Evidence on the Adequacy of First Nations Consultation - BC Hydro ...

3,
4
&
5
Just north of the Frances Creek
crossing on Option B (BCTC's
preferred option), the combination
of old forest, wetland and dry
slopes covers a large enough area
that it cannot be avoided through
careful structure placement,
without moving outside of the
proposed alignment. Even in cases
where those three types cover
large portions, but not the entire
kilometer-wide analysis strip, the
cost and engineering
considerations entailed in
"bending" the line around them
may decrease the likelihood of
doing so. Unless such reserves
are in fact formally established,
those stands will ultimately be
logged.
6 The assessment does not consider
the potential effect of the
transmission line's presence of
fire-dependent ecosystems.
impact the extent of sensitive ecosystems (i.e. the disturbance by the
project would push these ecosystems back to an earlier succession stage,
but would not degrade them to the point that they could not progress to later
successional stages as expected in the event that the line was removed).
Additional mitigation measures are identified in the report. Those measures
would also reduce the potential impact of the CVT Project on sensitive
ecosystems if constructed using either Route Corridor Option ‘A’ or ‘B’ .
It is possible that there will be sensitive ecosystems in some areas that will
be partially disturbed by the construction of the transmission line. However,
the application of mitigation measures as recommended in the report
should greatly limit the occurrence of such disturbances. Site-specific
concerns will be addressed (through the development of additional
mitigation measures..
BCTC does not have the authority to establish Old Growth Management
Areas on crown land – establishment and management of OGMAs is the
responsibility of B.C. Integrated Land Management Bureau.
The environmental overview assessment of the potential impacts of the
project on vegetation was conducted through a consideration of rare plant
species, sensitive ecosystems (including those classified as being firemaintained
ecosystems if they were considered by the province as blue- or
red-listed communities), and invasive species.
Detailed assessment will be
conducted during the preparation of
the construction environmental
management plan
Detailed assessment will be
conducted during the preparation of
the construction environmental
management plan which would help
to maintain the plant and animal
communities associated with the
transmission line corridor
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