Campbell River system upgrades

For many decades, we've been assessing earthquake hazards at our dams and related facilities and upgrading the dams as required. In 2007, we launched a six-year, $10 million 'Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis' study, with the results released in 2014. We did this to create a best-in-class model for calculating earthquake hazards in B.C., and to use the results to better evaluate dam assessments and validate the resulting upgrades.

Not surprisingly, it was determined the highest risk in B.C. was on Vancouver Island given its proximity to the earth's shifting tectonic plates in the Cascadia Subduction Zone. Vancouver Island is within the most seismically active zone in B.C.

The study determined that significant capital upgrades would be required at all three Campbell River dams. Until they're upgraded, there is an interim downstream risk to the public.

The City of Campbell River, Strathcona Regional District and BC Hydro have been collaboratively working together since late 2014 to communicate to the downstream community the potential impact of a severe earthquake and what measures the public could do to protect themselves. We developed the saying: If it knocks you down, go to high ground.

The Campbell River hydroelectric system is located within the Strathcona Regional District and the City of Campbell River. The watershed has significant fish, wildlife, recreation, and domestic water supply values, among other water use interests.

The John Hart Dam and Strathcona Dam projects will cause public road closures across the dams starting in 2023 and 2024, respectively. The road across the John Hart Dam may be closed for up to six years, and the road across the Strathcona Dam for up to three years.

These projects are primarily about downstream public safety. The expectation is that when the projects are complete, facilities like the John Hart Dam would be able to withstand a major earthquake and maintain the water within the reservoir. The facilities would also be able to release water, as they do today, in a controlled manner downstream. The projects would also benefit downstream fish and wildlife habitats, as well as domestic water supply, post-earthquake.

These projects will create significant subcontractor, supplier and service opportunities for companies on Vancouver Island. They will also create significant jobs.

To learn more about how we're working with the business community and job seekers on the Campbell River system upgrades, visit majorprojects.ca.

The estimated costs of these projects are being refined. A good estimate for the John Hart Dam Seismic Upgrade Project will be provided when we file our BC Utilities Commission in 2021. The same will apply when the other two projects are submitted.

Generally, each project is in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

The plan is to begin the BC Utilities Commission process in 2021 with the John Hart Dam Seismic Upgrade Project. Closely following that will be the Strathcona and Ladore projects. Should we receive regulatory approvals, the John Hart project may begin in 2023 and the other two projects may begin in 2024.

The construction period for the John Hart project may be six years, with the other projects being around three years.

Starting in 2023, the Brewster Lake Road is anticipated to be closed for about six years where it crosses over the John Hart Dam.

There are no anticipated reservoir level drawdowns required during the proposed construction periods.

We have undertaken various social and environmental studies of the areas around the dams, ranging from vegetation, wildlife and fish assessments, to water quality. This work continues and is being presented to First Nations, government agencies, and stakeholders.

Since 2014, we've been consulting with First Nations and engaging the community on the proposed dam safety upgrades. One of the primary community engagement processes is through our Campbell River Hydroelectric Facilities Liaison Committee, which consists of about two-dozen stakeholders including government agencies, local government, environmental groups, recreation groups, business groups and others.

We'd like to hear from the Campbell River and wider community. We encourage you to go to our Campbell River Hydroelectric Facilities Discovery Centre located within the Elk Falls Suspension parking lot, off Highway 28. There, you can find out more about the projects and fill out a feedback form to provide comments, suggestions or concerns, and your degree of support for the projects.