CUSP

A-Peace-iation Night - Thursday, Feb. 5.

2009-01-23T20:09:00.000-08:00

It's another A-Peace-iation Night Coffee House!

Thursday, February 5 at 7 p.m.
Whole Wheat & Honey Café
(corner of 100 Street and 100 Avenue, Fort St. John)

With special guest: Wayne Sawchuk!
Wayne is a long-time logger (skidder owner/operator), guide, trapper, sawmill worker, contractor, and wilderness advocate. He is a lifetime resident of northern British Columbia. Wayne has made numerous pack horse trips in the northern BC wilderness up to 85 days, and he owns a wilderness trapline 100 km south of Muncho Lake, BC.

Sparked by logging plans in the Mount Lemoray Pine Pass wilderness area, Wayne began working as a volunteer in environmental issues in 1990. In January 1993, he became a full-time conservation representative, and since 1998, Wayne has been self-employed as a conservationist.

During the past 15 years, Wayne has been active in grassroots networking among environmental, outfitting, trapping, conservation, First Nations, and other interests. He has also particpated in land use planning processes, consultation processes, the development of a Protected Areas Strategy, as well as forestry and natural gas exploration issues.

You can read more about Wayne Sawchuk and his activities at the following site:

Wayne Sawchuk

A-Peace-iation Nights create an opportunity for people to come together and share stories and thoughts, or songs, poetry, photos (or whatever you want!) about the Peace River and its valley. Anyone is welcome to bring something to share, or to just come and listen and chat with people.

Thanks once again to Whole Wheat & Honey Café for the generous use of their wonderful venue!

Need more info? E-mail: cusp-bc@telus.net or phone: 250-785-1490

DON'T MISS OUT! COME JOIN THE FUN!!!

Mark this NEAT event on your calendar!

2009-01-22T16:34:00.000-08:00

Thursday, January 29th at 7:00 p.m.

at Whole Wheat & Honey Café (corner of 100 St. and 100 Ave., Fort St. John)

There will be a free film screening and discussion. This night is generously being sponsored by Urban Systems.

This month we’ll be watching the acclaimed documentary The End of Suburbia. This film examines the (North) American Dream—-specifically its expression in the form of suburbia—-and underlines just how unsustainable this form of growth is. As one of the film’s contributors states, "We’re literally stuck up a cul-de-sac in a cement SUV without a fill-up."

This film identifies the need for immediate action—-on individual and collective levels-—to help build sustainable communities.

Fort St. John has just undergone a sustainable neighbourhood planning process, so now is the perfect time to start dialoguing as a community on this issue.

Bring your questions, ideas and knowledge. NEAT doesn’t pretend to be the expert on all things carbon-related, so we’re counting on our community to help us fill the gaps.

We hope that the ideas and questions generated at this NEAT Night will be fuel for a follow-up event where we can start to identify some workable, regionally relevant solutions. Please pass this notice along to anyone who might be interested or have knowledge in re-localizing our community’s food, money, culture, energy, governance, media, and more.

For more information, contact:

Sally Emory
Executive Director
Northern Environmental Action Team
10027-100 Street
Fort St. John, BC V1J 3Y5
P. 250-785-6329

Endangered Rivers List

2009-01-20T06:18:00.000-08:00

Thanks to PVEA (Peace Valley Environment Association) for the following item.

The nomination process for the new 2009 Endangered Rivers List is now commencing and will run through March 7. The new list will be released in late March or early April, 2009.

Nominations can be sent directly to Mark Angelo (mark_angelo@bcit.ca). The list always receives a great amount of media coverage and helps to increase public awareness while also profiling important river issues.

The list is also based on feedback from tens of thousands of British Columbians.

