city of parksville environmental overview assessment
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CITY OF PARKSVILLE
ENVIRONMENTAL OVERVIEW
ASSESSMENT
DESPARD SITE, PARKSVILLE, BC
FEBRUARY 01, 2021
WSP CANADA INC. 760 ENTERPRISE CRESCENT VICTORIA, BC CANADA V8Z 6R4
T: +1 250 475-1000 F: +1 250 475-2211 WSP.COM
760 ENTERPRISE CRESCENT VICTORIA, BC CANADA V8Z 6R4
T: +1 250 475-1000 F: +1 250 475-2211 wsp.com
February 1, 2021
WSP File No.: 201-12373-00
City of Parksville
100 Jensen Ave W.
Parksville, BC
V9P 2H3
Attention: Mr. Blaine Russell, Director of Community Planning, and Building
Subject: ENVIRONMENTAL OVERVIEW ASSESSMENT – DESPARD SITE, PARKSVILLE, BC
Dear Sir:
WSP Canada Inc. is pleased to submit a PDF copy of the Environmental Overview
Assessment report for the above-referenced property.
We trust that the enclosed report meets your current requirements. If you have
any questions regarding this project, the enclosed reports, or our services, please
do not hesitate to call the undersigned at (250) 475-1000.
Thank you for utilizing our professional services. We look forward to serving your
future environmental and engineering needs.
Sincerely,
Christie Lucas, B.Sc., EP
Encl. Environmental Overview Assessment – Despard Site
WSP ref.: 201-12373-00
"Original Signed"
ENVIRONMENTAL OVERVIEW ASSESSMENT Despard site, Parksville, BC Project No. 201-12373-00 City of Parksville
WSPFebruary 2021
Page iii
S I G N A T U R E S
PREPARED BY
Karen Truman, B.Sc., R.P.Bio Senior Biologist
REVIEWED BY
Susan Blundell, M.Sc., R.P.Bio Senior Biologist
No environmental site assessment or investigation can wholly eliminate uncertainty regarding the
potential for recognized environmental conditions in connection with a site. Performance of a
standardized environmental site assessment protocol is intended to reduce, but not eliminate,
uncertainty regarding the potential for recognized environmental conditions in connection with the
Site, given reasonable limits of time and cost.
This report was prepared by WSP Canada Inc. (WSP) for the City of Parksville in accordance with the
professional services agreement. The disclosure of any information contained in this report is the sole
responsibility of the intended recipient. The material in it reflects WSP’s best judgement in light of the
information available to it at the time of preparation. Any use which a third party makes of this report,
or any reliance on or decisions to be made based on it, are the responsibility of such third parties. WSP
accepts no responsibility for damages, if any, suffered by any third party as a result of decisions made or
actions based on this report. This limitations statement is considered part of this report.
The original of the technology-based document sent herewith has been authenticated and will be
retained by WSP for a minimum of ten years. Since the file transmitted is now out of WSP’s control and
its integrity can no longer be ensured, no guarantee may be given with regards to any modifications
made to this document.
"Original Signed"
"Original Signed"
ENVIRONMENTAL OVERVIEW ASSESSMENT Despard site, Parksville, BC Project No. 201-12373-00 City of Parksville
WSPFebruary 2021
Page iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................. 6
1.1 Project Objective ............................................................................................. 6
1.2 City of Parksville Objectives ...................................................................... 6
1.3 development permit area ........................................................................... 6
2 QUALIFICATIONS OF QEPS ........................................... 7
3 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING.......................................... 7
3.1 Project Area ........................................................................................................ 7
3.2 Previous Studies ............................................................................................. 17
4 TERRESTRIAL RESOURCES ......................................... 17
4.1 General ................................................................................................................ 17
5 VEGETATION ...................................................................... 18
5.1 Methods.............................................................................................................. 18
5.1.1 Destop Study ...................................................................................................................................... 18
5.1.2 Species of Conservation Concern ........................................................................................ 18
5.1.3 Field Survey ......................................................................................................................................... 19
5.2 Results................................................................................................................. 19
5.2.1 Vegetation Communities of conservation concern ............................................... 20
5.2.2 Sensitive ecosystems ................................................................................................................... 23
5.2.3 Vasucular Plant species of conservation concern ................................................... 23
5.2.4 Significant trees .............................................................................................................................. 24
6 AQUATICS ............................................................................ 24
6.1 Methods............................................................................................................. 24
6.1.1 Office Study ........................................................................................................................................ 24
6.1.2 Field Study .......................................................................................................................................... 24
6.2 Results................................................................................................................ 25
6.2.1 Watercourse Alignment ............................................................................................................ 25
6.2.2 Fish Habitat Assessment ........................................................................................................... 26
7 WILDLIFE ............................................................................. 28
7.1 Methods............................................................................................................. 28
7.1.1 Office Study ........................................................................................................................................ 28
7.1.2 Field Study .......................................................................................................................................... 29
7.2 Results................................................................................................................ 29
ENVIRONMENTAL OVERVIEW ASSESSMENT Despard site, Parksville, BC Project No. 201-12373-00 City of Parksville
WSPFebruary 2021
Page v
7.2.1 Incidental detections .................................................................................................................. 29
7.2.2 Wildlife Habitat ............................................................................................................................... 30
7.2.3 Wildlife Tree and Nest Survey ............................................................................................... 32
7.2.4 potential species of conservation concern .................................................................. 33
8 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS AND NEXT
STEPS ..................................................................................... 34
9 REGULATORY PERMITS AND TIMELINES ........... 35
10 TIMING WINDOWS ......................................................... 35
11 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ......... 36
REFERENCES ..................................................................................... 1
TABLES
TABLE 3-1: HISTORICAL AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS OF DESPARD SITE AND SURROUNDING AREA .......................... 8
TABLE 5-1 VEGETATION SPECIES LIST FOR CDFMM .............................. 19
TABLE 7-1 SUMMARY OF WILDLIFE OBSERVATIONS ON THE SITE ................................................................................................................ 29
TABLE 7-2 SPECIES OF CONSERVATION CONCERN POTENTIALLY PRESENT AT SITE. ................................................ 33
FIGURES
Figure 1 Site Overview
Figure 2 Watershed Map
Figure 3 Stormwater Collection City of Parksville
Figure 4 Environmental Constraints Map
Figure 5 Aquatic Resources with Photos
APPENDICES
A WATER LICENSE
B STREAM REPORTS
C SOIL TYPES
D STANDARD LIMITATIONS
City of Parksville WSP File No.: 201-12373-00 Environmental Overview Assessment February 2021 Despard Site Page 6
1 INTRODUCTION The City of Parksville (herein referred to as “the Client”) retained WSP to complete an
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for a Site located west of Despard Avenue in the
City of Parksville, BC (herein referred to as “the Site”) (Figure 1). As the proposed development
for the Site is still in the feasibility stage, WSP has changed this report to an Environmental
Overview Assessment (EOA) as discussed with the City on January 21, 2021.
1.1 PROJECT OBJECTIVE
The objective of the Environmental Overview Assessment (EOA) was to complete a bio
inventory of current conditions of both the instream and riparian components of the
freshwater ecosystem, and the terrestrial ecosystems at the Site. This was completed to
identify environmental resources at the Site and determine potential project interactions
associated with future development and the identification of mitigation strategies and best
management practices that would minimize potential impacts. The bio inventory included
an assessment of other natural environment considerations including sensitive wildlife
habitat features, rare plant communities, and invasive species presence
1.2 CITY OF PARKSVILLE OBJECTIVES
The objective of the project for the City of Parksville is to determine the status, location and
categories of watercourses in the proposed project area or other significant environmental
feature that might impact the feasibly of future development. The information is to assist
with some of the design constraints in terms of setbacks from environmental and
riparian/aquatic features and required mitigation or enhancement actions.
