Chilliwack River Valley
SLESSE PARK CLAY SLIDE
STABILIZATION PROJECT
Final As-Built Report
Prepared for:
Chilliwack River Action Committee
48665 Chilliwack Lake Road
Chilliwack, B.C. V4Z 1A6
Prepared by:
CEJ Mussel1 Enterprises Inc
P.O. Box 45 1
Chilliwack, B.C. V2P 657
April, 2000
TABLE OF' CONTENTS
1.0
2.0
Objectives
Project Organization
2.1
Proponent
2.2
Funding Partners
2.3
Watershed
2.4
Locations
2.5
Administration
Partnerships,
Donations and In-Kind Contributions
3.0
4.0
Background
5.0
Plan
Preparation of Engineered Drawings
6.0
STAGE I
6.1
Report Summary
6.2
Cost Overview
6.3
Stage 1 Photograph
Upgrading the Slesse Park Clay Slide Berm
7.0
STAGE 2
7.1
Work Summary
7.2
Cost Overview
7.3
Berm Plan View
7.4
Berm Cross Section
7.5
Stage 2 Photographs
8.0
STAGE 3
Bioengineering
8.1
Work Summary
8.2
Cost Overview
8.3
Stage 3 Map
8.4
Stage 3 Photographs
9.0
Summary of Contributions
10.0 Evaluation
10.1 Steelhead Angler Survey Summary
10.2 Comments and Modifications
10.3 Sumnary of Results
11.0 Acknowledgements
12.0 Review of Literature and Reports
12.1 Studies of Reports pertaining to the Slesse Park Clay Slide
12.2 Other Pertinent Reports and Literature
Chilliwack River Valley
SLESSE PARK CLAY SLIDE STABILIZATION
1.0
Objectives
To do stabilization work on the Slesse Park Clay Slide
-to reduce siltation of the downstream ChilliwackNedder River
-to reduce degradation of fish spawning and rearing habitat
-to improve sports fishing opportunity
-to reduce hazards from the clay slide slumps
2.0
Project Organization
Stage 1 The Preparation of Engneered Working Drawings and Reports
Stage 2 Upgrading the Slesse Park Clay Slide Berm
Stage 3 Further Stabilization Using Bioengineering Techniques
2.1
Proponent
Chilliwack River Action Committee
48665 Chilliwack Lake Road
Chilliwack, B.C. V4Z 1A6
2.2
Funding Partners
Fisheries Renewal B.C.
B.C. Hydro
Fraser Valley Regional Watershed Coalition
Community Futures Development Corporation of the North Fraser
2.3
Watershed
MELP Region! MOF Region
Pacific1 Region 2, Lower Mainland, Chilliwack
Chilliwack River (Watershed Code: 100-0657-097-000)
2.4
Location
This project is located on the north side of the Chilliwack River 1 km east of
Slesse Park. Geodetic map 092h001 Chilliwack River 5437500 mN, 587300mE.
2.5
Administration
Project Chairman:
David F. Lamson
Chilliwack River Action Committee
48853 Chilliwack Lake Road
Chilliwack, B.C. V4Z 1A6
Phone / Fax: (604) 858-3257
Project Manager:
CEJ Mussell
CEJ Mussell Enterprises Inc.
Chilliwack, B.C. V2P 657
Phone:
(604) 792-8984
3.0
Partnerships, Donations, and in-kind Contributions
The Chilliwack River Action Committee is a community umbrella organization that has
received broad support from organisations and individuals making this project possible.
Donations of in-kind labour, technical work, material, and supplies listed here are those
over $100.00 in cash value that have been recorded in the project records.
Clay Slide Committee of the Chilliwack River Action Committee
Directors and the organisations they represent
Project Chainnan: David Lamson, Chilliwack River Valley Ratepayers Assoc.
Tom Carscadden, Baker Trails Strata Corp.
Jerry Desjarlais, Concerned Citizens of Chilliwack River Valley
Gerry Dewar, BC Federations of Driftfishers
Chris Gadsden, Fraser Valley Salmon Society
Fred Helmer Jr., Fred's Custom Tackle
Gwyn Joiner, Chilliwack Fish and Game Protective Assoc.
