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Copeland Sand and Gravel of Grants Pass, Oregon, has mined
aggregate in the Applegate River for 30 years. During much of that time, the
sand and gravel was mined from large, deep pits adjacent to the river channel.
This was an efficient way of operating for Copeland and was a process preferred
by regulatory agencies because dykes kept the excavation about 100 feet away
from the active river channel.
But the Applegate River underwent a massive transformation
after a New Year’s Eve flood in 1997. Water came down the river and its
tributaries, ripping out trees, claiming several acres of adjacent farmland, and
redepositing tons of river rock in ways that changed the course and
configuration of the river. The river had defined a new active channel in places
amid large, exposed gravel beds that were denuded of vegetation. Likewise,
portions of the river practically disappeared in the summer months, leaving beds
of gravel in its place. Increased water temperature and fine sediment deposition
reduced the quality of the river’s fish.
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Aerial
view of alcove project
(Photo courtesy of Aggregates Manager Dec. 1999)
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Copeland Sand and Gravel met with state and federal
regulators to determine if there was a way to continue extracting gravel from
the Applegate River which would not be detrimental to fish and wildlife, would
not impact water quality, and could improve the fish habitat. Copeland was
teamed with representatives from the Applegate River Watershed Council, the
Oregon Departments of Fish and Wildlife and Geology, city and county agencies,
and local citizens to develop the salmon enhancement project. |
| The project allowed for the removal of up to eight feet of
gravel from two gravel bars along the main stem of the Applegate River. After
this was completed, alcoves were dug out to provide off-channel habitat for fish
during high water events and during summer low flows. Debris and vegetation were
removed from the site, with particular care being given to the conservation of
shade vegetation on the southern exposed side of the alcoves. About 20 alcoves
were dug out, each measuring about 15 feet wide, 5 feet deep, and between 50 and
200 feet long. They increased fish habitat by providing off-channel cool water
for feeding and cover in the summer, and providing slow water areas where fish
could rest from the strong currents during the elevated winter flows. Copeland
hauled in logs to provide fish habitat in the alcoves, put topsoil on the banks
and planted willow, cottonwood and alder trees along the banks to provide
stability, shade, and wildlife habitat. |
| This enhancement project earned Copeland Sand and Gravel the
Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries’ Fish Enhancement Award.
The Oregon Concrete and Aggregate Producers Association also presented Copeland
with their Cooperation Award for their commitment to work with landowners and
other interested parties during the process. Copeland Sand and Gravel has
provided a framework for other operators to follow. They excavated a valuable
resource, the fish habitat has been enhanced, and erosion along the river was
decreased. This project showed that industry and regulatory agencies can seek
solutions together in the face of environmental concerns. |
Salmon enhancement
project channel.
(Photo courtesy Mining Engineering Dec. 1999) |
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