2. EMERALD ASH BORER (EAB)

AGRILE DU FRÊNE

agriculturE and rural affairs committee and Planning and environment Committee recommendations

That Council:

1. Receive the EAB Management Strategy framework as outlined in this report;

2. Approve the City’s scope and responsibility with respect to Emerald Ash Borer be limited to City owned trees on road allowances, City owned properties, and City owned municipal natural areas relating to tree removal, EAB preventative controls, tree planting and wood disposal;

3. Approve all costs and responsibilities pertaining to ash trees on private property shall be the responsibility of the private property owner;

4. Approve increased tree planting on City property as outlined in this report;

5. Approve the implementation of an expanded tree distribution program for private property planting to residents with a focus on areas of ash tree populations as outlined in this report;

6. Approve the development of an EAB public outreach communication plan at an estimated cost of $50,000 to be funded from Capital Account 904455 Tree Program;

Furthermore, that the Planning and Environment Committee forward for consideration to Council as part of the Draft 2009 Operating and Capital Budgets:

7. That the Surface Operations Branch include a 2009 Operating Budget pressure of $300k to cover costs related to EAB’s initial operational impacts and the further development of the EAB Management Strategy for the Surface Operation Branch;

8. That the Surface Operations Branch include a 2009 Strategic Capital Initiative of $600k to increase tree planting and the tree distribution program to residents with a focus on areas of ash tree populations;

9. That the Solid Waste Services Branch include a 2009 Operating Budget pressure of $500k to implement a modified handling and processing procedure for ash wood and leaf and yard waste collected as part of the City’s leaf and yard waste program; and,

10. That the Solid Waste Services Branch establish suitable disposal methods for EAB material from private residents and contractors for affected ash trees from private property and establish a tonnage rate for disposal of this material if delivered to City facilities or establish alternate arrangements on a cost recovery basis.

Recommandations DU Comité de l’agriculture et des questions rurales et DU Comité de l’urbanisme et de l’environnement

Que le Conseil :

1. Le cadre de la stratégie de lutte contre l’agrile du frêne, tel que défini dans le présent rapport;

2. Une limitation du champ d’application et de la responsabilité de la Ville concernant l’agrile du frêne aux arbres appartenant à la Ville et situés dans l’emprise routière, sur les propriétés municipales et dans les aires naturelles municipales, quand il s’agit d’abattre des arbres, de mesures préventives contre l’agrile et d’enlèvement de bois;

3. Le fait que tous les coûts et responsabilités liés aux frênes situés sur des propriétés privées incombent aux propriétaires concernés;

4. Une augmentation de la plantation d’arbres sur les terrains municipaux, tel que défini dans le présent rapport;

5. La mise en place d’un programme étendu de distribution d’arbres sur les propriétés privées pour les résidents, en mettant l’accent sur les secteurs de populations de frênes, tel que défini dans le présent rapport;

6. L’élaboration d’un plan de communication publique sur l’agrile du frêne, d’un coût estimatif de 50 000 $, financé par le biais du Programme Arbre, compte de capital 904455;

De plus, que le Comité de l’urbanisme et de l’environnement soumette les recommandations suivantes à l’étude du Conseil, dans le cadre des budgets provisoires de fonctionnement et d’immobilisation de 2009 :

7. Que la Direction des opérations de surface intègre dans le budget de fonctionnement de 2009 une pression de 300 000 $ servant à couvrir les coûts liés aux premières répercussions opérationnelles de l’agrile ainsi que l’élaboration par la Direction des opérations de surface de la stratégie de lutte contre l’agrile;

8. Que la Direction des opérations de surface intègre pour 2009 un projet stratégique capital de 600 000 $ permettant d’accroître la plantation d’arbres et d’étendre le programme de distribution d’arbres pour les résidents, en mettant l’accent sur les secteurs de populations de frênes;

9. Que la Direction de la gestion des déchets solides intègre dans le budget de fonctionnement de 2009 une pression de 500 000 $ afin de mettre en place une procédure modifiée de manutention et de traitement du bois de frêne, des feuilles et des résidus de jardinage ramassés dans le cadre du programme des feuilles et résidus de jardinage de la Ville;

10. Que la Direction de la gestion des déchets solides établisse des méthodes adéquates d’élimination en ce qui a trait à l'agrile du frêne provenant de propriétaires privés et d'entrepreneurs pour les frênes touchés sur les propriétés privées, et qu’elle établisse une taxe de tonnage pour éliminer ce matériau s'il est livré aux installations de la Ville ou qu’elle prenne des dispositions différentes sur la base du recouvrement des coûts.

ADDITIONAL PLAnning and environment Committee recommendations

11. Direct staff to move forward with providing and delivering to residents a tree replacement kit to support the planting of replacement trees for Ash trees due to the gravity of the Emerald Ash Borer disaster;

12. That the Chair of the Planning and Environment Committee consult with the Federal and Provincial Governments and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario for emergency financial assistance to support the City of Ottawa’s Emerald Ash Borer strategy.

RECOMMANDATIONS SUPPLÉMENTAIRES DU Comité de l’urbanisme et de l’environnement

11. L’obligation pour le personnel de fournir aux résidents une trousse de remplacement d’arbre destinée à favoriser la plantation d’arbres pour remplacer les frênes, étant donné la gravité de la catastrophe causée par l’agrile du frêne;

12. L’obligation pour le président du Comité de l’urbanisme et de l’environnement de consulter les gouvernements fédéral et provincial ainsi que l’Association des municipalités de l’Ontario en vue d’obtenir une aide financière d’urgence pour appuyer la mise en œuvre de la stratégie de lutte contre l’agrile du frêne.

