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January 2009

Environmental Impact Statement for the Lower Churchill Hydroelectric Generation Project

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Regional Ecological Land Classification

REGIONAL ECOLOGICAL LAND CLASSIFICATION

ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE REPORT LCP 535722

FINAL REPORT

July 11, 2008

Prepared by Minaskuat Inc. for

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro

Lower Churchill Hydroelectric Generation Project

MIN0315.03 • Regional ELC EBR - Final • July 11, 2008 Page i © Minaskuat Inc. 2008

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

An Ecological Land Classification (ELC) was developed for a region of southern Labrador that encompasses the proposed Lower Churchill Hydroelectric Generation Project (the Project). An ELC describes and interprets key dimensions of terrestrial ecosystems (forests and wetlands) such that the interactions among landforms, soil, water, climate, fauna and human activities can be better understood. In the context of the proposed Project, this Project Region ELC is an important tool for examining the interactions between the Project and the surrounding physical environment by interpreting key issues that may result from the project in the context of the ecosystem properties identified through the ELC process.

Using existing data sources, this ELC was developed at a scale that incorporates three hierarchical levels of generalization, ranging from general to more detailed, covering an area of approximately 16 million ha. Ecozones are at the top of this hierarchy and are defined on the basis of generalized characteristics and global and continental climate. Two Ecozones occur in the Project Region; the Eastern Taiga Ecozone and the Boreal Shield Ecozone. More than 75 percent of the Project Region falls within the Eastern Taiga Ecozone, which is characterized by cool temperatures, a short growing season, thin, acidic soils and open forests dominated by a few highly adapted species such as black spruce (Picea mariana).

The Project Region was further described in terms of Ecoregions and Ecodistricts. Ecoregions, as sub-units of the Ecozones, are characterized on the basis of regional climate, soils and vegetation. These units were further subdivided into Ecodistricts on the basis of geology, geomorphology and regional vegetation.

Sixteen Ecoregions and sixty-five Ecodistricts were delineated using existing data sources; attributes of these units were updated using forest cover and soil data. Detailed attributes of all Ecodistricts and maps of their extent and distribution are presented in this report. Coniferous forest covers almost half of the Project Region (49 percent), a vast majority of which is classified as either ‘open’ or ‘sparse’. Shrubs and other herbaceous cover are the next most dominant land covers. Water and wetlands occur on 16.2 and 6.7 percent of the Project Region, respectively. Podzols and organic soils are the two most dominant soil types in the Project Region. Podzolic soils have developed from the acid parent material, usually consisting of glacial and alluvial till (predominantly sand and gravel). These soils are typical of the boreal and sub-Arctic regions of Canada. Podzols cover approximately 66 percent of the Project Region. Organic soils are those developed in areas of poor drainage, where organic matter (most typically Sphagnum moss) accumulates more rapidly than it decomposes. Fifteen percent of the Project Region consists of rock and other unconsolidated material, not classified as soil.

The extent and distribution of Ecozones, regions and districts, as well as their various attributes, are presented in various map products that form part of a GIS database for the Project Region. This Project Region ELC is complemented by a more detailed Project Area ELC, which will facilitate a detailed examination of the interactions between the Project and the physical environment.


MIN0315.03 • Regional ELC EBR - Final • July 11, 2008 Page ii © Minaskuat Inc. 2008

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page No.

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

1.1 Lower Churchill Hydroelectric Generation Project ................................................................ 1-1

1.2 Report Study ........................................................................................................................ 1-2

2.0 STUDY TEAM ......................................................................................................................... 2-1

3.0 SUMMARY OF STUDY OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE .............................................................. 3-1

4.0 DESCRIPTION OF ECOLOGICAL LAND CLASSIFICATION ................................................ 4-1

4.1 Ecological Land Classification in Canada ............................................................................. 4-1

4.2 Ecological Land Classification Framework: Ecozones .......................................................... 4-1

4.3 Ecological Land Classification Framework: Ecoregions and Ecodistricts .............................. 4-3

5.0 METHODS ............................................................................................................................... 5-1

5.1 Defining the Boundaries of the Regional ELC ...................................................................... 5-1

5.2 Sources of Data ................................................................................................................... 5-1

5.2.1 Ecological Land Classification for Labrador .................................................................. 5-1

5.2.2 Land Cover .................................................................................................................. 5-2

5.2.3 Soil Landscapes of Canada .......................................................................................... 5-2

5.2.4 Ground-truthing ............................................................................................................ 5-2

5.2.5 Data Analysis and Mapping .......................................................................................... 5-3

6.0 RESULTS ................................................................................................................................ 6-1

6.1 Land Cover .......................................................................................................................... 6-1

6.2 Soils ..................................................................................................................................... 6-2

6.3 Ecological Land Classification .............................................................................................. 6-5

6.4 Conclusion ......................................................................................................................... 6-15

7.0 REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................ 7-1

7.1 Literature Cited .................................................................................................................... 7-1

7.2 Websites .............................................................................................................................. 7-1

8.0 GLOSSARY AND ACRONYMS .............................................................................................. 8-1


MIN0315.03 • Regional ELC EBR - Final • July 11, 2008 Page iii © Minaskuat Inc. 2008

LIST OF TABLES

Page No.

Table 2-1 Study Team - Regional Ecological Land Classification ................................................. 2-1

Table 6-1 Land Cover Type, Description and Extent .................................................................... 6-1

Table 6-2 Occurrence, Texture and Extent of the Principal Soil Types Found in the Project Region.......................................................................................................................... 6-5

Table 6-3 Detailed Descriptions of Ecoregions and Ecodistricts ................................................... 6-6

Table 6-4 Intersection between the Main Project Elements (reservoir and transmission lines) and the Ten Ecodistricts ............................................................................................. 6-15

LIST OF FIGURES

Page No.

Figure 4-1 Ecozones of Atlantic Canada and the Project Region ................................................... 4-2

Figure 4-2 Generalized Structure of the Regional Ecological Land Classification .......................... 4-3

Figure 6-1 Original Earth Observation for Sustainable Development Data, Unclassified................ 6-3

Figure 6-2 Distribution of Soil Types .............................................................................................. 6-4

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix A Report Figures


MIN0315.03 • Regional ELC EBR - Final • July 11, 2008 Page 1-1 © Minaskuat Inc. 2008

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro (“Hydro”) is proposing to develop the hydroelectric potential of the lower Churchill River. The lower Churchill River watershed and adjacent watersheds provide year-round, seasonal and other temporary habitat for a variety of wildlife species in central Labrador. Minaskuat Limited Partnership (“Minaskuat”) was retained by Hydro in June 2006 to conduct a Project Regional Ecological Land Classification (ELC). The Project Region ELC will be used to understand processes and relationships that influence the Project environment and will aid in the interpretation of ecological relationships and the potential regional effects of the Project.

1.1 Lower Churchill Hydroelectric Generation Project

The Lower Churchill Hydroelectric Generation Project (the “Project”) will include hydroelectric generating facilities at Gull Island and Muskrat Falls, and interconnecting transmission lines to the existing Labrador grid. The Gull Island facility will consist of a generating station with a capacity of approximately 2,000 MW and include:

• a dam 99 m high and 1,315 m long and

• a reservoir 215 km² in area at an assumed full supply level (fsl) of 125 m above sea level (asl)

The dam will be a concrete faced rockfill dam. The reservoir will be 230 km long, and the area of inundated land will be 85 km² at fsl. The powerhouse will contain four to six Francis turbines.

