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Chapter 8
COQUITLAM RIVER AND BUNTZEN LAKE
WATERSHEDS
Figure 8-1. Coquitlam Dam with water flowing over spillway ca. 1917 (BC Archives)
1. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
1.1 Facilities
The Coquitlam-Buntzen project diverts water out of Coquitlam Lake Reservoir via a 3.9 km
tunnel to Buntzen Lake Reservoir where 530 m and 170 m penstocks lead to two power-
houses located on the shoreline of Indian Arm in Burrard Inlet.
The original 1903 hydroelectric dam on the Coquitlam River was a rock-filled timber crib
about 6 m high (3.3 m above the average summer lake level). Coquitlam Dam was re-
constructed between 1911-14 (Vancouver Power Co.) to replace a smaller dam. Coquitlam
Dam was rehabilitated again in 1985. Coquitlam Reservoir has been used for domestic water
supply since at least 1902. Its annual drawdown of 17 m is about half of its maximum depth.
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The 54 feet high concrete Buntzen Dam was constructed in 1902 across the ravine that
drained Buntzen Lake. Operational in 1903, it provided storage for the first hydroelectric
power facility to be constructed in the Lower Mainland. A second powerhouse was
completed in 1914 and rehabilitated in 1980 by B.C. Hydro.
Figure 8-2 . British Columbia’s first power scheme (Water Powers B.C. 1954)
Figure 8-3 . Location of Coquitlam-Buntzen hydro project
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Specifications for the facilities and reservoirs:
DAM Coquitlam Buntzen
Nameplate capacity (MW) -- 76.7
Dependable capacity (MW) -- 72.8
Dam function storage, diversion storage, diversion
Date constructed 1904 1902
Date operational 1905 1903
Date reconstructed 1914, 1985 1912, 1965
Height (m) 30 16
Length (m) 300 110
Dam footprint area (m2)
Fishway at dam no no
Historic anadromous fish presence yes no
RESERVOIR Coquitlam Lake Buntzen Lake
Cleared/ not cleared cleared
Present area (ha) 1198 182
Watershed area (km2) 193 20.6
Present elevation a.s.l. (m) 124 (bathym)
Normal drawdown range (m) 17.4 1.5-2.8
Mean depth (m) 30
Maximum depth (m) 31 65
Storage (million m3) 202
Mean water retention time 49 d
Mean annual discharge (m3/s) 21.7-23 same
DIVERSION to BuntzenReservoir to powerhouse
Structure type tunnel (4km) penstock
Licensed flow (m3/sec) 82
Fish flow release (m3/sec) 0.23-0.85 no
Mainstem length diminished (km) 14.5
Mainstem length augmented (km) no fish present
1.2 Hydrology
1.2.1 Basin and Runoff
High inflows due to snowmelt occur from May to July, August and September are usually
dry, and high inflow from rain can occur from October to March (Lewis et al. 1996).
Nearly all inflow to Buntzen Reservoir comes from the diversion tunnel.
1.2.2 Operation and Licensed Diversion Flow
BC Hydro must reserve sufficient storage in Coquitlam Reservoir from May to September to
meet domestic water demands of the Greater Vancouver Water District. The Greater
Vancouver Water District has its 2.3 m diameter pipe intake located 300 m above Coquitlam
Dam on the east shore at an invert elevation of 132.6 m (Lewis et al. 1996).
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1.2.3 Habitat Types Flooded by Reservoir
The combined reservoir area is 1,380 ha after flooding 225 ha of land. The combined
reservoir shoreline length is now 46 km. Coquitlam Reservoir is shown in Figure 8-4, and
Buntzen Reservoir in Figure 8-5. A bathymetric map of Buntzen Lake is provided in Figure
8-6.
The GIS calculations done by this study estimated the following losses of fish habitat from
the pre-impoundment condition:
Coquitlam Lake Original habitat lost
Lake flooded (ha) 1004
Land flooded (ha) 194
Lake shoreline (km) 30
Mainstem: length (km) 1.3
channel (ha) 3
riparian * (ha) 8
Tributary: length (km) 6
riparian ** (ha) 18
Wetland: (ha) 0
* mainstem riparian zone calculated at 30 m from each bank
** tributary riparian zone calculated at 15 m from each bank
Buntzen Lake Original habitat lost
Lake flooded (ha) 151
Land flooded (ha) 31
Lake shoreline (km) 8
Mainstem: length (km) 2
channel (ha) --
riparian * (ha) 12
Tributary: length (km) 0.5
riparian ** (ha) 2
Wetland: (ha) 0
* mainstem riparian zone calculated at 30 m from each bank
** tributary riparian zone calculated at 15 m from each bank
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2. FISH
2.1 Historic and Current Species Presence
A list of species currently found in major reaches of the Coquitlam River watershed is
provided in Table 8-1.
2.1.1 Coquitlam Dam and Reservoir
Prior to construction of the initial 6 m high dam in 1903, Coquitlam Lake was the main
spawning ground for an early (May) run of salmon locally known as ‘bastard’ sockeye
(Sword 1904).
A fishway 3.6 m wide extended 4.9 m out from the face of the dam; it consisted of baffle
boards 1 m high and 2 m apart. Salmon did not use the initial fishway due to its steep slope
and shallow water at the entrance until further alterations were made.
The second dam was raised in 1908-11 to a height of 75-100 ft and length of 1200 ft. No
fishway was provided in the second dam for several reasons: (1) it was believed too high to
pass salmon (Venning 1909); (2) the sockeye stock was not commercially important because
the run passed through before the fishing season was open; and (3) the City of New
Westminster had designated the lake as a domestic water supply since 1892, and after the
first dam had been built, dead salmon had to be removed from the water intake area for
public health concerns (Koop 1994).
2.1.2 Coquitlam River Downstream of Dam
Historically, coho and chum salmon were originally reported in the river system, but the
latter were not thought to ascend as far as the lake. In 1936, the river system was utilized by
pink salmon, chum salmon, coho salmon, steelhead and resident rainbow trout, cutthroat and
Dolly Varden char (BC Ministry of Environment 1978). Or Creek provides much of the
present flow in the Coquitlam River channel.
2.1.3 Buntzen Reservoir
Originally known as Lake Beautiful or Trout Lake in the early 1900s, Buntzen has a steep
and rocky shoreline with limited litorral habitat. Anmore Creek is the key spawning and
rearing tributary for rainbow and cutthroat trout. The outlet creek has been dry for decades
and likely contained no fish prior to hydro development due to steep gradient (Lewis et al.
1996). BC Hydro has released catchable size rainbow trout, raised in a netpen facility, into
Buntzen Reservoir since 1998 (BC Hydro 1999).
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2.2 Impacts on Fish
Facility Description of impacts Source
Neg
Pos
Coquitlam 1. Reservoir flooded 1.3 km of mainstem and 6 km of x GIS
tributary channels, plus their associated riparian zones.
Reservoir 2. Drawdown of 17m reduces access to tributaries. x
3. Drawdown reduces productivity of littoral zone. x Lewis et al.
1996
4. Exposed drawdown zone in October-November results in x Lewis et al.
increased turbidity. 1996
Coquitlam 5. Dam footprint of _ m2: loss of instream, riparian and x
upland habitats; potential loss of lake outlet spawning
Dam habitat.
