Overview:
A Proposal has been filed by PFRA on behalf of the Rural Municipality of Montcalm to construct water supply pipelines to provide potable water for rural residences west of PTH 75 from Letellier and St. Joseph to St. Jean Baptiste. The project would involve the installation of approximately 50 km of 150, 100, 75, 50 and 32 mm pipeline originating from the existing Letellier to St. Jean Baptiste pipeline. The proposed pipelines would be located in road allowances and constructed in the spring, summer and fall of 1996.
Comments and concerns were requested by February 6, 1996.
The proposal was advertised in the Southeast Journal on Monday, January 8, 1996. As a result of the public notice and the information circulation to TAC, several responses were received from government departments. No responses were received from members of the public.
Comments From TAC:
Manitoba Environment (South-Central Region) - No concerns.
Manitoba Environment (Water Quality Managment) - No perceived long term detrimental impacts to water quality. If trenching is required for river crossings, it is preferred that disruption be avoided during May and June when fish spawning is occurring and fry drift is occurring. Water levels in the creeks will ultimately determine the extent of fish utilization. Provision should be made for the operator to report and clean up any fuel spill during construction.
Historic Resources - No concerns.
Mines Branch - No concerns.
Highways Planning and Design - PR 246 has been renamed PR 420 and only exists from PR 201 to PTH 14. There have been requests for upgrading and the aquisition of additional right-of-way may be required. It is recommended that the Technical Servies Engineer be consulted so that the placement of the water supply pipelines does not conflict with future upgrading plans. Consultation should also occur regarding the placement of pipelines in the vicinity of the correction line alignment one mile south of PTH 14. Pipeline placed adjacent to PTH 14 should be located adjacent to the south limit of the right-of-way and preferably on a 1 m line. Highway traffic control standards must be followed when working adjacent to a provincial road or highway. Permission is required from the Department to place pipes within right-of-way or to place structures within 38.1 m of the right-of-way of provincial roads. The Department contact is provided above. Permits are also required from the Highway Traffic Board to place any structures within 38.1 m of the right-of-way of PTH 14.
Community Economic Development - No land use concerns.
Medical Officer of Health (Central) - Only concern relates to the adequacy of the water treatment at the Letellier plant. Is the plant being modified? Will the system be able to handle the increased flow and adequately treat the water? Information on these issues was not included and would be vital in determining whether there will be any health impact.
Natural Resources - Crossings of waterways (Plum Creek) should be augered or tunnelled. If this is not possible, open trenching should be conducted after June 15 and during a low flow period. The regional fisheries manager should be contacted if the trenching method is used. Watercourse guidelines prepared by the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers should also be followed. Construction in the Buffalo Creek tributaries should not occur until after July so as to reduce impacts to wildlife. A pre-construction meeting with Manitoba Natural Resources Central Region should occur before spring to mitigate any other potential wildlife concerns i.e. those involving nesting birds and/or the presence of endangered species (loggerhead shrike). The contact is with Mr. Worth Hayden. Surface soils and native vegetation should be re-established as soon as possible after the construction period.
Federal Agencies - As PFRA is a responsible authority for the project, federal comments have been forwarded directly to PFRA.
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, the incremental water demand from this extension is small, and can be accomodated by the existing plant. A plant expansion is in the planning stages to accomodate the significant expansion in service area resulting from the Pembina Valley water supply project. Standard licence conditions for water supply projects require that licensed systems meet all regulatory and operational requirements.
Recommendation:
As all comments can be addressed as licence conditions, 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 8, 1996