FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – The PRRD has made three recommendations for the Site C Hauling amendment during the public comment period.
The recommendations include expanding the length of time for public input, getting expert independent advice on the amendment, and an expanded role of Indigenous First Nations.
The Botterell Law Corporation released a letter on April 28th on behalf of the PRRD, outlining concerns and recommendations for the Site C Hauling plan.
On April 19th, BC Hydro released a PowerPoint presentation with a plan for the 85th Avenue hauling amendment.
On the presentation, BC Hydro says it can only move the nearly three million cubic metres of till required for the approach and earth fill dam in warmer months. Stoppages of delivery would cause significant delays to construction, necessitating the need for truck hauling.
The PRRD feedback asked for more specific start and end dates and a more specific definition of significant construction delays.
BC Hydro says it would haul between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily, except during school pick up and drop off times. An assessment shows 7,600 cubic metres of till would need to be hauled per day by 25 trucks. Estimates show one truck would pass a given location along the route approximately every 30 seconds.
The PRRD wants to know what the design specifications for the 25 trucks are. Additionally, it wants to know the minimum, standard, and maximum levels of operation for the conveyor system in cubic metres per hour, as recommended by the manufacturer.
Recommendations from the PRRD include expanding the length of time for Technical Advisory Committees to allow more public review periods. It is recommended that the length of TAC be doubled, replace the one-week turnaround time for BC Hydro to respond with a more realistic one month turnaround time.
The PRRD recommends the Environmental Assessment Office retain an objective expert to support the technical aspects of the review. Additionally, the expert from the PRRD should have the same level of access to data that the EAO and BC Hydro experts have.
Lastly, given the scope of the project and the unreasonably short timelines to involve First Nations, the PRRD suggests a more expanded role for Indigenous First Nations.
BC Hydro will host a virtual town hall on the Environmental Assessment Certificate amendment on Thursday, May 6th, from 7 to 8 p.m. for residents who live near or along the proposed hauling route.
Participants must register by emailing [email protected] or call 1-877-217-0777 to confirm attendance. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with details on the town hall.
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