6. Dam blocked former passage of anadromous stocks. x IPSFC
1938
7. Dam reduced LWD recruitment to system downstream. x
8. Dam construction sluiced large volumes of sediment that x Conway
likely degraded spawning habitat downstream. 1915
Downstream 9. 70% of the Coquitlam drainage area is diverted; residual x Riley et al.
mainstem flows have been reduced for 90 years; spawning 1998;
Coquitlam habitat is constrained by low flows that do not flush workshop
River multiple sediment inputs.
10. Reduction of flows has reduced floodplain complexity of x
downstream channel coupled with urban encroachment.
11. Reduction of flows may decrease survival of downstream x
migrants.
Diversion to 12. Diversion reduces Coquitlam Reservoir’s productivity. x workshop
13. Entrainment mortality and injury; magnitude unknown
Buntzen
Reservoir
Buntzen 14. Reservoir flooded 2 km of mainstem and 0.5 km of x GIS
tributary channels, plus their associated riparian zones.
Reservoir 15. Diversion inflows dilute reservoir’s productivity.
Buntzen 16. Dam footprint of _ m2: loss of instream, riparian and x
upland habitats; potential loss of lake outlet spawning
Dam habitat.
Buntzen 17. Footprint and salinity impacts on marine foreshore. x workshop
18. Chinook salmon are attracted to tailrace discharges; the x BC Hydro
Powerhouse number of fish affected and impacts of delay on 1994
reproductive success are not known.
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Coquitlam Dam removed historic access to the original lake and upper spawning beds for
sockeye and coho salmon, steelhead, and possibly anadromous cutthroat trout (IPSFC 1938).
Aquatic productivity in most coastal BC watersheds is inherently low, but Coquitlam Lake
once received marine-derived nutrients from historic populations of salmon. Drawdowns and
diversion of large flows to Buntzen Reservoir have further reduced nutrient levels
(workshop). In particular, significant annual drawdown of 14-17 m relative to the maximum
depth of 31 m limits littoral productivity (Lewis et al. 1996). Present fish water releases have
reduced habitat area and complexity in the Coquitlam River downstream; sediment input
from current gravel operations and urban encroachment issues on the floodplain restrict the
level and success of habitat restoration (workshop; Lewis et al. 1996).
Non-Hydro Impacts - Other impacts on fish in the Coquitlam River watershed are historic
effects of logging activities, mill operations, dredging and gravel mining, urbanization, and
domestic water withdrawal.
A dredging operation began about 1 km above the Port Coquitlam Bridge in October 1928
without apparent damage to fish (IPSFC 1938). In May 1930, the District Supervisor for
Fisheries recommended a fishway on a dam across the Coquitlam River for a shingle mill at
Gold Creek, but the Fisheries Engineer disagreed and no ladder was built. In June 1937,
there were public complaints about lack of passage but Fisheries again recommended no
action (IPSFC 1938).
2.3 Factors Limiting Fish Diversity and Production
'Limiting factors' have been identified in a general manner based on available information
and current understanding of the major constraints on species and populations of concern
(see Appendix 1 for detailed discussion of limiting factors). Further inventory and research
may be needed before the particular mechanisms of these factors are understood. Other
limiting factors may yet be discovered. The following are suspected factors that limit current
levels of fish populations within the Coquitlam River-Buntzen Lake watershed. These also
reflect the key issues raised at BCRP regional workshops.
1. Blocked access to historic habitats: Anadromous stocks have been excluded from
Coquitlam Lake for 86 years.
2. Loss of habitat: Former spawning, rearing and overwintering areas are permanently lost or
seasonally reduced due to dam footprint, reservoir flooding, flow diversions, or operating
flows; or from non-hydro sources.
3. Reduced downstream habitat capability: Habitats below Coquitlam Dam are altered by
reduced wood recruitment.
4. Reduced biological productivity: Coquitlam and Buntzen lakes have been affected long-
term by large reservoir drawdown regimes and in the former, loss of historic salmon
carcasses.
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5. Reduced tributary access: Reduced fish access between reservoir and tributary habitat due
to large drawdown regimes.
6. Reduced mainstem access: Reduced access for fish using mainstem channel diminished by
the diversion.
7. Diversions: The diversion has reduced flows to the downstream Coquitlam channel and
increased flows into Buntzen Lake; these altered flows have affected wetted channel area,
seasonal temperatures, sediment flushing, and aquatic productivity in the respective systems.
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3. WILDLIFE
3.1 Historic and Current Populations and Habitats
B.C. Game Commission reports note the presence of mountain goats and wolves in the
Coquitlam River watershed. No information was obtained on current wildlife use.
3.2 Impacts on Wildlife
Feature Description of Effects Origin
Neg
Pos
Coquitlam Dam footprint of __ ha: loss of coniferous forest and riverine x
Reservoir, habitats.
Flooding of 17 ha of river and lowland forest, 30 km perimeter x GIS
Dam &
of Coquitlam Lake, and 177 km of upland forest: loss of
tunnel riverine and coniferous valley side habitats and associated
wildlife losses, e.g., loss of valley side habitat for ungulates
and carnivores.
Conversion of 0.8 km of Coquitlam River to lake: barrier to x x GIS
movement of large mammals (bears and ungulates); increase in
open water for waterfowl and osprey.
Fluctuating reservoir water levels (17.4 m) due to hydro-
electric operations: effects on establishment of aquatic and/or BCH web
riparian vegetation in drawdown zone. x page.
Reduced flows and changed flow regime in 14.5 km Coquitlam x x
River: effects on downstream aquatic wildlife (e.g. Great Blue
Heron, waterfowl).
Decreased flows in Coquitlam River and increased flushing of
Bunzen Lake: unknown effects on wildlife. x x
Buntzen Dam footprint of __ ha: loss of coniferous forest and riverine x
Reservoir & habitats at dam site.
Dam Flooding of __ ha: loss of coniferous habitat. x x
Fluctuating reservoir water levels (1.5 m) due to hydro-electric x BCH web
operations: effects on establishment of aquatic and/or riparian page.
vegetation in drawdown zone.
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3.3 Factors Limiting Wildlife Diversity and Productivity
‘Limiting factors’ have been identified based on available information and current
understanding of the major constraints on species and populations of concern. Further
inventory and research may be needed to determine the particular role of these and other
factors.
The following are suspected factors that limit current levels of wildlife for species groups
associated with the habitats listed previously in Table 1-2. These also reflect the key issues
raised at BCRP regional workshops.
1. Habitat Changes: Altered flow regime has changed riverine and riparian habitats. Potential effects on
wildlife include changes to habitat quality and quantity for tailed frogs, water shrews, harlequins and
dippers.
2. Loss of Habitat: Loss of side channel habitat downstream of diversions. Lack of riparian vegetation
in drawdown zones; effects on ungulates, furbearers, small mammals and several species of passerines
including some neotropical migrants. Potential effects include availability of habitat for amphibians,
water shrews and other small mammals and their predators, browse for ungulates and breeding habitat
for some species of neotropical migrants.
3. Reduced Productivity: Lack of riparian vegetation in drawdown zones; effects on ungulates,
furbearers, small mammals and several species of passerines including some neotropical migrants.
4. Wildlife Migration: Impediments to wildlife movement (especially large mammals) caused by
structures, reservoirs and diversions.
