May 7, 2007
NOTICE TO THE GVRD WATER COMMITTEE
You are requested to attend a Regular Meeting of the GVRD Water Committee to be held at 9:00 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 in the 2nd Floor Boardroom, 4330 Kingsway, Burnaby, British Columbia.
A G E N D A
1. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
1.1 May 16, 2007 Regular Meeting Agenda Staff Recommendation: That the Water Committee adopt the agenda for its regular meeting scheduled for May 16, 2007 as circulated.
2. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES
2.1 April 11, 2007 Regular Meeting Minutes Staff Recommendation: That the Water Committee adopt the minutes of its regular meeting held April 11, 2007 as circulated.
3. DELEGATIONS 3.1 Mark Angelo regarding Capilano River Fish Stocks
4. INVITED PRESENTATIONS No items presented.
5. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEE OR STAFF
5.1 Water System and Planned Capital Projects Designated Speaker: Fred Nenninger Recommendation: That the Water Committee receive for information the report dated May 1, 2007 titled “Water System and Planned Capital Projects”.
5.2 Water Supply and Water Conservation Update for Summer 2007 Designated Speakers: Paul Archibald and Stan Woods Recommendation: That the GVWD Board receive for information the report dated May 2, 2007 titled “Water Supply and Water Conservation Update for Summer 2007”.
5.3 Resolution for Funding for Works on Capilano River to Protect Salmon (Resolution and staff report to follow under separate cover)
5.4 Construction of Douglas Road Main No. 2 and Capilano Main No. 5 Designated Speaker: Tim Jervis Recommendation: That the GVWD Board authorize the expenditure of adjusted budgeted capital funds for construction of: a) Douglas Road Main No. 2 - Canada Way South Section ($7.5 million); and b) Capilano Main No. 5 – Selkirk Street to Little Mountain Section ($7.0 million).
5.5 Seymour-Capilano Filtration Project – Project Status Designated Speaker: Doug Neden Recommendation: That the GVWD Board receive the report titled “Seymour-Capilano Filtration Project – Project Status”, dated May 4, 2007, for information.
5.6 Manager’s Report (Oral Report) Designated Speaker: Tim Jervis Recommendation: That the Water Committee receive the “Manager’s Report” for information.
6. INFORMATION ITEMS 6.1 Watermark article dated Spring 2007, titled “GVRD Upgrades Coquitlam Treatment System to Include UV Disinfection”.
7. OTHER BUSINESS No items presented.
8. RESOLUTION TO CLOSE MEETING Staff Recommendation: That the regular meeting of the GVRD Water Committee scheduled for May 16, 2007 be closed pursuant to the Community Charter provisions, Section 90 (1)(g) as follows: “90 (1) A part of a council meeting may be closed to the public if the subject matter being considered relates to or is one or more of the following: (g) litigation or potential litigation affecting the municipality”.
9. ADJOURNMENT
May 16
Members of the GVRD Water Committee,
Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you this morning. My presentation will focus on the troubled state of certain Capilano River salmon stocks and the needed modifications to the Cleveland dam that are required to help mitigate its adverse impacts on fish stocks. The Cleveland (or Capilano) dam is widely viewed as one of BC's most poorly designed dams from an environmental perspective. In an effort to address these concerns, many of the needed modifications to the structure were outlined in the Ward report that was commissioned by the GVRD in 2004, a highly regarded document that has yet to be acted upon.
Problems associated with the design and management of the Cleveland dam have been extensively profiled in the media, both provincially and nationally, and have been the subject of major features in recent weeks by both the Globe and Mail and BCTV Global, along with several other newspapers. The Globe and Mail also ran an editorial recently referring to the Capilano as "an assembly line of death". In our view, this is an appropriate description - but it's also important to emphasize that there are tangible and affordable solutions to these issues that could be implemented that would not impact the function of the dam in any way.
From a fisheries perspective, this situation is particularly worrisome given that only one summer-run steelhead returned this year and only a few dozen winter runs. If the current situation continues, many believe that a sound case could be made for a “species at risk” designation for these stocks. In addition, late run coho numbers have also dropped dramatically.
A major contributor to this situation centers on two major design deficiencies associated with the Cleveland Dam. The first of these relates to the current lack of a smolt passage facility and, because of this, about 80% of all young salmon reared above the dam die as they travel over the spillway on their way to sea. While removing the rocks below the dam will help the situation somewhat, this is by no means a complete or satisfactory solution. To fully address this situation will require the construction of a smolt passage mechanism, as outlined in the Ward report commissioned by the GVRD in 2004. Such passage facilities have been implemented in many other dams with a great deal of success (with smolt survival rates as high as 95%) and there is no reason why such an approach would not be just as successful in the case of the Capilano.
A second required modification to the dam would be the installation of additional release ports. At present, in late summer when reservoir levels drop below the drum gate, the GVRD ends up releasing water into the lower river from the very bottom of the reservoir. As a result, this water is several degrees colder that what would normally exist. This significantly impacts growth rates of those salmon that rear below the dam and ultimately affects their chances of survival.
If additional ports were in place, the GVRD could better control and manage water temperatures, which would dramatically improve the habitat of the lower river. The GVRD has indicated that it is trying to upgrade the drum gate so that it works more consistently and would allow them to rely less on the lower ports. However, this approach will not address the water temperature issue once reservoir levels drop below the drum gate, which regularly happens by mid to late summer.
Under the current circumstances, all salmon that rear in the Capilano River (whether above or below the dam) are adversely impacted by the design of the dam. And while some associated with the GVRD have inferred "they are not in the fish business", we take issue with that. In our view, the GVRD is operating a dam that is having a major adverse impact on the river and its fish stocks and is jeopardizing the very existence of the river's steelhead population.
Consequently, we believe there is an ethical, moral and, perhaps even a legal obligation, to correct the situation. Some in the GVRD have also publicly called for more feasibility studies but, based on our experience with the Ward Report (which appears to have been shelved until recently), we would have concerns about such an approach unless there was a clear and public commitment to take action within a reasonable timeframe. It's also important to note that the Ward report indicates that all needed improvements to address and correct fisheries and environment-related impacts could be done for several million dollars, which amount to far less than one percent of current expenditures on the water system upgrade.
