Municipal Class Environmental Assessment study for Snow Storage Sites
Background
Peel Region has completed a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) to evaluate snow storage opportunities at selected Peel Region (and one Town of Caledon) owned properties. The snow storage sites identified will provide near and long-term snow storage solutions that are environmentally sound and acceptable for the Region and its area municipalities. Facility design and construction of preferred snow storage facilities is to be determined by the Region on an individual basis.
Process
Snow storage facilities are “Schedule A” or pre-approved projects in accordance with the Municipal Engineers Association (MEA) Class EA document (as amended in 2015). The Region has elected to follow a process similar to the Schedule B Municipal Class EA planning framework for this study to allow for the evaluation of snow storage siting opportunities in consultation with key stakeholders, regulatory agencies, and the public.
Study reports
- Project File Report
- Appendix A – High-level Traffic Impact Assessment Technical Memorandum
- Appendix B – Hydrogeological, Geotechnical and Contaminated Sites Assessment Report and Memorandum
- Appendix C – Natural Environment Report and Memorandum
- Appendix D – Fluvial Geomorphological Assessment Report and Memorandum
- Appendix E – Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment Reports
- Appendix F – Cultural Heritage Report: Existing Conditions and Preliminary Impact Assessment
- Appendix G – Conceptual Snow Storage Facilities and Stormwater Management Servicing Approach Technical Memorandum
- Appendix H – Public Consultation Record
- Appendix I – Agency and Stakeholder Consultation Record
- Appendix J – Indigenous Communities Consultation Record
The Need for Snow Storage
Over the course of a snowy winter, snow accumulates on the side of the road as plows clear the snow off the roadways. As the banks get higher, too much snow can become a safety issue by obstructing driver views and hindering pedestrian passage. In recent years, infrastructure updates to improve walkability, cycling and other modes of travel have reduced the areas where snow can be placed within built environments.
Road Operations monitors snow accumulations and periodically removes the snow piles from the boulevard storage areas. The removed snow needs to be taken somewhere to melt in an environmentally responsible way as it may contain road contaminants such as salt, oil, grease, garbage and heavy metals.
Identifying appropriate snow storage sites has become an increasing challenge due to population growth and environmental disposal concerns. This issue may worsen due to the impacts of climate change. Many of the traditional locations used for storing snow are becoming unavailable or inappropriate for use.
Strategically placed and well-designed snow disposal facilities are required in order to effectively store and manage the melt of the snow while mitigating against undesirable environmental and operational impacts.
What are the Potential Snow Storage Sites being considered?
Potential Snow Storage Sites are screened and evaluated through the MCEA process. This is summarized in the screening table. The potential snow storage sites that are proposed to be carried forward to design and construction at this time are illustrated in the Site Locations map.
| Site | Location | Municipality |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Highway No. 50 Carpool Lot | Caledon |
| 2 | West Brampton Reservoir and Pumping Station | Brampton |
| 3 | Johnston Sports Park | Caledon |
| 4 | Tullamore Reservoir and Pumping Station | Caledon |
| 5 | Alloa Reservoir and Pumping Station | Caledon |
| 6 | 7120 Hurontario Street | Mississauga |
| 7 | Brampton | |
| 8 | Caledon |
One virtual Public Information Centre (PIC) was to present the findings of the MCEA study and provide opportunities to give feedback to the project team. The PIC is a narrated video which presents the snow storage sites considered, including the sites recommended to move forward to design and construction. The study is now complete and results are being published in a Project File Report and made available for public review and comment. Facility design and construction of preferred snow storage facilities is to be determined by the Region on an individual basis.
Region of Peel:
Syeda Banuri, M.Eng., P.Eng.
Program Manager, Infrastructure Programming and Studies
Transportation, Public Works
10 Peel Centre Dr., Suite B, 4th Floor, Brampton, ON L6T 4B9
AECOM:
Bill Trenouth, Ph.D., P.Eng., PMP
Water Resources Engineer, Water
AECOM, Citi Plaza, 250 York Street Suite 410, London, ON N6A 6K2