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Toward a Fish Habitat Decision on the
Kemano Completion Project
A Discussion Paper
VANCOUVER, B.C. JANUARY 1984
-
I
/
UN-IVERSITY OF ALASKA
ARCTIC ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION
AND DATA CU\JTl:::R
707 A STREET
ANCHORAGE, AK 99501
I+ Government of Canada
Fisheries and Oceans
Gouvernement du Canada
Peches et Oceans
DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES AND OCEANS
1090 WEST PENDER STREET
VANCOUVER, B.C.
V6E 2P1
COMPILED BY HABifAT MANAGEMENT DIVISION
CONTRIBUTING BRANCHES FISHERIES RESEARCH
FIELD SERVICES
-FRASER RIVER, NORTHERN B.C. AND YUKON DIVISION
-NORTH COASf DIVISION
.: HAB.iTAT M~NAGEMENT DIVISION
SALMONID ENHANCEMENT :pfifiGllAM
EDITID BY Kenneth Jackson
,. ' l'•·
COVER DESIGN BY Bev Bowler
WORD PROCESSING OF THE TEXT BY Ap~ll V. Jones
PREFACE
========
In ordering his staff to prepare for a series of public meetings on the
Kemano Completion project, Director-General of DFO' s Pacific Region, Wayne
Shinners, stated; "This project proposal contains elements which make it of
more vital concern to salmon than any other fish habitat question we are
likely to encounter in the rest of this century". In that spirit, the
staff of DFO's Habitat Management Division and Communications Branch have
afforded the public information and public involvement process the highest
working priority.
The realer who wishes to become fully informed on this massive project will
be confronted with a bewildering array of biological, economic and
engineering data. None of these data are to be withheld from public
sqrutiny but the great volume of material makes it impossible for inclusion
in so small a document as this discussion paper. In producing this
discussion paper the Department has one primary objective; to more fully
inform the public on the vastness of this project and its likely impact on
the fisheries resources for Which the Department is responsible.
In presenting this information, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans
wishes to point out that its powers and legislative mandate are very clear
and quite specific. These extend, as spelled out in the Fisheries Act, to
those matters pertaining to the management of five species of salmon and
the habitat on which they depend. While the Department is aware of the
considerable level of public concern over broadly-based environmental
values and are sympathetic to them, the powers of the Department are set
out c lea:rly in the Fisheries Act and do not extend to cover overall
environmental considerations.
While there has been much media publicity afforded this project, the
Department believes that the full magnitude, the enormous extent of the
project are not fully appreciated. The FJ;'aser and Skeena River systems
drain a significant portion of the land mass of British Columbia. This
project will provide a link, a physical connection by which these two great
rivers will bl;l joined together. While the extensive studies of this
proposal have produced a massive amount of scientific data, there are still
a good many unknowns.
Following the release of the Kemano Completion Discussion Paper,
Alcan has advised the Department of a number of revisions. The
estimate of sidechannel losses in the Morice River has been
revised and now ranges from 10 to 35% with the best estimate
being 25% (see pages 20. and vi). Alcan has also suggested ·some
minor changes in flow d~lculations particularly for the Nechako
River. These changes are presently being reviewed. They are
not, however, expect~d to significantly alter our analysis in the
Discussion Pape~.
Preface
List of Figures &
Executive Summary
1 • INTRODUCTION
Tables
2. LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY
CONTENTS
=========
. . . .
3. RIVER ECOLOGY, AND THE IMPLICATIONS OF CHANGE
4.
5.
6.
7.
a.
NANIKA RIVER
4.1 Hydrology and Alcan's Proposal
4.2 Biology • • • • • • • • • •
4.3 Implications of Alcan's Proposal •
MORICE RIVER
5.1
5.2
Hydrology and Alcan's Proposal
Biology , , • . • • • • •
5. 3 Implications of Alcan's Proposal
NECHAKO RIVER . . . . . . . . . . .
6.1 Hydrology and Alcan's Proposal •
6.2 Biology -. . . . . . . . . .
6.3 Implications of Alcan' s Proposal
KEMANO RIVER . . . . .
7.1 Hydrology and Alcan's Proposal
7.2 Biology . . .
7.3 Implications of Alcan' s Proposal
WATER QUALITY . . . .
8.1 Temperature
.
8.1.1 Effects of Temperature on Salmon
8.1.2
8.1.3
Nanika and Morice Rivers
Nechako River •
8.2. Total Gas Pressure
8.3 Further Water Quality Considerations
9. DISEASES AND PARASITES
9.1 Diseases
9.2 Parasites
. .. ... . . . ...
. . . . .....
...
....
... ... . ....
10. POfENfiAL SALMON PRODUCfiON FROM RIVERS AFFECTED BY KEMANO COMPLEflON
11. TOWARD NO NET LOSS OF FISH PRODUCTION
12. DISCUSSION •••••
Scenario 1 -The Present S.itua tion
Scenario 2 -No Diversion of the Nanika River
Scenario 3 -Aleen's Proposal
13. GLOSSARY OF fECHNICAL fERMS
BIBLIOGRAPHY
ii
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iii
iv
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6
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8
9
13
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20
26
30
30
34
37
41
41
42
46
47
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48
48
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52
53
54
59
63
64
65
66
70
LISf OF FIGURES AND TABLES
===========================
Figure No.
1. Regional Map •••••••.••
2. Physical and Biological Features
3. Nanika River at Kidprice Lake
4. Nanika Ri.ver Salmon Spawning Areas
5. Bulkley River -Percent of Discharge at Quick Originating from
Morice Lake ••• , •••••• , , . • • • • • . •
6. Morice River at Outlet of Morice Lake (Reach 1)
7. Morice River -Downstream of fhautil Creek (Reach 2)
8. Morice River -Upstream of Owen Creek (Reach 3)
9. Morice River -Downstream of Peacock Creek (Reach 4) •
10~ Morice River -Chinook and Coho Spawning Areas •
11. Morice River -Pink Spawning Areas •••••
12. Nechako River -Monthly Flows 1930 -1942
13. Nechako River -Monthly Flows 1952 -1967 •• , •
14. Nechako River -Monthly Flows 1968 -1982
15. Nechako River at. Cheslatta Falls -Natural Flows Prior to
Construction of Kenney Dam (1930 -1952) • • ••••
16. Nechako River at Cheslatta Falls-Regulated Flows (1957-1979)
17. Nechako River at Cheslatta Falls -Flow Alternatives Proposed by
Aleen and Injunction Flows ••••••
18. Nechako River -Chinook Spawning Areas •••••
19. Kemano River -Mean Monthly Flows •• , ••
20. Kemano River -Pink and Chum Spawning Areas
21. Kemano River-Chinook and Coho Spawning Areas
22. Temperature Profiles for the Nechako River ••
Table No,
1. Morice River -Mean Monthly Flows (1962 -1981).
2. Scenarios
iii
viii
6
9
11
16
17
18
19
19
22
25
31
31
31
32
32
33
35
42
44
45
50
17
68
KITIMAT
Skeen a
FIGIJIE 1
REGIIJIAL MAP
~ Nechako Reservoir
0 50 I 00klfl -----Scale
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
==================
The Kemano Completion Project is massive. The Aluminum Company of Canada
"?>. 0
(Alcan) proposes a capital expenditure in excess of ~ bi~lion which t"l,; c,. .. ~IO!
could increase aluminum production from its present level of 241 -88B· metr1c
tonnes per year to 582,000 metric tonnes per year. It will genecate 1, 500
permanent jobs and several thousand man-years of temporary construction
employment.
The project ent.ails the construct.ion of two aluminum smelters ·af 170,000
and 200,000 metric tonnes capacity, the first. of which would be located
near Vanderhoof. They are the primary source of permanent employment. The
power to operate the smelters would be generated by an additional power-
house to be built at Kemano and transmitted via new transmission lines to
the B.C. Grid System. Water to operate the1c;ew powerhouse would be con-
veyed from the Nechako Reservoir by a new ~ km long t.unnel and penstock
system passing through the Coast Range, which parallels the existing water
delivery system. The additional water requ.ired to generate the power would
be obtained by minimizing the spill of water from the existing Nechako
Reservoir and augmenting it by diverting water from the Nan~ka River into
the reservoir. This will be accomplished by constructing a ~meter high
dam on the Nanika River at. the outlet of Kidprice Lake. An B km long
diversion tunnel through the mountain between Nanika Lake and Nechako
Reservoir would be constructed thus linking t.he Skeena and Fraser River
drainage. A low-level flow regulation dam on Murray Lake in the Cheslatta
system and a cold water release tunnel around the Kenney Dam would be con-
structed to provide a source of cold water for downstream cooling purposes.
The Kemano Completion project directly threatens the salmon stocks in the
Fraser River system (especialLy the chinook of the Nechako River, as well
as the sockeye of the Stuart, Stellako and Nadina rivers). Several species
(chinook, sockeye, coho and pink salmon) would be impacted in the Nanika
and Morice rivers as a result of the diversion of the Nanika River. All
five species of Pacific Salmon and the eulachon populations of the Kemano
River would be impacted. The potential exists fat s.ignificant downstream
effects in the Skeena and Fraser River.
The present level of salmon production from t.hese rivers is significant,
and the opportunity for increasing production is substantial. Using
current catch to escapement ratio and escapement estimates, the current and
potential stocks for each river that would be affected by the project are
as follows:
iv
TOTAL FISH STOCKS BY SPECIES
RIVER CURRENT PRODUCTION POTENTIAL PRODUCTION
Nanika Sockeye 9,200 73,600
Chinook 9~77-50 I 'I (.)0 ~It"
Coho 750 )
--1,250
Total 19;70U' 1·6-;ll5U /D t/7~ 76 70/l
Morice Sockeye 1 '150 4,600
Chinook 19 ~ 5t.> ~ t(Z,...DtJO~O
J I Coho 6,250 25,000
Pink (Even) 16,800 57,500
(Odd) 57,500 57,500
Total 1~ ;}2'+'2~~ /00 ,~ Q
Nechako
2., f;()t)l ()(.)(}
Sockeye * J;1BB,OOO 4; if s-r>, DW 34, 78fl, fl88-
Chinook 1.1{0 0 1~· To, ()W) ""'r880
)
Total ~ b
1
3,.})2,6tl0 t.;t; t"o 31,745,1:10
~~ ()C) oo()
Kemano Chum 72,000 180,000
Pink (Even) 296,800 560,000
(Odd) 69,000 560,000
Chinook 7, ooo 1Q 1 Q8& "/01)1)
I 113-;iffift-
Coho 12,500 12,500
Total U'51J ~;~~~tr-1 0 I {lq/§0'3-'U'
GRAND TOTAL JJ/7(:;( 11 ~
(Stocks and Species) 3,e~2,~0
&/;~-z. JSD H 1 ~4~1 950
* Dominant cycle only
The project threatens the fish habitats upon which these stacks depend,
The principal impacts stem from the major changes in the flow regimes of
the rivers affected by the project. Sixty-two percent of the mean annual
flow in the Nanika River will be diverted to the Nechako Reservoir and this
will primarily occur in the months of June through August. This diversion
of the Nanika will reduce the mean annual outflow from Morice Lake by 25%,
essentially in the same time period. The existing, partially regulated
flow of the Nechako River will be reduced further by Bm~. This represents
a 88% reduction in flow from pre-Kemano I conditions. The diverted water
from the Nechako and Nanika rivers will be discharged into the Kemano
River, where the mean annual flow will increase approximately by a factor
of two. A 52 square kilometer (20 sq. mile) new reservoir will be created,
flooding 14.6 sq. kilometers (5.6 sq. miles) of land between Nanika and
Kidprice Lake.
The Department is reviewing Alcan' s proposal and the preliminary results of
their detailed bio-engineering impact studies.
v
For the purposes of the review a fisheries management objective has been
defined as follows:
TO PRESERVE THE NATURAL STOCKS
AND THE NATURAL SALMON PRODUCING
POTENTIAL OF ALL RIVERS THAT WOULD
BE AFFECTED BY THE DEVELOPMENT
In its review the Department has at.tempted to identify Likely impacts, pos-
sible solutions and areas of uncertainty and risk. The information has
been assembled into t.his discussion paper which has been prepared to
stimulate public input. into the decision which the Department must soon
make with respect to the project.
The principal impacts of the Nanika diversion relate to the survival of
juvenile coho and chinook rearing in the Nanika River and juvenile sockeye
rearing in Morice Lake. The reduced flows and altered flow regime would
cause major channel changes and losses of sidechannel habitat. L1kely s1g-
nificant changes in the river temperature regime would occur. Some oppor-
tunity exists for mitigation. When considering compensation in a dim-
inished Nanika River, possible gains would likely not offset the 9m6 loss
of coho rearing habitat and 7m6 loss of chinook habitat. The loss of
nutrients carried by the Nanika River to Morice Lake which threatens
sockeye fry may be offset by applying lake enrichment technology.
The proposed Nanika diversion would principally affect chinook and coho
rearing in the Morice River. The most utilized reach of the river would
suffer up to a 30% loss of sidechannel habitat. The sidechannels in this
reach account for 46 and 79% of the total chinook' and coho production
respectively in the Morice River. Pink salmon which spawn almost
exclusively in sidechannels, and to a lessor extent coho salmon would also
suffer some loss of spawning habitat. There appears to be an opportunity
to improve overwintering survival of juvenile chinook and coho. However,
the extent of increased product ion that can be expected from such activity
has not been determined. The full impact of flow reductions in the Morice
River salmon populations is difficult to assess because of the
uncertainties of predicting long term changes in the physical environment
(channel structure, substrate, groundwater, transport of debris ) and the
effects of these changes on fish habitat and production.
The Nechako River is already a diminished river. There is no certainty
that the river currently has sufficient rearing capacity to meet its poten-
tial chinook salmon production targets and there is no belief that Alcan's
proposal will permit the maintenance of current product ion wh.ich is sub-
stantialLy less than the target. The opportunities for the application of
substantial habitat improvement as compensation appears severely limited
although the potential for hatchery production appears to be good.
The opportunity to mitigate against temperature effects on sockeye appears
good although more data is required if temperatures in the Upper Nechako
River are to be regulated for juvenile chinook as well as migrating adult
sockeye.
vi
With regards to other water quality parameters on the Nechako River, more
detailed study is required to identify the need for and the method of con-
t.rolling t.he supersaturation of dissolved gases. Similarly, there is a
need to further study the effects of flow reduction on the concentration of
natural and man-made pollutants in the Nechako River and on the need to up-
grade existing pollution treatment systems.
The impacts on fish production on the Kemano River are not predictable at
this time with any degree of certainty. The expectation is that. cunent
fish production can be maintained.
On the general subject of diseases and parasite transfer, there was no sub-
stantial concern identified to warrant objection to the Nanika Diversion.
Some long term monitoring has been suggested,
To facilitate public discussion and input into the Department's considera-
tion of the project, three possible decision scenarios have been pre-
sented. They are:
1. Present Situation: No expansion to existing facilities.
Continuation of an inefficient. and destructive method of regulating
temperature in the Nechako River.
2a. No Nanika Diversion: Provision of Injunction flows with a suitrole
quality and quantity of cold water release flows. Possibly yields one
200,000 tonne smelter, allows some flexibility for responding to
unforeseen impacts. Provides for the maintenance of a reduced number
of chinook necessitating limited compensation.
2b. No Nanika Diversion: Provision of Alcan's proposed flow and tempera-
ture regime • Yields one 200,000 tonne smelter with considerable
surplus power. Anticipate substantial loss of chinook production and
continuation of sockeye cooling problems.
3a. Nanika Diversion: Diversion of a pristine river. Provision of
Injunction flows with a suitable quality and quantity of cold water
release flows. Yields one 200,000 tonne smelter, and substantial
surplus power, Impacts to fish are substantial and are spread over
three drainages.
3b. Alcan 's Proposal: Yields two 170,000 tonne smelters. Presents maxi-
mum degree of impact and risk. Provides no flexibility to adjust or
respond to unforeseen circumstances or impacts,
The public is invited to express its preferences concerning these or other
possible scenarios. The paper concludes with a statement to the effect
that regardless of which decision option is finally chosen, it is absolute-
ly clear that in the face of so much uncertainty and risk to the fisheries
resources of Canada, the proponent will be expected to engage in consider-
able post-project assessment and monitoring. The need to retain the flexi-
bility to adequately respond to the inevitable impacts, be they positive or
negative, is essential.
vii
PROBLEM Of WATER
ALLOCATIIW
DEPARTMENT
EN:OWACE:S PUBLIC
DISCUSSIIW AND
INPUT
DEPARTMENT OCVELOPS
POSITIIW AFTER
PUBLIC CONSULTATIIW
ALCAWI'S 1950
CONDITIIWAL WATER
LICENCE FAILED TO
ADDRESS SALMON
CDN:EIIIIS
EFFECT Of RESERVOIR
FILLING ON NECHAKO
RIVER CHUIJOK
1. INTRODUCTION
=============
The proposed Kemano Completion Project raises and necessitates considera-
tion of the longstanding problem of water allocation. Again there is com-
petition over the use of water, in this case, for the production of alum-
inum or for other uses ranging from the preservation of fish habitat to the
preservation of natural rivers for the simple pleasure that comes from the
sight of them.
This discussion paper represents a deliberate attempt by the Department of
Fisheries and Oceans to consult with an interested and concerned public on
the fisheries management and habitat issues arising fr001 the Aluminum
Company of Canada 1 s (Alcan) plan to use the waters of the Nanika and
Nechako rivers in central British Columbia for aluminum production. Public
consultation is particularly applicable, as decisions arising from consid-
eration of this project will, most certainly, involve complex judgements
about environmental risk, alternatives, social and economic costs and bene-
Fits and mitigation and compensation action. Upon completion of a public
consultation process concerning the matters raised in this paper, it is the
Department 1 s intention to develop a position concerning the acceptability
of the project. It should be noted that in keeping with its responsi-
bility, the International Pacific Salmon Fisheries Commission has completed
an analysis of the potential effects of the Kemano Completion Project on
Fraser River sockeye and pink salmon. It is intended that this analysis,
contained in a separate report (IPSFC, 1983) also be subject to public
review prior to the development of a Departmental position.
To place the present proposal in perspective, it is appropriate to provide
some background history.
In December, 1950 the Government of British Columbia granted a conditional
water licence to Alcan authorizing it to store and divert all waters in the
Nechako watershed upstream of the Cheslatta River and all waters of the
Nanika watershed upstream of Glacier Creek, approximately 4 km below
Kidprice Lake. The Department of Fisheries reviewed the licence application
and stipulated provisions regarding temperature regulation and flow
releases to protect the fisheries resources; however, despite the prov-
isions of the Fisheries Act the spirit of the times dictated that those
provisions were, in the main, ignored.
By 1957 the first, or Kemano 1, phase of development was fully opera-
tional. Its works consisted of a dam on the Nechako River resulting in the
creation of a 890-km2 reservoir with tunnels through Mt. Boise to a power
house constructed at Kemano and transmission lines conveying power to an
aluminum smelter constructed at Kitimat (Figure 1). Predictably, during
the period of reservoir filling (1952 -1957), when very little water was
being released below the dam, the Nechako chinook salmon stocks were deci-
mated. Since 1957, as water became available for release to the Nechako
river, the chinook stocks have shown signs of recovery.
ORIGINAL WATER
LICENCE ALLOWED fOR
EXPANSI!J\1
KEY PROJECT
COMPONENTS
1980 IN.I.It«:TI~
fLOWS
HfiEA T TO SALMON
STOCKS
FISHERIES OBJECTIVE
TlfiEAT TO FISH
HABITATS
ATTEWT BY ALCAN TO
DEFH£ FLOW
REQUIRDENTS
In 1978 Alcan announced its intentions to add to the hydroelectric genera-
ting capacity at Kemano, and to increase aluminum product ion capacity •
Under the terms and conditions of the original licence granted in 1950
Alcan now propose to divert more water from the Nechako as well as to use
water diverted from Nanika Lake. Key components of the project include a
second tunnel from West Tahtsa Lake through to Kemano, a tunnel diversion
from Nanika Lake to Tahtsa Lake, a dam at the outlet of Kidprice and Murray
Lakes, and a new power station at Kemano.
During the w.inter of 1979, because of a perceived water shortage, Alcan
reduced the releases of water from the Nechako reservoir through the Skins
Lake spillway. In 1980 the Department of Fisheries and Oceans successfully
appealed to the Supreme Court of British Columbia for an injunction order-
ing Alcan to make specified flow releases into the Nechako River. These
injunction flows have been adhered to since August of 1980.
The second, or completion phase of the Kemano development, once again
threatens the salmon stocks in the Fraser system (especially the chinook of
the Nechako River, as well as the sockeye of the Stuart, Stellako and
Nadina Rivers). For the first time, several species (chinook, sockeye,
coho and pink salmon) would be impacted in the Nanika,and Morice Rivers as
a result of the diversion of the Nanika River. All five species of Pacific
salmon and the eulachon populations of the Kemano River would again be
impacted.
Once again the Department of Fisheries and Oceans finds itself having to
respond to a development proposal. In the context of the present Kemano
Completion project review, a fisheries management objective has been
defined as follows:
TO PRESERVE fHE INIIHURAL SfOCKS
AND TfE NATURAL SALMON PROOOCIN;
POTENTIAL lF ALL RIVERS THAT WOOLD
BE AffECTED BY THE OCVEUPMENT
The Kemano Completion project threatens the fish habitats upon I'Alich the
fisheries resources of the Nechako, Nanika, Morice and Kemano Rivers
depend. In its review of the project the Department is examining ways to
avoid damage to fish habitat that is likely to permanently reduce its
productivity, by (a) prohibiting certain proposed activities that could
permanently damage highly productive fish habitats; (b) mitigating
potential problems through design, construction and operational
adjustments, (c) and compensating for unavo.idable losses by employing
habitat replacement and enhancement techniques.
At this time, apart from a very general description of the project, Alcan
has not provided detailed information concerning the construct ion and
operation of their facilities, and a comprehensive environmental impact
statement being prepared by Alcan is not yet available. To date, Alcan and
their consultants have attempted to define the fisheries flow requirements
- 2 -
TEI:HNICAIL
IN'"ORHATION
REVIENED
SllJPE lT PAPER
FISHERIES ARE A
FEDERAL
RESPONSIBILITY
FISHERIES ACT
RELATIONSHIP TO
PROJECT
in the rivers downstream of the proposed dam site on the Nanika River and
the existing dam on the Nechako River. Alcan wants to know whether the
fish protection flows proposed by them are acceptable. To Alcan, the
definition of fish protection flows is an essential first step, as the
scope, and indeed, the viability of the Kemano Completion Project depend on
knowing how much water is available through a diversion for power-
generating purposes and how much has to be released for downstream (i.e.,
fish protection and other) purposes.
A mass of technical data on the subject has been provided and reviewed. It
is not intended to reproduce all of this information here. Rather, this
paper is a synopsis of the most important considerations that have arisen
from the Department's review of the data. In many cases the data are
incomplete, and certainly this paper does not address all facets of the
impacts arising from the Kemano Completion Project.
The paper begins with a brief review of the applicable legislation by which
the Department of Fisheries and Oceans has the authority to conduct its
review, then reviews the hydrology of the Nanika, Morice, Nechako and
Kemano River systems, and discusses, by life cycle stages, the biology of
the salmonid species utilizing the rivers. The implications of the Alcan
proposal are discussed by river system, water quality and quantity con-
siderations are presented, comments are offered on diseases and parasites,
salmon production targets for each river system are provided, and oppor-
tunities for compensation are identified. The paper finishes with a pre-
sentation of a number of possible decision options or scenarios designed to
stimulate, and to provide a focus for public discussion. A glossary of
terms used throughout the paper is provided at the end.
2. LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY
======================
The jurisdictional responsibility for the salmon resources of the Nechako,
Morice, Nanika and Kemano rivers, as for all freshwater and marine
fisheries resources in Canada, was assigned to the Federal Government under
Section 91 of the British North America Act. Over the years, the Federal
and Provincial governments have developed separate agreements in regard to
the administration of the fisheries resources. In British Columbia, the
Provincial Government now has responsibility for the management, protection
and restoration of all non-anadramous species as well as steelhead and
sea-run cutthroat trout. Responsibility for protection, preservation and
extension of the Fraser River sockeye and pink salmon resource is vested
with the International Pacific Salmon Fisheries Commission under the
Sockeye Salmon Fisheries Convention signed in 1930, ratified in 1937 and
amended by the Pink Salmon Protocol in 1957.
Since Confederation the main instrument of the Federal Government in
protecting fish habitat has been the Fisheries Act. Amendments to the
Fisheries Act have been recently enacted. These amendments have broadened
the scope of 'fish' to be protected and included new controls on physical
disruption of 'fish habitat'; they have shifted the burden of proof of
- 3 -
PROYISHHi fOR
MAINTAINING ANNUAL
RETURN IF FISH
fUJI REGULATION
BELOW DAMS fOR
SAFETY IF fiSH
fiSH HABITAT
POLLUTU:fi
whether fish habitat will be altered from the Crown to the proponent; and
strengthened other prov1s1ons. Particular attention is directed to
Sections 20, 31, 33 and 53 1 l'klich specifically relate to development
activities such as those proposed by Alcan.
