Watershed Management

Among the most significant of Rio Tinto Alcan BC responsibilities are those associated with the management of the Nechako Reservoir, located in north-central B.C. Rio Tinto Alcan relies on adequate water levels in the reservoir to support power generation at Kemano, upon which the Kitimat smelter depends. In this sense, the reservoir is the starting point for Rio Tinto Alcan BC's operational and economic viability. Low water levels have, on occasion, made it necessary to curtail aluminum production. 

At the same time, reservoir management must respect important environmental values – most particularly those associated with downstream salmon runs in the Nechako River. Reservoir management also has implications for flood mitigation, and for the availability of water for other uses ranging from recreation to irrigation.

Rio Tinto Alcan BC continually monitors reservoir levels and indicators such as snow pack. Ongoing adjustments are made to water release levels, in order to achieve a balance among the various needs and interests.

Salmon conservation and protection is the top-priority objective, and Rio Tinto Alcan BC adheres to a 1987 agreement with the provincial and federal governments that governs fish-protection flows. Key features are a summer temperature management program, for the benefit of migrating Sockeye, and a target range for the number of Chinook salmon returning to their spawning grounds.

The Nechako Fisheries Conservation Program, which Rio Tinto Alcan and the provincial and federal governments participate, provides a framework to administer the 1987 agreement – including ongoing monitoring of fish populations and fish habitat.

More broadly, Rio Tinto Alcan is a participant in the Nechako Watershed Council. This is a diverse, multi-stakeholder group that works to identify optimal approaches to various aspects of watershed health, and to other issues impacting regional sustainability.

The following information with respect to water releases and reservoir elevation is updated daily.