SERVICES

Review agencies authorize land development and construction projects based on technical work documenting and evaluating environmental conditions of a site and proposed mitigation and off-set measures.

GEMS will work with review agencies to scope and complete the studies needed to support these approvals and work with reviewers to negotiate conditions and secure all your ecological approvals and authorizations.

Before starting a land development or construction project that is going to influence a surface water feature review agencies often insist on documenting pre-construction baseline water quality conditions. They do this so they can confirm that the project doesn’t have a long-term effect on the groundwater system.

GEMS specialize in the technical studies and regulations related to managing environmental issues during construction, including Baseline Receiver Water Quality Assessments. We can undertake a complete baseline report of the groundwater conditions at site, including water quality, water levels and flow direction for your project.

The initial phase of any project is to determine the naturally occurring components of a natural feature. Prior to any long-term planning the knowledge of the baseline conditions allows for collection of long-term data and monitoring to note any ecological changes and impacts.

GEMS ecologists and aquatic biologists can implement contingency plans based on triggers obtained through collecting data during baseline studies.

Our team can conduct a survey of your Stormwater Management Pond (SWMP) to determine its capacity and whether a clean-out is required. With the use of our remotely-operated hydrographic survey boat, you get surgery grade construction and high quality instrumentation done in a safe, quick and efficient manner.

Essential to any aquatic community is the assemblage of the benthic invertebrates. The benthic community can aid in the determination of the health of an aquatic system.

GEMS ecologists and aquatic biologists can complete both sampling and identification of benthic invertebrates down to the genus level where required.

CAN/CSA W202-18 calls for installation, inspection and monitoring of erosion and sediment control measures at active construction sites where earth is disturbed to protect the natural environment from adverse effects related to sediment laden run-off from the Site.

Regular monitoring is an important component of your construction management plan and corporate philosophy. We provide peace of mind by letting your construction team know where they need to improve to reduce the risk of spills, delays and fines from regulatory bodies.

GEMS Certified Inspectors of Erosion and Sediment Control (CIESC) can do all of the inspection and monitoring that you need to meet CAN/CSA W202-18 on your project.

Permitted removals of natural features typically require compensation for removal and commonly in greater than 1:1 ratios. Compensation is also a common mitigation for impacts to natural features.

Where impacts are noted GEMS has certified restoration ecologists who can help provide input on compensation / restoration plans.

In locations where specific policies, like the Oakridges Moraine and Niagara Escarpment Protection Areas, GEMS experienced ecologists can prepare conformity statements to include with development and permit applications.

Implementing dam and diversion design is routinely focused on the engineering aspects however an integral part is how to adjust for site conditions and protect aquatic life.

GEMS ecological staff provides input to the larger engineering team by ensuring that the habitat and species within a location are protected. In locations where dams and diversions are temporary GEMS aquatic biologists and ecologists can also provide on site recommendations for installation.

Construction dewatering and groundwater control is the removal or lowering of the water table at a site to allow for subsurface construction activities like excavation for sewer and water, foundations, shoring.

A dewatering investigation is a hydrogeological study that characterizes the subsurface conditions and evaluates the properties of soil and rock materials to inform dewatering operations.

A dewatering investigation will determine the site specific hydraulic conductivity of the soil and rock at the site by response testing or pump testing groundwater monitoring wells. This information allows an experienced hydrogeologist to forecast the zone of influence of dewatering and if the pumping will interfere with any water supplies or natural features and if taking water will lead to any settlement issue at neighboring buildings.

GEMS can review and evaluate the feasibility of dewatering your project site and make recommendations to the appropriate type of dewatering system.

Construction dewatering and groundwater control is the removal or lowering of the water table at a site to allow for subsurface construction activities like excavation for sewer and water, foundations, shoring.

A dewatering investigation is a hydrogeological study that characterizes the subsurface conditions and evaluates the properties of soil and rock materials to inform dewatering operations.

A dewatering investigation will determine the site specific hydraulic conductivity of the soil and rock at the site by response testing or pump testing groundwater monitoring wells. This information allows an experienced hydrogeologist to forecast the zone of influence of dewatering and if the pumping will interfere with any water supplies or natural features and if taking water will lead to any settlement issue at neighboring buildings.

GEMS hydrogeologists specialize in the technical studies and regulations related to managing groundwater and related issues during construction, including Dewatering Investigations. We can undertake a dewatering investigation for you project to forecast how much water you will need to pump.

