areas, must be taken into account. These areas usually have high salmonid
habitat values and require protection because they are difficult to restore or compensate for if
damaged or destroyed. The minimum leave strip width on each side of the watercourse should
be 15 meters from the high water mark.
Figure 2.4 Minimum Leave Strip Width for a Poorly-defined High Water Mark
Watercourse with steeply sloped topography in a Residential/Low Density Area

Steep slopes adjacent to watercourses have the potential for major adverse effects on aquatic
habitat. Major problems are generally due to erosion, gully formation, loss of riparian vegetation
and bank instability associated with surface runoff down steep slopes. Additional stream channel
instability can cause channel and bank erosion resulting in large-scale mass wasting and
sediment inputs to the aquatic habitat. Leave strips at the top of slopes provide an effective
buffer for the entire ravine area and protect the sensitive crest areas. Accordingly, leave strip
widths should maintained at the top of the ravine or steep sloped areas. If the distance from the
high water mark to the toe of the slope is less than 15 meters, then the leave strip should be
located at the first significant and regular break in slope which is a minimum of 15 meters wide.
19
Figure 2.5 Minimum Leave Strip for a Ravine or Steep-sloped Banks

Watercourse with well defined high water mark in a Commercial/High Density Area
Because of higher utilization of land and development of impervious areas within commercial,
industrial and multi-family/multi-dwelling developments, the potential for increased impacts on
watercourses can be great. Accordingly, protective leave strips should be widened to provide
additional protection. The minimum leave strip width on each side of the watercourse should be
30 meters from the high water mark
Watercourse with poorly-defined high water mark in a Commercial/High Density Area
Similar to a residential/low density area, but with an increased minimum width to allow for higher
land utilization. Where the watercourse is ill-defined, the minimum leave strip width on each side
of the watercourse should be 30 meters from the high water mark.
Watercourse with steeply sloped topography in a Commercial/High Density Area
Similar to a residential/low density area, but with increased minimum width to allow for higher
land utilization. If the distance from the high water mark to the toe of the slope is less than 30
meters, then the leave strip should be located at the first significant and regular break in slope
which is a minimum of 30 meters wide.
20
Figure 2.6 Plan View of Riparian Leave Strips
21
Guidelines for Construction Practices within the Fisheries Sensitve Zone

The following provisions are steps intended to protect leave strips and maintain a healthy
functional riparian zone. For additional information regarding work within the FSZ, see Instream
Work and Appendix III.
Planning and Minimizing Impacted Area
• Streambank characteristics and vegetation should be taken into account when planning
development activities in and around rivers and streams.
• During development of the land, there sh
ould be no unauthorized work or disturbance
into the FSZ.
• Where encroachment into a leave strip is required, specific plans must be prepared and
approved by DFO/MOELP in advance.
• Requests for permission to encroach will only be considered for major vehicle or
footbridge crossings, utility crossings, and stormwater discharge outfalls.
• The plans for such encroachments should include details including the xtent
e of work
areas; plans for the control of water discharged from the work area; the timing of work;
and the details for restoration after construction.
• Carefully select access points to streambank through the riparian zone, minimize the size
and duration of disturbance, and preserve streamside vegetation and undergrowth
wherever possible.
• Limit machinery and equipment access and direct disturbance to streambank areas.
Stabilizing Impacted Area
• Physical stabilization of eroding or eroded banks may be required to promote bank
stability and regeneration of riparian vegetation.
• Design and construction of stabilization works should prevent their subsequent erosion.
• Remove disturbed, unstable debris from the riparian zone to prevent it from being swept
away during high water.
• Retain stable large organic debris (LOD) which does not impede flows and fish migration,
or promote bank erosion.
Revegetating Impacted Area
• Revegetate disturbed areas immediately following completion of work in riparian zones.
• Establish ground cover to prevent surface erosion and deeper rooted plants and shrubs
to prevent streambank erosion.
• Cedar, vine maple, alder, cottonwood, willow, salmonberry and red osier dogwood are
common native plants used to augment brush and large plant formation.
• Large tree species will provide long-term sources of LOD.
22
SECTION 3
EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL
AND SITE DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES
Objective
Land development activities, such as clearing land, grading slopes, road building, and excavation
and stockpiling of materials, can lead to the erosion of soils into nearby watercourses. These
watercourses may contain fish and fish habitat, or flow into other streams that do. Increased
surface runoff as a result of the development, due to lack of vegetation, infiltration and ponding,
and the loose condition of disturbed soils leads to increased downslope transport of soils by the
runoff. Even after the replacement and compaction of slopes and surfaces, soil erosion, gully
and channel formation can occur. Sediments are composed of undissolved organic and
inorganic materials ranging in size from microscopic particles to boulders, transported by flowing
water. The finer material is carried suspended in the volume of water and is known as
suspended sediment or suspended load. Larger material, generally consisting of coarse sand,
gravels, and boulders, is carried along the channel bottom by the flow of water and is known as
bed load. Understandably, on and offsite runoff management is a key factor in erosion and
sediment control. Additionally, by preparing and covering disturbed soils, revegetating slopes
and lining runoff channels, the amount of soil available to be eroded can be reduced. The
objective of these erosion and sediment control guidelines is to minimize sediment inputs into fish
habitat by reducing the potential for erosion, by stabilizing disturbed soils and intercepting
sediment-laden runoff. Erosion and sediment control is extremely important because sediment
can have severe negative impacts on all life stages of fish and their habitat. The following are
examples of key fish and fish habitat impacts.
• Suspended sediment can settle on spawning areas, infill the intragravel voids and
smother the eggs and alevins in the gravel.
• Bed load and settled sediments can infill pools and riffles, reducing the availability and
quality of rearing habitat for fish.
• Suspended sediment can clog and abrade fish gills, causing suffocation or injury to fish.
• Suspended sediments can reduce water clari
ty and visibility in the stream, impairing the
ability of juvenile fish to find food items.
• Settled sediments can smother and displace aquatic organisms (benthic invertebrates),
reducing the amount of food items available to fish.
• Increased levels of sediment can displace fish out of prime habitat into less suitable
areas.
23
Erosion and Sediment Control Methods

The key factors in erosion and sediment control are to intercept and manage off and onsite
runoff. This limits the potential for soils to be eroded and form sediments in surface runoff.
Runoff and surface erosion control is more effective and less expensive than sediment control
with sediment control ponds only. Sediment control ponds have a limited capacity to remove
sediments and are a last line of defense against sediment entering watercourses. Sound and
sensitive development and construction practices are far more effective in complying with the
objectives of these guidelines. Described below are the general principles of erosion and
sediment control (ESC) and their application to land development activities (from Goldman,
1986).
Plan the development to the existing terrain and site conditions.
• Design and plan the development of roads, utilities and building sites with as little soil
excavation and disturbance as possible.
• Design and plan development for the particular soil conditions and topography of the site.
• Confine construction to least critical areas and minimize impervious areas.
• Consider non-development of land in areas with extremely sensitive fish habitat values.
Schedule development to minimize risk of potential erosion.
• Where possible, plan construction activities during dry months of the year to avoid
potential rain events and delays.
• Stage development to allow "green-up" or re-establishment of vegetation and minimize
erosive areas.
• Halt construction during periods of heavy precipitation and runoff to minimize soil
disturbance.
• Restrict vehicular and equipment access or provide working surfaces/pads.
Retain existing vegetation where possible.
• Minimize clearing rights-of-way and stripping of building sites.
• Avoid clearing and grubbing areas with sensitive soils.
• Consider aesthetics and retention of vegetation, including undergrowth.
• Physically mark clearing boundaries on the construction site.
Re-vegetate/protect denuded areas and bare soils.
• Seed or re-vegetate cut and fill slopes, and disturbed natural slopes.
• Cover temporary fills or stockpiles with polyethylene sheeting or tarps.
• Use mulches and other organic stabilizers to minimize erosion until vegetation is
established on sensitive soils.
• Plan seeding and planting to allow establishment before end of growing season
Divert runoff away from denuded areas.
24
• Minimize flow over bare areas by diverting overland flows away from development areas.
• Isolate cleared areas and building sites with swales tore-direct runoff.
• Avoid steep slopes below rills and gullies.
• Retain natural drainage patterns wherever possible.
Minimize the length and steepness of slopes where possible.
• Erosion and soil loss is greater the longer and steeper the slope. Minimize both length
and steepness of all slopes at engineering/planning stage.
Minimize runoff velocities and erosive energy.
• Maximize the length of flow paths for precipitation runoff to minimize energy of flow.
• Construct interceptor ditches and channels with low gradients to minimize secondary
erosion and transport.
• Line unavoidably steep interceptor or conveyance ditches with filter fabric, rock or
polyethylene lining to prevent channel erosion.
Design development for increased runoff.
• Design and engineer ditches and channe
ls for post development flows.
• Construct stable, non-erodible ditches, inlet and outlet structures.
Retain eroded sediments onsite with erosion and sediment control structures.
• Utilize sediment traps and silt fences.
• Provide bed load clean-outs at culverts and ditches.
• Construct and operate sediment control ponds.
Plan, inspect, and maintain erosion and sediment control structures.
• Develop and follow a maintenance and inspection schedule as part of the development
plan.
• Stockpile the required erosion/sediment control materials: filter cloth, rock, seed, drain
rock, culverts, staking, matting, polyethylene, used tires, etc.
25
Slope Protection
The following techniques should be employed to prevent the initiation of surface soil erosion and
movement of sediments from slopes. The surface preparation applied to slopes can be
determined by the type of material and grade of the slope. The measures used for erosion and
sediment control on slopes are as follows.
• Application of surface protection.
• Application of silt fences.
• Design and installation of interceptor ditches.
• Application of other land development erosion control features or approved erosion
control measures.
Conditions of implementation of these erosion and sediment control measures for slopes should
be as follows.
• In dry conditions, all cut/fill and cleared natural slopes and surfaces should have erosion
controls implemented within 14 days.
• In wet conditions, erosion control should be implemented immediately on completion of
the grading operations of the worked area.
• Slopes exceeding 3.0 meters in height an
d steeper than 2H:1V should be reviewed by a
Professional Engineer to assess slope stability, erosion, and drainage control
requirements.
The photographs in Figure 3.1 illustrate some prominent features of both slope and surface
erosion control structures.
Temporary Slopes
Protection for a duration up to 6 months. Temporary slope preparations are determined by
subgrade type (below) and slope/erodibility.
• Bed Rock/Hard Glacial Till Subgrade:
Slopes may be left exposed.
• Silt, Sand, Mixed Sand/Gravel Subgrade:
Temporary surface protection.
• Organic or Top Soil Subgrade:
Temporary surface protection.
• Coarse Gravel/Cobble Subgrade:
Slopes may be left exposed. No surface protection unless erosion develops.
26
Long Term or Permanent Slopes

Protection for a duration exceeding 6 months. Permanent slope preparations are determined by
subgrade type (below) and slope/erodibility.
Slopes may be left exposed.
• All Other Subgrade Types:
Permanent surface protection.
Soil Excavation Stockpiles
All soil which is stockpiled for more than 7 days and less than 2 months should be covered with
polyethylene or totally contained by a silt fence as a temporary measure to prevent erosion.
Longer term stockpiles should be shaped to have side slopes no steeper than 1.5H:1V and
remain covered with polyethylene, or have temporary surface protection applied.
Graded Areas
Temporary graded areas, such as housing lots, should be protected from erosion through the use
of straw mulch and/or polyethylene tarps in non-traffic areas and a gravel cap in zones of
construction traffic. Final graded or landscaped areas should have the appropriate permanent
surface protection or landscaping in place as soon as possible.
Surface Protection
The purpose of these techniques is to absorb raindrop impact, reduce runoff velocity, improve
infiltration, bind soil particles with roots, and protect the soil from the wind. The rapid
establishment of a vegetation cover is generally recognized as the most cost effective form of
surface erosion control. Protection of the soil surface with mulches or other materials will provide
immediate erosion control until vegetation is established. When time is limited or vegetation
establishment is not a goal, or weather conditions are unsuitable, the use of polyethylene
sheeting or tarps is recommended.
Temporary Surface Protection
Surfaces and slopes less than 2H:1V use Seeding with Straw Mulch:
• Soil surfaces to be treated should be rough. Scarify to a maximum depth of 2.5 cm if
necessary. Broadcast 100% fall rye seed at a rate of 50 kg/ha. Include 19-23-14
fertilizer at a minimum rate of 200 kg/ha.
• Cover the seeded area with at least 5 cm of straw, preferably applied with a blower. The
straw should be held in place with a hydroseeder application of wood fiber mulch at 500
kg/ha and a tackifier at 40 kg/ha, or with netting.
28
Surfaces and Slopes up to 1H:1V use Seeding and Hydromulching:

• Apply wood fiber mulch (designed for hydroseeding) at a rate of 2500 kg/ha together with
tackifier at a rate of 60 kg/ha (or at the manufacture's recommended rate) with a
hydroseeder to form a continuous blotter-like cover.
Highly Erodible Surfaces and Slopes use Seeding and Erosion Control Revegetation
Matting (ECRM):
• Roll the ECRM, a biodegradable pre-seeded erosion control mat, upon the soil surface
and anchor it at the top. It needs to be adequately stapled to ensure it remains in place
and in direct contact with the soil.
Highly Erodible Surfaces and Slopes use Polyethylene Cover
When immediate protection is needed or other protective techniques are not feasible,
polyethylene sheeting or tarps can be used. It should be well anchored to resist wind (old tires
are ideal) and prevent major leakage. Breaks in the cover should be repaired immediately.
Polyethylene sheeting is not recommended for use on sites to be left idle for more than 2 months,
unless weather conditions preclude the establishment of vegetation.
Permanent Surface Protection
Protection within 14 days for a duration exceeding 6 months. Options are identical to those
described for temporary surface protection except for the following changes:
• The broadcast seed application should consist of fall rye at a rate of 20 kg/ha, plus the
following mix (all percent by weight) at a rate of 60 kg/ha.
25% creeping red fescue 15% hard fescue
5% redtop 15% orchard grass
20% perennial ryegrass 10% alsike clover
10% white clover
• The fertilizer should consist of standard commercial materials, with at least 60% of the
nitrogen in the form of slow release urea. The rate of application should be based on
laboratory soil analysis, with a minimum of 400 kg/ha of 19-20-12.
• All permanent surfaces and areas that are in final form and are to be vegetated as per
the landscape plan, should be done as soon as practically possible (delays greater than
14 days, temporary slope and surface protection should be applied).
29
Interceptor Ditches
Interceptor ditches are structures designed to intercept and carry clean surface runoff away from
erodible areas and slopes, reducing the potential surface erosion and limiting the amount of
runoff requiring treatment. Alternatively, they can collect sediment contaminated runoff from
slopes and carry it, without further erosion, to treatment areas or sediment ponds. Figure 3.2
shows typical installations of interceptor ditch structures as well as ditch lining types.
Design of Interceptor-Conveyance Ditches
• The location and access to interceptor ditches should be determined following analysis of
the topography, the existing or planned drainage pattern and subgrade conditions. They
should be laid out, following contours if possible, and constructed during initial clearing.
• Interceptor ditches should be located along the uphill boundaries of development sites,
the uphill sides of major cut and fill slopes, to intercept and convey overland runoff.
• Interceptor-conveyance ditches should be designed to take a 2 year (1:2) storm runoff
flow with 0.3 meters freeboard. Sideslopes should be no steeper than 1H:1V.
Construction of Interceptor Ditches
The construction and protection of the ditch should be based on the expected design flows,
subgrade soil conditions, gradient and design life.
Ditches can remain unlined.
• Silt, Sand, Mixed Sand/Gravel, or Organic Subgrade:
Ditches should be lined with 0.6 mm polyethylene if it is overlapped 0.5 meters, bedded
on non-angular material, and the top edges are anchored in small (0.30 meter deep)
trenches along the top of the ditch. The subgrade should be free of any angular material.
• Coarse Gravel/Cobble Subgrade:
Shallow gradient ditches may remain unlined. Steep gradient ditches should be
armoured or lined with polyethylene as above.
• Steep Gradient and/or Large Volume Ditches:
Steep gradient and/or ditches carrying a large volume of water will require full rock
armouring to design water levels to prevent scour and bank erosion.
• Interceptor ditches may require energy dissipators at changes in grade and elevation, as
well as armouring at changes in direction. Energy dissipators may be weirs built of
broken rock, gabions, concrete or timber. The location and design of energy dissipators
should be done by a Professional Engineer.
30
Figure 3.2 Typical Interceptor Ditch Construction and Application
31
• Excavated bed load traps or pools formed by gravel berms can be constructed to collect
eroded material. They should be located downstream of points of sudden reduction in
gradient. They should be cleaned out after heavy rainfall or during periods of sustained
precipitation.
• Sideslopes should be seeded to reduce erosion and subsequent maintenance, and also
to improve appearance, especially for permanent works. Temporary ditches should be
filled and the area reclaimed when they are no longer required.
• A regular, permanent maintenance program is necessary to keep ditches in good working
order. Silt has to be removed from silt traps, weirs may have to be adjusted or repaired,
additional rip-rapping may be necessary. All ditches and structures should be inspected
after heavy rainfall or during periods of sustained precipitation.
Silt Fences
Silt fences and related structures provide an effective filter for sediment-laden runoff from eroded
slopes and surfaces. The fine openings do not allow the passage of sediment coarser than about
0.02 mm. Silt fences are effective boundary control devices, trapping the sediment close to the
erosion source and preventing mobilization into runoff, but have a limited sediment retention
capacity. Figure 3.3 illustrates some typical applications using silt fences for erosion control, and
design parameters.
• Silt or filter fences should be installed on the lower perimeter of slopes (lower 1/3 to 1/2
of site) and areas where the erodibility is high and/or it is desirable to contain waterborne
movement of eroded soils. Such areas include the bottom of cut or fill slopes, material
stockpiles and disturbed natural areas.
• Filter fabric or geotextile may be a pervious sheet of slit film woven polypropylene, nylon,
polyester, or ethylene yarn, having the following properties.
• Minimum Filtering Efficiency 90%.
• Minimum Flow Rate 0.012 m3/m2/minute.
• Minimum grab tensile strength 700 N.
• Minimum equivalent opening size 0.15 mm (median 0.21 mm).
• If standard strength filter fabric is used it must be backed by a wire fence supported on
posts not over 2.0 meters apart. Extra strength filter fabric may be used without wire
fence backing if posts are not over 1.0 meters apart. Fabric joints should be lapped at
least 0.15 meters and stapled. The bottom edge should be anchored in a 0.30 meter
deep trench, or some equivalent manner, to prevent flow under the fence.
• If the filter fabric decomposes or becomes ineffective, it must be replaced and the fence
repaired.
32
Figure 3.3 Typical Silt Fence Construction and Applications
33
Other Erosion Control Measures