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4. OBJECTIVES
4.1 BCRP Context
BCRP will focus on footprint impacts1, limiting factors2 and restoration opportunities. It is
not intended to respond to all restoration issues in the watershed but should ideally
complement existing habitat management policies and programs. The BCRP restoration
strategy, presented in Section 6, Volume 1 of the Strategic Plan, identifies the general order
of priorities:
1. Continue to undertake cost-effective measures to reduce ongoing impacts on fish and
wildlife.
2. Conserve the remaining important habitats within the watershed.
3. Maintain or restore, where feasible, natural processes affecting habitat formation.
4. Replace or construct new habitat where it will directly contribute to fish and wildlife
diversity and production in the watershed.
5. Provide support for re-introduction of fish and wildlife, and for artificially supplementing
production where necessary.
6. Identify performance indicators, monitor and evaluate project results, and re-adjust
restoration strategies and methods based on lessons learned.
In context with the above strategy, restoration objectives and activities within individual
watersheds will be guided by two questions:
• Does the proposed restoration address a hydroelectric footprint impact?
• Does the proposed restoration address a biological limiting factor?
The focus is on identifying the particular direct or indirect effects that will be mitigated or
offset by a proposed restoration intervention, and secondly, the particular benefits that will be
derived by a species, population or ecosystem if this intervention is undertaken. The table
below distinguishes between direct impacts – primarily in the reservoir and mainstem area of
habitat loss or alteration, and the indirect impacts – subsequent changes in habitats or
populations that are linked in some manner to the direct impacts. For example, an indirect
impact could occur where reservoir creation may have increased access or development
impacts on the habitats or populations in the upper reaches of a watershed.
The table also distinguishes between life cycle limiting factors – those that limit the presence
or abundance of a certain species or population, and landscape limiting factors – those that
affect the larger scale diversity of habitats and ecosystem functions in the watershed. For
example, a landscape limiting factor may be associated with some previous habitat capability
or contiguity that has been reduced or fragmented and is currently limiting wildlife values in
1
Footprint Impact is an historical effect on fish and wildlife of the physical developments that occurred
primarily as a result of reservoir creation, watercourse diversions and construction of dam structures. These
impacts have largely resulted from one-time, irreversible events.
2
Limiting Factor is a critical habitat element within the life cycle requirements of particular species or within
ecological communities that currently restricts population abundance and productivity.
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the watershed. Greater consideration may be given to the direct footprint impacts and the life
cycle limiting factors, but the indirect impacts and landscape limiting factors will also be
considered within the BCRP restoration framework.
Footprint Impacts and Limiting Factors Criteria for Fish and Wildlife Restoration
Life Cycle Limiting Factor Landscape Limiting Factor
A missing or inadequate habitat component A generally deficient habitat component that
that has constrained the presence or was historically present and that may now be
abundance of a particular species or limiting fish, wildlife or biodiversity in the
population of concern watershed
E.g., lack of spawning habitat capacity for E.g., insufficient wetland habitat to support
recovery of a specific chinook salmon aquatic communities that are endemic to the
population watershed
Direct Footprint Impact Indirect Footprint Impact
Primary effect on fish or wildlife created by a Secondary effect on habitat or populations
change in habitat, flow or barrier associated that can be linked to a primary effect created
with the original facilities development by a change in habitat, flow or barrier
E.g., reduced downstream gravel availability E.g., encroachment and displacement of
due to construction of the dam and reduced floodplain habitats that was facilitated by
flows reduced flows
Once the footprint impact and limiting factor questions are addressed in restoration
proposals, the selection of activities will focus on actions that can be undertaken either in the
vicinity of the footprint impact, or where this is not practicable or efficient, at other locations
in the watershed, with guidance from the Objectives presented in Sections 4.2 and 4.3 below.
The area of potential restoration to redress footprint impacts encompasses the Coquitlam
River and Buntzen Lake watersheds which includes: all of the area that naturally drains into
Coquitlam River and into Buntzen Lake and the areas of downstream confluence with Fraser
River and Burrard Inlet.
The following sections describe the fish and wildlife issues, information gaps and objectives
that will guide the current restoration priorities under BCRP. Priorities will change over time
as they are addressed. Monitoring of results from restoration projects is also an important
concern.
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4.2 Fish Restoration Framework
In the Coquitlam River watershed, the hydroelectric footprint impacts included flooding of
1004 ha of lake and 7.3 km of stream channel, construction of a dam and diversions that have
reduced flows in the Coquitlam River and impeded fish migration to the upper watershed.
These and other impacts may create or accentuate limiting factors that currently constrain
ecosystem functions, species diversity and species production in the watershed.
The Coquitlam River watershed is relatively small in physical dimensions (193 km2 above
and 60 km2 below the dam), and there are natural characteristics and other land uses that
seriously constrain fish and wildlife restoration of the remainder of the ecosystem. The
headwaters originate on very steep mountainsides that physically limit the distribution of
fish. Much of the headwaters and the reservoir are located within the GVWD, which limits
access by the public as well as restoration opportunities. There is also an array of urban,
industrial and recreational uses that contribute to the pressures on aquatic habitat in addition
to those imposed by hydroelectric footprint impacts. These characteristics tend to narrow the
scope of fish habitat restoration opportunities available in this watershed.
Restoration potential is limited by the historical flow diversions and reductions and other
changes that have occurred in the watershed. The Water Use Plan has addressed the flow
requirements for aquatic ecosystems and sought to mitigate the impacts of flow diversion and
reduction. Other measures are also proposed to either reduce or to offset the habitat losses
associated with hydroelectric footprint impacts. These measures should ideally complement
other habitat management activities in the watershed.
The recent completion of the Coquitlam-Buntzen Water Use Plan has important implications
for restoration activities. The WUP conducted a number of studies to better define the
impacts of the flow regime; these also contributed new knowledge about some footprint
impacts and limiting factors. The Coquitlam WUP monitoring program will continue to
study environmental effects arising from two alternative flow regimes that will run for 5-6
years each. Thus, the WUP has set the basic context of downstream flow in the river for the
next decade. This experimental situation has direct implications for the scope and location of
BCRP restoration opportunities. New proposals for funding under BCRP should be
coordinated with the ongoing Coquitlam WUP to avoid duplicate studies. WUP focussed on
understanding and modelling the impacts of proposed new flow regimes on production
species, and habitat criteria for non-salmonid species were not studied. In practical terms
however, the new flow regime will effectively double the amount of water released past the
dam and this would be expected, in general terms, to benefit most fish species.
Historical changes in the watershed are dominated by hydroelectric footprint impacts,
primarily flow reduction and migration blockage, and by increased urban development. The
highest profile loss has been the sockeye salmon population that was extirpated due to the
dam. The original stock of Coquitlam pink salmon also disappeared (Slaney et al. 1996). A
different stock initially transplanted from Weaver Creek is currently using the Svoboda
Channel downstream of the dam. Coho salmon, steelhead, longnose dace and other fish
species that once used the upper watershed have been subsequently limited to a smaller area
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of accessible habitat downstream. Information about the existence of populations and
habitats of fish species at risk is largely unknown.
