Prescription to Restore Stream 11 (Orphan Channel) in the Burman River Watershed, March 2007

Transcription

1 Burman Watershed Funding Source: Land Based Investment Program Of the Forest Investment Account Investment #: COTFL Project #; Prescription to Restore Stream 11 (Orphan Channel) in the Burman River Watershed, 2007 March 2007 Prepared for: British Columbia Timber Sales (BCTS) Strait of Georgia Business Area 370 South Dogwood Street Campbell River, BC V9W 6Y7 Submitted by: M. C. Wright and Associates 2231 Neil Drive Nanaimo, BC V9R 6T5 Phone/Fax: (250) And Fisheries and Oceans Canada Habitat and Enhancement Branch 4166 Departure Bay Road Nanaimo, BC V9T 4B7 Phone: (250) M.C. Wright and Associates Prescription to Restore Stream 11 (Orphan Channel) in the Burman River Watershed, Final Report.

2 Prescription to Restore Stream 11 (Orphan Channel) in the Burman River watershed Introduction To increase the productive capacity of the Burman River, restoration of offchannel habitat is required. Many areas of the Burman River have lost connectivity to off-channel habitat. In some locations there has been a significant loss or reduction in available spawning and rearing habitat as the result of channel aggrading. Restoration requirements in the Burman Watershed are extensive and will have to occur over multiple phases. The intent of restoration and enhancement works for the Burman will be a species diversity approach where restoration will target all species of salmonids in the watershed. This prescription has been developed as the result of surveying 1.8 km of the orphaned channel (Stream 11) on the north side of the Burman River during the winter of This channel is located 8.5km from the river mouth. Historically this channel would have provided high value spawning and rearing habitat. 2.0 Background At one time the Burman River was considered the most important Salmon River" in Nootka Sound. Escapements during the 1960 s were as high as 150,000 pink salmon. Additionally the Burman River supported large numbers of Chinook (maximum escapement 10,000), coho (maximum escapement 10,000) and chum salmon (maximum escapement 20,000). In December of 1967 logging operations commenced in the Burman River Watershed. By the fall of 1968 logging in the watershed had progressed to 9.6 km upstream of the river mouth. Logging continued in the watershed until Post logging impacts became prevalent after 1972 which had the highest pink escapement on record when 165,000 adults returned to spawn. Since 1972 salmon stocks have continued to decline. The most notable declines have been for pink salmon and by 1986 returns had fallen to less than 100. Since 1986 the highest recorded return of pink salmon has been 24 which were observed in No species of salmon has recovered since logging ceased in Since logging occurred in the Burman Watershed this Stream 11 has become severely aggraded and a fish trap causing high egg and fry mortality. On-site meetings have been held with Russ Doucet and Mel Sheng, Habitat M.C. Wright and Associates Prescription to Restore Stream 11 (Orphan Channel) in the Burman River Watershed, Final Report.

3 Enhancement Branch, Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Doug Swift, Habitat Management Technologist, Department of Fisheries and Oceans. The representatives of DFO support the restoration of this channel. Consultation has been done with the Mowachaht Muchalaht First Nation (MFN) and the NTC Biologist (Roger Dunlop). One MFN Fisheries Program Technician was involved in the surveying of Stream 11 during Location The Burman River is located on the west coast of Vancouver Island and flows into Matchlee Bay south-east of the Gold River. Stream 11 (orphan channel) flows into the Burman River 8.5 km upstream form the mouth. The nearest community is Gold River. 4.0 Objectives The primary objectives of this project are to: 1. Restore the channel to create high value off-channel rearing and spawning habitat. 2. Lower the bed-elevation to prevent fry from becoming trapped and desiccation of redds due to de-watering during low flow periods. 5.0 Rationale The Burman River and Stream 11 in particular were assessed for fish and fish habitat during 2005 and The assessment of Stream 11 determined that flow is predominately sub-surface during low flow periods, which isolate fry in pools and during long periods of draught causes high mortality as pools dewater. The aggraded habitat would also cause stranding of adult salmonids as well as high egg loss through dewatering of redds. This could lead to high egg loss during the incubation period. During the March 2006 survey dewatered redds were observed. This tributary is a low gradient drainage (<1%) which de-waters during summer low flow periods. The channel upstream of the bridge is aggraded with a gravel/cobble substrate covered with silt and sand. The substrate below the bridge crossing is comprised of gravels suitable for spawning. The channel was probably mined for road building when the road was first constructed. The area above the bridge would have seasonal fish use but because of its aggraded state the channel is probably a fish trap during low flow periods. In its present state the habitat above the bridge would be considered marginal while the habitat below the bridge would be considered important. M.C. Wright and Associates Prescription to Restore Stream 11 (Orphan Channel) in the Burman River Watershed, Final Report.

