Giving Nature a Chance

Terasen Pipeline Crossing Restoration Work

The Salmon River snakes its way through farmland and flood plain before slipping into the Fraser River at Fort Langley. Sitting on the edge of the largest urban area in B.C., development pressures on the Salmon are constant. Many species depend on the river being clean and wild, and it’s now an important marker river for the entire Lower Mainland. To put it simply: the health of the Salmon reflects how well we’re taking care of things.

When Terasen Gas recently inspected its pipeline crossing near the fish fence (at the intersection of Glover Road and Rawlison Crescent), it discovered the pipeline was almost exposed on the river bottom. Working with environmental consultants, Terasen crews collected fish holding near the pipeline, then released them further upstream and downstream. This set the stage for mitigation work around the pipeline to prevent degradation of the river bottom; then eight large rot-resistant tree stumps, woody debris and logs were placed in the river. The tree trunks and logs mimic nature, providing places for fish to feed and hide from predators. Oxygen also percolates into the water column as it moves in and around the wood. Boulders were also positioned on the riverbanks, which were then seeded and planted with native flora to prevent erosion. Apart from Terasen’s pipeline crossing signs, the area looks essentially like the rest of the river’s natural corridor. Most people will drive by without a second look.

Doug McFee of the Salmon River Enhancement Society gives the company full marks for the way it handled the restoration work.  "Terasen actually did more than what was required to improve things around the pipe." The wild Coho, Chinook, Chum, and other species thank them too.

 Thanks to Mark Forsythe editor of THE FORT