Site C’s proposed material haul change open for public comment

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – A public comment period begins this month surrounding BC Hydro’s plan to haul excavated material by truck to Site C when needed.

The company has applied to amend its Environmental Assessment Certificate through the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office. The application focuses on using public roads to haul material from 85th Avenue Industrial Lands to the dam site when its conveyor system is down.

The public is encouraged to voice their concerns on the proposed amendment from April 29th to May 28th.

“Hauling would only take place when the conveyor is not operating due to events beyond BC Hydro’s control. This could include vandalism/sabotage, extreme and prolonged inclement weather, equipment repair delay/disruption, expertise disruption, localized fires, vehicle, equipment or human accident, and force majeure or “Act of God” events,” says BC Hydro.

Input can be submitted to the BCEAO through the following:

BC Hydro sent a draft application to the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) earlier this year asking for support, which was not received. Instead, PRRD Chair, Brad Sperling, issued a letter outlining concerns with the plan, saying it lacked detail.

Sperling noted the application provided no analysis of alternatives to truck hauling and minimal analysis of risk and duration of a conveyor system breakdown. A list of 16 impacts to the District and residents was included in the letter, such as greenhouse gas emissions, human health, wildlife resources, and current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes.

Sperling and Taylor Mayor Rob Fraser was appointed to the technical advisory committee in February in relation to the proposed amendment.

BC Hydro aims to use up to 122 large trucks per hour on the Old Fort, 240 and 269 Roads for up to seven months a year over three years.