In closing, the Capilano is a wonderful river right here in Vancouver’s own backyard. It’s also a waterway that is close to the heart of many who live throughout the lower mainland. And while it’s a troubled river at present, at the same time it presents a wonderful opportunity to do something positive and tangible for local salmon stocks.
Thank you for allowing me to speak with you this morning and I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Sincerely.
Mark Angelo, CM, OBC Head, BCIT Fish, Wildlife, Recreation Department Deputy Chair, Pacific Fisheries Resource Conservation Council Rivers Chair, Outdoor Recreation Council of BC
Water Committee Meeting Date: May 16, 2007
To: Water Committee
From: Fred Nenninger, Division Manager, Regional Utility Planning
Date: May 1, 2007
Subject: Water System and Planned Capital Projects
Recommendation:
That the Water Committee receive for information the report dated May 1, 2007 titled “Water System and Planned Capital Projects”.
1. PURPOSE
At their February 14, 2007 meeting the Water Committee requested a report from staff on the state of the regional infrastructure and water capital projects planned, underway and completed.
2. CONTEXT
The GVWD regional infrastructure provides a reliable, high quality supply of clean, safe drinking water to over two million people and associated businesses in Greater Vancouver. The capital assets required to meet this need depreciate and need replacement and upgrading on a continuing basis. System enhancements have been necessary to ensure the reliability of clean, safe water and expansion of system capacity has been required to keep pace with growth.
The following sections discuss what has been accomplished by the water utility between 1997 and 2006, provide a breakdown of anticipated capital expenditures by category out to 2026, and include a brief discussion of some emerging issues for the water utility.
Project Completions: 1997-2006 There have been a number of water projects that have been completed or were near completion in the period from 1997-2006. Highlights include seismic upgrading of many water system assets such as reservoirs and dams, construction of a new water filtration plant, and a number of growth projects (Table-1).
Page 2 of 3 Water System and Planned Capital Projects Water Committee Meeting May 16, 2007
Table-1 Capital Expenditures for Water Utility by Type 1997-2006 ($Millions)
Project Type Total Growth 105 Upgrade 10 Maintenance 10 Risk Management 140 DWTP 385 Total 650.0
Attachment 1 is a location map indicating the water system projects completed in the 1997- 2006 time period.
Long-Range Outlook: 2007-2026 For the water utility, about $1.5B in capital expenditures is identified for the period 2007- 2016, an average of $150M per year. The 20-Year Outlook (2007-2026) identifies about $2.1B in capital expenditures (Table-2).
Capital projects related to system growth are expected to be the largest component of water utility expenditures over the next 20 years, particularly in the period 2012-2016 (Table-2).
The DWTP is the second largest component with expenditures occurring over the next 10 years to complete the Seymour-Capilano filtration Project and treatment projects for the existing and new Coquitlam Reservoir intakes.
Risk Management expenditures total $510M over the twenty year timeframe.
Maintenance is an area where expenditures may increase once information from sources such as the O&M 40-Year Asset Management Project becomes available. Maintenance is also expected to increase as the system expands and further water treatment comes on- line.
Table-2 Estimated Water Capital Expenditures 2007-2026 ($millions)
2012- Project Type 2007-2011 2016 2017-2021 2022-2026 Total Growth 120 390 160 100 770 Upgrade 20 5 45 50 120 Maintenance 50 50 50 50 200 Risk Management 265 125 20 100 510 DWTP 375 150 525 Total 830 720 275 300 2,125
Attachment 2 is a location map indicating the projects planned for the water system during the 10-year period 2007-2016.
These plans are updated continuously as new information becomes available and as conditions change.
Emerging Issues Standby power for water infrastructure and increased storage capacity within the water system are considered to be emerging issues that will need to be addressed. Standby Page 3 of 3 Water System and Planned Capital Projects Water Committee Meeting May 16, 2007
power is considered an important feature of system reliability in the event of primary power failure. The Seymour-Capilano water filtration plant will somewhat reduce the extent to which the existing water transmission system is gravity fed, consequently increasing the dependency on active pumping. Facilities where upgrading with standby power should be considered in the future need to be identified.
In addition to standby power, another risk-reducing strategy is to increase the distributed storage capacity of the drinking water system. Distributed storage capacity reduces the risk from system failures by maintaining adequate water supplies in local areas.
3. ALTERNATIVES
Not applicable
4. CONCLUSION
Capital expenditures for the GVWD water system over the next twenty years will be approximately $2.1 billion. This period is characterized by further expenditures to address growth, maintain and upgrade infrastructure, and reduce seismic risk.
Attachment 1: Location Map - Water System Projects: 1997-2006 (provided under separate cover) Attachment 2: Location Map – Water System Projects: 2007-2016 (provided under separate cover)
004495123
Water Committee Meeting Date: May 16, 2007
To: Water Committee
From: Paul Archibald – Systems Operations Division Manager, Operations and Maintenance Department Stan Woods, Senior Engineer, Policy and Planning Department
Date: May 2, 2007
Subject: Water Supply and Water Conservation Update for Summer 2007
Recommendation:
That the GVWD Board receive for information the report dated May 2, 2007 titled “Water Supply and Water Conservation Update for Summer 2007”.
1. PURPOSE
To provide the Board with an update on the current water supply and water conservation situation in consideration of the current snow pack conditions and the approaching summer peak demand period.
2. CONTEXT
Water supply status reports have customarily been provided to the Board each spring. Section 2.1 of this report provides a summary of the current snow pack and stored water and water supply implications. Section 2.2 of this report summarizes water conservation and demand management initiatives in this region, trends in per-capita water use, and areas where water conservation and demand management programs might be enhanced.
