1. Conceptual Restoration Plan
Curve Lake: First Nations Landfill
By: Tyler Mulhall #10084211
Tessa Arsenault #10123122
Kaitlin Hill #10122608
Section 61
Restoration Ecology - ECOS10
Submitted to: Lauren Sharkey
Date Submitted: November 27, 2015
2. 1
Location and Boundaries
The location of the proposed
restoration plan is the Curve Lake
First Nations Landfill. It is located
along Mississauga St. towards
Curve Lake First Nations
Reserve. Figure 1 outlines the
current boundaries of the landfill.
Figure 2 shows that the ecology
around the landfill is wooded area
and wetland. It also has the
highest elevation for the
peninsula, which is bordered by
Lake Chemong and Buckhorn
Lake. The lakes and
surrounding
waterways are
under Otonabee
Conservation
Authority Figure 3.
The land falls into
the Ecological Land
Classification (ELC)
ecozone:
Mixedwood Plains
and Ecoregion:
Manitoulin-Lake Simcoe
(Agriculture and Agri-
Food Canada, 1995).
Land Ownership
Since the landfill falls on
the First Nations of Curve
Lake Reserve, the Curve
Lake First Nations is the
landowner.
To make sure all goals
are agreed upon and
met, we would first set up
a meeting with the Band
members to get permission to work on their land and to go over the project outline,
Figure 1. Aerial view of Curve Lake First Nations Landfill, circled in
red. (google maps, 2015)
Figure 2. Ecology surrounding Curve Lake First Nations Landfill. (A
Figure 3. Otonabee Conservation Area Map with Curve Lake circled in red.
3. 2
timeline, the method that we will be using, and the ultimate goal of restoration to the
area. Appendix A contains a set of interview questions to ask about the land and the
goals of Curve Lake for the restoration plan.
The Need for Restoration
The need for restoration comes from a closed landfill that has the potential to be
leaking into the ground water source for households that use the water as their main
source of drinking water. At this time, there has been no efforts to remediate the
situation. This could economically impair Curve Lake because if the groundwater
issue isn't fixed in time they may be forced into putting in a water treatment facility for
the community. Also since the landfill site is on top of a hill, the leachate has the
potential to contaminate soils/water/and the lake in many different directions thus
polluting the water supply for many of the Curve Lake First Nations and surrounding
public. The area also has water-boil advisories multiple times a year.
Indicators of Impairment
The area as it is currently is a simplified community structure of a manicured lawn/
field. Mainly displaying one species of grass, and a few wild flowers and herbs. The
microclimate is assumed to be slightly warmer than the surrounding area due to the
lack of trees. Succession does not seem to be taking place, even in the untouched
areas of the field. This is possibly because the soil may not have the nutrients that
larger species need. Due to contamination there may be a possibility that there is a
reduction in mineral/nutrient retention.
In comparison to the surrounding native area this site is in very poor condition. It
would be preferable to see increased specialists and decreased generalists. In doing
this the hope is to aid the regulation of microclimates, as the vegetation begins to
grow and create shade. Thusly, renewing the soil with minerals and nutrients for
plant life to continue and sustain.
Type of Ecosystem to be Restored
Curve Lake is underlain with granitic bedrock. And is a temperate mixed wood forest.
The area surrounding the landfill is a mix of deciduous and coniferous tree species.
Restoration Goals
There are many ways to measure the success of the restoration project. These
include:
● Lower overall contamination by 50% in groundwater after 2 years, measured
by wells.
● 80% tree and shrub cover in the restoration area after 3 years.
● Ambient temperature decrease by 5 degrees Celsius after 3 years
● Increase mineral and nutrient levels in soil by 15% after 4 years.
The overall goal for our restoration project is bring back some (if not all) native
species to the area, dig up the buried garbage, sort it and transport it to proper
4. 3
recycling/waste facilities. Along with restoring the old landfill site, the trash drop-off
area will remain for garbage to be taken to Peterborough. We also hope to help stop
any contaminated leachate from the landfill, so it does not enter into the
groundwater, wells of the local buildings, and surrounding water bodies. These goals
have been influenced by the consideration of the health and safety of people in
Curve Lake as well as the habitat around the restoration area.
