2012 Joint Water Use Plan for the Capilano and Seymour Watersheds

Transcription

1 ATTACHMENT Joint Water Use Plan for the Capilano and Seymour Watersheds Greater Vancouver Water District - 33

2 Joint Water Use Plan for the Capilano and Seymour Watersheds OCTOBER 2012 Greater Vancouver Water District - 34

3 Acronyms B.C. CC CMS or m 3 /s CO 2e DFO El. ft ft 3 /s GHG GVWD GW h HB JWUP km km 2 kv LSCR m M m 3 MAD ML/d MW Province of British Columbia Consultative Committee of the JWUP Cubic meters per second Carbon Dioxide Equivalent Department of Fisheries and Ocean Elevation Feet Cubic feet per second Greenhouse Gases Greater Vancouver Water District Gigawatt hours Howell-Bunger Joint Water Use Plan for the Capilano and Seymour Watersheds Kilometre Square kilometres Kilovolt Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve Metre Million cubic meters Mean annual discharge Million litres per day Megawatt Water Licences: #C Conditional Water Licence #F Final Water Licence Page i Greater Vancouver Water District - 35

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION DESCRIPTION OF WORKS Capilano Watershed Location The Capilano System Existing Works and Operations Existing Licensed Rights Proposed Hydropower Facility Seymour Watershed Location The Seymour System Existing Works and Operations Existing Licensed Rights Proposed Hydropower Facility HYDROLOGY OF THE CAPILANO-SEYMOUR BASIN The Capilano Watershed The Seymour Watershed Seymour River Watershed Reservoir Watershed Lower Seymour River Watershed OPERATING CONDITIONS FOR EXISTING (BASE CASE) FACILITY Role of Facilities in the GVWD System Water Use at Capilano-Seymour Facilities Emergencies and Dam Safety The Capilano Facility The Seymour Facility Operation of Works for Proposed Diversion and Use of Water Capilano Reservoir Levels Seymour Reservoir Levels Flood Mitigation Provisions GVWD Withdrawals Fish Flow Release Greater Vancouver Water District - 36 Page ii

5 4.4.6 Ramping Rates PROPOSED JWUP MONITORING PACKAGE ENDORSED BY THE CC Monitoring Activities Unique to the Capilano Watershed IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JWUP RECOMMENDATIONS EXPECTED WATER MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS OF THE JWUP Raw Water Quantity and Quality The Capilano System The Seymour System Drinking Water Quantity and Quality Riparian Rights Fisheries The Capilano System The Seymour System Wildlife Habitat Flood Mitigation Provisions Recreation The Capilano System The Seymour System Culture Industrial Use of Water Other Licensed Uses of Water Electrical Power Generation The Capilano System The Seymour System First Nations Considerations Archaeological Considerations Net Cost of Water Supply RECORDS AND REPORTS Compliance Reporting Non-Compliance Reporting Monitoring Program Reporting PLAN REVIEW NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES Greater Vancouver Water District - 37 Page iii

6 APPENDIX A: PROPOSED HYDROPOWER PROJECT DESCRIPTION APPENDIX B: HYDROLOGY OF CAPILANO WATERSHED APPENDIX C: HYDROLOGY OF SEYMOUR WATERSHED APPENDIX D: RAMPING RATES APPENDIX E: WATER LICENCES APPENDIX F: MINIMUM DAM RELEASES Greater Vancouver Water District - 38 Page iv

7 LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Description of Capilano Hydropower Project Concept... 3 Table 2: Description of Seymour Hydropower Project Concept... 6 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Conceptual Layout of Capilano Hydropower Project... 5 Figure 2: Conceptual Layout of Seymour Hydropower Project... 8 Greater Vancouver Water District - 39 Page v

8 1.0 INTRODUCTION The operating conditions proposed in this plan reflect the recommendations provided by the Capilano- Seymour Joint Water Use Plan (JWUP) Consultative Committee (CC). The basis for the proposed terms and conditions to be authorized under the Water Act for the beneficial use of water at the Capilano and Seymour reservoirs are set out in this document. Future reference to this facility includes all the works including: Cleveland Dam, Seymour Falls Dam, associated reservoirs, Capilano Powerhouse and Seymour Powerhouse. Metro Vancouver has established a process for developing the JWUP in accordance with the thirteen steps outlined in the provincial Water Use Plan Guidelines. The process integrates technical study and evaluation with structured decision-making and public consultation. Since January 2011, Metro Vancouver has been working with key interested parties through a CC, to develop the key elements of a JWUP that reflects the unique characteristics of the Capilano and Seymour watersheds. The JWUP CC has developed a consensus outcome and unanimously endorsed the final report. Refer to the Capilano- Seymour Joint Water Use Plan: Consultative Committee Report (October 2012) for details on the consultative process, interests, objectives, performance measures, values associated with operating alternatives, and details of the proposed monitoring program. Through the Water Use Plan interest based process, a recommendation was reached whereby fisheries, domestic water, and recreation interests were all improved over current operations. The proposed conditions for the operation of Metro Vancouver s facilities would not come into effect until ordered under the British Columbia Water Act. 2.0 DESCRIPTION OF WORKS 2.1 Capilano Watershed Location The Capilano River basin is a mountainous catchment located in the Western South Coast Region of British Columbia. The Capilano River originates at Capilano Mountain, situated 33 km north of the Burrard Inlet and flows southward The Capilano System The Capilano River Watershed drainage area is 212 km 2 with approximately 7% of its area below the Cleveland Dam. Capilano River has a total length of 33 km, having 6 km downstream of the dam. There are eleven main tributaries in this system, examples of which are Eastcap Creek, Sister Creek, Brothers Creek, and Hollsgate Creek. The alpine reservoir for the Capilano system is Palisade Lake. The usable storage capacity of Capilano Reservoir is 55 M m 3 with an additional 8.5 M m 3 of storage available at Palisade Reservoir Existing Works and Operations Capilano Reservoir The Capilano Reservoir is part of the Greater Vancouver Water District (GVWD) Watershed and has restricted public access. The Capilano Reservoir is normally full during the fall, winter and spring months. During these periods the reservoir fills to its maximum storage capacity with water spilling from it. Greater Vancouver Water District - 40 Page 1

9 Palisade Reservoir The Palisade Reservoir has a usable storage capacity of 8.5 M m 3. Palisade Lake can be used for inflow augmentation during the dry season. It can help to maintain the lake level of Capilano Reservoir during dry periods and improve source water quality by adding clear, cold and well-oxygenated water. Capilano Fish Hatchery The Capilano Fish Hatchery is located approximately 340 m downstream of the Cleveland Dam on the East bank of the Capilano River. The fish hatchery uses water from the same intake as the domestic water supply, as well as groundwater seepage from drainage tunnels originating from the East Abutment of the dam. All water used by the hatchery is discharged directly back into the Capilano River. Capilano Raw Water Pump Station, Twin Tunnels & Energy Recovery System Raw water from the Capilano Reservoir with a water elevation range of m to m would be pumped approximately 7.1 km through a future tunnel (estimated completion is early 2014) to the inlet blending of the Seymour-Capilano Filtration Plant at an elevation of 194 m. The Capilano Raw Water Pump Station controls the flow directed from Capilano to the Seymour-Capilano Filtration Plant. Treated drinking water is stored in the filtration plant clearwell with a portion to be returned through a twin tunnel by gravity to an energy recovery turbine located above the break head tank at the Capilano Reservoir service area. The treated water then enters the distribution system to supply the Capilano service area directly, or is pumped again to service higher elevations in the Capilano area (Prospect Reservoir and Glenmore Tank) by way of a Cleveland Dam Pump House at the base of the Cleveland Dam. Water from the Capilano Reservoir also provides the hydraulic energy used to power pumps in the Cleveland Dam Pump House to maintain fish flows to the downstream Capilano Fish Hatchery Existing Licensed Rights Restrictions on the amount of water drawn from the reservoir for use in the regional water system are governed by water licenses issued by the Province of British Columbia. A list of existing water licenses is provided in Appendix E Proposed Hydropower Facility This section provides a brief description of the proposed Capilano hydropower facilitates. A detailed description of the proposed hydropower facilities is provided in Appendix A. The proposed Capilano hydropower project has the following elements: a new surface intake on the west side of Capilano Reservoir and an underground tunnel and shaft connecting to an underground powerhouse discharging to the existing diversion tunnel that in turn discharges to the west side of the lower end of the Cleveland Dam plunge pool (see project description (Table 1) and layout (Figure 1) below). All facilities would be located on lands owned by the Greater Vancouver Water District (GVWD). Greater Vancouver Water District - 41 Page 2

