Cheslatta Application Filed
Monday, September 30, 2013 @ 1:20 PM
FrontCounterBC Manager Tim Mergen accepts application from Cheslatta Chief Richard Peters, in the back ground l-r: Councillor Ted Jack, Councillor Hazel Burt, Elder Gloria Alexis, and Mike Robertson ( photo 250News)
Prince George, B.C. – It was an historic moment as the Cheslatta Chief, Richard Peters, along with Councillors and elders, presented the application for a water license to the Manager of the FrontCounter BC office in Prince George this morning.
The Cheslatta are hoping to be granted a license that will allow them to construct a spillway on one side of the existing Kenney Dam.
The spillway would accomplish several goals.
First, it would be used to generate power( 45 mega watts per year) that would be sold to BC Hydro, that would be an economic benefit to the Cheslatta. Secondly, it would restore the Nechako River to the channel that has been dry since 1952 when the Kenney Dam was built. Thirdly, it would divert water away from the Cheslatta Lake system and that means the constant flooding of Cheslatta graves would come to an end.
Just last Thursday, human remains were discovered on the shoreline of the lake, remains that had been washed away by high lake levels in the summer, only to be revealed when the water receded in the fall. “Tomorrow, we’re going back down the lake to recover some more remains” says Mike Robertson “We don’t know if its one individual or several.”
The remains are being sent to UNBC to be examined and hopefully identified.
The plans are to build a cement tomb to encase the discovered and recovered remains until the power project is running. Once the lake levels have stabilized, the remains will be reburied in the Cheslatta cemetery.
But right now, the process is underway to try and secure a water license, even though Rio Tinto (Alcan) has 100% control of the Nechako River. Chief Richard Peters says talks are underway with RTA and the application contains a letter from RTA indicating they are in discussions.
There will be an environmental assessment and there is still the matter of funding to be addressed. The Cheslatta are hopeful the $280 million dollar project can be built using a combination of dollars from private investors, government and other agencies.
Comments
On the surface, it looks like a win win for all involved…hopefully there will be enough water going down the Nechako so that a few salmon will survive
“First, it would be used to generate power( 45 mega watts per year) that would be sold to BC Hydro, that would be an economic benefit to the Cheslatta.”
I’m all for this if the entire band will benefit, and not just a select few.
“I’m all for this if the entire band will benefit, and not just a select few.”
I am of the same sentiment. It is interesting, however, why the same thing should not apply to those who are not First Nations.
Sounds like socialism to me. Does it not sound that way to you JB? ;-)
Careful, gus, you’ll be accused of not being politically correct with that kind of talk.
It is strange that First Nations burial grounds are not protected to the extent non-native burial sites are protect.
Why is the canyon a protected area, but the burial grounds are not?
The burial grounds in Fort George Park are “protected” through a reservation, although many in PG are not happy with that. In fact, some very prominent people in PG were not happy about that.
We have a long way to go to get respect for those who came before us.
Ian’t respect (or lack theoreof) a two way street?
Hey this is a good thing.. It Would reduce the amount of water ripping apart the Cheslatta watershed and as well provide an additional 5km or so of spawing up to the foot of the Kenny Dam. Good to see that they are also taking the same approach as everyone else does in filing the application. I will be watching this story further with great interest. So far the plan looks lik a win for everyone.
Cheers.
If respect were a two way street, there would be no wars.
Don’t know how we the taxpayers of BC will benefit from this venture when you consider that BC Hydro pays approx. 10 times more for IPP power than power from other sources.
I can appreciate returning this water from the Cheslatta lake and river area and reducing flooding, which was the number one problem with they relocated these people, however to spend $280 Million on this project, and then have us pay for it through increases in our Hydro bills makes one think that we will get no benefits from the project.
Alcan on the other hand sells its surplus power from Kemano to Hydro/Powerex, and then to the USA. Im sure they would want to increase the sale of this power once the new ingot plant is finished. Perhaps Rio Tino Alcan can finance part of this project.
In any event there is no money to be made from IPP projects, and in fact they are a losing proposition for the Government.
It will be interesting to see how Rio Tinto responds to this application,(They own the water)and how it will unfold.
Gus.
Look up **Nechako Canyon Protected Area (1246 HA) This will explain how it became a protected area.
Primarily for Parkland, and Archeological Sites.
Have a nice day.
I really don’t give two hoots if the taxpayers don’t benefit from this venture. The Cheslatta nation and other nations were displaced and lost a lot when this dam went in. Benefits went to Hydro, Alcan and government and the displaced nations were stuck on reserves.
it would be a great thing if they could finally get something back.
If they will be building a release at the Kenny dam it will be quite the interesting project. Lots of blasting and lots of rock to be moved in order to get below the current water level. Good oppertunity for local contractors!
Comments for this article are closed.