| Projects Filling up at Site C


BC Hydro has completed the filling of the Site C reservoir, marking a pivotal milestone in the construction of the province’s third hydroelectric generating station. This project promises to enhance British Columbia’s clean energy supply while prioritizing environmental and community engagement


IN A SIGNIFICANT STEP forward for British Columbia’s hydroelectric sector, BC Hydro has completed filling the reservoir for its Site C Clean Energy Project. This marks one of the final phases in the construction of the province’s third dam and hydroelectric generating station on the Peace River in northeast BC. The reservoir filling process, which commenced on August 25, 2024, was completed in November 2024. Water levels rose at a rate of 30cm to three meters per day, gradually creating an 83km-long body of water. The Site C reservoir will cover approximately 5,550ha of land, with a total surface area of 9,330ha.


Safety and environment BC Hydro implemented extensive safety measures


during this critical phase. The public was strongly advised to avoid the reservoir area during filling and for at least one year afterward due to potential hazards such as unstable surrounding land and floating debris. Comprehensive warning signs have been installed throughout the area, and existing boat launches will remain closed until deemed safe for public use. The project team has taken significant steps to


mitigate environmental impacts. Reservoir filling was strategically timed to minimize disruption to wildlife, occurring between bird nesting and winter denning periods. BC Hydro has also undertaken extensive vegetation removal and habitat creation efforts, including the construction of wetlands and fish habitats. BC Hydro has conducted more than one thousand inspections and collected more than one million instrumentation readings to ensure the safe operation of the dam since reservoir filling began. Key project structures such as the earthfill dam, powerhouse, spillways and approach channel are performing well. Slope stability instrumentation monitoring has been occurring daily, along with weekly visual inspections. Reservoir shoreline and slope changes have been within the expected range during filling. Engineers will continue with shoreline and slope stability monitoring over the operating life of Site C. Since mid-August, cultural monitors from Treaty 8 First Nations have monitored the reservoir filling


process throughout the reservoir area. Environmental monitoring, including of wildlife and fish, will continue during operations of the dam.


Expanding capacity The Site C project represents a significant expansion


of British Columbia’s hydroelectric capacity. With 1100MW of capacity and an annual production of about 5,100GWh, Site C will increase the province’s electricity supply by approximately 8%. Construction of Site C, which began in July 2015, is now over 85% complete. The project remains on schedule, with the first generating unit set to come online in December 2024 and all six units operational by fall 2025. Importantly, the project is on track to be completed within the budget approved in 2021. As of November 7 2024, water levels at the Site C dam had reached a depth of around 43m at the dam site. This progress followed the closure of both diversion tunnels, with water now being safely passed downstream through the spillways. BC Hydro has engaged extensively with local communities and First Nations throughout the project. Efforts include hosting open houses, field tours, and commemoration opportunities. The utility is also collaborating with local First Nations on developing a cultural center in the Peace region. To address concerns about agricultural land loss, BC Hydro notes that less than one percent of Class 1 to 5 agricultural land in the Peace Agricultural Region will be affected. A $20 million Peace Agricultural Compensation Fund has been established to support local agricultural production and related initiatives. The Site C project, while not without controversy,


represents a significant investment in BC’s clean energy future. As the hydropower industry continues to evolve, projects like Site C demonstrate the ongoing importance of large-scale hydroelectric developments in meeting growing energy demands.


Left above: Dam site on the 12 September Left: Stilling basin weir on 6 September


www.waterpowermagazine.com | January 2025 | 37


All above: Dam site on 16 September 2024


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