65th Avenue - Environmental Work

Photo of fox tails in long grass

The project area is surrounded by previously disturbed lands including the Edmonton International Airport (EIA), the QEII and secondary roads, agriculture, and commercial uses. 

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Environmental studies involving field and desktop analysis were conducted to confirm the Valued Ecosystem Components in the project area. Rare plants, vegetation, soils, surface water (creeks, wetlands), wildlife habitat and the potential for contamination were studied and reported to:

  • identify environmental sensitivities
  • identify potential impacts
  • assess biophysical impacts
  • identify areas of potential environmental concern and associated contaminants of concern
  • assess potential soil contamination

The purpose of these studies was to incorporate the resulting information into the project planning and design to minimize project impacts on the environment through avoidance, mitigation measures, and the implementation of best management practices during construction activities.

Valued Ecosystem Components

The following table summarizes the project Valued Ecosystem Components and the general mitigation, best management practices, permits and approvals that will be implemented on this project.

Project Valued Ecosystem Components Observations and Description of Valued Ecosystem Component General Mitigation, Best Management Practices, Permits and Approvals
Surface water / Hydrology
  • Seasonal tributary to Deer Creek
  • 18 wetlands and marshes within the project area
  • Install erosion and sediment control measures
  • Water Act Approval obtained for wetland disturbance
Fish Habitat
  • Low quality fish habitat because of the intermittent presence of water
  • Small fish have been previously recorded
  • Letter of advice obtained under the Fisheries Act for work in fish bearing watercourses
  • Specific mitigations to be implemented as per the Fisheries Act during culvert replacement and installation including isolating the tributary and salvaging fish prior to instream work, if water is present.
Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat
  • Migratory and non-migratory nesting birds, birds of prey, frogs, toads, salamanders and garter snakes
  • A red-tailed hawk nest was also observed
  • Salvage of frogs, toads, and salamanders will be completed in wetland areas prior to construction, where appropriate.
  • Vegetation removal will be planned outside of the migratory breeding bird window where possible. If clearing and grubbing must be completed during this window, a qualified biologist will complete a survey to determine if active nests are present prior to clearing proceeding.
Vegetation
  • No known rare plants are within the project area.
  • Trembling Aspen and Balsam Poplar are the dominant tree species in the area.
  • Understory consist of a variety of shrubs, flowering plants and grasses.
  • Mitigation measures will be implemented where appropriate to protect adjacent vegetation from incidental damage from equipment (e.g., use of flagging and fencing).
Groundwater
  • Groundwater levels are variable throughout the study area
  • Groundwater protection will be addressed in the Contractor's Environmental Construction and Operations (ECO) Plan.
Air Quality
  • Potential impacts are limited to construction as project is not expected to increase traffic numbers during operation.
  • Mitigation measures for dust control to be implemented during construction.
Noise
  • Project will not increase traffic numbers during operation.
  • Noise is not expected to increase
Historical Resources
  • No known historical resource concerns in the project area.
  • Historical Resource Act approval was obtained.
  • Any unanticipated discoveries must be reported following Standard Reporting Conditions under the Historical Resources Act.
Weeds
  • The area has high potential for the presence of clubroot, which is a soil borne disease in agricultural crop land.
  • Best practices associated with soil movement and equipment cleaning will be followed to prevent spread to agricultural lands.
Socio-Economic
  • Project will provide additional and safe access to the Edmonton International Airport, QEII highway and new commercial and retail developments.
  • Project construction will create jobs.
  • Project will improve road network and support businesses.
  • Improved transportation safety