Re: Lower Williston Lake levels and lose Mackenize - Jan. 16
I would like to provide clarification regarding the study underway to understand the impact of changing water levels on the Williston Reservoir for the local forest industry and District of Mackenzie.
The Mackenzie Industry Study is an obligation for B.C. Hydro under the Peace River Water Use Plan as ordered by the comptroller of water rights in 2007.
B.C. Hydro cannot operate Williston Reservoir below elevation 2,147 feet under normal conditions without permission from the comptroller. The study examines the impact of operating the reservoir at lower levels that would fall below 2,147 feet less than once every 10 years, lasting for a few days to a few weeks from late winter to early spring.
No decision to operate below elevation 2,147 feet has been made by the comptroller. Premier Clark has not ordered water levels to be lowered on the reservoir.
At the end of last year, B.C. Hydro submitted the results of the second phase of the study to the comptroller for a determination on whether further investigation is required. This submission has also been shared with the industry and district and a meeting was held in December to review the status of the study.
The study is not related to the Site C Clean Energy Project and lower Williston levels are not required for Site C operations.
This is a longstanding and complex issue that B.C. Hydro is taking very seriously.
We are aware of the challenges facing the mills and the District of Mackenzie and for that reason are working and will continue to work very closely with them at every step of this process.
Bob Gammer,
Northern community
relations manager,
B.C. Hydro
