Wildlife

Geese

Canada Geese and Cackling Geese can cause damage by eating vegetation and leave droppings. In some urban settings they can pose a further nuisance by alarming members of the public. They are often associated with stormwater management ponds. As many forms of LID reduce or eliminate standing water, the habitat for geese is reduced.

However, geese have even been found nesting on extensive green roofs in our region. So here are some tips on control:

Diggy creatures

Are they a problem?

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are a vector for many global diseases. In Ontario they are associated with transmission of West Nile Virus[1]. Low impact development technologies reduce the amount of standing water compared to traditional stormwater ponds. However there are a few additional design recommendations that can reduce mosquito habitat even further

• First line of defense: A mesh size of 1.5 mm or smaller is recommended where a screen is used to exclude mosquitoes from a tank or other standing water[2],
• The Ministry of the Envionment and Climate Change permit just two larvicides to be used to kill mosquito larvae growing in the water[3]:
  1. Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israeliensis) Note that provincial regulations permit only granular application, rather than 'dunks' or 'pucks' available elsewhere. Thi smeans more frequent application may be necessary,
  2. Methoprene This product can only be used by licensed individuals as it is slightly toxic to some fish species.

Airborne adulticides for mosquito control are permitted for use in Ontario. But their use would no be required with most forms of stormwater control. Encouraging populations of bats, birds, dragonflies and other natural predators is worthwhile for improving biodiversity. But has not been demonstrated as an effective means of mosquito control.

Humans

Vandalism exists. Recommend signage and engagement.

Figure 1a

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             <h4Blue>geeeeeese</h4Blue>

This is an example of a typical residential plastic barrel. Such a barrel can hold ___L of rain water and typically costs about $___. They are easy to install and do not require special training to do so. typical plastic rain barrel

Low Impact Development. A stormwater management strategy that seeks to mitigate the impacts of increased urban runoff and stormwater pollution by managing it as close to its source as possible. It comprises a set of site design approaches and small scale stormwater management practices that promote the use of natural systems for infiltration and evapotranspiration, and rainwater harvesting.

Water ponded on the ground surface.

A stormwater management strategy that seeks to mitigate the impacts of increased urban runoff and stormwater pollution by managing it as close to its source as possible. It comprises a set of site design approaches and small scale stormwater management practices that promote the use of natural systems for infiltration and evapotranspiration, and rainwater harvesting.

Gravel, or crushed stone of various size gradations (i.e., diameter), used in construction; void forming material used as bedding and runoff storage reservoirs and underdrains in stormwater infiltration practices.