Close X
Thursday, November 28, 2024
ADVT 
National

$7.9-billion Site C dam on Peace River gets environmental approval from B.C. and Ottawa

The Canadian Press , 14 Oct, 2014 10:06 PM
  • $7.9-billion Site C dam on Peace River gets environmental approval from B.C. and Ottawa
VICTORIA - The proposed $7.9-billion Site C hydroelectric dam on the Peace River cleared major environmental hurdles Tuesday as the federal and British Columbia governments granted environmental certificates, but the decision to start construction won't be made until the end of the year.
 
B.C.'s Environment Minister Mary Polak said the province remains convinced building the dam is in the public interest and its benefits outweigh the risks of significant adverse environmental, social and heritage effects.
 
She made the announcement at a news conference, which was interrupted by an Environment Ministry official who confirmed that federal Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq had just issued a similar statement saying Ottawa believes Site C's environmental impacts are justified.
 
"Our government is committed to making environmental assessment decisions based on the best available scientific evidence, and balancing economic and environmental considerations," Aglukkaq said in a news release.
 
The Sierra Club of B.C. called the decision flawed, warning Site C is a mega dam that will  have impacts First Nations and the area wildlife that cannot be mitigated.
 
Opposition New Democrat energy critic Adrian Dix said the project should be subject to a review by the B.C. Utilities Commission, once standard in B.C., but the Liberal government's clean energy laws now allow some major projects to bypass the regulatory agency.
 
B.C. Hydro's Site C spokesman David Conway said the project has been undergoing public reviews and consultations with First Nations, communities and stakeholders since 2007.
 
"It's a major milestone for the project," he said. "It's been a long point to get to this."
 
A joint review panel report released in May concluded that replacing a portion of the Peace River with an 83-kilometre long reservoir would cause significant adverse effects on fish, their habitat, and a number of other species, plants and sensitive ecosystems.
 
The report also said the project would significantly impact the current use of land and resources traditionally used by First Nations and the effect of that on treaty rights would have to be weighed by government.
 
But the panel concluded that the province will need new energy and new capacity at some point and the dam would provide a large amount of inexpensive power that would be low in greenhouse gas emissions.
 
The dam would produce 1,100 megawatts of capacity every year, enough to power about 450,000 homes.
 
B.C. Energy Minister Bill Bennett has said that if the project were approved construction could start as early as this January, with a completion date of 2024.
 
The federal and B.C. environmental approvals come with more than 80 legally binding conditions that hydro must meet.
 
Polak said the B.C. conditions include establishing at $20-million fund to compensate for lost agricultural lands. The certificate also calls for hydro to develop a plan to compensate and mitigate changes expected in wetland habitat.
 
Hydro must also develop plans to work with aboriginal businesses and build up to 50 rental units in Fort St. John that will be used for project construction workers, but serve for local low-income housing needs once the dam is completed.
 
Polak said she expected a B.C. government decision on the project by the end of the year.
 
"Government, broadly, still needs to make a decision with respect to a final investment decision," she said.
 
The cabinet could decide to ask for more information on the project, which may delay a final decision, she added.
 
Polak said negotiations are currently underway with five of seven area First Nations. She said offers have been made to the two remaining First Nations but talks are not underway.
 
"We are of the view that there has been meaningful consultations with aboriginal groups," she said.
 
Recently, an area First Nation told both the federal and B.C. governments that it will not support two megaprojects in the Peace River area.
 
West Moberly First Nation Chief Roland Willson said his community has title to the Peace River Valley under a century-old treaty and it will fight what his people believe is over-development in the area.
 
Major gas pipelines would have to be built in the area near the proposed Site C dam if the B.C. government's plan to develop an LNG export industry occurs. 
 
"If you want to push Site C, we're not going to be in favour of any LNG projects, any of the pipeline projects up there," Willson said.

MORE National ARTICLES

Lights on but still nobody home in parts of Calgary after major power outage

Lights on but still nobody home in parts of Calgary after major power outage
CALGARY - Street and traffic lights in downtown Calgary were back on Tuesday morning, but thousands of residents remain out of their homes after a major power outage in the city Saturday night.

Lights on but still nobody home in parts of Calgary after major power outage

Vancouver Police Rescue German Man And His Dog From Sinking Car At Park

Vancouver Police Rescue German Man And His Dog From Sinking Car At Park
VANCOUVER - Vancouver police have rescued an elderly driver and his dog from the waters of a park after the man visiting from Germany drove down a boat launch ramp.

Vancouver Police Rescue German Man And His Dog From Sinking Car At Park

Plain packaging for tobacco a 'logical next step,' says Canadian Cancer Society

Plain packaging for tobacco a 'logical next step,' says Canadian Cancer Society
TORONTO - The Canadian Cancer Society says plain packaging for tobacco products is a ‘‘logical next step‘‘ to curb tobacco marketing and save lives.

Plain packaging for tobacco a 'logical next step,' says Canadian Cancer Society

Harper and Quebec announce plans for Gulf of St. Lawrence

Harper and Quebec announce plans for Gulf of St. Lawrence
SEPT-ILES, Que. - Prime Minister Stephen Harper says Ottawa and Quebec are both expected to table legislation by the end of the year to jointly manage the petroleum resources in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Harper and Quebec announce plans for Gulf of St. Lawrence

More businesses positive about finances, but still don't plan on expanding: poll

More businesses positive about finances, but still don't plan on expanding: poll
TORONTO - The majority of Canadian business owners recently polled say they are optimistic about the future, but have no plans on growing their businesses.

More businesses positive about finances, but still don't plan on expanding: poll

Forensic biologist testifies as Luka Rocco Magnotta murder trial hits Day 10

Forensic biologist testifies as Luka Rocco Magnotta murder trial hits Day 10
MONTREAL - The jury in Luka Rocco Magnotta's first-degree murder trial is hearing from a forensic biologist who examined stains found inside the accused's apartment and other exhibits gathered at the crime scene.

Forensic biologist testifies as Luka Rocco Magnotta murder trial hits Day 10