Project Overview

The Bute Inlet Hydroelectric Project consists of 17 facilities at the headwaters of Bute Inlet, located about 150-200 km north of Powell River, BC. Combined, these facilities have a potential capacity of 1030 MW with potential energy generation of 2912 GWh per year.

Once built, the project could produce enough energy to meet the electricity needs of 300,000 homes, with the ability to displace over 2 million tonnes of greenhouse gases annually.*

It is estimated to take over 3000 person years of employment for construction of the Bute Inlet Hydroelectric Project. During operation, the project will also create numerous long term job opportunities.

Facilities included in the Bute Inlet Hydroelectric Project:

Allaire Creek Facility
Algard Creek Facility
Bear River Facility
Brew Creek Facility
Coola Creek Facility
East Orford River Facility
Elliot Creek Facility
Gargoyle Creek Facility
Heakamie River Facility
Icewall Creek Facility
Jewakwa River Facility
North Orford River Facility
Raleigh Creek Facility
Scar Creek Facility
Southgate River 1 Facility
Southgate River 2 Facility
Whitemantle Creek Facility

*Based upon 0.34 T/MWh Co2 emissions for a gas fired plant and 1.0 T/MWh for a coal fired plant displacement with a 50/50 coal/gas split.

• Archaeology Studies (PDF 6.03MB)
• Fish and Fish Habitat Studies (PDF 10.28MB)
• Hydrology and Water Quality (PDF 5.26MB)
• Wildlife and Wildlife Studies (PDF 11.27MB)
• Project Benefits (PDF 6.68MB)

For more information on the Bute Inlet Hydroelectric Projec's EA process please see the following websites: BCEAO (http://a100.gov.bc.ca/appsdata/epic/html/deploy/epic_project_home_316.html) and CEA Agency (http://www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca/050/details-eng.cfm?evaluation=44825)

January 2009 Bute Inlet Hydroelectric Project Open House Presentation

Project Approval Process

Regulatory Process Steps

1.	Determining if EAA Applies	Completed
2.	Determining the Review path	Completed
3.	Determining how the assessment will be conducted	Underway
4.	Developing and approving Terms of Reference for the Application
5.	Preparing and Submitting the Application
6.	Reviewing the Application
7.	Preparing the Assessment report and Referring the Application to Ministers
8.	Decision on issuing an Environmental Assessment Certificate

Maps

Photos