Run-of-river hydro projects are more environmentally friendly than other types of electricity generation, such as hydro storage (large dams), nuclear, natural gas-fired plants and coal.
Run-of-river facilities
- Use a renewable resource.
- Have zero greenhouse gas emissions.
- Displace energy produced by polluting (oil, coal, gas) sources.
- Do not require dams or reservoirs which can flood vast areas of land.
- Are typically located above waterfalls which act as a natural fish barrier.
- Have minimal impact on vegetation, bird or wildlife habitat.
- Have low visual impact.
- Typically use existing logging roads for access and transmission rights-of-way minimizing environmental impacts.
Environmental studies for the Caribou Creek Hydro Project are underway. Biologists from Summit Environmental Consultants Ltd. from Vernon completed a field investigation of the Caribou Creek Project area in July 2008. Detailed information was collected on wildlife, wildlife habitat, and vegetative communities. Special attention was directed at focal species of concern, which had been identified prior to the field investigation.
Based on the field information, measures to minimize potential impacts of the project on wildlife, wildlife habitat and vegetation have been identified. Results and recommendations are currently being finalized.
In August and September 2008, Summit completed the first of three planned field trips to assess the aquatic habitat of the project area. Five sites at representative locations; one upstream of the proposed intake, one downstream of the proposed powerhouse, and three within the bypassed reach were established. At each site either three or four transects (cross-sections) were established where fish habitat observations can be obtained and stream flow measured. Summit also obtained water quality samples upstream of the intake, downstream of the powerhouse, and within the bypassed reach.
Additional aquatic field studies were completed in October. A detailed report of Summit’s findings will be included in Hydromax Energy’s Development Plan for submission to the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Fisheries and Oceans Canada for project permitting.