2.1 Current Water Supply Conditions
Snow Pack Snowpack measurements are taken at fifty separate locations across the three watersheds. The May 2007 measurements indicate that the water equivalent of the current snowpack was approximately 144% of average for that time of the year. Snowpack measurements were taken at the Orchid Lake snow course on April 26th and the results are provided in Attachment No. 1. The water equivalent at the time of measurement at Orchid Lake, which is generally considered to be the most reliable indicator of the watershed snowpack, was 128% of the 20-year average of the May readings. While snow pack is important, it should be noted that snow can melt rapidly in the spring and with full lakes, this melt water would not be captured for summer use. Page 2 of 4 Water Supply and Water Conservation Update for Summer 2007 Water Committee Meeting – May 16, 2007
Stored Water Main Lakes a) Capilano At the time of writing, Capilano Lake was 85% full. The lake is expected to be full before the end of May. b) Seymour Seymour is currently 90% full. The additional 10% is captured each year by adding stoplogs to the dam’s spillway crest which act to increase the water level in the lake by 2 meters (6 feet). The stoplogs were installed in late April and it is expected that spring runoff will bring the lake to 100% full by the end of May. c) Coquitlam Coquitlam Lake’s level is controlled by B.C. Hydro within criteria established by agreement with the GVWD. It is anticipated that spring runoff will replenish Coquitlam Lake to the agreed-upon level for adequate summer domestic water supply and the necessary allocation for fisheries flows in Coquitlam River.
Alpine Lakes The District’s three alpine lakes, Palisade, Burwell and Loch Lomond, which are used as reserves during the late summer period, are all expected to be at 100 percent of capacity prior to the summer peak demand season.
2.2 Water Conservation in the GVRD
Since 1993, the GVRD and member municipalities have progressively increased their water conservation programs. Attachment No. 2 lists some examples of these ongoing water conservation actions and also demonstrates the significant increase in resources devoted to water conservation in recent years. In particular, the 2005 Drinking Water Management Plan has nineteen water conservation actions for the GVWD and member municipalities. These actions including requiring 6 litres per flush toilets in new construction, leak reduction programs, and water pricing and education actions.
Trends in GVWD Per-capita Water Use Figure 1 shows GVWD water use in litres per-capita per day for the years 1986 to 2006. This is total water use in the GVWD, inclusive of; water system leakage, and all water users at home, work and school. Water use in the GVWD is lower than the average day per- capita water use in other regions of British Columbia, Canada, and the United States by 14 percent, 10 percent, and 15 percent, respectively, according to the most recent statistics (2001). The upper line In Figure 1 is the peak day or the highest day of consumption for the year. The peak day usage occurs on a hot dry summer day when many people in the region are sprinkling their lawns. Peak day water use, and to a lesser extent average day water use, are responsive to summer weather conditions, being higher in years with hot-dry summers such as 1998. Analysis of water use data shows the sprinkling restrictions have led to reductions in peak day per-capita water use of 25 percent. Figure 2 shows the monthly GVWD per-capita water use for the winter months of November to March, for 1993 to 2007, when outdoor water use is minimal and water use is insensitive to weather conditions. Page 3 of 4 Water Supply and Water Conservation Update for Summer 2007 Water Committee Meeting – May 16, 2007
Figure 1 - GVWD Peak Day and Average Day Water Use (inclusive of all users)
1,500
1,000 Peak Day
Litres per capita per day
Average Day
500 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 Year
Figure 2 – Monthly GVWD Winter Per-Capita Water Use 590
550
Trendline
510
DWMP approved in September 2005 Litres per-capita per day per per-capita Litres
470
Winter months are November through March
430 Jan. 1993Jan. Feb. Mar. Nov. Dec. 1994Jan. Feb. Mar. Nov. Dec. 1995Jan. Feb. Mar. Nov. Dec. 1996Jan. Feb. Mar. Nov. Dec. 1997Jan. Feb. Mar. Nov. Dec. 1998Jan. Feb. Mar. Nov. Dec. 1999Jan. Feb. Mar. Nov. Dec. 2000Jan. Feb. Mar. Nov. Dec. 2001Jan. Feb. Mar. Nov. Dec. 2002Jan. Feb. Mar. Nov. Dec. 2003Jan. Feb. Mar. Nov. Dec. 2004Jan. Feb. Mar. Nov. Dec. 2005Jan. Feb. Mar. Nov. Dec. 2006Jan. Feb. Mar. Nov. Dec. 2007Jan. Feb. Mar.
Winter Month
Page 4 of 4 Water Supply and Water Conservation Update for Summer 2007 Water Committee Meeting – May 16, 2007
Since 1993, winter per-capita water use has been declining at a rate of about one percent per year, due to the following: • actions to reduce the litres per flush volume of toilets from 20 litres to 6 litres; • trends to more energy efficient and water efficient fixtures and appliances; • water conservation education programs aimed at schools, the public and business; • improvements to water metering and leak reduction programs.
Implementation of the Drinking Water Management Plan in September 2005 appears to be speeding the decline in per-capita winter water use (Figure 2), but there is insufficient data to confirm this.
Opportunities to Enhance Water Conservation Once fully implemented, the nineteen water conservation actions in the Drinking Water Management Plan (DWMP) will result in the GVWD and member municipalities conserving water at the “best practices” level, for this region, at this time. Analysis suggests the GVRD and municipalities may benefit from quicker implementation of the following DWMP actions: • improvements to leak identification and reduction programs, such as summer night- time water metering by the water utilities to identify infractions of the lawn sprinkling regulations as well as leakage; • expanded education and enforcement of lawn sprinkling regulations to reflect the higher cost of providing summer water.
3. ALTERNATIVES
No alternatives presented.
4. CONCLUSION
Due to GVRD and municipal water conservation actions regional per-capita water use has been declining since 1993, and with implementation of the Drinking Water Management Plan per-capita water use is expected to continue to decrease. These reductions in per- capita water use have helped to reduce water costs for all users. With the existing snow pack and lake levels, it is expected that the twice-weekly sprinkling regulations will be sufficient to ensure adequate water supply for the 2007 summer season. In the event of an extreme drought or unusually high demand for water the GVRD may increase its usage of the Coquitlam source or implement aspects of the Water Shortage Response Plan.