Section 20 in part states:
20.(1) Every slide, dam or other obstruction across or in any stream
where the Minister determines it to be necessary for the public
interest that a fishpass should exist, shall be provided by the
owner or occupier with a durable and efficient fishway, or
canal around the slide, dam or other obstruction, l'klich shall
be maintained in a good and effective condition by the owner or
occupier, in such place and of such form and capacity as will,
in the opinion of the Minister, satisfactorily permit the free
passage of fish through the same; where it is determined by the
Minister in any case that the provision of an efficient fishway
or canal around the slide, dam or other obstruct ion is not
feasible, or that the spawning areas above such slide, dam or
other obstruction are destroyed, the Minister may require the
owner or occupier of such slide, dam or other obstruction to
pay to him from time to time such sum or sums of money as he
may require to construct, operate and maintain such complete
fish hatchery establishment as will, in his opinion, meet the
requirements for maintaining the annual return of migratory
fish.
and 20. (10) The owner or occupier of any slide, dam or other obstruction
shall permit to escape into the riverbed below the said slide,
dam or other obstruction, such quantity of water, at all times,
as will, in the opinion of the Minister, be sufficient for the
safety of fish and for the flooding of the spawning grounds to
such depth as will, in the opinion of the Minister, be
necessary for the safety of the ova deposited thereon.
Section 31 in part states:
31.(1) No person shall carry on any work or undertaking that results
in the harmful alteration, disruption or destruction of fish
habitat.
Section 33 in part states:
33.1(1) Every person who carries on or proposes to carry on any work or
undertaking that results or is likely to result in
(a) the deposit of a deleterious substance in water frequented
by fish or in any place under any conditions where that
deleterious substance or any other deleterious substance
that results from the deposit of that deleterious substance
may enter any such water, or
- 4 -
HABITAT DEGRADATION
PROVISION OF PLANS
FOR REVIEW
COST REmVERY
APPLICATION OF ACT
TO HER MAJESTY
ADMINISTRATION OF
ACT AS IT RELATES
TO PROJECT
(b) the alteration, disruption or destruction of fish habitat,
shall, on the request of the Minister or without request in the
manner and circumstance prescribed by regulations made under
paragraph (3)(a), provide the Minister with such plans, speci-
fications, studies, procedures, schedules, analyses, samples or
other information relating to the work or undertaking and with
such analyses, samples, evaluations, or other information rela-
ting to the water, place or fish habitat that is or is likely
to be affected by the work or undertaking as will enable the
Minister to determine.
(c) whether there is or is likely to be a deposit of a deleter-
ious substance by reason of such work or undertaking that
constitutes or would constitute an offence under Section 33
and what measures, if any, would prevent such a deposit or
mitigate the effects thereof; or
(d) whether the work or undertaking results or is likely to
result in any alteration, disruption or destruction of fish
habitat that constitutes or would constitute an offence
under Section 31 and what measures, if any, would prevent
such a result or mitigate the effects thereof.
Section 53 in part states:
53. (1) Where the Minister determines that the provision, which he deems
necessary for the public interest, of an efficient fishway or canal
around any slide, dam or other obstruction is not feasible or that
the spawning areas above such slide, dam or other obstruction are
destroyed by reason of any such obstruction, the owner or occupier
of any such slide, dam or other obstruction shall from time to time
pay to the Receiver General such lump sum or annual sum of money as
may be assessed against him by the Minister for the purpose of con-
structing, operating and maintaining such complete hatchery estab-
lishment as will, in the opinion of the Minister, meet the require-
ments for maintaining the annual return of migratory fish.
Section 71 states:
71. This Act is binding on Her Majesty in right of Canada or a province
and any agent thereof.
The Habitat Management Division of the Department of Fisheries and
Oceans has the main responsibility for administering the hiD i tat
provisions of the Act. This is accomplished in a manner that (a)
recognizes the legitimate interests of other levels of government
and private sector interests, (b) provides opportunities for public
views and concerns to be heard, and (c) makes full use of the
results of scientific research in reaching habitat management
decisions. The reader is reminded that the Division's responsibil-
ities are limited by the authority of the Fisheries Act and do not
concern other environmental matters.
- 5 -
RIVERS ARE COMPLEX
AND HIGHLY
CHN«iEAR.E
KEY PHYSICAL AND
BIOLOGICAL FEATURES
LISTED
3. RIVER ECOLOGY, AND THE IMPLICATIONS OF CHANGE
==============================================
Ri·vers are complex and highly changeable systems. To visualize what
happera if their patterns of flow are altered it is helpful to have a
simple descriptive scheme of the mai:-1 factors and processes operati:-~g in
rivers. Figure 2 lists key physical .'Jnd biological features of a ri·ver
that go into the making of salmon habitat and to the production of salmon.
These features are referred to throughout the report.
The biological processes of a river are the product of an adaptation of
pl:mts and animals to their surroundings in various zones of the river;
surroundings that are shaped by the physical phenomena of hydrology,
hydraulics and local geolog)'• The general shape (or morphology) of a river
is characterized by lateral bends (meanders) and pool -riffle series.
Valley
I
Riparian
CAJCHtENT AREA
Within the river
I . Algal produchon
(Defined by hydrology,
hydraulics and geology)
vegetation e.g. diatoms River Geomorphology
Detritus
Terrestrial food
Large debris
Width
Depth
Meanders
Braiding
Riffles and
pools
Fish Habitat
defined by
Substrate
characteristics
Dispersal and
sorting of
bed materials
Velocity
Instream cover
~Substrate
Large debris
Turbulence
Overhead cover
Depth
Riffle/pool ratio
Gravel quality for incubation
Gravel quality for food production
Numbers of fish supported
FIGURE 2 -PHYSICAL & BIOLOGICAL FEATURES
- 6 -
STRESS OF DOMINANT
DISCHARGE
VARIWS TYPES IF
HABITAT
RIFFlES ARE
PRODUCTIVE AREAS
AQUATIC
INVERTEBRATES FOOD
FOR REARINi
SAlMON! OS
TERRESTRIAL INSECTS
FOOD FOR SAlMONIDS
FISH PREFER TO
SPAWN IN CERTAIN
AREAS
CHANGES DIFFICULT
TO FORECAST AND
VERY DIFFICULT TO
QUANTIFY
Both result in the dispersal and sorting of bed materials, with riffles
acquiring large gravel and cobble near the surface, and pools acquiring a
high sand and silt content. In rivers of highly variable discharge with
erodible banks, the stream channel may divide and coalesce repeatedly,
thereby producing a braided pattern. The annual flood flow constitutes the
dominant discharge. The stress of dominant discharge, which is correlated
with velocity and depth, moves bed materials and determines Which materials
remain in place in various river zones. This stress reconditions the river
by suspending and transporting sediment and organic materials that would
otherwise build up and clog the spaces within the coarse gravel and cobble
material.
The physical features of a river -its riffles, pools and side channels -
present various types of habitat to salmon and to the aquatic invertebrates
that constitute most of their food.
The main strands of the food web of salmon streams pass from algae and leaf
litter through aquatic insects to fish. The most productive food-producing
areas are riffles where thousands of insects per square metre, of a great
diversity of species, feed upon algae and detritus.
The flow of a river results in a continuous downstream drift of these
organisms, which increases several-fold during the hours of darkness. This
drift makes up the food of rearing salmonids. The rate of growth of
salmonids that feed upon the insects can be limited by high or low temper-
atures. Thus the temperature regime of a stream strongly affects its
productivity. Conspicuous changes in a stream's flow regime result in
changes to its temperature regime.
Terrestrial insects can constitute a significant portion of the food of
young salmon during daylight hours. Their abundance as food is influenced
by streamside vegetation, wind, and sunshine. Streamside vegetation pro-
vides security to fish as cover, retards scouring of river banks and
reduces the effect of solar radiation on stream temperatures. In rivers
diminished by man, receding water levels isolate streamside vegetation for
a period of time.
For reasons not entirely understood, salmon prefer to spawn in certain
areas of a stream. Each species has different preferences. Spawning
chinooks, for example, select relatively deep, fast flowing, coarsely-
gravelled areas; pinks favour the slower velocity fine-gravelled bottom
areas. Flow alterations can alter the depth and velocity conditions of
spawning areas and alter their gravel composition.
Radical reductions in flows may create points of difficult passage that
block or deter the migration of adult salmon. Such flow reductions may
also cause river temperatures to rise to levels that stress migrating
salmon so that some may die or their migration may be delayed. Rearing
habitat and fish food may be permanently lost. The conclusion that
emerges, from a review of the elements of stream ecology is that the quan-
tity and quality of habitat presented to salmon in any river are very
- 7 -
FURTHER DISCUSSION
FOLLOWS
DESCRIPTillll IF
NANIKA RIVER
DRAINAGE
FLOW RECORDS
PHYSICAL
OESCRIPTI1»11
OF PROPOSED
DIVERSillll
STRUCTURES
TOTAL RECULATID
FLOW PROPOSED
closely related to the flows that shape it. To alter flow regime radically
is to invite complex biological changes that are dlfficult to forecast and
even more difficult to quantify.
In the following sections, a review of the hydrology, biology and
implications of alcan' s proposal on the salmon resource is presented for
each river system affected by Kemano completion. Steelhead trout and
resident species would also be impacted by the project and these concerns
are being addressed by the B.C. Fish and Wildlife Branch.
4. NANIKA RIVER
=============
4.1 Hydrology and Alcan's Proposal
The Nanika River is a tributary of Morice Lake, entering the lake only 3
kilometers from the lake outlet (Figure 1). The Nanika River watershed has
a total area of 890 sq.km. yielding a mean annual flow of 36.6 ems (1292
cfs), Elghty-two percent, or 732 sq.km., of the watershed lies above the
outlet of Kidprice Lake. The long term mean annual flow at this point
(Envirocon, 1983) is 29.65 ems (1047 cfs).*
Glacier Creek, the main tributary to the Nanika, has a mean annual flow of
about 3.0 ems (107 cfs) (Envirocon, 1983). It joins the Nanika downstream
of the main spawning areas.
The hydrograph of the mean monthly flows at the outlet of Kidprice Lake
(gauge 8ED001) is shown in Flgure 3. It is based on the historic period
1962 -1981. As recorded data (WSC) are available only for some of these
years ( 1950 -1952, 1972 -1981), flows for other years had to be
synthesized (Env irocon, 1983). The high flows in May-August result from
snow melt. High flows in October-November result from fall rains.
Alcan proposes the construction of a dam 330 meters downstream of Nanika
Falls (Nanika Falls, presently the upper limit of salmon migration, is
about 400 meters below the outlet of Kidprice Lake). A 52 sq.km. reservoir
would be created consisting of both Kidprice and Nanika lakes, and would
flood out Nanika Falls and that reach of the river joining the two lakes.
A tunnel approximately 5 meters in dianeter would divert 62% of the total
annual flow 18.49 ems (653 cfs) from the Nanika reservoir to Tahtsa Lake
(Nechako reservoir). It is unders toad that the tunnel would be so designed
and the reservoir so operated that all surplus runoff could be diverted,
even in extremely wet years.
Alcan has proposed a regulated flow regime, as shown in Figure 3, which
would provide an annual average flow of 11.16 ems (394 cfs) (38~~ of the
natural flow) in the Nanika below the dam. Alcan proposes to release flows
via a gate at the spillway. Part of this mean annual flow 0.34 ems
(12 cfs) would be for flushing purposes. Alcan has suggested a flushing
release of 75 ems (2648 cfs) for four days every three years.
*This is Alcan's most recent estimate (Oct. 1983.)
- 8 -
DIVERSHW IT
GlACIER CREEK
NANIKA RIVER
SUPPORTS SOCKEYE,
COifJ AND CHINO()(
SALMON
1 Jao 1 Fob 1 Mar 1 Apr 1 May 1 Jon 1 Jul 1 Aug 1 Sop 1 Oct 1 Noy 1 Ooc 1
I mig. ~pawnln~ IncubatIon
lneuba t ion to t me rg enc a I rea ring J ova rwlnt 1 ring CHINOOK
ovuwlnttrlng I emoltlng
I migration I epawnlng J
Incubation to tmugenc t I rt a rln g J ova rwlnt erlng COHO
overwintering I amoltlng
I mig. Jepawnlng J Incubation
In cuba tlon to emergent e I rea ring -overwinter In Morice Lake SOCKEYE
overwintering I tmoltlng
4
100
MEAN MONTHLY FLOWS
1962-1981
(W.S.C., Envirocon)
en
::IE
0
3
~
0 o.
0
50 ~
en
1370 "-0
Jan Ooc
FIGURE l -NANIKA RIVER AT KIDPRICE lAKE
A possible modification, suggested by the B.C. Fish and Wildlife Branch, is
the diversion of Glacier Creek into the Nanika-K1.dprice reservoir via Des
Lake. The approximately 1. 7 ems (60 cfs) thus diverted would then be
released in add it ion to the 11.16 ems (394 cfs) proposed by Alcan. The
purpose of so diverting Glacier Creek would be to reduce or eliminate the
sediment load presently transported by Glacier Creek into the Nanika River,
and to increase flow in the Nanika between the dam and Glacier Creek.
4.2. Biology
The Nanika River supports a major sockeye run and smaller populations of
coho and ch1inook salmon and s teelhead trout. The Nanika River is the
principal spawning area for the Morice Lake sockeye population • Other
sockeye populations spawn along the lakeshore near Cabin Creek at the
southwest end of Morice Lake and in Atna Lake. The Nanika River is also a
significant coho producing tributary of the Morice River system.
- 9 -
SOCKEYE SPAWNitfi
CAPACITY
DECliNING SOCKEYE
POPULATI!t4S
COIIJ SPAWNitfi
COUNTS
UNJERESTIHA TID
SOCKEYE SPAWNitfi
MIGRATIIW
EXTENT OF SPAWNING
AREAS
PRIIIE SPAWNit«i AREA
Sockeye escapements
From 1949 to 1954, sockeye numbered in the order of 35,000 to 70,000 fish
comprising as much as 10% of the total Skeena River escapement (Shepherd,
1979). These escapements, however, exceeded the total capacity of the
spawning grounds which is estimated to be approximately 32,000 fish
(Robertson et al, 1979). From 1955 to 1975, an average of over 4,000
sockeye returned to the Nanika River. Numbers then declined to less than
1 ,DOD fish, but increased to 3,000 and 4,000 sockeye in 1982 and 1983
respectively.
Despite efforts to rehabilitate the Nanika River stock, numbers have not
returned to optimal levels. A pilot hatchery operated from 1960 to 1965
was not successful owing to the use of transplant stock from the Sabine
system. These proved to be poorly suited for Nanika River conditions. The
Nanika River sockeye population also has a history of being overfished,
because its timing coincides with the larger and more productive Pinkut
River sockeye run. Nanika River sockeye presently represent only 0.1% of
the total Skeena River sockeye escapement.
Chinook and coho escapements
For the period of record, chinook salmon spawners averaged about 150 fish
ranging from 25 to a maximum of 400. The spawning population of coho
salmon averaged 300 fish with a maximum of 500 recorded. It is expected,
however, that the coho escapements may be significantly underestimated
owing to their extended spawning period, scattered distribution and poor
visibility, typical of late fall and winter conditions for observation. In
addition, counts are timed to coincide with peak sockeye spawning. This
occurs considerably earlier than the peak spawning period for coho and
contributes to the underestimates.
Timing and distribution of sockeye salmon
Timing of the various life stages of sockeye salmon is shown in F1gure 3.
A peak migration past the Alcan counting tower near Owen Creek in the
Morice River occurs in early to mid-August (Farina, 1982). Sockeye
probably hold in Morice Lake until they move into the Nanika River, usually
in September. Peak spawning at the Nanika grounds is usually in late
September and ends in October. Sockeye salmon spawn in the upper Nanika
River in the 3 kilometer reach below Nanika Falls (Figure 4). The two
prime spawning areas, designated A and B contain 17,000 m2 (20,000 sq.yds.)
and 1600 m2 (2,000 sq.yds.) respectively (Robertson et al, 1979). An
additional 8400 m2 ( 10,000 sq.yds.) are estimated to be available in
scattered pockets.
In 1979, approximately 96% of the sockeye spawners utilized area A
( Envirocon, 1981). Spawning occurs within a relatively deep channel at
this site and is not subject to dewatering or freezing in the winter. High
egg to fry survival was reported (R. Palmer in Shepherd, 1979). The
smaller spawning area (B), on the other hand, is located near the river
margin and, being shallower, is more subject to dewatering with decreasing
discharge in the winter incubation period.
-10 -
TIMING (F
DOWNSTREAM SOCKEYE
FRY MIGRATIIW
SOCKEYE RESIDENCE
TIME IN MORICE
LAKE
SMOL TIFICATIIW
AFFECTED BY MORICE
LAKE PRODUCTIVITY
REACH 4
Artl A
••ck•r•
coho
chinook
1.
\
4__
1!11 Major Spawning Area
':{{Minor Spawning Area
0
FIGURE 4 -NANIKA RIVER SALMON SPAWNING AREAS
2
Sockeye fry emerge and migrate downstream to Morice Lake in late May to
July, peaking in June and coinciding with peak annual flows (Shepherd,
1975; Zyblut, 1974). Peaks in sockeye fry migration are generally
associated with a rise in flow and temperature. In the absence of freshet
flows, studies in the Sabine system indicated that downstream migration
occurred when temperatures reached 4"C (West, 1978).
In contrast to other Skeena sockeye stocks, which spend one year in fresh-
water, over 85% of Nanika River sockeye spend two years in Morice Lake and
9m~ return as five-(5 3 ) and six-(63 ) year-olds (Shepherd, 1979). The age
distribution of sockeye spawners in 1983 was similar with approximately 84%
aged 5 3 and 63 •
Tow netting of sockeye in the early 1960's led to the conclusion that the
duration of sockeye residence in Morice Lake was size related (R. Palmer,
pers. comm.). Subsequent study by Cleugh (1979) demonstrated the low
productivity of Morice Lake, that Shepherd (1979) suggested, resulted in
delayed smoltification. Sockeye smolts migrate out of Morice lake from
late April to August with a peak migration in May (Shepherd, 1979, Smith &
Berezay, 1983).
-11 -
ADULT OfiN[)(J(
MIGRATE IN AUGUSf
com MIGRATE LATER
CHINOOK SPAWN IN
SEPTEMII:R
com SPAWN IN
SEPTEMI£R/DECEMIER
PRIN[IPAL SPAWNING
AREAS SAME AS
SOCKEYE
JUVENILE OIINOOK
AND rom KIGRATHW
JUVENILE llUMJ(J(
AND rom HABITAT
REQUIREMENTS
CHINOOK MD llJHO
REARING AND
OVERWINTERING
HABITAT
Timing and distribution of chinook and coho salmon
Timing of the various life stages of chinook and coho salmon are shown in
Figure 3. Chinook salmon that spawn in the Morice and Nanika rivers pass
the counting tower near Owen Creek usually in early August and in some
years in late July (Farina, 1982). Peak migration of coho salmon past this
point is in late August or early September.
In the Nanika River, chinook salmon spawn in September; coho salmon spawn
la t.er. According to the Department's spawning reports, the coho spawning
period extends from September through November. This observation is
probably the result of the early timing of the surveys, since winter obser-
vations in 1979 indicated that peak spawning occurred in November and
extended through December (Envirocon, 1981).
Chinook and coho spawners utilize the sam~ areas as sockeye salmon, area A
being the major spawning site (Figure 4). A small number of coho may also
spawn in a tributary stream (approximately 10 km downstream of the falls)
in years when flows permit access.
Emergence of chinook was observed in early May in 1979 (Envirocon, 1981)
and minor downstream chinook and coho fry migrations from the Nanika River
were monitored in June and August (Shepherd, 1979). While some chinook and
coho fry move out of the Nanika River and rear in Morice Lake (R. Palmer,
pers. comm.), others overwinter in the Nanika River. Chinook smolts move
out of the Nanika River in the spring following their first winter, while
coho may spend one or two winters in the river. Some chinook smolts also
leave the Nanika River in the fall of their first year.
During their res ide nee in rivers, coho and chinook juveniles have speci fie
habitat. requirements and preferences during the rearing period in the
summer (May to October) and the inactive overwintering (November to April)
phase. The availability of food, cover and suitable space are all impor-
tant factors that. determine the uHimate production of chinook and coho
smolts. Based on studies in the Morice River, there is evidence that a
limiting constraint to chinook and coho production in the Nanika River may
occur in the overwintering period. Significant mortalities were observed
in the Morice River associated with dewatering and freezing of sidechannels
used by juveniles (Bustard, 1983).
Studies of the Nanika River indicate that sidechannel habitat and log jams,
which provide cover were the key components of summer rearing and winter
habitat for both chinook and coho juveniles (Shepherd, 1979; Envirocon,
1981, 1983). This is reflected in the distribution of juveniles in the
Nanika River. The lower reach (Reach 1), with the most abundant side-
channels and log jams and hence rearing capacity, was heavily utilized by
both juvenile chinook and coho. In contrast, abundance of coho juveniles
was consistently low in Reach 2, a single channelled section with few low
velocity areas. In 1979, chinook and coho fry were found in the vicinity
of the spawning areas early in the season and became increasingly abundant
in the lower reach in the fall where they probably overwintered.
-12 -
NANI.IICI\ RIVER
TRIBUTARIES HAVE
LIHifED REI\RI ~
POTENTIAL
COfoPARISON lF
NATURAL AND
RE:GlLATED FUJNS
SIDECHANt£L LOSSES
FROM FLOW
HE:Gli.ATION
FLUSHIINC FLOWS
AND GRAVEL QUALITY
SPAWNIJ£ AND
INCUBATION FLOWS
Coho yearlings also favoured this lower reach. In 1982, the distribution
of coho fry and yearlings was similar to that reported above, but chinook
were found throughout t.he river in the fall. Chinook juveniles were,
however, twice as abundant in sidechannels compared with the mainstem, th~
;;-onfirming t.he importa~of t_his type of habi t.rl.. ----=~---,-,~~--.
------·--~-~ -· --~ .... --=.::"''"""..._"""'~~_,_--"--~''~-.
Nanika River tributaries do not. contribute significantly to the overall
rearing potent. ial of Nan.ika River. Some chinook fry were found in
tributary 1 2 1 • Coho fry were observed in two t.r ibut. aries ( 1 and 2) but
were estimated t.o account for less than 1m~ of the overall rearing capacity
in the Nanika River (Envirocon, ~981).
4.3 Implications of Alcan 1 s Proposal
Alcan 1 s proposed regime for the Nanika River substantially alters the
natural hydrograph (Figure 3). The Nanika would become a much diminished
river. The annual flow below Kidprice Lake would be reduced to 38~o of the
present mean annual flow. The flow for June, which is the highest flow
month, would be reduced to 8~~ of the present June mean. Not only would
flows be greatly reduced but the shape of the hydrograph, that is the rela-
tive distribution of flow month by month, would be entirely altered.
The river would naturally adapt itself over a long period of time (decades)
by a reduction of mainchannel width, vegetation encroachment on banks and
bars, redistribution of sediment sizes, and abandonment of sidechannels.
It is estimated that. most of the sidechannels would eventually be lost
because of the severe reduction in June-July flows, which now govern the
morphological patterns. The loss of sidechannels would have a major impact
on coho and chinook salmon in the Nanika River.
the rearirg habitat are es timat.ed for coho
(Envirocon, 1983).
Losses of 90~~ and 7m~ of
and chinook respectively
The flushing flows required to maintain present. channel conditions in the
lower Nanika be low Glacier Creek would have to be of a magnitude and dura-
tion comparable to present annual flood flows. This would require so much
water that it would probably make it impractical for Alcan to consider the
Nanika project.. Diversion of the upper part of GLacier Creek may reduce
some of the sediment load but with an acceptance of Alcan 1 s flow proposal
one would have to accept the long t.erm channel changes. The consequent
effect on fish Life in the lower Nanika, whether negative or positive,
cannot be predicted.
It. is not known what the magnitude or duration of flushing flows should be,
or even if they are required at all, in the Nanika above Glacier Creek
where the major spawning areas are located. The only contribution of silt
to this part of the river would be from the local banks and the limited
watershed below the proposed dam.
Spawning flows from late August to October are comparable to mean monthly
flows, and incubation flows though reduced in November would be increased
during the late winter period (February to April).
-13 -
EfFECTS lF FUif
REGULATION ON ADULT
SOCKEYE MIGRATION
fLIJVI REGII£ WOULD
MAINTAIN SPAWNING
HABITAT
IN:tiJATION FLOWS
IM:REASED
IMPACTS OF REDUCED
fLOWS ON SOCKEYE
fRY MIGRATHW
NUTRIENT IN'UT INTO
MORICE LAKE REDUCED
The implications of these changes on Nanika River sockeye, chinook and coho
are described for each life stage. The effects of changes in temperature
regime on Nanika River salmon populations are discussed in the Water
Quality section.
Sockeye salmon
Migration of sockeye adults into the Nanika River would probably not be
substantial ty affected by the proposed regime. While August flows would be
significantly reduced (5 ems, 175 cfs), the increase to 22 ems, (775 cfs)
in late August to accommodate spawning would likely provide an "attraction"
flow for sockeye entering the Nanika River. Time of entry into the Nanika
River would therefore not be expected to depart significantly from present
"average" conditions. On the basis of spawning records, the adult sockeye
generally migrate into the river in September but in some years enter the
river earlier. With the proposed schedule of water releases there may be a
delay of sockeye at the mouth of the Nanika River until flows are increased
in late August. The effects of this delay are difficult to predict.
