(11) section 7 - dec 2004

TERRESTRIAL BIOPHYSICAL ASSESSMENTSECTION 7

Environmental Assessment Certificate Application for the RichmondAirportVancouver Rapid Transit Project

7-1 December 2004

7 Terrestrial Biophysical Assessment

7.1 Executive Summary

7.1.1 Background

This section of the EAC Application summarizes the results of the terrestrial biophysical assessment of the RAV Project, undertaken by SEACOR Environmental Inc. Studies included collection and review of existing information, field inventory, habitat assessment, impact assessment, evaluation of mitigation and habitat compensation measures, assessment of residual impacts, and project implications for cumulative impacts. 7.1.2 Study Area

The study area consists of the RAV corridor from downtown Vancouver to Richmond, and to the Vancouver International Airport (see RAV Project Ecosystem Mapping in Appendix 7-A: Figures 7-A1 to 7-A10). Considering the highly disturbed nature of the study area, the terrestrial biophysical assessment focused on those locations that supported remnants of natural habitat; this was limited to the shoreline of the North Arm and Middle Arm of the Fraser River and land on Sea Island approaching the airport terminals (mostly highly modified habitat).

7.1.3 Study Results

7.1.3.1 Vegetation

The RAV Project falls within two biogeoclimatic units: the Very Dry Maritime subzone of the Coastal Western Hemlock zone (CWHxm1) and the Moist Maritime subzone of the Coastal Douglas-fir zone (CDFmm). Vegetation surveys to characterize plant communities and to assess the potential for rare plants or rare plant communities were carried out at naturally vegetated sites along the RAV line, all of which occurred on Lulu Island or Sea Island. Those few natural plant communities that remain in the area consist of upland riparian habitat or foreshore marsh habitat. Sites dominated by anthropogenic vegetation (i.e., managed parks, Cambie


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Heritage Boulevard, and sites where vegetation is planted and managed) were excluded from sampling. In general, surveyed upland plant communities occur on anthropogenic landforms. They are composed of a high proportion of non-native species, reflecting past and current anthropogenic disturbances such as clearing, mowing, seeding, and dumping of garden waste. The marsh plant communities occur on natural riparian landforms that have been altered by flood control measures such as dyking, and are dominated by native species that are adapted to periodic flooding with brackish water. Information on rare plants and rare plant communities was obtained from several sources, including the BC Conservation Data Centre (CDC), the City of Richmond, and various reference sources. Field surveys conducted at the sample locations did not find any rare plants or rare plant communities. The non-marsh plant communities were small, and in a non-natural condition: highly disturbed and supporting a high number of non-native species. The marsh plant communities were in a more natural condition but they did not correspond with any plant communities that occur on the CDC tracking list. 7.1.3.2 Wildlife

A significant amount of information on wildlife was available for the area of primary interest, namely Sea Island, comprising lands under the control of the Vancouver International Airport Authority. These sources provided the bulk of useful information, which was supplemented by a field reconnaissance survey. The sources described bird use by habitat type and seasonal and annual trends, and provided an account of those species that occur on Sea Island. There is no natural wildlife habitat remaining in the proposed RAV corridor from downtown Vancouver, up to and including the north shore of the Fraser River. Remaining habitats along the corridor occur at the North Arm of the Fraser River (south shore), the Middle Arm (both shores), the eastern end of Sea Island, and east central Sea Island along Grant McConachie Way. Although even those habitats have been affected by land and water uses, they still retain some value as wildlife habitat, mostly for birds.


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Bird use at Sea Island has been well documented by LGL Environmental Consultants Ltd. (LGL) under contract for VIAA and by studies for preparation of the Sea Island Conservation Area (SICA) Management Plan. Other than the small riparian habitats and several foreshore marshes, much of the Sea Island area is actively managed by VIAA to reduce use by birds, so as to minimize the risk of bird-aircraft strikes. Some of the main bird species recorded in managed fields include great blue heron, red-tailed hawk, rough-legged hawk, northern harrier, barn owl, short-eared owl, and savannah sparrow. Overall, bird use of the Sea Island area along the RAV corridor is very low. In keeping with the recently enacted federal Species at Risk Act (SARA), a review of potentially occurring amphibious and terrestrial vertebrate wildlife that have been listed by the CDC was completed, to assess the likelihood of these listed species occurring in the RAV corridor. Blue- and red-listed vertebrate wildlife species for the Chilliwack Forest District were reviewed, on the basis of known distribution and habitat associations. From this review, it was concluded that 17 provincially red-listed and blue-listed vertebrate wildlife species potentially occur in the study area, although several are unlikely to occur or would occur only infrequently. The total includes one reptile, 14 birds, and two mammals. Schedule 1 of SARA was also consulted, to identify those amphibious and vertebrate wildlife species that have been listed by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), as either endangered, threatened or of special concern. Several species of listed birds are known or expected to occur along the Fraser River channels, on Lulu Island, or on Sea Island in the vicinity of the RAV corridor. These include western grebe and double-crested cormorant (river channel habitat only); American bittern, great blue heron, and green heron (riparian habitats and marsh habitat at Sea Island and Lulu Island); peregrine falcon and Caspian tern (river shoreline); barn owl, western screech-owl, and short-eared owl (old-field and marsh habitat at Sea Island); purple martin (shoreline and marsh habitat at Sea Island); and horned lark and western meadowlark (fields and short-grass habitat on Sea Island). A review of terrestrial invertebrate species that are listed on Schedule 1 under SARA was also carried out, and two species were identified as having some potential to occur along the Lulu Island or Sea Island shoreline. Dun


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Skipper and Monarch Butterfly may occur in the area, however, the likelihood of impacts on habitat elements important for either species is considered low. Areas of special conservation concern from a wildlife perspective include the same foreshore marshes that have been red-coded by the FREMP (see SECTION 3.6.1). All other habitats along the RAV corridor have been highly modified, and often intensively managed. There are no ecological reserves along the RAV corridor. 7.1.4 Valued Ecosystem Components

Valued ecosystem components (VECs) include the foreshore marshes of the North Arm and Middle Arm and the listed wildlife species that use the study area. Except for the foreshore marshes, the habitats in the study area have very low value for listed wildlife species, with great blue heron in very low numbers being the species most likely to occur regularly in the ditches and long grass fields on Sea Island. No rare plant species or plant communities were identified during the study along the RAV corridor. 7.1.5 Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures

Potential impacts to terrestrial/biophysical resources associated with construction and operation of the proposed RAV Project were assessed with reference to a corridor, approximately 100 m in width. Although it is recognized that technological design elements of the project will not be finalized until a Concessionaire has been selected, it is anticipated that the RAV alignment and therefore all construction-related impacts, will be contained within this corridor. Criteria for the assessment of potential impacts revolved around VECs which, in turn; were evaluated with respect either to their documented occurrence along the RAV corridor, or to the high likelihood that may be found along the corridor, based on the nature of available habitats and species or community preferences. Note that, since all proposed stations are located within developed land, none of these will involve any VECs. The impact management strategy for terrestrial/biophysical attributes in the study area identified the need to give highest priority for impact avoidance


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and mitigation to estuarine marsh plant communities. Unlike the few upland plant communities that still exist (and which are highly disturbed and dominated by non-native species), the marsh plant communities along the RAV corridor are dominated by native species and are being maintained by natural riparian processes. Mitigation measures and design considerations can avoid or greatly minimize impacts to these communities. Narrow riparian zone habitats along the lower Fraser River have value to wildlife but have been significantly affected by past land use and activities. Although impacts on these habitats may occur during project construction at the RAV bridge crossing sites, these areas can be readily restored to a better level of function than presently exists. On Sea Island, the managed long- and short grass habitats that may be affected by the project have minimal wildlife values and are being purposely managed by VIAA to reduce wildlife use. Direct impacts to wildlife are not anticipated as a result of construction or operation of the RAV Project. As the RAV line will be located over mostly developed land that is already alienated for wildlife use, habitat displacement effects are considered to be negligible. Some disturbance of local or migrating bird populations may occur at the bridge crossing sites (i.e., foreshore marshes, riparian zone). Any such impacts, however, are expected to be short-term and and would affect generally common wildlife species. Overall, there is no indication that any particularly sensitive or listed species would be significantly affected by the RAV Project in the mid- or long term. 7.1.6 Residual Impacts and Cumulative Effects

Residual impacts are those that remain after implementation of mitigation and planned compensation measures. Assessment of the RAV Project suggests that residual impacts on vegetation, wildlife and wildlife habitat will be minimal, if any. Impacts to VECs are expected to be short-term during the construction period, and to possibly affect only the riparian zone at the crossings of the North Arm (south shore) and Middle Arm (east and west shores). In any case, construction planning can be used to avoid or minimize the potential for impacts. Residual impacts to the foreshore marsh areas along the Middle Arm are not expected.