Attachments: 1. Graph of the Orchid Lake Snow Course Snow Pack – Historical vs. 2007 2. Examples of Ongoing Water Conservation Actions in the GVRD
4494706 GREATER VANCOUVER WATER DISTRICT Snowpack - Historical vs. 2007 Orchid Lake Snow Course 4500
4000
3500
3000
20 YEAR AVG. 20 YEAR MIN.* 2500 20 YEAR MAX* 2006 2007
2000 * Minimums and Maximums only reflect 1500 available data Millimetres of Water Equivalent Water of Millimetres in last 20 years 1000
LAST SNOW 500 SURVEY DATE Apr 26th, 2007
0 1-Jan 31-Jan 1-Mar 31-Mar 30-Apr 30-May 29-Jun
5.2 att.xls 5/9/2007
Attachment No. 2 Examples of Ongoing Water Conservation Actions in the GVRD
Year Ongoing Action Lead Benefits Initiated Agency 1993 Lawn Sprinkling Regulations – restrict lawn sprinkling from June to September to two Municipalities Reductions in per-capita water days a week, by address, from 4 to 9 in the morning and 7 to 10 in the evening. Also and GVRD use of 25% for peak day includes education on water conservation 1995 City of Vancouver initiates water conservation program; including 6 Litres per flush Municipality Reduced per capita demand for toilets in new construction drinking water 1995 British Columbia Plumbing Code requires water efficient fixtures and lowers the Province and Reduced per capita demand for standard for toilets in new construction from 20 Litres per flush to13 Municipalities drinking water 1996 GVRD Livable Region Strategic Plan – leads to more compact and water efficient GVRD and Reduced per capita outdoor communities with less outdoor water usage and lower water system leakage Municipalities water use and leakage rates 1999 GVRD’s teach the teacher programs include water conservation and water efficiency GVRD Encourage voluntary actions to as do programs aimed at the public and businesses reduce water use 2000 Actions to subsidize purchase of rain-barrels, expand water metering programs and Municipalities Reduced per capita demand for leak reduction programs, provide water saving kits, public and school education drinking water programs, and review of water use in municipal buildings 2002 GVRD’s Liquid Waste Management Plan - actions to conserve drinking water that GVRD and Reduced per capita demand for also benefit the wastewater and stormwater management systems Municipalities drinking water 2003 Bylaws in some municipalities requiring 6 Litres per flush toilets in new construction Municipalities Reduced per capita demand 2004 Water Shortage Response Plan revised to improve clarity of lawn sprinkling GVWD and Improved ability to manage regulations. An emergency stage is added to manage water demand, at any time of Municipalities water demand, especially the year, should a rare and unforeseen emergency occur (e.g., earthquake) during emergencies 2004 Rebate programs for installation of 6 Litres per flush toilets; review of water use - Municipalities Reduced per capita demand for especially outdoors - at municipal parks and facilities drinking water 2005 Approval of the Drinking Water Management Plan (DWMP) and 19 water GVWD and Reduced per capita demand for conservation actions including 6 Litres per flush toilets in new construction, leak Municipalities drinking water reduction programs, and water pricing and education actions 2006 Standardized Water Audit process developed for Industrial, Commercial, and GVRD and More efficient water use by Institutional water users and provided on GVRD and municipal websites Municipalities IC&I facilities 2006 Annacis Wastewater Treatment Plant Pilot Reclamation Project produces 500 GVRD Reduces demand for drinking m3/day of reclaimed wastewater for non-potable water uses water by 500 m3 per day
4495438 Committee Meeting Date: May 16, 2007
To: Water Committee
From: Tim Jervis, Manager Engineering and Construction Department
Date: May 10, 2007
Subject: Resolution for Funding for Works on Capilano River to Protect Salmon
Recommendation: That the Committee consider the attached resolution from Councillor Janice Harris, District of North Vancouver, during its deliberation on the accompanying staff report on “Fisheries Issues on the Capilano River”.
1. Purpose
To advise the Committee of a resolution brought forward by Councillor Janice Harris, District of North Vancouver, for consideration at the regular meeting on May 16, 2007.
2. Context
The attached resolution and newspaper article were received from Councillor Harris, District of North Vancouver, on May 2, 2007 for consideration by the Committee. A report from staff titled “Fisheries Issues on the Capilano River” is included in the Committee agenda as Item 5.3(b).
Attachments: 1. Resolution for Consideration at GVWD Meeting – Funding for Works on Capilano River to Protect Salmon 2. Globe and Mail Article dated April 30, 2007
4503292
Resolution for Consideration at GVWD Meeting - Funding for Works on Capilano River to Protect Salmon
Submitted by: Councillor Janice Harris, District of North Vancouver
WHEREAS the Greater Vancouver Water Committee supports the recommendations of Peter Ward and Associates (2004) to improve the rate of survival of Coho and Steelhead salmon in the Capilano River, which were recently brought to the public's attention by Mark Angelo;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the works, to include the installation of a smolt passageway net that guides fish into a water slide around the dam, the placement of ports in the dam that will allow water to be drawn from lesser depths, and the trucking in of gravel to restore spawning habitat lost below the dam, be funded and commenced at the earliest possible date;
AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT the approximately 5 to 6 million dollars required to fund the works be included in the 2007/2008 budget.
COMMENT: AQUACULTURE An assembly line of death The Cleveland Dam kills thousands of smolts each spring as the salmon swim from the Capilano River to the sea The Globe and Mail Mon 30 Apr 2007 Page: S1 Section: British Columbia News: Column Byline: Mark Hume Dateline: Vancouver BC
MARK HUME VANCOUVER
Most people will never see a steelhead smolt and that is a shame because if they had they might be more concerned about the carnage that's happening this week on the Capilano River.
Steelhead smolts are stunningly beautiful one-year-old fish. They are spattered with inky blue spots across their backs and sides. A thin pink strip divides them neatly in half, top from bottom. They have bellies as white as snow and golden irises that set off dark pupils that seem to be staring, wide with awe, at the great world they are just beginning to explore.
This week the steelhead smolts, which have spent the past year growing in the upper reaches of the Capilano River, begin to head for the sea, where they are to mature before returning to spawn in about four years.
But few will ever make it that far. As they make their way downstream they are joined by equally pretty coho salmon smolts, on a parallel journey, and together about 65,000 slip through pool and rapid, before entering the Capilano reservoir behind Cleveland Dam.
The fish are pushed by the freshets of spring and by an irresistible instinct to migrate. Across the reservoir, which provides 40 per cent of Vancouver's drinking water, they can be seen rising in schools, to dimple the surface as they feed. The current guides them, inevitably, to the lip of Cleveland Dam - and then it hurls them into space. At the bottom they are smashed to death against rocks.
