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Glacier-Howser Campaign

Climate Change


Glacier-Howser Campaign:

Axor Submits Fish Data on Howser Creek

Thank you for your support in protecting Glacier and Howser creeks. Your support is critical to the Wild Rivers Campaign, and we are encouraged to be working with a community that is dedicated to protecting and enhancing ecosystem health.

It has been just about one year since the Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) suspended its review of the controversial 100MW Glacier-Howser project. Halfway through the 180-day review period, the EAO stopped the clock on the environmental assessment, citing that the impacts to fish and fish habitats posed a ‘significant challenge’. The project was put on pause and AXOR was given an undefined time period to collect additional information required if the review process was to continue.

From our most recent discussions with the EAO we have learned that AXOR has submitted a draft report with additional information on fish and fish habitats in Howser Creek. The EAO and its working groups will review this information and make recommendations to Axor on whether the new report provides sufficient data for that component of the application. In addition, EcoSociety has learned that AXOR may be making substantial changes to the project, but we have been unable to find out the details of the proposed project redesign.

We are concerned that this project is back on the table given the tremendous public opposition and its potential for widespread effects on fish and wildlife habitat. We are anxious to learn what the additional information on fish and fish habitats is, and how AXOR has addressed the project’s tremendously negative impacts on the genetically unique bull-trout species, as well the impacts to the critically endangered caribou, threatened grizzly bears, wolverine and other wildlife in the area. We urge AXOR to allow the public to review the new fisheries report and the proposed changes to the project. Meanwhile, West Kootenay EcoSociety and Western Canada Wilderness Committee have hired a helicopter to complete an aerial survey of the 90-km transmission corridor in order to learn more about the high-value wilderness habitat it will traverse. Look for our video here at ecosociety.ca and on YouTube in the near future.

We will diligently review any new information once it is made public, but the project as it stands still poses an unacceptable threat to the ecosystem and we remain unequivocally opposed to it. The people of the Kootenays have spoken, and we have made it clear that they do not want this project.

We will continue to monitor the situation, and keep you informed and updated as this process unfolds. Here’s what you can do to help:

• Stay connected or get involved by signing up to our Wild Rivers list. E-mail raelynn@ecosociety.ca
• Purchase an EcoSociety membership, and help support our efforts to keep rivers wild, and protect against unsustainable and environmentally unsound development. E-mail info@ecosociety for more information on membership and its benefits.

Glacier/Howser Project, Floundering Over Fish

The proposed Glacier/Howser private power project has hit a major environmental snag and is again floundering over fish. Recently, the provincial Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) stopped the clock on the review of the controversial private power project due to impact on fish and fish habitat noting these posed a “significant challenge”.

The EAO suspended the environmental review of the 100MW Glacier/Howser project half way into the 180day assessment process. They are requiring AXOR, the project’s proponent, to gather additional information on fish and fish habitat impacts before they complete the process. The review would be resumed if and when AXOR provides this information. The timeline for the suspension has not been confirmed.

The suspension is a significant step for the EAO. It certainly shows that AXOR hasn’t done their homework and that the Glacier/Howser project poses such serious risks to the environment that the government had to stop the clock. It is definitely a step in the right direction.

However, the EAO cannot reject the project, regardless of its environmental impact. This clearly illustrates problems with assessment the process. Environmental assessments are designed to assess project components, work with proponents to mitigate project impacts and to make recommendations to the Minister of Environment and Minister of Energy, Mines & Petroleum Resources. The Ministers make the final decision. This is troublesome and can result in politics taking precedent over responsible environmental decision-making.

Although the EcoSociety feels Glacier/Howser project should be rejected out of hand because of the tremendous negative impact it would have on important bull trout populations, a number of threatened and endangered species including grizzly bears, and the massive public opposition to it, the recent EAO suspension is a step in the right direction.

The people of the Kootenays have shone an extraordinary and much needed spotlight on the Glacier/Howser project and its potential environmental impacts. The thousands of people who have attended rallies, the EAO meetings, wrote letters and spread the word, are making an incredible and important difference. Although our work isn’t done yet, we are one step closer.


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Media Release – September 9, 2009
Province Stops the Clock On Controversial Private Power Project

Nelson, British Columbia – The proposed Glacier/Howser private power project has hit a major environmental snag and is again floundering over fish. In a surprising move, the provincial Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) stopped the clock on the review of the controversial private power project due to impacts on fish and fish habitat noting these posed a “significant challenge” for the proposed project.

“This is a significant step for the Environmental Assessment Office. It shows that AXOR hasn’t done their homework and there are such serious risks to the environment that the government had to stop the clock. It is a step in the right direction,” says Lee-Ann Unger, West Kootenay EcoSociety. “ However, the fact that the EAO cannot reject the project, regardless of its environmental impact, clearly illustrates problems with the process.”

The EAO suspended the environmental review of the 100MW Glacier/Howser project half way into the 180day assessment process. They are requiring AXOR, the project’s proponent, to gather additional information on fish and fish habitat impacts before they complete the process. The review would be resumed if and when AXOR provides this information. The timeline for the suspension has not been confirmed. Surprisingly, there is no legislation in place to provide the EAO with the ability to reject a project regardless of its environmental impact.