Documentation

1. Deputy City Manager's report, City Operations, dated 7 October 2008
(ACS2008-COS-SOP-0012).

2. Planning and Environment Committee, Extract of Draft Minutes 41,
28 October 2008.

Report to/Rapport au:

Planning and Environment Committee /

Comité de l'urbanisme et de l'environnement

and Council / et au Conseil

7 October 2008 / le 7 octobre 2008

Submitted by/Soumis par: Steve Kanellakos, Deputy City Manager/

Directeur municipal adjoint,

City Operations / Opérations municipales

Contact Person/Personne ressource : John Manconi, Director / Directeur

Surface Operations/Opérations de surface

(613) 580-2424 x21110, john.manconi@ottawa.ca

City-wide \ À l’échelle de la Ville

Ref N°: ACS2008-COS-SOP-0012

SUBJECT:	EMerald Ash Borer (EAB)
OBJET :	agrile du frêne

REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Planning and Environment Committee, and the Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee recommend that Council approve the following Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Management Strategy, which includes:

1. Receive the EAB Management Strategy framework as outlined in this report;

2. Approve the City’s scope and responsibility with respect to Emerald Ash Borer be limited to City owned trees on road allowances, City owned properties, and City owned municipal natural areas relating to tree removal, EAB preventative controls, tree planting and wood disposal;

3. Approve all costs and responsibilities pertaining to ash trees on private property shall be the responsibility of the private property owner;

4. Approve increased tree planting on City property as outlined in this report;

5. Approve the implementation of an expanded tree distribution program for private property planting to residents with a focus on areas of ash tree populations as outlined in this report;

6. Approve the development of an EAB public outreach communication plan at an estimated cost of $50,000 to be funded from Capital Account 904455 Tree Program;

Furthermore, that the Planning and Environment Committee forward for consideration to Council as part of the Draft 2009 Operating and Capital Budgets:

7. That the Surface Operation Branch include a 2009 Operating Budget pressure of $300k to cover costs related to EAB’s initial operational impacts and the further development of the EAB Management Strategy for the Surface Operation Branch;

8. That the Surface Operations Branch include a 2009 Strategic Capital Initiative of $600k to increase tree planting and the tree distribution program to residents with a focus on areas of ash tree populations;

9. That the Solid Waste Services Branch include a 2009 Operating Budget pressure of $500k to implement a modified handling and processing procedure for ash wood and leaf and yard waste collected as part of the City’s leaf and yard waste program; and,

10. That the Solid Waste Services Branch establish suitable disposal methods for EAB material from private residents and contractors for affected ash trees from private property and establish a tonnage rate for disposal of this material if delivered to City facilities or establish alternate arrangements on a cost recovery basis.

RECOMMANDATIONS DU RAPPORT

Que le Comité de l’urbanisme et de l’environnement et le Comité de l’agriculture et des questions rurales recommandent au Conseil d’approuver les recommandations suivantes concernant la stratégie de lutte contre l’agrile du frêne :

11. Le cadre de la stratégie de lutte contre l’agrile du frêne, tel que défini dans le présent rapport;

12. Une limitation du champ d’application et de la responsabilité de la Ville concernant l’agrile du frêne aux arbres appartenant à la Ville et situés dans l’emprise routière, sur les propriétés municipales et dans les aires naturelles municipales, quand il s’agit d’abattre des arbres, de mesures préventives contre l’agrile et d’enlèvement de bois;

13. Le fait que tous les coûts et responsabilités liés aux frênes situés sur des propriétés privées incombent aux propriétaires concernés;

14. Une augmentation de la plantation d’arbres sur les terrains municipaux, tel que défini dans le présent rapport;

15. La mise en place d’un programme étendu de distribution d’arbres sur les propriétés privées pour les résidents, en mettant l’accent sur les secteurs de populations de frênes, tel que défini dans le présent rapport;

16. L’élaboration d’un plan de communication publique sur l’agrile du frêne, d’un coût estimatif de 50 000 $, financé par le biais du Programme Arbre, compte de capital 904455;

De plus, que le Comité de l’urbanisme et de l’environnement soumette les recommandations suivantes à l’étude du Conseil, dans le cadre des budgets provisoires de fonctionnement et d’immobilisation de 2009 :

9. Que la Direction des opérations de surface intègre dans le budget de fonctionnement de 2009 une pression de 300 000 $ servant à couvrir les coûts liés aux premières répercussions opérationnelles de l’agrile ainsi que l’élaboration par la Direction des opérations de surface de la stratégie de lutte contre l’agrile;

10. Que la Direction des opérations de surface intègre pour 2009 un projet stratégique capital de 600 000 $ permettant d’accroître la plantation d’arbres et d’étendre le programme de distribution d’arbres pour les résidents, en mettant l’accent sur les secteurs de populations de frênes;

11. Que la Direction de la gestion des déchets solides intègre dans le budget de fonctionnement de 2009 une pression de 500 000 $ afin de mettre en place une procédure modifiée de manutention et de traitement du bois de frêne, des feuilles et des résidus de jardinage ramassés dans le cadre du programme des feuilles et résidus de jardinage de la Ville;

12. Que la Direction de la gestion des déchets solides établisse des méthodes adéquates d’élimination en ce qui a trait à l'agrile du frêne provenant de propriétaires privés et d'entrepreneurs pour les frênes touchés sur les propriétés privées, et qu’elle établisse une taxe de tonnage pour éliminer ce matériau s'il est livré aux installations de la Ville ou qu’elle prenne des dispositions différentes sur la base du recouvrement des coûts.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

On July 25, 2008, Council was informed of the presence in Ottawa of an insect pest known as the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). The EAB is a highly destructive wood-boring beetle that attacks and kills all species of ash trees and was first found in North America in 2002 in Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario. Since that time, it has been found throughout many areas in southern Ontario and Quebec.

