FISH POPULATION AND RIVERINE HABITAT INVENTORY OF THE ELK RIVER, SPARWOOD, BRITISH COLUMBIA

FISH POPULATION AND RIVERINE HABITAT INVENTORY OF THE ELK RIVER, SPARWOOD, BRITISH COLUMBIA Submitted to: UMA Engineering Ltd. Calgary Alberta Submitted by: Applied Aquatic Research Ltd. Calgary, Alberta July 2007 File: AAR07-72

FISH POPULATION AND RIVERINE HABITAT INVENTORY OF THE ELK RIVER, SPARWOOD, BRITISH COLUMBIA Submitted to: UMA Engineering Ltd. Calgary, Alberta Submitted by: S. Johnston Applied Aquatic Research Ltd. Calgary, Alberta July 2007 File: AAR07-72

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 1.0 INTRODUCTION... 4 1.1 Project Overview... 4 1.2 Study Area... 6 1.3 Study objectives... 6 2.0 APPROACH... 7 2.1 Riverine Habitat Inventory... 7 2.2 Fish Population Inventory... 8 3.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION... 9 3.1 Elk River... 9 Aquatic Habitat...9 Fish Presence...9 Fish Habitat Potential...9 Instream Work Windows...10 Crossing Recommendations...10 4.0 REFERENCES... 12 4.1 Literature Cited... 12 5.0 CLOSURE... 14 LIST OF APPENDICES APPENDIX A SITE CARDS, FISH COLLECTION FORMS, AND PLATES...15 LIST OF FIGURES FIGURE 1 LOCATION OF PROPOSED PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE NEAR SPARWOOD, B.C...5 LIST OF TABLES TABLE 1 PERIODS OF LEAST RISK FOR INSTREAM WORKS...11 LIST OF PLATES PLATE 1 UPSTREAM VIEW AT THE PROPOSED CROSSING OF THE ELK RIVER (JULY 5, 2007)...18 PLATE 2 DOWNSTREAM VIEW AT THE PROPOSED CROSSING OF THE ELK RIVER (JULY 5, 2007)...18 PLATE 3 VIEW OF NORTH BANK APPROACH AT THE ELK RIVER (JULY 5, 2007)...19 PLATE 4 VIEW OF THE SOUTH BANK APPROACH AT THE ELK RIVER (JULY 5, 2007)....19 PLATE 5 PLATE 6 PLATE 7 PLATE 8 CUTTHROAT TROUT CAPTURED DOWNSTREAM FROM THE PROPOSED CROSSING OF THE ELK RIVER (JULY 5, 2007)...20 BULL TROUT CAPTURED DOWNSTREAM FROM THE PROPOSED CROSSING OF THE ELK RIVER (JULY 5, 2007)....20 MOUNTAIN WHITEFISH CAPTURED NEAR THE PROPOSED CROSSING OF THE ELK RIVER (JULY 5, 2007)....21 QUALITY REARING HABITAT DOWNSTREAM FROM THE PROPOSED CROSSING OF THE ELK RIVER (JULY 5, 2007)....21 Applied Aquatic Research Ltd. 3

