• Fitzsimmons Creek Gravel Removal Project

Overview:

QEP Environmental monitoring of gravel removal from Fitzsimmons Creek for flood protection. Fish salvage, inventory and installation of fish barriers during removal. Excavation operations for fish-safe gravel removal.

Details:

Project Type: Environmental Monitoring Services
Location: Whistler, BC, Canada
Client: Resort Municipality of Whistler
Contract Period: 1992-2016
Key Individuals Involved: Dave Williamson, Candace Rose Taylor, Vicki Legris

Project Description:

Since 1992 Cascade has provided the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) environmental consultation services and performed monitoring duties for the Fitzsimmons Creek gravel removal project.

Cascade provides full time trained environmental technician to monitor the extraction sites while gravel removal is taking place. The environmental monitors, supervised by a Qualified Environmental Professional throughout the job use the Environmental Management Plan to guide extraction in an environmentally responsive manner.


Results:

The 2016 Fitzsimmons Creek channel maintenance program took place from August 15 to August 29, 2016. In total, 10,622.5 m3 of sediment were removed from ten bars, which represents 96.7% of the proposed total (KWL 2016). Fish salvaged during the 2016 channel maintenance program totalled 935 fish, including 25 bull trout, 188 rainbow trout, 695 sculpin, and 27 three-spined sticklebacks. Tailed frog tadpoles were also captured during salvage efforts. All amphibians were relocated outside of the works area.

The approval conditions by DFO and FLNRO were complied with throughout, and the works adhered to the protocol outlined in the Environmental Management Plan.