The EAB presents a serious problem for the City of Ottawa, since ash trees make up 25% of the urban and rural forest cover.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is the lead federal government agency on invasive species in Canada. The CFIA has adopted a ‘slow the spread’ strategy for EAB, which includes regulating wood, wood waste, and tree movement, as well as a public education campaign concerning the risk of moving invasive species with firewood.

Experience and research in the United States and Canada have shown that it is not possible to eradicate this insect due to its behaviour and difficulties in early detection. The Forestry Services Division has developed a comprehensive strategy to manage the impact of this invasive insect in our urban and rural landscape.

This report outlines the proposed strategy, which includes the following elements:

Ø Regulation of wood movement and disposal
Ash wood and tree movement will be regulated by the CFIA through a Ministerial Order. Forestry Services and Solid Waste Management will be working together to provide options to deal with wood waste generated by the City, contractors and the general public;

Ø Tree removal
Removal as both a preventative measure to slow the movement of EAB and as a reactive measure to remove trees as they die from EAB;

Ø Selective tree injections
Tree injection with a biological insectide is another control method currently under research;

Ø Proactive tree planting and replacement tree planting
Tree planting on both City-owned and private property is integral to manage the impact of EAB on forest cover; and

Ø Public Consultation / Outreach
Public consultation and outreach will include an extensive public awareness campaign to reduce the movement of wood, provide management solutions for homeowners and landowners with ash trees, and provide options for tree replacement.

Evolution of the EAB Management Strategy will continue based on current research related to tree injections, beneficial insects and survey methods. Staff from the Forestry Services Division will continue to communicate with the CFIA, as well as with regional and provincial partners for input into the continuous evolution of the management strategy.

RÉSUMÉ

Le 25 juillet 2008, le Conseil a été informé de la présence à Ottawa d’un insecte ravageur connu sous le nom de l’agrile du frêne. L’agrile du frêne est un coléoptère ravageur du bois qui envahit et détruit toutes les espèces de frêne et qui a été observé pour la première fois en Amérique du Nord en 2002 à Détroit, au Michigan, et à Windsor, en Ontario. Depuis ce temps, on l’a observé dans de nombreuses zones du sud de l’Ontario et du Québec.

L’agrile du frêne constitue un grave problème pour la Ville d’Ottawa, car le frêne représente 25 % du couvert forestier urbain et rural.

L’Agence canadienne d’inspection des aliments (ACIA) est le principal organisme du gouvernement fédéral responsable des espèces envahissantes au Canada. L’ACIA a adopté une stratégie visant à « ralentir la propagation » de l’agrile du frêne, qui comprend la réglementation du bois, des résidus de bois et de la manutention d’arbres, ainsi qu’une campagne de sensibilisation du public au risque du déplacement des espèces envahissantes avec le bois de chauffage.

L’expérience et la recherche aux États-Unis et au Canada ont montré qu’il n’est pas possible d’éradiquer cet insecte en raison de son comportement et de difficultés en matière de détection précoce. La Division des services forestiers a mis au point une stratégie intégrée de gestion des répercussions de cet insecte envahissant sur notre paysage urbain et rural.

Le présent rapport expose la stratégie proposée, qui comprend les éléments suivants :

Ø Réglementation de la manutention et de l’élimination du bois
L’ACIA réglementera le déplacement des frênes et du bois de frêne par arrêté ministériel. Les Services forestiers et la Division de la gestion des déchets solides collaboreront afin d’offrir des options pour le traitement des résidus de bois produits par la Ville, les entrepreneurs et le grand public.

Ø Abattage d’arbres
L’abattage d’arbres, à la fois comme mesure de prévention pour ralentir la propagation de l’agrile du frêne et comme mesure réactive destinée à enlever les arbres au fur et à mesure qu’ils sont détruits par l’agrile du frêne.

Ø Injection sélective d’arbres
Injection dans les arbres d’un insecticide biologique, une autre méthode de contrôle qui fait actuellement l’objet de recherches.

Ø Plantation proactive d’arbres et plantation de remplacement
La plantation d’arbres sur les terrains municipaux et les propriétés privées fait partie intégrante de la gestion des répercussions de l’agrile du frêne sur le couvert forestier.

Ø Consultation publique / Communication publique
La consultation publique et la communication publique comprendront une vaste campagne de sensibilisation du public afin de réduire la manutention du bois, d’offrir des solutions de gestion aux propriétaires de maisons et de terrains qui ont des frênes sur leur propriété, et d’offrir des options de remplacement des arbres.

L’évolution de la stratégie de lutte contre l’agrile du frêne se poursuivra en intégrant les recherches en cours relatives aux injections d’arbres, aux insectes utiles et aux méthodes d’enquête. Le personnel de la Division des services forestiers restera en contact avec l’ACIA, ainsi que les partenaires régionaux et provinciaux, afin de contribuer à l’évolution de la stratégie de lutte contre l’agrile du frêne.

BACKGROUND

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB - Appendix 1) is an introduced insect pest from Asia that attacks and kills all species of ash trees (genus: Fraxinus). The EAB is a wood-boring beetle that spends most of its life feeding under the bark of ash trees (Appendix 2). The EAB moves from tree to tree by flying, however, the main mode of transport over long distance is through the human movement of wood. Currently, ash trees make up approximately 25% of the forest cover in Ottawa and the Emerald Ash Borer has the potential to kill all ash trees in the City within 10 to 15 years. Immediate impacts are noticeable within a period of one to two years, as experienced in other areas of Ontario, such as Windsor and Essex County.

