Prince George- Omineca MLA John Rustad says Alcan would like to release water into the Nechako River as soon as possible to alleviate expected pressure on the Kenny Dam reservoir.

Rustad says that while no meeting has been scheduled in Prince George, a public meeting is being held on April 11^th in Vanderhoof, the area of most concern.

The snow pack in the Nechako basin is 142% of normal.  That, combined with mechanical problems at the Kemano generating station and the loss of the one of the power lines due to the recent snow storm and slides is making the problem more immediate.

While the Mayor and Council of Prince George will be advised of some of the possible risks, “My immediate concern is Vanderhoof where the risk is the greatest ."says Rustad.  He is not  certain on what kind of advice he can  pass along to Prince George "I can say that there may be some risk with ice jams causing flooding in some areas , Alcan is trying to protect the reservoir”.

Rustad says Alcan is working hard trying to get the problems with power lines and the generator fixed so that more water can be diverted through the Kemano power works.  The water can only be released through the turbines when the turbines are working, otherwise, the water release will have to be made at the Skins Lake spillway.

 Rustad says he will push for Government aid now, to try and prevent any flooding in the Vanderhoof region. 

 It is feared water levels  could exceed the 200 year flood limit.