"At least 65,000 will come down and 50,000 or more of them will die," says Mark Angelo, a river conservationist and head of the British Columbia Institute of Technology 's fish, wildlife and recreation program.
"We might have a 20-per-cent survival rate. And even those that live will be temporarily stunned. You can see the birds starting to gather at the base of the dam and along the river [to feed on them].
"We're right in the middle of it now," says Mr. Angelo of the migration, which lasts several weeks.
Every day thousands of fish are pulled over the lip of the dam. It's an assembly line of death. The smolts were all produced in the federal government's Capilano Fish Hatchery, built in 1969 in an attempt to keep the river's salmon runs alive.
Last year some 2,600 coho returned, but only about 50 steelhead. Historically there were thousands of steelhead and several thousand more coho.
Because there is poor habitat below the dam, only a limited number of smolts are released there. The rest are put above the dam where the habitat is excellent - even though fisheries managers know of the staggering attrition during migration.
Below the dam, the river is extremely cold because water is released from a deep layer in the reservoir.
The dam has created another problem in the lower river because the reservoir has served as a trap for gravel that under natural conditions would flush downstream to create spawning and rearing habitat in the lower river. So that's the triple whammy of the Cleveland Dam. It kills the baby salmon by the thousands as they migrate out of the system in the spring. It chills the river below, stunting the growth of fish and limiting food, killing more and it strips the river of gravel, limiting habitat. It all adds up to a natural disaster that goes on spring after spring.
Mr. Angelo has started a campaign to try and save the river. He has asked the Greater Vancouver Regional District to install a smolt passageway - a net screen that guides fish into a water slide around the dam - to put in ports that will allow water to be drawn from lesser depths, and to truck in gravel to restore the habitat lost below the dam. With these steps the river's salmon run might yet be saved. Without it another 50,000 salmon will die next spring, and another 50,000 the year after.
It's carnage. And it's shocking that it's allowed to go on.
Water Committee Meeting Date: May 16, 2007
To: Water Committee
From: Albert van Roodselaar, Division Manager, Policy and Planning Department Frank Huber, Division Manager, Engineering and Construction Department Paul Archibald, Division Manager, Operations and Maintenance Department
Date: May 10, 2007
Subject: Fisheries Issues on Capilano River
Recommendation:
That the Committee receive the report titled “Fisheries Issues on Capilano River” dated May 10, 2007 for information.
1. PURPOSE
To provide the Committee with background information on the protection of fishery resources on the Capilano River downstream of Cleveland Dam, and related issues.
2. CONTEXT
2.1 Fisheries Studies and the Cleveland Dam East Abutment Seepage Control Project
During the late 1990’s, discussions were held with several regulatory agencies (Fisheries & Oceans Canada (DFO), BC Ministry of Environment, Lands & Parks (MELP) and the BC Ministry of Fisheries (BC Fish)) to seek approval to proceed with the Cleveland Dam East Abutment Seepage Control Project. The purpose of this project was to address dam safety issues related to deteriorating seepage conditions through the east abutment of Cleveland Dam. This project was anticipated to result in loss of some riparian vegetation along the reservoir shoreline, alter a portion of the drawdown zone adjacent to the east abutment and temporarily increase turbidity in the Capilano Salmon Hatchery water supply and the lower Capilano River. As a result, the project required a Letter of Authorization (LOA) from DFO, the lead agency in the environmental review process.
In order for the GVRD to proceed with this project, DFO and the other fisheries agencies imposed a number of conditions on the GVWD to mitigate and compensate for the fisheries related impacts of this project. The conditions of the LOA included modifications to the Capilano Salmon Hatchery, new groundwater supplies for the hatchery, studies, and habitat improvements on the Capilano River.
One study required in the LOA, was to examine the viability of augmenting lower Capilano River temperatures/flows during spring, summer and fall, as well as the feasibility of incorporating smolt passage and retro-fitting the mid-level outlet of the Cleveland Dam. This study was requested by the agencies who also provided the scope of work. At that time, the Fisheries Issues on Capilano River Page 2 of 3 Water Committee Meeting Date: May 16, 2007
LOA did not require the GVRD to implement any of the study findings or take any further action.
As required under the LOA, the study titled “Temperature Augmentation and Smolt Transport Feasibility Study” was completed by the firm Ward & Associates Ltd. in June 2004 and submitted to DFO, MELP and BC Fish. The Ward report investigated ways to mitigate specific impacts of Cleveland Dam operation on the Capilano River and presents some possible feasibility level solutions, while identifying a number of areas requiring further assessment. The costs presented in the Ward report are conceptual level estimates only, in 2004 dollars. Solutions ranged from $20,000 for minor improvements (ie. rock removal at base of spillway) to $9.8 million for major improvements (ie. temperature augmentation tunnel).
No further direction on these issues was received from the senior government agencies until the April 20, 2007 letter discussed in Section 2.3 below (Attachment 1). The senior government agencies have the authority and responsibility for fisheries and consequently could require the GVRD to undertake further work.
2.2 Operation of the Cleveland Dam and Capilano Reservoir
The GVWD is licenced by the Province to store and withdraw water from the Capilano watershed for drinking water proposes and as such is the steward of this resource as it pertains to drinking water. Operating under these licences, the GVWD annually withdraws approximately 25% of the water flowing out of the Capilano watershed in meeting about one-third of the drinking water needs of the region. Fish flow releases from the Capilano Reservoir are provided by supplying raw water to the Capilano Salmon Hatchery and from turbines used to generate a small amount of electricity (used in the dam for lighting etc.) and to pump treated drinking water up to higher elevation areas in North and West Vancouver. The water used by the hatchery and the turbines flows directly into the river immediately below the dam.
Capilano Reservoir water that is surplus to the fish flow releases and the District’s needs is ‘spilled’ from Cleveland Dam to the river below. Generally, there is a surplus ‘spill’ from mid-fall to late-spring each year as the yield of the Capilano watershed exceeds the combined demands of drinking water and fish flow releases. As a rule, this surplus does not exist from late-spring to mid-fall.