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Project Overview The District of Sparwood, B.C. has planned a 3-span, 125 m long pedestrian footbridge across the Elk River near the town of Sparwood (Figure 1). Construction of the footbridge is planned for the fall of 2007 (October/November). The bridge will be located just downstream from the confluence of Michel Creek and the Elk River at (NAD 83) 651458 E and 5511829 N. Throughout the life-cycles of most species, there are critical stages of development during which fish are more sensitive to particular types of disturbance. Most species are more prone to disturbances during early life stages; however, others may be susceptible during migration, or while in wintering habitat. The flexibility in timing windows and Best Management Practices (BMPs) reflects a combination of influences, including the type of disturbance expected, species likely to be affected and/or present, habitat type, abundance of habitat, and its importance to a critical stage of development for the individual species. The Provincial Water Act provides standards to reduce disturbance to riverine habitat and fauna that may result from instream activity associated with bridge construction. Provincial regulators may consider a request to supersede an identified timing window or an alternative to an identified BMP. However, any such request for a variance must be accompanied by a plan that demonstrates appropriate mitigating strategies. Included in any strategy must be: 1) the rationale for choosing the alternative stream crossing method, 2) site specific stream crossing information, 3) a description of the operational activities that will reduce impacts on the aquatic environment, and 4) potentially, a fish habitat assessment (BCOGC 2004). In addition to Provincial requirements, the Federal Fisheries Act prohibits the destruction of fish, alteration, disruption, or destruction of fish habitat, and deposition of deleterious substances into water frequented by fish, or into places that may result in the deposition of deleterious substances into water frequented by fish (sections 32, 35, and 36 of the Act, respectively). It is important to recognize that only DFO can determine whether the Fisheries Act has, or could be, contravened. It is the District of Sparwood s responsibility to provide sufficient data and information with respect to the watercourse such that DFO can issue a letter of advice stating whether violation of the Fisheries Act is likely given the works proposed. If a violation is likely, the proponent must obtain Ministerial approval to proceed with the works to remain in compliance with the Act. Part of this approval process requires that any harmful alteration, disruption, or destruction (HADD) of fish habitat be mitigated through enhancement or improvement of that already existing, to satisfy the No Net Loss guiding principle (DFO 1998). On behalf of UMA Engineering Ltd. (UMA) and at the request of the District of Sparwood, Applied Aquatic Research Ltd. (AAR) was retained to conduct a fish population and riverine habitat inventory of the Elk River at the crossing proposed. This report presents results of field investigations that were conducted on July 5 and 6, 2007. It is also the purpose of this report to describe aquatic characteristics unique to the crossing proposed. Applied Aquatic Research Ltd. 4

Bridge location Proposed N District of Sparwood Pedestrian Bridge Proposed Figure 1 Location of proposed pedestrian bridge near Sparwood, B.C. AAR07-72 July 2007 Spectrum Digital Mapping Applied Aquatic Research Ltd. 5

1.2 Study Area The Elk River originates in Elk Lakes Provincial Park near the Alberta/British Columbia boundary, and flows south and west for 213 km before flowing into Montana's Libby Reservoir (officially known as Lake Koocanusa). The crossing location proposed is near the Town of Sparwood just south of highway 43 (Figure 1). Known fish species in the river include: Westslope cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki lewisi), bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus), brook trout (S. fontinalis), Kokanee (O. nerka), Rainbow trout (O. mykiss), mountain whitefish (Prosopium williamsoni), and longnose sucker (Catostomus catostomus) (BC Fisheries, 2007). 1.3 Study objectives The specific objectives of this study were to: determine fish presence/absence in the watercourse near the crossing; describe aquatic habitat at and adjacent to the crossing proposed in terms of type, quantity, area, quality, and potential to support individual species and life-history stages; assess the potential for the harmful alteration, destruction, or disruption (HADD) of fish habitat given resident populations, habitat available, timing of construction, and proposed crossing methods; and, identify restoration and mitigation measures to reduce adverse effects of instream activity on aquatic resources. Applied Aquatic Research Ltd. 6