The Muskrat Falls facility will consist of a generating station that will be approximately 800 MW in capacity and will include:

• a concrete dam with two sections on the north and south abutments of the river and

• a 100 km² reservoir at an assumed fsl of 39 m asl

The north section dam will be 32 m high and 432 m long, while the south section will be 29 m high and 125 m long. The reservoir will be 60 km long and the area of inundated land will be 41 km² at fsl. The powerhouse will contain four to five propeller or Kaplan turbines, or a combination of both.

The interconnecting transmission lines will consist of:

• a 735 kV transmission line between Gull Island and Churchill Falls and

• two 230 kV transmission lines between Muskrat Falls and Gull Island

The 735 kV transmission line will be 203 km long and the 230 kV transmission lines will be 60 km long. Both lines will likely be lattice-type steel structures. The location of the transmission lines will be north of the Churchill River; the final route is the subject of a route selection study that will be included in the environmental assessment. The lines between Muskrat Falls and Gull Island will be combined on double-circuit structures.



The Project design may be refined as Project details become available.

1.2 Report Study

This ELC for the Project Region was undertaken to describe the ecological characteristics of the physical environment of the Project Region, so that interactions between biota, the physical environment and the Project can be assessed within the context of the specific ecology of the area, and the potential effects of the project. An ELC is the most appropriate tool to achieve this perspective and to describe biodiversity and the ecological mosaic of the Project Region. ELC is a hierarchical and holistic approach for describing an area that classifies and integrates a broad range of physical and biotic characteristics into discrete and ecologically unique units. These ecosystem units have relatively uniform species compositions and are influenced by a similar suite of environmental drivers and processes. The baseline data in the ELC contribute to the understanding of how the Project will affect local ecological function.



2.0 STUDY TEAM

The Regional ELC Environmental Baseline Study was conducted by Minaskuat. The Study Team included the component manager, a study lead, lead field observers and Innu field assistants and field data management and reporting personnel (Table 2-1). All team members have in-depth knowledge and experience in their fields of expertise and a broad general knowledge of the work conducted by other experts in related fields. Brief biographical statements, highlighting roles and responsibilities and relevant education and employment experience of the senior team members, are provided below.

Table 2-1 Study Team - Regional Ecological Land Classification

Role Personnel Component Manager Dr. Richard Donald Study Lead Dr. Richard Donald Advisor/Back-up Lead Dr. Shirley McQuaig Scientific Authority Dr. Donald McLennan

Aboriginal Field Assistants

Penute Andrew Don Blake Gary Gregoire Peter McKay Samson Pastiwet Frederick Penashue Apenam Pone Jr. Maxwell Pone Clarence Snow

Richard Donald, Ph.D., is a Soil Scientist and Ecological Land Classification Specialist. Dr. Donald is a terrestrial scientist with over 18 years of experience in terrestrial ecology studies. He coordinated a team of experts in the development of the Regional and Local-area Ecological Land Classifications for the Voisey’s Bay Environmental Impact Statement. Dr. Donald is the Component Manager for the ELC and Terrestrial Flora Component and Study Lead for the ELC Environmental Baseline Studies.

Shirley McCuaig. Ph.D., is a Senior Quaternary Geologist with Jacques Whitford and is an adjunct professor with Memorial University in St. John’s. Prior to joining Jacques Whitford, Dr. McQuaig spent six years completing Quaternary geology investigations in Labrador for the Geological Survey of Newfoundland and Labrador. Over that time, Shirley completed mapping for six 1:50,000 NTS mapsheets in central and southeastern Labrador. Dr. McQuaig was the Advisor to this Environmental Baseline Study and acted as a back-up Study Lead.

Donald McLennan, Ph.D., is an associate of Jacques Whitford. He is developing a national program to measure and report changes in park ecological integrity for all 41 parks in the national system. He has led the ecological inventory for national parks and is in the process of developing standardized approaches for upgrading ecological inventories in national parks. Dr. McLennan is the Scientific Authority for this Environmental Baseline Study.



Field Assistants for the ELC included Penute Andrew, Don Blake, Gary Gregoire, Peter McKay, Samson Pastiwet, Frederick Penashue, Apenam Pone Jr., Maxwell Pone and Clarence Snow. Assistants were selected based on their previous work experiences and proven reliability in the field. Their responsibilities included collection of data and general assistance to the teams.



3.0 SUMMARY OF STUDY OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE

The primary objective of the Ecological Land Classification (ELC) is to gather information and prepare databases and map products that will serve as a basis for understanding ecological relationships at a variety of scales, and to enable a comprehensive analysis of the environmental effects of the Project. The Regional ELC will serve as an integral part of the anticipated environmental assessment and will be the repository biophysical data for the Project. The ELC will be used to provide baseline data and interpretations for a wide variety of disciplines including support for the terrestrial wildlife, historic resources, and socio-economic studies. This Regional ELC, together with the Project Area ELC, are intended to be a fundamental tool for environmental management decisions, including the quantification of effects and the analysis of alternatives.

Because the analysis of interactions between the proposed Project and the physical environment will occur at various levels, from local to regional, one of the prerequisites of an ELC is to describe ecosystems at a level, scale and intensity appropriate to the needs of the Project. This Project Region ELC is meant to describe and interpret the regional-scale terrestrial ecology of the proposed Project, and has been developed largely using existing data, which have been re-analyzed or reinterpreted for this Project. It encompasses an area of approximately 160,000 km2 (16 million ha).

This ELC will be used to provide baseline data and interpretative value for:

• A defensible EIS

• Development of mitigation strategies

• Consideration of environmental factors in operation, planning and future Environmental Effects Monitoring (EEM) and

• Identifying issues related to landform, vegetation and forestry



4.0 DESCRIPTION OF ECOLOGICAL LAND CLASSIFICATION

4.1 Ecological Land Classification in Canada

Marshall and Schutt (1999) describe a hierarchical framework for ELC in Canada. This framework forms the basis of the Regional ELC and provides a consistent, national spatial context within which ecosystems, at various levels of generalization, can be described and monitored. By using this framework, the Regional ELC incorporates a standard methodology for describing ecological units, thereby facilitating comparisons of this Project with ELCs undertaken in other jurisdictions, including others which have been undertaken in Labrador.

The national ecological framework for Canada is a nested hierarchy that describes regional ecological units at multiple scales, in which larger ecological units encompass successively larger ones.

4.2 Ecological Land Classification Framework: Ecozones

At the top of the hierarchy, Ecozones are defined on the basis of generalized characteristics and global and continental climate. There are 15 Ecozones (Natural Resources Canada 2007) delineated for Canada. Two of these Ecozones occur within the Survey Area for the Regional ELC (Environment Canada 2005); namely:

• Eastern Taiga Ecozone. This Ecozone extends across the Canadian sub-Arctic at the northern edge of the boreal coniferous forest. It is the third largest Ecozone in Canada and encompasses an area of approximately 1.3 million km2. In general terms, cool temperatures, a short growing season and thin, acidic soils are the main limitations to plant growth in this Ecozone. The open forests of the Taiga Shield are dominated by a few highly adaptable tree species such as black spruce.

• Boreal Shield Ecozone. This Ecozone extends across six provinces, from Newfoundland to Alberta, encompassing an area of 1.8 million km2, or approximately 20 percent of Canada’s land mass and 10 percent of its fresh water. Similar to the Eastern Taiga Ecozone, cool temperatures, a short growing season and acidic soils limit plant growth. Almost 88 percent of the area in Canada is forested by a few highly adaptable trees, such as black spruce, white spruce and balsam fir. Throughout the Boreal Shield, these forests are mixed with innumerable bogs, marshes and other wetlands.

