Coquitlam Dam Seismic Upgrade Project ... - BC Hydro

During the project investigation stage, BC Hydro was simultaneously conducting its water use
planning process (WUP) for the Coquitlam River. This three-year multi-stakeholder process
provided a venue for presentations and updates on the Coquitlam Dam remediation work. The
Director or Dam Safety, Ray Stewart, provided a presentation on the project justification to the
WUP consultative committee on May 14, 2001. A consensus agreement on the WUP was
reached in March 2003 for increased water flows for fish and domestic water supply.
BC Hydro is also represented on two committees formed by the cities of Coquitlam and Port
Coquitlam, the City of Coquitlam Aggregate Task Force and the City of Port Coquitlam
Hydrology Task Force. These committees also receive regular project updates upon their
request.
The general public receives information provided in updates in the “Tri City News” and “The
Now” newspapers. A public information session was held in March 2004 where the project
justification and design was discussed. The presentation also included a discussion on
environmental management and fish habitat compensation. An additional project update
presentation was provided to local environmental interest groups on May 3, 2004.
Separate meetings have been held and are ongoing with GVR/WD, fisheries agencies, and
Kwikwetlem First Nation.
ISSUES
Public safety is the key priority for the residents downstream and for BC Hydro, and no person
or agency has questioned the justification or need for the dam seismic upgrade project.
There are triggers to reopen the WUP consensus agreement if the seismic upgrade design does
not return the reservoir to its normal operating range, returning anadromous salmon to Coquitlam
Reservoir becomes feasible and is implemented, or, if flushing flows become feasible and can be
implemented.
Returning Anadromous Salmon to Coquitlam Reservoir
The primary issue raised during the water use planning process and in separate meetings with
Kwikwetlem First Nation was to return anadromous salmon to Coquitlam Reservoir. This issue
is considered to be a "footprint" issue (resulting from the original and past upgrades/construction
of the dam) and is therefore not part of the scope of the WUP or the seismic upgrade project.
However, in a separate agreement, BC Hydro has partnered with the Bridge Coastal Fish and
Wildlife Restoration Program to consider this issue. This agreement forms the basis for a multistakeholder
review that is currently on-going. An advisory committee has been formed to make
recommendations to BC Hydro on the feasibility, biological, environmental, financial and
Coquitlam Dam Seismic Rehabilitation Page 13
Environmental Management Plan – Version 4
June 15, 2004