Glacier Howser Run of River Project Update

It has been just about one year since the Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) suspended its review of the controversial 100MW Glacier-Howser project. Halfway through the 180 day review period, the EAO stopped the clock on the environmental assessment, citing that the impacts to fish and fish habitats posed a ‘significant challenge’. The project was put on pause and AXOR was given an undefined time period to collect additional information required if the review process was to continue. From recent discussions with the EAO, we have learned that AXOR has submitted a draft report of fish and fish habitats on Howser Creek. The draft report is at the Working Group for comment, and are expected to be returned to AXOR with comments within the next couple of weeks. Whether or not this information is sufficient for the process to move forward is yet to be determined. AXOR has yet to submit info on Glacier Creek, which is required of them if they want to resubmit their application on the creeks for a run-of-river project. Regardless, we are concerned that this project is back on the table and this project was already proven to be environmentally unsound. The people of the Kootenays have spoken and have made it clear that they do not want project. We are curious to learn what the additional information on fish and fish habitats is, and how AXOR has addressed the project’s tremendously negative impacts on the genetically unique bull-trout species, as the impacts to the critically endangered caribou, threatened grizzly bears , wolverine and other wildlife in the area. The Nelson-based group EcoSociety, along with Wildsight, will diligently review any new information once it is made public. As it stands now, this project poses an unacceptable threat to the ecosystem and we remain unequivocally opposed to this project. We will continue to monitor the situation, and keep you informed and updated as this process unfolds. Thank you for all your support in protecting Glacier and Howser Creeks. Your support is critical to the Rivers at Risk Campaign, and we are encouraged to be working with community members that are dedicated to protecting and enhancing the wilderness.