Decades-old pipe replaced at spawning channel in South Alouette river – Maple Ridge News

Some major renovations have been made to the South Alouette River to improve the upstream sections of the Latimer Channel.

The canal, which is a hibernation and spawning canal, was renovated by the DFO Ecosystem Management Branch Engineer and Technicians during the week of July 26th to 30th.

A crew from the Department of Fisheries and Ocean Ecosystem Management, Resource Restoration Unit and Mission Contract worked all week on the Latimer Channel, a tributary of the South Alouette in Maple Ridge, replacing and repairing the pipes.

Initially, the old pipe was left intact to keep the canal wet while DFO removed the inlet and attached it to the new pipeline, according to a social media post by the Alouette River Management Society (ARMS). The new line was laid right next to the old one.

The original pipe installed in the late 1990s was completely corroded and even had tree roots through it.

According to ARMS, these repairs were urgently needed to provide necessary access to the wintering and spawning grounds for Chum and Coho Salmon. The pipe replacement was carried out so that salmon could continue to have healthy fish flows from the river to this important channel.

“It was time to replace the pipe. It was first installed in the late 1990s and had deteriorated over time and large debris had started to block the pipe inlet as well. Both Coho and Chum Salmon use the canal in autumn to lay eggs in their reds, where the eggs develop and hatch the following spring, ”said Alexandra Holmes of ARMS. “The new pipe will give the salmon better access to swim up the canal to complete their life cycle.”

“We look forward to the upcoming spawning season with the new intake pipe, especially for the return of the Chum and Pink. Don’t forget to look out in September and October! ”Said Holmes.

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