John Kupp, Vedder River Fish Habitat Committee
Bill Proteau, member at large
Bev Sobkowich, Citizens Advisory Board to Correction Camps
Wayne Snerle, Chilliwack River Valley Ratepayers' Assoc.
Fraser Valley Salmon Society
Chris Gadsden, Pete Sellmer
Time for preliminary lobbying, video production, displays, media coverage,
public awareness, field trips, technical work, and angler survey
Chilliwack River Valley Ratepayers Association
Wayne Snerle, Klara Hills, David Lamson, B11l Proteau
Revlew of literature, consultation, "Challenge to Opportunzty" report,
Preparat~onof proposals, public awareness
BC Federation of Driftfishers
Gerry Dewar
Research, field trips, proposal writing
Chiliiwack Fish and Game Protective Association
Gwyn Jo~ner,Ernie McDuff
Meeting rooms, field trips, public awareness, angler survey
Concerned Citizens of the Chilliwack River Valley
Susan Pelletier, Jerry Desjarlais
Public awareness, field trips, secretarial work, supervision help at site
Citizens Advisory Board to Corrections
Bev Sobkowich
Research of literature, public awareness, field trips, and political contracts
Fraser Valley Broadcasters Ltd.
C/OChris Gadsden
Cash donation to CRAC
Fred's Custom Tackle
Fred Helmer
Contracts, public awareness, field trips to slide
Baker Trails Strata Corporation
Tom Carscadden
Cash donztion to C?&C, pub!ic awareness
CEJ Mussell Enterprises Inc.
CEJ Mussell, Jack Mussel1
Work and travel expenses
Adjacent property owner
Alvin Nickerson
Site for clay disposal, access to gravel site
Steelhead Habitat Restoration Corporation
Mike Engelsjord
Gravel from other WRP projects
Pacific Initiatives
Jackie Campbell, Ross Wetzel
Bioengineering concepts, cedar trees, labourers
Northwest Hydraulic Consultants
Dr. Vic Galay
Discount on Engineering
Mount Thurston Correctional Centre
Inmate work crew
Cutting willow whips for bioengineering
Fraser Valley Regional District, Electoral Area E.
Director, Frank Sobkowich
Grant in aid to CRAC
Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks (MELP)
Mike Younie, Bruce Usher
Bioengineering concepts and consultation
Abby Contracting
Daryll Janzen
Hydroseeding
Canadian Forest Products Ltd. CANFOR
Panel and F~breDivis~on
Joe Haggart, Product Manager, Fibre Products
Wood mulch for hydroseedlng (EcoAegs Bonded F~berMatrix)
4.0
Background
The clay slides of the Chilliwack River have deposited tons of silt into the river during
each rainy season from November to march since the floods of 1989 and 1990. As of
January 1999 three slides continued to be an annual problem dumping sediment into the
river and causing a degradation of downstream fish habitat. Public safety and property
protection have also been a concern.
The Slesse Park Clay Slide has been partially stabilized with a benn built in 1991 to
protect the toe of the slide from the undercutting river. However, over the years clay has
slumped in behind the berm and filled the catchment area to the top of the berm. In
January 27, 1997, large slumps at the East End of the berm overtopped the berm and
dumped many tons of clay Into the river, temporarily blocking it. Since then, smaller
slumps and mud flows have continued to overtop the berm and pour tons of clay silt into
the river and the surface water and creeks passing through the slide area continued to
pour large quantities of silt into the river.
5.0
Plan
The plan was to start with the Slesse Park Clay Slide stabilization as the work for the first
project. This work would reduce the clay siltation of approximately 30 kilometers of
downstream fish habitat, reduce the hazard to public safety and private property, and
improve sports angling opportunity.
This project was divided into three stages:
Stage 1
Preparation of engineered working drawings and reports
Fisheries Renewal BC Grant
Stage 2
The physical work of upgrading The Slesse Park Clay Slide Berm
Fisheries Renewal BC Grant
Stage 3
Further stabilization of the slide area using bioengineering techniques
BC Hydro Grant
6.0
Stage 1
The Preparation of Engineered Working Drawings
6.1
Report Summary
A review of previous engineering reports and literature on clay slide stabilization
methods was done by community organisations and by members of the Chilliwack River
Action Committee.
A proposal was prepared and applications were made for funding to fish habitat funding
agencies. Funding for the preparations of engineered working drawings was secured
through the Fraser Valley Regional Watershed Coalition from Fisheries Renewal B.C.