Completing an environmental overview report is a critical component of the land use
planning phase for any development. The City requires a description of potential wildlife
(including species-at-risk) that may be present and identify any legislation compliance
required. The assessment is required to include identification of rare or unique vegetation,
wildlife and wildlife habitat, potential effects and mitigation, including potential
enhancement/protection opportunities. With the implementation of appropriate
mitigation measures potential effects can be removed or reduced ensuring the City’s natural
areas are protected. It is an objective of Parksville’s Official Community Plan (OCP) (Parksville
Consolidated OCP 2013 No. 1492) to protect the natural environment, its ecosystems and
biological diversity, and this is enacted through the designation of Development Permit
Areas (DPAs).
1.3 DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA
The Site is located within a DPA for Watercourse Protection (DPA 13) and Douglas-fir and
Terrestrial (DPA 15). As per Parksville’s OCP, a development project that is not associated
with or resulting from residential, commercial or industrial activities thereto, is exempt for
City of Parksville WSP File No.: 201-12373-00 Environmental Overview Assessment February 2021 Despard Site Page 7
the DPA 13 application process. Any development at the Site is not exempt from a DPA 15
application.
2 QUALIFICATIONS OF QEPS The EIA was completed by two of WSPs biologist, Karen Truman B.Sc., and Susan Blundell,
M.Sc. Karen has been a practicing biologist throughout BC including Vancouver Island for
20 years with a specialty in wildlife biology and many years of experience in aquatic biology.
Susan is a fisheries biologist with over 28 years of experience, including conducting fish and
aquatic habitat inventory and assessments, fish habitat compensation planning, impact
assessments, terrestrial ecosystem mapping, and environmental permitting. Together
Susan and Karen comprise a Vancouver Island-based team with extensive knowledge of the
environmental resources found on Vancouver Island and have completed many
development projects that have required regulatory approvals at the municipal, provincial
and federal levels. Both Susan and Karen enjoy working on municipal projects and the
opportunity to employ new and innovative measures such as those prescribed in scientific
journals. Both Karen and Susan have completed the updated Riparian Areas Protection
Regulation (RAPR) training (November 2019) and are both Registered Professional Biologists
(R.P.Bio) and Qualified Environmental Professionals (QEPs) in good standing with the
College of Applied Biology.
3 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
3.1 PROJECT AREA
The Site is located within the City of Parksville, just north of the jurisdictional line between
the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) and the City (Figure 1). The railway and acreages are
located to the south of the Site, subdivisions are located to the north and northeast, and the
Springwood Water Facility and off leash dog park are located to the east. The area to the
northwest is an undeveloped green space zoned as agricultural. Access to the Site is via the
end of Despard Ave. and an interconnected series of trails. Base on historical aerial
photograph review (Table 3-1), it is inferred that the Site has previously been logged. Aerial
photos show the area around the Site was logged in the 1940s and by the 1950s the north
end of the Site appeared to have ben partially cleared. A water license application from 1946
was located for the diversion of water from Parksville Springs 1 and 2 and the removal of the
timber at Site. A copy of the Water Licence is presented in Appendix A. From the 1960’s
onward the forest on Site regenerated until the late 1990s when the northern portion of the
Site was logged again. Previous logging has resulted in a range of forest ages and structural
stages occurring on Site.
City of Parksville WSP File No.: 201-12373-00 Environmental Overview Assessment February 2021 Despard Site Page 8
Table 3-1: Historical Aerial Photographs of Despard Site and Surrounding Area
YEAR / SOURCE IMAGERY
2004 – City of Parksville iVault
1998 –Aerial Photograph
City of Parksville WSP File No.: 201-12373-00 Environmental Overview Assessment February 2021 Despard Site Page 9
YEAR / SOURCE IMAGERY
1984 – Aerial Photograph
1975 – Aerial Photograph
City of Parksville WSP File No.: 201-12373-00 Environmental Overview Assessment February 2021 Despard Site Page 10
YEAR / SOURCE IMAGERY
1962 – Aerial Photograph
1957 – Aerial Photograph
City of Parksville WSP File No.: 201-12373-00 Environmental Overview Assessment February 2021 Despard Site Page 11
YEAR / SOURCE IMAGERY
1949 – Aerial Photograph
City of Parksville WSP File No.: 201-12373-00 Environmental Overview Assessment February 2021 Despard Site Page 12
Figure 1 - Site Overview
City of Parksville WSP File No.: 201-12373-00 Environmental Overview Assessment February 2021 Despard Site Page 13
Romney Creek is described as being located within the Morningstar Creek watershed which
lies between the Englishman River and the French Creek Watersheds (Community Mapping
Network 2021a; MFLNRORD, 2021). The RDN includes Romney Creek within their Watershed
#3: French Creek, Qualicum Beach, and Parksville Uplands (Figure 2). Romney Creek has
been included as one of French Creek Significant Drainage Areas during past water
allocation plans (Bryden et al., 1994). Some mapping indicates that Romney Creek joined
Carey Creek and flowed into the Strait of Georgia however the Creeks no longer confluence
above ground. The eastern flows associated with the Romney Creek watercourse enter the
stormwater system near the intersection of Despard Avenue and Chestnut Street and are
piped until the confluence with the ocean into Parksville Bay where flows from Romney and
Carey Creek both outfall at the Bayside Inn outfall (Figure 3) (Koers & Associates Engineering
Ltd., 2016). WSP understands that the unconfined overland flows that leave the Site to the
north are captured in a bioswale and enter the stormwater system south of Lodgepole Drive.
Figure 1 shows the project area overview, site location and mapped alignment of Romney
Creek as per the BC Freshwater Atlas (Government of BC, 2021).
Figure 2 - Romney Creek Watershed
* Source: RDNMap, 2021
City of Parksville WSP File No.: 201-12373-00 Environmental Overview Assessment February 2021 Despard Site Page 14
Figure 3 - City of Parksville Storm Water Collection System
* Source: (Koers & Associates Engineering Ltd., 2016)
City of Parksville WSP File No.: 201-12373-00 Environmental Overview Assessment February 2021 Despard Site Page 15
The mapped alignment of Romney Creek from its headwaters to its confluence with the
ocean differs between what is mapped on the BC Freshwater Atlas, the City of Parksville web
map (iVault) and the RDN’s Public Map Viewer (RDNMap, 2021). Fifty five percent (55%) (400
ha) of the Romney Creek 720 ha catchment area originates outside of the City’s boundaries
within the RDN where flows occur through roadside ditches and driveway areas in a rural
area (Koers & Associates Engineering Ltd., 2016). The main stem is approximately 3.5 km
long with an average slope of 3% and a median elevation of 90 m (Bryden et al., 1994). The
maximum elevation of 250 m occurs at its headwaters on Little Mountain. Increasing flows
in Romney Creek due to development and climate change have been noted to have the
greatest impact on the City’s infrastructure. The majority of the Creek has been enclosed
within the City limits however some sections are now in the process of being daylighted.
The City of Parksville’s stormwater management plan has identified two culverts that are
acting as choke points on Romney Creek including the 600 mm diameter culvert under the
E&N Victoria Railway Line just south of the Site (Figure 1) (Koers & Associates Engineering
Ltd., 2016).
City of Parksville WSP File No.: 201-12373-00
Environmental Overview Assessment February 2021
Despard Site Page 16
Figure 4 - Environmental Constraints Map
City of Parksville WSP File No.: 201-12373-00 Environmental Overview Assessment February 2021 Despard Site Page 17
3.2 PREVIOUS STUDIES
Previous baseline environmental assessments have been completed in the area focusing on
the wetland habitats in Parksville which were identified as part of the Englishman River
Watershed (Stephens, 2015). The baseline report was part of an assessment to understand
the aquatic features in and around Parksville specifically the Lower Englishman River
Watershed. A baseline study was completed that summarized the current conditions of the
City’s stormwater water system including the basic hydrology of Romney Creek as part of
the City of Parksville’s Stormwater Management Plan (Koers & Associates Engineering Ltd.,
2016).