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Given the location of the RAV corridor and the state of existing habitat conditions, cumulative impacts from development of the RAV Project are not expected.

7.2 Introduction

7.2.1 Objective and Scope

The terrestrial biophysical assessment of the RAV Project had the following objectives: to describe vegetation and wildlife resources along the RAV corridor; to assess potential impacts on vegetation and vertebrate wildlife due to

construction or operation of the project; to assess any plant species or vertebrate wildlife species that may be at

risk in the area along the corridor or that could be affected by the project; to investigate opportunities for mitigating and compensating for impacts

from construction, operation and maintenance of the project; to recommend construction monitoring and mitigation measures, including

compensatory habitat maintenance and monitoring, that are appropriate for the location and scale of the project; and,

to assist RAVCo in stakeholder liaison and public consultation, as required.

7.2.2 Study Area

The study area for the terrestrial biophysical assessment includes the corridor for the RAV line from downtown Vancouver to Richmond, and to the Vancouver International Airport, as shown in Figure 2.1. For the purposes of the impact assessment and field survey, the study area included the immediate route identified by RAVCo and approximately 100 to 200 m on either side of the route. Considering the highly disturbed nature of the study area, the focus of the terrestrial biophysical assessment was on those locations that had some remnants of natural habitat; this was limited to the shoreline of the North Arm and South Arm of the Fraser River and, on Sea Island, along the approach to the airport terminals (mostly highly modified habitat).


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7.3 Baseline Descriptions

This section summarizes information obtained from various sources and the field survey data collected in June and July 2003. Information on vegetation/wildlife habitat is presented first, followed by subsections on wildlife. Relevant data are summarized in tables while more extensive data and background information are provided in appendices.

7.3.1 Vegetation/Wildlife Habitat

7.3.1.1 Background

As part of an environmental assessment of the RAV Project, several sites in Richmond were surveyed for plant communities and rare vascular plants. In BC, surveying for plant communities occurs within the context of the Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification (BEC) system (Meidinger and Pojar 1991). The BEC system is a hierarchical system that uses climate, soil, and vegetation to group ecosystems at regional and local levels. Surveying for rare (i.e., designated as listed) vascular plants and plant communities occurs within the context of national and provincial ranking systems. Over the past 25 years, the international organization NatureServe (formerly the Nature Conservancy and the Association for Biodiversity Information) has developed methods to rank the conservation status of species and plant communities. These methods have been adopted at the national level in Canada by COSEWIC and at the provincial level by the CDC. At the national level, SARA was recently enacted to prevent Canadian indigenous species, subspecies and distinct populations of wildlife from becoming extirpated or extinct, to provide for the recovery of endangered or threatened species, to encourage the management of other species to prevent them from becoming at risk (House of Commons Canada 2002). The Act establishes COSEWIC as an independent body of experts responsible for assessing and identifying Species at Risk. The legislation does not address rare plant communities.


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At the provincial level, the CDC systematically collects and disseminates information on rare and endangered plants, animals and plant communities of BC. This information is compiled and maintained in a computerized database which provides a centralized and scientific source of information on the status, locations and level of protection of rare organisms and plant communities. The CDC tracks rare species on Red, Blue, and Yellow lists, and the term listed as used throughout the present report refers to the red- and blue-listed plant and vertebrate species and plant communities identified by the CDC. The lists are defined as follows:

The Red list includes species that have been legally designated as Endangered or Threatened under the Wildlife Act [], are extirpated, or are candidates for such designation. The Blue List includes species not immediately threatened, but of concern because of characteristics that make them particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events. The Yellow List includes uncommon, common, declining and increasing species all species not included on the Red or Blue Lists (Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management (MSRM) 2002).

The objective of the present survey is to identify and locate: plant communities; and, red- and blue-listed vascular plant species that occur within selected field sites that may be affected by the RAV Project. 7.3.1.2 Survey Locations

Vegetation surveys were completed at naturally vegetated sites along the RAV corridor. Sites dominated by anthropogenic vegetation (e.g., managed parks, Cambie Heritage Boulevard, and sites where vegetation is planted and managed) were excluded from sampling. All of the sites surveyed for the RAV Project were located in Richmond, with Sites C and D on Sea Island (presumably on federal land): Site A: Lulu Island shoreline vegetation at crossing of North Arm, east

of Fraser River Terminal building on River Road;


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Site B: Lulu Island shoreline vegetation at crossing of the Middle Arm, west of Lehigh Northwest Materials Duck Island Depot;

Site C: Sea Island shoreline vegetation at crossing of the Middle Arm, east of Grauer Road; and

Site D: Sea Island grassy fields between Vancouver International Airport and Grauer Road.

7.3.1.3 Climate and Landforms

The Ecoregional Classification system is used to stratify BCs ecosystems into geographical units in a five-level hierarchy. The three lowest levels, Ecoprovinces, Ecoregions and Ecosections, are progressively more detailed and relate segments of the province to one another. They describe areas of similar climate, physiography, oceanography, hydrology, vegetation, and wildlife potential (Demarchi 1996). The RAV study area occurs in the Georgian Depression Ecoprovince, an area with clearer and drier conditions than in coastal areas adjacent to the Pacific Ocean. The southern parts of this Ecoprovince have the greatest annual amounts of sunshine in BC. Temperatures throughout the area are modified by the ocean and the Strait of Georgia. The study area is located in the Lower Mainland Ecoregion, an area of reduced rainfall with a distinct rain shadow on the lowlands and the Fraser River delta. Finally, the study area is within the Fraser Lowland Ecosection, which consists of the Fraser delta, estuary, lowlands, and associated uplands (Demarchi 1996). The RAV corridor occurs within the Fraser Lowland, a low-lying area of depositional origin. Upland areas (Vancouver) are composed of various landforms: hummocky till and glacio-marine deposits; glacial outwash terraces; thin mantles of glacial and glacio-marine deposits; and raised marine deltas. The delta of the Fraser River (Richmond) has had a complex history, involving marine and non-marine, glacial and non-glacial deposition. In recent geological history, deltaic, channel, and floodplain deposits have been accumulating at the delta front at a rate of approximately 8.5 m/year (Holland 1964).


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7.3.1.4 Ecosystem Classification

The provincial BEC land classification system provides for a grouping of ecosystems with similar climate, soils, and vegetation (Pojar et al. 1987). At the regional level, vegetation, soils, and topography are used to infer the regional climate and to identify biogeoclimatic units that have relatively uniform climate. Biogeoclimatic units are further divided into site series, which are sites capable of producing the same mature or climax plant communities. Site series for Vancouver Forest Region biogeoclimatic units are described in Green and Klinka (1994). In addition, other ecosystem units (typically non-forested) are listed for each biogeoclimatic unit (MSRM 2001). The RAV corridor falls within two biogeoclimatic units: the Very Dry Maritime subzone of the Coastal Western Hemlock zone (CWHxm1) and the Moist Maritime subzone of the Coastal Douglas-fir zone (CDFmm) (MoF 2003). The Vancovuer portion of the RAV corridor is located in the CWHxm1 which is characterized by warm, dry summers and moist, mild winters with relatively little snowfall. Water deficits may occur on typical sites during the long growing season. Forests typical of the area would have had a canopy of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla), and minor western redcedar (Thuja plicata). Major understorey species would have included salal (Gaultheria shallon), dull Oregon-grape (Mahonia nervosa), red huckleberry (Vaccinium parvifolium), step moss (Hylocomium splendens), and Oregon beaked-moss (Eurhynchium oreganum) (Green and Klinka 1994). The Richmond portion of the RAV corridor falls within the CDFmm which lies in the rainshadow of the Vancouver Island and Olympic mountains, resulting in warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Pronounced water deficits occur on typical sites during the very long growing season. The CDFmm represents the mildest climate in Canada. Forests typical of the area would have had a canopy of Douglas-fir, grand fir (Abies grandis), and western redcedar. Major understorey species would have included salal, dull Oregon-grape, oceanspray (Holodiscus discolor), and Oregon beaked-moss (Eurhynchium oreganum) (Green and Klinka 1994).


