naacap comprehensive environmental management plan (cemp)

8/22/2019 NAACAP Comprehensive Environmental Management Plan (CEMP)

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Northeast Avalon ACAP, Inc.

Comprehensive Environmental Management Plan

2013


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Executive Summary:

Northeast Avalon ACAP, Inc. (NAACAP) evolved from its predecessor, St. Johns Harbour

ACAP, Inc., whose main focus was addressing the issue of raw sewage discharge into St. Johns

Harbour. With the implementation of a wastewater treatment facility, the focus of theorganization shifted to a wider geographical area and regional issues. Northeast Avalon ACAP,

Inc. was then formed. This organization is concerned with issues affecting the watersheds and

coastal areas of a region defined as running from the Witless Bay Line north to Cape St. Francis.

This Comprehensive Environmental Management Plan is designed to give insight into NAACAPas an organization by examining some of NAACAPs past accomplishments and future

objectives. These objectives are grouped into five themes: regional aspect; watershed issues;coastal issues; public water use and wastewater issues; and education and knowledge

dissemination. These themes are not completely separate of one another, and have related

components.

While this document is intended to guide the future actions of the organization, it is a working

document that can be revised in the face of evolving environmental issues and organizational

governance.


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Table of Contents

Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................................... i

Table of Contents ......................................................................................................................................... ii

List of Figures............................................................................................................................................... iii

1.0 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Background on Northeast Avalon ACAP, Inc. .................................................................................... 1

1.2 Mission Statement ............................................................................................................................. 2

1.3 Geographic Area of Interest............................................................................................................... 2

1.4 Region Demographics......................................................................................................................... 4

2.0 STRUCTURE OF NORTHEAST AVALON ACAP, INC. ................................................................................ 4

3.0 OBJECTIVES OF NORTHEAST AVALON ACAP, INC.................................................................................. 5

A. Regional Aspect.................................................................................................................................... 5

Initiatives Linked to Regional Aspect Theme ...................................................................................... 5

B. Watershed Issues ................................................................................................................................. 6

Initiatives Linked to Watershed Issues Theme .................................................................................... 7

C. Coastal Issues ....................................................................................................................................... 8

Initiatives Linked to Coastal Issues Theme .......................................................................................... 9

D. Public Water Use and Wastewater Issues ........................................................................................ 10

Initiatives Linked to Public Water Use and Wastewater Issues Theme ........................................... 10

E. Education and Knowledge Dissemination......................................................................................... 11

Initiatives Linked to Education and Knowledge Dissemination Theme ........................................... 11

4.0 CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................................................ 12

References .................................................................................................................................................. 12

Appendix A Census Population Data for the Northeast Avalon Region

Appendix B Northeast Avalon ACAP, Inc. Bylaws

Appendix C Proceedings of the 2013 Sustaining Our Watersheds Workshop

Appendix D 2007 Electrofishing Results


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List of Figures:

Figure 1: The Northeast Avalon Region and its municipalities, from the Witless Bay Line, illustrated by a

dotted line, north to the tip of the peninsula ............................................................................................... 3


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1.0 INTRODUCTION:

1.1 Background on Northeast Avalon ACAP, Inc.

St. John's Harbour Atlantic Coastal Action Program (ACAP), Inc. was founded in early 1993 by

a group of citizen and government stakeholders under an initiative developed and supported byEnvironment Canada with a primary focus of bringing sewage treatment to the St. John's Region.Initially the organization's energies as St. Johns Harbour ACAP were almost entirely dedicated

towards addressing the lack of any treatment for the 120,000 cubic metres per day of raw sewage

and stormwater entering St. John's Harbour, and the focus of the original ComprehensiveEnvironmental Management Plan (CEMP) released in 1997 reflected those goals and objectives.

Our early years were dedicated to defining the scope of the problem, reviewing existing

scientific and technical information, identifying knowledge gaps and conducting a number of

research projects to address some of those essential gaps, and seeking public input on ourcommunity's expectations prior to developing a management plan to determine how the

discharge of raw sewage should best be addressed.

St. Johns Harbour ACAP was pivotal in raising public awareness of the issues associated with

the need for municipal wastewater treatment, in seeking public consensus and developing public

support for the project, and in seeking government commitment for the financial support for the

development of sewage treatment for The Harbour.

With the announcement of tri-level government funding for sewage treatment in November

2002, St. John's Harbour ACAP was able to change its mandate to address additionalenvironmental problems within our urban region. In 2005 St. John's Harbour ACAP revised its

focus and expanded its geographical area of interest to include the watersheds and coastal areas

of the northeast portion of the Avalon Peninsula, commonly referred to as the Northeast Avalon.

To reflect this new situation the organization changed its name to Northeast Avalon ACAP(NAACAP). It is NAACAPs goal to work towards protecting and restoring the natural

biodiversity and quality of the watersheds and coastal areas throughout the Northeast Avalon

Peninsula. NAACAP works across boundaries and promotes cooperation to yield the greatestpositive environmental change.

With the change in name and focus area, there was also the need to amend the ComprehensiveEnvironmental Management Plan (CEMP) to reflect these changes. In 2008, a short amendment

was made as a supplement to the original 1997 document. With ever changing region

demographics and changing environmental issues, there was a need to revise this CEMP

amendment to a new, updated document that better reflects the focus of the Northeast AvalonACAP and what we hope to achieve into the future. This document is intended to serve as a

guiding map for future projects and community interactions, and is a working document open for

suggestion or revision.


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1.2 Mission Statement

Northeast Avalon ACAPs mission statement, revised when the organization first made thetransition from St. Johns Harbour ACAP, reads:

MISSION: Northeast Avalon ACAP is a citizens' organization that works with allsectors of the community, including all three levels of government, to protect andenhance the aquatic environmental quality of the watersheds and coastline within

the ACAP project area.

1.3 Geographic Area of Interest

Watersheds and coastal zones often span jurisdictional boundaries. The Northeast Avalon

Atlantic Coastal Action Programs (NAACAPs) main operational area, the Northeast Avalon,consists of an area from the Witless Bay Line north to Cape St. Francis and includes fifteen

municipalities: Pouch Cove; Flatrock; Portugal Cove - St. Phillips; Bauline; Torbay; Paradise;

Conception Bay South; St. Johns; Mount Pearl; Holyrood; Petty Harbour- Maddox Cove; LogyBay - Middle Cove - Outer Cove; Bay Bulls; Wabana (Bell Island); and Witless Bay. This

geographic area of interest will be referred to collectively as the Northeast Avalon Region and is

illustrated in Figure 1.


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Figure 1: The Northeast Avalon Region and its municipalities, from the Witless Bay Line, illustrated by adotted line, north to the tip of the peninsula


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1.4 Region Demographics

The Northeast Avalon region as a whole has experienced significant population growth,and the expansion in infrastructure associated with it. The 2011 Census data states the

total population of the region at 201,307, which was an 8.5% increase from the 2006

Census population total of 185,536. The 2011 population represents 39% of the totalpopulation of Newfoundland and Labrador, while the 2006 population had just fewer than36% of the total population of the province at that time. Individually, most of the

municipalities of the Northeast Avalon region experienced population increases from 2006

to 2011. Only Holyrood, Mount Pearl, and Wabana experienced population decreases.Both 2011 and 2006 census population data can be found in Appendix A. The region is

experiencing increased development with the population increase. In the area classified as

the St. Johns Census Metropolitan Area (CMA)1

the amount of housing starts increased by

167% since 1999 (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation as cited by the City of St.Johns, 2013).

2.0 STRUCTURE OF NORTHEAST AVALON ACAP, INC.

The Northeast Avalon ACAP, Inc. is governed by a volunteer board of directors consisting

of members from a broad range of backgrounds. There are 13 elected members, from

whom a four person Executive Committee is chosen, and maximum eight non-votinggovernment representatives. As of January 2013, government representatives were

appointed from the following government departments:

- Environment Canada- Fisheries and Oceans Canada

- Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Environment and Conservation

(Water Resources Management Division)

- Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Natural Resources- City of Mount Pearl

When required, there are committees and sub-committees of the board formed to overseespecific tasks or projects.