Sensitive Ecosystem Inventory mapping was completed for the eastern portion of Vancouver
Island and the Southern Gulf Island (Ward et al, 1998). The result was the identification and
classification of sensitive ecosystems which include the City of Parksville. A summary of the
mapping is included in Section 5.2.2.
4 TERRESTRIAL RESOURCES
4.1 GENERAL
The Site is located in the Eastern Vancouver Island Ecoregion within the Nanaimo Lowlands
Ecosection. This Site lies within the Coastal Douglas-fir Moist Maritime (CDFmm)
Biogeoclimatic Subzone. Douglas-fir as well as grand fir and western redcedar dominate
forests on zonal sites within the CDFmm. Salal, Oregon-grape, oceanspray and Oregon-
beaked moss dominate the understory. Less prominent species include baldhip rose,
snowberry, western trumpet honeysuckle, vanilla leaf and electrified cattail moss. The
presence of Garry oak, Arbutus and numerous members of the lily family characterize these
drier sites. Conservation of vegetation communities and habitats found in CDFmm are
addressed by the City of Parksville within the Douglas-fir and Terrestrial DPA (DPA 15). The
mild, moist winters and warm and dry summers and island biogeography influence the
biodiversity of species in the CDFmm however there is lower biodiversity than found on the
mainland.
Elevations range from sea level to 100 metres. The water table is highly perched (often at
the surface) during the wet season. Dense, compact subsoil layers are fairly impervious. The
Site consists of Parksville soils (Jungen et al., 1989) (Appendix C). These soil types are found
on level to depressional sites on marine landscapes in association with Cowichan and
Fairbridge soils. They are poorly drained with seasonal perched water tables at 15 to 100 cm
in depth. They have deve1oped in non-stony, sandy fluvial or sandy marine veneers that are
underlain by fine marine material. Characteristically they have a dark brown or black organic
matter-enriched surface horizon which grades into a light brown to grey, prominently
mottled silty loam to silty clay at depths below 40 cm. These soils are classified as Orthic
Humic Gleysols, with minor occurrences of Orthic Gleysols.
City of Parksville WSP File No.: 201-12373-00 Environmental Overview Assessment February 2021 Despard Site Page 18
The southeast corner of the Site consists of Qualicum soils. Qualicum soils have developed
on deep coarse-textured fluvial and fluvioglacial deposits associated with all major streams
and rivers. They occur in deep coarse-textured marine deposits. They are rapidly drained
and rapidly permeable. Qualicum soils have very gravelly loamy sand textures with
discontinuous weakly cemented horizons. They are classified as Orthic Dystric Brunisols.
5 VEGETATION
5.1 METHODS
5.1.1 DESTOP STUDY
Prior to the field program a desktop study was completed to review available secondary
information. The following were examined:
— 1:20,000 colour orthophotos (2017)
— TRIM mapping (1:20,000 scale)
— SEI mapping (1:20,000 scale).
In addition, the following websites were visited to collect data on sensitive ecosystems,
record trees and rare vegetation species occurrence:
— RDN GIS Maps https://webmap.rdn.bc.ca/Html5Viewer/?viewer=Public
— City of Parksville iVault http://map.parksville.ca/Map/Default.aspx
— Ministry of Environment’s Species and Ecosystems Explorer
https://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/eswp/
— CDC iMap http://maps.gov.bc.ca/ess/hm/cdc/
— Sensitive Ecosystem Inventory http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/sei/van_gulf/index.html
— University of BC’s Big Tree Registry https://bigtrees.forestry.ubc.ca/bc-bigtree-registry/
— Wildlife Tree Stewardship Atlas
— British Columbia Soil Information Finder Tool
https://governmentofbc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=cc25e43525c5471ca7b13d639bbcd7aa
— Published and Unpublished Reports
5.1.2 SPECIES OF CONSERVATION CONCERN
Species identified in the review either have/are:
(1) COSEWIC status of Endangered, Threatened, or Special Concern or BC List status of Red
(endangered or threatened) or Blue (special concern) (updated status as per BC CDC, 2018);
(2) Endangered, Threatened, or Special Concern under the Species at Risk Act (SARA
Schedule 1) (Government of Canada, 2016) and Committee on the Status of Endangered
Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC).
City of Parksville WSP File No.: 201-12373-00 Environmental Overview Assessment February 2021 Despard Site Page 19
5.1.3 FIELD SURVEY
The focus of the field survey was to determine the potential presence of rare and
endangered plant communities, and to confirm the location of environmentally sensitive
areas. Based on the timing of the Site visit, a comprehensive plant inventory and rare plant
survey was not possible. A reconnaissance level assessment of invasive plant species was
conducted.
Following a review of mapping and aerial photographs, a field survey was completed to
determine vegetation composition. WSP visited the Site on January 12, 2021 and recorded
the following information:
— Dominant tree species (primary and secondary canopy)
— Dominant tall and low shrub species
— Dominant herbs
— Aspect and gradient
5.2 RESULTS
A general vegetation species list for the CDFmm subzone is presented in the following table
(Table 5-1).
Table 5-1 Vegetation Species List for CDFmm
Common Name Scientific Name Arbutus Arbutus menziesii
Bigleaf maple Acer macrophyllum
Douglas-fir Pseudotsuga menziesii ssp. menziesii
Garry oak Quercus garryana
Grand fir Abies grandis
Shore/lodgepole pine Pinus contorta
Western redcedar Thuja plicata
Baldhip rose Rosa gymnocarpa
Dull Oregon-grape Mahonia nervosa
Falsebox Paxistima myrsinites
Hairy honeysuckle Lonicera hispidula
Indian plum Oemleria cerasiformis
Labrador tea Ledum groenlandicum
Oceanspray Holodiscus discolor
Red elderberry Sambucus racemosa
Salal Gaultheria shallon
Salmonberry Rubus spectabilis
Snowberry Symphoricarpos spp.
Western trumpet honeysuckle Lonicera ciliosa
Alaska oniongrass Melica subulata
Big-leaved sandwort Moehringia macrophylla
Bracken fern Pteridium aquilinum
Broad-leaved shootingstar Dodecatheon hendersonii
False lily-of-the-valley Maianthemum dilatatum
Lady fern Athyrium filix-femina
Nodding trisetem Trisetum cernum
City of Parksville WSP File No.: 201-12373-00 Environmental Overview Assessment February 2021 Despard Site Page 20
Common Name Scientific Name Pacific sanicle Sanicula crassicaulis
Purple peavine Lathyrus nevadensis
Skunk cabbage Lysichiton americanum
Sword fern Polystichum munitum
Three-leaved foamflower Tiarella trifoliata
Vanilla leaf Achlys triphylla
Coastal leafy moss Plagiomnium insigne
Electrified cat’s tail moss Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus
Juniper haircap moss Polytrichum juniperinum
Lanky moss Rhytidiadelphus loreus
Oregon-beaked moss Kinbergia oregana
Palm tree moss Leucolepis menziesii
Red-stemmed feathermoss Pleurozium schreberi
Reindeer lichen Cladina spp.
Sphagnum moss Sphagnum spp.
Step moss Hylocomium splendens
* Source : (Madrone Environmental Services Ltd, 2008)
5.2.1 VEGETATION COMMUNITIES OF CONSERVATION CONCERN
The CDF ecosystems are considered rare globally and only occur in low elevations ranging
from sea level to 150 m along the southeast coast of Vancouver Island from Bowser south to
Victoria (including Parksville) (Parksville Consolidated OCP 2013 No. 1492).