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History The present City of Richmond forms part of the Fraser delta, an evolving landform created by sediments from the Fraser River at its outlet into the Straight of Georgia. In geological history, the area occupied by the delta was covered in ice sheets. About 10,000 years ago, the delta started to form after the last minor ice sheet in the Fraser Valley melted. The delta accumulates from Fraser River sediments, with particles being deposited at a given point according to their size and the rivers energy. The present deltaic islands, including Lulu and Sea islands, have soils of variable texture depending on how the sediments were deposited (North 2003). Lulu and Sea islands have changed significantly in recent history, through the process of European settlement and development. Where natural vegetation once covered the islands, the landscape is now largely urban. Vegetation tends to be remnant or highly managed. We have access to an interesting record of the pre-settlement vegetation of the area thanks to careful research and mapping done based on the Dominion Land Surveyors notebooks from the late 19th century (North 2003). The surveyors walked across the delta, with the tasks of marking the legal boundaries of land for future purchase and recording the presence of water and types of soil and vegetation. On Lulu Island, most of the late 19th century landscape was treeless. Original intertidal areas along the river supported tidal marshes dominated by bulrushes (Schoenoplectus spp.) and cattails (Typha latifolia). In areas elevated above the tidal influence, there was a predominance of grassy meadows that were sustained by annual floods. Areas with less frequent flooding supported grass or grass/shrub plant communities. Shrubs included hardhack (Spiraea douglasii), willows (Salix spp.), Pacific crab apple (Malus fusca) and rose (Rosa spp.). Abandoned river channels were dominated by dense stands of willow. Drier riverbanks on the eastern side of the island were dominated by shrubs or black cottonwoods (Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa). Bogs with shore pine (Pinus contorta var. contorta), bog cranberry (Oxycoccus oxycoccos), and moss were also present. At the time of the surveys, some plant communities showed evidence of fire management by First Nations. Historically, bogs were burned to promote the growth of berry-producing plants such as bog cranberry and blueberries


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(Vaccinium spp.). These fires likely spread beyond the bogs to upland plant communities, resulting in extensive grasslands where shrubs and trees might be expected to occur (North 2003). Much of Sea Island was covered with a combination of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) and willow. Extensive grass and grass/shrub plant communities were also present (North 2003). Settlement resulted in a great reduction in vegetation cover. Remnant areas of vegetation were typically altered through human disturbance, and natural plant communities were often replaced by plants of greater economic or aesthetic value. Dyking for flood control of the Fraser River has also had a significant influence on plant communities. Riparian marshlands have been severely reduced by flood control because dykes create firm boundaries between the river and the islands (Klinkenberg and Klinkenberg 2001; North 2003).

Existing Habitat Mapping The City of Richmond has completed Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping of environmentally sensitive areas (City of Richmond 2003). The mapping indicates areas that are considered environmentally sensitive, but there is no additional classification of the areas. Shoreline habitat mapping was completed by FREMP in 1996 (FREMP 1996a; 1996b) and recently updated (2004). The shoreline mapping includes intertidal and near-shore riparian areas with habitats classified according to habitat types and colour codes. Examples of habitat types include mudflat, marsh and bottomland forest. Colour codes for shoreline habitats are defined in Section 3, Table 3.2. The codes are intended to guide development activities that would potentially affect shoreline habitats. 7.3.1.5 Methods

Assessment of Potential Listed Vascular Plants According to the CDC, only one listed vascular plant species has so far been recorded in the vicinity of the RAV corridor (Appendix 7-B). This observation, made in 1998, was of 10 to 20 plants of Henderson's checker-


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mallow (Sidalcea hendersonii) (Provincially blue-listed) found along a man-made marsh channel of the North Arm, located approx. 2.6 km west of the proposed RAV crossing of the Fraser River (Element Occurrence Record 14471; CDC 2003c). Three species that are listed on the SARA Public Registry and four species that have been designated At Risk by COSEWIC have ranges that overlap with or that occur in the vicinity of the RAV corridor: phantom orchid (Cephalanthera austiniae) COSEWIC/SARA

Threatened Status (Schedule 1) streambank lupine (Lupinus rivularis) COSEWIC Endangered Status tall bugbane (Cimicifuga elata) COSEWIC/SARA Endangered Status

(Schedule 1) Vancouver Island beggarticks (Bidens amplissima) COSEWIC/SARA

Special Concern (Schedule 1) Searches were carried out for streambank lupine and Vancouver Island beggarticks during the rare vascular plant survey. Phantom orchid and tall bugbane were not searched for during the survey because they are forest species and do not occur in the present natural RAV corridor habitats. The study area occurs within the Chilliwack Forest District, for which available data on listed plants was reviewed for applicability to the RAV study area. A total of 110 red- and blue-listed vascular plant species are listed for the Chilliwack Forest District (Appendix 7-C). Each species on the list was assessed to determine its potential habitat and whether it would be likely to occur along the RAV corridor (see Appendix 7-D). Some species were determined to be unlikely to occur due to unsuitable climate. From the initial list of 110 plant species, a total of 21 red-listed and 54 blue-listed species were assessed as having a potential to occur within the study area (see Appendix 7-E). Rare vascular plant occurrences have also been tracked within the City of Richmond. Sixteen species of rare vascular plants have been documented in Richmond (primarily by Frank Lomer, a local botanist); the 15 blue-listed species and one red-listed species are detailed in Table 7.1 (based on Klinkenberg and Klinkenberg 2003). These species do not necessarily occur


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within the RAV corridor on Lulu Island or Sea Island but they were searched for as part of the rare vascular plant survey within appropriate habitats.

Table 7.1 Rare Vascular Plants of Richmond

Scientific Name Common Name Provincial

Tracking List Bidens amplissima Vancouver Island

beggarticks Blue

Caltha palustris var. palustris yellow marsh-marigold Blue Carex interrupta green-fruited sedge Red Elatine rubella three-flowered waterwort Blue Eleocharis parvula small spike-rush Blue Elodea nutallii Nuttall's waterweed Blue Epilobium ciliatum ssp. watsonii purple-leaved willowherb Blue Galium trifidum ssp. trifidum small bedstraw Blue Juncus oxymeris pointed rush Blue Leersia oryzoides rice cutgrass Blue Lilaea scilloides flowering quillwort Blue Lindernia dubia var. anagallidea false-pimpernel Blue Myriophyllum ussuriense Ussurian water-milfoil Blue Platanthera dilatata var. albiflora fragrant white rein orchid Blue Polygonum hydropiperoides water-pepper Blue Salix sessilifolia soft-leaved willow Blue

Assessment of Potential Listed Plant Communities Seventy-one red- and blue-listed plant communities are expected to occur within the Chilliwack Forest District (Appendix 7-F). Element occurrence is an important concept in determining whether a specific plant community is rare. An element occurrence is defined as a location representing a habitat which sustains or otherwise contributes to the survival of a population [or plant community] (CDC 2003b). A rare element occurrence is identified based on whether a plant community appears on the tracking list. In addition, the plant communitys successional status, condition, and landscape context are taken into account when determining whether a plant community constitutes a rare element occurrence (CDC 2003c). Plant communities are not listed by COSEWIC or by SARA.


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Based on an assessment conducted for each plant community on the list, it was determined that 39 plant communities could potentially occur within the biogeoclimatic units of the study area (i.e., CDFmm and CWHxm1) (see Appendix 7-G). However, according to the CDC, no listed plant communities have been recorded in the RAV study area. Field Survey Because of the small size of the survey sites, a detailed sampling strategy for listed plants was not necessary. An aerial photograph was used to determine areas of uniform vegetation and anthropogenic habitats. During the field survey on June 27, 2003, each survey site was thoroughly examined by walking along a route that traversed the length of the mostly linear habitats, several times. Survey sites were searched for listed vascular plants according to habitat, with reference to the potential listed vascular plants for the study area (see Appendix 7-C). The searches continued until, in the judgment of the surveyor, no new species were likely to be seen. Plant communities were mapped in the field by means of notes and diagrams. Field notes and photographs were taken to record general site characteristics. Vegetation of each plant community was characterized by a detailed plant species list. Formal plots (under the Resource Inventory and Standards Committee (RISC) standard) were not established due to the narrow width and variability of the habitats. Plant Identification Vascular plant species that could not be identified in the field were collected and identified using the Illustrated Flora of British Columbia (Douglas, Meidinger and Pojar 1999a, 1999b, 2000, 2001a, 2001b and 2002; Douglas, Straley, Meidinger and Pojar 1998a, 1998b).

7.3.1.6 Vegetation Survey Results

Listed Vascular Plants No listed vascular plant species were found at the surveyed sites. Listed species include red- and blue-listed species listed by the CDC, At Risk species listed by COSEWIC, and Schedule 1 species listed by SARA.