Northwest Hydraulic Consultants was chosen and commissioned as the lead engineering
firm.
The engineers' report and drawings were completed between January 1,1999 and March
30, 1999 by Dr. Vic Galay of Northwest Hydraulic Consultants along with Neil Singh
from Klohn-Crippen, Geo-environmental Group, and Michael A. Whelen, Fisheries
Biologist.
The engineers produced a very comprehensive report with working drawings for the
upgrading of the Slesse Park Clay Slide berm. These drawings which call for a 2.5
meters to 3.5 meters raising of the berm for the best cost effective method of stabilizing
this clay slide.
An overview of the Upper Tolmie Clay Slide Area was also prepared which gave three
possible options for stabilization and complimentary information for the Slesse Park Clay
Slide.
Dave Schaepe, Archaeologist, Sto:lo Nation, located sensitive areas and prepared an
archaeological report with recommendations.
Display boards, a brochure and a video was produced for increasing public awareness
These have been used at meeting and public events.
6.2
Cost Overview
TASK
Engineers Report and Drawings for Slesse Park Clay Slide Berm Upgrading
Engineers Overview of Upper Tolmie Clay Slide Area
COST
11,000.00
1000.00
Test Holes
417.30
Archeology Study
400.00
Office Costs and Supplies
100.27
Project Insurance
500.00
Subsection 9.1 Application
130.00
TOTAL
$13,547.57
6.3
Stage 1 Photograph
Aria1 View of Slesse park Clay Slide by Northwest Hydraulic consultants, March
1999, before this stabilization work began.
7.0
Stage 2
SLesse Park Clay Slide Berm Upgrading
7.1
Work Summary
The project was constructed between June 1, 1999 and October 3 1, 1999. The scope of
the work included the following:
-The area adjacent to the existing berm was cleared of vegetation and clay was pushed to
the side with a dozer in order to make room for the new berm.
-3056 m3 of bony gravel material was donated to the project from the Steelhead Society
of BC. This was trucked to the site in gravel trucks over a seven-day period (Photo 2).
This work is above the 200yr-flood level so nprap was not necessary.
-The gravel was spread with a dozer on the existing benn in 1-54 ft lifts in order to
compact the material with the dozer and the loaded gravel trucks (Photo 3 ).
-A faller fell all trees along the top edge of the clay face in order to ease pressure and
fracturing on clay bank escarpment especially during windstorms
- The three existing culverts were replaced with 12 m culverts to complement the new
berm width (Photo 4).
-A gravel borrow pit was located adjacent to the Nickerson Property on crown land. A
front end loader loaded gravel trucks which moved 3960 m3 of fine gravel to the berm
site (Photo 5).
-The gravel was applied in 1-54 ft lifts with a dozer and was compacted with the dozer
and the loaded gravel trucks (Photo 6).
-Gravel trucks moved 2744 m3 of clay from the inside of the berm with an excavator
(Photo 7). This provided a larger catchment area as well as good water drainage to
culverts. Clay was dumped on the north east side of the Nickerson Property in a low spot
well away from the Chilliwack a v e r (Photo 8). This work was completed over an eightday period.
-On the east side of the berm where a the large slump of January 27, 1997 occurred, clay
was pulled back from the river bank on the outside of the berm in order to increase slope
stability and prevent erosion into the river (Photo 9). This as welt was trucked to the clay
disposal site.
-Cottonwood logs found on site were placed in order to terrace the major slump areas
(Photo 10).
-The gravel borrow site and clay disposal site was then landscaped with the dozer.
-The berm was graded with the dozer to provide a smooth running surface for local
vehicles (Photo 1I).
7.2
Cost Overview
I Task
Bern Construction and Clay
Excavation
1 Equipment Used
1 Loader
1 Dozer
I Cost
1
Excavator
Materials
1 Culverts
I
/ Office Supplies
Labour
Supervision
TOTAL
8797.00
I
,
2455.22
274.66
28.06
Photocopying
Other Expenses
9090.68
Crown Land Application
214.00
Land Disposition
690.02
Faller
556.40
5301.32
Project Manager
I
) $55397.41
7.3
I
-1
1
Berm Plan View
\-
APPROXIMATF TOP OF q1 OP?