Alcan's proposed spawning flow is consistent wit.h that estimated by the
Department to protect sockeye spawning habitat. At 22.7 and 28.3 ems (BOO
and 1000 cfs), 95% and 100% of the total suit.able gravel in the prime
spawning areas (A and B) were estimated to be available (Robertson et al,
1979). This assumes that gravel quality on the spawning grounds would be
maintained.
Alcan' s proposed increase in late winter incubation flows (February to
April) ·to 8.5 ems (300 cfs) is likely to be an improvement to the present
flow regime, which may drop to a minimum of 3.1 ems (109 cfs) during this
period. Robertson et al, (1979) estimated that 100% of the smaller
spawning area (B), which is more sensitive to dewatering than area A, would
remain wetted at 9.9 ems (350 cfs). At 8.5 ems (300 cfs), 95% of the
spawned area would remain wetted.
It is during sockeye emergence, fry migration and rearing phases that. the
implications of Alcan's flow regime on sockeye production in the Nanika
River are more difficult to predict and quantify. Even if spawning habitat
is maintained and egg to fry survival improved, the ultimate production of
the Nanika River sockeye stocks depends also on the fry to smolt survival.
Some of the key factors affecting survival are the successful migration of
fry to the lake, lake entry, which coincides with food ava it ability and
favourable temperatures, and a lake environment that promotes good growth
and survival during the entire period of lake residence.
The proposed Nanika River flow regime, by reducing the discharge into
Morice Lake, would significantly reduce nutrient input into the lake.
Morice Lake is presently an unproductive lake and the two year residence of
Nanika River sockeye in the lake has been attributed to their slow growth
rate. Further reducing sockeye growth may increase the lake residence
period. Smaller smolt size would reduce the survival of seaward migrating
smolts.
-14 -
TIHINi ()'" FRY
ARRIVAL IN MORICE
lAKE IS CRITICAL
It«:REASED
SUSCEPTIBILITY TO
PREDATI~
OVERALl EFFECTS ON
SOCKEYE UNCERTAIN
SUBSTMITUL LOSS lllF
CHINOOK AND COHO
REARINi AREA
EXPECTED
The proposal would result in higher water temperatures during \he fall
incubat.ion period. The timing of fry emergence in the spring i3 dependent
on temperature. Higher temperatures accelerate the rate of development and
emergence. The effects of early emergence and migration are difficult to
predict.. In general, sockeye fry enter the lake just prior to, or at the
onset of, an increase .in plankton food supply, to rear. Heavy mort alit .ies
would be expected to occur if, at the time of lake entry, t.he appropriate
foods were not readily available.
Finally, the large decrease in the volume of water in May/June would likely
render sockeye fry more susceptible t.o predation during the migration to
Morice Lake. Foerster (1968) indicated that predation may be a significant
limiting factor accounting for the loss of 50 to 75~~ of the fry emerging
and migrating to the rearing lake.
The Alcan proposal .identifies the reduced input of nutrients into Morice
Lake and the earlier emergence of fry in the spring as principal impacts on
the Nanika River sockeye population. Fry survival at emergence and during
downstream migration to the lake are considered as risks to sockeye produc-
tion that Alcan states will be balanced by the benefits of a more stable
flow regime and increased winter flows. While the Department recognizes
that there is uncertainty in assessing the effects on sockeye survival
during all life phases, these 'risks' nevertheless could have serious
implications for achieving our objective of preserving the salmon producing
potential of the Nanika River. There is no convincing evidence that the
risks identified will be balanced by potential benefits.
Chinook and coho salmon
While sockeye move out of the Nanika River following emergence, chinook and
coho rear in the river through summer and winter. It is at this stage of
their life eye le that losses would be greatest. Due to a major reduct ion
in peak annual flows, most sidechannels that are heavily utilized by rear-
ing coho and chinook would be lost. Envirocon (1983) estimates that
chinook and coho rearing habitat would be reduced by 70 and 90%, respec-
tively, owing to the loss of sidechannels as well as mainstem rearing
areas. In addition, the quality of the remaining habitat below Glacier
Creek would be expected to decline. The .increased proportion of cold
Glacier Creek water with its glacial silt would result in a deterioration
of gravel quality in the Nanika River affecting both fish and .invertebrate
habitat.. This might, however, be alleviated by the proposal to divert
Glacier Creek into Kidprice Lake, which is currently being considered by
Alcan.
The proposed changes in flow regime during chinook and coho spawning and
incubation are less extreme. Since sockeye and chinook spawn at similar
times, the spawning flows and increased incubation flows proposed for sock-
eye should also maintain chinook habH.at. There may however be a delay in
adult chinook migration into the Nanika River. Coho spawn later in the
season (November-December) when proposed flows are less than present mean
monthly flows, and some loss of spawnable area is expected.Some dewatering
of redds at emergence and increased predation owing t.o reduced spring flows
may reduce the survival of chinook and coho fry. It is important to note
-15 -
MAJOR IMPACT ON
CHINOOK AND COHO
RELATIVE FLOW
CONTRIBUTIONS
that spawning habitat could be maintained, and increased incubation flows
could improve egg t.o fry survival, the loss of rearing habitat in the
Nanika River would threaten chinook and coho populations in the Nanika
River.
5. MORICE RIVER
=============
5.1 Hydrology and Alcan's Proposal
Morice River is considered a tributary of the Bulkley River (Figure 1) but
in fact the Bulkley River above the confluence is a very small river,
representing only 14~.; of the flow at the confluence, whereas the Morice,
with a mean annual flow of 118.1 ems (4171 cfs), represents 86~.; of the
flow.
The Morice River at the outlet of Morice Lake has a mean annual flow of
76.32 ems (2695 cfs), which is 56% of the mean annual flow of the Bulkley
River at Quick. Figure 5 shows the monthly relationship.
100
....
c .,
<>
'-.,
a..
80
60
40
20
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
FIGUIIE 5 -BULKLEY RIVER
PERCENT lT DISCHARGE AT QUICK £1UGII'*\TIN; FROM MORICE LAKE
-16 -
J F M A M J J A s 0 N D
Outlet Natural 27.11 23.63 17.84 16.75 65.13 187.71 174.48 126.62 82.86 83. 16 68.46 39.03 Morice K.C. 26.24 23.53 18.94 18.39 50.12 111.59 104.49 85.65 72.22 75.43 57.38 35.67 Lake Difference 0.87 .10 +1.10 +1.64 15.01 76.12 70.00 40.97 10.64 7. 73 11.08 3.36 Reach 1 %Diff. 3% 0% +6% +10% 23% 41% 40% 32% 13% 9% 16% 9%
D/S 'Ihautil Natural 32.43 27.66 21.96 33.~8 150.89 288.82 224.08 146.74 96.11 104.32 88.12 47.33 Reach 2 K.C:. 31.56 27.57 23.06 35.23 135.89 212.70 154.08 105.76 85.48 96.59 77.05 43.89 Difference 0.87 .10 +1.10 +1.65 15.00 76.12 70.00 40.98 10.63 7. 73 11.07 3.44
%Diff. 3% 0% +5% +5% 10% 26% 31% 28% 11% 7% 13% 7%
U/S <Men Cr. Natural 33.19 28.17 22. ~6 37.03 175.74 305.84 227.57 147.85 97.65 106.67 90.55 48.31 Reach 3 K.C. 32.32 28.07 23.66 30.67 160.73 229.71 157.57 106.88 87.01 98.93 79.47 44.87 Difference 0.87 .10 +1.10 +1.64 15.01 76.13 70.00 40.97 10.64 7. 74 11.08 3.44 %Diff. 3.% 0% +5% +4% 9% 25% 31% 28% 11% 7% 12% 7%
U/S ~acock cr. Natural 34.51 29.36 23.80 45.32 213.25 329.31 234.00 149.69 99.36 109.95 94.28 50.12 Reach 4 K.C. 33.63 29.26 24.91 46.96 198.24 253.18 164.00 108.72 88.72 102.22 83.20 46.66 Difference .88 .10 +1.11 +1.64 15.01 76.13 70.00 40.97 10.64 7. 73 11.08 3.46 %Diff 3% 0% +5% +4% 7% 23% 30% 27% 11% 7% 12% 7%
TABLE 1
MORICE RIVER t£AN MONTILY FLOWS (1962 -1981)
(Differences Between Natural and Kemano Completion Flows(in ems))
(All D_tfferences and 9~ Differences are Negative,Unless Shown Positive)
~
0
0
><I
(/)
:::!;
0
I J an I F b . 1 tolar 1 Apr 1 tolay 1 Jun Jul 1 Aug I Stp
lncuba tlon to emergent a
overwlntulng I
lncub at ion to emergence
overwintering I
Incubation to emerttnct
MEAN MONTHLY FLOWS
1962-1981
(W.S.C., Envirocon)
960
670 650
Jon
J mltratlon lepawnlngj
I rea ring
a molting
I migration j
T rea ring
amoltlng T
1 mig-:-ftpawnln~
I
6630
FIGURE 6
Oot 1 Nov 1 Ooo
lncuba t I on
T overwintering
epawnlng
T overwintering
lncuba tlon
MORICE RIVER AT liJTLET lF MORICE LAKE (REAEH 1)
-17 -
CHINOOK
COHO
PINK
8
FLOW RELATIONSHIPS
BETWEEN NANIKA
RIVER AND MORICE
RIVER
FOI.Il STUDY REAOIES
DEFI~
FLOW REDOCTilWS
IN REAOf 2
PREDICTED LOSSES IT
SIOCCHANNEL AREA
The influence of the Nanika River on the Morice and Bulkley rivers is con-
siderable. It represents 48% of the mean annual flow at the outlet of
Morice Lake, 27% of the flow at Quick, and 22% of the flow at Moricetown.
Alcan 1 s proposed mean annual diversion of 18.49 ems (653 cfs) from the
Nanika River would reduce the flow at the outlet of Morice Lake by 25~~ and
the flow at Morice town by 11%. During the period of June 1 to September
30, which is the timing of upstream migration at Moricetown, Alcan 1 s diver-
sion would represent up to 20% of the flow.
Alcan 1 s consultants divided the Morice River into four reaches as shown in
Figure 10. For purposes of reference and uniformity the same division has
been adopted in this report.
Table 1 and f~gures 6 to 9 show the differences in mean monthly flows that
would occur in the four reaches of the Morice River with Kemano Completion.
0
0
en
~
()
MEAN MONTHLY FLOWS
1962-1981
(W .S.C., Envirocon)
10200
}-:--1
/ 3020
Post Kemano Completion
FIGLRE7
MORICE RIVER DOWNSTREAM OF THAUTIL CREEK (REAOI 2)
1550
"'
10
0
0
0
en
"-
()
In Reach 2, between Thautil and Owen Creeks, which is the braided section
of the Morice River, the mean monthly flows would be reduced as follows:
May
1m~
-18 -
June
26%
July
31%
August
28%
0
0
0
0
(/)
:::E
<..>
3
3
0
MEAN MONTHLY FLOWS
1962-1981
<W.S.C., Envlrocon)
1300
I I 70 990
I I 40 990
eh 840
10800
5680
I
I
I
I
L-
Post Kemano
fiGlflE 8
tiJRICE RIVER UPSTREAM IF OWEN CREEK (READf 3)
MEAN MONTHLY FLOWS
1962 -198 I
(W.s.c., Envirocon)
Post Kemano
3840 7-:-_..J
/ 3130
Completion
FIGlflE 9
MORICE RIVER DOWNSTREAM IF PEACOCK CREEK (REAOf 4)
-19 -
1580
cfo
1650
th·
I 2
10
12
10
2
0
0
0
(/)
lL
<..>
0
0
0
(/)
lL
<..>
MORICE RIVER SALMON
PRODUCTI(JII liN
RELATHJ11 TO SKEENA
RIVER
CHINOOK ESCAPEMENT
TRENDS
ESTIMATES lF llJHO
SPAWNING INCOMPLETE
It is important to recognize that high flows, usually occurring in June,
control the channel forming processes, A decrease of 26% in June is there-
fore very significant. Based on experience with the Peace River Project,
it has been estimated (pers. comm. R. Kellerhals) that the long term loss
in side channel area would be 8 to 3m~, This would result from a reduct ion
in the rate of creation of new channels combined with an increase in the
rate of blockage and siltation of old channels. The uncertainty in the
estimate is due to the lack of data on sidechannel losses in diminished
rivers, and the high variability and very sensitive balance inherent in
braided systems.
5.2 Biology
The Morice River produces three of the five salmon species; chinook, coho
and pink salmon, and cant ains a major steel head population, Chinook are
the most important single salmon stock in the Morice River and represent
20% of the total Skeena river chinook escapement. In the recent past, this
stock has constituted as much as 4m~ of the total Skeena chinook
population. The relative contribution of coho and pink salmon to the
Skeena as a whole is minor, representing 4 and 2% respectively. Although
the percentage contribution of pink salmon is small, the Morice River pink
run is significant among the small producers in the Skeena system
cons ide ring that 80% of the pink product ion comes from 4 sys terns ( Lakelse,
Kitwanga, Kispiox and Babine), Sockeye salmon migrate up the Morice River
to spawn in the Nanika River and in Morice and Atna Lakes.
Chinook escapements
An average of 5,500 spawners has returned to the Morice River since 1960,
generally ranging between 3,000 and 7,000 fish. In the late 1950's a maxi-
mum escapement of 15, DOD was recorded.
(1978 -1983) was 3,820 chinook,
The most recent 5-year average
It should be noted that a single census of spawning salmon as provided in
the spawning records can seriously underestimate actual escapements. Using
several aerial counts and the residence time of spawning chinook females,
Nielson and Geen ( 1981 ) found that a maximum single count in the Mar ice
River yielded only 52% of the total estimated escapement.
Coho escapements
Average escapements from 1957 to 1979 were in the order of 2,500 to 3,000
coho. Prior to 1957, 7,500 to a maximum of 15,000 coho were reported. In
recent years the record is incomplete since surveys during coho spawning
were not always conducted. Estimates in 1979 and 1981 were only 300 and
500 fish respectively.
record.
-20 -
The 1979 escapement was the second lowest on
PINC SAlMON
ESTABLISHMENT IN
MORICE RIVER
UPSTR~ MIGRATION
Of CHINOOK BEGINS
LATE _..LV
PRINCIPAL CHINOOK
SPAWNIN; AREA AT
OUTLET IF MORICE
LAKE
HIGH EGG TO FRY
SURVIVAL IN
PRINCIPAL SPAWNING
AREA
LIN WINTER FLIJWS
AffECT SURVIVAL
PEAK Of CHINO(I( fRY
EMERGENCE IN LATE
APRIL
MAJORITY Of CHINOOK
SPEN> lK fULL YEAR
IN FRESHWATER
Pink escapements
The odd-year pink run to the Morice River has been expanding since the
Moricetown fishway was built in 1951 and the obstruction at Hagwilget
Canyon was removed in 1958. The average of the last 5 cycles has been
about 25,000 fish, and 30,000 pink spawners were reported 1n 1983. Even-
year escapements have also increased in recent years from less than 500
fish to over 4,000 in 1980 and 8,000 in 1982 (Farina, 1982).
Timing and distribution of chinook salmon
Timing of the various liFe stages of chinook are shown in figure 6.
Chinook salmon pass the Alcan counting tower near Owen Creek in late July
or early August and peak spawning usually occurs in September.
The major chinook spawning area is in the reach from Morice Lake to Gosnell
Creek (greater than 80% of the spawners), particularly in the upper 4 kilo-
meters (Figure 10). A prime spawning area that supports the highest den-
sity of chinook spawners in the rive 1.' is located about 1 km bel ow Morice
Lake. Most of the river bed at this site is characterized by a series of
large gravel dunes oriented perpendicularly to the direction of flow.
Chinook were observed to spawn on the upstream face of the dunes where
depths and velocities were suitable. The remainder of the chinook popula-
tion spawn in areas of suitable gravels downstream to Lamprey Creek.
High egg to fry survival rates have been reported in the prime chinook
spawning area and are attributed to the moderating effect of Morice Lake on
water temperature and discharge rates. In 1979 and 1980, egg to fry sur-
vival was estimated to be 12.5 and 23. 7%, respectively (Smith and Berezay,
1983). Low winter flows can, however, result in dewatering of some redds.
Envirocon (1981) observed that several marginal redds were dewatered at
flows less than 28.32 ems (1000 cfs) in November and December 1979. In
April, flows less than 14.16 ems (500 cfs) were marginal for the survival
of alevins and fry within the gravel.
Trapping studies in 1979 and 1980 indicated that chinook fry emerge in
early April, peak in late April and then decline until June (Smith and
Berezay, 1983). Envirocon (1981) observed emergent fry as early as March
in 1979. Some chinook migrate to sea in their first year but most rear in
fresh water (Morice, Bulkley and Skeena rivers) for one year. This has
been determined by scale analysis from four years of chinook returns. In
1974, 1979 and 1980, chinook that had overwintered in fresh water for one
year predominated (65%, 76% and 95% respectively). In 1978, however,
chinook that had migrated to sea in their first year constituted 52.6% of
the adult returns.
This variability in liFe history may be a function of prevailing stream
conditions during emergence and the early rearing of chinook fry that
results either in migration out of, or residence, in the river. It may
also be a reflection of the variability in the differential survival of the
two groups. For example, if heavy winter mortalities of chinook fry
-21 -
CHINO[)( REARING
HABITAT
0 ---10
Scale
FIGtflE 10
Mr Major Spawning Area
... ~.<over 80%)
:;;:;::;::Scattered Spawning
QPrlme Spawning
MORICE RIVER CHINOOK AND COHO SPAWNING AREAS
occurred in abnormally dry and cold _winters, then the proportion of this
'stream type' would be depressed in the adult returns.
During their freshwater residency, chinook fry disperse throughout the
mainstem of the Morice and Bulkley rivers (Envirocon, 1981 ). Habitat
preferences in spring, summer and fall are fairly typical for the species
(Shepherd, 1979; Envirocon, 1981; Smith and Berezay 1983). In general,
chinook reared along river margins and were often associated with slow
water velocities and cover in the form of log jams, cobble and debris.
Shepherd (1979) found that, in spring, chinook were concentrated in side-
channels; in summer, in mainstream log jams and flats. The reach between
Gosnell and Owen creeks (Reach 2), with abundant s idechannels and log
debris, was considered the most productive rearing area.
-22 -
MAIINISTIEH VERSUS
SIOCCHANt£L
DIS TRIBUJI(J.I lF
CHINOOK fRY
LATE FAll
DISTRIBUTim lF
CHINOOK
NO DATA ON RB._ATIVE
CONTRIBUTION lF
MORICE RIVER OR
BULKLEY REARID
CHINOOK
HEAVY OVERWINTERIN; (_
LOSSES NOTIDC/(Y'vtl~ '
;~~
COHO SPAWNIN;
EXT£NOCD OVER fALL
AND EARLY WINTER
PERim
COHO SPAWNIN;
DISTRIBUT IlJ,I IS
HOW DEPENDENT
Envirocon (1981) reported that. chinook fry use the mainchannel (74~n more
than sidechannels ( 26~o) in May, moved int.o sidechannels at high flows which
normally occur in June and July and were equally distributed between bot.h
types of habitat in September and November. It was est.imated that 63.9~o of
the juvenile chinook in the Morice River reared in Reach 2 (Envirocon,
1983).
(
As temperatures decline in the fall, chinook become inactive, hiding under
cobbles or log jams where they will remain over the winter. The late fall
distribution of chinook is therefore indicative of their overwintering
habitat. In the fall, Env irocon ( 1981) found that. chinook fry were most
abundant in Reach 1 (above Gosnell Creek) and below Owen Creek (reaches 3
and 5). Smith and Berezay (1983), on the other hand, reported highest
catches in Reach 2 between Gosnell and Owen creeks and the area just above
the confluence of the Bulkley and Morice rivers. The differences in
relative distribution between the two studies are likely attributable to
different sampling techniques ( electroshocking vs. minnow trapping) and
locations since both sampling programs were conducted in 1979. The results
indicate, however, that chinook fry overwinter throughout most of the
Morice River.
Although Shepherd ( 1979) suggested that the majority of chinook fry move
out of the Morice River to overwinter in the Bulkley River, sampling by
Envirocon (1981, 1983) showed that a significant number of chinook over-
winter in the Morice. There is no estimate, however, of the proportion of
the population that remains in the Morice River. The seasonal distribution
(spring to fall) indicates that there is a progressive downstream dispersal
of chinook fry. The number of fry remaining in the Morice River is
probably· determined by the amount of suitable rearing habitat. Require-
ments for space, food and cover, and the territorial behaviour of chinook
fry as they grow, probably determines their summer distribution. A key
component of overwintering habitat is the availability of cover, primarily
cobbles and log jams in channels that do not. dewater, freeze or stagnate.
(
Studies of Morice River sidechannels indicated that chinook .and other over-
wintering salmonids are subject to heavy mortalities as flows decrease in
winter. Bustard ( 1983). concluded that the overwintering phase may be a
major constraint to chinook smolt production in the Morice river.
Timing and distribution of coho salmon
Timing of coho salmon liFe stages is shown in Figure 6. Peak mig rat ion of
adults past t.he Owen Creek counting tower occurs in late August and early
September (Farina, 1982) and coho salmon spawn over an extended period from
late September to December (Hancock et al, 1983). Peak spawning occurs in
mid-to-late November (Envirocon, 1981).
Coho spawn in the mainst.em of the Morice and in several tributaries (Figure
10). The distribution of spawners is dependent on water flow conditions.
In 1979, a year with below average stream flows, most spawners (85~o) were
observed in the prime spawning areas below Morice Lake that had been util-
ized by chinook salmon. Scattered spawning was also noted in s idechanne ls
-23 -
COHO FRY EM£RGEM:E
AND DISPERSAL
AGE COMPOSITION Of
MORICE 001-11 STOCKS
TRIBUTARY REARING
Of COHO
DISTRIBUTION AND
HABITAT PREFERENCES
Of R\INSTEM COIIJ
UTILIZATIIJII Of
SIOCCHANt£LS BY
OVERWINTERING COHO
between Fenton ard Gosnell Creeks (Envirocon, 1981). In that. year t.he only
tributaries with adequate flow for coho access and spawning were the
Gosnell and Houston Tommy creeks ard the Thautil River. In 1975, on the
other hand, Shepherd (1979) observed that coho held in the mainstem or in
Morice Lake and moved with the fall freshet into the tributaries to spawn.
Owen, McBride and Gosnell creeks, and Thautil River were ident1fied as the
preferred coho spawning areas.
Coho fry emergence extends from April to July, and downstream movements
have been monitored from April to October (Shepherd, 1979), and in May and
June in the upper Morice River (Smith and Berezay, 1983). Peaks--tnriligra-
tion were not identifiable "owing to the small numbers of fry and smolts
that it was possible to trap. Dispersal upstream has also been observed
from spring through fall (Shepherd, 1979).
Coho juveniles rear for one or two years in t.he river. In 1975, 75~~ of
Morice River coho had overwintered in freshwater and returned in their
third year (32 's). The remainder were four years old and spent two winters
in freshwater (43 •s).
Coho fry are distributed throughout the Morice River ard many tributaries,
and in McBride ard Morice lakes. Envirocon (1981) estimated that. 67~~ of
coho fry reared in the tributaries, particularly Gosnell, Houston Tommy and
McBride creeks. Shepherd (1979) also indicated that Gosnell and McBride
creeks were the most productive tributaries. Mainstem rearing (33~~), may
however, be underestimated owing to differences in sampling efficiency
between the mainstem and tributaries. Coho may move out of the tributaries
into the Morice in the fall (Smith and Berezay, 1981).
In the mainstem Morice River an estimated 95~~ (Envirocon, 1983) and 85~~
(Smit.h ard Berezay, 1982) of rearing coho were found between Morice Lake
and Owen Creek (reaches 1 and 2). Habitat preferences of coho juveniles
were well defined. Sidechannels, sidepools, ponds and sloughs were heavily
utilized by rearing coho with instream cover providing a key habitat com-
ponent ( Env irocon, 1981). These habitats are typical of the braided sec-
tion of the Morice River between Gosnell and Owen Creek (Reach 2). Over
80% of the coho fry and 65~~ of coho yearlings occupied sidechannels in July
and September (Envirocon, 1981). Shepherd (1979) also found that coho were
concentrated in sidechannels in summer and that Reach 2 was potentially the
most productive rearing habitat for coho juveniles in the Morice River.
Overwintering studies showed that coho utilize sidechannels extensively,
and found cover under log jams and debris. Coho juveniles were t.he most
abundant species in sidechannels sampled in late fall constituting 52~~ of
\' the total, while chinook fry made up about 9~~. The preference of coho for
sidechannels makes them susceptible to reduced winter flows and tempera-
tures that may result in dewatering and freezing of their winter habitat.
This is likely a major constraint for coho smolt production in the Morice
,~River, as significant mortalities during this period were documented
\~ustard, 19~). Groundwater inflows reduced the amount of dewatering and
resulted in greater juvenile survival. Sidechannels with groundwater
input, therefore, provide very important overwintering habitat..