Environmental assessments are designed to assess project components, work with proponents to mitigate project impacts and to make recommendations to the Minister of Environment and Minister of Energy, Mines & Petroleum Resources. The Ministers make the final decision on whether a project is to be approved.

“In simple terms this project should not go ahead, not now, and not in the future. It should be dead in the water. Its construction would come at too high an environmental cost,” Unger states. “AXOR has had ample time to collect information for the assessment. More time is not going to make this project environmentally sound. It’s time for AXOR to pack up its environmentally irresponsible plans for Glacier and Howser creeks and move them out.”

This project, the largest of its kind proposed for the Kootenays, has been dogged by controversy due to the negative impact it would have on important bull trout populations, a number of threatened and endangered species including grizzly bears, and plans to permanently divert water from four creeks.

The EAO suspension comes on the heels of a series of events including more than 1,100 people flooding a government public meeting on the project in Kaslo, exceeding the town’s population; the BC government receiving more than a thousand public submissions on the project, with more than 90% of these expressing opposition to it; and a joint submission made to the EAO by the Ktunaxa Nation Council, Okanagan Nation Alliance and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), which deemed the project’s potential impacts to fish and fish habitat unacceptable.


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Glacier/Howser Campaign Update, September 2009

The campaign to keep Glacier and Howser Creeks wild has had some great successes recently. In June, more than 1,100 people attended the rally and provincial government meeting in Kaslo. In July, more than 450 people attended a public meeting hosted by Nelson-Creston MLA Michelle Mungall. By the end of July, more than 1,000 people submitted comments on the Glacier/Howser project to the provincial environmental assessment office (EAO). More than 95% of submissions expressed concern and opposition to this environmentally destructive private hydro project.

Provincial and federal government ministries and some First Nations have also submitted comments to the EAO. Many of these submissions echo much of what the EcoSociety has been saying about the potential significant negative impacts the Glacier/Howser project would have on wildlife, fish and the environment. Some government submissions have also noted a lack of necessary information within AXOR’s application for the project.

Where are things at now with the Glacier/Howser project?
The EAO is continuing its assessment process on the project and more information is expected within the next couple of months. AXOR and the EAO’s responses to the 1,000+ submissions is expected be posted to the EAO site within the next two weeks.

According to the formal assessment process, the EAO will finish its assessment and make its recommendation to the Ministers of Environment and Energy Mines & Petroleum Resources by early December. The Ministers will make a decision on the fate of the project by mid January, 2009.

Keep talking with your friends and family about the Glacier/Howser project & stay tuned for EcoSociety bulletins and action alerts.


Glacier/Howser In Provincial News

The Province, August 17, 2009, page 4
Five- dam proposal in West Kootenay riles residents
By Sam Cooper

Globe & Mail, August 14, 2009
Opposition to Dams Reaches High-water Mark
By Mark Hume




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Media Release – August 18, 2009
Glacier/Howser Project Poses Unacceptable Risk to Threatened Bull Trout

Threats posed to a rare bull trout population by a proposed controversial private power project in the Kootenays are unacceptable, states a startling report sent to the provincial Environmental Assessment Office. The First Nations and Department of Fisheries and Oceans joint submission states that the project plans don't justify the potential negative impact to the fish and fish-habitat resources in Glacier and Howser Creeks.

According to Ministry of Environment, the bull trout of Glacier/Howser contribute to socially and economically significant bull trout sport fisheries on Duncan Reservoir and Kootenay Lake. Any net loss of their contribution to either fishery would be highly undesirable both socially and economically.

“This report proves beyond a shadow of a doubt, that this project would damage critical bull trout habitat. Its not good environmentally, socially or economically,” says Lee-Ann Unger, West Kootenay EcoSociety.

The Ktunaxa Nation Council, Okanagan Nation Alliance and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), joint authors of the report, write that “the risk to the Glacier Creek bull trout resource is technically unacceptable as there appears be no known mitigation techniques documented within the (Glacier/Howser project) application which will mitigate losses of the critical spawning, overwintering and rearing habitats which will be affected.”

“This project would destroy these creeks and would have a huge impact on the best bull-trout fishing on the planet,” said Al Richardson, a local First Nations fishing guide. “The less fish in these creeks, the less fish we’ll see in Duncan and Kootenay Lakes, which means less business.”

Minister of Environment Barry Penner has stated publicly in letters and news reports that if impact to fish cannot be mitigated that government agencies won’t approve a project. Regardless, the provincial EAO continues to further assess the Glacier/Howser private hydro project.

“Based on statements Minister Penner has made, and the information in this report, we are asking the Minister to reject the project out of hand,” says Unger. “It is the only responsible decision for a project that poses such a great threat.”

The 100MW power project, the largest of its kind proposed for the Kootenays, has been dogged by controversy due to the tremendous negative impact it would have on important bull trout populations, a number of threatened and endangered species including grizzly bears, and plans to permanently divert water from four creeks.

More than 1,100 people flooded a provincial government public meeting in Kaslo, exceeding the town’s population of 1,027, in June to voice opposition to the unpopular project. In addition, the BC Government has been inundated by more than 1,000 public submissions on the proposed private power project. More than 90% of submissions express concern and opposition to the project.


