Fish arches built with geotextiles

BP Canada Energy did its part for the continued welfare of aquatic dwellers in Alberta, Canada, earlier this year, with the help of geotextile materials.

Working in conjunction with the Alberta Department of Fisheries and Oceans, a special twist was implemented during the replacement of road culverts over streams—fish arches. The project, which used geotextile-reinforced soil structure technology for stream crossings on resource roads, was described as a state-of-the-art process that both strengthened the streambed and removed barriers for fish—barriers that were originally created by the culverts, a BP consultant told local reporters from west-central Alberta

The culverts were preventing fish from advancing upstream. Stream erosion, combined with the settling of the culverts, was making it tough for fish to continue upstream. The culverts, being a few inches above the stream, created a mini-waterfall, making it impossible for most fish to get beyond the obstacle.

The new arches are now part of the bank, not separate from it, and should help an unhindered passage for fish.