10 Table 1: Description of Capilano Hydropower Project Concept ITEM General Concept Intake Hydraulic Conduit for Hydropower Flows DESCRIPTION The conceptual hydropower option was selected because it: 1. Utilizes existing dam features (low level outlet tunnel); 2. Powerhouse located underground, thereby avoiding visual impacts; 3. Provides effective fish screening, handling and transport past Cleveland Dam to the Capilano River downstream; 4. Provides a means to release flows into the downstream Capilano River for fishery/environmental needs in a controlled manner; and 5. Provides a source of warm near-surface water from the reservoir to be delivered to the downstream Capilano River to the benefit of fishery resources. The selected option includes underground construction work associated with tunnels, shaft(s) and a powerhouse cavern. An intake structure having a maximum withdrawal rate for power generation of approximately 25 m 3 /s would be constructed on the West Abutment of the existing dam. The intake will have an approximate invert elevation of 130 m. The intake would be equipped with a trashrack with a trash cleaning system, stop logs, and a vertical slide gate for use in isolating and dewatering of the downstream facilities. Immediately downstream of the Intake would be a Modular Inclined Screen and its associated Fish Bypass Pipeline System. The screen would be operational at all times of the year with the exception of brief moments when the screen is rotated for cleaning purposes. The Fish Bypass Pipeline System would carry the screened fish to a Fish Collection/Transport Facility located downstream of the dam on the West bank that is accessible by truck. During the two-month smolt out-migration period of the year, April 15 to June 15, the screened fish would be sorted, tagged and transported below the dam where they will be released. During the other 10 months of the year, any screened fish would be collected, transported and released to the lower Capilano River downstream of Cleveland Dam or back into the Capilano Reservoir (as agreed to by the fisheries agencies and the JWUP Monitoring Committee). A combination of a high level tunnel and vertical shaft is planned to carry the water to the underground powerhouse. The high level tunnel alignment is located close to the gravity dam section and is assumed to be lined and grouted to mitigate dam safety concerns. The vertical shaft is also assumed to be lined and grouted to carry the internal pressure of water. The high level tunnel and vertical shaft would have an inside diameter of approximately 4 meters. Page 3 Greater Vancouver Water District - 42

11 Powerhouse / Tailrace Switchyard Not Required Total Annual Energy The underground powerhouse has been laid out for two horizontal shaft Francis turbine units (2 x 8 MW = 16 MW installed capacity). The placement of the powerhouse is relatively flexible and allows for changes if required following the conduct of geotechnical field investigations. The approximate elevation of the two Francis units is 59 m. The underground powerhouse cavern will be about 40 m by 18 m with an excavated height of 18 m. Connection to the existing elevator shaft is desired to minimize costs associated with providing access. The tunnel from the elevator to the new underground powerhouse should be aligned to avoid relocation of existing Howell-Bunger (HB) valves. The tailrace from the underground powerhouse would discharge to the existing diversion tunnel that in turn discharges to the West side of the lower end of the Cleveland Dam plunge pool. An additional connection to the penstock downstream of the fish exclusion screens and upstream of the turbine isolation valve would allow for the controlled release of fish flows of between 0.57 m 3 /s and 4 m 3 /s. This fish flow would release water into the lower Capilano River through the existing diversion tunnel. A stand alone step-up transformer would be required to enable direct connection and metering to BC Hydro transmission line. Generators would be generating at 13.8 kv and buried cables will be used to carry the power to the expanded GVWD 69 kv substation located on the West side of Cleveland Dam. System modeling for the JWUP Consultative Committee estimates the average annual energy generation at about 57 GW h per year. Page 4 Greater Vancouver Water District - 43

12 2.2 Seymour Watershed Location Figure 1: Conceptual Layout of Capilano Hydropower Project The Seymour River Watershed is a mountainous catchment located in the Western South Coast region of British Columbia. Seymour River originates at Coastal Mountain near Loch Lomond and flows about 39 km to Burrard Inlet The Seymour System The Seymour River Watershed drainage area is 186 km 2 with approximately 32% of its area below the Seymour Falls Dam. Seymour River has a total length of 39 km, having 19 km below the dam. There are twenty tributaries in this system. Loch Lomond and Burwell Reservoirs are the alpine reservoirs for the Seymour system. There is a usable storage capacity of 27 M m 3 in the main reservoir with an additional combined 19 M m 3 of storage available at alpine Reservoirs Existing Works and Operations Seymour Reservoir The Seymour Reservoir is part of the GVWD Watershed and has restricted public access. The Seymour Reservoir is normally full during the fall, winter and spring months. During these periods the reservoir fills to its maximum storage capacity with large amounts of water spilling from it. Greater Vancouver Water District - 44 Page 5

13 Alpine Reservoirs Loch Lomond and Burwell Lake have a combined available storage of 19 M m 3. These alpine lakes can be used for inflow augmentation during dry season and help maintain the lake level of Seymour Reservoir during dry periods and improve source water quality. Moreover, they can improve source water quality by adding clear, cold and well-oxygenated water and assist in the reduction of ammonia production in Seymour Lake. Seymour-Capilano Filtration Project Seymour-Capilano Filtration Project will provide a wide range of benefits in water quality and system reliability. It will also result in the potential for the Capilano and Seymour drinking water distribution systems downstream of the Filtration Plant to be operated as an inter-connected system. Seymour Fish Hatchery The Seymour Fish Hatchery is located approximately 300 m downstream of the Seymour Falls Dam on the West bank of the Seymour River. The fish hatchery uses water from the same intake as the domestic water supply at a rate of 0.2 m 3 /s. All water used by the hatchery is discharged directly back into the Seymour River. The hatchery is managed by the Seymour Salmonid Society which uses the fish hatchery to help sustain a viable sports fishery. Each year the hatchery produces approximately 30,000 Steelhead trout, 120,000 Coho salmon, 100,000 to 600,000 Chum salmon, and 1.0 to 1.2 million Pink salmon (every two years) Existing Licensed Rights Restrictions on the amount of water drawn from the reservoir for use in the regional water system are governed by water licenses issued by the Province of British Columbia. A list of existing licensed water licenses is provided in Appendix E Proposed Hydropower Facility This section provides a brief description of the proposed Seymour hydropower facilitates. A detailed description of the proposed hydropower facilities is provided in Appendix A. The proposed hydropower project on Seymour Falls Dam has the following elements: water for power generation that would be diverted at the existing HB valves, a new penstock routed along the downstream face of the dam and connecting to a surface powerhouse on the East bank of the Seymour River that would discharge to a new tailrace channel that in turn discharges to the East side of the Seymour River (see project description (Table 2) and layout (Figure 2) below). Table 2: Description of Seymour Hydropower Project Concept ITEM General Concept DESCRIPTION Water for power generation would be diverted at the existing Howell-Bunger valves to a surface powerhouse on East bank of the Seymour River. The conceptual hydropower option was selected because it: 1. Utilizes existing dam features (intake at existing HB valves) with minimal modification; 2. Provides effective fish screening at the intake structure; Page 6 Greater Vancouver Water District - 45

14 ITEM Intake Hydraulic Conduit for Hydropower Flows Powerhouse / Tailrace Switchyard Total Annual Energy DESCRIPTION 3. Penstock located along the downstream face of the dam with minimal exposed length; and 4. Powerhouse is located to avoid interference with the dam during construction and subsequent operation. Powerhouse location on the East bank provides direct connection from the tailrace to the deepest area downstream of the spillway. The intake structure to be located on the North West face of the Seymour Falls Dam will take water from the approximate elevation of m. The conceptual intake structure has the following approximate dimensions: 8.5 m wide by 2 m and 23 m in height. Water for power generation is to be diverted at the Howell-Bunger valves intake and the maximum withdrawal rate for power generation is about 15 m 3 /s. A two stage intake tower is envisaged as the hydropower flows will require fish exclusion while Howell-Bunger flows would be screened for smaller debris only (50 100mm clear spacing). Underwater construction would be required as this is the lowest point of the reservoir. Water diverted for power generation would be screened with a dualflow travelling fish-exclusion screen. The design and construction of the screens is very similar to the screens currently used at the drinking water intake. A separate high-discharge opening would be designed for operation of the HB valves. Intakes from both HB valves would be connected to the penstock by installing a manifold and relocating the HB valves. The concrete roof above the HB valves will be extended to protect the HB valves from spill flows. Penstock is routed along the downstream face of the dam and is protected with concrete against spillway flows and debris impact. The penstock would transition to a buried penstock prior to entering the powerhouse. The hydraulic conduit for the hydropower flows is envisaged to be about 2.5 m in diameter. A surface powerhouse on the East bank with a preliminary plan for one Kaplan unit. A 450 m access road to the powerhouse location is needed from the existing road on the East side of the Seymour River. The proposed powerhouse would be 15 m by 9 m with a height of 15 m. The powerhouse floor would be constructed at an approximate elevation of m. A step-up transformer will be located inside the powerhouse electrical room. An overhead or buried transmission line will, with a length of approximately 11 km, be used to carry the power to the existing BC Hydro system near the Seymour-Capilano Filtration Plant. Opportunities to reduce the eventual costs of the power-line through possible synergizes with installation of Seymour Main #5 (North) from Seymour Falls Dam to the Seymour-Capilano Filtration Plant will be explored. System modeling for the JWUP Consultative Committee estimates the average annual energy generation at about 7.2 GW h per year. Page 7 Greater Vancouver Water District - 46

