Prince George, B.C. – Five major recommendations for flood mitigation were put before members of the public who attended round two of the flood mitigation public consultation process last night. 

 

None of the recommendations for the Nechako, call for any action on the part of Rio Tinto Alcan, the company which controls the flow of water in that river.

 

In 1997, a large release of water from the Kenney Dam in the late fall, was followed  by an ice jam and flooding in Prince George. Two years ago when downed equipment prevented the normal release of water through turbines  Rio Tinto Alcan held meetings with the residents of Vanderhoof to advise there would be flooding.

 

The five recommendations are (in no particular order)

·         Re establish former back channels

·         Land use changes

·         Build dykes

·         Raise roads

·         Flood proof individual buildings

 

The Fraser Basin Council will tabulate the discussions and present a report to City Council this fall. That report will be complete with recommendations prioritized for action. In total the recommendations carry a price tag of $32.5 million dollars.

 

One resident suggested there be some sort of discussion with Rio Tinto Alcan about fall flow levels,  another  suggested there be a permanent  concrete path established along  stretches of the river edge which are likely to see  gabion dikes put in place in the event of a  flooding event.