More than 75 percent of the Project Region ELC falls within the Eastern Taiga Ecozone (Figure 4-1).

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FIGURE 4-1 - Ecozones of Atlantic Canada

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June 11, 2008

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Map FeaturesProject Region

! ! Proposed Transmission LineSurvey Area

Terrestrial EcoZonesAtlantic MaritimeBoreal ShieldMixedwood PlainsEastern Taiga



4.3 Ecological Land Classification Framework: Ecoregions and Ecodistricts

Ecoregions are the next, more detailed classification units in the ecological classification framework. They are defined on the basis of distinctive regional climate, expressed in terms of repeating units of similar soils and vegetation. For practical purposes, they are effectively mapped at a scale of 1:750,000 or less.

Ecodistricts, sub-units of the Ecoregions, are characterized by a pattern of relief, geology, geomorphology and associated regional vegetation. This unit is best mapped at a scale of 1:500,000 or less.

The general structure of the Project Region within the Eastern Taiga Ecozone is shown in Figure 4-2; 14 Ecodistricts have been identified. Two Ecodistricts have been delineated within the Boreal Shield Ecozone. This is further explained in Section 6.0.

Figure 4-2 Generalized Structure of the Regional Ecological Land Classification

LHP Regional ELC

Ecozone: Eastern Taiga

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Ecozone: Boreal Shield

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Ecoregion: Paradise River

Ecoregion: Lake Melville



5.0 METHODS

5.1 Defining the Boundaries of the Regional ELC

The boundaries of the Regional ELC, along with water bodies and the proposed principal Project components, are shown in Appendix A (Figure A-1). The boundaries of the Project Region were selected using the following criteria:

• encompass all existing and proposed Churchill River developments within Labrador

• accommodate any future transmission lines that may be developed eastward towards the Strait of Belle Isle

• include habitat of key species which could potentially interact with the proposed development

• accommodate the routes and habitat of major migratory species and

• encompass key areas used for resource harvesting, recreation and cultural activities

In setting the boundaries for the project area existing developments included the Churchill Falls Power Station and associated power lines, the Trans Labrador Highway, and military activities at the 5 Wing Air Base. Key species for habitat consideration included major ungulates such as caribou and moose, key predators such as black bear and raptors, economically important species such as furbearers, migratory species, songbirds and songbird guilds, and species of conservation concern such as the Red Wine Mountain Caribou Herd and Harlequin Duck. The size of the regional project areas also includes key areas for resource harvesting (primarily forestry operations), as well as recreation and cultural activities.

The entire study for the Project Region ELC, including major water features and Project components, is shown in Appendix A (Figure A-1). The Project Region is bounded by the southern, western and northwestern borders by Labrador and Quebec, in the east by the coast of the Strait of Belle Isle and in the north by a line drawn taking into account the criteria mentioned above. A more detailed map of the proposed Project components is shown in Appendix A (Figure A-2).

5.2 Sources of Data

Digital planimetric data from the 1:250,000 scale National Topographic System (NTS) Database were used to compile base mapping for the Project Region ELC. Complete NTS coverage for Labrador was acquired and then clipped specifically to the Project Region boundary for mapping purposes.

5.2.1 Ecological Land Classification for Labrador

The basis of this Project Region ELC was the classification for Labrador developed by Lopoukhine et al. (1977). The Lopoukhine et al. (1977) ELC was mapped at a scale of 1: 1,000,000 using ground observations and Landsat imagery. This classification was undertaken to a level of Ecoregions and



Ecodistricts. Since a digital version of this ELC is not available, the polygons (Ecoregions and Ecodistricts) of the Lopoukhine et al. (1977) ELC were digitized into a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment and then clipped specifically to the Project Region boundary for further spatial analysis.

5.2.2 Land Cover

The Lopoukhine et al. (1977) ELC was augmented and updated using more recently-acquired data. Several Earth Observation for Sustainable Development (EOSD) of Forests tiles were acquired from the Canadian Forest Service (CFS (2007)) to cover the complete Project Region boundary. The EOSD data are compiled by the CFS, in conjunction with the Canadian Space Agency, using Landsat-7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) imager with the help of a nationally consistent ortho-rectified image data set. The Landsat 30-m spatial resolution imagery is processed and classified by forest type using a series of well-documented masking, clustering and classification techniques to produce the available EOSD product. The final EOSD dataset has a spatial resolution of 25 m; a scale which will provide an excellent level of detail for analyzing the interaction of key ecological values in the project regional ecosystem. This level of detail is much higher that that originally proposed.

To facilitate interpretation of the EOSD vegetation cover across the large Project Region area, the dataset was reduced to 17 broad land-cover classes and generalized in a GIS environment using various mathematical functions to weight majority ecological land class trends. The final product had a spatial resolution of 100 m. A spatial analysis of the generalized vegetation cover was then performed at a scale of 1:250,000 and used to update the Lopoukhine et al. (1977) ELC.

5.2.3 Soil Landscapes of Canada

Data on soil types were acquired from Soil Landscapes of Canada (SLC) database (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC 2006)). Soil polygons were superimposed upon the Ecodistrict polygons and the occurrence of soil types within Ecodistricts was determined through GIS spatial analysis.

5.2.4 Ground-truthing

An extensive field program was undertaken in 2006, in support of the development of a detailed Project Area ELC. This field program involved the collection of, amongst other data, geomorphology and vegetation cover, predominantly within the vicinity of the major proposed Project elements. These data were used to validate the vegetation, soil and geomorphological attributes of the Project Region ELC for the area intersected with the Project Area ELC. In some cases, this resulted in further alterations in the boundaries of the ELC polygons. A detailed description of this field program, including the location of sampling points, protocols, identification procedures, analyses as well as duration of the sampling program is provided in the Project Area ELC Report (Minaskuat Inc. 2007).



5.2.5 Data Analysis and Mapping

All data associated with the Ecoregion and Ecodistrict polygons were digitized, managed and spatially analyzed within the GIS environment using ESRI’s (Environmental Systems Research Institute) ArcGIS 9.1 Suite. Hardcopy mapping was produced at a scale of 1:250,000 for manual interpretation and further analysis of ELC boundaries. Delivered mapping products have been compiled at a scale appropriate to the level of detail of the data.



6.0 RESULTS

6.1 Land Cover

Twenty-two land cover classes were defined from the EOSD data for the Project Region. These classes are shown in Table 6-1, together with a description of the cover type, the percentage of the Project Region occupied by that type and the area of coverage.

Table 6-1 Land Cover Type, Description and Extent

Cover Description % of Project Region

Area (km²)

Water/Snow/Ice Lakes, reservoirs, rivers, streams, or salt water. Snow and ice existing at the time the data were collected. 16.2 25,357

Rock/Rubble Bedrock, rubble, talus, blockfield, rubbley mine spoils, or lava beds. 0.3 449

Exposed Land River sediments, exposed soils, pond or lake sediments, reservoir margins, beaches, landings, burned areas, road surfaces, mudflat sediments, cutbanks, moraines, gravel pits, tailings, railway surfaces, buildings and parking, or other non-vegetated surfaces. 1.7 2,636

Bryoids Bryophytes (mosses, liverworts, and hornworts) and lichen (foliose or fruticose; not crustose); minimum of 20% ground cover or one-third of total vegetation must be a bryophyte or lichen. 7.9 12,348

Shrubs 9.4 14,790 Tall Shrub At least 20% ground cover which is at least one-third

shrub; average shrub height greater than or equal to 2 m.

