Click here to download a PDF version of the below information

Why do Conservation Authorities including NPCA generate floodplain mapping?

Floodplain mapping and floodplain management is a fundamental responsibility of Conservation Authorities.  This responsibility was assigned to Conservation Authorities by the Province of Ontario following the devastating property damage and loss of life that occurred from Hurricane Hazel in 1954. The Provincial government had the foresight to enact legislation to manage building activities within floodplain lands to protect the public from avoidable loss of property and life.

What does a 100 Year Flood line represent?

The 100 Year Flood line represents the extent of flooding that would occur from a storm event that has a 1% probability of occurring in any year (i.e. 1 in 100 years). This is the minimum standard in Ontario.  It is important to note that some jurisdictions in Ontario use a larger storm event.

Why is it necessary to update floodplain mapping and when did NPCA begin working on this?

The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority is constantly updating floodplain mapping to reflect changes in bridges, culverts, land development and other modifications within the landscape that may have an effect on the extent of the floodplain.

In 2009, as part of the NPCA’s capital floodplain mapping update program, the Authority contracted a firm specializing in complex floodplain modelling to re-analyze and remap the floodplain of the Central Welland River extending from the new siphon under the Welland Shipping Canal in Welland to Port Davidson in West Lincoln.  Following this, work on the Upper Welland River extending from Port Davidson in West Lincoln to Westbrook Road in the City of Hamilton, and on the Lower Welland River extending from the Niagara River to the new siphon began and is nearing completion.

Why are the new 100 year flood lines on the Welland River different from the old ones?

Comprehensive floodplain mapping for the Welland River was first completed in 1985.  Over the last quarter century real time data has been compiled and in the last decade, computer modelling has become more capable at simulating complex flow conditions like those that exist in the Welland River.

What physical attributes are considered in developing floodplain mapping?

Topography, structures across the waterway (i.e. bridges, culverts, etc.), rainfall, soils and land use are all considered.

What is the status of the new flood lines?

At the January 18^th, 2012 meeting of the Board of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, a decision was made to suspend implementation of the new flood lines until further notice.

How will the public be notified as to when the new flood lines come into effect?

A Committee comprised of Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority Board members will oversee the timelines and process for implementation of the new flood lines.  The process will occur before the new flood lines come into effect and will include among other things, Public Open Houses across the watershed.

Why is there no public input before flood lines are modelled and mapped?

Determining flood lines is an engineering exercise that requires knowledge and expertise of scientific principles in hydrology and hydraulics.   These lines cannot be arbitrarily assigned or altered.  Holding public meetings would not change the scientific outcome of the modelling.

What can I do in the 100 year floodplain?

As outlined in the NPCA Policy the following activities are permissible within the Regulatory Floodplain:

• Reconstruction or minor additions to  existing residential dwellings and commercial buildings
  • Additions or extensions, including new structures, to existing primary agricultural operations that are designed to not incur significant damages or pollute watercourses during a 100 year flood event.
• Open space uses, public and private recreational areas (i.e. boat dock, picnic pavilion)
• In ground swimming pools designed with hydrostatic pressure relief and provided excavated     material is not placed in the floodplain
  • Parking lots, driveways, access roads subject to certain flow/depth criteria 
  • Public infrastructure/utilities
  • Other uses not likely to incur or create damage from floodwaters
  • Works in accordance with any special transitional polices as may be adopted by the Board.

Why can’t I simply place earth fill or retaining walls to raise my land above the floodplain?

In Ontario, a prudent long term preventative approach which limits impacts to floodplains is mandated by the Province. When a floodplain is filled at one location, the water is displaced in a way that other lands outside the floodplain will then be flooded. This is problematic for both public safety and property damage.

Does an increase in floodplain area diminish the development potential of my property?

While there is a possibility that this might be the case, each property is different and is dealt with on a case by case basis.   Properties that lie adjacent to rivers are often already subject to restrictions due to slope stability setbacks, wetland setbacks, septic bed requirements, municipal zoning restriction and agricultural setbacks.  Conservation Authority staff work with watershed Municipal officials in an effort to accommodate proposals wherever possible.