Physical Site Conditions in Need of Repair
The landfill is possibly leaching toxic contaminants into the ground. This leachate
can pollute the groundwater in the area. The main concern with polluted groundwater
in Curve Lake is that many people use it as their water source. As of 2001, 223
house with 550 people obtain their water through the well in the area; only 121
people are serviced from public water (Melanson, 2001). The soil around the landfill
would also be contaminated and therefore not a viable place for vegetation to grow.
Stressors that are in Need of Regulation or Re-initiation
There are no major stressors such as fires, floods, and droughts. But the area does
undergo four different seasons with a wide variety of temperature and precipitation.
The species that inhabit the newly restored area must have a tolerance to these
annual changes.
Biotic Interventions Needed
Appendix B contains a list of all the species at risk in Peterborough as of October 7,
2015. An environmental assessment will need to take place to determine what
species at risk are in the area and whether or not there is suitable habitat for any
other at risk species. If found, then extra care will be taken so that these species are
not harmed in any way. Suitable habitat will be created for those species in the
restored area.
Along with looking for desirable species, undesirable species will also be noted. Any
non-native and invasive species that are present will be extirpated. Since the ground
will be dug up. It is not likely that many species will be found right after the clean fill
has been added.
Landscape Restrictions
Referencing Figure 1, there are some landscape restrictions we need to consider
when moving along with this project. There is the main road that the landfill is
attached to that needs to remain operational for local traffic. There is also the landfill
sorting bins that already exist there and the road connecting the landfill to the main
road; these will need to be left operational for locals to use during and after the
restoration project.
These restrictions can be handled by working with the Curve Lake First Nations and
surrounding areas to figure out times that the landfill could possibly be closed for any
5. 4
major restoration needs and transportation of waste from the site as well as any
equipment we will be needing for the project.
Labour and Equipment
For labour we will reach out to the Curve Lake First Nations and ask for volunteers
as well as the surrounding area. Fleming College students could also be asked to
donate some of their time to help out the project. Hopefully we can reach out to the
local Boy Scouts or Girl Guides to ask for help (they are always looking for volunteer
opportunities and ways to get badges). We could also go around to local high
schools and talk to kids who are looking for community service hours that count
towards their graduation. Also, there will need to be hired personnel. Heavy
equipment operators, a project manager, as well as at least one supervisor will need
to be hired.
Equipment will be donated and rented for a discounted price from local businesses
and institutions, such as Terry Dunford Excavating, Fleming College, and
Peterborough Green up, as environmental impact is trying to be kept at a minimum.
The equipment needed for this project includes:
● Dump trucks
● Excavators
● Garbage/Recycle Bins
● Shovels and gloves
● First Aid kits
● PPE (as required)
● Soil
● Drills
● Monitoring wells
More equipment may be needed as the project carries out and problems arise.
The drills could be asked to be donated from Fleming College and students can drill
the monitoring wells as part of their schooling (professor permitting), Environmental
Technician students could also be asked to make and donate monitoring wells as
part of their schooling (also professor permitting). There are already some monitoring
wells in place which can help reduce costs.
6. 5
Rough Potential Budget for all Necessary Materials and Labour
Large Materials
● 2 Dump trucks----------------------------$5,000 per month: est. Total $10,000
● 2 Excavators-------------------------------$6,100 per month: est. Total =$12,000
● 6 Garbage/Recycle Dumpsters -----$718 per month each. est Total = $8,616
● Monitoring Wells --------------------------Estimate $150 each. est. Total = $ 1,800
● Drills------------------------------------------ $7,000 per month: est. Total = $7,000
(Unknown, 2015)
Small Materials
● Shovels----------------------------------------$20 each . est. Total = $200
● First Aid Kits----------------------------------$50 each . est Total = $100
● PPE (as required)---------------------------$100 per person. est. Total = $2,000
● Soil-----------------------------------------------$2 per pound. est. Total=$7,000
Labour
● Heavy Equipment Operators Pay ------------$35 per hr.: est. Total = $21,000
- hourly rates include the wages of the operator, fuel and running repairs
● Drilling Operators Pay-------------------------- $35.00 per hr.: est. Total = $12,600
- hourly rates include the wages of the operator, fuel and running repairs
● Project Manager---------------------------------$50,000/ year
● Supervisor------------------------------------------$40,000/ year
● Water-Well Testing-------------------------------$25 per hr. est Total = $3,525
● Fleming Students/ Volunteers ------------------ PRICELESS
TOTAL ESTIMATED COST = $172,668
Prices may change depending on volunteer help and funding.