Low Shrub At least 20% ground cover which is at least one-third shrub; average shrub height less than 2 m.

Wetlands Treed Wetland Land with a water table near/at/above soil surface for

enough time to promote wetland or aquatic processes; the majority of vegetation is coniferous, deciduous, or mixed wood. 6.7 10,548

Shrub Wetland Land with a water table near/at/above soil surface for enough time to promote wetland or aquatic processes; the majority of vegetation is tall, low, or a mixture of tall and low shrub.

Herb Wetland Land with a water table near/at/above soil surface for enough time to promote wetland or aquatic processes; the majority of vegetation is herb.

Herb Vascular plant without woody stem (grasses, crops, forbs, gramminoids); minimum of 20% ground cover or one-third of total vegetation must be herb. 9.5 14,920

Coniferous Dense Greater than 60% crown closure; coniferous trees are 75% or more of total basal area. 13.3 20,846

Coniferous Open/Sparse 35.5 55,563 Coniferous Open 26 to 60% crown closure; coniferous trees are 75% or

more of total basal area.



Cover Description % of Project Region

Area (km²)

Coniferous Sparse 10 to 25% crown closure; coniferous trees are 75% or more of total basal area.

Deciduous Dense Greater than 60% crown closure; deciduous trees are 75% or more of total basal area. 0.1 84

Deciduous Open/Sparse 0.1 158 Deciduous Open 26 to 60% crown closure; deciduous trees are 75% or

more of total basal area. Deciduous Sparse 10 to 25% crown closure; deciduous trees are 75% or

more of total basal area. Mixedwood Dense Greater than 60% crown closure; neither coniferous nor

deciduous tree account for 75% or more of total basal area. 0.0 4

Mixedwood Open/Sparse 0.0 Mixedwood Open 26 to 60% crown closure; neither coniferous nor

deciduous tree account for 75% or more of total basal area.

Mixedwood Sparse 10 to 25% crown closure; neither coniferous nor deciduous tree account for 75% or more of total basal area.

Coniferous forest covers almost half of the Project Region (48.6 percent), a vast majority of which is classified as either ‘Open’ or ‘Sparse’. Shrubs and other herbaceous cover are the next most dominant land cover, at 9.4 and 9.5 percent of the Project Region, respectively. Water and wetlands occur on 16.2 and 6.7 percent of the Project Region, respectively. EOSD land cover classes are shown in Figure 6-1.

6.2 Soils

Two major soil types were found in the Project Region; Podzols and Organic soils. The occurrence of soils types (by texture) that occur in the Project Region is shown in Table 6-2. Typically, Podzolic soils develop from the acid parent material, usually consisting of glacial and alluvial till, predominantly sand and gravel. Soil development processes result in the formation of a layer horizon enriched in iron and aluminum, which has been leached from the surface horizons. These soils are typical of the boreal and sub-arctic region of Canada. Ferro-humic podzols and Humo-ferric podzols differ in the extent of this enrichment and organic carbon content. Podzols cover approximately two-thirds of the Project Region. Organic soils are those developed in areas of poor drainage, where organic matter (most typically Sphagnum moss) accumulates more rapidly than it decomposes. Organic soils have surface layers consisting of organic material that are at least 50 cm thick. Organic soils occur in 24 percent of the Project Region. Fifteen percent of the Project Region consists soils which are classified as rock and other unconsolidated material.

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FIGURE 6-1 - Original EOSD (Earth Observation for Sustainable Development of Forests) Data

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Project Components! ! Proposed Transmission Line"S Generating Station

Interconnecting TransmissionLine Survey AreaSurvey Area

Original EOSD Grid TilesCloudShadowWaterSnow/IceRock/RubbleExposed LandBryoidsShrub TallShrub LowWetland-TreedWetland-ShrubWetland-HerbHerbConiferous DenseConiferous OpenConiferous SparseDeciduous DenseDeciduous OpenDeciduous SparseMixedwood DenseMixedwood OpenMixedwood Sparse

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FIGURE 6-2 - Distribution of Soil Types

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! ! Proposed Transmission Line"S Generating Station

Muskrat Falls ReservoirGull Island ReservoirSurvey AreaInterconnecting Transmission Line Survey Area

Soil Landscapes of Canada - LabradorAccording to Dominant Soil Type

Ferro-Humic Podzols - Sandy LoamFerro-Humic Podzols - SandyHumo-Ferric Podzols - Sandy LoamHumo-Ferric Podzols - LoamHumo-Ferric Podzols - SandyHumo-Ferric Podzols - Clay Loam*Organic Mesisols - Mesic Sphagnum MaterialOrganic Mesisols - Mesic Sedge MaterialRock or Non-soilsStatic Cryosolics - Sandy Loam*Turbic Cryosolics - Sandy Loam*

* Soil Type not located within Project Region



Table 6-2 Occurrence, Texture and Extent of the Principal Soil Types Found in the Project Region

Soil Type Texture % of Project Region

Area (km²)

Ferro-Humic Podzols Sandy Loam 35.9 5,5843 Sandy 1.2 1,935

Humo-Ferric Podzols Sandy Loam 18.1 28,180 Loam 3.3 5,081 Sandy 2.4 3,778

Organic Mesisols Mesic Sphagnum Material 3.2 4,957 Organic Mesisols Mesic Sedge Material 20.7 32,185 Rock 15.0 23,259

6.3 Ecological Land Classification

The distribution of Ecoregions and Ecodistricts in the Project Region is shown in Appendix A (Figure A-3). Detailed descriptions of the Ecoregions and Ecodistricts are given in Table 6-3 and have been derived from Lopoukhine et al. (1977) and CFS (2007). The distribution of land cover and soil types by Ecodistrict are shown in Appendix A (Figures A-4 and A-5, respectively).

Sixteen Ecoregions occur in the Project Region, of which the Smallwood Reservoir and the Churchill Falls Ecoregions account for approximately 25 percent of the Project Region. The Smallwood Reservoir occupies a large portion of the western end of the Project Region and is characterized by esker and drumlin ridges composed of deep till and glaciofluvial deposits, with open-lichen woodlands. This Ecoregion does intersect with the proposed future limits of the reservoir; approximately 4 percent of the proposed transmission corridors cross the Smallwood Ecoregion (Table 6-4).

The Churchill Falls Ecoregion lies predominantly south of the Churchill River in the centre of the Project Region. It is a forested region of plains and wide valleys dominated by black spruce forests, with white spruce occurring on more moist sites. Wetlands are prevalent wherever drainage is impeded. This Ecoregion intersects with 15 and 30 percent of the area of influence of the proposed reservoir and transmission lines, respectively (Table 6-4).

The Lake Melville Ecoregion occupies the area of the Churchill River valley. Although it does not represent a large proportion of the Project Region (4 percent), it has the greatest intersection with the proposed Project, with 75 percent of the reservoir Project Region and 32 percent of the transmission line corridor falling within this Ecoregion (Table 6-4). In general terms, this Ecoregion is characterized by hummocky terrain where deep glacial deposits are common.

The only other Ecoregion that has a measurable intersection with the proposed Project is Nipishish Lake Ecoregion (Table 6-4). Approximately one-third of the proposed transmission line corridor crosses this region and it is characterized by lower-lying areas occupied by bogs and stunted spruce. Lichens with scattered tree growth typify the region, as do common bedrock outcrops.



