Facility Description
Hydromax Energy is proposing to build and operate a run-of-river power generation facility on Caribou Creek – enough power for approximately 5,700 homes. This facility will offer a new source of renewable, electrical energy to British Columbians, offsetting a possible 34,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year compared with coal or gas fired generation.

The proposed Caribou Creek Hydro Facility is a small run-of-river hydroelectric generator. Small run-of-river projects are free from many of the environmental problems associated with large-scale hydropower projects because there is no large reservoir of water and they use natural river flow, thus producing no change in the stream channel and flow upstream or downstream of the facility.

For the Caribou Creek Run-of-River Hydro Project, a portion of a river's water is diverted to a pressurized pipeline (penstock) that delivers it to a waterwheel or turbine. The moving water rotates the wheel or turbine, which spins a shaft. The motion of the shaft can be used to power a generator to produce electricity.  All diverted water is returned to the creek.

As part of this project a transmission line will also be required from the powerhouse to an interconnection point on the BC Transmission Corporation (BCTC) transmission system.  This will require construction of a substation and approximately 2.5 km of power lines.    

Project Location
The site for the proposed Caribou Creek Hydro Project is approximately 3 km east of Burton and 35 km south of Nakusp.

Why was this site chosen:

• The site has availability of water throughout the year enabling a relatively reliable source of electricity capacity
• There are falls on the creek which provides a natural barrier to fish migration in the creek, thus minimizing impacts to fish habitats
• The steep nature of the terrain allows for greater pressure of flow which increases the power output and efficiency of the facility
• There is an existing logging road which provides access, reduces the amount of clearing required and reduces the size of the footprint
• There are supplies and services available from neighbouring communities for construction and operation
• There is a BC Hydro transmission line close for interconnection into the existing system
   

Project Benefits
For much of the last decade, B.C. has been a net importer of electricity, depending on other jurisdictions to supply between 10 and 15 per cent of its electricity needs.  BC Hydro estimates demand for electricity to grow by up to 45 per cent over the next 20 years.  The Caribou Creek Hydro Project will provide additional capacity and enhance the local and regional reliability of power supply. The power produced by the project is renewable and could potentially offset approximately 34,000 tonnes of CO₂ by reducing B.C.’s reliance on electricity imports.

The project will provide employment opportunities and support of the local economy through purchase of goods and services during two years of construction. Following construction Hydromax will require two to three locally-based employees for plant operation.  If you are interested in working on the project, register with us.

Hydromax is committed to working with the local community to develop a plan for a community benefits agreement and/or assistance with a community project during the period that construction equipment and materials are in the Burton area.

Commitment to the Community
Hydromax Energy is committed to being an excellent corporate neighbour in the community and will provide timely and meaningful consultation with stakeholders about this proposed facility. Hydromax will work in a collaborative and responsive manner to share information about the proposed Caribou Creek Hydro Facility and listen to, understand and address stakeholder concerns.

A comprehensive public consultation program has been developed to provide opportunities for interested parties to become engaged in dialogue and information sharing about this project from planning through operations. Through a series of activities including information packages, community open houses, and personal meetings, Hydromax looks forward to building long-term relationships with the local community.