The By- Laws of the Northeast Avalon ACAP, Inc. are provided in Appendix B.

1The St. Johns Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) corresponds to the municipalities that make up the Northeast Avalon Region, with theexemption of Holyrood from the CMA.


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3.0 OBJECTIVES OF NORTHEAST AVALON ACAP, INC.

The Comprehensive Environmental Management Plan (CEMP), with the objectives outlinedbelow, is intended to serve as a guide for future projects and community interactions. The

objectives have been arranged into major themes, but the activities that address these themes

often overlap. We have included examples of NAACAPs accomplishments related to the giventhemes, to illustrate specifically how NAACAP work relates to the themes.

A. Regional Aspect

The Northeast Avalon Region is large in size and encompasses 15 municipalities. While some

issues are within the jurisdiction of a single municipality, there are also many issues that extend

beyond a single municipality in location and/or impact. Municipal decision makers are often

constrained by geographic limits. NAACAP must focus not only on single municipalities butalso on cross-boundary, multi-municipality problems and their often complex effects. Northeast

Avalon ACAP recognises that one of its main roles is as a facilitator among stakeholders from

different backgrounds and geographic location. The following objectives illustrate NAACAPsrole in bridging multi- jurisdictional gaps.

A.1 Encourage proactive environmental management planning with partners and municipalities,

initiated and/or occurring on a regular basis, through communications and interactions including: Interactive discussions with other regionally and inter-regionally focussed groups Monitoring of partner work for opportunities to collaborate Researching current issues for relevant engagement opportunities Holding sessions of understanding and learning with partners, including communities

and industry

A.2 Commit to the gathering and maintenance of the most recent, relevant information from allsources, to provide to decision makers to assist them in making informed decisions.

A.3 Engage all representative stakeholders who may share some responsibility or impact for anyof NAACAPs work. This is particularly true for cross-boundary issues, as multi-jurisdiction

issues demand multi-jurisdiction engagement and collaboration.

I ni tiati ves L inked to Regional Aspect Theme:

NAACAP has given presentations to individual municipal councils explainingwho we are and what we do, emphasizing the importance of watershed protectionand awareness and inviting them to considerations for partnerships with

NAACAP or other appropriate conservation organizations.

NAACAP has hosted a number of workshops, for which invitations wereextended to all municipalities in the Northeast Avalon Region, governmentrepresentatives, environmental NGOs, and citizens. Examples include the Urban

Rivers Workshop hosted in partnership with Waterlution, and the Sustaining Our

Watersheds Workshops. The proceedings of the 2013 Sustaining Our WatershedsWorkshop are included as Appendix C. These events provide an opportunity to


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bring regional stakeholders together to discuss issues and work towards solutions

to them.

NAACAP has developed individual reports for municipalities, containinginformation and findings from our projects related to watersheds and coastal areas

within their boundaries. Municipalities are consulted as to areas that they would

like studied or to learn more about ways in which we can be of assistance. In 2008, in partnership with DFO, NAACAP delivered two presentations torepresentatives of several municipalities throughout the Northeast Avalon to raise

awareness of the importance of being cognizant of watershed issues, and the

potential impacts on aquatic health when reviewing development applications, orwhen carrying out municipal infrastructure work.

NAACAP is involved in committees outside of our own organization that allowpeople from various backgrounds to come together for discussion of issues and

solutions. These committees include the Incinerator Road EnvironmentalCommittee, and the St. Johns Environmental Advisory Committee. NAACAP

board members also sit on various boards for other non - government

organizations (NGOs) throughout the region.

B. Watershed Issues

NAACAPs main focus has always been watershed issues, and all of the themes that the CEMPobjectives are arranged in tie into maintaining watershed health. We have partnered with other

environmental groups and government agencies on a number of initiatives including salmon

restoration, public awareness, environmental monitoring and regional waterway pollutionabatement. We have long held an interest in wetlands protection, erosion management and non-

point source pollution. The following objectives reflect our concern with the urban watersheds

and strengthen our ability to protect them by providing direct, measurable and realistic pathways

to follow in order to be effective in watershed stewardship.

B.1 Continue to monitor the environmental health of all watersheds within the NAACAP project

area through a community-based and scientifically guided integrated management approach. Ourapproach includes sampling of waters, sediments, flora and fauna within the Northeast Avalon

Region, for the purpose of establishing baseline norms, identifying outliers where appropriate

and identifying current or potential issues or threats.

B.2 Work towards maintaining and/or enhancing the natural bio-diversity of our watersheds.

B.3 Continue to work with municipalities, developers and other agencies to develop projects thatprovide storm-water retention features. Well designed projects should curb instantaneous run-off

into our rivers and provide opportunities for the settling of pollutants to improve water quality.

This will become increasing important in the face of increased flash flood events related to

climate change and / or the loss of natural tree and ground cover associated with increaseddevelopment.

B.4 Conduct research in locations within our geographic area which are slated for developmentwith the aim of establishing some baseline measure of water quality and habitat component


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measurements for post-development comparisons. Make recommendations where possible

towards best management practices and suggest sensitive areas for conservation.

B.5 Conduct analysis of the water near industrial and commercial areas, such as sod farms,

treatment plants etc. to determine whether there are significant changes or exceedances in water

quality measurements in proximity to the facilities over a defined period of time.

B.6 Research and gather definitive information on non-point source pollution and work towards

eliminating or minimizing its impacts through advocacy, education and advisement.

B.7 Promote the protection of natural, undisturbed vegetative buffers along all watercourses.

B.8 Study the wetlands located throughout the Northeast Avalon Region to contribute data and

expertise towards a greater wetlands inventory for Newfoundland & Labrador. NAACAP willcollaborate with government representatives and partners, supporting the development of a

Newfoundland and Labrador wetland policy.

I ni tiati ves Linked to Watershed Issues Theme:

NAACAP undertook a multiyear water / sediment quality monitoring program of NutBrook and the Kelligrews River, in partnership with the Kelligrews EcologicalEnhancement Program (KEEP). One of the reports completed of this work, titled

Regional Watershed Survey: Nut Brook Drainage Basin, St. Johns Stream analysis

of a river system in a local industrial zone is available through NAACAPs websiteathttp://www.naacap.ca/site/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/nut_brook_report.pdf.

Another report completed on this work, titled A Comprehensive Examination of

Water Quality: Nut Brook / Kelligrews River Watershed, St. Johns to Conception

Bay South, NL A comparison of stream quality in a local industrial zone to pointsfurther downstream in a suburban environment is also available through NAACAPs

website at

http://www.naacap.ca/site/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/nut_brook_2008_final1.pdf In 2006, in partnership with DFO, KEEP and Oceans Limited, NAACAP initiated a

study to investigate potential stressors to fish health collected in the Nut Brook and

Kelligrews River watershed. In 2006, in partnership with DFO, NAACAP undertook a literature review of

published data on the watersheds of the Northeast Avalon Region.

NAACAP conducted regular sampling of three of our urban rivers (Waterford andVirginia Rivers, and Leary's Brook) to monitor loadings from the application of saltto our roadways. The completed report for this study titled Road Salt Loadings

Study: Waterford River, Learys Brook, and Virginia River; Northeast Avalon Urban

Region which is available through NAACAPs website at

http://www.naacap.ca/site/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/salt_loading_2008-report.pdf In 2006 and 2007, NAACAP monitored the water quality of Oxen Pond at the MUN

Botanical Gardens.

