GMSWORKS-3 Peace River Side Channel Restoration - BC Hydro

The concept provides 32,000 m 2 of open complexed cold water side channel. Note that this
option may impact some wildlife habitat associated with the current wetted area. The concept
costs for 17.2L are $0.82M.
7.4 River Km 23.0L
The site at River KM 23.0L located just upstream of Farrell Creek, consists of an extensively
infilled, 0.6 km long left bank side channel. The proposed site is shown on Map sheet 4 of 11,
with oblique aerial imagery compiled on Plate 4.4.1. A small residual wetted area was observed
at the channel outlet in May 2009. The upstream channel was found to be dry and no water
was being diverted into this area. The side channel presently has no value to fish due to a lack
of water. Restoration of the channel would provide additional habitat for the cold water fish
assemblage that occurs in the area, with limited benefits incurred by younger life stages (i.e.
fry) that originate from Farrell Creek.
Site 23.0L is readily accessed from Highway 28 and the adjacent farm, and approximately 140 m
of access road is required to the site. The rationale for this site is the conversion of a dry closed
relic channel into a closed wetted side channel providing off channel rearing and refuge habitat.
The proposed work at the site includes:
1. Excavate 27,000 m 3 of sediment and fill the existing upstream bar forming a closed side
channel 1‐2 m deep, 15‐25 m wide; and
2. Large wood complexing of the new channel at 4‐8 sites along the channel with 25‐40 m 2
jams.
Excavation of a deepened pool at the exit or head of the channel may provide refuge habitat
and improve subsurface flow into the channel. The total restored closed channel area provides
19,000 m 2 of habitat for cold‐clear water fish assemblage. The total estimated conceptual costs
for this option at 23.0L are $0.51M.
7.5 River KM 32.0L
Site 32.0L consists of a 2.4 km long left bank side channel located between an island and the
base of the left bank valley wall. Plans for this site are presented on Map sheet 5 of 11. Oblique
imagery is compiled on Plate 4.5.1.
This side channel contained a wetted channel open at the downstream end, and a series of
large wetland or ponds in May 2009. The satellite imagery, however, indicates that the wetted
channel becomes discontinuous at low flow. Ground photos, shown on Plate 4.5.2, illustrate
how post‐regulation sediment deposition and vegetation growth has infilled the former side
channel area. This side channel represents habitat that can be utilized by unique fish
assemblages. This side channel is open only at the lower end, the lowermost portion contains
deep water that can support fish year round, and there is an abundance of emergent
Peace River Side Channel Restoration 26