SCALE
ti
I
~~
....
~~
~
Client:
Project:
ClQLlWACK RIVER ACTION COMlaTTEE
SLESSE PARK CLAY SLDE BERM UPGRN)~NG
Title:
BERM -PLAN VIEW
Drawn by:'
Baswl on:
Date:
~~~
CEJ Mussell
NorthwestHydiauiic Consultat
Novernber 10. 1999
7.4
Berm Cross Section
NEW BERM CREST
r\
&lia
1%slope
,,&65Q -a------
*\ &0@O
- .- - - - -- - .-
-0--
~ e ~ i a c Culvert
ed
-
---
EXIST~NGBERM CREST
&
*,9
-
_
QQ
-9------Q*
Replaced Culvert
h9
-A
/
1997 Slide Debris
/
~'
Replaced Cuiven
DISTANCE
HORIZONTAL SCALE
VERTICAL SCALE
Clkent:
Project:
CHILLINJACK R1VE.R ACTION C O ~ T T E E
SLESSE PARK CLAY SLIDE BERM LIPGRADWG
Title:
B&?J,&cROSS SECTlOr;l
Drawn by:
Based on:
Date:
11
12
CEJ Mussel1
Noflhwest Hydraulic Consultant
N~vemhei10 1999
Photo 2
Some of the bony gravel material being dumped on the berm in lifts
Photo 4
Pun~ngthefind touches on one of the replaced culvenn The new culverts
are 12m long,
Photo 5
The fiont-end loader l o d i n g trucks fromthe gravel b r o w psi located
lifts with the dozn.
Photo 7
The excavator loading clay on the hucks from the inside of the bem. A
Property. The dump location was well away from any threat by the
Photo 10
Cottonwood logs were placed in order to t e m e the maior siumo areas
Logs used were found in site
8.0
Stage 3
Bioengineering of thc Siesse Park Clny Slide
8.1
Work Summary
The bioengineering work took place between October 1999 and April 2000. The scope of
the work conrisud of the Collawing:
Willow M-hipswere cttt by inmates at Mount Thurston Cairect~onCamp for use in
live staking waddles, smiles and live pole dmins (Photo 14).
iiay bales were placed on the toe ofthe slope to help filter out some o f the cia?
particles draining off the clay bank (Photo 12).
Hay bales were also placed so that the creeks had lo flaw through them creating
pond tenaces nhlcli filtered out some of the larger c i q particles (Photo 13)
Waddles and smiles were constructed at the different slope breaks in order to
temce the exposed siape and filter out some of the clay sediment (Piloto 16).
Waddles were then partially buried with ccly material in order to enhance their
v o w h (Photo 17).
Three ponds on the u p p i teiiace of the clay slide were slowly drained by digging
drainage channels in order to prevent the salurahon o f the upper clay slide slope.
I000 small cedx trees were planted an the more stable areas o f the sl~deand
along thc berm
The entlie sile was Hydro-qeeded w t h BlgHorn Erosion Mixture (Coastal), 1818-18 Cerulizzi and wood mulch CANFOR supplied the wood mulch (EcoAess
Bonded Fihci Matr~x)
On site si&mgewas installed at the clay slide (Photo 19).
8.2
1
Cost Overview
Task
Equiprncnt Used
Bioengineering Preparation Work
Gravel Trucks and Front End
Loader
Dozer
/
I
3794.33
1
2166.75
/ Faller
Willaw Whip Collection
1 Hydioreedmg
1
Cost
Materials
50068
10
ulilicum
'
Forestry, Mount
4570.75
Thurston Corrections Camp
i Abby Contracting
2811.98
/ Signas
-
28.50
-
/4 Seed and Fertilizer
1I
Oitice Supplies
Other ennenses
1I Engineer
- Consultation
Habitat Consultant
j
Project insurance
880.40
377.18
500.00
214.00
1 Consultation
88.51
/ WCB
1 I ~uepiies
I
/
254.33
i
I
i Land License
TOTAL
1026.09
389.56
1
$31,009.00
1
1
8.3
,..
Stage 3 Map
,'
'\
1
~.
~
Clietit:
Project:
CIiaLIWACK RIVER ACTION COhlMiTTEE
SLESSE PARK CLAY SLIDE BERM UPGRADiNG
BIOENGINEERING
;
~
~
~-~
Drawn b y : ~ ~ h l u s s e i l
Based on!
