We have heard concerns and misinformation in the community regarding the City’s water pumps not being fish-friendly. With the 85 percent of Pitt Meadows situated within the floodplain, our six pump stations are critical to protecting against flooding and ensuring public safety. The City operates six pump stations that run along our diking system and constantly moves water from rain and runoff to the Fraser and Pitt rivers.
Some of our pumps are nearing the end of their service life and require replacement. The City recently announced that with a provincial grant, the pump at Fenton Road Station will be replaced and a back-up generator added. In addition, the City has applied for a grant to replace the pump at the Kennedy Road Station and work is nearing completion on the replacement of the Pitt Polder Pump Station.
Fish-friendly pumps are not requirements of these grant applications, but they were carefully considered and staff have consulted with the Ministry of Environment and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. If fish-friendly pumps were used at Fenton and Kennedy, it would violate the Aquatic Invasive Species Regulation and spread invasive species into the Pitt River and affect native and salmonid species. For this reason and the others outlined at the Council Meeting on February 25, 2020, both projects include non-fish-friendly pumps.
The Fisheries Act speaks to protection and safe passage of fish and the Aquatic Invasive Species Regulation, which forms part of the Act, prohibits the transport or movement of invasive species.
It is important to note that the racks present at both stations are there to prevent debris and vegetation from entering the pumps and allowing them to function, but they also act as a barrier for many species.
For more information and to hear the full presentation at the Regular Council Meeting on February 25, 2020, please visit pittmeadows.ca/councilmeetings.