Download 3.4.2.6 Rare Plant Occurrences 3.4.2.6.1 Rare Vascular Plants

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3.4.2.6
Vegetation – Volume IIC
November 2009
Rare Plant Occurrences
Fifteen rare plant species and two rare plants identified to genus, were identified in the LSA (see
Appendix 3F). The locations of the rare plants found in the LSA are shown in Figure 3.4-6.
Thirteen of the species are on the provincial tracking list (Gould 2006) and nine are classified by
ASRD (2005, Internet site). One COSEWIC-listed species was identified during the surveys:
golden saxifrage (Chrysosplenium iowense). In total, 415 vascular plant species and 120 nonvascular species were identified in the LSA. Complete species lists are provided in Appendix 3G.
3.4.2.6.1
Rare Vascular Plants
The following are descriptions of the rare vascular plants identified in the LSA (see Figure 3.4-6).
Lakeshore sedge (Carex lacustris) S2 G5, May Be At Risk
Lakeshore sedge is an S2 species on the ANHIC tracking list (Gould 2006) and is ranked as May
Be At Risk (ASRD 2005, Internet site). It is found in marshes and swampy woods (Moss 1983).
Lakeshore sedge was found at one location in the LSA in a graminoid fen.
Golden saxifrage (Chrysosplenium iowense) S3 G3, COSEWIC Priority 2, Sensitive
Golden saxifrage is ranked as an S3 species in Alberta and is on the provincial tracking list
(Gould 2006). It is a Priority 2 species listed under COSEWIC and is ranked as Sensitive by
ASRD. Alberta is the centre of its range and might hold the largest populations. It is rare in
adjacent jurisdictions (Rintoul 2004, pers. comm.). It is found from the Northwest Territories to
Manitoba on stream banks and shady marshy ground, especially on rich soil and in wetlands
(Moss 1983; Johnson et al. 1995). Golden saxifrage was found in 25 locations in the LSA,
including:
 ephemeral drainage
 shrubby riparian area
 depression
 moist cutline
 horsetail Pb-Aw site
 horsetail Sw-Sb site
 rich shrubby fen
Green saxifrage (Chrysosplenium tetrandrum) S3 G5
Green saxifrage is an S3 species on the ANHIC provincial tracking list (Gould 2006). It occurs
throughout most of the province and the population appears to be in stable condition (Rintoul
2004, pers. comm.). It is a perennial species that is found on moist, shady banks and ledges from
Alaska to northern Quebec, and from Washington to Alberta (Moss 1983). In the LSA, green
saxifrage was found in 15 locations in the LSA, including:
 treed rich fen
 shrubby rich fen
 drainage
 horsetail Sw-Sb site
 dogwood Pb-Sw site
 horsetail Pb-Sw site
 shrubby riparian area
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River Source Water Station
##
#
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Green saxifrage
(Chrysosplenium tetrandrum)
#
Saxifrage species
(Chrysosplenium species)
#
Yellow lady's-slipper
(Cypripedium calceolus)
#
Broad spinulose shield fern
(Dryopteris assimillis)
#
White adder’s-mouth
(Malaxis monophylla)
#
Bog adder's-mouth
(Malaxis paludosa)
#
Small butterwort
(Pinguicula villosa)
#
Alder-leaved buckthorn
(Rhamnus alnifolia)
#
!
Moss
(Brachythecium frigidum)
!
Brown moss
(Drepanocladus sendtneri)
!
Flagon-fruited splachnum
(Splachnum ampullaceum)
!
Yellow collar moss
(Splachnum luteum)
!
Red collar moss
(Splachnum rubrum)
!
Splachnum species
(Splachnum species)
Flat-fruited meadow rue
(Thalictrum sparsiflorum)
Twp 84
#
Golden saxifrage
(Chrysosplenium iowense)
#
#
Rare Non-vascular Plants
# #
Lakeshore sedge
(Carex lacustris)
Roads
#
Rare Vascular Plants
#
LEGEND
Footprint
! !
!
!
!
Metres
Vegetation Local Study Area (LSA)
2
##
##
#
#
1,500
# #
###
#
750
!
!
#
#
0
!
! !
!
