SITE C dam

SITE C dam
Name	Site C
Location	Peace River, British Columbia, Canada
Status	Under construction / commissioning
Owner	BC Hydro
Dam type	Earthfill embankment
Length	1,050 m
Height	60 m
Reservoir capacity	1,000,000,000 m3
Purpose	Hydroelectric generation, flood control
Construction begin	2015
Opening	2025 (projected)
Plant capacity	1,100 MW
Turbines	3 × 366 MW

SITE C dam is a large hydroelectric project on the Peace River in northeastern British Columbia undertaken by BC Hydro. Intended to supply baseload electricity to meet provincial load growth, the project has been the focus of extensive debate involving Indigenous peoples in Canada, environmental organizations, and federal and provincial authorities. The undertaking has prompted discussions in forums including Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, British Columbia Utilities Commission, and national media such as CBC News and The Globe and Mail.

Background and planning

The proposal originated from early studies by BC Hydro and provincial planning agencies triggered by post‑war resource development patterns similar to projects on the Columbia River and campaigns like the W.A.C. Bennett Dam era. Initial assessments referenced provincial energy forecasts from entities such as the British Columbia Ministry of Energy and integrated resource plans influenced by market conditions in British Columbia Electric history and continental interties like the Pacific Northwest Power Pool. Consultations reached provincial cabinets including the Clark Ministry and the Horgan Ministry, with environmental review processes involving the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency and the BC Environmental Assessment Office.

Design and construction

The design is an earthfill and rockfill embankment with a concrete powerhouse and intake structures based on precedents from projects such as W.A.C. Bennett Dam and the Revelstoke Dam. Engineering contractors and firms with experience working on projects like Mica Dam and Kootenay Canal were engaged, while construction permits required coordination with agencies including Transport Canada and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency. Major construction milestones—river diversion, cofferdam works, and powerhouse excavation—followed schedules negotiated with unions such as the BC Federation of Labour and contractors with histories in infrastructure like SNC-Lavalin and international consortia.

Environmental and social impacts

Environmental assessments examined impacts on species and habitats protected under statutes such as the Species at Risk Act and assessed changes affecting ecosystems similar to those altered by the Mica Dam reservoir. Flooding of the Peace River valley would inundate agricultural lands near communities like Fort St. John and Dawson Creek, and affect cultural sites of the West Moberly First Nations and the Prophet River First Nation; Indigenous rights issues invoked principles from cases like Tsilhqot'in Nation v British Columbia. Studies by organizations such as World Wildlife Fund Canada and academic groups at institutions like the University of British Columbia evaluated greenhouse gas tradeoffs compared to alternatives like wind and solar projects promoted by entities like the Independent Electricity System Operator.

Economic costs and financing

Initial capital cost estimates were prepared by BC Hydro and reviewed by the British Columbia Utilities Commission, while critics cited cost escalations noted by provincial auditors including the Office of the Auditor General of British Columbia. Financing arrangements involved provincial treasury management and considerations akin to financing used for projects by Crown corporations such as BC Ferries and the Provincial Sales Tax revenue streams. Comparative analyses referenced market procurement models from jurisdictions like Ontario (after Pickering Nuclear Generating Station studies) and highlighted load-forecast uncertainty debated in submissions to regulatory bodies including the British Columbia Utilities Commission.

Opposition, legal challenges, and protests

Opposition coalesced among Indigenous bands including the West Moberly First Nations and environmental groups such as Stand.earth and David Suzuki Foundation, drawing on legal arguments rooted in rulings like Haida Nation v British Columbia (Minister of Forests) and Tsilhqot'in Nation v British Columbia. Protest tactics mirrored past Canadian environmental campaigns against projects like the Northern Gateway Pipelines and included public hearings at venues linked to the British Columbia Utilities Commission and petitions delivered to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. Court challenges advanced through provincial courts and referenced constitutional questions addressed by the Supreme Court of Canada.

Operations and performance

When operational, the facility is intended to add baseload capacity comparable to regional plants such as Mica Dam and interconnect with the British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority grid and transmission corridors like the BC Hydro transmission system. Performance metrics will be subject to oversight by provincial auditors and energy market participants including Independent Electricity System Operator counterparts, and will be compared to alternatives such as energy efficiency programs promoted by the Canadian Energy Regulator and renewable portfolios advocated by groups like the Pembina Institute. Reservoir management will require coordination with agencies responsible for navigation and fisheries including Fisheries and Oceans Canada and regional land authorities such as the Peace River Regional District.

Category:Hydroelectric power stations in British Columbia Category:Dams in Canada