The primary water release mechanism at Cleveland Dam consists of a spillway and a spillway gate. The configuration of the gate, which is mounted at the top of the spillway and releases surface (warmer) water, is such that it is unable to release water unless the reservoir level is within 7 metres of full pool. Generally, the reservoir operates within this range from November to mid-July. There are two sets of additional outlets in the Cleveland Dam which are located 30 metres and 90 metres below the full pool elevation and release sub-surface (colder) water. These outlets are used for short periods of time (days to weeks) for dam safety reasons (flood management) and to lower the reservoir to below the spillway crest to permit the safe completion of dam maintenance tasks.
Since 2005, the GVRD has been upgrading the control works for the spillway gate on Cleveland Dam to maintain a more uniform spill rate, thereby providing benefits to downstream fisheries resources.
Fisheries Issues on Capilano River Page 3 of 3 Water Committee Meeting Date: May 16, 2007
2.3 Fisheries Issues on the Capilano River
The GVRD received a letter, dated April 20, 2007, from the Ministry of Environment (MOE) discussing a number of fisheries issues on the Capilano River (Attachment 1). The MOE letter, the 2004 Ward report, and recent press releases by the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC identify the following fisheries issues on the Capilano River below Cleveland Dam:
• The survival rate of salmonid smolts migrating over Cleveland Dam; • Water temperatures in the Capilano River, that are cooler than optimum for fish growth, during the summer period; • Limited fish habitat in the Capilano River, including low rates of gravel and wood recruitment and low nutrient concentrations; and, • Agreement on the fish flow releases from Capilano Reservoir.
2.4 Potential Next Steps
In their April 20, 2007 letter, the Ministry of Environment refers to a number of studies that will help in better understanding the fisheries issues on the Capilano River and identifying potential solutions. The MOE also requests a meeting with GVRD staff to discuss potential corrective actions. Discussions with MOE will be important in moving forward constructively on these issues, and we suggest these issues be addressed in a holistic and comprehensive fashion considering related issues such as the drinking water needs of a growing region and the proposed Cleveland Dam hydroelectric power project.
3. ALTERNATIVES
Not applicable.
4. CONCLUSION
Several fisheries issues on the Capilano River have been identified. Staff will be meeting with senior provincial and federal staff to discuss these issues, including the potential corrective actions to improve the rate of survival of migrating salmonid smolts. Staff will then report back to the Committee for direction on next steps.
Attachment: 1. Letter from Tom Bell, Ministry of Environment, to Marilyn Towill, GVRD, dated April 20, 2007, titled Salmonid Smolt Mortality at Capilano River / Cleveland Dam.
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File: 34240-20 Steelhead April 20, 2007 34600-20-GVRD
Marilyn Towill, P. Eng. Systems Operations Division Greater Vancouver Regional District 4330 Kingsway Burnaby, BC V5H 5G8
Dear Ms Towill:
Re: Salmonid Smolt Mortality at Capilano River / Cleveland Dam
I would like to request a meeting with appropriate GVRD personnel to discuss potential corrective actions to address the ongoing mortality of salmonid smolts migrating over Cleveland Dam on the Capilano River.
The Ward et al. (2004) report completed as part of the dam seismic upgrade study clearly concluded that approximately 60-75% of salmon and trout died while migrating over the Cleveland Dam. This is far in excess of natural migration mortality and can be easily mitigated, as outlined in the report, with cost effective corrective actions. The ministry is prepared to lead the implementation of corrective action, in partnership with GVRD and the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
Salmonid species of primary concern to the ministry are summer run steelhead which once accessed the river above the current dam site, and winter run steelhead, which are both considered an Extreme Conservation Concern by ministry staff. The populations are currently estimated to be less that 10% of capacity, based on analysis of several metrics (including population counts, brood capture and angling records, and the steelhead harvest analysis). The combined Capilano and Seymour (also an Extreme Conservation Concern) summer run steelhead populations constitute one quarter, and therefore a major component, of the South Coast (Coastal Summer) conservation unit for steelhead trout in British Columbia (Parkinson et. al. 2005).
The rivers below the Cleveland and Seymour dams both suffer from extremely low summer and fall flows, in addition to a lack of wood and gravel recruitment, reduced nutrient concentrations, and
Mailing/Location Address: Telephone: (604) 582-5222 Environmental Stewardship Ministry of Environment 10470-152 Street Facsimile: (604) 930-7119 Lower Mainland Region Surrey BC V3R 0Y3 http://www.gov.bc.ca/ http://www.gov.bc.ca/env/ - 2 -
altered temperature regimes, all resulting from impoundment. These deficiencies are clearly documented in several reports including Ward et. al. (2004), McCusker et al. (2002), and Carter and Slaney (2007), and have direct links to salmonid population status. Corrective actions to help recover wild salmonid populations in both rivers are also outlined in several reports, and have been implemented on other impounded rivers with clear success (e.g. Alouette River).
These corrective actions can form the basis for an adaptive water management plan developed in partnership with the federal and provincial fishery agencies for the Capilano and Seymour watersheds. A water use initiative is vital for the future viability of summer and winter steelhead trout in the rivers. It is a high profile omission in the GVRD Biodiversity Conservation Strategy, and considering the historical and cultural importance of salmonids to residents of BC it would be a great addition to the Livable Region Strategic Plan.
I look forward to taking a cooperative first step with the required changes to the Cleveland Dam plunge pool to reduce the mortality of migrating salmonid smolts. Please contact regional fish biologist Greg Wilson (604-582-5365) for more information and to make arrangements.
Sincerely,
Tom Bell A/ Regional Manager Environmental Stewardship
pc: GVRD Environment Committee
REFRENCES
Carter, M. and P. Slaney. 2007. Habitat Based Minimum Flow Recommendations for the Seymour River. Draft report prepared for the BC Ministry of Environment and the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund.
Ward, P. and Associates Ltd, PSlaney Aquatic Science Ltd., Sea Science Inc, and Limnotek. 2004. Final Report Cleveland Dam Temperature Augmentation & Smolt Transport Study for GVRD PO # 073165 RFP # 02-089.