2.0 APPROACH 2.1 Riverine Habitat Inventory AAR fish biologists investigated riverine habitat and its potential for fishes in the Elk River on July 5 and 6, 2007. All methods used to determine fish presence or absence in the river sampled met or exceeded Resources Inventory Standards Committee (RISC) protocols, as outlined by the British Columbia Ministry of Fisheries (1998). Stream class designations were as per the Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act (BC Ministry of Forests 2002; BC Ministry of Forests 1995a and 1995b) and crossing recommendations are based on stream crossing flow diagrams and the BMPs outlined in the Stream Crossing Planning Guide (BCOGC 2004). Fieldwork was conducted under scientific fish collection permits issued by the Manager of BC s Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection (MWLAP) Permit and Authorization Service Bureau. The sections of channel sampled included the area immediately upstream and encompassed the zone of influence (ZOI) extending downstream that might be affected by instream construction. For the purpose of this report, this zone represents the area of the water body where 90% of the sediment discharged as a result of the works will be deposited. The extent of this zone depends on various parameters, including channel gradient, width, depth, morphology (shape and roughness), water velocity, discharge, and instream vegetation. Professional judgment based on experience and an understanding of these factors was used to determine the extent of the zone of influence downstream from the crossing. Physical parameters including channel bankfull and wetted widths, bank height, and water depth were quantified across five transects throughout the ZOI. Recorded discharge information from the Water Survey of Canada s Elk River at Fernie monitoring station was used because the size of the River at the crossing location precluded taking hand-held measurements. Water temperature, ph, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen concentration (DO) were measured at the ROW with a Multiline P4 multimeter. Bank stability and shape were assessed visually at each sample location. Substrate was classified into four categories using a modified Wentworth particle scale (fines <2 mm, gravels 2 64 mm, cobbles >64 256 mm, boulders >256 mm) (Nielsen and Johnson 1983). Watercourse and riparian vegetation characteristics that affect fish habitat potential or production were also described. These included the presence of barriers, substrate composition, instream and overhead cover, riparian vegetation composition, and canopy closure. Fish habitat potential was rated as high, moderate, or low according to its potential to support spawning, rearing, wintering, or migrating salmonids. These include fall-spawning species such as bull trout, brook trout and mountain whitefish, and spring spawning rainbow trout and cutthroat trout. Salmonids require uniform unembedded gravel substrate for spawning. Bull trout, brook trout, cutthroat and rainbow trout dig nests or redds, whereas mountain whitefish broadcast eggs over gravel (Joynt and Sullivan 2003). These fish require clear, cold water and are often affected most by disturbance instream. Salmonids generally have higher DO requirements than other fishes (Barton and Taylor 1996). The water quality guidelines standard for the protection of freshwater Applied Aquatic Research Ltd. 7

aquatic life in British Columbia for DO at the acute (short-term) level is 5.0 mg/l (MWLAP 2007a). This also represents the lowest concentration for survival of salmonids. A comprehensive photographic record was made at the watercourse crossing as per the RISC standards. In addition, unique habitat features, results from sampling efforts (when conducted), parameters known to limit fish production, and barriers to fish migrations such as sub-surface flow or falls were photographed and described on Provincial Site Cards and Fish Collection Forms. Raw data were reviewed, entered into a database, and included in Appendix A. Included in the catalogue are photographs of the crossing location proposed, fish species present, and typical habitat features. 2.2 Fish Population Inventory Fish communities were sampled using a custom float electrofishing unit (Smith-Root, 2.5 GPP) mounted in a 3.8 m inflatable boat powered by a 25 hp outboard engine. Sampling effort was apportioned evenly across each habitat type throughout the zone of influence. Fish immobilized by electrofishing were retrieved with a dip net and placed in a bucket to recover. Catch-per-uniteffort (CPUE) was described as the number of fish caught per 100 seconds electrofished. All fish captured were identified to species, measured to the nearest millimeter and sex and lifehistory stage assigned (if discernable externally). Once sampled, fish were returned to the river unharmed from where they were captured. To meet RISC standards, minnow traps ( Gee type) and angling were used as a secondary capture method where possible. Applied Aquatic Research Ltd. 8

