The Fort St. John Open House Protest - Nov. 24

It was the last Open House in a series here in the Peace Region. Citizens United to Save the Peace (CUSP) was there!

Nearly 30 people joined together in a rally opposing both the Site C dam and BC Hydro’s consultation process. Although B.C. Hydro claims an unbiased approach to the proposed project, it is made strikingly clear from local opposition, both inside and outside the meetings, that their approach does not satisfy many local stakeholders.

CUSP protesters marched from Centennial Park to the Quality Inn/Northern Grand Hotel, where BC Hydro was holding a Site C Open House. The protesters entered the open house meeting and walked silently around the room, releasing helium balloons with strips suspended from them with messages like "This is NOT consultation" and "Destroying a valley is NOT green."

The protesters wore white coveralls which said "No Site C Dam" on the front, and "YES to Clean and Green, To Farm Land, To Wildlife Habitat, To Sustainability, To Our Heritage, To Recreation" on the back.

After a couple of hours of demonstrating in the centre of the city and receiving supportive honks from passing traffic, the group re-entered the meeting to present a short skit. The skit depicted "BC Hydro" asking people for their input on the proposed Site C dam, and taking note of it, and then proceeding to tear up the notes, throw them in the garbage, and cut the "river" in half, stuffing half of it into a brief case labeled "Power Export." The skit was greeted with welcoming laughter and applause from those attending the Open House, which was the last of BC Hydro’s Stage Two consultation meetings.

CUSP also protested during BC Hydro’s Open House in Dawson Creek last week, and during several stakeholder meetings in the region last month.

Impacts of Site C Dam: Water Loss

When people think of a dam, they usually think of an abundance of water backed up in a reservoir, but water loss is actually another concern with large hydro projects. Evaporation from reservoirs is responsible for over 5-7% of human consumption of fresh water around the world (World Commission on Dams 2001; McCully 2001). Water is lost through ground seepage out the bottom of the reservoir, lack of ice cover downstream (allowing evaporation all year round), and increased surface area of the reservoir. For example, one-third of the Colorado River’s flow gets evaporated from the reservoirs built along the river (McCully 2001).

Other Downstream Effects

Other ways that hydro dams damage downstream areas include the depletion of nutrients and oxygen, changes in water temperature, and abnormal fluctuations in water flow. Nutrient depletion occurs with the build-up of silt behind the dam. This is of particular concern with the Peace River because some of the tributaries within the proposed reservoir carry large amounts of silt. Oxygen is used in the decaying process of organic matter, so vegetation entering and decomposing in the reservoir depletes the river downstream of oxygen, which can, in turn, suffocate healthy organisms and hinder their growth. As the waters build up behind the dam, and the environment is changed from a flowing river to a reservoir, the water temperature changes, altering both plant and fish life in downstream areas.

We Were There at the Fort St. John Santa Claus Parade!

We made a strong showing at the Fort St. John Santa Claus Parade on Nov. 21. Our float looked great and was packed with people. Thanks to everyone who came out to support us, and to all the folks along the parade route who gave us "two thumbs up."

More on Environmental Impacts of Site C - Mercury Contamination

Here, we continue our discussion of the environmental impacts of Site C. One of the major impacts would be mercury/methyl mercury contamination.

Mercury would contaminate both the reservoir waters and the downstream portions of the river, which already suffer from high levels of mercury poisoning from two existing dams.

Mercury exists naturally in the ground in an insoluble and harmless form. When unnatural flooding occurs, as in the case of a reservoir, abnormally saturated materials cause bacteria growth. These bacteria in turn convert the mercury into soluble methyl mercury. Once in the water, this pollutant freely enters the food chain, contaminating the flesh of fish, and moving from there into fish-eating animals, including humans (Rougerie, 1990).

The Peace River already suffers the effects of mercury contamination from the two already existing hydro dams. Mercury tests taken in the proposed Site C area (many kilometres downstream) show that the river is already contaminated beyond the BC Water Quality Criteria for acceptable mercury levels, which sets its upper limit at .02µg/L. The test sample showed a level of .21µg/L, 10½ times the provincial limit (BC Hydro Fish Movements and Population Status 1990 Studies Interim Final Report).

Another dam across the river would only increase this effect. At the BC Hydro Open House, we need to ask about methyl mercury contamination.

Site C's Impacts on the Environment

Lost Forever
The flooding and permanent mass destruction of a river valley ecosystem cannot be thought of in any way as being green or renewable. Once lost, the valley will be lost forever. With natural landscape and habitat destruction increasing at an alarming rate the world over, these spaces are invaluable and we must treat them with care.

What about Greenhouse Gases?
Hydroelectricity generation creates greenhouse gases, and therefore contributes to global warming. Site C’s reservoir is expected to release 140,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent every year. About 7% of global warming impact as a result of human activities comes from the worlds’ hydro reservoirs (V.L. St. Louis et al 2000).