# ##
3
3
#
2
#
#
River
Peace
Carmon
Lake
0
2.5
5
Kilometres
Scale 1:125,000
SHELL CANADA LIMITED - PEACE RIVER
IN SITU EXPANSION CARMON CREEK PROJECT
Location of Rare Plants Found
in the Vegetation LSA
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November 2009
Saxifrage species (Chrysosplenium species)
One occurrence of Chrysosplenium in the LSA was only identified to genus and could be either
C. iowense or C. tetrandrum. Both of these species are rare in Alberta.
Yellow lady’s-slipper (Cypripedium calceolus) Sensitive
Yellow lady’s-slipper is considered a Sensitive species by ASRD (2005, Internet site). It is found
in moist woodlands and on the banks of streams, ponds and lakes (Moss 1983). Yellow lady’s
slipper was found in a shrubby rich fen and a treed poor fen within the LSA.
Broad spinulose shield fern (Dryopteris assimilis) Sensitive
Broad spinulose shield fern is considered a Sensitive species by ASRD (2005, Internet site). It is a
found in moist woods (Moss 1983). The occurrences reported in this assessment include D.
expansa as these two species were, until recently, considered one species. Broad spinulose shield
fern was found in 10 locations in the LSA, including:
 low bush cranberry Sw ecosite phase
 shrubby rich fen
 treed rich fen
 shrubby poor fen
 stream microsite
 dogwood Pb-Sw ecosite phase
White adder’s mouth (Malaxis monophylla) S2 G5, Sensitive
White adder’s mouth is considered an S2 species in Alberta and is on the provincial tracking list
(Gould 2006). It is also ranked as Sensitive by ASRD (2005, Internet site). It is a perennial
species that is found in damp woods, bogs and on stream banks in the boreal forest. White adder’s
mouth was found at two locations in the LSA including:
 shrubby rich fen
 low-bush cranberry Aw ecosite phase
Bog adder’s-mouth (Malaxis paludosa) S1 G4, May Be At Risk
Bog adder’s-mouth is considered an S1 species on the ANHIC tracking list (Gould 2006) and is
ranked as May Be At Risk by ASRD (2005, Internet site). It is a perennial species found on
mossy ground, usually on peat moss, in bogs and fens. Bog adder’s-mouth was found on a peat
moss hummock in a treed rich fen in the LSA.
Small butterwort (Pinguicula villosa) S1 G4
Small butterwort is an S1 species on the ANHIC tracking list (Gould 2006) and is ranked
Sensitive by ASRD (2005, Internet site). It is found on sphagnum hummocks in peatlands of
northern Alberta (Kershaw et al. 2001). It was found in a shrubby area in an extreme rich fen (see
Section 3.4.2.7).
Alder-leaved buckthorn (Rhamnus alnifolia) Sensitive
Alder-leaved buckthorn is considered a Sensitive species by ASRD (2005, Internet site). It is a
shrub species found in moist shady woods and swamps. Alder-leaved buckthorn was found at one
site in a horsetail Pb/Sw ecosite within the LSA.
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November 2009
Flat-fruited meadow rue (Thalictrum sparsiflorum) Sensitive
Flat-fruited meadow rue is considered a Sensitive species by ASRD (2005, Internet site). It is a
perennial species found in moist woods and meadows. Flat-fruited meadow rue was found in a
shrubby rich fen and a shrubby riparian site within the LSA.
3.4.2.6.2
Rare Non-vascular Plants
The following are descriptions of the rare non-vascular plants found in the LSA (see
Figure 3.4-6).
Moss (Brachythecium frigidum) SU G4
Brachythecium frigidum is not currently ranked in Alberta but has a global ranking of G4 and is
on the provincial tracking list (Gould 2006). This species is most common on logs (Vitt et al.
1988). Within the LSA, this moss was found in a shrubby rich fen.
Brown moss (Drepanocladus sendtneri) S1 G5?
Drepanocladus sendtneri is ranked as an S1 species in Alberta and is on the provincial tracking
list (Gould 2006). In the LSA, this brown moss was found in a shrubby rich fen.
Flagon-fruited splachnum (Splachnum ampullaceum) S2 G5
Flagon-fruited splachnum is ranked as an S2 species in Alberta and is on the provincial tracking
list (Gould 2006). In the LSA, flagon-fruited splachnum was found twice in a treed poor fen; in
one of these occurrences it was found together with yellow collar moss.
