6.2 POST-CONSTRUCTION MONITORING

The WDBA will be required to implement a post-construction monitoring program for the Broadway Drain realignment to ensure that no residual impacts to fish and fish habitat have persisted, that habitat improvements are stable and effective, and that no major deficiencies exist. Post construction monitoring will be conducted twice over a three year period (1 st year and 3 rd year) following completion of construction with all observations being documented in a monitoring report which will be submitted to DFO annually.

Within the Post Construction Monitoring Report for each sampling year, a photographic record of the completed works including offsetting and enhancement measures, site stabilization and restoration works shall be documented. The stability of fish habitat structures and riparian areas will be verified and documented. The fish habitat offsetting measures, and any potential barriers to fish passage and/or habitat limitations to fish will be assessed through visual inspection and fish sampling in the spring (May – June) and late summer (August – September) for the 2017 and 2019 sampling years. Fish sampling efforts will focus on the habitat usage by various fish species at various sample points (to be determined by project biologist) along the entire drain to determine fish dependence and distribution.

The success of all vegetative plantings shall be assessed not less than once each spring and early fall for 3 years following planting. If at any time during monitoring any plantings are dead or dying, measures shall be implemented to reduce the risk of future failure. Some die-off or damage by wildlife is to be expected, however, should survival rates be lower than 70%, then new plans will need to be planted to replace the dead and monitoring will be continued to ensure their survival.

During each sampling year, it is important to note any deficiencies observed within the Broadway Drain and implement contingency measures where appropriate to ensure any issues are addressed. The following is a listing of potential deficiencies which will need to be examined and in some cases contingency efforts which may be considered:

• - Bank Erosion – ensure all banks are stable and no signs of rill erosion, bank slumping, toe of slope erosion or significant bank undercutting have occurred. If observed, corrective action through grading and/or other bank stabilization techniques must be implemented to ensure long term stability and minimize sedimentation downstream.

• - Habitat Features – ensure all habitat features installed including rock vanes, rock clusters, and root wads are stable and inundated with water, especially in the spring when most species will be spawning. Should habitat features be deficient or not functioning as intended, then corrective actions including relocation and/or enhancement must be considered.

• - Re-aligned Channel – ensure that the channel is stable and that all elements of the design are functioning as intended. It is important to note that no barriers to fish passage exist and that the entire length of Broadway Drain is functional and stable with the exception of some natural equalization processes which is typical of a new channel. Should the channel show major signs of instability, then corrective actions must be evaluated.

• - Vegetation Plantings – inspect all vegetation plantings as per the Restoration Plan to ensure a high survival rate. As noted, browsing by wildlife (deer) is likely so plants will need to be monitored both in the spring and summer of each sampling year. Plantings as a whole must have a survival rate of 70% or higher, otherwise all dying or dead plants will need to be preplaced with healthy specimens.

• - Fish – fish community sampling will occur in the spring and summer of each sampling year. It will be important to note what fish species are present and the habitats they are utilizing. Each habitat features should be sampled to assess fish usage in various seasons. All fish species shall be documented especially those which have not been documented in Broadway Drain in the past. Any signs of spawning or nursery habitat usage must also be documented including species and specific location.