15 Figure 2: Conceptual Layout of Seymour Hydropower Project 3.0 HYDROLOGY OF THE CAPILANO-SEYMOUR BASIN 3.1 The Capilano Watershed The total length of the Capilano River is approximately 33 km; other than seasonal storms and spring snowmelt it also receives runoff from two large tributaries, the Eastcap Creek and Sister Creek which are approximately 11.5 km and 6.5 km upstream from the Cleveland Dam, respectively. The total watershed area is 197 km 2 at Cleveland Dam. The maximum length and width of the watershed is about 22 km in the North-South direction and 14 km in East-West direction. The width of the lower part of the catchment reduces gradually downstream from the Palisade Lake to the Cleveland Dam. There are many small lakes inside the basin, but only Palisade Lake is being used as an important source of emergency water storage. The catchment area of Palisade Lake is 2.3 km 2. The Capilano watershed is characterized by rugged topography, steep rocky slopes at higher elevations, and mountain peaks 900 to 1760 m above sea level. The minimum basin elevation is 146 m with a mean basin elevation of about 1042 m above sea level upstream of Cleveland Dam. Storage available between the normal operating range of El. 123 m and m is estimated from the stage-storage curve at about 46.7 M m 3. The maximum depth of the reservoir is about 75 m. The watershed is covered by a young forest ( years old). The vegetation in the lower elevations of the watershed includes Western Hemlock, Amabilis Fir, Western Red Cedar, Sitka Spruce and Douglas Greater Vancouver Water District - 47 Page 8

16 Fir. In the mid-elevation yellow cedar and mountain hemlock are the dominant species. The highest elevation of alpine Tundra zone includes herbs, lichens, and low alpine shrubs. Appendix B, the Hydrology of Capilano Watershed (2008), describes in detail the physiography, hydrometeorological network, climatology, streamflow statistics, reservoir inflow, outflow and storage relationship, and reservoir operational inflow forecast. 3.2 The Seymour Watershed Seymour River Watershed The Seymour River receives runoff from several tributaries such as Clipper Creek, Fannin Creek, Jamieson Creek, Orchid Creek, Syeba Creek, Balfour Creek, Gibbens Creek, Burwell Creek, Paton Creek, Couger Creek, Needles Creek, Hayes Creek, Intake Creek, Elsay Creek, Hydraulic Creek, Suicide Creek, and Canyon Creek. The total watershed area is about km 2 at the river mouth. The maximum length and width of the watershed is about 39 km in the North-South direction and 7.5 km in the East-West direction. The width of the lower part of the catchment gradually reduces downstream of Intake Creek to Burrard Inlet. The minimum and maximum basin elevations are 5 m and 1737 m, respectively, with a mean basin elevation of about 746 m above sea level. There are many small lakes inside the basin, but only Loch Lomond and Burwell Lake, with catchment areas of approximately 2.5 km 2 and 3.7 km 2, respectively, are currently being used for controlled storage of water Reservoir Watershed The total watershed area at Seymour Falls Dam is approximately km 2 (i.e. reservoir watershed ). The maximum length and width of the watershed is about 20 km in the North-South direction and 7.5 km in the East-West direction. The reservoir watershed is characterized by rugged topography and steep rocky slopes at higher elevations with mountain peaks at elevations reaching 900 m to 1737 m above sea level. The minimum and maximum basin elevations are 190 m and 1737 m, respectively, with a mean basin elevation of about 948 m above sea level. Usable storage available between the normal operating range of m (737 ft) and about m (796 ft) with stop logs in place is estimated from the stage-storage curve to be about 32 M m 3. The maximum depth of the reservoir is about 23 m without stoplogs and approximately 24.8 m with stoplogs in place. The watershed is covered by a young forest which is approximately years old. The vegetation in the lower elevations of the watershed includes Western Hemlock, Amabilis Fir, Western Red Cedar, Sitka Spruce, and Douglas Fir. In the mid-elevation, Yellow Cedar and Mountain Hemlock are the dominant species. The highest elevation of alpine tundra zone includes herbs, lichens, and low alpine shrubs Lower Seymour River Watershed The drainage area of the Lower Seymour River, between Seymour Falls Dam and Burrard Inlet, is about 60 km 2. The Lower Seymour Watershed is a narrow valley, which rises in the East to an elevation of 1455 m (Mt. Seymour) and 1466 m in the West (Coliseum Mountain, Lynn Ridge and the Needles). The drainage area within the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve is pristine land, which contains a mosaic of forests providing a variety of habitats as well as educational and recreational opportunities. Some forests are 350 years old, and they are highly significant from a regional and provincial perspective due to their ecological value, representation of rare and endangered ecosystems, and provision of habitat for Greater Vancouver Water District - 48 Page 9

17 many rare and endangered wildlife species. The drainage area inside the District of North Vancouver is an urban watershed where land use patterns include residential, commercial, and recreational components. The Lower Seymour River receives runoff from several tributaries which originate on both sides of the river. The river area is characterized by a cobble-gravel-bed starting from the Seymour Falls Dam (upstream) and ending approximately at the Dollarton Highway in District of North Vancouver (downstream). Only the last 0.9 km of the river, which reaches between the Dollarton Highway and the Burrard Inlet, is a flat sand-gravel bed reach. The 2 km river section between the Swinburne Avenue of the District of North Vancouver and the Twin Bridges in the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve area is a bedrock canyon. The channel widens and narrows along the entire length of the river with riffle pool system. The Lower Seymour Watershed aquatic habitats include the Seymour River, tributaries, several lakes, and wetlands which support salmon, trout and a diversity of other species. Appendix C, Hydrology of the Seymour Watershed (2009), describes in detail the physiography, hydrometeorological network, climatology, streamflow statistics, reservoir inflow, outflow and storage relationship, and reservoir operational inflow forecast. 4.0 OPERATING CONDITIONS FOR EXISTING (BASE CASE) FACILITY 4.1 Role of Facilities in the GVWD System Metro Vancouver supplies drinking water for the municipal members using a system of watersheds, dams, reservoirs, pumping stations and pipelines. The Capilano and Seymour Reservoirs are classified as a coastal reservoirs where the majority of inflow results from seasonal storms and spring snowmelt which is collected and stored in the Capilano, Seymour and Coquitlam Reservoirs. The Capilano and Seymour Reservoirs are one of the three main drinking water supply sources for Metro Vancouver. Together, these systems currently supply about 70 percent of the region s drinking water, while Coquitlam supplies the rest. 4.2 Water Use at Capilano-Seymour Facilities Management of the region s drinking water is guided by Metro Vancouver s Drinking Water Management Plan (DWMP). The goals of the DWMP are to: Provide clean, safe drinking water; Ensure sustainable use of water resources; and Ensure the efficient supply of water. Moreover, the Seymour-Capilano Filtration Plant and related infrastructure on the North Shore would supply filtered water from both the Seymour and Capilano Reservoirs to the municipal members. The lower watersheds of both the Seymour and Capilano rivers are used for a range of recreational activities including hiking, picnicking, fishing, swimming, canoeing and kayaking. Metro Vancouver will continue to support and preserve the unique recreational activities offered in the lower watershed areas. 4.3 Emergencies and Dam Safety The Capilano Facility Emergencies and dam safety requirements shall take precedence over the operational constraints outlined in the JWUP. Emergencies include, but are not limited to, actual or potential loss of power to customers, mechanical failures, environmental incidents or water quality disruptions. Dam safety requirements for Greater Vancouver Water District - 49 Page 10

