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HomeMy WebLinkAboutENG 01-13 C11,14 Report to Executive Committee PICKERIN Report Number: ENG 01-13 Date: October 7, 2013 From: Richard W. Holborn Director, Engineering & Public Works Subject: Eurasian Water-Milfoil Weed — Frenchman's Bay - File: A-1440 Recommendation: 1. That Report ENG 01-13 of the Director, Engineering & Public Works regarding Eurasian Water-Milfoil Weed on Frenchman's Bay be received for information; 2. That staff be directed to include funding requests during the preparation of the 2014 to 2016 budgets for continued support for this initiative; and 3. That staff report back to Council annually regarding the status of the Milfoil weed presence in Frenchman's Bay. Executive Summary: Over the past few years, Eurasian Water-Milfoil, an invasive aquatic weed, has been quickly re-colonizing Frenchman's Bay. During the summer of 2012, its growth began to cause problems for the boaters and paddlers by binding up propellers, keels and paddles. Members of the boating community and residents around the bay formed the Allies of Frenchman's Bay Association with the focus of jointly combating the Milfoil weed problem. The group researched the various control methods and recommended an integrated management plan through the use of the Milfoil Weevil, herbicide treatment and dredging. They obtained quotations for the said works and prepared a contribution plan which included some funding from the City of Pickering over a four year period. In early August 2013, approximately 20,000 Milfoil Weevil eggs and larvae were stocked in the bay, in an area where the Eurasian Water-Milfoil growth was the thickest adjacent to Bruce Hanscombe Park. Financial Implications: As part of the 2013 Current Budget, Council approved a grant up to $30,000 as the City's share for the first year of the program. Requests for future funding requirements will be considered during the annual budget approval process as follows: $20,000 for year 2 (2014), $10,000 for year 3 (2015) and $750 for year 4 (2016) for a total of$60,750 over the four year period. 95 Report ENG 01-13 October 7, 2013 Eurasian Water-Milfoil Weed — Frenchman's Bay Page 2 Due to this year's cooler weather and higher water levels the Milfoil weed growth was not as extreme. As such, fewer weevils were introduced into the bay than originally proposed, thus reducing the City's share of the cost to $8,325.00 for 2013. Discussion: For a number of years the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority have been monitoring the growth of aquatic vegetation on Frenchman's Bay. Over the summers of 2011 and 2012, they witnessed the complete re-colonization of aquatic plants over the bay. This was due to the improvement of water clarity, low water levels and hot, sunny summers. The positive aspect of this re-colonization was that the aquatic plants provided excellent fish and wildlife habitat. The problem was that 20 percent of the bay was being re-colonized with the invasive Eurasian Water-Milfoil. The spread of this weed needed to be kept in check before populating the entire bay. The spring and early summer of 2013 were colder and wetter than the previous years and the bay water levels were higher. As such, the Eurasian Water-Milfoil growth was slower to start and less aggressive this year than in 2011 and 2012. In light of this, a smaller test pilot site using the Milfoil Weevil was introduced in an area where the Eurasian Water-Milfoil growth was the thickest, adjacent to Bruce Hanscombe Park, to assess its suitability in combating the Eurasian Water-Milfoil on Frenchman's Bay. Eurasian Water-Milfoil Eurasian Water-Milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) is an aquatic plant native to Europe, Asia and Northern Africa that was introduced to North America in the 1940's and is believed to have been introduced to Frenchman's Bay in the 1960's. This plant is problematic due to its aggressive growth, forming large floating mats that prevent light penetration for the native aquatic plants, depleting oxygen levels and adding nutrients to the water during plant decay. This in turn displaces the natural aquatic vegetation impacting fish and wildlife, increases algae growth and degrades the water quality. Due to its density, Eurasian Water-Milfoil impedes navigation of both large and small boats by binding up propellers, keels and paddles. It increases threat to public safety and may eventually have an economic impact, affecting property values around the bay, tourism and retail services. Allies of Frenchman's Bay Association During the fall of 2012, the following organizations and businesses were invited to be part of the Allies of Frenchman's Bay Association (formerly the Frenchman's Bay Eurasian Water-Milfoil Steering Committee): • Pickering East Shore Community Association (PESCA) • West Shore Community Association (WSCA) • Frenchman's Bay Yacht Club • Pickering Harbour Company • Pickering Auxiliary Rescue Association (PARU) • Swan's Marina • DSCC No. 185 (Dock ominium) 96 Report ENG 01-13 October 7, 2013 Eurasian Water-Milfoil Weed — Frenchman's Bay Page 3 • Pickering Dragon Boat Club • Pickering Rouge Canoe Club The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and City of Pickering were also invited to attend as stakeholders of the Bay. A number of the Allies of Frenchman's Bay Association members have spent a significant amount of time researching Eurasian Water-Milfoil and the various management tools that have been used to control the plant historically. They have spoken with other municipalities that have been combating this issue to get an understanding of what has been tried and what methods have been successful. Some