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Municipality of the County of Richmond:
Municipal Climate Change Action Plan
2
Prepared by
Université Sainte-Anne, Marine Research Centre
Aleasha (Boudreau) David and Michelle Theriault
Prepared for
The Municipality of the County of Richmond
November, 2013
3
Introduction
The Municipal Climate Change Action Plan (MCCAP) is a blueprint to assist municipalities to
address and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The plan seeks to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions from municipal operations and prepare the municipality for the anticipated impacts
of climate change.
The goal of the MCCAP is to take the municipality to the next step, by compiling both their
current and future municipal actions into one cohesive document that lays the foundation for
municipal climate action.
This Municipal Climate Change Action Plan is also designed to fit the framework set by the
Canada-Nova Scotia Agreement on the Transfer of Federal Gas Tax Funds. In 2008, the federal
Government and the Province of Nova Scotia entered into an agreement where funds
equivalent to a portion of federal excise tax on municipalities would be transferred back to
municipalities to help fund capital projects related to sustainability. As a condition of the Gas
Tax Agreement, each municipality is responsible for preparing a Municipal Climate Change
Action Plan (MCCAP) which must be submitted to Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations
by December 31, 2013. This document represents the Municipal Climate Change Action Plan for
the Municipality of the County of Richmond.
4
Table of Contents
Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 3
Richmond County Community Profile .............................................................................................. 5
MCCAP Adaptation Team ............................................................................................................... 10
Impacts and Hazards ...................................................................................................................... 14
Impact matrix ................................................................................................................................. 24
Climate Change Preparedness ....................................................................................................... 25
Affected Locations .......................................................................................................................... 27
Facilities, Infrastructure and Service Delivery ................................................................................ 29
Social, Economic, Environmental and Cultural Considerations ..................................................... 30
Priorities for Adaptation ................................................................................................................. 43
Climate Change Mitigation ............................................................................................................. 49
Summary of Energy and Emissions information ........................................................................ 49
Setting Goals and Actions for Mitigation ....................................................................................... 53
Corporate and Community Initiatives ........................................................................................ 53
Capital Projects ............................................................................................................................... 58
Conclusions ..................................................................................................................................... 62
Appendix : ....................................................................................................................................... 63
5
Richmond County Community Profile
Location
The Municipality of the County of Richmond (figure 1) is a rural municipality located on the
south-eastern corner of Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Island. It is bounded by the Bras D'Or Lakes
and Cape Breton Regional Municipality to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Chedabucto
Bay to the south and Inverness County to the west. The land area is divided roughly evenly by
the St. Peters' Canal, which connects the Bras d'Or Lake to St. Peters Bay and the Atlantic
Ocean. Isle Madame, a large island to the southwest of mainland Richmond County, contains
about a third of the County's population and is connected by a bridge to the mainland. The total
land area of Richmond County is 1,244 square kilometers.
Figure 1. The Municipality of the County of Richmond.
6
Geographically, almost all of Richmond County is within 10 kilometres of either the Bras d'Or
Lakes water system or the Atlantic coast, a fact which has greatly shaped its landscape and
cultural history. The County as a whole is heavily forested, with little agriculture.
Topographically, Richmond County is flatter than other municipalities on Cape Breton Island,
with most of the County comprised of coastal lowlands with many bays, coves and islands.
Nonetheless, there are a few upland regions in Richmond County including Sporting Mountain,
facing the Bras d'Or Lakes, as well as the northern part of the County, near Loch Lomond.
Population Demographic
Despite its relatively small population of just under 10,000 (according to the 2006 Census),
Richmond County has had a long and varied settlement history. The region was first settled by
Europeans in the 1830's when the French built a fort near what is now St. Peters and
established a fur trade with the native Mi'kmaq people. Subsequently, French (and Acadian),
Scottish, English and Irish settlers moved into the region, and established their own
communities. Most of the population was (and still is) concentrated along the coast as many of
these villages depended on fishing, boatbuilding and maritime trade.
To this day, roughly one quarter of the residents of Richmond County list French as their mother
tongue and over a third are bilingual. This preservation of Acadian, as well as strong First
Nations, Irish and Scottish heritage has resulted in a unique cultural mosaic within Richmond
County. In recent years, people from many places including Germany, the United States and
elsewhere in Canada have moved to
Richmond County to take
advantage of its natural coastal
beauty.
7
Since the decline of boatbuilding in the 19th Century, the economy of Richmond County has
ebbed and flowed with the rise and fall of the fisheries in the North Atlantic. The fishery remains
to this day a vital part of the economy of Richmond County, particularly on Isle Madame and in
the eastern parts of the County. The completion of the Canso Causeway in 1955 resulted in the
creation of a deep ice free harbour. This spurred extensive industrial development at Point
Tupper in the western end of the County, an area which still represents a substantial portion of
Richmond County's tax base. Tourism development has also emerged as a significant pillar of
Richmond County's economy, specifically cultural, eco and adventure based tourism.
Government services, such as health (Strait-Richmond Hospital, St. Anne's Nursing Centre) and
education (including two school boards and four schools) also employ a large portion of the
County's labour force.
The census data for Richmond County in 2006 lists the population as 9,7401. The majority of this
population is concentrated on the western half of the County, with 3,455 on Isle Madame
(whose largest communities are Arichat, West Arichat, Petit de Grat and D'Escousse) and 4,072
living on the mainland, west of the St. Peters Canal (with the largest communities being St.
Peters, Louisdale and Evanston-Whiteside). A total of 1,769 residents live east of the St. Peters
Canal, with the largest communities being Red Islands, L'Ardoise and Fourchu.
Like many other rural counties in Nova Scotia, Richmond County's population has been declining
over the past decades, from a high of over 12,000 in the 1980's. In addition, the median age of
the population in the County is also increasing. Median age was 47 years of age in 2006,
approximately five years older than the provincial average, and this aging trend is expected to
continue. This decline and aging in population partly results from the global trend towards
smaller family sizes which has been occurring throughout Canada as well as from the out
migration of younger residents for employment and education purposes.
Despite increased subdivision activity and new home construction in some parts of the County
(particularly along the Highway 104 corridor between Evanston and St. Peters), continued
depopulation in other areas of the County will pose a challenge for the Municipality to continue
to provide basic services to residents while maintaining a reasonable tax rate.
1 http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/dp-
pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CD&Code1=1216&Geo2=PR&Code2=24&Data=Count&SearchText=&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=0
1&B1=All&Custom=&TABID=1
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Municipal governance
At a municipal government level, the County is governed by a Council of 10 members (including
the Warden) and provides a wide range of municipal services. Councillors are elected to four
year terms and represent different geographical districts. The St. Peters' Village Commission
operates as a sub-municipal unit within Richmond County and assumes responsibility for many
of its own municipal items. St. Peters' residents are represented by the St. Peters Village
Commission and a Municipal Councillor.
Figure 2. Map of Richmond County depicting geographical location of the ten municipal districts
(above) and list of communities included within each district (below).
District
Area
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Louisdale, Grand Anse, Grandique Ferry,Lennox
Passage
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River Bourgeois, St. George's Channel, The Point West
Bay, Dundee, Sporting Mountain, Oban, Seaview,
River Tillard, Cannes, Hawker
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St. Peter's, French Cove, Sampsonville, Cape George,
Roberta
9
L'Ardoise, Rockdale, Grand Greve, Lower L'Ardoise,
Little Harbour, Point Michaud
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Johnstown, Chapel Island, Barra Head, Lynches
River,Soldier's Cove, McNab's Cove, Red Islands, Hay
Cove, Loch Lomond, Grand River, L'Archeveque, St.
Esprit, Lower St. Esprit, Framboise, Forchu, Stirling,
Lake Uist, Irish Cove
District
Area
1
Arichat, Robins, Cape Auget, Pondville, Lochside,
Grandique (South)
2
Petit de Grat, Boudreauville, Alderney Point, Gros
Nez, Samson's Cove, Little Anse
3
D'Escousse, Martinique, Poulamon, Poirierville, Cap
la Ronde, Rocky Bay
4
West Arichat, St. Mary's, Port Royal, Janvrin's
Harbour
5
Black River, Cleveland, Dundee, Evanston,
Hureauville, Grand Anse, Grantville, Lower River
Inhabitants, Walkerville,Port Malcolm, Port
Richmond, Point Tupper, Kempt Road, West Bay,
Whiteside
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Planning and Development
Planning and development services for Richmond County are the responsibility of the Eastern
District Planning Commission. Land use planning has been established as needed in different
sections of the County at various times. At present, the West Richmond, Central Richmond,
Shannon Lake, Sporting Mountain, Isle Madame and St. Peters municipal plans regulate
development for the majority of the population of the County. There are plans to extend land
use planning regulations to the Louisdale area in the future. The Chapel Island First Nation's
group has a population of approximately 500 and is located about 10 kilometres northeast of St.
Peters. While it is located entirely within the borders of Richmond County, it is governed
separately and is not included in municipal land use plans.
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MCCAP Adaptation Team
The overall intent of the MCCAP is to build internal capacity within the municipality for dealing
with issues related to climate change. The first step in this process was the formation of an
Adaptation Team or Committee. Based on the experience of other municipalities, it was
decided that this Adaptation Team consist of core municipal staff and representatives with
external expertise added, if needed.
The structure of the MCCAP team for Richmond is shown in table 1. The Team consists of the
Municipal Director of Public Works and Municipal Engineer, the Director of Economic
Development and Tourism, a Council member and two consultants from Université Sainte-Anne.
The consultants were responsible for co-ordinating the committee, organizing and chairing
meetings, as well as summarizing and compiling the MCCAP document. The municipal
committee members, in turn, were responsible for contributing, reviewing and approving the
content of the MCCAP.
Table 1. Adaptation Team Members.
Name
Position
Jeff Stanley
Director of Tourism and Economic Development
Chris Boudreau
Director of Public Works, Municipal Engineer
Shirley McNamara
Councillor
Michelle Theriault
Aleasha Boudreau
Consultants, Université Sainte-Anne
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Additional expertise was available to the MCCAP team and was called upon as needed. This
team of external advisors and experts (listed in table 2) included other municipal staff,
councillors, consultants, provincial government staff, citizens, and university collaborators.
Table 2. MCCAP Adaptation Team external collaborators.
Name
Position
John Bain
Eastern District Planning Commission
Bryne Butts
Eastern District Planning Commission
John Beaton
Formerly contracted by the Strait Highlands RDA
Dan Lane
University of Ottawa (and other climate change researchers)
The MCCAP Team also incorporated additional climate change work undertaken by the
Municipality or other organizations into the MCCAP. This included previous work by the Strait
Highlands RDA, a development agency whose mandate was to grow the region by promoting
communities, businesses, organizations and citizens in
becoming community leaders and agents for their own
development2. Specifically, the MCCAP incorporated
the RDA's 'Partners for Climate Protection', green
action Milestone Report which examined greenhouse
gas emissions.
2 Srait-Highlands Regional Development Agency. Annual Report 2011-2012.
12
Similarly, the Eastern District Planning Commission (EDPC), though not directly represented on
the MCCAP committee, provided invaluable assistance to the MCCAP Team. The EDPC assisted
with the preparation and interpretation of old map data as well as providing the necessary
resources for interpretation of current maps for performing climate change impact assessment.
Additional expertise, scientific information and interpretation were provided to the MCCAP
Team by staff and students of the University of Ottawa, ICURA C-Change project. The area of
Isle Madame, Richmond County, was chosen to be part of this C-Change community coastal
adaptation strategies project.
Through this project, the Municipality of
Richmond has participated in numerous
climate change workshops, planning studies
and research projects. In addition,
Richmond County has been used as a model
for numerous university research projects
and scientific publications. Many of these
reports and case studies are referenced in
this document.