Northwest Hydraulic Consult
Date:
March 15,2000
Photo 12
Hav bales were vlaced to filter out some of the clav vartlcles runnine off
Photo 13
Hay bales were placed to create pond terraces to filter out clay
-
Photo 14
Willow whips were cut and delivered to the site for use in live staking, live
vole drains. waddles and smiles.
order to enhake the revegatation ofthe slide area.
Photo 16
Photo 17
Waddles and smiles were constructed out of willow bundles in order to
Waddles were then partially buned w t h clay in order to enhance thelr
Photo 18
Live pole drains were installed in the 3 different creeks in order to direct
the water down the slooe
on site signage
Hydoseeding application being planned by Joe Hargitt, from CANFOR Fibre Division
and Daryll Jansen, from Abby Contracting.
9.0
Summary of Contributions
Total In-kind Contributions
$115,437.50
Grants:
Fisheries Renewal BC - Preparation of Engineered Drawings
$13,167.00
Fisheries Renewal BC - Upgrading Clay Slide Berm
$55,395.50
BC Hydro - Further Stabilization Using Bioengineering
$31,009.00
Total Grants:
$99,571.50
Total Project Value (In-kind Contributions and Grants)
%215,009.00
In-kind Contributions Percentage
53.7%
Grant Money Percentage
46.3%
10.0
Evaluation
10.1
Steelhead Angler Survey
During the month of February, the Chilliwack River Action Committee has conducted an
angler survey under the supervision of CEJ Mussel1 Enterprises Inc. on the Chlliwack
River. The goal was to get some angler input regarding work being done to stabilize the
Slesse Park Clay Slide. As well, anglers were asked for their input in regards to future
work on the remaining clay slides.
During the survey a random sample of 200 anglers were asked 8 multiple-choice
questions. Most of the survey was conducted on the banks of the Chilliwack hver
between the Chilliwack Hatchery (River km 38) and the Baily Bridge (River km 6).
However, anglers were also surveyed at a Chilliwack River Action Committee booth set
up at Fred's Tackle on February 19 and 20. The results were then analyzed and compiled
in t h s report.
The clay slides in the Chilliwack Watershed have been an ongoing problem over the
years. They add clay sediment to the river system, which is harmful to both fish and eggs
in the spawning bed. As well, it dirty's the river, which decreases angling opportunities.
Over the last few years the Chlliwack River Action Committee has worked to raise funds
to stabilize the Slesse Park Clay Slide. The work bas been completed in three phases.
Engineered drawings, Berm upgrading, and Bioengineering.
The Chilliwack River Action Committee is now interested in taking on the next
challenge, the Upper Tolmie Clay Slide. However, they are very interested in getting
some feed back from anglers before they proceed. The following are the preliminary
results of the Chilliwack River Steelhead Angler Survey.
Where do you /we?
We found that 49.5% of anglers surveyed resided in the Chilliwack or Abbotsford
area and 44.5% resided somewhere else in the Eraser Valley. Another 6% of anglers
were from somewhere else in British Columbia. No anglers surveyed came from the
United States; however, it is quite common to see Washington and Oregon license plates
on the river. This tells us that the 94% of the anglers surveyed reside somewhere in the
Fraser Valley and because of this most of them have a fairly good knowledge of the
Chilliwack 1 Vedder River.
How many years have you fished sleelhead on the Chrlliwucki Vedder R1ver7
The survey indicated that 38% of anglers have fished the river 1-5 years, 25.5% of
anglers have fished the river for over 21 years, 22% of anglers have fished the river 1 1-20
years and 14.5% of anglers have fished the river 6-10 years. This indicates that 62% of
anglers surveyed have fished the river for greater than 6 years. Because of this we know
that we are dealing with anglers who are familiar with fishing the Chilliwack River and
the different water condtions associated with it.
How muny times did youJish the river lust year?
Survey analysis indicated that 42.5% of anglers surveyed fished the river 1-10
days last year and 57.5% of anglers surveyed fished the river more than 10 days last year.
Thus, their knowledge of the change in water conditions compared to last year should be
fairly accurate.
Do youfish primarily above or below the clay slide?