of the methods being used include: • Mechanical Harvesting • Rotovation (underwater rototilling) • Continuous Laminar Flow Aeration System • Hydraulic dredging • Herbicide • Biological weevils Through the research done, they are recommending that an integrated management plan approach be used. This includes the use of biological weevils in areas not affected by boat traffic and adjacent to natural shorelines. Areas along hard shorelines and around docks could be treated with a Ministry of Environment approved aquatic herbicide (Reward). Hydraulic or pneumatic dredging is recommended along key navigation channels as a means to deepen the channel and remove the problematic aquatic vegetation. The Continuous Laminar Flow Aeration System is being further researched to confirm its costs and suitability for use in dock areas. Milfoil Weevil The milfoil weevil (Euhrychiopsis lecontei) is a marine insect which is native to North America that specifically feeds on Eurasian Water-Milfoil. The weevil, which is fully aquatic, spends the summer submersed on plants, producing 3 to 4 generations over that time. The last generation of adult weevils develop wing muscles which enables them to migrate to shore to overwinter in dry soil and leaf litter. An adult weevil grows to be 2 to 3 millimeters in length. The milfoil weevil destroys the water-milfoil plant by `mining' into the stem and eating it from the inside out, disrupting the flow of carbohydrates and nutrients that give the plant the ability to grow in the summer and survive in the winter. The plant also loses its buoyancy and will sink to the bottom of the water as it dies, leaving an opening for the desirable aquatic plants to re-establish. Milfoil Weevils are naturally found in the area and have no known negative impacts on people, animals, fish or other vegetation. In order to combat the Eurasian Water-Milfoil, a company called Milfoil Solution Inc. recommended stocking the bay with a significantly higher number of milfoil weevil than 97 Report ENG 01-13 October 7, 2013 Eurasian Water-Milfoil Weed — Frenchman's Bay Page 4 what is naturally found in the water, starting with 40,000 in the first year, and 35,000 and 10,000 in the following two years. The weevil stocking occurs in June to early July. An initial survey is conducted prior to stocking with a follow-up survey 6 to 8 weeks later after the weevils have established multiple generations in order to track progress. Reward Herbicide One of the herbicides being considered is Reward Landscape and Aquatic Herbicide. This herbicide is non-selective and as such will kill the milfoil as well as other native plants such as Coontail and Duckweed. As such, it should only be used around dock areas and hard shorelines where it is not suitable to stock the milfoil weevil. Reward herbicide has been approved for use by the Ministry of Environment though permits will still be required from the Ministry of Natural Resources for each application. 2012 Estimated Costs for Milfoil Weevil and Herbicide Treatments The Allies of Frenchman's Bay Association obtained quotations during the summer of 2012, for treatments using weevils and herbicides for a total estimated cost of $169,521 over four years. Based on these estimated costs, they were proposing a four-year funding contribution plan that included funding from the City of Pickering for approximately 35% of the cost. The balance of the costs would be covered through funds provided by the other stakeholders and fundraising. The amount requested from the City was $30,000 for year 1 (2013), with projected costs of$20,000 for year 2 (2014), $10,000 for year 3 (2015) and $750 for year 4 (2016) for a total of$60,750. The cost for dredging would be borne solely by the boat clubs and dock owners. 2013 Treatments and Associated Costs Due to the spring and early summer of 2013 having cooler temperatures and more rain and the bay having higher water levels, the milfoil weed had a late start and its growth was not as extreme as the previous two years. As such, it was decided that a test pilot site would be established in an area where the Eurasian Water-Milfoil growth was the thickest adjacent to Bruce Hanscombe Park. In early August, 20,000 Milfoil Weevil eggs and larvae were stocked in this area, to weaken the standing milfoil population over the remainder of the 2013 season and to build an overwintering population of weevils that will return to the water early in 2014. Milfoil Solutions, who provided the treatment will monitor their success and provide further recommendations in 2014, depending on the future growth of the milfoil. The cost for the treatment for 2013 was $23,600 with the City's share being $8,325.00. Frenchman's Bay Yacht Club dredged the area around their docks and a channel to the harbour entrance during the spring of 2013. Pickering Harbour Company are proposing to dredge around their docks during the fall of 2013. TRCA has advised that they will also continue to monitor the plant growth within Frenchman's Bay. 98 Report ENG 01-13 October 7, 2013 Eurasian Water-Milfoil Weed — Frenchman's Bay Page 5 .=. _ _.....rte y 410*s ," • F.. -rte. �_.,e„C '.r•�`i"° _ - J.--------�^'' "`"""'"` _ ; >' View looking north across the ba with Eurasian Water-Milfoil in foreground (2012) *1, !grit': -n k. n n .m • nti�` i -1 'F . _ - . .. - ^*.e- :., Eurasian Water-Milfoil around boat docks (2012) 99 Report ENG 01-13 October 7, 2013 Eurasian Water-Milfoil Weed — Frenchman's Bay Page 6 Attachments: 1. Frenchman's Bay Eurasian Water-Milfoil Management Plan (November 30, 2012) 2. EWM 101 Eurasian Water-Milfoil —The Basics 3. Milfoil Weevil —Questions and Answers 4. Frenchman's Bay Eurasian Water-Milfoil Steering Committee - Funding Contribution Plan 5. Frenchman's Bay Aquatic Vegetation Survey 2012 Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed By:12fit _ er Arnold Mostert OALA Richa Holborn, P. Eng. 