Thompson Creek Flood Study Report - City of Peterborough

Thompson Creek Detailed Flood Reduction Study
City of Peterborough
These have examined the constraints which the existing drainage systems place on
future development and have proposed conceptual stormwater management plans to
address these issues. In each case, these recommendations will address future
development concerns but not necessarily existing concerns. The present study provides
a watershed-wide examination of the existing and potential problems to develop an
integrated plan for flood damage reduction.
The study was designed to potentially address two types of flooding situations which
may have occurred in the past or may occur in the future. The first of these is water
course related, i.e. inadequacies in the capacity of the creek channel or culvert crossings
which cause flooding to adjacent areas. The second type is more localized flooding
resulting from inadequacies in the storm sewer systems or local roadways/ditches, i.e.
lack of capacity for relatively frequent events. Both types of flooding were investigated
during the study and appropriate solutions are recommended where appropriate.
As required by the Terms of Reference (see Appendix A), the study was conducted
within the framework of a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment. This was
appropriate not only because it provides a basis for approvals for any specific
recommended projects but also because it addresses the problem in a multi-objective,
ecosystem based way. This provides opportunities to not only avoid potential
environmental impacts but to develop projects which integrate environmental
restoration and enhancement. Examples could include the use of “natural channel
design” where channel improvements are recommended, the provision of fish passage
where culvert improvements/enlargements are required and use of artificial wetlands to
provide runoff storage.
Marshall Macklin Monaghan Ltd was authorized by the City of Peterborough on
March 21, 2006 to complete a Detailed Flood Reduction Study for Thompson Creek
based upon the Terms of Reference contained in Appendix A. This document describes
the investigations completed to assess flood vulnerability within the Thompson Creek
study area and the recommended measures required to improve the level of flood
protection afforded to the citizen’s of the area. As noted, the project was based upon
detailed technical studies and consultation with the public, relevant agencies and other
stakeholders through the Class Environmental Assessment process.
1.2 CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PROCESS
This report has been prepared within the framework of the Class Environmental
Assessment according to the Municipal Engineers Association (MEA) Municipal Class
Environmental Assessment (June 2000). The Class EA document has been accepted
and approved under the Environmental Assessment Act. The Municipal Class EA
process is generally undertaken in five phases (see Figure 1.2) as follows:
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