The first phase of the project has involved conducting a series of studies to assess how hydroelectric installations affect fish and fish habitat at Hydro generating and water storage sites. Results of the research will be used to help design adequate fish protection measures. The first stage of the program to examine and rank waterflow issues at each Hydro facility has been completed. The study determined that 13 of the 58 facilities are considered high-priority. Detailed flow assessment studies have already been initiated at some of the 13 sites.
Work is also underway to assess fishery impacts at each operating site.
When these assessments are complete, improvements to operating procedures can be made to better balance fishery protection with energy production. Future Plans Hydro has begun assessing the instream flow requirements of fish in the Salmon River on Vancouver Island. Preliminary studies concluded that while the current flow regime in the Salmon River does not limit upstream passage of salmon and steelhead, natural low flows in late summer may reduce the availability of rearing habitat and limit fish production. The study will examine the factors limiting instream flows and fish production to determine what additional flows may be required to improve fish habitat, and to see if such flows can be made available. Rapid reductions in flow from operation of the Cheakamus Generating Station may affect fish populations in the Squamish River.