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Adaptation Team Mandate
The first task of the MCCAP Team was to establish the mandate of the Team including roles,
responsibilities and authority of the team members. A summary of the MCCAP Team mandate
is as follows:
The Team is responsible for the generation of an MCCAP Plan that is applicable, relevant
and attainable.
The goal of the MCCAP Team is to ensure that climate change awareness and
preparedness is integrated into the existing facets of municipality policy and planning.
The Team should ensure that climate change initiatives can continue on after the MCCAP
work is completed.
The MCCAP Team was established as a working group until the time of MCCAP
submission. After which, the Team will meet on an annual basis to review the objectives
and deliverables outlined in the plan.
The Team will report to Warren Olsen, Chief Administration Officer, on a regular basis.
The Team will provide regular updates to Council and the Final Plan will be presented to
Council for approval prior to submission.
Any changes to existing municipal plans or policies will have to be approved by the
appropriate municipal committee or responsible authorities before being implemented.
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Impacts and Hazards
The Challenge
There has been a remarkable amount of awareness brought forth about climate change in
recent years. Despite common knowledge that changes are occurring, it is important that
municipalities understand what these changes will mean for their communities. In the case of
the Municipality of the County of Richmond, a largely coastal area, the susceptibility of its
communities to serious, immediate and long term threats3 highlights the need for municipal
preparedness.
In order to address potential impacts and hazards, historical evidence4 and current research
being conducted in Isle Madame through the Community-University Research Alliance (ICURA)
project, Managing Adaptation to Environmental Change in Coastal Communities: Canada and
the Caribbean, were examined5. Furthermore, a hazard-matrix was constructed by the
Adaptation Team to assist in the compilation of local knowledge. In addition to these resources,
mapping tools were also used to determine the impact of climate change events, such as sea
level rise and coastal erosion, on municipal communities.
While there is a lot of existing information available with respect to climate change, there
remains few sources for municipalities like Richmond to obtain pragmatic advice or tools
available to municipalities. Deal with this issue requires early identification and communication
of threats, assessment of vulnerabilities, evaluation of risk and promotion of pro-active, cost-
effective strategies to facilitate community adaptation to change6. In light of their current
partnership with ICURA (C-Change) researchers, Richmond County is well placed to make
meaningful strides in the development and implementation of climate changes issues and
hazards and to ultimately build resilience and minimize risk to its communities.
This Municipal Climate Change Action Plan is meant to reflect the first step in addressing the
climate change hazards and impacts that are expected within the Municipality of the County of
Richmond. A list of impacts and hazards was compiled and categorized based on area of impact
such as buildings, energy, forest, habitat/ecosystem, mobility and water (table 3).
3 Lane, D. The Gathering Storm : Managing Adaptation to Environmental Change in Coastal Communities and Small Islands.
4 Boudreau, A. and M. Thériault, 2011. Isle Madame Research Project: Isle Madame Historical Documentation and Storm Monitoring Project
(2011-2012).
5C-Change: Canada to the Caribbean. http://www.coastalchange.ca/
6 Lane, D. The Gathering Storm : Managing Adaptation to Environmental Change in Coastal Communities and Small Islands.
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Table 3. Summary of Potential Impacts for the Municipality of the County of Richmond.
SYSTEM
SUMMARY OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-
Water Damage to buildings and property from sea level rise or increased
severity of precipitation.
-
Increased maintenance; Loss of investments; increased cost for demolition of
damaged infrastructure and restoration of lands and coasts due to increased
storm activity.
-
More frequent power outages associated with extreme weather events.
-
Migration of species and populations capitalizing on the change in climate.
-
Change in forest composition due to a combination of impacts.
-
Migration of species and populations capitalizing on the change in climate
-
Increased risk of species and ecosystem breakdown
-
Habitat loss due to potential flooding, in particular in low-lying coastal areas
-
Land based transportation route disruption (loss of road network
connectivity in coastal areas).
-
Decreased road safety due to more frequent and severe weather events and
coastal instability through barrier stretching (eg. Janvrin's Island).
-
Sewer overflows from stormwater runoff and river flows due to increased
number of peak events.
-
Well contamination.
Energy
Forest
Habitat and
Ecosystem
Mobility
Buildings
Water
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Hazards and Impacts for the Municipality of Richmond
Sea level Rise and Storm Surge
According to the 2007 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report, small islands
and coastal communities have characteristics that make them very vulnerable to climate change
impacts, mainly sea-level rise and storm surges7. The frequency of severe storm surges has not
only increased, but so too has the intensity and duration8 of these events. Storm surge, defined
as "an increase in the ocean water level above what is expected from the normal tidal level that
can be predicted from astronomical observations and is most often caused by winds and low
pressure atmospheric storms"9 are becoming commonplace.
The Municipality of the County of Richmond is designated as a high-risk area for sea level rise
and storm surge events (reflected by the 'degree to which the coastline is expected to
experience physical changes such as flooding, erosion, beach migration, land subsidence, and
coastal dune destabilization)'10. It is expected that the County will experience serious,
immediate and long term economic, social, environmental and cultural impacts due to these
hazards.
7 IPCC (2007): Summary for Policymakers. In: Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fourth
Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Solomon, S., D. Qin, M. Manning, Z. Chen, M. Marquis, K.B. Averyt,
M.Tignor and H.L. Miller (eds.)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA.
8 Mimura et al 2007. 'Small Islands'. Climate Change 2007: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. Contribution of Working Group II to the
Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Perry et al., Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, 687-
716.
9 Webster and Stiff, 2008. The prediction and mapping of coastal flood risk associated with storm surge events and long-term sea level
changes.WIT Transactions on Information and Communication. Vol 39; 129-138.
10 Natural resource Canada , 2010.
17
Anecdotal observations of flooding events from community members highlight the increase in
sea level and storm surge events occurring within Richmond County. Collected historical and
storm event evidence has supported the impact that these sea level and storm surge events
have had within the Municipality11. Infrastructure flooding in some communities is becoming
more commonplace and certain facilities have been forced to take active measures to reduce
ongoing infrastructure damage.
It is important for extremely vulnerable sites within a municipality to be identified so research
can be conducted and case studies developed to help ensure appropriate adaptive and
mitigation measures are taken to limit the storm damage impacts12.
Coastal Erosion
Coastal erosion is a natural process that
consists of the breakdown of rock and
sediments such that these rocks and
sediment are taken from one area and
placed into another13. Coastal erosion
is neither good nor bad and erosion
problems only occur when structures
are located within a coastal erosion
zone.
In order to determine the severity
coastal erosion will have in a given
area, several factors must be
evaluated. Exposure, tides, type of
shoreline, type of sediment, human
activity and changes in climatic
conditions all have varying degrees of
impact on the rate and extent of
coastal erosion.
11 Boudreau, A. and M. Thériault, 2011. Isle Madame Research Project: Isle Madame Historical Documentation and Storm Monitoring Project
(2011-2012)
12 Hartt-Maxwell, 2012. Coastal Community Adaptation Profiling.
13 Atlantic Climate Adaptation Solutions Association, 2011. Coastal Erosion and Climate Change. Prepared by the Prince Edward Island
Department of Environment, Labour and Justice.
18
Since several factors influence coastal erosion, each specific situation must be looked at to
assess the susceptibility of the Municipality of the County of Richmond as a whole. Within the
Municipality, the exposed area on the south coast is highly susceptible to wave action from the
Atlantic Ocean. The degree to which these waves, with increased frequency and severity due to
increased sea level rise and storm events, will impact the municipality's coastline need to be
considered. The effect of coastal erosion has previously been documented in Richmond County
in areas like Cape La Ronde on Isle Madame14.
Increased Frequency of Storm Events and Increasing Storm Intensity
According to the IPCC, storm events and storm intensity are expected to continue to increase.
An increase in extreme events increases the risk of flooding and erosion which are already
anticipated to be of concern for the Municipality. An increase in the intensity of these storms
will affect coastal utilities by exposing them to greater storm surges and flooding events,
exacerbating problems due to sea level rise or coastal erosion.
An increase in frequency and intensity of precipitation and storm events will pose problems for
water resource managers. Increased risk for both coastal and inland flooding threatens water
infrastructure. A more volatile water supply would require the development of new water
sources or innovation of storage
techniques while changes to
both groundwater and surface
water quality would
necessitate new or upgraded
treatment processes. Water
resource managers may also
have to make greater use of
biological monitoring and
assessment techniques15.
14 Force. E. R., 2012. Coastal erosion and deposition in the Cap-LaRonde-Goulet Beach sector of Isle Madame, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia.
15 Water Research Foundation. The Climate Change Clearing House.
http://www.theclimatechangeclearinghouse.org/ClimateChangeImpacts/ChangesStormIntensityFrequency/Pages/default.aspx Accessed March
19th 2013.
19
Previous Climate Change Impacts
Historical data
Historical photographs can be used to demonstrate some of the changes occurring over time
within the municipality. As illustrated in the before and after photos in figure 2, coastal property
has been slowly reseeding in several areas due to increased sea level rise and land subsidence.
Historical documentation demonstrates past weather and climate related events that are only
anticipated to continue to worsen over time.
a)
b)
Figure 2. Lower Road in Arichat at present day (a) compared to 80 years ago (b).
Storm damage
Infrastructure flooding has also been experienced within the municipality. Petit de Grat Packers,
a seasonal snow crab processing plant within the municipality that employs approximately 90
people, is an example of important infrastructure that has experienced significant impacts from
flooding (figure 3). The first level of this processing facility has experienced flooding forcing the
company to move equipment to the upper floor to prevent damage from subsequent events.
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Figure 3. Petit de Grat Packers facility during a storm in January 2010.
Road connectivity
Road connectivity has been threatened during several past storm events (figure 4) resulting in
increased concern about emergency response capabilities, viability of these roadways and costs
to repair damaged roadways (figure 5). The frequency and severity of these events has spurred
discussions on possible mitigation or adaptation strategies that could take place to avoid a
potential disaster in the future.
Figure 4. Loss of road connectivity during a storm in Little Anse, Richmond County.
21
Figure 5. Road damage to Pondville road, Richmond County after a storm in January 2010.
Breaching of barrier beaches
Barrier beaches in the area have been stretching and breaching under long term relative sea
level rise. The similarities between Creighton Island, a once populated peninsula connected to
Isle Madame, and Janvrin's island, a populated area off of Isle Madame, are cause for concern
as the stretching and breaching is a threat to the road connectivity of Janvrin's Island.
22
Anticipated Impacts and Hazards
The major impacts anticipated in the Municipality of the County of Richmond concerning
climate change include coastal inundation and erosion, storm surge, flooding and saltwater
intrusion. Anticipated hazards to the Municipality of the County of Richmond related to these
impacts include:
Transportation and Public Works
a) Potential disruption to transportation
and infrastructure due to the impacts of
sea level rise, coastal erosion and
inundation during extreme events. Loss
of connectivity can threaten certain
communities (access to food and
resources, access to emergency response
vehicles)
b) Increased road maintenance due to the
impacts of sea level rise, coastal erosion,
inundation during extreme storms and freeze thaw cycles. Potential decrease in road
safety.
c) Potential disruption in waste collection and treatment with increased potential for
discharge of inadequately treated wastewater. Increased sewer and water treatment
costs.
d) Potential contamination of drinking water (well water).
23
Planning and Infrastructure
e) Increased insurance costs due to
infrastructure loss and damage.
f) Damage and loss of residential and
commercial property and infrastructure.
g) Increased impacts on viable land options.
Emergency Response
h) Increased demands on emergency services. Increased demand for services due to higher
number of individuals at risk (high population of seniors in Richmond County) from
anticipated increased storm events.
i) Breakdown of services to certain communities during events (power interruption) and
the disruption or breakdown of key services required for responders (communication
methods).
j) Potential loss of access for service vehicles to community members.
