Archived - 2011 Vegetation Management / Brush Control - Aerial and Ground Herbicide Program CFB Gagetown

Gagetown, Canadian Forces Base (NB)

Reasons for a Federal Assessment
Project Description
Final Decision

Reference Numbers

Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry: 11-01-60518
Department of National Defence: 004‑2011

Environmental Assessment Type

Screening

Responsible or Regulated Authorities

Department of National Defence

Reasons for a Federal Assessment

On January 25, 2011, it was determined that an environmental assessment was required in relation to the project because Department of National Defence was the proponent for the project.

Project Description (as posted in the Notice of Commencement)

The Department of National Defence (DND) is responsible to manage their lands in a sustainable manner. The Commander of 3Area Support Group (3ASG) assumes responsibility to manage the 110,000 hectare Range and Training Area (RTA), Canadian Forces Base Gagetown (CFBG). One aspect of managing the RTA involves maintaining roads, facilities and specific training sites in a suitable condition to meet specific training requirements. In particular there is an operational requirement to control vegetation, brush and other woody plants at numerous sites throughout the RTA. Since vegetation continually grows or re-establishes the requirement is without end if areas are to be maintained for training purposes, therefore an annual program is required.

Primary Operational Requirements:

 Safety - line of sight on roads
 Target Visibility - requirement to see targets from distances up to 4.0 km (Impact/Target Areas and Ranges)
 Manoeuvre - requirement to travel cross country in vehicles and on foot unhindered by standing woody vegetation (Manoeuvre Areas, General and Dismounted)
 Wildfire Hazard Reduction- control fuel loading and reduce fire hazard specifically in the Impact/Target Areas
 Maintain Facilities/Features - infrastructure right of ways (roads, power lines, communication lines), fire breaks/fuel breaks, small arms ranges, driving circuit, bivouacs, gun positions, air strips, drop zone, heliport, grave yards, Remote Weather Stations, fire towers sites, Austere Village Site etc.


Vegetation Management / Brush Control Program

Program planning involves an integrated approach. Integrated vegetation management systematically evaluates vegetation control methods. Control options for integrated vegetation management may include biological, chemical, cultural, manual, mechanical techniques, and in some cases, controlled burning.

Integrated vegetation management refers to the use of a system of management actions that is intended and designed to achieve a particular outcome in terms of habitat type. The system might consist of as few as one action undertaken on a periodic basis, or a series of several of them carried out in a coordinated and linear manner. In some cases, there may be alternative systems of integrated management that could achieve a similar outcome. It is important to understand that periodic monitoring of the condition of the vegetation in the field is a necessary component of any effective system of integrated vegetation management. Monitoring is important because it allows specific actions to be undertaken only when necessary. It is also very useful to systematically and continuously study the results obtained when management systems are used in various kinds of habitats. Land managers are able to build a base of useful knowledge of how local species and habitats will respond to various kinds of management interventions.

CFB Gagetown Environment and Range Management Personnel are committed to utilize the most appropriate methods available while providing environmental protection for valued ecosystem components.

The methods shall:

1. Comply with DND Policy and all pertinent Federal and Provincial Acts and regulations
2. Achieve desired results (meet operational requirements)
3. Be cost effective

The Integrated Vegetation Management Plan includes the following:

 Land inventory, vegetation database, existing conditions (vegetation type and size and density),
 Desired results, treatment options, best treatment options to achieve desired results
 Field inspection forms and checklists for vegetation inspection and evaluation.
 Decision Support System (DSS) that incorporates the vegetation database, and a GIS mapping.
 Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for herbicide application.
 Reference information, regulatory framework, legislation, permits approved products etc
 Management planning details such as document control and corrective action reporting.

The Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) are based on industry standards and best management practices. SOPs are reviewed and updated on a regular basis; specifically as regulations change and best management practices are improved.

Currently mechanical cutting/mulching, dozing, herbicides, manual cutting, mowing, crushing and controlled burning are the methods utilized to control vegetation and maintain areas. In total there are approximately 25,000 ha of open range land and 900 km of Right of Way (roads and transmission lines) to be maintain. As most areas only require periodic treatments, this allows the flexibility to create a treatment schedule and develop an annual operating plan to outline where, when and how to conduct the operations. The annual plan will identify priority areas to be treated, the best treatment method.

Description of the Aerial and Ground Herbicide Project:

The planned 2011 Herbicide Program will involve the application of herbicide on specific areas within the CFB Gagetown Range and Training Area (RTA) to control unwanted vegetation that has overrun training sites. The target vegetation consists of shrubs, brush, small trees and other woody plants that continually invade and occupy various training sites. In total approximately 1350 hectares are scheduled for treatment. Both aerial and ground application methods will be utilized to deliver the herbicide. Aerial application will involve the use of a helicopter equipped with spray boom apparatus while ground application will involve a wheeled or tracked prime mover equipped with a spray boom apparatus. Approximately 1250 hectares will be treated by aerial application and 100 hectares by ground application. The application will be conducted by contracted licenced applicators. The applicators are restricted to pre-established application parameters which are outlined in the application contract. Herbicides scheduled for use, both selective and non-selective are registered products approved by Health Canada Pest Management Regulator Agency (PMRA). Products are also approved for use in New Brunswick (NB) by the NB Environment Dept (DOE). Project implementation will comply with DND Policy and all pertinent Federal and Provincial Acts and regulations governing the use, storage, handling and application of herbicides. The applications are scheduled from mid July to the end of August. The entire applications could be completed in 7 - 10 days. Range use and access is scheduled thefore the application times must be coordinated so as not to significantly interfere with on-going military training. Also, set weather parameters generally restrict applicators to early morning and late afternoon operations. On a good day applicators may only work for 3 - 5 hrs.
Global Positioning System (GPS) devices are employed during the planning, application and monitoring. Buffers along water bodies and other sensitive sites are designed utilizing ArcMap Geographic Information System (GIS) computer software. Spray block design involves use of recent aerial imagery, water, wetland and species at risk layers and data collected during site visits. The use of GPS and GIS facilitate accurate block design and accurate placement of the herbicide spray.

The specifications for the herbicide application contracts are developed by CFB Gagetown engineering personnel and approved by Base Environmental staff. The contract is tendered and implemented through Defence Construction Canada (DCC), a crown corporation that works solely for the Dept of National Defence. DCC tender, award and administer the contracts on behalf of CFB Gagetown. In addition to the application contracts, DCC issue a contract for a third party independent monitor. The monitor is tasked to ensure compliance with the contract specifications, terms and conditions. The onsite monitor ensures adherence to environmental regulations, set weather parameters and the proper storage, handling, mixing and loading of herbicide. The monitor is also responsible to verify the correct calibration of application equipment and to collect water and vegetation samples (pre and post operations). The monitor also declares the go/no-go decisions as outlined in the contract. Upon completion of the project the monitor provides a detailed report which includes recording any deviations from the contract and the results of the water and vegetation sampling.

Final Decision

On July 6, 2012, the new Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 came into force which replaced the former Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. As a result, there is no longer a requirement to complete the environmental assessment of this project.