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Media Release – August 6, 2009
Province Receives Overwhelming Opposition To Controversial Private Power Project In Kootenays

The provincial Environmental Assessment office (EAO) has been inundated by more than 1,000 public submissions on the proposed Glacier/Howser private power project. The vast majority of these express concern and opposition to the project. The provincial EAO public comment period on the project closed on July 27th, however, due to the overwhelming volume of submissions from the public, the EAO just completed posting submissions to its website yesterday.

“The extraordinary number of public submissions sent to the EAO illustrates unequivocally that people are solidly opposed to the environmentally destructive Glacier/Howser private hydro project, “said Unger. “The overwhelming message to AXOR and the provincial government is that the people of the Kootenays are not going to tolerate this project; it is not wanted, not needed and is certainly not green.”

This extraordinary public response comes on the heels of provincial government meetings on the project, held in the Kootenays, where more than 2,000 people turned out to voice concerns and opposition to the project. In fact, in the small town of Kaslo with the population of just over a 1,000 people, an unprecedented 1,100 people turned out to one of the provincial EAO meetings to protest the contentious private power project.

The 100MW Glacier/Howser project, the largest of its kind proposed for the Kootenays, has been dogged by controversy due the tremendous negative impact it would have on a unique bull trout population, a number of threatened and endangered species including grizzly bears, and plans to permanently divert water from four creeks. Tension within the region grew with the provincial government’s refusal to host a public meeting in Nelson, the area’s largest center, which had been requested by many local governments and organizations.

An interesting twist in the debate about private river power projects heated tensions further last week with the BC Utilities Commission ruling that identified the provincial government’s latest call for power from private power producers to be not in the best interests of British Columbians.

Details from the Glacier/Howser private hydro project application show that it includes the construction of 92kms of new power lines stretching from the West to the East Kootenay. The power lines would cut through some areas of old growth forest, including areas off limits to logging companies due to their high ecological value, and important habitat for threatened and endangered species including grizzly bears.

It also includes the damming and diverting of water from 4 creeks – Glacier, Howser, Suck, Birnam – into a combined 16 km of tunnels large enough to drive a dump truck through. Unlike most other projects, the water diverted would never return to the original creeks, leaving up to 12km of the streams with dramatically reduced water flow. There are concerns about the negative impact this would have on important aquatic habitats including spawning ground for a genetically unique population of bull trout.


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Media Release – June 24th, 2009
More Than A Thousand People Turn Out To Protest Private Power Project In Kootenays

In the small town of Kaslo, population of just over a 1,000 people, more than 1,100 people turned out to protest a contentious private power project. The 100MW Glacier/Howser project, the largest of its kind in proposed for the Kootenays, has been dogged by controversy due the tremendous negative impact it would on a unique bull trout population, plans to permanently divert water from four creeks and a refusal by the government to host a public meeting in Nelson.

“You can run but you can’t hide in the West Kootenay,” said Lee-Ann Unger, West Kootenay EcoSociety. “They tried to avoid public input by avoiding a meeting in a more populated area and it simply didn’t work. In some cases people traveled for more than 100 kilometres to stand up for wild rivers and to tell the proponent, AXOR Inc, and the province that the project is not wanted, not needed and not green.”

So many people turned up at the public meeting for the Glacier/Howser private hydro project at the town’s school gym that it exceed recommended seated room capacity. The proponents and the provincial Environmental Assessment Office were grilled repeatedly about the lack of environmental rigor in the assessment process, potential impact to species at risk and the construction of 92kms of new transmission line through sensitive ecological areas.

“The turn out at tonight’s meeting illustrates unequivocally that people are solidly opposed to this environmentally destructive private hydro project, “ said Unger. “The overwhelming take home message for AXOR and the provincial government is that the people of the Kootenays are not going to tolerate this project and the lack of democracy in the process around it..”

Many local governments and organizations within the West Kootenay region had requested that a public meeting also be held in Nelson due to its centrality and accessibility to the majority of people living within the West Kootenays. The provincial Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) and AXOR Inc rejected these requests out of hand.

AXOR Inc, under the subsidiary Purcell Green Power, resubmitted their application for the Glacier/Howser private hydro project on May 6th after it was rejected last year by the EAO. The EAO accepted the revised application late last week and is now moving into the final public input period for the project.

Details from the Glacier/Howser private hydro project description show that it includes the construction of 92kms of new power lines stretching from the West to the East Kootenay. These power lines would cut through areas of old growth forest, old growth management areas off limits to logging companies and important grizzly bear habitat.

It also includes the damming and diverting of water from 5 creeks – Glacier, Howser, Berhman, Suck, Birnam – into a combined 16 km of tunnels large enough to drive a dump truck through. Unlike most other projects, the water diverted would never return to the original creeks, leaving up to 12km of both streams with dramatically reduced water flow. There are concerns about the negative impact this would have on important aquatic habitat including spawning ground for a genetically unique species of bull trout.


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Media Release – June 3rd, 2009
Controversial Glacier/Howser Private Hydro Project Announces Open Houses. Local Governments & Organizations Ignored.

Details of the public meetings for the highly controversial Glacier/Howser private hydro project were released late yesterday and local input has been ignored. Various organizations and local governments within the West Kootenay region requested that a public meeting be held in Nelson due to its centrality and accessibility within the region. According to the EAO website, meetings will only be held in the rural communities of Kaslo, Meadow Creek and Invermere and Nelson was left off the list.

