geometry, result in losses of morphology and in-stream habitat and produce fish passage issues where gradient changes or channel widening occur.

In addition the above construction-related impacts, temporary impacts may also occur as a result of maintenance or replacement activities during a project’s operational phase. Under this category, common potential impacts include those associated with the permanent removal or reduction of riparian vegetation. This effect can result in reduced input of organic material and nutrients (allocthanous input), increased solar inputs that influence water temperatures and localized destabilization of banks. Depending on the severity of the latter effects, potential changes in channel form and morphology (e.g., widening, loss/reduction of pools) may occur.

With reference to border services plaza and bridge crossing components of the DRIC project, each of the above potential impacts will either be avoided (e.g. no in-water works at all associated with the Detroit River) or mitigated (e.g. stormwater runoff from the border services plaza or bridge crossing will be treated prior to discharge). Mitigation measures are presented in Section 4.2 below.