The following sediment and erosion control structures are used to varying degrees to mitigate
onsite erosion and control runoff.
Sediment Traps
Sediment traps should be installed at the lowest point on each lot prior to excavation and
construction on the site. Swales or ditching should convey surface runoff to these traps prior to
pumping or discharge from the site. Sediment traps operate like small sediment control ponds by
controlling the discharge of sediment offsite.
Swales
Swales are effective at re-directing surface runoff away from erodible sites and reducing the
amount of sediment laden runoff generated onsite. They should be constructed of clean, non-
erodible granular material in 0.3 meters high ridge with a low gradient to prevent scouring and
further sedimentation.
Gravel Berms, Small Silt Fences, Check Dams and Bale Structures
These should be installed in overland flow paths, swales and other possible locations of
concentrated flow to arrest migration of erodible soils. Their number and spacing will depend on
the nature of the construction operations. They are effective at controlling sediment close to its
source.
Culverts
Groundwater seepage and other small flows can be contained and flumed away from sensitive
slopes and cut banks to prevent erosion of toe areas and maintain slope stability. They are also
effective for conveying flows down steep slopes where it would be impossible to convey through
an open channel.
New Drainage Systems
Storm sewer and drainage systems should have their inlets blocked, or should have sediment
traps installed at inlets until all work is complete. During curb construction, roadside drainage
should be temporarily controlled in swales and directed into the storm sewer system at suitable
locations provided with sediment traps. Systems can be utilized for conveying flows to sediment
control ponds.
34
Sediment Control Ponds

Design of Sediment Control Ponds
Sediment control ponds are the last line of defense before runoff is discharged from the
development site. There is a practical limitation on the minimum size of particles that can be
settled because of particle size, settling characteristics, residence time and land area available
for sediment ponds. This minimum size has been set at 0.02 millimeters (mm) which equals a
settling velocity (vs) of 0.02 cm/s @ 0°C. Even at design flows, many particles smaller than 0.02
mm will pass through the sediment control pond and can be deleterious to fish and fish habitat.
This emphasizes the importance of minimizing the amount of site soils eroded and allowed to
enter the sediment control ponds. The table below illustrates the increasing pond aream(2)
required per unit flow (m3) to provide discrete particle settlingusing the following equation and
assuming a specific gravity of solids = 2.65:
1. 2 Q
A = Erosion and Sediment Control, USEPA, 1976.
vs
Table 3.1 - Required Surface Area and Overflow Rates for Discrete Particle Settling
(m2 pond area per m3 of flow)
particle particle Water

classification diameter Temperatur
(microns) e
0°C 5°C 10°C 15°C 20°C

coarse sand 1000 3 3 3 3 3
medium sand 500 8 7 6 5 5
fine sand 250 40 33 28 23 19
coarse silt 62 621 528 455 396 464
medium silt 31 2486 2111 1819 1583 1389
fine silt 16 9332 7924 6829 5943 5213
very fine silt 8 37327 31697 27318 23773 20853
coarse clay 4 149310 126788 109271 95091 83413
medium clay 2 597239 507153 437085 380364 333653
fine clays 1 2388956 2028611 1748342 1521458 1334612
The proper design and operation of settling facilities in no way removes the
responsibility of the proponent from achieving the site runoff water quality objectives .
Where the use of gravity settling will not provide the required effluent quality, or where lack of
space does not permit provision of such facilities, the proponent may wish to consider the use of
mechanical settling devices or chemical agents. The design requirements of such facilities are
35
beyond the scope of these guidelines and would require detailed plans prepared by a
Professional Engineer. Such an installation would also require approval from MOELP -
Environmental Protection Division for operation, maintenance, discharge and disposal of the
residue.
Site Runoff Water Quality Requirements
Runoff water from the development site should contain less than 25 mg/liter of suspended solids
(or non-filterable residue, NFR) above the back-ground suspended solids levels of the receiving
waters during normal dry weather operation and less than 75 mg/liter of suspended solids above
background levels during design storm events. However, where spawning areas are situated in
the receiving waters, the storm runoff water discharged should not, at any time, increase
suspended solids levels above background suspended solids levels in the receiving waters.
Background suspended solids levels are the natural instream suspended solids or NFR levels
measured upstream of the point of discharge in the watercourse. If there is any question
regarding the normal dry weather or design storm background level, DFO or MOELP
staff should be contacted .
Location and Number of Sediment Control Ponds
• Sediment control ponds should be located at the lowest practical point in the catchment
area.
• The location, number, and size of ponds will reflect the area being developed at any one
time, but a minimum of two (2) should be constructed.
Design Parameters for Sediment Control Ponds
• Design particle size 0.02 mm.
• Design pond area developed site 5 year (1:5) storm to calculate
design area based on runoff flow and design
particle or minimum of 1% of the total erodible
area.
• Design horizontal velocity horizontal velocity which will not cause
suspension or erosion of deposited material.
• Design hydraulic retention time minimum of 40 minutes.
• Design drawdown time 48 hours with no incoming flow or loss of
accumulated solids.
• Overflow spill capacity developed site 1:10 year (1:10) storm event.
• Emergency spillway capacity developed site 1:100 year (1:100) storm event.
36
Dimensions and Capacities of Sediment Control Ponds

• Minimum effective flow path 5 times the effective pond width.
• Minimum freeboard 0.6 meters.
• Minimum free settling depth 0.5 meters above the top-of-sediment elevation.
• Minimum sediment storage depth 0.5 meters.
• Maximum interior sideslopes 2H:1V.
• Maximum exterior sideslopes 3H:1V.
Inlet and Outlet Structures of Sediment Control Ponds
• The inlet should distribute incoming flow across the width of the pond.
• Bypass piping or multiple ponds should be installed to allow pond servicing.
• A pre-treatment sump to remove coarse sediments is required.
• Only clarified surface water should be allowed to leave the pond.
• The dewatering drawdown holes should be protected with a granular filter to prevent
formation of high velocity currents which could resuspend settled sediment.
• Discharge and conveyance of discharged pond flows should not cause erosion of natural
drainage systems. Plastic culvert piping should replace ditching for temporary pond
applications to limit disturbance in the FSZ.
Operation and Maintenance of Sediment Control Ponds
• Settled sediment should be removed after each storm event or when the sediment
capacity has exceeded 33% of design sediment storage volume.
• Periodic inspection and removal of accumulated sediments and the required inspection
and maintenance interval should be noted on the design drawings.
• Accumulated sediment removed during pond maintenance must be disposed of in a
manner which will prevent its re-entry into the site drainage system, or into any
watercourse.
• The tops of slopes or berms around sediment control ponds sh
ould be wide enough to
provide a safe and stable work area where required for the operation of maintenance
equipment and personnel and should be covered with crushed stone and/or turf stone to
prevent damage to the structure, and loosening of soil which could wash into the pond.
• Multiple ponds or a single large superpond may be designed for a large development, but
a minimum of two should be constructed for pond maintenance requirements.
• Sediment control ponds should be constructed during initial site development and
maintained until all building construction and site grading work is completed. Sediment
ponds may be retrofitted for use as stormwater detention ponds.
37
Stability and Public Safety of Sediment Control Ponds

• The stability of sideslopes for all earthen ponds should be confirmed by a Professional
Engineer. All interior sideslopes in areas subject to water level fluctuations should be
stable against pore water pressure during rapid drawdown. Exterior sideslopes should
be structurally stable under all loads and hydraulic conditions.
• Suitable fencing and signage should extend around the perimeter of all ponds.
• Discharge risers greater than 450 mm diameter should have a trash rack to exclude large
objects.
• See Figures 3.4 and 3.5 for typical sediment control pond design and details.
38
Figure 3.4 Sediment Control Pond Plan and Sections
39
Figure 3.5 Sediment Control Pond Riser Details and Baffle Layouts
40
Guidelines for Control of Deleterious Substances on the Development Site

Common deleterious substances: sediments, raw and uncured concrete, mortar, glues, paints,
lubricants, organic and inorganic contaminants, fuels and oils, can have detrimental or toxic
effects on the aquatic environment and fish life (see Appendix I for definitions of "deleterious
substances"). In most instances, the control of these substances can be dealt with through an
awareness of their detrimental effects, the practice of good housekeeping (i.e. daily site clean-
ups, use of disposal bins, etc.) on the development project site, and the proper use, storage and
disposal of such substances and their containers. The following control guidelines should be
reviewed by the developer and construction contractor to ensure no deleterious substances are
released into fish habitat.
• Raw or uncured waste concrete and grouts should be disposed of by removal from the
development site or by burial on the site in a location and in a manner that will not impact
on a watercourse.
• Wash down waters from exposed aggregate surfaces, cast-in-place concrete and from
concrete trucks should be trapped onsite to allow sediment to settle out and reach
neutral pH before the clarified water is released to the storm drain system or allowed to
percolate into the ground (approximately 48 hours).
• Fuels, lubricants and hydraulic fluids for equipment used on the development site should
be carefully handled to avoid spillage, properly secured against unauthorized access or
vandalism and provided with spill containment according to codes of practice.
• Fuelling and lubricating of equipment onsite should only be done after the equipment to
be serviced is moved to a constructed service pad with a separate drainage collection
system, as far as possible from detention or sedimentation facilities and leave strips.
• Any spillage of fuels, lubricants or hydraulic oils should be immediately contained and the
contaminated soil removed from the site and properly disposed of in accordance with the
federal Department of Environment - Environmental Protection (DOE/EP) and the
provincial Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks - Environmental Protection Division
(MOELP/EPD) requirements. Any spills should be reported immediately to DOE/EP
(phone: 666-6100) and MOELP/EPD (phone: 1-800-663-3456) for their counsel on
appropriate clean up procedures.
• Hydraulic fluids for machinery used for instream work should be biodegradable in case of
accidental loss of fluid.
• Waste oils and hydraulic fluids should be collected in leak-proof containers and removed
from the site for proper disposal or recycling.
41
• The rinse and cleaning water or solvents for glues, paints, wood preservatives and other
potentially harmful or toxic substances on the development site should be controlled so
as to prevent leakage, loss or discharge into the storm drain system.
• Gypsum board wastes must be removed from the project site, preferably to a recycling
facilities, or an approved disposal sites (disposal of gypsum board wastes by burying
onsite is not permitted).
• Wood wastes, such as hog fuel, sawdust and wood chips, are not acceptable for fill
material because of the potential release of toxic leachates from these wood wastes into
the aquatic environment.
• Where land is being redeveloped and there is contamination of the site, those
contaminants must be removed, disposed of, or otherwise neutralized, as prescribed by
DOE/EP and MOELP/EPD, prior to proceeding with redevelopment of the affected lands.
Potential mitigation and costs of contaminant removal are the responsibility of the land
owner.
Guidelines for Development of Site Access

Significant release of sediments to the drainage systems and receiving waters can be caused by
site access development and lack of control during land development and building construction
activities. Included in the design of proper site access for minimizing potential impacts are:
• Construction site accesses should be restricted in number and to locations that will serve
as permanent access after development.
• Access pads and roads should be constructed prior to site area development, and in a
manner that will prevent the loosening of native subsoil.
• Access roads should be constructed or topped with a suitable coarse granular material
with a minimum of fines and clays. Non-woven geotextile is recommended as a
separation layer over the native subgrade. Organic topsoil should be stripped prior to
road construction if possible, and removed offsite or stockpiled.
• Wood wastes, such as hog fuel, sawdust and wood chips, are not acceptable for the
construction of access roads and support operations because of the potential release of
toxic leachates from these wood wastes into the aquatic environment.
• Runoff from the access roads should be collected via interceptor ditches or swal
es.
These flows should be routed to sediment ponds to allow the settling of sediments before
release to the drainage system.
• Sweeping of loose soils from surfaced streets is recommended over water flushing to
prevent soil entry into storm drains and the aquatic environment.
42
• Transport of excavated materials from the site should limit spillage on adjacent road
surfaces and dropping of loose soils in the form of dust or mud from wheels, tracks and
undercarriages of equipment.
Guidelines for Single Lot Development

The objectives during the development of an individual lot are to minimize erosion and release of
sediment offsite by controlling the development and construction activities. Single lot erosion and
sediment control measures include: planning the construction access; minimizing clearing and
grading activities; control of excavated soil stockpiles; surface and slope preparations; and
surface runoff control.
Site layout and Clearing
At the earliest stages, the individual lot development should be designed having regard to the
general principles of erosion and sediment control, specifically:
• Design and layout of the building site to minimize impervious areas.
• Retain existing vegetation and ground cover where possible.
• Schedule construction to dry months of the year.
• Restrict vehicle access and provide a surfaced working area.
• Minimize clearing and stripping of set backs and easements.
• Clearly mark building area and clearing boundaries onsite.
Soil Erosion Control
Surface soil erosion from individual lots and building sites is generated mainly from soil
excavations and graded areas. To minimize erosion onsite the following should apply:
• Cover temporary fills or soil stockpiles with polyethyleneor tarps.
• Re-vegetate or final landscape disturbed areas as soon as practically possible.
• Limit machine access and operation to prepared access areas only.
Drainage and Sediment Control
Site drainage features can usually incorporate sediment control features to limit the offsite
transport of sediments directly into watercourses or into storm drainage systems that discharge
into watercourses:
• Divert runoff away from cleared areas by use of swales or low berms.
• Utilize silt fences around soil stockpiles and sloped areas.
• Collect runoff into site sediment traps prior to discharge offsite.
Figure 3.6 illustrates a typical lot development plan with erosion and sediment control features .
43
Figure 3.6 Single Lot Development Erosion and Sediment Control Features
44
SECTION 4
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Objective
The primary objectives of the stormwater management guidelines are to limit the post-
development 1:2 year storm offsite runoff rate to the predevelopment 1:2 year rate and to
maintain, as closely as possible, the natural predevelopment flow pattern and water quality in the
receiving watercourse. The clearing, grading and servicing of development sites within a
watershed alter the natural hydrology of the watershed. The increase of cleared and developed
areas decreases the ponding and transpiration of precipitation that previously provided detention,
which delayed runoff thereby reducing peak flows. The increase of impervious areas and routing
of stormwater flows decreases retention of precipitation by infiltration, which reduced the surface
runoff component thereby reducing total runoff volumes. With reduced detention and retention,
runoff can concentrate rapidly into significantly higher peak flows combined with increased runoff
volumes (i.e. longer periods of higher flows). This combination of hydrological factors can initiate
or accelerate channel and bank instability in receiving watercourses with negative impacts on fish
and fish habitat. In addition, due to reduced infiltration and local groundwater recharge,
baseflows during low flow conditions can be substantially lower than predevelopment baseflows,
reducing the amount and quality of habitat available to fish during these critical periods. These
flow-related impacts are often combined with:
• Decreased water quality resulting from pollutants and sediments introduced by the
surface runoff.
• Loss of habitat related to channelization and culverting of small streams.
• Destruction of wetlands and related riparian areas through drainage and development.
All these related impacts are typical of a disturbed, urbanized watershed, and result in a
reduction of the diversity and productivity of the aquatic habitat. As research, implementation
and assessment of stormwater management practices progress, the objectives of these
guidelines will be changed to reflect higher levels of downstream protection to protect fish and
fish habitat.
Selection of Stormwater Management Technology

At the earliest stage, stormwater management plans should be designed to maintain the
predevelopment flow pattern and volumes over the entire water season. Alterations in the stream
hydrology are often compounded by the diversion and re-location of flows by use of flow splitters
and inter-watershed stormwater connectors. The large-scale diversion and disruption of flows in
45
a watershed, including interception of baseflows and relocation of catchment areas, will not be
permitted where impacts to fish and fish habitat may occur.
In a developed environment, detention ponds and other runoff management technologies are
required to replace some of the natural processes that existed prior to development. They do not
completely replace the natural characteristics of runoff flow retention and detention, or water
quality buffering and sediment filtering. They are used primarily to detain flows, thus limiting the
peak rates of runoff from the developed site, provide some retention through infiltration and
recharge to groundwater flows, and remove some sediment carried by stormwater runoff. The
type of facility for a particular project should be based on the size of development, degree of
detention required and specific site conditions. Table 4.1 illustrates some of the advantages and
disadvantages of various stormwater management technologies. It should be recognized that
certain stormwater management technologies provide both water quantity and water quality
benefits. These runoff water quality objectives are also contained within these guidelines.
Where practical and cost-effective, it is expected that developers will implement technologies that
provide benefits to both water quantity and water quality to protect fish and fish habitat.
Stormwater Detention Objective

The stormwater detention objective is to limit the post-development 1:2 year storm offsite runoff
rate to the predevelopment 1:2 year rate and to maintain, as closely as possible, the natural
predevelopment flow pattern in the receiving watercourse. The 1:2 year detention level has been
adopted by DFO and MOELP to account for the increase in impervious areas in developments
and understanding that environmental impacts (e.g. stream erosion, sedimentation; loss of
riparian habitat, stream channel changes, etc.) are occurring due to the more frequent, smaller
storm events. Detention requirements can be estimated by various methods: rational method,
SCS (U.S. Soil Conservation Service) unit hydrograph and level pool routing, as examples. The
selection of the method of analysis depends on the size of development and type of information
available, as well as the intended application of the results. Most analyses should be done or
reviewed by a Professional Engineer. Additionally, there are many computer software packages
available that aid in the analysis and design of these facilities, especially in the design of larger,
complex drainage and community detention systems. Methods for determining the required
degree of detention in the worked example are illustrations, not endorsements, of a particular
design method. Many regional and municipal authorities have specific runoff and detention
requirements. They will take precedence where they exceed the objectives of these guidelines.
46
Table 4.1 - Advantages and Disadvantages of Various Detention Technologies
Technology Advantages Disadvantages