“They are trying to avoid public input which is why they are avoiding Nelson. The proponent and EAO’s lack of willingness to host a public meeting in the most central community in the West Kootenay is outrageous,” says Unger. “The areas that would be impacted by the Glacier/Howser private hydro project are important ecologically and for tourism and recreation. To ignore requests from local governments and organizations representing thousands of people within our region speaks to a lack of democracy in the public input process around the Glacier/Howser project.”

This controversial power project is the largest run-of-river project proposed in the Kootenays and has generated considerable public concern due to its potential negative ecological impacts on an important aquatic habitat and wilderness areas. It is also a popular tourism and recreation destination. Requests and letters asking that a public meeting on the Glacier/Howser project also be held in Nelson were sent to the provincial Environmental Assessment Office and AXOR Inc from the West Kootenay EcoSociety, Wildsight, the regional BC Wildlife Federation, an organization representing 13 groups in the West Kootenay, the West Kootenay Naturalists, Mayor of the City of Trail, Rossland City Council, Nelson City Council and some directors from the Regional District of the Central Kootenay.

AXOR Inc, under the subsidiary Purcell Green Power, resubmitted their application for the Glacier/Howser private hydro project on May 6th after it was rejected last year by the EAO. The EAO accepted the revised application late last week and is now moving into the final public input period for the project.

Details from the Glacier/Howser private hydro project description show that it includes the construction of 92kms of new power lines stretching from the West to the East Kootenay. These power lines would cut through areas of old growth forest, old growth management areas off limits to logging companies and important grizzly bear habitat.

It also includes the damming and diverting of water from 5 creeks – Glacier, Howser, Berhman, Suck, Birnam – into a combined 16 km of tunnels large enough to drive a dump truck through. Unlike most other projects, the water diverted would never return to the original creeks, leaving up to 12km of both streams with dramatically reduced water flow. There are concerns about the negative impact this would have on important aquatic habitat including spawning ground for blue-listed bull trout.

“The proposed Glacier/Howser hydro project poses an unacceptable threat to Glacier and Howser creeks and surrounding wilderness areas including critical grizzly bear habitat,” said Lee-Ann Unger of the West Kootenay EcoSociety. “This is an ecologically significant area and the potential environmental impacts of this project are unacceptable.”


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Media Release – May 29th, 2009
EAO Accepts Application For Controversial IPP In the Kootenay Region

The Environmental Assessment Office officially accepted the resubmitted application for the 100 megawatt Glacier/Howser private hydro project late Wednesday. Axor Inc. (as subsidiary Purcell Green Power.) resubmitted the application earlier this month after it was rejected last year by the EAO. This controversial power project is the largest run-of-river project proposed in the Kootenays and has generated considerable public concern due to its potential ecological impacts on important aquatic habitat and wilderness areas.

“The potential environmental implications of the Glacier/Howser private hydro project are cause for concern,” said Lee-Ann Unger, West Kootenay EcoSociety. “This massive project is planned in an ecologically sensitive area and would negatively impact important habitat for the blue-listed bull trout and critical grizzly bear habitat. It is environmentally unacceptable.”

Details released on the project to date show that it includes the damming and diverting of water from 5 creeks – Glacier, Howser, Berhman, Suck, Birnam – into a combined 16 km of tunnels large enough to drive a dump truck through. Unlike most other projects, the water diverted would never return to the original creeks, leaving up to 12km of both streams with dramatically reduced water flow. There are concerns about the negative impact this would have on important aquatic habitat including spawning ground for blue-listed bull trout.

AXOR’s plans also include the construction of 92kms of new power lines stretching from the West to the East Kootenay. These power lines would cut through areas of old growth forest, old growth management areas off limits to logging companies and important grizzly bear habitat.

The acceptance of the resubmitted application triggers a final public input period for the controversial project. During this time a final round of public meetings will be held.

Conservation groups have requested that public meetings be made accessible to the majority of West Kootenay residents and have repeatedly requested that Nelson be included as a location due to its centrality and accessibility within the region. AXOR Inc. and the EAO have so far rejected this request committing only to hosting public meetings in the communities of Meadow Creek, Kaslo and Invermere.

“Given the level of concerns about the proposed Glacier/Howser private hydro project it is incumbent upon the EAO and proponent to host a public meeting in a central and accessible location within the West Kootenay and Nelson is that place,” says Unger. “Choosing to not do so makes it appear as though they are trying to avoid public input.”


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Glacier/Howser Update

Application For Glacier/Howser Private Hydro Project Resubmitted
Purcell Green Power, a subsidiary of AXOR Inc., has resubmitted their government application to proceed with the highly controversial 100 megawatt Glacier/Howser private run-of-river hydro project following its rejection last year. This controversial power project is the largest private run-of-river project proposed in the Kootenays and has generated considerable public concern due to its potential ecological impacts on important aquatic habitat and wilderness areas.


The project proposed includes the damming and diverting of water from 5 creeks – Glacier, Howser, Berhman, Suck, Birnam – into a combined 16 km of tunnels large enough to drive a dump truck through. Unlike most other projects, the water diverted would never return to the original creeks, leaving up to 12km of stream with dramatically reduced water flow. There are concerns about the negative impact this would have on important aquatic habitat including spawning ground for blue-listed bull trout.


