Editor,
Re: New IPP being worked on near Fauquier, Burton, Mar. 23, News
Several years ago Burton residents – and for that matter, the West Kootenays sent a strong message to the decision makers under the Campbell government that we oppose Independent Power Producers simply because they, and the Energy Plan, are not as green as claimed. The same goes for the pristine Cupola, Ventego and Alder Creeks near Golden; the Glacier-Howser proposal; the Koch, Burton’s Caribou, Snow, Trout, Goat Creeks; the more recent Stoney Creek proposal just north of Fauquier as well as the other 135 run-of-the-river proposals throughout the West Kootenays. Here’s why.
Firstly, IPPs have no long term mission or plan. Under the guise of “minimal environmental impact,” developers generally tend to keep their proposals under 50 megawatts in order to avoid Environmental Assessments.
Wonder why? Cofferdams, constructed to allow a dry environment for project construction lasting for several years – upsets the fragile ecological balance. Each dam or weir forever blocks the natural flow of nutrients – essential to all aquatic life. The construction of a head pond behind each dam – to be dug out with heavy machinery, has the potential to leek oils in the creek bed – toxic to all aquatic life. Construction activity removes creekside riparian growth and habitat thereby increasing downstream water temperatures – critical factor for all fish-bearing waterways.
The removal of forests for roads and transmission corridors incrementally increases green house gas emissions – a contributing factor to increased siltation and global warming. Construction of Penstocks (pipes) has the potential to lead to acid rock drainage – toxic to all aquatic life.
For every action there is a reaction. For every megawatt power produced by ruin-of-the-river hydro electric for human consumption, the ecosystem suffers loses – in some cases forever.
Why is the debate over dismantling existing run-of-the-river generators south of the border such a hot topic?
Secondly, we don’t need this kind of power. Typically, the bulk of power produced from creeks is generated during spring run-off. During winter months when power demand is highest, available flow is lowest.
Finally, there are alternatives. The science of geothermal is ever increasing, it also increases the value of your home. The cost of solar panels for hot water heating is becoming less expensive and should be considered for new and retrofit housing developments. It also increases home equity. On a broader scale, solar and wind power have considerably less impact on the environment.
The Arrow Lakes Environment Stewardship Society in collaboration with West Kootenay Ecosociety Nelson, Golden’s Wildsight, and the Council of Canadians have formed a Regional IPP Committee in a united stand with Regional Directors and MLAs.
We say NO to all Independent Power Producers.
We say YES to a moratorium on all IPPs in BC until they are regionally planned, environmentally appropriate, acceptable to First Nations without attachment, and publicly owned.
Hans Dummerauf
Director/Chair
Arrow Lakes Environment Stewardship Society,
Burton
