From Chetwynd we headed north for a dam day trip.
British Columbia’s longest serving Premier, W.A.C. Bennett (in office from 1952 to 1972) had big plans for the Peace region – new jobs, hydroelectric energy and a prosperous province.
In 1961 there was a power crunch looming.
By 1962 construction of the W.A.C. Bennett Dam on the Peace River was underway.
What struck me is that they hadn't yet fully commercialized the technology to transmit the power to Vancouver when they decided to build the dam. That's just an indication of the ambition. That technology wasn't ready yet. So by the time they started construction of Bennett Dam, it was a risk to get power to the city, and a challenge to be overcome. To do that today would be incomprehensible. Your risk-management practices wouldn't allow you to do such a thing."
Up to 4,800 workers contributed to the day of September 22, 1968 when Premier Bennett switched the generating station “on”.
We took a very comprehensive tour of the underground Powerhouse.
On the following diagram follow the blue line from the Williston Reservoir, down the penstocks to the Powerhouse in red.
In the Powerhouse it was difficult to grasp how far underground we were and the immensity of one of the world’s largest earth filled dams.
In this diagram the water exits the tailrace tunnel and returns to the Peace River/Dinosaur Reservoir.
The entire water flow moves fish safely, however, they are slightly dizzy when they return to the river. Eagles and otters know they are easy pickings at that point.
During times of heavy flooding water is released through the spillway.
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Williston Reservoir, the 7thlargest in the world, captures rain and melt water from the mountains.
After Bennett Dam generates electricity the water flows into Dinosaur Reservoir.
The Peace Canyon Dam then reuses the same water as the Bennett Dam.
In 1980 the final stages of the W.A.C. Bennett Dam and the Peace Canyon Dam were completed.
Today the two dams generate about 29% of BC Hydro’s total hydroelectric generating capacity.
Both dams have received upgrades over the years but they have not kept up with demand for electricity.
The Site C Clean Energy Project is downriver on the Peace. It will rely on the Williston Reservoir for most of its water storage. As a result, Site C will be able to generate about 35% of the energy produced at the Bennett Dam, with only 5% of the reservoir area.
It will be a source of clean, renewable and affordable electricity in BC for more than 100 years.
The project has generated a great deal of controversy particularly with British Columbia’s change of government.
Construction will continue but there is a very different approach to land and people claims compared to the Bennett Dam construction in the 1960s.
In the 60s First Nations land use and lifestyles were not considered relevant to the needs of more recent British Columbians. There is still much anger and bitterness regarding First Nations loss of land and way of life.
Today’s approach to planning and negotiating for Site C is different and we can hope more satisfactory for all parties.
Conservation today and planning for tomorrow is a difficult balance to achieve.
There's something else I didn't know. And now I do. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteTravelling with you through photos and commentaries is a real treat. P&L
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