Overview:
A Proposal has been filed by PFRA on behalf of the Rural Municipality of Dufferin to construct water supply pipelines to provide potable water for rural residences north and east of Carman. The project would involve the installation of approximately 100 km of 200, 150, 100, 75, 50 mm pipeline originating from the Town of Carman. The proposed pipelines would be located in road allowances and constructed in the spring, summer and fall of 1996.
Comments From The Public:
No comments on the Proposal were received from members of the public.
Comments From The Technical Advisory Committee:
Manitoba Environment (Water Quality Management) - No major concerns. Both Manitoba Environment and Manitoba Natural Resources should be contacted prior to making any stream crossings using methods other than boring/tunnelling/augering.
Historic Resources - No concerns.
Mines Branch - No concerns.
Highway Planning - No objections. A water line agreement is required with the Department prior to placing water supply lines in the Department's rights-of-way. The Department's contact in this regard is Mr. R. K. McKay, P. Eng., Technical Services Engineer, South Central Region. The proponent is expected to meet or exceed certain standards when working adjacent to an R. O. W. For example, highway traffic control standards must be met, waterline crossings must be sleeved, and R.O.Ws must be returned to an acceptable condition. Project specific details will have to be reviewed in due course.
Community Economic Development - -No concerns.
Medical Officer of Health (Central) - Concern about the adequacy of the water treatment. More water must flow through the plant to supply the extra areas. Is the plant being modified? Will the system handle the increased flow and adequately treat the water? Information on these issues was not included in the proposal and would be vital in determining whether there will be health impacts.
Natural Resources - The planting of native species or their appropriate cultivars should be used where required on disturbed sites if natural vegetation has not revegetated within one year. Where possible, construction in the less built-up areas should occur after August 1 to reduce impact to breeding wildlife. If this is not possible, contact with regional MNR staff concerning appropriate mitigation is recommended prior to construction. Boring or augering are the preferred methods of crossing waterways and the Manitoba Stream Crossing Guidelines should be used. If instream methods must be used, the regional fisheries manager should be consulted before instream work occurs. Trenched crossings are recommmended after June 15 and preferably during low flow periods. Erosion control plans should be developed in advance. The system will be subject to licensing under the Water Rights Act. Plans should be forwarded to Water Resources for review.
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency - Project information has been reviewed by departments with a potential interest. PFRA will conduct an environmental assessment under The Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. DFO, Environment Canada and Parks Canada would be able to provide specialist advice.
Discussion
There are no concerns over this proposal which would require the recommendation of a public hearing. With respect to the comments of the Medical Officer of Health, additional information was obtained by telephone from the General Manager of the Pembina Valley Water Cooperative. (The PVWC wholesales treated water to municipalities and towns in the region, and will be planning and developing all future long term water treatment and distribution facilities.) The capacity of the existing Carman water treatment plant has been assessed and found adequate to supply water for the proposed project. However, the additional demand will use virtually all of the plant's available spare capacity. Therefore, the plant will provide adequate water treatment with the additional flows required for the Dufferin East project in the short term, but expansion is needed to accomodate long term demands. The PVWC is currently studying the feasibility of expanding the existing Carman plant to meet long term demands. As an alternative, a new regional water treatment plant may be constructed at the Stephenfield Reservoir to serve Carman and Dufferin as well as some additional parts of the PVWC service area.
All other TAC comments can be addressed through licence conditions.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Development be licensed under The Environment Act subject to the limits, terms and conditions as described on the attached Draft Environment Act Licence. It is further recommended that enforcement of the Licence be assigned to the South-Central Region.
Prepared by:
Bruce Webb
February 19, 1996