GMSWORKS-3 Peace River Side Channel Restoration - BC Hydro

the site is restored it could create additional habitat for the cold‐clear water fish assemblage,
which would include juvenile and adult Arctic grayling. The detrimental effects of ice formation
and high suspended sediment loads that originate from the Halfway River, however, may limit
the longevity of restored channels and their long term value to fish.
The proposed work consists of:
1. Excavation of the inlet and infilled channel in the main north channel totalling 15‐20,000
m 3 ; and
2. Lowering and construction of an open channel by excavation of 15‐40,000 m 3 of
sediment for a channel 20 m wide, approximately 1.5‐2.0 m deep.
Access to this site would need to be provided by a short steep 200 m access road from private
property located at the upper end of the project site. As discussed, the ephemeral main
secondary channel along the base of the valley wall would be locally deepened. A larger open
channel could be constructed midway down the bar. No cover or complexing is proposed for
this site. A total channel area of 74,000 m 2 is provided by restoration and conceptual costs are
$1.53M.
7.9 River KM 85.5R
Site 85.5R consists of a 5.6 km long right bank island located immediately downstream of
Moberly River as illustrated on Map sheet 9 of 11. Oblique aerial imagery is compiled on Plates
4.9.1 and 4.9.2. The upstream side channel entrance likely goes dry at low flow as does the
infilled channel in the center of the island. The uppermost section of the channel goes dry
during low flows in the Peace River. The lower portion of this side channel represents an area
that currently provides important habitats for the unique fish assemblage. Viable populations of
northern pike, lake whitefish, yellow perch, white sucker, and spottail shiner reside at this site.
The upper portion of this side channel provides ephemeral habitat and is used opportunistically
by fish that originate from the unique fish assemblage. Access to this site would need to be
undertaken by barge or by road if the area is developed in the future. Side channel restoration
efforts would target restoration of unique fish habitat.
The proposed work at 85.5R includes:
1. Extension of closed side channels into the lateral bar from the existing main closed
channel by excavating 100‐120,000 m 3 of sediments; and
2. Creation of multiple channels varying from 10‐20 m width and depths of 1.5 – 2.0 m.
As shown in the drawing excavation of the inlet to the side channel could be considered,
however, this could alter the current utilization of the area by the unique fish assemblage and
would be subject to ongoing sedimentation from the Moberly River. The conceptual project has
an estimated cost of $3.14M and would restore 74,000 m 2 of side channel habitat.
Peace River Side Channel Restoration 30