| Download the following IPPBC Fact Sheets by clicking on the titles:
IPPBC’s Position on Electricity Exports:
IPPBC members are currently focused on selling to BC Hydro to help BC become energy self-sufficient by 2016. Once that is assured IPPBC supports BC having surplus green electricity to enable BC to become a clean energy exporter. Those clean exports will help neighbouring jurisdictions reduce their electricity generation from fossil-fuels and the ensuing GHG emissions.
__________________________________
IPPBC comment on BCEAO and CEAA reviews of run-of-river projects
SENT: February 11, 2009
TO: BC Environmental Assessment Office and Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
We have been following the increasing number of comments on the permitting of run-of-river project in the media and have noted a specific line of criticism of the EAO and CEAA processes from certain unions and their allied Environmental Non-Government Organizations (ENGOs).
While the Independent Power Producers association of B.C. (IPPBC) does not take a position on individual projects we would like to be on record with the following observations which we believe apply to all IPPs.
The IPPBC supports the environmental permitting and approval processes conducted by the BCEAO and CEAA for run-of-river hydroelectric projects in B.C.
We have seen BCEAO and CEAA review dozens of these projects and have found their assessments to be thorough and balanced. We note the review processes continue to evolve as new scientific infomatom appears
IPPBC members prepare and submit dozens of detailed environmental and engineering studies on their proposed projects to meet the informational requirements of BCEAO and/or CEAA. They also conduct many consultation meetings including public Open Houses, presentations to local governments, as well as meetings with First Nations and affected or interested ENGOs.
Certain unions and their ENGO allies have said the EAO process is biased and weak. This is incorrect. BCEAO and CEAA reviews have resulted in significant changes to many projects’ designs in order to meet environmental criteria. Almost one third of the 700 water license applications (for Power - general) between 1997 and 2007 were refused or abandoned – often due to environmental impacts identified during these reviews.
These unions and their ENGO allies have said there is a gold rush of run of river projects. After 20 years and approximately 1,000 Water License Applications (for Power-General) there are only 37 run of river IPP projects operating in B.C. Two projects a year is anything but a gold rush.
Run of river projects have a much smaller impact on the land than most other types of electricity generation as they create no emissions, have smaller footprints and rarely impact fish or fish habitat adversely. They will enable B.C. to reduce its dependence on imported electricity, most of which comes from fossil-fuel fired power plants with their associated greenhouse gas and air pollution emissions. Run of river projects provide significant local and provincial employment as they involve a higher made-in-BC component than most other type of industrial and resource development construction. They also pay a higher proportion of their revenue back to government (through royalties, taxes and levys) than many other resource industries.
In summary, IPPBC supports the environmental permitting and approval processes conducted by the BCEAO and CEAA for run-of-river hydroelectric projects in B.C. We urge these agencies to continue to conduct thorough and balanced reviews based on the facts. This will ensure long-term public acceptance of run of river projects.
If you have any questions on the above please feel free to contact Steve Davis, President, IPPBC at steve.davis@ippbc.com.
__________________________________
Cumulative Effects:
“Cumulative Effects are already addressed in the CEAA (Canadian Environmental Assessment Act screening) for each project that involves a federal review or federal funding. Most renewable projects will do so especially since they are strongly motivated to apply for the $10/MWhr Canada ecoEnergy Renewable Initiative. CEAA is experienced, agency-coordinated and comprehensive and therefore more appropriate than setting up some new regional level review process. ”
For instance, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, in conjunction with Transport Canada and Environment Canada, completed a CEAA screening report for the Ashlu Creek project in October 2004 which specifically addressed Cumulative Effects.
__________________________________
More Transmission:
(Find Position on VITR from early 2006)
__________________________________
Transmission Expansion Criteria:
IPPBC letter to President of Premier’s Technology Council, July 29, 2007
“……. Probabilistic not Deterministic …..” | 