24
Impact matrix
A summary of the anticipated impacts and hazards in Richmond County can be found in table 3
based on the specific system expected to see the impact. An impact matrix (required for the
MCCAP submission) was prepared and can be seen in table 4. The impact matrix summarizes
the severity, frequency and extent of the impact that known climate change hazards may have
in Richmond County.
Table 4. Climate Change Hazard Impact Matrix
Hazard
Severity
Frequency
Area
Severe
Moderate
Minor
Often
Sometimes
Rarely
Large
Medium
Small
Sea Level
Rise
x
x
X
Erosion
x
x
X
Flooding
x
x
X
Landslides
x
x
X
Storm
Surge
x
x
X
Hurricanes
and wind
x
x
X
Forest
Fires
x
x
X
Drought
x
x
X
25
Climate Change Preparedness
Overall, the Municipality of the County of Richmond has been fortunate to never have had to
experience many severe events. However, it is still important that the municipality begin to
implement emergency response criteria to prepare for the impending effects of climate change.
With respect to known areas of concern (i.e. Breaching of breakwater and loss of road
connectivity in Little Anse), case studies including cost analysis of potential solutions should be
undertaken. Continued support and involvement in research initiatives like the University of
Ottawa's C-Change project are important for continuing to document the severity, frequency
and impacts of events as well as assisting with the development of solutions.
Capacity/Resources
Despite increased knowledge that the Municipality of Richmond will continue to experience
hazards and impacts due to climate change, accurately assessing the direct impact to the
Municipality is difficult. To assist with this, the Municipality of Richmond has had access to many
resources including academic alliances (University of Ottawa, University of New Brunswick,
University Sainte Anne), published case studies for Richmond County, access to knowledgeable
GIS technicians (University of New Brunswick), and ArcGIS software from the ICURA project.
Despite this information, it is not possible to project
accurate representations of sea level rise, the
County's leading climate change concern. Existing
digital mapping, used in this report to examine
affected locations, is not accurate enough to
determine the actual sea level rise impacts. In order
to provide these estimates, the area would require
LIDAR mapping (remote sensing technology that
measures distance by illuminating a target with a
laser and analysing the reflected light). This data,
collected using aircraft, creates the elevation
accuracy required for accurate sea level
predictions. Hazard and risk mapping will be
important for the municipality to be able to
accurately determine its areas of concern.
26
Climate Change Adaptation Research
As previously mentioned, the Municipality of Richmond has benefited from a unique
partnership with the University of Ottawa and the Community-University Research Alliance
(ICURA) project, Managing Adaptation to Environmental Change in Coastal Communities:
Canada and the Caribbean.
Following is a list of some of the various documents and scientific papers that have been have
been published through this project:
Water Management Modelling in the Simulation of Water Systems in Coastal Communities
Sara Barghi, a masters recipient at the Univeristy of Ottawa, modelled the Arichat water system
(located in Richmond County) during different storm scenarios identifying limitations the system
will have with anticipated climate changes.
Multicriteria Decision Evaluation of Adaptation Strategies for Vulnerable Coastal
Communities. Hooman Mostofi Camare, a masters recipient at the University of Ottawa,
examined adaptation strategies for the Little Anse breakwater in Richmond County.
Spatial-Temporal Modelling for Estimating impacts of Storm Surge and Sea Level Rise on
Coastal Communities: The Case of Isle Madame in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada. Sahar
Pakdel, a masters recipient at the University of Ottawa examined the effect storm surge and sea
level rise would have on Isle Madame. Using different storm scenarios she was able to examine
social, economic, cultural and environmental impacts such storms may have on Isle Madame.
Coastal Community Climate Change Adaptation Framework Development and
Implementation. Mingliang Lu, a masters student at the University of Ottawa looked at making
the MCCAP 'actionable'. This included developing a Richmond County Action Plan Website with
webpages for the following: structure of the Action Plan, links to first responders, a carbon
calculator (for household reference and improved efficiency of emissions), local schools'
activities and information pages and the Richmond County Emergency Climate Action
iPad/IPhone app.
Emergency Management Planning: A Value Based Approach to Preparing Coastal
Communities for Sea Level Rise. Alex Chung, a masters student at the University of Ottawa, has
been working on measuring preparedness and creating a mock-up exercise of a storm event in
Little Anse.
27
Affected Locations
To identify affected locations, maps of Richmond County were examined for the likelihood of
impact in different areas from sea level rise and coastal erosion. Unfortunately, due to a lack of
detailed mapping, this impact assessment was difficult to perform.
Accurate digital elevation data does not exist for Richmond County, making it impossible to
determine which areas will be affected by sea level rise. Furthermore, despite the existence of
geological maps, a geologist would be required to accurately determine what areas within
Richmond County are vulnerable to coastal erosion. As a result, areas of concern were identified
within this Plan but further examination is required.
Sea Level Rise and Storm Surge Affected Areas
For the purpose of examining the potential threats that sea level rise may cause in Richmond
County, Quantum GIS base elevation maps were obtained to map flooding scenarios. A 2 meter
increase in sea level was used based on anticipated sea level rise of 1 meter in 100yrs and
increases due to past storm surges (1 meter)16. An example of a map showing projected 2 meter
sea level rise in the St. Peter's area is shown in figure 6.
Figure 6. Map showing projected 2 meter sea level rise, created in quantum GIS software. Areas in pink
represent inundated areas.
16 Pakdel, S. 2011. Spatial-temporal modelling for estimating impacts of storm surge and sea level rise on coastal communities: The Case of Isle
Madame in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada.
28
It should be noted that sea level rise in the Bras d'Or Lakes is not anticipated to be as high as
that of the oceanic coastline, despite what is depicted on projected maps. The Bras D'Or Lakes is
a unique system and has been treated as such through various research initiatives that have
looked at anticipated impacts due to flooding as well as potential adaptation and mitigation
strategies171819. Unfortunately, the inaccuracy of these GIS maps re-iterates the importance for
the need for better elevation maps and LIDAR for Richmond County.
Sea level Rise and storm surge were modelled through a master's thesis as part of the ICURA
project20 to examine flooding in the Isle Madame area. Within this paper, further detailed
examination of the social, economic, environmental and cultural impacts were calculated. This
project applied various storm scenario assessments to existing maps of the areas assets (social,
cultural, economic, and environmental). However, despite the importance of such research,
until proper LIDAR work is conducted in the area, results are not a true representation of what
will occur.
Coastal Erosion Affected Areas
Assessing the risk of coastal erosion requires the use of various geological mapping data and
subsequent analysis of this information by a trained geologist. This data and services were not
available for Richmond County. However, advice was obtained from a provincial geologist, as
well as university geologist to assist with the completion of the Risk Assessment Matrix (table 4)
within this MCCAP. Specifically, this advice was used to determine the susceptibility of these
populated areas at either a high, medium or low level of impact from coastal erosion.
17 Bizikova, L. & B. Hatcher, 2010. Scenario-Based Planning for a Changing Climate in the Bras d'Ors Ecosystem. International Institute for
Sustainable Development.
18 http://brasdorstewardshipsociety.org/drupal/sites/default/files/Sea-level%20and%20the%20Lakes.pdf
19 Geological Survey of Canada, 2006. Sensitivity of the Coasts of the Bras d'Or Lakes to sea level rise.
20 Pakdel, S. 2011. Spatial-temporal modelling for estimating impacts of storm surge and sae level rise on coastal communities: The Case of Isle
Madame in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada.
29
Facilities, Infrastructure and Service Delivery
A list of facilities and infrastructure in the Municipality of the County of Richmond can be found
on the municipality's website (http://www.richmondreflections.com/businesses/categories/).
Municipal Facilities and Infrastructure
The Municipality of the County of Richmond is responsible for several facilities in the county. Of
these, several are a concern to the municipality in terms of being impacted by climate change.
This includes its wastewater collection and treatment facilities, water systems (water
distribution systems) and stormwater drainage systems.
Community Facilities and Infrastructure
While municipal facilities and infrastructure have enormous value, other key facilities and
service deliveries within the community were examined to determine the impact climate
change would have on them. Climate change will impact coastal infrastructure and facilities.
Facilities anticipated to experience such impacts include important commercial facilities such as
Petit de Grat Packers crab processing facility, Samson's Enterprise boat building and boat shop,
NovaCan Seafoods crab storage facility, Premium Seafoods seafood storage and processing
facilities, Loberts R Us lobster holding facility, Clearwater Seafoods lobster storage facility, as
well as historical and cultural museums and buildings. Infrastructure anticipated to be impacted
includes road and bridge damage, loss of road connectivity, and culvert failure.
While the infrastructure and facility impacts anticipated due to the close proximity of the coast
are important, several potential fallout impacts within the community were even more
concerning to the municipality. Despite
the strategic placement of key facilities
in the community (hospitals, police
stations, fire stations, schools and
power utilities) the expected problems
with loss of road connectivity make
these important service deliveries
inaccessible to many areas in the
event of increased sea level rise and
storm surges (e.g. Little Anse,
Boudreauville, Alderney Point, Lower
road Arichat, Janvrin's Island).
30
Social, Economic, Environmental and Cultural Considerations
Social Considerations
Richmond County is committed to the health and well-being of its residents and will work with
other levels of government, community groups and residents to ensure the social sustainability
of the County. While low population density constrains the efficient provision of social services,
there are many ways in which the Municipality can play an engaged and positive role.
Richmond County strives to provide residents with a comprehensive array of recreation
programming opportunities throughout the County for residents of all ages, with the intention
of promoting an active healthy lifestyle but also serving to build a sense of community among
residents. Richmond County residents will also benefit from an expanded network of trails and
the development of passive recreation opportunities.
For the County to remain socially sustainable, actions taken by the Municipality at present and
into the future will also need to take into account demographic changes, including a rapidly
aging population. While this applies to recreation programs, it also applies to a full range of
social issues including healthcare, continuing education, enhanced transportation options and
housing. These last issues in particular involve the Municipality taking an active role in working
with the provincial government.
Richmond County's many volunteers also take it upon themselves to improve and protect the
communities they call home, a valuable asset, and the Municipality intends to continue to
support these individuals and groups for the betterment of Richmond County.
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Physical Activity and Recreation
Richmond County is dedicated to the promotion of
healthy activities for its residents. The County
continues to implement a full range of activities
and programs to encourage an active lifestyle for
its residents, through informal passive recreation
opportunities (such as well-maintained trails) and
organized programs, including sports, youth and
senior programming. Physical activity outside the
home promotes community cohesion in bringing
people together, and the health benefits to
participants are well documented. An abundance
of recreational activities also help make
Richmond County an attractive place to live while
helping reduce greenhouse gases.
In order to continue to provide residents of
Richmond County with recreational opportunities, it
will be important for the Municipality to consider the impacts of climate change which are
occurring and how these changes have or will impact recreational sites (e.g. infrastructure, ball
fields, walking trails).
Education
Education is another Provincial responsibility whose influence is very local. The Strait Regional
School Board operates three schools in Richmond County and the Conseil scolaire acadien
provincial operates one. The ability of a community to sustain a school is essential for its long
term viability, as it attracts and keeps young families in the area. Education is also a lifelong
venture, however, and it is important that adult education and literacy programs are available
to all residents.
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While health and education are areas of provincial jurisdiction, and the Municipality is not
directly involved in the operational aspects of these institutions, the County intends to continue
to work with organizations or groups such as health clinics and literacy councils to ensure these
measures of community well-being are maintained.
In order to continue to provide residents of Richmond County with appropriate educational
requirements, the Municipality will consider impacts of climate change that are occurring and
how these changes have or will impact educational facilities as well as transportation to such
facilities.
