Invermere Valley Echo

IPP faces protest

By Dave Lazzarino - Invermere Valley Echo

Published: June 30, 2009 1:00 PM

As the crowd that had gathered outside the Invermere Community Hall moved its way inside, representatives were on hand from both AXOR, the company proposing the Glacier-Howser IPP, and provincial and federal government assessment experts to present the case as it stands to date. These groups then presented their positions and opened the floor to questions.

The proposal is to build power generators on Glacier and Howser Creeks and transmission lines to connect with Golden. Simon Gourdeau, project manager for AXOR, detailed how AXOR had taken environmental issues into consideration when developing the proposal and the result would offer power to the valley with limited effect to ecosystems.

“When it comes to a transmission line, the key aspect you look into for impact is whether that line will increase access; that’s where the main effect on wildlife comes from,” said Gourdeau. “It was very obvious that we had to look at a way to prevent further access into that area.” He explained that the spans of lines in the areas with no access would be elevated above the trees to allow the surrounding trees to provide the needed barrier for human access.

Also included in his presentation was the amount of carbon that can be offset by using hydroelectric power as opposed to coal-fired power plants.

Residents from as far as Golden lined up to comment on, or question, the project on a variety of issues.

One issue, among many, was the long-term viability of the project. Since the project has its goals spread over the next 40 years, many questioned what would happen after that point.

Gourdeau responded that, should AXOR be offered an extension of the contract, they may choose to take it.

Ultimately, however, it is in the hands of the provincial government. Garry Alexander, project assessment director with the province’s Environmental Assessment Office (EAO), echoed many of these sentiments.

“There are some questions that I won’t be able to answer because they are outside the scope of our (environmental assessment) and that’s the reality,” said Alexander.

Another point of concern amongst those in attendance was the possibility of the energy being ultimately sold to the United States.

Since the overwhelming reasons for the project include an increasing demand for energy in the valley, many believe this type of sale would negate that reason.

Again, Gourdeau responded by saying that the power is contractually obligated to be sold to BC Hydro and any further use of it was up to the government.

These, along with many other comments from attendees ultimately led to the same conclusion: that both AXOR and the assessment panel are simply trying to comply with the job they have been contracted to do and any question of environmental or ethical practice should instead be addressed by the provincial government.

Local MLA Norm Macdonald was at the presentation and voiced his objection to the project suggesting more say should be given to local people and local governments concerning local energy issues.

“The people in this area will not stand for decisions being imposed on us,” he said.

“The wisdom on how best to use our land sits with the people who live here. This must be our decision.”

This was the third and final open house presentation to be held in the valley prior to a final decision being made.

Comments will be taken until July 27 by the EAO and can be sent to Garry Alexander, Project Assessment Director, Environmental Assessment Office, P.O. Box 9426 Stn Prov Govt, Victoria, B.C., V8W 9V1, Fax 250-356-6448 or by email to Glacier.Howser@gov.bc.ca

For more information about the project or to see the application, visit www.eao.gov.bc.ca and follow the links for Glacier/Howser.