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Listed Plant Communities No red- or blue-listed plant communities were found at the surveyed sites. The non-marsh plant communities were small, and in a non-natural condition: highly disturbed and supporting a high number of non-native species. The marsh plant communities were in a more natural condition, but they did not correspond with any plant communities that occur on the CDC tracking list. 7.3.1.7 Description of Plant Communities

In general, upland plant communities surveyed occur on anthropogenic or highly modified landforms, and are composed of a high proportion of non-native species, reflecting past and current anthropogenic disturbances such as clearing, mowing, seeding, and dumping of garden waste. The marsh plant communities occur on natural riverine or riparian landforms that have been altered by flood control measures such as dyking. The marsh plant communities are dominated by native species that are adapted to periodic flooding with brackish water. Another wetland plant community was created by ditching, but it is mostly composed of native species.

Site A This site on Lulu Island occurs within an area mapped as environmentally sensitive (City of Richmond 2003). The shoreline at Site A is also red-coded by FREMP, indicating that habitats include productive and diverse features that support critical fish and wildlife functions. The FREMP habitat mapping indicates a band of intertidal mudflat habitat adjacent to the river, with a narrow band of estuarine marsh between the mudflat and the dyke (FREMP 1996a; 2003; 2004). Vegetated areas of the site investigated are bounded on the west side by the Fraser River Terminal building and on the south side by a fenced parking lot, and consist of two linear plant communities. The Sedge Western lilaeopsis Estuarine Marsh plant community occurs adjacent to and slightly elevated from the river surface. The upland grass/broadleaf shrub plant community occurs directly upslope, on both sides of a track. Site A is representative of the red-coded shoreline in this area, with ecosystems typical of this part of Lulu Island (where a natural shoreline still remains).


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Sedge Western Lilaeopsis Estuarine Marsh This plant community is described in MSRM (2001) as occurring on level sites, estuarine marsh above high tide, deep, medium-textured soils (Photo 7.1). At Site A, this plant community occurs as a band along the edge of the Fraser River. Plants are rooted in fine fluvial sediments on a well-defined terrace. Most species of this plant community are native to BC. Graminoid species dominate: Lyngby's sedge (Carex lyngbyei ssp. cryptocarpa), soft-stemmed bulrush (Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani), Baltic rush (Juncus balticus), and common spike-rush (Eleocharis palustris). Some clumps of lesser cattail (Typha angustifolia) occur. Various herbs are scattered throughout: common silverweed (Potentilla anserina), Pacific water-parsley (Oenanthe sarmentosa), hemlock water-parsnip (Sium suave), seacoast angelica (Angelica lucida), purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), American water-plantain (Alisma triviale), arum-leaved arrowhead (Sagittaria cuneata), swamp horsetail (Equisetum fluviatile), European horehound (Lycopus europaeus), clustered dock (Rumex conglomeratus), fragrant white rein orchid (Platanthera dilatata var. dilatata), lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina), yellow iris (Iris pseudacorus), and western lilaeopsis (Lilaeopsis occidentalis). Pond water-starwort (Callitriche stagnalis) forms mats on the edge of the vegetation. A detailed list of species for this plant community is provided in Appendix 7-H (Table 7-H1). Upland Grass/Broadleaf Shrub This upland plant community occurs as a band between a fenced parking lot and the Sedge-Western liliaeopsis plant community (Photo 7.2). This anthropogenically modified plant community has not been described in the BEC reference materials (Green and Klinka 1994; MSRM 2001). The plant community follows a dyke with rip rap on the river side and a walking path along the top. The area has been cleared in the past, and vegetation is periodically disturbed by human activities. During the survey, the grass-dominated vegetation along either side of the path was reduced to stubble due to recent mowing. A band of broadleaf low shrub-dominated vegetation grows along the rip rap on the river side of the dyke. A band of broadleaf tall shrub-dominated vegetation grows on the other side of the dyke.


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This plant community is composed of a mix of native and non-native species. The broadleaf tall shrub zone is densely vegetated with shrub species, including Himalayan blackberry (Rubus discolor), red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa), thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus), and salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis). A single young trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) tree occurs in the shrubby area. The broadleaf low shrub zone occurs along the rip rap and is mostly composed of shrub and herbs. Shrubs include salmonberry, hardhack (Spiraea douglasii ssp. douglasii), common snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus), and Nootka rose (Rosa nutkana). Various forbs, many weedy, are mixed in with the shrubs. Grasses such as blue wildrye (Elymus glaucus ssp. virescens), common velvet-grass (Holcus lanatus), and fowl bluegrass (Poa palustris) are scattered throughout. The vegetation zone on either side of the path consists of coarse grasses and herbs, maintained by periodic mowing. A detailed list of species for this plant community is provided in Appendix 7-H (Table 7-H2). Site B This site occurs within an area mapped as environmentally sensitive (City of Richmond 2003). The shoreline along this area of Lulu Island is also mapped as red-coded by FREMP, indicating that habitats include productive and diverse features that support critical fish and wildlife functions. The FREMP habitat mapping indicates a band of intertidal mudflat habitat adjacent to the river, with a band of estuarine marsh between the mudflat and the track (FREMP 1996a; 2003; 2004). Vegetation consists of two linear plant communities. The Sedge Western Lilaeopsis Estuarine Marsh plant community occurs adjacent to and slightly elevated from the river surface. The upland grass/broadleaf tall shrub plant community occurs in a band above, adjacent to an elevated track beside an aggregate depot. Sedge Western Lilaeopsis Estuarine Marsh This plant community is described in MSRM (2001) as occurring on level sites, Estuarine Marsh above high tide, deep, medium-textured soils (Photo 7.3). At Site B, this plant community occurs as a band along the edge of the Fraser River. The plants are rooted in fine fluvial sediments on a well-defined terrace.


7-19 December 2004

Most of the species of this plant community are native to BC. Graminoid species form a tall canopy: Lyngby's sedge, soft-stemmed bulrush, common spike-rush, and rush (Juncus sp.). Common cattail (Typha latifolia) is mixed in with the tall vegetation. Various herbs are sparsely scattered throughout: common silverweed, purple loosestrife, American water-plantain, arum-leaved arrowhead, swamp horsetail, western lilaeopsis, and yellow iris. Pond water-starwort forms mats on the edge of the vegetation. A detailed list of species for this plant community is provided in Appendix 7-H (Table 7-H3). Upland Herb/Broadleaf Shrub This upland plant community occurs as a band between an aggregate depot and the Sedge - Western liliaeopsis plant community (see background of Photo 7.3). This anthropogenically modified plant community has not been described in the BEC reference materials (Green and Klinka 1994; MSRM 2001). The plant community follows either side of a track that has been elevated by soil and aggregate materials deposited by human activity. A partially vegetated gravel pile is located east of the track. The area has been cleared in the past, and vegetation is periodically disturbed by human activities. The plant community is highly variable, but it is mostly herb-dominated with scattered shrubs. Most species of this plant community are not native to BC and some are weeds. Shrubs occur scattered throughout and include Himalayan blackberry, Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius), salmonberry, and Hookers willow (Salix hookeriana). Trees such as shore pine and Sitka willow (Salix sitchensis) occasionally occur in tall shrub form. The herb layer is fairly diverse. Grasses such as reed canary grass, orchard-grass (Dactylis glomerata), barren brome (Bromus sterilis), and spike bentgrass (Agrostis exarata) are prominent. Forb species, mostly weeds, form a moderate cover. The moss and lichen layer is very sparse. A detailed list of species for this plant community is provided in Appendix 7-H (Table 7-H4). Site C This site also occurs within an area mapped as environmentally sensitive (City of Richmond 2003). The shoreline along this area is also mapped as red-coded by FREMP, indicating that habitats include productive and diverse features that support critical fish and wildlife functions. The FREMP habitat mapping indicates a very narrow band of intertidal mudflat habitat adjacent to


December 2004 7-20

the river, with a band of estuarine marsh above and to the west. A small polygon of riparian trees is located to the west of the estuarine marsh habitat (FREMP 1996a; 2003; 2004). Vegetation consists of two linear plant communities (see Photo 7.4). The Sedge Western Lilaeopsis Estuarine Marsh plant community occurs adjacent to and slightly elevated from the river surface. The upland grass/broadleaf tall shrub plant community occurs directly upslope, adjacent to Grauer Road. Sedge Western Lilaeopsis Estuarine Marsh This plant community is described in MSRM (2001) as occurring on level sites, Estuarine Marsh above high tide, deep, medium-textured soils (Photo 7.5). At Site C, this plant community occurs as a narrow, discontinuous fringe along the edge of the Fraser River. The plants are rooted in fine fluvial sediments in the interstices of anthropogenic rip rap and detritus. Most species of this plant community are native to BC. Graminoid species dominate: Lyngby's sedge, reed canarygrass, jointed rush (Juncus articulatus), Baltic rush and tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum). Various herbs occur scattered throughout: common silverweed, American water-plantain, marsh horsetail (Equisetum palustre), western lilaeopsis, fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium), seacoast angelica, Douglas' water-hemlock (Cicuta douglasii), European horehound, and western dock (Rumex aquaticus var. fenestratus). A detailed list of species for this plant community is provided in Appendix 7-H (Table 7-H5). Upland Grass/Broadleaf Tall Shrub This upland plant community occurs as a narrow band between Grauer Road and the Sedge - Western liliaeopsis plant community (Photo 7.6). This anthropogenically modified plant community has not been described in the BEC reference materials (Green and Klinka 1994; MSRM 2001). This roadside area has been cleared in the past, and vegetation is likely periodically disturbed by human activities. Portions of the plant community are in the graminoid structural stage, with areas of tall broadleaf shrub structural stage dominated by shrub and tree species. Plants are rooted in soil that is likely of anthropogenic origin, as portions of the ground surface are covered in asphalt (probably used to stabilize the riverbank).