The survey indicated that 65% of anglers surveyed fish below the Slesse Park
Clay Slide and 29% fish equally above and below the clay slides. Another 6% of anglers
surveyed fish primarily above the Slesse Park Clay Slide. Analysis indicates that of the
anglers surveyed, 94% spend a substantial part of their angling time fishing below the
Slesse Park Clay Slide and thus water conditionsplay a big part in there angling
opportunities.
What do you do when water conditions are poor?
We found that 5 1.5% of anglers surveyed said that when water conditions are
poor they go home. Another 3 1.5% of anglers move above the Slesse Park Clay Slide and
17.5% of anglers were not affected by water conditions. This shows that water
conditions play a big part in angling opportunities as well as the economics of the region.
Are you familiar with the work that the Chilliwack River Action Committee is doing t o
stabilize the Slesse Park Clay Slide?
The survey indicated that 69% of anglers were familiar with the stabilization work
on the Slesse Park Clay Slide. Another 31% were not familiar with the work being done.
This shows that there is fairly good knowledge on the river about the clay slide problems
as well as the work being done to stabilize the Slesse Park Clay Slide.
Have you noticed arp improvement in waler clarity this year in the lower river?
Survey analysis indicated that 85.5% of anglers have noticed an improvement in
water clarity this year. Another 14.5% haven't noticed any improvements. This is very
promising because the berm upgrading was just completed last fall and already anglers
are noticing a difference. Water conditions will really begin to improve next fall after the
bioengineering portion of the project takes effect and begins to filter out a substantial
portion of the clay particles.
Do you think that further work should be undertaken to stabilize the Lipper Toirnie and
Willow Run Clay slides7
The survey indicated that 95.5% of anglers think that further work should be
undertaken to stabilize the remaining clay slides. Another 4.5% think that this work
should not be undertaken. This shows that support for future work on the clay slides is
very good. Anglers realize that the clay slides are a problem that has to be dealt with.
This survey shows that the majority of people who fish the Chilliwack River reside
somewhere in the Fraser Valley. The majority of these people have fished the river for
more than 6 years. Of these anglers, most of them fished the river for more than 11 days
last year. Of the anglers surveyed a higher percentage of them fished primarily below the
Slesse Park Clay Slide and of those over half went home if the water conditions were
poor. There was a fairly good knowledge of the work that the Chilliwack River Action
Committee is doing to stabilize the Slesse Park Clay Slide and most anglers have noticed
an improvement in water clarity already t b s year. There seems to he overwhelming
support for further work to stabilize the Upper Tolmie and Willow Run Clay Slides.
Thls report would not have been possible without the support of the Chilliwack River
Action Committee and it's members. A special thanks goes to David Lamson, Gywn
Joiner and Chns Gadsden for their help in surveying Chilliwack River steelhead anglers.
10.2
Comments and Modifications
During the construction of the berm, slight modifications in the design were
implemented. We were able to upgrade the existing berm without removing the clay on
the East End of the top of the berm. During the summer the clay had dned out and
created a solid base on which to build the berm saving material. Clay from the inside of
the berm was removed to enlarge the catchment area and provide drainage for the water
coming off the slope. Clay on the outside of the berm was excavated to stabilize the
slope and decrease erosion into the river.
10.3
Summary of Results
-The raising of the berm, completed in October 1999, has prevented potential mudflows
and slumps from directly entering the river during heavy rains.
-The cutting of trees along the escarpment has prevented wind swaying and ground
cracking which is one cause of slumps.
-Placing of cottonwood logs has helped stabilize inudflows on the slump areas.
-Draining of pond areas above the slide has reduced underground seepage
-Terracing with willow waddles and smiles has helped stabilize mudflows and filter
surface run off.
-Hay bales have filtered approx. 500m3of clay silt preventing it from entering the river.
-Live willows staking done at lm intervals are showing growth.
-Hydroseeding of the entire area is expected to enhance plant growth during the spring
and summer providing erosion control.
-The Steelhead Angler Survey showed that 85.5% of anglers surveyed noticed an
improvement in water clarity this year.
-The Steelhead Angler Survey showed that 95.5% of anglers think that further work
should be undertaken to stabilize the remaining clay slides.