Vegetation on Site occurs in three different structural stages due to past logging within the
last 90 years. The majority of the Site consists of pole sapling (structural stage 4) woodland,
while the vegetation located further south in the vicinity of Romney Creek is slightly older
and can be classified as young forest (structural stage 5) (See orange polygons on Figure 4).
Further south is a small sliver of mature forest (structural stage 6) is present.
The vegetation community on Site consists of the Black cottonwood – Red-osier dogwood
(CD, CDFmm-08) site association. The CDC does not have any records of rare plant
communities in the vicinity of the Site, however the CD plant community is provincially Blue-
listed. The Site was all one plant community; however, the species present were different
due to the different structural stages (Madrone Environmental Services Ltd., 2008).
The pole sapling area (CD-4) has a tree layer of red alder, black cottonwood, trembling aspen
and bigleaf maple. The shrub layer is extremely limited and patchy and consists of
salmonberry and red-osier dogwood. Due to the timing of the survey it was not possible to
complete a comprehensive inventory of the herb layer. At the time of the survey species
observed in the herb layer included large-leaved avens, creeping buttercup, trailing
blackberry, piggy-back plant, common horsetail, sedges and Pacific water-parsley. The moss
layer is very sparse and consists of patches of coastal leafy moss and palm tree moss.
The young forest (CD-5) has a tree layer of red alder, trembling aspen, bigleaf maple, western
redcedar, grand fir and Douglas-fir. The shrub layer is more developed and consists of
salmonberry, red-osier dogwood, juvenile western hemlock, salmonberry, Nootka rose and
common snowberry. The herb layer is also more developed but remains low in diversity,
City of Parksville WSP File No.: 201-12373-00 Environmental Overview Assessment February 2021 Despard Site Page 21
with mostly sword fern, sedges and creeping buttercup present. The moss layer consists
mostly of coastal leafy moss and palm tree moss.
The mature forest (CD-6) has a tree layer of western redcedar, grand fir, Douglas-fir, red alder
and bigleaf maple. The shrub layer consists of salal, dull Oregon-grape, salmonberry,
common snowberry and red-osier dogwood. The herb layer is mostly sword fern, with lesser
amounts of creeping buttercup and sedges. The moss layer is similar to young forest with
the addition of Menzie’s tree moss and slender beaked moss.
The presence of introduced and invasive plant species is fairly limited although the Site is
bounded by urban development and is quite disturbed by recent logging. Of particular
concern is the presence of giant hogweed (Figure 4). Also present is Himalayan blackberry,
European holly, spurge laurel, herb-Robert and English ivy all of which have a high potential
for being invasive.
City of Parksville WSP File No.: 201-12373-00 Environmental Overview Assessment February 2021 Despard Site Page 22
Figure 5 - Aquatic Resources with Photos
City of Parksville WSP File No.: 201-12373-00 Environmental Overview Assessment February 2021 Despard Site Page 23
5.2.2 SENSITIVE ECOSYSTEMS
One sensitive ecosystem and one valuable ecosystem are present on Site according to the
Sensitive Ecosystem Inventory of Southern Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands (Ward et al.,
1998). Riparian (RI) sensitive ecosystems are classified according to their structural stage
therefore RI(4) and RI(5) are present and represent pole sapling and young forest riparian
communities, respectively.
RI sensitive ecosystems are found on the margins of rivers, streams, lakes and marshes as
well as the floodplains of large rivers and small streams and in gullies. The unconfined
overland flow and braided channels of the Romney Creek system have confounded the
delineation of the riparian ecosystem and therefore sensitive ecosystem. As a result, the
vegetation community develops based on the soil moisture and nutrient availability. The
extent of the RI sensitive ecosystem on Site is likely more complex and widespread than is
presented in the mapping due to the watercourses dendritic and numerous channels.
Although not mapped, the older second growth forest occurring in the southern extent of
the Site (CD-6) can be categorized as older second growth forest (Figure 4). This ecosystem
type is not categorized as a sensitive ecosystem but is considered a valuable ecosystem for
their contributions to biodiversity and importance to wildlife. These forests are 60-100 years
old with >15% deciduous component (SG:mx). Biologically forests that contain deciduous
and coniferous trees and are over 80 years old have been identified as the most valuable of
older second growth forest (Ward et al., 1998). These forests have been identified for their
importance of future older forest, landscape connectivity and buffers as similarly identified
for Parksville’s DPA 15.
5.2.3 VASUCULAR PLANT SPECIES OF CONSERVATION CONCERN
According to the Conservation Data Centre there are no rare plants documented to occur
on the Site. The closest occurrences of rare plants are the following:
— Rough-leaved aster (Eurybia radulina) Red-listed. A historic occurrence (1916) in riparian
forest adjacent to Englishman River. Rough-leaved aster typically occurs on dry rock
outcrops and open forests in the lowland zone which are not present on the Site.
— Macoun’s groundsel (Packera macounii), Yellow-listed. A historic occurrence (1961) in a
needleleaf forest to the east of Englishman River. Macoun’s groundsel usually occurs in
dry open forests, disturbed areas and rock outcrops or limestone quarries in the lowland
zone.
There is no suitable habitat for either species on Site. Anecdotal information from
Arrowsmith Naturalists found two species of conservation concern during a vegetation
assessment in the Parksville Wetlands in the summer of 2019. Banded cord-moss
(Entosthodon fasciacularis) and lesser spearwort (Ranunculus flammula) were observed.
Both plants were found to the northwest of the Site adjacent to the subdivision near the
Hirst Avenue and Renz Road intersection (Arrowsmith Naturalists, 2019). Banded-cord moss
is listed as Special Concern by SARA and COSEWIC and is provincially Blue-listed and usually
grows in small patches on thin soil over rock in open to semi-shaded habitats, usually in or
adjacent to seasonally moist sites. This type of habitat was not noted during the Site
City of Parksville WSP File No.: 201-12373-00 Environmental Overview Assessment February 2021 Despard Site Page 24
assessment (British Columbia Bryophyte Recovery Team and Garry Oak Ecosystems
Recovery Team, 2010). Lesser spearwort has three varieties described by the province; the
var. flammula is Blue-listed and has been found near Coombs and Nanoose Bay (E-Flora,
2021). The 2019 detection and location near Coombs found this species on exposed mud.
The habitat is described as shorelines, wet meadows, marshes and ditches. This species
could be present on Site.
5.2.4 SIGNIFICANT TREES
No public records from the B.C. Register of Big Trees of “record” occur within the Project
Area, although there are some numerous large diameter coniferous trees located in the CD-
6 plant community in the southeast part of the Site.
6 AQUATICS
6.1 METHODS
6.1.1 OFFICE STUDY
The following information was reviewed:
— TRIM mapping (1:20,000 scale);
— Habitat Wizard https://maps.gov.bc.ca/ess/hm/habwiz/ ;
— Background Reports
This information was used to assist in aerial photograph interpretation and a historical
review of aquatic drainages located at the Site. A review of past reports or assessments was
conducted to research the alignment and fish bearing status of Romney Creek.
6.1.2 FIELD STUDY
The focus of the field survey was to locate and map the watercourse on the Site and to collect
baseline information. There was no data regarding fish distribution on the Site and the fish
bearing status could not be determined based on the project’s timeline. To determine the
fish bearing status of a watercourse the presence of obstructions to fish migration, and
seasonal habitat availability must be considered. Commonly two different fish survey
methods conducted during two different times of the year are required to identify fish
presence or absence. Ministry of Forestry, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural
Development (MFLNORD) notes that if sampling is not possible and potential habitat is
present, then the default classification is potentially fish bearing. The assessment of fish
presence for the environmental overview assessment therefore was limited to visual
observations during the field visit, an assessment of habitat suitability and the identification
of any obstructions to fish migration.
