One deal dies, another benefits?

Editorial, Courier-Islander, May 12, 2010

It would be unfair to say that the private power project cancelled for the Klinaklini River is the same as the Plutonic Power project proposed for the head of the Bute Inlet.

But it would be safe to say both are huge and would forever alter the environment in which they locate.

It is strange on one hand that Environment Minister Barry Penner, in cancelling the Klinaklini power project, said it would cause too much damage and alterations to the existing environment.

Well, then, what about what the Plutonic project will do at the head of Bute Inlet and the three river systems they intend to use for run of river power generation?

Certainly the Plutonic project didn't call for a 30 metre damn like the Klinaklini site, but its sheer enormity will undoubtedly change the environment and ruin the value of a world class natural environment.

It would seem that the saviour for the Klinaklini environment was that it is located in part of a conservancy area. Unfortunately the Bute site does not have that luxury.

Opponents to the Plutonic operations are undoubtedly fearing that the disapproval of the Klinaklini project will help push through the Plutonic plans.

And since Plutonic's Toba Inlet project is right next door to the Bute site and ready for hook-up, those worries seem well-founded.

© Copyright (c) Canwest News Service

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