Yellow collar moss (Splachnum luteum) S3 G3
Yellow collar moss is ranked as an S3 species in Alberta and is on the provincial tracking list
(Gould 2006). Yellow collar moss was found at three sites including:
 treed poor fen (together with flagon-fruited splachnum)
 in a transition area between a low-bush cranberry Aw-Sw and shrubby rich fen
Red collar moss (Splachnum rubrum) S3 G3
Red collar moss is ranked as an S3 species in Alberta and is on the provincial tracking list (Gould
2006). In the LSA, red collar moss was found at six sites including:
 balsam poplar–black spruce stand
 shrubby bog
 treed poor fen
 a transition between a low-bush cranberry Aw-Sw site and a shrubby rich fen
Splachnum species (Splachnum species)
One occurrence of Splachnum in the LSA was only identified to genus and could be any of the
five Splachnum species. All of these species are rare in Alberta.
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3.4.2.7
Vegetation – Volume IIC
November 2009
Rare Ecological Communities
Two extreme rich fens were identified in the LSA in the transition zone between the Dry and
Central Mixedwood Natural Subregions and are currently the northernmost recorded occurrences
of this community type in Alberta (Allen 2006, pers. comm., see Figure 3.4-7). They are,
therefore, considered locally significant ecological communities that might be provincially
significant. The extreme rich fens cover 1.4% of the LSA (see Table 3.4-7). Extreme rich fens are
characterized by Hudson Bay bulrush (Scirpus hudsonianus), tufted bulrush (Scirpus cespitosus),
sticky false asphodel (Tofieldia glutinosa), and the moss species Calliergon trifarium,
Drepanocladus revolvens, and Scorpidium scorpioides (Vitt and Chee 1990). ANHIC’s
Ecological Community Committee has not yet reviewed extreme rich fens as an addition to the
Rare Ecological Communities tracking list. About 12 extreme rich fens have been documented in
Alberta, mostly in the foothills in the southern half of the province (Allen 2006, pers. comm.).
The larger extreme rich fen (extreme rich fen 1) covers 1.3% (189.1 ha) of the LSA (see
Table 3.4-7). It is a patterned wetland complex with open, sedge-dominated lawns, marl ponds,
treed fens with tamarack and peat plateaus with black spruce. It comprises flooded areas (NWF)
and ecosite phases j1, j2 and k2. Current anthropogenic disturbances within this extreme rich fen
include several cutlines (SO) and one well site (CIW). The extreme rich fen indicator species
identified were Hudson Bay bulrush, tufted bulrush, sticky false asphodel, Drepanocladus
revolvens and Scorpidium scorpioides. Small butterwort (Pinguicula villosa), a rare plant, was
also identified here (see Section 3.4.2.6).
Table 3.4-7:
Rare Ecological Communities at Baseline Case in the LSA
Rare Ecological Community
Baseline Case
Area
(ha)
% of LSA
Extreme Rich Fen 1
j1 – treed poor fen
119.2
0.8
j2 – shrubby poor fen
15.1
0.1
k2 – shrubby rich fen
40.9
0.3
SO – open shrub
11.7
0.1
0.5
<0.1
CIW – well pad
NWF– flooded
1.7
<0.1
189.1
1.3
j2 – shrubby poor fen
3.9
<0.1
k2 – shrubby rich fen
15.1
0.1
1.5
<0.1
Subtotal
Extreme Rich Fen 2
SO – open shrub
NWL – lake
Subtotal
Total
1.4
<0.1
22.0
0.1
211.0
1.4
Note:
Subtotal and total values may not equal the sum of the individual values, due to rounding.
Rge 17
W5M
Rge 16
Twp 86
Rge 18
Hw
y9
86
Rge 19
Twp 85
ERF - 1
ERF - 2
Carmon
Lake
Peac e
Twp 84
River
River Source Water Station
0
0
750
2.5
1,500
Metres
LEGEND
Vegetation Local Study Area (LSA)
Footprint
Roads
Extreme Rich Fen
5
Kilometres
Scale 1:125,000
SHELL CANADA LIMITED - PEACE RIVER
IN SITU EXPANSION CARMON CREEK PROJECT
Vegetated Disturbance
Shrubby (open)
Ecosite Phases
j1 - Treed Poor Fen
Rare Ecological Communities
in the Vegetation LSA
j2 - Shrubby Poor Fen
k2 - Shrubby Rich Fen
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November 2009
A second, smaller extreme rich fen covers 22.0 ha (<0.1% of the LSA) and comprises ponds
(NWL) and ecosite phases j2 and k2 (see Table 3.4-7). The extreme rich fen indicator species
present were sticky false asphodel, Scorpidium scorpioides and Drepanocladus revolvens.
