This activity impacted South Kemess creek, which supports bull trout, Dolly Varden char and rainbow trout. The creek is a tributary of Thutade Lake in the upper Finlay River watershed. Silts and sediments in streams can be harmful to fish and fish habitat in many ways. They can cover up gravel spawning beds and smother incubating salmonid eggs. Heavy sedimentation also smothers tiny organisms that fish feed on and reduces visibility in the water, making it harder for fish to catch prey.
Excess sediments can also damage fish gills.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada is concerned about activities that damage fish stocks and asks for assistance from the general public in providing information about suspected pollution or habitat destruction.