NAACAP joined with representatives of the Town of Logy Bay - Middle Cove -Outer Cove to monitor the water quality of their streams.
http://www.naacap.ca/site/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/nut_brook_report.pdfhttp://www.naacap.ca/site/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/nut_brook_report.pdfhttp://www.naacap.ca/site/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/nut_brook_report.pdfhttp://www.naacap.ca/site/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/nut_brook_2008_final1.pdfhttp://www.naacap.ca/site/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/nut_brook_2008_final1.pdfhttp://www.naacap.ca/site/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/salt_loading_2008-report.pdfhttp://www.naacap.ca/site/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/salt_loading_2008-report.pdfhttp://www.naacap.ca/site/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/salt_loading_2008-report.pdfhttp://www.naacap.ca/site/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/nut_brook_2008_final1.pdfhttp://www.naacap.ca/site/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/nut_brook_report.pdf


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NAACAP and a Conservation Corps Newfoundland and Labrador Green Teamconducted benthic invertebrate sampling in sections of the Kelligrews River where

bank remediation was later undertaken. NAACAP assists in electrofishing trips for fish sampling. In 2007, in partnership with

the Natural History Society, the Science Committee of the Quidi Vidi Rennies River

Development Foundation, MUN Biology and DFO, NAACAP completedelectrofishing surveys in sections of the Virginia and Waterford Rivers, and Leary'sand South Brooks to record the numbers, size and general health of fish collected. A

summary of this work is found in Appendix D.

In 2008, in a rotating partnership with the Provincial Department of Environment &Conservation, NAACAP conducted bi-monthly monitoring of the Cochrane Pond to

Topsail Pond watershed to study the potential re-occurrence of cyanobacteria.

In partnership with the Water Resources Division, Department Environment &Conservation, NAACAP conducted sampling following CABIN protocols in sectionsof Virginia River, South Brook, and Old Broad Cove Brook.

NAACAP has remediated improperly maintained silt fencing and sediment traps.

NAACAP has organized and participated in many river cleanups NAACAP has conducted work related to barriers to fish passage. One example is theremoval of a concrete damn at a derelict municipal pool area along the Kelligrews

River in partnership with the Kelligrews Ecological Enhancement Program (KEEP).

NAACAP has embarked on many tree planting outings as a method of riverbankslope stabilization

On numerous occasions, NAACAP has followed through on concerns that have beenraised about existing or potential practices that may detrimentally impact watershedsthroughout the Northeast Avalon Region. This includes on the ground investigations

and photo records followed by communication with regulatory agencies whenever

appropriate. It also includes working with concerned individuals and/or organizations

to assist them in dealing with their concerns. NAACAP has collected baseline information on some of the wetland ecosystems in

the Northeast Avalon Region as part of its multiyear Wetlands Survey Project,

collecting information on flora, fauna and water quality. Completed Reports for thiswork are available on the Scientific Studies Page of NAACAP s website

http://www.naacap.ca/site/?page_id=709

NAACAP participated in a Wetland Policy Workshop hosted by Ducks UnlimitedCanada in 2012, during which existing policy pertaining to wetlands and the need for

a policy specific to wetlands in Newfoundland and Labrador was discussed.

NAACAP expressed interest in continued discussions on the topic.

C. Coastal Issues

As our name implies, coastal issues are of paramount concern to NAACAP. Over the past two

decades, NAACAP has conducted a number of scientific investigations in near shore coastalareas. We have gauged public opinion about coastal water issues, organised beach sweeps and

continue to engage stakeholders on a variety of issues affecting our coastal region. We will

continue all of these activities as we work with our partners to identify and address the stressesfacing our coastal waters. The following objectives will be used to guide future coastal work.
http://www.naacap.ca/site/?page_id=709http://www.naacap.ca/site/?page_id=709http://www.naacap.ca/site/?page_id=709


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C.1 Initiate and complete projects aimed to help gauge the environmental health of the coastal

waters of the Northeast Avalon Region through a community engaged, scientifically informedapproach.

C.2 Work with regional authorities, leaders and stakeholders to address identified coastal zoneissues within our regional operating area, and advocate integrated management of such issues.

C.3 Combat coastal erosion and sea-level rise impacts through education and awareness within

our region regarding the causes, including climate change and adverse coastal developmentpractices, and how the impact of each can be lessened.

C.4 Promote the conservation of salt water coastal wetlands and other coastal habitats.

I ni tiati ves Linked to Coastal I ssues Theme:

NAACAP has held its own beach cleanups and participated in other partner cleanups,including Gallows Cove near Witless Bay in 2008, the Freshwater Bay area in 2006

in conjunction with the East Coast Trial Association, and the Kelligrews beach in

2011 with the Kelligrews Ecological Enhancement Program (KEEP).

In 2006, NAACAP culminated three summers effort in remediating illegal fire pitsalong sections of our coastline frequented by hikers of the East Coast Trail.

In 2008, NAACAP undertook preliminary sampling of the coastline near TopsailBeach to monitor faecal coliform contamination suspected to be coming from thenearby Topsail Treatment Plant.

NAACAP carried out research on the leachate being released untreated from theRobin Hood Bay Waste Management Facility into marine waters. NAACAP has also

conducted research, in partnership with DFO and Oceans Ltd. on the effects to fishand invertebrate health from exposure to leachate from the Robin Hood Bay Waste

Management Facility.

In 2006 and 2007, NAACAP participated in workshops organized by theNewfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association to promote the

development of the necessary contingency plans in the event of a major oil spill in

our coastal waters. In 2011 - 2012, NAACAP completed a study on the production of chlorine

disinfection by-products from wastewater treatment. Part of this study was sampling

the coastal waters into which the treated wastewater was discharged for levels of

chlorine disinfection by-products and toxicity. In 2012, NAACAP conducted a study on 12 coastal barachois ponds as part of our

Wetlands Survey project. The final report for the barachois pond portion of the

project is available on NAACAPs website athttp://www.naacap.ca/site/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/BarachoisReport_2012_Final.pdf
http://www.naacap.ca/site/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/BarachoisReport_2012_Final.pdfhttp://www.naacap.ca/site/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/BarachoisReport_2012_Final.pdfhttp://www.naacap.ca/site/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/BarachoisReport_2012_Final.pdf


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D. Public Water Use and Wastewater Issues

There is always room for improvement in the daily water use practices of all users in the region.We have developed and delivered innovative projects to deal with excessive water use, such as

our successful Rain Barrel Project or our distribution of household water conservation kits.

However, much more needs to be done in our region. We will continue to promote education andawareness with regards to water usage, as well as proper sewage treatment and disposal on amunicipal andpersonal level, as there are still many households in the region that are not

connected to municipal water and sewer systems. The following objectives will assist us in

working towards educating decision makers and home owners about best practices related towater use and wastewater disposal.

D.1 Work with partners in promoting the adoption of water saving devices and lifestyle changes

to reduce water use by area residents, and operational practices by businesses and institutions.

D.2 Explore the economics of the delivery of water and promote a user-pay ethic that could

increase water conservation.

D.3 Promote education and awareness of safe and responsible practices around well-water and

septic tank systems, for both residential and municipal-based installations.

D.4 Encourage the very best standards for wastewater treatment, storage and handling for all of

the Northeast Avalon Region. Encourage accountability for environmentally-friendly wastewater

practices through advocacy and education.

I ni tiatives L inked to Publ ic Water Use and Wastewater I ssues Theme:

In 2008, NAACAP highlighted conservation and efficient use of water resources inboth private and municipal supplies, and the importance of source protection of water

resources at the residential level through the Conservation Corps Newfoundland and

Labrador Well Aware Program. In 2006 and 2007, NAACAP participated in public sessions coordinated by

Environment Canada and the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment

(CCME) to seek community consensus on municipal wastewater effluent regulations. NAACAP has continued to promote the benefits of using rain barrels to collect rain

falling on homeowners' roofs for landscaping applications.

NAACAP has lobbied in the past for better forest management of lands in proximityto water supply areas.

NAACAP has researched chlorine usage for disinfection in primary wastewatertreatment, and has collected samples for chlorine disinfection by-product testing from

two wastewater treatment facilities in the Northeast Avalon Region which use

chlorine as part of their treatment process.


