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September 16/05 Update - Representatives from the RCABC and the WKABC visited the structures installed on the Seymour River on
September 15, 2005, to view the modifications and the structures installed in 2005. These structures are installed above the Spur 4 bridge, and
above and below the Spur 6 road where it meets the river.
There are eight structures near the Spur 4 bridge (7 upstream on river left, and 1 downstream on river right), as well as three on either
side near where the Spur 6 road meets the river. There are images below of these structures.
Spur 4 Structures River Right:
1
River Left:
1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6,
7,
Spur 6 Structures River Right:
1
2
3
River Left:
1
2
3
While we have communicated with the fisheries groups and agencies in attempt to have these structures placed in less hazardous locations,
and to have the hazards posed by the structures reduced, these structures currently remain, in many cases, on the outside of bends.
Many of them also have fairly large undercut openings, and concave upstream faces, both of which increase the likelihood
of either a swimmer or boater having issues should they come up against the structures.
Background
In conjunction with the
Recreational Canoeing Association of BC (RCABC)
the WKABC submitted responses to the Navigable Waters Protection Division (NWPD) regarding the their concerns with the installation
of "woody debris" by the Ministry of Water Land and Air Protection, and by fisheries interest groups.
Some of this input is at the links below:
July 22, 2004 letter to WLAP
Jan 2005 letter to NWPD
July 2005 - Draft Large Woody Debris Guidelines
September 2005 - Transport Canada Letter
The clear hazard posed by these woody debris structures is illustrated in the images below. These were taken during the
extremely low-water period (August 2004). Since then some of the structures have come loose in the high water events
of the winter of 2004/2005.
Woody Debris - Overview Image
Woody Debris - Close Up Image
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