Public Comment on Highway 37 Power Line EA Terms of Reference In

Tuesday, April 21, 2009 04:02 AM

Prince George, B.C.- The deadline has passed for the first round of public comment on the proposed Highway 37 transmission line.

The comments were being collected as part of the process to develop the terms of reference for the environmental assessment.

The plan would see a new hydro transmission line developed from the Terrace Sub station to Bob Quinn Lake.

About three dozen written comments had been submitted and they ranged from full opposition to the line, to calls for the line to be extended all the way to Dease Lake.

Some, including the Kitsumkalum First Nation, recommend a different route for the proposed line.

The environmental assessment process is being carried out in the event the mining companies (which promised to pick up half the tab for the construction of such a line) should decide to go ahead with the construction of the project.

The comments collected will be used to ensure all potential impacts of the project, environmental, economic, social, heritage and health, are identified for consideration as part of the assessment process. The public comments will be taken into account and the Environmental Assessment Office will then finalize the terms of reference for the assessment and issue them to the proponent.

The proposed line is viewed as being the key to opening up the northwest of the province. According to a report presented last fall by the B.C. Mining Association, the line could not only kick start some mining projects, but open the doors for further independent power projects.

That report cites ten potential mining projects, and estimates a power line all the way to Dease Lake could attract more than $15 billion in investment, create 10,700 jobs and generate $300 million in annual tax revenues.

The 517-kilometre line, from Terrace to Dease Lake, is expected to cost around $600 million and has the potential to attract power generation in excess of 2,000 megawatts each year.

Previous Story - Next Story

Email |

Print |

Facebook |

Twitter |

Digg |

Del.icio.us

Posted on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 04:02 AM in News by 250 News

Return to Home

Comments

Posted by: muckermike on April 21 2009 6:51 AM

Alaska has expressed interest in having the line extended to them. IPP's would have a better market. Let's develop and create a booming economy in the northwest sector.

Posted by: Andyfreeze on April 21 2009 8:19 AM

Go for it and the sooner the better!

Posted by: Andyfreeze on April 21 2009 9:47 AM

If I have a concern,it is how Campbell's Regognition and Reconciliation Act with first nations will affect future projects such as this.
I think we need clarification on exactly what it is and what it will do before we get too carried away.

Posted by: DPJ on April 21 2009 10:01 AM

GET THE LINE BUILT!!!!!

Posted by: He spoke on April 21 2009 10:04 AM

No more consultation, lets just do it. There is too many pencil pushers, trying to justify there existence and pay check. Fire the pencil pushers, save the money and lets start building.

WAC Bennett was not afraid of the bleeding hearts, he just went ahead and did it. That is the reason why we have paved roads all over BC, We have cheap power, We had a vibrant forest industry.
Lets make this the best province to live in. Lets prosper. We, and I mean the rich and the poor will all benefit.

Posted by: Andyfreeze on April 21 2009 11:20 AM

Well said He spoke, and in order for that to happen we need our politicians to stop trying to give away the farm!
And you're right!
Too many pencil pushers trying to please everyone and all bumping in to each other.
If it is good for everyone over the long term,then get it done.
Never mind trying to please any particular special interest groups and that would include first nations who will also benefit from it whether they agree with it or not.
My concern is they will just get started and someone will take offense at not being consulted and it will all end up tied up in court and grind to a halt.
Get it done,it's long overdue.

Posted by: CaringSoul on April 21 2009 11:38 AM

I was under the understanding that Canadians pay more for their natural gas and hydro than the people we sell it to. Is this true?