Best management practices for waterpower projects

With a history that dates back over a century in Ontario, it would be easy to assume that the state of science and knowledge in waterpower development reached its apex some time ago. While it is certainly true that the sector is mature in its approach to the consideration and incorporation of social, environmental and economic values, there is always new information to be brought to future projects.

The Ontario Waterpower Association (OWA) is undergoing collaborative efforts to develop Best Management Practices (BMPs). Building on the creation and implementation of the 2008 Class Environmental Assessment for Waterpower, the OWA has sought to continuously improve the advice provided to proponents, regulators and other interests.

Species at risk

The OWA’s BMPs initially focused on species at risk, including lake sturgeon, American eel and channel darter.

Species at risk BMPs specifically address the relationship between waterpower projects and a particular species and offer practical advice using science-based information. A common theme in these documents is the “pathways of effects” approach to the identification of potential impacts and appropriate mitigation strategies. In all cases, the BMPs are designed to inform decision making and act to supplement professional judgement.

The OWA has subsequently expanded its efforts to develop a series of 38 BMPs associated with facility construction. These provide practical and current best practices that assist proponents and contractors in determining how to construct, rehabilitate or repair a waterpower facility in an environmentally responsible manner.

Facility construction

The BMPs have also been designed so that an entire BMP or portions of it can be easily incorporated into project tender documents. Professionals working on waterpower construction sites, including contractors, inspectors and contract administrators will also find this compendium useful as a reference document. Agency personnel involved in waterpower project design, review and permitting can also use them to help in the execution of their mandates.

Once again in partnership with key organizations, the Association has added three new products to the series in 2014, with a focus on wetlands, migratory birds and water quality.