By Tom Mark

Sediment In Coldstream Creek A Flood Risk

Dec 18, 2017 | 7:16 AM

The District of Coldstream is concerned about sediment buildup in Coldstream Creek.

This fall, sediment that had been washed down in the spring became more visible, and it was determined the buildup at the mouth of the creek could result in flooding next spring.

Mayor Jim Garlick says more information is needed on past dredging and what`s led to the buildup.

“There`s some structures out in the lake we`ve looked at near the mouth of the creek. There`s a dock, quite a large dock that`s put there and we want some feedback from an environmental engineer.“

Garlick another question about who is responsible for sediment removal.

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“it probably should have been done through the emergency program, the provincial emergency program. However that time has passed and closed. So, we want to do some talking with the province on what are our options moving forward working with them.“

Associated Engineering has been retained to work with provincial ministries to obtain permits to have the sediment removed.

Staff had budgeted 200 thousand dollars for sediment removal, funded through gas tax reserves.

The challenge now is there`s not much time left to prevent flooding next spring.

“Available in March – April that we only have that we can go in to do it. It`s pretty tight and depending on when freshet is, when the flooding occurs, when that can be done.“

Complicating matters is that Coldstream Creek is a spawning ground for Kokanee and at some point, likely before the freshet, the fry will be leaving the creek and entering Kalamalka Lake.

More discussions will be held at a meeting in January.

by Tom Mark