Table 6-3 Detailed Descriptions of Ecoregions and Ecodistricts

Ecoregion Ecodistrict Description % of

Project Region

Region AA L'Anse-Amour

Ecoregion Characteristics

The rolling topography is dissected by river valleys. Heights of the land are either exposed rock or covered with a thin layer of soil. Vegetative cover is generally sparse and lichen and shrub associations are prevalent. Deeper, more fertile soils of the valleys tend to support more dense vegetative growth.A

0.3

District AA - 1 Land is corrugated (fluted), composed of morainal materials with marine and glaciofluvial materials. Vegetation cover is dense and composed of sphagnum moss, shrubs, lichen and trees. Water coverage is less than 10%.A

0.3

Land coverage is primarily open/sparse coniferous forest, with some shrubs.B

Region J Mistastin Lake


The rolling topography is composed of rock, till and glaciofluvial material, vegetated by abundant lichens and sparse coniferous tree cover. Thick lichen carpets common to this area are mixed with scattered ericaceous shrubs, mosses and sedges.

4.1

District J - 8 Land is corrugated (fluted), composed of morainal materials with some bedrock. Vegetation cover is medium (some outcroppings) and is composed of lichens, tress, shrubs and sedges. Water coverage is 11 to 20%.

2.2

Land coverage is primarily open/sparse coniferous forest, with bryoids, tall/low shrub and water coverage.

District J - 9 Land is corrugated (fluted), composed of bedrock, with some morainal and glaciofluvial materials. Vegetation coverage is medium (some outcroppings) and is composed of lichens, tress, shrubs and sedges. Water coverage is 11 to 20%.

0.4

Land coverage is predominately bryoids, tall/low shrubs and open/sparse coniferous forest, with some water and exposed/barren land.

District J - 10 Land is corrugated (fluted), composed of bedrock, with some morainal and glaciofluvial materials. Vegetation coverage is medium (some outcroppings) and is composed of lichens, tress, shrubs and sedges. Water coverage is 11 to 20%.

1.4

Land coverage is predominately open/sparse coniferous forest, with water coverage and some bryoids, tall/low shrubs and exposed/barren land.

District J - 11 Land is plateaued, composed of marine materials and some bedrock. Vegetation coverage is sparse and is composed of lichen, shrubs, trees and sedges. Water coverage is less than 10%.

0.2

Land coverage is predominately exposed/barren land and bryoids, with some snow/ice coverage, tall/low shrubs and open/sparse coniferous forest.

Region K Harp Lake


The region is an upland area dominated by exposed bedrock. A few deeply incised valleys are characteristic. Colluvial fans, talus slopes, scattered rock debris and some glaciofluvial deposits cover much of the landscape.

1.0

District K - 3 Land is plateaued, composed of bedrock, with some morainal and colluvium deposits. Vegetation coverage is sparse, composed of lichen, shrubs, sedges and trees. Water coverage is less than 10%.

1.0

Land coverage is predominately bryoids and open/sparse coniferous forest, with some tall/low shrubs and exposed/barren land.




Project Region

Region L Postville


Two very distinct physiographies occur in this region: low-lying areas that are mostly centred on water courses; and Appalachian-type rugged uplands. The topography is composed of sand and gravel plains, deltas and rugged hills.

0.3

District L - 1 Land is a rounded-valley, composed primarily of glaciofluvial materials, with some alluvium and aeolian deposits. Vegetation coverage is medium (some outcroppings) and is composed of lichen, trees and sedges. Water coverage is 11 to 20%.

0.1

Land covered is primarily of bryoids, with some tall/low shrubs and exposed/barren land.

District L - 4 Land is corrugated (fluted), composed primarily of morainal materials, with colluvium and bedrock deposits. Vegetation coverage is light (open ground prominent) and composed of shrubs, lichen, trees and sedges.

0.2

Land is composed primarily of open/sparse coniferous forest, with bryoids, tall/low shrubs, water and exposed/barren lands.

Region M Smallwood Reserve


This region is characterized by esker and drumlin ridges composed of deep till and glaciofluvial deposits. Organic terrain, string bogs, and fens are prominent in southern and eastern areas. The region is dominated by open-lichen woodlands.

18.9

District M - 1 Land is level with eroded channels, composed of glaciofluvial deposits with morainal materials. Vegetation coverage is medium (some outcroppings) and is composed of lichen, trees and sphagnum moss. Water coverage is 21 to 30%.

0.8

Land coverage is primarily bryoids and tall/low shrubs, with some exposed/barren land, water and open/sparse coniferous forest.

District M - 2 Land is level with eroded channels, composed of morainal deposits, with some organic material. Vegetation coverage is light (open ground prominent) and composed of lichen, trees and sphagnum moss. Water coverage is 11 to 20%.

1.5

Land coverage is primarily open/sparse coniferous forest, with bryoids, tall/low shrubs, water and exposed/barren lands.

District M - 3 Land is corrugated (fluted), composed primarily of morainal deposits, with some glaciofluvial and bedrock materials. Vegetation coverage is medium (some outcroppings) and composed of trees, shrubs, lichen and sphagnum moss. Water coverage is 11 to 20%.

3.3

Land coverage is primarily bryoids, with some open/sparse coniferous forest, exposed/barren land and water.

District M - 4 Land is level, composed of organic material, with some glaciofluvial and morainal deposits. Vegetation coverage is medium (some outcroppings) and composed of sphagnum moss, shrubs, lichen, trees and sedges. Water coverage is 21 to 30%.

2.9

Land coverage is predominately bryoids, with some open/sparse coniferous forest, exposed/barren lands and water.

District M - 5 Land is coastal (or surrounded by water), composed of glaciofluvial materials, with organic and morainal deposits. Vegetation coverage is medium (some outcroppings) and composed of sphagnum moss, shrubs, trees and sedges. Water coverage is 61 to 70%.

0.5

Land coverage is primarily water, with open/sparse coniferous forest and bryoids.




Project Region

District M - 6 Land is flat, composed of organic material and glaciofluvial material, with some alluvium deposits. Vegetation coverage is medium (some outcroppings) and composed of sphagnum moss, lichen, trees and sedges. Water coverage is 21 to 30%.

3.5

Land coverage is water, bryoids, open/sparse coniferous forest and tall/low shrubs.

District M - 7 Land is coastal (or surrounded by water), composed of glaciofluvial materials, with some morainal and bedrock deposits. Vegetation coverage is medium (some outcroppings) and composed of lichen, trees and sphagnum moss. Water coverage is 71 to 80%.

1.3

Land coverage is predominately water, with some open/sparse coniferous forest, bryoids and tall/low shrubs.

District M - 8 Land is coastal (or surrounded by water), composed of morainal materials, with some glaciofluvial deposits. Vegetation coverage is medium (some outcroppings) and composed of trees, sphagnum moss and lichen. Water coverage is 21 to 30%.

0.6

Land coverage is predominately open/sparse coniferous forest, with water coverage and some bryoids and tall/low shrubs.

District M - 9 Land is coastal (or surrounded by water), composed of glaciofluvial material, with morainal and organic deposits. Vegetation coverage is medium (some outcroppings) and composed of lichen, trees and sphagnum moss. Water coverage is 61 to 70%.

0.7

Land coverage is predominately water, bryoids and open/sparse coniferous forest, with some exposed/barren land and tall/low shrubs.

District M - 10 Land is corrugated (fluted), composed of morainal material with some organic deposits. Vegetation coverage is dense and composed of trees, sphagnum moss and lichen. Water coverage is 11 to 20%.

