BR Alta Hydro Proposal – CP

Source: The Canadian Press – Broadcast wire
Feb 15, 2016 

EDMONTON – The federal government has ordered a review of the proposed Amisk hydroelectric project in northwestern Alberta.

The A-H-P Development Corporation says it wants to build a power plant and dam on the Peace River upstream from the community of Dunvegan.

Environment Canada says it is referring the company’s environmental assessment of the Amisk proposal to an independent review panel.

Environment Minister Catherine McKenna says the decision was made after considering its potential to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

She says people in the area, including indigenous groups, have expressed concerns about the project.

A-H-P says the project would generate enough electricity to power 250,000 Alberta homes while producing minimal greenhouse gas emissions in comparison to fossil fuels.

The company’s website says the hydro project would be a cost-effective way to help replace coal as a source of electric power in the province.

A-H-P estimates the dam would raise water levels up to 50 kilometres upstream and flood about 800 hectares of land.

Environment Canada says the review panel will be formed within three months and will submit its final report within 16 months.

(The Canadian Press)

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