Operations
Telephone (905) 468-3266
Facsimile (905) 468-2959

1593 Four Mile Creek Road
P.O. Box 190
Virgil, Ontario
L0S 1T0
Submitted on:
June 05, 2017
Report:OPS-17-039
Report To:Operations Advisory Committee
Subject:Dock Area Flooding

1. RECOMMENDATION
It is respectfully recommended

1.1 that Council approve the hiring of Shoreplan Engineering Limited to assist in improving shoreline protection at the dock area, with funds being used from the Dock Area Reserve, not exceeding $50,000; and

1.2 that Council approve all costs related to the protection and repair due to the high water level be charged to the Dock Area Reserve.

2. PURPOSE / PROPOSAL
The purpose of this report is to provide Council with an update regarding the recent dock area flooding and to examine effective permanent solutions to prevent future erosion.

3. BACKGROUND
During the week of May 8 2017, Staff were notified of high water levels at the Ricardo St. Regional Pumping Station and also observed flooding on Ricardo St. in front of Kings Point Condominiums. Further investigation from Town Staff determined that the high-water level of Lake Ontario was surcharging the area storm system preventing the storm sewers from draining. As the storm system continued to back up, the high-water level was causing extreme pressure around the sanitary sewers resulting in infiltration to the system. Further investigation of the area storm system confirmed that all three outlets in the area were being surcharged due to the high-water level of the lake preventing the system from working properly.

Staff were also advised on May 24, 2017 by the NPCA that the water level in Lake Ontario is presently at 75.86m. This is the highest water level recorded since 1918. Lake Ontario water levels are expected to continue to rise slightly through May.

On Wednesday May 24, Senior Operations Staff and the CAO toured the site with MPP Wayne Gates and a staff member to review the area damage and to advise of the Town's physical and financial challenges with the high water levels. Our MPP was surprised with the amount of damage that has taken place and was also impressed with the measures put in place to lower the water levels to minimize additional damage to private properties. Our MPP is committed to assisting the Town in seeking financial relief for the Dock Area.

4. DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS
Immediate action was required to alleviate the sewage concern and staff engaged the services of a vacuum truck to assist the Region with pumping down the sanitary sewer. The sewage was then transferred to the Regional Waste Facility for proper disposal. This process was active for about 5 days and is still required periodically until the lake levels subside.

Additional action was also required to prevent the lake from backing up into the storm system. Staff also engaged a contractor and certified divers to install plugs in two storm outlets and one major storm line on Ricardo St. Once the plugs were installed three 6” pumps were installed to pump the water out of the storm system and out to the lake. These pumps are set up to run 24 hours per day and will need to be in place and monitored daily to ensure they are functioning properly until the lake level subsides. The pumps that are installed are relatively quiet and a minimal disturbance considering the situation.

With the water level being so high the wave action of the lake has started to cause major erosion in the Dock Area. Staff have also engaged the same contractor to provide temporary erosion protection by placing large meter bags along affected areas of the shore line. This process is temporary and staff will need to engage a Consultant to provide an effective permanent solution to the erosion in the Dock Area. In some locations we have installed larger quantities of Rip Rap and filter cloth and we are hoping that it will remain as part of the permanent erosion solution. A drawing showing the described locations is included as Appendix B.

The following table outlines the estimated expenditures to date as well as a projection of estimated costs based on the water level receding by the end of August.

Dock Area Cost Estimate
Estimated 
Cost to May 20th for Materials and Labour for Contractor
(Includes meter bags, Rip-Rap, sand, Bags, small pumps)
$205,725
Vacuum Pumping
$15,000
Storm Sewer Plugs
$3,000
Installation By Certified Divers
$3,300
Pump Rentals May 21 to 27
$8,000
Pump 24 Hour Operation
$1,950
Operational Contract Crews (on going erosion control and emergency small pump operation)
$25,000
Pump ongoing Rental, Maintaince and Fuel ($13,110 x3) $39,330 Per Month
$117,000
By end of August
Re Location of meter bags from Wellington to Dock Area
$25,680
By end of May
Shoreline at Jet Boats (Rip Rap Shoreline)
$18,000
By end of May
Queens Royal Beach (Rip Rap Shoreline)
$12,000
By end of May
Shoreplan Engineering
$50,000
By end of August
Park Area Restoration
$30,000
By end of August
Town Staff Time 
$20,000
By end of August
$534,655
Total Estimate

Staff has consulted with Shoreplan Engineering Limited asking for a cost proposal to design a retaining and break wall system to prevent future erosion and remediation of the existing damage (see Appendix A). Shoreplan is very familiar with this area and have also provided area residents successful engineering plans. The estimate cost for this work is $39,000.00 and staff are recommending that we move forward with this project. Additional funds may be required to facilitate additional public engagement but we are not anticipating the total cost of the engineering to exceed $50,000. The proposal meets the intent of the Town’s Procurement Policy.

Once a engineering design and specification is complete Staff will request qualified contractors to provide quotes to carry out this work. Staff will then report back to Council with a recommendation to move forward.

5. STRATEGIC PLAN

N/A

6. OPTIONS
1. that Council approve the hiring of Shoreplan Engineering Limited to assist in improving shoreline protection at the dock area, with funds being used from the Dock Area Reserve, not exceeding $50,000; and approve all costs related to the protection and repair due to the high water level be charged to the Dock Area Reserve. (recommended)

7. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The costs for the Dock Area flooding was not included in the 2017 Budget. Staff is recommending that the expenditures be funded from the Dock Area Reserve. There is currently a balance of $750,000 in this reserve.

Staff will continue to source potential funding relief through Government Agencies.

8. COMMUNICATIONS
Staff will continue to update residents via social media and the Town's Website. We will also provide regular updates to Council when any major changes take place.

9. CONCLUSION
Staff recommend that Council approve Shoreplan Engineering Limited proposal to assist in improve shoreline protection at the dock area. Staff will continue monitor and implement measures to minimise damage to property and associated costs will also be charged to the Dock Area Reserve.



Respectfully submitted,


Sheldon Randall Holly Dowd
Director of Operations Chief Administrative Officer



ATTACHMENTS

Appendix A- Shoreplan Proposal.pdfAppendix A- Shoreplan Proposal.pdfAppendix B- Dock Area Map.pdfAppendix B- Dock Area Map.pdfIMG_1544.JPGIMG_1527.JPGIMG_1558.JPGIMG_1457.JPGIMG_1524.JPGIMG_1529.JPGIMG_1535.JPG


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