FAQ


 

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Describe the environmental assessment and review process to be undertaken for the project.

Since the Project’s nameplate capacity is 45 megawatts, below the reviewable threshold set out in the Reviewable Projects Regulation, the Project does not meet the definition of a reviewable project under BCEAA. In the interest of ensuring an open and transparent environmental assessment process with ample opportunities for public and stakeholder engagement and consultation, Kwagis Power requested the Executive Director of the BC EAO to designate the Project as reviewable under Section 7 of the BCEAA. On December 9, 2008, the BC EAO issued a new Section 10 Order, designating the project as reviewable and indicating the requirement for an Environmental Assessment Certificate.

Due to the anticipated requirement for permits and approvals under the federal Fisheries Act and the Navigable Waters Protection Act, the Project will also require an environmental screening assessment under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. The federal environmental assessment process is coordinated by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency.

A Notice of Commencement for the federal environmental assessment process posted on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency website.

For projects that require a review under both federal and provincial environmental assessment legislation, the Canada-British Columbia Agreement on Environmental Assessment Cooperation provides for a single harmonized environmental assessment process. This process ensures that the legal requirements of both governments are satisfied, while maintaining their respective decision-making roles and regulatory responsibilities.

Will the proposed Kokish River run-of-river hydroelectric facility affect the river’s fish populations?

The protection of anadromous (i.e., steelhead, Pacific salmon) and resident fish populations in the Kokish River watershed is a high priority for Kwagis Power. Brookfield Renewable Power and the ‘Namgis First Nation have been conducting field investigations in the watershed since 2004 in an effort to understand the ecological values of fish and fish habitat and to determine instream flow requirements according to methodology recommended by the BC Ministry of Environment, Environmental Stewardship Division. Project design, construction and operation will be conducted in a manner that maintains instream flows in the river to protect aquatic productivity, as well as upstream and downstream fish passage. We will work closely with federal and provincial agencies, First Nations and stakeholder groups throughout the project planning and assessment stages to ensure that all potential environmental impacts are identified and addressed during project design and implementation.

How are little fish protected from being drawn into the penstock (intake pipe)?

The intake pipe will have a special grillwork (fish screen) over it that will ensure little fish or “fry” are not drawn into the pipe. As the water flows over the grillwork, fry will be directed back into the normal river flow.

What species of fish reside in the lower Kokish River?

The lower Kokish River provides spawning, incubation and rearing habitat for summer- and winter-run steelhead, coho, chinook, pink, chum and sockeye salmon, coastal cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden, and prickly sculpin. Based on fisheries studies conducted to date, it appears that only summer-run steelhead and the occasional coho and chinook salmon are able to access habitat upstream of the 4 m high falls at km 11.3. This falls is located just downstream of the proposed low-level weir and intake.

How can we be sure that you will shut down before the water flow decreases to levels that may adversely affect fish and fish habitat?

The terms and conditions of federal and provincial project approvals, including the Conditional Water License to be issued by the British Columbia Ministry of Environment under the Water Act, will contain specific requirements regarding maintenance of fish flows to ensure that fish and fish habitat are protected.

What environmental impacts will result from building the project?

Footprint impacts, including alteration and/or loss of habitat, will occur due to construction of specific project components (i.e., low-level weir and intake, penstock, road access, bridge footings, powerhouse and switchyard, transmission line). During the project planning stage, Kwagis Power is identifying and assessing environmental and socio-community impacts that must be addressed during design and construction. In addition, project development will proceed according to a detailed environmental management plan that sets out mitigation and monitoring measures to be followed at each stage of construction. An environmental management plan will also be developed for implementation during project operation and maintenance.

The following environmental assessment studies are nearing completion:
 

  • Fisheries
  • Water quality
  • Wildlife and vegetation
  • Geotechnical
  • Hydrology
  • Geomorphology
  • Archaeology
  • First Nations’ Traditional Ecological Knowledge
  • Socio-economic conditions
  • Land, resource and water use
  • Air quality
  • Noise
  • Visual quality

 

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© 2012 Kokish River Hydroelectric Project