1.9

Land coverage is predominately open/sparse coniferous forest, with some water, exposed/barren land, bryoids and shrubs.

District M - 11 Land is corrugated (fluted), composed of glaciofluvial materials, with organic and morainal deposits. Vegetation coverage is light (open ground prominent) and composed of lichen, sphagnum moss and trees. Water coverage is 11 to 20%.

1.1

Land coverage is predominately bryoids and open/sparse coniferous forest, with some exposed/barren land and water.

District M - 12 Land is coastal (or surrounded by water), composed of morainal materials, with some glaciofluvial deposits. Vegetation coverage is medium (some outcroppings) and composed of trees, sphagnum moss and lichen. Water coverage is 21 to 30%.

0.8

Land coverage is predominately water, with some open/sparse coniferous forest and tall/low shrubs.

Region O Nipishish Lake


A plateaued region characterized by lower-lying areas occupied by bogs and stunted spruce. Lichens with scattered tree growth typify the region, as do common bedrock outcrops.

5.6

District O - 3 Land is corrugated (fluted), composed of morainal material with some organic deposits. Vegetation coverage is medium (some outcroppings) and composed of sphagnum moss, lichen, sedges and trees. Water coverage is 11 to 20%.

3.0

Land coverage is predominately open/sparse coniferous forest, with some tall/low shrub, water coverage and bryoids.




Project Region

Region O Nipishish Lake cont.

District O - 4 Land is corrugated (fluted), composed of morainal material, with some organic and bedrock deposits. Vegetation coverage is medium (some outcroppings) and composed of lichen, moss, trees and sedges.

2.0

Land coverage is predominately open/sparse coniferous forest, with some tall/low shrub and dense coniferous forest.

District O - 5 Land is corrugated (fluted), composed of morainal materials, with bedrock deposits. Vegetation coverage is medium (some outcroppings) and composed of lichen, trees, sphagnum moss and sedges. Water coverage is 11 to 0%.

0.5

Land coverage is predominately dense coniferous forest, with some open/sparse coniferous forest, water and exposed/barren land.

Region P McPhayden River


The region is an upland of faulted and fractured bedrock. A stunted and sparse tree cover occurs over a more abundant layer of lichens. Valleys that contain deeper soils support sense forest stands.

5.1

District P - 1 Land is an incised plateau, composed predominately of bedrock, with some colluvium and morainal deposits. Vegetation coverage is light and composed of lichen and trees. Water coverage is less than 10%.

5.0

Land coverage is predominately bryoids, tall/low shrubs and open/ sparse coniferous forest, with some water and exposed/barren land.

Region Q Seahorse


The region contains deep, well-drained glacial deposits that are characterized by black spruce-lichen woodlands. Poorly drained terrain is dominated by bogs. The region boasts productive caribou and waterfowl habitats.

9.0

District Q - 1 Land is corrugated (fluted), composed of morainal material, with glaciofluvial deposits, and some organic material. Vegetation coverage is dense and composed of trees, lichen and sphagnum moss. Water coverage is 11 to 20%.

0.8

Land coverage is predominately open/sparse coniferous forest and tall/low shrub, with some exposed/barren land, bryoids and water.

District Q - 2 Land is corrugated (fluted), composed of morainal material, with glaciofluvial deposits and some organic material. Vegetation coverage is dense and composed of trees, lichen and sphagnum moss. Water coverage is 41 to 50%.

1.3

Land coverage is predominately open/sparse coniferous forest and water, with some tall/low shrub, dense coniferous forest, bryoids and exposed/barren land.

District Q - 3 Land is corrugated (fluted), composed of morainal material, with some organic and glaciofluvial deposits. Vegetation coverage is dense and composed of trees, sphagnum moss and lichen. Water coverage is 31 to 40%.

1.4

Land coverage is predominately water, open/sparse coniferous forest and tall/low shrub, with some bryoids and exposed/barren land.

District Q - 4 Land is flat, composed of organic material with morainal deposits. Vegetation coverage is dense and composed of sphagnum moss, trees and lichen. Water coverage is 31 to 40%.

2.8

Land coverage is primarily bryoids and open/sparse coniferous forest. District Q - 5 Land is coastal (or surrounded by water), composed of organic material,

with morainal deposits and some glaciofluvial deposits. Vegetation coverage is dense and composed of sphagnum moss, lichen and trees. Water coverage is 71 to 80%.

0.8




Project Region

Region Q Seahorse Cont.

Land coverage is predominately water, open/sparse coniferous forest and tall/low shrub, with some bryoids and exposed/barren land.

District Q - 6 Land is corrugated (fluted), composed of morainal material and some bedrock. Vegetation coverage is dense and composed of trees, lichen and sedges. Water coverage is 11 to 20%.

1.9

Land coverage is predominately open/sparse coniferous forest, with tall/low shrub, bryoids and some water coverage and exposed/barren land.

Region R Domagaya Lake


This region is characterized by numerous lakes that occupy the undulating uplands. Thin soils are interspersed with bedrock outcrops. Lichens are prevalent and forest cover is stunted and scattered.

6.1

District R - 1 Land is incised plateau, composed of morainal materials, with bedrock and glaciofluvial deposits. Vegetation coverage is medium (some outcroppings) and composed of trees and lichen. Water coverage is less than 10%.

2.3

Land coverage is predominately open/sparse coniferous forest and tall/low shrub, with some exposed/barren land, bryoids and water.

District R - 2 Land is corrugated (fluted), composed of morainal material with some organic deposits. Vegetation coverage is dense and composed of sphagnum moss, lichen and trees. Water coverage is 21 to 30%.

1.2

Land coverage is predominately open/sparse coniferous forest, with bryoids, water coverage, tall/low shrub and exposed/barren lands.

District R - 3 Land is incised plateau, composed of bedrock, with morainal material and some colluvium deposits. Vegetation coverage is medium (some outcroppings) and composed of lichen and trees. Water coverage is 11 to 20%.

1.8

Land coverage is predominately open/sparse coniferous forest, with some water coverage, bryoids and tall/low shrub.

District R - 4 Land is incised plateau, composed of morainal materials, with bedrock and some colluvium deposits. Vegetation coverage is light and composed of trees and lichen. Water coverage is 11 to 20%.

0.8

Land coverage is predominately open/sparse coniferous forest, with some water coverage, bryoids and tall/low shrub.

Region S Churchill Falls


A forested region of plains and wide valleys. Black spruce dominated the forests of the plains; white spruce may occur in more moist sites. Lichens are established on the rock outcrops and bogs are prevalent wherever drainage is impeded.

16.0

District S - 1 Land is corrugated (fluted), composed of morainal material, with organic material and some colluvium deposits. Vegetation coverage is light and composed of trees, sphagnum moss and lichen. Water coverage is 11 to 20%.

2.5

Land coverage is predominately open/sparse coniferous forest, with some bryoids, water coverage and exposed/barren land.

District S - 2 Land is corrugated (fluted), composed of morainal material with some organic deposits. Vegetation coverage is light and composed of trees and sphagnum moss. Water coverage is 11 to 20%.

2.0

Land coverage is predominately open/sparse coniferous forest, with some bryoids, water coverage and exposed/barren land.

District S - 3 Land is dissected upland, composed of morainal material, with bedrock and some organic material. Vegetation coverage is light and composed of trees, lichen and sphagnum moss. Water coverage is 11 to 20%.

4.3




Project Region

Region S Churchill Falls Cont.

