The study reveals that the seismic hazard at the province’s largest generation facilities in the north and southeast regions has lowered or continues to be same.
Ground shaking on Vancouver Island and along Bridge River is expected to be more severe in a major earthquake, when compared to earlier studies.
BC Hydro executive vice-president of generation Chris O’Riley said: "BC Hydro has been assessing seismic hazards at its dams and facilities for many decades. The new model shows us that nothing has changed for the biggest dams in the province.
"We have an updated action plan that addresses the hazards raised for Vancouver Island. This includes investing $700 million on Vancouver Island dam safety upgrades over the next ten years. This is in addition to the $1 billion John Hart upgrade project. It is all encompassed in the 10-year plan for BC Hydro that was introduced last fall."
BC Hydro said it is now advancing the design and review of the John Hart dam safety upgrade.
The company will carry out new public education and awareness campaigns in the Campbell River and the Jordan River areas.
In the Bridge River system, BC Hydro is varying operations at the Downton Reservoir for La Joie dam and carrying out additional studies at Terzaghi and Seton dams to identify the necessity of action.
The company is also completing a seismic resiliency assessment to better understand risks and vulnerabilities within the province’s transmission and distribution system.