7-21 December 2004

Most species of this plant community are not native to BC and some are weeds and garden escapees. Young trees occur in patchy distribution, including red alder (Alnus rubra), black cottonwood (Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa), western redcedar (Thuja plicata), and a horticultural cedar species (Thuja sp.). Shrubs occur in clumps with the trees, and scattered throughout the grassy areas. Species include Himalayan blackberry, Pacific ninebark (Physocarpus capitatus), common snowberry, Scotch broom, salmonberry, cherry-laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), and English ivy (Hedera helix). Herb-dominated areas are composed of many species, mostly non-native and weedy. Several grass species are prominent and forb species are very diverse and scattered throughout. Rushes (Juncus spp.) also occur in clumps. The moss and lichen layer is very sparse. A detailed list of species for this plant community is provided in Appendix 7-H (Table 7-H6). Site D The City of Richmond (2003) does not consider this site to be environmentally sensitive and, because it does not occur along a shoreline, it has not been mapped under the FREMP shoreline mapping system. The site consists of two plant communities. The majority of the site is dominated by a grassy field plant community. The ditch wetland plant community is located directly east of Templeton Street. Grassy Field This is an upland grassy field plant community (Photo 7.7) that has been anthropogenically modified; it has not been described in the BEC reference materials (Green and Klinka 1994; MSRM 2001). Before the development of the Vancouver International Airport, this site was probably tree- or shrub-dominated. Currently, it is managed by VIAA to reduce bird use of the area (for bird control to reduce hazard of bird strikes). The area is regularly seeded with reed canary grass. Some portions of the site are mowed regularly and maintained in a low grass height condition. Other portions are mowed yearly and maintained in a tall grass height condition. The plant community is dominated by reed canary grass, other grasses, and weedy herb species. Detailed species identifications were not carried out as the grass had been recently mown and most plants were not in an identifiable form. A high proportion of non-native plant species is likely present.


December 2004 7-22

Ditch Wetland This is a linear wetland plant community that occurs along an anthropogenic ditch running parallel to and east of Templeton Street (Photo 7.8). This anthropogenically modified plant community has not been described in the BEC reference materials (Green and Klinka 1994; MSRM 2001). Although the ditch occurs within the area managed by VIAA, the ditch margins do not seem to be mowed regularly. The plant community is dominated by graminoid species associated with moist areas and wetlands: common cattail, reed canary grass, Baltic rush, common rush (J. effusus), beaked ditch-grass (Ruppia maritima), and common spike-rush. Common silverweed and marsh horsetail are scattered along the edges of the ditch. Diverse-leaved water-starwort (Callitriche heterophylla ssp. bolanderi) also grows in the water, partially submerged. A detailed list of species for this plant community is provided in Appendix 7-H (Table 7-H7). 7.3.2 Wildlife and Habitat Use

7.3.2.1 Information Sources

A significant amount of information is available for the primary area of interest from a wildlife perspective, namely the Sea Island area, comprising lands under the control of the VIAA. Background information on wildlife use of Sea Island was obtained from the Sea Island Conservation Area Management Plan (Quadra Planning Consultants Ltd. and KS Biological Services, hereafter referred to as SICA Management Plan 1994) and several LGL reports that this study referenced. These existing sources describe bird use by habitat type and seasonal and annual trends, and provide an account of those species that occur on Sea Island. Additional information on wildlife use and habitat values for Sea Island was obtained from recent inventory work being compiled for VIAA by LGL (made available by Simon Robinson, VIAA, Environmental Biologist, and Dave Ball, VIAA Supervisor, Wildlife Programs; and viewed in the VIAA Wildlife Programs Office). This office also provided verbal information on habitat and wildlife management objectives and recent habitat management activities and wildlife use on Sea Island (S. Robinson and D. Ball, pers. com. 2003).


7-23 December 2004

Information on the Fraser River was obtained from the FREMP office, in files related to the Airport Connector, the most recent Fraser River crossing to Sea Island (Triton 1999) and the proposed Columbia Bitulithic barge offloading facility (DFO correspondence 2001), both of which are located on the Middle Arm just south of the proposed RAV crossing, and an unapproved proposed barge loading-offloading facility near McDonald Beach, on the North Arm of the Fraser River (Gebauer 1997). CDC staff made a search of their files for areas incorporating the Fraser River crossings and Sea Island; the CDC had no wildlife records for this area (Appendix 7-B). A field visit to view Sea Island and the proposed river crossing sites was made on June 6, 2003. It should be noted that the biologist undertaking the site visit had extensive previous experience on Sea Island and was a former residence of the island. 7.3.2.2 Wildlife Occurrence

Background There is no natural wildlife habitat remaining along the RAV Project corridor up to and including the north shore of the Fraser River. Remaining habitats along the corridor occur at the North Arm of the Fraser River (south shore), the Middle Arm, the eastern end of Sea Island, and east central Sea Island along Grant McConachie Way. The following wildlife habitats occur in these areas: North Arm Cambie Street Crossing Industrial land use on the north shore. On the south shore, the conceptual alignment crosses an intertidal Sedge Western Lilaeopsis Estuarine Marsh plant community and upland grass-shrub community. Middle Arm Crossing Wide Sedge Western Lilaeopsis Estuarine Marsh plant community on the east (Lulu Island) shore. Narrow, discontinuous Sedge Western Lilaeopsis Estuarine Marsh plant community on the west (Sea Island) shore (Photo 7.9).


December 2004 7-24

Upland grass-shrub communities on the upland side of the marsh communities. Eastern Sea Island Managed long reed canary grass (mowed annually in June), with some mowed grass areas (Photo 7.9). Drainage ditches between the mowed-unmowed grass areas and along the east side of Templeton Street Grant McConachie Way Parking lot, boulevard, landscaped boulevard and industrial land use. Wildlife Occurrence on the Fraser River The open water of the Fraser River is used by fish-eating birds including species such as red-throated loon, western grebe, double-crested cormorant and common merganser. At times, dabbling ducks and some diving duck species may occur in the open water, while gulls (such as glaucous-winged and Thayers) use the river as a flyway, and sometimes use the river itself. Shorelines and marshes are used by a variety of duck species, particularly mallard, gadwall, American wigeon, green-winged teal, northern shoveler, bufflehead, and lesser scaup (Gebauer 1997). Fish-eating and scavenging birds are also common, including pied-billed grebe, double-crested cormorants, great blue heron, a number of gull species, and Northwestern crows. Breeding birds expected along the shorelines include common yellowthroat, song sparrow, marsh wren, red-winged blackbird, and yellow warbler. A brood of spotted sandpipers was observed on the Lulu Island side of the Middle Arm during the vegetation survey. Other shorebirds that may occur in small numbers at low tide during migration include greater yellowlegs, long-billed dowitcher (Gebauer 1997), and Calidris sandpipers. An LGL observation point on the dyke at the east end of Grauer Road (on the North Arm of the Fraser River just downstream from its junction with the Middle Arm) recorded monthly averages from 1994 to 2002 of between 0 birds during summer months to more than 50 birds during mid winter (Table 7.2).