Construction dewatering and groundwater control is the removal or lowering of the water table at a site to allow for subsurface construction activities like excavation for sewer and water, foundations, shoring.

A dewatering investigation is a hydrogeological study that characterizes the subsurface conditions and evaluates the properties of soil and rock materials to inform dewatering operations.

A dewatering investigation will determine the site specific hydraulic conductivity of the soil and rock at the site by response testing or pump testing groundwater monitoring wells. This information allows an experienced hydrogeologist to forecast the zone of influence of dewatering and if the pumping will interfere with any water supplies or natural features and if taking water will lead to any settlement issue at neighboring buildings.

GEMS can review your proposed dewatering plan to make sure it meets the requirements for submission as part of the discharge application.

Sewer Discharge Permits and Agreements are required when private water (water not purchased from the City) is discharged into the City’s sewer system, including storm sewers, sanitary sewers or combined sewers. The City of Toronto’s Sewers Bylaw requires a Sewer Discharge Permit and/or Agreement be obtained and executed before any private water discharge can occur. Examples of private water include: groundwater, surface water, construction dewatering, rainwater (mixed with construction material), and stormwater (mixed with construction material)

GEMS hydrogeologists have the experience and relationships to secure your discharge permits. We can l prepare and submit formal applications for short- and long-term (permanent) authorization to discharge.

In urban areas, dust and particulate can have a significant impact of neighbouring residents, and thus your construction project. GEMS will work with you to minimize nuisance dust on site through appropriate recommendations and on-going monitoring.

Surveys that assess the ecology of a site location can include many types of flora and fauna through a number of methodologies. GEMS ecologists and aquatic biologists are familiar with the required protocols for completing these surveys and can provide multiple levels of detail dependant on permitting and approval requirements.

Requirements for ecological assessments are determined through consultation with conservation authorities, municipalities and provincial and federal regulatory bodies. GEMS staff routinely corresponds with all applicable agencies and long-standing relationships with these agencies.

Natural feature communities are based on a classification system that takes into account multiple factors such as soils, water and vegetation.

GEMS ecologists and aquatic biologists are qualified in completing ecological land classifications through completion of ecology surveys.

From ECAs to PTTW/EASR permits or Spill Response, GEMS can conduct sampling on your project to ensure permit compliance. Each program is tailored to your project to ensure the proper level of effort corresponds to the corresponding sensitivity and permit conditions.

Impacts to SAR require permits under the Endangered Species Act which require mitigation plans.

GEMS ecologist and aquatic biologists can complete mitigation plans for permit approvals.

Where SAR are to be impacted and permits are in place, compliance monitoring is a typical condition of the permits.

GEMS ecologists and aquatic biologists can complete compliance monitoring for Endangered Species Act Permits.

For environmentally sensitive projects, GEMS can set-up and install enhanced remote monitoring and real time data instrumentation. This includes flow, water quality, weather stations and so on, with data available in real time on your computer, tablet or smartphone.

EASR is an online self-registration system implemented by the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks. People engaging in activities prescribed in “EASR regulations” must register those activities in the EASR. As of March 29, 2016, water takings (road construction and construction site dewatering) that meet the criteria in O. Reg. 63/16 must be registered in the EASR.

If the water takings are prescribed by regulation for the purposes of the EASR (road construction and construction site dewatering), a PTTW is not required.

Instead, the activity must be registered in the EASR by filing information related to eligibility criteria described in O. Reg. 63/16. The registered water taking must continue to meet the criteria set out in the regulation and the water taker must comply with the operational requirements set out in the regulation including obtaining the required water taking plan and discharge plan where applicable.

GEMS qualified hydrogeologists meet the criteria set out in regulations and can complete Hydrogeological Studies and prepare the Hydrogeological Studies needed for Permit to Take Water (PTTW) or Environmental Activity and Sector Registry (EASR) application.

GEMS can also prepare and apply to register an EASR with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP), to allow for dewatering during construction.

Federal or Municipal Class EA work in many cases requires a natural heritage component (i.e. MTO Environmental Screening Document etc.).

GEMS ecologists and aquatic biologists routinely work with engineers to complete various types of EAs under multiple jurisdictions and regulations.

The Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks regulates releases of substances to air, land or water through a permit called Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA). They used to be called Certificates of Approval (CofA). ECA’s are regulated under the Ontario Environmental Protection Act.

