Watershed Management

Among the most complex and significant of Alcan B.C.’s responsibilities are those associated with the management of the vast Nechako Reservoir in north-central B.C.

Alcan B.C. relies on adequate water levels in the reservoir to support power generation at Kemano, upon which the Kitimat smelter depends. In this sense, the reservoir is the starting point for Alcan B.C.’s operational and economic viability. Low water levels have, on occasion, made it necessary to curtail aluminum production.

At the same time, reservoir management must account for important environmental values – most particularly those associated with downstream salmon runs in the Nechako River. Reservoir management also has implications for flood control (the Kenney Dam is the only flood control mechanism on the Fraser River system), and for the availability of water for other uses ranging from recreation to irrigation.

Alcan B.C. continually monitors reservoir levels and indicators such as snow pack. Ongoing adjustments are made to water release levels, in order achieve a balance among the various needs and interests.

Salmon conservation and protection is the top-priority objective, and Alcan B.C. adheres to a 1987 agreement with the provincial and federal governments that governs fish-protection flows. Key features are a summer temperature management program, for the benefit of migrating Sockeye, and a target range for the number of Chinook salmon returning safely to their spawning grounds.

The Nechako Fisheries Conservation Program, in which Alcan B.C. and the provincial and federal governments participate, provides a framework to administer the 1987 agreement – including ongoing monitoring of aquatic habitat and population health.

More broadly, Alcan is a participant in the Nechako Watershed Council. This is a diverse, multi-stakeholder group that works to identify optimal approaches to various aspects of reservoir management, and to other issues impacting regional sustainability.

The following information with respect to water releases and reservoir elevation is updated weekly.

Updated: 09/04/2008