Useful Links:

Ministry of Natural Resources: Understanding Natural Hazards (2 part PDF link):

http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Water/Publication/MNR_E002317P.html

Conservation Ontario: Protecting People And Property:

http://www.conservation-ontario.on.ca/projects/floodstatus/pdf/Protecting%20People%20and%20Property%20_Full_Final%20Report_%202009.pdf

NPCA Policy Document:

http://www.npca.ca/wp-content/uploads/Development_LandUsePolicy_Oct2011.pdf

Related Legislation:

http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Water/2ColumnSubPage/STEL02_163602.html

For Further Information:

John Kukalis, Director, Water Management
Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority
250 Thorold Rd. W.; 3^rd Floor
Welland, On L3C 3W2
905-788-3135
Email: jkukalis@npca.ca

Issued: February 17, 2012

As a result the annual ‘Hard Water Derby’ scheduled for Sunday February 12^th has been cancelled.   This decision also includes the alternate date of February 19^th.

Staff will continue to monitor conditions regularly and provide updates as necessary.  The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority reminds all visitors to be aware of the existing water level conditions around all watercourses including creeks and streams.   Conditions on the reservoir may change without warning due to weather conditions or reservoir operations.  For information and ongoing conditions visit the Binbrook page.

Avid Anglers are encouraged to look forward to the upcoming Spring Crappie Derby which will be held in early May 2012.  Watch for more news on this event.

For more information, contact:
Gregg Furtney, Superintendent, Binbrook Conservation Area 905-692-3228

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  January 23, 2012

The purpose of this release is to advise the public of a revised implementation schedule for updating the regulatory flood levels for the Welland River.

Floodplain mapping for the Welland River was last completed over a quarter century ago in 1985.  In 2010, as part of its ongoing floodplain mapping updates, the Authority began the process of reanalyzing and remapping the floodplain. Due to the complexity of the system the work was undertaken by a consulting engineering firm with specialized expertise in modelling tools used for non-standard systems. The first section of remapping to be completed was that portion extending from the new siphon in the City of Welland to Port Davidson in West Lincoln, and referred to as the “central” reach.  These new levels were available in the spring of 2011 and included in Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s online public GIS tool that was released in March of 2011.

In response to a number of public inquiries, at the January 18, 2012 meeting of the NPCA Board, in accordance with the recommendations from NPCA staff, the decision was made to downgrade the status of the new 2011 Central Welland River flood lines to that of “advisory”.  Simply put, this means that for Regulatory/Permitting purposes the previous flood lines that have been in effect since 1985 will continue to be used. In addition, the NPCA Board established a Working Committee comprised of Board Members and Staff to develop a process for implementing new Regulatory levels for the entire Welland River when they are available.  In this regard, we do not expect any new information until the end of June, at which time we will provide further information to affected residents.

Tony D’Amario, CAO explains: “we met with residents to discuss expressed concerns and as a result will be reviewing some of the information that was brought to light from these discussions.  We do not believe that levels on the main Welland River are significantly affected, but are recommending that for the time being, the status of the new levels for the Central Welland River project area be downgraded to that of “tentative” at this time.  Staff have met with the prime engineering consultant and asked that they conduct alternate simplified analyses on certain areas of the system.  This additional work should validate the existing and complex dynamic model that has been developed.  We believe that given the extent of the variances from the old to new levels, and the concerns expressed by residents, that this additional check is warranted before moving forward with implementation.”

In the interim, individuals wishing to construct in the now tentative floodplain expansion area are being advised of the pending levels and that they should consider undertaking flood proofing measures in accordance with the appended draft policy.

In conclusion, Mr. D’Amario acknowledges, “from a public safety perspective, flood risk is a key mandate of the NPCA and therefore, requiring all building in the tentative expansion area to undertake flood proofing would be preferable. I would like to reassure residents that the Authority is aware of its responsibility to protect the public from flood hazards while balancing this in a manner that does not put unnecessary/ undue hardship upon individuals.”

