FORT ST. JOHN, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 01/12/16 -- West Moberly First Nations, Prophet River First Nation, and Saulteau First Nations have provided new scientific evidence on the potential impact to groundwater from the proposed Site C dam. The First Nations retained an expert in hydrogeology, Dr. Gilles Wendling, to conduct a technical evaluation of groundwater information provided by BC Hydro.
"My research," Dr. Wendling stated, "uncovered significant data gaps in the characterization of groundwater around the dam site." His analysis found the following:
1. There is not enough information on current groundwater flows in the area
and how those flows will change when the dam is built, and the
subsurface conditions are very complex. Based on the lack of definition
of the groundwater regime near the dam, the First Nations are
questioning whether the safety of the dam has been adequately addressed.
2. There are significant concerns about the interaction between increased
groundwater pressures from the dam and the extensive oil and gas
activity in the region, including the re-injection of liquid wastes into
the ground. Changes to groundwater flows could cause those wastes to mix
with groundwater.
3. The increased frequency and severity of earthquakes in the region due to
hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking", could pose a risk to dam safety
that has not been accounted for by BC Hydro, and could further affect
the integrity of oil and gas wells, including the liquid waste disposal
wells.
Dr. Wendling's report was prepared for the consultation process between the First Nations and the provincial government about the main water licence for the Site C dam and reservoir. A written hearing process on the proposed licence recently concluded, and the First Nations met last week with government officials to present the new research and other concerns.
"We view this new information about groundwater impacts as highly significant," said Chief Roland Willson of the West Moberly First Nations, "and it seems clear that BC Hydro should have done this research at a much earlier stage. We have asked the provincial government to go back to BC Hydro for more information on groundwater conditions before making their decision on the water licence."
The water licence is one of many authorizations still required for the Site C dam. BC Hydro has already begun site preparation activities, including clearing timber and constructing temporary roads and bridges in the area of the proposed dam. Ongoing legal challenges of the Site C project by the West Moberly and Prophet River First Nations are expected to continue for at least the next several months.
Contacts:
Media contact:
Chief Roland Willson
(250) 788-1065
Technical contact:
Dr. Gilles Wendling
(250) 756-4538