Environmental & Socio-Economic Work

Because Site C was examined as a resource option more than 25 years ago, significant engineering design and environmental studies have been done. However, much of this information is now more than two decades old. Therefore, the project as originally conceived must be updated to reflect current information as well as to incorporate new ideas brought forward by communities, First Nations, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders.

Today's approach to Site C will consider environmental concerns, impacts to land and communities, and opportunities for community benefits, and will update design, financial and technical work. For example, updates to the project may include operating changes, design changes or mitigation projects to minimize potential impacts to fish and wildlife.

BC Hydro will work with First Nations, communities, government agencies and other interested groups to understand the potential effects of Site C on the environment, land, and communities. These discussions will help guide our field studies [PDF, 142 Kb] during Stage 2, which focus on:

  • Identifying potential project-related environmental and social issues
  • Reviewing and understanding historic information, approaches and results
  • Collecting information and undertaking research related to the potential project issues
  • Developing an approach for assessing the potential effects of the project, including understanding the area's current resources and values

Working with scientists and other experts, the information collected in Stage 2 will help develop an understanding of the environmental and social characteristics of the project area and the region. If the project proceeds to a regulatory process, this information will contribute to assessing the effects, and to developing plans for mitigating and managing project impacts.

BC Hydro is planning the following Stage 2 environmental and socio-economic studies:

Overview

Local climate, water temperature and noise:

Greenhouse gas:

Fish and water quality:

Wildlife:

Heritage:

Recreation:

Socio-economic:

The following environmental and socio-economic topics were discussed in Round 1 Consultation, which concluded on June 30, 2008:

  • Recreation
  • Local environment
  • Land uses
  • Community and provincial benefits

The following environmental and socio-economic topics were discussed during Project Definition Consultation, Round 2, which concluded December 3, 2008:

  • Site C as an energy option
  • Powerhouse access bridge and associated access roads
  • Provincial and community benefits – other potential infrastructure improvements
  • Reservoir preparation considerations
  • Sourcing dam construction materials, and relocation and reclamation of excavated soil and rock
  • Environment

Regulatory reviews including an environmental assessment would be a key component of Stage 3 of the project, if it were to proceed.

To discuss environmental studies with the Site C team, please send an email, or call the toll-free line at 1 877 217 0777.

In the spotlight

BC Hydro is conducting field studies as part of Stage 2 of the potential Site C project.


See also

Site C Reports

Last Modified: Aug 12, 2009