Contact: Tony D’Amario, CAO, Secretary-Treasurer 905-788-3135 ext. 251

Central Welland River Floodplain Mapping and Report

In 2007, as part of the Provincial Government’s Open for Business initiative, the Province established the Conservation Authority Liaison Committee (CALC). The CALC included representation from the building industry, agricultural organizations, municipalities, and environmental organizations.

Due to feedback through CALC, it became evident to the Provincial government that amendments to both the Conservation Authorities Act and the Section 28 Regulations were required so Conservation Authorities would be better able to serve their clients more efficiently.

The next step in this reform process is for each Authority to draft conforming amendments. In the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s case, this means an update to its own Section 28 Regulation, being Ontario Regulation 155/06.

It is important to note that these amendments are intended to be of an administrative and housekeeping nature and do not expand any regulatory authority or jurisdictional area of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA).

The proposed Regulations Update is available for public review Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. until October 28, 2011 at the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority Administration office located at 250 Thorold Road West, 3rd Floor, Welland, ON L3C 3W2. You may also view or download the document online here:

Proposed Regulations Update

Invitation to Comment on the Proposed Regulations Update

If you or your organization have any comments you would like to make on the proposed Regulations Update, please submit them in writing no later than 4:30 p.m., October 28, 2011 to:

Mr. John Kukalis, Director, Water Management
Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority
250 Thorold Road West
Welland, ON L3C 3W2
email: jkukalis@npca.ca

Information about Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS), a synthetic (man-made) chemical substance.

What is PFOS?

Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) is a synthetic (man-­made) chemical substance belonging to a large family of compounds known as perfluorinated chemicals. It is very stable and does not readily break-­down, remaining in the environment for quite some time. In 2009, PFOS was added to a list of Persistent Organic Pollutants or POPs, by the Stockholm Convention. The primary supplier of PFOS in North America voluntarily phased out production in 2002. Imports to Canada effectively ceased.

Where did it come from?

A key ingredient in Scotchgard, the 3M-­made fabric protector, PFOS has been part of consumer culture for over 40 years, valued for its ability to protect materials from stains because it repels both water and oil. It is widely used in a variety of industrial and consumer products, such as semi-­conductors, fire extinguishing foams and wrapping for microwave popcorn and other food products.
Extremely resistant to environmental breakdown, PFOS is a contaminant that can be found everywhere including polar bears in the Arctic, seals and otters in California, albatross in the mid-­Pacific, and people world-­wide.

How long has it been a problem at Binbrook?

Nobody knows for sure. We do know that it has been in the environment long enough that it is present in the aquatic food chain in the reservoir. Samples of turtles and fish, taken in 2009 and 2010 show that PFOS is present in the plasma or blood.

How does it get into the fish?

Organisms living in the water would feed on material containing PFOS. To a lesser extent, they would have absorbed the material through respiration. Once in the organism, PFOS collects or “bioaccumulates” in the organism. This means that the concentration of PFOS in the organism is higher than the level of PFOS in its surrounding environment.
The fish in the reservoir feed on these organisms and in turn, absorb the PFOS.

Will it affect other animals?

Other animals can absorb PFOS by feeding on aquatic organisms in the reservoir that have already accumulated the chemical. To date, there have not been any tests to determine if this is a concern.

How does it get into people?

Humans can be exposed to PFOS through the food they eat, the air they breathe or materials in their surrounding environment. PFOS is detected in the blood serum of almost all people in the United States.

Is it safe to eat the fish?

The Ministry of the Environment tests fish across the Province of Ontario in order to develop guidelines for consumption. Fish are sampled for mercury, lead, copper, zinc, Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), Dioxins, DDT and other contaminants including PFOS.
Tests of fish in the Binbrook Reservoir revealed the presence of PFOS. After reviewing the findings, the MOE changed the consumption guidelines. People consuming fish should be referring to the guide for fish species, size and recommended number of meals.

Is the water safe for swimming?

The primary means of exposure to PFOS is through the food and drinks you consume. Risk of contact through the skin is considered low. In spite of this, the NPCA is working in cooperation with the Hamilton Health Unit to test the swimming beach at Binbrook Conservation Area. The results will tell us if PFOS is in the water and if there is a risk.