(NSRBA, 2012)
Biotic Materials and Sources
After the completion of the clean fill being filled in, vegetation will need to be planted.
Only species that are native to the area should be used. They can be purchased
through local nurseries and donations from Fleming College. To save on costs,
plants do not need to be planted very close together but instead allow for succession
to continue on. Possible species to be planted include:
Trees:
● Red Pine
● White Pine
● Hemlock
● Balsam Fir
● Large tooth, Trembling, Balsam Poplars
● Yellow and White Birch
● White and Black Ash
● Bur and Red Oak
Shrubs, Herbs, and Wildflowers:
● Buckthorn
7. 6
● Elderberry
● Hawthorn
● Wild Raspberries
● Prickly Wild Rose
● Black Eyed Susan’s
This is just a general list of known species in the area. There will be an exact list in
our first progress report after we have surveyed the area for trees, shrubs and herbs
surrounding our restoration site. This way we will have a better idea of which plants
will flourish and which species will have a hard time regenerating.
Project-funding Resources
Funding for the project can come from many different sources. Possible grants this
project would qualify for are:
● The Ontario Community Environment Fund
● Land Stewardship and Habitat Restoration Program
● Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk
● Environmental Damages Fund
● Species at Risk Stewardship Fund
Additionally, some long term funding can be raised through community fundraising.
Appendix C contains a blank application form for Environmental Damages Fund.
Permits/Permissions Required
● Permission required from Curve Lake First Nations
● No other permits required for this location
Project Duration
May 2016
● Applications for grants and funding will be sent off
May 2016- May 2017
● Conduct an environmental assessment of the landfill and surrounding areas
● Extra attention will be given to at risk species, for restoration
● A report will be written to summarize the observations
June 2017
● Preparation for phase 2 will start
● Clearing the landfill and setting up for extraction of soil and garbage
July 2017-September 2017
● Extraction and sorting of soil and garbage
8. 7
October 2017
● Backfilling with imported soil - close to the natural surroundings will be
brought in
October 2017
● Planting of native species
November 2017
● A report will be written to summarize the results and the observations; also
detailing any changes made to the project
It is important to note that the project duration dates are weather permitting and may
be changed due to unforeseen circumstances.
Long-term Projection and Management
December 2017 - September 2026
After the completion of the project, long term management would include sampling
from;
● Monitoring wells installed
● Local well water
● Water from Buckhorn and Chemong Lakes
These samples will sent to SGS Laboratories in Lakefield Ontario to be tested for
toxins and contaminants. Sampling will occur monthly for the first six months after
completion of the project and then continue on a four month basis for a year, and
then yearly sampling after that. After every sampling event a short report will be
typed up and sent to the Curve Lake First Nations with respect to how the project is
doing and if any changes need to be made to ensure project success.
In addition to the water sampling, we can also take soil samples of the landfill (also
to be sent to SGS Labs for testing) using the same sampling timeframe as the water
samples. Lastly, aerial photos could be taken on a yearly basis to calculate the shrub
and tree coverage, and how well the project is doing.
The expectations for succession in the 15 years is to be begin entering an
intermediate successional stage, upper stratum of shade intolerant with an
understory of shade tolerant species.
