Columbia treaty may affect hydropower future
The 1964 treaty with Canada authorized construction of 3 large dams in British Columbia to protect against regional flooding and boost electricity generation.
Recently in Portland, the Bonneville Power Administration briefed the Northwest Power and Conservation Council on the first phase of an international review of the treaty.
The initial phase includes technical studies about possible power and flood control dam operations after 2024 with and without the treaty.
The treaty has no expiration date, but either country can request that it be terminated after 2024, 60 years after its ratification.
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BC Ferries celebrates addition of hybrid ships
VICTORIA - In a champagne celebration, BC Ferries welcomed two new, hybrid vessels into its fleet Wednesday. The ships arrived in Victoria last month, and are expected to be in service on northern routes by the summer.
The Island Aurora and Island Discovery have the ability to run on either diesel or electricity.
"The pressure on whales on the West Coast is very intense right now," said BC Ferries CEO Mark Collins. "Quiet operation is very important. These ships will be gliding out of the harbor quietly and electrically with no engines running, that will be really great for marine space."
BC Ferries…