"This is a significant milestone for the Site C project. After a rigorous environmental assessment process, the project has received environmental approval," said Susan Yurkovich, BC Hydro’s Executive Vice-President responsible for the Site C project.
The Site C project still requires a final investment decision by the Province and regulatory permits and authorizations before it can proceed to construction. Subject to approvals, Site C would be a source of clean, renewable and cost-effective electricity in B.C. for more than 100 years.
Since 2007, BC Hydro has undertaken extensive consultation and engagement with the public, Aboriginal groups and local governments, including more than 500 meetings, presentations, community events and open houses.
The environmental assessment process began in 2011 and included multiple years of studies to identify and assess potential project effects and develop comprehensive mitigation measures.
BC Hydro filed more than 29,000 pages of evidence and responded to more than 7,000 information requests from the public, Aboriginal groups, government agencies, communities and stakeholders.
In addition, the regulatory agencies undertook multiple consultation periods, culminating in a two-month public hearing process held by an independent Joint Review Panel.
Environmental approval of the project comes with conditions from the federal government and the Province that BC Hydro must meet to build and operate the facility.
"BC Hydro will carefully reflect on the conditions and ensure that plans are in place to fully meet all of the conditions set out by the federal and provincial governments," said Yurkovich.
