GMSWORKS-3 Peace River Side Channel Restoration - BC Hydro

8 Summary and Recommendations
8.1 Site Prioritization
A short list of side channel restoration sites has been developed, with a preliminary rating
provided for each site and two side channels were identified with the highest rating. A
summary table for the site assessments and conceptual costing tables are provided in the
Appendices. The costs presented are at a conceptual level based on the assumed size of the
restored channel and assumed unit rates.
Side Channel 23L and 32L were identified as the sites with the highest overall rating based on
the overview assessment carried out under this study. The 23L site was selected due to the fact
that it current dry under the regulated flow regime, and restoration of the area would create
new back channel habitat. The area is relatively small and accessible. The 32L site was selected
due to excellent access, sufficient area available, and good potential to create both open
connected side channel habitat and backwater closed side channel habitat within the same
area.
Based on the study team recommendations, the 32L site represents the best opportunity of all
the sites assessed. If restoration opportunities are pursued in the future, and concepts for this
site should be developed further. The sites should be reviewed, and prioritized in terms of:
1. Review of conceptual costing and available budget to undertake restoration projects in
2010/2011;
2. Review of existing land tenure and available access to the proposed sites; and
3. Permitting and regulatory approvals required in 2010/2011 for project construction.
8.2 Information and Data Gaps
Considerable gaps exist in the physical data available to assess and evaluate side channel sites
along the Peace River. Some of these gaps can be addressed in the short term through existing
programs (e.g., GMSWORKS‐5 and ‐6) or through dedicated surveys and studies. The following
list identifies these items:
1. Stage‐discharge rating curves and a hydraulic model of the reach will be available
to estimate water surface elevations along the Peace River reach where the
proposed side channels are situated. The rating curves and model could be used
with existing survey data to determine the invert and channel elevations
required to re‐water existing and restored side channels under the current PCN
flow regime. This data may influence the priority of site selection.
2. BC Hydro has recently flown three sets of aerial photographs to document fish
habitat conditions on Peace River at varying river discharges (GMSWORKS‐4).
Two or more sets of air photos are scheduled for 2010. These aerial photos
should be obtained for each candidate restoration site, digitally scanned, and
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