Community Safety
A socially sustainable community is one where residents can live, work and play safely.
Richmond County is committed to ensuring that protective services are well supported and
accessible to all residents of the County. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are responsible for
policing in the County.
Richmond County is also served by nine volunteer fire departments (Red Islands, Framboise-
Fourchu, Grand River, Isle Madame, L'Ardoise, Loch Lomond, Louisdale, St. Peter's and West Bay
Road). The Port Hawkesbury Volunteer Fire Department is also under contract to serve the
Point Tupper Industrial Park, as required. Large fires or other
incidents are often attended to by members of multiple
departments. These fire departments are often also
designated as first responders in medical emergencies as,
due to travel times, their members can often arrive on a
scene before an ambulance. The Municipality is committed
to working with these departments to ensure their
manpower, training and equipment requirements are
adequate to protect the residents of Richmond County.
There has been concern raised by residents of more remote
locations that telephone services are not available in the event of power outages. This can be
very dangerous in the event of an emergency situation, and the Municipality will work with the
Emergency Management Office of Nova Scotia to ensure that emergency communications are
available to all parts of the County at all times.
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Richmond County is also committed to promoting the availability of safe drinking water to all
residents of Richmond County. To ensure safe drinking water in Richmond County, the
Municipality of the County of Richmond will have to consider impacts of climate change that are
occurring and how these changes have or will impact local water supplies (e.g. saltwater
intrusion, unsafe mineral run off).
In order to continue to provide residents of Richmond County with a safe community within
which to live, work and play, the Municipality of the County of Richmond will have to consider
impacts of climate change that are occurring and how these changes have or will impact
hospitals, power supply, telephone networks, road connectivity and water supply. Areas
susceptible to sea level rise (for example, Little Anse) have already experienced short durations
of road disconnect and the safety of some residents in this community is already under threat.
Economic Considerations
Richmond County is a large rural municipality with a relatively small population and a very
diverse economy. The County will continue to take advantage of its natural and coastal setting
as well as its resourceful people to develop sustainable rural communities, built on local and
regional resources, cultural amenities and community initiative. Conflict between sectors will be
minimized as the Municipality recognizes that a job gained in one sector should not cost a job in
a different sector.
While industry is now the largest single sector of Richmond's economy, tourism is seen as
having exceptional growth potential into the future with the potential to benefit communities
across the County. The green economy is expected to grow in Richmond County, tapping into
the increased local and global market for energy efficient construction, renovation and
renewable energy. Existing and longstanding segments of Richmond's economy such as fishing
and fish processing as well small scale village commercial, continue to employ many residents
and are essential to Richmond's economic sustainability.
New growth will be encouraged by the Municipality and supported by a number of economic
development agencies. These agencies provide internet, marketing and other skills to
entrepreneurs, be they local shops or cottage industries taking advantage of the spread of
broadband internet access throughout the County, enhancing local communities.
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To encourage economic growth in Richmond County, the Municipality of the County of
Richmond will have to consider impacts of climate change that are occurring and how these
changes have or will impact economically significant infrastructure (e.g. buildings, wharves,
pipelines) and road connectivity to economically important areas in Richmond County. The
Municipality will also work to assist entrepreneurs to consider climate change impacts before
new facilities and infrastructure is built to ensure the longevity and resilience of facilities in the
county. Municipal infrastructure will also be examined for its vulnerability to sea level rise and
sea level rise will be considered in future decisions concerning new infrastructure..
The economic viability of current fishing efforts will also be a concern. Increased sea water
temperatures seem to be increasing the prevalence of tropical species in our waters. The impact
of these increased temperatures is unknown and could be a concern for locally fished species in
the future.
Environmental Considerations
Richmond County is enhanced by its beautiful, natural setting. With a relatively small
population, the County features large tracts of clean undeveloped land and a diverse coastal
ecosystem including islands, coves, beaches and marshes. In recent years in Canada, protection
of the environment has emerged as a public policy priority, and Richmond County is no different
as threats both within and outside its control need to be monitored and addressed.
Management of the coastal zone is important, as sea level rise threatens ecosystems and
infrastructure. While Richmond County's contribution to the global greenhouse gas emissions
believed to cause much of the sea level rise, are minute, there is much the County can do to
show municipal leadership in doing its share to reduce its own emissions. The Municipality has
greater control over its own water and wastewater treatment systems and recognizes the
importance of their working well to the preservation of Richmond's ecological integrity.
While most developers prefer serviced lots, they are becoming sparse, which has an impact on
environmental and economic sustainability as incoming residents either move elsewhere or are
forced to establish onsite servicing. Richmond County intends to work with residents with
private well and septic systems to maximize the efficiency of these systems while protecting the
environment. Richmond County strives to do its part to ensure clean air, water and soil for its
residents and ecosystems.
35
Coastal Management Issues
As virtually all of Richmond County lies within 10 kilometres of tidal waters, the entire County
fits into the concept of a coastal zone. Richmond County has an extensive coastline on the Strait
of Canso, Atlantic Ocean and the Bras d'Or Lakes. As such, management of coastal issues,
particularly in light of anticipated sea level increases in coming decades, is very important to
Richmond's environmental sustainability.
Richmond County has a variable coastline. While there are sandy beaches, most of the coastline
consists of rocky shores, with many bays and coves. Salt marshes are prevalent in the River
Inhabitants Basin and western Isle Madame. These are ecologically valuable in that they are
highly productive year round and a big component of the food chain. They provide great habitat
to many organisms, as well as acting as a natural processor of waste and a buffer against storm
surges and floods.
Over the last century, Nova Scotia has been impacted by an increase in the overall sea level
(caused by a combination of climate change and general regional land subsidence). The impact
of this is currently being studied by the Ocean Management Research Network of the University
of Ottawa, working with the Municipality, Université Sainte-Anne's Marine Research Centre and
Development Isle Madame Association.
While there remains some debate as to the degree of the human cause of this trend, there is
little doubt that sea levels will continue to rise into the foreseeable future. This would have an
impact on people, properties, infrastructure, wildlife and ecosystems. The most immediate of
these impacts occur during storm surges, usually during extra-tropical storms in the fall and
winter, but periodically (and occasionally very destructively) when tropical cyclones in the
summer and fall approach shore. A definite challenge to integrated coastal management
planning is the complex intergovernmental framework that exists between different
municipalities as well as provincial and federal agencies who are each responsible for certain
components of the coastal zone.
Water quality has also become an issue in some coastal areas. An increase in the amount of land
based effluent discharges, for instance, has resulted in the closure of the entire River
Inhabitants Basin for shellfish harvesting. Several other harbour areas in Richmond County are
also closed to shellfish harvesting. While there is limited commercial shellfish harvesting in this
36
part of Nova Scotia, water quality concerns should be addressed in matters of land use planning
and other areas where the Municipality has jurisdiction, including wastewater treatment.
The Bras d'Or Lakes system is different from an open ocean system. As an inland salty sea
(although the salt content of 22 parts per thousand is only about two thirds of the 35 parts per
thousand in the Atlantic) it is not as susceptible to storm surges and is a more contained
ecosystem. As there are only two natural outflows of the Lakes (excluding the St. Peter's Canal),
both at the north end and there is a low rate of water circulation (typically between 2 and 40
years, depending on location). As a result, the Lakes are more vulnerable to impacts from
development. Due to its unique history and ecology, the Lakes have recently been nominated as
a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Currently, the Lakes are fairly clean and the overall human impact is modest. However, some
areas close to shore are influenced by pressures related to resource use and shoreline
development including coliform pollution, sedimentation and some decrease in biodiversity.
Richmond County recognizes the value of the protection of the Lakes and will work to ensure
that development in its vicinity does not have a negative impact on the marine and shoreline
ecosystem.
Drinking Water Supply and Treatment
Richmond County's drinking water supply is a mix of private wells tapping into aquifers and
municipally treated water, tapping into lakes or wells. Standards for drinking water are set by
the Province of Nova Scotia and the protection of drinking water supplies, including aquifers, is
considered a provincial interest.
Currently in Richmond County, Municipal water distribution systems are available in the
communities of Arichat and Petit de Grat (tapping into Babin's Lake just north of Arichat), as
well as Louisdale, Evanston and Whiteside (tapping into two wells near Shannon Lake). St.
Peter's water distribution system is managed by the St. Peter's Village Commission.
The Municipality is also in the process of reviewing watershed boundaries to ensure that land
use planning controls are compatible with water supply areas, to address the Statement of
Provincial Interest. Land use planning policies in the County will continue to restrict
development in watershed areas to ensure that no development which might pose a hazard to
the water supply be permitted.
37
Richmond County also sits on top of several aquifers, which provide water to residents in rural
areas through the use of private wells. The Municipality is interested in maintaining a safe and
viable water supply for residents, including investing in capital improvements for water delivery
systems in un-serviced areas as well as identifying additional aquifer protection measures.
In order to ensure safe drinking water in Richmond County, the Municipality of the County of
Richmond will have to consider impacts of climate change that are occurring and how these
changes have or will impact local water supplies (e.g. water usage capacities). Current work
within the county includes Stormwater Management Modelling by Sara Barghi (C-Change
initiative from the University of Ottawa)21 on the water system in Arichat, a study that might
provide helpful insight on the importance of such modelling for other areas in the county.
Wastewater Management
Clean water is a key component of environmental sustainability, and the Municipality is intent
that its water treatment systems are up to date and meet the needs of residents while
preserving the integrity of the natural environment, including tidal and fresh water bodies.
Wastewater treatment in Richmond County occurs in more densely developed areas through
municipal sewers leading to wastewater treatment plants in Arichat, Petit de Grat, Louisdale
and Evanston.
The St. Peter's wastewater treatment system is managed by their Village Commission. The more
rural parts of the County usually have their wastewater treated on site by septic systems. The
efficient use of municipal water supply and wastewater disposal systems are a provincial
interest. The Municipality is committed to ensuring that any new development maximizes the
use of existing municipal servicing and that any new development requiring the extension of
services is done in a way that minimizes servicing costs for the Municipality.
Each of the four wastewater treatment plants was built in the 1970's. There have been
complaints in recent years that parts of these systems are failing and in need of costly repairs. In
early 2009, CBCL Consulting Engineers evaluated Richmond County's water and wastewater
systems (excluding St. Peter's) and identified a number of improvements that should be made
to bring the systems up to date and ensure they continue to work effectively. These capital
projects include upgrading pumping stations in Arichat, replacing the aging and virtually
21 Barghi, S., 2013. Stormwater Management Modelling (SWMM) in the Simulation of Water Systems in Arichat, NS.
38
inoperable wastewater treatment plant in Evanston and various smaller projects to upgrade the
piping and distribution systems. These improvements would result in cleaner water at the point
of the outflows. This helps to protect the environment and is also beneficial from an
environmental perspective given the increased ability to direct new residential development to
municipally serviced lots, further reducing the strain on the environment.
Given the urgency and benefits of these recommended projects, they have been identified as
funding priorities under the Gas Tax Agreement. To ensure cleaner water outcomes outside the
currently municipally serviced areas, the Municipality will continue to work with residents to
investigate the implementation and construction of wastewater management systems where
feasible.
To ensure appropriate wastewater management in Richmond County, the Municipality of the
County of Richmond will have to consider impacts of climate change that are occurring and how
these changes will increase the vulnerability and susceptibility of infrastructure as well as the
capacity of facilities.