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Table 7.2 Long-Term (1994-2002) Average Number of Birds Observed per Survey at LGL Environmental Consultants Ltd. Survey Points on Sea Island

Month East End Grauer-

Dyke Species

Grauer & Templeton

Species Grant

McConachie Way

Species

January 52 gulls, herons, (hawks) 0.7 herons, hawks 36 gulls, (herons)

February 4 herons, Canada geese, bald eagles

2.3 herons, hawks 16 gulls, (herons)

March 2 Canada geese, gulls 0.5 herons 3 gulls April 1 Canada geese 1 Canada geese 7 gulls May 0 0 5 gulls June 1 gulls 1 herons 0 July 0 0 1.2 gulls, hawks August 2 gulls 0 1 gulls September 0 1 hawks, (gull) 11 gulls, hawks October 6 gulls, herons 1 hawks 15 gulls

November 54 dabbling ducks, gulls, Canada geese, herons

6 gulls, herons 20 gulls

December 57 dabbling ducks, gulls, Canada geese, herons

2.2 herons, hawks 50 gulls, (herons)


December 2004 7-26

Values were estimated from mapped data where bird numbers were represented by circle sizes. Hawks consisted primarily of northern harriers. Wildlife Occurrence on Sea Island Since 1992, VIAA has contracted LGL to conduct wildlife inventories on Sea Island. The airport reserve lands were the initial focus before construction of the third runway. During those surveys, LGL identified 70 species of birds during the breeding season (Triton 1999). More than 200 bird species have been identified on the island (SICA Management Plan 1994), including up to 13 species of raptors. Surveys conducted since the third runway was constructed have been from fixed reference points throughout the island and have not been habitat specific. Five wildlife habitat types have been described on Sea Island (Sering and Coope 1992; Schieck and Searing 1993): Managed fields (grazed, hay, old-field) Hedgerows Treed Mixed vegetation and scrub areas Aquatic habitats (ditches, ponds). Of these, the project area contains ditches and managed fields, managed either as tall, dense reed canary grass (cut annually in June), or short mowed fields (Photo 7.10). Some of the main bird species recorded in managed fields include great blue heron, red-tailed hawk, rough-legged hawk, northern harrier, barn owl, short-eared owl, and savannah sparrow (SICA Management Plan 1994). The highest concentration of voles and their predators (i.e., raptors and herons) occur in tall grasslands that were uncut for one or more years (Searing and Cooper 1992). The current management regime on eastern Sea Island beneath the proposed RAV line is tall, dense reed canary grass, which has been planted and managed to the exclusion of all other species. VIAA cuts and removes the reed canary grass each June to prevent the build up of litter from previous years dead grass, which would be ideal habitat for Townsends voles.


7-27 December 2004

Townsends voles are the chief prey of the islands predators, such as raptors, herons and coyotes. Leaving the long dense grass standing during the winter inhibits access by aerial-feeding raptors and herons which prefer openings and wet areas. This management regime has all but eliminated raptor and heron use of the area (D. Ball, VIAA, pers. comm. 2003). Savannah sparrows are the only bird species likely to make extensive use of these managed fields. Point surveys by LGL bear out the observations of low wildlife use made by VIAA staff. The Bird Monitoring Data Report for Vancouver International Airport gives graphical representation of the annual and long-term average numbers of birds observed from about 40 points around Sea and Iona Islands. For an observation point located at the junction of Grauer Road and Templeton Street (overlooking the long grass field through which the RAV line is proposed to pass), the 1994-2002 monthly averages are rarely more than one bird observed (Table 7.2). The mowed short grass area near the Arthur Laing Bridge access cloverleaf attracts Canada geese (Photo 7.10). VIAA allows golfers to practice in this area, providing some control, but geese were noted to be making extensive use of the area at other times. Short mowed grass areas between Templeton Street and Grant McConachie Way are similar in nature to the mowed boulevards occurring elsewhere (Photo 7.11). This habitat type, particularly in this active location, receives little wildlife use, with the exception of European starlings and American robins. An observation point further west on Grant McConachie Way had little use by recorded species except for gulls, for which five to 50 birds were regularly recorded (Table 7.2). Passerines were not recorded. Ditches running between the short and long grass fields near the cloverleaf and along Templeton Street provide suitable habitat for dabbling ducks (including the potential for occasional broods) and herons. 7.3.2.3 Listed Species Review

In accordance with the recently enacted Federal SARA, this assessment of wildlife and potential for impacts considered the known and potential occurrence of listed terrestrial and amphibious vertebrate wildlife species in


December 2004 7-28

the study area. Blue- and red-listed vertebrate wildlife species for the Chilliwack Forest District were reviewed to gain an understanding of which species of concern may potentially occur in or near the study area; the list is provided in Appendix 7-I. From this review, it was concluded that 17 provincially red- and blue-listed vertebrate wildlife species potentially occur in the study area (although several are unlikely or would occur infrequently). The list of 17 species includes one reptile, fourteen birds, and two mammals (Appendix 7-J). Schedule 1 of SARA was also consulted to identify those amphibious and vertebrate wildlife species that have been listed by the COSEWIC as either endangered, threatened or of special concern. A brief summary of the expected status of these species is provided in the following sections, with a rationale for why the species is or is not expected to occur in habitats along the RAV corridor. Key references used in the analysis include Campbell et al. (1990, 1997, 2001), Cowan and Guiguet (1965), Nagorsen and Brigham (1993), Nagorsen (1996), Green and Campbell (1984), Gregory and Campbell (1984), Cannings et al. (1999), and Fraser et al. (1999). Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) CDC: Blue-listed; COSEWIC: Not Addressed Painted turtles are found in lakes, ponds and slow-moving streams with basking sites and aquatic vegetation. They occur in many parts of the eastern and northern USA and southern Canada, including southern valleys in BC where wetlands and ponds are available. Such habitats are disappearing across the province, a cause for concern and the reason for their listing. Although painted turtles are not abundant in coastal areas, they may have been transplanted into local ditches on Lulu Island and Sea Island and as such may occur in proximity to the RAV line on Sea Island. Their present status in the remaining natural habitats of the study area is not clear. Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) CDC: Red-listed; COSEWIC: Not Addressed The breeding range of western grebes includes the southern portions of the western provinces, into the USA. Western grebes breed in the interior of BC and winter along the coast, where they are common from fall through early


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spring. They utilize river channels where slower moving water is available for feeding and resting, and are expected from fall to spring in the Middle Arm, at or near the proposed new RAV bridge crossing. Although large numbers have been known to winter along the southern coast of BC, because breeding populations of western grebes in the province are in decline, this species has been listed by the CDC. Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) CDC: Red-listed; COSEWIC: Not at Risk Double-crested cormorants breed in coastal waters of southern Alaska south to the Bahamas, as well as in large inland lakes. In BC, nesting colonies are found on rocky islands of the Strait of Georgia while winter habitats include bays, inlets and estuarine areas of the southern coast. Double-crested cormorants feed in deeper water and are expected in small numbers on the North and Middle arms of the Fraser River from fall through early spring, possibly at or near the proposed bridge crossings. Populations of double-crested cormorants appear to have declined in the province, giving rise for concern and their red-listed status. Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) CDC: Blue-listed; COSEWIC: Special Concern The breeding range of the great blue heron occurs throughout southern Canada and into the USA. Breeding populations in BC include the southern interior valleys and the mid-coast. Great blue herons nest singly or in colonies in trees, generally within 8 km of areas with suitable foraging opportunities. The nearest breeding sites to the RAV corridor occur in Pacific Spirit Park (colony of >100 nests), north of Sea Island (Gebauer and Moul 2001). During the winter, great blue heron range more widely, using a variety of open wetland (e.g., foreshore, ditches, fresh and saltwater marshes, mudflats) and old-field habitats. Great blue herons are common in the Fraser River estuary and are regularly observed along the shorelines of Sea Island and Lulu Island, wherever mudflats and saltwater marsh habitat are available. Herons also feed along the ditches and in old-field habitat on Sea Island. Concern for the species is due to the reduction in suitable breeding sites, disturbance to nest sites and pollution effects - hence their blue-listed status.


