Irving hydro dam criticized after flooding

New Brunswick dam water levels spark concern as J.D. Irving's hydroelectric operations, reservoir management, and storm forecasting face scrutiny after St. Stephen's flash flooding and 172 mm rainfall, say residents and Emergency Measures Organization.

Some flood victims in St. George, New Brunswick, are questioning whether the disaster could have been prevented if J.D. Irving had released water from its Lake Utopia hydroelectric dam before the worst of the storm.

Residents in the southwestern New Brunswick community say they believe the company left water levels too high at the dam.

Citizens formed a local committee of dam opponents to examine the high water levels several years ago.

Liberal MLA Rick Doucet said corporate officials with J.D. Irving actively participated in those meetings. But Doucet said not much has come from those meetings, even as a utilities watchdog has pressed similar issues elsewhere.

"We've worked with Irving, they've been at the table, we've had some great discussions, the Irvings are telling us what they're going to do, but it's not happening," Doucet said.

"I think people have had it now, and people are going to want some action, like an OPG project shot down by decision-makers, on this."

The company operates the southwestern New Brunswick hydro dam to generate electricity for its mill.

A spokesperson for J.D. Irving told CBC News that it manages the dam according to the weather and water level information it was given earlier.

The company's spokesperson said they were caught off guard when the storm exceeded all expectations.

Officials with the province's Emergency Measures Organization said that they have never seen water levels rise so quickly in the community.

The community's concerns with the high water levels did not just start when the area was hit by flash flooding.

Even in normal weather conditions, Bruce Jackson, who lives in the community, said the water levels at the dam are a concern.

"What has consistently been the concern is that the water has left at an artificially high level - by one-, two-, three-feet high - to generate electricity," Jackson said.

"As a result, when we do get something like this rain storm, we're behind the 8-ball before we even start."

Environment Canada said 172 mm fell in St. Stephen.

Southwestern New Brunswick was among the regions hardest hit by the floods, while in Yukon an group fighting dam plans has drawn attention to upstream risks.

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