On the 2008 list, the Peace River was in fourth place, particularly because of renewed interest in Site C. Last year's endangered rivers backgrounder is available at www.orcbc.ca/

Brohm Creek News Feature on You Tube

And in case you missed a recent broadcast on Global News concerning the steelhead fishery on Brohm Creek near Squamish, check out this You Tube link for a quick-but-informative look at development concerns there...
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2zT3N7-wY4&feature=email).

Site C's Impact on Humans

2009-01-18T22:54:00.000-08:00

Besides the impact on wildlife (see previous posts), the proposed Site C dam would have many detrimental effects on people.

First Nations
Much of the land to be flooded is under treaty, and all of it is traditional territory of First Nations people. Treaty 8, signed in 1899, promises the aboriginal people that the land given to them will be theirs forever "for as long as the sun shines, the grass grows and the rivers flow." (For more on this, see Steve Roe's upcoming article in the Northeast News, Jan. 21.) Flooding this land would be a breach of the hope that they were given. With pressure being placed on them by various types of industry and development, the loss of the river and valley would be devastating to their culture.

Loss of agricultural land
Site C would flood high quality farmland, an increasingly valued natural resource. The Peace River Valley is home to the only Class One agricultural land in northern B.C., and much of the land within the proposed flood zone is Class One and Two. The loss of this land would threaten food security in the north of the province, where people would be forced to rely mostly on food shipped from distant places.

Watch for more on the human impacts . . .

Get the Message Out in as Many Ways as Possible!

2009-01-12T17:55:00.000-08:00

From the Northeast News, Dec. 17

2008-12-19T15:54:00.000-08:00

Click on the image to make it larger.

Open House at MLA Richard Neufeld's Office

2008-12-18T15:21:00.000-08:00

Richard Neufeld is having an Open House at his Fort St. John Constituency Office from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2008.

This is a good opportunity to voice any concerns or opposition towards the proposed Peace River Site C Hydro Project.

Mr. Neufeld's constituency office is located at the corner of 100th Street and 101 Avenue. The address is 10104 - 100 Street.

CUSP Meeting, Wednesday, Dec. 17

2008-12-16T21:22:00.000-08:00

There will be a CUSP meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 7:00 p.m.

Place: Northern Lights College

Room: 2112 (in the new Trades building)- follow the signs!

Hope to see you there!

"Theirs to Keep" - Andrew Blaney's Poem

2008-12-13T10:51:00.000-08:00

Theirs To Keep

For a thousand years, or really more,
We placed hoof and paw upon your shore.
Dance of lights, call of bird,
A wolf’s long howl I’ve often heard.
Rush of current, drip of spring,
Thrushes, first, bravely sing.
Four a.m.
- A bright, new dawn -
This year’s first, newborn, fawn.
Life you’ve cradled in your hands -
That’s what brought us to these lands.
Forest dark, and thick, and deep;
Ours to take,
Or theirs to keep?
“It’s for the greater good,” they say;
‘Twill keep us warm and bright,
On a cold, dark, winter’s day.
But how many valleys must we drown
To light the lights in Vegas town?
Trivialities, indeed:
Why flood a valley for lust and greed?
As humans, do we know what’s best -
To take them all,
Or leave the rest?
Slough of bank on silty shore,
This curse was on us twice before.
The meetings long, and dry, and bland -
They think they’ll flood our precious land.
Their smiling mouths are full of lies,
But who’s to pay, when our valley dies?
Moose and houses, yes, may drown,
But they’ll be somewhere else -
Another town.

Letter Writing Campaign

2008-12-10T21:01:00.000-08:00

At the second very successful A-Peace-iation Coffee House on December 10, we printed and signed letters that will be sent to the Honourable Richard Neufeld, Minister of Energy, Mines, and Petroleum Resources. There are two different letters: one protests the public consultation process and the other, the dam itself. Those who attended the coffee house had a chance to personalize and print the letters that will be sent to Mr. Neufeld's office, with copies to Premier Gordon Campbell and BC Hydro.

If you were unable to attend the A-Peace-iation Coffee House and you would like to send the letters, you can print the form, add your personal information, and send them youself.