GEMS specializes in the technical studies and regulations related to managing groundwater and related issues during construction including discharges regulated under section 53 of the Ontario Water Resources Act. We can work with your project team to do anything from giving advice based on our experience, to doing the technical work, all the way up to handling the whole permitting process for you.

Prior to detailed site plans it is best to know the constraints a property holds due to locations of natural features. This allows for planning to incorporate buffers and reduce encroaching on features such as woodlots, wetlands and valleys.

GEMS ecologist and aquatic biologists complete environmental constraints mapping as routine baseline and due diligence phase studies for owners, developers and prospective purchasers of land for sale.

An Environmental Impact Assessment or Statement documents the environmental effects of a proposed project, before it is carried out.

An EIA or EIS will:

• Identify potential adverse environmental effects;
• Propose measure to mitigate adverse environment effects;
• Predict whether there will be significant adverse environmental effects, after implementing mitigation measures; and,
• Include a follow-up program to verify the accuracy of the EA and the effectiveness of the mitigation measures.

GEMS works in consultation with agencies to scope and complete the field surveys needed to support construction and development EIA and EIS requirements.

This is GEMS speciality. We conduct inspections at each phase of your project to ensure all environmental conditions and commitments are fulfilled from start to finish. Proper documentation and reporting is a critical component to ensuring that due diligence was followed on behalf of the Owner.

GEMS pieces together all the components of your project to determine the risk and summarize the measures that will be used to mitigate these risks. All components of project permits are summarized to ensure that there is one document that can be followed throughout construction. Think of this as your Environmental Manual, once boots hit the ground

Regular monitoring is an important component of your construction management plan and corporate philosophy. We provide peace of mind by letting your construction team know where they need to improve to reduce the risk of spills, delays and fines from regulatory bodies.

If you are disturbing soil or working near sensitive environmental features, an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan is critical to minimizing risks and impacts to these areas. GEMS can prepare the appropriate Plans for your project with the latest Best Management Practices to help get your project approved in a timely manner.

There are a lot of places where you might encounter and relocate fish or wildlife during a development or construction project.

GEMS staff can coordinate permits to remove/relocate fish and wildlife and a qualified to undertake the fish and wildlife rescue / relocation work.

Aquatic systems have unique characteristics which require specific survey data for classification of fish community assemblages.

GEMS ecologists and aquatic biologists are qualified to complete assessments of fish habitat and baseline aquatic studies using multiple protocols through consultation with local, provincial and federal agencies.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada has jurisdiction over fisheries or fish habitat across the country.

GEMS experienced ecologists are experts coordinating the permits, authorizations and approvals that you need for projects that effect fish or fish habitat.

GEMS offers a range of flow and water quality monitoring services, from hand-held portable field meters to stand alone full systems. Whether it’s a pipe, sewer, or creek we can come up with the monitoring solution your project needs.`

Before starting a land development or construction project where groundwater is going to be pumped, either for dewatering during excavation or earth works review agencies often insist on documenting pre-construction baseline groundwater conditions at your site and surrounding area. They do this so they can confirm that the project doesn’t have a long-term effect on the groundwater system.

GEMS hydrogeologists specialize in the technical studies and regulations related to managing groundwater and related issues during construction, including Groundwater Baseline Reports. We can undertake a complete baseline report of the groundwater conditions at site, including water quality, water levels and flow direction for your project.

A GUDI study is a hydrogeological study to support a water supply in areas close to significant surface water features. The study focuses on the potential for drawing surface water into the water supply through pumping. This is critically important when designing treatment for the water supply.

GEMS experienced hydrogeologists are QPs and can complete GUDI Studies and reports to support your land development project.

Review agencies, like the City, Region and Conservation Authority usually require a report summarizing a hydrogeologic assessment of the proposed development in support of Land Development Applications.

These Hydrogeologic Assessment Submissions have be prepared by Qualified Persons (QPs). A QP is a licensed Professional Geoscientist or an exempted Professional Engineer as set out in the Professional Geoscientists Act of Ontario.

GEMS experienced hydrogeologists are QPs and can complete Hydrogeological Assessments in support of land development projects to satisfy review agency requirements.

Review agencies, like the City, Region and Conservation Authority may require a report characterizing the hydrogeologic conditions of a proposed land development or construction Project.

