Backgrounder

Prposed Site C Clean Energy Project

The Project

BC Hydro and Power Authority proposes to construct and operate a dam and 1,100-megawatt hydroelectric generating station on the Peace River in northeastern B.C. The proposed project would be the third in a series of dams on the B.C. portion of the Peace River. The project components are an earthfill dam 1,050 metres long and 60 metres high, an 1,100-megawatt generating station and associated structures, an 83-km long reservoir, realignment of four sections of Highway 29 and two 77-km transmission lines along an existing transmission line right-of-way connecting Site C to the existing provincial power grid.

The Review Process

The Joint Review Panel, made up of Harry Swain (Panel Chair), Jocelyne Beaudet and James Mattison (Members), was appointed in August 2013 by the federal and provincial environment ministers to conduct an environmental assessment of the Site C project. In addition to receiving written submissions, the Panel held a public hearing from December 9, 2013 to January 23, 2014, in the project area. The environmental assessment process provided the proponent, the public, Aboriginal groups, and governments, an opportunity to present their views to the Panel on the project and its potential environmental, economic, social, heritage and health effects. The Panel submitted its report containing its rationale, conclusions and recommendations to both governments on May 1, 2014.

EA Decision Statement Conditions

The Decision Statement issued by the Minister sets out over 80 specific conditions with which the proponent BC Hydro must comply. The conditions address a number of environmental effects including impacts of fish and fish habitat, migratory birds, species at risk, water quality, and the health and current use of the land for traditional purposes by Aboriginal peoples.

Aboriginal Consultations

The Government of Canada has actively consulted with potentially affected Aboriginal groups regarding the proposed Site C project throughout the environmental assessment process.

The Government of Canada takes a "Whole of Government" approach to Aboriginal consultation in the context of environmental assessments to ensure that Aboriginal groups are adequately consulted when the Crown contemplates actions that may adversely impact potential or established Aboriginal or Treaty rights. Aboriginal consultation activities are integrated into the environmental assessment process to the greatest extent possible.

More information, including environmental assessment documents for the Site C project, is available on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry at www.canada.ca/en/environmental-assessment-agency.html.