Local wildlife preservation around Champlain Bridge

As part of the Portfolio Company’s ongoing responsibilities, it mandated an environmental study for the Champlain Bridge Project to assess the impact of the construction on local wildlife, including the white-fronted swallow, peregrine falcon and brown snake.

The study included mitigation measures and nesting monitoring programmes for these species to safeguard their future reproductive success.

Peregrine falcon: The survey for peregrine falcons was conducted using binoculars and a spotting scope from the old Champlain Bridge to observe the artificial nesting box located on span E04 of the Champlain Bridge. The inventory was carried out to note nesting behaviours and the evolution of the brood, noting that the nesting in 2022 was successful, producing two young. To protect the breeding success of peregrine falcons and swallows under the Champlain Bridge, maintenance work should be performed outside nesting periods, especially in spans with known nests and falcon nesting boxes.

White-fronted swallow: The survey of white-fronted swallows was conducted by boat in mid-June during the peak nesting season. The specialist counted the number of active nests on the girder flanges under the spans of each section of the Champlain Bridge and the Nuns’ Island Bridge. A total of 292 nests were found, of which 59 were active.

To ensure the maximum relocation of white-fronted swallows during the deconstruction of the temporary bridge north of the Nuns’ Island Bridge, mitigation measures (including polyethylene netting, stainless-steel hardware, installation of the net to block access to the vertical wall and tight stretching of the nets during installation) were recommended.

Brown snake: A brown snakes inventory was carried out using two complementary methods: artificial shelter monitoring and active search. A total of 26 artificial shelters were installed on both sides of the Champlain Bridge in three sectors. Active search was also conducted by systematically searching for potential habitats. The results of the study indicate that the mitigation measures were effective, and the population of brown snakes in the protected areas persisted. To maintain the integrity of snake communities around the Champlain Bridge, we minimised vegetation, shrub and tree cutting in areas with confirmed brown snake presence, and avoided interventions during the period when garter snakes are in their hibernacula to reduce the risk of mortality.