Solid Waste Management
Richmond County provides weekly
curbside collection of waste and
recyclables from all properties
fronting on public roads and private
roads which have been incorporated
into collection routes. Since 2003,
Richmond County has required (the
first municipality in Nova Scotia to do
so) that all waste placed at the curbside be in a clear transparent bag, to allow collection staff to
ensure that compostable material and recyclables were not being directed to the landfill. In
2008, the Municipality contracted out roadside inspection of waste, direct waste diversion
education programs and participation in community cleanups.
The Municipality also instituted a backyard composting program. As a result, by 2006-07, 51% of
waste produced by residents and within the institutional, commercial and industrial sector was
diverted from the landfill, either by way of recycling or composting. This represented the
highest rate of waste diversion in the Province. Richmond County intends to continue its waste
39
management education program through compliance certificates for businesses, continued
curbside inspections and school classroom visits and lectures. By continuing to influence and
changing behaviour, the Municipality intends to build on its past successes in waste diversion.
Illegal dumping is one challenge faced by the Municipality in its efforts to provide a clean
environment. While illegal dumping has occurred throughout Richmond County, most of it is
close to secondary highways, with a greater concentration of known sites in the River
Inhabitants and Grand River areas. Illegal dumpsites are unsightly and pose contamination risks
to the surrounding environment. Municipal Staff intend to continue patrolling for illegal
dumping, responding to complaints, cleaning up the sites and, where appropriate, pressing
charges against offenders.
In order to ensure effective solid waste management in Richmond County, the Municipality of
the County of Richmond will have to consider impacts of climate change that are occurring and
how these changes have or will impact it (e.g. infrastructure susceptibility, road connectivity).
Climate Protection and Greenhouse Gas Reduction
Clean air and reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are important objectives in the
environmental sustainability of Richmond County. The impacts of climate change are already
being felt in some coastal areas of the County with increases in sea levels. While Richmond
County's impact on overall climate change is small, there is opportunity for the Municipality to
show leadership and do its share to improve its environmental practices, both as a corporate
entity, and by encouraging its residents to follow suit.
In December 2008, the Strait Highlands Green Action: Partners for Climate Protection report
was prepared for the Strait-Highlands Regional Development Agency. This report outlined
dozens of recommendations for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the Counties of
Richmond, Inverness and the Town of Port Hawkesbury, as well as implementation strategies to
accomplish these. While the environmental recommendations are too numerous to list
individually in this MCCAP, it has been recommended that the Municipality investigate which
policies are feasible and desirable in Richmond County, and coordinate their implementation.
The ultimate goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Richmond County by 20% from 2005
levels. Municipal initiatives include refitting and retrofitting municipal buildings, purchasing
energy efficient vehicles and incorporating energy efficient policies into planning documents. All
40
of these are discussed in greater detail in the Mitigation section of this report. The Municipality
can also work with communities to encourage residents to retrofit their homes to enhance
energy efficiency, encourage carpooling and local food production and to implement an energy
efficiency and conservation public education and awareness campaign.
Governments should lead by example through demonstration projects and improving efficiency
in their own facilities and infrastructure. As some people can be suspicious of government
intervention, where possible, implementation of environmental initiatives in the community
should be done while working with community groups and the messaging must emphasize
community well-being.
As discussed in the Economic section of this Plan, while actions to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions have significant environmental benefits, they also bring obvious economic benefits to
the community in the form of green industries. New jobs are created through home and
business retrofitting and renovations, initiation of new agricultural practices and local food
production and installation and servicing of renewable energy technologies (including biomass
as an energy source in the Point Tupper industrial Park).
Federal and provincial government agencies offer many incentives and rebates to residents
interested in increasing energy efficiency in their homes or investing in renewable energy.
Increased reliance on renewable energy is another key indicator of increased environmental
sustainability.
The Government of Nova Scotia has set a goal for Nova Scotia Power to produce 25% of its
energy from renewable sources by 2015. While the overwhelming majority of Nova Scotia's
electricity today results from coal generation, alternative forms of energy generation such as
wind, solar and tidal generators are coming online throughout the Province, including in
Richmond County.
Wind mapping done for the Province has indicated that several areas of the County are ideally
situated for large scale wind turbine development. These areas include Isle Madame and the
sparsely populated Point Tupper area. Richmond County intends to actively tap into this
emerging renewable energy market and bring some of this investment into the County for the
benefit of residents. Local companies are already building, selling and installing small turbines
throughout Cape Breton Island. To ensure wind turbine development is done responsibly and
does not negatively impact the quality of life of residents, the Municipality is currently in the
41
process of developing a comprehensive wind turbine policy for Richmond County. The
Municipality will also continue to investigate the potential of other renewable energy sources in
Richmond County and enact policies to encourage and, where appropriate, regulate.
In order to ensure effective reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, emission levels were
calculated in 2006 to form base levels for later comparison (Appendix A).
Cultural Considerations
The preservation and promotion of Richmond County's cultural heritage is important for
ensuring the long term sustainability of the County and its many diverse communities.
Richmond County's unique culture is a reflection of the diverse roots of its people, including the
Mi'kmaq First Nations, French Acadian settlers, Scottish and Irish Celts, the English and more
recently migrants from all over Canada and the world. This culture is expressed in Richmond
County's built heritage, cultural heritage (including its museums and cultural centres) and
spoken and written traditions. Richmond County is committed to preserving this culture, not
only in the context of securing and preserving the historical artifacts, but also for maintaining it
as an integral part of the fabric of its communities.
Preserving Richmond's Cultural Heritage
Richmond County's heritage is also expressed through its cultural institutions, languages and
performing arts. These components are what make Richmond County unique, and Council is
interested in protecting and promoting them so that they continue to be important elements of
the day to day life of the County and its residents today and into the future.
There are a variety of museums and cultural institutions throughout Richmond County. Some of
them, particularly those in the larger communities and along main transportation routes, are
fairly well known and get decent exposure for residents and tourists. These include the Nicolas
Denys Museum in St. Peter's and the LeNoir Forge in Arichat. Other museums, in smaller 'out of
the way' communities are less known, often staffed by volunteers on a seasonal basis and face
significant financial or operational challenges. Some museums tend to operate on a theme (such
as music) while others present the history and heritage of an area or a people, and preserve and
display artifacts which might otherwise be lost.
The continued operation and promotion of cultural facilities in all parts of the County are
important for Richmond's cultural sustainability and there is a need to promote the rich culture
42
in these outlying areas. These centres present tremendous opportunities for tourism and their
mandates can be promoted (and expanded where necessary) to emphasize the cultural and
natural heritage of the area.
Aside from the bricks and mortar of museums, Richmond's cultural heritage is also
demonstrated through the languages spoken by its residents and the written and performing
arts of the community. Historically, the largest settlement groups in Richmond County have
been the English, Celts (mostly Scots and Irish), Acadians and Mi'kmaq. While English is spoken
as a first language by about two thirds of the population of the County (according to the latest
Census figures) followed by French, there is concern that that fewer and fewer young people
are becoming fluent in French, as well as Gaelic and Mi'kmaq. The Municipality recognizes the
importance of these languages to the cultural sustainability of the County and is very interested
in ensuring their legacy continues.
It is important that the Municipality, through its Department of Tourism, Culture and
Recreation, develop an inventory of important cultural infrastructure (e.g. museums, cultural
centres, libraries, religious sites, cemetery's, community television stations, radio stations). The
Municipality must be aware of which ones may be threatened due to climate change in order to
determine the viability of protecting infrastructure.
43
Priorities for Adaptation
Municipal adaptation initiatives were developed based on economic, social, cultural and the
environmental priorities. These adaptation initiatives were developed with respect to
anticipated hazards and threats including sea level rise, increased storm frequency, increased
precipitation and coastal erosion. It should be noted that in order to better identify the impact
of these hazards, LIDAR data and appropriate erosion and water supply data should be
collected.
The following tables outlines action priorities for adaptation in the areas of; social, economic,
environmental, water supply and treatment, climate protection, greenhouse gas reduction and
culture.
Economic
Priorities
Current Adaptation Initiatives
Land Planning
Action: The municipality will work towards informing the public and
promoting industrial growth and housing development in areas that will
not be threatened by climate change events.
Infrastructure
Action: The municipality will lobby the federal government for repairs and
maintenance to recreationally and commercially significant harbours.
Renewable energy
Action: The Municipality will continue to support the retrofitting of
municipal buildings for energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy
technology to save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Action: The Municipality will investigate the development of district
energy or alternate heat recovery systems.
Action: The Municipality will investigate the implementation of new
energy technologies.
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Social Priorities
Current Adaptation Initiatives
Physical Activity and
Recreation
Action: The municipality will help community organizations examine the threat
of climate change to existing facilities used for recreation while encouraging
new development to occur in areas that are less susceptible to climate change.
Education
Action: The Municipality will ensure accessibility to schools for all students and
encourage schools to remain in areas not susceptible to sea level rise.
Action: The Municipality will promote climate change awareness initiatives and
will work to enhance community outreach programs
Community Safety
Action: When accurate projections are available, the Emergency Measures
Operational guidelines will be updated to include climate change impacts. Most
notably, operational guidelines will be included in the event of loss of road
connectivity or power outages to ensure the safety of residents.
Action: The Municipality will initiate and develop a strategy to identify
vulnerable groups such as seniors, persons with disabilities and the
economically challenged, to ensure their safety during hazardous events.
Action: The Municipality will continue to work with the Royal Canadian
Mounted Police to ensure continued police protection for County residents.
Action: The Municipality will continue to work with and support the operation
of the various volunteer fire departments in Richmond County.
Action: The Municipality will work with and lobby the Emergency Management
Office of Nova Scotia to ensure that emergency communications are available in
all parts of Richmond County regardless of whether there is a source of power.
Action: Review Municipal Planning Strategies to take into account sea level rise
and concerns over water quality.
Action: Continue to work with University Researchers and First Nations groups
to determine how to address climate change concerns in the community.
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Environmental Priorities
Current Adaptation Initiatives
Coastal Management
Action: The municipality will work with other governmental and
non -governmental agencies to identify environmentally sensitive
areas in Richmond County, particularly in relation to the coastal
zone.
Action: The Municipality will support development standards for
the Bras d'Or Lakes watershed recognizing its sensitive ecological
position.
Action: In planned areas of Richmond County, the proximity to
and protection of coastlines will be considered by the
Municipality in evaluating developments (for example the Cape
Auget Eco trail).
Action: The Municipality will work with Eastern District Planning
Commission to review local municipal planning strategies to take
into account coastal issues including sea level rise and concerns
about water quality.
46
Current Adaptation Initiatives
Wastewater
Management
Action: The Municipality will work to upgrade or replace the sewage
pumping stations in the Arichat Sewage Collection System to increase
pumping capacity and reduce sewage outflow.
*
Action: The Municipality will conduct an inflow/infiltration study in
the Petit de Grat Sewage Collection System to assess condition of
piping, manholes and pumping stations.
*
Action: The Municipality will replace the Evanston Wastewater
Treatment Plant because it has reached the end of its useful life.
*
Action: The Municipality will continue to conduct a manhole
inspection and rehabilitation program to reduce levels of extraneous
water entering all four municipal wastewater collection systems.
Action: The Municipality will continue to support land use planning
policies that maximize the use of existing infrastructure and where
new municipal servicing is required, that such extensions are directed
to areas where servicing costs are minimized.
Action: The Municipality will proceed with pre-design work for the
District 4 Wastewater Collection and Treatment System.
Action: The Municipality will work to assist with a Wastewater Control
Study for the communities of District 3 (D'escousse and Area).
*
Action: The Municipality will continue to support the development of
proper wastewater management systems for un-serviced areas of
Richmond. These funds should support feasibility and pre-design work
as well as capital construction.
NOTE: '*' indicates action items that have been completed between 2010 and 2013.