- good water quality buffering - high capital and construction costs
Wet Ponds
- excellent sediment removal - formal permanent facility
- good for multiple use areas - large land area used
- good for aesthetics and park values - poor runoff volume retention
- suitable for large detention volumes - possible insect control problems
- good peak rate control
- good for multiple use areas - poor water quality buffering and
Dry Ponds
- suitable for large detention volumes sediment removal
- good peak rate control - large land area used
- used in conjunction with infiltration - on-line better than off-line
- empty ponds have poor aesthetics
- high capital and construction costs
- good multiple use if covered/buried - not suitable for large detention

Wet Tanks or
- good for building/rooftop runoff volumes
Vault Detention
- use close to structures/foundations - poor for high sediment inflows
- good for built-up areas - requires maintenance/clean-out
- poor water quality buffering
- good water quality buffering - not suitable for sediment inflows

Infiltration Systems
- excellent small storm retention - poor in areas of high groundwater
- excellent groundwater recharge - high capital and construction costs
- good peak rate control with detention - may require surface discharge
- good for isolated developments - not suitable for large detention
- good for clean inflows (i.e. rooftops) volumes
- not suitable for low permeability soils
- design into storm drain system - may cause localized flooding

Engineered
- simple retrofit of existing systems - extra capital costs for system sizing
Stormwater
and catch basins and orifice control manholes
Systems
- provide management for a larger - possible re-routing of upstream
Community
area feeder creeks in large community
Detention Facilities
- share costs with municipality or facilities
number of owners - construction during early stages of
- good for aesthetics and park values development
- design into community plan - large infrastructure cost/responsibility
- cost sharing may be difficult
- design to suit built-up area - potentially larger total area used

Onsite Detention
- flexible for different requirements - potentially higher individual costs
Facilities
- excellent water quality buffering - requires large area
Constructed
- excellent sediment removal - high capital and construction costs
Wetlands
- good for aesthetics and park values - high maintenance costs
- suitable for large detention volumes - possible insect control problems
- excellent peak rate control
- good groundwater recharge
47
Stormwater Detention Ponds

There are several types of detention ponds whose functions are the same, but which differ in
design and operation. Detention ponds generally provide temporary storage of runoff in the form
of a pond. The variation in pond type and operation allows the design to suit the size and type of
development. Dry ponds provide temporary detention by filling during storm events, and slowly
releasing runoff at a predetermined rate until empty. Because of the temporary nature of the
detention of the storm runoff, dry pond technology can be utilized in multi-use areas like playing
fields, parking lots, natural depressions, etc. Wet Ponds maintain a minimum level of water at all
times and provide detention by storing runoff above this permanent level. They release at a
predetermined rate down to the minimum water level. Wet ponds are a permanent structure
which can be featured within a developed area. With an on-line pond, all storm runoff passes
through the detention pond and the discharge is controlled to a desired predevelopment runoff
rate. With an off-line pond, only that portion of the storm runoff which exceeds the allowable
discharge, usually the predevelopment runoff rate, is bypassed and detained by the pond. That
volume detained is released when the runoff volume decreases below the predevelopment runoff
rate. Where the detention structure provides water quality benefits, on-line facilities are preferred
due to the fact that all flows are provided some level of treatment.
Design of Dry Detention Ponds

Dry detention ponds are permanent facilities that remain after the development is complete, and
must be protected and maintained on a regular basis. The following are guidelines and
specifications for the design, construction and operation of dry detention ponds for these
guidelines (See Figure 4.1 for dry detention pond details).
Location and Number of Dry Detention Ponds
Dry detention ponds generally require a suitably sized area located at the lowest point in the
development area. The number of detention ponds required will be determined by the area
available for detention storage and the contributing catchment area.
Design Parameters for Dry Detention Ponds
• Design discharge rate predevelopment 2 year (1:2) storm runoff rate.
• Overflow spill capacity post-development 100 year (1:100) storm event.
• Emergency spillway capacity post-development 100 year (1:100) storm event.
Dimensions and Capacities of Dry Detention Ponds
• Maximum interior sideslopes 4H:1V.
• Maximum water depth in pond 1.0 meters.
• Minimum free board totop of berm 0.6 meters.
48
• Ratio of effective length to effective width 5:1.

Inlet and Outlet Structures of Dry Detention Ponds
• A pretreatment sump to remove sediments in the runoff is required.
• Discharge and conveyance of pond flows should not cause erosion of natural drainage
systems.
• A spill control-type inlet and outlet structure is recommended as in Figure 4.3.
• Oil absorbent pads should be installed in the inlet and outlet structures.
Operation and Maintenance of Dry Detention Ponds
• The top of slopes or berms around sediment control ponds should be wide enough to
equipment and personnel.
• All interior surfaces of the pond should be protected from erosion and, where possible,
vegetated with suitable plant types to promote the removal of stormwater pollutants.
Stability and Public Safety of Dry Detention Ponds
• Discharge riser should be designed to exclude debris and large objects.
• The pond perimeter should be fenced, and have signs posted at intervals advising of the
maximum water depth and prohibiting water use for human consumption or bathing.
49
Figure 4.1 Dry Detention Pond Plan and Sections
50
Design of Wet Detention Ponds

Wet detention ponds are permanent facilities that remain after the development is complete, and
must be protected and maintained on a regular basis. The following are guidelines and
specifications for the design, construction and operation of wet detention ponds (See Figure 4.2
for wet pond details).
Location and Number of Dry Detention Ponds
Wet detention ponds require a suitably sized area generally located at the lowest point in the
development area. The number of detention ponds required will be determined by the area
available for detention storage and the contributing catchment area.
Design Parameters for Wet Detention Ponds
• Design discharge rate predevelopment 2 year (1:2) storm runoff rate.
• Overflow spill capacity post-development 100 year (1:100) storm event.
• Emergency spillway capacity post-development 100 year (1:100) storm event.
Dimensions and Capacities of Wet Detention Ponds
• Maximum interior sideslopes above active storage 4H:1V.
• Maximum interior sideslopes in active storage zone 7H:1V.
• Maximum interior sideslopes below active storage 4H:1V.
• Maximum water depth 2.5 meters.
• Minimum permanent storage depth 0.6 meters.
• Maximum permanent storage depth 1.2 meters.
• Maximum active detention storage depth 1.3 meters.
• Ratio of effective length to effective width 5:1.
Inlet and Outlet Structures of Wet Detention Ponds
• A pretreatment sump to remove sediments in the runoff is required.
• Wet pond has auxiliary water supply for make-up water to maintain minimum depth.
• Discharge of pond flows should not cause erosion of natural drainage systems.
• A spill control-type inlet and outlet structure is recommended as in Figure 4.3.
• Oil absorbent pads should be installed in the inlet and outlet structures.
• Pond outlet structure will contain provision for complete drainage.
51
Figure 4.2 Wet Detention Pond Plan and Sections
52
Operation and Maintenance of Wet Detention Ponds

• The top of slopes or berms around sediment control ponds should be wide enough to
equipment and personnel.
• All interior surfaces of the pond should be revegetated or protected from erosion.
• Pond outlet should draw deeper, cooler waters from pond to limit thermal effects of pond
on water temperatures. Riparian areas should be re-vegetated to provide shading to the
permanent pond area using plants of native species
• Pond outlet and outfall design should promote rapid re-aeration of pond discharges to
limit the potential for depressed dissolved oxygen content in receiving waters with fish
habitat.
Stability and Public Safety of Wet Detention Ponds
• Discharge riser should be designed to exclude debris and large objects.
• The pond perimeter should be fenced, and have signs posted at intervals advising of the
maximum water depth and prohibiting water use for human consumption or bathing.
Figure 4.3 Detention Pond Control Structure Typical Details
53
Design of Detention Systems for Built-up Areas

Detention of stormwater can be designed to fit into existing developments where space is limited
and construction of a conventional pond-type facility is not practical.
Roof Top Detention
• The use of roof top storage should be considered for industrial, commercial and
institutional buildings with flat roofs.
• Appropriate building code requirements covering rain loading must be followed (National
Building Code, 1990, Part 4, Commentary 1).
• The release rate from the roof top should be controlled by a roof top detention device.
Overflow scuppers should be provided at the maximum operating water level.
Parking Lot, Park Area and Work Yard Detention
Parking lots, park areas and work yard areas may be used for temporary water detention to
shallow depths. Generally, the flooded area operates like a dry pond where the runoff rate is
controlled by a valve or orifice located in an outlet pipe or manhole.
• The allowable depth is a function of safety and convenience to users and should be
designed accordingly. Flow control chambers should be used to control the water depth.
• Overflows to the storm drainage system, or a surface flood route, should be provided at
the maximum operating level.
Underground Detention Structures
Underground detention can be built into the design of stormwater systems by utilizing oversized
piping or off-line tanks controlled by a suitable device to limit outflow.
• Underground tanks, pipes or culverts may be used as detention storage facilities.
• All such underground facilities should have an access point for inspection and
maintenance. All underground tanks should have an air space, equal to 20% of the
maximum depth, connected to the atmosphere by a vent.
• The outlet structure should have a flow control orifice and overflow which is set at the
maximum operating water level (to pass storm runoff in excess of the two year (1:2)
storm event, and to provide an alternative outlet in the case of orifice blockage).
• Underground tanks: minimum of 0.5 meters cover and capable of CS-600 loads.
54
Stormwater systems that utilize infiltration can provide many benefits to the hydrology and water
quality of an urbanized stream. Infiltration systems can provide retention of runoff through
groundwater recharge in addition to runoff peak flow control. The soil, through which the
stormwater runoff passes, acts as a filter removing a large percentage of the common pollutants
normally discharged to the stream or creek. Infiltration can provide recharge to the local area
groundwater which in turn feeds smaller streams and creeks. This groundwater is slowly
discharged back into streams and can constitute all or part of the stream's baseflow. Maintaining
this baseflow can be critical for fish and fish habitat during extended periods of little or no
precipitation and runoff. In many applications, stormwater runoff from the developed site can be
collected and discharged into an infiltration system where there is no infrastructure to support
conventional stormwater removal systems, with the added benefit of reduced costs of providing
offsite conveyance.
Application of Infiltration Systems
• Infiltration basins may be used as a method of stormwater detention only if required
detention volumes are relatively small.
• In larger applications, a series of infiltration basins may be necessary, each serving a
small collection area. Utilizing several galleries may reduce collection and piping costs
normally associated with conventional stormwater systems. Infiltration basins should not
be built under parking lots or other multi-use areas.
• Ponding and detention can be incorporated into the design of the infiltration system.
Conversely, infiltration can be used in combination with other detention technologies to
provide retention of runoff.
• Infiltration systems should not be used if any of the following site conditions are found:
• The seasonal high groundwater table is within 0.6 meters of the infiltrating
surface.
• Bedrock is located within 1.2 meters of the infiltrating surface.
• The infiltrating surface is located on top of fill material.
• The adjacent or underlying soils have a fully saturated percolation rate of less
than 0.5 inches per hour.
• The following conditions should be followed in siting an infiltration system:
• Subgrade foundation or basement is not located within 5.0 meters.
• A water supply well is not located within 30 meters.
• Infiltration systems should not be placed on slopes greater than 5H:1V due to
downslope seepage, saturation and slope failure potential.
55
Design and Construction of Infiltration Systems

• The storage volume available is calculated from the effective porosity of the infiltration fill
material. The total void volume should equal the storage required for the two year (1:2)
design storm runoff associated with the developed catchment area.
• The 24 hour sustained saturated percolation rate should be used to calculate the basin
area requirement in order to drain the system within 2 days (48 hours). The basin bottom
area should be used as the infiltrating surface to calculate the required area.
• Provision for overland flow during frozen ground conditions or oversaturation should be
made.
• A pretreatment sump or vegetative filter should be used to limit sediment inputs into the
infiltration system and maintain its exfiltration capacity.
• Drain materials should be screened and washed, inert, natural gravels. The design void
space ratio can be calculated by measuring the volume of water required to fill a known
volume of drain rock (void ratios are typically 0.3 to 0.4 for a graded screened gravel).
• A good quality commercial filter fabric or geotextile should be used to completely
surround the drain rock. This minimizes migration of fines into the drain rock,
maintaining the void volume required for storage of the runoff. A suitable geotextile is a
non-woven, synthetic, needle punched polypropylene.
• Minimum permeability 1.2 x 10-2 cm/s.
• Minimum grab tensile strength 750 N.
• Equivalent opening size 0.125 mm.
• See Figure 4.4 for the application and design of a small infiltration system.
56
Figure 4.4 Infiltration System Design and Typical Application
57
Oil-Water Separators
Oil-water separators are suitable for the removal of floatable petroleum-based contaminants from
small areas of concentrated activity, such as gas stations, automotive service areas and parking
lots. Oil-water separators have a limited ability to remove floatable petroleum contaminants in
typical large-scale stormwater runoff applications and their application should be limited to these
small area generation sites. Removal of these contaminants is best achieved using a coalescing
plate oil/water separator (CPS). The coalescing plate separator uses a packed plate media and
is effective in removing oil droplets 60 microns and larger, which constitute up to 85% of the oil
volume in commercial applications (Gibb et al., 1991).The required area and number of plates are
determined by the design inflow into the CPS unit.
• The design flows into the separator should be based on the 1:2 year post-development
flows, when the detention requirements of these guidelines are not provided for the
catchment area.
• Where detention is provided to the 1:2 predevelopment flow rate, the oil-water separator
should be installed downstream of the detention structure.
• Spill control separators (similar to Figure 4.3) also limit the impact of uncontrolled spills of
pollutants, and should be installed as required in storm drainage catch basins.
• Oil absorbent pads should be installed to aid in the removal of floatable petroleum
contaminants. The absorbent pads should be replaced on a regular basis and disposed
of in a safe manner
Figure 4.5 Coalescing Plate Oil-Water Separator
58
Stormwater Runoff Water Quality Objectives

The changes in land use, increase in impervious area, and introduction of pollutants related to
human activity all contribute to reduced water quality impacting fish and fish habitat. Currently,
the Fisheries Act regulates the general discharge of deleterious substances into waters
containing fish or fish habitat (see Appendix I for definitions of "deleterious substances"). Future
guidelines and regulation by MOELP, DOE and DFO of stormwater runoff water quality and
discharges are expected within the next generation of these guidelines (e.g. the development of
best management practices, technologies and regulated contaminant levels). References
included in the back of these guidelines are sources of additional information stormwater runoff
water quality management techniques and technologies.
Stormwater Runoff Water Quality Best Management Practices

Where stormwater runoff water quality objectives are required for receiving water quality, and
protection of fish and fish habitat, the following stormwater management strategies should be
implemented as best management practices (BMP). BMPs are physical, structural or
management practices that reduce or prevent water quality degradation. Source control remains
a key method for reducing introduction of pollutants, such as toxic/hazardous materials, organic
and inorganic contaminants, resulting from human land and water use, or spills, especially in the
commercial and industrial environments. Without source control, runoff water quality standards
are limited by the effectiveness of expensive treatment technology.
Source Controls
Education and information regarding the problems and potential solutions of stormwater pollution,
and its impact on the fisheries resource and environment, should be presented to the public.
Programs and alternatives to eliminate the use or production of deleterious substances should be
promoted (e.g. leaded gasoline). Practices to remove materials from the environment before
interception and transport by precipitation runoff or through the storm drainage system should be
adopted (e.g. enhanced street sweeping, covered parking areas). Land and water users should
adopt a watershed planning process with DFO and MOELP to avoid potential conflicts with the
fisheries resource.
Treatment Controls
Treatment controls should be designed on a site-specific basis, after examining the alternative
treatment technologies, and selecting the best available based on cost and effectiveness. These
controls should be designed and constructed, with monitoring of the operation and performance
of the technology, as well as the impact on receiving water quality.
59
Stormwater Runoff Water Quality Best Practical Technologies

Several technologies have the ability to provide both water quality benefits and runoff control.
Water quality benefits are based on contaminant removal mechanisms using biological and
physical processes. Runoff control is provided by improved detention and retention of
stormwater flows for reduction in peak runoff rates and volumes of runoff. The following
stormwater treatment technologies should be implemented asbest practical technologies
(BPT). BPTs are technologies that provide cost-effective contaminant removal and treatment.
Wet Detention Ponds
Permanent wet ponds can provide deleterious substance removal through biological activity:
uptake and conversion by plants, microbial degradation, and by physical processes:
sedimentation, filtration, absorption and adsorption. In addition, wet ponds can provide
detention/retention requirements of stormwater flows. As a general guideline for water quality
design, the permanent pond should have a minimum surface area equal to 1.5% of the
catchment area and have a permanent pond volume equal to the design storm runoff volume.
Design parameters also include: vegetation types (floating, emergent and submergent
vegetation) and area coverage, water depth and area coverage, and detailed pond operation
parameters.
Infiltration systems can provide retention of highly contaminated initial flows (i.e. "first flush"
events). Physical removal of deleterious substances by filtration and adsorption, as well as
conversion of soluble pollutants by bacteria, occurs within the infiltrating soils. It is possible to
use infiltration in conjunction with other technologies (e.g. detention ponds) to meet water quality
and quantity objectives.
Constructed Wetlands
Wetlands can be constructed specifically to treat stormwater runoff and provide similar biological
and physical removal mechanisms as found in wet permanent ponds. Constructed wetlands can
also provide buffering and retention of runoff flows. Constructed wetlands are treatment
systems, but can also provide additional benefits for aquatic and wildlife habitat. The use of
existing natural wetlands to provide stormwater treatment is not acceptable. General design
requirements for constructed wetlands include: vegetation types and area coverage (floating,
emergent and submergent vegetation), water depth and drainage design. Vegetation
management, including fall harvest of plant growth, should be considered to prevent release of
nutrients and BOD related to vegetation decomposition. As a general guideline for water quality
design, the constructed wetland should have a minimum surface area equal to 1.5% of the
catchment area.
60
Biofilters
Biofilters are vegetated filter strips and swales that provide physical removal of deleterious
substances, notably particulate contaminants, with some biological removal mechanisms.
Biofilter technology is suitable for sheet flow runoff, typical of large linear impervious
developments like roadways and parking lots.
Urban Forests and Leave Strips
Depending on the extent of tree canopy and ground cover retained, runoff reduction and
deleterious substance removal can be achieved by the use of forested areas. Removal
processes include filtration, absorption, and biological uptake and conversion by plant life.
Riparian leave strips, especially surrounding aquatic habitat, promote the conservation and
protection of fish and wildlife habitat.
Guidelines for Implementation of Stormwater Water Quality Objectives