Downstream of the dam, the issue of water quality should receive particular attention because
of the increasing effects of urbanization on the reduced flow regime. Fish habitat
enhancement projects have focused on expanding rearing capacity for coho salmon. The six
off-channel restoration sites developed thus far represent 14% of available rearing area but
supported 35-57% of the total smolt populations in three years of study (Decker and Lewis,
2000). Further assessment is needed of the adequacy of present coho capacity in relation to
the potential to increase habitat capacity for other stocks, particularly steelhead, cutthroat
trout and chinook salmon. Fortunately, significant public ownership of riparian properties
and strong private interest provide future opportunities for additional activities to conserve
habitat in the downstream reaches of the river. Finally, the reservoir shoreline is
predominantly steep but some limited opportunities to improve littoral productivity may exist
(White Pine Environmental Resources Inc. 2001).
To assist in planning the restoration program, Table 1 identifies the restoration issues and
information gaps as they relate to the major limiting factors.
TABLE 1
Fish Restoration Issues and Information Gaps in Coquitlam Watershed
Limiting Restoration Issues Information Gaps
Factors
• Anadromous stocks have been excluded • Preliminary scoping of technical feasibility
1. from Coquitlam Lake for 86 years. is completed.
Blocked • Sockeye salmon stock was extirpated. • Study of biological feasibility to restore
access • Blockage confines restoration efforts for sockeye is underway. Linked to Limiting
anadromous stocks to areas downstream of Factor 4 below.
dam. • Cost-benefit assessment to be completed.
• 1004 ha of lake area and 7.3 km stream • WUP found deficiencies in recent studies on
2a. channel were displaced by reservoir. This tributaries (Acres 1999; White Pine 2000)
Loss of could be addressed by improving existing regarding resident species presence, access and
upstream habitat, creating new habitat or improving timing. Need more complete inventory study
habitat access in the reservoir's tributaries. including identification of species at risk.
• Habitat factors that may limit species of Linked to Limiting Factor5 below.
concern, particularly species at risk, are • Information for anadromous fish habitat
unknown. may be identified during current fish passage
study.
• 17 km of mainstem channel were altered by • Identify opportunities for channel and
2b. diminished flows. This could be addressed by riparian restoration through a comprehensive
Loss of improving existing habitat, creating new reconnaissance of the lower system. [WUP
downstream habitat or improving access downstream of the has established new flow trials to occur over
habitat dam. 10-12 years that will define broad limits for the
• WUP has developed the following fish development of all mainstem and offchannel
performance measures to be tracked in relation habitats. Habitat structures will need to be
to flow quantities and timing: salmon designed to function in these regimes including
spawning, steelhead spawning, steelhead any proposed flushing flow events. Linked to
rearing, invertebrate habitat suitability. Limiting Factor 3 below.]
• Habitat factors that limit non-salmonid • Identify floodplain properties with special
species of concern, particularly species at risk, habitat attributes that would be valuable for
are unknown. future acquisition or potential designation.
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• Pink salmon stock was extirpated. • Habitat for non-salmonid species at risk has
not been addressed (e.g. longnose dace).
3. • Habitat complexity has been reduced in the • Restoration of LWD to mainstem is linked
Reduced main channel due to the interception of LWD to Limiting Factor 2b above.
downstream by the dam. Several placements have already • In conjunction with WUP monitoring of
habitat been installed. flushing flow experiments, identify projects
capability • Gravel recruitment in lower Coquitlam is that would reduce sediment input at the major
not presently an issue. Deposition of fine sources.
sediments from non-hydro sources has reduced
spawning success and invertebrate
productivity due to reduced flushing.
• Substrate quality is thought to be one of the
most significant limiting factors for fish
productivity in the Coquitlam River (WUP).
4. • Water diversion, reservoir drawdown and • WUP developed a performance measure
Reduced blockage of salmon migration have reduced called the reservoir effective littoral zone
biological biological productivity compared to the (EFZ) to model reservoir productivity;
productivity original lake. however it proved insensitive to most
operation options. Linked to Limiting Factor 1
• Lake fertilization may be constrained by above.
drinking water uses and sustainability • Evaluate fertilization of fish-bearing
concerns. tributaries (not reservoir) to improve
productive capacity for resident salmonids and
assess impacts on other species.
5. • Fish access to certain reservoir tributaries • Fish presence in tributaries is incompletely
Reduced has been reduced due to drawdown operations. known. Other barriers may exist below el. 147,
tributary WUP found 3 tribs with barriers in the and tribs may need reclassification pending an
access drawdown zone above el. 147.38 m. Reservoir autumn survey. Linked to Limiting Factor 2a
operates between 154 and 140 m. above.
• Fish use of tributary reaches within • Reservoir tributary anadromous capability
drawdown zone may be compromised by study now underway may identify further
fluctuations in water level. access problems.
• Removal of barriers can cause impacts on • Assess impacts of barrier removal on other
existing stream fauna. fauna.
6. • Reduced access and survival for fish using • WUP determined that passage for adult
Reduced mainstem channel diminished by the diversion. salmonids was adequate at the pre-WUP flow
mainstem regime, except for pink and chinook salmon
access not yet studied.
• Increased mortality to pre-spawning
salmonids due to low river stage has not been
addressed by WUP.
• Access for non-salmonid species at risk has
not been addressed.
7. • Reduced flows have altered summer • WUP will be monitoring temperatures and
Flow temperatures and dissolved oxygen levels and dissolved oxygen levels of new flow regimes
diversions reduced habitat capability in lower mainstem which could increase habitat capacity for
reaches salmonids. Effects of proposed flow regime for
non-salmonid species at risk should be
• Urban waterborne contaminants are more assessed.
concentrated due to reduced mainstem flows. • Identify projects that will improve urban
water quality of inputs, such as stormwater
detention, bio-treatment, groundwater
recharge, etc.
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The following fish restoration objectives will be used to guide the BCRP in the Coquitlam
River watershed.
Objective 1: Determine feasibility of restoring historic access for anadromous stocks to
Coquitlam Reservoir.
There are obvious benefits for human economies and local ecological webs if anadromous
fish resources could be returned to former watersheds. These include social and economic
benefits to various fisheries from increased abundance of an anadromous stock, and the
increased annual nutrients contributed by spawner carcasses that benefit other plants and
animals beyond the boundaries of the immediate aquatic environment.
The blockage of anadromous fish runs to former habitats in the upper Coquitlam watershed is
a major footprint impact. The passage issue has implications for future BCRP efforts. If
such passage is not restored, it means that any restoration projects for anadromous stocks
must be confined to habitats in the lower watershed of a system already constrained by
reduced flows and urban development. Furthermore, the blocked passage also caused the
extirpation of a unique sockeye salmon stock, with effects on wildlife population abundance.
Therefore, resolution of the fish passage question is critical to determining the future scope
and location of fish restoration opportunities in the Coquitlam watershed.
1a. Feasibility Studies
Priority: HIGH
The BCRP Strategic Plan outlined issues related to the feasibility of re-establishing
anadromous fish stocks (Vol.II: Chapter 1, sect. 3.2). Subsequently BCRP has
commissioned a study of fish passage at Coquitlam Dam. The purpose of the Stage I
assessment is to establish stock and habitat profiles which includes the identification of target
species, identification of biological and physical habitat requirements, evaluation of the
requirement for donor stock, identification of production goals, evaluation of potential
impacts with resident stocks, and identification of fish management constraints. The Stage II
assessment is intended to establish a conceptual fish passage plan, identify water
management operational requirements and objectives for facilitating fish passage, and
identify constraints to achieving those operational objectives.
