Shocked, Then Trucked. Why BC Arranges Road Trips for Live Fish

Bull trout and other fish are embarking on a peculiar road trip across British Columbia's Peace River, guided by a Ford pickup truck and a newly built fish passage facility at the Site C dam. This unusual method of transportation is part of an effort to help endangered bull trout bypass the massive $16 billion dam and reach their historic spawning grounds. The fish travel through a complex system involving holding pools, an elevator-like fish lock, and specialized tanks before being released into the reservoir, now officially named Dreamer Lake. The fish passage facility, costing over $47.2 million, was designed to provide a continuous route for migrating fish. However, the operation has faced repeated disruptions. Last year, the facility was out of commission for 55 days over a seven-month period, significantly impacting its effectiveness. During these downtimes, workers resorted to manual methods such as electroshocking to capture fish, a process that involves sending an electric current through the water to temporarily stun them for collection. According to an unpublished technical memorandum obtained by The Tyee, 316 bull trout were transported past the dam last year, the first full operational year of the facility. This number represents just over a quarter of the bull trout that previously migrated through the area before the dam's construction. While BC Hydro had estimated around 8,000 bull trout in the vicinity, only approximately 1,200 were known to pass through the dam site prior to the project. The facility's frequent breakdowns have raised concerns among experts. Technical issues included a dislodged chain drive, broken wire winch cables, a failing stem nut, and a corrupted computer system. These problems led to extended periods of inoperability, including a full month-long shutdown in June and another six-day outage in August. The frequency and severity of these malfunctions have cast doubt on the long-term viability of the project. Two retired fish biologists have expressed skepticism about the facility's ability to effectively aid the survival of bull trout. Nick Baccante, a former regional section head of the B.C. government’s fish and wildlife branch, described the facility as “a waste of money.” Similarly, Alberta scientist Lorne Fitch likened the efforts to “putting lipstick on a corpse,” suggesting that the measures are insufficient to address the broader ecological damage caused by the dam. Despite these criticisms, BC Hydro maintains that the facility serves a critical purpose. Whitney Deane, a spokesperson for BC Hydro, emphasized that the structure aims to preserve habitat access and “maintain connectivity” for bull trout. She noted that the facility also aligns with commitments to First Nations communities, who view fish as an essential part of their cultural heritage and traditional ways of life. The financial burden of the project has also been a point of discussion. Initially projected to cost $10.6 million, the final price tag exceeded expectations, ultimately reaching $47.2 million. Annual operating costs were estimated at $1.5 million, though actual expenses during the first full operating year came in at around $1 million. Deane indicated that costs are expected to rise in the near future before stabilizing. Beyond bull trout, the facility has also facilitated the movement of other species, including rainbow trout, largescale suckers, and longnose suckers. These fish, too, face challenges due to the dam’s presence, highlighting the broader environmental impact of large-scale infrastructure projects on aquatic ecosystems. As the facility continues to operate, ongoing assessments will be crucial in determining its success in supporting biodiversity and preserving the delicate balance of the Peace River ecosystem.