City of Parksville WSP File No.: 201-12373-00 Environmental Overview Assessment February 2021 Despard Site Page 25
6.2 RESULTS
6.2.1 WATERCOURSE ALIGNMENT
Review of historical records indicate that Romney Creek and Carey Creek have been
modified due to logging activity as well as urban development. A 1994 report states that
both Romney and Carey Creek have been extensively channelized and culverted for
subdivision development and that Romney Creek had been diverted into Carey Creek just
downstream of Parksville Springs. Construction of the subdivisions to the north of the Site
initiated in the 1980s (Refer to Table 1). Each creek has its own unique watershed code:
Romney Creek (920-464700) and Carey Creek (920-464900), which indicates that they are
considered as separate creeks by the province. The provincial stream reports for both
Romney Creek and Carey Creek do not list any fish species as present (Appendix B).
Past modelling of instream fisheries flow requirements based on a provincially modified
version of the Tennant (Montana) Method assessed the minimum flow required to sustain
the fisheries resource for fair spawning and rearing habitat in the French Creek Water
Allocation Study (Bryden et al., 1994). In drainages where fish were or could be present, flows
were assessed as a percentage of the Mean Annual Discharge (MAD) to sustain the habitat.
The upper reach of Romney Creek was identified as having no value as fish habitat while the
lower reach was identified as potential fish habitat. The report noted that all flows in the
streams were naturally limiting to fish production and maintenance of fish habitat and that
subdivision development around Romney Creek and Carey Creek has destroyed or limited
any potential fish habitat in the creeks. The Bryden et al 1994 report describes a waterfall
barrier to fish present at the mouth of Carey Creek. The City of Parksville’s Stormwater
Management Plan identifies the stormwater outlet at the Bayside Inn as the main outlet for
Carey Creek and Romney Creek, if this waterfall barrier is still in place, it has the potential to
act as a potential fish barrier for both creeks (Koers & Associates Engineering Ltd., 2016).
Figures 4 and 5 present the results of the field assessment on January 12, 2021. Weather
conditions in the 24 hours previous to the Site visit had been temperatures between 7 and
8°C and a rainfall total of 14.1 mm (Government of Canada, 2021). Biologists used an Arrow
100 unit GPS and Avenza Maps® app to collect locational data of the watercourses present
on Site. The alignment of the Romney Creek sections not assessed used ortho imagery to
estimate the location.
As mentioned in the Project Area description (Section 3.1) of this Report, Romney Creek
passes under the E&N Railway through a 600 mm culvert. Downstream of the railway
culvert the watercourse flows in a northeast direction towards the trail. The flows pass
through a set of large double culverts (Culvert C1) under the trail. The stream’s alignment is
off center (east) of the culverts at the inlet therfore some of the flow moves north passively
through the culverts while some flows continue southeast alongside the trail to another set
of lower elevation double culverts (Culverts C2). Flows that pass through the most northern
culverts continue to flow northeast until the northern portion of the property where some
City of Parksville WSP File No.: 201-12373-00 Environmental Overview Assessment February 2021 Despard Site Page 26
flows pass into an entrenched stream bed heading east (herein referred to as the Romney
Creek eastern channel) (Photo 1) but the majority of flows continue on to the north in a wider
and shallower channel (herein referred to as the Romney Creek northern channel) through
pole sapling forest (CD-4) (Figure 5). At the northern border of the Site these flows become
unconfined overland flow (Figure 5). Consultation with the City of Parksville noted that these
flows enter a northern bioswale and then flow into the City’s stormwater system. The
Romney Creek eastern channel flows east towards Despard Ave. and enters the stormwater
system near the Springwood Water Plant. The entrance into the stormwater system at this
site is fenced off after which flows pass over a 2 m drop spillway then through a debris grate
and into the pipe inlet (Figure 5).
Photo 1. Romney Creek eastern channel. Photo taken January 12,
2021.
Flows that pass under the trail in the lower elevation C2 culverts immediately formed three
braided channels that meandered through the forest (Figures 4 and 5). A small black plastic
culvert (C3) captures trail runoff from the southern border of the trail which then flows
northeast through the forest likely joining the previously mentioned braids joining up with
the Romney Creek eastern channel (Figures 4 and 5).
6.2.2 FISH HABITAT ASSESSMENT
The identification of fish presence or potential presence involves fish sampling and an
assessment of potential fish habitat in and around the Site. Fish sampling was not
conducted during the Site visit. In order for fish to be present in a stream there must be
water and suitable habitat present and the ability for fish to move to refuge habitat (e.g.,
lake, pond or shallow open water wetland) during low water flows. The Site is inaccessible
to anadromous fish from the east due to a barrier upstream of the stormwater pipe inlet
near Despard Ave. An approximately 2 m drop which would act as a vertical barrier due to
City of Parksville WSP File No.: 201-12373-00 Environmental Overview Assessment February 2021 Despard Site Page 27
its height and laminar flow condition created by the presence of a concrete spillway. (Photos
2 and 3). WSP did not investigate the entrance to the stormwater system north of the Site
and therefore can not comment on fish accessibility via this route.
Photo 2. Fenced off entrance to
stormwater system near Springwood
Water Plant on Despard Ave. Photo taken
January 12, 2021 looking northeast.
Photo 3. Vertical barrier and laminar water
flow in fenced off entrance to stormwater
system near Springwood Water Plant on
Despard Ave. Photo taken January 12, 2021
looking east.
The multiple watercourse alignments and the unconfined overland flows on Site are likely a
result of effects of the previous logging in the 1990s (Table 1). Some of the channels were
shallow in depth with some scour however these areas of overland flow would be poor
quality of fish habitat and ephemeral in nature. These areas are shallow and there is no
suitable spawning habitat or cover habitat for rearing present. Overland flow pathways likely
only contain flows after heavy rain events. The most suitable fish habitat present on site is
in the Romney Creek eastern channel where the watercourse is contained in a deeper, more
well-defined channel, where the flow characteristics include deep pools. There are also
habitat features present such as large woody debris, undercut banks, and overhanging
vegetation which provide good cover habitat.
If present, it is likely that resident fish populations would not be able to use sections of the
Creek in summer months due to low flow conditions. Anecdotal evidence cited in a wetland
assessment in Romney Creek headwaters (Figure 1). A local streamkeeper who had worked
in the Romney Creek watershed indicated that it is likely to contain a resident trout
population but was not aware of any definitive proof (EDI Environmental Dynamics Inc.,
City of Parksville WSP File No.: 201-12373-00 Environmental Overview Assessment February 2021 Despard Site Page 28
2013). The wetland was identified as an extensive, seasonally flooded, shallow, forested
wetland with the majority of the wetland drying up outside of the wettest periods of the
year with small areas of deeper pools. The wetland assessment noted that the wetland does
not connect to Romney Creek as shown on online maps such as the RDN map and instead
Romney Creek flows to the east along Ruffles Road and then north through ditches to
reconnect with the mapped alignment of the Creek just north of Fair Road. Several other
ponds and wetlands have been noted along the upper reaches that may provide year-round
habitat for resident trout (EDI Environmental Dynamics Inc., 2013). No publicly available
surveys to confirm fish presence were located during the desktop assessment for this
project.
7 WILDLIFE
7.1 METHODS
7.1.1 OFFICE STUDY
The following information was reviewed:
— TRIM mapping (1:20,000 scale);
— Target species (species to be studied with a particular focus on species at risk), including
habitat use, feeding behavior, and breeding behavior;
— Mapping for the Site and area (i.e. air photo, 1:15,000 scale and topographic mapping,
1:20,000 forest cover maps, 1:20,000 scale TRIM mapping) and aerial photographs to
identify potential habitat or target species.