The letters to our Premier and our MLA must have the proper amount of postage to be sent through Canada Post.

You can access copies of the letters below. Just select the text of the letter, and then copy and paste it into a wordprocessing document. {I just tried this, and it works!) Add your own information where indicated. You may have to adjust the font or the margins to make the text of the letter all fit on one page. Then print, put it in an envelope and drop it in a mailbox near you! Print and sign another copy for Premier Campbell and a copy to send to BC Hydro.

Addresses for the Premier and B.C. Hydro follow, as well as an alternate (Victoria) address for Mr. Neufeld:

The Honourable Richard Neufeld
Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources
PO Box 9060 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, BC
V8W 9E2

(You can send the letters either to Richard Neufeld's FSJ or Victoria office)

The Honourable Gordon Campbell
Office of the Premier
PO Box 9041 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, BC
V8W 9E1

BC Hydro
PO Box 2218
Vancouver, BC
V6B 3W2

If you don't have a printer, you can copy the letters by hand. Alternatively, e-mail us at cusp-bc(at)telus.net and we'll print a copy for you. If you send a letter, drop us an e-mail to let us know! Or send us a comment to this posting on the blog.

First letter (opposing the dam):
_______________________________________

[Put the date here]

{Put your complete address here]

The Honourable Richard Neufeld
Minister of Energy, Mines, and Petroleum Resources
MLA Peace River North
10104 - 100 Street
Fort St. John, BC
V1J 3Y7

Dear Mr. Neufeld:

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the Site C dam project that is proposed for the Peace River. Site C would cause the mass destruction of extremely valuable valley wildlife habitat, flood high quality agricultural land which would put local food security in jeopardy in a time when food security is increasingly important, and would force residents to leave generations-old farmsteads. Site C would also destroy a valued recreational area, cause mercury contamination of both water and fish and flood First Nations territory. In addition, Site C would contribute to global warming by releasing approximately 140,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent every year and stripping the valley of its rich forests and their ability to offset greenhouse gas emissions.

I believe that this project is unnecessary and completely unacceptable.

I call on you to fulfill your responsibilities, both as my MLA and as the Minister of Energy, Mines, and Petroleum Resources, to act responsibly with regard to this project and not allow the destruction of an irreplaceable river and valley. There are many intelligent alternatives that suit today’s world.

Sincerely,

[Type your full name here; after you have printed, sign above.]

Copies to:
Gordon Campbell, Premier of British Columbia
BC Hydro

___________________________________________________
Second letter (protesting against the consultation process:

___________________________________________________________

[Put the date here]

[Put your address here]

The Honourable Richard Neufeld
Minister of Energy, Mines, and Petroleum Resources
MLA Peace River North
10104 - 100 Street
Fort St. John, BC
V1J 3Y7

Dear Mr. Neufeld:

I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the consultation process that BC Hydro has conducted regarding the proposed Site C dam on the Peace River. During the consultation process, BC Hydro has acted in its own self-interest instead of from a neutral position, and was either unable or unwilling to provide satisfactory answers to questions that were asked about the Site C dam.

The decision to destroy high quality agricultural land and wildlife habitat is not one to be taken lightly. As both my MLA and the Minister of Energy, Mines, and Petroleum Resources, you have a responsibility to ensure that projects such as this are not forced on the people that you represent. Millions of tax payers’ dollars have already been spent on a consultation process that was overseen by a party with a vested interest, and I feel, as do many other British Columbians, that I have not been consulted on the primary question of whether or not the Site C dam should be considered as an option. This consultation process has proved itself to be extremely inadequate in every way.

I therefore call on you to fulfill your responsibilities and ensure that a meaningful and unbiased consultation be carried out by a truly independent third party. This kind of process has been recommended by the World Commission on Dams as "best practice."