BC Hydro prepared an overview evaluation of restoring historic passage for anadromous fish
at BC Hydro facilities. It concluded that the Coquitlam River system was not a strong
candidate for salmon passage initiatives because of technical uncertainties around smolt
screening, collection and transport requirements. There were also biological problems
anticipated with adult homing and juvenile migration cues with respect to the interbasin
diversion to Buntzen Lake.
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The Consultative Committee for the Coquitlam-Buntzen Water Use Plan supported the
objective to restore sockeye to the Coquitlam Reservoir. However, this issue was considered
beyond the scope of the WUP, but was to be addressed through the Bridge Coastal
Restoration Program. The GVRD indicated that they would support the return of sockeye
providing it would not significantly impair drinking water quality.
1b. Engineering & Economic Studies
Priority: HIGH
Conclusions reached in the report on Stage I and II in Objective 1a will determine the
direction of further investigation into detailed engineering and the cost aspects of providing
anadromous passage.
1c. Habitat for Anadromous Stocks
Priority: HIGH
The outcome of Objective 2b will indicate whether future consideration of habitat
improvement will be required in the upper watershed.
Objective 2: Conserve and improve fish habitats in the lower Coquitlam River.
2a. Improve water quality
Priority: MEDIUM
Glacial soils are present in the middle reaches of the Coquitlam River. Natural slides and
long-term mining of their gravels have caused sedimentation through much of the lower
river, due largely to the significant reduction in river flow to flush them through to the Fraser
River. This deposition has generally degraded habitat quality in the lower mainstem for
salmonid species.
Another effect of reduced flows on water quality has been to reduce the flushing and raise the
concentrations of urban waterborne contaminants. Therefore, some projects to deliver
cleaner discharges to the river from gravel mines and urban runoff could address the reduced
carrying capacity of the diminished river. (Stormwater treatment with oil separators,
biofiltration ponds and groundwater recharge basins are options, along with riparian
treatments.)
Since the reduced flows caused by hydroelectric development are linked to some of the water
quality and sedimentation problems, the BCRP could also contribute toward improving water
quality in the remaining flows. There are multiple sources of water pollution and various
responsibilities for water quality. BCRP can play a role in promoting water quality
initiatives that are guided by the following criteria:
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• increased minimum flow levels and periodic flushing flows under the Water Use Plan
will have implications for water and habitat quality that need to be considered;
• water quality management projects should focus on source control and pollution
prevention; and
• stormwater management programs should be coordinated where feasible with habitat
conservation (e.g., detention swales) for multiple species where appropriate.
2b. Identify and maintain important habitats
Priority: HIGH
Some inventory information is available to identify key habitats that warrant protection in the
Lower Coquitlam River. In any river system, there will be sections that contain relatively
more or better quality habitat features for a particular species and life stage than other
sections of the river. These essential features⎯ pools, log debris piles, large midstream
boulders, gravelbed runs, etc.⎯ are formed by hydraulic channel processes acting on man-
made or natural structures. Habitat features can also be intentionally constructed in an
attempt to optimize spawning or rearing conditions. Outside of the wetted channel, the
hydraulic regime of the river also influences streambank composition and the growth of
riparian vegetation.
Stability and persistence of essential habitat features are central to habitat protection and
restoration. In some river systems, special features remain at the same location for decades.
Features in other rivers may change each year, depending on runoff conditions ⎯ pools fill
with gravel but others usually scour nearby; log piles or gravel accumulations may be
redistributed downstream, and so on. The more dynamic the channel, the more annual
variability in the location, quantity or quality of essential habitat features.
An important implementation strategy is to identify and protect key habitats that contribute to
ecosystem functions, species diversity and species production. Special habitat features,
including locations of springs and tributary inflows, that may currently exist in the Coquitlam
system should be assessed for their relative hydrological stability as well as their sensitivity
to disruption from future upland development. Legal protection of instream features is
generally more limited in scope than is protection of floodplain and riparian features where
land ownership is defined. Habitat protection may involve conservation designation or
covenants, riparian and drainage treatments, greenway design, property acquisition or other
tools. The criteria for selecting these key habitats include the following:
• addresses critical habitat deficiencies for life stage requirements of targeted species;
• provides habitat for red or blue listed species; or
• re-connects or strengthens the connections between high quality habitats
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2c. Develop habitats for species diversity and production
Priority: MEDIUM
A major BCRP implementation strategy is to undertake improvements to expand the capacity
and quality of aquatic habitat in the lower Coquitlam River. This should recognize the
previous enhancement projects in the watershed and the need to complement ecosystems and
biodiversity values in any habitat development. Habitat capacity constraints that may be
limiting steelhead, cutthroat trout and pink and chinook salmon are a particular concern, as
are the lack of data on the presence of non-salmonid species at risk that may use the lower
Coquitlam River. Development of habitat for coho salmon has also benefited cutthroat trout
and steelhead in the lower Coquitlam system (M. Foy, DFO, Vancouver).
The habitat enhancement should be guided by the following criteria:
• maximizes opportunities to utilize additional flows under WUP flow regime in a self-
sustaining manner;
• provides a habitat requirement that is in short supply or is a limiting factor for a particular
species;
• promotes habitat-forming processes such as placement of large wood debris in mainstem
locations;
• replicates or mimics habitats that existed historically and that can be productively utilized
by species of concern; and
• assessment of wildlife biodiversity values prior to excavating new fish habitat sites.
Objective 3: Conserve and improve habitats for resident fish stocks throughout the reservoirs
and tributary systems.
3a. Identify and maintain important existing habitats
Priority: LOW
The considerations presented in Objective 3b also apply here. However, much of the upland
Coquitlam basin is already protected by GVRD and no development in the upper watershed
is anticipated. The recent GVRD Watershed Management Plan has included environmental
Best Management Practice standards to protect important fish habitat such as pools or
spawning areas during future construction or maintenance of GVRD access roads along these
tributaries. However, BCRP efforts may not be a priority in this area because of the status of
the upper watershed.
3b. Develop habitats for species diversity and production
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Priority: MEDIUM
Despite the lack of fisheries, some efforts should attempt to restore former fish productivity
lost by reservoir flooding and blockage of anadromous fish stocks. A sustainable increase in
resident fish populations would enrich the food web of the local ecosystem, from piscivorous
birds and mammals to nutrient cycling through lower trophic levels.
Species diversity in the upper watershed has been reduced by the loss of anadromous stocks.
If these stocks are restored in the future, habitats may need to be developed for certain life
stages (linked to Objective 2c).
Original populations of resident salmonids lost habitat capacity in the lower reaches of
reservoir tributaries. Proposals to improve or create fish habitat should be linked to these
footprint losses and would need to be acceptable to GVRD. Projects may improve access
between reservoir and creeks, extend access farther upstream past local obstructions, or
provide essential habitat features for spawning, rearing or overwintering. Such projects can
also have unintended impacts on other wildlife. Thus, proponents should be asked to include
a statement of impact on biodiversity values already existing at the site as part of their
proposal.
Objective 4: Improve limnological productivity in Coquitlam and Buntzen reservoirs.