On 25 July 2008, Council was informed of the presence of the Emerald Ash Borer in Ottawa. City of Ottawa Forestry Services staff made the discovery and immediately contacted the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to confirm the find. Under the authority of the Plant Protection Act (1990, c. 22), the CFIA is the lead federal government agency for invasive alien pests in Canada. Since its discovery in Ottawa, staff has been working with the CFIA to delineate the known infested area (St. Laurent Boulevard and Ogilvie Road area), the extent of spread, and any possible outlying infestations in Ottawa to help determine an appropriate management strategy for the insect. Following the CFIA’s surveys, it has been confirmed by CFIA staff that there will be a Ministerial Order issued by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. This order will regulate the movement of raw wood materials, firewood, nursery stock, and leaf and yard waste within the boundaries of the Order, including private and public property. This will affect City contractor and public operations and movement of wood, trees, and leaf and yard waste.

In order to facilitate the development of an appropriate management strategy for EAB, an internal working group has been formed that consists of staff from Forestry Services, the Public Works and Services Deputy City Manager’s Office, the Solid Waste Services Branch, Legal Services Branch, the Medical Officer of Health, the Rural Affairs Office, Corporate Communications, Media Relations and By-law & Regulatory Services.

The imminent loss of ash trees over the next 1-15 years will have a devastating impact on the City’s forest cover and impact the ability to meet forest cover targets as set out in the City of Ottawa’s Official Plan (25% forest cover). This report outlines the EAB Management Strategy framework, which is still in its development stages and will continue to evolve over time.

DISCUSSION

EAB was first found in North America in 2002 in Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario. Since that time, it has been found throughout many areas in southwestern Ontario and more recently in the Toronto and Montreal areas. EAB has devastated millions of ash trees in southwestern Ontario and parts of the United States. The CFIA has worked closely with each Canadian municipality involved in an infestation. Since this insect is new to North America, there are many unknowns with respect to its behaviour and how to effectively manage the pest. Based on evolving experience, observation and research, each infestation has been managed differently based on the best information available at the time. Unfortunately, all approaches have failed in eradicating the pest or in saving ash trees.

In 2002, an infestation was discovered in Windsor, Ontario and the CFIA has focused its efforts on eradication of the EAB through large-scale tree removal. Research and experience in Canada and the U.S. quickly revealed that eradication of this insect is not possible. The CFIA then focused its efforts on trying to control the spread of the insect by creating an ash free zone (comparable to a “firebreak”) between Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie. Shortly, following the creation of the ash free zone, the insect was discovered in Chatham-Kent to the east of the original infected area. These findings were quickly linked to firewood movement. With more recent infestations in the Toronto area and in the Montérégie region of Quebec, among others, the CFIA is now promoting a ‘slow the spread’ approach to EAB management. This is accomplished through public education and regulation of ash trees, wood, and wood waste, including leaf and yard waste and firewood of all species.

The CFIA has authority to regulate wood movement in two ways:

Ø Through a Ministerial Order, which sets the boundaries of wood movement within a regulated area to slow the spread of the insect. There are currently six areas in Ontario that are regulated by Ministerial Orders (Appendix 3); and,

Ø Through the issuance of Prohibition of Movement Certificates to individual property owners.

These initiatives limit the movement of potentially infested material from leaving a site with confirmed or suspected presence of Emerald Ash Borer. These orders are address or site-specific and are used to control infested material on a small scale.

Potential Impacts on Tree Cover in the City of Ottawa

Based on scientific research conducted by the Canadian Forest Service, the CFIA and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, ash tree loss from EAB is inevitable. It is estimated that complete ash tree loss will be realized in 10 to 15 years across the City of Ottawa, but could be sooner based on experiences in other jurisdictions, such as Windsor and Essex County.

At this time, there are dead trees on public and private property in the area the insect was first found. The rate and visibility of the spread through Ottawa will depend greatly on the strategy implemented to manage the impact of EAB.

A review of existing forest cover in Ottawa shows that ash trees make up 25% of the total forest cover of the City. This translates to a potential loss of 18,000 hectares of forest in the rural area and a further 2,600 hectares of tree cover from the urban area. Included is the City’s inventory of trees on streets, in parks and at City facilities. The loss of ash trees in these areas alone is estimated at 75,000 and a further loss of 150,000 ash trees along the edges of Municipal Natural Areas and adjacent to rear yards of homes. These numbers do not include private properties, private woodlots, provincially or federally owned lands, or NCC properties.

The imminent loss of ash trees over the next 1-15 years will have a devastating impact on the City’s forest cover, look and feel of city neighbourhoods, the environment and the ability to meet forest cover targets as set out in the City of Ottawa’s Official Plan.

Other Implications for the City of Ottawa

The impact of EAB includes, but is not limited to, the loss of ash trees. Additional impacts for the City will be realized from limitations on the movement and disposal of wood materials through the issuance of a Ministerial Order or a Prohibition of Movement Certificate. This will subsequently impact solid waste in terms of how wood is handled for disposal, where it is disposed, residential leaf and yard waste pick-up, and the chipping processes required to eliminate the insect from debris. In the short term, leaf and yard waste pick up would be affected for approximately 58,000 homes around the initial discovery site. In addition, private contractors will require locations to dispose of wood that under normal circumstances, they would sell or use for other products. The landfill or compost site would typically not handle this material.

