Norm Macdonald MLA                                Columbia River – Revelstoke

MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release

June 4th, 2009

Glacier/Howser power project begins limited public consultation process

Starting next week, local residents will have their only opportunity to comment on the proposed Glacier/Howser power project as Purcell Green Power Inc. undergoes a project review to receive an environmental assessment certificate.  Since the passage of Bill 30 (the Ashlu River bill) in 2006, local governments no longer have a say in the placement of private river-diversion power projects leaving local residents with only the faulty environmental assessment process to provide input.

“I feel that it is wrong that public input is now limited to this single forum, but unfortunately, this all that we have,” declared Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald.  “Few that have had experience with the environmental assessment process would say that it is adequate as a method of public consultation.”

An Open House will be held by the Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) in Invermere on Thursday, June 25th between 5:30 and 9:00 PM.  At 7 PM, presentations will be made by both the EAO and Purcell Green Power.

Public comment can also be made in writing.  The comment period for this project begins on June 12, 2009 and ends at midnight on July 27, 2009.

Macdonald is strongly encouraging constituents to get involved.  The process involves looking at all potential effects of the project: environmental, economic, social, heritage and health.

“If you have concerns with any aspect of this project, you have a responsibility to make your concerns known.  This is a very important decision that is being made about our rivers and our public lands; we all have a responsibility to speak out for what we believe in.”