Tamarack dominated the shrub layer, which also included dwarf birch (Betula pumila) and fly
honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea). Slender arrow-grass (Triglochin palustris) was the dominant
forb and needle spike-rush (Eleocharis acicularis) the dominant graminoid. The moss Campylium
stellatum was common.
3.4.2.8
Rare Plant Potential
About 11.6% of the LSA is ranked as having medium potential to support rare plants and 4.4%
as having high potential to support rare plants (see Table 3.4-8). Figure 3.4-8 shows the
distribution of ecosite phases with medium and high rare plant potential in the LSA.
Table 3.4-8: Ecosite Phases with Medium and
High Potential to Support Rare Plants in the LSA
Ecosite Phase
Area of LSA
(ha)
Percent of LSA
(%)
Medium Potential
e1 – dogwood Pb-Aw
21.8
0.1
e2 – dogwood Pb-Sw
73.6
0.5
k2 – shrubby rich fen
987.8
6.7
92.3
0.6
NWF – flooded
173.7
1.2
NWL – lake, pond
362.4
2.5
1,711.6
11.6
f1 – horsetail Pb-Aw
60.9
0.4
f2 – horsetail Pb-Sw
170.4
1.2
l1 – marsh
Subtotal
High Potential
f3 – horsetail Sw
2.1
<0.1
k3 – graminoid rich fen
123.0
0.8
SR – shrubby riparian
290.7
2.0
Subtotal
Total
647.1
4.4
2,358.7
16.0
Note:
Subtotal and total values may not equal the sum of the individual values, due to rounding.
Rge 17
W5M
Rge 16
Twp 86
Rge 18
Twp 85
Hw
y9
86
Rge 19
Carmon
Lake
Peac e
Twp 84
River
River Source Water Station
0
0
750
2.5
1,500
Metres
LEGEND
Vegetation Local Study
Area (LSA)
Footprint
5
Kilometres
Scale 1:125,000
SHELL CANADA LIMITED - PEACE RIVER
IN SITU EXPANSION CARMON CREEK PROJECT
Rare Plant Potential
1 Very Low (CP, g1, i1, i2, SC, SO)
Roads
2 Low (a1, b1, b3, b4, c1, d1, d2, d3,
h1, j1, j2, k1, HF, HG)
Anthropogenic Disturbance
3 Medium (e1, e2, k2, l1, NWF, NWL)
4 High (f1, f2, f3, k3, SR)
Rare Plant Potential for Each Ecosite Phase
in the Vegetation LSA
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3.4.2.9
Vegetation – Volume IIC
November 2009
Ecosite Phases Supporting Traditional Use Plants
Ecosite phases considered to have medium to high potential to support traditional use plants
comprise 55.5% of the LSA (see Table 3.4-9). Ecosite phases with the potential to support lowbush cranberries comprise about half of this area (27% of the LSA). Figure 3.4-9 shows the
distribution of these ecosite phases in the LSA.
Table 3.4-9:
Ecosite Phases Potentially Supporting Traditional Use Plants in the LSA
Ecosite Phase
Area of LSA
(ha)
Percent of LSA
(%)
Blueberries and Bog Cranberries
a1 – lichen Pj
14.3
0.1
b1 – blueberry Pj-Aw
64.1
0.4
c1 – Labrador tea–mesic Pj-Sb
89.4
0.6
167.8
1.1
b3 – blueberry Aw-Sw
36.8
0.3
b4 – blueberry Sw-Pj
76.0
0.5
112.9
0.8
d1 – low-bush cranberry Aw
1,040.5
7.1
d2 – low-bush cranberry Aw-Sw
2,731.0
18.6
21.8
0.1
e2 – dogwood Pb-Sw
66.3
0.5
f2 – horsetail Pb-Sw
155.3
1.1
4,014.9
27.3
735.7
5.0
1,254.7
8.5
768.3
5.2
Subtotal
Blueberries
Subtotal
Low-bush Cranberries
e1 – dogwood Pb-Aw
Subtotal
Bog Cranberries
i1 – treed bog
i2 – shrubby bog
j1 – treed poor fen
j2 – shrubby poor fen
Subtotal
904.6
6.1
3,663.3
24.9
122.3
0.8
Rat Root
k3 – graminoid rich fen
l1 – marsh
Subtotal
Total
92.3
0.6
214.6
1.5
8,173.5
55.5
Note:
Subtotal and total values may not equal the sum of the individual values, due to rounding.
