Kwagis Power Limited Partnership has received an environmental assessment certificate for the proposed Kokish River Hydroelectric Project near Port McNeill on Vancouver Island.
Kwagis Power is a partnership involving Brookfield Renewable Power Inc. and Namgis First Nation.
Environment minister Terry Lake and energy and mines minister Rich Coleman made the decision to grant the environmental assessment certificate after considering the review led by B.C.’s Environmental Assessment Office.
The proposed $200-million project will be located on the Kokish River, 15 kilometres east of Port McNeill and once completed, will produce up to 45 megawatts of electricity (enough to power 11,250 to 13,500 homes.)
A 500-metre transmission line will deliver power from the project to the BC Hydro grid.
Kwagis Power has an electricity purchase agreement with BC Hydro to deliver power to the BC Hydro grid by April 2014.
The provincial environmental assessment certificate contains design features, mitigation measures and 77 commitments that form legally-binding requirements that Kwagis Power must adhere to throughout various stages of the project.
It is estimated that local and provincial taxes generated over the 40-year lifespan of the project will be approximately $84 million including property taxes ($48 million) and land and water rents ($36 million).
The two-year construction period is expected to generate 150 person years of full-time direct employment. Once built, it is expected to create 120 person years of full-time direct employment over the estimated 40 year life of the project.
Jennifer Harrison
@JHarrisonBIV