AXOR’s plans also include the construction of 92kms of new power lines stretching from the West to the East Kootenay. These power lines would cut through areas of old growth forest, old growth management areas off limits to logging companies and critical grizzly bear habitat.


If the newly resubmitted application is accepted, the final public meetings for the project will be scheduled. West Kootenay EcoSociety and other groups have requested that public meetings be made accessible to the majority of West Kootenay residents and have repeatedly requested that Nelson be included as a location due to its centrality within the region. Unfortunately, AXOR and the EAO rejected this request committing only to hosting public meetings in the rural communities of Meadow Creek, Kaslo and Invermere.


Guidelines for open houses and public meetings for projects state that the EAO and proponents must offer the opportunity for meaningful public input within a reasonable distance of the project. If the public input process for the Glacier/Howser project is to be a democratic one, a public meeting must also be held in an area that is central to the vast majority of the people living in the region and that is Nelson.


Call the Environmental Assessment Office to request that a public meeting also be held in Nelson.


Garry Alexander
Environmental Assessment Office
1st Floor 836 Yates St
PO Box 9426 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria BC V8W 9V1
Phone: (250) 387-9675
Email: Garry.Alexander@gov.bc.ca


Simon Gourdeau
AXOR
1950 Sherbrooke St. West
Montreal, Quebec H3H 1E7
Phone: (514) 846-4000 x444
Email: sgourdeau@axor.com


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The Debate Over Energy Development In BC

By Lee-Ann Unger


We must take radical steps to combat climate change. Climate science tells us that we must take dramatic leaps to shift away from the use of fossil fuels, which cause harmful greenhouse gas (ghg) emissions, and we must do so quickly if we are to have any chance of stabilizing the climate and minimizing catastrophic impacts on human civilization as we know it. Renewable energy technologies, including wind, solar, tidal and run of river, when done responsibly can all play an important role in this shift. These technologies, accompanied by aggressive energy conservation measures, efficiency upgrades, and ecosystem conservation and restoration, could help to reduce ghg emissions and mitigate the catastrophic impacts of runaway climate change.


The Liberal government’s push to use the private sector to advance renewable energy projects in BC has generated controversy and resulted in a challenging division amongst groups and individuals, especially regarding private run-of-river hydro projects.


The rush to develop private run-of-river hydro projects has led to hundreds of private water/power license applications for rivers and creeks within BC. It is this haphazard approach that has drawn considerable opposition and it isn’t hard to see why. Opponents criticize the lack of planning, poor regulations, including the lack of a proper environmental assessment process, and the lack of monitoring and enforcement. In fact, the BC government’s current approach has led to some projects being planned in sensitive ecosystems with unacceptable impacts on the environment. Locally, Glacier and Howser Creeks have been named the third most endangered in BC by the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC as a result of an ecologically irresponsible private power project proposal.


In addition to environmental concerns, many challenge the Liberal government’s push for private ownership of our energy resources. There is good reason to do so. Questions have been raised as to how further privatization of our electricity system will impact BC’s long-term energy security and its ability to shift to a more decentralized electricity generation system in the future. Other important considerations are potential problems related to the continued deregulation of the electricity sector; and the potential NAFTA implications.


Proponents of the government’s shift in energy production, including some climate scientists and environmentalists, state that the opposition to private power projects is shortsighted. They assert that the push for private power projects is key to reducing ghg emissions from fossil fuel consumption; that it doesn’t matter how it is done or who does it – but that independent power projects (IPPs) must be done. In a recent Vancouver Sun opinion editorial, Andrew Weaver, a member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change wrote about this and emphasized the need for entirely emissions-free energy: “We need staggering amounts of energy conservation, emissions cuts and renewable energy. And all need to be deployed at an unprecedented rate.”


I wholeheartedly agree with Dr. Weaver that these actions are critical. However, we need to be thoughtful in how we act and ensure that we do not compromise ecosystems in the process, as they have vital importance beyond energy production. Intact ecosystems are critical to maintaining biodiversity. They also improve humanity’s resilience and ability to combat climate change. We must ensure that the development of renewable energy doesn’t compromise the resilience of our ecosystems. The solutions we deploy must be true solutions and not simply create more problems. As David Suzuki wrote in a recent article, “Panic shouldn’t guide policy.”


Much can be done to improve the government’s current approach to renewable energy generation in BC. In fact, their current plan leaves much to be desired.


A comprehensive plan for renewable energy generation is an essential step in this process. Mapping of areas that have high energy potential and would result in minimal impact on the environment is a key piece of such a plan. It must also include aggressive conservation measures to increase the efficiency of our existing energy infrastructure.


In addition to a plan we need to ensure that we have a meaningful environmental assessment process in place. Under the current system, projects less than 50 megawatts do not undergo an environmental assessment. For projects greater than 50 megawatts, the process is lacks the teeth to properly assess and then reject projects with significant environmental impacts. The process also fails to assess the cumulative impacts of many power projects within an area.


In 2002, the Ministry of Environment staff and budget was cut by nearly one-third. This drastically reduces the ability of the ministry to respond meaningfully to the swell of project proposals they receive, to assess them, and to ensure proper monitoring and enforcement.


It is also critical that we develop a new system for water licenses and crown land tenure that puts a stop to the current gold-rush mentality with which private companies are staking claim to hundreds of rivers and creeks in BC.