-24 -
SIGNIFICANCE lF
PONDS AND SLOOGHS
PINe SALMON
MIGRATiml AND
SPAWNING
PINe SALMON
DISTRIBUTiml
Ponds and sloughs adjacent to the main channel and relatively common in
Reach 2, also provided important wintering habitat for coho. Fall migra-
tions into ponds were observed, and densities of coho juveniles were an
order of magnitude higher than in the river. Studies in Carnation Creek
and in Washington creeks have documented good survival and high smolt out-
put from overwintering ponds (Bustard and Narver, 1975; Peterson, 1982).
Timing and distribution of pink salmon
Migration of adult pink salmon past the Owen Creek counting tower is
usually in late August or early September. Peak spawning is reported to
occur in early September, ending before the end of the month.
Over 90% of the total escapement spawns in Reach 2 of the Morice River
between Gosnell and Owen creeks (F 1gure 11) (Envirocon, 1983).
Approximately 80% of the total pink population spawned in sidechannels.
Small numbers of pink spawners have also been observed at the chinook
spawning grounds below Morice Lake and in Gosnell Creek.
0 10
REACH ~
Peacock
15kfll'-....:....:-----=---==-=-====---Sull
FIGlRE 11
MORICE RIVER PINK SPAWNING AREAS
-25 -
Pitt< SAlMON
It«:UBATI(}.I LOSSES
NOTED
PRE MD POST FUJI
REGUlA TI(}.I
C(JIJARISONS
PEAK !DIHER FLOWS
REDUCED BY 4~
SIGNIFICANT
REDUCTIOII IN
CHIN()()( AND Cotll
REARING AREA
MAJOR SPAWNINi
GROUMlS NOT
IMPACTED AND
POTENTIAl
IMPROVEMENT IF
It«:UBATION AND
REARING CONDITIONS
OVER WINTER
CHANGES IN PHYSICAL
CONDITION OF RIVER
DIFFICULT TO
PREDICT AND RELATE
TO FISH PROOU:TION
DOWNSTREAM EFFECTS
Winter observations in 1979 of pink redds in a heavily utilized sidechannel
indicated that dewatering of redds and probable losses of eggs and alevins
occur with reduced flows to a greater extent than in the more stable main-
channel spawning areas (Envirocon, 1981).
Pink fry probably emerge in April and migrate directly to the ocean,
returning to spawn as two-year-old fish.
5.3 Implications of Aleen's Proposal
The projected post Kemano Completion mean monthly flows at Morice Lake out-
let are shown in contrast to existing mean monthly flows in Figure 6.
Since flow would be controlled from the Nanika River dam, the Morice River
hydrograph would reflect that control, but it would also be influenced by
natural inflows and the buffering effect of Morice Lake.
The most significant change would be in the spring and summer period when
flows would be reduced in the order of 30 to 40%. This reduction in peak
flows would result in an estimated loss of up to 3m~ of the sidechannels in
Reach 2 between Gosnell and Owen Creeks (Envirocon, 1983). This represents
a major loss of chinook and coho rearing habitat and would affect pink and
1 coho salmon that spawn in this reach. Although the river would stabilize
into a new morphological pattern, it may not pe I'IS productive as it is at
the present time.
The changes in flow regime during the remainder of the year are of smaller
magnitude with a decrease in existing mean flows during the fall spawning
and early incubation periods and a proposed increase in flows in the late
winter incubation period (February to April), It is expected that flows at
spawning time, l'klich would not differ aubstant ially from natural mean
flows,would not reduce the capacity of the majqr spawning grounds below
j Morice Lake and that increased winter flows might have potential benefits
fl for incubation of eggs and alevins and overwintering of juveniles.
The overall impact of flow regulation upon river morphology is difficult to
predict, and it is even more difficult to predigt how such physical changes
would affect salmon habitat.
The implications of the proposed flow regime for the various species and
life stages are discussed in the following section. The section focuses on
the impacts specific to the Marice River and the Maricetown fishway. It
should be recognized that there would be dawnatream effects on the Bulkley
and Skeens Rivers owing to the reduction in flow regime. The reduced flows
1. would improve the effectivenesa of the river fi;'lhery since exploitation
~rates generally increase with reduced flows. D!Je to the absence of data,
detailed consideration of the downstream effects is not presented.
Migration flows
Salmon that spawn in the Morice, Nanika and Bulkley systems pass the
Moricetown fishway on the Bulkley River on their upstream migration from
-26 -
'•
FLOWS REDUCED AT
MORICETOMN FISHWAY
DLIUN; FISH
MIGRATIOO
REVIEW OF HYOOAULIC
CON>ITIOOS AT
FISHWAY REQUIRED
NO OBSTRUCTIONS TO
MIGRATIOO EXPECTED
MAJOR CHANNEL
CHANGES IN REAOt
HfO EXPECTED
MINm lti'ACTS 00
PRIME CHINOOK AND
COHO SPAWNING AREA
BELOW MORICE LAKE
LOSS lT REACH TlfO
COHO SPAWNING
EXPECT ED BUT
D IFF! CULT TO
QLWHIFY
June to September. The reduction of the mean monthly flows at the fishway
during this time would be 15 to 21~~ for the months of June, July and August
and 8% in September.
The effect on migration of all species would depend on how these
percentages may vary in dry and wet years. A detailed review of hydraulic
conditions at the fishways is necessary to determine the effect of reduced
flows, and structural alterations could be required.
No obstructions to migration in the Morice River would be expected at the
proposed flows. Whether flows reduced by 30 to 4m~ would affect the migra-
tion timing of Morice River salmon and Nanika River sockeye salmon cannot
be determined beforehand.
Spawning flows
The effect of the proposed flows on spawning habitat in the prime chinook
spawning areas below Morice Lake can be estimated with some confidence
assuming that gravel quality would be maintained. Because this reach is
single-channelled and relatively stable, relationships between discharge
and suitable spawning habitat can be analyzed. Reach 2, on the other hand
is multichannelled and would be expected to experience significant changes
in channel morphology that cannot be predicted with accuracy. The effects
on salmon that spawn in this reach are more difficult to quantify.
The proposed September flow for chinook spawning requirements would not be
expected to reduce chinook spawning habitat capacity appreciably. Proposed
flows would average about 13~~ less than natural flows. On the basis of
measurements in the prime spawning area below Morice Lake, Robertson et al
(1979) estimated that 100% of the suitable spawning gravel were available
at 79 ems ( 2800 cfs). The mean post Kemano flow of 2550 cfs in September
would represent an approximate reduction of 7% in available spawning area.
Mean monthly flows during coho spawning would be reduced by 9% in October
and December and 16% in November when fall freshets occur. Envirocon
( 1983) estimated that maximum suitable coho habitat occurs between 3 5 and
40 ems ( 1235 and 1412 cfs). Flows would not drop below 35 ems until the
end of coho spawning in December.
While this assessment may be valid for Reach 1, the changes in spawning
habitat below Gosnell Creek (Reach 2) are more difficult to evaluate.
Approximately 15~~ of the coho spawned in this reach in 1979, utilizing both
the mainstem and sidechannels. This percentage may be underestimated since
spawning flows in 1979 were below average and the coho escapement was the
second lowest on record. Loss of spawning habitat in this reach would be
dependent on the extent of sidechannel losses, changes in gravel quality
and other morphological changes resulting from the reduction in peak annual
flows.
-27 -
IMPACT ON PI NC
SPAWNINi NOT
PRffiiCTABI...E
WINTER FlOW
IM:REASID EXCEPT IN
WET YEARS
DEPARDENT DOES NOT
ACCEPT AlCAN I 5
ASSUWTIIW lF
BENEFITS MD LOSSES
DEINi EQlW..
IMPORTANCE lF
GROUINDWATER IM'"lOWS
FOR INCUBATIOO AND
OVERWINTERINi
AlCMI ASsutES lATE
SUMMER AND lATE
WINTER FLONS HOST
CRITICAl FOR FISH
The impact on pink salmon spawning habitat would also result from' changes
in Reach 2 where over 90% of the pink escapement spawns, primarily in side-
channels. The loss of sidechannels would result in a signiflcant loss of
pink spawning habitat. Pink salmon may, however, find alternative sites in
the mainstem, since they have fairly broad spawning requirements as indi-
cated by expanding populations in other river systems. The net impact on
pink salmon cannot therefore be predicted with any accuracy.
Incubation and overwintering flows
Alcan has proposed to increase flows in the late winter incubation period.
A review of the hydrology for Reach 1, year by year, shows that the median
increase for the lowest month in the February to April period would be 8%
over natural conditions. In dry years it would be 2m~ to 3m~ more, and in
wet years as much as 8% less. Incubation flows would, however, be reduced
1-17% from October through December.
The intent of these increased flows would be to improve egg to fry survival
by reducing the risk of dewatering and freezing redds and by reducing the
spawning to incubation flow ratio. This could potentially benefit all
salmon species. In addition, overwinter survival of juvenile chinook and
coho is expected to increase since heavy losses during this period have
been documented. Mortalities have been attributed to stranding and
freezing of fish, low dissolved oxygen and predation in side channels that
dewater. According to Alcan, the improvement in winter flows is expected
to balance negative impacts resulting from slightly decreased spawning and
early incubation flows, and the large reduction in early summer flows.
While the Department recognizes the potential benefits of these extra flows
for incubation and overwintering there is no assurance that they would be
realized. There are many uncertainties and two key assumptions made by
Alcan must be questioned; that the winter flows proposed would increase
overwinter survival sufficiently to compensate for potential losses and
risks that have been identified at other liFe stages and that decreasing
summer flows by 30 to 40% would not diminish juvenile production.
Slightly increased winter flows may not produce the benefits expected.
Groundwater inflows may be a critical factofd..~ ,lletermiJ.!i9~ )the quality of
the incubation environment and overwintering 1-iab'it~ Gfounawater includes
subsurface water affected directly by river levels, seepage from minor
tributaries or slopes, and springs from deep groundwater sources. There is
\
evidence that sidechannels with groundwater inputs were selected by some
pink and coho spawners and that the overwinter survival of juvenile salmon-
ids in these areas was substantially increased. The impact of major
changes in hydrology and morphology on these areas is unknown.
Rearing flows
Alcan's flow regime for rearing salmonids is based on their assumption that
both late summer (September to October) and late winter flows (January to
April) limit salmon production in the Morice River. While a small reduc-
tion in the historic median flows is projected for the September/October
-28 -
MAJOO LOSS OF
SIOCrnANt£1...
REARIN; HABITAT
VALl£ lF EARLY
SUMMER REARIN; IN
DISPUTE
LOWER SUMMER FLOWS
tEAINI REDOCTI~ IF
DISPERSAL OPTI~S
SI.H£R FLOW
REDOCTI~S YIELD
LOSS lF TERRESTRIAL
INSECT AND llJVER
PROVIOCD BY BANK
VEGETATIIfi
EFFECTS IF FllM
REDUCTI[t,IS ON
SUMMER REARIN;
HABITAT NOT WELL
UN)[RSTDID
period, a substantial reduction (30-40~~) in early summer flows (June to
August) is proposed.
The major impact on coho and chinook rearing habitat is the permanent loss
of sidechannels (up to 3m~) in Reach 2 between Gosnell and Owen creeks.
This reach accounts for 64 to 8~~ of juvenile production of chinook and
coho, respectively. Over the short term, Envirocon (1983) has estimated
losses of early summer rearing habit. at of up to 5m~ in June and July when
peak flows occur. These losses represent a significant threat to coho and
chinook production in the Morice River.
While Alcan recognizes the loss of sidechannels as a major impact, other
potential effects of the project are considered as risks to fish produc-
tion. These include the substantial loss of early summer rearing habitat,
and smaller reduction of late summer and early winter habitat. As dis-
cussed earlier, Alcan' s proposed flow regime assumes that these risks will
be balanced by the benefits of increased winter flows. The Department does
not accept this assumption.
In the Morice River Envirocon ( 1981) found that rearing habitat generally
increased with increasing discharge. As channels were flooded additional
low velocity water and more suitable cover for juvenile salmonids was pro-
vided. Reduced summer flows would affect the dispersal of newly emerged
chinook and coho and their options to use a diverse range of habitats that
provide them with a favourable feeding environment, favourable temperatures
and protection from predators. Migrations into smaller sidech annels and
off-channel rearing ponds occur during early summer in the Morice River
concurrent with high flows. The reduction in summer habitat and the in-
crease in d(W,itL:>!_ fry a~d yearlings could well have an
overwinter su~~iva'r.' let{~ Carnation Creek, for example,
resulted in smaller "sized coho fry that experienced lower
rates (Holtby and Hartman, 1982).
impact on their
high densities
winter survival
Alcan's proposal assumes that losses of summer rearing habitat are pro-
port ional to losses in area. Reduct ion in summer flows would, however,
result. in the loss of river margins close to riparian vegetation with dis-
proportionately high negative impacts due to loss of terrestrial insects
and cover afforded by the vegetation. Both aquatic and terrestrial prey
were consumed by chinook and coho juveniles in the Morice River (Shepherd,
1979).
There are many uncertainties in evaluating the effects of substantially
reduced flows on the rearing capacity of the Morice River. There is uncer-
tainty in predicting both physical and biological changes. The long term
physical effects of flow regulation on channel structure, gravel quality,
groundwater flows and the transport and deposition of larger debris are not
well understood, yet these changes have a profound influence on rearing
habitat. There are considerable data on the dis tr ibut ion of juvenile chi-
nook and coho and their utilization of different habitat types, however,
the complex interrelationships between juvenile salmon and their environ-
ment (including food, cover, suitable space and other needs) are not well
enough understood to allow for accurate prediction of the full effects of
flow reduction.
-29 -
DESCRIPTilW IF
REGULATED WATERSHED
CIH'ARISON IF PRE
AND POST 1\l:CHAKO
RIVER FLOWS
DESCRIPTI~ lF
CHESLATTA RIVER AND
CHANGES Slt£E
KEMANO I
DESCRIPTI11"11 IF
KEHANO llliHPLETI11"11
PROPOSALS FOR
NECHAKO MID
PRDPOSm FLIIfS
6. NECHAKO RIVER
==============
6.1 Hydrology and Alcan's Proposal
The Kenney Dam, completed in October 1952 as part of the Kemano I project,
created the Nechako Reservoir (Figure 1). The reservoir has a surface area
of 890 sq.km. and a contributory watershed of 13,900 sq.km. The mean
annual flow stopped by the dam is 205 ems ( 7239 c fs)*. During reservoir
filling, from October 1952 to January 1957 (see Figures 12 to 14 for his-
toric monthly flows, 1930 -1942 and 1952 -1982), there were no signifi-
cant releases from the reservoir into the Nechako River. However, there
was some local inflow, primarily from the Cheslatta River system which has
an average annual flow of 5 ems (175 cfs),on which Alcan operated a
temporary timber dam to regulate the flow seasonally. Since 1957 all
releases to the Nechako from the reservoir have been made through the
spillway at Skins Lake. These releases must pass down approximately 68 kms
of the Cheslatta River through Skins Lake, Cheslatta Lake and Murray Lake
(Figure 1), before entering Nechako River, via Cheslatta Falls below Kenney
Dam. Approximately 80 kms. downstream from Cheslatta Falls, the Nautley
River, with a mean annual flow of 35 ems (1,236 cfs) joins the Nechako.
Figure 15 shows the average pre-Kemano I flows (1930 -1952) in the Upper
Nechako River (above Nautley River) and Figure 16 shows the average post-
Kemano I flows (1957 -1979). These two figures show the change that has
occurred since Kemano I in both the mean flows and the range between the
minimum and maximum flows. This change was caused in part by the way
releases were made from Skins Lake, such as for flood control, and in part
by the diversion to Kemano (which increased gradually from a mean annual
value of 24.9 ems (879 cfs) in 1955 to 124 ems (4380 cfs) in 1979, as
aluminum production was increased and power was sold to B.C. Hydro.
Releases to Nechako River via Skins Lake and Cheslatta River have averaged
about 130 ems (4600 cfs) since 1956, with peak flows occasionally exceeding
425 ems (15000 cfs). Prior to Kemano I, the Cheslatta was a very small
system with a mean annual flow of about 5 ems ( 175 cfs). Consequently, a
great deal of erosion,flooding, and channel change has occurred along the
Cheslatta. Most of the sediment so created settled out in the string of
intervening lakes, but in 1961 during high flows, the Cheslatta River broke
through a gravel hillside just upstream of Cheslatta falls, bypassed the
falls and washed out a large volume of material that in part settled .in the
Nechako River in the vicinity of the falls and in part was carried further
down river affecting fish productivity for some years. This material has
stabilized and all Cheslatta flow, confined by a saddle dam, now goes over
the falls.
Kemano Completion, as proposed by Alcan, would consist of another tunnel
from the Nechako Reservoir to Kemano to divert additional water to provide
power for two new smelters, a new deep water outlet works at Kenney Dam
(designed to pass about 130 ems at minimum pond level) for cold water
* This is Alcan's most recent estimate (Oct. 1983)
-30 -
0
0
0
0
DATA SOURCES:
Orortfrasergage
1930
1938 1939 1940 I 94 I 1942
FIGI.IlE 12 t£CHAKO RIVER -KJNHLY flOWS (1930 -1942)
DATA SOURCE:
0 Ne.thako RtYer below Che~latta. Falh <En~troton Data)
• Ftsh Protettlon and Other Flows as proposed by A lean
Oct.
1952
1960
1~1~1
CbuhiU AIYU •Ub ool
( Arouo~ Cblllllll FAll I
1961 1963
FIGIRE 1J t£01AKO RIVER -MONTtLY flOWS (1952 -1967)
0
0
~ ,
u
DATA SOURCES:
[ _j Necha\to River belo• ChHialU Falls <Enviroton Data)
• Ftsh Protect 1on and Other Flo•s as propoud by A1can
1968 1969 1970 1971
1<.07 10 l.lontU
JFU.S.UJJASOND
1111111111111
1972 I 973 1974 1975
FIG IRE 14 NECHAKO RIVER -KJNTtL Y FlOWS ( 1968 -1982)
-31 -
0
0
0
.::
"' ...
0
JO
0
0
0
<f) ...
tO
"
0 10
EJ Fi•h Protootioo aod Other Flo., " '"'"'' by Alca"
"' 1 1 \_......-Muimum t"', / I
I -I
'-I I
-I
I
I
\
FIGI.RE 15
NECHAKO RIVER AT CHESLATTA fALLS
0
0
<f)
:>
0
NATURAL FLOWS PRIOR TO CONSTRUCTION OF KENNEY DAM
( 1930 -1952)
••
20
15
I 0
EZJ Fish Protection and Other Flows as propoeed by Alcan
........... ,
I '
\ ;"_...,"' \\ yMaxlmum ,
\ I '~
\ I
'--. I
', I
\ ./ \ ___ ,.,.
.__..-
FIGURE 16
NECHAKO RIVER AT CHESLATTA fALLS
( 1957 -1979)
-32 -
0
0
<f) ,.
0
TEJI>ERATURE
REGULA TI lJII FOR
SOCKEYE
release, and a dam at the outlet of Murray Lake above Cheslat ta Falls to
better control flows out of the Cheslatt.a System. Alcan has proposed two
possible flow schedules for the Nechako River below Cheslat.ta Falls as
shown in Figure 17. The mean annual flow would be 21.41 ems (756 cfs) for
"fishery" flows or 26.14 ems (923 cfs) for "fishery plus other" flows.
Although Alcan have not specifi.ed the purpose of the "other" flows, it is
understood that they would be for instrean use, rather than for diversion
and offstream consumption. The 26.14 ems (923 cfs) represents a reduction
of Bm~ in the mean annual flow of 131.74 ems (4652 cfs) for the 1957 -1981
period (Envirocon, 1983).
1 J10 1 Fob 1 Mar 1 Apr 1 May 1 Juo 1 Jul 1 Aug 1 Sop 1 Oct 1 Nov 1 Doc 1
I mlo-1 1pa wnlng I lncuba tlon
Incubation to tmtrgtnc 1 I fry mlgra tlon & r 11 ring I overwlntulng CHINOOK
overwintering I tmoltlng
I mlgr a tlon I
SOCKEYE
MEAN MONTHLY FLOWS
4
100
(/)
:::;;
u
50
Injunction Flows
r\._·-z·ooocfl"-·
i
Peak daily cooling flows to
6000 cfs maximum for
cooling. Long-term monthly
mean = I 444 cfs.
Fiah and 11 0ther 11 Fjlows .
Fish Protection Flows·
·-· "'j"j'OQ'~'-·-·t:~:::=~:;:Th~7r;=ic==-==-==-==--==t:::;~;:~=;::== ;so...!..~~ ct. 900 ere
I 00 cl 500 eta _______ J
L-------375 ere 37 5 cf s
FIGI.RE 17
NECHAKO RIVER AT CHESLATTA FAlLS -
FLOW AlTERNATIVE PROPOSED BY ALCAN AND INJUNCTII:..I fLIJfS
3
~
0
0
0
(/)
u.
u
To overcome the problem of increased water temperatures that would result
from reduced flows, Alcan propose to release cold water from the Kenney Dam
and to mix it with water from Murray Lake to provide water of suitable
temperature (not colder than 10°C) and volume to meet the requirements for
sockeye migration in July-August (see Figure 17). In the long term (as
calculated by Alcan) this would amount to mean monthly flows of 40.89 ems
( 1444 cfs) for July and August. Maximum short term flow releases in this
period would be unlikely to exceed 170 ems (6000 cfs), even in hot years.
-33 -
IMPACTS IF
ltuiNCT I !Ill FUJif
RELEASES
NECHAKO RIVER
SUPPORTS OIINOOK
PlPULATION AND
SERVES AS MIGRATION
ROOT E fOR SOCKEYE
PRE-DEYELIP~N T
ESCAPEMENTS
1979 -1980
POOR EGG TO FRY
SURVIVAL
CHINOO< MIGRATE IN
LATE AUGUST AND
SPAWN IN SEPTEHIER
Since 1980, daily discharges as high as 538 ems (19,000 cfs) have been
released at Skins Lake to provide cooling flows for sockeye migration.
Corresponding flows in the Nechako River at Cheslatta Falls have also been
high, although delayed and attenuated by the effect of Cheslat.ta and Murray
Lakes. The discharge of 538 ems (19,000 cfs) at Skins Lake on July 21 1
1981 resulted in a maximum flow of 350 ems ( 12 1 360 cfs) at Cheslat.ta Falls
on August 11. Flows of this magnitude would not be compatible with a Post
Kemano Completion diminished river in which the average flow would be only
26.14 ems (923 cfs). Such high flows would be disruptive to the fish
rearing in the river, to their invertebrate food supply, and would be
physically damaging to the channel. It would be more appropriate if lower
flows of cooler water could be released from t.he Nechako Reservoir at.
Kenney Dam.
6.2 Biology
The Nechako River supports a significant chinook salmon population and also
serves as a migration route for the Stuart River chinook population.
Substantial sockeye runs also migrate up the Nechako River to the Stuart
and Nautley Rivers and spawn in the Stuart, Nadtna and Stellako rivers.
Chinook salmon escapements
In 1951 and 1952, prior to Kemano I, maximum escapements of chinook salmon
in the Nechako River averaged 3500. This was the mid point of the record-
ing range (2500-5000) in the Department's spawning records. Following
the closure of Kenney Dam in 1952, until the ope rat ion of the Skins Lake
Spillway in 1957, the Nechako River was dewatered. Chinook runs were
almost decimated. In response to heavy siltation following large spill
releases through the Cheslatta system from 1957 to 1961, chinook moved out
of the Nechako River and spawned in the Stellako River. This was reflected
.in the Stellako River escapements that increased from an average of 50 fish
to 1500 spawners in 1958. In the 1960's the average escapement to the
Nechako River was about 500 fish. In the last decade, the chinook run has
improved, averaging about 1,400 fish.
The 1983 estimate of 800 to 900 chinook, however, is low when compared to
the brood years in 1978 and 1979 (escapement of 2600 and 1800). It is pos-
sible that low flows (400 cfs) in the winter of 1979/80 and freezing condi-
tions may have resulted in poor egg to fry survival and poor survival of
overwintering chinook juveniles. The spawning escapement in 1983 was con-
siderably less than expected, particularly for returns to the major
spawning areas in the upper Nechako River. Chinook escapements to other
upper Fraser River systems increased significantly.
Timing and distribution of chinook salmon
Adult chinook usually arrive in the Nechako River in late August or early
September and spawning occurs in September 1 peaking in mid-month (Marshall
and Manzon, 1980). Chinook spawn from Cheslatta Falls as far downstream as
Vanderhoof (Figure 18). Historically, the majority of the run has spawned
above Fraser Lake, the major spawning areas being above Greer Creek in
-34 -
VARIATIONI IN USE IF
SPAWNII'£ AREAS
Reach 2. Two prime spawning areas in this reach include an upper site
located about 6 km. below Cheslatt.a Falls and a lower site at Irvine's
Lodge about B km. below Cheslatta Falls (DFE, 1979).
In 1979 and 1980, Envirocon (1981) estimated that 86 and 72% of the run
spawned between Cheslat.ta and Greer Creek. In 1983, d.istr.ibution of
spawners changed significantly with 44~.; occurring below Fraser Lake and 56%
occurring above Greer Creek. The major spawning area at Irvine's had only
6% of the spawners. A similar change in distribution was also noted .in
1974 when only 40 to 50% of the run spawned above Fort. Fraser.