-Overall, the project is a success. In the short term, no large slumps have occurred this
year as in previous years. Mudflows have been stopped from flowing directly into the
river, but siltation from the creeks has still occurred. It is expected that by next October
as the planting and seeding take hold, they .will start to protect the exposed clay surface
and erosion and mud flows will be substantially reduced. As the slide area is stabilized,
the hazard to public and property is also reduced. However, all hazards have not been
eliminated
11.0
Acknowledgements
The Chilliwack River Action Committee formed shortly after January 27, 1997 when a
large slump occurred at the Slesse Park Clay Slide dumping thousands of cubic meters of
clay silt into the Chilliwack River. The Chilliwack River Action Committee was formed
by number of concerned people from other organisations who joined together to work
toward a solution. After reviewing literature and reports and listening to many residents
and experts, it was realised that there were many very costly options. GoveAent
agencies were very hesitant to become involved so the Chilliwack River Action
Committee decided to take the initiative. To be economically possible a plan had to be
accepted that would substantially reduce but would not eliminate all hazards. To obtain
grant money a substantial amount of volunteer help was required as leverage.
Thanks goes to tremendous community support and all the tireless hours of work of
volunteers that carried on to get stabilization work done in spite of some discouragement
and delays. The donations of time, materials, and supplies as recorded, calculated at
standard market value and listed in the report came to over 50% of the total project value
Also a big thank you to CEJ Mussell, Project Manager, for his conscientious effort in
working with the Chilliwack River Action Committee and getting the job done
efficiently.
The support from the staff at Community Futures of the North Fraser, in particular Rick
McKamey, Ken Lewis, and Bob Thomas was a great help. The delivery agent for
Fisheries Renewal BC and BC Hydro, the Fraser Valley Watershed Coalition, made the
meaning of local participation in stewardship a reality.
A special thanks to John Van Dongen, MLA, %any Penner, MLA, John Les, Mayor of
Chilliwack and Director Frank Sobkowich, FVRD Electoral Area E, for their valued
support and advice. We also appreciated the encouragement from Cathy McGregor,
Ministry of Environment during her visit to the site.
It has indeed been a rewarding experience and a blessing to have the privilege of working
with all these dedicated people. It was our original theme that was good for fish habitat
would also be good for people, and it is.
David F. Lamson, Project Chairman
12.0 Review of Literature and Reports
12.1
Studies and Reports pertaining to the Slesse Park Clay Slide:
Hay and Company Consultants Inc. July 1992. ChiNiwackRiver Hazard Management
Study Interim Report, Volume I and 2
Hay and Company Consultants Inc. December 1992. ChilliwackRiver Hazard
Management Outline Plan
Pollmer Consulting Ltd. (Arbor Tech). March 1997. Preliminary Assessment Report
Slesse Slide, Ch~lliwuckRiver
Thwher Engineenng Ltd. May 1997. Geotechnical Assessment of Slesse Park Landslzde '
Chilliwack River Valley Ratepayers' Assoc. December 1997. From Challenge to
Opportunities / Rehabilitation of Slesse Park Landslide
Sto:lo Nation. February 1999. Archaeological FieldI?econnaissunce ofthe Chilliwack
River Action Committee's Proposed Clay Slide Stabilization Projects, Chilliwack River
Northwest Hydraulic Consultants Ltd. March 1999. Chilliwack River Slesse Park Cluy
Slide Berm Upgrading
Northwest Hydraulic Consultants Ltd. March 1999. Chilliwack River - Upper Tolmie
Cluy Slide Overview ofProblem and Concepts,for Control of Clay Slides
12.2
Other Pertinent Reports and Literature
Research Program, Ministry of Forests. 1994. A Guzdefor Management of LandrlrdeProne Terraln in the Pac2JicNorthwest
National Park Service and US Dept of the Interior. 1994.
(park svc.hmt@,wrw.webme~chants.com~.
Streambunk Stabilization / Riparian Restoration
British Columbia Watershed Restoration Program, Ministry of Environment Lands and
Parks and Ministry of Forests. 1997. Fisl? Habitat Rehabilitation Procedures - Watershed
Restorution Technical Circular No. 9
Alaska Fish and Game - Habitat Restoration. November 1997. (hmtl:www.state.ak.us).
Streambank Restoration Techniques
Spruce City Wildlife Association. April 1999. McMillan Creek Restoration Project
Greater Vancouver Regional District. 1999. Or Creek Bioengineering