Land coverage is predominately dense coniferous forest, with some open/sparse coniferous forest and tall/low shrub.

District S - 4 Land is corrugated (fluted), composed of organic material, with glaciofluvial deposits and some morainal material. Vegetation coverage is light and composed of sphagnum moss, lichen and trees. Water coverage is 11 to 20%.

1.4

Land coverage is predominately open/sparse coniferous forest, with some tall/low shrub, bryoids, water coverage and exposed/ barren land.

District S - 5 Land is dissected upland, composed of morainal material. Vegetation coverage is very dense and composed of trees, shrubs and sphagnum moss. Water coverage is less than 10%.

0.8

Land coverage is predominately open/sparse coniferous forest, with some tall/low shrub, water coverage, bryoids, dense coniferous forest and exposed/barren land.

District S - 6 Land is a rounded-valley, composed primarily of morainal materials, with some bedrock and glaciofluvial deposits. Vegetation coverage is dense and composed of trees, lichen and shrub. Water coverage is 31 to 40%.

3.3

Land coverage is predominately open/sparse coniferous forest and water coverage, with tall/low shrub, bryoids and exposed/barren land.

District S - 7 Land is corrugated (fluted), composed primarily of morainal material, and some glaciofluvial deposits. Vegetation coverage is dense and composed of trees and lichen. Water coverage is 11 to 20%.

1.6

Land coverage is primarily dense coniferous forest and open/ sparse coniferous forest, with some water coverage, tall/low shrub and bryoids.

Region T Lake Melville


Hummocky terrain consisting of deep glacial deposits are common. Bogs have developed extensively on the poorly drained coastal plain. The deep river valley soils support mixtures of deciduous and coniferous forests. Lichen woodlands dominate the dry sites; elsewhere, balsam fir and spruce are prevalent.

4.0

District T - 1 Land is V-shaped valley/gorge, composed of morainal materials, with some colluvium and alluvium. Vegetation coverage is sparse and composed of trees, lichen, sphagnum moss and shrub. Water coverage is less than 10%.

2.7

Land coverage is predominately open/sparse coniferous forest and dense coniferous forest, with tall/low shrub, bryoids and exposed/ barren land.

District T - 2 Land is level with eroded channels, composed primarily of alluvium, with some morainal and aeolian deposits. Vegetation coverage is dense and composed of trees, lichen and shrubs. Water coverage is less than 10%.

0.4

Land coverage is predominately dense coniferous forest and open/sparse coniferous forest, with tall/low shrub, bryoids and exposed/barren land.

District T - 4 Land is level with eroded channels, composed of organic material, with some marine and alluvium deposits. Vegetation coverage is very dense and composed of sphagnum moss, trees and shrubs. Water coverage is less than 10%.

0.4

Land coverage is predominately dense coniferous forest, with some open/sparse coniferous forest and tall/low shrub.




Project Region

Region T Lake Melville Cont.

District T - 7 Land is V-shaped valley/gorge, composed of morainal materials and some colluvium. Vegetation coverage is dense and composed of trees, sphagnum moss and shrubs. Water coverage is less than 10%.

0.2

Land coverage is predominately dense coniferous forest, with open/sparse coniferous forest, mixed dense forest and tall/low shrub.

District T - 8 Land is V-shaped valley/gorge, composed of lacustrine materials, with morainal deposits and some glaciofluvial deposits. Vegetation coverage is very dense and composed of sphagnum moss, trees and shrubs. Water coverage is less than 10%.

0.2

Land coverage is predominately dense coniferous forest, with some open/sparse coniferous forest and water coverage.

Region U Mealy Mountain


This region is typified by rock outcrops. It comprises areas of rounded mountains and fractured bedrock plateaus, with shallow soils and numerous lakes. The few U-shaped valleys that dissect the highlands contain local sand and gravel till deposits. Sheltered areas also support stands of widely spaced balsam fir and black spruce.

<0.1

District U - 1 Land is incised plateau, composed of bedrock and colluvium. Vegetation coverage is light and composed of lichen, shrub, trees and sphagnum moss. Water coverage is 11 to 20%.

<0.1

Land coverage is predominately tall/low shrub and open/sparse coniferous forest, with some dense coniferous forest.

Region V Eagle Plateau


Bogs are interspersed with a stunted open forest, lichen woodland and exposed bedrock. Various glacial meltwater deposits occur and are conspicuous among the expanses of bogs.

8.5

District V - 1 Land is incised plateau, composed of morainal material, with some colluvium and bedrock. Vegetation coverage is dense and composed of trees, sphagnum moss and lichen. Water coverage is less than 10%.

0.4

Land coverage is predominately dense coniferous forest, with some open/sparse coniferous forest and water coverage.

District V - 2 Land is corrugated (fluted), composed of morainal materials, with some glaciofluvial and alluvium deposits. Vegetation coverage is medium (some outcroppings) and composed of trees, sphagnum moss and lichen. Water coverage is less than 10%.

1.5

Land coverage is predominately dense coniferous forest, with some open/sparse coniferous forest, wetlands, tall/low shrub, bryoids and water coverage.

District V - 3 Land is incised plateau, composed of morainal materials, with some organic and glaciofluvial deposits. Vegetation coverage is medium (some outcroppings) and composed of sphagnum moss, shrubs, lichen and trees. Water coverage is less than 10%.

0.7

Land is predominately dense coniferous forest and open/sparse coniferous forest, with some tall/low shrub and water coverage.

District V - 4 Land is corrugated (fluted), composed of morainal materials and some bedrock. Vegetation coverage is medium (some outcroppings) and composed of lichen, trees and sphagnum moss. Water coverage is less than 10%.

<0.1

Land coverage is predominately tall/low shrub and open/sparse coniferous forest, with some dense coniferous forest, bryoids and open/sparse deciduous forest.




Project Region

Region V Eagle Plateau Cont.

District V - 5 Land is corrugated (fluted), composed of morainal materials, with some bedrock deposits. Vegetation coverage is medium (some outcroppings) and composed of trees, lichen and sphagnum moss. Water coverage is less than 10%.

1.1

Land coverage is predominately dense coniferous forest, with open/sparse coniferous forest and some water coverage and tall/ low shrub.

District V - 6 Land is level, composed of organic material, with some glaciofluvial deposits. Vegetation coverage is dense and composed of sphagnum moss, trees, shrubs lichen. Water coverage is 21 to 30%.

2.1

Land coverage is predominately dense coniferous forest, open/ sparse coniferous forest and water coverage, with some tall/low shrub.

District V - 7 Land is corrugated (fluted), composed of morainal materials, with some glaciofluvial deposits. Vegetation coverage is medium and composed of trees, sphagnum moss and lichen. Water coverage is less than 10%.

1.9

Land is predominately dense coniferous forest and open/sparse coniferous forest, with some tall/low shrub, water coverage, exposed/barren land and bryoids.

District V - 8 Land is corrugated (fluted), composed of morainal materials, with some glaciofluvial and organic deposits. Vegetation coverage is dense and composed of sphagnum moss, lichen, trees and shrubs. Water coverage is 11 to 20%.

0.7

Land coverage is predominately dense coniferous forest, open/sparse coniferous forest and water coverage, with some wetlands and tall/low shrub.

District V - 9 Land is corrugated (fluted), composed of morainal materials and some organic deposits. Vegetation coverage is dense and composed of sphagnum moss, lichen, trees and shrubs. Water coverage is 11 to 20%.

