EcoLogo plans to get tougher on run-of-river projects
By Larry Pynn, Vancouver Sun May 17, 2012
A standards review of the more than 30 certified operations should be done later this year, but critics say too many fry are dying
An organization criticized for being too lenient when handing out its EcoLogo certification to private run-of-river hydro projects in B.C. said Friday it is in the process of adopting new and more comprehensive standards for the fast-growing industry.
Hydro awash in private power
By Scott Simpson, Vancouver Sun, May 11, 2012
B.C. Producers running flat out
After a bumper year for precipitation in the Pacific Northwest, BC Hydro stations around British Columbia are sitting idle while independent power producers run flat out.
There's so much water available for hydroelectric power that a Washington-Oregon utility, which runs full-time to protect salmon and trout, is paying other utilities to take electricity off its hands.
Budget Bill Declares War on Environment
West Coast Environmental Law, April 27, 2012
Removal of environmental safeguards serves interests of big oil and silences citizens, say environmental lawyers
Tories unveil revised fisheries law, deny it's a move to boost pipelines
By Peter O'Neil, Vancouver Sun, Postmedia News, April 27, 2012
Critics say protection for fish habitat 'eliminated' in bill to appease businesses
Power Project a Go for Kokish River
Two days after the Wilderness Committee revealed the controversial Kokish River hydro proposal was going to be built, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) finally officially informed the public with an announcement on a government website.
Power project goes ahead despite lack of final OK
Judith Lavoie, Times Colonist, April 25, 2012
A controversial hydroelectric project on northern Vancouver Island is poised to start construction, even though the Department of Fisheries and Oceans has not given an official goahead.
Help-wanted advertisements for the Kokish River power project have appeared in northern Island newspapers and the 'Namgis First Nation, which owns a 25 per cent stake in the $200-million project, has been told approval is imminent.
Ottawa to slash environment review role
By Andrew Davidson, CBC News, Apr 17, 2012
Sierra Club says Tories 'abdicating' responsibility to protect environment
The federal government is reducing the number of departments and agencies that can do environmental reviews from 40 to just three to speed up approvals for projects that will bolster Canada's economy, Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver said today.
Site C Clean Energy Project Public Comment Period and Open House Sessions
Public Notice, CEAA, April 10, 2012
The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency) and the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) announced today that the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Guidelines for the proposed Site C Clean Energy Project are being issued for public comment. The public is also invited to attend Open House Sessions to be held in the project area in May 2012.
New run-of-river eco-concerns raised
Rebecca Aldous, Squamish Chief, March 16, 2012
After uncovering alarming information on Sea to Sky Corridor run-of-river power plants, a B.C.-based environmental organization is again calling for a moratorium to cap the industry.
Power project plan puts Kokish on endangered list
By Larry Pynn, Vancouver Sun, March 12, 2012
Renowned fishing spot ties for first place in annual B.C survey
The run-of-river power industry emerged as a leading environmental threat today in the Outdoor Recreation Council of B.C.'s annual top-10 list of endangered rivers.
No Habitat, No Fish: Harper Plans for Elimination of Wildlife Protection
by Otto Langer, Pacific Free Press, March 12 2012
Harper Government to Eliminate Habitat Protection Provisions in the Canada Fisheries Act
To date the Harper government has shown little regard for the protection of the environment and over the past few years has supervised the almost total elimination of enforcement of the habitat protection and the pollution provisions of the Canada Fisheries Act (Sections 35 and 36 respectively).
Run-of-river power projects kill fish
Larry Pynn, Vancouver Sun, March 10, 2012
Freedom-of-information documents detail death of salmon, steelhead due to water fluctuations
Power Failure - Part 2: The Folly of the Kokish River IPP Proposal
George Gibson, Common Sense Canadian, February 24, 2012
In the second installment of a two-part series examining the failed private power model in BC, geologist and concerned British Columbian George Gibson focuses on the proposal to dam and divert the Kokish River as a prime example of the flawed BC Liberal energy policy. (Part 1 here)
Power Failure: BC’s Clean Energy Act on Shaky Ground - Part 1
George Gibson, theCanadian.org, Feb 18 2012
The following is the first in a two-part series by geologist and concerned British Columbian George Gibson examining the failed private power model in BC.
