Beginning this month, BC Hydro will resume our annual debris removal and burning program in Site C project areas. Residents may notice higher levels of burning than in previous years, as clearing activities have advanced substantially.
We are committed to safely and responsibly advancing the Site C project. As part of this, we are clearing vegetation, where practical, from the future reservoir area to help ensure boater safety and reduce impacts to dam operations. We are also clearing along the Highway 29 realignment right-of-way and transmission line corridor.
We will haul merchantable trees to local mills. Some smaller trees will remain in the lower reaches and on steep slopes. Leftover debris which impacts boater safety will be burned, bucked into short logs, chipped or mulched. Our ability to sell the trees is based on factors such as size, species, and location. Recent closures of local mills have reduced the market for some of the trees we are clearing.
Over the coming months, the public should be prepared for increased smoke and lower visibility while we burn and dispose of the debris. We will plan and monitor any burning carefully, including the timing, size and location of the wood piles, and the smoke being emitted. Burning activities will follow the Site C Smoke Management Plan and will only take place during custom venting windows authorized under provincial regulations, specific to Site C.
We will be providing up-to-date information on planned burning on sitecproject.com and twitter.com/sitecproject.
If you see an uncontrolled fire or forest fire, please immediately contact the BC Wildfire Service at 1 800 663 5555 or *5555 on a cell.
Learn more
- FAQ: Clearing and debris management
- Map: Site C burning areas – Fall/winter 2019
- Site C Smoke Management Plan
- Information sheet: Clearing and debris management
Contact us
Toll-free: 1 877 217 0777
Email: sitec@bchydro.com
Website: sitecproject.com
Twitter: @sitecproject