Best management practices for waterpower projects

Wetlands and migratory birds

This project explores the connection between waterpower facility development and key considerations with respect to wetlands and migratory birds. The BMPs are structured both as stand-alone documents and also incorporated into the series on construction. Importantly, the initiative brought together subject matter experts from Ducks Unlimited Canada (Ontario), the Canadian Wildlife Service and the Ministry of Natural Resources, leveraging the knowledge and experience of organizations with recognized expertise.

The BMPs also move beyond the standard “avoidance, prevention, mitigation” framework to offer insight and advice on opportunities for “net benefit.” In addition, the effort demonstrates the positive potential of partnerships in establishing best advice for waterpower projects.

Water quality and fish sampling

Building on work undertaken by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, this BMP addresses key

considerations related to surface water monitoring and fish tissue sampling. With a focus on the “next wave” of waterpower projects, it will help professionals meet the requirements and expectations of permitting and approvals of future projects.

Ecological flows

The newest addition to OWA Best Management Practices is an ecological flows toolkit. It will provide a suite of methodologies on specific waterpower development. With support from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, OWA has invited insight and perspectives from a broad array of environmental practitioners, non-government organizations and federal and provincial agencies.  Once finalized, OWA will promote the toolkit and provide communications, education and training support to members, regulatory agencies and key stakeholders.

These new BMPs, coupled with those already developed, represent the industry’s commitment to continuous improvement.

For more information, visit: www.owa.ca. This article appeared in ES&E’s July/August 2014 issue.