Given the situation we are facing with climate change, renewable energy must be a priority. But it must be done in an ecologically responsible way, accompanied with a plan for energy conservation and efficiency gains, as well as a strategy which guarantees that new renewable energy will replace greenhouse gas intensive energy generation. We simply cannot afford to create further environmental problems


BC has a wonderful opportunity to lead the way with cleaner energy generating technologies but is wasting this opportunity through poor policy directives and a lack of responsible planning. Our rivers are one of our greatest resources, are critical to ecosystem health, and will become increasingly important over time as climate change continues to take effect.


To quote Dr. David Suzuki, "We need to ensure that our solutions don’t lead to the destruction of the very thing we're trying to protect."


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Media Release – March 25th, 2009
Glacier and Howser Creeks 3rd Most Endangered in BC

Nelson - Glacier and Howser Creeks were named the 3rd most endangered creeks in BC by the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC on Monday. These remote rivers, which flow through the spectacular Purcell Mountains, face a proposed 100 megawatt private hydroelectric development by AXOR, a large Montreal based company, under a subsidiary the company created called Purcell Green Power. The Outdoor Research Council of BC cites various threats associated with this project including damage to endangered bull trout habitat; run-off and siltation from waste rock from tunneling; impacts on endangered populations of grizzly bear and wolverine; extensive clearing for a 92 kilometer long transmission line; new road construction.


“The proposed Glacier/Howser hydro project poses significant threat to Glacier and Howser creeks and the surrounding ecology,” said Lee-Ann Unger of the West Kootenay EcoSociety. “The designation of 3rd most endangered in BC certainly speaks to that and we hope it draws much-needed attention to the rivers’ plight.” AXOR’s proposed Glacier/Howser project includes the damming and diverting of water from 5 creeks – Glacier, Howser, Berhman, Suck, Birnum – into a combined 16 km of tunnel large enough to drive a dump truck through. These large tunnels would be drilled directly through the mountain-side. The water diverted into the tunnels would never be returned to the creeks, leaving up to 12km of stream with dramatically reduced water flow. There are concerns about the negative impact this would have on very important aquatic habitat including spawning ground for bluelisted bull trout.


To transport the energy produced at the sites, AXOR plans 92km of new power lines from the West to the East Kootenay. If built, these power lines would cut through wilderness, including important areas of old growth forest and critical grizzly bear habitat.


Late last May AXOR submitted its application for the project to the Environmental Assessment Office (EAO). After a 30 day screening, the EAO announced it was rejecting the application because it failed to meet the project’s environmental terms of reference. AXOR is expected to revise and resubmit its application this spring. If the application meets the TOR its information will be released to the public, which will initiate a public input period. During this time public meetings will be held. This would be the last opportunity for public input on the project.


For more information contact Lee-Ann Unger, West Kootenay EcoSociety (250) 226-7829
For more information on the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC’s list of endangered rivers visit www.orcbc.ca


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Media Release – May 11, 2009
Controversial IPP Resubmitted For the Kootenay Region

Nelson, British Columbia – Purcell Green Power, a subsidiary of AXOR Inc., has resubmitted their government application to proceed with the highly controversial 100 megawatt Glacier/Howser private run-of-river hydro project following its rejection last year. This controversial power project is the largest run-of-river project proposed in the Kootenays and has generated considerable public concern due to its potential ecological impacts on important aquatic habitat and wilderness areas.


“The proposed Glacier/Howser hydro project poses an unacceptable threat to Glacier and Howser creeks and surrounding wilderness areas including critical grizzly bear habitat,” said Lee-Ann Unger of the West Kootenay EcoSociety. “This is an ecologically significant area and the potential environmental impacts of this project are cause for concern.” The project proposed includes the damming and diverting of water from 5 creeks – Glacier, Howser, Berhman, Suck, Birnam – into a combined 16 km of tunnels large enough to drive a dump truck through. Unlike most other projects, the water diverted would never return to the original creeks, leaving up to 12km of stream with dramatically reduced water flow. There are concerns about the negative impact this would have on important aquatic habitat including spawning ground for blue-listed bull trout.


AXOR’s plans also include the construction of 92kms of new power lines stretching from the West to the East Kootenay. These power lines would cut through areas of old growth forest, old growth management areas off limits to logging companies and critical grizzly bear habitat. If the newly resubmitted application is accepted, public meetings will be scheduled. Environmental groups have requested that public meetings be made accessible to the majority of West Kootenay residents and have repeatedly requested that Nelson be included as a location due to its centrality within the region. The proponent and the EAO rejected this request committing only to hosting public meetings in the rural communities of Meadow Creek, Kaslo and Invermere.


“It appears they are trying to avoid public input which is why they are avoiding Nelson. The proponent and EAO’s lack of willingness to host a public meeting in the most central community in the West Kootenay is outrageous,” says Unger. “If this is to be a democratic process, a public meeting must be held in an area that is central to the vast majority of the people living in the region.”


For more information contact:
Lee-Ann Unger (250) 226-7829 or (604) 607-5421 cell.


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Climate Change:

2009 Commuter Challenge May 31 to June 6, 2009
Register Now!

The 2009 National Commuter Challenge Week is approaching once again, giving Nelson a crack at Canada’s top place in this event.


