Storm Sewer Outfall Rehabilitation with Species at Risk Protection

Cambium’s Natural Sciences team conducted fish salvage and mussel relocation for sewer outfall replacements on the Ottawa Rier.

Mussel relocation occurred over four days. Crews isolated the area with turbidity curtains, removed mussels using appropriate equipment, and relocated them downstream. Scuba divers were present to assist in deeper areas. Fish salvage was not required at this location due to in-water work and fish gates maintaining separation from the river flow.

At a second location, fish salvage took place before dewatering the work area, which is isolated with a cofferdam. Crews used electrofishing and nets to capture and release fish downstream unharmed. Salvage operations will repeat if rain events compromise the cofferdam.

These activities were authorized under Species at Risk Act Permit No. 23-HCAA-01401 and Endangered Species Act Permit No. ER-C-005-24, due to potential Hickorynut mussel presence.

Cambium ensured that Fisheries and Oceans Canada reviewed and approved the work under a Letter of Advice.