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E. Education and Knowledge Dissemination

Much of our effectiveness in the past can be attributed to our ability to forge strong actionoriented partnerships. We are committed to cultivating existing highly productive relationships

while creating new partnerships. We will also maintain our practice of keeping our board and

staff up to date on new technological developments and scientific research. We will continue towork to provide opportunities for public input into environmental issues and to provideinformation to interested citizens in an accurate, timely fashion.NAACAP has been actively

engaged in the promotion of environmental awareness and public education right from the very

start. The sharing of relevant and updated information is important and helps produce thepositive changes needed to make a difference. NAACAP hopes to continue work related to

education and knowledge dissemination through the following objectives.

E.1 Promote environmental awareness, protection and rehabilitation

E.2 Conduct public education and awareness programs working with schools, service groups,

industries, other NGO's, unions, and the general public. This includes displays at public events,media relations, maintenance of our website or social media posts, and holding workshops.

E.3 Gather relevant literature, define any knowledge gaps, and conduct the relevant research to

address those gaps prior to formulating any conclusions or decisive action.

E.4 Continue to respond to emerging environmental issues and current watershed and coastal

zone affairs effectively by professionally communicating with all levels of government and otherdecision makers.

E.5 Disseminate gathered information and project outcomes or reports via website, email, media

and any other means to effectively highlight our work, findings and recommendations to thepublic, partners, government and organizations.

I ni tiati ves L inked to Education and Knowledge Dissemination Theme:

NAACAPs Sustaining our Watersheds workshops (Appendix C) have been verysuccessful in gathering people together for in-depth presentations and interactiveactivities.

NAACAP continues to post news, events, reports and events on our websitewww.naacap.ca as well as social awareness websites like Facebook and Twitter.

Coordinated field trips for board members, staff members and interested citizens atsites of interest in the Northeast Avalon Region.

NAACAPs River Rangers and Riverwatch Programs promoted citizens andbusinesses to assist with maintaining the waterways of the Northeast Avalon Region.

NAACAP promoted the Putting on the Pressure Initiative, raising awareness of theinefficiencies of low vehicle tire pressure

NAACAP developed a publication titled Freshwater Joys, a handbook to educatehomeowners on living in a watershed. This document has had regular disseminationat all public events that NAACAP attends.


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In 2007and 2008 NAACAP promoted a marine education program forimplementation in junior high schools, known as Trading Books for Boats. This

program covered many topics including marine debris, oil pollution, impacts fromhuman activities, the bio-physical characteristics of the marine ecosystem, as well as

basic introduction to marine chart work, boat safety, and water quality monitoring.

Numerous presentations have been given to students of all ages, as well as field tripsfor post-secondary students.NAACAP also sponsors science fair prizes to inspire theyoung generation in water related projects.

NAACAP has had a display mounted at a diverse array of public events and forums,our website receives between 1000-1500 visits per year, and we have conductednumerous media interviews. In the past we have also used newsletters and brochures

to distribute our message.

4.0 CONCLUSION

This Comprehensive Environmental Management Plan is designed to serve as a blueprint for the

work of the Northeast Avalon ACAP, Inc. in coming years. It was arrived at through publicdiscussion and consultations between current and past board members and staff. This document

is a working document, and as such is open to alteration by future boards in the face of evolving

issues, and different aspects of the plan can be emphasized at any particular time.

REFERENCES:

City of St. Johns, Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Culture. (2013. April).

State of the Economy St. Johns Metro.


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Appendix A Census Population Data for the Northeast Avalon

Region


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MunicipalityPopulation

2011

Population

2006

2006 to 2011

population

change (%)

Bauline 397 379 4.7

Bay Bulls 1283 1078 19

Conception Bay South 24848 21966 13.1

Flatrock 1457 1214 20

Holyrood 1995 2005 -0.5

Logy Bay- Middle Cove - OuterCove 2098 1978 6.1

Mount Pearl 24284 24671 -1.6

Paradise 17695 12584 40.6

Portugal Cove - St. Philip's 7366 6575 12

Petty Harbour- Maddox Cove 924 915 1

Pouch Cove 1866 1756 6.3

St. John's 106172 100646 5.5

Torbay 7397 6281 17.8

Wabana 2346 2418 -3

Witless Bay 1179 1070 10.2

TOTAL* 201307 185536

% Increase from 2006 to 2011* 8.5

2011 2006

Newfoundland and Labrador Population 514536 505469

% of province population located in NEA Region* 39.12398744 36.70571291

Source: 2011 Census Data*Calculated, not taken directly from census data


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Appendix B Northeast Avalon ACAP, Inc. Bylaws


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B-1

BY-LAW No. 1

As revised November 29, 2006

A by-law relating generally to the transaction of the business and affairs of

Northeast Avalon ACAP Inc.

Contents

1. Interpretation2. Business of the Company3. Membership4. Meetings of Members5. Board of Directors6. Officers7. Staff

8. Liability Protection.9. General Borrowing10. Amendments

Part 1 - Interpretation

1.1 Definitions.

Unless the context requires otherwise, this is the meaning to be attributedto the following terms:"Act" means the Corporations Act of Newfoundland;

"Active member means a member of the Company in accordance with theby-laws;

"Appoint" includes 'elect' and vice versa;

"By-laws" mean this by-law and all other laws of the Company;

"Company" means Northeast Avalon ACAP Inc., a company incorporatedunder the Act;

ExecutiveDirector means the senior staff member employed by theCompany. This position may be shared between two staff members;

"Government representative Director" means a Director representingmunicipal, provincial or federal government;

"Meeting of members" includes annual general meeting of members;


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"Officers of the Company" means the President, the Vice-president, theSecretary and the Treasurer;

"Special meeting of members means any meeting of members other thanthe annual general meeting;

"Signing officer means any person, who is authorized by a resolutionpassed to that effect, to sign an instrument on behalf of the Company;

"Territory" means those areas of land which include the watersheds andcoastal areas of the Northeast Avalon that are bounded by the Witless BayLine from Holyrood to Witless Bay and north to Cape St. Francis.

Part 2 - Business of the Company

2.1 The head office of the Company shall be located in the Territory.

2.2 An annual report on the financial status of the Company shall be made byan independent auditor appointed for this purpose by members at eachannual general meeting.

2.3 Authority to sign on behalf of the Company:

(a) all deeds, transfers, assignments, contracts, obligations, certificates,and any other instruments of the Company, shall be signed by two Officersof the Company: The President or Vice-president, and the Secretary orTreasurer.

(b) cheques shall be signed by two Officers of the Company or one Officerof the Company and the Executive Director. Where the Executive Directorposition is shared, the President shall name one to have cheque signingauthority.

2.4 The banking business of the Company shall be transacted with a bankinginstitution designated by the Board of Directors of the Company.

2.5 The financial year end of the Company shall be March 31 or any other dayof business determined by the Board of Directors of the Company.

Part 3 - Membership

3.1 Members: The following shall be members of the Company;


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(a) on the occasion of annual general meetings of the Company, all thosepersons who attended and registered for membership and have beenapproved by the Company.

(b) individuals whose written applications for membership expressing aninterest in the objectives and purposes of the Company have beenapproved by the Company

3.2 Rights of Members: Members shall have the right to attend and vote atmeetings of members, be eligible to be elected Officers and Directors of theCompany, be eligible to chair or serve on standing and advisory committeesand shall be entitled to audited annual financial statements of the Company.

3.3 Cessation of Membership: Any member shall cease to be a member andtheir name removed from the register of members upon delivering a writtenresignation to the Company.

Part 4 - Meetings of Members

4.1 Annual Meetings: Annual meeting shall be convened by the Board for thepresentation of annual reports, receiving the Auditor's Report, electingDirectors and Officers, appointing an Auditor and fixing or authorizing theBoard to fix the Auditor's compensation, and transacting any other businessthat may be brought before the meeting.

4.2 Other Meetings: At any time twenty-five percent of members shall havethe power to order a Special meeting of members.