18 operations are outlined in the Cleveland Dam: Operation, Maintenance and Surveillance Manual issued by Metro Vancouver Operation & Maintenance Department. Operation instructions for undertaking reservoir drawdowns and refilling for dam safety are described in the Operation, Maintenance and Surveillance (OMS) manual. Community notification procedures are documented in the Cleveland Dam Emergency Response Plan The Seymour Facility Emergencies and dam safety requirements shall take precedence over the operational constraints outlined in the JWUP. Emergencies include, but are not limited to, actual or potential loss of power to customers, mechanical failures, environmental incidents or water quality disruptions. Dam safety requirements for operations are outlined in the Seymour Falls Dam: Operation, Maintenance and Surveillance Manual issued by Metro Vancouver Operation & Maintenance Department. Operation instructions for undertaking reservoir drawdowns and refilling for dam safety are described in the OMS manual. Community notification procedures are documented in the Seymour Falls Dam Emergency Response Plan. 4.4 Operation of Works for Proposed Diversion and Use of Water As a result of the Capilano-Seymour JWUP consultation process, Metro Vancouver proposes to operate its facilities in accordance with the conditions described in the following sections Capilano Reservoir Levels The Capilano Reservoir is normally full during the fall, winter and spring months at a reservoir elevation of m Seymour Reservoir Levels The Seymour Reservoir is normally full during the fall, winter and spring months at a reservoir elevation of m; while the normal full supply level with stop logs in place is m Flood Mitigation Provisions Cleveland Dam Historical rainfall records indicate that annual maximum flood peaks occur between September and May with the potential for extreme floods being greatest in the period from October to February. The Capilano Reservoir is not effective at attenuating the flood peaks of major storms because of its relatively small storage volume and short response time. The intent of flood operating procedures is to allow the flood peaks to pass downstream while trying to minimize any sudden increases or decreases in flow in the river downstream especially at low flow conditions. The ramping rates established for the maximum rate of increase or decrease of discharge from the Capilano Reservoir is given in Appendix D Seymour Falls Dam Historical rainfall records indicate that annual maximum flood peaks occur between September and May with the potential for extreme floods being greatest in the period from October to February. Greater Vancouver Water District - 50 Page 11

19 The Seymour Reservoir is not effective at reducing the flood peaks of major storms because of its relatively small storage volume and short response time. The intent of flood operating procedures is to allow the flood peaks to pass downstream while trying to minimize any sudden increases or decreases in flow in the river downstream especially at low flow conditions. The ramping rates established for the maximum rate of increase or decrease of discharge from the Seymour Reservoir is given in Appendix D GVWD Withdrawals Capilano Reservoir Restrictions on the amount of water drawn from the Capilano Reservoir for use in the regional water system are governed by water licenses issued by the Province of British Columbia (Water License #C123813, #C016296, and #F008691). Once drawn from the reservoir, the water is contained within a closed system until delivered to the Water District s customers. No flows are normally discharged from the water distribution system directly to the environment Seymour Reservoir Restrictions on the amount of water drawn from the Seymour Reservoir for use in the regional water system are governed by water licenses issued by the Province of British Columbia (Water License #C123895, #C016298, #F and #F008690). Once drawn from the reservoir, the water is contained within a closed system until delivered to the Water District s customers. No flows are normally discharged from the water distribution system directly to the environment Fish Flow Release Capilano River The JWUP Consultative Committee has suggested increases to the minimum fish flow releases from Capilano Reservoir to the lower Capilano River under most conditions (JWUP Consultative Committee, Alternative 3E). However, new water control facilities will have to be built in conjunction with the proposed hydropower project to enable the delivery of these new fish flow releases. When undertaking unusual maintenance or other unusual or emergency conditions minimum fish flows may be reduced to 0.57 m 3 /s if required. Fish flow releases above 0.57 m 3 /s, may be released at reservoir elevations above 130 m according to the June 1 to November 30 table provided in Appendix F, and during the winter (December 1 to May 31) period when lake levels are above 130 m. During the December 1 to May 31 period, the new Capilano minimum fish flow release would be 1.2 m 3 /s, providing that the water level in Capilano Reservoir is above 130 m Seymour River The JWUP Consultative Committee has suggested increases to the minimum fish flow releases from Seymour Reservoir to the lower Seymour River under most conditions (JWUP Consultative Committee, Alternative 4D). Minimum fish flow releases, in the June 1 to November 30 period, will be according to the table provided in Appendix F. During the December 1 to May 31 period the new Seymour minimum fish flow release would be 1.36 m 3 /s. When undertaking unusual maintenance or other unusual or emergency conditions minimum fish flows may be reduced to 0.57 m 3 /s if required. Greater Vancouver Water District - 51 Page 12

20 4.4.6 Ramping Rates Ramping rates are used to limit the speed at which discharge flow rates will change whenever set points are changed and/or the inflows to the reservoir change quickly (i.e. storm conditions). Appendix D illustrates the ramping rates for increasing and decreasing flows with respect to Cleveland Dam (Drum Gate, Upper Outlet Slide Gates and Lower Outlet Howell-Bunger Valves) and Seymour Falls Dam (Howell Bunger Valves and Fish Valves). The increasing discharge ramping rates are set in order to limit the speed at which the flows increase. This gives warning to anyone whom may be downstream. The decreasing discharge ramping rates are set in order to limit the speed at which the flows decrease. This will prevent fish from being stranded at the sides of the river. 5.0 PROPOSED JWUP MONITORING PACKAGE ENDORSED BY THE CC As recommended in the Provincial Water Use Planning Guidelines, the JWUP Consultative Committee has suggested a number of monitoring and communications activities as part of the JWUP. The following provides an overview of the activities that are common to the two watersheds: Monitoring and annual reporting of reservoir water levels, drinking water withdrawals, fish flow releases and hydropower withdrawals (when commissioned); Monitoring and annual reporting of river flows, at one location, in the lower Capilano River below Cleveland Dam and at one location in the lower Seymour River below Seymour Falls Dam along with analysis and reporting of the rate of flow changes (ramping); Assessments needed for the final design of a hydropower project and/or studies related to the operation of the hydropower project; and Operation of a JWUP monitoring committee to provide annual feedback on the monitoring results and, as appropriate, advice on unique watershed conditions. Some of the monitoring activities that are unique to the Capilano watershed are outlined below. 5.1 Monitoring Activities Unique to the Capilano Watershed A flow monitoring station has been operated on the Capilano River above Capilano Reservoir since In recent years this station has been funded by Metro Vancouver and the JWUP proposes that this hydrometric station be operated on an ongoing basis. The board has previously committed to a trap and truck program on Capilano Reservoir to capture outmigrating Coho and Steelhead smolts and transport them around Cleveland Dam. This program reduces the mortalities associated with smolts passing over the Cleveland Dam spillway. Associated with this trap and truck program, monitoring is done to enumerate the out-migrating smolts. Prior to construction of the new surface intake for the hydropower project the monitoring results will be used to optimize the design of the new smolt capture facilities associated with the new hydropower intake channel. After commissioning of the new smolt capture facilities the level of effort involved with the smolt monitoring program is expected to decrease. The JWUP Consultative Committee expects measurable improvements to fish habitat in the lower Capilano River once the proposed new fish flow releases are implemented, and has suggested the following monitoring for about two years prior, and up to five years after the fish flow releases are changed: Water temperature monitoring; Greater Vancouver Water District - 52 Page 13

21 Biological response monitoring of status and trends in key fish species. Details and costs of the proposed monitoring program are provided in the 2012 Capilano-Seymour Joint Water Use Plan: Consultative Committee Report. 6.0 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JWUP RECOMMENDATIONS The proposed conditions of the operation of the Capilano-Seymour facilities and monitoring program proposed in the 2012 JWUP would not come into effect until after Metro Vancouver receives direction from the Comptroller of Water Rights and implemented under the British Columbia Water Act. 7.0 EXPECTED WATER MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS OF THE JWUP 7.1 Raw Water Quantity and Quality The Capilano System The proposed conditions in the 2012 JWUP are not expected to affect the current raw water quality of the Capilano Reservoir or Capilano River below Cleveland Dam. Furthermore there will be an improvement in the water temperatures in the Capilano River below Cleveland Dam to enhance aquatic growth The Seymour System The proposed conditions in the 2012 JWUP are not expected to affect current raw water quality of the Seymour Reservoir or Seymour River below Seymour Falls Dam. 7.2 Drinking Water Quantity and Quality The proposed conditions in the 2012 JWUP are not expected to affect current high quality drinking water supplied to the GVWD associated with the Capilano and Seymour Reservoirs. The capacity to reliably supply drinking water would be maintained at current levels, in the June to November period, even in dry years with low reservoir inflows. 7.3 Riparian Rights The proposed conditions in the 2012 JWUP are not expected to affect riparian rights associated with the Capilano Reservoir or Capilano River below Cleveland Dam and the Seymour Reservoir or Seymour River below Seymour Falls Dam. 7.4 Fisheries The Capilano System The JWUP Consultative Committee has proposed increases to the minimum fish flow releases from Capilano Reservoir to the lower Capilano River. New water control facilities would be built in conjunction with the proposed hydropower project to enable the delivery of these increased fish flow releases. The proposed new minimum fish flow releases are as follows: June 1 to November 30, release varies from 0.57 m 3 /s to 2.3 m 3 /s, depending on the level of Capilano Reservoir, the amount of reservoir spill, reservoir inflows, and Alpine Lake storage; December 1 to May 31, release of 1.2 m 3 /s (providing the Capilano Reservoir is maintained above 130 m elevation). Greater Vancouver Water District - 53 Page 14