Hydrogeologic characterizations should be prepared by Qualified Persons (QPs). A QP is a licensed Professional Geoscientist or an exempted Professional Engineer as set out in the Professional Geoscientists Act of Ontario.

GEMS experienced hydrogeologists are QPs and can complete Hydrogeological Characterization to support your land development or construction to satisfy review agency requirements.

EASR is an online self-registration system implemented by the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks. People engaging in activities prescribed in “EASR regulations” must register those activities in the EASR. As of March 29, 2016, water takings (road construction and construction site dewatering) that meet the criteria in O. Reg. 63/16 must be registered in the EASR.

If the water takings are prescribed by regulation for the purposes of the EASR (road construction and construction site dewatering), a PTTW is not required.

Instead, the activity must be registered in the EASR by filing information related to eligibility criteria described in O. Reg. 63/16. The registered water taking must continue to meet the criteria set out in the regulation and the water taker must comply with the operational requirements set out in the regulation including obtaining the required water taking plan and discharge plan where applicable.

GEMS qualified hydrogeologists meet the criteria set out in regulations and can complete Hydrogeological Studies and prepare the Hydrogeological Studies needed for Permit to Take Water (PTTW) or Environmental Activity and Sector Registry (EASR) application.

Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks use a risk-based approach to managing water takings across the Province. Applications for water taking that is considered high risk related to interfering with existing users or natural function of ecosystems are Category 3 Water Takings.

Category 3 water takings need to be supported by a hydrogeological study that evaluates the potential for unacceptable impacts to occur as a result of the taking.

Hydrogeological studies must be prepared by a Qualified Person (QP). A QP is a licensed Professional Geoscientist or exempted Professional Engineer as set out in the Professional Geoscientists Act of Ontario. The QP must sign and stamp a completed report which is submitted to the ministry and shall take professional responsibility for its content and the accuracy of the information contained therein.

GEMS experienced hydrogeologists are QPs and can complete Hydrogeological Studies and prepare and stamp Hydrogeological Study Reports in Category 3 Permit to Take Water (PTTW) or Environmental Activity and Sector Registry (EASR) application.

GEMS staff are all well versed in the Species at Risk legislation as well as identification of SAR and their habitat. GEMS ecologists and aquatic biologists work closely with the MNRF to obtain the required permits to work within regulated areas of SAR as well as any compliance monitoring or mitigation plan requirements.

GEMS makes sure you have the right permits and schedule your project for the right timing window. From there, we are on site at critical times during the in-water work to ensure best management practices are used and all permit conditions are fulfilled.

Working in, or near water triggers the need agency review and permission.

GEMS works with review agencies to coordinate approvals and undertake all of the reporting needed before-, during-, and after- your project.

Review agencies require monitoring and mitigation plans to address potential impacts identified associated with a planned or proposed development or construction project.

GEMS ecologists are qualified to develop and implement monitoring and mitigation plans to address the outcome and findings of EIS, ecologic studies and, or assessments.

Natural Heritage Assessment document systems made up of natural features, areas and linkages intended to provide connectivity and support natural processes that are needed to maintain biological and geological diversity, natural function and populations of native species following Ontario Provincial Policy Statement and municipal government requirements.

GEMS can provide all aspects of a Natural Heritage Study from feature and constraint mapping, to agency consultation, and input on mitigation and protections features.

Natural Heritage Studies document systems made up of natural features, areas and linkages intended to provide connectivity and support natural processes that are needed to maintain biological and geological diversity, natural function and populations of native species following Ontario Provincial Policy Statement and municipal government requirements.

GEMS can provide all aspects of a Natural Heritage Study from feature and constraint mapping, to agency consultation, and input on mitigation and protections features.

During construction and development activities in locations that contain natural habitat there are protection measures in place for species that reside there. Stormwater management ponds are typical man-made features which contain suitable habitat for species that can be impacted.

Permits to handle, relocate or euthanize species are required where living species are to be encountered and impacted. GEMS ecologists and aquatic biologists routinely obtain permits to complete activities where species such as fish and wildlife will need to be managed or protected.

Site locations which contain wetlands require specific types of assessments. Wetlands can range in significance (local, provincial, etc.) however all wetlands play a fundamental role in the landscape.

GEMS ecologists are qualified to complete wetland evaluations as per the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) protocol known as the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System (OWES). GEMS can also complete evaluations of wetlands which do not require the MNRF protocol.