• Use the best management practices (BMP) and best practical technology (BPT) for
control of stormwater runoff water quality where runoff has detrimental impacts on fish
and/or fish habitat.
• Use technologies that provide both physical and biological removal of contaminants, in
addition to detention and retention of stormwater runoff.
Storm Drain Marking Program

The marking of curbside storm drains with bright yellow fish is to remind people that most drains
empty into a nearby creeks that likely contains fish habitat. Local community groups and schools
across B.C. are involved in the program, initiated by DFO and MOELP, to encourage
understanding of the effects of urbanization and stormwater pollution on our local streams and
their fish populations. Information on the storm drain marking program can be obtained from your
local DFO or MOELP office. Information pamphlets and storm drain marking should be initiated
in all new developments where runoff drains into streams containing fish habitat.
61
62
SECTION 5
INSTREAM WORK
Objective
It is recognized that at times it may be necessary to perform instream work as part of the process
of developing land. The objective of the instream work guidelines is to promote careful planning
and construction practices to limit the potential for impacts on the aquatic environment. Instream
work is any work performed below the high water mark, either within or above the wetted
perimeter, of any feature within the FSZ. Prior to commencement of any instream work
and with sufficient lead time, proponents should consult with DFO/MOELP for
information regarding FSZ species timing windows and construction methods .
Because instream work has the potential to be extremely destructive to fish habitat, methods and
procedures to minimize instream activities should be considered during the planning and design
stages of a project. The procedures should be specifically designed to achieve the following
objectives throughout the project.
• Protect the natural stream conditions and structure to promote stability of bank and bed
structures, and retain riparian vegetation.
• Provide the instream conditions required for unhindered fish passage upstream and
downstream.
• Prevent introduction of pollutants and deleterious substances by controlling const
ruction
activities and site conditions.
• Prevent generation of sediment, impacting fish and aquatic habitat, by utilizing the proper
instream construction technique and supervision.
Guidelines for Instream Work

General guidelines for instream work include:
• Consult with local DFO/MOELP staff regarding presence, distribution and timing of
migrations of fish species in the stream or watercourse, and FSZ window (Appendix III).
• Plan instream work for periods within the confirmed FSZ window that will minimize
disturbance and impact on fish and fish habitat.
• Plan instream work for periods of suitable stream and environmental conditions,
determined in consultation with DFO/MOELP.
• Minimize the duration of the instream activities.
• All material placed within the wetted perimeter must be coarse, non-erodible, and
non-
toxic to fish. Do not remove gravels, rock or debris from any stream without the approval
of DFO/MOELP.
63
• Minimize disturbance to stream banks where equipment enters and leaves the
watercourse. Reconstruct and revegetate stream banks to their original condition as
soon as activity has finished (see Section 2).
• Use the proper equipment for the proposed construction activity. Avoid damage caused
by stuck equipment or delays because of insufficient capacity for proposed work.
• Ensure that all construction equipment is mechanically sound to avoid leaks of oil,
gasoline, hydraulic fluids and grease. Consider steam cleaning and check-up of
construction equipment prior to use instream.
• Require the use of biodegradable hydraulic fluids for machinery used for instream work.
Timing of Instream Work

It must always be assumed that fish are present in a watercourse since the utilization and
residency times for different species vary widely in accordance with their spawning and rearing
cycle requirements. The windows of allowable times when instream work can be tolerated are
often based on the reduced sensitivity of the fish to disturbances rather than the absence of fish
during these times. The work should be coordinated and timed so that conflict with the fish
populations is minimized. Appendix III contains information on the species-specific freshwater
FSZ timing windows. The utilization of various habitats (freshwater lakes, rivers, estuarine and
marine environments) by both resident and anadromous fish populations place restrictions on
instream work. Timing windows of allowable instream work should always be
confirmed with DFO/MOELP personnel responsible for the local area in which the
proposed development is located . Site specific differences exist and DFO/MOELP staff
should be consulted early as possible in the planning process.
Instream Work and Construction Practices

Methods such as sheet pile isolation, coffer damming, fluming and stream diversion are often
acceptable temporary containment practices to minimize aquatic disturbance during instream
construction. Instream containment and dewatering at work sites located within fish bearing
streams are commonly required for instream construction. Isolation from flowing water is usually
a requirement for maintaining water quality. When dewatering of the site is required, this work
should proceed in the presence of a DFO/MOELP representative or Environmental Monitor who
should make the final decision regarding the need for a fish salvage program. Should a salvage
program proceed, the proponent shall assist in the recovery of fish and the transporting of them
to a safe area outside the influence of the work site.
Coffer Dams and Sheet Piling
Coffer dams and sheet piling are used to isolate the work area from the aquatic environment and
limit the disturbing activities associated with construction activities. They should not reduce the
64
stream width by an amount that will lead to erosion of banks both upstream and downstream of
the site or impede the movement of migrating fish. Only clean, silt free materials shall be used
as the fill materials for coffer dams, and all bags and materials must be removed after
construction is completed. All water pumped from contained work areas within coffer dams must
be discharged on an upland site to allow sediment removal before it re-enters any watercourse.
Flumes
Flumes are most often heavy gauge steel pipe(s) that will carry the flowing water over the total
distance of the isolated work site. The fluming pipes should be sized to handle the maximum
expected discharge recognizing the maximum practical fluming capacity is about 3 cubic meters
per second (106 cfs). The design of the flume should include consideration of the flow capacity,
size and length of fluming, area and depth of excavated area, and stability of the stream bed
substrate during excavation.
Temporary Stream Diversions
Temporary stream diversions or channelization should always be excavated in isolation of stream
flow, starting from the bottom end of the diversion channel and working upstream to minimize
sediment production. Any dewatering flows should be directed to a settling pond to remove
sediments. Channel diversion shall only commence in the presence of a DFO/MOELP
representative and should be completed as quickly as possible, preferably within a single day
during the low flow period. Upon completion of the instream work, the stream shall be restored to
its original configuration and stabilized to prevent bank erosion around the temporary diversion.
Water Intakes
Water intakes in fish bearing streams shall be screened to Federal Fisheries specifications to
prevent the possibility of juvenile fish mortality. For detailed information refer to DFO's
Fish
Screening Directive (1990).
Construction Materials and Instream Work

Special care is required in the use of some common, but highly toxic, construction materials in
and around areas of instream work. Wood preservatives, paint and concrete are potential
contaminants frequently used near watercourses.
Wood Preservatives
Wood preservatives containing chemicals such as creosote, chlorophenols and zinc or copper
napthanate solutions are extremely toxic to aquatic organisms. However, based on information
on mobility, persistence, and aquatic toxicity, it is suggested that CCA (chromated copper
arsenate) treatment is rated as the preferred wood preservative treatment in freshwater
environments, and creosote is the preferred wood treatment in marine environments. With CCA
treatments, the treated dry wood should be rinsed after application and drying, with wash waters
65
contained or recycled, and weathered or seasoned for a minimum of 45 days before it is used in
or near any water body. Pressure treated lumber containing CCA should be allowed to fully react
and also weathered for a minimum of 45 days. Application of treatment solutions to installed
materials on or over water is not recommended under any circumstances. Creosote applications
should include steam treating to reduce loss of preservative into the marine environment.
Paints
All paints are toxic and should only be applied when tarpaulins have been installed beneath work
areas. This will allow for the collection of any excess liquid or scrapings and the subsequent
careful removal to a safe disposal location. Paint removal scrapings and sandblasting slag
should also be contained.
Cast-In-Place Concrete
Concrete, which contains lime in the cement, can kill fish by substantially altering the pH in
stream water. All cast-in-place concrete should be totally isolated from flowing water for a
minimum 48 hour period to allow the pH to reach neutral levels before continuing instream work.
Pre-cast concrete should be used whenever applicable for the construction required.
Sediment and Erosion Control during Instream Work

Sediment Control
The temporary containment and removal of sediment-laden water will probably be necessary
during instream work, even when isolation techniques are used. Contaminated water within the
work site must be pumped onto a land site where it will not re-enter the creek, or will do so only
after filtration and settling has taken place.
Instream Machine Crossings
Where no alternate access to the opposite side of a watercourse exists, where it is impossible to
do certain instream work from the banks, or where it is not feasible to isolate a worksite during
construction, it may be necessary to take machinery and/or equipment into or through a flowing
stream. In such situations, the local fisheries agencies must be consulted beforehand. Access
should be arranged for the period of flow with the least impact to fish and fish habitat. All
vehicles and equipment must be clean and in good repair to avoid leakage of petroleum products.
Access by fording should be restricted to one crossing location, and traffic should be limited.
Instream control measures and engineered roads using clean fill materials may be necessary.
The access site must be chosen with care, where banks are low, the stream substrate is suitable,
and the water shallow. Upon completion, the banks should be restored, restabilized and
revegetated to prevent erosion.
66
Erosion Control and Streambank Rehabilitation

Any time a bank or the channel bottom is disturbed, restorative action should be taken to prevent
erosion, siltation and to replace lost fish habitat. If adequate site selection and careful
construction techniques are implemented, minimal disturbance and rehabilitation should be
required to the riparian zone and the stream. Each site needs to be assessed individually at the
planning stage to determine what rehabilitation will be needed. Erosion control materials should
not encroach into the stream's cross-sectional width. Encroachment can create backwatering
(flooding) and increase stream velocities that may cause scouring and erosion. It may be
possible to reuse excavated materials. In some cases, however, they may have to be totally
replaced with materials more suitable for fish habitat (i.e. using washed, silt-free gravel as
backfill). Acceptable bank erosion control methods include hand seeding, hydroseeding, silt
blankets, rock riprap and revegetation using plantings. Scalping existing instream material, like
gravel bars or large rocks, will not be permitted. The top of banks and the riparian zone may also
need to be stabilized, commonly by planting trees, shrubs, and various bushy types of vegetation.
Native species should be used for all revegetation projects.
Explosives
The use of explosives in or near fish habitat must be approved by DFO/MOELP. Each
application will be considered individually on the site specific conditions and circumstances.
Explosives may only be used when other, less detrimental, methods are not feasible. Some
general considerations to consider are:
• Schedule blasting for periods when fish are not present in the blast influence area.
• No blasting should take place near known spawning areas when eggs or alevins are still
in the gravels.
• Minimize blast energy by using low velocity charges, multiple charges and special
detonation techniques.
• Minimize damage to surroundings by the use of blasting mats and blast deflectors.
In some situations, it will be necessary to physically remove juvenile salmonids from, and block
their re-entry back into, the blast zone. The underwater blast zone generally encompasses the
area within a 400 meter radius of the detonation site depending on blast energy and materials.
The proponent or developer must conduct such removal activities only with the direction and
assistance of a qualified professional biologist. Information on explosives use can be found in
Munday et al. (1986).
67
Maintenance of Instream Structures

Well designed and constructed instream structures should require minimum maintenance.
Frequent inspections, particularly during high runoff periods, are very important. Improper
functioning of a structure during or after a major storm event may indicate the need for minor
repairs or modifications. It is advisable to perform such minor repairs immediately in order to
prevent the need for major repairs later, and to ensure safety and reduce the environmental
impact. General maintenance should be carried out according to an agreed schedule of works
and agency contact procedure. If emergency measures are required, only justifiable essential
preventative actions should be taken to protect life and major losses of property. If time allows,
contact the fisheries agencies before carrying out emergency repairs.
Permanent Watercourse Diversion or Relocation

The permanent diversion or relocation of streams or watercourses is strongly discouraged and
only in unusual circumstances will it be considered by DFO/MOELP. Where a permanent
diversion or relocation is absolutely necessary, a compensation diversion channel shall be
designed in detail under the guidance of a fish biologist and other specialists. This compensation
habitat is to provide no net loss of the productive capacity of the aquatic fish habitat. The
diversion or relocation must display hydraulic similarity to the existing stream or watercourse in
order to ensure minimum morphological change to the stream reach. This requires careful
evaluation and cataloguing of the existing features in advance of the relocation design. The
construction of the compensation channel shall be carried out in dry conditions without
connection to the existing stream or watercourse. Once the construction is completed and
revegetation has been established, the connection to the existing watercourse, downstream and
upstream of the diversion or relocation, will be permitted. The connection shall be made only
during the approved timing windows for instream work and under DFO/MOELP supervision.
Sufficient notice shall be provided to the local DFO/MOELP offices to permit reconnaissance,
planning and inspection of the diversion before connection to the stream takes place. The
proponent will provide the means and expertise to relocate resident fish stocks from the section
of stream or watercourse to be abandoned to the new section being brought into service. This
relocation shall be carried out quickly and with a minimum of stress to the fish stocks once the
connection work is finished and the new stream reach has stabilized to a degree acceptable to
the DFO/MOELP. Re-inspections and evaluations of the success and effectiveness of the
diversion or relocation shall be made at specified intervals after its placement into service, and
the necessary corrections and adjustments made by the development proponent where such are
deemed necessary by DFO/MOELP personnel. A formal written agreement will be necessary
between the developer and DFO/MOELP, setting out the detailed conditions of approval.
68
SECTION 6
FISH PASSAGE AND CULVERTS
Objective
The objective of these guidelines is to maintain migratory fish movements in watercourses to
ensure that the various phases in the life cycle of fish can be carried out without undue stress or
hazards that would affect the productivity of present and future populations. Barriers that prevent
fish from moving upstream to spawning or restrict access to rearing and feeding areas can take
many forms which may not be obvious. They include: dams of materials and debris, increased
flow velocities over long reaches of stream, lack of jump pools at drops in the stream channel and
insufficient water depth because of sedimentation or channelization. Natural migratory fish
movement should be maintained by the provisions of these guidelines which are intended to
minimize changes to the natural stream morphology and hydraulic conditions, and maintain
adequate water quantity and quality.
Natural Fish Migration

Fish migration occurs in response to a need, whether to spawn and reproduce, find food items
and feed, or to escape predators. The migration event may involve a large or small population of
individuals moving over a short or prolonged time period, up or downstream. Where the various
lifestages of fish migrate naturally, the stream flow conditions, hydraulics and morphology provide
a certain set of conditions suitable for their passage. Development should have no impact on
that natural set of predevelopment conditions. Blockages and delays in migration, whether
caused by complete or partial obstructions, can have devastating effects on a population of fish.
Various permanent and temporary structures are constructed to allow the passage of vehicles
and people over streams, lakes and rivers. Where options exist for the type of structure to be
used, a spanning bridge which maintains the natural bank and bed structure is preferred from a
fisheries perspective. Clear span bridging permits the retention of riparian vegetation around the
crossing site owing to a small footprint (area covered by the structure's footing and fill) on the
crossing area. Bridges allow unrestricted movement of bed load by maintaining the natural
stream bottom and bed structure. Additionally, bridging allows free passage of salmonids at
various water levels by maintaining the natural hydraulic conditions that existed before
development. Encroachment of piers and footings can impact the stream by reducing the wetted
perimeter causing local scour of the bed and erosion of the stream banks. Table 6.1 illustrates
the preferred ranking of crossing structures as well as some of the associated design and
fisheries-related features.
69
Passage Design Criteria for Adult Fish

Generally, migrations of adult fish are upstream spawning migrations required to continue the life
cycle of the population. Where culverts are used and upstream fish migrations occur, culvert
design should include features and design to allow the free passage of adult fish. Culvert design
should take into account their upstream swimming capabilities (Table 6.2) as well as design
criteria for fish passage requirements. The following is a summation of criteria for adult fish
passage from Fisheries and Marine Service Technical Report #811 (Dane 1978).
• The diameter of a culvert used in any watercourse providing for the passage of fish
should not be less than 0.45 meters.
• The average water velocity in the culvert should not exceed the following values:
• 1.2 m/s for culverts less than 24.4 meters in length
• 0.9 m/s for culverts greater than 24.4 metersni length
• for culverts greater than 61 meters in length, special consideration will have to be
given on a site specific basis by DFO and MOELP.
• The depth of water should not be less than 0.23 meters at any point within the culvert.
• Any sudden drop in the water surface profile at any point within the culvert influence
should not exceed 0.31 meters.
• During the period of upstream fish migration, the length of time during which the
foregoing conditions are not met at the culvert site should not exceed 3 consecutive
days in an average year.
• All culvert facilities through which salmonid migration occurs should be designed to
accommodate the 100 year flood (1:100), which is defined as that estimated discharge
event having a recurrence interval of 100 years.
• During the design flood event, the headwater depth (HW
) measured at the upstream end
of the culvert should not exceed the height or diameter (D) of the culvert.
• The effective slope (mean slope of the water surface from the culvert inlet to the tailwater
control point) of the culvert should not exceed:
• 0.5% for a culvert greater than 24 meters in length, unless baffles are added
• 1.0% for a culvert less than 24 meters in length, unless baffles are added
• 5.0% at any time, even with the addition of baffles.
• The culvert should be installed so that it has a constant slope through its length, except
for an appropriate camber allowance where settlement is anticipated.
• The culvert should be installed so that the bottom (invert) is at least 0.31 meters below
the grade line of the natural bed of the stream.
• An outlet pool with tailwater control should be provided at the culvert exit.
73
Table 6.2 - Sustained, Prolonged and Burst Swimming Speeds For Various Fish
Species and Life Stage Sustained * Prolonged * Burst *

(size - mm) Speed Speed Speed
(m/s) (m/s) (m/s)
Coho: Adults 0.0 - 2.7 2.7 - 3.2 3.2 - 6.6

Juveniles (120 mm) 0.4 - 0.6
Juveniles (90 mm) 0.3 - 0.5
Juveniles (50 mm) 0.2 - 0.4
Sockeye: Adults 0.0 - 1.0 1.0 - 3.1 3.1 - 6.3

Juveniles (130 mm) 0.0 - 0.5 0.5 - 0.7
Juveniles (50 mm) 0.0 - 0.2 0.2 - 0.4 0.4 - 0.6
Chinook: Adults 0.0 - 2.7 2.7 - 3.3 3.3 - 6.8
Steelhead: Adults 0.0 - 1.4 1.4 - 4.2 4.2 - 8.1

(Use Rainbow Trout juvenile data)
Rainbow Trout: Adults 0.0 - 0.9 0.9 - 1.8 1.8 - 4.3

Juveniles (125 mm) 0.0 - 0.38 0.38 - 0.75 0.75 - 1.13
Juveniles (50 mm) 0.0 - 0.15 0.15 - 0.3 0.3 - 0.45
Brown Trout: Adults 0.0 - 0.7 0.7 - 1.9 1.9 - 3.9

Juveniles (>75 mm) 0.0 - 0.6
Cutthroat Trout:Adults 0.0 - 0.9 0.9 - 1.8 1.8 - 4.3

(Use Rainbow Trout juvenile data)
Arctic Char: Adults 0.6 - 1.1
Arctic Grayling: Adults 0 - 0.8 0.8 - 2.1 2.1 - 4.3
Whitefish: Adults 0 - 0.4 0.4 - 1.3 1.3 - 2.7
Walleye: Adults 0.0 - 1.1

(230 - 410 mm)
Carp: Adults 0 - 0.4 0.4 - 1.2 1.2 - 2.6
Suckers: Adults 0 - 0.4 0.4 - 1.6 1.6 - 3.1
* Sustained speed can be maintained indefinitely.
Prolonged speed can be maintained for up to 200 minutes.