22 Proposed Fish Design Objectives and Criteria for the Capilano Hydropower Project (endorsed by the JWUP CC) The proposed new hydropower project on the Capilano River has the potential to partially restore natural Coho and Steelhead productivity from the watershed above and below the Cleveland Dam. It is proposed that this facility will have a screened surface intake and underground powerhouse on the West bank of the Capilano River. It the potential to improve some of the inherent fish issues arising from the 1954 Cleveland Dam, namely: a) Provision of safe and unimpeded downstream passage of Coho and Steelhead smolts from April 15 th to June 15 th each year avoiding as much as practicable mortalities associated with fish passing over the spillway (these being field studies have estimated mortality at over 70%); b) Provision for enhanced minimum flow capacity and fine control of ramping rates particularly below 4 m 3 /s at all times of the year with a fish valve ; and c) Provisions for near surface withdrawal of water from Capilano Lake into the Capilano River to offset very cold water temperatures from the existing mechanical pump tailrace which provides a base fish flow release of 0.57 m 3 /s. The surface intake for hydropower generation will generate an attraction flow for smolts during the spring freshet. This facilitates the design of a long-term smolt collection system located in the forebay of the surface intake that can efficiently capture the smolts. The surface intake will generally be discharging warmer water and this will improve the fish productivity in the lower Capilano River. In addition, the new water valves associated with the surface intake can allow for a gradual adjustment of the new water valves associated with the surface intake can allow for a gradual adjustment of downstream flows that will minimize the risk of stranding fish The Seymour System The JWUP CC has proposed increases to the minimum fish flow releases from Seymour Reservoir to the lower Seymour River under most conditions. The proposed new minimum fish flow releases are as follows: June 1 to November 30, releases vary from 0.7 m 3 /s to 2.8 m 3 /s, depending on the date, level of the Seymour Reservoir, and status of Alpine Lake storage; December 1 to May 31, release of 1.36 m 3 /s. If the proposed JWUP were approved by the Board and the regulatory agencies, and fully implemented, it would provide improved environmental/fish flows to the Seymour River below Seymour Falls Dam under most conditions relative to the existing situation. 7.5 Wildlife Habitat The proposed conditions in the 2012 JWUP are not expected to significantly affect wildlife habitat associated with Capilano Reservoir or Capilano River below Cleveland Dam and Seymour Reservoir or Seymour River below Seymour Falls Dam. Greater Vancouver Water District - 54 Page 15

23 7.6 Flood Mitigation Provisions The proposed conditions in the 2012 JWUP are expected to maintain current levels of flood mitigation in the Capilano River below Cleveland Dam and the Seymour Reservoir or Seymour River below Seymour Falls Dam. The flood management triggers and communication protocols established previously have proven effective and did not warrant any changes. 7.7 Recreation The Capilano System The proposed conditions in the 2012 JWUP are expected to significantly improve recreation associated with the Capilano River below Cleveland Dam. There will be a significant improvement in flows for angling, kayaking and canoeing in the lower Capilano River below Cleveland Dam and more opportunities for paddlers to take advantage of preferred conditions through real-time flow gauges and access to forecast information on dam releases for the coming week. Preferred paddling flows were estimated to almost double over current conditions The Seymour System The proposed conditions in the 2012 JWUP are expected to significantly improve recreation associated with the Seymour River below Seymour Falls Dam. There will be significantly improved flows for angling and kayaking in the lower Seymour River below Seymour Falls Dam and more opportunities for paddlers to take advantage of preferred conditions through real-time flow gauges and access to forecast information on dam releases for the coming week. 7.8 Culture The proposed conditions in the 2012 JWUP are not expected to affect the current cultural use of water associated with Capilano Reservoir or Capilano River below Cleveland Dam and Seymour Reservoir or Seymour River below Seymour Falls Dam. 7.9 Industrial Use of Water The proposed conditions in the 2012 JWUP are not expected to significantly affect the current industrial use of water associated with the Capilano River below Cleveland Dam and the Seymour River below Seymour Falls Dam Other Licensed Uses of Water The proposed conditions in the 2012 JWUP are not expected to affect other current licensed users of water associated with Capilano Reservoir or Capilano River below Cleveland Dam and Seymour Reservoir or Seymour River below Seymour Falls Dam Electrical Power Generation The Capilano System The proposed conditions in the 2012 JWUP are expected to significantly increase the electrical power generation associated with Capilano Reservoir or Capilano River below Cleveland Dam. The Capilano power plant is planned to be a MW facility which will have an expected power output of GW h annually. Potential maximum annual greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction of up to 1200 tonnes CO 2e is expected. Greater Vancouver Water District - 55 Page 16

24 The Seymour System The proposed conditions in the 2012 JWUP are expected to significantly increase the electrical power generation associated with Seymour Reservoir or Seymour River below Seymour Falls Dam. The Seymour power plant is planned to be a 2-4 MW facility that will have an expected power output of 5-10 GW h annually. A maximum annual GHG reduction of up to 225 tonnes CO 2e is anticipated First Nations Considerations In April 2010, letters were sent and follow-up phone calls were made to 52 potentially affected First Nations and tribal councils/associations whose traditional territory lies within, overlaps with, or who have interest in territory within the subject area of the JWUP. Correspondence was received from the Tsleil- Waututh and Squamish Nations. Members of the Squamish Nation attended the October 2010 public meeting to initiate the JWUP process and have been involved in the Consultative Committee and the Fisheries Technical Working Group. The Squamish Nation hosted two of the JWUP CC meeting at their offices near the Seymour River on March 31, 2011 and July 14, Metro Vancouver has also met with the Squamish Nation separately on JWUP and there may be other opportunities to meet directly with the Squamish Nation and other First Nations as the JWUP process is completed. Tsleil-Waututh was invited to participate in the JWUP process and indicated they would like to participate on the CC, but did not attend any CC meetings. As a CC member, Tsleil-Waututh received all of the information sent to the Consultative Committee members throughout the process. As the JWUP process is completed, Metro Vancouver will also inform, notify and seek comments from other First Nations and tribal councils/associations, whose traditional territories lie within, overlap with, or who have asserted interests within the JWUP area Archaeological Considerations The proposed conditions in the 2012 JWUP are not expected to affect First Nations archaeological interests. If future projects warrant archaeological assessment, Metro Vancouver will work with First Nations under the provincial Heritage Management Act to protect cultural sites located within the reservoirs from erosion; cultural sites located in the reservoirs from exploitation; opportunities for archaeological investigation in the reservoirs; and maintaining the cultural, aesthetic and ecological context of important cultural resources and spiritual sites Net Cost of Water Supply The costs for Metro Vancouver to monitor and report compliance with the JWUP would be higher than the existing situation. However, these costs are considered appropriate when compared to the monitoring costs of other water use plans adopted in other locations in British Columbia and considering the gained benefits of hydropower. As Metro Vancouver proceeds further on the engineering design of the proposed hydropower projects there will be specific assessment needed to minimize/mitigate the potential impacts of the construction and operation of these projects. The JWUP maintains the capacity to reliably supply drinking water under the stressed conditions that are used to design the drinking water system. However, in the December to May period of the year with extremely low inflows, the higher fish flow release in the JWUP would only slightly reduce the amount of drinking water that could be reliably supplied from the Capilano and Seymour watersheds. Analysis Greater Vancouver Water District - 56 Page 17

25 shows that this change in fish flow from December to May still maintains drinking water supply at or above needed levels. There would also be a net reduction in operating costs for the drinking water system as the proposed hydropower project on Capilano appears to be economically feasible. The hydropower project on Seymour may be economically viable under certain conditions. 8.0 RECORDS AND REPORTS 8.1 Compliance Reporting Metro Vancouver will submit data as required to the Comptroller of Water Rights, to demonstrate compliance with the conditions conveyed in the Water Licenses or order. The submission will include records of: Capilano Reservoir Elevations; Seymour Reservoir Elevations; Capilano Fish Flow Releases; Seymour Fish Flow Releases; Total Discharge into Capilano River; Total Discharge into Seymour River; Generation Discharge from Capilano Generation Station; Generation Discharge from Seymour Generation Station; and Diversion flows. 8.2 Non-Compliance Reporting Non-compliance with operating conditions required by the water licenses or Water Act order, or anticipation thereof, will be reported to the Comptroller of Water Rights in a timely manner. 8.3 Monitoring Program Reporting Reporting procedures will be determined as part of detailed terms of reference for each monitoring study or undertaking. 9.0 PLAN REVIEW The JWUP Consultative Committee has suggested that ideally the review for this joint water use plan should occur concurrently and about 15 years after JWUP approval. However, if the Capilano hydropower project is delayed, then the review period may be separated for the two watersheds and the review of the Capilano component of the JWUP initiated 10 years after the hydropower facilities at Cleveland Dam are commissioned NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES Notification procedures for floods and other emergency events are outlined in the Dam Emergency Response Plan Cleveland Dam and Seymour Falls Dam. These documents are filed with the Office of the Comptroller of Water Rights. Greater Vancouver Water District - 57 Page 18