A fair and meaningful consultation regarding projects such as this is imperative. There is still time for you to live up to your obligations to British Columbians, both those who live here now and future generations.

Sincerely,

[Type your full name here; after you have printed, sign above.]

Copies to:
Gordon Campbell, Premier of British Columbia
BC Hydro

____________________________________________________

A-Peace-iation Coffee House - Wednesday, Dec. 10

2008-12-09T22:21:00.000-08:00

Once again, at Whole Wheat & Honey Café, CUSP will present the second A-Peace-iation Coffee House. It's a chance for us to appreciate the Peace river, the valley, and the good living it provides to all its inhabitants.

Doors open at 7 p.m. Whole Wheat & Honey Café is located at the corner of 100th Street and 100th Avenue in Fort St. John. Join us for an evening of stories, photos, videos, and song as we celebrate and appreciate the treasure of the Peace.

Sincere thanks go out to Whole Wheat & Honey Café for providing such a great venue for this event!

What about the Fish?

2008-12-08T15:54:00.001-08:00

Site C would create many problems, including changes in water temperature, turbine mortality, loss of migration routes, and poisoning by mercury for both the fish trapped inside the reservoir and those living downstream.

The switch from river to reservoir habitat has an acute effect upon resident fish. Raised water temperature in the reservoir and for kilometres downstream alter their normal life cycle. In addition, some fish die when trying to pass through the turbines. Another problem is that toxic mercury from the reservoir collects in fish tissues and is passed on throughout the food chain. The Canadian Marketing Standard for mercury levels in fish is 0.5 ppm (parts per million). Bull Trout in Williston Reservoir have tested at 0.6 ppm, and an advisory has been issued limiting human consumption "as a result of dam impoundment."

Bull Trout are a native, migratory fish and would become trapped inside the Site C reservoir. Bull Trout are on the Blue List (species "of special concern") of the BC Forest and Range Practices Act. The American Fisheries Society identified "fragmentation and disconnection of migratory corridors (associated with the operation of hydroelectric dams)" specifically as a danger to Bull Trout.

Once again, we point out that the cost cannot be calculated in dollars only. It must be calculated in dollars and sense . . . and it makes no sense.

Impact of Site C on Wildlife

2008-12-05T20:52:00.000-08:00

Loss of Wildlife Habitat

The Peace River Valley is very important to a wide range of wildlife species, including endangered species, and its loss would have numerable and serious implications. One of the foremost of these is straight habitat loss. The valley sustains some of the best possible conditions for moose, deer, and elk, which find browse and graze on vast willow flats. They also use some of the large islands to raise their young ones. The valley has a subclimate of its own, and in winter, when weather gets harsh, the animals count on the valley to provide refuge. South-facing slopes are not found in many places besides river valleys, and wildlife make good use of these many slopes along the Peace River valley, as a good portion of the river runs east-west. The south slopes provide good feeding areas, warmth in winter, and early vegetation growth in spring.

Once it's gone, it's gone forever. We need to persist in saying "NO" to Site C!

Don't Miss this NEAT activity: Wed., Dec. 3

2008-12-02T21:01:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m., at Whole Wheat & Honey Café, the Northern Environmental Action Team (NEAT) will present "The Story of Stuff," a fast-paced, 20-minute film about production and consumption. "The Story of Stuff" exposes the connections between a huge number of environmental and social issues, and calls us together to create a more sustainable and just world. It'll teach you something; it'll make you laugh, and it just may change the way you look at all the stuff in your life forever.

There will also be great music by Ryan Hennessey and Jennifer Morissette.

Come on out and learn something useful! Bring a friend or two!

A-Peace-iation Night Returns - Wednesday, Dec. 10

2008-12-02T16:39:00.000-08:00

Mark it on your calendar! Our second A-Peace-iation Night is coming up next week!

When: Wednesday, Dec. 10
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Where: Whole Wheat & Honey Café
(at the corner of 100th Street and 100th Avenue, Fort St. John)

More stories, poems, slides, photos, videos--all shared by Peace-loving people.