Burst speed can be maintained for up to 165 seconds.
(Katopodis, 1991)
75
Outlet Pool and Tailwater Control

An outlet pool and tailwater control should be constructed at the downstream end of the culvert to
maintain the desired water level within the culvert and backwater the culvert at higher flows to
reduce the culvert velocities. See Figure 6.4 for details of a rock outlet pool with tailwater control.
• The dimensions of the outlet pool can be varied to create specific hydraulic conditions in
response to unusual site constraints. Usually, the recommended width of the pool
approximates the natural width of the stream, and the sides will coincide with the stream
banks, which can be appropriately armoured to prevent erosion. The bottom elevation of
the pool should be at least 0.61 meters below the invert elevation of the culvert at the
outlet.
• A tailwater control device should be constructed at the downstream end of the outlet pool
to provide a minimum depth of 0.23 meters throughout the culvert during the lowest
condition of stream discharge anticipated at the site, or at least 0.23 meters above the
lowest elevation in the culvert.
• The tailwater/outlet pool should reduce velocities in the culvert barrel ort athe entrance
to the culvert by backwatering.
• A low flow channel or notch, 0.61 meters wide and 0.31 meters in depth, in the tailwater
control structure should be provided and should extend downstream connecting with the
deepest part of the natural stream bed.
• The outlet pool should control erosion at the downstream end of the culvert by dissipating
the energy of the flow and provide a transition zone between the culvert and the natural
stream channel.
76
Baffles
Culvert baffles are flow interference structures, usually in the form of low weirs, which extend
partially or entirely across the culvert cross-section. Such structures either interrupt the flow
pattern and provide the fish with a series of resting areas or create a continuous zone or route of
controlled velocities through which the fish can swim.
• Baffles should be constructed in the culvert barrel if the slope of the culvert exceeds the
criteria outlined in Passage Design Criteria for Adult Fish.
• The most successful baffle configuration has been the offset baffle design, developed
and model-tested by McKinley and Webb (1956). The offset baffle configuration consists
of 'paired' baffles attached to the sides and bottom of the culvert and extending out into
the flow of water. The baffles produce a flow pattern compatible with fish migration while
minimizing interference with debris or bed load movement (see Figure 6.5 for general
layout dimensions for offset baffle arrangement).
• Baffles significantly reduce the hydraulic efficiency of the culvert. When making capacity
calculations, the reduced efficiency can be estimated by subtracting the cross-sectional
area displaced by the baffles from the cross-sectional area of the culvert, and increasing
the roughness coefficient.
78
SECTION 7
IMPLEMENTING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES
Objective
This section deals with the steps, procedures and items required to prepare a land development
impact assessment in order to substantiate the practical implementation of the guidelines for
DFO and MOELP fish habitat impact assessment purposes. This document should be part of the
overall development plan and be included in the development/construction specifications.
Recognition by the land development proponent of the impacts on the aquatic environment that
may be created by the project is one of the most important steps in preventing the loss of fish
spawning, incubation and rearing capability in streams and watercourses. The land development
proponent should "take stock" of the natural conditions prevailing in waters on and adjacent to the
site, prior to the commencement of any work. This will create an awareness, and respect for this
resource and a recognition of the necessity and responsibility to preserve it.
The planning process provides both the agencies and the proponent a framework to assess
development activities, potential impacts and effects of the proposed control measures. An
accurate assessment of the impacts is important, and the proponent should prepare an
assessment containing at least the information outlined in this section.
Understanding the characteristics of the fisheries resource (Appendix II) is an important step in
determining what impact a proposed land development project will have on the spawning and
rearing capabilities of the streams and watercourses in the immediate or downstream vicinity.
The determination of the impacts, both positive and negative, can be assisted by assessment of
the natural conditions of the proposed development site prior to commencement of any design or
construction work. While it is not mandatory to provide an environmental impact statement to the
approving authorities, such a statement can be required at the discretion of the Minister of
Fisheries and Oceans (Fisheries Act, Section 37(1)). In areas of extremely sensitive fisheries
habitat values, land development may not be possible if DFO's policy of no net loss of the
productive capacity of those habitats is to be satisfied.
The above considerations should be adopted by regional and municipal governments as they
determine their own land use policies. Increased environmental awareness by all people
regarding the use of the finite land and water resources makes protection of fish and fish habitat
a paramount issue. If sustainable development is achieved, people will continue to enjoy all the
values associated with productive aquatic habitat and the fisheries resource in and around
developed urbanized areas.
80
Application of Land Development Guidelines

These land development guidelines should be applied to all new developments and expansions
or re-developments of existing areas. Land developments that do not have fish habitat onsite nor
any potential impact, through construction activities, land use or stormwater discharges, on fish
habitat off site or downstream are screened out of the guidelines. Generally, small land
development parcels, such as building lots, with no onsite fish habitat, but whose development
activities and runoff ultimately impact fish habitat, will require a summary document outlining
practical implementation of the guidelines and site plan similar to Figure 3.6. Areas greater than
2.0 hectares or having watercourses containing fish habitat will require a full impact assessment
document and both predevelopment site features and land development guideline implementation
plans. The screening flow chart in Figure 7.1 should be used to determine the appropriate
sections of the Land Development Guidelines that are applicable to the development.
Preparation of the document and implementation of the guidelines can be completed in four
steps.
• Collect initial predevelopment data for assessment.
• Analyze site data with implementation of land development guidelines objectives.
• Prepare site map(s) with key information.
• Prepare written impact assessment/feature document and specifications.
Collecting Predevelopment Data

The predevelopment information should be collected onsite through site inspections. A record of
site conditions should be kept with photographs and diary. An aerial photograph of the site is
useful in gaining an overall perspective. A written record or inventory of the items described
should also be completed. Projects can be initially evaluated by a layperson. For projects that
must implement sections of the guidelines (i.e. in one form or another they have the potential to
impact fish habitat and are screened into the referral process), it may be prudent to enlist the
services of a qualified environmental consultant to assist in preparing an assessment and to
advise on the precautionary or mitigative steps necessary to preserve fish and fish habitat.
Generally, information should be collected and analyzed by a person qualified or knowledgeable
in the areas investigated and could include: biologists, civil engineers, botanists, geotechnical
engineers, arborists, hydrologists, surveyors, etc. The predevelopment information should be
catalogued and displayed on the predevelopment map.
81
Figure 7.1 Land Development Guidelines Screening and Application Chart
82
Location and Topography

An accurate topographic map should form the basis of any kind of land development plan. The
site map should be accurate and of the appropriate size and scale to show all of the required
features. Predevelopment data and land development features will be overlaid onto the base
map to provide a visual development plan. Topographical maps can be obtained from
government sources or derived from site surveys. For a single lot development, an accurate
hand-drawn sketch illustrating the relevant features will be sufficient.
Watercourses, Drainage and Aquatic Habitat
Overland runoff and channel flow elements should be marked on the base map and detailed in
the written plan. Existing streams and channels should be detailed, as well as watershed areas
and drainage areas for intermittent and permanent waterways and for calculation of contributory
areas for sediment and detention designs. Streams, channels , ponds and wet lands should be
classified for their aquatic habitat values, sensitivities and utilization by fish. Information on the
distribution of salmonids and other freshwater fish can be obtained from the Federal/Provincial
Stream Summary Cataloguesavailable at local DFO and MOELP offices. Initial determination of
utilization and sensitivity of aquatic habitat can be evaluated by a qualified biologist or through
consultation with DFO/MOELP habitat staff through the regional offices.
Climatic Information
Rainfall data is utilized to design erosion control, sediment control ponds and detention features.
In most instances, IDF (intensity-duration-frequency) curves for precipitation at the development
location can be used. Municipalities and Regional Governments often provide standard design
storm events or design IDF curves. The Department of Environment - Atmospheric Environment
Service has IDF data and curves for 98 stations across BC and an atlas to interpret areas
between stations.
Soils and Vegetation
Information collected should include soil types, ground cover and vegetation. Soils data should
outline areas of highly erodible materials and analysis for use in the design of sediment control
facilities and erosion control strategies. Unstable slopes and remedial measures should be
analyzed, designed and detailed using geotechnical engineering services. Existing ground cover
and vegetation such as trees and shrubs should be detailed and used in determining runoff
factors. Trees and other forms of vegetation are important aesthetic and environmental factors
as well as an effective form of erosion control. Preservation of undisturbed ground cover, trees
and shrubs within the leave strips bordering streams is essential for maintaining the integrity of
the FSZ.
83
Current and Future Land Use

A description of the current and future land use of both the site and adjacent areas should be
included. Offsite features should also include streams and drainage, current and potential future
land use and encroachments. The evaluation should identify and address the following details.
• The legal description, registered ownership, options and covenants on the land involved.
• Official community plan (OCP) designation for present and future land use of the site.
• Required OCP changes for proposed development.
• Required rezoning for proposed development, date of application, and application
number.
• Total size of project in hectares.
• Designation of water supply, drainage and sewerage systems to be onsite or provided by
municipal or offsite hook-ups.
• Siting locations for storm water detention and sediment control facilities on the site.
• Siting and location of utility and access encroachments.
• Potential soils contamination if the project site was previously used for commercial or
industrial purposes (Contact MOELP Waste Management Branch for direction regarding
investigation and disposal of contaminated soil).
• Visible signs of pollution in or along the watercourses on or adjacent to the proposed site.
(If pollution is visible, please contact MOELP, DOE or DFO immediately).
Assessment and Implementation

This procedure involves the analysis of the predevelopment information and preparation of the
land development impact assessment. This procedure may involve application of one or more
sections of the guidelines, which may include:
• Provision and Protection of Leave Strips
• Erosion and Sediment Control
• Stormwater Management
• Instream Work Guidelines
• Fish Passage and Culvert Requirements
Once the sections of the Land Development Guidelines have been applied and analysis is
complete, the following information should be transferred onto an Implementation Map
.
• developed and undeveloped terrain, pervious and impervious surfaces
• building sites, roadways, utility corridors and other land use
• retained vegetation and leave strips (showing method of distinguishing clearing limits)
• altered drainage and slopes (showing runoff factors and areas used for ca
lculations)
• instream work areas and fish passage features (if required)
84
• erosion and sediment control features, location, sizes and capacities

• stormwater management facilities, location, size and capacities.
The document that accompanies the predevelopment and implementation maps is an impact
assessment document. It describes in written form the predevelopment data, and analysis and
implementation of the guidelines. It also details the following:
• The various development activities that affect the site and sensitive areas (for aquatic
habitat) on the site.
• A schedule of the activities involved with the development of the site, including
assessment, permitting, development and construction activities.
• A list and location of all guidelines features and provisions including erosion and
sediment control plans, stormwater management plans, instream work windows, etc.,
cross-referenced to the construction/activity schedule as per date and order of
installation or construction.
• A maintenance program and schedule for the various features including detailing who is
responsible for what features and conditions of maintenance.
• A contact list of the various parties involved including the owner, developer, companies
involved, prime contractor, subcontractors, consultants, etc, if known.
• The design and calculations used for the engineering and design of the erosion and
sediment control structures, stormwater management features and pollution control
works.
• Specifications that will be supplied to the contractor for the design, construction and
maintenance of the various Land Development Guideline features
If prepared as described above, the impact assessment will now contain the information generally
required to substantiate the operational implementation of the Land Development Guidelines for
DFO and MOELP fisheries habitat impact assessment purposes. They should be included as
part of the overall development plan and attached to the development/construction specifications
for bidding and contract purposes. The completed plan should be distributed to the various
parties involved in the development process (contact list) including the field construction
supervisors and workers. Use and practical implementation of the guidelines will require onsite
supervision and revision to meet the changing, site-specific conditions encountered.
Environmental Monitoring
In accordance with current practice, and where considered appropriate by government agencies,
the proponent should employ environmental monitors to ensure a high standard of environmental
protection during construction. Construction can be either continuously monitored or periodically
inspected, depending on site sensitivity and the nature of construction. The monitor should have
85
the authority to modify or stop operations in the case of non-compliance with approval conditions
or where unforeseen circumstances cause environmental problems. The monitor also provides
the following services as required:
• Acting as an intermediary between the proponent and regulatory bodies.
• Briefing the contractor on site-specific environmental requirements.
• provides basic environmental education and construction guidelines to all field personnel.
• closely supervises construction activity to ensure compliance with construction
guidelines.
• Participating in meetings between proponent, agency personnel and the contractor(s).
• Defining environmental standards for construction.
• Mapping and marking sensitive areas in a
dvance of actual construction.
• Reporting to the proponent and the regulatory agencies on the environmental
performance of the contractor.
The proponent, by allowing the monitor to represent agency concerns, benefits since this allows
the proponent to avoid shutdowns and other costly complications that would otherwise result from
preventable environmental violations. Regulatory agency personnel may overrule the
environmental monitor, and have final authority in determining whether or not construction
standards are being met by the contractor.
86
87
SECTION 8
LAND DEVELOPMENT EXAMPLE
Objective
This design example illustrates the application of the Land Development Guidelines to a small
development site. In the application of the erosion and sediment control guidelines, an
interceptor ditch/swale and sediment control pond are designed. Also, this design example
utilizes the rational method, simplified unit hydrograph and alternate infiltration system in the
design of the stormwater management requirements. Where possible, information is included to
provide additional background and detail to the methods used. The methodologies used are
examples and illustrations, not endorsements or minimum requirements, for calculating
requirements outlined in the Land Development Guidelines.
Predevelopment Data (see Figure 8.1 Predevelopment Map )

Location and Topography
The development site is located near Campbell River at Willow Point, west of the main highway
on Vancouver Island. The site slopes generally to the west, with a small section near the
highway draining to the east. The change in elevation onsite is from 60.5 m. to 52 m. (above
datum).
Drainage
Current runoff is by overland flow following the slope of the site. A small gully is located off the
property near the SW corner which appears to have concentrated channel flow during runoff
events. The small section at the east end of the site currently drains onto the road r/w. There is
no generation of runoff onto the development area from offsite precipitation.
Soils and Vegetation
The site is overlain with a sandy organic topsoil in the open areas, and a darker organic humus
with leaf litter under the alder canopy. Test pits were dug at locations indicated and soil logs are
included. The south third of the property has a mature alder forest 8 to 12 meters high with a
fern/salal/grass ground cover. The other two thirds of the property is vegetated with open
grasses, broom and small alder.
Streams and Aquatic Habitat
There are no permanent or intermittent streams or watercourses onsite. There is a large stream,
Willow Creek, offsite near the west end of the property which, according to the Stream Summary
Catalogue, is utilized by salmonids (copy of catalogue data is enclosed).
88
Figure 8.1 Predevelopment Map
89
Description
Stream Name: Willow Creek
Local Name: Swansky/Ford Creek
Watershed Code: 92-2645
Location: Flows NE into Discovery Passage at Willow Point, SE of Campbell River.
Distribution Summary
CO Coho Salmon Throughout (above site).
CM Chum Salmon Presence Noted (above site).
CT Cutthroat Trout Presence Noted (above site).
FSZ Area: Area 1
FSZ Window: Aug 1 - Sep 15 (Final window to be determined with DFO/MOELP consultation)
Climatic Information
IDF curves for development site were derived from Environment Canada - Atmospheric
Environment Service Rainfall Frequency Atlas for Canada (1985) using estimates of mean
rainfall, standard deviation and frequency factors from rainfall frequency maps.
Current/Future Land Use
The current zoning and OCP designation allows for development of a light commercial/business
center. The total site area is 2.2 hectares. Water supply and sewerage are provided along the
frontage with the r/w together with site access and utilities hook-ups. Site stormwater
management is to be provided onsite with discharge to creek after treatment/detention.
Development/Construction Schedule
Table 8.1 - Example Development Construction Schedule
Construction/Development Activity Start Date Finish Date Responsibility
Site access construction May 5 May 8 Contractor
Clearing, earthworks and grading May 9 May 15 Contractor
Erosion and sediment control features May 13 May 20 Contractor
Site services/foundations May 21 June 10 Contractor
Building construction June 10 July 31 Contractor
Stormwater facilities Aug 1 Aug 7 Contractor
Stormwater outfall (FSZ) Aug 8 Aug 14 Contractor
Paving/landscaping Aug 15 Aug 30 Contractor
90
Controlled Activities/Construction Zones