Will my children be safe playing on the splash-­pad?

The water for the splash-­pad is tested for PFOS and treated for bacteriological contamination. The recirculating system at Binbrook ensures that the water used is always clean and safe.

Will visiting Binbrook Conservation Area put my family at risk of contacting PFOS?

Visiting Binbrook Conservation Area does not put you at a higher risk of contacting PFOS.
PFOS is in many of the products that surround us in our daily lives. Although the manufacture and importation of this material is banned in Canada, PFOS was used in many products over the past 50 years as a treatment for fabrics, papers and electronic devices.
The Hamilton Public Health Services has consulted toxicologists and believes that the levels of PFOS found in the Binbrook Reservoir fish and sediments do not represent a further risk to public health beyond fish consumption restrictions.

What is the NPCA doing to keep me and my family safe?

The NPCA is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for visitors to the Binbrook Conservation Area. We will be working in partnership with the Ministry of the Environment and the Hamilton Health Unit to monitor the water and wildlife at the park. As new information is available, it will be communicated to our visitors through staff at the front gate, media releases and on our website www.npca.ca

Where can I learn more about PFOS?

The internet has a number of websites with information on Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS). We recommend that you to consult three of the main scientific resources listed below.
The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants -­ http://chm.pops.int/default.aspx

Health Canada -­ http://www.hc-­sc.gc.ca/ewh-­semt/pubs/contaminants/perflurooctane_sulfonate-­eng.php#a4
Guide to Eating Ontario Sport Fish -­ http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/environment/en/resources/collection/guide_to_eating_ontario_sport_fish/STDPROD_ 075994.html

