As part of the extension of the Trans Canada Highway (TCH) in Labrador, the Department of Transportation and Works (DTW) is building the Trans Labrador Highway (TLH). This road will be developed in pristine, wild environments and crosses many brooks, streams, and rivers. In 2005, DTW constructed a 30 meter steel girder bridge across South Feeder River in Labrador. The project included an infill section. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) decided that a Harmful Alteration, Disruption, or Distruction (HADD) occurred which was based upon the loss of 7.3 units (1 unit equals 100m.sq) of Type II riverine habitat due to this infilling. The DTW was required by DFO to replace the loss of fish habitat and to undertake a monitoring program. As Type II habitats are readily accessible and available within the section of river and Type I salmonid spawning habitats were very limited adjacent to the project site, a spawning bed was proposed. Monitoring studies have confirmed the development of the spawning bed was deemed a success with an increase in salmonid productivity of the river section adjacent to South Feeder River Bridge. For the covering abstract of the conference see ITRD number E216597.
Abstract