Image: Metro Vancouver / vimeo / Fraser River Debris Trap

By Fraser Valley Today Staff

Environment & Reconciliation

Co-Management Agreement between Province and Shxw’ōwhámél First Nation for continued operation of Fraser River Debris Trap

Jun 18, 2023 | 12:15 PM

HOPE — In a groundbreaking move, the Province of British Columbia and the Shxw’ōwhámél First Nation have entered into a co-management agreement for the Fraser River Debris Trap., marking the first of its kind in the province. The landmark agreement is the first of its kind in the province and formalizes the collaborative oversight of the debris trap, a vital piece of infrastructure that has been intercepting debris for more than four decades.

Situated between Hope and Agassiz, the Fraser River Debris Trap reduces the volume of woody material that flows through the lower Fraser River and Salish Sea. Without the debris trap, the material could pose a significant threat to human safety, navigation, and downstream infrastructure. Additionally, the trap acts as a guardian of the environment by collecting various types of waste, including plastics, propane tanks, abandoned boats, and other floating debris.

Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, Bowinn Ma, hailed the agreement as a significant step towards reconciliation with First Nations. “This first-of-its-kind agreement is another step forward in advancing reconciliation with First Nations by recognizing and respecting the Shxw’ōwhámél’s jurisdiction, management, authority, and responsibilities within its territory,” Minister Ma said. “The Fraser River Debris Trap is a vital component for preventing damage along the river and exploring economic opportunities, which are shared interests of the Province and the Shxw’ōwhámél people.”

Under the agreement, the Shxw’ōwhámél First Nation will be actively involved in the stewardship of the debris trap, situated in the river alongside Shxw’ōwhámél reserve lands. This development paves the way for employment and economic growth opportunities for the First Nation and its members.

Irene Smith is responsible for emergency management, infrastructure, and water for the Shxw’ōwhámél First Nation. She is pleased with the partnership. “The Shxw’ōwhámél First Nation is happy to move forward side by side with the B.C. government to protect our environment for years to come,” she said.

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The Fraser River Debris Trap intercepts approximately 100,000 cubic meters of woody debris annually, equivalent to about 2,000 logging truck loads. This interception mostly occurs during the high-water period of spring runoff and periods of excessive rainfall. Notably, in November 2021, the trap captured recreational vehicles and substantial portions of residential sundecks in addition to woody debris that washed down the river during the atmospheric river events.

Ventures-Dent LLP, a partnership between Shxw’ōwhámél Ventures and Jim Dent Construction, has been selected as the prime contractor and operator of the debris trap. As part of ongoing efforts, the Province and the Shxw’ōwhámél First Nation are exploring potential uses for the wood debris collected, such as converting it to bioenergy, and considering selling salvageable timber to forest companies for processing. Furthermore, the Shxw’ōwhámél First Nation plans to utilize the merchantable timber to construct a longhouse. Recycling is the preferred option for handling the remaining non-woody debris.

A study commissioned by Fraser Basin Council in 2006 showed the trap offered widespread public benefits, avoided at least $8 million in costs of clean-up and repairs, and paid for itself 12 times over.