47
Current Adaptation Initiatives
Water Supply
and
Treatment
Action: The municipality will proceed with pre-design work related to
construction of a water treatment plant for the Lousidale/ Evanston/
Whiteside Water System to address high levels of iron and manganese in
the water.
*
Action: The municipality will work to implement the key
recommendations contained in the Source Water Protection Plan for
Richmond including purchase of land in Lousidale/Evanston/Whiteside
water supply area, re-establishing the boundaries of the Water Supply
Zone O-3 for the Arichat/Petit de Grat Water supply and pursuit of Public
Water Supply Designations for both water supplies.
*
Action: The municipality will conduct an inventory of underground
aquifers within the County with an aim to developing appropriate
protection measures.
Action: The municipality will continue to work towards the development
of proper drinking water supply and delivery systems for un-serviced areas
of Richmond.
Current Adaptation Initiatives
Cultural
Action: The Municipality will conduct an inventory of heritage
properties in Richmond County to better plan their protection.
NOTE: '*' indicates action items that have been completed between 2010 and 2013.
48
Current Adaptation Initiatives
Climate protection
and greenhouse
gas reduction22
Action: An assessment of the need and cost of acquiring LIDAR for
Richmond County will be examined to determine the feasibility of
this data in addressing sea level rise concerns in Richmond County.
Action: The Municipality will encourage energy efficient land use
planning policies or development guidelines where feasible. These
would address the issues such as lot road design, and
incorporating passive solar design or alternative construction
material.
Action: The Municipality will continue to support public transit
initiatives to encourage more people to find transportation
options other than personal vehicles, which will ultimately reduce
greenhouse gas emissions.
Action: The Municipality will develop a county-wide policy
addressing wind turbine development for small and large scale
turbines recognizing the benefits they bring to the community and
establishing regulations to protect neighbouring properties.
*
Action: On an ongoing basis, the municipality will assess the need
for policies to encourage or regulate other forms of renewable
energy within the municipality with the intention of setting a
benchmark for local energy production.
NOTE: '*' indicates action items that have been completed between 2010 and 2013.
22 Details for greenhouse gas reductions can be found in the Mitigation section of this report.
49
Climate Change Mitigation
While adaptation described how people can prepare for, and respond to, the effects of climate
change, mitigation focuses on the causes of climate change. Mitigation efforts can reduce
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and slow the rate of climate change, thus reducing the
impacts.
The first step toward reducing GHG emissions involves estimating the County's baseline
emissions. This baseline data provides a benchmark for monitoring the County's performance
going into the future.
Summary of Energy and Emissions information
The inventory collected and presented in this section provides a record of corporate energy use
and emissions for the Municipality of the County of Richmond corporate operations. It includes
data for 2006 in the following categories: buildings, vehicle fleet, street and area lights, and
water and sewage. A summary of results from the greenhouse gas inventory are also included
in this report.
Energy and Emissions Information
Energy and Emissions information was collected by Nova Dynamics Limited. The Municipality of
Richmond County's energy audit report with its accompanying greenhouse gas inventory can be
found in Appendix A. This inventory was conducted using the Union of Nova Scotia
Municipalities (UNSM) Corporate Energy and Emissions Inventory Toolkit. The Toolkit was
developed by Jacques Whitford and is based on the Inventory Quantification Support
Spreadsheet developed by the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI).
Corporate Operations categories included in the UNSM toolkit are buildings, vehicle fleet, street
and area lights, water and sewage, and waste.
In order to calculate emissions, the inventory tool requires the input of energy use data for all
categories. The tool also allows for the input of additional data, such as cost of fuel and
electricity, and indicators such as building area and occupancy, which are recommended to
provide a more detailed assessment of energy use. For this inventory, both required and
recommended data were included whenever possible to give the most complete picture of
energy use and emissions for all categories.
50
Measures for energy use and emissions included in the inventory are kilowatt hour (kWh) of
electricity, litres of fuel (oil, gas, and diesel) and eCO2-equivalent (eCO2) of greenhouse gas
emissions. Air pollutants include Carbon Monoxide (CO), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Oxides
(NO2), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Particulate Matter (PM).
Base Year
A base year must be established from which to monitor energy use, emissions and to set
reductions targets. The Kyoto Protocol established 1990 as the base year for emissions
reductions, the PCP program recommends either 1990 or 1994, and the province of Nova Scotia
established 1990 as the base year.
In practice, municipal greenhouse gas emission reduction policies and programs vary in the base
years selected. Municipalities must chose a base year for which a complete and accurate data is
available and for many communities data from the 1990s is not readily available. Alternatively,
it is advisable to select a base year for which a complete data set is available, one which
presents a picture of energy use and emissions prior to the implementation of energy
reductions programs, and one in which emissions coefficients specific to the province are
available. This allows for a comparison to future years to assess the effectiveness of strategies
aimed at reducing energy usage and emissions.
For the Municipality of the County of Richmond, 2006 was selected as the base year. It was
determined that complete records were likely to be available.
Coefficients
Equivalent CO2 calculations (eCO2) were made using the UNSM toolkit spreadsheet developed
to calculate emissions based on energy consumption (i.e. fuel and electricity use). Coefficients
for electricity generation used in the inventories were provided by Nova Scotia Power Inc. for
2007. Full details on calculations and emissions can be found in the UNSM toolkit available from
the Union of Nova Scotia.
51
Climate Change Mitigation Research
Partners for Climate Protection Milestone reports have been prepared for the Strait Highland
Regional Development Agency. Reports were aimed at examining current emissions and
emission targets for the future.
A detailed audit report for the Municipality of the County of Richmond with an inventory and
analysis of energy consumed by the various assets of the municipality was also completed in
2010 by Mike Jenkins and Ron Addison, Nova Dynamics Limited
52
Energy and Emissions Inventory Summary Table for the Municipality of Richmond
Emission
Category
Energy Type
Energy
Consumption
Cost ($)
Units
Emission Factor
(tCO2/units)
Emissions
(tCO2e)
Buildings
Electricity
Fuel Oil
Propane
651845.00
48212.00
6310.30
75187.15
43340.75
5936.24
kWh
L
l
0.868kgeCO2/Kwh
2.83kgeCO2/L
50.79kgeCO2/GJ
565.80 (t)
129.21(t)
9.59
Water and
Wastewater
Electricity
Propane
982922
17800
101271.81
13350
kWh
l
0.868kgeCO2/Kwh
50.79kgeCO2/GJ
853.18 (t)
27.06 (t)
Streetlights
Electricity
1735852
335151
kWh
0.868kgeCO2/Kwh
1507 (t)
Vehicles
Reg. Gasoline
Diesel
15000
8380
15000
8380
L
L
2.34kgCO2/L
2.63kgCO2/L
35(t)
22 (t)
53
Setting Goals and Actions for Mitigation
Corporate and Community Initiatives
The Municipality of Richmond's corporate and community greenhouse gas reduction initiatives
have been described in 'Partners for Climate Protection Milestone', a report prepared by CBCL
limited for the Strait Highlands Regional Development Agency (December 2008). The Richmond
Integrated Sustainability Plan re-evaluated the municipalities goals and initiatives in March
2010.
A detailed audit report for the Municipality of the County of Richmond with an inventory and
analysis of energy consumed by the various assets of the municipality was also completed in
2010 by Mike Jenkins and Ron Addison, Nova Dynamics Limited. A summary of actions can be
found below. Full details of these initiatives as well as potential greenhouse gas reductions can
be found in the 'Partners for Climate Change Milestone 2 Final Report'.
Goal 1: Improve the Energy Efficiency of Buildings (Time Frame: 2010-2015)
Community Actions
Action 1
Reduce infiltration in residential dwellings through weather stripping, caulking,
etc.
Action 2
Retrofit commercial and institutional buildings for energy efficiency and
conservation
Action 3
Explore alternative uses of the local biomass resource (i.e. wood pellets, wood
chips, gasification, etc.). Mutually exclusive with Goal #6, Community Action #3.
Action 4
Develop utility size wind turbines independently or in cluster approach
Action 5
Assess feasibility for installation of solar thermal DHW (i.e. for residential,
commercial & small industrial, institutional users, etc.). A high number of
installations can obtain bulk pricing (i.e. DSM measures).
54
Goal 1: Improve the Energy Efficiency of Buildings (Time Frame: 2010-2015)
Corporate Actions
Action 1
Retrofit existing municipal buildings for energy efficiency/ conservation
improvements and the use of renewable energy technologies
Action 2
Utilise demand side management (DSM) programmes (such as NSPI's) as a resource
tool to reduce energy consumption.
Action 3
Create a capital reserve fund for energy efficiency projects, replenished in part by
savings from energy efficiency/conservation initiatives.
Action 4
Encourage municipalities to enroll in Nova Scotia Power's SEIS (Smart Energy
Information Service), which will assist them in managing their energy demand, or
use a wireless energy monitor that provides real-time energy consumption
information.
Action 5
Monitor energy use at the water/wastewater treatment plants and pumping
stations and perform regularly scheduled maintenance, end of motor life upgrades
to high efficiency units and variable frequency drives on pumps with high flow
variability.
Action 6
Explore the option of seawater cooling in municipal buildings near water.
Action 7
Utilise solar thermal air heating for suitable municipal buildings where feasible (i.e.
solar wall for large buildings, modular units such as Cansolair for smaller buildings).
Action 8
Utilise solar thermal heating for suitable municipal domestic hot water (DHW) and
pools where feasible.
Action 9
Utilise solar thermal energy for hydronic space heating in municipal buildings
where feasible.
Action 10
Explore the potential of utilising wind energy to power municipal infrastructure.
55
Goal 2: Increase Transportation Choice and Efficiency (Time frame: 2010-2015)
Corporate Actions
Action 1
Provide incentives for municipal workers to take public transit (such as a 20%
rebate on passes).
Action 2
Provide (or support the acquisition of) carpooling parking lots in order to
encourage ride sharing and transit rider-ship.
Action 3
Determine the current usage patterns and best practices for municipal vehicles,
and then incorporate these practices into operation of fleet. Incentives and/or
bonuses may be offered for staying within fuel usage limits.
Action 4
Purchase and showcase more fuel-efficient and/or alternative fuel municipal
vehicles (i.e. hybrid, CNG, propane).
Action 5
Support the Strait Area Transit Cooperative initiative by providing annual
municipal operating subsidies to ensure its continued operation.
Community Actions23
Action 1
Promote local food production on the most productive lands that are currently not
being utilised for food production or that would require minimal energy
investment (i.e. even community gardens). Work on expanding Farmer's Markets
and promoting efforts to share costs or establish cooperatives for food
preparation and/or storage.
Action 2
Support the Strait Area Transit Cooperative initiative through community
membership of the co-op and regular usage of the system.
Goal 3: Encourage Energy Efficient Land Use Planning and Neighbourhood Site Planning
Action 1
Incorporate solar access into community planning (layout of both roads and lots)
Action 2
Allow planning departments to provide preferential or accelerated review for the
development permit process for projects meeting energy efficient criteria (i.e.
through the use of a checklist) for developments and/or other green criteria.
Action 3
Develop a county-wide policy addressing wind turbine development for small and
large scale turbines recognizing the benefits they bring to the community and
encouraging the development of small scale green industries in the County.
23 In the PCP framework, Transportation emissions fall under Community
56
Goal 4: Educate and Engage the Community
Corporate Actions
Action 1:
Day long coalition building session (via invite) organised by mayors and CAOs from
the three regions involving CEOs and top managers of large energy users to build
momentum to get projects off the ground.
Community Actions
Action 1
Implement a public education and awareness campaign on energy efficiency,
conservation and renewable energy as well as available incentives/programs.
Several forms of media should be used to ensure outreach to all citizens. This
campaign can include tours of local RE systems and/or passive solar design, etc.