The Commuter Challenge is a national program that encourages Canadians to walk, cycle, ride-share/carpool, tele-work or take transit instead of driving alone to work. The program is based on a friendly competition between workplaces and communities across Canada to see which has the highest percentage participation rates during the week. By recording participation online, Canadians are able to see how their healthier commutes affect greenhouse gas reductions by tracking kilometers traveled. The Challenge, which takes place May 31st – June 6th 2009, encourages us to leave our cars at home for our personal health, the health of our community and the health of our environment.


John Alton and Autumn Grieve with the West Kootenay EcoSociety are coordinating the Commuter Challenge in Nelson. They are inviting workplaces to participate and challenge one another for the right to be the greenest commuting organization in the region. Last year Nelson came second throughout all of Canada for our size category – this year we’re aiming for first place


To get involved each workplace requires a Point Person who will recruit participation within the organization. The Point Person registers their workplace online at www.commuterchallenge.ca and posts results gathered from each participating employee during the Commuter Challenge week. Registrations and results will be accepted May 31through June 6, 2009. Individuals without a workplace who are commuting can also sign up through the commuter challenge website.


The Eco-Society will also be awarding prizes for the top walker, top biker, and for the hardest working Point People, as well as a random draw for all the volunteer Point People! Questions? contact John or Autumn at the Eco-Society at info@ecosociety.ca or 354-1909 .


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2007 Climate Change Symposium: Exploring Regional Solutions

In the spring of 2007, the EcoSociety hosted a climate change symposium for the purpose of informing residents and elected officials and staff from the City of Nelson and Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) about the global scientific position on the issue of climate change while inspiring them with numerous examples of communities and organizations that are already reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improving energy efficiency. A recurring theme that surfaced in these presentations was that improvements in energy efficiency invariably result in economic benefits. We hoped that by increasing awareness around the problem of climate change, and by showcasing economically viable solutions, we would encourage the City of Nelson and the RDCK to join the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) Program. Meaningful engagement in the PCP Program will set the region on a clear path toward addressing climate change issues and bring the City and Regional District closer in line with Provincial targets for reduced GHG emissions.


In the five months following the event, substantive and tangible progress was made towards realizing the conference goals. It is clear that the event raised the level of awareness about the climate change problem and how it can be addressed. The event sold out, received extensive local media attention and was attended by Mayor Dooley, 5 (of 6) City Councilors, senior City Staff including the City Manager, the City Engineer and the Fire Chief, 3 Regional District Directors and several senior Regional District staff. Nelson is now a member of the PCP and the RDCK (which was already a PCP member) is in the process of completing a comprehensive emissions inventory. One of the directors submitted recommendations to the RDCK board for how to best proceed with the next steps of the PCP. The Nelson Fire Chief has initiated a combustibles collection pilot project. The Regional District is considering a CO2-neutral boiler system for Nelson’s Recreation Centre. Participating groups at the conference are in the process of developing initiatives to reduce GHG emissions and create sustainable communities. Projects include local food security campaigns, a municipal composting feasibility study, and a local grain pilot project. Groups and local governments are researching the potential for geothermal, solar and other forms of green energy for the region.


Click here to download the complete final report from the 2007 Climate Change Symposium


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Kootenay Rideshare and Nelson Carshare


In an effort to reduce GHG emissions, the EcoSociety founded the Kootenay Rideshare and Nelson Carshare, and together with Wildsight and the Columbia Basin Trust, are working to expand both throughout the Columbia Basin.


Kootenay Rideshare


Ridesharing is a significant solution to climate change. More than 80 percent of car trips in Canada are made with one person in the vehicle. Each time we share a ride, we cut our personal greenhouse gas emissions in half. Imagine how much we could reduce our countries’ emissions if we were all ridesharing?


The EcoSociety is currently working with Wildsight and the Columbia Basin Trust to launch a feasibility study for an enhanced Columbia Basin-wide rideshare.


Visit Kootenay Rideshare at www.kootenayrideshare.com


Nelson Carshare


The Nelson Carshare provides an opportunity for those who do not need their own car to share a vehicle with others in their community. The motivation behind carsharing is to lesson one’s personal ecological footprint on the planet through sharing and to relieve the financial burden of individual vehicle ownership. The Carshare has branches in Nelson, Kaslo and Revelstoke.


For more information visit: www.nelsoncar.com.


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Climate Change Mitigation Database for the Columbia Basin

Wildsight and the West Kootenay EcoSociety are working with Columbia Basin Trust to create a database of existing environmental and climate change resources and initiatives in the Columbia Basin. The purpose of the website database is to support the people of the Basin working towards sustainability by informing them about what already is being done in this regard. Each listing will include a description of the initiative and contact information. We expect the database to be online by the summer of 2010.


For more information on this database contact Matt Lowe at: matt@ecosociety.ca


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How Do We Prepare for the Global Crisis?

By Matt Lowe


Our polar ice caps are disappearing at a rate far greater than anticipated. In early September it was reported that about one-quarter of the Arctic ice pack disappeared this summer. Last year scientists predicted that at the current rate of warming, the Arctic ice could disappear entirely by 2030. Now, with the sudden and dramatic decline in ice, there are predictions that we could have an ice-free Arctic in 3 to 5 years. The fear is that the loss of the Arctic ice cap could trigger positive feedback loops that lead to a chain of dramatic warming events across the planet, including the warming of our oceans, melting of the Arctic permafrost, and dissolving of the Greenland and Antarctic ice masses. The less ice there is and more open black water in its place, the more the oceans absorb the sun’s heat. The more heat there is in the Arctic Ocean, the faster the permafrost melts, releasing additional carbon dioxide and methane to the atmosphere, compounding the greenhouse effect. It’s not hard to imagine how little time we might have before some very large climatic changes happen on the planet.