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EWM: • Forms large, floating mats of vegetation preventing light penetration for native aquatic plants. • Displaces natural aquatic vegetation,negatively impacting fish and wildlife habitat. • Depletes aquatic oxygen levels and adds nutrients to the water during plant decay which can potentially increase algae growth and degrade water quality. • Plant fragments can travel long distances out of water(if kept moist) by boat,boat trailers, bait buckets, etc. A HUMAN HEALTH CONCERN EWM: • Can increase threats to public health and safety. A RECREATIONAL IMPEDIMENT EWM: • Impairs recreational use such as swimming, boating, and fishing. AN ECONOMIC FACTOR EWM: • Reduces waterfront property values and impacts real estate sales. • Impacts water related tourism,hospitality, and retail services. • Increases expenditures on prevention and control if proactive action not taken. 114 <5:•..i-.i�lE�,..,,�-. Z ,0R.:FFOa{i4 ' ENS 1 -r 3 el • What does it EWM has delicate, feather-like leaves comprising of 12 - 16 look like? pairs of leaflets on each leaf Leaves are mostly the same length;the tips are square with a snipped off appearance. Leaves are arranged in whorls (circles)of three to five leaves around each stem. The stem is thick as or thicker than a pencil, and is long and spaghetti like in appearance. EWM plants can grow to 9 metres(30 feet)in length with the majority of the branching occurring at the surface. How does it EWM grows quickly and spreads easily. It grows in depths grow and of up to 8 metres of water....deeper depths if the water is spread? clear...and is tolerant of many water pollutants(e.g. sodium, chloride,etc.). It grows in any type of aquatic substrate: it prefers sand to silt type substrates. While EWM produces seeds, it reproduces primarily through fragmentation,which occurs naturally when the plant flowers at the end of its annual growing season. Fragmentation can also occur through manmade disturbances such as power boating and sailing. Once fragmented,the pieces are dispersed by wind and water movement, eventually sinking to the bottom and taking root. Once rooted the plant is further propagated through root division ....runners that creep along the bottom. EWM tends to invade disturbed areas(e.g. altered waterways)where native plants cannot adapt to the alteration;EWM does not spread rapidly into undisturbed areas where native plants are well established. How do you Once established EWM can not be eradicated. It can only eliminate EWM? be controlled through various management methods. 115 A TArK EN 3._. TO REPORT# E c l-'13 of MILFOIL WEEVIL (Euhrychiopsis lecontei) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Q: How big is an adult weevil? A: The adult weevil grows to 2—3 mm in length(about this size: • ). Q: What is its food source? A: The marine insect which is native to North America appears to prefer Eurasian water-milfoil over its native host,northern water-milfoil.The milfoil weevil is highly specific to water-milfoils. Q: What is the life cycle of the weevil? A: Like other insects,the weevil goes through the egg, larvae, and pupa stages before reaching the adult stage. The weevil has the potential to cause damage to water- milfoil plants at every stage in its life cycle. The weevil is fully aquatic and spends the summer submersed on plants. The adult female weevil lays approximately 2—3 eggs per day on the growing tips of the plant.The eggs hatch into larvae after 3—6 days and the larvae begin feasting on the plant's growing tips for several days.The larvae then burrow into the plant's stems where they feed on the tissue within the stems for 5— 10 days. After 7-12 days in the pupal stage,the weevil emerges as an adult where it feeds on the upper leaves of the milfoil plants while reproducing. Weevil reproduction throughout the summer may produce 3—4 generations of weevils.The last generation of adult weevils develops wing muscles which enable the weevil to migrate to shore where it overwinters in dry soil and leaf litter. Q: What effect does a weevil have on Eurasian water-milfoil? A: The weevil destroys the whole plant by `mining' into the stem and eating it from the inside out.The tunneling disrupts the flow of carbohydrates and nutrients, impacting the plant's ability to grow in the summer and survive in the winter.The plant also loses its buoyancy due to the weakened stems and will sink to the bottom as it dies. As a dying Eurasian water-milfoil plant sinks to the bottom an opening in the plant canopy is created enabling other desirable aquatic plants to grow and eventually replace the invasive species. 116 A 1 T1ACkNENT ..w'_ TO REPORT# N GI. 1-( Q: What factors impede the reproduction of weevils? A: Water temperature,parasites,pathogens,water depth,and other factors affect the population of weevils. High nutrient levels in the water will accelerate Eurasian water-milfoil growth making it difficult for weevils to control. Water bodies with natural shorelines will achieve higher weevil densities than shorelines with vegetation replaced by retaining walls, rip rap,mown grass,and sand.Natural shorelines may provide better habitat for overwintering adult weevils. As the density of Eurasian water-milfoil decreases,the weevil population will gradually decline to a self-sustaining natural population level. Q: Will weevils become problematic by infiltrating shoreline homes or biting household pets when they come on land in the fall? 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