4 6.0 Assessment Works On March 22 and 23, 2005 an initial assessment of Stream 11 (Orphan Channel) was conducted (Mike Wright, Steve Williams and Bob Askin) as part of a larger survey to determine condition of road crossings and bridge structures along the Burman River. During March of 2007 Stream 11was surveyed using RT-DGPS and conventional survey techniques by Strategic Forest Management Inc, Mowachaht / Muchalaht First Nation fisheries personnel and M.C. Wright and Associates personnel. Survey data was used to generate longitudinal, cross sectional and plan view drawings of the project (Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5). 7.0 Prescriptions The primary objective of the restoration project will involve lowering the bed elevation of the existing channel from just upstream of the confluence with the Burman River to 1.5 km upstream (0+135m to 1+500m). Stream 11 will have riffle / pool morphology throughout the length with a mean gradient of 0.5%. Restoration of Stream 11 will require lowering the bed elevation by an average of 1.5m throughout its length. The deepest cut will be necessary at m upstream of the confluence, where it will be necessary to remove 3.0m to 3.5m of material for the creation of a head water pond. A total of 14 pools will be created during this project. All material removed from the channel will be either trucked to a designated spoils site or used to upgrade the road prism in the area. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has determined that restoration of Stream 11 would create high value off channel spawning and rearing habitat. Photographic Representation of the project area is presented in Appendix Accessing the Work Site All equipment will have to be barged to the Matchlee Bay log dump from Gold River, British Columbia. A temporary access road will have to be constructed off of the Burman Mainline logging road to allow equipment access to the worksite. Prior to any equipment being moved to the worksite the Burman Mainline Logging road will be upgraded. Daily access for crews to the work site will be via Water Taxi from Gold River. M.C. Wright and Associates Prescription to Restore Stream 11 (Orphan Channel) in the Burman River Watershed, Final Report.

5 9.0 Isolating the Site (Managing Flows) The work area must be isolated to ensure silt laden water does not enter the Burman River during construction. The site will be isolated from the Burman River mainstem by building a coffer dam. Once construction has been completed the dam will be removed. All wetted areas within the work area must be salvaged and fish moved to habitat below the work area. A coffer dam and barrier nets will be used to keep fish from migrating back into the work area Grading the Site A total of 1.5km of Stream 11 will be rehabilitated. The mainstem elevation will be lowered to an elevation of 495m at and to an elevation of 500.0m at where the channel terminates in a headwater pool. The depth of the excavations will range from 0.5m to 3.0 m with a mean cut of 1.5 m. The pools will be excavated to 0.5 to 1.0 m below the groundwater table. The channel bottom widths will vary from 5 to 8 meters with 1.5 bank slopes. The volume of gravel from grading the mainstem is approximately 18,000 m 3. The gravel from the channel excavation will be used to upgrade the existing Burman Mainline. Some of the material, approximately 25% will be trucked to a designated spoil site. Location of this spoil site will be determined after a site visit with all parties. A backhoe or small excavator may be necessary for managing the excavated materials dumped at the disposal sites. All outside bends in the channel will be armored with 0.5 to 0.8 m riprap. Approximately 1000 m 3 will be required for armoring the bends in the channel. Complexing with LWD will be limited to the pools and alcoves. There are considerable amounts of LWD throughout the work area. Excavators will salvage wood from the flood plain to be used in complexing fish habitat. All woody debris will be cabled or ballasted with 1.0 m rock where necessary. M.C. Wright and Associates Prescription to Restore Stream 11 (Orphan Channel) in the Burman River Watershed, Final Report.