4a. Limnological and Biological Investigations
Priority: LOW
Relative abundance of the fish fauna in the upper Coquitlam watershed (reservoir and
tributaries) should be assessed to develop baseline conditions upon which fertilization
benefits can be assessed. The Coquitlam-Buntzen WUP addressed limnological productivity
for Coquitlam Reservoir (not Buntzen) in a model called the Effective Littoral Zone. After
initial investigation, WUP considered that the changes predicted by the model were
insignificant to distinguishing the final flow alternatives. However, this model may be useful
in optimizing primary and secondary productivity within the reservoir, an exercise that will
be important if sockeye salmon are re-established.
Food web relationships in the Buntzen system also need examination to forecast benefits
from fertilization efforts. The Fisheries Technical Committee for the WUP agreed that fish
objectives for Buntzen Reservoir, including optimizing primary and secondary productivity,
would be met as long as the reservoir continued to be managed within elevations required for
recreation and public safety.
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4.3 Wildlife Restoration Framework
In the Coquitlam River watershed, the hydroelectric footprint impacts included flooding of
1004 ha of lake, 26 ha of riparian vegetation, 7.3 km of stream channel, and 194 ha of upland
(primarily coniferous) forest, construction of a dam and diversions that have reduced flows in
the Coquitlam River downstream, eliminated stream, riparian, and upland habitats, and
increased shoreline length. These changes may have had impacts on historical wildlife use of
the watershed. These and other impacts may create or accentuate limiting factors that
currently constrain ecosystem functions, species diversity and species populations in the
watershed.
The Coquitlam River watershed is relatively small in physical dimensions (193 km2 above
and 60 km2 below the dam), and there are natural characteristics and other land uses that
seriously constrain fish and wildlife restoration within the watershed. The headwaters
originate on very steep mountainsides that physically limit the distribution of riparian
habitats and associated species outside the reservoir footprint. Much of the headwaters and
the reservoir are located within the Greater Vancouver Water District, which has a
management plan with specific conservation and biodiversity objectives.
Below the dam, dyking, protection works, and an array of urban, industrial and recreational
uses also contribute to the pressures on aquatic, riparian, and upland habitats in addition to
those imposed by hydroelectric footprint impacts (McIntosh & Robertson 2001). Some of
the largest changes in the river bed are the result of gravel removal and accompanying
channelling, primarily between 1949 and 1965. The overall results have been channel
confinement, an increase in gradient, unstable river bottom, increase in silting, bank
instability and slides, and severe depletion of biological productivity (Hirst 1991). These
characteristics reduce the potential area available for wildlife habitat restoration in this
watershed.
These land development pressures appear also to be primarily responsible for downstream
changes in riparian habitat quantity, although downstream riparian habitat quality seems little
affected by the presence and operation of the dam, despite the fact that annual average water
flows in the lower river are only 15%-30% of the Coquitlam Lake inflows (McLennan and
Veenstra 2001). According to McLennan and Veenstra (2001), riparian habitats are likely
most influenced by peak flows from the lower tributaries, while Hirst (1991) indicated that
peak flows in the upper tributaries also influence flow volumes over the dam into the lower
river.
The draft Water Use Plan has addressed the flow requirements for aquatic ecosystems and
sought to mitigate the impacts of flow diversion and reduction. It aims to “maximize the area
& suitability of aquatic & riparian habitat for indigenous wildlife, including species at risk
and organisms not captured by fish objectives.” Measures under BCRP are also proposed to
either reduce or to offset the habitat losses associated with hydroelectric footprint impacts.
These measures should ideally complement other habitat management activities in the
watershed.
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Historical changes in the watershed are dominated by hydroelectric footprint impacts and
increased urban development. Information about the existence of populations and habitat of
wildlife, including species at risk, is largely unknown. The largest footprint impacts may be
associated with the flooded habitats now encompassed by the reservoir. Efforts to offset
these impacts should concentrate, wherever possible, on creating similar habitat in other parts
of the watershed.
To assist in planning the restoration program, Table 2 identifies the restoration issues and
information gaps as they relate to the major limiting factors.
TABLE 2
Wildlife Restoration Issues and Information Gaps in Coquitlam Watershed
Limiting Restoration Issues Information Gaps
Factors
• Direct impact of flow changes on • Assessment of likely significance of flow changes
1. aquatic species. on wildlife species and habitats. McLennan &
Habitat • Impact of flow changes on Veenstra (2001) state that the quality of remaining
Changes formation of riparian and instream riparian habitats is largely unaffected by flow changes
Downstream habitats. resulting from damming. Direct flow regime effects
on wildlife should also be considered.
• Reduced flows allowed for
floodplain reclamation and habitat • Inventory of species affected by existing and
displacement. proposed WUP flows. McIntosh & Robertson (2001)
recommend inventories only if impacts of flow
regimes are considered likely.
• Assessment of wildlife response to fisheries
enhancements.
• Assessment of opportunities to re-create lost
habitat, where appropriate.
2. • Loss of lowland and upland forest • Assessment of likely significance of habitat loss for
Habitat Loss and river habitats. wildlife species and vegetation communities.
Upstream • Assessment of limiting factors influenced by
significant habitat loss (e.g., loss of forage, shelter, or
breeding sites).
• Assessment of opportunities to recreate lost habitat
or otherwise mitigate any limiting factors identified.
Inventory existing riparian and other lake and river
side habitats where this has not been done; GVRD has
conducted riparian inventories in the upper watershed.
3. • Lack of vegetation in drawdown • Assessment of species currently or potentially
Reduced zone. using drawdown zone and the features used.
Productivity • Assessment of opportunities to revegetate or
otherwise enhance drawdown zone. (e.g,, would
installation of structures for nesting ospreys or other
species be appropriate & effective?).
4. • Potential barriers to mammal • Assessment of actual impediments to ungulates,
Wildlife movement, particularly migration at carnivores, or other species groups created by
the head of the reservoir and around structures, the reservoir, and diversion.
Migration the dam. • Assessment of opportunities to mitigate any
significant adverse effects.
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The following wildlife restoration objectives will be used to guide the BCRP in the
Coquitlam River watershed.
Objective 1: Rehabilitate reservoir drawdown zones to enhance productivity and
wildlife habitat in Coquitlam Reservoir.
The land occurring in the reservoir drawdown zone is the most impacted in that its former
vegetation cover has been removed, resulting in bare ground that has the lowest existing
habitat value of reservoir footprint areas. The areas originally comprised several habitat
types of differing wildlife value, from relatively scarce, highly valued riverine, riparian, and
floodplain habitats, to abundant mountainside coniferous forests.
Remaining coniferous forest habitats are well protected through their watershed and
recreational functions. In addition existing conservation measures have conferred varying
degrees of protection to upland habitats. A spotted owl Special Resource Management Zone
encompasses the entire reservoir portion of the watershed (Dunbar and Blackburn, 1994).
Along the Coquitlam River, a Wildlife Management Area (WMP) at the mouth and Colony
Farm Regional Park near the WMA provide protection to flood plain or former flood plain
lands, respectively. Upland habitats around the reservoir are not considered further in the
BCRP because of their relatively secure status and because of the small percentage of such
habitats affected by the reservoir footprint.
Of the habitats originally occurring in the current drawdown zone, riparian habitats have the
best opportunity for restoration (albeit in different locations), within the constraints imposed
by the soils, steepness, and flood regime. Investigations are required to identify practical
opportunities for enhancement within the drawdown zone, but the greatest opportunities are
expected to occur in areas near creeks and with lower gradients, particularly around Bickeny
Creek and adjacent areas along the south side, and at the north end of the reservoir.
