Downton Reservoir to be kept at a reduced elevation level for 10-15 years
I have received this letter this morning and will be following up in order to determine the various implications for our community.
Dear Ms.
Demare, Mr. Verner and Ms. Tegart,
This
message is to advise you of potential operational changes for the Downton
Reservoir in the Bridge-Seton system, which could result in a lowering of the
reservoir level for a 10-15 year period. No decisions have yet been made
to proceed, pending further discussions with St’at’imc (as per the St’at’imc
Hydro Agreement), the Comptroller of Water Rights and provincial and federal
agencies.
The purpose
of the potential changes is to address a dam safety risk at the La Joie Dam
related to seepage, which causes concerns in relation to seismic events.
BC Hydro Dam Safety has recommended a modified reservoir operation of Downton
Reservoir, to reduce the reservoir elevation level from 749.81 m to 734
m, as an interim measure to mitigate the seismic risks identified at La Joie
Dam until capital upgrades can be initiated and completed in approximately 10
to 15 years’ time. This modified reservoir operation results in ~50%
reduction in active storage volume in Downton. The proposed changes will
not impact the existing Water Use Plan order.
Public
safety is the number one priority for BC Hydro, and BC Hydro’s rigorous Dam
Safety Program ensures that the dam will remain safe. The Dam Safety
Program involves regular inspection of the dams to ensure safety in the event
of earthquake or flood. The program compares the condition of BC Hydro
dams against current national and international best practices and continuously
upgrades the dams on this basis.
The La Joie
Dam remains safe under normal operating loads. As noted above, there are
concerns for the safety of the dam when subjected to large seismic loads when
the reservoir is high. Keeping the reservoir low will enable the dam to
withstand a large seismic event. Regular maintenance and monitoring by
Dam Safety will continue at La Joie.
If you have
any questions please contact me.
Sincerely,
Judy
Dobrowolski
Senior Stakeholder Engagement Advisor
Capital Projects
Communications BC Hydro
333 Dunsmuir Street, 15th Floor
Vancouver, B.C. V6B 5R3
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