There will be no work or disturbance with thirty (30) meters of the existing high water mark of
Willow Creek along the entire western boundary of the development site. This area will be
maintained as a leave strip and protected by orange construction fence during development and
removed after final DFO inspection. There is no instream work planned for the development of
this site. Existing runoff gully is to be widened and armoured during FSZ window to be confirmed
and approved with DFO Fisheries Officer and MOELP. Controlled construction techniques
include the use of hand labour and no machinery. The gully is being widened and armoured to
prevent erosion due to stormwater flows from the detention pond.
LDG Features and Construction Schedule

Leave Strip
• Provision and protection of a minimum 30 meters from existing high water mark of Willow
Creek.
• Installation of landscaped area next to leave strip as buffer area to developed site.
• Barrier fencing will be placed at initial site meeting and removed after final DFO
inspection.
Erosion and Sediment Control and Construction Practices
(see Figure 8.2 Erosion and Sediment Control Map)
• Temporary re-vegetation of developed area between initial site earthworks and
construction.
• Installation of lined interceptor ditch around disturbed area to control runoff.
• Tarping of exposed fill slopes until permanent vegetation is established to minimize
erosion.
• Limit construction access and install working road to minimize soil disturbance.
• Removal of excess fill materials offsite.
• Installation of sediment control pond.
• Improvement of existing offsite gully to prevent erosion due to concentrated runoff flows.
• Installation of permanent landscaping at earliest possible date after construction.
• Onsite control of waste materials and installation of recycling/waste control area for
contractors/subcontractors.
• Enforcement of good housekeeping, Worker's Compensation Board, and relevant codes
and by-laws, for site services and conditions.
91
Figure 8.2 Erosion and Sediment Control Map
92
Stormwater Management (see Figure 8.3 Developed Site Map)

• Installation of a wet detention pond to control runoff rates to 1:2 storm event
predevelopment conditions.
• Detention facilities to be operational before completion of storm drainage system and site
paving.
• Installation of spill-control type inlet and outlet structures and oil absorbent pads in wet
pond.
Maintenance Schedule
Contractor shall be responsible for maintenance of the features as listed below and on the site
drawings during construction. Owner assumes responsibility of all features upon final inspection.
Maintenance items include:
• Erosion control tarping and re-vegetation.
• Interceptor ditch.
• Sediment control pond.
• Wet detention pond.
• Site waste and access control.
Contact List
• Registered Owner
• Prime Contractor
• Land Development Consultant
93
Calculation of Runoff Flows in Land Development Guidelines Example

To determine flows in the design example, it is assumed that runoff flows via two modes. The
first is overland in the form of sheet and shallow channel flow. Flow of this nature can be
calculated using time of concentration, IDF precipitation data and the rational formula. The
second mode of runoff type is open channel flow where Manning's equation can be used, or
Bernoulli's equation can be used for pressurized flow in a pipe. In this design example, the
rational method is used to determine overland flows used to size the erosion and sediment
control features, and the stormwater detention facilities. Suitable factors of safety should be
added to features calculated in terms of capacity of flow and volume to ensure protection of the
structures, the public, and the environment (e.g. freeboard on ponds and channels, emergency
spillways, etc). The use of the rational formula and time of concentration methodology has
limitations, and should be considered the minimum required standard for computation of
stormwater runoff flows. In large land developments with complex drainage systems, it is
prudent to use a more involved computational method, like the SCS (U.S. Soil Conservation
Service) unit hydrograph method or continuous simulation hydrograph-based methods, to
compute stormwater flows and detention requirements.
Rational Formula
The rational formula used in this design example takes the form:
RIA
Q =
360
where Q equals runoff flow (m 3/s), R (or C) is the runoff factor, A is the catchment area (ha) and
I equals the precipitation intensity (mm/hr). The maximum catchment area suitable for
application of the rational formula is 10 hectares. In the selection of R or C factors for the rational
formula and overland flow characteristics, care and thought should be used in regard to type,
function and lifetime of the structure being designed. In this example, the table of runoff
coefficients used was as follows:
Table 8.2 - Land Cover Factors used for Rational Formula
Land Cover Type R Land Cover Type R
Dense Forest 0.05 - 0.15 Unpacked/Rough Soils 0.30 - 0.50
Light Forest 0.15 - 0.25 Graded/Smooth Soils 0.40 - 0.60
Range/Pasture 0.20 - 0.30 Impervious Surfaces 0.80 - 0.95
Lawn/Grassed Areas 0.15 - 0.35 Open water 1.0
97
These ranges of values illustrate the variability in runoff factors and the caution required when
selecting the value for the land form type. Higher values in the range generally correspond to
steeper sloped sites, frozen conditions, or relative poor underlying soil permeability or drainage.
Time of Concentration - Tc
Time of concentration (Tc) is the estimate of the time required for runoff to contribute from the
total area, and is equal to the time of runoff travel from the farthest point in the catchment area to
the point under consideration. Theoretically, a storm event with a duration equal to Tc will
develop the peak runoff rates equal to the intensity of precipitation of that duration over that
catchment area. Generally, storm events of longer duration (larger Tc) will have lower
precipitation intensities and peak runoff rates, but often similar total volume of runoff, in
comparison to shorter, more intense storms. For application to the rational formula, the minimum
catchment Tc is 5 minutes and the maximum catchment Tc is 100 minutes. The minimum Tc
ensures that runoff is generated from smaller, less pervious areas, and the maximum Tc limits
the size of the catchment area and length of flow path. One example of calculating time of
concentration values is by using a nomograph based on slope and rational formula runoff
coefficients (example of Tc nomograph, pg. 4.20, Goldman et al.). A second method uses a
basic formula based generally on Manning's equation and adapted to overland flow conditions.
The formula method adapted for use in the Land Development Guidelines design example was
derived from the Draft Stormwater Management Manual for the Puget Sound Basin. The
formula calculates the Tc (minutes) for overland flow conditions and is intended for use with use
with the Rational formula:
L
Tc=
60K s
where L is the flow path length (m), s is the slope (m/m), and K is the land cover factor.
Table 8.3 - Land Cover Factors used in Overland Flow Tc Calculation
Land Cover Type K Land Cover Type K
Forest 0.76 Unpacked/Rough Soils 3.1
Range/Pasture 1.4 Packed/Smooth Soils 4.6
Lawn/Grassed Areas 2.1 Impervious Surfaces 6.1
Note that for open water, the time of concentration is assumed equal to zero. Density of
vegetation and presence of channelization will result in variations to these average K values.
98
Recurrence Intervals
The recurrence interval is used to determine the design storm event for interceptor ditches,
sediment control ponds and detention structures. The recurrence interval or return period is the
number of years between events (e.g. floods, precipitation, snowfall) of a certain duration and
intensity. In the design of hydraulic structures, engineering-economic analysis provides the basis
for the design of a structure's capacity to be periodically exceeded rather than having to build a
larger, more costly structure whose capacity would never be reached. In the design of temporary
facilities, a lower recurrence interval is used, accepting a higher risk of failure because of the
relatively short time the facility is operational. For permanent facilities, and those whose failure
would result in direct impacts to property and people, a higher recurrence interval with lower
associated risk is used. In the design of detention facilities, the lower recurrence interval
(predevelopment 1:2 year) was selected to prevent environmental damage resulting from floods
greater than the mean annual (occurring approximately every 1:2 years) generated from
developed areas in a watershed. The emergency spillway capacities of pond structures, whose
structural failure would have a great impact downstream on property, people and the
environment, are designed for a 1:100 year event. Below is a summary of the design
requirements for the Land Development Guidelines according to recurrence interval and area.
Table 8.4 - Recurrence Intervals and Catchment Areas
Structure Recurrence Interval Area
IC Ditch 1:2 Catchment
Sediment Pond Area 1:2 Catchment
Sediment Pond Outlet/Spillway 1:100 Catchment
Detention Pond Volume 1:2 Pre and Post-development
Detention Pond Outlet/Spillway 1:100 Post-development
Additional factors of safety, including: provision of freeboard around ponds and channels,
additional storage in detention structures, increased settling area for sediment control ponds and
reduced design infiltration rates for infiltration systems, are used to ensure safe and long-term
operation.
99
Calculations for Land Development Guidelines Example

Calculations for the design example include:
• Calculation of design storm events from IDF data derived from AES rainfall charts.
• Design of interceptor ditch for erosion and sediment control.
• Design of sediment control pond for erosion and sediment control.
• Calculation of design flows for predevelopment conditions, developed conditions and
detention requirements using rational method and IDF data.
• Design of wet detention pond for detention requirements.
• Design of alternate infiltration system for detention requirements.
Intensity-Duration-Frequency Data for Development Site
For the location of the site, values of the mean and standard deviation for annual extremes of
rainfall (mm/hour) were extracted from the AESRainfall Frequency Atlas for Canada. Distance
between isolines was estimated and values for the various durations were recorded. Using the
appropriate frequency factors for the frequency or recurrence intervals, intensities in mm/hour for
the various durations were calculated. Note that according to Table 1, pg. 9 of the atlas, an
augmentation factor for orographic precipitation is applied for storms of certain durations (i.e.
mountainous regions have an multiplication factor applied to precipitation values). Simple linear
regression of a log-log plot of IDF data produces a graph. The graph can be used to calculate
precipitation intensities for storms of a certain duration and frequency. For example, a 2 year
(1:2) storm with a 20 minute duration has an intensity of 20 mm/hour.
Table 8.5 - Land Development Example IDF Data
Precipitation Mean Std. Deviation of

Duration Precipitation Precipitation
(min) (mm) (mm)
5 2.9 1.5
10 4.5 1.7
15 5.5 1.9
30 7.5 3
60 12 5
120 17 4
360 32 8
720 45 8
1440 55 15
100
Figure 8.5 Land Development Example Site IDF Curves
1000
100 10
INTENSITY 100
(mm/hr)
10
1
1 10 100 1000 10000
DURATION (minutes)
Design of Interceptor Ditch

The interceptor ditch is designed for the runoff resulting from a 2 year (1:2) storm event. From
the erosion and sediment control map, the data required to determine the runoff is:
• Area 1.628 hectares
• Runoff Factor (R or C) 0.4
• Overland flow path 155 meters
• Recurrence Interval 2 years (1:2)
• Area slope 0.5%
• Land Cover Factor (K) 2.5.
Using the formula, a time of concentration value of approximately 15 minutes was derived. From
our site IDF curves, this results in a precipitation event of 23 mm/hour. Using the rational
formula, the total peak overland flow that must be carried is calculated to be 0.042 3m
/s or 1.5
cfs. Using Manning's formula for open channel flow and the worst case conditions, we can
calculate the depth of water resulting from the overland flow and design our interceptor ditch
according to the guideline parameters. In this case, we have chosen to line the ditch with
polyethylene.
The worst slope (i.e. flattest) is along the back of the site estimated at 1%. Assuming a v-notch
(90°) channel is constructed, Manning's n=0.013 for the lining, a slope = 0.01, and channel length
= 100 meters and:
101
2 1
AR 3S 2
d 2
Q = and R = and =
A=d
n 2 2
then:
2 1 8 1
AR 3S 2 3 S2
=d
3
Q=0.042 m s =
n 2n
Therefore the lined ditch should be 0.18 meters deep + freeboard of 0.30 meters = 0.48 meters in
depth and the resulting velocity would be:
2 1 2 1
R 3 S2 d 3S2
V = = = 1.24 m/s
n 2n
Based on the resulting velocity and length of ditch we can estimate channel travel time to check
that the initial estimate for time of concentration is accurate. Therefore:
Time of Concentration = Overland Flow Time + Channel Flow Time
L 100
Tc = Initial Tc + = 15 + = 15 +1.3 = 16.3 minutes
60V 60 x 1.24
Re-checking the flows, the 1:2 precipitation intensity for Tc equal to 16.3 minutes is
approximately equal to the intensity for 15 minutes, and our initial flow estimate is correct.
Design of Sediment Control Pond
In this design, the resulting pond design peak inflow is 0.042 m3/s based on a recurrence interval
of 2 years. According to the guidelines area requirement for settling ponds:
1. 2 Q
A = = 250 m2
Vs
Using the factor for effective length-to-width ratio of 5:1 and 52w = 250 m 2, the resulting effective
width should be equal to 7.1 meters and the effective length equal to 35.5 meters. Checking the
required area for minimum hydraulic detention time of 40 minutes:
2400Q
A = = 201.6 m 2
0.5 depth
Area required for particle settling governs and the average effective pond area at design flows
should be equal to 250 m 2.
102
To design the correct orifice area requirement for the sediment pond drawdown ports:
A 2h
=
Cd3600T g
where T equals drawdown time required (48 hours), orifice coefficient of discharge (Cd) equal
2), and h equals pond depth (0.5 meters). Substituting
0.6, A equals average pond area (250 m
2 or hole diameter equal to 31
values into the equation yields a drawdown port area of 770 mm
mm. The riser is designed for the 1:100 year runoff, which results in a precipitation intensity of
57 mm/hour and a design peak flow of 0.10 m3/s. By using the sharp-crested weir equation the
design water elevation above the riser stack can be determined. Assuming a 450 mm diameter
riser pipe, C (weir coefficient) is set at 3.4 and L is equal toπd, the head above the riser crest
can be calculated:
2
Q 3
H=
Cd π
The resulting head above the riser pipe at 1:100 year runoff rates is 0.08 meters. The
emergency spillway is also designed for a 1:100 event, in case the riser outflow is blocked. The
last design check is to ensure the mean horizontal pond velocity is below the critical suspension
velocity of the design particle. The horizontal velocity is equal to:
Q
Vh = wd = 0.025 m/s < 0.075 m/s = design particle critical scour velocity.
The pond design guidelines will determine final physical sediment pond lay-out and size. The
riser design details, maintenance requirements and interval, and location should be detailed on
pond plan.
Calculation of Detention Requirements
The objective of the Land Development Guidelines is to limit the peak post-development runoff to
the 1:2 predevelopment levels. First, the predevelopment 1:2 peak runoff rate must be
determined using, in this case, the rational formula and an analysis of the land cover type, area
and slopes. By following the contours, the general overland flow is across the site, with no
discrete channel flow elements. The area-weighted runoff factors and times of concentration,
using the Tc formula, were calculated on a spreadsheet (Figure 8.6). The 1:2 peak
predevelopment flow, derived with IDF data and the rational method, was calculated to be 0.022
m3/s. Next the post development conditions were analyzed, and a peak post-development
discharge of 0.097 m3/s was obtained. In order to calculate the detention requirements, a
simplified hydrograph for the site was developed. Time dependent rates of runoff were
calculated using the rational formula and IDF data. It was assumed that the predevelopment rate
of runoff continues at peak rates for storms of duration greater than Tc predevelopment. Post-
development runoff rates decreased as intensities decreased with greater duration (time).
103
Figure 8.6 Calculation of Predevelopment and Post-development Peak Flows

for Land Development Example
Predevelopment Condition
Overland Flow Sub-basin Land Sub-basin Runoff Overland Land Cover Slope Tc
Sub-basin Cover Area Factor Flow Path Factor (min)
Number Type (ha) R (meters) (K)
1 forest 1.229 0.25 119 0.75 0.03 15
2 forest 0.6471 0.15 71 0.75 0.07 6
TOTAL 1.8761 0.22 21
Peak Flow (m3/s) 0.022
Post-development Condition
Overland Flow Sub-basin Land Sub-basin Runoff Overland Land Cover Slope Tc
Sub-basin Cover Area Factor Flow Path Factor (min)
Number Type (ha) R (meters) (K)
1 roof/pavement 1.271 0.90 155 5 0.01 5
2 tree/grass 0.71 0.15 75 0.8 0.11 5
Channel Flow Calculated Manning's Slope Pipe Area Depth Velocity Flow Tc
From - To Sub-basin Flow n Dia (m2) (m/s) Path
(m) (min)
Sub-basin (m3/s) (m) (m)
1-2 0.126 0.020 0.050 0.6 0.09 0.22 2.75 75 0.45
TOTAL 1.981 0.63 10
Peak Flow (m3/s) 0.097
The difference between the predevelopment and the post-development rates of runoff is the
stormwater runoff that must be detained in order to meet the objectives of the guidelines. This
detention volume was calculated by multiplying the difference between the two runoff rates with
elapsed time, and the resulting cumulative volume was calculated in the spreadsheet (see Figure
8.7). The difference in the predevelopment and post-development rates of runoff is visually
represented by the two simplified hydrographs. For the design example, the required detention
volume was calculated to be 194.2 cubic meters.
104
Figure 8.7 Calculation Spreadsheet and Simplified Hydrograph for Detention

Volume Requirements
Time Predevelopment Post-development PreD PostD Volume to Cumulative

(minutes) Flows Flows Volume Volume Detention Volume
(m3/s) (m3/s) (m3) (m3) (m3) (m3)
0 0.000 0.000 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
10 0.011 0.097 3.3 30.1 26.8 26.8
21 0.022 0.068 10.6 53.8 43.2 70.0
30 0.022 0.057 11.5 32.7 21.2 91.2
60 0.022 0.040 39.3 87.1 47.8 139.0
90 0.022 0.033 39.3 65.4 26.1 165.1
120 0.022 0.028 39.3 54.8 15.5 180.6
150 0.022 0.025 39.3 48.1 8.8 189.4
180 0.022 0.023 39.3 43.4 4.1 193.5
200 0.022 0.022 25.9 26.6 0.7 194.2
Detention 194.2 m3
Volume
0.1
post Tc = 10 min
0.09
0.08
0.07
F 0.06
L
O 0.05
W Postdevelopment Flows
0.04
0.03 pre Tc= 21 min
0.02
Predevelopment Flows
0.01
0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
TIME
105
Design of a Wet Detention Pond