Restoration activities would include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:
1a Inventory Species Presence and Habitat Utilization
Priority: MEDIUM
Before designing enhancements, it will be necessary to conduct inventories of species of
concern (see Vol I Table 2) for which footprint impacts are known or suspected to have
occurred, and to determine whether enhancement benefits can be expected. In addition,
enhancement opportunities for unaffected species at risk in the watershed could be identified
to offset or substitute for any lack of opportunity to restore habitats for affected species.
1b Develop Habitats for Species Diversity and Production
Priority: MEDIUM
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The following are examples of suitable activities that may arise from the assessment and
inventory activities:
• Develop foreshore habitat complexes at suitable locations.
• Create nesting cavities and raptor perches where beneficial through management
activities such as snag creation.
• Improve of nesting opportunities for osprey by providing artificial nesting structures.
Objective 2: Conserve riparian and wetland habitats in the downstream portions of
Coquitlam River.
The duration and timing of peak and minimum flows have been altered by the dam and by
development in tributary watersheds. McLennan & Veenstra (2001) were unable to detect
any changes to downstream riparian habitat quality as a direct result of the construction of
the dam. Changes in flows have, however, facilitated encroachment into the traditional
floodplain of the river. Factors that have influenced riverine and riparian habitats are former
gravel extraction from the river, adjacent gravel pit operations, dyking for urban and
commercial development, and recreation, with a subsequent large decrease in the quantity of
riparian habitat over historical levels.
While recognizing the difficulty of determining exactly what values have been lost, and of
distinguishing between footprint, operational, and encroachment impacts, BCRP will
contribute to wildlife or habitat conservation measures and opportunities aimed at restoring
or protecting self-maintaining and managed ecosystems within the historical floodplain of the
lower river.
2a Identify and maintain important existing habitats
Priority: HIGH
Undertake conservation, through protective measures, habitat acquisition, stewardship
initiatives and other means, to conserve remaining habitat areas in the Coquitlam River
floodplain. The criteria for selecting these key habitats include the following:
• addresses critical habitat deficiencies for life stage requirements of targeted species;
• provides habitat for red or blue listed species; or
• re-connects or strengthens the connections between high quality habitats
Bridge-Coastal Fish & Wildlife Restoration Program 8-28
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2b Inventory species presence and habitat utilization
Priority: MEDIUM
Once the proposed WUP flow regimes are in place, conduct inventories of riparian, riverine,
and red and blue-listed wildlife in conjunction with WUP (see McIntosh and Robertson
2001, Sections 7 and 8).
2c Develop habitats for species diversity and production.
Priority: MEDIUM
• Identify key habitats for conservation of biodiversity and enhanced production and
conduct restoration activities.
• Create backwater channel and associated riparian habitats where reduced downstream
flows have diminished natural channel complexity.
Objective 3: Create or enhance wetlands and riparian habitats for aquatic species
Priority: LOW
This objective is similar to the previous two objectives, but with a focus on the creation of
small wetlands and associated riparian habitat above the dam. Non riverine/non lake
wetlands were not identified among the habitats lost during reservoir creation. Such
wetlands were likely small, occurring in the less steep areas around Bickeny Creek and at
the head of the lake. The creation of small wetlands would provide habitat for aquatic
amphibians, waterfowl, small mammals, and eventually cavity dependent species
Activities such as the following would fulfill this objective:
• Consider various opportunities to dyke selected drawdown areas to hold water during
growing and breeding season (spring and summer), or fall migration, when reservoir is
normally drawn down at those times.
• Create additional wetlands where feasible through means such as flooding shallow
basins in the watershed.
Objective 4: Assess and address ways in which the extended reservoir footprint creates
barriers to wildlife.
Priority: LOW
The upstream expansion of the reservoir was relatively small, flooding about 1.3 km of main
stem, representing a linear extension of the lake of about 0.5 km. The 0.5 km barrier effect
of the reservoir and dam may be small.
Restore populations of species for which adverse barrier effects occur. Suggested action:
Bridge-Coastal Fish & Wildlife Restoration Program 8-29
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• Investigate the lake head to determine whether a migration or genetic barrier effect is
likely to for any species.
• If appropriate and feasible, investigate affected species and develop measures to
overcome the effects.
Objective 5: Improve the knowledge base on species of concern, especially rare,
endangered, and threatened species and habitat utilization in the Coquitlam and
Buntzen watersheds.
Endangered or threatened species that may occur in the watershed, such as the spotted owl,
may be unaffected by the dam footprint. Other species, however, such as the Pacific
watershrew may be negatively or positively influenced by habitat reduction and flow
changes. More information is needed about the abundance and habitat utilization of such
species that are dependent on riverine, riparian, or floodplain habitats or the presence of
nesting cavities. Because wildlife species inventories should be restricted to habitats
currently or historically influenced by the footprint, habitat inventories need to precede
species inventories to help focus efforts appropriately.
5a Inventory riparian and other lake and river side habitats
Priority: HIGH
Complete lake and riparian vegetation inventories in the watershed in areas where they have
not been completed.
5b Inventory endangered or threatened species presence and habitat utilization
Priority: MEDIUM
The BCRP should focus such activities on those species likely to have been adversely
affected by the footprint impacts, such as Pacific watershrews, red-legged frogs, and tailed
frogs.
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References
Acres International, Inc, 1999. GRVD Analysis Report – Watershed Management Plan #5.
Prepared for GVRD, Vancouver, BC.
BC Hydro. 2002. Draft Coquitlam-Buntzen Water Use Plan Consultative Committee Report.
Decker, S. and G.P. Lewis. 2000. Fish response to increased minimum flows and habitat
restoration in the Coquitlam River: a five year review. BC Hydro Coquitlam-Buntzen
Water Use Plan, Fisheries Technical Report 01LB1-WUP-02. 40 p.
Dunbar D., I. Blackburn. 1994. Management options for the northern spotted owl in British
Columbia. Canadian Spotted Owl Recovery Team, B.C. Environment. 180pp.
Greater Vancouver Regional District, Watershed Management Plan, 2002.
Hirst, S.M. 1991 Impacts of the operation of existing hydroelectric developments on fishery
resources in British Columbia. Volume 1-Anadromous salmon. Canadian Manuscript Report
of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 2093. 144 p.
McIntosh, K.A., I. Robertson. 2001. B.C. Hydro Coquitlam/Buntzen Water Use Plan
wildlife information review. Prepared by Robertson Env. Serv. For B.C. Hydro WUP,
Burnaby, B.C..
McLennan, D.S., V. Veenstra. 2001. Riparian Ecosystem mapping: lower Coquitlam River.
Prepared by Oikos Ecol. Serv. Ltd. For B.C. Hydro, Power Supply Environment, Burnaby,
B.C.
Slaney T., K.D. Hyatt, T.G. Northcote, and R.J. Fielden, 1996. Extinction risk classification
data for anadromous salmon and trout of British Columbia (draft - unpublished), American
Fisheries Society.
White Pine Environmental Resources Inc. 2001. Coquitlam Reservoir and system
water quality study. BC Hydro Coquitlam-Buntzen Water Use Plan, Fisheries
Technical Report 01LB1-WUP-01. 31 p.