9. 8
References
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. (1995). Terrestrial ecozones, ecoregions, and
ecodistricts province of Ontario. Environment Canada. Retrieved from
http://sis.agr.gc.ca/cansis/publications/maps/eco/all/districts/eco_all_districts_3m_on
tario.jpg
Melanson, D. (2001). Curve Lake First Nation community water supply. Toronto
Services Centre. Retrieved from
http://www.cbc.ca/slowboil/pdfs/on/Curve%20Lake.pdf
Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. (2015). Species at risk in Peterborough
region. Government of Ontario. Retrieved from http://www.ontario.ca/environment-
and-energy/species-risk-region?name=Peterborough
NSRBA. (2012). 2012 SUGGESTED RENTAL RATES FOR CONSTRUCTION
EQUIPMENT. Retrieved November 26, 2015, from http://www.nsrba.ca/files/2012
NSRBA Suggested Rental Rates for Construction Equipment.pdf
Unknown. (2015) Dumpster Rental Pricing. Dumpster Rental Pricing. Retrieved
November 26, 2015, from http://www.budgetdumpster.com/pricing.php
10. 9
APPENDICES
Appendix A: Possible Interview Questions for Curve Lake
Appendix B: Species at Risk in Peterborough County
Appendix C: Blank Environmental Damages Fund Application
11. 10
Appendix A: Possible Interview Questions
1. What are your concerns over this project?
2. What are your hopes for this project?
3. Would you give us your permission to restore the land in question?
4. Is there anything you want to add or seen be done with the project?
5. Do you have a certain timeframe you would like this to be done in?
6. Is there any precautions we missed that you think are important?
7. How much garbage do you think has been buried at the site?
8. How long has it been sitting there like this (for decomposition purposes)?
12. 11
Appendix B: Species at Risk in Peterborough County
● Bald Eagle
● Black Tern
● Bobolink
● Cerulean Warbler
● Eastern Meadowlark
● Henslow’s Sparrow
● Least Bittern
● Loggerhead Shrike
● Louisiana Waterthrush
● Red-headed Woodpecker
● Whip-poor-will
● Flooded Jellyskin
● Ogden’s Pondweed
● Pale-bellied Frost Lichen
● Common Five-lined Skink
● Eastern Ribbon Snake
● Milksnake
● Blanding’s Turtle
● Eastern Musk Turtle
● Northern Map Turtle
● Snapping Turtle
(Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, 2015)
13. 12
Appendix C: Blank Environmental Damages Fund Application
Learn more by consulting the Applicant’s Guide: Annex – How to Complete the
Application Form.
For Office Use Only
EDF File #Applicant Information
Organization Name:
Address:
Phone: ( ) - Fax: ( ) -
Email:
Organization Type (select one)
Non-Government Organization Aboriginal Group University/Academic Institution
Provincial/Territorial/Municipal Government
Website Address (if available)
Charitable/Non-Profit Organization Registration No. (if available)
Briefly describe your group’s mandate (approximately 200 words)
Environmental Damages Fund
Application Form
14. 13
Prior History with Environment Canada
Identify if your group is a new or returning applicant/recipient of funding from Environment Canada.
First time applicant Previously applied but did not receive funding
Past recipient of funding
If you are a past successful recipient of funding from Environment Canada, please provide the
funding program name, the past project number and, if applicable, in one or two sentences, explain
how this project is different from similar previously funded project(s).
Project Contact Must be knowledgeable about the contents of the application.
Name:
Title:
Phone (work): ( ) -
Phone (cell): ( ) -
Email:
Fax: ( ) -
15. 14
Project Summary
Title:
Location:
(county, township, region, province or territory)
Start Date End Date Length months
When determining the project start date, please take into account the time required for notification (10 weeks) and for the
negotiation of an agreement with Environment Canada (60 days following approval notification).
EDF funds applied for (include the location, funds available, any use restrictions and funding deadline)
EDF priority this project addresses (please check one or more):
Restoration Environmental Quality Improvements
Research & Development Education & Awareness
Provide a summary description of your project (attach additional pages, if necessary). If your proposal is approved for
funding, this summary may be published and made available to the public.
Describe how your project addresses the EDF priority (or priorities).
