- An artists rendering of the powerhouse for Culliton Creek Power Project.
By Gagandeep Ghuman
Published: May 12, 2012
An upcoming run of river project on Culliton Creek would have a low impact on environment, fish habitat, and recreation, proponents say.
Veresen, a Calgary-based company, is proposing a 15 MW run-of-river power project on Culliton Creek, about 20 km north of Squamish.
The intake on the creek would be approximately three kilometres upstream of the big orange bridge on Highway 99. The powerhouse would be situated less than 100 metres east of the bridge.
Environmental specialists from the company answered questions about the project at an open house held at the Totem Hall on Wednesday, May 9th.
Construction is expected to start in fall of 2012, said the project manager, Ryan Hanson.
Hanson’s associate Matt Henderson said 11-year fish data on the stream has revealed there is no fish in the by-pass reach of the project.
“No fish has been found in the creek between our intake structure and powerhouse,” Henderson said.
There are fish in the creek downstream from where the powerhouse would be located, but they can’t travel upstream because of natural barriers, he added.
Fish can be a show stopper when it comes to run-of-river projects, he said jokingly.
“We have seen companies simply walk away from projects because of that,” he said.
The project plan also calls for a new 12.6 kilometres wood pole transmission line to convey the electricity to BC Hydro’s Cheekeye substation.
The line will run parallel to the adjacent BC Hydro power line to minimize aesthetic and environmental effects.
The proponents have completed a recreational and have discovered that the creek is “not favoured” by outdoor enthusiasts.
The area, however, might be used as a “travel corridor” by highly skilled and experienced recreationist.
Hanson said SORCA has no concerns, and the company has also been talking to other groups such as Squamish Dirt Bike Association (SDBA) to find out their concerns.
The proponents are also sharing information and consulting with First Nations over the project that would be located on Crown land.
The project will generate 69 GWh of emission free electricity to power for 5,000 homes.
“We will have job opportunities for construction and operation,” Hanson noted.
Once they have the pending permits, the construction will start this fall and will be completed in about 14 months.
If you have any questions regarding the project, contact Ryan Hanson at rhanson@vereseninc.com.