4.3 Place of Meetings: To advise both members and the general public, a five

day notice of the time and place shall be given before each meeting byhaving an announcement to that effect placed in the local media and by anyother means as the Board may determine satisfactory.

4.4 Meetings without Notice: A meeting of members may be held withoutnotice at any time if all members entitled to vote are present or waivenotice. Any Company business may be transacted at such a meetingsubject to Section 4.7.

4.5 Persons Entitled to be Present: Anyone may attend meetings of theCompany, and an official voluntary recording of all persons attending shall

be made to establish the qualifications of individuals attending formembership.

4.6 Organization of the Meeting: The President, or in the absence of thatperson, the Vice-president, shall chair any meeting of members. Providedthere is a quorum, and if no qualified Company Officer is present within


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fifteen minutes of the time fixed for the meeting, persons present andentitled to vote shall choose one of their number to chair to proceedingsand appoint some person, who need not be a member, to be the secretaryof the meeting.

4.7 Quorum: A quorum for the transaction of business at a meeting ofmembers shall be all of those members who are present at the meeting.

4.8 Right to Vote: All members are entitled to vote at meetings of members.There shall be no voting by proxy.

4.9 Votes to Govern: At meetings of members, all questions including that ofadjournment shall be presented in the form of a resolution and the outcomedetermined by a majority of the votes cast. The chair shall only be entitledto vote in the case of a tie.

4.10 Show of Hands: Unless a member present and entitled to vote requeststhat a resolution be determined by a poll, any question at a meeting of

members may be determined by a show of hands and the Chair shalldetermine whether the motion has been carried.

4.11 Polls: The manner and conduct of a poll on any questions proposed forconsideration shall be determined as the Chair directs.

4.12 Adjournment: The person chairing a meeting of members may adjourn themeeting with the consent of members present, subject to the conditionsdecided at the meeting.

Part 5 - Board of Directors

5.0 Responsibilities of the Board: The Board shall manage the business of theCompany.

5.1 Right to Vote: Each Director shall have one vote, except governmentrepresentative Directors who shall not be entitled to vote.

5.2 Number & Quorum: the Board of Directors shall be composed of amaximum of twenty-one Directors. Fifty per cent (50%) plus one of thevoting Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

5.3 Qualifications: A Director shall be a member in good standing at the time ofelection, and shall remain a member as long as in office. If a Directorshould miss three consecutive meetings without due cause, the Directorshall no longer be considered a member in good standing.


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5.4 Constitution of the Board: Thirteen Directors-at-large, elected by themembership at the annual general meeting, and eight Directors appointedby supporting levels of government, shall constitute the Board of Directors.The thirteen Directors-at-large shall be voting Directors and the appointedDirectors shall have the right to speak to all issues before the Board butshall not have the right to vote.

5.5 Election & Term: At each annual general meeting, Directors whose term inoffice is completed shall retire, and there shall be elections to replace thoseDirectors-at-large whose two year term is completed. The election of acomplete or partial slate of Directors proposed by an outgoing Board shallbe by resolution, and may be decided by a show of hands unless a poll isdemanded by one or more members in attendance.

The Board of Directors shall designate a President, Vice-president,Secretary, and Treasurer for a one year term at the first full meeting of theBoard of Directors following the Annual General Meeting.

5.6 Removal of Directors: Any Directors may be removed before the end of aterm of office by a resolution passed by at least two thirds of the votes castat a meeting of members called for that purpose. Any Director may resignby notifying the Board in writing of their intention. A vacancy on the Boardmay be filled by the Board until the next annual general meeting.

5.7 Validity of Acts of Directors: All acts done in good faith by any meeting ofthe Board will be considered in keeping with the provisions of these-By-lawseven though it be afterwards discovered that there was some defect in theelection or appointment of any member of the Board.

5.8 Meetings: The Board may meet anywhere desired within the Territory. ThePresident, or the Vice-president in the former's absence, or any threeDirectors making a joint request in writing, may at any time convene ameeting of the Board.

A notice of forthcoming meeting shall be sent to all members of the Boardone week in advance, unless all members of the Board consent otherwise,or if those absent have signified their consent to the meeting being held intheir absence. If a quorum is not available within fifteen minutes of the timecalled for a meeting, a supplementary meeting of the Board will beconvened with verbal notice one week later. Adjournment of any meeting of

the Board shall be as members do determine by a vote.

5.9 Business of the Board: The President, or the Vice-president in the former'sabsence, shall chair the meetings of the Board, and if neither of these isavailable, and provided a quorum is present, one of those in attendanceshall be chosen to chair the meeting. Every question to be decided by the


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Board shall be by ordinary resolution determined by a majority of votes caston the questions, and the Chair shall cast a vote only in case of a tie.

5.10 Confidential Matters: To protect the rights of individuals concerned,information supplied by job applicants and all questions of personnelmanagement related to specific individuals employed by the Company shallbe the exclusive responsibility of the Board.

The Board may withhold giving any information respecting any details orconduct of the Company's business to a member if it judges that it is notexpedient and in the interest of the Company to communicate this to thepublic.

5.11 Members Attending: Any Member of the Company in good standing mayattend meetings of the Board of Directors as an observer and shall not takepart in the proceedings.

5.12 Conflict of Interest: No Officer of the Company shall contract to do any

work for the Company. Although no Director-at-large shall be disqualifiedby that office from contracting with the Company, the affected Director-at-large shall not be present during discussion of or cast a vote with respect tothat contract. A Director, who at any time has a real or potential conflict ofinterest, shall immediately declare it in writing to the Board. If a Boardmember is unsure whether a conflict of interest exists, the member shallstate the nature of the situation to the Board and the Board, by simplemajority, shall decide whether or not a conflict exists.

5.13 Compensation & Expenses: No compensation shall be paid for Directorsacting in that capacity. If approved by the Board, Directors shall be

reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of theirduties.

5.14 Sale of Assets: The Board may sell or otherwise dispose of the assets andundertakings of the Company, or any part thereof, for such consideration asthey deem fit, including the shares, bonds, debentures, debenture stock,notes, or other securities or obligations of any other Company.

5.15 Executive Committee: The Board shall create an Executive committeecomposed of the Officers and any such Directors-at-large as the Boarddecides and this committee shall exercise all the powers conferred upon it

by the Board.

5.16 Other Committees: The Board may create such other standing andadvisory committees as are required to provide the greatest opportunitypossible for the participation of members in the affairs of the Company, andin doing so, may appoint persons who are not members of the Company.


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The Board may appoint one or more Directors or members of the Companyto chair standing and advisory committees or otherwise take special part inthe work of the Company.

5.17 Committee Procedures: The latest edition of Robert's Rules of Order shallbe used to conduct meetings.

Part 6 - Officers

6.1 Appointment & Removal: A President, Vice-president, Secretary, andTreasurer, shall be appointed for a one year term by the Board of Directorsand any of these Officers may be removed from office by a two thirdsmajority voting on a motion to that effect at a special meeting of Board ofDirectors. If any of these four offices become vacant for any reason, theBoard shall elect someone from among its members to fill a vacancy untilthe next annual general meeting of members.

6.2 President: The President shall be the chief executive Officer and shall chairmeetings of the Board of Directors, sign instruments as required, and shallbe an ex-officio member of any committee created by the Board.

6.3 Past President: The immediate Past President shall be an ex-officiomember with voting privileges of the Board.

6.4 Vice-president: When absent, the President's duties shall be assumed bythe Vice-president, and at other times, the duties shall be as determined bythe President.

6.5 Secretary: The Secretary shall issue notices of meetings, shall keep arecord of all proceedings of the Board, shall be the custodian of the books,records, papers, and instruments belonging to the Company and shallperform such other duties as the Board may direct from time to time.

6.6 Treasurer: The Treasurer shall keep proper accounting records, beresponsible for the deposit of money, safeguard Company securities,disburse Company funds as required by the Board, report the financialposition of the Company and account for all transactions at the request ofthe President or the Board. All disbursement of Company funds shall be by

cheque signed by the Treasurer and one other designated signing officer.