26 APPENDIX A: PROPOSED HYDROPOWER PROJECT DESCRIPTION Page 19 Greater Vancouver Water District - 58

27 APPENDIX B: HYDROLOGY OF CAPILANO WATERSHED Page 20 Greater Vancouver Water District - 59

28 APPENDIX C: HYDROLOGY OF SEYMOUR WATERSHED Page 21 Greater Vancouver Water District - 60

29 APPENDIX D: RAMPING RATES Page 22 Greater Vancouver Water District - 61

30 APPENDIX E: WATER LICENCES Page 23 Greater Vancouver Water District - 62

31 APPENDIX F: MINIMUM DAM RELEASES Page 24 Greater Vancouver Water District - 63

32 ATTACHMENT 2 Key Elements of the Draft Joint Water Use Plan for the Capilano and Seymour Watersheds - August 8, 2012 Over t he l ast 20 months, M etro V ancouver has been w orking w ith k ey interested par ties, through a consultative committee, to develop the key elements of a draft Joint Water Use Plan (JWUP). At a meeting on Ju ly 19, 20 12, the JWUP C onsultative C ommittee unanimously endor sed and f ully su pported the key el ements of t he dr aft Joint Water Use Plan outlined in the following sections: 1 Proposed Capilano and Seymour Hydropower Projects 2 Proposed Reservoir Operation and Environmental/Fish Flow Releases 3 Proposed Monitoring and Communications Activities 4 Proposed Implementation Schedule 1 Proposed Capilano and Seymour Hydropower Projects The Seymour and Capilano Reservoirs are normally full during the fall, winter and spring months. During these periods the reservoirs fill to their maximum capacity with large amounts of water spilling from each reservoir. As part of the joint water use planning process for the Capilano and Seymour watersheds, Metro Vancouver is proposing the Capilano and Seymour hydropower projects. These potential hydropower projects are envisaged to make use of the existing dam infrastructure to produce electricity from water that overflows from the Reservoirs. Energy generation would assume the 3rd priority of the reservoir flow regime after drinking water supply and environmental/fish flows. The energy generation facilities would operate using flow consistent with the first two priorities. As part of the water use planning process a hydropower consultant worked with Metro Vancouver staff to assess potential hydropower project options. The proposed hydropower project for Cleveland Dam is defined in Section 1.1 below and the proposed hydropower project on Seymour Falls Dam is defined in Section 1.2 below. Please note some aspects of the proposed hydropower projects are also discussed in Sections 2 to 4. Based on analyses conducted to date the proposed hydropower projects appear to be sustainable and economically feasible. Consequently, Waterpower Project Development Plans for the proposed hydropower projects at Cleveland Dam and Seymour Falls Dam are being prepared. The Waterpower Project Development Plans are to be suitable for inclusion along with water license applications to the Ministry of Environment-Comptroller of Water Rights as part of the complete Joint Water Use Plan submission package. 1.1 Proposed Capilano Hydropower Project The proposed Capilano hydropower project has the following elements; new surface intake on the west side of Capilano Reservoir, with an underground tunnel and shaft connecting to an underground powerhouse discharging to the existing diversion tunnel that in turn discharges to the west side of the lower end of the Cleveland Dam plunge pool (see project description and layout below). All facilities would be located on lands owned by the Greater Vancouver Water District (GVWD). Greater Vancouver Water District - 64

33 Key Elements of the Draft Joint Water Use Plan for the Capilano and Seymour Watersheds August 8, 2012 Page 2 of 11 Description of Capilano Hydropower Project ITEM General Concept Intake Hydraulic Conduit for Hydropower flows Powerhouse / Tailrace Switchyard not required Total Annual Energy DESCRIPTION Concept to avoid significant modifications to the existing Dam infrastructure. Majority of the work is done underground and requires significant amount of tunneling. This project includes installation of a new near-surface intake with the invert of the approach channel at an approximate elevation of 130 m. Water is drawn from near the surface of the reservoir and the maximum withdrawal rate for power generation is about 25 cms. A dual-flow travelling fish-exclusion screen is included in the project. The screen would eliminate entrainment of fish into the intake and turbine. The design and construction of the screens is very similar to the screens currently used at the drinking water intake. Location of the intake in an excavated channel with accessible sides permits smolt capture for downstream passage. As part of the project, new water control facilities will be built to enable, in conjunction with existing facilities, the delivery of the proposed new JWUP fish flow releases. These facilities will be designed to provide appropriate ramping rates and fish flow releases to the river whether or not the power project is operating through the widest possible range of lake elevations and down to 130m elevation if practical. A combination of high level tunnel and vertical shaft is planned to carry the water to the powerhouse. The high level tunnel under the gravity dam section is assumed to be lined and grouted to mitigate dam safety concerns. To carry internal pressure of water the vertical shaft is also assumed to be lined and grouted. Underground powerhouse with a preliminary plan for two Francis units. The placement of the powerhouse is relatively flexible and allows for changes if required after geotechnical investigations. Connection to the existing elevator shaft is desired to minimize costs associated with providing access. The tunnel from the elevator to the new underground powerhouse can be aligned to avoid moving of existing HB valves. The tailrace from the underground powerhouse will discharge to the existing diversion tunnel that in turn discharges to the west side of the lower end of the Cleveland Dam plunge pool Step-up transformers are not required as generators will be generating at kv. Busbars/buried cables will be used to carry the power to the existing Metro Vancouver 69 kv substation located to the west of Cleveland Dam. System modeling for the JWUP Consultative Committee estimates the average annual energy generation at about 57 Giga Watt hours per year. Greater Vancouver Water District - 65

34 Key Elements of the Draft Joint Water Use Plan for the Capilano and Seymour Watersheds August 8, 2012 Page 3 of 11 Conceptual Layout of Capilano Hydropower Project Proposed Fish Design Objectives and Criteria for Capilano Power Project (endorsed by JWUP Consultative Committee) The proposed new power project on the Capilano River has the potential to partially restore natural Coho and Steelhead productivity from the watershed above and below the Cleveland Dam. It is proposed that this facility will have a screened surface intake and underground powerhouse on the west bank of the Capilano River. It has the potential to overcome some of the inherent fish issues arising from the 1954 Cleveland Dam, namely: a) Provision of safe and unimpeded downstream passage of Coho and Steelhead smolts from April 15th to June 15th each year avoiding as much as practicable mortalities associated with fish passing over the spillway (these being field study estimated at over 70%); b) Provision for enhanced minimum flow capacity and fine control of ramping rates particularly below 4 CMS at all times of the year with a fish valve ; and c) Provision for near surface withdrawal of water from Capilano Lake into the Capilano River to offset very cold water temperatures from the existing mechanical pump tailrace which provides a base fish flow release of 0.57 cms. Capilano Hydropower Design Objectives and Criteria 1. The new facility must prevent all fish from entering the intake for the power project at all times of the year through easily cleaned screens that do not impinge fish on the screens. (Standard specifications for travelling screens would apply.) 2. There needs to be an effective smolt collection system with attraction water provided by gravity flow through the power project and/or fish valve bypass that will be operational under all reservoir levels from approximately April 15th to June 15th each year. This system should Greater Vancouver Water District - 66