This information was used to assist in aerial photograph interpretation of vegetation,
drainages, landform and any other prominent features located in the Site Maps and aerial
photographs reviewed included ortho-rectified aerials.
The following webpages were also visited to collect relevant wildlife data for the Site:
— BC CDC Species and Ecosystem Explorer (BC CDC, 2021) - Search Criteria: Search Type: Animal and (restricted to Red, Blue, and COSEWIC and SARA species); and CDF Biogeoclimatic zone – Habitat subtypes including: conifer forest mesic, conifer forest moist/wet, Mixed forest (deciduous/coniferous mix, riparian forest, roadside/ditch, stream, river, urban and suburban;
— iMapBC (DataBC, 2021);
— Conservation Data Centre (CDC) iMap http://maps.gov.bc.ca/ess/sv/cdc/ ;
— E-Fauna (E-Fauna BC, 2021);
— eBird (Audubon and Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 2021);
— British Columbia Great Blue Herons Atlas (Great Blue Heron Management Team, 2021)
— Sensitive Ecosystem Inventory
— Wildlife Tree Stewardship Atlas http://cmnmaps.ca/wits/ ;
— B.C. Big Tree Registry http://bcbigtree.ca/ ; and
— Species-specific COSEWIC and SARA documents
City of Parksville WSP File No.: 201-12373-00 Environmental Overview Assessment February 2021 Despard Site Page 29
The list of species of conservation concern identified by the BC CDC for the CDFmm was
reviewed assessing their potential presence based on the habitat present on Site and the
relative location of known detections.
7.1.2 FIELD STUDY
The Site visit was conducted on Januray 12, 2021 throughout all vegetation communities
within the Site boundaries with a focus on identifying any wildlife features and wildlife trees
on Site. The Site was traversed in order to record all incidental detections of wildlife trees,
wildlife sightings and a general assessment of wildlife habitat. Detections of wildlife trees
included those of high significance or nest trees that might be protected permanently under
Section 34 of the Wildlife Act.
Wildlife sightings included incidental detections of sign such as prey remains, regurgitated
pellets, whitewash, feathers, old and/or new open nests, cavity nests or roosts, foraging tree
cavities, dens, burrows, browse, tree scratches, scat, fecal droppings, tracks, and trails. The
habitat assessment considered environmental variables noted included the presence of
snags, coarse woody debris, surface complexity, forage potential, cover and travel corridor
potential. No detailed wildlife surveys were included within the Projects scope. Additionally,
the timing of the Site visit occurred before the identified survey window of most species’
groups potentially present at the Site.
7.2 RESULTS
7.2.1 INCIDENTAL DETECTIONS
Incidental detections of birds from the Site and nearby areas were recorded during the field
survey and are summarized in (Table 7-1):
Table 7-1 Summary of Wildlife Observations on the Site
SPECIES
OBSERVATION TYPE (2021)
Birds
Golden-crowned kinglet auditory
Dark-eyed junco auditory
Pine siskin auditory
Chestnut-backed chickadee
auditory
Varied thrush visual
Red-breasted nuthatch auditory
No detailed wildlife surveys were conducted following species-specific methodologies as
prescribed in the BC Resource Inventory Standards Committee (RISC) documents. RISC
methodologies identify the survey protocol that is recommended for each species or species
City of Parksville WSP File No.: 201-12373-00 Environmental Overview Assessment February 2021 Despard Site Page 30
group including time of year. If future surveys are to be undertaken at Site, they should
adhere to the RISC methodologies (BC Government, 2021) or more recent survey methods
described in the scientific literature.
During the review of the mapped known occurrences of species at risk, the CDC iMap
database indicated that there were no publicly available occurrences or critical habitat that
overlapped the Site.
7.2.2 WILDLIFE HABITAT
Species specific wildlife surveys were not undertaken as part of the Projects scope therefore
an assessment of the habitats present and the suitability of those habitats for biodiversity
and species of conservation concern was considered instead. The riparian sensitive
ecosystem is considered important for wildlife because of their high biodiversity, aquatic
habitat protection and potential as wildlife corridors. The larger corridors in the region
include the Qualicum River and Englishman River systems however there is use even at the
smaller scale watercourses due to the legislative protection provided watercourses in BC.
Older second growth is also important for generating future older forests, connecting the
landscape and can buffer adjacent sensitive ecosystems when present.
Both ecosystems are important for amphibians and reptiles of the region (Ward et al., 1998).
Amphibian species detected in the riparian habitats around Parksville include: Northern
red-legged frog (Rana aurora) (Special Concern by SARA and COSEWIC, Blue-listed by
Province), Western toad (Anaxyrus boreas) Special Concern by SARA and COSEWIC), long-
toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum), roughskin newt (Taricha granulosa) and
Pacific tree frog (Pseudacris regilla) (Stephens, 2015; BC CDC, 2021). Habitat enhancement
projects for amphibians along Romney Creek have partnered with the Pacific Salmon
Foundation, City of Parksville and School District 69 have focused on a re-establishment of
the channel and wetlands within Romney Creek (MVIHES, 2021). Non-listed reptile species
potentially present at the Site include the three species of garter snakes: common,
northwestern and terrestrial.
Mature forests and some maturing forest (CD-6) can have an almost closed canopy with a
well-developed shrub understory in canopy openings. The shrub layer in mature stands is
well developed, and the herb layer is less diverse than other associations. The closed canopy
cover and the shrub later provide thermal cover, security and food for larger mammals. The
areas of young forest provide good cover for passerines (songbirds). The soil moisture and
nutrient regime and an abundance of legacy snags and large woody debris if present can
provide good cover habitat for herptiles, small mammals, mollusks, and foraging and
nesting habitat for woodpeckers. The mature tree layer is important to raptors for nesting
and roosting because it has the potential to have a high abundance of small mammals.
Bird diversity in an ecosystems and plant community can vary depending on the structural
stage and plants present. The older structural stages as found in the CD-6 on Site, can be
used for nesting by eagles and herons. The desktop review noted the closest great blue
heron (Ardea herodias fannini) colony reported on publicly available website is
approximately 2 km away in Errington (Colony ID 106-059) (Community Mapping Network,
City of Parksville WSP File No.: 201-12373-00 Environmental Overview Assessment February 2021 Despard Site Page 31
2021b). There are no publicly known active bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nests
within 2 km of the Site (Wildlife Tree Stewardship Atlas, 2021). The larger tree size increases
the potential use of CD-6 for nesting by cavity nesting birds such as owls and roosting sites
for bats. Trees suitable for daytime bat roosting are commonly found in mature forest and
suitable trees were noted within the CD-6 (Photo 4). There is potential the little brown
myotis (Myotis lucifugus) (Endangered by SARA and COSEWIC) to use suitable trees in the
older areas of the Site where cavities and lose bark is present. No wildlife trees were detected
in the younger areas (CD-4 and CD-5) that would be suitable for owls or bats. The increased
potential for large coarse woody debris in the CD-6 increases its potential habitat suitability
for amphibian and small mammal species.
The pole sampling forest CD-4 on Site was too young to have wildlife tree recruitment or the
presence of large coarse woody debris, and the shrub layer was not well developed (Photo
5). This lack of thermal and security cover and diverse foraging sites reduces the suitability
of CD-4 for many species with the exception of nesting bird species that breed in younger
disturbed forest. The habitat within CD-5 had increased habitat potential for more species
that do not require mature forest as found in CD-6.
Photo 4. Lose bark on a potential wildlife tree; feature
useable by daytime roosting bats. Photo taken January
12, 2021.
City of Parksville WSP File No.: 201-12373-00 Environmental Overview Assessment February 2021 Despard Site Page 32
Photo 5. Young CD-4 forest on Site. Photo taken January 12,
2021 looking northwest.
7.2.3 WILDLIFE TREE AND NEST SURVEY
No active bird nests were located during the visit to the Site due to the timing of the survey.
