BC Hydro removes over 29,800 kg of material from Arrow Lakes Reservoir
By BC Hydro
In the fall and winter of 2023, BC Hydro undertook an inventory of the structures and materials that exist along the shoreline of Arrow Lakes Reservoir.
BC Hydro assessed these structures and materials based on environmental considerations, archeological and heritage values, accessibility, and public safety concerns. Approximately 1,300 structures and materials were inventoried and assessed as part of this assessment.
Work to remove materials was safely completed over a five-week period beginning on February 22, 2024. Two crews were deployed to complete this work – a barge crew and a ground crew. The barge crew utilized a barge, a crew boat, an excavator and three crew members, and they accessed sites from the shoreline. The ground crew utilized a 1-ton truck, dump trailer, mini excavator, Kubota side-by-side and two crew members. In some areas, work could only be completed by hand without any excavation due to environmental considerations.
Our efforts were concentrated in priority areas that are highly used and easily accessible, including Nakusp, Burton, Edgewood, Renata, Shields, Needles, Broadwater Road in Robson, and Arrow Park.
In total, our crews removed over 29,800 kg (65,690 lbs) of material, including 20,140 kg (44,530 lbs) of metal that was collected and recycled, and 9,660 kg (21,300 lbs) of rubble that was collected and disposed.
Following this initial effort, a long-term strategy will be developed to evaluate the remaining structures and materials for potential removal.
BC Hydro would like to thank everyone who sent in reports of these structures and materials. This feedback helped to guide the response and removal efforts.
Comments