Where species at risk are encountered part of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) includes determining what overall benefits that can be provided for a project.

GEMS ecologists and aquatic biologists can complete overall benefit permit applications as well as coordinate and complete conditions of the permit.

Once a permit has been approved, the Owner must still comply with the conditions and stipulations therein. GEMS reviews these conditions and undertakes them where appropriate on behalf of the Owner to remain in compliance.

Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks use a risk-based approach to managing water takings across the Province. Applications for water taking that is considered high risk related to interfering with existing users or natural function of ecosystems are Category 3 Water Takings.

Category 3 water takings need to be supported by a hydrogeological study that evaluates the potential for unacceptable impacts to occur as a result of the taking.

Hydrogeological studies must be prepared by a Qualified Person (QP). A QP is a licensed Professional Geoscientist or exempted Professional Engineer as set out in the Professional Geoscientists Act of Ontario. The QP must sign and stamp a completed report which is submitted to the ministry and shall take professional responsibility for its content and the accuracy of the information contained therein.

GEMS experienced hydrogeologists are QPs and can complete Hydrogeological Studies and prepare and stamp Hydrogeological Study Reports in Category 3 Permit to Take Water (PTTW) or Environmental Activity and Sector Registry (EASR) application.

GEMS can also prepare and apply to register a PTTW with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP), to allow for dewatering during construction and/or long-term water taking on your behalf

Managing groundwater during construction is becoming more, not less complicated. With multiple review agencies, from the City to the Ministry of the Environment and Conservation Authority, that regulate water taking and water discharge during and after construction, you need to work with an expert in managing groundwater for land development and construction projects. GEMS specializes in environmental issues for construction.

GEMS hydrogeologists specialize in the technical studies and regulations related to managing groundwater and related issues during construction. We can work with your project team to do anything from giving advice based on our experience, to doing the technical work, all the way up to handling the whole permitting process for you.

As high intensity rain storms occur, it is imperative that you get rapid response to your site during these times. GEMS will be on your site immediately after a significant rain event, to report back on site conditions.

Through completion of any and all ecological surveys completed by GEMS we also determine the suitability for species at risk. Not all species at risk locations are known/identified and many times protection of these species includes protection of the habitats they use.

By assessing the habitats GEMS ecologists and aquatic biologists are able to note the potential for species at risk and can provide mitigation to protect the communities in which the species at risk may use or are present in.

GEMS ecologists are qualified and trained on applying the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and the Fisheries and Oceans Canada recognized Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol (OSAP) including aquatic habitat evaluation and documenting fish community assemblages.

Surface water quality assessment is more than just collecting water quality samples; it includes evaluating aquatic habitats and community assemblages of the fish and benthic invertebrates that live in the surface water communities.

GEMS ecologists and aquatic biologists have the experience and perspective to efficiently and effectively conduct surface water quality assessments for land development and construction projects across the country.

The City of Toronto community planners requires a Hydrogeological Review to support applications for Zoning By-Law Amendments, Plans of Subdivision, Consent to Sever and Site Plan Control.

A Hydrological Review is a third party review of the technical groundwater information related to managing groundwater quality and quantity related to planning applications.

GEMS hydrogeologists are qualified to complete this review.

Areas that contain trees which may be impacted through development or construction activities require inventory and survey data related to the size, species and specific location of trees to guide mitigation and protection measures.

GEMS ecologists are able to complete various types of tree inventories while working closely with arborists and landscape architects who are also qualified butternut health assessors and adept at completing hazard tree assessments.

Turbidity is similar to measuring the clarity of water, an important indicator of good or poor water quality on your project. With GEMS dedicated field units, our inspectors are able to provide instantaneous results to you and your team, saving time and ensuring your site remains in compliance.

Review agencies, like the City, Region and Conservation Authority are concerned about how land development and construction projects will influence the natural system. Review agencies will ask for a water budget or water balance to understand and forecast how a project will influence the surface water / groundwater system.

GEMS experienced team of hydrogeologists and surface water specialists can complete pre- and post-construction water balances to satisfy review agency requirements.

Whether after a spill, or required by your applicable permit, GEMS staff can conduct sampling on your behalf. Our field technicians are qualified

GEMS team of experienced ecologists and aquatic biologists provide ecological design advice and input to landscape designers, fluvial geomorphologists, water resource engineers and hydrologists for watercourse restoration and rehabilitation projects.