6.7 Transfer of Powers: With the exception of the offices of the President andVice-president, the powers and duties of other Company Officers may beexercised and performed by one or more assistants, with the approval ofthe Board.


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6.8 Powers & Duties of Assistants: The power and duties of all assistantsengaged by the Company shall be such as the terms of their engagementcalls for, or as the President may prescribe from time to time.

Part 7 Staff

7.1 Staff Reporting: Staff shall report to the President or other member ofExecutive Committee as designated by the President.

7.2 Staff Travel: All travel for the Company by staff outside the Territory shallbe approved, in advance, by the President or other member of ExecutiveCommittee as designated by the President.

Part 8 - Liability Protection

8.1 Limitation of Liability: Unless occasioned by their own wilful neglect ordefault or wrongful and wilful act, no Director or Officer of the Companyshall be liable for the acts, receipts, neglects or defaults of any otherDirectors or Officer or employee, or for joining in any receipt or other act ofconformity, or any loss, damage or expense happening to the Companythough the insufficiency or deficiency of title to any property acquired byorder of the Board for or on behalf of the Company, or for the insufficiencyor deficiency of any security in or upon which any of the moneys of theCompany shall be invested, or for any loss or damage arising from thebankruptcy, insolvency or tortious acts of any person with whom any of the

moneys, securities or effects of the Company shall be invested, or for anyloss or damage arising from the bankruptcy, insolvency or tortious acts ofany person with whom any of the moneys, securities or effects of theCompany shall be deposited, or for any loss occasioned by any error of

judgement or oversight on their part, or for any other loss, damage ormisfortune whatever which shall happen in the execution of the duties of hisoffice or in relation thereto.

8.2 Indemnity: Every Director and Officer of the Company, and every otherperson who has undertaken or is about to undertake any liability on behalfof the Company and their heirs, executors, administrators and other legal

personal representatives, shall from time to time be indemnified and savedharmless by the Company from and against:

(a) any liability and all costs, charges, and expenses that are sustained orincurred in respect of any action, suit or proceeding that is proposed or


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commenced against them, or in respect of anything done by them, inrespect of the execution of the duties of their office or undertaking; and,

(b) all approved costs, charges and expenses that they sustain or incur inrespect to the affairs of the Company.

8.3 Approval of Expenditures: All expenditures shall be approved by the Boardof Directors at regular Board meetings.

Part 9 - General Borrowing

9.1 General Borrowing: The Board of Directors may not borrow money:

This by-law shall remain in force and be binding upon the Company asregards any party acting on the faith thereof, until a copy, certified by theSecretary of the Company under the Company's seal of a by-law repealingor replacing this by-law shall have been received by such party.

Part 10 - Amendments

10.1 Amendments: By-laws of the Company may be enacted, amended orrepealed, by resolution of the Board sanctioned by an affirmative vote of atleast two-thirds of the members at a meeting, or at a special meeting calledfor the purpose of considering that by-law.


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Appendix C Proceedings of the 2013 Sustaining Our Watersheds

Workshop


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Northeast Avalon ACAP

Sustaining Our Watersheds Workshop

2013Proceedings Report

Prepared by:

Myron King M.Sc.

Office & Outreach Coordinator


342 Freshwater Rd., Box 8732, St. Johns NL A1B 3T1


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Table of Contents

Sustaining Our Watersheds Proceedings

Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 1

Methodology ............................................................................................................................................. 1

Results ....................................................................................................................................................... 2

Honorable Minister Tom Hedderson (Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Environment and

Conservation) ........................................................................................................................................ 3

Dr. Sue Ziegler (Canada Research Chair in Environmental Science, Associate Professor in the

Department of Earth Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland ) ............................................ 3

Geoff Gallant (President, Stewardship of Municipalities Inc., Deputy Mayor, Town of Torbay) ......... 4

Stephen B. Jewczyk FCIP (Director of Planning and development, City of Mount Pearl) ..................... 4

Neil Dawe (President, Tract Consulting Inc.) ........................................................................................ 5

Trevor Davis and Scott Nightingale (President and Vice-President, Salmonid Association of Eastern

Newfoundland Inc.) .............................................................................................................................. 5

Dr. Norm R. Catto (Professor of Geography, Memorial University of Newfoundland) ........................ 6

Discussion .................................................................................................................................................. 7

Recommendations .................................................................................................................................... 8

Appendices

Registration Form....................................................................................................................................... I

Posters....................................................................................................................................................... II

Schedule ................................................................................................................................................... III

Biographies............................................................................................................................................... IV

Workshop Feedback Questionnaire and Responses ................................................................................. V

Evening Feedback and Responses............................................................................................................ VI


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Annual Sustaining our Watersheds

Workshop Proceedings


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Northeast Avalon ACAP Sustaining Our Watersheds Workshop 2013

Proceedings Report

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1

Introduction

For the second year in a row, the Northeast Avalon Atlantic Coastal Action Program (NAACAP)

An environmental non-government organization committed to the protection and conservation

of the Northeast Avalon Peninsula watershedsheld its 2nd

Annual Sustaining our Watersheds

workshop. Last year the group focused on the substantial increase and threat from development

to watershed protection on the Northeast Avalon Peninsula, and this year continued on that

discussion thread with the added element of possible solutions to some of the known watershed

impacting issues.

While development pressure remains a highly impacting activity on the Northeast Avalon which

threatens watershed sustainability, it is not the only candidate. Other watershed impacts on the

list include climate change, deforestation, and river and waterbody pollution. Often just a small

change in one of these factors can have significant impact on watershed sustainability including

filtration capacity, habitat suitability and water cycle productivity.

This year, NAACAP again invited municipality representatives, government officials,

environmental non-government organizations, developers and concerned citizens for an

afternoon workshop with knowledgeable speakers to highlight the importance of sustaining our

Northeast Avalon watersheds. A workshop with an audience interactive session was planned in

order to involve the audience in a meaningful way towards the outcome of the whole event. The

goal was to re-invigorate those concerned about watershed issues and discuss together some of

the proposed and workable solutions that may have been found.

Methodology

The 2nd

Annual NEA Sustaining our Watersheds workshop was organized once again by

NAACAP staff with assistance from NAACAP board members. Municipality involvement was

sought from the beginning, with particular targeting for those with least involvement in this or

other NAACAP initiatives during the past years. Invitations for the workshop were also

extended to provincial and federal government representatives, non-government organizations

with interest in watershed ecology and sustainability, and the general public.


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NAACAP staff and board members then compiled a list of potential speakers from organizations

whose work can relate to this years workshop theme. The list included possible representatives

from municipal government, provincial government, consulting agencies and other non-government organizations. An invitation to speak was offered via email or telephone

communication. Registration forms for the afternoon workshop were posted online on the

NAACAP website and distributed freely through email communications and environmental

organization postings (Appendix I). A question and answer period was allowed for each speaker

following their initial presentation to the audience. Groups of 8-12 audience members also

allowed for ample discussion of speaker topics and to bring a sense of togetherness to

participating organizations.

In addition to the workshop speaking engagements, audience participation was planned in two

ways. A question sheet was devised for handing out during the afternoon, to receive feedback

from participants at the end of afternoon speaker engagements, or via mail in of the completed

question sheet later. The three questions on the sheet were geared towards understanding what

the audience believes are the main issues impacting the Northeast Avalon Watersheds, who is

working on resolving the issues and what any problems are to collaborative resolution efforts by

them. An additional set of five questions was compiled and an audience interactive session

planned for the evening following the evening keynote speaker. Entitled Visioning for our

Future, the premise of this group activity was to get audience participation and solicit feedback,

with questions like those asked on the afternoon question sheet. Additional questions were

formulated to gather details from the audience about future activities and projects that NAACAP

could become more involved with or utilize in future planning.