3.4.2.10
Non-native and Invasive Species
Sixteen non-native and invasive species were identified in the LSA (see Appendix 3H). Species
classified as noxious weeds under the Alberta Weed Control Act (2000) in the LSA were Canada
thistle and perennial sow thistle (see Figure 3.4-10).
Rge 17
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Rge 16
Twp 86
Rge 18
Twp 85
Hw
y9
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Rge 19
Carmon
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Peac e
Twp 84
River
River Source Water Station
0
0
750
2.5
1,500
Metres
LEGEND
Vegetation Local Study Area (LSA)
Footprint
Roads
5
Kilometres
Scale 1:125,000
SHELL CANADA LIMITED - PEACE RIVER
IN SITU EXPANSION CARMON CREEK PROJECT
Ecosite Phases Supporting
Traditional Use Plants
Blueberries and Bog Cranberries (a1, b1, c1)
Blueberries (b3, b4)
Ecosite Phases Supporting
Traditional Use Plants
in the Vegetation LSA
Low-bush Cranberries (d1, d2, e1, e2, f2)
Bog Cranberries (i1, i2, j1, j2)
Rat Root (k3, l1)
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Twp 84
Peac e
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River
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750
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LEGEND
#
0
Vegetation Local Study Area (LSA)
0
Footprint
2.5
5
Kilometres
Scale 1:125,000
Roads
Noxious Weeds
!
Canada thistle
!
Perennial sow thistle (Sonchus arvensis)
SHELL CANADA LIMITED - PEACE RIVER
IN SITU EXPANSION CARMON CREEK PROJECT
(Cirsium arvense)
Nuisance Weeds
#
Quack grass
(Agropyron repens)
#
Annual hawk's-beard (Crepis tectorum)
#
Hemp nettle
#
Rough cinquefoil
#
Common dandelion
(Galeopsis tetrahit)
(Potentilla norvegica)
(Taraxacum officinale)
Location of Noxious and Nuisance Weeds
in the Vegetation LSA
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November 2009
Nuisance species were quack grass, annual hawk’s-beard, hemp nettle, rough cinquefoil and
common dandelion (see Figure 3.4-10). Agronomic species considered invasive in natural areas
were crested wheat grass, smooth brome, creeping red fescue, white sweet-clover, yellow sweetclover, reed canary grass, timothy and Kentucky bluegrass (see Figure 3.4-11). Most species were
found in previously disturbed areas in the LSA
3.4.3
3.4.3.1
Regional Study Area
Alberta Ground Cover Classification
At Baseline Case, there are 13 AGCC classes in the RSA (see Table 3.4-10). The three most
common classes make up 74.5% of the RSA. Closed deciduous is the most abundant class and
comprises 29.8% of the RSA, black spruce bog comprises 24.7% of the RSA, and closed spruce
comprises 20.0% of the RSA. Anthropogenic disturbances comprise 8.5% of the RSA.
Figure 3.4-12 shows the distribution of AGCC classes at Baseline Case in the RSA.
Table 3.4-10: AGCC Class Area at Baseline Case
AGCC Class
Corresponding Ecosite
Phase or AVI Label
Area
(ha)
% of RSA
Upland AGCC Classes
Closed pine
a1, c1
80.2
0.1
Closed spruce
b4, d3, e3, f3, h1
24,018.8
20.0
Closed deciduous
b2, d1, e1, f1,
35,840.7
29.8
Closed coniferous and deciduous
b1, b3, d2, e2, f2,
8,389.1
7.0
68,328.8
56.8
29,699.9
24.7
6,895.1
5.7
Subtotal
Wetland AGCC Classes
Black spruce bog
g1, i1, i2, j1, j2
Shrubby wetland
k1, k2, SR
Graminoid wetland
k3, l1
Subtotal
3,625.5
3.0
40,220.5
33.4
Anthropogenic Vegetated AGCC Classes
Closed upland shrub
SC
1,802.6
1.5
Mixed grassland
HG, HF, CP
1,144.3
1.0
Cropland and rangeland
CP
6,790.0
5.6
9,736.9
8.1
Subtotal
Anthropogenic Non-vegetated AGCC Classes
Major roads, highways and railways
AIH, AII
305.7
0.3
Commercial and industrial
AII
115.6
0.1
421.3
0.4
1,647.9
1.4
1,647.9
1.4
120,355.5
100.0
Subtotal
Water
Lake, pond, reservoir, river and stream
AIW, NWF, NWL
Subtotal
Total
Notes:
Subtotal and total values may not equal the sum of the individual values, due to rounding.
