Public Notice

Water Control Infrastructure and Dike Repair and Maintenance Part II - Big Creek National Wildlife Area – Public Comments Invited

 

July 6, 2023 – The authority must determine whether the proposed Water Control Infrastructure and Dike Repair and Maintenance, located in Big Creek National Wildlife Area is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

To help inform this determination, the authority is inviting comments from the public respecting that determination. All comments received will be considered public and may be posted online.

Written comments must be submitted by August 7, 2023 to:

 

John Viengkone

Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service

4905 Dufferin St., Toronto, ON M3H 5T4

416-884-5148

John.Viengkone@ec.gc.ca

 

The Proposed Project

 

Ducks Unlimited Canada is proposing to undertake maintenance and repair activities to improve the dike infrastructure within the Big Creek National Wildlife Area, located in Port Rowan, Ontario. These dikes are crucial to controlling the water levels within the National Wildlife Area. They also help mitigate the risk of flooding and improve wildlife habitat. Proper functioning of this infrastructure is necessary to ensure the effective management of the area for wildlife, their habitats, federal infrastructure, and public visitor access.

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) will complete dike reshaping along approximately 1.7km of dike. This work includes rebuilding eroded sections, augmenting the height of dike sections to combat climate change and grading. DUC will also complete water supply pump improvements by replacing end pipe screens to meet Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) standards.  

The proposed work will be completed from the fall to winter within the DFO timing windows. Prior to any work commencing the areas will be searched to remove any wildlife. Exposed soil and excavated material will be re-graded, stabilized and/or re-seeded using appropriate native plants, soils, seed mix and seed application at the completion of construction. Sediment and erosion control will be used where necessary.