Grande Prairie Herald Tribune, May 13, 2009
FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Opponents of the province’s proposal to build the Site C hydroelectric dam are accusing Environment Minister Barry Penner of hypocrisy for opposing a proposed dam in Washington State while leaving Site C as an option.
Penner filed for intervener status last month on the Shanker’s Bend dam proposal in Washington State, which if built would include an 80-metre dam on the Similkameen River just two kilometres south of the U.S. border and flood 3,600 hectares of B.C. land.
That decision was applauded by local environmentalists, but many say they don’t understand why the B.C. government would oppose one dam in Washington State while developing another on the Peace River.
‘‘ We’re appalled that the Minister thinks a down south river is worth more than one up here,’’ said Brian Churchill, a director with the Peace Valley Environment Association.
‘‘It’s a slap in the face to northerners that he would intervene in an American thing at the same time they’re pushing to flood a valuable valley up here.’’
Ruth Ann Darnell, president of the association, said she felt ‘‘bloody mad’’ by the inconsistency.
‘‘I agree I don’t want the river down south flooded either, but it would be nice if there was a level playing field in this province and we were given the same support,’’ she said.
In filing for intervenor status, Penner listed concerns that the dam would flood environmentally sensitive areas and wildlife habitat, two provincially protected areas, one potential national park, high-value agricultural land as well as impact First Nations.
Opponents of Site C point out that the Peace River Valley includes many of the same features.
– The Canadian Press
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