, ....
-35 -
FIGLRE 18
CHINOOK SPAWNING AREA
~~Major Spawning Area
(>60% apawnera)
??::: Scattered Spawning
~
0 ·•o 20 30k• .....
TIHIIIE lF FRY
HERGENCE
FRY DIS TRIBUTillll
TRIBUTARY REARIIIE
ACE COMPOSITION AND
FRESHWATER
RESIOCNCE TUE
MACNITUII OF
OVERWINTERINi
POPULATION
UN:ERTAIN
FRY OUTMIGRATION
FIIJH UPPER NECHAKO
Incubation studies in 1981 and 1982 indicated that eggs were hatched by
mid-November (Russell et al, 1983). Hatching time may vary from year to
year depending on temperat.ure. In colder years, eggs may hatch later than
November. In 1981, fry emerged in March, peaked in the third week of April
and declined through May (£nvirocon, 1982). Timing of emergence may vary
from year to year and in 1982 emergence was approximately three weeks later
than in 1981 (£nvirocon, 1982).
Chinook fry were found to rear in the Nechako mainst.em and in tributary
streams. After emergence, chinook fry were abundant throughout the
Nechako but declined as the season progressed (Olmsted et al,
Envirocon, 1981; Russell et al, 1983). Fry utilized the shallow
upper
1980;
river
margins after emergence but were found in deeper, faster waters in close
proximity to the substrate by June (Russell et al, 1983).
Tributaries provide good rearing habitat. for chinook fry (Olmsted et. al,
1980; Envirocon, 1981; Russell et al, 1983). Rearing capabilit.y is,
however, limited by the small number and small size of the tributary
streams. Utilization of tributaries has varied from year to year
(Envirocon, 1982). In 1979, fry were abundant. in tributaries and numbers
remained relatively constant. throughout. the summer rearing period. In 1980
and 1981, abundance declined in the summer. Russell et. al ( 1983) reported
an outmigration of fry from Greer Creek in the fall.
Scale analysis of adult chinook returns in 1980, 1981 and 1982 indicated
that the majority were five-year-old (69 to 89~0 and four-year-old fish ( 10
to 27~~). Over 88~~ of the spawners had spent one full year in fresh water.
The abundance of chinook fry in the Upper Nechako River, however, declines
substantially in the summer. This has been attributed to downstream
migration, nat.ural mortalities and the inefficiency of sampling gear to
capture larger fry.
Studies were undertaken to document the downstream migration of fry from
the upper Nechako (at Diamond Island) and into the Fraser River (at Prince
George) (Envirocon, 1982; Russell et al, 1983). The results regarding the
relative proportion of fry that overwinter in the Nechako River and those
that move into the Fraser River prior to their first winter were incon-
clusive. Envirocon (1982) estimated that 3m~ of the emergent population
migrated past Diamond Island with peak migration occurring at. the end of
June. It is difficult, however, to estimate with accuracy the magnitude of
the mi.gration owing to errors associated with sampling efficiency, mark
recovery techniques and year to year variations. Nevertheless, it. appears
that a large number of fry may move out of the upper Nechako to rear in the
lower Nechako and/or the Fraser River. A similar pattern, for example, is
reported for the Stuart River where an estimated 9~~ of the fry migrated
out of their natal river to rear in downstream areas (Lister et al. 1981).
The movement of Nechako fry to the Fraser was confirmed by the recovery of
marked fish at. Prince George. Numbers were too small, however, to estimate
population size.
-36 -
LITTLE IN'"ORMATI~
AVAILABLE £W
OVERWINTERIN;
REQUIRD£NTS
flllf REGIME
Coti'ARISONS
PR(J>()SED flOW
REGIME WILL AffECT
CHINOOK PRODUCTION
SPAWNit>E flOWS
REDUCED 84~ fROM
NATURAL REGIME
/Very little information is available on the size of the overwintering
lpopulat.ion and on their habitat requirements. Envirocon (1981) has
suggested that the upper reach below Cheslatta and the canyons below Greer
Creek and Nautley may provide overwintering habitat for chinook fry, but
fish utilizat.ion data are not available. Trapping and marking studies have
indicated dispersal of fry upstream in the Nechako ma.instem and into
tributaries, and fry have been sampled in the upper Nechako as late as
November (Russell et al, 1983). Small numbers of chinook smolt.s have been
sampled in the spring .in both the mainstream and in tributaries (DFE, 1979;
Olmsted et. al, 1980; Env.irocon, 1981).
6.3 Implications of Alcan's Proposal
Alcan's proposed flows for "fish protection" and "fish and other uses" .in
the Nechako River and the .injunction flows are shown on Figure 17. A mean
annual flow of 26.14 ems (923 cfs) as proposed by Alcan for "Fish and Other
Uses", would result. jn an 80% reduction in the mean annual Nechako R.i. ver
flow at Cheslatta Falls, resulting .in a much diminished river down to the
Nautley River confluence. Below the Nautley the mean annual flow of the
Nechako River would be reduced by 6~~. still a very substantial amount..
During the critical warm weather months of July and August, flows in the
Upper Nechako (i.e., above Nautley) could be reduced by as much as 83%.
Alcan does not acknowledge any impacts or risks to chinook salmon
associated with their proposal. The Department., however, cannot accept
that such a signif.1cant reduct ion in flow regime would impose no risks to
the chinook salmon population. Flows would be reduced to levels that. would
threaten their survival, and there is considerable uncertainty in
predicting gross river changes and consequent habitat. changes that may
affect the long term productivity of the Nechako River.
The following analysis of the effects of A lean's flow regime on chinook
salmon generally refers to the proposed "fish and other uses" flows. These
flows are higher than the "fish protection" flows that Envirocon ( 1983)
suggests would protect the chinook resource.
The review focuses on the effects of Alcan's proposal on chinook salmon of
the Nechako River. Flow reductions and changes .in temperature regime would
also have downstream effects in the Fraser River that may impact Nechako
River chinook as well as other salmon populations. These concerns have not
been addressed to date but are discussed with reference to pink and sockeye
salmon by the IPSFC (1983).
Spawning flows
Mean September flow (chinook spawning time) would be reduced 84~~ to 28.32
ems ( 1000 cfs) which is less than the minimum ever recorded (except when
the water was cut off during reservoir f.i.lling between October 1952 and
January 1957 (see Figures 12 to 14). Beginning in 1980, and in accordance
with the injunction (issued August 5, 1980), spawning flows have been main-
tained at about. 34 ems (1200 cfs) (somewhat more than the 1100 cfs required
by the injunction).
-37 -
ALCAN'S DEFINITION
OF SPAWN!!'£
REQUIREK:NTS
DEPARUENT' 5
OBJECTIVE FOR
MAXIfUt SPAWN!!'£
AREA
GRAVEL QUALITY AND
FLUSH!!'£ FLOWS
PROPOSffi WINTER
FLOWS THREATEN
SURVIVAL OF EGGS
AND ALEVINS
The basis of Alcan' s proposed "fish protect ion" flow of 24.07 ems ( 850 cfs)
is to provide spawning habitat. for 3,000 chinook, the "existing stock" as
defined by Alcan. By assigning an area per spawning pair (20 m2 ) the habi-
tat required was calculated. At 2~~!J1cms ( 850 cfs), a maximum of 70% of
the spawners could b~-~srommodated ~in the prime spawning area of the
Upper Nechako River~n the rest of the river above Vanderhoof. This
takes into account variations in the spawning distribution of chinook
salmon.
The Department's objective, however, is to maintain maximum spawnable habi-
tat.. With this objective, d.ischarges from 25.49 to 42.48 ems (900 to 1500
cfs) were estimated to provide maximum spawning habitat. within the dis-
charge range up to 56.64 ems (2000 cfs) (DFE, 1979). Based on this analy-
sis, the Department recommended a spawning flow of 31.15 ems (1100 cfs) in
1980. Envirocon's (1983) analysis of discharge versus habitat curves also
indicated maximum spawnable habitat at 39.65 ems (1400 cfs) which is within
the range reported by DFE (1979).
To further define spawning requirements, depth of water and nose velocit.ies
at 39 active redds were measured in 1980 at a discharge of 33.7 ems ( 1190
cfs) (Russell et al, 1983). At 28.32 ems (1000 cfs), Alcan's proposed
flow, approximately 2.0% of the active redds measured in the above study
would have water depths of 24 em or less. This depth (24 em) was the mini-
mum observed for spawning.
In general, the river substrate of spawning areas would remain highly
stable at tlie reduced flows because of the armour.ing effect which has al-
ready occurred at higher flows. Flushing flows to move gravel at. depth .in
the river bed as required for proper cleansing in spawning areas would not
be practical as they would have to be of magnitudes and durations compara-
ble to annual pre-Kemano I flood flows (in the order of 18000 c fs).
Flushing flows of lesser magnitude would be necessary to sweep surficial
silts and sands through the system but observations would have to be made
on the sources of such fines and if they are deposited in crital areas. It
is probable that cleansing of spawning gravels would depend almost entirely
on the digging action of the spawning fish themselves but this alone would
not likely maintain gravel quality throughout the spawning area.
Incubation and overwintering flows
Incubation flows as proposed would be 25.49 ems (900 cfs) in November and
14.16 ems (500 cfs) from December to April. For the three month low flow
period (January to March) 500 cfs represents a reduct ion of 82~o from t.he
m~an~dil.\wr~" be 1~Wf\l\ than ever recorded except during the reservoir fil-
llng penoq. ~ce ·.ranuary 1981 flows for these three months have been
about 36.8~cms (1300 cfs).
Alcan maintains that their proposed flow would be sufficient to protect
eggs and alevins from dessication and freezing. It is highly probable,
however, that a fiow of 500 cfs would subject some redds to dessication and
freezing, because water levels would be significantly less than water
levels at spawning time. For example, a change from 28.32 ems (1000 cfs)
-38 -
EfFECTS Of ICE
fORHATIIIII ON EGGS
AND ALEVINS
UM:ERTAIN
IM:REASED RISK Of
ICINi
REDUCTIIIII IN flOW
WOULD AfFECT
OVERWINTERINi
CHINO()(
ClltPARISON Of
CURRENT AND
PROPOSED SlH£111
flOW RECitES
ENVIROCON'S
DISCHARGE AND
HABITAT
RELA TI IIIISHIPS
to 14.16 ems (500 cfs )represents a drop of 0.6 feet (18 em), from 31.15 to
14.16 ems (1100 to 500 cfs), a drop of 0. 72 feet (22 em), and from 33.98 to
14.16 ems (1200 to 500 cfs), a drop of 0.8 feet (24 em).
fhe Department has conducted studies over the last few years to assess the
effect of ice formation on natural and artificial chinook redds in the
prime chinook spawning area. Owing t.o mild weather conditions these
studies did not provide thP. data required to justify a decrease in flow
from spawning to incubation. Until further information is obtained, the
Department maintains that decreasing the depth of water over the redds
would increase the risk of idng and in some years reduce the survival of
eggs and alevins.
Envirocon (1983) analyzed eight years of meteorological data (1974-1981) to
determine the effects of Kemano Completion on the ice regime of the Nechako
Ri.ver. The calculated frequency of O"C water occurring above Cutoff Creek
from December through February was 31% under present conditions (31.15 ems
( 1100 cfs)) and 6 5% at the proposed flow ( 14.16 ems ( 500 cfs)). These data
indicate that the probability of ice formation indeed would be increased by
reducing flows to 500 cfs during the incubation period.
(
In addition to the risks of dessication and freezing of eggs and alevins,
increase in the frequency of cooler temperatures could delay the rate of
development. and timing of fry erne rgence and possibly reduce their sur vi val.
Reduct ion in flows and i.ncreased risk of freezing could also impact over-
wintering juvenile chinook in the Upper Nechako River. Overwintering habi-
tat was not considered limiting t.o chinook production by Envirocon (1983).
There are, however, significant data limitations regarding the overwinter-
ing period. It is not known what percent age of the chinook population
overwinter in the Nechako River, what their habitat requirements are, or if
there is a differential survival between chinook that remain in the Nechako
River compared with those that migrate to the Feaser River.
Rearing flows
fhe prq:~osed flow of 31.15 ems (1100 cfs) departs significantly from his-
torical (post Kemano I) mean flows of 198.2 ems (7000 cfs) and a loss or
change in rearing conditions must be assumed. The injunction flow of 56.64
ems (2000 cfs) is already a substantial decrease from previous flows. The
proposed eegime, initially, would result in loss of sidechannels and bank
cover as the diminished flows would be confined to the center of the main
channel. Over time, say 20 years, there would be a natural encroachment of
vegetation onto exposed gravel bars and up to the stream edges.
The rearing flows proposed by Ale an were based on an analysis of habitat
discharge curves developed for chinook fry and also for benthic inve rte-
brates (Envirocon, 1983). This analysis is based on defining habitat pref-
erences (depth and velocity) and quantifying the usable area which provides
those conditions as a function of streamflow. The proposed flow for the
rearing period from April to September was a compromise between the lowest
-39 -
LIMITATIONS TO
ENVIROCON' S
APPROACH
FISH rom
AVAILABiliTY
HAl NTENANCE IF
GRAVEL QUALITY
RESIDUAL. llUNO(](
REARIN; IN lPPER
NECHAKO
flow that. provided maximum habitat. for fry and the maximum habitat avail-
able for invertebrates. Env irocon 's discharge versus habitat. curves indi-
cate little change in rearing habitat even with a 10-fold increase in dis-
charge (10 to 90 ems; 353 to 3178 cfs).
The foregoing analysis has serious limitations since it does not consider
the changes in the quality of the rearing environment and the overall pro-
ductivity of the system. Shirvell (1983) has provided in detail many limi-
tations of this approach. Along with other instream flow methods, some of
its assumptions are de bat able.
that cannot accurately predict
It frequently offers only broad guide lines
the effect of flow alteration on fish
numbers. Moreover, it does not address gradual but cumulative changes that.
may occur in the system as a consequence of changes in flow. Specifically,
it does not address the discharges that are required to maintain
morphometric features and substrate characteristics upon which fish habitat.
depends. Accordingly, a less theoretical and more empirical approach is
called for.
Early in the growing season (April to June) Nechako River chinook fry dis-
perse along the shore margins utilizing shallow backwaters and sidechannels
where they occur. These habitats provide the fry with warmer temperatures,
favourable feeding conditions, and protection from predators. These shal-
low marginal areas are often the most productive areas in large rivers.
Studies indicate that the supply of fish food organisms in the Nechako
River is low and drift rates of invertebrates are also low (Russell et al,
1983). There is evidence that available food can be limiting to the growth
of chinook fry in the river (Brett et al, 1982). It is desirable, there-
fore, to maintain as much benthic production as possible during the rearing
period. This is so, even after July, as the remaining chinook population
has to compete for food with non-salmonid species. The proposed rearing
flows would decrease wetted river width and shallow marginal areas,
reducing benthic production and juvenile chinook habitat. Benthic studies
at two locations in the Nechako River indicated that all habitats across
the stream channel contributed significantly to benthic production at one
site, while biomass was higher in the nearshore habitats at another. Based
on a limited number of transects in the Nechako River the reduction in
wetted width from 56.64 ems (2000 cfs) to 31.15 ems (1100 cfs) was in the
order of 11 to 17~~ (Russell et al, 1983).
It is also vital that. gravel quality be maintained with the proposed
flows. For example, filamentous algae may develop across t.he river channel
and sediments may accumulate that would have a negative effect on inverte-
brates and fry habitat.
The impact of reduced rearing flows on the Nechako River chinook is
dependent on the importance of the Nechako for overwint.ering chinook.
The size of the population that remains in the river, however, is not known
and there are no data to indicate whether or not there is a survival
advantage for chinook to remain in the Nechako River over winter. Until
the proportion of chinook fry that remain in the Nechako River is known,
the proposed flow reduction must be considered a risk to production.
-40 -
REARING DATA
LIMITATIOOS
DESCRIPTIOO lF
KEMAND WATERSHED
PRE KEMANO FLOW
REGIME
POST KEMANO FLOW
RECIIIE
Although studies have provided some information on the distribution, migra-
tion and habit.at utilization of chinook fry in the Upper Nechako River, we
do not know whether the population is cunently limited by unde rseeding of
the river (resulting from fishing pressure), by available suit. role habitat
(defined by water depth, velocity and cover, w.it.h contrasting requirements
in summer and winter), by water quality (e. g., temperature), by available
food, or by predators. It is difficult, therefore, to estimate how rearing
capacity would change with changes in stream flow.
The effects of water quality changes on rearing chinook, in particular
temperature and total gas pressure, are discussed in the Water Quality
sect.ion. These are key considerat.ions .i.n assessing the proposed rearing
flows and have .implication for other liFe stages as well.
7. KEMANO RIVER
=============
7.1 Hydrology and Alcan's Proposal
The Kemano River flows into Gardner Canal, which is part of Kitimat Arm of
Douglas Channel (Figure 1). The Kemano powerhouse is 16 km. upstream from
the estuary. Its discharge goes directly into the Kemano River via a tail-
race.
The total Kemano watershed area above the Butedale gage (8FE001), located a
short distance up from the river mouth, is 780 sq.km. The watershed area
above gage 8FE003, located just upstream of the tailrace at Kemano, is
about 380 sq.km. This means that about 49~~ of the natural river flow is
contributed by the watershed above the tailrace at Kemano. The remaining
51% is contributed by various tributaries that enter the lower Kemano River
(below the tailrace).
The natural (i.e. , pre Kemano I) ave rage monthly flows, shown in Figure 19,
for the lower Kemano River were determined from data published by the Water
Survey of Canada (Envirocon, 1983). The post Kemano I flows, also shown in
Figure 19, were calculated by adding on the monthly tailrace discharge,
averaged over the period 1956 -1978. During this period the tailrace dis-
charge increased gradually from about 4 7 ems ( 1660 cfs) in 1956 to about
110 ems (3880 cfs) in 1978.
The mean monthly flows for the two high runoff months of June and July have
increased am~ .in the last 15 years (see Figure 19). The peak daily flood
flows during the same period have increased about 20%. These changes in
the high flow hydrology have resulted in some straightening of the
mainchannel, an .increase in mainchannel width of about 60'1~, and fan inprease
MtH ~o · c.t~..,_ in total sidechannel length of about 25m~. The river app~ars Relo' l;;g hav.e
~IIOZC or less stabilized to the post Kemano flow regime. The
sidechannels, which have water in them part or all of the t.ime, support a
large proportion of the fish population of the lower river.
-41 -
SUPPORTS tllJOR
SN...tiJN RUNS AND
£UL.AOIONS
PINe ESCAP£toENTS
HAVE IN:REASID
CHUM ESCAPEMENTS
HAY£ IN:REASID
350
300
250
"' ~ 200
150
50
1 Jan j Feb 1 Mar 1 Apr Moy Jun 1 Jul 1 Aug 1 Sep 1 Oct 1 Nov 1 Dec I
~-------------,---------------L2'·~··~··~·~,,~,i_ 1~··~··~'~1 '~·-L-I ___ ''-'-"'-'-"-''-----r PINK
incubation to emergencej
CHUM ~igratlo~ spawning I incubation
Incubation to emergence j fry migration I
lmlgralion I 1pewning
Incubation I rearing J overwintering COHO
overwintering I amoltlng I
I migration Jspawningj Incubation
Incubation j rearing or rry migration I ovenrlntering CHINOOK
I sfloltlng
Incubation to emergence I
MEAN MONTHLY FLOWS
J migration j spawning J incubation
Post Kemano Completion
~--~·-·L.J (P<Oposed by Alcanl
_j ...,__·-·-·-·--,
·-·-·-·-.-. ...r __ __f -· L.-. .__. __
riGlfl£ 19
K£MANO RIVER t£AN tiJNHLY fLOWS
SOCKEYE
14
13
I 2
II
10
0
0 B o
7.2 Biology
The Kemano River supports all five species of Pacific salmon and a major
eulachon population. In order of abundance, eulachons, pink aalmon and
chum salmon predominate, followed by coho and chinook. The Kemano River
supports a small sockeye and steelhead population.
Salmon escapements
The even-year pink salmon cycle is dominant in the Kemano River, and the
average escapement has increased significantly during the period of
record. Fr001 1934 to 1960, the even-year run averagEJd 37,000 ,;pawners but
since the 1960's has increased to an average of 106,000 and a maximum of
200,000 fish. The odd-year escapement varies considerably but, on average,
is less than 30,000 fish. Recently, numbers have increased and in 1983,
120,000 spawners were reported.
Chum salmon escapements have shown a similar increasing trand tQ the even-
year pink salmon run. Since 1960, chum spawners averagad 40,000 fish
(maximum of 100,000). Escapements prior to 1960, were lass than 20,000.
It is speculated that the increased flows that have resulted from the
Kemano I diversion have improved the spawning and .incubation environment.
for pink and chum salmon, The influence of the diversion would have begun
to take effect in the late 1950's.
-42 -
COOO MID OUNOil<
ESCAPEMENTS HAVE
DECLII'£D
MINOR SOCKEYE HUN
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER
MIGRATION AND
SPAWNINi
SPAWN IN L~R
KEHANO RIVER
Coho salmon, on the other hand, may not have benefited from Kemano I. Coho
escapements averaged 12,000 from 1934 to 1960, and have declined to 5,000
in the last two decades. The maximum escapement recorded was 35,000, which
occureed prioe to 1950. The trend .in chinook escapements is less clear.
Spawners averaged approximately 1,500 pre Kemano I, and 2,000 since 1960.
In the last decade, escapements have averaged only about 700 chinook. The
maximum chinook escapement recorded was 3,500.
Six sockeye spawners were first recorded in 1957 and the maximum recorded
was 400 in 1971. Sockeye returns to the Kemano River were not consistent
until 1977. Since then, sockeye have returned every year, averaging less
than 100 fish. It is likely that the sockeye observed are either native
stream-reared populations or strays from the Kitlope River. ThE IPSFC
(1983) has suggested that there is a possibility that the Kemano River
sockeye may be strays from the Fraser River system. These fish spawn im-
mediately below the tailrace and may be at.tracted to the water from the
Nechako Reservoir that is discharged into the Kemano River. Stream-type
sockeye do however commonly occur in central coast streams.
As it relates to the Kemano Completion Project, apart from escapement
records and a eulachon spawning survey, the Department has not conducted
studies in the Kemano River. The information on salmon distribution and
hab.itat ut. ilization presented in the fo !lowing sect ions has been summarized
from baseline studies conducted in 1979 by Envirocon (1981).
Timing and distribution of pink and chum salmon
Pink and chum salmon enter the Kemano River in late July. The spawning
periods of both species overlap although chum spawn slightly earlier. Peak
spawning of chum and pink salmon occurs in late August and early September,
respectively (Figure 19).
The majority of the chum and pink salmon populations spawn throughout the
lower Kemano River (below the Kemano tailrace) mainly in sidechannels
(Figure 20). In 1979, it was estimated that 81 and 62 percent of the total
chum and pink escapement respectively, spawned in the lower river. Both
species were most abundant in Reach 2 which is characterized by an
extensive network of sidechannels. The major spawning tributary is
Horetsky Creek and limited spawning also occurs in other tributaries. Only
small numbers of pink and chum salmon spawn in the upper river.
Pink and chum salmon fry do not rear in freshwater. Shortly after
emergence, likely in February or March, fry migrate to sea. In 1979, the
distribution of chum fry reflected the adult spawning distribution. Chum
fry were most abundant in April and declined in May. Pink fry were not
sampled in April and had likely migrated out of the river by that time.
-43 -
SPAWN LATE FALL AND
WINTER
SPAWN IN
TRIBUTARIES AND
KEMANO RIVER
REAR IN LONER
KEMANO
Pink and Chum Spawning Areas
0 5 I 0 I 5km
Sc alt
FIGlflE 20
KEHANO RIVER PINC AND llfllt SPAWNIMi AREAS
Timing and distribution of coho salmon
Based on the Department's spawning records, adult coho salmon migrate into
the Kemano River in August and spawn in October, Figure 21. In 1979,
spawning was first observed in late October but probably peaked in late
November. The early spawning time noted i.n the Department's records may
reflect the early timing of the escapement surveys.
Coho salmon spawn in the lower and upper Kemano River and in tributary
streams and are roughly equally distributed among these three locations.
The greatest concentration of spawners noted in 1979 in the Kemano River
occurred in a 4 km braided section below Cariboo Creek in the upper river
and below Seekwyakin Creek in the lower river (Figure 21). In the upper
river, coho spawners utilized the rnainchannel, while, below the tailrace,
where flows are augmented and velocities in the mainchannel are high, side-
channels rather than the mainchannel were used. Tributaries where coho
spawn include the Wahoo River and Wachwas, Seekwyakin, Horetsky and Cariboo
Creeks.
Based on scale analysis of adult returns, it can be stated that coho fry
generally spend one full year in freshwater. Shortly after emergence, coho
fry move downstream to rear in the lower Kemano River. It was estimat.ed
that about 65% of the coho fry reared in the lower river during late summer
and fall (in 1979). Coho fry also reared in tributary streams, particular-
ly in Horetsky Creek, Steel head creek (Reach 5), and an unnamed tributary
in Reach 4.