<0.1

Land coverage is predominately open/sparse coniferous forest, with dense coniferous forest and water coverage and some tall/low shrub.

Region X Saint Paul


Thin soils characterize that many knolls and rolling topography. Substantial spruce and fir forests grow on the deeper materials that occur on lower slopes and valley floors.

7.5

District X - 2 Land is corrugated (fluted), composed of morainal materials and some organic deposits. Vegetation coverage is dense and composed of trees, shrubs and sphagnum moss. Water coverage is less than 10%.

4.1

Land coverage is predominately open/sparse coniferous forest and dense coniferous forest, with some exposed/barren land, tall/low shrub, water coverage and bryoids.

District X - 3 Land is corrugated (fluted), composed primarily of organic materials with some morainal deposits. Vegetation coverage is dense and composed of sphagnum moss, trees, shrubs and lichen. Water coverage is 11 to 20%.

1.9

Land coverage is predominately open/sparse coniferous forest and dense coniferous forest, with some tall/low shrub, wetlands and water coverage.

District X - 4 Land is corrugated (fluted), composed of morainal materials and colluvium deposits. Vegetation coverage is dense and composed of trees, shrub, lichen and sphagnum moss. Water coverage is less than 10%.

1.6




Project Region

Region X Saint Paul Cont.

Land coverage is predominately dense coniferous forest, with some open/sparse coniferous forest, wetlands, tall/low shrub, bryoids and water coverage.

Region Y Paradise River


The undulating landscape of this region is bedrock controlled. The hills are mantled by glacial deposits of variable thickness. Soils occurring over bedrock are usually shallow and poorly drained, which fosters the development of organic terrain, which is prevalent in the region.

4.5

District Y - 8 Land is corrugated (fluted), composed of morainal materials, with colluvium and some glaciofluvial deposits. Vegetation coverage is dense and composed of sphagnum moss, trees and lichen. Water coverage is less than 10%.

1.4

Land coverage is predominately open/sparse coniferous forest and dense coniferous forest, with some tall/low shrub, wetlands, bryoids and water coverage.

District Y - 10 Land is corrugated (fluted), composed of morainal materials, with some colluvium and bedrock deposits. Vegetation coverage is dense and composed of trees, sphagnum moss and lichen. Water coverage is less than 10%.

2.0

Land coverage is predominately dense coniferous forest, tall/low shrub and open/sparse coniferous forest, with some water coverage, wetlands, dense mixed-wood forest, bryoids and exposed/barren land.

District Y - 11 Land is corrugated (fluted), composed of morainal materials, with some organic and colluvium deposits. Vegetation coverage is dense and composed of trees, sphagnum moss and lichen. Water coverage is 11 to 20%.

1.1

Land coverage is predominately dense coniferous forest and open/sparse coniferous forest, with tall/low shrub, bryoids and wetlands.

Region Z Harbour


This region is a coastal strip of land and the inlets and islands are exposed to wind, waves and ice. Bedrock outcrops dominate the landscape and distribution of vegetation is sporadic.

2.4

District Z - 2 Land is scarp, and composed of morainal materials, with some colluvium and bedrock. Vegetation coverage is light and composed of shrubs, trees and sphagnum moss. Water coverage is less than 10%.

Land coverage is predominately water coverage, open/sparse coniferous forest and tall/low shrub, with some bryoids, dense coniferous forest and dense mixed wood forest.

District Z - 3 Land is corrugated (fluted), composed of morainal materials, with some colluvium and organic deposits. Vegetation coverage is medium (some outcroppings) and composed of trees, lichen, shrubs and sphagnum moss. Water coverage is 11 to 20%.

Land coverage is predominately open/sparse coniferous forest and tall/low shrub, with some dense coniferous forest, wetlands, exposed/barren lands and water coverage.

District Z - 4 Land is corrugated (fluted), composed of morainal materials, with some colluvium and bedrock deposits. Vegetation coverage is light and composed of lichen, sphagnum moss, shrubs and trees. Water coverage is less than 11 to 20%.

2.4

Land coverage is predominately tall/low shrubs, with some open/sparse coniferous forest, bryoids and water coverage.

A Lopoukhine et al. 1977. B CFS 2007.



Table 6-4 Intersection between the Main Project Elements (reservoir and transmission lines) and the Ten Ecodistricts

Ecoregion Ecodistrict Reservoir Area Transmission Line Area

Area (m²)

% of Project Region

Area (m²)

% of Project Region

Smallwood Reserve M-6 4,694 0.0 15,264,198 3.6 Nipishish Lake O-3 844,857 0.1 137,063,046 32.7 Domagaya Lake R-4 10,921,352 0.7 Churchill Falls S-1 231,415,744 14.2 128,557,530 30.7 Churchill Falls S-2 20,450,717 1.3 Churchill Falls S-4 446,362 0.0 Lake Melville T-1 920,698,054 56.6 61,767,511 14.8 Lake Melville T-2 294,507,353 18.1 71,663,808 17.1 Lake Melville T-4 6,575,563 0.4 Water Water 140,427,286 8.6 4,310,667 1.0

6.4 Conclusion

The Regional ELC, being composed of Ecoregions and Ecodistricts that are described in Table 6-3, provide a terrain and vegetation framework and reference point for other baseline studies associated with the Project. The Regional ELC also provides the context for the more detailed Project Area ELC (Minaskuat Inc. 2007), which examines the Ecodistricts in greater detail and smaller units. Together the two ELCs will facilitate an understanding of the complex ecological mosaic that constitutes this area of Labrador; moreover, the ELCs are a tool that will be used in the environmental assessment process in order to understand the interaction of the Project with the environment, and in developing appropriate environmental management and monitoring plans.



7.0 REFERENCES

7.1 Literature Cited

Lopoukhine N., N.A. Prout and H.E. Hirvonen. 1977. The Ecological Land Classification of Labrador: A Reconnaissance.

Marshall, I.B., and P.H. Shutt. 1999. A National Ecological Framework for Canada - Overview. Ecosystems Science Directorate, Environment Canada, and the Research Branch, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. 34 pp.

Minaskuat Inc., 2007. Environmental Baseline Report: Project Area Ecological Land Classification. Interim Report submitted to Prepared for Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, St. John’s, NL.

7.2 Websites

AAFC (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada). 2006. Soil Landscapes of Canada (SLC). AAFC. http://sis.agr.gc.ca/cansis/nsdb/slc/intro.html.

CFS (Canadian Forest Service). 2007. Earth Observation for Sustainable Development of Forests. Natural Resources Canada. http://www.pfc.forestry.ca/eosd/cover/index_e.html).

Environment Canada. 2005. State of the Environment Infobase: Ecozones of Canada. http://www.ec.gc.ca/soer-ree/English/vignettes/default.cfm

Natural Resources Canada. 2007. The Atlas of Canada: Ecological Framework. http://atlas.nrcan.gc.ca/site/english/maps/environment/ecology/framework/ecologicalframework



8.0 GLOSSARY AND ACRONYMS

AAFC Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

asl Above sea level.

CFS Canadian Forest Service.

ELC Ecological Land Classification.

EOSD Earth Observation for Sustainable Development of Forests.

ESRI Environmental Systems Research Institute.

fsl Full supply level.

GIS Geographic information System.

Hydro Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro.

kV Kilovolt.

MW Megawatt.

NTS National Topographic System.

The Project Lower Churchill Hydroelectric generation Protect.

SLC Soil Landscapes of Canada.


Appendix A

Report Figures

regional ecological land classificationenvironmental assessment. the lines between muskrat falls and...

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