Rapid expansion of hydro projects a concern in B.C.

subscribe

A private company has filed for the right to divert water from the Illecillewaet River, a tributary of the Columbia River, to produce electricity.

The application by Chasm Power Corporation is among dozens of proposed hydroelectric projects in the interior of British Columbia as part of the provincial governmentÂ’s goal of boosting electrical production.

The Revelstoke Times Review notes concern among environmentalists.

The river in question provides habitat for bull trout, a species with declining populations, says Sarah Newton, director of the North Columbia Environmental Society.

There are also concerns about secondary impacts, such as the disruption to grizzly and mountain caribou populations caused by clearing of trees for new transmission lines.

Norm MacDonald, an elected representative, disagrees with the provincial governmentÂ’s strategy.

“You have these private power projects being put in place without an overall plan. In my constituency there are 26 proposed projects. Individually, some of them may make sense, but as a whole it is a disastrous policy environmentally as well as economically,” he said.

He also objects to the lack of local say-so in new hydroelectric projects.

Related News

is-ontario-power-cost-effective

Is Ontario's Power Cost-Effective?

ONTARIO - Australian opposition leader Peter Dutton recently lauded Canada’s use of nuclear power as a model for Australia’s energy future. His praise comes as part of a broader push to incorporate nuclear energy into Australia’s energy strategy, which he argues could help address the country's energy needs and climate goals. However, the question arises: Is Ontario’s experience with nuclear power as cost-effective as Dutton suggests?

Dutton’s endorsement of Canada’s nuclear power strategy highlights a belief that nuclear energy could provide a stable, low-emission alternative to fossil fuels. He has pointed to Ontario’s substantial reliance on nuclear power as an…

READ MORE
canadian grid power lines

State-sponsored actors 'very likely' looking to attack electricity supply, says intelligence agency

READ MORE

solar panels

Solar power growth, jobs decline during pandemic

READ MORE

Should California classify nuclear power as renewable?

READ MORE

chinese nuclear plant

International Atomic Energy Agency agency commends China's nuclear security

READ MORE