Upper Puntedge Hatchery
The Upper Puntledge Hatchery (spawning channel) was constructed in 1965 by BC Hydro as compensation for the loss of summer Chinook and steelhead spawning habitat and juvenile turbine mortality following expansion of the hydro facilities on the Puntledge River in the 1950s. The hatchery operated for 47 years with varying success.
Prompted by concerns from BC Hydro over risks associated with the pumping requirements of the facility, and from DFO over water quality (temperature and gas super saturation) which resulted in the almost complete loss of summer Chinook broodstock holding at the facility in 2004, and 100% mortality of coho smolts rearing at the facility in 2009, the two parties agreed to the preferred alternative to only operating the Lower Hatchery facility.
All the associated fish production at the Upper Puntedge Hatchery was moved to the lower Puntledge Hatchery on Powerhouse Road, and the the Upper Hatchery facility was decommissioned.
And now you know…