December 2004 7-30

Green Heron (Butorides virescens) CDC: Blue-listed; COSEWIC: Not Addressed Green herons breed from southern Canada through parts of the USA and into Central America. In BC, their breeding distribution is limited to the Lower Mainland and southeastern Vancouver Island. They frequent small ponds, sloughs, lakes, slow-moving rivers, and marshy areas, typically sheltered by thickets of willow or alder. They nest in trees, as far as 1 km from water, but mostly within the riparian zone of streams and wetlands. Green herons are reported as a rare resident on Sea Island, with at least one known occurrence of breeding on the island (Plath 1996). They likely occur mostly as foraging birds along the islands shorelines. Historical reduction in riparian habitat is one reason that this species is listed, although at present, populations in the Lower Mainland are believed to be stable or increasing. American Bittern (Botaurus lentignisus) CDC: Blue-listed; COSEWIC: Not Addressed The breeding range of American bittern extends from northern Canada through much of the USA. Bitterns breed in valleys of the southern interior of BC, utilizing wet areas with dense growths of tall emergent vegetation or tall grasses adjacent to freshwater sloughs, marshes, swamps, and shallow, protected sections of lakes. They forage primarily in marshes, but also in other shallow water bodies such as lake edges where cover is available. Although bitterns are known from Sea Island, their breeding status on the island is not known (Plath 1996). Foraging habitat for bittern exists along the vegetated shoreline of Sea Island. Concern for their shrinking habitat in the Lower Mainland, as well as the apparent decline of North American populations, have resulted in the listing of this species by the CDC. Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum) CDC: Red-listed; COSEWIC: Threatened The breeding range of this subspecies of peregrine falcon formerly included much of the forests of North America and the southern coast of BC, south and into the USA. They formerly bred in the interior valleys of the province but present breeding range and known nest locations are far more restricted, mostly to the southern coast and islands.


7-31 December 2004

Peregrine falcons nest on cliffs overlooking shorelines and wetlands and subsist mainly by hunting birds. This subspecies is occasionally observed hunting for prey along the shoreline and fields of Sea Island and may utilize the shoreline of Lulu Island where suitable habitat remains. Historical decline due to pollution effects on nesting success is the primary reason for their listing. Suitable nesting habitat for peregrines is not available along the proposed RAV line corridor. Artificial habitats such as high-rise buildings and bridge structures may be used at times; as such, bridge structures for the RAV line over the Fraser River offer a potential for future nest sites (depending on design and construction materials used). Caspian Tern (Sterna caspia) - CDC: Blue-listed; COSEWIC: Not at Risk Caspian terns breed from across central and northern Canada and into the USA, and from Europe east to China, and south to parts of Africa and to Australia. In BC, breeding populations occur at two locations in the Fraser River delta and at two large lakes in the interior of the province. They usually nest in colonies on rocky or sandy islands and forage along beaches, tidal mudflats and bays. The breeding status of this species on Sea Island is not known, and it is not listed for the airport lands by Plath (1996). Most Caspian terns in the Fraser River delta are migrants or wintering birds. Foraging habitat occurs along the shorelines of Sea Island and Lulu Island and the species could occur there either as a migrant or wintering bird. The blue-listed status of Caspian tern is related to its restricted breeding locations in the province; however, populations in North America are regarded as increasing. Barn Owl (Tyto alba) CDC: Blue-listed; COSEWIC: Special Concern Barn owls exist on all continents except for Antarctica. They reach their northern limit in southern BC, with most of the provincial population in the Lower Mainland. They are generally limited to agricultural areas, where old barns provide nesting sites, but are also occasionally found at the edges of open woodlands. Typically, barn owls nest and roost in buildings and roost in coniferous thickets, especially of western redcedar. They may also nest in


December 2004 7-32

other types of structures and occasionally in a raptor stick nest. Foraging occurs at twilight and during the night over open farm fields, where their chief prey is the Townsends vole. Barn owls are known to nest on Sea Island, although many of the structures that were formerly potential nest sites have disappeared. Suitable foraging habitat still remains over old-field habitat and the species is regarded as a fairly common resident on the airport lands (Plath 1996). Barn owl listed status is due to their extant distribution at the northern periphery of their range, and to the reduction in suitable artificial nesting sites and agricultural foraging habitat as a result of increasing development in the Lower Mainland. Western Screech-owl (Ottus kennicottii kennicottii) CDC: Blue-listed; COSEWIC: Special Concern Western screech-owls breed from southeastern Alaska, southern Canada and into the southern USA and Mexico. This subspecies of Western screech-owl was recently blue-listed in the Chilliwack Forest District and is limited to coastal forests of BC. Western screech-owls breed in open, mixed coniferous-deciduous forests or riparian zones; artificial cavities are also utilized. They forage over agricultural fields in winter, capturing small mammals. Old-field habitat on Sea Island provides suitable foraging terrain for this species, where it is regarded as an accidental winter resident on the airport lands (Plath 1996). Its recent listing is due to reduction in old-field type habitat with changing land use in the Lower Mainland. Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) CDC: Blue-listed; COSEWIC: Special Concern Short-eared owls occur across most of Canada south of the Arctic islands, into the USA and South America, as well as Europe and Asia. They nest in open terrain with tall grasses in shrubby grasslands and agricultural fields; such habitats are diminishing in the Lower Mainland, including Sea Island. This species listed status is due to concern regarding the reduction in agricultural lands and old-field type habitat with changing land use in the Fraser Valley, where most of the provincial wintering population occurs.


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Although the population trend indicates that the number of these birds is declining, short-eared owls may still nest on Sea Island (though not recorded according to Plath 1996). Suitable foraging habitat is available over old-field and saltwater marsh habitat. The Fraser River delta remains an important wintering area for this species. Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris strigata) CDC: Red-listed; COSEWIC: Not Addressed Horned larks occur over much of northern Canada and Alaska, south to the Prairie provinces and BC, and into the USA and Mexico; they also occur from Eurasia south to northern Africa. The subspecies strigata breeds west of the Cascade Mountains from the Lower Mainland south to Oregon. The subspecies range has decreased from its former distribution in the southeastern part of the province and it is presently restricted to portions of the Lower Mainland. Horned larks nest in open terrain with sparse vegetation consisting of short grasses such as agricultural fields and hay meadows, in dry conditions. Suitable habitat occurs on Sea Island though current information suggests that a very limited population still exists there. It is regarded as a rare resident on the airport lands (Plath 1996). The listed status of the strigata subspecies is due to its peripheral distribution at the northern extent of its range; it has never been regarded as abundant in BC. Purple Martin (Progne subis) CDC: Red-listed; COSEWIC: Not Addressed The breeding range of purple martin includes the southern and central parts of Canada south to the southern USA and Mexico. Purple martin formerly nested in natural cavities of snags or woodpecker holes along the shoreline but have adapted to using old pilings along the marine or estuarine shoreline. Their breeding distribution has decreased in the southwestern part of the province and present nesting is almost exclusively in artificial nest boxes near tidal shorelines or mudflats. Suitable foraging habitat occurs along the shorelines of Sea Island and Lulu Island, where tidal flats are available. Purple martin is regarded as a casual summer resident on the Airport lands (Plath 1996).


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The listed status of purple martin is due to its small and localized breeding population with little sustainable nesting habitat; this species appears to be almost solely dependent on artificial nesting sites. Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana) CDC: Red-listed; COSEWIC: Not Addressed The breeding range of western bluebirds extends from southern BC through the western mountain ranges of the USA and Mexico. This species is dependent on cavities in snags and stumps in open woodlands, burned areas or along forest edges for breeding sites. Such habitat has significantly decreased in the study area and in the southeastern part of the province in general. Western bluebirds are an unlikely non-breeding visitor to Sea Island or Lulu Island. It is another species that has suffered dramatic declines in population in the region in recent decades, in part due to loss of habitat, resulting in placement of the Georgia Depression population (Fraser River delta included) on the CDCs red list. Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) CDC: Red-listed; COSEWIC: Not Addressed Western meadowlarks breeding range includes the southern parts of BC and the Prairie provinces east to parts of southern Ontario, and south to the southern USA and northern Mexico. This species has recently been red-listed for the Chilliwack Forest District on the basis of declining populations and habitat loss in its limited range in the province. Western meadowlarks nest in meadow and open field habitats with grassy cover; such open habitats are still available on Sea Island. Although it formerly nested on the island, this species is now regarded as a casual summer resident and uncommon winter resident on the Airport lands (Plath 1996). Townsends Big-eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii) CDC: Blue-listed; COSEWIC: Not Addressed The distribution of Townsends big-eared bat includes southern BC, the western USA and Mexico. It appears to be sparsely distributed in the province, with populations in developed regions. It is highly sensitive to