When calculating the required detention volume, an additional volume is added for a factor of
safety to account for increased runoff or future development. In the design example, the
≈ 300 m3. For a
calculated detention volume is multiplied by 1.5 to achieve a design volume of
dry detention pond, the average pond area would be approximately 300 2mbased on a maximum
pond depth of 1.0 meters. The physical size and dimensions of the dry pond structure would be
determined by the guideline parameters. For a wet detention pond, the average pond area
would depend on the maximum active detention zone depth. Assuming an active detention zone
depth of 1.0 meters, a design detention volume: V, a bench slope of 1:7, and a permanent pool
effective length equal to 5 x effective width, the average area (A) required is equal to:
V 300 (W x 5 W) + [(W + 7) x (5 W + 7)]
A = = = 300 =
d 1 .0 2
The resulting quadratic equation is:
10 W 2 + 4 2 W − 551 = 0
By solution, the dimensions of the wet pond are:

• Permanent pool 5.6 m. x 28.0 m.
• Design full pool 12.6 m. x 35.0 m.
• Permanent pool depth should vary from 0 to 1.2 m.
• Detention storage depth 1.0 m.
Based on a design riser height (h) of 1.0 meters over the orifice and the orifice equation, the port
area required to limit the pond flow to the peak predevelopment level at full riser depth is:
2 preQ 0.0 22
Aport ( m ) = = = 0.0083 m2 = 103 mm diameter orifice
Cd 2gh 0.6 2 x 9.8 1 x 1.0
The time to drain the detention volume can be calculated:

300 2 x 1.0
T= = 7.56 hours
0.6 x 3600 x 0.0083 9.81
The riser is designed for the 1:100 year runoff, which results in a precipitation intensity of 70
mm/hour and a design peak flow of 0.244 m 3/s. By using the sharp-crested weir equation the
design water elevation above the riser stack can be determined. Assuming a 450 mm diameter
riser pipe, C (weir coefficient) is set at 3.4 and L is equal toπd, the head above the riser crest
can be calculated:
2
Q 3
H=
Cd π
106
The resulting head above the riser crest is equal to 0.15 meters. The emergency spillway is also
designed for a 1:100 event, in case the riser outflow is blocked.
Design of Alternate Infiltration System
3, a field saturated percolation rate (at the infiltrating
Using the design detention volume of 300 m
surface at depth) of 20 cm/hour, and a void ratio of infiltrating media of 0.4, the calculated
required volume of media to retain 1:2 year detention volume.
Detention Volume 300
Volume Infiltration Gallery (LxWxD) = = = 750 m3
Design Void Ratio 0.4
2 x Detention 2 × 300
Minimum Infiltration Area (LxW) = Volume = = 62.5 m2
48 x Perc. 48 × 0.2
RateInfiltration Gallery:
Calculate Minimum Dimensions for suitable
• D 3.5 meters
• L=W 15.0 meters.
As the design area is approximately 3.5 times that required, the gallery will dewater sufficiently
between storms. The low hydraulic loading rate will also prolong the effective lifetime of the
infiltration gallery. Ensure drainage from the site in frozen or oversaturated conditions with the
provision of a channel or pipe. Location, dimensions and site conditions should meet guidelines
recommendations. Inflows should be treated in a small settling basin or sump to remove
sediments that could clog exfiltrating soils and reduce void volume of infiltrating media.
107
APPENDIX I
REGULATIONS
Habitat-Related Sections of the Fisheries Act (Canada)

The sections of the Fisheries Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. F-14; as amended by Statutes of Canada
1988, c. 49) which are pertinent to land development purposes are provided herein for reference
and it is recommended that the reader refer to a copy of the Act for further details and
understanding.
Section 22(2): Protection of fish passage during construction.
The owner or occupier of any obstruction shall make such provision as the Minister determines to
be necessary for the free passage of both ascending and descending migratory fish during the
period of construction thereof.
Section 26(1): Main channel not to be obstructed.
One-third of the width of any river or stream and not less than two-thirds of the width of the main
channel at low tide in every tidal stream shall be always left open, and no kind of net or other
fishing apparatus, logs or any material of any kind shall be used or placed therein.
Section 28: Use of explosives prohibited.
No one shall hunt or kill fish or marine mammals of any kind, other than porpoises, whales,
walruses, sealions and hair seals, by means of rockets, explosive materials, explosive projectiles
or shells.
Section 32: Destruction of fish.
No person shall destroy fish by any means other than fishing except as authorized by the Minister
or under regulations made by the Governor in Council under this Act.
Section 34(1): Definitions.
For the purposes of sections 35 to 43, "deleterious substance" means
(a) any substance that, if added to any water, would degrade or alter or form part of a
process of degradation or alteration of the quality of that water so that it is rendered or is
likely to be rendered deleterious to fish or fish habitat or to the use by man of fish that
frequent that water, or
(b) any water that contains a substance in suchquantity or concentration, or that has been
so treated, processed or changed, by heat or other means, from a natural state that it
would, if added to any other water, degrade or alter or form part of a process of
degradation or alteration of the quality of that water so that it is rendered or is likely to be
rendered deleterious to fish or fish habitat or to the use by man of fish that frequent that
water,
108
and without limiting the generality of the foregoing includes

(c) any substance or class of substances prescribed pursuant to paragraph (2)(a),
(d) any water that contains any substance or class of substances in a quantity or
concentration that is equal to or in excess of a quantity or concentration prescribed in
respect of that substance or class of substances pursuant to paragraph (2)(b), and
(e) any water that has been subjected to a treatment, process or change prescribed
pursuant to paragraph (2)(c);
"deposit" means any discharging, spraying, releasing, spilling, leaking, seeping, pouring, emitting,
emptying, throwing, dumping or placing;
"fish habitat" means spawning grounds and nursery, rearing, food supply and migration areas on
which fish depend directly or indirectly in order to carry out their life processes;
Section 35(1): Harmful alteration, etc., of fish habitat prohibited.
No person shall carry on any work or undertaking that results in the harmful alteration, disruption
or destruction of fish habitat. (See s. 40(1) for "Offence & Punishment" section)
Section 35(2): Alteration, etc., of fish habitat authorized.
No person contravenes subsection (1) by causing the alteration, disruption or destruction of fish
habitat by any means or under any conditions authorized by the Minister or under regulations
made by the Governor in Council under this Act.
Section 36(3): Deposit of deleterious substance prohibited.
Subject to subsection (4), no person shall deposit or permit the deposit of a deleterious
substance of any type in water frequented by fish or in any place under any conditions where the
deleterious substance or any other deleterious substance that results from the deposit of the
deleterious substance may enter any such water. (See s. 40(2) for "Offence & Punishment"
section)
Section 37(1): Minister may require plans and specifications.
Where a person carries on or proposes to carry on any work or undertaking that results or is
likely to result in the alteration, disruption or destruction of fish habitat, or in the deposit of a
deleterious substance in water frequented by fish or in any place under any conditions where that
deleterious substance or any other deleterious substance that results from the deposit of that
deleterious substance may enter any such waters, the person shall, on the request of the
Minister or without request in the manner and circumstances prescribed by regulations made
under paragraph (3)(a), provide the Minister with such plans, specifications, studies, procedures,
schedules, analyses, samples or other information relating to the work or undertaking and with
such analyses, samples, evaluations, studies or other information relating to the water, place or
fish habitat that is or is likely to be affected by the work or undertaking as will enable the Minister
to determine
109
(a) whether the work or undertaking results or is likely to result in any alteration, disruption or
destruction of fish habitat that constitutes or would constitute an offence under
subsection 40(1) and what measures, if any, would prevent that result or mitigate the
effects thereof; or
(b) whether there is or is likely to be a deposit of a deleterious substance by reason of the
work or undertaking that constitutes or would constitute an offence under subsection
40(2) and what measures, if any, would prevent that deposit or mitigate the effects
thereof.
Section 37(2): Powers of Minister.
If, after reviewing any material or information provided under subsection (1) and affording the
persons who provided it a reasonable opportunity to make representations, the Minister or a
person designated by the Minister is of the opinion that an offence under subsection 40(1) or (2)
is being or is likely to be committed, the Minister or a person designated by the Minister may, by
order, subject to regulations made pursuant to paragraph (3)(b), or, if there are no such
regulations in force, with the approval of the Governor in Council,
(a) require such modifications or additions to the work or undertaking or such modifications
to any plans, specifications, procedures or schedules relating thereto as the Minister or a
person designated by the Minister considers necessary in the circumstances, or
(b) restrict the operation of the work or undertaking,
and, with the approval of the Governor in Council in any case, direct the closing of the work or
undertaking for such period as the Minister or a person designated by the Minister considers
necessary in the circumstances.
Section 38(4): Duty to report.
Where, out of the normal course of events, there occurs a deposit of deleterious substance in a
water frequented by fish or a serious and imminent danger thereof by reason of any condition,
and where any damage or danger to fish habitat or fish or the use by man of fish results or may
reasonably be expected to result therefrom, any person who at any material time
(a) owns the deleterious substance or has the charge, management or control thereof, or
(b) causes or contributes to the causation of the deposit or danger thereof,
shall, in accordance with any regulations applicable thereto, report such occurrence to an
inspector or such other person or authority as is prescribed by the regulation.
Section 38(5): Duty to take all reasonable measures.
Every person referred to in paragraph (4)(a) or (b) shall, as soon as possible in the
circumstances, take all reasonable measures consistent with safety and the conservation of fish
and fish habitat to prevent any occurrence referred to in subsection (4) or to counteract, mitigate
or remedy any adverse effects that result or may reasonably be expected to result therefrom.
110
Section 38(6): Power to take or direct remedial measures.

Where an inspector, whether or not a report has been made under subsection (4), is satisfied on
reasonable grounds that there is an occurrence referred to in subsection (4) and that immediate
action is necessary in order to carry out ant reasonable measures referred to in subsection (5),
he may, subject to subsection (7) and the regulations, take any such measures or direct that they
may be taken by any person referred to in paragraph (4)(a) or (b).
Section 40(1): Offence and punishment (s. 35).
Every person who contravenes subsection 35(1) is guilty of
(a) an offence punishable on summary conviction and liable, for a first offence, to a fine not
exceeding three hundred thousand dollars and, for any subsequent offence, to a fine not
exceeding three hundred thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding
six months, or to both; or
(b) an indictable offence and liable, for a first offence, to a fine not exceeding one million
dollars and, for any subsequent offence, to a fine not exceeding one million dollars or to
imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or to both.
Section 40(2): Offence and punishment (s. 36).
Any person who contravenes subsection 36(1) or (3) is guilty of
(a) an offence punishable on summary conviction and liable, for a first offence, to a fine not
exceeding three hundred thousand dollars and, for any subsequent offence, to a fine not
exceeding three hundred thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding
six months, or to both; or
(b) an indictable offence and liable, for a first offence, to a fine not exceeding one million
dollars and, for any subsequent offence, to a fine not exceeding one million dollars or to
imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or to both.
Section 40(3): Other offences (s. 37 - 38).
Every person who
(a) fails to provide the Minister with any material or information requested pursuant to
subsection 37(1) within a reasonable time after the request is made,
(b) fails to provide or submit any material, information or report that is to be provided or
submitted under regulations made pursuant to subsection 37(3),
(c) fails to make a report that he is required to make under subsection 38(4),
(d) carries on any work or undertaking described in subsection 37(1)
(i) otherwise than in accordance with any material or information relating to the work
or undertaking that he provides to the Minister under subsection 37(1),
(ii) otherwise than in accordancewith any such material or information as required
to be modified by any order of the Minister under paragraph 37(2)(a), or
111
(iii) contrary to any order made by the Minister under subsection 37(2),
(e) fails to take any reasonable measures that he is required to take under subsection 38(5)
or fails to take such measures in the required manner,
(f) fails to comply with the whole or any part of a direction of an inspector under subsection
38(6), or
is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction and liable, for a first offence, to a fine
not exceeding two hundred thousand dollars and, for any subsequent offence, to a fine
not exceeding two hundred thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding
six months, or to both.
Section 40(5): Matters of proof.
For the purpose of any proceedings for an offence under subsection (2) or (3),
(a) a "deposit" as defined in subsection 34(1) takes place whether or not any act or omission
resulting in the deposit is intentional; and
(b) no water is "water frequented by fish" as defined in subsection 34(1), where proof is
made that at all times material to the proceedings the water is not, has not been and is
not likely to be frequented in fact by fish.
Section 78.1: Successive days separate offences.
Where any contravention of this Act or any of the regulations is committed or continued on more
than one day, it constitutes a separate offence for each day on which the contravention is
committed or continued.
Section 78.2: Offences by corporate officers, etc.
Where a corporation commits an offence under this Act, any officer, director or agent of the
corporation who directed, authorized, assented to, acquiesced in or participated in the
commission of the offence is a part to and guilty of the offence and is liable on conviction to the
punishment provided for the offence, whether or not the corporation has been prosecuted.
Section 78.3: Offence by employers.
In any prosecution for an offence under this Act, it is sufficient proof of the offence to establish
that it was committed by an employee or agent of the accused, whether or not the employee or
agent is identified or has been prosecuted for the offence, unless the accused established that
the offence was committed without the knowledge or consent of the accused.
112
Excerpts from the Water Act (British Columbia)

CHAPTER 429
(Consolidated February 29, 1988)
Interpretation
In this Act
"divert", or a word of similar import, means taking water from a stream, and includes causing
water to leave the channel of a stream and making a change in or about the channel that permits
water to leave it;
"engineer" means an engineer appointed under section 28 and includes the regional water
manager;
"stream" includes a natural watercourse or source of water supply, whether usually containing
water or not, ground water, and a lake, river, creek, spring, ravine, swamp and gulch;
"works" means anything capable of or useful for diverting, storing, measuring, conserving,
conveying, retarding, continuing or using water, or for producing, measuring, transmitting or using
electricity, or for collecting, conveying or disposing of sewage or garbage or for preventing or
extinguishing fire, and includes access roads to any of them, and includes the placing of booms
and piles in and the removal of obstructions from the banks and beds of streams.
Approvals by comptroller or regional water manager
7.(1) The comptroller or the regional water manager may, without issuing a licence, approve
the diversion or use, or both, of water on the conditions he considers advisable where
(a) non-recurrent use of water is required for a term not exceeding a period of 6
months;
(b) a municipality desires to exercise its powers, subject to theWater Act, under
Division (3) of Part 13 of theMunicipal Act;
(c) a public corporate body or a person desiresto make changes in and about a
stream;
(d) a minister of the Crown, either of Canada or the Province, desires to make
changes in and about a stream;
but the water may only be used subject to the same provisions as if the approval were a
licence.
7.(2) Notwithstanding that a licence has not been issued, a person is not prohibited from
diverting or using water in accordance with an approval given under this section.
Powers of engineer
37.(1) In addition to all other powers given under this Act and the regulations, every engineer
may
(a) enter at any time on any land;
113
(b) inspect, regulate, close or lock any works;

(c) determine what constitutes beneficial use of water;
(d) order the repair, alteration, improvement, removal of or addition to any works;
(e) order the construction, installation and maintenance of any measuring device;
(f) regulate, in person or through a water bailiff, the diversion, storage, carriage,
distribution and use of water;
(g) determine allowances of water to offset evaporation and seepage;
(h) order the release of stored or impounded water that he considers a danger to life
or property;
(i) order a person to cease putting or not to put any sawdust, timber, tailings
, gravel,
refuse, carcass or other thing or substance into a stream; and
(j) order a person to remove from a stream any substance or thing that he has put
into or permitted to get into the stream.
Offences
41.(1) A person commits an offence who
(a) wilfully hinders, interrupts or causes or procures to be hindered or interrupted, a
licensee or his managers, contractors, servants, agents, workers or any of them,
in the lawful exercise of a right granted under this Act or a licence;
(b) wilfully destroys, injures or interferes with the works of a licensee without lawful
authority;
(c) opens or closes without authority a hydrant used for fire protection, or obstructs
free access to a hydrant stop cock or hydrant accessory, or damages a hydrant
stop cock or hydrant accessory;
(d) lays or causes to be laid a pipe, or constructs or causes to be constructed a ditch
or other conduit to connect with the works of a licensee without authority from the
comptroller, engineer or the licensee;
(e) molests, interferes with, delays, obstructs or otherwise impedes the comptroller
or an engineer, water bailiff or other officer in the discharge or performance of a
duty or the exercise of an authority under this Act;
(f) destroys, injures or tampers with
(i) works; or
(ii) a gauge, weir, measuring device, structure, appliance, cable, boat,
instrument or tool belonging to or placed in position by an applicant,
licensee or official of Canada or of the Province;
(g) places, maintains or makes use of an obstruction in the hannel
c of a stream
without authority;
114
(h) engages in the business of operating works to carry water for others without
holding a licence or other authority issued in that behalf under this or a former
Act;
(i) wilfully interferes with a headgate, ditch or controlling works which an engineer or
water bailiff has regulated, or destroys a notice posted by an applicant, engineer
or water bailiff;
(j) constructs, maintains, operates or uses works without authority;
(k) puts into a stream any sawdust, timber, tailings, gravel, refuse, carcass or other
thing or substance after having been ordered by the engineer or water recorder
not to do so;
(l) diverts water from a stream without authority.
Right to use unrecorded water
42.(1) It is not an offence for a person to divert water from a stream for extinguishing a fire, but
any flow so diverted shall be promptly restored to its original channel when the fire is
extinguished.
42.(2) It is not an offence for a person to divert unrecorded water for domestic purp
ose or for
prospecting for mineral, but in a prosecution under this Act the person diverting the water
must prove that the water is unrecorded.
115
APPENDIX II
SALMONID HABITAT
Salmonid Resource
B.C. and Yukon freshwater systems support 11 salmonid species, including five species of
salmon (chum, coho, chinook, sockeye and pink), three species of trout (rainbow, cutthroat and
brown), and three species of char (Dolly Varden, lake trout and brook trout). The trout, char and
several other resident freshwater species, including Arctic grayling, kokanee, burbot and several
whitefish species, share habitats and have similar environmental requirements as salmon.
Although this reference focuses on salmonids and their habitat, much of its content applies to all
species that share the same freshwater systems.
Salmonid Life Histories