Results

The title and theme of our workshop was The threats to watershed sustainability and possible

solutions to some watershed issues. The workshop was held on February 27th

, 2013 at The

Suncor Energy Fluvarium, at Nagles Place, St. Johns. This location was the ideal choice for

such a workshop as the Fluvarium showcases the living riverthe area below the waterline of a


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local river where you can discover just how things look and function in this all important sub-

watershed ecosystem.

Posters were created in order to advertise the event, and were posted up at the local colleges anduniversity (Appendix II). The speakers were confirmed and scheduled, and the final schedule

drawn up and distributed (Appendix III). Printed copies of the schedule were also done, and

were distributed to people attending the workshop along with biographies of all the planned

speakers for the day (Appendix IV). Setup for the workshop began at 1:00pm, with NAACAP

staff ensuring everything was in order for the planned speakers and activities throughout the

afternoon and evening. The afternoon workshop began at 2:00pm with an opening message from

NAACAP board member and afternoon facilitator, Diana Baird. This was followed by a

welcome message and opening remarks from Newfoundland and Labradors Environment and

Conservation Minister Tom Hedderson. The afternoon workshop then started with the first

speaker scheduled taking the floor. A summary of each speakers presentation follows in the

order of original afternoon delivery.

Honorable Minister Tom Hedderson (Newfoundland and Labrador Department of

Environment and Conservation)

Minister Hedderson opened the afternoon proceedings stating the importance of continued

sharing and discussion amongst environmental stakeholders such as through NAACAPs

Sustaining our Watersheds Workshop.

Boreal Streams and Rivers as Indicators of Landscape Environmental Change (Dr. Sue

Ziegler - Canada Research Chair in Environmental Science, and Associate Professor in the

Department of Earth Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland)

In her discussion about the indicators of landscape environmental change, Dr. Ziegler showed

how climate warming is altering the organic matter reservoir size and quality in boreal forest

landscapes. The altercation will have ramifications not only to forest ecosystems but to the

watersheds they contribute to. Some of Dr. Zieglers research involves Newfoundland and


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Labrador watershed locationslocations that NAACAP is also concerned about. She also noted

that landscape interactions with other major environmental change effects (e.g. nutrient

enrichment) is key to understanding stream biogeochemistry and current trends in carbon fluxes.

How Municipalities Can Save Our Environment (Geoff Gallant - President, Stewardship of

Municipalities (SAM) Inc., and Deputy Mayor, Town of Torbay, Newfoundland and

Labrador)

Geoff spoke about the Stewardship of Municipalities Inc. group and what it means to sign on for

any municipality who becomes a member. The group is actively involved in environmental

stewardship right in their own municipality and through cooperation and collaboration under

SAM, the municipalities work together towards the common goals of environmentally

sustainable resource use and being environmentally responsible. It is through this collaboration

and cooperation for municipalities across their borders with other municipalities that Mr. Gallant

advises municipalities can make substantial progress in saving our environment.

The Pearl in the Waterford: Towards an Urban Ethic of Sustainability and Environmental

Stewardship within the Waterford River Watershed (Stephen B. Jewczyk FCIP - Director

of Planning and development, City of Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador)

Mr. Jewczyk began by painting a picture of the current watershed status for the City of Mt. Pearl

and specifically the status of its major waterbody The Waterford River. He outlined several

threats to this important ecosystem, including climate change and flooding, large storms,

urbanization and rainfall estimation. One threat was also the inability for governments to work

together towards better watershed management a threat that could be turned into a solution if

collaboration and cooperation triumphed. Mr. Jewczyk proceeded to talk about the initiative to

develop the urban ethic with respect to watershed protection such as on-site water retention

measures, public education and awareness, and new city landscape regulations and guidelines.


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Managing Our Watersheds (Neil Dawe - President, Tract Consulting Inc. St. Johns)

Mr. Dawe painted a picture for the audience of how things have changed on the Northeast

Avalon over just a relatively short period of time. He talked about the rapid urbanization and the

changes in water quality as serious threats to our watersheds. Other threats were discussed and

following on there were some points to be made about what we must do to better manage our

watersheds. Included was storm water management, better land use planning, and better

cooperation between jurisdictions. Mr. Dawe noted the key to success would also be a systems-

based approach, with social, ecological, and economical factors all integrated. Mr. Dawe finished

off with a case study of the City of St. Johns, outlining both challenges and opportunities for the

region along with his view of what the next steps are to more sustainable watershed

management.

Salmon Re-introduction to City Rivers (Trevor Davis - President, and Scott Nightingale -

Vice-President, Salmonid Association of Eastern Newfoundland Inc.)

Mr. Davis and Mr. Nightingale captured the audiences imagination, describing in detail their

current project to reintroduce salmon to St. Johns City Rivers. The Salmonid Association of

Eastern Newfoundland (SAEN) is a group interested in the conservation, restoration and

regulation of wild salmonids, and began the project of re-introduction just this past summer. A

history of the project initialization was presented, and the Canadian-invented incubator boxes on-

hand provided the audience with a visual representation of how the science will work in the field.

Mr. Davis and Mr. Nightingale finished by advising what the next steps planned are for the

hatchery project to realize its goal of newly hatched salmonid in local rivers.

The afternoon concluded with the facilitator closing out the workshop, thanking the afternoon

speakers. We invited afternoon participants to stay as we moved into our supper and evening

session with our schedule. The afternoon feedback question sheet (see Appendix V) was availed

to the audience, and was particularly targeted to those who were unable to stay for our upcoming

evening session. Responses received back are also listed on Appendix V.


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The final speaker of the workshop was during the evening, following a lite supper served to

participants. Our evening session was facilitated by NAACAP board member Beni Malone.There were some changes in the audience, with some afternoon participants having to leave but

new participants arriving who had been unable to attend at an earlier time. This included more

students and additional public participants.

Evolving Rivers and Wetlands in Northeast Avalon (Dr. Norm R. Catto - Professor of

Geography, Memorial University of Newfoundland)

Dr. Cattos presentation in the evening centred on Northeast Avalon Peninsula Rivers and

Wetlands, with an over-arching theme of change that is occurring, particularly climate change.

He showed several types of rivers and wetlands, describing their characteristics and abundance.

Dr. Catto explained how the changes to rivers and wetlands are occurring due to human factors

such as land use and modifications, and due to natural factors like climate and geomorphology.

Stratification was explained and then floods were explored noting the factors that help contribute

to worsening floods for the Northeast Avalon such as infrastructure alterations and changes in

seasonal temperatures and storm activity.

Following Dr. Cattos presentation, the workshop group session started. With each question our

facilitator asked the audience, tables were given 5 minutes to discuss their answer at their

individual table. As the allotted time ended, answers to the questions were gathered and

compiled. Shared responses were projected via computer onto screen to help keep audience

members engaged and informed as the session progressed. Any individual tables having the

same or similar answer to a previous table were counted as to prioritize the answers from mostpopular to least mentioned. Appendix VI shows the questions asked the audience in sequence

and their list of prioritized popular answers.


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Discussion

As demonstrated by workshop attendance and participation, people living and working on the

Northeast Avalon remain concerned about their watershed and the threats to its sustainability.

During the afternoon, speakers engaged the audience in a variety of topics dealing with

indicators of changing watershed ecosystem health. The importance of understanding what is

happening in the watershed is reflected in the language used by speakers and the alarms being

raised by them for changes that impact in a negative way. This is clear through Dr. Zieglers

presentation on boreal streams and rivers, and is also visible as Mr. Dawe points out, if we

examine activities of our parents and grandparents ways of water interaction and compare it to

today. Conversely, positive success stories of restoration like salmonid re-introduction help

encourage further support and engagement towards increased protection for watershed areas. It is

these success stories that describe what can be achieved if we follow through on our plans and

efforts for better education, awareness and strengthened management policies. Municipalities

play an important role in those plans and efforts, essentially controlling at the local level what is

allowed or not allowed. A good municipal plan seeking best-practices for watershed protection,

development sustainability and public awareness can be the key, as outlined by both Mr.

Jewczyk and Mr. Gallant.

In opening the evening session with his presentation about changing rivers and wetlands, Dr.

