Especially suited to B.C.’s geography, run of river contrasts with the huge, invasive hydro projects usually associated with our province.
Run of river minimizes the environmental impact. Water is diverted from a fast-moving stream or river into a penstock, or pipe, that channels it first to a turbine then back to the river downstream. In most cases the water diversion takes place above a rapids or waterfall that acts as a natural barrier to fish. Among some examples are the East Toba/Montrose Creek project under development north of Powell River and the Upnit project built by the Hupacasath First Nation in the Alberni Valley.
Upwards of 40 such projects are either under construction or already generating power for B.C. But due to a lengthy and stringent review process, many more have been turned down — often after years of study and significant investment. Some 50 permits, licences, reviews and approvals are required from 14 local, provincial and federal authorities, while extensive consultation takes place with First Nations.
Projects that eventually come to fruition return about 34 per cent of their revenue in taxes and levies to all three levels of government. Apart from providing environmentally friendly electricity, run-of-river projects provide jobs and other economic spinoffs for local regions and First Nations.