BC Hydro Files Environmental Impact Statement for Site C
VANCOUVER – BC Hydro has submitted its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Site C Clean Energy Project to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency and the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office. This is an important milestone for the Site C project.
The EIS describes the project rationale, potential effects and proposed measures to avoid or mitigate these effects. It also includes the benefits Site C would provide to customers, Aboriginal and northern communities and the province as a whole.
The proposed Site C project will help meet customer demand for both energy and dependable capacity. It requires environmental certification and other regulatory permits and approvals before construction begins. In addition to this, the Crown has a duty to consult and, where appropriate, accommodate First Nations.
The filing of the EIS begins an extensive, independent review process, including review by the government-led Advisory Working Group and an independent Joint Review Panel. The review includes opportunities for public input, including future public hearings under the Joint Review Panel.
For more information, the following documents are available at www.bchydro.com/sitec:
- Executive Summary of the Environmental Impact Statement
- Site C Clean Energy Project: Business Case Summary
The complete EIS can be found at the regulatory agencies’ websites:
- Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
- British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office
Quotes:
Hon. Rich Coleman, Ministry of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas
“Reliable, dependable electricity is critical to British Columbia’s economy and quality of life. The Site C project would provide clean, reliable and cost-effective electricity for 100 years. The development and construction of Site C is expected to create approximately 33,000 jobs and contribute $3.2 billion to provincial GDP.”
Charles Reid, President and CEO, BC Hydro
“The long-term trend is clear – demand for electricity is growing and BC Hydro is planning now to meet the needs of our customers into the future. Filing the Environmental Impact Statement for Site C is an important milestone for the project, and we look forward to input from the public, Aboriginal groups and agencies.”
Susan Yurkovich, Executive Vice-President - Site C Clean Energy Project, BC Hydro
“The Site C project would provide significant economic benefits during construction and we are committed to providing lasting regional benefits for First Nations and local communities. Site C builds on our province’s hydroelectric heritage and will provide cost-effective, clean and reliable power to meet the needs of customers for generations to come.”
About Site C
The Site C Clean Energy Project is a proposed third dam and hydroelectric generating station on the Peace River in northeast B.C. Site C would provide 1,100 megawatts (MW) of capacity, and produce about 5,100 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity each year — enough energy to power the equivalent of about 450,000 homes per year in B.C.
With Site C, BC Hydro is planning now so that British Columbians will continue to benefit from clean, reliable and cost-effective electricity in the future. Subject to environmental certification, Site C would be a source of clean and renewable electricity for more than 100 years.
About BC Hydro
BC Hydro has been providing clean, reliable power to British Columbians for more than 50 years while maintaining among the lowest rates in North America. BC Hydro is a provincial Crown corporation that serves 1.9 million customers and invests in the electrical system and in energy conservation to deliver a safe and reliable supply of electricity for today’s customers and for generations to come.
Media Backgrounder
Site C Environmental Impact Statement and Business Case Summary [PDF, 328 KB]
For more information please contact:
BC Hydro Media Relations
p. 604.928.6468
w. bchydro.com/media