16. 15
Project Description
Project purpose: Describe the environmental issue your project will address and explain the need for
this project (approximately 500 words).
Goals and objectives: Identify what your project will accomplish and how you will measure your
results. Ensure project objectives are achievable and measurable within the project’s timeframe.
Project activities: Identify planned activities that will be carried out to meet the goals and objectives stated
above, including the techniques and/or methods that will be used.
17. 16
Human Resources and Project Team Experience
a) Describe the duties and the position(s) (Project Coordinator, Consultant, Technical Experts, and Volunteers)
identified in the human resources section of the budget.
b) Identify relevant qualifications and experience of your organization and project team. Please identify all
members of the project team, if known at the time of application. If applicable, please include letters of
support confirming their participation in the project.
Project work plan: Identify activities and timelines. Consider organizing activities and targets
according to the following quarterly breakdown: April to June, July to September, October to December,
and January to March.
Communications Plan: Identify the project’s communications activities and how the public will be
informed of the project and its results (i.e. public events, news releases, publications, and website).
18. 17
Evaluation
Evaluation Plan: Provide an evaluation plan to clearly demonstrate how you will measure the success
of your project in achieving your goals and objectives. Outline the methodology used to measure your
project’s results.
Performance Indicators: Indicate the performance indicators that will be used to measure the results of your
project. (Refer to the EDF Applicant’s Guide or website for more information.)
Outputs: List the outputs or products that this project will generate.
19. 18
Environmental Responsibility
Briefly explain how you will ensure the environment is not harmed by project activities. Describe how the
environmental benefits will be maintained after the project is completed.
To ensure that the environment is not harmed by project activities, additional information may be required for review by
technical experts who will assess if activities are technically sound. In addition, prior to the start of your project, Environment
Canada may be required to conduct an environmental screening under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.
Please refer to the Applicant’s Guide for examples of additional information that may be required and contact your EDF
regional office for further information. Provide information as required in the space below and/or use this space to list what
additional information will be attached to the application form.
Other Relevant Information
Are permits required to complete this project? Yes No
Have you begun the process to obtain the permits? Yes No N/A
If permits are required for your project, please list below those permits that are needed.
If required, this space is provided for inclusion of any other relevant project information that was not captured in
other sections. Refer to the Applicant’s Guide for examples of additional information that is highly recommended
but not required.
20. 19
Funding Summary
Amount requested from the EDF $
Amount from other sources (cash and/or in-kind including
revenues), if applicable
+ $
Total project value = $
21. 20
BUDGET Part 1 – Human Resources
Human Resources Costs Funding Sources
Service
No. of
People
Rate
Time
(each)
Total
Cost
EDF
Other
Cash In-kind
e.g., Summer students 10 $10/hr 40 hrs $4000 $4000
Sub-total
Budget Part 1 – Human Resources
BUDGET Part 2 – Equipment & Supplies
Equipment & Supplies Costs Funding Sources
Item
No. of
Units
Unit
Cost
Total
Cost
EDF
Other
Cash In-kind
e.g., Native Plant Seedlings 500 $1 $500 $250 $250
Sub-total
Budget Part 2 – Equipment & Supplies
22. 21
BUDGET Part 3 – Other Expenditures
Miscellaneous Expenditures Costs Funding Sources
Item
No. of
Units
Unit
Cost
Total
Cost
EDF
Other
Cash In-kind
e.g., translation services 100 $20/hr $2000 $1000 $1000
Sub-total
Budget Part 3 – Miscellaneous Expenditures
Revenue Identify if the project will generate revenue. Yes No
If yes, include an approximate value of revenues in the Total cash contribution row below.
Note: Some projects may need to budget for costs associated with an independently verified financial report at the end of
their project.
Total Costs and Funding
(Add Sub-totals for Part 1 + Part 2 + Part
3 + Revenue)
Total Costs for
Project
Total Funding
from EDF
Total Cash from
Other Funding
Sources + Revenue
Total Value of In-kind
Contributions
$ $ $ $
23. 22
Other Funding Sources, if applicable
Please list all cash contributions and in-kind support from other funding sources. In-kind support can include
donations of equipment, materials, office space, volunteer time, and professional services.