3.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Site Cards and Fish Collection Forms summarize physical data collected from the sections of the streams investigated (Appendix A). The catalogues have watershed information, water quality data, channel characteristics, and photographic records. Note that regardless of fish presence or absence, construction and restoration measures proposed are based on the potential of habitat to support different life-history stages of representative fish species that could reside in the watercourse and those downstream. 3.1 Elk River Aquatic Habitat Riverine fish habitat in the Elk River was investigated on July 5 and 6, 2007 as per RISC standards. A total of 2.1 km of river was investigated, this included 900 m upstream and 1200 m downstream from the crossing proposed. In the vicinity of the crossing proposed, the river is unconfined and follows an irregular path with a few islands and side channels (Plates 1-4). Michel Creek flows into the Elk River from the east, just upstream from the crossing proposed. Riverine habitat observed during the investigation consisted of long runs, rapids, shallow riffles and pools. Substrate throughout the zone of influence reflects the river s surrounding topography and bank characteristics. It consists predominantly of gravel and cobbles. The right bank at the crossing location has been armored for about 350 m. There are several other sections that have been armored downstream from the bridge location proposed. Riparian vegetation is dominated by willows and shrubs with a mature forest canopy. Fish Presence Sampling of fishes in the Elk River was completed on July 5 and 6, 2007. Float electrofishing, minnow trapping and angling were used to sample a 2100 m stretch. In total, 43 fish were captured, including: 21 mountain whitefish, 3 bull trout, 18 cutthroat trout, and 1 longnose sucker (Plates 5-7). The majority of fish captured (n=32) were captured by electrofishing, resulting in a catch per unit effort (CPUE) of 3.55 fish per 100 seconds. Only 2 fish were captured by minnow traps despite 81.25 hours of effort. Angling yielded 10 fish in 18 hours of effort. All but 4 of the fishes captured were adults. Fish Habitat Potential Fish habitat potential for mountain whitefish is rated high for all life-history stages. There was an abundance of mountain whitefish holding in pools located immediately downstream from riffles upstream and downstream from the crossing location proposed. Migration is rated high for all species. There were no barriers to fish movement observed in the 2100 m investigated. Spawning habitat is rated moderate for cutthroat, rainbow, brook, and bull trout. These species will likely use the tributaries to the Elk River during spawning however there is lots of unembedded gravel and cobble in the mainstem of the Elk River. Rearing habitat is rated moderate to high for all species. Rearing fish were concentrated in deep runs, pools, and Applied Aquatic Research Ltd. 9

around large debris jams (Plate 8). There were several side and back channels downstream from the crossing where fish may seek refuge during high water. Instream Work Windows The instream work window for the Elk River based on the presence of bull trout is between June 1 and August 31 (Table 1). However, because rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and mountain whitefish are also present, the timing of least risk to fishes becomes limited to a period between July 16 and August 31 (Table 1). These windows of least risk protect spawning and incubation of both fall and spring-spawning fishes (MWLAP 2002). High water levels have delayed preconstruction assessments and surveys, which have adjusted the timing of construction to late- October or early-november. Crossing Recommendations Overall fish habitat is rated as moderate for spawning for most of the river s sport fishes, and high for rearing, wintering, and migration for all species. Therefore, crossing of such a large river poses problems with methods that will minimize both the time spent instream and the introduction of sediment to the system. It is recommended that all instream work be completed in the dry with a clean water bypass. All fish must be salvaged from any isolated section of channel during construction. With construction later in the fall and low flows it is anticipated that much of the construction can be completed out of the water. A clean water bypass should be in place at all times during construction. A complete list of BMPs is provided in BCOGC (2004). Water quality monitoring for total suspended solids (TSS) is recommended during construction to insure that the aquatic resources are protected by ensuring that concentration of total suspended solids (TSS) does not exceed CCME (2001) guidelines. A biologically important increase in TSS concentration above background is 25 mg/l based on the Canadian guideline for short-term (24 hour) exposure (CCME 2001). A useful proxy for TSS concentration is turbidity which can be measured easily in the field. Turbidity can be expressed in terms of TSS concentration through laboratory analysis of water samples; simple linear regression of TSS concentration on turbidity allows changes in turbidity to be interpreted in terms of recommended exceedance criteria. Applied Aquatic Research Ltd. 10

Table 1 Periods of Least Risk for Instream Works WLAP 2007b Applied Aquatic Research Ltd. 11