Rge 18
Hw
y9
86
k
Rge 16 W5M
Rge 17
!
!
!!
!!
!!
!
!
!
!
Twp 85
!
!
!
!
!!!
!
Carmon
Lake
River Source Water Station
!
River
!
!
0
750
Twp 84
Peac e
ee
Rge 19
Twp 86
Rge 20
1,500
Metres
!
LEGEND
Vegetation Local Study Area (LSA)
0
Footprint
2.5
5
Kilometres
Scale 1:125,000
Roads
Invasive Agronomic Species
!
Crested wheat grass (Agropyron pectiniforme)
!
Smooth brome
!
Creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra)
!
White sweet-clover
(Melilotus alba)
!
Yellow sweet-clover
(Melilotus officinalis)
!
Reed canary grass
(Phalaris arundinacea)
!
Timothy
(Phleum pratense)
!
Kentucky bluegrass
(Poa pratensis)
SHELL CANADA LIMITED - PEACE RIVER
IN SITU EXPANSION CARMON CREEK PROJECT
(Bromus inermis)
Location of Non-native Invasive Species
in the Vegetation LSA
DRAWN BY:
EDITED BY:
JP
TG
APPROVED:
V.V.
DATE
17 Sep 2009
FIGURE:
3.4-11
N:\PROJECTS\61330000\61334000_2009\ArcGIS\
FILE: MXDs\Vegetation\NonNative_Invasive_LSA.mxd
Page 3-45
Rge 21
Rge 20
Rge 19
Rge 18
Rge 17
Rge 16
Rge 15
W5M
Rge 14
Marten River
Ca
R
te
ive
Twp 86
r
Hw
t
do
Woodland Cree Reserve 226
6
y 98
Pe
a
ce
R
iv e
r
Cadotte
Lake
rm
on
Cr
ee
k
Twp 85
Ca
Twp 84
Carmon
Lake
k
u
So
th
er
iv
He
ar
tR
rth
He
a rt
Riv
r
iv e
No
rth
No
R
art
He
Pats Creek
er
0
0
1,000
2,000
2.5
5
Kilometres
Scale 1:175,000
Metres
LEGEND
Vegetation Local Study Area (LSA)
AGCC Classes
SHELL CANADA LIMITED - PEACE RIVER
IN SITU EXPANSION CARMON CREEK PROJECT
Shrubby wetland
Vegetation Regional Study Area (RSA)
Closed pine
Graminoid wetland
Footprint
Closed spruce
Closed upland shrub
Anthropogenic Disturbance
Closed deciduous
Mixed grassland
Roads
Closed coniferous and deciduous
Cropland and rangeland
Black spruce bog
Water
DRAWN BY:
EDITED BY:
TG
TG
Distribution of AGCC Classes at
Baseline Case in the Vegetation RSA
APPROVED:
V.V.
DATE
21 Sep 2009
FIGURE:
3.4-12
N:\PROJECTS\61330000\61334000_2009\ArcGIS\
FILE: MXDs\Vegetation\AGCC_baseline_RSA_v3.mxd
Page 3-46
Twp 83
Cr e
e
Riv
Peace
Pa
ts
er
River Source Water Station
Shell Canada Limited
Page 3-47
Peace River In Situ Expansion Carmon Creek Project
3.4.3.2
Vegetation – Volume IIC
November 2009
Potential Acid Input
At Baseline Case, the total area of AGCC classes with PAI levels to which they are sensitive is
571.4 ha (see Table 3.4-11). This area occupies 0.5% of the RSA. Eight AGCC classes occur
under PAI levels to which they are sensitive. Figure 3.4-13 shows the distribution of AGCC
classes, grouped according to PAI sensitivity, under the 0.25, 0.50 and 1.00 keq H+/(ha·y)
isopleths at Baseline Case.