Catto was also priming the audience for the group activity that was approaching afterwards.

Discussing at length the characteristics of Newfoundland bogs, fens and rivers allowed the

audience to envision how natural and human changes were impacting watershed function and

make-up.

Participating audience members, both during the afternoon session and evening group activity

highlighted key areas of concern. The issues conveyed by the audience were relative to the

workshops subject matter, and was also likely spurred by some of the discussion pointspresented by each speaker in succession. Participants responding using the afternoon sheet

outlined urban development combined with poor/improper planning as the most major issue

facing watersheds on the Northeast Avalon, followed secondly by a general lack of knowledge

and/or respect [for the watershed]. The Stewardship Association of Municipalities and

municipalities themselves were seen as working towards solutions for watershed issues. During


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the evening group activity a lack of knowledge and/or respect was seen as the biggest issue, with

urban development and poor/improper planning the second most-noted issue.

When asked what gaps existed in watershed research and understanding, groups most often notedthe lack of primary ecological inventories (watershed, wildlife, plants, etc.). People viewed the

need to allocate funding to this research as the culprit for such a gap, saying there needs to be

research investment in order to produce serious and meaningful outcomes. Collaboration and

education/awareness were also seen as gaps, needing attention by those who prioritize and work

on watershed issues.

When looking towards the future, groups were asked what type of efforts or actions can be

undertaken by organizations like NAACAP towards more-sustainable watershed management.

Varieties of Involvement and outreach/engagement appeared on peoples minds the most, noting

ideas such as further discussions and meetings with environmental NGOs and those who are

responsible for creating and/or enforcing policy and regulation. Having adequate expertise for an

issue was also seen as important, including knowledge of watersheds, and of current policy and

regulation and how it applies to the areas where we find them.

RecommendationsHolding a workshop with the goal of strengthening watershed protection efforts amongst like-

minded environmental organizations is a key activity in working towards sustainable watershed

management. While it is not difficult to attract groups like NAACAP, Rotary Club of Waterford

Valley, Stewardship Association of Municipalities (SAM), Keligrews Ecological Enhancement

Program (KEEP), or the various government bodies representing an environmental agenda - it is

more difficult to attract those groups seen as holding an important piece of the stakeholder pie to

the table. Developers and their development activities are key components of the watershed

management arena and we need to work harder to achieve not just their interest, but their

participation and support for watershed management workshops in pursuit of sustainable

outcomes.

As noted during NAACAPs 2012 Sustaining our Watersheds Workshop, efforts should involve

employing a strategic feedback portion of the workshop to identify the areas and issues of


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Proceedings Report

Myron King

9

concern in the region. This was the aim this year and provided a way for participants to be

involved and share with like-minded groups of individuals regarding watershed protection and

conservation. Concerns raised allow a group like NAACAP to consider such feedback andresponses more directly and with greater weight when considering their future activities

surrounding watershed stewardship. This effort is proven to yield positive, informative results

with growth-potential for sustainable ideas, and should therefore be continued in one form or

another through further public workshops, planning sessions and/or engagement activities. Such

outcomes, like those of the 2nd

Annual Sustaining our Watersheds Workshop can then continue

to be used to inform NAACAPs activities and goals through the coming years.


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Appendices


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Northeast Avalon 2nd

Annual

SUSTAINING OUR WATERSHEDSWorkshop

This year well explore the risks,

threats and solutions pertaining to

our watersheds on the Northeast

Avalon. Come out and help us

make a difference!

WHEN: Wednesday, February 27th

WHERE: Suncor Energy Fluvarium

Nagles Place, Pippy Park, St. Johns

WHO: Northeast Avalon Municipal Representatives,

Relevant Professionals, & Interested Public

Hosted by the Northeast Avalon Atlantic Coastal Action Program (NAACAP), this collaborative workshop will

give you an opportunity to share your initiatives and concerns about your watersheds, as well as learn from

each other and a diverse group of speakers with experience in water issues working towards sustainability.

For further information, contact: Myron King

Outreach and Office Coordinator

(e)[email protected]

(p) 709-726-9673

www.naacap.ca

To register, please fill and return the following form:

Name: ___________________________________________________________________________________

Affiliated Municipality / Organization: __________________________________________________________

Role in Municipality / Occupation: _____________________________________________________________

Email: __________________________________ Phone: __________________________________________

I would like to attend:

Afternoon Workshop and light supper (2:00 pm 6:00 pm)

Workshop Only (2:00 pm 5:00 pm)

Evening Session and NAACAP Celebration (Free!) Everyone welcome (6:00 pm 8:30 pm)

Please mail this registration form along with a registrationfee of $20.00:


342 Freshwater Rd. (lower level)

P.O. Box 8732

St. Johns NLA1B 3T1

Mail-in Registration Deadline:

February 20nd

, 2013

Registration at the door dependant on seating availability
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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Climate changePollution

NAACAPis concerned about

ourWatersheds

Flooding

Northeast Avalon2nd Annual

Sustaining OurWatersheds

Workshop

Exploring threats facingour watersheds andworking towardssolutions to water issues

on the NortheastAvalon


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Northeast Avalon2nd Annual

Sustaining OurWatersheds

Workshop

Exploring some ofthe threats and

solutions pertainingto our watershedson the Northeast

Avalon

climate change

habitat lossWatershed

pollution

flooding

What ishappening inyourwatershed?

Sustainability


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The 2nd Annual

SustainingourWatersheds

Workshop

Wednesday, Feb. 27thThe Fluvarium, Nagles Place

St. Johns

Northeast Avalon

AtlanticCoastalActionProgram342 Freshwater Road.

P.O. Box 8732

St. Johns NL A1B 3T1

www.naacap.ca

709-726-9673

Thanks to all our supportingpartners, including:

Conservation Corps NL Rotary Club of Waterford Valley Dept. of Fisheries & Oceans Dept. of Environment & Conservation
http://www.naacap.ca/http://www.naacap.ca/


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Activity

pm Arrival and Seating

pm

kshop Openingarks

Diana BairdAfternoon greeting and Introduction

Honourable Tom HeddersonMinister of Environment and Conservation for

Newfoundland and Labrador

pm

pm

pm

pm

Dr. Sue ZeiglerCanada Research Chair in Environmental Science

Associate Professor in the Department of Earth Sciences

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Boreal Streams and Rivers as Indicators of

Landscape Environmental Change

Geoff GallantPresident, Stewardship of Municipalities (SAM) Inc.

Deputy Mayor, Town of Torbay

How Municipalities Can Save Our Environment

Health BreakCoffee, Tea, Snacks

Stephen B. Jewcyzk FCIPDirector of Planning and Development, City of Mount Pearl

The Pearl in the Waterford: Towards an Urban

Ethic of Sustainability and Environmental

Stewardship Within the Waterford River

Watershed

Time Activity

4:00 pm

4:30 pm

5:00 pm

Neil DawePresident, Tract Consulting Inc.

Managing Our Watersheds

Scott NightingaleVice-President, Salmonid Association of Eastern

Newfoundland Inc.

Salmon Re-introduction to City Rivers

Afternoon Conclusion

5:10 pmFluvarium Catering

Light DinnerSoup & Sandwiches

6:00 pm

Keynote

Beni MaloneEvening greeting and Introduction

Dr. Norm R. CattoProfessor of Geography, Memorial UniversNewfoundland

Coastal Issues Chair, Canadian Climate CImpacts and Adaptations Research NetwoCIARN)

Evolving Rivers and Wetlands in Northeast

7:00 pm

8:00 pm

Group interactive discussion with the Northe

Avalon ACAP - Visioning for our Future

NAACAP 20th Anniversary CelebrationCoffee/tea and cake


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Speaker Biographies

Dr. Norm R. Catto Evolving Rivers and Wetlands in Northeast Avalon

Professor of Geography

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Dr. Catto joined Memorial University in July 1989. His research interests include coastal

landf

naacap comprehensive environmental management plan (cemp)

Documents