-44 -
I
fRY HABITAT
UTILIZATilW
J(l',IE MIGRATION
AUGUST SPAWNII\C
PROPORTION REARING
IN fRESHWATER
UNCNOWN
Chinook Spawning Areas m Coho Spawning Areas
0 10 I 5k•
luh
fiGI.RE 21
KEMANO RIVER CHINOO< AND mHO SPAWNII\C AREAS
In the Kemano River, coho fry preferred the low velocity habitats and
selected stable and intermittent sidechannels over the mainchannel and
larger sidechannels. Cover was very important and fry were associated with
log jams, aquatic vegetation, debris, root wads, and overhanging vegetation
during the spring, summer and fall. Beaver ponds found in the lower four
reaches were also heavily utilized in the fall and likely provide important
overwintering habitat.
Timing and distribution of chinook salmon
Adult chinook salmon arrive in the Kemano River in June and spawn in the
Kemano River in late July or August, (Figure 19). Chinook spawn throughout
the lower 20 kilometers of the Kemano River (Figure 21). They utilize
deeper and faster waters than the other salmon species, selecting sites in
the mainchannel and larger sidechannels of the Kemano River. In 1979, the
major proportion of the escapement (90%) spawned in the Wahoo River and in
Seekwyakin and Wachwas creeks. The vi sib ili ty in the tributary streams
was, however, much better than in the Kemano River and the relative distri-
bution may not be representative.
Juvenile chinook salmon spend a few months to a full year in freshwater
prior to sea migration. Little data is, however, available on the propor-
tion of 11 ocean type 11 versus 11 stream t.ype 11 chinook in the Kemano river and
their survival rate to adults. A large decline in catches from May to July
-45 -
WIDE DISTRIBUTION
OF FRY
SPRINi SPAWNINi
PREDICTED CHANNEl
CHANGES
TtfiEAT TO SAI.JIJN
PRDDOCTI~
suggested an outmigration of chinook fry, however, scale analysis of a
small number of adult spawners indicated one year freshwater residence.
Juvenile chinook fry were found throughout the seven reaches of the Kemano
River, in the Wahoo River and in Seekwyakin and Cariboo creeks. Their
habitat preferences have not been well documented since catches of chinook
fry between spring and fall were low, probably owing to poor sampling
conditions during high water. The distribution of chinook fry in the fall
suggested that the upper Kemano River and the larger tributaries provide
overwintering habitat.. Cover in the form of boulders and cobbles and
logjams appeared to be a major component of winter habitat and chinook fry
were found in a variety of sidechannels that offered this type of cover.
Eulachons
The eulachon run in the Kemano River numbers several million fish.
Eulachon spawn in the lower Kemano River and Wahoo River within tidal
limits. They spawn in the spring, usually at the end of March to
mid-April. Eulachon are relatively weak swimmers and their upstream
migration and spawning generally coincides with low river disdlarges and
high spring tides. River and estuarine water temperatures may also influ-
ence the timing of migration. Most adult eulachons die after spawning and
after a short incubation period (probably 30 to 40 days), eulachon larvae
hatch and are swept with the current to the sea.
7.3 Implications of Alcan'sproposal
Kemano Completion would increase mean June and July flows 70% over present
values, or triple the original natural June and July flows (see Figure
19). Peak daily flows would be about 17% greater than present peak flows
and 40% greater than natural (pre Kemano I) peak flows. The effect of
these increased flows on the lower Kemano River cannot be accurately pre-
dicted but gross changes in the morphology would be likely. It is quite
possible that the river could take on a wide, single channel configuration
that would result in considerable erosion and incising (cutting down) of
the channel. If this were to happen, many, or perh~s most, of the side-
channels could be lost. If the channel were to incise, fish access to some
of the tributaries and remaining sidechannels could be cut off or made dif-
ficult. It would take some years after Kemano Completion before the nature
of the morphological changes would be known, and it would take decades
before the river would stabilize.
The effect of the increased discharge on the Kemano River and the salmon
resource would depend on the extent of morphological changes, Should the
river become single channelled, salmon production in the Kemano River would
be seriously threatened. The sidechannels of the lower Kemano River are
heavily utilized by pink, chum and coho spawners. Selected sidechannels in
the lower river were found to be the prime rearing and overwintering areas
for coho fry. These habitats would be lost.
-46 -
IMPACT ON SALt«lN
DEPENOCNT ON
CHANNEL OfANGES
CHANGES IN
TDflERATURE REGIIHE
EXPECTED
POSSIBLE MAJOR
Itf>ACT ON EULAOfONS
POSSIBLE MAJOR
Hf>ACT ON EULAOfONS
GOOD WATER QUALITY
ESSENTIAL FOR
HIUVINi SALMON
POPULATI~S
ALL SALMON LIFE
STAGES SUSCEPTIBLE
TO ALTERED
TDflERATURE
CONOITHWS
/
The river may, on the other hand, maintain its wandering, braided nat.ure.
The Kemano I diversion, by increasing sidechannel development and increas-
ing winter flows, appears to have considerably improved the pink and chum
populations in the Kemano River. Increasing the flows further, as proposed
by Alcan, would not necessarily continue this trend. It is not possible to
predict what the net impact of Kemano Completion on spawning and rearing
habitat would be with the information available.
In addition to these major stream flow changes, alteration in temperature
regime and potential increases in total dissolved gas would also occur.
~oJ@te£__~f!l.Q~r_aJ~\J.!'~l!,J:l~~-~':en _"::_a_r:_fl!eE JD J_he _ ~iL.li!:l~-~oler
i~rd___sljlf1mer C9f11pared_w_it.h tbe_natlll'1:1LterJ1~_atur«:,~2_~~e. How
these changes have affected fish production, however, is not known. Kemano
Completion would further change the temperature regime with potential
impacts on migration and spawning of adult salmon, timing of emergence,
entry of chum and pink fry into the estuary and the growth rate of rearing
coho and chinook. These concerns would have to be addressed.
The valuable eulachon run in the Kemano River is also a major concern.
Although the Department has surveyed eulachon spawning areas to document
spawning distribution and conditions, it is not possible to predict how
these conditions would change. Increased velocities and changes in
temperature may, however, impede migration or reduce the spawning success
of eulachons.
8. WATER QUAL lTV
==============
Good water quality must be preserved for salmon to thrive. Salmon have
adapted to cool rivers and streams, and the aquatic organisms that salmon
require for food have similarly adapted. As a generality, reductions in
flow can be expected to result in warmer summer water temperatures and
cooler water temperatures during the winter. Flow reductions also cause
the concentrations of man-made and naturally-occurring pollutants to
increase.
8.1 Temperature
8.1.1 Effects of Temperature on Salmon
All life cycle st.ages of salmon are susceptible to impacts from exposure to
altered temperature conditions. Reduced water flows to rivers could alter
temperature regimes and have significant implications for survival of
salmon. Salmon eggs have critical temperature requirements. Lower temper-
atures during incubation lead to retardation of development rate. Low
temperatures during rearing reduce metabolism and feeding success which in
turn could markedly reduce the success of salmon survival. Temperature in-
creases may increase the susceptibility of salmon to diseases. Higher tem-
peratures increase metabolic rates and result in greater requirements for
energy.· Salmon encountering dramatic changes in water temperature may
undergo "thermal stress" which renders them less able to survive.
Temperature may have other important effects on survival of salmon. The
-47 -
TEMPERATURE lF
NANIKA RIVER HAY
IM:REASE AND AFFECT
MIGRATING SOCKEYE
AND REARIMi CHIMJ(J(
FRY
GLACIER !CREEK
DIVERS!~
TEK'ERATURE
MODELLING REQUIRED
TEK'ERATlfiE NOT
EXPECTED TO BE A
PROBLEM IN tiJRICE
RIVER
PROPOSED TEK'.
REGULATHW SCHEME
AIMED FOR SOCKEYE
preferred temperature for most salmon species is close to the optimum tem-
perature for growth, swimming performance and maximal ability to extract
oxygen from the water dul'ing activity.
8.1.2 Nanika and Morice Rivers
MathemaUcal temperature modelling was conducted for the Nanika and Morice
Rivers (Dept. of Environment, Fish and Oceans, Vol. 9, 1979). On the
assumption that water would be discharged at a temperature of 15.5°C (60°F)
from Kidprice Lake, it was computed that at a flow of 184 cfs in the Nanika
River during sockeye migration (August 1 to August 18) the temperature
would rise to 19.7°C (67.5°F) and cooling water may be required. During
this period some rearing chinook and coho fry would also be present in the
Nanika River, as would trout. It will be noted from Figure 3, that Alcan's
proposed flow would only be 4.96 ems (175 cfs) in August; thus under warm
weather conditions high temperatures could affect migrating sockeye and
rearing chinook and coho.
If Glacier Creek were diverted,, l'o!lich would be a means of reducing the
deposition of silt in the Nanika River, it would be necessary to base cal-
culations of temperat,ure increases upon a higher temperature at Kidpr ice
Lake than 15.5°C (60°F). If this diversion proceeds, further tanperature
calculations and data are needed. It may be found that it would be neces-
sary to install a cold water intake at the Kidprice Lake Dam.
Similar temperature modelling was conducted (Dept. of Environment, Vol. 9,
1979) for the Morice River for the month of August. At a modelled flow of
only 2000 cfs the maximum temperature of the Morice River (above the
Bulkley confluence) was calculated to be 18.6°C (65.5°F). From this model-
ling it would appear that at proposed flows in the order of 3000 cfs,
excessively high temperatures are not likely to occur. This should be con-
firmed by comparison with actual stream temperatures.
8.1.3 Nechako River
At present, because approximately 54% of the reservoir's flow has been
diverted, it is necessary to release very large volumes of water from Skins
Lake in July and August into the Nechako River to provide cooling for sock-
eye migrating to the Stuart and Nautley rivers. These large flows have
resulted in erosion of the banks of the Cheslatta River, and silting and
flooding of the Nechako River. The release of such large volumes of water
could have been avoided by the provision of smaller releases of cold water
from Kenney Dam. Alcan now proposes to prov1de a cold water int,ake at
Kenney Dam.
The release of cold water into the Upper Nechako River is intended to
reduce the frequency of exposure of sockeye salmon to high temperatures
during adult migration through the Nechako River. For a fuller discussion
of the adverse effects of high temperatures dul'ing sockeye migration, the
reader is referred to the IPSFC (1983) report.
-48 -
MANNER lF PROPOSED
NECHAKO RIVER
TEWERATURE
REGULATH~
HI:REASED FUJf
REQUIRED TO ACHIEVE
TEMPERATURE
REGUlA TI 1111
COtELICTING
REQUIROENTS lF
CHINOIJ( AND SOCKEYE
SALtiiN
Under Alcan's scheme for the provtslon of sockeye cooling water, releases
into the Upper Nechako would be made in the following manner:
1. Water would be released only from Murray Lake from September 1 to June
30.
2. On July 1 releases of cold water from the Kenney Dam would be started.
Water temperature in the Upper Nechako River would be reduced gradually
by reducing the amount of warm water released from Murray Lake and by
increasing the amount of cold wat.er released from the Kenney Dam. By
July 10, the temperature of the river just below Cheslatt.a would have
stabilized at 10°C (50°F), and the latter temperature would be main-
tained until August 19.
3. After August 20, by decreasing the release of water from Kenney Dam and
increasing the release from Murray Lake, temperatures just below
Cheslatta would gradually be raised. By August 31, all water released
into the Upper Nechako River would again originate from Murray Lake.
Alcan proposes to maintain a base flow of 31.2 ems (1100 cfs) during the
period of April 1 to August 31 to provide rearing area for chin oak fry in
the Upper Nechako above its confluence with the Nautley River. Alcan's
calculations show, with water released at 10°C (50°F) just below Cheslatta,
that it would not be possible to maintain low enough temperatures to safe-
guard sockeye migration at the base flow. Their calculations show that it
would be necessary to maintain a long term mean flow of 40.9 ems (1444 cfs)
during July and August. This would result in the maintenance of a long-
t.erm average temaperature of 17.9°C (64.2°F) in the Nechako River just
above its confluence wH.h the Stuart River. The increase from 31 .2 ems
( 1100 cfs) to 40.9 ems ( 1444 cfs) is equivalent to a mean annual flow of
1.64cms (58cfs).
For adequate protect ion of migrating sockeye salmon, the IPSFC is recom-
mending that a long-term average temperature of 17.0°C (62.6°F) should be
maintained above Stuart. To maintain this lower average temperature in
July and August would require additional cooling water equivalent to a mean
annual flow of approximately 3.06 ems (108 cfs) above the base flow.
Based upon data on growth of chinook (Brett, 1982), Alcan deduced that am~
of maximum growth of chinook fry would take place within a temperature
range of 11.2°C (52.2°F) to 17.8°C (64.0°F). Unfortunately, if a constant
temperature of 10°C (50°F) is maintained below Cheslatta, it would often be
impossible to maintain sufficiently high temperatures in the Upper Nechako
River to provide maximum capacity for chinook growth (Figure 22).
In cool weather as much as two thirds of the length of the Upper Nechako
would be exposed to lower temperatures than those within the range
required. It would seem appropriate for Alcan to be prepared to regulate
water temperatures just below CheslaUa to meet chinook rearing as well as
sockeye cooling temperature requirements. Lower temperatures in the Upper
Nechako caul d not only reduce the capacity for growth of chinook f'ry, but
-49 -
HOW SUPERSATURAT~
DISSOLVED GASES
CONDITION OCCURS
EFFECTS OF
SUPERSATURATION ON
FISH
20
I 7.8
8
~
"' 0:
::J ...
<( 15
0: w
a.
::;
w ...
I I .2
10
0
0 10
Be rt 1s
30 50 70
Greer Tahultzu Nautley Talsunal
DISTANCE DOWNSTREAM IN MILES
FIGI.RE 22
90
Vanderhoof
TEMPERATliiE PROFIL£S FOR THE NECHAKO RIVER
I I 0
Stuart
also their main food source as Mundie ( 1983) notes that the effect of
cooler and more constant temperatures would likely lead to a reduction in
abundance and species diversity of benthic invertebrates. Alcan's tempera-
ture modelling studies have focussed upon sockeye migration. Further
studies may be required to determine the optimum temperature regime for
chinook at all li fe stages.
8.2 Total Gas Pressure
Water, at given depth, temperature and atmospheric pressure, dissolves
nitrogen and oxygen until it becomes saturated. Water becomse supersatura-
ted when air bubbles are entrained and subjected t.o hydrostatic pressure,
e.g., as happens at. the deep plunge pool at the baae of Chealat.ta Falls.
The solubilities of nitrogen and oxygen decrease aa water temperatures
rise. Turbulence reaerates water and allows supersaturated gases to escape
from solution.
Gas bubbles may form in the blood and tissues of Fish am .invertebrates
exposed to supersaturated solutions of nitrogen and oxygen, blocking blood
ci rcula t..ion, damaging t..issues and causing behavioral a nom ali es. The
effects can be lethal. Both supersaturated gasea are .involved, hence the
effects of their combined concentrations are expressed by the term -Total
Gas Pressure (TGP). Among salmonids, alevins and early fry are most
susceptible to damage from TGP. Invertebrates are leaa auscept. ible than
-50 -
DEFINITION OF SAFE
LIHH
CAlCUlATIONS OF TCP
ARE SUSPECT
TEMP. MODELLING FOR
SPRING SUH~R
PERIOD TO OCTERHII'£
NEED FOR MITIGATION
TEMP. HDDELLING FOR
SPRING SUH~R
PERIOD TO OCTERHII'£
NEED FOR MITIGATION
WATER QUALITY
STUDIES VERY
LIMITED
fish. Hydrostatic pressure compensates for TGP at a rate of about one per-
cent per 10 em increase in depth, but there is no conclusive evidence to
show that salmonids can de teet gas overpressures and compensate by moving
to deeper water.
Alderdice ( 1983) recommended that "with some risk" TGP in the Nechako River
should not exceed 102 to 108% for more than 24 hours and should never
exceed 108~~. Alcan (1983), quoting Ebel and Raymond (1976), cited a con-
centration of 110% as "usually considered an upper safe limit", but did not
identify any relationship between exposure time and concentration.
Alcan (1983) mathematically modelled TGP for the period July 15 to August
18, 1981 (assuming flow release from the existing Skins Lake spillway). At
10 of 12 stat.ions in t.he Upper Nechako River, the duration of exposure to
TGP exceeding 110% was more than 203 hours, at two, more than 838 hours.
If either Alderdice's or Alcan's TGP limits are valid, it is difficult to
conceive how chinook in the Upper Nechako could survive under such con-
ditions. It would appear that the accuracies of the model and the TGP
limits must be checked.
Alcan' s studies appear to have been focussed upon the sockeye migration
period (summer) and t•oute. Both the Department and A lean have acknowledged
the need to maintain chinook habitat in the Upper Nechako, but TGP model-
ling has not been carried out. for the period of mid-April t.o mid-July.
Late April to early May is a period when young chinook salmon in the Upper
Nechako River would be very vulnerable to TGP because they occupy the shal-
lows where the mitigating effect of compensatory depth is minimal.
Low water temperatures will also cause gases to go into solution readily in
the spring and summer. Therefore, more TGP modelling is required to pre-
dict what. supersaturation levels are likely to be encountered during that
period. Such calculations may show that. it would be necessary to bypass
the Cheslatt.a plunge pool and indicate whether reaeration structures would
also be required in the Upper Nechako River.
Low water temperatures will also cause gases to go into solution readily in
the spring and summer. Therefore, more TGP modelling is required to pre-
dict what. supersat.uration levels are likely to be encountered during that
period. Such calculations may show that. it would be necessary to bypass
the Cheslat.ta plunge pool and indicate .whether reaeration structures would
also be required in the Upper Nechako River.
8.3 Further Water Quality Considerations
Fisheries and Oceans has not conducted water quality investigations, speci-
fic to Kemano Completion. Limited wat.er quality studies were carried out
by Alcan' s consult ants. Whether the increased nutrient concentrations that.
would occur as a result of reduced flows under Kemano Completion would
result in excessive plant growths and algae has not been adequately inves-
tigat.ed. The impacts of excessive plant growth upon the habitat fish food
oeganisms, habitats of rearing and spawning fish, and upon water quality
(e.g., dissolved oxygen) may pose risks that are unacceptable.
-51 -
EFFECTS OF FUll
RIDUCJI~ ON
EXISTING POlLUTI~
SIIJRCES I'£EDS TO DE
ADOOESSED
NEED TO UPGRADE
EXISTING TREATMENT
FACILITIES NOT
EXAHHfl>
tmRE s JUDY IT
DISSOLVED HEAVY
METALS REQUIRID
OVERVIEW OF
MECHANISMS IT
DISEASE MD
PARASITE TRMSFER
NECHAKO TO KEMANO
TRANSFER ALREADY A
FACT
BASIC COti:E:~S OF
DISEASE AND HEALTH
At reduced flows, the dispersion of existing sewage and industrial effl-
uents will be altered and probably retarded. Effects such as reduced dis-
solved oxygen, algal blooms, and toxicity in the receiving waters have not
been adequately investigated.
Alcan have stated that the Provincial Pollution Control Board objectives
concerning effluent quality and dilution could be met. It has been assumed
by Alcan that the water quality requirements of fish will also be sat is-
fied. There are not enough data available to substant iat.e this claim.
Consideration has not been given to whether site-speci fie upgrading of
treatment would be needed (e.g., nutrient or heavy metals removal) or
whether outfalls would need relocation or upgrading (e.g., diffuser
ins tall a t.ion) •
According t.o Alcan's projections, concentrations of total and dissolved
heavy metals will increase owing to reduced flows following Kemano
Completion. Howevev, the fraction of metals that. would be reactive wH.h
aquatic life has not been estimated, either on the basis of existing levels
or at levels based upon projections of metals that would be con.tributed in
future by increased sewage discharges. Because some projected metals con-
centrations exceed criteria for protection of aquatic life, it is evident
that further work must be done.
9. DISEASES AND PARASITES
=======================
The Kemano Completion Project involves the diversion of Nanika and Kidprice
Lake waters (source waters) to the Nechako Reservoir and to the Kemano and
Nechako rivers (receiving waters). Linking watersheds can pose a hazard to
the health of fishes in the receiving waters by introducing alien disease
agents (including parasites) by degrading wat.er quality, and by introducing
animals that may transmit or harbour significant numbers of resident.
disease agents. The effects of these introductions may not become apparent
for many years.
Any transfers of disease agents from the Fraeer River (Nechako Reservoir)
to the Kemano River are assumed to have already occurred following the com-
pletion of the Kemano I diversion.
Bell (1983) and McDonald (1983) have reviewed th@ implications of transfer-
ring diseases and parasites from the Skeena Wl'!tershed to the Fraser and
Kemano systems. These are summarized as follows.
9. 1 Diseases
It is useful to outline briefly some basic concepts of health and disease
in order to put discussion of impact .in perspective. Like most animals,
fishes usually live in harmony with potential disease agents (pathogens):
disease is the exception, not the rule. Disease cpu sed by an indigenous
living agent (.i.e., infectious disease) is conceived of as resulting from a
disturbance of the complex interaction between the fish (host), environment
and potential pathogen. For example, debilitation of the host by environ-
-52 -
NO N«JUNT £F STUDY
PROVIOCS AS!iiRANCE
OF PATtoiEN ABSEN:E
RESUlTS Of DISEASE
STUDY
NO DISEASE TRANSFER
PROBlEM EXPECTED
PARASITE
STUDIES
mental degradation can so stress the fish that "background" organisms gain
the upper hand. Such degradation might consist of chemical or thermal pol-
lution, low oxygen, or gas supersaturation. On the other hand, devastating
disease outbreaks can occur from the introduction of even low numbers of an
exotic disease agent because the fish are defensively naive. An exotic or
alien disease agent is a species or strain of micro-organ.ism or paras.ite,
new to an area. Maintaining t.he disjunct distr.ibution known For many
disease agents .is therefore of major consequence to the fisheries resource,
and linking watersheds poses a hazard of introducing new disease agents.
Also, although larger fish, possibly carrying disease agents, can be pre-
vented from pass.ing into new receiving waters, the microscopic disease
agents, cannot be screened out, nor can the seeds of pest plants (e.g.,
Milfoil) or eggs and larval stages of animals (e.g., snails, leeches,
fishes). Some of these animals may act as reservoirs or vectors of
disease agents.
Although Alcan have met the sampling requirements suggested by the Depart-
ment to detect diseases or disease agents, it must be recognized that. no
amount of sampling and examination can give complete assurance of the ab-
sence of a given pathogen. By agreement, Envirocon ( 1981, 1983) looked
primarily for the common threatening diseases or pathogens of sal100nids,
and they did not examine for strain differences that. might be significant.
Another limitation that should be noted is that there is the possibility of
introducing as yet unrecognized disease agents. There .is no way of
avoiding this possibility except to maintain the present separat:ion of
watersheds.
According to the results of the disease surveys no important disease agent
was found in t.he source wat.ers that was not also present in the receiving
waters. Some important disease agents such as those of furunculosis and
bacterial kidney disease were not found .in fish from either system, a
rather surprising finding considering their wide distribution .in B.C. Some
agents (Cerat.omyxa shasta and Dermocystidium sp.) were detected in the
receiving waters only and hence appear to pose no problem.
The finding of infectious pancreatic n ecrosis virus ( IPNV) in the study
area has serious implications for fisheries management because this is the
first report of its occurrence in B.C. (It has been found on the Alberta/
B.C. border). However, the finding would not argue aga.ins t proceeding with
the watershed diversion because similar IPNV was reported .in both source
and receiving waters.
Kemano Completion does not appear to present a hazard to downstream fishes
from the int.roduction of alien microbial disease agents. On the other
hand, because of the threat of introducing exotic pathogens, steps should
be taken to ensure that the movement of fish or waters from the Fraser to
Skeena systems cannot occur.
9.2 Parasites
The determ.inat ion of the spec.ies compos .it ion of the parasite faunas of fish
in the source and receiving waters has been reasonably well documented from
-53 -
NANIKA HAS
PARASITES NOT FOUND
IN t£DIAKO
RESERVOIR
TRANSFER PRIJBLEMS
DIFFICULT TO
PREDICT
NEED FOR DEFINITION
OF FISH PROOU:T IlW
OOJECTIVES
SIGNIFICANCE lF
POTENTIAL FISH
PRODOCTilW
a qualitative perspective, although some spec.ies, particularly ectopara-
sites, may have been missed. From a quantitative perspective sampling has
been insufficient to provide statistically reliable dat.a on prevalence and
intensity of infection, when factot·s such as age of fish, season collected,
sex of fish, and locat.ion of fish within a large reservoir system are con-
sidered. Likely influences of environmental alterations (e.g., creation of
a reservoir, changes in water flows) on the parasite fauna, and t.he.ir
potential consequences for the fisheries resources, have not been
addressed.
Some parasites from Nanika-Kidprice that have not been found in the Nechako
Reservoir could be transferred, with potentially detrimental consequences
to t.he salmonid fishery resource. There is also the possibility of trans-
ferring new strains of parasites to the Nechako Reservoir, with additional
unknown consequences. Theoretically, there· is a potential for the reverse
transfer of parasites from the Fraser to the Skeena system, but as long as
barriers are maintained aga.ins t this trans fer it can be dismissed from
further consideration.
While there is always a risk associated with such a development, the con-
sequences of the completion of the project on the parasite populations and
subsequently on their fish hosts are difficult to predict, Should Kemano
Completion proceed, monitoring would be required.
