BC Hydro is pushing forward with its controversial $7.9 billion Site C hydroelectric dam project.
The Crown corporation announced yesterday that it has submitted its environmental impact statement (EIS) for the project to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency and the BC Environmental Assessment office.
The EIS describes the project rationale, potential impacts and proposed mitigation measures.
The Site C project, a dam and hydroelectric generating station, would provide 1,100 megawatts of capacity and produce roughly 5,100 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually, which is enough energy to power approximately 450,000 B.C. homes.
Filing the EIS kicks off a public review process for the project.
In announcing the project milestone, energy and mines minister Rich Coleman said that the project would provide "clean, reliable and cost-effective electricity for 100 years."
He said the project is expected to create 33,000 jobs and contribute $3.2 billion in provincial GDP.
A September 2011 Business in Vancouver investigation revealed how local farmers will be affected the project, and exposed the flawed business plan behind the Site C project.
