B.C. wildlife group concerned about risk to rainbow trout from wind farm project

A B.C. wildlife non-profit is concerned new government exemptions on wind projects from environmental review processes could favour speed over the protection of rainbow trout as plans ramp up for a new wind farm in the Interior.

B.C. Hydro recently awarded a contract to Westbank First Nation and Innergex Renewable Energy for the K2 Wind project in the Pennask Mountain area, about 40 kilometres west of Kelowna.

The B.C. government plans to exempt wind projects from certain environmental assessment processes to make it faster to build renewable energy projects.

But the B.C. Wildlife Federation is worried that, without a standard process, the government might not put a "proper microscope" on the project.

"When you're trying to do things fast, you don't always get them right," said Jesse Zeman, executive director of the non-profit.

LISTEN | Zeman talks environmental assessments

Radio West7:52Concerns over a proposed wind farm project northwest of Kelowna

Jesse Zeman of the BC Wildlife Federation says the K2 Wind Energy Project could threaten rainbow trout habitat. 

Zeman said the project is planned in a drainage area that is "extremely important" for wild rainbow trout in Pennask Lake, home to brood stock for trout hatcheries since 1927.

He said a previous nearby highway project had created problems with rocks leaching acid into the Pennask watershed.

"We're always way better off preventing these kinds of things than we are having to treat them after the fact."

Environmental reviews consolidated

Westbank First Nation Chief Robert Louie said the new government regulations won't eliminate environmental reviews but rather consolidate permitting under the B.C. Energy Regulator.

He said the process is now more streamlined, without needing cross-ministry approvals.

"I think the misunderstanding, perhaps, is that many, perhaps, think that there will be no environmental reviews at all — which is totally false," Louie said.

Westbank First Nation also has its own oversight process, including archeological and environmental reviews.

"We're not going to be shy of the experts, and then having our traditional cultural advisers also a part of this is very, very important," Louie said.

"The need for alternative power is so great that we can't afford to have inefficiency," he added.

What is the new legislation?

Zeman said he was pleased to hear Louie's comments, but added, "The issue is process."

The NDP's Bill 14, which is still going through the legislative process, would authorize the energy regulator to create a new permitting framework for renewable energy projects, similar to energy resource activities such as oil, gas and hydrogen.

"The BCER can uphold environmental protections while expediting timelines for projects to be built, rather than the three to five years it can take for the environmental assessment process," said Energy Minister Adrian Dix in an emailed statement.

Dix said the BCER ensures wildlife is protected through planning tools, oversight and "end of life restoration."

It also ensures permits are consistent with regulations under the Energy Resource Activities Act, according to Dix.

Wind farm benefits

Louie said the K2 Wind project has immense benefits.

"I think it really exemplifies the economic reconciliation component of First Nations and government, and First Nations and industry," he said, noting the K2 Wind project will bring jobs, training and business opportunities. 

Westbank First Nation members will vote on the project in a referendum expected later this year.

"We want to make sure our members are fully informed, fully aligned with what we're doing," Louie said.

The wind farm is expected to be in service by 2031.