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disturbance of hibernacula, which are limited in occurrence; hence the reason for its listed status. This bat species may forage along the shorelines of Sea Island and Lulu Island. It sometimes utilizes old buildings as roost sites but more commonly uses large coniferous trees (e.g., crevices in thick scaly bark of mature Douglas-fir trees), which are not present along the RAV line corridor. Long-tailed Weasel (Mustela frenata altifrontalis) CDC: Red-listed; COSEWIC: Not Addressed Long-tailed weasels range throughout southern and central Canada to northern South America. The altifrontalis subspecies ranges southward from the Lower Fraser Valley (Lower Mainland) along the coast to Oregon. The species inhabits open forests, shrub habitats, edges of agricultural lands, and riparian zones; it has a preference for flying squirrels as a food source but also consumes a variety of small mammals and at times small birds. Long-tailed weasels may still occur in remnants of suitable habitat in the Lower Mainland. The listed status of the subspecies altifrontalis is due to its restricted distribution at the northern extent of its range and the significant reduction in suitable habitat in the Lower Mainland in recent decades. Terrestrial Invertebrates In addition, species of terrestrial invertebrates listed on Schedule 1 of the SARA Public Registry were assessed in terms of their potential to occur in the project area. Information on terrestrial invertebrates was obtained from the SARA website (http://www.speciesatrisk.gc.ca/default_e.cfm) and Guppy and Shepard (2001) related to population distribution in the province, habitat requirements, threats to populations, and recovery efforts. From the information available, it appears that only two species of terrestrial invertebrates, both Lepidopterans, could occur in the RAV Project area, namely Dun Skipper (Euphyes vestris) and Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus). Both species occur in the province as winged adult forms only during the summer. The Dun Skipper is listed as Threatened on Schedule 1 under SARA. Records indicate that the Dun Skipper occurs sporadically in southwestern


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BC and on Vancouver Island, with historical sightings generally of lone individuals only. There are apparently two records of sightings in the Fraser Valley (Guppy and Shepard 2001). Dun Skipper appears to be associated with moist open habitats, including disturbed areas such as rights-of-way and railway beds. The preferred food source for the larval stage includes sedges, particularly Cyperus esculentus. Sedges are common in ditches and shorelines; as such, there is a possibility that the species may occur along the shorelines of Sea Island and Lulu Island, associated with shallow emergent marsh close to shoreline. The Monarch Butterfly is listed as a species of Special Concern on Schedule 1 under SARA. This species occurs across southern Canada, and is associated with open habitats where milkweed (used by the caterpillars) and various wildflowers (used by the adult growth form) grow along openings, roadsides and rights-of-way. As with other butterflies, the summer food source is key in supporting remaining populations. Habitat for Monarchs is under pressure from various forms of land development and change so that remaining habitats are becoming more essential that before. Monarchs have been recorded in the Fraser Valley (Guppy and Shepard 2001) and their range would include the RAV corridor. Monarchs may occur along the Fraser River dyke system, where some wildflowers grow; however, the remainder of the RAV corridor is either completely devoid of habitat for monarchs or has land management practices that do not favour growth of suitable habitat elements (e.g., VIAA lands that are mowed regularly). 7.3.2.4 Special Habitat Areas or Conservation Issues

The areas of special conservation concern include the same foreshore marshes that are FREMP red coded for fisheries management. All other habitats along the RAV corridor have been highly modified, and often intensively managed. There are no ecological reserves along the RAV corridor. The Sea Island Conservation Area is an actively managed area, and its objectives are well established. The City of Richmond has designated Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) as occurring along its shorelines, including the riparian zone of Sea


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and Lulu islands; these are the only City of Richmond designated ESAs along the RAV corridor. 7.3.2.5 Traditional Use of Wildlife

First Nations traditional use of wildlife and vegetation resources of the study area occurred prior to European settlement. The RAV Project is situated on a landscape that has changed significantly since the 19th Century, resulting in a largely hard surface land area with minimal remaining wildlife habitat or natural plant communities. Opportunities for traditional use of land and water resources by First Nations are presently very limited in the study area, likely to localized fishing in the Fraser River. 7.3.2.6 Valued Ecosystem Components

Valued ecosystem components for wildlife include the foreshore marshes of the North and Middle arms and the listed amphibious and terrestrial vertebrate wildlife species that use the study area. Except for the foreshore marshes, habitats in the study area have very low value for listed wildlife species, with great blue heron being the species most likely to regularly occur, although in low numbers, in the ditches and long grass fields on Sea Island.

7.4 Analysis of Potential Impacts

7.4.1 Background and Methods

Potential impacts to terrestrial/biophysical resources associated with construction and operation of the proposed RAV Project were assessed with reference to a corridor, approximately 100 m in width. Although it is recognized that technological design elements of the project will not be finalized until a Concessionaire has been selected, it is anticipated that the RAV alignment and therefore all construction-related impacts, will be contained within this corridor. The assessment considers a number of criteria that have been put forward as representing the most significant features of vegetation, wildlife and wildlife


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habitat in the study area, defined as VECs. The assessment also takes into consideration spatial and temporal aspects of these criteria, as described in subsequent sections. In addition, mitigation measures are recommended that may be used to avoid or minimize negative impacts to vegetation, wildlife and wildlife habitat. 7.4.2 Project Footprint Defined

The RAV Project construction footprint is located within the proposed corridor, which has a width of approximately 100 m, including provision for station locations. Since all stations will be located on developed land, neither project construction nor operation are likely to affect any of the identified VECs. Similarly, any sites that may be required during construction for uses such as temporary material and equipment staging, construction management, and/or parking, will be located on developed land with no anticipated impacts to VECs. Reference-based bridge design concept drawings have been completed and indicate that footings will be located on the southern shore of the North Arm, as well as on the western tip of Mitchell Island, within the North Arm channel. Additional footings and/or supporting structures will be placed on the upland. Reference-based bridge design concepts have also been completed for the Middle Arm crossing. Final designs for both crossings will be determined upon selection of a Concessionaire. 7.4.3 Criteria

The analysis of potential impacts of construction and operation of the RAV Project considered a number of criteria with respect to VECs that occur within or adjacent to the corridor, including: Potential for red-listed plant community. This is limited to a consideration

of older structural stages 6 or 7 for forested communities, or for herb-dominated communities, structural stage 2. These are regarded as rare ecosystems in the region.

Actual occurrence or potential for occurrence of red-listed plant species, which are of concern from a biodiversity perspective.


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Potential for red-listed vertebrate wildlife species based on confirmed presence in the project area, or a high likelihood of occurrence, based on habitat suitability. This pertains to species which are at risk due to habitat loss, a limited population, or historically restricted occurrence in the region or province.

Natural wetland or foreshore habitats as these have been significantly reduced and/or affected in the region through various alienating land uses and continue to be under pressure. Natural wetlands and foreshore marshes are a vital component of natural biodiversity.

Riparian habitat zones as these are integral to the function of stream and wetland ecosystems, which support plant communities and wildlife populations and in turn contribute toward biodiversity. Riparian corridors are under continued threat from development in the region.

Significant wildlife trees which provide a food source and micro-habitat for a variety of wildlife, such as stick nest sites for raptors, cavities for nesting birds, and food for woodpeckers and other birds.

Confirmed active raptor and great blue heron nesting sites as these are protected under the Wildlife Act during the breeding season, and for some species (e.g., bald eagle, great blue heron) on a year round basis.

These criteria are summarized in Table 7.3. The criteria focused on VECs as these represent important components in habitat requirements for wildlife populations and in particular contribute to biodiversity. VECs were evaluated with respect to their documented occurrence along the RAV corridor, as well as their potential presence in cases where there was a high likelihood that they could occur in that location, based on availability of suitable habitat and species or community preferences.


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Table 7.3 Impact Analysis Matrix Criteria - Terrestrial Biophysical Aspects

Criteria/VEC Indicator Rationale

Red-listed plant community Structural stage 6 or 7 present (i.e., older forests) or structural stage 2 present for wetland or meadow communities

These are ecosystems that are under threat in the Lower Mainland. (Note: all structural stages of red-listed plant communities are considered under threat, though structural stages 6 and 7 are usually the least common.)

Red-listed plant species (and blue-listed if listed on Schedule 1 under SARA)

Presence Rare plant taxa are a concern from a biodiversity perspective, as suitable habitats are generally under threat.

Red-listed wildlife species (and blue-listed if listed on Schedule 1 under SARA)

Confirmed presence or high likelihood of presence, based on habitat suitability

Species under threat due to habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, competition or mortality.

Terrestrial invertebrates if listed on Schedule 1 under SARA

Presence Limited suitable habitats remain in the Lower Mainland

Natural wetland and foreshore marsh habitats

Presence of natural wetland or foreshore marsh habitat

Wetlands and foreshore marshes are a vital component of biodiversity and are under threat in the Lower Mainland where they are being reduced due to alienating land and water uses and pollution.


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Criteria/VEC Indicator Rationale

Riparian habitat Presence of natural riparian habitat

Riparian habitats are vital to maintaining aquatic ecosystem function and in contributing to biodiversity

(11) section 7 - dec 2004

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