4.0 REFERENCES 4.1 Literature Cited Barton, B.A. and B.R. Taylor. 1996. Oxygen requirements of fishes in northern Alberta rivers with a general review of the adverse effects of low dissolved oxygen. Water Quality Research Journal of Canada. 31:361-409. BC Fisheries. 2007. Habitat Wizard. Fisheries Database. Website: http://maps.gov.bc.ca/imf50/imf.jsp?site=libc_habwiz British Columbia Conservation Data Centre. 2007. B.C. Blue List 2007. Fish. Website: http://srmapps.gov.bc.ca/apps/eswp/jsp/results.jsp?pager.offset=10 British Columbia Ministry of Fisheries. 1998. Reconnaissance (1:20,000) Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory: Standards and Procedures. Prepared for the Resources Inventory Committee. British Columbia Ministry of Forests. 1995a. Riparian management area guidebook. For. Prac. Br., Min. For., Victoria, B.C., Forest Practices Code of British Columbia. 68 pp. British Columbia Ministry of Forests. 1995b. Fish-stream Identification Guidebook. For. Prac. Br., Min. For., Victoria, B.C., Forest Practices Code of British Columbia guidebook. 39 pp. British Columbia Ministry of Forests. 2002. Fish-stream Crossing Guidebooks. 68p British Columbia Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection. 2002. Conservation measures and timing windows for Peace Region fish stream crossings. Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection, Kootenay Region. British Columbia Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection. 2007a. British Columbia Water Quality Guidelines (Criteria). 1998 Edition. Website: http://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/wat/wq/bcguidelines/approved_4.html#18 British Columbia Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection. 2007b. http://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/kor/wateract/least_risk_kor.pdf British Columbia Oil and Gas Commission. 2004. Version 1.0. Stream Crossing Planning Guide. Informational Guide. Ft. St. John, British Columbia. Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment. 2001. Canadian water quality guidelines for the protection of aquatic life: Summary Tables Environmental Quality Guidelines. Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment. Environment Canada. Hull, Quebec. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). 1998. Decision framework for the determination and authorization of harmful alteration, disruption or destruction of fish habitat. Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Habitat Management and Environmental Science, Habitat Management Branch, Ottawa, Ontario. Joynt, A. and M.G. Sullivan. 2003. Fish of Alberta. Lone Pine Publishing, Edmonton, Alberta. 176 pp. Applied Aquatic Research Ltd. 12

Nielson, L.A. and O.L. Johnson. 1983. Fisheries Techniques. American Fisheries Society Publication, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. 468 pp. Spectrum Digital Imaging. 2000. Canadian Digital Maps: Crowsnest: modified from 82-G-10 Applied Aquatic Research Ltd. 13

5.0 CLOSURE The statements and conclusions reported are accurate and address requirements under British Columbia s Water Act. Shawn Johnston, RP Bio., P.Biol. Aquatic Biologist Reviewed by, Calum Bonnington, MSc. (Hons) Biologist/Senior Project Manager Applied Aquatic Research Ltd. 14

APPENDIX A Site Cards, Fish Collection Forms, and Plates Applied Aquatic Research Ltd. 15

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Plate 1 Upstream view at the proposed crossing of the Elk River (July 5, 2007). Plate 2 Downstream view at the proposed crossing of the Elk River (July 5, 2007). Applied Aquatic Research Ltd. 18

Plate 3 View of north bank approach at the Elk River (July 5, 2007). Plate 4 View of the south bank approach at the Elk River (July 5, 2007). Applied Aquatic Research Ltd. 19

Plate 5 Cutthroat trout captured downstream from the proposed crossing of the Elk River (July 5, 2007). Plate 6 Bull trout captured downstream from the proposed crossing of the Elk River (July 5, 2007). Applied Aquatic Research Ltd. 20

Plate 7 Mountain Whitefish captured near the proposed crossing of the Elk River (July 5, 2007). Plate 8 Quality rearing habitat downstream from the proposed crossing of the Elk River (July 5, 2007). Applied Aquatic Research Ltd. 21