35 Key Elements of the Draft Joint Water Use Plan for the Capilano and Seymour Watersheds August 8, 2012 Page 4 of 11 employ sufficient surface currents and guide nets (leads) to help direct migrating Steelhead and Coho smolts to the collection facility and discourage them from backing out or going over the spillway if it is operating. The design and orientation of the intake, leads and collection facility should be optimized in this regard. (The current lake traps and rotary screw traps operated by MVRD for collecting Coho and Steelhead smolts have improved the situation, but are not effective enough to rebuild natural populations particularly of Steelhead where trapping efficiency has been approximately 10 %.) 3. Once captured, smolts can be reintroduced to the Capilano River below Cleveland Dam either by a direct safe downstream passage facility that discourages subsequent predation and provides for enumeration and sampling capability or they need to be safely held in flowthrough collection box (es), enumerated, sampled/tagged as required and transported below the dam to one or more release points on at least a daily basis and preferably more frequently during peak migration periods. 4. The spillway should not be operated during the smolt collection period unless necessary to pass flows beyond the capacity of the new power project and fish valve under peak flow conditions. 5. The power project must have a bypass fish valve that can provide for appropriate ramping rates and fish flow releases to the river whether or not the power project is operating through the widest possible range of lake elevations. 6. It is suggested that at least one small turbine (or equivalent facilities) be explored to generate power from the fish flow releases on a year round basis. It could potentially replace the energy requirements of the existing water to water hydraulic pumping system to high elevation reservoirs on the north shore. (The tailrace from this system currently provides the base fish flows of 0.57 CMS and has colder water for extended periods than could be provided by the new surface intake.) 7. The power project intake channel and the intake itself should be designed to provide improved water temperatures downstream, relative to historic operation, when lake conditions permit. (The optimal water temperatures for salmonids during the growing season are in the range of 10 to 15 degrees C.) 1.2 Proposed Seymour Hydropower Project The proposed hydropower project on Seymour Falls Dam has the following elements; water for power generation would be diverted at existing Howell-Bunger valves, with a new penstock routed along the downstream face of the dam and connecting to a surface powerhouse on East Bank of the Seymour River that would discharge to a new tailrace channel that in turn discharges to the east side of the Seymour River (see project description and layout below). Greater Vancouver Water District - 67

36 Key Elements of the Draft Joint Water Use Plan for the Capilano and Seymour Watersheds August 8, 2012 Page 5 of 11 Description of Seymour Hydropower Project ITEM General Concept Intake Hydraulic Conduit for Hydropower flows Powerhouse / Tailrace Switchyard Total Annual Energy DESCRIPTION Water for power generation would be diverted at existing Howell-Bunger valves to a surface powerhouse on East Bank of the Seymour River. The intake is located on the face of the dam. Water for power generation is diverted at the Howell-Bunger (HB) valves intake and the maximum withdrawal rate for power generation is about 15 cms. A two stage intake tower is envisaged as the Trashrack at the HB valve inlet will need to be upgraded to screen out smaller debris ( mm clear spacing). Trash removal equipment will be required. Underwater construction will be required as this is the lowest point of the reservoir. Water diverted for power generation would be screened with a dual-flow travelling fish-exclusion screen. The design and construction of the screens is very similar to the screens currently used at the drinking water intake. A separate high-flow opening would be designed for operation of the HB valves. The two stage tower would connect to the opening through the dam at the HB valves location. This also requires relocation of the HB valves to enable connection for the penstock takeoff. Roof to be extended above to protect the HB valves from spill flows. Penstock is routed along the downstream face of the dam and is protected with concrete against spillway flows and debris impact. The penstock would transition to buried penstock prior to entering the powerhouse. Surface powerhouse on the east bank. An access road to the powerhouse location is needed from the existing road on the East side of the Seymour River. A surface switchyard with a step-up transformer is needed on the East side of the River near the powerhouse. An overhead or buried transmission line will be used to carry the power to the existing Metro Vancouver Seymour-Capilano Filtration Plant. Opportunities to reduce the eventual costs of the power-line by through possible synergizes with installation of Seymour Main #5 (North) from Seymour Dam to the Filter Plant will be explored. System modeling for the JWUP Consultative Committee estimates the average annual energy generation at about 7.2 Giga Watt hours per year. Greater Vancouver Water District - 68

37 Key Elements of the Draft Joint Water Use Plan for the Capilano and Seymour Watersheds August 8, 2012 Page 6 of 11 Conceptual Layout of Seymour Hydropower Project 2 Proposed Reservoir Operation and Environmental/Fish Flow Releases The Seymour and Capilano Reservoirs are normally full during the fall, winter and spring months. During these periods the reservoirs fill to their maximum storage capacity with large amounts of water spilling from each reservoir. The proposed hydropower projects are envisaged to make use of the existing dam infrastructure to produce electricity from water that would otherwise spill from the Reservoirs. Energy generation would assume the 3rd priority of the reservoir flow regime after drinking water supply and environmental/fish flows. Capilano Reservoir Operation and Fish Flow Releases Given the above priorities, the proposed Capilano Reservoir hydropower project would generally operate as follows: May 1 to October 31, energy would be generated from water that would otherwise spill from the reservoir; November 1 to April 30, energy may be generated at reservoir elevations between full pool (145.9 m) and 4 meters down (141.9 m). The JWUP Consultative Committee has suggested increases to the minimum fish flow releases from Capilano Reservoir to the lower Capilano River under most conditions (JWUP consultative committee, alternative 3E). However, new water control facilities will have to be built in conjunction with the proposed hydropower project to enable the delivery of these new fish flow releases. When undertaking unusual maintenance or other unusual or emergency conditions minimum fish flows may be reduced to 0.57 cms if required. Fish flow releases above 0.57 cms, may be released at Reservoir elevations above 130m according to the June 1 to November 30 table provided below, and during the winter (Dec 1 to May 31) period when lake levels are above 130m. Greater Vancouver Water District - 69

38 Key Elements of the Draft Joint Water Use Plan for the Capilano and Seymour Watersheds August 8, 2012 Page 7 of 11 Capilano - Minimum Dam Releases during the period June 1 June 15 July 1 July 15 Abundant Water Conditions Q min = 2.3cms Q min = 2.3cms Q min = 2.3cms Q min = 2.3cms Criteria / Threshold If by June 1 st : Lake level is > (145.89m) and Spilling >10cms If by June 15 th : Lake level is > (145.89m) and Spilling >10cms If by July 1 st : Lake level full pool (145.89m) and Spilling >10cms If by July 15 th : Lake level full pool (145.89m) and Spilling >2 cms Average Water Conditions Q min = 1.2cms Q min = 1.2cms Q min = 1.2cms Q min = 1.2cms Criteria Between Wet and Dry water condition thresholds Drought Conditions Q min = 0.57cms Q min = 0.57cms Q min = 0.57cms Q min = 0.57cms Criteria / Threshold If by June 1 st : Lake level is less than 145.0m If by June 15 th : Lake level is less than 145.0m If by July 1 st : Lake level is less than 145.0m If by July 15 th : Lake level is less than 143.0m Aug 1 Aug 15 Sept 1 Sept 15 Abundant Water Conditions Q min = 2.3cms Q min = 2.3cms Q min = 2.3cms Q min = 2.3cms Criteria / Threshold If by Aug 1 st : Lake level is >143.5m and Inflows to lake >12cms (excl Alpine releases) If by Aug 15 th : Lake level is >142.0m If by Sep 1 st : Lake level is >140m If by Sept 15 th : Lake level is >138m Average Water Conditions Q min = 1.2cms Q min = 1.2cms Q min = 1.2cms Q min = 1.2cms Criteria Between Wet and Dry water condition thresholds Drought Conditions Q min = 0.57cms Q min = 0.57cms Q min = 0.57cms Q min = 0.57cms Criteria / Threshold If by Aug 1 st : Lake level is <139.0m If by Aug 15 th : Lake level is <135.0m If by Sep 1 st : Lake level is <130m If by Sep 15 th : Lake level is <130m and Alpine storage has been released Oct 1 Oct 15 Nov 1 Nov 15 Abundant Water Q min = 2.3cms Q min = 2.3cms Q min = 2.3cms Q min = 2.3cms Conditions Criteria / Threshold If by Oct 1 st : Lake level is >136m Average Water Conditions Criteria If by Oct 15 th : Lake level is >134m If by Nov 1 st : Lake level is >136m If by Nov 15 th : Lake level is >138m Q min = 1.2cms Q min = 1.2cms Q min = 1.2cms Q min = 1.2cms Between Wet and Dry water condition thresholds Drought Conditions Q min = 0.57cms Q min = 0.57cms Q min = 0.57cms Q min = 0.57cms Criteria / Threshold If by Oct 1 st : Lake level is <130m and Alpine storage has been released If by Oct 15 th : Lake level is <130m and Alpine storage has been released If by Nov 1 st : Lake level is <130m and Alpine storage has been released If by Nov 15 th : Lake level is <130m and Alpine storage has been released Greater Vancouver Water District - 70