Proposed EAB Management Strategy for Ottawa

Based on past research of other infestations of EAB, the options available to the City of Ottawa for the management of EAB are three fold:

· Attempt Eradication - Not recommended

· Slow the Spread - Recommended

· Manage the Impact – Recommended.

Attempt Eradication – Not Recommended

Eradication of the EAB in Ottawa is not possible. Any attempt to eradicate EAB would involve aggressive tree removal. This means the removal of every ash tree, healthy or otherwise, within 500 metres of a positive find of EAB. Past experience with eradication by the CFIA in other areas, and attempts of localized eradication in the US, has proven unsuccessful.

Eradication is not possible or recommended due to insect behaviour and biology, the difficulty of detection in the early stages, and the complications with responsibility around land ownership. As such, an attempt to eradicate is not a possible course of action to stop the EAB.

Slow the Spread – Will form part of the City of Ottawa strategy

Through the issuance and enforcement of Ministerial Orders in other jurisdictions, the CFIA is currently attempting to slow the spread of EAB by regulating the movement of raw wood materials, firewood, nursery stock and leaf and yard waste. A comprehensive and extensive public awareness and communication campaign to discourage the movement of wood is also central to this effort. Although this approach does not include the proactive removal of healthy trees, dead trees must still be removed where they pose a risk to public health and safety.

Although all ash trees in the City will eventually succumb to EAB, the movement of the beetle may be slowed by the regulation of wood movement. This management option would defer the upfront cost of tree removal over an estimated 15 years. Although the ‘Slow the Spread’ option delays tree death, it does not address the devastating loss of forest cover that will be realized when the ash tree population collapses.

The issuance and the enforcement of the Ministerial Order by the CFIA will have impacts on Solid Waste Operations, By-law & Regulatory Services (Property Standards By-law enforcement) and Forestry Services.

Manage the Impact - Recommended

Knowing that eradication is not feasible and that every ash tree will eventually succumb to the EAB, the preferred management strategy for the City of Ottawa is to manage the impact that this insect will have on forest cover. A comprehensive approach, which includes slowing the spread of the insect along with a proactive planting program, will mitigate the impacts of EAB.

The ‘Manage the Impact’ approach to the EAB management strategy is one that lengthens the time before the impact is realized by regulating the movement of wood, mitigating the overall impact on forest cover by planting trees and reducing the upfront costs to the City for tree removal.

The strategy to manage the impact will include the following:

i. Regulation of wood movement and disposal;

ii. Tree removal;

iii. Selective tree injections;

iv. Proactive tree planting and replacement tree planting; and,

v. Public Consultation / Outreach.

i. Regulation of wood movement and disposal

Wood movement and disposal may be controlled within the city in several ways. Primarily, a Ministerial Order may be issued federally by the CFIA. It is anticipated that this Order will be issued in Ottawa in the upcoming months based on the CFIA’s research and survey information for the area. The CFIA may also issue Prohibition of Movement Certificates to private landowners. Costs associated with the regulation of wood movement are related to the disposal of wood and ash debris, and to enforcement.

The Federal Ministerial Order will change the way firewood, leaf and yard waste, and nursery stock are handled in the City of Ottawa. Depending on the Order, the limits of regulation may potentially extend beyond the City limits. Currently, Solid Waste Services Branch does not accept wood greater than 10 cm in diameter at the City’s Trail Road Facility. Since there are very limited disposal locations currently available, the City may be required to commence acceptance and processing of this material to reduce the risk of illegal dumping, while providing a controlled location within the area of the Ministerial Order. Additional processing of brush, small wood, and leaf and yard waste to reduce the risk of spread of the insect as it is handled through the Solid Waste program will also be required. By-law & Regulatory Services, in conjunction with Forestry Services, will continue to administer and enforce the Property Standards By-law as it relates to hazardous trees. If however there is to be involvement of the City itself in the enforcement of a Ministerial Order, or any other new regulation restricting the movement of wood within Ottawa, By-law & Regulatory Services would require additional enforcement resources. In that a Ministerial Order has not yet been issued and that the extent of the enforcement requirement is unknown at this time, so is the nature of the necessary additional enforcement resources within By-law & Regulatory Services. The initial cost for these operational changes is approximately $500k.

The action items on this element of the strategy are:

· Review of implications and procedures of the Ministerial Order;

· Legal requirements review;

· Solid Waste operational procedures; and,

· Tree planting and nursery stock handling policy review.

ii. Tree removal

The managed impact approach also includes tree removal as both a preventative measure to slow the movement of EAB and as a reactive measure to remove trees as they die from EAB. Estimated cost for tree removal is on average $1000 per tree, which means upwards of $75 million over 10-15 years for tree removals.

The action items regarding tree removal are:

· Monitoring program for the insect including area-based surveys;

· Completion of a City of Ottawa tree inventory; and,

· Procurement strategy for services and supplies.

iii. Selective tree injections

Tree injection is also another control method currently under research. TreeAzin is the only registered pesticide in Canada for use against EAB. TreeAzin is a biological insecticide, made from a natural product of neem trees. The pesticide was developed by the Canadian Forest Service and BioForest Technologies Inc. TreeAzin is delivered to a tree through a special tree injection system and is recommended to be delivered annually, as either a control or preventative treatment for EAB. The annual injection of the City’s entire inventory of street and park trees is in the range of $30 million per year for the life of the tree. This does not include trees on private property or in Municipal Natural Areas. Although wide scale tree injection is not financially or operationally feasible for all City-owned trees, stem injection may be used to preserve some large specimen ash trees on City property as part of the management strategy. Injection is allowed under the Corporate Pesticide Policy as approved by Council.