Bring a friend ~ Bring yourself! See you there.

CUSP to Attend Y2Y Conference

2008-12-01T23:31:00.000-08:00

Several CUSP members will attend the Yellowstone-to-Yukon (Y2Y) conference on Dec.3-4 in Prince George.

A workshop on the role of the Peace River Break landscape (see Figure 1 below) in the Yellowstone-to-Yukon Region will be held immediately following the B.C. Protected Areas Research Forum at the University of Northern B.C.

The Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative has identified the Peace River Break as a priority for conservation action. This landscape provides a critical habitat connection for large mammals between the protected core areas of the Canadian Rocky Mountains National Parks (including Willmore and Kakwa provincial parks) and the Muskwa-Kechika Management Area complex. It is the narrow waist of the entire Y2Y region and is threatened with fragmentation that will sever wildlife populations in the northern and southern halves of Y2Y. The Peace Break region is under intensive development pressure, ranging from forestry, oil and gas exploration and development, coalbed methane development and coal mining to new gas pipelines, wind energy infrastructure and the proposed Site C dam.

There is an urgent need to understand better the ecological functioning of this landscape, identify core habitats and movement corridors, and develop a collaborative strategy for pursuing conservation opportunities and addressing conservation threats.

Within this context, the purposes of the workshop are to:

- engage scientists in the importance of this landscape within the overall Y2Y region

- increase our understanding of the current state of knowledge about the ecological functioning of the landscape from a focal/keystone species perspective (especially grizzly bears and woodland caribou)

- identify major gaps in knowledge

- generate interest in the Peace River Break within the Y2Y region as an area of research focus

- build relationships between scientists, activists, academics, First Nations and land managers active in the region

- discuss strategic issues facing the landscape

The following format is proposed:

- introduction to Y2Y and the Peace River Break priority area

- a series of presentations followed by discussions, arranged around the themes of:

1. species/connectivity research

2. land use patterns and impacts

3. Aboriginal interests and conservation opportunities

4. areas for future research/strategy and

5. Y2Y’s role and next steps

Those who have conducted or are conducting research in this landscape related to ecological function, key habitats and linkages, population dynamics, land use impacts or other topics related to conservation, will make presentations at the workshop.

The workshop will start on the afternoon of Wednesday, December 3rd, immediately following the B.C. Protected Areas Research Forum, and will conclude at noon on Thursday, December 4th.

To participate in the Y2Y Peace River Break workshop as a presenter or audience member, please contact Wendy Francis at wendy@y2y.net or 403.763.8633.

A session on Y2Y and the Peace River and Muskwa-Kechika landscapes will also be held as part of the concurrent sessions during the B.C. Protected Areas Research Form.

To learn more about the B.C. Protected Areas Research Forum, visit its web site at http://www.unbc.ca/bcparf/

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

2008-11-25T19:57:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-23T19:20:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-11-22T17:53:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-20T19:33:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-18T23:30:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-17T22:19:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-17T14:55:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-17T05:27:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-12T22:13:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-11T12:23:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-10T23:36:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-10T23:30:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-11-04T09:09:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-03T17:10:00.001-08:00

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!

Welcome to the CUSP - Citizens United to Save the Peace - web site.

2008-10-30T16:44:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to CUSP. Citizens United to Save the Peace. We are active in the fight to save the Peace River valley from the Site C dam, a dam proposed by B.C. Hydro. If the dam is built, the river valley will be flooded and lost forever.

At the left, you see a satellite photo from Google Earth (click on it for a full-screen image). It was taken in 2007 and is a photo of one of Larry Peterson's fields located along Highway 29 about a half-hour west of Fort St. John. The orientation of the image has been turned so the words "written" in the field can be read easily (north is actually at about the seven o'clock position).

This is our message: Keep the Peace. Please join us in this important work.