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Government Pulls the Plug on Private River Power Projects
Gwen Barlee, Wilderness Committee, 06Feb2012
The BC government’s announcement last Friday that it is axing BC Hydro’s electricity self-sufficiency and insurance requirement should dramatically reduce the demand for private power projects and keep scores of wild rivers out of pipes.
Site C essential for LNG development: Clark
Erica Fisher, EnergeticCity.ca, Fort St. John, Feb 8, 2012
Site C and B.C.'s proposed LNG development go hand in hand, according to Premier Christy Clark. In an interview with Moose FM/energeticcity.ca, Clark explained that the newly approved licence for Shell to export liquefied natural gas out of Kitimat will use 100 per cent of the power Site C would create.
B.C. abandons self-sufficient energy plan
Justine Hunter, Globe and Mail, Feb. 03, 2012
Victoria — British Columbia will abandon its current commitment to move the province back to a position of energy self-sufficiency, Premier Christy Clark is announcing today.
The watered-down version of the policy is being rolled out as part of a new energy strategy aimed at fuelling a new liquefied natural gas industry.
Clark softens approach to sustainability as part of B.C.'s new energy strategy
By Jonathan Fowlie, Vancouver Sun, February 3, 2012
VICTORIA - Premier Christy Clark is making over her predecessors approach to energy self sufficiency to help make way for a significant expansion in the production of liquefied natural gas.
Natural gas fuelling new economic opportunities
News Release, Premier's Office, Feb 3 2012
VANCOUVER - Premier Christy Clark today announced British Columbia's natural gas strategy will be established on a foundation of four priorities for long-term economic prosperity under the BC Jobs Plan.
"We are creating new and exciting opportunities by diversifying our natural gas sector, strengthening job prospects for British Columbians and opening the door to new clean energy projects. My government is positioning liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a cornerstone of British Columbia's long-term economic success," said Premier Clark.
California clean air regulations could “wipe out” Hydro’s export revenues
By Gordon Hamilton, Vancouver Sun, January 4, 2012
California’s new carbon cap-and-trade regulations, which came into effect Jan. 1, will require BC Hydro’s power exporting arm to buy costly carbon credits on its energy exports beginning in January, 2013, likely wiping out Hydro’s primary export market and increasing the cost of electricity to B.C. consumers in the process, a B.C. energy economist said Tuesday.
Contentious project given environmental approval
The province on Tuesday granted environmental approval to a proposed run-of-river power project on the Kokish River of northern Vancouver Island that was opposed by conservation groups over potential threats to steelhead and salmon habitat.
Tyson Creek ‘experiment’ ought not to be repeated
MARK HUME, Globe and Mail, Nov. 27, 2011
VANCOUVER — There have been growing concerns in British Columbia about the impact of private power projects on streams and rivers.
But we should worry about our lakes, too, according to a file of internal government documents related to the Tyson Creek hydroelectric project.
Twenty scientists write Christy Clark about balance
Dear Premier Christy Clark,
RE: Environmental consequences of multiple development projects in the British Columbia – Alaska transboundary region
We are writing to ask for your leadership to balance the rush to develop mineral and energy resources on the Canadian side of the British Columbia – Alaska transboundary region with safeguarding the unique and irreplaceable ecological values of this largely pristine area. The impending construction of an industrial transmission line into west central British Columbia is the catalyst behind a spate of new proposals for mining and power generation, yet no process is currently in place to meaningfully assess cumulative impacts. Of particular concern are the international salmon runs of the Stikine, Iskut and Unuk Rivers. If allowed to proceed haphazardly, without careful consideration and thoughtful planning, the rush to develop this extraordinary region will almost certainly result in unnecessary destruction of fish and wildlife habitat and a diminishment of water quality and overall ecosystem health.
Naming and Claiming: the Creation of Bute Inlet
Campbell River Museum, Oct 12, 2011 - Jan 17, 2012
History meets geography in a new temporary exhibit coming to the Museum at Campbell River from the Cortes Museum. The exhibit has been curated by author and artist Judith Williams.
The exhibit illustrates the derivation and meaning of geographic names seen on contemporary maps of the Bute Inlet area, and explains how they are linked to its history. The name ‘Homalco’ that we use today to identify the people whose ancestral territory comprises the length of the 80 kilometre inlet, is an anglicized version of Xwemalhkwu (swift waters) – their name for the river that empties into the head of the inlet. The ‘Bute’ was named by Captain Vancouver in honour of John Stuart, Third Earl of Bute, who took a great interest in the mapping of the Northwest Coast.
