BC Hydro representatives Debra Lamash and Mark Alexander provided a detailed update on the North Coast Electrification Project to the Regional District of Bulkley Nechako (RDBN) on Aug. 15.
Lamash and Alexander covered the project's key components, anticipated impacts, and engagement strategies.
The North Coast Electrification Project aims to expand the transmission system to support growing energy needs. BC Hydro outlined the proposed schedule and stages of development, including thermal upgrades and new infrastructure beyond Terrace.
Key components of the project include the Prince George to Glenannan Transmission (PGGT) route corridor and various route options for the Glenannan to Terrace Transmission (GTTT) route. Detailed discussions covered routes from Glenannan to Telkwa and Telkwa to Skeena (Terrace).
Lamash and Alexander also emphasized BC Hydro's commitment to working closely with First Nations communities. They said BC Hydro is addressing concerns from private property and farm owners in Electoral Area F (Vanderhoof Rural), focusing on improving communication and relationships.
This comes after BC Hydro estimated, in May, that the $3 billion transmission line project would impact nearly 100 private properties, including agricultural land.
The route would traverse wetlands, woodlots, traplines, and ecological habitats for species such as white sturgeon, deer, moose, and other ungulates.
Additionally, the line would come within 200 metres of archaeological sites.
RDBN Chair Mark Parker highlighted the need for BC Hydro to enhance their relationship with these landowners.The Nechako Valley Cattlemen鈥檚 Association raised concerns, which included issues such as materials being left on properties and gates being closed. As a result BC Hydro met with landowners both individually and as a group to address these.
The team highlighted potential impacts to landowners if BC Hydro's archeology studies uncover artifacts, which could affect the process of securing power for future projects.
BC Hydro said it is also exploring partnerships with First Nation communities in relation to three-phase power and is gathering information to evaluate potential options. Considerations for twinning the existing line include risks such as wildfires and landslides, and the need for additional power based on expressions of interest is being assessed.
Lamash said they will provide information on tariff agreements and the procedure for securing power.
Regarding the Stellako River crossing, BC Hydro aims to ensure that new line improvements have minimal impact on riparian areas. Concerns related to fish-bearing areas will be addressed through an environmental process in collaboration with First Nations.
A new capacitor station will be located 2.5 km from the existing Telkwa Substation, with further details to be provided by BC Hydro.
The environmental assessment process will be defined once the route is determined, with ongoing discussions involving First Nations. Chair Parker has requested that the regional district be included in the consultation process, and BC Hydro has committed to this inclusion.
The integration of fibre optic cables to enhance system redundancy and replace current microwave communications was also outlined. The anticipated need for 700-1,000 additional workers by 2026 was noted, with potential work camp locations in Fraser Lake, Telkwa, and near Terrace.
The duo said an ongoing accommodation study aims to refine workforce estimates and incorporate lessons from LNG pipeline camps.