McCusker, M.R., K.I. Ashley and P. Caverhill. 2002. Management Plan for Restoring Nutrients to Lower Mainland Streams: Georgia Basin Steelhead Recovery Project, 2000-2001. Fisheries Project Report RD 94, BC Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection.
Parkinson, E.A., E.R. Keeley, E. B. Taylor, S. Pollard and A.F. Tautz. 2005. A Population Database for Defining Conservation Units in Steelhead Trout. Province of BC, Fisheries Management Report 119. Committee Meeting Date: May 16, 2007
To: Water Committee
From: Simon So Civil, Mechanical Design and Construction Division Manager Engineering and Construction Department
Date: May 4, 2007
Subject: Construction of Douglas Road Main No. 2 and Capilano Main No. 5
Recommendation:
That the GVWD Board authorize the expenditure of adjusted budgeted capital funds for construction of: a) Douglas Road Main No. 2 - Canada Way South Section ($7.5 million); and b) Capilano Main No. 5 – Selkirk Street to Little Mountain Section ($7.0 million).
1. PURPOSE
To obtain Board authorization for the expenditure of adjusted budgeted capital funds for construction of two water system projects included in the 2007 GVWD Budget and Long Range Plan.
2. CONTEXT a) Douglas Road Main No. 2 - Canada Way South Section
The proposed Douglas Road Main No. 2 (DRM2) comprises approximately 14,800 metres (48,600 feet) of 1500 mm (60-inch) diameter pipe from the GVWD’s Vancouver Heights Reservoir and Pump Station in Burnaby to the Westburnco Reservoir and Pump Station in New Westminster. This main will replace the existing Douglas Road Main No. 1 and enhance long-term water supply capability and operational reliability.
Douglas Road Main No. 1, constructed in 1952 out of reconditioned steel pipe from an abandoned water facility, is part of the regional water supply system. This main has reached the end of its useful life and is in poor condition. In recent years, this main has been susceptible to leaks on a frequent basis, particularly along Canada Way. Frequent repair of these leaks, which requires excavation in this major arterial road, has raised concerns over system reliability and public safety.
Considerable changes in system demand and operational requirements have also occurred since the construction of the existing main. This includes increased demand and the
Page 2 of 3 Construction of Douglas Road Main No. 2 and Capilano Main No. 5 Water Committee Meeting: May 16, 2007 proposed operational changes required after the commissioning of the Seymour-Capilano Filtration Plant in 2008.
The City of Burnaby, as part of their ongoing road improvement program, is planning to reconstruct a large portion of Canada Way under which the existing Douglas Road Main is located. As a result, they have requested that the District replace the affected portion of Douglas Road Main No. 1 prior to the road reconstruction work in view of the leak history and poor condition of the main.
These factors all contribute to the need to proceed with construction of Douglas Road Main No. 2. Construction of the new main is being phased over a number of years, with construction of Phase 1 work (Buckingham Heights and Delta Avenue Sections) now substantially complete. Completion of Phase 2 (Canada Way South Section), anticipated for early 2008, will allow Burnaby to proceed with their Canada Way road improvement program scheduled in 2008.
The Canada Way South Section comprises approximately 1,650 metres (5410 feet) of 1500 mm diameter pipe and a valve chamber as shown on Attachment No. 1. Detailed design is nearing completion and construction tendering is scheduled for June 2007. The tender for pipe pre-purchase was issued in February 2007 and awarded in April 2007.
A public consultation plan for construction is being developed to ensure that the public is informed about the purpose and associated impact of the project, and consulted on ways to best mitigate those impacts. District staff will be working closely with Burnaby staff on the consultation plan and restoration requirements.
The 2007 GVWD Budget includes $8.8 million for the Canada Way South Section under the Infrastructure Maintenance program. At its regular meeting in October 2006, the Board approved $3.5M for the pre-purchase of steel pipe and valves for the Canada Way South Section. Therefore, $5.3 million is available for the construction work. The construction cost for the Canada Way South Section is estimated at $7.5 million, including a 20% contingency. The additional $2.2 million in funding can be accommodated within the 2007 GVWD budget due to delays in the Port Mann Main No. 2 – Fraser River Crossing project. b) Capilano Main No 5 - Selkirk Street to Little Mountain Section
Capilano Main No. 5 is a key component of the regional water supply system. Built in the 1950’s and 1960’s, it conveys water from Capilano Lake to the Little Mountain and Kersland Reservoirs in Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver. The most recent section of this main was constructed in 1967 between 16th Avenue/Maple Street and Selkirk Street/Connaught Drive and connects to the existing Capilano Main No. 4 on 33rd Avenue.
To address increased demand, completion of the remaining section of Capilano Main No. 5 between Selkirk Street/Connaught Drive and the Little Mountain Reservoir is currently being designed. The tender for pipe pre-purchase was issued in February 2007 and awarded in April 2007. Detailed design is nearing completion and construction tendering is scheduled for June 2007. This section comprises approximately 1,300 m (4,265 feet) of 1800 mm (72- inch) diameter pipe and a major valve chamber at the entrance to Queen Elizabeth Park on 33rd Avenue just east of Cambie Street as shown on Attachment No. 2.
To coordinate with the current Canada Line construction, a short pre-build section across the northbound lanes of Cambie Street at 33rd Avenue and into Queen Elizabeth Park has been constructed. Included in this work is construction of a major valve chamber at the
Page 3 of 3 Construction of Douglas Road Main No. 2 and Capilano Main No. 5 Water Committee Meeting: May 16, 2007 entrance to the park. Constructing this section of main in coordination with the Canada Line project will avoid future disruption to the public and has reduced pipe installation and restoration costs.
Construction of the Selkirk Street to Little Mountain Section is scheduled to start in July 2007. Crossing of the southbound lanes of Cambie Street at 33rd Avenue will be coordinated with the City of Vancouver and completed as part of the proposed work. Construction of the portion through the Children’s and Women’s Health Centre of B.C. site will occur during August and September 2007 during their lower activity period. The crossings at Oak and Cambie Streets will be scheduled for May 2008 to coordinate with the City of Vancouver’s traffic control schedule which takes into consideration the Canada Line construction timeline.
