THE STUDY
The City of Hamilton maintains a number of storm sewer outlets to the Niagara Escarpment. Three waterfall/open channel systems convey flows from three storm sewer outlets down the Escarpment toward the Chedoke Golf Course. The most westerly channels merge (the West Channel) at the base of the Escarpment near the clubhouse, where the combined flows are then intercepted by a large storm sewer inlet structure and conduit. The most easterly channel (the East Channel) conveys flows to another large storm sewer inlet structure and conduit located approximately 450 metres east of the clubhouse parking lot.
The flows during past storm events have caused a significant amount of rock, woody debris and sediment to be eroded from the escarpment and conveyed to the two inlet structures. Much of the eroded material collects in the vicinity of the two inlet structures and the inlets have become blocked during some storm events. In an effort to keep the inlets open and to prevent excessive material from entering the conduits, the City regularly removes the eroded material from the inlet areas. The cost for this on-going maintenance is considerable and has been particularly high in recent years due to the occurrence of a number of severe storm events.
The City initiated this study to investigate options to reduce the costs associated with the clean up of eroded material from the Escarpment and to minimize the adverse impacts of the on-going erosion. The purpose of this Study is to develop a full understanding of the channel erosion and maintenance problem, to identify and evaluate alternative solutions and to recommend a course of action. This understanding along with identification of site access constraints, natural environment context as well as recreational use of the area has been critical in the identification, analysis and evaluation of alternatives.
THE PROCESS
This notice signals the commencement of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment - a study which will define the problem, identify and evaluate alternative solutions, and determine a preferred solution in consultation with the City of Hamilton, regulatory agencies, and the public. The study is being conducted in compliance with Schedule B of the Municipal Engineers’ Association Class Environmental Assessment process (June 2000), which is approved under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. Upon completion of the Study, an Environmental Study Report will be prepared and will be made available for public review. An advertisement will be published at that time.
PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRE No. 1
A Public Information Centre (PIC) was held on May 8, 2008. Below is a list of materials which was presented at the PIC:
PUBLIC COMMENTS INVITED
There is an opportunity at any time during the study for interested persons to review outstanding issues and bring concerns to the attention of the Project Manager. If you have any questions or comments or wish to be added to the study mailing list, please contact:
Atheling Seunarine, P. Eng.
Superintendent
Preventative Maintenance
Water Distribution & Wastewater Collection Division
City of Hamilton
Phone: (905) 546-2424 Ext. 5486
Fax: (905) 546-2589
Email: Atheling.Seunarine@hamilton.ca
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Information will be collected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. With the exception of personal information, all comments will become part of the public record.