Table 3.4-11: Area of Ecosite Phases Sensitive to PAI at Baseline Case in the RSA
Ecosite Phase
0.25
+
keq H /(ha·y)
(ha)
0.50
+
keq H /(ha·y)
(ha)
1.00
+
keq H /(ha·y)
(ha)
Total
(ha)
Total
(% of
RSA)
Closed Pine
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Subtotal
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
High Sensitivity
Medium Sensitivity
Closed Spruce
n/a
55.7
4.2
60.0
0.0
Closed Deciduous
n/a
114.0
21.5
135.5
0.1
Closed Coniferous and
Deciduous
n/a
41.9
5.0
46.9
0.0
Black Spruce Bog
n/a
224.7
31.5
256.1
0.2
Cropland and Rangeland
n/a
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Closed Upland Shrub
n/a
9.3
3.9
13.2
0.0
Mixed Grassland
n/a
17.6
13.3
30.9
0.0
Subtotal
n/a
463.2
79.4
542.6
0.5
Shrubby Wetland
n/a
n/a
17.2
17.2
0.0
Graminoid Wetland
n/a
n/a
11.5
11.5
0.0
Subtotal
n/a
n/a
28.7
28.7
0.0
Total
0.0
463.2
108.2
571.4
0.5
Low Sensitivity
Notes:
n/a = not applicable.
Subtotal and total values may not equal the sum of the individual values, due to rounding.
Rge 21
Rge 20
Rge 19
Rge 18
Rge 17
Rge 16
Rge 15
Rge 14
W5M
Marten River
Ca
R
te
ive
Twp 86
r
Hw
t
do
Woodland Cree Reserve 226
6
y 98
Pe
a
ce
R
iv e
r
Cadotte
Lake
0.25
rm
on
Cr
ee
0.50
1.00
k
Twp 85
Ca
0.25
Twp 84
Carmon
Lake
0.50
River Source Water Station
k
u
So
th
er
iv
He
ar
tR
rth
He
a rt
Riv
r
iv e
No
rth
No
R
art
He
Pats Creek
er
0
0
1,000
2,000
2.5
5
Kilometres
Scale 1:175,000
Metres
LEGEND
Vegetation Local Study Area (LSA)
SHELL CANADA LIMITED - PEACE RIVER
IN SITU EXPANSION CARMON CREEK PROJECT
PAI Sensitivity (AGCC)
Vegetation Regional Study Area (RSA)
Low
Footprint
Medium
Anthropogenic Disturbance
High
DRAWN BY:
Distribution of PAI Sensitivity Under the
0.25, 0.50 and 1.00 keq H+/(ha y) PAI Isopleths
at Baseline Case in the Vegetation RSA
Roads
.
PAI Isopleth
Contour
+
(keq H /(ha y))
z
EDITED BY:
TG
TG
APPROVED:
V.V.
DATE
21 Sep 2009
FIGURE:
3.4-13
N:\PROJECTS\61330000\61334000_2009\ArcGIS\
FILE: MXDs\Vegetation\PAI_Baseline_RSA_v2.mxd
Page 3-48
Twp 83
Cr e
e
Riv
Peace
Pa
ts
er
0.25
Shell Canada Limited
Page 3-49
Peace River In Situ Expansion Carmon Creek Project
3.5
Vegetation – Volume IIC
November 2009
Application Case
The Application Case assumes maximum disturbance, in which all aspects of the Project are
constructed and operated concurrently. This conservative approach likely overpredicts Project
impacts, as the footprint will be progressively constructed and reclaimed throughout the life of
the Project.
Residual effects were measured at maximum disturbance in the Application Case and postreclamation at closure, when all mitigation techniques will have been implemented. Potential
Project effects on vegetation indicators were assessed for the Application Case and for closure,
using the criteria of direction, extent, magnitude, duration, frequency, permanence and
confidence, and were given a final impact rating of no impact, negligible, low, medium or high,
as described in Section 3.2.3. Indicators that have residual effects with a final impact rating other
than no impact in the LSA were assessed in the Planned Development Case in the RSA.
