BC Hydro to release water from Comox Dam for Chinook smolts
Public warned to stay out of the Puntledge River and away from river banks on May 30
COURTENAY – BC Hydro will release higher volumes of water down the Puntledge River to give Chinook smolts released by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) a better success rate in migrating past seals in the lower river. The secondary benefit of the high flows will be for experienced whitewater recreational users. The general public is strongly advised to keep away from the river banks of the Puntledge River on May 30.
"Fisheries and Oceans Canada has requested increased water flows in the Puntledge River as a possible means to prevent seals from eating juvenile and adult salmon during key migration periods, and to improve fish survival," said DFO Puntledge Watershed manager Darcy Miller. "DFO appreciates this co-operative effort with BC Hydro, and their assistance in protecting the unique Puntledge River Summer Chinook population."
Kayakers will also take advantage of the high flows. "We greatly appreciate BC Hydro's efforts to provide extra flows usable for river recreation," said Vancouver Island Whitewater Paddling Society River Coordinator Shayne Vollmers. "Our 5th Annual Puntledge Paddle Festival is taking place June 6 to 7, and this will be an added bonus. Our group continues to be impressed by BC Hydro's commitment to work with all stakeholders on this river system, brought on by the Puntledge River Water Use Plan."
Since December, BC Hydro has conserved water in the Comox Lake Reservoir due to dry and cool weather conditions. The one-day higher flow will result in potentially less power generation, yet still enable BC Hydro to meet summer river minimum flows.
"We strongly advise the public to stay out of the Puntledge River and away from the river banks when the river is high," said BC Hydro's Vancouver Island Generation Manager, Jim Coles. Temporary safety signage will be placed along the river. The flow will increased by about ten fold at Stotan Falls, and below the generating station, over two fold to 85 cubic metres per second. The river flows will begin to increase at 11 p.m., on May 29, with the high river flow conditions in place through May 30.
Contact:
Stephen Watson
Stakeholder Engagement Advisor
Phone: 250 755 4795