What
is
PFOS?
Perfluorooctane
Sulfonate
(PFOS)
is
a
synthetic
(man-­‐made)
chemical
substance
belonging
to
a
large
family
of
compounds
known
as
perfluorinated
chemicals.
It
is
very
stable
and
does
not
readily
break-­‐down,
remaining
in
the
environment
for
quite
some
time.
In
2009,
PFOS
was
added
to
a
list
of
Persistent
Organic
Pollutants
or
POPs,
by
the
Stockholm
Convention.
The
primary
supplier
of
PFOS
in
North
America
voluntarily
phased
out
production
in
2002.
Imports
to
Canada
effectively
ceased.
Where
did
it
come
from?
A
key
ingredient
in
Scotchgard,
the
3M-­‐made
fabric
protector,
PFOS
has
been
part
of
consumer
culture
for
over
40
years,
valued
for
its
ability
to
protect
materials
from
stains
because
it
repels
both
water
and
oil.
It
is
widely
used
in
a
variety
of
industrial
and
consumer
products,
such
as
semi-­‐conductors,
fire
extinguishing
foams
and
wrapping
for
microwave
popcorn
and
other
food
products.
Extremely
resistant
to
environmental
breakdown,
PFOS
is
a
contaminant
that
can
be
found
everywhere
including
polar
bears
in
the
Arctic,
seals
and
otters
in
California,
albatross
in
the
mid-­‐Pacific,
and
people
world-­‐wide.
How
long
has
it
been
a
problem
at
Binbrook?
Nobody
knows
for
sure.
We
do
know
that
it
has
been
in
the
environment
long
enough
that
it
is
present
in
the
aquatic
food
chain
in
the
reservoir.
Samples
of
turtles
and
fish,
taken
in
2009
and
2010
show
that
PFOS
is
present
in
the
plasma
or
blood.
How
does
it
get
into
the
fish?
Organisms
living
in
the
water
would
feed
on
material
containing
PFOS.
To
a
lesser
extent,
they
would
have
absorbed
the
material
through
respiration.
Once
in
the
organism,
PFOS
collects
or
“bioaccumulates”
in
the
organism.
This
means
that
the
concentration
of
PFOS
in
the
organism
is
higher
than
the
level
of
PFOS
in
its
surrounding
environment.
The
fish
in
the
reservoir
feed
on
these
organisms
and
in
turn,
absorb
the
PFOS.
Will
it
affect
other
animals?
Other
animals
can
absorb
PFOS
by
feeding
on
aquatic
organisms
in
the
reservoir
that
have
already
accumulated
the
chemical.
To
date,
there
have
not
been
any
tests
to
determine
if
this
is
a
concern.
How
does
it
get
into
people?
Humans
can
be
exposed
to
PFOS
through
the
food
they
eat,
the
air
they
breathe
or
materials
in
their
surrounding
environment.
PFOS
is
detected
in
the
blood
serum
of
almost
all
people
in
the
United
States.
Is
it
safe
to
eat
the
fish?
The
Ministry
of
the
Environment
tests
fish
across
the
Province
of
Ontario
in
order
to
develop
guidelines
for
consumption.
Fish
are
sampled
for
mercury,
lead,
copper,
zinc,
Polychlorinated
biphenyls
(PCBs),
Dioxins,
DDT
and
other
contaminants
including
PFOS.
Tests
of
fish
in
the
Binbrook
Reservoir
revealed
the
presence
of
PFOS.
After
reviewing
the
findings,
the
MOE
changed
the
consumption
guidelines.
People
consuming
fish
should
be
referring
to
the
guide
for
fish
species,
size
and
recommended
number
of
meals.
Is
the
water
safe
for
swimming?
The
primary
means
of
exposure
to
PFOS
is
through
the
food
and
drinks
you
consume.
Risk
of
contact
through
the
skin
is
considered
low.
In
spite
of
this,
the
NPCA
is
working
in
cooperation
with
the
Hamilton
Health
Unit
to
test
the
swimming
beach
at
Binbrook
Conservation
Area.
The
results
will
tell
us
if
PFOS
is
in
the
water
and
if
there
is
a
risk.
Will
my
children
be
safe
playing
on
the
splash-­‐pad?
The
water
for
the
splash-­‐pad
is
tested
for
PFOS
and
treated
for
bacteriological
contamination.
The
recirculating
system
at
Binbrook
ensures
that
the
water
used
is
always
clean
and
safe.
Will
visiting
Binbrook
Conservation
Area
put
my
family
at
risk
of
contacting
PFOS?
Visiting
Binbrook
Conservation
Area
does
not
put
you
at
a
higher
risk
of
contacting
PFOS.
PFOS
is
in
many
of
the
products
that
surround
us
in
our
daily
lives.
Although
the
manufacture
and
importation
of
this
material
is
banned
in
Canada,
PFOS
was
used
in
many
products
over
the
past
50
years
as
a
treatment
for
fabrics,
papers
and
electronic
devices.
The
Hamilton
Public
Health
Services
has
consulted
toxicologists
and
believes
that
the
levels
of
PFOS
found
in
the
Binbrook
Reservoir
fish
and
sediments
do
not
represent
a
further
risk
to
public
health
beyond
fish
consumption
restrictions.
What
is
the
NPCA
doing
to
keep
me
and
my
family
safe?
The
NPCA
is
committed
to
providing
a
safe
and
healthy
environment
for
visitors
to
the
Binbrook
Conservation
Area.
We
will
be
working
in
partnership
with
the
Ministry
of
the
Environment
and
the
Hamilton
Health
Unit
to
monitor
the
water
and
wildlife
at
the
park.
As
new
information
is
available,
it
will
be
communicated
to
our
visitors
through
staff
at
the
front
gate,
media
releases
and
on
our
website
www.npca.ca
Where
can
I
learn
more
about
PFOS?
The
internet
has
a
number
of
websites
with
information
on
Perfluorooctane
Sulfonate
(PFOS).
We
recommend
that
you
to
consult
three
of
the
main
scientific
resources
listed
below.
The
Stockholm
Convention
on
Persistent
Organic
Pollutants
-­‐

http://chm.pops.int/default.aspx

Health
Canada
-­‐

http://www.hc-­‐sc.gc.ca/ewh-­‐semt/pubs/contaminants/perflurooctane_sulfonate-­‐eng.php#a4

Guide
to
Eating
Ontario
Sport
Fish
-­‐

http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/environment/en/resources/collection/guide_to_eating_ontario_sport_fish/STDPROD_

075994.html