ORA offers our strong support for your recommendation to proceed with the implementation of Alternative 4, to remove the dam and construct a naturalized channel with linked offline wetland habitat, as described in Section 7 of the Embro Dam Class Environmental Assessment.
As mentioned in our 9 February 2023 comments, we prefer a wetland, versus a pond construction, primarily because a shallow pond can be a key source of solar warming and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; whereas, a wetland provides a more diverse environment, where the shade provided by appropriate native plants such as lily pads, bulrushes, and shrubs can help reduce solar warming and create a wildlife habitat. This is a crucial decision, as sensitive coldwater Brook Trout populations require temperatures no greater than 19 to 20°C for any sustained period of time, and below 9°C are required for a successful spawn.
Whether creating a wetland/s or a pond, we are very much in support of the Upper Thames Conservation Authority’s decision to remove Embro Dam to create a natural channel and habitat.
