The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) board is sending a message to the BC Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) about the short timeframe for feedback on amendments to the Environmental Certificate for the Narrows Inlet IPP.
The SCRD, and anyone else with concerns, was given only 14 days to respond to BluEarth’s request to have the certificate changed so the company could bore a tunnel to draw water from Ramona Lake. BluEarth said using a tunnel will eliminate the need to build a dam, and reduce the maximum lake drawdown.
The company is also requesting other changes that include extending the project boundary for roads and a power line route. The certificate was last amended in February and BluEarth, which is developing the project in partnership with the shíshálh Nation, has already finished road and bridge building and started work on major infrastructure in May.
Narrows Inlet is in SCRD Area B. Director Garry Nohr told the July 21 planning and development committee that he’s been impressed with what BluEarth has been doing since taking over the project.
“What a difference with this company, versus the one before,” he said. “They’ve looked at everything, and talked to the community and tried to make it right. And they’re still trying to make it right here.”
As well as the issue with the EAO’s window for feedback on the proposed permit amendment, director Mark Lebbell of Roberts Creek raised a concern about one of the details in the amendment – the tunneling. “I’m hearing two issues of concern. One is the chemical composition of the rock, and second it’s the location of the [debris from boring] – where it will be sited.”
Directors were expected to vote at the July 28 board meeting to approve a recommendation from the planning and development committee to send comments to the EAO spelling out that “fourteen days does not allow for those concerned about the proposed amendments time to fully participate in reviewing and commenting on the changes.”
The SCRD also wants the EAO to make sure measures are in place to deal with any impact to salamanders, coastal tailed frogs, water quality and fish.
On the concerns around the tunnel the committee made the following recommendation:
“The proponent be required to conduct core sampling to determine potential chemical leaching from the tunnel. From chemical analysis of the removed material, appropriate disposal methods be identified and environmental risk analysis be performed on the disposal site. Results of the analysis and decisions regarding mitigation need to be made publicly available prior to mitigation being implemented to allow for interested parties to provide feedback.”
At Nohr’s suggestion the committee also voted to contact BluEarth to arrange a tour of the Narrows Inlet Hydro Project.
