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Public Notice
Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative (PSSI): Community Economic Development Program (CEDP) Kitwanga Conservation Hatchery, Gitanyow BC

Public Comments Invited

September 10 2024  - The Fisheries and Oceans Canada must decide whether the construction of a conservation hatchery, located at Gitanyow, B.C. is likely to cause significant adverse effects.

To help inform this decision, Fisheries and Oceans Canada is inviting comments from the public on the project and its potential effects on the environment. All comments received will be considered public. For more information, individuals should consult the Privacy Notice on the Registry website.

Written comments must be submitted by October 10, 2024 to:

Real Property and Environmental Management – Technical Services Team
PSSI Projects
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region

Address:
200 – 401 Burrard Street
Vancouver, BC
V6C 3S4
Email: DFO.PSSI.Projects@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Assessment Summary
The DFO's Community Economic Development Program (CEDP) enables several community-based hatcheries and salmon enhancement facilities across British Columbia, which have an important role in role in supporting vulnerable populations of Pacific salmon in specific geographical areas. Expansion of the CEDP is a core part of the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative (PSSI) which will provide critical infrastructure and operations capacity for salmonid enhancement and improve localised response to future conservation concerns.

In collaboration with the Gitanyow Nation, the DFO plans to invest in a new hatchery which will be operated within the community of Gitanyow Nation, directly contributing to conservation and rebuilding efforts for the Kitwanga sockeye salmon in the Skeena Watershed. The proposed project also builds upon feasibility work completed by the Gitanyow Nation to support shared goals for salmon conservation and fisheries management within their traditional territory.

This project supports Fisheries and Oceans Canada's goals by providing critical infrastructure for salmon enhancement, promoting sustainable fisheries management, and supporting indigenous reconciliation and conservation efforts.

The total project footprint is anticipated to be 14,500 m², the majority of which is already developed. The project is expected to be completed over four phases.

Phase 1: Site Preparation includes vegetation clearing and grubbing (800 m²). The site will be raised to the recommended flood protection elevations through importing suitable fill material (footprint 4894 m²). Improvements to the existing site access road, turnaround area, and location of the hatchery facility will be made to ensure the site meets appropriate geotechnical recommendations. 

Phase 2: Trenching and installation of the groundwater distribution network system to connect three wells to the aeration tower and various aquaculture zones (approx., 1538 m combined HDPE piping). The effluent water discharge system will also be trenched for install, and connect to a treatment station housing the drum filter and UV System. Construction of a rapid infiltration basis, head tank, aeration tower, potable water connects, sewer connections, power upgrades, back up power generators, fencing around the property, and flood and fire protection systems will occur.

Phase 3: Construction of aquaculture facility components will include hatchery buildings for incubation, early rearing and office space. Outdoor facilities to include installation of outdoor rearing tanks, roofing install, storage buildings, and a back up pump station.

Phase 4: The site will undergo the commissioning phase where final utility (water, power etc) connections and systems will be tested to resolve any potential deficiencies. The inside of the building infrastructures will undergo furnishing.

Prior to construction, appropriate safety and mitigation plans and measures will be in place and qualified environmental and archaeological monitors will be on site, as required, across the various phases of the project.

Project Location
The project is located adjacent to the village of Gitanyow, home to the Gitxsan people. Gitanyow's main community is located on the Kitwanga River 8 km south of Kitwancool Lake, at the confluence of Kitwancool Creek. Gitanyow is located approximately 134 km northwest of Smithers in northwestern British Columbia. The site is accessible via the Kitwancool Access Road.

Site Address: Gitanyow Kitwanga River Hatchery, Kitwancool Access Road, Kitwanga, BC V0J 2A0
Site Access: Site is accessible via Kitwancool Access Road, and is located within the Gitanyow First Nation Reserve, approximately 80 km north of Terrace BC.
Latitude: 55° 15' 43.0668'' N

Longitude: -128° 3' 41.3748'' W