Fish Impasses

 

Impasse #1

In 1994, a Puyallup Tribal Fisheries assessment determined that the stream urgently needed better riparian conditions and additional pools and other ways to elevate the oxygen content of the water. The assessment also showed an underground fish impasse culvert structure. In August 1997, removal of the fish impasse culvert and the replacement with an underground baffled culvert for fish passage was completed.

 

Impasse #2

In 1998, Pierce County Stream Team initiated a salmon-monitoring project. During this project, three coho salmon were observed going through the new structure, but were not able to get through the next culvert impasse. An evaluation of the problem made it evident that this next culvert would also need to be replaced.

 

By 2003, the culvert had been removed and a new fishway installed. PCRS immediately began a monitoring project to ascertain its use by salmon returning to spawn in the upper creek. This monitoring project would also provide us with information on other impasse problems upstream.

 

Impasse #3

In 2006, after three years of monitoring use of the fishway, PCRS has identified an elevation problem at the mouth of the underground fish ladder that could be leading to juvenile salmon mortality. Two consultants and the City of Tacoma have confirmed that the elevation of the mouth of the fish ladder is such that the out-migrating juvenile salmonids are being injured from the impact after falling from the mouth of the ladder to the concrete in the storm drain.

Currently, PCRS is communicating with Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) regarding the permits necessary to repair the problem as well as working with the City of Tacoma to develop a solution. We are actively seeking grants to cover the cost of the necessary repairs and h ope to have this project completed before Spring 2007.

 

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