BC Hydro’s $8-billion Site C hydroelectric mega project may be put on hold after all. The $8-billion project consists of a dam and 1,100-megawatt hydroelectric generating station on the Peace River located in northeastern British Columbia. The dam would flood 83 kilometers of the Pear River Valley from Fort St. John to Hudson’s Hope. The impact is devastating to the First Nations but the utility giant attempts to de-emphasize the damage its going to cause. The flooding would destroy farmland and wildlife habitat and affect thousands of people.  But as a hydroelectric company, BC Hydro will need new energy and locations to continue to grow and develop.

This impacts BC Hydro is a couple of ways. First of all, this can be seen as a moral issue as pursuing its gigantic plan would destroy farmland and wildlife habitat. This could hinder BC Hydro’s development since it might not be able to take advantage of a major opportunity. Technologically, BC Hydro’s project could further the hydroelectric industry. Unfortunately, legally they are in a stalemate with the First Nations. Hydroelectric dams are environmentally for the most part, but the consequence of building the dams themselves is the serious issue. Does the 1,100-megawatt hydroelectric generating station outweigh the land and habitats destroyed? The First Nations don’t think so.

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/First+Nation+chiefs+stage+Site+showdown/10215965/story.html