3.5.1
3.5.1.1
Surface Disturbance
Potential Project Effects
Vegetation will be directly affected through clearing for Project activities, including the
construction of the CPFs, well pads, plant roads and connector systems. Vegetation species and
communities will be removed or altered during site preparation and construction for the proposed
facilities. The surface area of some plant communities will be reduced, and the surface area of
non-vegetated disturbed lands will increase. The potential area of direct disturbance will be
limited to the footprint.
Surface disturbance could indirectly affect vegetation communities through:
 edge effects
 invasion of plant pathogens, pests and non-native and invasive species
 habitat fragmentation and changes to topography
 soil capability and hydrology
The effects of edge effects and fragmentation on vegetation communities are discussed in detail
in Biodiversity (see Section 5).
3.5.1.2
Mitigation
The Project planning process involved the development of a constraints map to avoid, where
practicable, facility development on or adjacent to certain vegetation indicators such as rare plants
and uncommon wetland classes. This enabled Shell to design the footprint in a way that
minimizes impacts to these indicators. Shell plans to incorporate the following mitigation
measures to reduce Project impacts on the landscape during construction and ongoing operations:
 use previously disturbed areas to reduce the amount of new clearing and avoid
disturbing sensitive vegetation and wetlands
 avoid clearing sensitive vegetation features and avoid clearing within 100 m of
defined waterbodies, where possible
 limit proposed surface areas for Project facilities
 optimize linear corridor widths and, where practicable, accommodate multiple-use
areas such as roads, pipelines and power lines within the same right-of-way (ROW) to
limit surface disturbance
Shell Canada Limited
Page 3-50
Peace River In Situ Expansion Carmon Creek Project
Vegetation – Volume IIC
November 2009
The facilities will be progressively reclaimed throughout the operational life of the Project, which
is about 35 years. Reclamation activities involve recontouring land surfaces, replacing soil and
revegetation. For a more detailed description of reclamation and revegetation activities, see
Section 6: Conceptual Conservation and Reclamation Plan.
The Green Area of the LSA is part of DMI’s Forest Management Agreement (see Volume IID,
Section 5: Land and Resource Use). As part of its ongoing stakeholder engagement, Shell
continues to work with DMI on an integrated land management plan to reduce the cumulative
footprint in forested areas. This will reduce cumulative impacts to upland ecosite phases and old
growth forests.
Rare plant surveys will be conducted to identify species and locations prior to construction. The
following mitigation measures will be implemented to minimize or eliminate impacts on any rare
plants identified in the LSA:
 where practicable, to protect rare plants (as defined by ANHIC), Shell plans to avoid
rare plant areas, collect and sow rare plant seeds or transplant rare plant species to
similar natural areas
 culverts or bridges will be installed where needed to maintain natural drainage
patterns
Planning mitigation techniques for rare plants is species- and site-specific, and cannot be
generalized from life cycles, habitats or plant families (Bush 2001). Determining appropriate
mitigation techniques also depends on:
 rarity of the species
 reason for rarity
 patterns of distribution
 response to disturbance
3.5.1.3
Residual Effects at Application Case and Closure
This section describes, in detail, surface disturbance effects to vegetation and wetland indicators
in the LSA. Vegetation and wetland resources will be directly affected by clearing for the Project.
Table 3.5-1 shows the specific types of clearing in each ecosite phase and AVI land label type.
Table 3.5-2 shows the types of clearing on AWI wetland classes in the LSA. Table 3.5-3
compares the impacts of surface disturbance for the Application Case and closure to the Baseline
Case for ecosite phases and AVI land label types. Table 3.5-4 compares the impacts for AWI
wetland classes.
About 12.3% of upland ecosite phases and 8.0% of wetland ecosite phases will be affected by
surface disturbance in the Application Case (see Table 3.5-3). Upland ecosite phases will be
affected primarily by the clearing of 186.0 ha for facilities (i.e., CPFs, river source water station),
and of this, ecosite phase d2 (161.0 ha) will be most affected (see Table 3.5-1). Clearing for well
pads will affect 183.0 ha of upland ecosite phases and clearing for borrow pits will affect
157.8 ha. Most of this clearing will occur on ecosite phase d2 (see Figure 3.5-1). The area of
clearing varies considerably among upland ecosite phases, but the percentage of the cleared land
is less variable, ranging from 0% in ecosite phases b3, e1 and f3 to about 16.1% in ecosite phase
d2 (see Table 3.5-3).