Emissions from tropical reservoirs are the highest, some producing far more than a natural gas-fired combined cycle plant (Éric Duchemin, University of Quebec P.L. Spath & M.K. Mann 2000). In 1995, the Balbina Dam in Brazil was producing more greenhouse gases than fossil fuels would have released for the generation of an equal amount of energy (Fearnside 1995).

The most problematic of these greenhouse gases in terms of reservoirs is methane. According to the conversions adopted under the Kyoto Protocol, a single tonne of CH4 (methane) has the equivalent effect upon global warming as 21 tonnes of CO2 (carbon dioxide). The methane released by reservoirs comes primarily from the decomposition of vegetation--both the plant and soil matter of the flooded area--and to a surprising extent, from vegetation that grows on mud flats created during the seasons when the reservoir level is drawn down. In seasons when the reservoir is refilled, the vegetation is re-flooded and decomposes in the reservoir. The loss of trees within the reservoir area and along transmission lines also contributes, as these trees can no longer work to “absorb” greenhouse gases.

Machinery involved in the transport of massive amounts of soil which occurs during both construction and decommissioning add to the problem. Deeper in the reservoir, where the water lacks oxygen, the decomposition of organic material ends in CH4 rather than CO2. Since the deeper water is also colder, the methane remains nearer to the bottom. While a natural lake’s outlet removes water from near the surface, water from a reservoir is removed from relatively near the bottom, much like when the plug is pulled from a bathtub. When this methane-laden water exits from the turbines, most of this greenhouse gas is released into the atmosphere. (This explanation is from Dr. Philip M. Fearnside, research scientist in the Ecology department at the National Institute for Research in the Amazon (INPA).

Site C’s reservoir alone is expected to produce 15–30 tonnes of CO2 equivalent for every GWh of electricity it produces. This is BC Hydro’s "conservative" quote (BC Hydro Provincial Integrated Electricity Planning Committee, 2005). It is unknown how or if BC Hydro intends to offset the greenhouse gas emissions of Site C, but part of the BC Energy Plan calls for "zero net GHGs from all new electricity projects."

So we must publish the fact that far from being "clean" and "green," Site C will be "mean," becoming part of the problem instead of part of the solution.

An Unnecessary Evil

The B.C. government continually chooses to sell power that belongs to us under the Columbia River Treaty to the U.S. for profit, instead of using that power to meet B.C.’s electricity needs. There are also dams on the Columbia River in B.C.that do not even have generators installed in them. BC Hydro’s chairman, Mossadiq Umedaly, has said that he sees his role as being "To bring the Crown Corporation from a net importer of electricity to a net exporter." A recent California study shows that, by 2016, B.C. will have 30,000 gigawatt hours (GWh) of extra electricity.

In B.C.’s 2007 Electricity Conservation Potential Review, BC Hydro’s president and CEO says that "we strongly believe that we can go beyond the 50% [of new demand] conservation target set out by the 2007 B.C. Energy Plan and lead a change such that in 2027 we would return to 2007 electricity consumption levels while allowing for growth and economic prosperity." However, in BC Hydro’s Site C literature, they claim that B.C.’s electricity needs will continue to rise steadily through 2025.

The power from Site C will clearly not be for us and is not necessary. The destruction of a valley for the sake of providing power to be wasted is a great waste of the valley itself.

Photogallery of the Peace Valley from BC Mag

The B.C. Magazine has a great photogallery of pictures of the Peace Valley.

The BC Magazine's Fall 2008 issue features an article about the Peace River Valley - their website has a gallery of pictures that were taken by their photographer:

http://www.bcmag.ca/photogallery/gallery.asp?gallery_id=201

Have a look at these scenes. Our valley is truly wonderful.

Take Part in a Candlelight Rally

It's time for action!

We will be holding candlelight rallies before each of the upcoming B.C. Hydro Open House meetings. Here are the times and places:

Monday, Nov. 17, 5:30 p.m. at Taylor Community Hall

Tuesday, Nov. 18, 5:30 p.m. at Dawson Creek Multiplex

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 5:30 p.m. at Hudson's Hope Community Hall

Monday, Nov. 24, 5:15 p.m. at Centennial Park, Fort St. John (If you can't make it right at 5:15 p.m., join us at the Quality Inn, where the Open House will be held.)

Bring signs, noisemakers, volunteers. Candles will be provided.

For more information, e-mail us at cusp-bc@telus.net.

LET'S STAND UP AND BE COUNTED! SAY "NO" TO SITE C!

Interesting Figures from BC Hydro's 2008 Annual Report

Based on figures in BC Hydro's 2008 Annual Report, Site C is going to be a tough sell!

(The report is available on line at the following web site:
http://www.bchydro.com/etc/medialib/internet/documents/info/pdf/info_annual_report_2008.Par.0001.File.info_annual_report_2008.pdf).

Pages 55-57 are especially interesting. Energy exported was 37,450 GWh. Energy imported for trade was 34,020 GWh, and energy imported to satisfy domestic demand was 2,259 GWh. This means that BC Hydro is now a net energy exporter.