Anadromous salmonids utilize the ocean for a major portion of their growth, but depend on
freshwater for reproduction. Perhaps the most significant characteristic of anadromous
salmonids is their habit of returning from the ocean to spawn in their natal streams, where they
were spawned and reared. This homing characteristic enables the development of distinct and
separate stocks or populations, each adapted to the particular conditions of its natal stream. One
of the more obvious manifestations is the difference between populations in the seasonal timing
of adult migration and spawning in freshwater. Each of the salmonid species is unique with
respect to its life cycle and habitat requirements in the freshwater phase. All species of
anadromous salmonids require a freshwater environment for spawning and embryonic
development, but the species differ in the extent to which they rear in freshwater after emerging
from the gravel as fry. Pink and chum salmon, for example, migrate to sea immediately following
emergence, whereas the other species may rear in streams, lakes or estuaries for periods of
months to several years before entering saltwater. The generalized life cycle of the anadromous
salmonid is shown in Figure A2.1.
There are significant differences in the life histories of the Pacific salmon, trout and char. While
Pacific salmon die after spawning, trout and char may survive to spawn more than once. Salmon
and char characteristically spawn in the fall, on declining temperatures, but trout spawn in winter
or spring, generally on a rising temperature regime. All species use the gravel bottom of streams
or upwelling groundwater sources for spawning. The spawning nest or redd, which is constructed
by the female, consists of a series of pockets in the gravel in which the fertilized eggs are
deposited to a depth of 20 to 50 cm. Development of the embryo goes through the egg stage to
hatching, then through alevin development to full absorption of the yolk sac and subsequent
emergence of fry from the gravel. The period from spawning to fry emergence may range from
116
as little as 2 months in the case of spring-spawning trout, to as much as 9 months for those
Pacific salmon populations spawning in colder periods, where temperatures close to 0°C prevail
through most of the winter. In the latter case, spawning would likely occur in early to mid
September, eggs would reach the eyed stage (when the eyes, head and body form of the embryo
first become apparent) during October, hatching would occur in the following March and April,
and the fry would emerge during May. With the exception of the coastal cutthroat trout and
anadromous Dolly Varden char which utilize nearshore intertidal and estuarine areas, many races
of anadromous salmonid species undertake extensive feeding migrations in the Pacific Ocean,
between northern California and the Gulf of Alaska, and can be found up to 1600 km offshore.
Conversely, other races of salmonid species remain and feed in coastal waters, such as Georgia
Strait, throughout their marine life. In addition, several species of trout and char have exclusively
freshwater life histories with adult migration, spawning, incubation and rearing occurring in and
between lakes, rivers and streams.
117
development and hatching of eggs and for growth and survival of their young. Salmonids have
different requirements for spawning, rearing and migration. Fry and juveniles move to different
habitats as they grow older, and hence they require access up and down the stream and into
smaller tributaries. This may include swampy areas, wetlands, small streams and side channels
or intermittently wetted areas. As spawning adults, salmonids require adequate flow and access
to return to spawning areas to complete their life cycle.
The range and diversity of aquatic environments the various salmonids inhabit throughout their
life history combine to make them much more vulnerable to environmental changes. These
changes are generally associated with water use and impacts of land use activities on the aquatic
environment. Water diversions and pollution, hydroelectric projects, forest harvesting, road
construction and land development are the most predominant. The use by salmonids of habitat
varies widely not only with species but also with races of a species, between discrete populations
and even between individuals of the same population. This makes any generalization about their
areas of preference and habitat requirements difficult. Furthermore it means that ideally their
protection and management must be based on specific and up-to-date information about local
populations and conditions.
Specific environmental requirements of salmonids vary with species; in fact, the requirements of
certain species may be in direct conflict (e.g. a small log jam may create a nursery area for coho
salmon but remove a spawning area from chum or pink salmon). However, an attempt has been
made below to generalize the optimum requirements under the simple headings of the habitat
characteristics and water conditions of the salmonid freshwater environment.
Access
The spawning and nursery areas of streams must be accessible to adult salmonids migrating
upstream, and to fry and juveniles seeking rearing habitat. This includes small feeder streams,
wetlands and side channels which provide valuable habitat in the stream or river environment.
Stream Flow
A relatively stable flow without extreme freshets and droughts characterizes the best salmon and
trout streams. Stable stream flow is characterized by a minimum of freshets and floods causing
excessive bed load transport and bank instability, consequently destroying benthos or any
developing embryos or alevins that might be in the substrate. While too much water might be
detrimental, too little is also damaging. A sufficient flow of water is required for each life stage.
Sufficient flows are required during the normal low flow period of late August and September to
provide adequate nursery area for the young salmonids and access for returning spawners, and
also during the winter, when embryos and alevins in the gravel could be exposed to freezing.
119
Stream Substrate
For successful spawning, salmonids require clean stable gravel, typically located in riffles or runs,
depending on fish size and species. High quality gravel will permit redd building and an
intragravel flow of water adequate to provide each embryo and alevin with a high concentration of
dissolved oxygen and to remove metabolic wastes such as carbon dioxide and ammonia. Clean
spawning gravel, from 5 mm to 150 mm in diameter, and larger rocks and cobbles, found on the
stream bottom and banks, is required for production of aquatic insects and habitat for young
juvenile salmonids.
Riparian Cover and Stream Structure
Stream salmonids require cover in the form of undercut banks, logs, rubble substrate, turbulence,
deep pools and overhanging streamside vegetation as found in a viable healthy riparian area.
Such cover is used by juveniles for feeding areas, as a source of food items, refuge for escape
and over-wintering. Adult salmonids use cover such as deep pools for resting and escape during
spawning migrations. Research has also shown that in order to have substantial mixed
populations of salmonids such as the commonly found associations of steelhead trout and coho
salmon or cutthroat trout and coho, a stream with a stepped gradient and high proportion of both
riffles and pools is required. LOD (large organic debris) or CWD (coarse woody debris) form an
integral part of the stream morphology by stabilizing the stream bed and by providing habitat, by
altering the stream structure with scours and pools. Naturally occurring LOD, in the form of fallen
logs, root wads and small jams, should not be altered or removed.
120
Water Temperature
A temperature between 12 and 14°C is preferred by the young of all salmon species with marked
avoidance of temperatures above 15°C and lethal temperature of about 24-25°C. Increased
stream temperature means more dissolved oxygen is needed for the increased metabolic rate of
fish. However, dissolved oxygen saturation levels decrease with increasing temperature which
leads to overall lower concentrations of dissolved oxygen available at higher temperatures.
Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
Stream-dwelling salmonids require high levels of dissolved oxygen (DO) in both the intragravel
and surface waters. It is difficult to set down useful minimum oxygen requirements for stream
salmonids given the great diversity of requirements for different lifestages, activities and stresses
any population experiences. However, it must be stressed that temperature and water quality
markedly affect the levels of DO saturation (% of total saturation at a given temperature) and
concentration (mg/l) in stream waters. Generally, optimum DO saturation is
> 90% and minimum
optimum DO concentration is> 8 mg/l.
Water Clarity and Suspended Sediment
Stream water must be clear enough to permit the sunlight to reach the stream bottom and the
algal community where most of the primary production of a stream occurs. Elimination of such
production may severely reduce the invertebrate fauna of a stream. Salmonids feed by sight and
can have difficulty finding food items in highly turbid water. High concentrations of suspended
solids may also directly damage invertebrates and fish, primarily their fragile gill structures.
Additional impacts can occur if suspended sediments settle onto stream bottoms and suffocate
salmonid eggs and alevins, and destroy benthic invertebrate populations.
121
122
APPENDIX III
OPERATING WINDOWS FOR FISHERIES SENSITIVE ZONES
Purpose
The purpose of this Appendix is to provide development proponents with general information on
the allowable operating windows within Fisheries Sensitive Zones based on FSZ area and fish
species present. To assist in the presentation of this information, the Appendix has been divided
into two sections.
Fisheries Sensitive Zone Areas of British Columbia

Figure A3.1 is a map of British Columbia dividing the province into nine (9) FSZ areas to illustrate
the regional variations in fish presence and use of Fisheries Sensitive Zones (FSZ). The
rationale underlying this division was initially ecological, as per Demarchi's
Ecoregions of British
Columbia (1988)1. However, it was found to be necessary to adjust the ecological basis to
2, and to reflect some major
reflect major drainage basins and fish species distribution
administrative regions3. To aid in habitat protection, Fisheries Sensitive Zones (FSZ) were
defined as the out-of-stream features of fish habitat, such as side channels, wetlands and riparian
areas, in addition to instream fish habitat features.
Fisheries Sensitive Zone Species Timing Windows

Table A3.1, titled Fisheries Sensitive Zone Species Timing Windows , gives time periods of
reduced risk for important commercial, sport, and resident fish species within each of the nine
FSZ areas shown on the FSZ Area map. Within each FSZ Area, there are defined operating
windows for fish species within that region based on the biological life histories within each of the
areas. The period noted in the table is considered to be that time span when there are no fish
eggs or alevins present in the substrates of the rivers in the designated area for the species of
fish indicated (i.e. the start date of the window coincides with theend of alevin emergence and
the end date of the window coincides with thestart of spawning by the species in question).
1 Shown by the inclusion of the headwaters of the Klinaklini and Dean Rivers within Area 4 rather than Area 1.
2 Shown by the exclusion of the upper Fraser River from Area 3, which now generally covers the Columbia River basin,
and by the division of the northern portion of the province into the Peace River basin, the Liard River basin and the
Alaska Panhandle transboundary rivers area.
3 Shown by the division of the mainland coast into a southern portion, included with Vancouver Island in Area 1, and a
northern portion, included with the Skeena and Nass drainage basins in Area 5.
123
The use of the Operating Windows for Fisheries Sensitive Zone Areas is governed by the
following principles:
• The individual life history windows noted in the table are general approximations only for
a particular species over an entire specified area. Given the great extent of many of the
nine areas, variations from the noted windows should be expected. Depending on the
area, the location of a particular river system within that area, the species of concern,
and expected conditions (e.g. stream temperature, fry emergence and migration, etc.)
during the proposed work period, theactual permissible window for work in the FSZ
will likely be defined and negotiated with input from both federal and provincial fisheries
agencies, with decisions being based on the physical and biological parameters of the
ecosystem. For instance, in some cases, it may be necessary to consider hydraulic
conditions in conjunction with the biological life histories. Times when sensitive life
history stages (including organisms other than fish) are absent may also be times of low
flow. Any suspended solids generated by work in the FSZ at these times may not be
flushed out of the system quickly and the subsequent degradation of fish habitat and
water quality could impact future migrating, spawning, and rearing populations as well as
their food sources. Potential impacts on existing populations may have to be balanced
with those on future populations. In any case, the goal will be the protection of fish and
fish habitat through stringent safeguards to prevent the introduction of deleterious
substances, including sediment, into the FSZ.
• The reduced-risk windows noted in the table are those periods when fish eggs and
alevins are absent from the substrates. Juvenile fish and/or migrating/resident adults will
probably still be present in the river during the period of reduced risk. Although a work
period for a particular FSZ may be identified and approved, the actual work still must be
carried out in a manner that, as clearly stated above, avoids the degradation of fish
habitat. The reduced-risk windows noted in the matrix do not give "carte blanche"
permission for poor or careless work practices; the objective is to always avoid adverse
impacts on fish and fish habitat. Reduced-risk isnot no-risk.
• The presentation of those fish species listed in the timing window matrix is not intended
to imply that other fish species will be excluded from consideration when actual
permissible windows are being negotiated. It is quite possible that the protection of rare
or endangered species, or of specific populations of such species, and of their habitats
will assume greater importance than that of the listed species.
The windows in the table are provided as an aid for initial planning only. Given the
likelihood that actual permissible windows will have to be determined by both federal
and provincial officials, development proponents are strongly encouraged to contact
124
local DFO and MOELP fisheries regional staff early in the planning process to discuss
site-specific details of any work in Fisheries Sensitive Zones.
Figure A3.1 Fisheries Sensitive Zone Areas of British Columbia
125
REFERENCES
Dane, B.G. 1978. Culvert Guidelines: Recommendations for the Design and Installation of
Culverts in British Columbia to avoid conflict with Anadromous Fish. Tech. Rep. No.
811. Fisheries and Marine Service. Fisheries and Environment Canada.
Design of Urban Runoff Quality Controls: Proceedings of an Engineering Foundation

Conference on Current Practice and Design Criteria for Urban Quality Control. 1989.
ASCE. New York.
Elbe, H. and R. Olmsted.Guidelines for the Protection of the Aquatic Environment during Land
Development Activities. 1990. Prepared for Department of Fisheries and Oceans and
Ministry of Environment.
Erosion and Sediment Control - Westwood Plateau Coquitlam, BC. Prepared for Westbild
Enterprises Ltd by Terrasol and Hardy BBT Geotechnical Engineers Ltd. 1990.
Facts Sheets prepared for B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Highways - Seminar on
Highway Maintenance. May 1990. Prepared by Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
1989.
Fish Screening Directive. 1990. Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Gibb, A., B. Bennett and A. Birkbeck. 1991. Urban Runoff Quality and Treatment: A
Comprehensive Review. BC Research. Vancouver.
Goldman, S.J., K. Jackson and T.A. Bursztynsky. 1986.Erosion and Sediment Control
Handbook. McGraw-Hill Book Company. New York.
Gray, D.H. 1982. Biotechnical Slope Protection and Erosion Control. Van Nostrand Reinhold
Co. New York.
Hogg, W.D. and D.A. Carr. 1985. Rainfall Frequency Atlas for Canada. Atmospheric
Environment Service. Environment Canada.
Katopodis, C. and R. Gervais. 1991.Ichthyomechanics. Freshwater Institute. Central and Arctic

Region. Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Loukidelis, D and A. Hillyer.Using Conservation Covenants to Preserve Private Land in British

Columbia. 1992. West Coast Environmental Law Research Foundation. Vancouver.
McKinley, W.R. and R.D. Webb. 1956.A Proposed Correction of Migratory Fish Problems at
Box Culverts. Department of Fisheries. State of Washington.
127
Munday, D.R., G.L. Ennis, D.G. Wright, D.C. Jefferies, E.R. McGreer, and J.S. Mathers, 1986.
Development and Evaluation of a Model to Predict Effects of Buried Underwater
Blasting Charges on Fish Populations in Shallow Water Areas. Can. Tech. Rep.
Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences No. 1418.
Nonpoint Source Watershed Workshop. 1991. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Policy for the Managment of Fish Habitat. 1986a. Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Powers, P.D. 1990. Stormwater Detention Performance based on Dominant Discharge.

Department of Fisheries. State of Washington.
Powers, P.D. 1991. Stormwater Management Guidelines for the Protection of Fish Habitat.
Department of Fisheries. State of Washington.
Stormwater Management Manual for the Puget Sound Basin. Draft 1991. Department of
Ecology. State of Washington.
Urban Development: Guidelines for the Protection of Fish Habitat in Insular Newfoundland.
1983. Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
Urban Hydrology for Small Watersheds Technical Release 55. 1986. Soil Conservation
Service. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.
Urban Runoff Quality Control Guidelines for the Province of British Columbia. Draft 1992.
Municipal Liquid and Industrial Waste Managment Branch. Province of British Columbia.
Urban Storm Drainage Criteria Manual - Volume 3 - Best Management Practices. Urban
Drainage and Flood Control District. Denver, Colorado. 1992.
Vancouver Island Highway Project - Guidelines for Environmental Design of Highway

Drainage. Prepared for the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Highways by KPA
Engineering Ltd. 1992.
Westwood Plateau Development Plan. 1990. Westbild Enterprises Ltd.
128
129

DFO Land Development Guidelines

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

DFO Land Development Guidelines

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

DFO Land Development Guidelines

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Land Development Guidelines

Land Development Guidelines

Complied and edited by Barry Chilibeck, Department of Fisheries and Oceans,

First Printing: May 1992

Purpose and Scope

Fish Habitat, Land Development and Fisheries Sensitive Zones

Land Development Guideline Objectives

Referral and Approval Process

Federal Environmental Assessment and Review Process (EARP)

Regulation of Land Development - Other Jurisdictions

Agency Legislation Description

Department of Indian Indian act Approval for activities on lands under

Federal Environmental Environmental Assessment and Requirement for impact assessment,

Agency Legislation Description

Regional/Municipal Governments Municipal Act Permits for construction. Approval of zoning

Review and Updating of the Land Development Guidelines

Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Figure 2.1 Riparian and Fisheries Sensitive Zones

Impact of Riparian Zones on Aquatic Fish Habitat

Figure 2.2 Riparian Zone Benefits to Aquatic Habitat

Water Temperature Regulation

Permanent Protection of Leave Strips

Leave Strip Boundaries

Leave Strip Widths

Watercourse with poorly-defined high water mark in a Residential/Low Density Area

Watercourse with steeply sloped topography in a Residential/Low Density Area

Figure 2.5 Minimum Leave Strip for a Ravine or Steep-sloped Banks

Figure 2.6 Plan View of Riparian Leave Strips

Guidelines for Construction Practices within the Fisheries Sensitve Zone

Erosion and Sediment Control Methods

Long Term or Permanent Slopes

Surfaces and Slopes up to 1H:1V use Seeding and Hydromulching:

Figure 3.2 Typical Interceptor Ditch Construction and Application

Figure 3.3 Typical Silt Fence Construction and Applications

Other Erosion Control Measures

Sediment Control Ponds

particle particle Water

0°C 5°C 10°C 15°C 20°C

Dimensions and Capacities of Sediment Control Ponds

Stability and Public Safety of Sediment Control Ponds

Guidelines for Control of Deleterious Substances on the Development Site

Guidelines for Development of Site Access

Guidelines for Single Lot Development

Selection of Stormwater Management Technology

Stormwater Detention Objective

Table 4.1 - Advantages and Disadvantages of Various Detention Technologies

Technology Advantages Disadvantages

- good multiple use if covered/buried - not suitable for large detention

- good water quality buffering - not suitable for sediment inflows

- design into storm drain system - may cause localized flooding

- design to suit built-up area - potentially larger total area used

Stormwater Detention Ponds

Design of Dry Detention Ponds

• Ratio of effective length to effective width 5:1.

Design of Wet Detention Ponds

Operation and Maintenance of Wet Detention Ponds

Figure 4.3 Detention Pond Control Structure Typical Details

Design of Detention Systems for Built-up Areas

Design and Construction of Infiltration Systems

Figure 4.5 Coalescing Plate Oil-Water Separator