Editor:

A lot of negative comments have recently circulated about the Glacier/Howser Project (GHP). Most of them were based on a lack of information, misunderstandings or meant to propagate a negative aura about the project. The reality is much different and the following lines should help set part of the record straight.

As local people know, the Glacier, Howser and Horsethief watersheds have been extensively logged over the past decades and logging is still ongoing in Howser and Horsethief Creek. Considering these watersheds to be pristine is incorrect and misleading. Large road networks exist throughout and GHP was designed to take advantage of this infrastructure. Where no roads are present, GHP innovated by using high elevation spans. These forego the need to clear the transmission line right-of-way by sending the line above the forested cover, preventing human access and reducing its footprint.

The use of tunnels instead of penstocks was also brought forward as a way to minimize GHP’s footprint. Their proposed size, heralded by some as being too large, is actually mandated by regulations from the Worker Compensation Board, which require minimum clearances for underground mining vehicles. The final tunnels will be as small as the legislation allows to ensure a safe working environment.

Regarding project’s local contribution, the 2½ year construction period will generate almost 400 person-years of employment. Discussions with local contractors show that at least 60% of the labour is available regionally, and priority will be given to local employment. Outside of the six full-time and six part-time jobs generated during the operation, the project will also spend an average of $900,000/year on maintenance, with contracts going primarily to local businesses.

GHP will also pay an estimated $1.2 million in property taxes, with up to $320,000 going directly to Area D. Purcell will also create two local benefit funds to support local initiatives in communities near the project.

As far as the contract with BC Hydro goes, the average 2009 price would have been around 7.0 ¢/KWh. This compares favourably to the current BC Hydro Step 2 rate of 8.27 ¢/KWh. Since the contract price is only partially indexed to inflation, energy from GHP will get cheaper and cheaper for BC Hydro as the years pass. Regarding freshet energy, most of it is actually sold to BC Hydro at a discount with a large portion sold at 70% of market rate.

As a final note, GHP would generate 356,000,000 kWh of renewable clean energy. This would represent savings of 230,000 tons of greenhouse gases, equivalent to planting 36,000 hectares of new forest. The scientific community currently maintains that the “safe” level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is around 350 ppm. It is expected that exceeding that level for a certain period will trigger runaway warming resulting in dire consequences for the planet. In June 2009, that level already stood at 389 ppm and is continuing to increase in the wrong direction. Local residents can be proud to know that with GHP, they will help the transition to a carbon-free economy.

Simon Gourdeau

GHP Project Manager