6 11.0 Environmental Measures All areas disturbed during construction will be seeded with West Coast Hemlock Mix. The seed mixture is comprised of: 5.0% Canadian Bluegrass 20.0% Alsike Clover 5.0% Azay Sheeps Fescue 30.0% Creeping Red Fescue #1 5.0% Orchard Grass 10.0% Red Top Bentgrass 15.0% Timothy 10.0% Birdsfoot Terfoil This prescription should be done during the low flow period between late July and September 15. Prior to construction all fish will be salvaged from the work area and released in Burman River below the work site. Barrier nets and a coffer dam will be installed at the downstream end of the work site during construction. To ensure silt does not enter the Burman River a cofferdam will be constructed downstream of the worksite. The dams will be constructed with plastic and sandbags. Sumps will be excavated to trap seepage from the work site. Silt-laden water from the sumps will be pumped (4 trash pumps) onto the forest floor. Water will be pumped to an area where there is no possibility that the water will find its way into the Burman River. Excavators and trucks will be in good repair and will have to be steam cleaned prior to working at the site. A 10 m oil containment boom will have to be on-site at all times. The oil containment boom will be set near the channel to allow for rapid deployment should a spill occur. Spill kits for the excavators will be required at all times. A supply of oil absorbent pads will also be necessary. All fueling of equipment will be done on the logging road away from the channel. Supplies to be on-site to contain silt if necessary are; 1. 2 x 4 or possibly 1 x 6 inch trash pump and 600 ft of discharge hose 2. tarps, rope and a roll of polyethylene 3. sandbags. M.C. Wright and Associates Prescription to Restore Stream 11 (Orphan Channel) in the Burman River Watershed, Final Report.

7 12.0 Recommendations 1. The Mowachaht / Muchalaht First Nation Fisheries Program should provide technical Assistance and laborers. 2. It should be specified in the bid package that excavator operators have experience with stream restoration. The operator and his/her qualifications should be provided. The contractor will not be allowed to substitute operators unless approved be the site manager Costing A breakdown of costs associated with the restoration of Stream 11 is provided in Table 1. M.C. Wright and Associates Prescription to Restore Stream 11 (Orphan Channel) in the Burman River Watershed, Final Report.

8 Tables M.C. Wright and Associates Prescription to Restore Stream 11 (Orphan Channel) in the Burman River Watershed, Final Report.

9 Table 1. Cost estimate for the Restoration of Stream 11 (orphan Channel) Burman River, Unit Expanded Item # Construction Item Description Qty Unit Cost Cost 1 Mob/Demob lump sum barging 2 units $5, $11, site transport pick-up trucks 2 trucks 30 day $ $6, minor purchases and equipment rentals pumps, fabric, netting 4 week $1, $4, Rock quarry riprap development 2300 cu.m riprap at approx 10 km from site 1000 cu.m $12.00 $12, site access prep 2 x 20 tonne track excavators 30 hr $ $7, Clear, Grub and stockpile LWD 1 2 tonne excavator and 1 Moxy 30 hr $ $8, Excavation of Channel 2-20 tonne track excavators and 2 Moxy trucks 250 hr $ $140, LWD complexing-procurement and installations 2-20 tonne track excavators and 2 Moxy trucks 33.5 units $ $18, LWD complexing-procurement and installations 2-20 tonne track excavators 105 units $ $27, site cleanup/deactivation 2-20 tonne track excavators 35 hr $ $9, Accommodations for 3 crew, 1 supervisor,1 other Motels 40 day $ $22, project implementation supervisor M.Wright 40 day $ $20, Project Supervisor Mileage at government rates 3000 km $0.46 $1, General Labour on site labours x hour $50.00 $20, Survey Technician as needed 1 survey technician 80 hour $35.00 $2, Environmental Supplie and Equipment Rental (i.e. pumps) Rental of misc equipment, environmental supplies 1 lump sum $5, $5, Water Taxi for transport to and from site 30 day $ $7, Construction subtotal: $323, Post construction 1 As-built survey and project reporting M.Wright 1 lump sum $8, $8, Post-construction subtotal: $8, Total (Excluding Taxes): $331, GST Exempt - Grand Total $331,640.00

10 Figures M.C. Wright and Associates Prescription to Restore Stream 11 (Orphan Channel) in the Burman River Watershed, Final Report.

