Site C: Stage 2 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 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, 145 Kb] and approach during Stage 2, which focuses on:
- Identifying project-related environmental and social issues of concern
- Reviewing and understanding historic information, approaches and results
- Collecting information and undertaking research to related to the issues of interest
- Developing an approach for assessing the potential effects of the project, including understanding the current resource and values in the area
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 Stage 3: Environmental Assessment, 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
- Information Sheet: Overview of Stage 2 Field Studies (June 2008) [PDF, 145 Kb]
- Information Sheet: Environmental Assessment (June 2008) [PDF, 80 Kb]
Physical/local environment
Greenhouse gas:
- Study Outline: Greenhouse Gas Emissions Study [PDF, 28 Kb]
Fish and aquatics
Fish and water quality:
Communities and socio-economic
Heritage:
- Information Sheet: Heritage Studies (June 2008) [PDF, 133 Kb]
- Study Outline: Heritage Review Study [PDF, 37 Kb]
Recreation:
- Information Sheet: Recreation Studies (June 2008) [PDF, 75 Kb]
Socio-economic:
- Study Outline: Socio-economic Baseline Studies [PDF, 26 Kb]
The following environmental and socio-economic topics were discussed in Round 1 Consultation, which concluded on June 30, 2008:
- Recreation
- River-based recreation opportunities
- Reservoir-based recreation opportunities
- Local environment
- Fog
- Fish and habitat
- Land uses
- Heritage resources, such as impacts on archaeological sites
- Community and provincial benefits
The following topics are being further studied for potential review during Project Definition Consultation, Round 2, planned for fall 2008:
- Site C as an energy option
- Community and provincial benefits, such as regional employment and skills training, enhanced recreational opportunities, a lasting legacy community fund
- Project design elements, such as options for reservoir preparation, construction material, and water management
- Infrastructure, such as the potential public use of the construction access bridge
- Local climate and greenhouse gas, such as discussion of local climate effects and greenhouse gas effects and evaluation
- Environmental, such as potential impacts on wildlife and wildlife habitat
- Land uses, including impacts on agriculture, parks and protected areas
Should Site C proceed to Stage 3, BC Hydro would submit the project for environmental assessment review by the federal and provincial governments.
To discuss environmental studies with the Site C team, please email sitec@bchydro.com, or call the toll-free line at 1 877 217-0777.
