Seton Bypass and Unit Replacement Project
Seton Generating Station in Lillooet is an important part of BC Hydro's Bridge River system. We're planning to replace the generator and turbine to ensure the facility continues to operate safely and reliably for decades to come.
What's new
Seton Unit Replacement Project continues; bypass tunnel cancelled
Following additional engineering and design work, we have decided not to proceed with the proposed bypass tunnel around the powerhouse and have cancelled the Seton Bypass Project.
As engineering and planning progressed, the tunnel bypass became significantly more technically complex than originally anticipated, and estimated costs increased substantially as the design matured. Following a detailed review, we concluded the tunnel bypass was no longer the preferred approach.
The need to replace the aging generating equipment at Seton Generating Station remains. We're continuing to explore alternative approaches to advance the Seton Unit Replacement that are environmentally responsible and minimize impacts to local communities. The project remains in the early planning stages and will require additional engineering, environmental review and approvals before construction timing can be confirmed.
Extending the life of the existing Seton generating unit
Targeted life extension work is planned for spring 2027 to help ensure the existing Seton generating unit continues to operate safely and reliably while long-term replacement options are developed. The work will refurbish key components of the unit, improving reliability and reducing the risk of unplanned outages.
The Seton Generating Station has been operating since 1956 and is an important part of our Bridge River hydroelectric system.
The existing generator has exceeded its expected service life, and major components of the generating equipment are approaching the end of their operating life. Replacing the generator and turbine will help ensure the generating station continues to operate safely and reliably for decades to come while supporting the long-term delivery of clean electricity for British Columbia.
The Seton Dam and Powerhouse (Seton Lake) in Lillooet is the part of our Bridge River system which is located 300 km north of Vancouver in the traditional territory of the St'át'imc Nation. As the project moves forward, we'll provide updates to the local communities on the project activities and any impacts.
| Timeline | Activity |
|---|---|
| 2027 | Targeted life extension work on the existing generating unit |
| Approximately 2031 | Earliest potential start of the Seton Unit Replacement Project, subject to engineering, environmental review, project approvals and confirmation of the preferred approach |
Early planning estimates the project will cost more than $250 million. The project is expected to apply for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity with the BC Utilities Commission.
Protecting fish and fish habitat remains a key priority of the Seton Unit Replacement Project.
Although the bypass tunnel is no longer proceeding, we remain committed to reducing environmental impacts. We're evaluating alternative approaches that will allow the unit replacement project to move forward while continuing to reduce potential impacts during construction and future outages.
Environmental studies, monitoring and mitigation planning will continue throughout the next phase of project planning. Not proceeding with the tunnel bypass also avoids the construction impacts associated with major underground civil works.
Reports and documents
2024
- Bridge River Access and Accommodation Study report highlights (September 2024) [PDF, 2.1 MB]
- Bridge River Access and Accommodation Study full report (September 2024) [PDF, 167.6 MB]
- Bridge River Access and Accommodation Study Open House (May 2024) [PDF, 12.5 MB]
- Bridge River Access and Accommodation Study Open House (January 2024) [PDF, 3.3 MB]
2023
- Bridge River capital projects update, SLRD (December 2023) [PDF, 1.4 MB]
- Seton Bypass update, District of Lillooet (July 2023) [PDF, 1.0 MB]
- Bridge River capital projects update, SLRD (June 2023) [PDF, 1.6 MB]
- Bridge River – La Joie Access and Accommodation Studies storyboards (June 2023) [PDF, 9.2 MB]
- Bridge River Capital Projects Open House storyboards (June 2023) [PDF, 8.3 MB]
- Bridge River newsletter (Winter 2023) [PDF, 3.2 MB]
2022
- Bridge River capital projects update, SLRD (December 2022) [PDF, 1.2 MB]
- Seton Unit Replacement project update, District of Lillooet (July 2022) [PDF, 2.1 MB]
- Seton Unit Replacement Project Overview [PDF, 2.2 MB]
Get in touch
If you'd like to learn more about the project, please contact us at:
Email: projects@bchydro.com
Toll free: 1 866 647 3334
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BC Hydro is collecting your personal information (specifically, name, and email), for the purposes of the Seton Bypass Project and will be used to contact you in the future about project updates, correspondence and notifications about future consultation opportunities. This is done in accordance with BC Hydro's obligations under the Utilities Commission Act and under the authority of the Hydro and Power Authority Act. Data may be stored outside of Canada. If you have specific questions about the project or privacy concerns, please contact projects@bchydro.com.