A public consultation plan for construction is being developed to ensure that the public is informed about the purpose and associated impact of the project, and consulted on ways to best mitigate those impacts. District staff will be working closely with Vancouver staff and health centre staff on the consultation plan and restoration requirements
The 2007 GVWD Budget and Long Range Plan includes $11.0 million for construction of Capilano Main No. 5 under the Infrastructure Growth program. At its regular meetings in March, May, and October 2006, the Board approved a total of $5.0 million for pre-build construction and pre-purchase of steel pipe and valves for this project. On this basis, $6.0 million is available for the remaining construction work. The construction cost for the remaining work is estimated at $7.0 million, including a 20% contingency. The additional $1.0 million in funding can be accommodated within the 2007 GVWD budget due to delays in the Port Mann Main No. 2 – Fraser River Crossing project.
3. ALTERNATIVES a) Proceed with construction of both projects as scheduled. This alternative will improve the District’s ability to meet the increasing water demand and enable the work to be coordinated with other infrastructure initiatives along the route of these mains in the Cities of Burnaby and Vancouver, respectively. b) Defer the funding approval.
Alternative a) is recommended.
4. CONCLUSION
Construction of two major water mains included in the 2007 GVWD budget and Long Range Plan is recommended at this time in order to maintain the respective project schedules and coordinate with municipal road upgrading and restoration initiatives along the routes of these mains.
Attachments: 1. Drawing W-3071, X-048 2. Drawing W-1132, SK 24
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Committee Meeting Date: May 16, 2007
To: Water Committee
From: Doug Neden, Water Treatment Engineering Division Manager Engineering and Construction Department
Date: May 4, 2007
Subject: Seymour-Capilano Filtration Project – Project Status
Recommendation:
That the GVWD Board receive the report titled “Seymour-Capilano Filtration Project – Project Status”, dated May 4, 2007, for information.
1. PURPOSE
To advise the Committee and Board of the status of the Seymour-Capilano Filtration Project to March 31, 2007.
2. CONTEXT
2.1 Implementation Status a) Design: Detailed design for the project is substantially complete. b) Materials and Equipment Procurement: The energy recovery turbine, scheduled for tendering in June 2007, is the largest equipment item remaining to be procured. c) Construction: The construction status for each major component of the project is summarized as follows:
i) Capilano Pump Station (Kingston Construction Ltd.)
• Construction is substantially complete. • The second stage testing of the large (2,000 hp) pumps will be undertaken when the Break Head Tank is ready to receive water later this year. • The station will be maintained in operational readiness for the completion of the twin tunnels needed to deliver water to and from the new filtration plant.
Page 2 of 3 Seymour-Capilano Filtration Project – Project Status Water Committee Meeting: May 16, 2007
ii) Break Head Tank and Energy Recovery Facility (Kingston Construction Ltd.)
• Installation of electrical and instrumentation equipment within the energy recovery building above the tank is continuing. • Design of the electrical power feed to the Capilano Pump Station and preparation of the Request for Proposals for the energy recovery turbine is proceeding. • Overall completion is 61%. Break Head Tank and Energy Recovery Facility projected substantial completion is May 2007 and December 2008, respectively.
iii) Twin Tunnels (Bilfinger-Berger Canada Inc.)
• The contractor has completed installation of the trailing gear for both TBMs and they were both fully operational by February 22, 2007. The contractor has retained a maintenance subcontractor to undertake repairs in an attempt to improve TBM advance rates; however, advance rates continue to be less than the contractor’s projections. • An additional 200 metres of steel liner pipe has been added to the Seymour end of each of the twin tunnels to address groundwater issues in the Lynn Canyon area. Monitoring and analysis continues while the tunnels progress through the area to determine if further liner is required. A cost allowance for the 200 metre increment has been included in the projected final cost for the project. • Work continues 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. • Overall project completion is 32%, projected substantial completion is April 2009.
iv) Filtration Plant (NAC Constructors Ltd.)
• The contractor is casting concrete for the filter walls, filter influent channel roof, and inlet blending chamber floor slabs. Piping, heating and ventilation and electrical work are underway in the filtration area and other related buildings. UV disinfection units are being installed in the filter gallery. Structural steel work is nearing completion for the Operations and Maintenance Centre. Roofing and wall cladding of the post-treatment and residuals handling buildings are nearly complete. • Overall completion is 69%, projected substantial completion is May 2008, with operation in the fall of 2008.
v) Clearwells (Graham Industrial Services Ltd.)
• Clearwells construction is substantially complete. • Landscaping had been discontinued due to inclement weather and is expected to resume in May.
2.2 Page 3 of 3 Seymour-Capilano Filtration Project – Project Status Water Committee Meeting: May 16, 2007
Financial Status
The project budget is summarized as follows:
Seymour-Capilano Filtration Project Cost Summary
Project Budget Capital Cost Projected Final Component Expenditure Committed to Cost Authorization Date (See Notes 1-5) Design Project $4,500,000 $4,500,000 $4,496,000 $4,496,000 Management Capilano Pump Station / Break Head Tank / $87,300,000 $87,385,000 $64,717,500 $71,462,500 Energy Recovery Facility Twin Tunnels $200,300,000 $194,130,000 $149,884,700 $171,328,700 Filtration Plant and $307,900,000 $307,900,000 $285,884,400 $318,748,800 Clearwells TOTAL $600,000,000 $593,915,000 $504,982,600 $566,036,000
Notes: 1. Projected final cost is net of GST rebate 2. Provincial ($18M) and Federal/Provincial ($100M) infrastructure grants not included 3. BC Hydro grants for filtration plant geo-exchange ($100,000) and Capilano energy recovery ($800,000) not included 4. Contingency remaining (to capital expenditure authorization) = $27.9 million 5. Overall project completion: 60% to March 31, 2007
3. ALTERNATIVES
No alternatives presented.
4. CONCLUSION
Quarterly status reports for the construction phase of the Seymour-Capilano Filtration Project have been provided to the Water Committee and Board since the beginning of 2005. This is the first report for 2007. Detailed design is substantially complete and all of the major construction contracts are well underway with two of five contracts substantially complete. Overall completion of the project is 60% as of the end of March 2007. The project continues to track within budget, with filtration of Seymour and Capilano source waters scheduled for fall 2008 and spring 2009, respectively.
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