10. POTENTIAL SALMON PRODUCTION FROM RIVERS AfFECTED BY KEMANO COMPLETION
=======================================~=~=======~===~================
The proposal by Alcan to undertake completion of H.s giant Kemano hydro-
electric project, because of its tremendous social and economic signifi-
cance to the region and its .inherent requirement for lruge volumes of
water, will bring the conflicting demands of wat.er for fish product ion and
water for hydro power generation .into sharp focus, Before these conflict-
ing demands can be properly addressed, it is incumbent upon the Department
to define and enunciate publicly its fish production objectives for the
Nanika, Morice, Nechako and Kemano rivers. These~ objectives must be real-
istic and attainable because the fish produotion objectives will largely
determine the quantity of water which must be relet:~aed by Alcan to permit
natural fish product ion and maintain vicb le ernr;~ncement opportunities.
This will provide the Department with the necessary yardsticks against
which to measure the merits of Alcan's proposals for ensuring that no net
loss of present and potential fish production results from development of
the project. The viability of the project may well depend upon the volume
of water made available for fish production.
When considering the implications of the Kemano Completion Project on the
salmon stocks of the foul' rivers involved, one must rapidly come to grips
with the definition of "potential product ion". This will determine the
degree to which the project's impacts must be mit ig& ted and .if necessary
the extent and nature of compensation to which th~ developer must be com-
mitted .in order to ensure that no net loss of potl:lntial fLsh production
wi.ll ensue as a consequence of project <!levelopment, It is now generally
recognized that current production levels are the result of a long history
of overfishing and are not a reflection of the production attainable from
-54 -
FACTOOS AFITCTINi
POTENTIAL
ALL STOCKS
HARVESTID IN HIXffi
STOCK FISHERY
SOCKEYE CAPAC! TY
IMPORTANCE lF
NANIKA NUTRIENTS
available habitat given changes in the management of the fishery (Pearse,
1981; 1982). However, it must also be recognized that in certain instan-
ces, proper management of the fishery does not mean that potenUal bio-
logical production levels could be attained in all areas by all stocks.
The potential of a salmon stock is dependent upon the capacity of the natal
stream, its productivity and its manageability. The relative productivity
of the stocks within a management unit are determined by the rates of
return of adults produced per spawning pair of each stock. The higher the
rate of return, the great.er is the productivity. Manageability is the term
applied to the ability to manage a given fishery with minimal or no detri-
mental impacts on non-target stocks. For example, if a given stock is
mixed wit.h stocks known to have the same relative productivity, they can
all be harvested at the same rate to optimize escapement without endanger-
.ing any of the stocks, and all are considel.'ed manageable. On the othel'
hand, if a fishery is conducted on a large productive stock Which is mixed
in with many stocks of lesser productivit.y, the fishel'y is not considel.'ed
manageable since the fishery targetting of the most productive stock would
overexplo.it all the othel.' less productive stocks in the fishery. A simila!.'
and compounding pl.'oblem may occur when stocks al.'e taken incidentally in a
series of sequential fishel'ies over a wide geograph.ic area. Stocks such as
these are on the route to extinction unless their exploitation rates can be
!.'educed through better fishel'y regulation or their productivity can be im-
pl.'oved through application of enhancement technology. All salmon stacks,
except the sockeye migrating through the Nechako, implicat.ed in the Kemano
Completion Pl.'oject have one thing in common; all are harvested in mixed
stock fisheries of which they are a minor component. Consequently, all
stocks are subject to manageability problems and this reality is recognized
when the potential of these stocks is identified.
Nanika River
The Nanika Rive!.' provides the principal spawning ground for what is known
as the Morice Lake sockeye population. The Nanika River spawning areas are
estimated to have a total capacity of 32,000. The Morice sockeye popula-
tion has a history of being overfished because its timing coincides with
the larger and mol.'e productive Pinkut River sockeye run to Babine Lake.
The problem has been compounded since increased returns from the Pinkut
River spawning channel have entered the Skeena River fishery.
The pl.'oposal by Alcan does not significantly th!.'eaten the sockeye spawning
areas on the Nanika. The principal threat. is that the prime source of
nutrients to Morice Lake is the Nanika River, and its annual flow contribu-
tion will be reduced by 62%. In limnological terms, Morice Lake is one of
the least productive lakes in North America, and a reduction of nutrients
of such magnitude would significantly affect the survival of Morice sock-
eye. If Alcan were to provide fol' fert..ilizat.ion of Morice Lake as compen-
sation for the loss of the Nanika River nutrient input, the Morice Lake
system may sustain the Nanika potential escapement of 32 ,DOD sockeye plus
.increases to the 2,000 lake spawnel.'s in Morice and Atna Lakes.
-55 -
NANIKA RIVER
CHINO()( AND com
PlFULATHWS
CHINOOK POPULATION
DATA AND POTENTIAL
ASPECTS lF DH NOOK
fiSHERY
IMPACT lF FUJf
RIDUCTION ON
HEARl~
CotiJ POTENTIAL
The Nan.ika River supports minor populat.ions of chinook and coho salmon.
Historically, escapements of 400 -500 for each species have been record-
ed. Mitigation in the form of flow releases to sustain these populations
would preclude the diversion of the Nanika as a component of Kemano comple-
tion. If this .is not the case, Alcan should be prepared to compensate for
these stocks to historic escapement levels.
Morice River
The Morice River chinook escapements currently represent 20% of the total
chinook salmon escapements to the Skeena River. In the recent past, this
stock has constituted as much as 40% of the total Skeena chinook popula-
t.ion. Recent escapements have been in the 5-7, DOD range and consequently
it is the most important. single salmon stock in the Morice system.
Escapements on six occasions since 1950 approximated 15,000 but these have
never produced escapements exceeding 50'!6 of the brood year population.
That .is not surprising since the measured capacity of the chinook spawning
grounds is 12,000.
The Skeena River chinook stocks are all markedly depressed as a consequence
of over-fishing. There has not been a directed commercial fishery for
Skeena chinook for at least a decade and in some years, constraints have
been placed on the recreational fishery. In 1982 The Indian food fishery
ori the Skeena River is estimated to have caught approximately 9,200 chinook
salmon. Of this number 3,000 were attributed to the Moricetown Fishery.
All Skeena chinook harvested .in the commercial fishery are taken inciden-
tally in the major-pink and sockeye fisheries. The prospects for further
curtailment of these fisheries are being pursued. In recognition of these
circumstances, the Department's North Coast Division is implementing a
blend of management and enhancement strategies for all major chinook stocks
on the Skeena system to mitigate against the consequences of the major
fisheries. It is anticipated that current populations of natural stocks
can be sustained. The balance of the natural capacity would have to be
filled by enhanced production. The enhancement strategy resulting from the
blending of the sources of production is dependent upon the optimal use of
currently underutilized habitat. Returns from such efforts would be
permitted to spawn naturally until the 12,000 capacity .is reached.
Kemano completion is not expected to reduce the capacity of the chinook
spawning areas. However, the reduction of flow in the Morice River will
result in a reduction of its natural rearing capacity and as such, rep~:e
sent.s a threat to the potential production of the system. It would also
represent an increase in the capital and operating costs of any chinook
enhancement effort because such enhancement would necessitate 1+ years of
hatchery rearing. If Alcan diverts the Nanika it must then be prepared to
optimize the remaining natural habit. at (in the Morice). Losses acc~:u.ing
from reduced rearing habitat that remain would have to be replaced by arti-
ficial means.
Morice River coho constitute 4% of the total Skeena River escapement, Like
coho everywhere on the B.C. coast, they a~:e ~at the subject of a broad
management strategy. The proposed reductions in flow will, as for chinook,
-56 -
PIN< SAUIJN
POPULATHW
EXPANDINi
SOCKEYE SALMIDU
POTENTIAL
CHINOOK POPULATION
DATA
manifest itself by reducing the rearing capacity for juvenile coho.
Currently, the potenhal escapement goal .is 10,000 fish which the river
historically has produced. The proponent should be prepared to provide
mit.igative and compensatory measures necessary to sust.ain this potential if
the project proceeds.
Morice River pink salmon are in the process of extending their distribution
throughout the Bulkley-Morice system as made possible by the construction
of the Moricetown fishway and by obstacle removal in the Hagwilget Canyon.
In the absence of adequate data, it is not possible to establish realistic
estimates of potential pink production. The 1983 escapement was 30,000
spawners. At. this level their numbers are not significant. in terms of the
total Skeena pink escapement or contribut.ion to the pink fishery.
Nechako River
The Nechako River system is ut.ilized by chinook and sockeye salmon.
Numerically, the sockeye populations are far more substantial than the
chinook, a factor that has always made management of the latter more comp-
lex and difficult.
The sockeye salmon stocks of the Nechako system do not spawn in the Nechako
River but use it as a migration route to spawning and rearing areas in the
Stuart and Nautley River systems. Like all Fraser River salmon stocks
above Lytton, sockeye salmon populat.ions native to the Nechako River
systems were severely impacted by the Hell's Gate slide of 1913 which was
not corrected until 1945.
Since completion of the Hell's Gate fishways, the International Pac.i fie
Salmon Fisheries Commission has, through regulation of the commercial
fishery and modest enhancement effort, managed to subs tant iall y rebuild the
sockeye populations nat . .ive to the Nechako River watershed. However, the
potential rearing capacity of the five lakes involved ( Takla, Trembleur,
Stuart, Francois and Fraser), has scarcely been tapped. Presently, j_n
dominant years, the five lakes are being utilized by the progeny of 310,000
female spawners while they cotAA theoretically handle the progeny from
3,170,000 females (Vernon, 1982~ This represents over half of the unused
sockeye production potential of the Fraser River system. Consequently, the
maintenance of the Nechako River as a migration route is of paramount
importance.
The period of numerical record for chinook salmon escapements commences in
1934. The escapements up to and including those of 1952 represent the
pre-development returns to the river. The maximum estimated chinook
escapements to the Nechako was 4,000 (unpublished, Mclaren, 1952: Tuyttens,
1952). In the 18-20 year period following dam closure, escapements
dropped from a pre-development average of approximately 1,150 to as low as
75. Observations were not possible in two years. In the period 1971 -
1980, escapements averaged 1,354.
MANAGEJENT ACTI~S
TAKEN
CHINOOK POTENTIAL
KEMAND RIVER
ESCAPEtENT RECORD
POTENTIAL
APPROXIMATED
The improved escapements in the latter period are considered to be the
product of less extreme fluctuations in flow regime and regulatory efforts
to reduce the exploitation rate of the various flsheries on Fraser
chinook. It was during the latter period that the chinook gillnet fishery
of the lower Fraser was virtually eliminated along with the very early
sockeye openings in which many early up-river chinook stocks -Nechako
included -were incidentally harvested. There is no commercial fishery
remaining which targets exclusively on Fraser River chinook salmon. Since
1980 the sport fishery at the mouth of the Fraser has been closed as a con-
servation measure. Negotiations have been held with various Fraser River
Indian Bands for the purpose of securing a reduced exploitat.ion on certain
stocks, although the total Indian Fraser River chinook catch has averaged
about 18,000 per year for the period 1970 -1983. Since the precarious
state of the Fraser River chinook stocks has been recognized, all targeted
fisheries on chinooks have been closed and other regulations have been
passed to reduce the incidental catch of chinook. All this indicates that
many management options, particularly those applied to the Fraser River
fishery itself, have been exhausted and that opportunities for restoration
of this stock by management action are limited to those affecting very wide
geographic areas.
It is apparent from a comparison of Departmental and Alcan habitat data
with escapement data that the capacity of the spawning grounds has never
been reached within the period of record. In the past 10 -12 years ( 1983
excepted), there has been a modest trend towards increased escapements. If
this modest rate of recovery can be sustained and further augmented by the
benefits accruing from wide ranging restrictions on various coastal
fisheries, it is possible that escapements of 5,000 could reaListically be
attained in three cycles. This then is the fish potential to which Alcan
must gear its mitigative and compensatory considerations.
Kemano River
The Kemano powerhouse became operational in 1954 and the low flow regime of
the river was gradually expanded, while the mean monthly flows for the two
high runoff months increased 80% in the last 15 years. As a consequence,
the available habitat for salmon has expanded markedly. Assuming the
impact of this increased habitat area and stability began to be demonstra-
ted in 1959, a comparison of pre-and post-development escapement averages
(1934 -1982) is presented. Average coho escapements declined from 12,313
to 4,881. This apparently has been the only Kemano stock Which appears to
have been negatively affected by the increased flows. The chinook escape-
ment average increased from 1,500 to 2,000. Average chum escapements have
increased from 18,700 to 42,000 while average pink escapements have in-
creased from 34,000 to 60,750.
It can be expected that. the potential of the Kemano River could be expanded
beyond the 200,000 pinks and 100,000 chums which occupied the habitat. in
1972. The extent of this growth in potential cannot be predicted at this
time because it will depend upon the quality and extent of the habitat that
may be created by the expanded flow regime, and the degree of success
achieved in the management of the Area 6 mixed stack fishel'Y 1 \'A1 ich more
-58 -
COMPENSATION LAST
RESORT
NATURAL PRODUCTION
CONSEQUEM:ES IF
DIVERS!~
ESTIMATES OF IMPACT
than any other factor, dictates the health of Kemano River pink and chum
stocks. It also seems reasonable that the potential for coho will decrease
because coho micro habitats may be lost as the river assumes larger physi-
cal proportions. Chinook potentials may increase.
11 • TOWARD NO NET LOSS OF FISH PRODUCTION
======================================
If Kemano Camp letion proceeds an exhaustive examination of all pass ib le
approaches to mitigation will be vigorously pursued by the Department .•
Notwithstanding that, it should be apparent to the reader that. in many
instances there will be no way found to mitigate some of the impacts and
losses to the fisheries resource suggested by the development of this pro-
ject. Compensation for the remaining losses must then be cons .ide red. Con-
siderat.ion of compensation in return for losses and impacts to the resource
must be viewed as a last resort for it should be obvious that there is no
perfect substitute for lost natural salmon production and habitat.
The Department's approach to compensation for f.ish losses stems from its'
developing habitat management policy. Compensation is sought firstly as
natural production, secondly as some form of semi-natural production and
lastly as artificial production. Techniques that provide the least
interference with the genetic integrity of the natural stocks and have the
greatest chance of success are considered first. In recognition of the
Department's approach, Alcan has developed some preliminary views on
opportunities for compensation. As the requirement for compensation would
most probably constitute a major component of any decision on the
acceptability of the project a discussion of possible opportunities is
presented for cons.iderat..ion. At. this point in time no discussion of
compensation in the Kemano River .is presented.
Nanika River
Alcan proposes to divert 62% of the mean annual flow of the Nanika River to
the Kemano Reservoir. The bulk of this flow would be drawn off in the four
month period -May through August -which is the normal high flow period in
the river.
would:
This diversion would have three principal consequences.
1) Greatly reduce the nutrient input into Morice Lake;
It
2) Greatly reduce the capacity of the Nanika River to produce chinook
and coho salmon, and;
3) Substant.ially reduce the discharge of the Morice River during the
high flow months of June 1 July and August.
Alcan has estimated that reductions of rearing area of 90% for coho and 7mo
for chinook would occur as a consequence of the Nanika Diversion. Using
their escapement es t..imat.es of 27 5 chinook and 3 50 coho, they have trans-
lated losses of rearing habitat into total stock losses of 250 chinook and
1, 200 coho. The Department considers that. the catch to escapement ratios
used to derive total stock losses are erroneous. This has led to substan-
tial overestimation of coho losses and underestimation of the chinook
-59 -
EXPECTED FISH
LOSSES
GLACIER CREEK
DIVERSHW
CONTROLLED REARING
ENVIROtK:NTS
NANIKA RIVER IS
SOURCE or NUTRIENTS
FOR KJRICE LAKE
NANIKA DIVERS! 114
WOULD I ... ROVE
WINTER CONDITIONS
IN KJRICE RIVER
LOSSES or SUHK:R
REARING HI\BITAT
losses. Furthermore, the Department regards the potentials of the Nanika
River to be in the order of 400 chinook and 500 coho. Consequently, the
re-adjusted potential total stock losses become 1,000 chinook and 900 coho
adults, On the positive side, it is possible that flow stabilization could
benefit those chinook and coho populations remaining by increasing their
rate of survival as long as good water quality conditions can be assured.
The extent of this benefit is subject to speculation but it is unlikely to
adequately offset losses of rearirg habitat.
Alcan is considering diverting the cold and silt-laden Glacier Creek water
into the Nanika Reservoir. This could improve some characteristics of the
Nanika River which now is extremely turbid, naturally silted and cold for
two-thirds of its length owing to the Glacier Creek inflow. Temperature
regulation might be required to provide suitable temperature conditions.
The actual benefits of such a consideration could only be identified after
the fact.
If the project proceeds, the disruption of natural rearing environments by
extreme flood discharges would not occur. This may present an opportunity
to develop controlled but natural rearing environments in the Nanika. The
feasibility or benefits of any such opportunity cannot be determined
beforehand, especially in the absence of detailed proposals. These
opportunities would probably be more successful if the Glacier Creek
diversion were implemented.
The Nanika River is the principal source of nutrients into extremely
nutrient-poor Morice Lake. It is in Morice Lake where the Nanika juvenile
sockeye rear for two or three years. Their length of residency is largely
dependent upon their rate of growth which is dependent upon zooplankton
availability. The loss of nutrient input associated with the diversion of
62% of the annual Nanika River discharge is expected to exceed 62% because
nutrient input is higher during the spring freshet and virtually all of the
flows will be diverted at that time. Sockeye populations would not be
sustained at their present level let alone potential levels with this
magnitude of nutrient loss. Alcan has suggested lake enrichment technology
to offset this loss.
Morice River
The Nanika Diversion and t.he flow regime proposed for Nanika has negative
consequences for the Morice River flow regime. There would be reductions
ranging between 41 and 32% in the peak mean monthly discharges in the
months of June, July and August. Alcan has suggested that the Nanika
reservoir be operated in such a way as to release more water than .is now
naturally available in the Morice River during t.he months of March and
April. These increases expressed as percentages will range from 6 to 10%.
Alcan has estimated that the summer flow reduct. ions in the high discharge
months will reduce the sidechannel habitat. by 8 to 30%. On the basis of
their original data, sidechannels of the Morice account for 28% of the
chinook production and 37% of the coho production. Assuming incorrect
catch to escapement ratios, and escapement potent i.als of 8,000 chinook and
-60 -
EXPECTED FISH
LOSSES
WINTER CONDITIONS
FOR REARIN; COJIJ
AND OUNO(J(
IMPROVED
ENVIRIIlJN'S
APPROACH TO
CDHPENSAT HW
SPECIFIC
COMPENSATION
PRlFOSAlS NOT
ADVANCED
FRYPLANTINi
PROPOSALS
4,000 coho, they have calculated !:hat. the losses resulting from t.he
diversion would be 1,300 chinook adults and 1,650 coho adults. Alcan
subsequent! y increased their estimation of side channel product ion to 46%
for chinook and approximately 4m~ for coho.
The Department views the realistic potential escapement. as being 12,000
chinook and 10,000 coho. Consequently, the potential losses to fish pro-
duction would translate to 8,300 chinook and 3 1 000 coho. It is very uncer-
tain that the benefits of improved winter flow conditions would increase
the smolt output to the extent required to offset losses to current. popula-
tions, let alone the potentials to which the Department proposes to manage
the system.
Alcan has indicated an acceptance of the need to compensate for fish losses
with a preference foL' reliance on habitat improvement or artificial
incubation and subsequent natural rearing. Clearly, the approach
of improving winter flow conditions proposed by Alcan is a very good
recommendation supported by good data that. ind.icate that natural winter
flow conditions are t.he direct cause of substantive mortalities to
overwintering salmonids. However, there is no comparison available to show
how much habitat will be improved to enable estimates of production gains
to be calculated for different increments of flow release. For the Morice
River, Alcan has suggested a three-pronged approach to compensation. They
are cons ide ring various approaches to habitat development to compensate for
lost rearing areas and they are considering wild fry rearing and smolt
replacement as ways to further compensate for lost habitat and salmon
production. Included in habitat development are:
1) Maintenance of selected back and side channels;
2) Creation of coho rearing ponds;
3) Instream improvements;
4) Stream fertilization;
5) Tributary access improvement, barrier removal;
6) Tributary flow control.
Wit.h the exception of stream fertilization, all of the above are proven
methods for improving t.he productivity of the habitat, although they have
not been applied in any system on the scale that. would be required here.
Stream fertilization technology is still experimental. However, Alcan has
not made speci fie proposals regard.ing any of these approaches. This may be
due to the many uncertainties about the scale of losses likely to accrue
and the lack of in format. ion needed to des.ign such proposals. However, it
would appear that Alcan has considerable biological information on hand
that could be employed to identify opportunities for pilot scale
investigations.
Wild fry rearing by Alcan's definition involves planting artificially
incubated fry from native donor stock into under-utilized areas. This
becomes feasible if spawning escapements are considerably less than op.timal
or if substantial stream lengths above obstructions to salmonid migrat. ion
-61 -
SIO... T REPLACOENT
PR[J>OSAL FOR
CHANNEL MAINTENANCE
POSSIBILITY TO
AUGK:NT WINTER Flllf
CON>ITIONIS
PRIN:IPAL.
CONSEQUENCES OF
NECHAKO DIVERSION
WATER QUAL lTV
PROBLEMS MUST
EMP~OY MITIGATION
, .. e suitable. Only in the latter case might it be considered a reasonable
long term option. With the prospect of diminished flows, fry planting
might well compound a habitat shortage problem unless it were undertaken to
optimize any habitat development activities.
Smolt replacement is a viable but costly alternative to natural smolt pro-
duction since chinook as well as coho production would involve rearing for
12-14 month periods.
Alcan has proposed a temporary dam structure at the outlet of Morice Lake
as means for providing an artificial flood surge to maintain the existing
channel configuration. This approach is of uncertain merit. It may be
more appropriate to consider more direct means of channel maintenance.
There is, however, merit in considering a control of the outflow from
Morice Lake to augment the low winter flows which the consultants have
shown is affecting chinook, coho and trout survival. It is possible that a
few feet of storage could be developed on Morice Lake that would
appreciably increase the low winter flows in Morice River.
Nechako River
(_ t1r:) j . I '1 g I I
Alcan proposes to divert 80% of the mean annual flowAnow remaining in the
Nechako River through the Kemano Reservoir and into new powerhouse
facilities at Kemano. This diversion has four principal consequences which
must be addressed to protect the existing and potential chinook and sockeye
salmon stocks of the Nechako system. These are the maintenance of:
1) Satisfactory water quality regimes, such as temperature and total
dissolved gases, in the Nechako River between the Nautley River
and Prince George to ensure safe migratory conditions for adult
sockeye salmon on their way to their respective spawning grounds
and to provide suitable conditions for rearing chinook,
particularly in the Upper Nechako;
2) Adequate spawning capacity for chinook salmon utilizing the upper
Nech ako River;
3) The maintenance of adequate rearing capacity for juvenile chinook
salmon native to the upper Nechako River; and
4) Assessment and amelioration of potential impediments to migration
at points of difficult passage downstream of Prince George.
Alcan proposes to mitigate rather than compensate for the first three
problems through controlled flow releases affecting both volume and water
quality. It has not addressed the fourth.
-62 -
WATER QUALITY
PROBLEMS KIST
EMPLOY MITIGATION
FLOW REGII£ FOR
3 ,000 CHINO[)(
DEPARTMENT'S VIEW
OF ADEQUACY lF FLOW
PROPOSALS
HATCHERY MUST BE
REQUIRED TO SUSTAIN
CHINOOK POTENTIAL
SCOPE lF KEHANO
COMPLETION PROJECT
The resolution of the water quality problems is dependent upon mitigative
and not. compensative approaches. While approaches have been discussed pre-
viously, solutions remain to be found.
With reference to the chinook populations, Alcan has proposed a flow regime
they believe will sustain an escapement of 3,000 fish which is considerably
short of the Department's target.
As has previously been discussed, the proposed flow regime for the
September spawning period would probably accommodate 5,000 spawners.
However, the Department holds the view that the overwintering flows pro-
posed would place incubating eggs at great risk, because there is no margin
of safety for severe winter conditions or ice-generated localized fluctua-
tions in water levels. These flows also serve to provide rearing for over-
wintering chinook in the Upper Nechako River.
There has been no study done on overwintering chinook to establish their
abundance, significance or rearing requirements. The summer rearing
requirements for chinook cannot be established for the progeny of 5,000
potential spawners because all the information necessary to make such an
assessment has not been obtained or is in dispute·. The problem of estab-
lishing summer rearing flows is compounded by the possibility that the need
to control and depress temperatures in the Upper Nechako River for sockeye
cooling purposes may preclude the optimization of chinook rearing there.
If the project is to be completed, and on the assumption that long-term
monitoring would reveal that rearing conditions are limiting chinook pro-
duction, it would be necessary to identify approaches to compensation for
those losses. As has been stated, the preference would be to use a semi-
natural approach to resolve the problem. It may be difficult. to obtain
acceptable mitigation by using the remaining river channel in view of the
94% reduction from the original natural peak flow regime. Given
this reality, a solution for offsetting the impacts of the Nechako River
Diversion may be the mitigation of the sockeye requirements by regulating
the temperature of their migration route and the maintenance of chinook
production by full 'artificial hatchery enhancement. To date, this possi-
bility has not been considered by Alcan and its consultants because they
have held to the conviction that the chinook salmon potential would not be
diminished by the proposed reductions in flow.
