Terms of Reference

Assessment of the Instream Flow Needs for fish and fish habitat in the Saskatchewan River below the E.B. Campbell Hydroelectric Station

Regional Peer Review – Central and Arctic Region

May 9-10, 2018
Winnipeg, MB

Chairperson: Eva Enders

Context

The E.B. Campbell Hydroelectric Station, owned and operated by SaskPower, is a hydropeaking facility on the Saskatchewan River near Nipawin, SK. The Fisheries Act authorization of the E.B. Campbell Hydroelectric Station will expire on June 30, 2018. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Fisheries Protection Program (FPP) is seeking science advice on Instream Flow Needs (IFN) to help inform a new Fisheries Act authorization, including measures to avoid, mitigate, and as necessary, offset serious harm to fish and fish habitat as a result of the ongoing operations of the existing facility.

The present Fisheries Act authorization includes a minimum flow release of 75 m3 s-1 and was followed by a research study (conducted April 2005 to March 2007) to evaluate impacts on fish habitat. The results from this study, as well as additional reports, data, and publications were summarized in an unpublished 2008 DFO report. In March 2012, DFO provided national guidance on IFN (i.e., +/- 10% of instantaneous flow; 30% of mean annual discharge), however, cautioned that when data are available, a more detailed technical examination is required on the effectiveness of the recommended thresholds, in particular for cases of hydropeaking (DFO 2013). FPP has requested DFO Science to update the unpublished 2008 DFO report with a description of E.B. Campbell Hydroelectric Station’s flow regulation impacts on fish and fish habitat, and provide IFN recommendations.

Objective

The objectives of the peer review are:

1. to evaluate the assessment of the IFN for fish and fish habitat in the Saskatchewan River below the E.B. Campbell Hydroelectric Station based on available science data; and,
2. to identify potential avoidance, mitigation, monitoring, and offsetting measures and to inform contingency planning.

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report
• Proceedings
• Research Document

Expected Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) (Science, and Ecosystems and Fisheries Management sectors)
• Province of Saskatchewan (Water Security Agency, Environment)
• Corporate and private industry
• First Nations
• Academia
• Other invited experts

References

DFO. 2013. Framework for Assessing the Ecological Flow Requirements to Support Fisheries in Canada. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2013/017.