Funny how they aren't talking about the new numbers. It's harder to convince people that we need more power in BC (and therefore harder to justify the building of the Site C dam) when BC Hydro is currently a net exporter.

BC Hydro would probably rather have people continue to believe the province is a net importer. Also interesting to note is that our amount imported to satisfy the domestic demand is less than last year when it was 5,698 GWh. In fact, it has been steadily going down since 2005 (5,853 GWh in 2006 and 6,897 GWh in 2005). This shows our imports to satisfy domestic demand is not increasing dramatically as some people suggest but rather quite the opposite.

Interesting figures indeed.

B.C. Hydro's CONsultation Process

BC Hydro is currently managing the “consultation” process. This gives the very ones who are pushing for the project the ability to stifle real debate and eliminate discussion of whether or not the project should proceed at all. BC Hydro currently has the power to decide what information will be made public, what questions they will (or will not) ask and answer, how people’s concerns will be presented, and when and how studies will be carried out.

This is wrong. A prime example of BC Hydro’s inability to design an unbiased consultation process is their sorrowfully incomplete list of Site C’s impacts. This list mentions nothing about mercury contamination, methane releases, impacts on the Yellowstone-to-Yukon corridor, downstream nutrient depletion, water loss and rise in temperature, or loss of recreational opportunities.

Altered meeting notes have been published, and many important questions go unanswered. Much of the input given during pre-consultation has been completely ignored. Instead of an open and unbiased process of evaluation involving all concerned, we see a campaign to gain public support for the destruction of a valley.

The only fair way to evaluate such a destructive and controversial project is to have an independent and unbiased panel research it and manage a sincere consultation process. The current “con job” is completely inadequate.

What You Can Do

People often think that their voice or action won't make a difference, but remember what Margaret Mead said:

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”

We need to stand together in the fight against Site C. Here's what you can do:

Let your voice be heard:
Attend one of our upcoming rallies and bring other supporters!! (check back for more details)
Write a letter to the editor

Tell a friend

Volunteer:
Contact us to find out more:
E-mail: cusp-bc@telus.net or phone: 250-785-1490

Vote in the municipal election for those who will stand against Site C.

Check back for more ideas of how YOU can save the endangered Peace River, its valley and its tributaries!

What's at Stake

The Peace River is in 4th place on the Outdoor Recreation Council’s list of B.C.’s top ten most endangered rivers for one reason: Site C.

What is at stake?
The Peace River Valley is home to fertile agricultural land, some of the only Class One land in Northern B.C. A favourite recreational area, it draws outdoor enthusiasts and tourists alike from across the country and other parts of the world. With its prime wildlife habitat, the valley supports wildlife in populations not commonly found elsewhere. It is historically and ecologically significant on a national level. The artifacts that have been found along its bottom date back 10,500 years and represent the rich history and culture of the area. All of this would change if Site C were to be built.

B.C. Hydro says the Site C dam would produce electricity for only 70 years, but the valley would be lost forever. Site C is not green, not clean, and is completely unnecessary, so let’s SAY “NO” TO SITE C!!

If allowed to proceed, the Site C dam would:

- Produce 140,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent every year.

- Destroy some of the only class one agricultural land in northern B.C., which would put local food security in danger during an existing worldwide food shortage.

- Seriously impede movement within the Yellowstone to Yukon (Y2Y) wildlife corridor.

- Cost billions of taxpayer/ratepayer dollars.

- Flood the valuable valley bottom habitat that is so important as feeding areas and calving grounds for deer, elk, moose, and many other species.

- Contaminate the water and fish of the created reservoir and downstream river with toxic methyl mercury.

- Sever migration routes of the blue listed bull trout and many other fish species.

- Flood large areas of First Nations Treaty land.

- Force families to leave generations old farmsteads

- Flood a valued recreational area and impressively beautiful part of B.C.

- Discourage the use of small scale, decentralized power like roof top solar by keeping the electricity system locked into a centralized grid which relies on destructive mega-projects like Site C.

Protest in Vancouver on Wednesday!

BC Hydro is currently pushing for construction of the Site C hydroelectric dam on the Peace River 7 km southwest of Fort St. John, and is conducting a consultation process that has become known for its inadequacy. If allowed to proceed, the unnecessary Site C dam would destroy over 100 km of some of the highest quality wildlife habitat in the province, as well as agricultural land, First Nations Treaty land, and people's homes.

It's time to stand up and say "NO"! Join others in a protest during BC Hydro's Site C Open House on Wednesday, November 5th at the SFU Harbour Centre.

A-Peace-iation Night Coffee House

It's going to be a great event! Mark this on your calendar!



Friday, November 14
7:00 p.m.
at Whole Wheat & Honey Café,
Corner of 100th Street and 100th Avenue,
Fort St. John.

It's an event to "a-peace-iate" (that's "appreciate" for those who are creativity-challenged!) the Peace River and the wonderful valley that we want to preserve.

It's an arts-based event. Various people will be sharing songs, poems, stories, photos, and art based on the Peace River. There will be an open mike.

Let's show our support. Bring a friend. Admission is free!