11

12

13

14

15

16 Appendices M.C. Wright and Associates Prescription to Restore Stream 11 (Orphan Channel) in the Burman River Watershed, Final Report.

17 Appendix 1. Photographic Representation of the Project Area (Stream 11) taken from the Photo-Points shown on Figures 1-5, M.C. Wright and Associates Prescription to Restore Stream 11 (Orphan Channel) in the Burman River Watershed, Final Report.

18 Photo Appendix Burman River March 31, 2007 Hub 406 March 20, Downstream 225 Burman River at outlet Downstream 283 Outlet into the Burman River Stream Right 4 Channel material / Boulder in channel Upstream 72 Secondary channel from the Burman River / Riprap from road above channel

19 Photo Appendix Burman River March 31, 2007 Hub 405 March 20, Downstream 271 Channel looking at the Burman River outlet Stream Right 340 Road fill riprap in the channel Upstream 41 Channel below riprap from road fill

20 Photo Appendix Burman River March 31, 2007 Hub 322 March 19, Downstream 92 Channel below old log bridge Upstream 254 Channel above old log bridge Hub 320 March 19, Downstream 225 LWD and rock in channel / Salmon berry on bank Stream Right 19 Bluff beside the channel

21 Photo Appendix Burman River March 31, Upstream 37 Channel at the base of a bluff Stream Right 352 Channel below a bluff Hub 386 March 14, Downstream 308 Gravels in channel Stream Right 308 Close up showing channel substrate Upstream 91 LWD above channel and boulders on bank

22 Photo Appendix Burman River March 31, 2007 Hub 325 March 14, Stream Left 136 Confluence with back channel Downstream 272 Dry ground in front of b oulder and debris in channel Stream Left 216 Channel below confluence Upstream 90 Alder along channel / Boulder beside channel

23 Photo Appendix Burman River March 31, 2007 Hub 377 offset 338º March 13, Downstream 272 LWD in channel Stream Right 11 Sword fern on channel bank Upstream 62 LWD in channel Hub 350 March 13, Downstream 227 Channel running through flood plain forest Upstream 60 LWD in channel / Sword fern and salmonberry on bank

24 Photo Appendix Burman River March 31, 2007 Hub 411 March 22, Downstream 337 Salmonberry in channel Stream Right 331 Mud bottom off channel Upstream 32 Blow down in channel

25 Photo Appendix Burman River March 31, 2007 Hub 410 March 22, Downstream 332 Channel through sedge Stream Right 2 NCD entering by beaver dam Upstream 110 Pond behind beaver dam Stream Left 136 Beaver dam and pond left Hub 419 March 22, Downstream 318 Beaver Dam

26 Photo Appendix Burman River March 31, 2007 Hub 413 March 27, Downstream 281 Sedge wetland Upstream 58 Sedge wetland Hub 420 March 22, Upstream 261 Down stream end of pond Stream Right 356 Pond looking towards side hill Stream Right 45 Pond

27 Photo Appendix Burman River March 31, 2007 Hub 421 March 27, Downstream 262 Pond near road location Stream Right 196 Sedge and LWD in pond Upstream 112 Pond looking towards road

28 Photo Appendix Burman River March 31, 2007 Hub 425 March 27, Downstream 311 Upstream end of pond Stream Left 199 Road location looking towards the Burman River Stream Right 5 Swampy wet area north of the pond

29 Photo Appendix Burman River March 31, 2007 Hub 426 March 28, Downstream 318 Channel coming out of wetland Up stream 133 Sedge in channel Stream Left 185 Looking away from channel at dry ground Hub 429 March 28, Downstream 333 Sedge in channel / blow down over channel in background Up stream 151 Upstream end of current channel

30 Photo Appendix Burman River March 31, 2007 Hub 432 March 28, Stream Left 212 Current road location Up stream 144 Dry ground between the side hill and the Burman River Hub 427 March 28, Downstream 332 Possible design channel location in depression near toe of slope Up stream 119 Old pit road at upstream end of depression Stream Left 201 Road Location at pinch point between side hill and the Burman River

31 Photo Appendix Burman River March 31, 2007 Hub 428 March 29, Downstream 311 Possible location of intake pond Up stream 104 Slide track turning towards possible intake pond location