So what are we to do to avert these catastrophic events in the making?


The Australian authors of a new book called, “Climate Code Red: The Case for Emergency Action”, believe that we’ve already increased the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere beyond the critical threshold and must take immediate drastic action to stop releasing further emissions and pull some of the excess carbon out of the atmosphere. If we don’t, they warn, we will have to face the catastrophic planetary consequences that are predicted as a result of the runaway positive feedback loops described above and many more extreme climatic phenomena.


Can we imagine a world of hundreds of millions of refugees that have been displaced by permanently flooded coasts? Can we envision a planet where equal numbers of people must leave their homelands because of desertification and no drinking water? Can we see in our mind’s eye huge areas of forest laid waste by disease and fire, again leaving little place to live for so many? Can we stop and realize that you and I, and our children, will be impacted by such consequences? Can we be honest enough with ourselves to accept that these types of scenarios are possible in 5 or 10 years? Can we see that these next 5 or 10 years might be all the time left to turn this cataclysm around?


That’s what the authors of Climate Code Red are telling us. They’re saying that we must approach our current predicament in the same way that emergency room staff respond to a patient that requires advanced life support. The model they’re proposing is the one we employed in World War II when we dedicated one-third of our economy to the war effort. We require a similar dedicated, collective effort to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions in the massive proportions called for. And just as everybody was called upon to ration personal resource use during the war, they’re advocating that each person be allotted an amount of carbon which he/she cannot exceed.


While the climate crisis demands we quickly relinquish our addiction to fossil fuel energies so does the issue of peak oil. Many experts now believe that we’ve used more than half of the planet’s oil reserves and will soon start to feel the crunch of a dwindling global supply. Just as with the climate change situation, all of us together must hurriedly develop systems that require a fraction of the fossil fuels used today or face similar catastrophic scenarios. One analysis of future oil supply calculates that when factoring in a burgeoning global oil demand, supply will likely fall short by 33 % in 7 years time. Stop for a minute to consider what this could mean. Virtually all that we depend on for life is now made possible by oil including our clothing, tools, homes, energy, food, medicine and more. How will we be able to meet these needs as the global oil well runs dry?


Most of us would like to continue to live in our “growth economy bubble” (myself included) and relegate climate change, peak oil and a host of other global environmental crises, as issues of less importance to that of the all mighty economy. It’s clear that unless we finally get real and make planetary health our number one priority we will stand stunned, in a much changed world, wondering how we could have allowed this to happen.


The Hopi people of the American south-west have issued a prophecy that speaks to how we might best approach our unimaginable situation. To me it says that we must now simplify our material lives, shift our values and get our needs from close to home. The first half of the prophecy reads as follows: You have been telling people that this is the Eleventh Hour, now you must go back and tell the people that this is the Hour. And there are things to be considered....


Where are you living?
What are you doing?
What are your relationships?
Are you in right relation?
Where is your water?


Know your garden.
It is time to speak your truth.
Create your community.
Be good to each other.
And do not look outside yourself for your leader.


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Ways to Lessen Your Greenhouse Gas Footprint

Did you know that Canadians are the largest greenhouse gas emitters on the planet?


Here are some actions you can take to lessen your greenhouse gas footprint:


Transportation – drive less, less, less
  • become a member of the Nelson Car Share – www.nelsoncar.com
  • use the Kootenay Rideshare– www.kootenayrideshare.com
  • help create a local commuter ride share
  • whenever you drive, ask yourself if there are others that could go with you
  • bike, walk, or take the bus
  • drive the speed limit ( driving 110km/h in a 100km/h zone uses 10 % more fuel)
  • regularly check your car’s tire pressure and keep your car properly tuned
  • fly as little as possible ( the average flight within Canada produces one tonne of ghg emissions per person!)
  • buy carbon credits for wind power from the Pembina Institute when you burn fossil fuels
  • tell industry and government that they must take affirmative action now
At home – keep the heat in and go fossil fuel free
  • insulate your walls, basement and attic and buy a programmable thermostat
  • install energy efficient windows or solar blinds
  • seal up the leaks with caulking and weather stripping
  • put in a heat pump, electric furnace or efficient wood stove
  • install an electric or solar hot water heater, low flow showerheads and aerators
  • recycle, compost, and reduce your garbage
  • eat meat less, buy locally grown and processed food, and buy less
  • join local efforts to fight climate change
Travel
  • consider vacationing close to home (the average flight in Canada produces one tonne of ghg emissions)
  • if you have to fly try to minimize the number of trips you take by combining trips
  • use webcams and teleconferencing to keep in touch with family and friends and conduct work meetings.
Climate change is the greatest environmental threat facing us. Scientists from every country on earth are pleading with us to wake-up and telling us that if we don’t drastically reduce our fossil fuel use ASAP, there will be horrific global consequences. What we do in our personal lives can make a difference!


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