Addressing concerns such as lower quality of life and unemployment would be
beneficial.
Action 2
Explore funding options to conduct feasibility studies on the use of heat pumps for
buildings (e.g. water source on the coast and ground or air source inland).
Action 3
Seek funding for prizes, speakers and educational aids etc. on energy
efficiency/conservation and renewable energy at schools.
Action 4
Using a broad-based approach that involves multi-community partners and
organisations in order to increase community participations, conduct a well-
planned and timed CEP launch campaign and promotion blitz that utilises local
festivals, exhibitions, workshops and other carefully selected social events.
Action 5
Determine the interest in bulk purchase (to achieve a lower cost) of rain barrels to
be available at a nominal fee and provide information on operation and
maintenance in order to decrease energy and resources used for water pumping
and treatment.
Action 6
Partner with local and/or provincial NGOs to provide input and deliver education
and outreach activities as well as organise school events such as energy
challenges.
Action 7
Work with the NS Community College to develop training programs to enhance
the skills of existing trades persons to implement energy efficiency/conservation
and renewable energy measures.
Action 8
Develop and deliver an information and education campaign for developers and
the Builders Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) that emphasises the
57
Goal 5: Demonstrate Local Government Leadership
Corporate Actions
Action 1
Use demonstration projects (i.e. heat pumps, solar thermal, green roofs, wind,
biofuels, etc.) to prove technology and reduce (perceived) risk. Once installed,
organise tours to promote them through the public education and awareness
programme.
Action 2
Develop a long-term sustainable municipal energy vision that focuses on local,
renewable, low or no carbon resources for the next 50 years.
Action 3
Officially endorse the GHG emission reduction target and the resulting
implementation plan.
Action 4
Incorporate energy efficiency principles into municipal planning documents
through regular review cycles (i.e. roundabouts and yield signs).
Action 5
Maintain the Green Action brand presence in all incentive programs and
promotions developed through Green Action and the CEP.
Action 6
Develop a programme to exchange information related to sustainable
development projects (i.e. share lessons learned, or cooperate on the launch of a
capacity building programme).
benefits of energy efficient neighbourhood and building design.
Action 9
Create a carpool culture with a large ad campaign, or through a newsletter and/or
call- in show and offer to provide a centralised car-pooling registration system to
allow interested participants to contact one another.
Action 10
Conduct a focussed neighbourhood canvassing program to promote the
EnerGuide for Houses Programme.
Action 11
Use demonstration projects of renewable energy technologies and energy
efficiency/conservation measures. Once installed, organise tours to promote them
via the public education and awareness programme.
58
Capital Projects
Specific capital projects which address sustainable goals covered in this MCCAP are listed in this
section. Capital projects require substantial long term planning to make the best use of
Municipal resources. As part of the requirements relating to the Gas Tax Agreement, this list will
be required to be updated on an annual basis to include new capital projects ready for
construction upon the completion of current ones.
Capital project
Sustainability Benefit
Estimated
Cost
Status
Source Water Supply and Treatment
Pre-design work for construction of water
treatment plant for Louisdale/ Evanston/
Whiteside (addressing elevated
manganese and iron).
Cleaner water for
communities
$25,000
Completed
Implement key recommendations in
Source Water Protection Plan for
Richmond County, including land
acquisition and re-designating Water
Supply areas
Protects environment
by improving efficiency
of system
$175,000
Completed
Comprehensive leak detection and repair
program for Richmond Water Utility
Enhances efficiency of
water system
$150,000
Waste Water Treatment
Risk assessment studies for wastewater
treatment to ensure compliance with
Canadian Guidelines for Wastewater
Effluent
Protects environment
by improving efficiency
of system
$200,000
In
Progress
Upgrade or replace pumping stations in
Arichat system to increase capacity and
reduce sewage overflow
Protects environment
by reduced sewage
outflow into
waterbodies
$750,000
Completed
59
Pre-design work for District 4 Wastewater
Collection and Treatment System
Safer drinking water,
reduced health risk
and protects
environment
$35,000
In
progress
Replace inoperable Evanston Wastewater
Treatment Plant
Protects watercourses
by ensuring
wastewater is treated
$2,250,000
Completed
Manhole inspection and rehabilitation
program to reduce level of extraneous
water entering system
Protects environment
by ensuring efficiency
of system
$250,000
Completed
Inflow/infiltration study in Petit de Grat
system to assess condition of
infrastructure
Protects environment
by ensuring efficiency
of system
$90,000
Completed
Wastewater Treatment Control Study for
District 3 (D'Escousse and area)
Safer drinking water,
reduced health risk
and protects
environment
$40,000
Completed
Wastewater Treatment Project for District
3 and 4, including installation of up to 20
onsite pilot sewage treatment (cluster)
systems
Safer drinking water,
reduced health risk
and protects
environment
$200,000
In
Progress
Upgrades to lift station in Louisdale to
prevent risk of failed operation resulting
in overflow of raw sewage.
Protects watercourses,
residents and homes
$300,000
In
Progress
Repairs and upgrades to aging lift station
in Petit de Grat to prevent risk of failed
operation and overflow of raw sewage.
Protects watercourses,
residents and homes
$50,000
In
Progress
Repairs and upgrades to aging lift station
in Evanston to prevent risk of failed
Protects watercourses,
residents and homes
$50,000
In
Progress
60
operation and overflow of raw sewage.
Upgrade of Public Works utility vehicle to
a larger capacity truck and purchase of an
additional vehicle.
Maintain efficiency of
Public Works Water
utility services
$105,000
In
Progress
Solid Waste Management
New construction and demolition (C&D)
debris cell. Existing cell at capacity and
must be closed.
Protect environment
through continued
landfill waste diversion
and composting
$100,000
Completed
New construction and demolition (C&D)
debris cell. Existing cell at capacity and
must be closed.
Protect environment
through continued
landfill waste diversion
and composting
$100,000
Expansion of Compost pad at waste
management facility to accommodate
projected increased volume of organics
Protect environment
through continued
landfill waste diversion
and composting
$200,000
In
progress
Loader for handling and managing
projected increased volume of organic
material and wood bark at compost
facility
Protect environment
through continued
landfill waste diversion
and composting
$190,000
Completed
Screener for size sorting and sifting
finished compost prior to distribution or
sale.
Improve efficiency and
increase capacity of
composting operation
$90,000
Completed
Increase size of Solid Waste Management
facility garage to accommodate additional
equipment required for expansion.
Improve efficiency and
increase capacity of
waste management
facility
$350,000
In
Progress
61
Replacement of old weigh scale and
construction of new scale house at waste
management facility.
Improve efficiency and
increase capacity of
waste management
facility
$200,000
In
Progress
Construction of a designated Solid waste
drop off site for residents to improve
safety and access at facility.
Improve safety and
access to waste
management facility
for residents
$50,000
Upgrades to security system at waste
management facility.
Improve safety and
efficiency of facility
and services
$25,000
Purchase of various heavy equipment
accessories for waste management
facility.
Improve safety and
efficiency of facility
and services
$25,000
62
Conclusions
Climate change is a critical challenge facing the Municipality of the County of Richmond, with its
impacts becoming more evident over time. Characterised by small islands and rural coastal
communities, Richmond County is very vulnerable to the following effects of climate change:
- The Municipality is designated as a high risk area to sea level rise and storm surge events,
with potential for impact and damage to infrastructure from flooding
- Within the Municipality, sections of the coastline exposed to the Atlantic Ocean are also at
risk for effects of coastal erosion
- Increases in storm events and storm intensity increase the risk of flooding and coastal
erosion which are already anticipated to be of concern for the Municipality.
Despite this knowledge, it is not possible to accurately project how sea level rise, the County's
leading climate change concern, will impact Richmond County. Existing digital mapping is not
accurate enough to determine actual sea level rise impacts. Richmond County would require
LIDAR mapping to create the elevation accuracy and sea level predictions necessary for
subsequent identification of areas of concern.
This Municipal Climate Change Action Plan was viewed as an opportunity to develop key
adaptation strategies and actions for the Municipality of Richmond. This report identifies a total
of 37 action priorities for adaptation in the areas of social, economic, cultural, environmental,
water supply and treatment, climate change protection and greenhouse gas reduction.
This report also presents a detailed summary of the energy use and emissions for the
Municipality of Richmond, a valuable tool for assessing the effectiveness of future energy and
emissions reduction strategies and initiatives. In this report, a total of 5 community and
corporate goals for mitigation were identified. Within these goals, a total of 43 action items
were identified. A list of specific capital projects addressing these adaptations and mitigation
action items are also presented and including projects in the areas of source water treatment
and supply, waste water treatment and solid waste management.
While climate change is already occurring, the way in which the municipality of Richmond and
its residents will be affected is not completely understood. It is the hope of the MCCAP
Adaptation Team that the priority actions identified in this report form the basis for the
Municipality's ongoing response to Climate Change. Incorporating climate change into regular
planning now is important to help ensure that the communities of the Municipality of Richmond
continue to be sustainable and resilient in the face of future change.
