RCABC environment

Similkameen River - projects

listed chronologically (recent first)

Similkameen Canyon Access Update

The realtor that represents the current owner of the former Elk Ridge Outdoors camping area was contacted by Claudia Schwab of the VKC. This property was the takeout for the Similkameen Canyon run or the put in for the run that ends in Princeton. The current owner has had several requests to access the property, which is being used as a private retreat,and is not willing to allow access to the public. The realtor also stated that the land is not for sale. New access points are being explored for the upper Similkameen and there will likely be some alternative runs created. However the access points may not be as straight forward, and it is unlikely that any hot tubs will be involved! If you have any information to share please send a note to RCABC.

Carbon Sequestration for Coal Plants Announced

The coal fired power plant proposal is now subject to new regulations. In February 07 the provincial government announced that coal generation will have to meet %100 carbon sequestration targets. This will either delay or stop the Similkameen proposal. Will the new carbon emission targets announced by Premier Campell increase interest in micro and larger scale hydro generation, or will the focus shift to renewables and conservation?

Coal Fired Electricity in Similkameen Valley

The proposal in the Similkameen to generate electricity from coal (and possibly wood fiber) has plenty of potential to impact the Similkameen watershed and its local residents. Watch the Environmental Assessment Office's page on the project (linked below) for a window of opportunity for the public to comment on the project. The current BC regulations for emmisions from such a project are said to be out of date. Comments on those regulations could be sent to the Minister of the Environment, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, or to the Premier. An internet search for "Princeton" and "coal fired" will get you lots of public discourse on the topic.

http://www.eao.gov.bc.ca/new-website/homepages/princeton/princeton-home.htm

premier@gov.bc.ca; EMPR.Minister@gov.bc.ca; env.minister@gov.bc.ca

Similkameen River in Need of a Cleanup

We normally think of the Similkameen as a very clean and safe river. But in many areas broken lawn chairs, car parts, large sections of wire grid fence, bags and bottles were littering nearly every crevice between the large boulders that are normally under water during the spring and summer. We cleaned up a bit of the most dangerous stuff, but there is much more junk remaining. Is anyone interested in organizing a gathering to do a cleanup next season? Contact me at the email address below.

environment@bccanoe.com

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