Please note that you will need to provide confirmation letters from these funding sources. Any letters of
confirmation not available at the time you submit your application can be sent in later. The letters must indicate
the cash or fair market value of the contribution being made.
Source Contribution
Group Name Description Cash
Value of
In-kind
Letter
Included
e.g., ABC Nursery Cash donation $250 Yes
e.g., ABC Community Newspaper Printing services $300 No
Total $ $
24. 23
Application Checklist
Please check with your local EDF office to confirm deadline dates in your province or territory. Completed
applications can be received by email, mail, fax, or in person (see contact information below) and must be
received or postmarked on or before the deadline date to be considered eligible for funding.
Except for letters confirming cash and/or in-kind support from other funding sources, which may be sent at a later
date, all information needed for the evaluation of your project must accompany the application. No additional
information received after the deadline will be taken into consideration.
Application Checklist
A complete application form, including all budget and funding source information.
If applicable, letters of confirmation from other cash and/or in-kind funding sources (if available – letters can
follow at a later date, but it is highly recommended that letters available at the time of submission should be
forwarded with the application).
Copies of any required permits from federal, provincial/territorial or municipal governments or other regulating
organizations (if applicable and available at the time of application).
Other supporting information (if applicable) such as site maps, photos, species lists, plans and specifications,
and general letters of support.
Please refer to the ”How do you apply” section of the Applicant’s Guide for more information about these
elements. For any questions, please contact your EDF regional office.
Certification
We certify that the information provided in this application, including all enclosures, is accurate to
the best of our knowledge and that we are authorized to sign on behalf of the group.
Name: Name:
Title: Title:
Signature: Signature:
Date: Date:
Reminder: Please call us to confirm receipt of your application package if you do not receive an
acknowledgement letter within one month of submitting your application.
25. 24
Contact Us!
Contact your Environment Canada regional office today to discuss your project idea, to answer your questions, to
receive general guidance or to submit your completed application.
Environment Canada’s Regional Offices
Atlantic Region
Nova Scotia, New Brunswick
and Prince Edward Island
45 Alderney Drive
16th Floor, Queen Square
Dartmouth NS B2Y 2N6
Phone: 902-426-8521
or 1-800-663-5755 (toll-free)
Fax: 902-426-2062
Email: edf-fde.atl@ec.gc.ca
Newfoundland and Labrador
6 Bruce Street
Mount Pearl NL A1N 4T3
Phone: 709-772-4269
or 1-800-663-5755 (toll-free)
Fax: 709-772-5097
Email: edf-fde.atl@ec.gc.ca
Ontario Region
4905 Dufferin Street
Toronto ON M3H 5T4
Phone: 416-739-4734
or 1-800-661-7785 (toll-free)
Fax: 416-739-4235
Email: edf-fde.on@ec.gc.ca
Prairie and Northern Region
Alberta, Manitoba, Northwest Territories,
Nunavut and Saskatchewan
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Winnipeg MB R3C 4W2
Phone: 204-984-5952
or 1-800-567-1570 (toll-free)
Fax: 204-983-0964
Email: edf-fde.pnr@ec.gc.ca
Pacific and Yukon Region
British Columbia and Yukon
#201–401 Burrard Street
Vancouver BC V6C 3S5
Phone: 604-664-9093
or 1-800-667-7779 (toll-free)
Fax: 604-713-9527
Email: edf-fde.pyr@ec.gc.ca
Quebec Region
1141 Route de l’Église, 6th floor
Quebec QC G1V 3W5
Phone: 418-648-3444
or 1-800-463-4311 (toll-free)
Fax: 418-649-6674
Email: edf-fde.quebec@ec.gc.ca
National Capital Region
Place Vincent Massey
351 St-Joseph Boulevard, 17th Floor
Gatineau QC K1A 0H3
Phone: 819-997-2800
or 1-800-668-6767 (toll-free)
Email: edf-fde2@ec.gc.ca