63
Appendix :
Summary of Corporate Energy Usage, Costs and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
64
Court
house
Municipal
Office
Industrial
Mall Shop
Richmond
Arena
WMF -
pumphouse
WMF -
Scalehouse
WMF -Transfer
building
Louisdale sidewalk,
shop
Totals
Indicators
Occupants
6
18
1
5
30
Operating Hours
2080
2080
2800
6 960
Total Floor Area (m2)
500
1 005
370
3 394
5 269
Electricity
Total Use (kWh)
36420
127620
8595
426858
31218
3898
10520
6716
651845
Cost ($)
5083
15223
1184
46954
3900
601
1177
1066
75187
Total eCO2 (t)
31,61
110,77
7,46
370,51
27,1
3,38
9,13
5,83
565,8
Total SO2 (KG)
65,56
229,72
15,47
768,34
56,19
7,02
18,94
12,09
1173,32
Fuel
Total Use (L)
12215
16000
3500
16497
48212
Cost ($)
10383
13600
2975
16383
43341
Total eCO2 (t)
32,74
42,88
9,38
44,21
0
0
0
0
129,21
Total SO2 (KG)
104,07
136,32
29,82
140,55
0
0
0
0
Propane
Total Use (l)
3510,3
2800
6310,3
Cost ($)
3136,24
2800
5936,24
Total eCO2 (t)
0
0
0
5,34
0
0
4,26
0
9,59
Total NOx (KG)
0
0
0
147,8
0
0
117,89
0
TOTALS
Total Cost ($)
15465
28823
4159
66473
3900
601
3977
1066
124464
Total eCO2 (t)
64,35
153,65
16,84
420,06
27,1
3,38
13,39
5,83
704,6
Cost ($) /Operating
Hr
7,44
13,86
23,74
17,88
Total Cost ($)
/Occupant
2578
1601
4159
13295
4149
Cost ($) / m2
30,93
28,68
11,24
19,59
23,62
eCO2 (t) /Operating
Hr
0,03
0,07
0,15
0,1
eCO2 (t) / Occupant
10,72
8,54
16,84
84,01
23,49
eCO2 (t) / m2
0,13
0,15
0,05
0,12
0,13
Buildings 2006: Energy and Emissions
65
Air Pollutants
2. Electricity - Air Pollutants
3. Fuel Oil (L)
4. Natural Gas
Total Use
(kWH)
AP
Coefficient
Total AP
(KG)
Total Use
(L)
AP
Coefficient
Total AP (KG)
Total Use
(GJ)
AP
Coefficient
Total AP
(KG)
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
651845,00
N/A
N/A
48212,00
0,000600
28,927200
6310,30
0,035368
223,185347
Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)
0,001800
1173,321000
0,008520
410,766240
0,000253
1,594181
Oxides of Nitrogen, expressed as NO2
(NOx)
0,000750
488,883750
0,002400
115,708800
0,042105
265,696842
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
N/A
N/A
0,000024
1,157088
N/A
N/A
Total Particulate Matter (TPM)
N/A
N/A
0,000240
11,570880
0,000800
5,048240
Particulate Matter less than or equal to
10 microns (PM10)
N/A
N/A
0,000120
5,785440
0,000800
5,048240
Particulate Matter less than or equal to
2.5 microns (PM2.5)
N/A
N/A
0,000030
1,446360
0,000800
5,048240
66
0.00
50000.00
100000.00
150000.00
200000.00
250000.00
300000.00
350000.00
400000.00
450000.00
kWh
Building Summary
Building or Building Group Name
Total eCO2 (t)
Arichat court house
64,35
Richmond Co. municipal Office
153,65
Work Shop -Bay#1 , Industrial Mall
16,84
Richmond Arena
420,06
Richmond WMF -pumphouse
27,10
Richmond WMF -Scalehouse
3,38
Richmond WMF -Transfer building
13,39
Lewisdale sidewalk maint. building
5,83
kWh Use / Building
Arichat court house
36420,00
Richmond Co. municipal Office
127620,00
Work Shop -Bay#1 , Industrial Mall
8595,00
Richmond Arena
426858,00
Richmond WMF -pumphouse
31218,00
Richmond WMF -Scalehouse
3898,00
Richmond WMF -Transfer building
10520,00
Lewisdale sidewalk maint. building
6716,00
0.00
50.00
100.00
150.00
200.00
250.00
300.00
350.00
400.00
450.00
eCO2 (t)/Building
67
Total eCO2 by Source
Electricity
Fuel Oil
Natural Gas
0.00
10000.00
20000.00
30000.00
40000.00
50000.00
60000.00
70000.00
80000.00
Cost ($)
Total Cost ($) / Source
Total Cost ($) / Source
Electricity
75187,15
Fuel Oil
43340,75
Natural Gas
5936,24
Total eCO2 by source
Electricity
565,80
Fuel Oil
129,21
Natural Gas
9,59
68
Vehicle Fleet
2. Indicators
3. Gasoline (L)
4. Diesel (L)
Total
Vehicle
KM's
#
Total
Use (L)
Cost
($)
Total
eCO2
(t)
Total
Use
(L)
Cost
($)
Total
eCO2
(t)
Total
Cost
($)
Total
eCO2
(t)
Total
Cost
($) /
Km
Total
Cost ($)
/ # of
Vehicles
Total
eCO2
(t) /
Km
Total
eCO2 (t)
/ # of
Vehicles
Backhoe
&Tractor-(solid
waste facility)
0
5380
5380
14,15
5380
14,15
light
trucks,
4x1/2ton
, 1x1/4
ton,
1x3/4ton
100 000 6
15000
15000
35,1
3000
3000
7,89
18000
42,99
0,18
3000
0
7,17
Totals
100 000
6
15 000
15 000
35
8 380
8 380
22
23 380
57
0
3 897
0
10
69
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
eCO2 (t)
Total eCO2 (t) / Source
Air Pollutant
Vehicle Fleet Summary
Representative vehicle Selected
Make/Model Class
Eng Size/
Trans
#gears
Fuel
Consumption
Rank
CO2 kg
per year
# Cyl
Type
$/yr
L/yr
L/100km
Class
All
City
Hwy
Chevrolet
C1500
Avalanche
PU
5.3 / 8
E4E
X
$1 960
2839
16,4
11,5
88
864
6814
Total eCO2 (t) / Source
Gasoline
35,10
Diesel
22,04
70
Total Cost ($) / Source
Gasoline
Diesel
Vehicle Fleet Summary
Total Cost ($) / Source
Gasoline
15000,00
Diesel
8380,00
71
Street and Area Lights
Energy and Emissions
2. Indicators
3. Electricity (kWh)
4. Total
Description
# of Lights
Total Use
(kWh)
Cost ($)
Total eCO2 (t) /
Group
Total eCO2 (t)
/ Streetlight
Mercury Vapour
LOW WATT:
362x125w,34x175w,2x250w
398
396 408
72 176
344
0,864528
HIGH WATT:
0
0
High Pressure Sodium
LOW WATT:
1671x70w,137x100w,4x150w
1 812
1 310 076
258 033
1 137
0,627564
HIGH WATT:
17x250w,2x400w
19
28 500
4 643
25
1,302
Metallic Additive
LOW WATT:
1x250w
1
868
298
1
0,753424
HIGH WATT:
0
0
Totals
2 230
1 735 852
335 151
1 507
0,675658985
72
Street and Area Lights - Air Pollutants
Street and Area Lights Summary
Total eCO2 (t) / Group
Mercury Vapour
344
High Pressure Sodium
1 162
Metallic Additive
1
2. Electricity - Air Pollutants
Total Use
(kWH)
AP
Coefficient
Total
AP (KG)
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
1735852,00
N/A
N/A
Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)
0,001800
3124,533600
Oxides of Nitrogen, expressed as NO2 (NOx)
0,000750
1301,889000
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
N/A
N/A
Total Particulate Matter (TPM)
N/A
N/A
Particulate Matter less than or equal to 10 microns
(PM10)
N/A
N/A
Particulate Matter less than or equal to 2.5
microns (PM2.5)
N/A
N/A
0
200
400
600
800
1,000
1,200
1,400
eCO2 (t)
Total eCO2 (t) / Group
73
Street and Area Lights Summary
kWh Use / Group
Incandescent
0
Mercury Vapour
396 408
High Pressure Sodium
1 338 576
Metallic Additive
868
Total Cost ($) / Group
Incandescent
0
Mercury Vapour
72 176
Fluorescent
0
Fluorescent Crosswalk:
Continuous Burning
0
Fluorescent Crosswalk:
Photocell Operation
0
Low Pressure Sodium
0
High Pressure Sodium
262 676
Metallic Additive
298
0
200,000
400,000
600,000
800,000
1,000,000
1,200,000
1,400,000
1,600,000
kWh
kWh Use / Group
Total Cost ($)/ Group
Incandescent
Mercury Vapour
Fluorescent
Fluorescent Crosswalk:
Continuous Burning
Fluorescent Crosswalk:
Photocell Operation
Low Pressure Sodium
High Pressure Sodium
74
Water and Sewage - Energy and Emissions
Electricty (kWh)
4. Propane
TOTALS
Facility or Facility Group Name
Total
Use
(kWh)
Cost ($)
Total
eCO2
(t)
Total SO2
(KG)
Total
Use (L)
Cost
($)
Total
eCO2 (t)
Total NOx
(KG)
Total Cost
($)
Total eCO2 (t)
Arichat 5 Sewage Pump Stations
36360
5718,85
31,56
65,45
0
0
5719
31,56
Arichat Sewage Treatment Plant
74880
6369,62
65
134,78
0
0
6370
65
Arichat WTP
171375 16007,66
148,75
308,48
17800
13350
27,06
749,47
29358
175,81
Arichat Water storage tank
7457
1043,98
6,47
13,42
0
0
1044
6,47
Evanston 2 Sewage pump stations
29411
5174,09
25,53
52,94
0
0
5174
25,53
Evanston Sewage treatment plant
44460
3653,58
38,59
80,03
0
0
3654
38,59
Evanston water tower valve building
6144
1583,86
5,33
11,06
0
0
1584
5,33
Louisdale 7 sewage pumping stations
71040
11336
61,66
127,87
0
0
11336
61,66
Louisdale Sewage treatment plant
301200 25221,52
261,44
542,16
0
0
25222
261,44
Louisdale water well #1
88155 10156,91
76,52
158,68
0
0
10157
76,52
Louisdale water well #2
50700
5289,8
44,01
91,26
0
0
5290
44,01
Petit de Grat 4 sewage pump stns
26590
3338,31
23,08
47,86
0
0
3338
23,08
Petit de Grat sewage treatment plant
75150
6377,63
65,23
135,27
0
0
6378
65,23
Totals
982922 101271,81 853,18
17800
13350
27,06
114622
880,23
75
Air Pollutants
2. Electricity
4. Natural Gas
Total
Use
(kWH)
AP
Coefficient
Total AP
(KG)
Total
Use
(GJ)
AP
Coefficient
Total AP (KG)
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
982922,00
N/A
N/A
17800,00
0,035368
#########
Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)
0,001800 1769,259600
0,000253
4,496842
Oxides of Nitrogen, expressed as NO2 (NOx)
0,000750
737,191500
0,042105
#########
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Total Particulate Matter (TPM)
N/A
N/A
0,000800
14,240000
Particulate Matter less than or equal to 10
microns (PM10)
N/A
N/A
0,000800
14,240000
Particulate Matter less than or equal to 2.5
microns (PM2.5)
N/A
N/A
0,000800
14,240000
76
Water and Sewage Summary
kWh Use / Group
Arichat Sewage Pumping Stations (5 in total)
36360,00
Arichat Sewage Treatment Plant
74880,00
Arichat WTP
171375,00
Arichat Water storage tank
7457,00
Evanston Sewage pumping stations (2 in total)
29411,00
Evanston Sewage treatment plant
44460,00
Evanston water tower valve building
6144,00
Louisdale sewage pumping stations (7 in total)
71040,00
Louisdale Sewage treatment plant
301200,00
Louisdale water well #1
88155,00
Louisdale water well #2
50700,00
Petit de grat sewage pumping stations (4 in total)
26590,00
Petit de gras sewage treatment plant
75150,00
Total eCO2 / Source
Electricity
853,18
Natural Gas
27,06
0.00
50000.00
100000.00
150000.00
200000.00
250000.00
300000.00
350000.00
kWh
kWh Use / Group
0.00
200.00
400.00
600.00
800.00
1000.00
eCO2 (t)
Total eCO2 (t) / Source
77
Water and Sewage Summary
Total Cost ($) / Source
Electricity
101271,81
Natural Gas
13350,00
Total Cost ($) / Source
Electricity
Natural Gas
Diesel
District
Energy
78
Corporate Inventory Summary
Cost and Tonnes of eCO2 / Sector
Sector
Total Cost
Total eCO2
Buildings
124464,14
704,60
Vehicle Fleet
23380,00
57,14
Street and Area Lights
335150,72
1506,72
Water and Sewage
114621,81
880,23
Waste
0,00
0,00
Totals:
597616,67
3148,69
Cost and Tonnes of eCO2 / Energy Type
0.00
50000.00
100000.00
150000.00
200000.00
250000.00
300000.00
350000.00
400000.00
Buildings
Vehicle Fleet Street and
Area Lights
Water and
Sewage
Total Cost ($)/Sector
0.00
200.00
400.00
600.00
800.00
1000.00
1200.00
1400.00
1600.00
Buildings
Vehicle Fleet
Street and
Area Lights
Water and
Sewage
Total eCO2(t)/Sector
79
0.00
500.00
1000.00
1500.00
2000.00
2500.00
3000.00
3500.00
Electricity
Compressed
Natural Gas
District Energy
Fuel Oil
Propane
Total eCO2(t)/Energy Type
Energy Type
Total Cost
Total eCO2
Electricity
511609,68
2925,70
Natural Gas
19286,24
36,65
Compressed Natural Gas
0,00
0,00
Diesel
8380,00
22,04
District Energy
0,00
0,00
Ethanol Blend
0,00
0,00
Fuel Oil
43340,75
129,21
Gasoline
15000,00
35,10
Propane
0,00
0,00
Waste
-
0,00
Totals
597616,67
3148,69
0.00
100000.00
200000.00
300000.00
400000.00
500000.00
600000.00
Electricity
Compressed
Natural Gas
District
Energy
Fuel Oil
Propane
Total Cost ($)/Energy Type
80