Regional district raises concerns over proposed Washington dam

By Tracy Clark - Penticton Western News - May 14, 2008

The regional district is letting the state of Washington know it “strongly opposes” a proposed dam that could potentially flood the southern Similkameen.

The decision to oppose the dam through a resolution and letter to the provincial and federal governments and Okanogan County Public Utility District in Washington state makes the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen the first government body in B.C. to take an official position on the American project. Although several others have stated opposition.

Cawston director George Hanson, who brought the motion to the regional district board, said it was pertinent to take a position now before the Americans complete any more work on the project.

“Part of my logic on it was that until someone takes a position on it, it would be considered acceptable,” he said.

He is also hoping the resolution will prompt discussion and action among the Canadian and B.C. governments.

The 260-foot dam, which is the largest of three proposed for Shankers Bend located near Oroville on the Similkameen River, would include an 18,000-acre reservoir that would stretch 15 miles across the U.S. border into the Similkameen Valley, flooding lands owned by the Lower Similkameen Indian Band, Osoyoos Indian Band and Cawston residents.

The PUD in Okanogan County, which is spearheading the proposal, recently put out requests for qualifications to begin an appraisal on the potential of the Similkameen River as a water storage site.

Dan Boettger, director of regulatory and environmental affairs, said the appraisal will look at five different options currently being considered on the U.S. side of the Similkameen River. Other options may also be included as part of the studies, which will be completed by the end of this year and followed by public consultation.

Ultimately, the PUD is looking to address water shortages, power needs and provide flood control while preserving ecological integrity.

Boettger said Canadian representatives have also been part of the discussions in coming up with potential solutions for future power supply.

He pointed out that Canadians are also considering projects on this side of the border and said an option that could include a dam on each side has even been discussed. But, he said, these discussions are all preliminary.

Actual consultation on the options will not take place until a project has been selected by PUD.

Despite being in the preliminary discussion stages, Boettger admitted that the option opposed by the regional district has already received widespread opposition.

One of those showing opposition is the Lower Similkameen Indian Band, which would feel the bulk of the impact from the project.

Chief Joe Dennis said he hopes the concerns and opposition expressed by his band and the RDOS is fully considered.

If the project remains on the table, he said it would continue to strain the relationship between the PUD and stakeholders on this side of the border, which have thus far been able to have open discussion on the options.

Hanson is also hoping by showing early opposition, the option that could have the most impact on Canada will be taken off the table sooner rather than later.

“I am pretty confident it won’t pass,” he said, adding that if that option moved ahead, it would be a detriment to area residents.

“If by chance it would go ahead it would be catastrophic for residents of the lower valley.”

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Regional district raises concerns over proposed Washington dam

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