39 Key Elements of the Draft Joint Water Use Plan for the Capilano and Seymour Watersheds August 8, 2012 Page 8 of 11 During the December 1 to May 31 period, the new Capilano minimum fish flow release would be 1.2 cms, providing that the water level in Capilano Reservoir is above 130m. Seymour Reservoir Operation and Fish Flow Releases As discussed above, energy generation would assume the 3rd priority of the reservoir flow regime after drinking water supply and environmental/fish flows. Consequently, the proposed Seymour Reservoir hydropower project would generally operate as follows: May 1 to October 31, energy would be generated from water that would otherwise spill from the reservoir; November 1 to April 30, energy may be generated at reservoir elevations between winter full pool (212.9 m) and 1 meter down (211.9 m). The JWUP Consultative Committee has suggested increases to the minimum fish flow releases from Seymour Reservoir to the lower Seymour River under most conditions (JWUP consultative committee, alternative 4D). Minimum fish flow releases, in the June 1 to November 30 period, will be according to the table provided below. During the December 1 to May 31 period the new Seymour minimum fish flow release would be 1.36 cms. When undertaking unusual maintenance or other unusual or emergency conditions minimum fish flows may be reduced to 0.57 cms if required. Greater Vancouver Water District - 71

40 Key Elements of the Draft Joint Water Use Plan for the Capilano and Seymour Watersheds August 8, 2012 Page 9 of 11 Abundant Water Conditions Criteria / Threshold Average Water Conditions Criteria Impending Drought Conditions Criteria / Threshold If by June 1 st : Lake level <213m Seymour - Minimum Dam Releases during the period June 1 June 15 July 1 July 15 Q min = 1.36cms Q min = 1.36cms Q min = 1.4cms Q min = 1.4cms Q min = 1.36cms Q min = 1.36cms Q min = 1.4cms Q min = 1.4cms Between Wet and Dry water condition thresholds Q min = 1.1cms Q min = 1.1cms Q min = 1.1cms Q min = 1.1cms If by June 15 th : Lake level is <214m If by July 1 st : Lake level is < 213m If by July 15 th : Lake level is <211m Drought Conditions Q min = 0.7cms Q min = 0.7cms Q min = 0.7cms Q min = 0.7cms Criteria / Threshold If by June 1 st : Lake level < 212m If by June 15 th : Lake level is <213m If by July 1 st : Lake level <212m If by July 15 th : Lake level is <210m Aug 1 Aug 15 Sept 1 Sept 15 Abundant Water Q min = 2.8cms Q min = 2.8cms Q min = 2.8cms Q min = 2.8cms Conditions Criteria / Threshold If by Aug 1 st : Lake level is >213.8m If by Aug 15 th : Lake level is >213.4m If by Sep 1 st : Lake level is >213m If by Sept 15 th : Lake level is >212m Average Water Conditions Q min = 1.4cms Q min = 1.4cms Q min = 1.4cms Q min = 1.4cms Criteria Between Wet and Dry water condition thresholds Impending Drought Conditions Q min = 1.1cms Q min = 1.1cms Q min = 1.1cms Q min = 1.1cms Criteria / Threshold If by Aug 1 st : Lake level is <208m If by Aug 15 th : Lake level is <206m If by Sep 1 st : Lake level is <204 and Alpine storage released If by Sep 15 th : Lake level is <204 and Alpine storage released Drought Conditions Q min = 0.7cms Q min = 0.7cms Q min = 0.7cms Q min = 0.7cms Criteria / Threshold If by Aug 1 st : Lake level is <207m If by Aug 15 th : Lake level is <205m Abundant Water Conditions Criteria / Threshold If by Oct 1 st : Lake level is >211m If by Sep 1 st : Lake level is <203 and Alpine storage released If by Sep 15 th : Lake level is <203 and Alpine storage released Oct 1 Oct 15 Nov 1 Nov 15 Q min = 2.8cms Q min = 2.8cms Q min = 2.8cms Q min = 2.8cms If by Oct 15 th : Lake level is >210m If by Nov 1 st : Lake level is >210m If by Nov 15 th : Lake level is >212m Average Water Conditions Q min = 1.4cms Q min = 1.4cms Q min = 1.36cms Q min = 1.36cms Criteria Between Wet and Dry water condition thresholds Impending Drought Conditions Q min = 1.1cms Q min = 1.1cms Q min = 1.1cms Q min = 1.1cms Criteria / Threshold If by Oct 1 st : Lake level is <204 and Alpine storage released If by Oct 15 th : Lake level is <204 and Alpine storage released If by Nov 1 st : Lake level is <204 and Alpine storage released If by Nov 15 th : Lake level is <206 and Alpine storage released Drought Conditions Q min = 0.7cms Q min = 0.7cms Q min = 0.7cms Q min = 0.7cms Criteria / Threshold If by Oct 1 st : Lake level is <203 and Alpine storage released If by Oct 15 th : Lake level is <203 and Alpine storage released If by Nov 1 st : Lake level is <203 and Alpine storage released If by Nov 15 th : Lake level is <205 and Alpine storage released Greater Vancouver Water District - 72

41 Key Elements of the Draft Joint Water Use Plan for the Capilano and Seymour Watersheds August 8, 2012 Page 10 of 11 3 Proposed Monitoring and Communications Activities As recommended in the Provincial Water Use Planning Guidelines, and based on what is typical of other water use plans adopted in other locations in British Columbia, the JWUP Consultative Committee has suggested a number of monitoring and communications activities as part of the JWUP. The following provides an overview of the activities that are common to the two watersheds: monitoring and annual reporting of reservoir water levels, drinking water withdrawals, fish flow releases and hydropower withdrawals (when commissioned); monitoring and annual reporting of river flows, at one location, in the lower Capilano River below Cleveland Dam and at one location in the lower Seymour River below Seymour Falls Dam along with analysis and reporting of the rate of flow changes (ramping); assessments needed for the final design of a hydropower project and and/or studies related to the operation of the hydropower project; operation of a JWUP monitoring committee to provide annual feedback on the monitoring results and, as appropriate, advice on unique watershed conditions. Some of the monitoring activities that are unique to the Capilano watersheds are outlined below. Monitoring Activities Unique to Capilano Watershed A flow monitoring station has been operated on the Capilano River above Capilano Reservoir since In recent years this station has been funded by Metro Vancouver and the draft JWUP proposes that this hydrometric station be operated on an ongoing basis. The Board has previously committed to a trap and truck program on Capilano Reservoir to capture out-migrating Coho and Steelhead smolts and transport them around Cleveland Dam. This program reduces the mortalities associated with smolts passing over the Cleveland Dam spillway. Associated with this trap and truck program, monitoring is done to enumerate the out-migrating smolts. Prior to construction of the new surface intake for the hydropower project the monitoring results will be used to optimize the design of the new smolt capture facilities associated with the new hydropower intake channel. After commissioning of the new smolt capture facilities the level of effort involved with the smolt monitoring program is expected to decrease. The JWUP Consultative Committee expects measurable improvements to fish habitat in the lower Capilano River once the proposed new fish flow releases are implemented, and has suggested the following monitoring for about two years prior, and up to five years after, the fish flow releases are changed: water temperature monitoring; biological response monitoring of status and trends in key fish species. Greater Vancouver Water District - 73

42 Key Elements of the Draft Joint Water Use Plan for the Capilano and Seymour Watersheds August 8, 2012 Page 11 of 11 4 Proposed JWUP Implementation Schedule The following provides an overview of the key activities that are proposed for the period after Board approval to submit the JWUP to the regulatory agencies, and prior to approval of the JWUP by the regulatory agencies (anticipated in the latter part of 2013 or 2014). The following are common to the two watersheds: Continuing to monitor river flows in the lower Capilano and lower Seymour Rivers and making this flow data accessible to the public on a real time basis; Providing publically accessible plans or forecasts of how releases from the two reservoirs may vary over time. After regulatory approval of the JWUP, the proposed changes to the fish flow releases from Seymour reservoir would be implemented, as these flows can be provided using existing facilities. For Capilano, as new water control facilities will have to be built in conjunction with the proposed hydropower project to enable the delivery of increased fish flow releases, the proposed new fish flow releases will be implemented after commissioning of the proposed hydropower facilities at Cleveland Dam, which are currently scheduled for The JWUP Consultative Committee has suggested that ideally the review for this joint watershed plan should occur concurrently and about 15 years after JWUP approval. However, if the Capilano Hydropower project is delayed, than the review period may be separated for the two watersheds and the review of the Capilano component of the JWUP initiated 10 years after the hydropower facilities at Cleveland Dam are commissioned Greater Vancouver Water District - 74

43 Consultative Committee Report Capilano Seymour Joint Water Use Plan A Project of Metro Vancouver Prepared on Behalf of: The Consultative Committee for the Capilano Seymour Joint Water Use Plan Prepared by: Compass Resource Management Ltd. Suite 200, 1260 Hamilton Street Vancouver, British Columbia Canada V6B 2S8 Date October 24, 2012 Greater Vancouver Water District - 75