Release. Clean Energy BC (CEBC) today welcomed the release of an independent review by the Pacific Salmon Foundation, which looked at the impact of run-of-the river hydro project on salmon.
“We take the work of Pacific Salmon Foundation and this report seriously,” said Paul Kariya, Executive Director of CEBC. “We will be reviewing the findings and recommendations in more detail over the coming weeks and reaching out to our members to see what progress has been made with a view to determining areas where there may be need for further research, information, or monitoring.”
In the summer of 2012, CEBC led the commissioning of the independent review by Pacific Salmon Foundation. Funding was provided by industry, private and public sector funders. It looked at 44 run-of-river facilities in British Columbia; data collection and field work occurred during the spring and summer of 2013.
“The review determined there was no conclusive evidence that run-of-river facilities have a significant impact on the abundance of salmonids. Further, the report has confirmed that our industry is on the right path,” added Kariya. “This industry is committed to operating to the highest standards possible.”
He noted the information in the report will serve as another important step to help ensure that run-of-the river hydro facilities are built in the most sustainable manner possible.
“This review is only the beginning. CEBC is going to continue to work with the Pacific Salmon Foundation, the provincial and federal governments and other partners to see how this work can take place moving forward,” said Kariya.
CEBC members provide British Columbians with clean energy and sustainable economic opportunities, especially with First Nations partners, in local communities across the province.
The full report is available here.
The mandate of CEBC is to develop a viable clean power industry in British Columbia that serves the public interest by providing cost-effective electricity through the efficient and environmentally responsible development of BC’s energy resources.