REGAN AND ABBOTT ADOPT LOWER FRASER RIVER
GRAVEL REMOVAL PLAN
 

Abbotsford, B.C. – The Honourable Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, and the Honourable George Abbott, British Columbia Minister responsible for Land and Water BC Inc., today signed a Letter of Agreement on a new, five-year Lower Fraser River Gravel Removal Plan.

Gravel accumulates in the lower reaches of the Fraser River, carried by fast-moving waters, and removal is recognized as one of the methods for managing flood levels, preventing erosion and maintaining navigable channels.

“This agreement signals a renewed spirit of collaboration between British Columbia and the Government of Canada,” Minister Regan said. “It addresses the long-standing concerns of Fraser Valley communities to ensure that we are able act in a timely and environmentally responsible manner to reduce the risk of flooding and erosion, and maintain navigation safety along the Fraser River. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) will continue to ensure that gravel removal protects fish habitat and traditional First Nations fishing sites.”

“Gravel must be removed from the Fraser River on an annual basis to prevent buildup,” said Abbott. “Today’s agreement will provide greater certainty to communities along the Fraser River. LWBC is fully committed to continuing to work with the Fraser Basin Council, the federal government, First Nations, local government and other parties on a long-term solution to the challenges of river management.”

The Fraser River is a diverse aquatic ecosystem, rich in fish and fish habitat. The gravel reach provides significant social and economic benefits for commercial, sport and First Nation fishers. Gravel is key to the productivity in this area.

Today’s agreement, which was facilitated by the Fraser Basin Council, provides a systematic, collaborative process to assess annual gravel removal plans, based on annual levels of gravel accumulation, scientific analysis and site-specific flood or navigational concerns. The agreement includes approval of up to 500,000 cubic metres of gravel for each of the first two years and up to 420,000 cubic metres for the following three years. The plan will be reviewed on an annual basis.

Agreement has also been reached on developing a technical tool for analyzing proposals, known as River 2-D hydraulic modelling. This tool demonstrates changes in the river’s water flow speeds and levels resulting from proposed removals.

“We have adopted a collaborative, science-based approach to manage public safety and environmental risks,” Minister Regan said. “Collaborating in this manner with provinces and territories, First Nations and stakeholders is a priority for my department.”

“I would like to recognize the hard work and cooperative efforts of our respective staff and the Fraser Basin Council in developing this plan over the past few months,” Minister Abbott said. “Indeed, we are beginning to implement the plan already and it will be a priority to adhere to it as closely as possible according to the annual project authorization schedule for 2004.”

More information on the Letter of Agreement and the Lower Fraser River Gravel Removal Plan can be found online at: www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca and www.lwbc.bc.ca.
 

- 30 -

View photos from the press conference
 

Fisheries and Oceans Canada - Pacific Region Contact Communications Branch Important Notices and Disclaimers Questions Contact: Webmaster Updated: 2006-05-23