The largest coniferous and deciduous mature trees having DBHs (diameter at breast height)
of 50 cm or greater were found only in the southeastern corner of the Site within the CD-6
vegetation community (Photo 6) (Figure 4) where logging has likely not occurred since the
1950s (Table 1). A variety of large trees and snags were noted in this same area varying in
structure and stage of decay which is expected in a mature forest setting (Photo 7).
Photo 6. Larger trees in southeast portion of Site in CD-6.
Photo taken January 12, 2021 looking east.
City of Parksville WSP File No.: 201-12373-00 Environmental Overview Assessment February 2021 Despard Site Page 33
Photo 7. Example of snag wildlife tree; pileated woodpecker
forage tree within Site in CD-6. Photo taken January 12, 2021.
7.2.4 POTENTIAL SPECIES OF CONSERVATION CONCERN
The following species listed in Table 7-2 were identified as potentially present based on the
desktop review, habitat noted during the Site Assessment and citizen science records.
Citizen science observations were reviewed including eBird (Audubon and Cornell Lab of
Ornithology, 2021), iMap (DataBC, 2021) and applicable birding checklists (Stephens, 2011).
Table 7-2 Species of Conservation Concern Potentially Present at Site.
English Name Scientific Name COSEWIC BC List SARA Detected
in Parksville
Western Toad Anaxyrus boreas SC Yellow C
Y
Northern Red-legged Frog Rana aurora SC Blue SC
N
Great Blue Heron, fannini subspecies
Ardea herodias
fannini SC Blue SC
Y
Evening Grosbeak Coccothraustes
vespertinus SC Yellow
Y
Pine Grosbeak, carlottae subspecies
Pinicola
enucleator
carlottae
- Blue - Y
Olive-sided Flycatcher Contopus
cooperi SC Blue T
Y
City of Parksville WSP File No.: 201-12373-00 Environmental Overview Assessment February 2021 Despard Site Page 34
English Name Scientific Name COSEWIC BC List SARA Detected
in Parksville
Northern Pygmy-owl, swarthi subspecies
Glaucidium
gnoma swarthi - Blue -
Y
Western Screech-Owl, kennicottii subspecies
Megascops
kennicottii
kennicottii
T Blue T Y
Band-tailed Pigeon Patagioenas
fasciata SC Blue SC
Y
Little Brown Myotis Myotis lucifugus E Yellow E N/A
Townsend's Big-eared Bat
Corynorhinus
townsendii - Blue -
N/A
Keen's Myotis Myotis keenii DD Blue N/A
Western Water Shrew, brooksi subspecies
Sorex navigator
brooksi - Blue -
N/A
Notes: Y = yes; N = no; N/A = not available; COSEWIC = Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada;
BC List = BC Conservation Data Centre Status; SARA = Species at Risk Act; E = Endangered; T = Threatened; SC =
Special Concern.
8 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS
AND NEXT STEPS WSP has identified further information requirements that would be required if the City of
Parksville anticipates submitting regulatory approvals applications to the province or federal
government for works in and around a steam.
— Additional field work is required to determine the fish bearing status of Romney Creek.
The recommendation to be compliant with MFLNRORDs conditions is to sample in the
spring and fall using two separate sampling methods; electroshocking and minnow
trapping during both seasons (provincial fish salvage permit required – 1-2 months);
— Detailed stream mapping is required including all areas where Romney Creek enters the
stormwater system. Arrow unit could be used or survey by BCLS to identify the alignment
and widths of all watercourse alignments through the Site;
— Hydraulic assessment of watercourse to ensure that the final design of a realigned
channel can handle current and future flows in the long term. The assessment should
consider the removal of all choke points upstream of Site as recommended in the
Stormwater Management Plan. The assessment could also identify the path of flows to
the north and investigate whether it would be beneficial to send some of the water over
to the wetlands in the west or enter the stormwater system.
— Consideration of the construction of a stormwater pond/wetland to the north of the Site.
— The Riparian Areas Protection Regulation (RAPR) does not apply to institutional
developments however it is recommended that the City of Parksville comply with the
City of Parksville WSP File No.: 201-12373-00 Environmental Overview Assessment February 2021 Despard Site Page 35
terms and conditions of the RAPR in determining setbacks and other protection
measures from a newly created channel;
— A detailed field assessment during the spring/summer to complete a comprehensive
plant and wildlife inventory focusing on species of conservation concern (Table 7-2). The
recommended surveys should follow RISC standards for potential species of
conservation concern include:
— owls (nocturnal raptors) in the late winter/spring (no permit required)
— songbirds in the summer (no permit required)
— amphibians in the spring provincial (provincial wildlife sampling permit required)
— small mammals in the spring/summer (provincial wildlife sampling permit required)
— auditory (non handling) bat surveys in the summer (permit only required if catching
bats)
9 REGULATORY PERMITS AND
TIMELINES — Permitting will depend upon the results of the fish sampling and the final design of any
development. The following regulatory approvals will be required if fish are present:
o DFO Request for Review (RFR). This RFR will likely progress to an Authorization
Approval and will require habitat offsetting at a 2:1 compensation in area and a like
for like habitat form and function project(s). Approval and acceptance of offsetting
plan can take up between 5 months and a year.
o Section 11 Approval under the Water Sustainability Act for the realignment of a
Creek. Approval can take from 12-18 months.
— If the Creek is identified as fish bearing, whether by default or after further in-situ
investigation, detailed stream mapping of the Site to be altered and potential offsetting
sites will be required for a DFO Authorization and approval of an offsetting plan
— Sampling permits are required before surveying for amphibians and small mammals.
Approvals for each separate permit can take 30 days.
Timelines associated with both the provincial and federal regulatory permits and approvals
are only estimates and the approval process can be longer.
10 TIMING WINDOWS The general fisheries timing window for instream work on Vancouver Island is June 15th to
September 15th. If Romney Creek does contain Rainbow trout this window is reduced to
August 15th to September 15 (MFLRORD, 2011). If Romney Creek is identified as being fish
bearing, all instream works should occur within this timing window to ensure regulatory
approval.
City of Parksville WSP File No.: 201-12373-00 Environmental Overview Assessment February 2021 Despard Site Page 36
11 CONCLUSION AND
RECOMMENDATIONS Due to past land disturbances in the area, Romney Creeks natural alignment and fisheries
habitat have been altered. The 2021 Site visit identified the environmental constraints on
Site including an assessment of Romney Creek and the vegetation community and habitat
present on Site. The southern part of the Site should be considered for conservation and
enhancement during the Site design. Any realignment of Romney Creek will also mean an
opportunity to create a channel to consolidate flows and create habitat for fish, benthic
invertebrates, and amphibians whilst also defining a riparian sensitive ecosystem that can
establish as a sensitive ecosystem in the long term. Caution must be taken to ensure that
the current flows that move through much of the Site are not stopped from entering any
important environmental features if a creek redesign and consolidation of flows is
considered. Retaining all of part of the CD-6 plant community will allow the older second
growth to mature into and old growth sensitive ecosystem. Realigning Romney Creek in
either the CD-5 or CD-6 will provide the Creek with important riparian features such as cover
and coarse woody debris. Consideration of green infrastructure features in a redesign
including green roof installations will help in habitat connectivity and compensation efforts
post construction.
Species specific surveys are recommended for the species groups identified in Section 8 as
it is the only way to confirm the presence non-detected status of species of conservation
concern. Consultation with biologists through the design process will ensure an expedient
and effective project. Completion of an environmental impact assessment at final design
will identity mitigation measures that will reduce the impacts of the development on the
surrounding ecosystems.
City of Parksville WSP File No.: 201-12373-00 Environmental Overview Assessment February 2021 Despard Site Page 1
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Updated February, 2011.