The action items regarding selective tree injections are:

· Criteria for identification of trees for injection,

· Area based survey for identification of trees for possible injection; and,

· Review of relevant legislation and research on stem injection.

iv. Proactive tree planting and Replacement tree planting

Tree planting on both City-owned and private property is integral to manage the impact of EAB on forest cover. Proactively planting trees in areas of ash concentration prior to tree removal and an extensive tree replacement program on public and private property will lessen the impact on forest cover once the trees are removed. Although the City of Ottawa does not have the authority to plant trees on private property, an expansion of the existing TREE Program’s Community Tree Distributions will assist homeowners by providing a tree to plant on their own property to compensate for ash trees lost to EAB.

In partnership with residents, and through extensive proactive and replacement planting on City property, the impacts of EAB on forest cover can be diminished. Additional planting programs will also include reforestation in the rural area to replace lost trees in City-owned woodlots, ravines and natural areas. Estimated costs for tree planting through tree distributions, replacement and proactive planting of street and park trees, rural reforestation, and municipal greenspace planting is in the range of $5.5 million per year over 10 years.

The action items regarding proactive tree planting and replacement tree planting are:

· Area based surveys, requirements and opportunities analysis for planting;

· Procurement strategy for nursery stock; and,

· Community outreach for tree distribution.

v. Public Consultation / Outreach

Public consultation and outreach also forms a part of this management strategy. In order to be successful, it will include an extensive public awareness campaign to reduce the movement of wood, provide management solutions for homeowners and landowners with ash trees, and provide options for tree replacement. Evolution of the management strategy will continue to keep the City of Ottawa up-to-date on current research related to tree injections, beneficial insects and survey methods.

The action items regarding public consultation and outreach are:

· An aggressive communications strategy;

· Regional partner workshops;

· Development, production and distribution of educational materials; and,

· Exploring research opportunities.

Under this strategy, the private property owners will be responsible for the management of affected ash trees on their property. This includes removal and disposal of affected ash trees. The estimated cost for removal of an average ash tree is approximately $1,000. Through the City’s expanded TREE Program, the City would fund replacement tree(s).

RURAL IMPLICATIONS

Rural forests are threatened by EAB. It is estimated that 25% of the current forest cover in rural areas is made up of ash trees. When realized, the impact will be the loss of approximately 18,000 hectares of rural forest cover. The loss of these trees without an effective strategy for tree replacement will result in a negative impact on the rural quality of life. Rural trees have environmental, economic, and cultural benefits that stand to be impacted as a result of EAB. Rural forests, hedgerows, and woodlots form an integral part of the rural aesthetic and are a strong identifying feature in the rural landscape. Collectively, the rural forests improve air quality, moderate temperature, improves water quality, reduce soil erosion and run off, and provide valuable habitat for wildlife.

CONSULTATION

Consultation in relation to this report has been relative to information updates and education of the public, staff, and stakeholders. Staff has provided memos to Council, verbal updates and a presentation on EAB to the Ottawa Forest and Greenspace Advisory Committee, updates to 311 staff and posting of detailed information on Ottawa.ca. There have been training sessions for staff, local forestry contractors, and regional partners including the NCC, Ontario Parks, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (Kemptville District), Eastern Ontario Model Forest, Akwesasne First Nation, and local Conservation Authorities. Staff has been in close contact with the CFIA and have held meetings internally with Public Health, By-law & Regulatory Services, Solid Waste Services Branch, Rural Affairs, and Legal Services and externally with the City of Gatineau.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The report identifies operating and capital initiatives to be included as part of the 2009 Operating and Capital Budget for Council consideration, as follows:

· That the Surface Operations Branch utilize $50,000 from Capital Account 904455 Tree Program for the development of an EAB public outreach communication plan;

· That the Surface Operations Branch include an Operating Budget pressure of $300k to cover costs related to EAB initial operational impacts and the development of the Management Strategy for Surface Operation Branch;

· That the Surface Operations Branch include a Strategic Capital Initiative of $600k to increase tree planting and the tree distribution program for residents with a focus on areas of high ash tree populations;

· That the Solid Waste Services Branch include an Operating Budget pressure of $500k to implement a modified handling and processing procedure, and funding for ash wood and leaf and yard waste collected as part of the City’s program for the immediate area; and,

· That the Solid Waste Services Branch establish suitable disposal methods for EAB material from private residents and contractors for affected ash trees from private property and establish a tonnage rate for disposal of this material if delivered to City facilities or establish alternate arrangements on a cost recovery basis.

Furthermore, there are a number of opportunities that are being explored, which may offer assistance in slowing the spread of EAB and as they come forward staff will be examining the various possibilities.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

Document 1 – Emerald Ash Borer Fact Sheet.

Document 2 – Ash Tree Fact Sheet.

Document 3 – Map of the Emerald Ash Borer Regulated Areas of Canada.

DISPOSITION

Upon approval of this report and the 2009 Budget, the Public Works and Services Department, will commence implementation of the program as outlined in the report.

Document 1

Coleoptera: Buprestidae

Agrilus planipennis (Fairmaire) - Emerald ash borer

Exotic Forest Insect Guidebook 2006

IDENTIFICATION

Adult beetles are metallic blue-green, narrow, hairless, elongate, 8.5 to 14.0 mm long and 3.1 to 3.4 mm wide.86 The head is flat and the vertex is shield-shaped. The eyes are bronze or black and kidney shaped. The prothorax is slightly wider than the head and is transversely rectangular, but is the same width as the anterior margin of the elytra. The posterior margins of the elytra are round and obtuse with small tooth-like projections on the edge.