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5. COQUITLAM-BUNTZEN WATERSHED REFERENCES
5.1 Map and Air Photo References
Reference Location Source
Map of New Westminster District, 1913; approx. 1:70,000 showing UBC Map Library
Coquitlam Lake, Pitt Lake and ‘Lillooet Lakes’ (Alouette Lake)
Map of estimated 1905 lake level, Archaeological Resources of the SFU Library
Coquitlam Lake Reservoir: An Overview and Preliminary Analysis of an
Inundated Early Prehistoric Lithic Component (DiRQ-5), M.J. Wright,
Dept. of Archaeology, SFU, 1981
Air Photos, Coquitlam River, 1940 BC 196:14, 18, 19, 76
5.2 Hydro Facility and Fish References
Reference Notes Sources
Anonymous. 1993. Coquitlam River flow release technical report. BC Hydro
Prepared for B.C. Hydro (September 1993). Unpublished report. 8 p.
Arber, J.C. 1977. The Coquitlam River water management study part
tasks 14-17: provincial fisheries. Water Investigations Branch, B.C.
Ministry of the Environment. Water Investigations Branch Reports
Library No. 2629.
Arber, J.C. 1978. Coquitlam River water management study background cited in de Leeuw 1982
report. Task 14-17 Provincial Fisheries Resource, Victoria, BC. 91 p.
Baney, Tonia M. 1972. Construction of the old Fraser River bridge at photos UBC Educ.Library:
New Westminster, 1904, the Coquitlam-Buntzen Lake power complex, TA27.B7 C66 1972
1902 / produced by Tonia M. Baney; photos courtesy of Vancouver City SLIDE
Archives, Vancouver Public Library. [Vancouver, B.C.] Research
Project of the Early B.C. Photography.
B.C. Hydro. 1985. Dam safety investigations: Coquitlam Dam – BC Hydro
discharge facility tests. Report No. H1842. BC Hydro, Burnaby, BC
B.C. Hydro. 1985. Dam safety investigations: Coquitlam Lake BC Hydro
Memorandum on inflow forecasting studies. Report no. H1795. BC
Hydro, Burnaby, BC
B.C. Hydro. 1987. Dam safety investigations: Buntzen Lake Dam BC Hydro
technical data book. BC Hydro, Burnaby, BC
B.C. Hydro. 1991. Dam safety investigations: Buntzen Dam BC Hydro
comprehensive inspection and review 1991. Report no. H2333. BC
Hydro, Burnaby, BC
B.C. Hydro. 1992. Dam safety investigations: Coquitlam Dam BC Hydro
comprehensive inspection and review 1989. Report no. H2250. BC
Hydro, Burnaby, BC
B.C. Hydro. 1994. Report on the electric system operations review overview of operations & BC Hydro
(ESOR). Prepared for The Minister of Employment and Investment and issues for all BCH facilities
the Minister of Energy Mines and Petroleum Resources. Unpublished
report and 2 appendices.
B.C. Hydro. 1996. Buntzen Lake and Coquitlam Lake reservoirs BC Hydro
property inventory. Property Services Division, B.C. Hydro, Vancouver,
B.C.
B.C. Hydro. 1996. Coquitlam/Buntzen generating facility: fisheries BC Hydro
enhancement work. Newsletter.
B.C. Hydro. 1997. Buntzen/Coquitlam facilities community relation BC Hydro
plan. Draft. Prepared for Power Supply Facilities, BC Hydro, Burnaby,
Bridge-Coastal Fish & Wildlife Restoration Program 8-32
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Reference Notes Sources
BC.
B.C. Hydro. 1997. Coquitlam Dam – intermediate inspection report – BC Hydro
fall 1997. Report No. MEP378.
B.C. Hydro. 1998. Coquitlam / Buntzen Field Facility Guide. B.C. BC Hydro
Hydro, Power Facilities. File No. 15-200.22. Print No. 1. 145 p.
B.C. Hydro. 1999. Recreation opportunities inventory. Power Supply color maps and description of BC Hydro
Environment, Rept. ER 99-08., 206 p. all facilities
B.C. Ministry of Environment. 1976. Coquitlam River water cited in De Leeuw 1982
management study. Study outline. Ministry of Environment. Water
Investigations Branch Reports Library No. 2437. Victoria, B.C.
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Bridge-Coastal Fish & Wildlife Restoration Program 8-33
Volume 2 Revised Jan 06/03: COQUITLAM RIVER (BUNTZEN LAKE) WATERSHED
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Bridge-Coastal Fish & Wildlife Restoration Program 8-34
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Bridge-Coastal Fish & Wildlife Restoration Program 8-35
Volume 2 Revised Jan 06/03: COQUITLAM RIVER (BUNTZEN LAKE) WATERSHED
Reference Notes Sources
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Bridge-Coastal Fish & Wildlife Restoration Program 8-36
Volume 2 Revised Jan 06/03: COQUITLAM RIVER (BUNTZEN LAKE) WATERSHED
5.3 Wildlife References
Reference Notes Source
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the rare and endangered species found within the
watershed boundaries of each BCH facility. Strategic
Fisheries, Power Supply Operations, Burnaby, BC.
Gates, Bryan Black bear & deer were abundant in the 60's pers. comm.
and likely still are
GVRD, 1999. GVRD Watershed Ecological Inventory Wildlife contamination of watershed by GVRD Burnaby
Program: Analysis Reports Watershed Management Plan introduction of pathogens
#5: Analysis Report CD p. 5-18 to 20
GVRD, 1999. GVRD Watershed Ecological Inventory Wildlife Implications and Management GVRD Burnaby
Program: Analysis Reports Watershed Management Plan Options. Discusses species of concern and
#5: Annex to Analysis Report CD p. 90-116 species that may introduce pathogens and
management options.
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plant construction approx. 1913. Archives
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General, 1955. Provincial Game Commission Report Rivers MELP Surrey: Jack
Evans
Province of British Columbia, 1936. Report of the Mountain goats found in Alouette and Provincial Archives,
Provincial Game Commission 1935. Authority of the Coquitlam Lake areas. MELP Surrey: Jack
Legislative Assembly, Victoria BC Evans
Province of British Columbia, 1940. Report of the Mountain goats at Coquitlam, Alouette and Provincial Archives,
Provincial Game Commission 1939. Authority of the Stave Lakes MELP Surrey: Jack
Legislative Assembly, Victoria BC Wolves at Coquitlam, Alouette and Stave Evans
Lakes
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Commission Report. 1951. Authority of the Legislative Allouette & Stave Lakes MELP Surrey: Jack
Assembly, Victoria BC Evans
Province of British Columbia. 1954. Provincial Game Mountain goats in good numbers at Provincial Archives,
Commission Report. 1953. Authority of the Legislative headwaters of Coquitlam, Allouette & Stave MELP Surrey: Jack
Assembly, Victoria BC Lakes Evans
Province of British Columbia. 1955. Provincial Game Mountain goats in good numbers at Provincial Archives,
Commission Report. 1954. Authority of the Legislative headwaters of Coquitlam, Allouette & Stave MELP Surrey: Jack
Assembly, Victoria BC Lakes Evans
Gravel-quarrying leases investigated in
Coquitlam & Stave Rivers
Bridge-Coastal Fish & Wildlife Restoration Program 8-37
Volume 2 Revised Jan 06/03: COQUITLAM RIVER (BUNTZEN LAKE) WATERSHED
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