MFLNRORD (Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development). 2021.
Community Watersheds – Current. Available at: https://catalogue.data.gov.bc.ca/dataset/community-
watersheds-current Accessed January 2021.
MVIHES (Mid Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society). 2021. Romney Creek. Available at:
https://www.mvihes.bc.ca/current-initiatives/36-general-current/55-romney-creek Accessed January
2021.
Koers & Associates Engineering Ltd. 2016. City of Parksville Storm Drainage Master Plan – Final Report.
Report prepared for City of Parksville, Match 11, 2016 1346 Final Report SDMP.
RDN (Regional District of Nanaimo). 2021. RDN Public Map Viewer. Available at:
https://webmap.rdn.bc.ca/Html5Viewer/?viewer=Public Accessed January 2021.
Stephens, C.2011. Parksville Wetlands and Adjacent Woodlands Bird Checklist (2011 Update). Researched
and compiled by Christopher Stephens. Available at: https://parksvillewetlands.weebly.com/ Accessed
January 2021.
Stephens, C. 2015. Lower Englishman River Watershed Wetlands Study. Environmental Report with
Maps, Site Descriptions and Conservation Assessment for Wetlands located in Selected Portions of the
Lower Englishman River Watershed. Research prepared for Mid Vancouver Island Habitat
Enhancement Society and GW Solutions.
City of Parksville WSP File No.: 201-12373-00 Environmental Overview Assessment February 2021 Despard Site Page 3
Ward, P., Radcliff, G., Kirkby, J., Illingworth, J., and C. Cadrin. 1998. Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory: East
Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands, 1993-1997. Volume 1. Methodology, Ecological Descriptions and
Results. Technical Report Series No. 320, Canadian Wildlife Service, Pacific and Yukon Region, British
Columbia.
Wildlife Tree Stewardship Program. 2021. Nest Tree Report. The Community Mapping Network.
Available at: https://www.cmnbc.ca/atlasgallery/wildlife-tree-stewardship/ Accessed January, 2021.
HABITAT WIZARD STREAMS REPORT Jan. 22, 2021
Ministry of Environment
Name:
Alias:
CAREY CREEK
Primary Region:
Watershed Code:
Vancouver Island
Waterbody Identifier:
Stream Length (m):
Stream Order:
Stream Magnitude:
Primary Mapsheet:
UTM: 10 404025, 5464301
920-464900
00000PARK
2.26
1
1
092F08
WATERBODY INFORMATION
FISH SPECIES
SPECIES PRESENT
DATE SPECIES STOCK
STOCKING INFORMATION
RELEASED LIFE STAGE HATCHERY
Alias (2):
UTM Co-ordinate (Stream Mouth):
DESCRIPTION HEIGHT COMMENTS
OBSTRUCTIONS
LENGTH
REFERENCE URL
ONLINE WATER LEVELS
This water body has online water level information available from Environment Canada and the
Province of BC. Use the link(s) above to go directly to the station information on the BC River
Levels website.
WATER QUANTITY INFORMATION
DSAFGSADFG
LAST KNOWN OBSERVATION DATE
The most current water survey information is available from the following Water Survey of Canada web
http://scitech.pyr.ec.gc.ca/waterweb/selectProvincprovides access to real-time water station inf
http://www.wsc.ec.gc.ca/hydat/H2 provides access to archived water station information
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please see the Fisheries Information Data Queries (FIDQ) for additional and more detailed
queries of fish and fish habitat information:
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fish/fidq/index
Please check the Ecological Reports Catalogue (EcoCat) for reference material and data
that is available for online distribution:
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/ecocat/
STREAM SURVEY DATA
TRIBUTARY STREAMS
1:50,000 WATERSHED CODE GAZETTED NAME UTM EASTING NORTHING
REFERENCES
REFERENCE ID REFERENCE TITLE
HABITAT WIZARD STREAMS REPORT Jan. 22, 2021
Ministry of Environment
Name:
Alias:
ROMNEY CREEK
Primary Region:
Watershed Code:
Vancouver Island
Waterbody Identifier:
Stream Length (m):
Stream Order:
Stream Magnitude:
Primary Mapsheet:
UTM: 10 404220, 5464188
920-464700
00000PARK
1.7
1
1
092F08
WATERBODY INFORMATION
FISH SPECIES
SPECIES PRESENT
DATE SPECIES STOCK
STOCKING INFORMATION
RELEASED LIFE STAGE HATCHERY
Alias (2):
UTM Co-ordinate (Stream Mouth):
DESCRIPTION HEIGHT COMMENTS
OBSTRUCTIONS
LENGTH
REFERENCE URL
ONLINE WATER LEVELS
This water body has online water level information available from Environment Canada and the
Province of BC. Use the link(s) above to go directly to the station information on the BC River
Levels website.
WATER QUANTITY INFORMATION
DSAFGSADFG
LAST KNOWN OBSERVATION DATE
The most current water survey information is available from the following Water Survey of Canada web
http://scitech.pyr.ec.gc.ca/waterweb/selectProvincprovides access to real-time water station inf
http://www.wsc.ec.gc.ca/hydat/H2 provides access to archived water station information
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please see the Fisheries Information Data Queries (FIDQ) for additional and more detailed
queries of fish and fish habitat information:
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fish/fidq/index
Please check the Ecological Reports Catalogue (EcoCat) for reference material and data
that is available for online distribution:
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/ecocat/
STREAM SURVEY DATA
TRIBUTARY STREAMS
1:50,000 WATERSHED CODE GAZETTED NAME UTM EASTING NORTHING
REFERENCES
REFERENCE ID REFERENCE TITLE
STANDARD LIMITATIONS
WSP CANADA INC. CONDUCTED AN ENVIRONMENTAL OVERVIEW ASSESSMENT (THE “Project”) AT THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE DESPARD SITE, PARKSVILLE, BC (THE “Site”) AS REQUESTED BY THE CITY OF PARKSVILLE (THE “Client”) AND AGREED UPON IN THE PROPOSAL DATED DECEMBER 15, 2020 (THE “Proposal”). THE FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS ARE DOCUMENTED IN THIS REPORT (THE “Report”). SUCH USE AND RELIANCE BY Client IN THIS Report IS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS, CONDITIONS AND LIMITATIONS SET OUT IN WSP’S TERMS OF ENGAGEMENT FOR THE Project.
1. The findings and conclusions documented in this Report have been prepared for specific application
to this Project and have been developed in a manner consistent with that level of care normally
exercised by environmental professionals currently practicing under similar conditions in the area.
2. The findings of this Report are based solely on data collected on Site during this investigation and
pertain only to the locations that have been investigated and on the conditions of the Site during the
completion of the work and services. WSP Canada Inc. has relied on good faith on information
provided by individuals and sources noted in the Report. No other warranty, expressed or implied, is
made.
3. If new information is developed in future work that affects the conclusions of this Report, WSP
Canada Inc. should be contacted to re-evaluate the conclusions of this Report and provide
amendments as required.
4. The service provided by WSP Canada Inc. in completing this Report is intended to assist the Client in
a business decision. The liability of the Site is not transferred to WSP Canada Inc. as a result of such
work and services, and WSP Canada Inc. does not make recommendation regarding the purchase,
sale, or investment in the property.
5. This document is intended for the exclusive use of The City of Parksville for whom it has been
prepared. WSP does not accept responsibility to any third party for the use of information presented
in this Report, or decisions made or actions taken based on its content.
6. The information presented in this Report is based on, and limited by, the circumstances and
conditions acknowledged herein, and on information available at the time of its preparation. WSP
has exercised reasonable skill, care, and diligence to assess the information acquired during the
preparation of this Report, but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the
information. Information provided by others, whether represented or otherwise utilized, is believed
to be accurate but cannot be guaranteed.
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