Mature larvae are 26 to 32 mm long and creamy white. The body is flat and broad shaped. The posterior ends of some segments are bell-shaped. The abdomen is 10-segmented. The 1^st 8 segments each have one pair of spiracles and the last segment has one pair of brownish, pincer-like appendages.

HOST TREES

Fraxinus, Juglans, Pterocarya and Ulmus. In North America, only Fraxinus has been found infested to date.

LOCATION OF INFESTATION WITHIN THE TREE

Larvae feed on the inner bark and sapwood along the entire bole and larger branches (greater than 2.5 cm diameter) in the crown. In addition to mature trees, galleries can occur in young saplings. Immature beetles maturation feed on leaves.

A - Adult A. planipennis (8.5-14 mm long). Metallic, green-blue body.

B - Various larval instars of A. planipennis.

HOST CONDITION

Healthy or weakened trees.

DISTRIBUTION

China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Russia and Taiwan. Introduced to Canada (Essex, Lambton & Elign Counties and Chatham- Kent Municipality, Ontario) and USA Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio).

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Immature beetles maturation feed on host tree foliage, creating irregular notches in the leaves. Eggs are laid singly on the bole or branches. First instar larvae bore through the bark and feed on the inner bark and the outer sapwood, eventually forming flat and wide (6 mm), "S-shaped" galleries that are filled with a fine brownish frass. Galleries are 9 to 16 cm long (up to 20 to 30 cm) and increase in width from the beginning to the end. Galleries can occur along the entire bole and in branches that are at least 2.5 cm in diameter. Callus tissue may be produced by the tree in response to larval feeding and may cause vertical bark cracks to occur over a gallery.

Pupation takes place at the end of a gallery just beneath the bark, or near the surface of the sapwood (5 to 10 mm) and even in the corky tissue of thick-barked trees. Beetles emerge through "D-shaped" exit holes, 3.5 by 4.1 mm in size. These holes are very difficult to find so careful inspection is required. Woodpecker activity may also indicate the presence of this beetle. Dying or dead trees, particularly with bark sloughing off and crown die-back can also be used as indicators of attack. Other signs of attack include a thinning crown, epicormic shoots, and vertical cracks on the trunk.

Document 2

Document 3

extract of DRAFT Minutes 41 28 october 2008

extrait dE L’ÉBAUCHE Du ProcÈs-verbal 41 28 octobre 2008

EMERALD ASH BORER (EAB)

AGRILE DU FRÊNE

ACS2008-COS-SOP-0012 CITY WIDE/À L'ÉCHELLE DE LA VILLE

The following documentation is held on file with the City Clerk:

· Comment sheet in support of the proposed EAB program from Iola Price (October 28, 2008)

· Memo from Director of Surface Operations, dated October 21, 2008

· Question and Answers prepared by Surface Operations on the Emerald Ash Borer

John Manconi, Director of Surface Operations, provided a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation, which is held on file with the City Clerk. David Barkley, Manager of Forestry Services, as well as Julia Dunlop and Brandy Coughler Holmes, representatives of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), accompanied him. Albert Shamess, Director of Solid Waste Services, was also present to respond to questions pertaining to disposal of materials.

Staff responded to detailed questions, noting the following points:

· The $14 million price tag for the 10-year program is only an estimate and costs could exceed that amount. For example, a smaller quarantine area would involve higher solid waste costs.

· The provision of a tree kit for replacement trees was not costed in the numbers. A direction on such a kit would be required to pursue the option.

· Ash trees that are removed must be handled in such a way not to spread the problem. The material can remain on site or be chipped to a one by one centimeter size.

· Legal Services is looking at authority under the Property Standards By-law to encourage residents to mulch and chip on site.

· The CFIA is the lead federal agency and has assisted with surveying, research and information sharing. No funding is available from either the CFIA or the Ministry of Natural Resources.

· Partnerships will be explored with Tree Canada and other similar groups to offset some costs.

· If the boundaries of the City of Ottawa are the defined regulated area, Plasco and other disposal facilities could be looked at, provided that space is available.

· GPS is being used to map all City trees, but the focus has been narrowed to Ash trees in light of the severity. Data has been compiled and high impact areas will be identified shortly. It takes between five and 15 minutes per tree to collect data. Some high level information will be available this winter and spring.

· To date, the beetle has been identified in the easterly area of the city.

· The current Tree Program will continue but an additional $600,000 would be allocated for target Ash tree replacement.

· Testing for the beetle causes damage to the tree. Some aerial analysis might be undertaken in the fall, as the crown dies first.

· With regard to the speed of removal, additional science is required. A larger window allows costs to be spread over more years and ensures replacement trees have time to grow.

· With regard to wood chipping, the material can be composted and the heat can help with controlling the insect by killing larva or eggs.

· Some information is available on trees but additional material will be developed.

· Burning is one option to dispose of the material; however, wide scale burning is not encouraged due to air quality issues.

· Ash trees have not been provided through the tree-planting program since 2003.

· No regulation exists in Ottawa impacting firewood operators. The Ministerial Order would affect the movement of the end product.

· After 2002, the availability of Ash trees in nurseries was dramatically reduced. Large nurseries are inspected by the CFIA to ensure they are not infested because of the movement of material.

· The best available information and modeling showed that the City of Ottawa had a 20-year window to deal with this issue. The issue was on the departmental workplan and concrete measures were undertaken (staff training, pro-active pest surveying, removal of Ash from tree planting list).

· Federal disaster assistance funding could be pursued.

· Other by-laws and policies are being reviewed. Both Legal Services and By-law and Regulatory Services participate in the staff working group on this issue.

