BC Hydro Files Environmental Impact Statement for Site C

VANCOUVER – BC Hydro has submitted its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Site C Clean Energy Project to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency and the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office. This is an important milestone for the Site C project.

The EIS describes the project rationale, potential effects and proposed measures to avoid or mitigate these effects. It also includes the benefits Site C would provide to customers, Aboriginal and northern communities and the province as a whole.

The proposed Site C project will help meet customer demand for both energy and dependable capacity. It requires environmental certification and other regulatory permits and approvals before construction begins. In addition to this, the Crown has a duty to consult and, where appropriate, accommodate First Nations.

The filing of the EIS begins an extensive, independent review process, including review by the government-led Advisory Working Group and an independent Joint Review Panel. The review includes opportunities for public input, including future public hearings under the Joint Review Panel.

For more information, the following documents are available at www.bchydro.com/sitec
:

• Executive Summary of the Environmental Impact Statement
• Site C Clean Energy Project: Business Case Summary

The complete EIS can be found at the regulatory agencies’ websites:

·         Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency

·         British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office