12. DISCUSSION
===========
The scope of the Kemano Completion Project is enormous. Its overall cost
has been estimated to be $2.2 billion. A glance at Figure 1 shows that a
chain of lakes 200 km. (124 miles) long has already been impounded to form
the Nechako Reservoir. Just less than half of t.he reservoir's capacity is
now being used to power the Kitimat smelter which has a production capacity
of 240,000 tonnes per year. Alcan now proposes to divert even more water
from t.he Nechako Reservoir (a am~ reduction of the pre-Keman o I flow
regime) and in addition would like to divert 62~~ of the mean annual flow of
the Nanika River in order to generate the power that would be needed for
-63 -
ALCIW CAUSES
HABITAT PROBLEM Nllf
IN t£CHAKO
DEPARTIENT HAS A
POLICY IF "NO t£T
LOSS"
NATIIIAL HABITAT
HAll> TO REPLACE
RETAIN AS fi.ICH
NATURAL HABITAT AS
POSSIBLE
TlfiEE SCENARIOS FOR
PUBLIC DISCUSSION
two new smelters. To achieve this goal would require the diversion to
Kemano of 86~~ of the combined mean annual flows of the Nechako and Nanika
watersheds.
The Nechako in its diminished state has already presented the Department
with salmon habitat maintenance problems. One, for example,· has been to
maintain sufficiently cool water temperatures in the Nechako River to pre-
vent large runs of migrating sockeye from being destroyed. Now the Depart-
ment is faced with a proposal that would impact upon the habitat of salmon
(and steelheoct and resident trout) in two hit.herto pristine rivers; the
Nanika and the Morice.
In all cases, the Department does not insist that. the waters of all salmon
rivers be reserved for the sole purpose of producing salmon, but it. does
adhere firmly to the more reasonable posit.ion of "no net loss". In other
words, potential users of salmon waters must plan to avoid as many losses
to salmon production as reasonably possible, and "after the fact" they must
stand ready to fully compensate for all damage. For the Department. to
require less would be to abandon its mandate which is to protect and pre-
serve the fisheries resources of Canada.
There is no perfect substitution for natural salmon habitat. If habitat is
lost, the loss is likely to be irretrievable. One can partially compensate
by producing salmon by alternative methods, but. the substitution can only
be regarded as second best.: for one thing, in the case of hatchery pro-
duction, the fish may not have the genetic characteristics of the wild
stocks, and for a-nother they are costly to produce. Moreover, it is a cost.
that must be borne in perpetuity.
When other water uses are seen to be important to the public interest, the
Department strives first t.o reduce the severity of impacts; i.e., mitigate
as much as possible. If t.hat is insufficient, the Department accepts com-
pensation (in fish production, not monies). Moreover, and most important-
ly, the compensation is sought firstly as natural production, secondly, as
some form of semi-natural production, lastly as artifictal production.
This distinctton arises from the recognition that wild fish are the essen-
tial base of all our fisheries. We are, therefore, committed to the main-
tenance of natural habitat which has the capacity to yield salmon at no
cost (except that of its safekeeping) for many years to come.
To provide a focus for public discussion of issues embodied in the Kemano
Completion proposal three possible decision options or scenarios are pre-
sented, together with a summary of the key fish production and habitat
impacts anticipated with each scenario. The present situation (status quo)
is discussed first. In the second scenario it is assumed that. the Nanika
River would not be diverted, and in the third which incorporates Alcan's
proposal, it is assumed that the Nanika River would be diverted.
Scenario 1 The Present Situation
In this scenario it is assumed, based on the period 1978-1982, that. the
existing mean annual flow that is now being used to generate power for
-64 -
LARGE 1-UifS
PRESENTLY REQUIRED
FOR SOCKEYE COOLING
CAUSE HARMFUL
EFFECTS
MAINTENANCE
INJUNCTION BASE
FLOWS WITH IPSFC
TEMPERATURE REGIME
MAINTENANCE OF
ALCAN'S FLOW AND
TEMPERATURE REGIME
aluminum production would continue to be used for that purpose, but that
the remainder of the reservoir's mean annual flow, augmented by the mean
annual flow of the Cheslatta River, would be used for fisheries purposes.
Because wat.er that. is now released from the reservoir via the Skins Lake
spillway is subjected to considerable warming during its passage through
the Cheslatta and Murray Lake system, it has been necessary to release very
large flows from Skins Lake for sockeye cooling purposes. Despite large
flow releases, it has not always been possible to depress temperatures suf-
fic.iently. The very large flows have eroded the banks of the Cheslatta
River and have caused siltation of the Cheslatta and Nechako rivers.
fhe present. method of providing sockeye cooling flows is considered to be a
continuing threat to the chinook stocks of the Nechako River. The threat
could be mitigated by providing a deep intake at Kenney Dam which would
enable cold water to be mixed with warm water from the Ches latta River so
that such large flows would not be required. (This was recommended by the
Department in 1950 when Alcan originally applied for the water licence.)
Assuming that all water surplus to the needs of the Kitimat smelter would
be used for fisheries purposes, a flow of 113.6 ems (4010 cfs) would be
available for maintenance of f1sh habitat. Sufficient flow could be
provided for cooling during sockeye migration and for chinook spawning,
incubation, rearing and overwintering in the Upper Nechako River.
Scenario 2 No diversion of the Nanika River
In this scenario it is assumed that a deep intake at. the Kenney Dam would
provide a source of very cold water that would permit a constant tempera-
ture of 50°F to be maintained just below Cheslatta in the Upper Nechako
River.
Scenario 2a. It is assumed that a base (Injunction) flow of 56.6 ems (2000
cfs) would be maintained in the Upper Nechako River to provide rearing area
for chinook from April 1 to August 31. Flows would have to be raised by
varying amounts (depending upon weather conditions) to provide f.or cooLing
during sockeye migration in July and August.
To target for maintenance of the IPSFC' s long term average temperature dur-
ing sockeye migration w.ith maintenance of the Injunct ion Flow regime would
require the provision of 43.8 ems (1546 cfs) or 21% of the water available
from the reservoir and the Cheslatt.a River for fisheries purposes. The
remaining 79% or 166.18 ems (5868 cfs) would be available for generation of
power.
Scenario 2b. Under Alcan's proposed regime a base flow of 31.15 ems (1100
cfs) ~10uld be maint.ained in the Upper Nechako from April 1 to August 31.
Flow adjustments in July and August would be required during sockeye migra-
tion.
To target for maintenance of Alcan's long term average temperature and
their proposed flow regime for fish and other uses would result in 26.14
ems ( 923 cfs) being provided far fish. The percent age of water allocated
to fish would be 12~~; for power, 88%.
-65 -
IMPACTS lF
INJUI'I:Tlll"1! FLON
REGII£ AND ALCAN' S
ClH"ARm
OTHER WATER QUALITY
FACTORS REQUIRE
EVALUATI1l"11
MANY ADOCD Iti'ACTS
ANTICIPATED WITH
NANIKA DIVERSI1l"11
SPECIFIC IMPACTS
UPON NANIKA RIVER
Water for maintenance of chinook would originate from the Cheslatta system
and would reflect the influence of meteorological conditions upon that sys-
tem (except during July and August). The temperature regime would not be
the same in the Nechako River as it was prior to Kemano I. The effects
upon chinook habitat that. would result from the changed regime have not
been fully addressed.
The impacts of Alcan's proposed flow regime have been discussed at length
in Section 6.3. To summarize, negative effects upon incubating eggs and.
alevins could take place due to freezing during cold winters under Alcan's
proposed flow regime. A loss of rearing area or at least a change in con-
ditions of chinook rearing has probably occurred as a result of Kemano I.
Reductions from the Injunction flow of 56.6 ems (2000 cfs) to 31.15 ems
(1100 cfs) would probably result in further reductions in quality as well
as quantity of rearing area. Further reductions in the quantity of avail-
able food could take place under the Alcan regime. Pre-Kemano flushing
flows in the order of 509.8 ems (18000 cfs) used to take place in the
spring. These flows would be eliminated with provision of either the
Injunction Flow regime or Alcan's proposed flow regime.
With cool spring water temperatures, the solubility of gases increases, and
may cause serious supersaturation problems to occur at. a time of maximum
susceptibility of chinook fry.
Increased concentrations of nutrients could cause algae and aquatic ~'teeds
to proliferate in the Nechako River, and l:he effects of increased concen-
trations of heavy metals cannot be predicted at this time.
Scenario 3 (With diversion of the Nanika River)
The negative impacts, risks and uncertainties that can be anticipated in
the Nechako River under both Alcan's proposed regime and the Injunct ion
flow regime were presented in Scenario 2. They would remain·the same under
this scenario, but there would be additional impacts upon the Nanika,
Morice and Bulkley rivers.
Scenario 3a. In this scenario, it is assumed that the Nanika River would
be diverted as proposed by Aleen. In the Nechako River, the injunction
flows for chinook salmon and the IPSFC recommended temperat.ure regime for
sockeye would be maintained.
Scenario 3b. Scenario 3b is A lean's proposed Kemano Completion project
which includes the Nanika diversion and Alcan's Nechako River flows For
fish and other uses and their recommended temperature regime for sockeye
migration.
Nanika River Impacts
The .implications of diversion of 62% of the mean annual Flow of the Nanika
River have been discussed at length in Section 4.3, Briefly, nutrient in-
put into Morice Lake would be great! y reduced and would probably result in
-66 -
SPECIFIC IMPACTS ON
MORICE RIVER
BULKLEY IMPACT
SCENARIO 3 PRESENTS
HOST RISKS
the production of fewer and less viable sockeye smolts, unless the lake
were artificially fertilized. Radical reductions in chinook and coho rear-
ing area would occur. Unless chinook and coho fry were able to find
sufficient opportunities for rearing in Morice Lake or the Mar ice River,
the Nanika River chinook and coho populations would decline. Excessively
high temperatures could occur in the Nanika River as a result of major
reductions in flow during June, July and early August. Sockeye and chinook
migration from Morice Lake to the Nanika River spawning grounds could be
delayed. Greatly reduced spring flows could expose sockeye fry migrating
to Morice Lake to increased predation. Reduced flushing flows could lead
to a gradual deterioration of substrate quality that could affect spawning
success and food production.
Maintenance of generally higher than average winter flows could have bene-
ficial effect. s upon sockeye, chinook and coho during their incubation
period.
Morice River
A full discussion of the impacts upon the Morice River that would result
from diversion of the Nanika River has been presented in Section 5.3.
Losses of chinook and coho rearing habitat are expected during spring and
summer in the Morice River. Major losses of habitat could reduce chinook
and coho production. Major losses of presently utilized pink salmon
spawning area could occur. Reduced November flows are expected to reduce
coho spawning area, and access to some tributaries utilized by spawning
coho may be impeded.
Maintenance of generaLLy increased winter flows is expected to benefit the
survival of all species during incubation. Overwintering losses of chinook
and echo juveniles may be substantially reduced also by increased winter
flows.
Bulkley River
Reductions in flow of up to 20% are expected in August during the upstream
migration period of all species. Alteration of the fishways at Moricetown
may be required.
One can see that diversion of two thirds of the mean annual flow of the
Nanika River will cause impacts not only upon the Nanika River but also
upon the salmon (steelhead and resident trout) habitats of the Morice and
Bulkley rivers. It is impossible to predict with accuracy what changes in
river morphology would occur as a result of the altered flow regimes and
how the salmon populations would respond to the altered habitats that would
be presented to them.
Because the Nanika, Morice and Bulkley rivers as well as the Nechako River
would be impacted, Scenario 3 carries with it the greatest risks and
highest levels of uncertainty of all three scenarios.
In order to give the reader a sense of perspective relative to the amounts
-67 -
of water that would be allocated under each scenario for generation of
power for aluminum production as opposed to production of fish, Table 2 is
presented.
Scenario
1. Present Situation
(Kitimat only)
(No power sales)
2a. No Nanika
Diversion, Nechako
Injunction Flows,
IPSFC Recommended
Temperature Regime.
2b. No Nanika
Diversion, Alcan's
Proposed Flow and
Temperature Regime.
3a. Nanika Diversion
Nechako Injunction
Flows, IPSFC
Recommended
Temperature Regime.
3b. ALCAN'S PROPOSAL
Nanika Diversion,
Percent
Flow
Percent.
Flow
for for
Fish Power
54 46
21 79
12 88
23 77
Alcan's Proposed 16 84
Flow and Temperature
Regimes.
TAII...E 2
In general terms Alcan have .indicat.~ the amount of water required to
generate power for two additional smelters. rurther to this they .. have
indicated that the minimum economic size for a new smelter would be 171,000
tonnes per year and that an optimum size is 200,000 tonnes per year. They
have also indicated that t.he overall project is npt economically viable
unless two smelters are built.
-68 -
HE STATUS QUO
CAUSES SERI IIJS
PROBLEMS
ALCAN Is PROPOSAl
LEAVES NO
FLEXIBILITY
FULL IWACTS
UN<NOWN lJ,ITIL ArTER
KEMANO COMPLETION
Scenario 1 (the status quo) is an undes.irab le one from the Department's
viewpoint, because it causes serious problems now. At the other extreme is
Alcan's proposal (Scenario 3b) which would allow two smelters to be built,
but two pristine rivers, the Nanika and Morice River would be severely
impacted, and there would be no add.Hional water left to maintain fish if
it. were required. The Department does not know whether the public would
wish to support the status quo or Alcan's proposal, but it is obvious that
the intervening scenarios (or variants of them) would allow a single large
smelter to be built and at the same time provide flexibility, i.e., a
surplus of water that could be used to main~.ain fish or to generate power.
As the reader will have perceived, it is one thing to identify and describe
a possible impact upon salmon h<lbitat, but a very different matter to pre-
determine its effects with accuracy. Regardless of which scenario, or
variant thereof, is finally chosen, its impacts cannot be fully unde rs toad
until after Kemano Completion. It is abundantly clear to the Department
that, in the face of so much uncertainty and risk to the fisheries
resources of Canada, the proponent will be expected to engage in consider-
able post-project assessment and monitoring, The need to retain the flexi-
bility to adequately respond to the inevitable impacts, be they positive or
negative, is essential.
-69 -
13. GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS
============================
A
Alevin: stage of development of
the salmonid embryo from hatch-
ing to absorption of the yolk
sac. The yolk sac is generally
the sole source of energy at
this stage.
Algae: a grouping of primarily
aquatic plants that lack true
leaves, roots or stems.
Anadromous: going up river from
sea to spawn.
Aquatic: pertaining to water; of
the water (freshwwater, estuari-
ne or marine).
B
Bedload: particulates which are
transported along the channel
bottom in the lower layers of
streamflow by rolling and
bouncing.
Benthic: living in direct relation
with the bot tom.
Benthos: organisms, both plant and
animal, living in direct assoc-
iation with the substrate of a
water body (freshwater, estuari-
ne and marine).
Bioaass: the total particulate
organic matter present beneath a
unit surface area in a body of
water.
Biota: the plant and animal liFe
of an area or region.
-70 -
.!! (Cant' d)
Brood year(s): the calender year
or years from which a particular
adult salmon population origina-
ted.
c
Catch: that part of the lcital
population which is harvested by
fishermen.
cfs: cubic foot per second.
Channel: a water way of d.iscerna-
ble extent which continuously or
periodically contains moving
water, and has a defined bed and
banks.
ems: cubic meter per second.
ems = 35.31 cfs.
Compensation for loss: the repla-
cement of natural habitat or the
maintenance of fish production
by artificial means in circums-
tances dictated by socio-econo-
mic factors and where mitigation
techniques are not adequate to
maintain fish production.
Cover: an area of shelter in a
stream that. provides aquatic
organisms with protection from
predators and/or a place to rest
and conserve energy (ins tream
cover). Overhead cover is pro-
vided by overhanging banks,
trees and shrubs and may provide
a food source.
Cycle: the time interval required
to complete all liFe stages from
fertilization to death.
D
Debris (Organic): logs, trees,
limbs, branches, bark, and other
woody material that accumulates
in streams or other water bod-
ies. May be naturally occuring
or the result. of man's activity.
Detritus: organic debris from
decomposing plants and animals.
Diminished river: a river whose
hydrology has been radically
changed by a major permanent
flow reduction.
Discharge: the rate of water
movement. past. a given location
in a stream; usually expressed
as cubic metres per second
(formerly cubic feet. per
second).
Disjunct Distribution: found in
one location and not. another.
Dominant discharge: the cycle of
rising and falling flows in the
vicinity of bank-full flows,
sustained over a significant.
period so that it reconditions a
natural channel by dislodging,
transporting and distributing
bed materials.
Drainage area: see Watershed.
Drift: voluntary or accidental
dislodgement of aquatic insects
from the stream or river bottom
into the water column where they
become more available as food
items for fish.
[
Ecosystem: an ecological system or
unit that includes living organ-
isms and nonliving substances
which interact to produce an ex-
change or cycling of materials.
-71 -
!. (Cont'd)
Egg: a germ cell produced by a
female organism. A fertilized
egg is a zygote.
E.ergence: the act of or period
when a lev ins leave the gravel
and become free-swimming fry.
[rnhancement: application of bio-
engineering technology to impro-
ve the survival rates of fish
populations.
Epilimnion:
fici al
the turbulent super-
layer of a lake lying
above the thermocline which does
not. have a permanent thermal
stratification.
Escape.ent: that part of a fish
population that escapes the
fishery -in the case of salmon
to spawn.
Estuary: a semi-enclosed body of
water which has a free connect-
ion with the open ocean and
within which sea water is measu-
rably diluted with freshwater
derived from land drainage.
r
fishery: act, occupation, or sea-
son of taking fish or other sea
products; fishing. A place for
catching fish or taking other
sea products. The right to take
fish at a certain place, or in
particular waters, especially by
drawing a seine or net.
fishwlay: a man-made structure
installed at. points of difficult.
passage or blockages in a stream
to enable the fish to swim
upstream under their own effort.
£. (Cant' d)
Flood plain: flat land bordering a
stream or river and subject to
flooding; underlying materials
consist mainly of unconsolidated
material derived from sediments
transported by the stream.
Flow: see discharge
Food chain (food web): series of
organisms interrelated in their
feeding habits, the smallest
being fed upon by a larger one,
and so on. Typically consisting
of producers (plants), and con-
sumers (animals) including herb-
ivores (plant-eaters) and carni-
vores (animal-eaters).
Freshet: a rapid rise in river
discharge and level caused by
heavy rains or melting snow.
fry: the young stage of fishes,
particularly after the yolk sac
has been absorbed.
G
Gauging station: a point on a
river where water levels are
measured either manually or by
an automatic recorder from which
discharge can be calculated.
Geomorphology: science dealing
with the form of the earth, the
general configuration of its
surface, the distribution of
land and water, and the changes
that take place in the evolu-
tion of land forms.
Gradient (strean): the general
slope, or rate of vertical drop
per unit of lengh, of a flowing
stream.
-72 -
H
Habitat: gene rally, the place
where an organism lives.
Pertains to the conditions found
at such locations, including the
physical, chemical, and
biological featrues such as
substrate, cover, water and
food.
Historic flow: those flows record-
ed at a given gauging stat.ion
within a specified time span.
Hydraulics: the
deals with the
science which
laws governing
the behavior of water and other
liquids in stat.es of rest and
motion. Hydraulics addresses
special properties, such as ve-
locHy, depth, density, tempera-
ture, viscosity and pres·sure at
specific points in a fluid.
Hydrograph: the graph of discharge
versus time, usually daily dis-
charge or monthly discharge over
a period of one year.
Hydrology: the sc.ience that deals
with the occurance, circulation,
and distribution of water on a
watershed, or larger area, and
includes the relationship to the
environment and living things.
Hypoli1111ion: the deep layer of a
lake lying be low the thermocline
and removed from surface influ-
ences.
I
Incubation period: the liFe stage
of fish extending from egg fer-
til izat.ion to hatching.
li111ology :
waters.
L
the study of inland
!. (Cant 1 d)
littoral: of or pertaining t.o the
shoreward region of a body of
water.
H
Hanageabili ty: the ability to
regulate the fisheries on a
stock or groups of stocks of
Fish to optimize fish production
without over-harvesting other
stocks which may occur in the
fisheries at the same time.
Mean: arithmetic mean.
all values divided by
of values.
The sum of
the number
He an flow: the flow obtained by
taking the arithmetic mean of
all the daily flows for the
year.
Mean monthly flow: the arithmetic
mean of the monthly flow for a
particular roo nth, for a speci fi-
ed historic period.
Migration: deliberate
from one habitat to
movement
another.
Includes the downstream movement
of young salmo nids from streams
to sea and upstream movement of
adult spawners to spawning
streams.
HinirntJII daily flow: the lowest
daily flow for a specified pe-
riod, usually a calender year.
Minimum mean monthly flow: the
lowest mean monthly flow.
Mitigation: actions taken during
the development, design, cans-
t ruction and ope rat ion of works
or undertakings to alleviate
adverse effects on fish habitat
and f.ish.
-73 -
Monitoring:
surveillance,
assessment
!! (Cant 1 d)
part of
involving
field
the
of environmental
protect ion performance and the
measurement of environmental
impacts.
Monthly flow: the flow obtained by
taking the arithmetic mean of
all the daily flows for a part i-
cular month for a particular
year.
Morphology: study of configuration
or form.
Morphometry: the form or shape of
a lake or stream, including the
contour of the bottom.
N
Natural flow: the flow in a natu-
ral river.
Natural river: a pristine river
undeveloped and uncontrolled.
Non-anadromous fish:
fish.
see resident
Nutrient: chemical element (or
compound) essential to the grow-
th and survival of an organism.
In aquatic systems, de rived from
land runoff and decomposition of
plant and animal matter within
the water body itself, and, in
marine waters, from deep water
upwelling.
0
!IJstructions (blockages): any na-
tural or man-made format ion,
object or formation of debris
which impedes or blocks water
flow and/or fish migration.
..Q. (Cant 'd)
Oligotrophic: waters with a small
supply of nutrients and hence a
small organic production.
Overwintering period: the rearing
period for juvenile f1sh extending
from December through March.
p
Pla~on: aquat.ic, free floating,
small living plants (phyto-
plankton) and animals (zoo-
plankton).
Pool: that
where the
port ion of a stream
water is relatively
deep and slow moving.
Population: a group of individuals
of any species in a location or
area.
Potential production: the maximum
productive capability of a river
given that the habitat available
is fully utilized. In fisheries
management terms would take man-
ageabilit.y factors into account.
R
Reach: the length of river between
two defined points.
Rearing (fish): Adj. growing; usu-
ally pertaining to younger sta-
ges-fry and juveniles.
Redd(s): the nest .in the stream-
bed into which eggs are deposit-
ed and subsequently buried.
Regime: with reference to a river,
means the prevailing state of
the river during some time in-
terval or historic period.
-74 -
..!! (Cont'd)
Regulated river: a river in which
the flow or water level is
artificially manipulated.
Resident fish: fish which remain
in freshwater throughout their
life cycle (non-anadromous).
Riffle: a shallow, rapid sect ion
of stream where the water surfa-
ce .is broken into waves by ob-
structions wholly or partly sub-
merged.
Riparian zone: the zone immediate-
ly adjacent to streams or water
bodies, with particular referen-
ce to the vegetation.
Run: a stream section of varying
depth with moderate velocity and
surface turbulence. Inter-
mediate in character between a
pool and a r.iffle.
s
Salmonid: refers to a member of
the fish family classed as Sal-
mon idae, including the sa lmons,
trouts, chars, whitefishes and
grayling.
Sedimentation: the process of sub-
sidence and deposition of sus-
pended matter carried in water
by gravity; usually the result
of the reduct ion of wat.er vel a-
city below the point at l'llich it
can transport the material in
suspended form.
~ (Cant' d)
Smolt: a seaward migrating
juvenile salmonid which is
silvery in color, has become
thinner in body form and is
physiologically prepared for the
transit ion from fresh-to
saltwater. The term is
normally applied to the migrants
of species such as coho,
chinook, sockeye and steelhead
which rear in freshwater for a
period before migrating to sea.
Solar radiation: direct heaUng by
the sun's rays.
Spa~~ning: the act of deposition,
fertilizing and burying eggs.
Spawning grounds Ol" areas: those
sections of a streambed known to
be utilized by fish as a locat-
ion for spawning activity.
Species: the smallest unit of
plant or animal classification
commonly used. Members of a
species share certain character-
istics which differ from those
of other species, and they tend
not to interbreed with other
species.
Stock: a population of one species
of fish which inhabits a parti-
cular stream, tends to spawn at
a place or time separate from
the other stocks.
Substrate: the materials making up
the streambed; usually described
as bedrock, boulders, cobbles,
gravels, sands, and silts.
Tenestrial:
the land.
T
Adj. pertaining to
-75 -
.! (Cont'd)
Thermocline: the layer of water in
a lake between the epil imnion and
hypolimnion in l'klich the
temperat.ure exhibits the greatest
difference over a vertical
direction.
w
Watershed: the total area
contributing runoff to a river as
measured above a gauging station or
other fixed point. Generally
synonomous with drainage area or
basin.
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~============
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r
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