· A fungus moved by an insect caused Dutch Elm Disease. In comparison, EAB is caused by the insect itself and its larva. Work is being done with the University of Toronto with regard to temperature variances and more scientific research will be done over the next several years.

· With regard to injections, the chemical is expensive, invasive, must be done annually, and 80 to 90 per cent effective.

· With respect to the rural area, clear-cutting is not recommended and management of woodlots must continue. Movement of firewood will be an issue that will be looked at in a broader perspective.

· The City website will be utilized to provide information to residents. A list of approved contractors for tree removal may also be included.

· Maple represents 10 to 12 per cent of the City’s forest cover with Ash totaling 25 per cent. The GPS database will allow for information on the variety and composition of the forest cover to ensure best management practices are implemented.

· The City does have a Climate Change Adaptation Plan. Tracking of invasive specifies is of interest.

The CFIA representatives provided these points of clarification in response to questions:

· The Ministerial Order will indicate the breadth of the regulated area. The affected material will be able to move freely within the regulated area. A communication strategy will be required to increase awareness to reduce the spread.

· Controls will be required at the landfill site, if it is the determined place for disposal.

· Individual homeowners with a positive tree will be aware that the tree is infested and cannot be moved from the property. The homeowner is legally responsible for the mitigation of the problem (chipping or another approved method).

· During the winter, the beetle does not fly. An affected tree could be cut, transported and chipped prior to beetle flight.

· Firewood is a regulated commodity under the Ministerial Order, which does not discriminate between species of firewood being that Ash is difficult to identify once it is cut into small pieces. In addition, a national campaign encouraging people not to move firewood has been on going for a number of years. Residents are encouraged to buy and burn firewood locally. Surveys are undertaken at campsites and the border is also monitored.

· The CFIA regulates Canadian imports and exports of material such as Ash; furthermore, the movement in and out of a regulated area is also monitored.

· With regard to an outright ban of Ash, the CFIA balances its regulatory responsibilities along with allowing trade to happen. The CFIA has investigated high risks sites, including firewood vendors and nurseries.

· The CFIA is a science-based organization that relies on its science committee. The Canadian Forest Service chairs the committee and researchers from different universities, as well as the United States, also serve. There are a variety of new detection tools that are on the horizon but still under testing, including a new wasp used for detection.

· This pest was is a very little known insect in northern China and Mongolia. This infestation is not affected by climate change. In Canada, it is affecting all Ash and is not northern limited.

· The Regional Forest Health Network looks at issues around increased imports.

Ernest McArthur, Legal Counsel, advised that any action to force homeowners to take down a tree would need to be explored through the Property Standards By-law. He also noted that the Ministerial Order would dictate federal regulation. The City cannot regulate something that the federal government is already regulating, unless it is complimentary or done in conjunction.

Mr. Manconi also undertook to confirm the following:

· The areas of the City with a high concentration of Ash trees

· Whether Ash trees were removed from the list of allowed trees under the site plan control and subdivision approval processes, and whether a standard condition was prepared in this regard.

Moved by P. Feltmate:

Direct staff to move forward with providing and delivering to residents a tree replacement kit to support the planting of replacement trees for Ash trees; and that this item be sent to Council due to the gravity of the Emerald Ash Borer disaster.

CARRIED

Moved by S. Desroches:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Chair of the Planning and Environment Committee consult with the Federal and Provincial Governments and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario for emergency financial assistance to support the City of Ottawa’s Emerald Ash Borer strategy.

CARRIED

That the Planning and Environment Committee, and the Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee recommend that Council approve the following Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Management Strategy, which includes:

1. Receive the EAB Management Strategy framework as outlined in this report;

2. Approve the City’s scope and responsibility with respect to Emerald Ash Borer be limited to City owned trees on road allowances, City owned properties, and City owned municipal natural areas relating to tree removal, EAB preventative controls, tree planting and wood disposal;

3. Approve all costs and responsibilities pertaining to ash trees on private property shall be the responsibility of the private property owner;

4. Approve increased tree planting on City property as outlined in this report;

5. Approve the implementation of an expanded tree distribution program for private property planting to residents with a focus on areas of ash tree populations as outlined in this report;

6. Approve the development of an EAB public outreach communication plan at an estimated cost of $50,000 to be funded from Capital Account 904455 Tree Program;

7. Direct staff to move forward with providing and delivering to residents a tree replacement kit to support the planting of replacement trees for Ash trees due to the gravity of the Emerald Ash Borer disaster;

8. That the Chair of the Planning and Environment Committee consult with the Federal and Provincial Governments and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario for emergency financial assistance to support the City of Ottawa’s Emerald Ash Borer strategy.

Furthermore, that the Planning and Environment Committee forward for consideration to Council as part of the Draft 2009 Operating and Capital Budgets:

9. That the Surface Operations Branch include a 2009 Operating Budget pressure of $300k to cover costs related to EAB’s initial operational impacts and the further development of the EAB Management Strategy for the Surface Operation Branch;

10. That the Surface Operations Branch include a 2009 Strategic Capital Initiative of $600k to increase tree planting and the tree distribution program to residents with a focus on areas of ash tree populations;

11. That the Solid Waste Services Branch include a 2009 Operating Budget pressure of $500k to implement a modified handling and processing procedure for ash wood and leaf and yard waste collected as part of the City’s leaf and yard waste program; and,

12. That the Solid Waste Services Branch establish suitable disposal methods for EAB material from private residents and contractors for affected ash trees from private property and establish a tonnage rate for disposal of this material if delivered to City facilities or establish alternate arrangements on a cost recovery basis.

CARRIED as amended