Innergex has received environmental assessment certificates for three hydroelectric projects in the Harrison Lake area.
The projects which have been granted certificates are Tretheway Creek, Shovel Creek and Big Silver Creek.
Innergex currently operates 18 run of river plants, nine in B.C.
The decision to grant the certifcates was made by ministers Terry Lake (environment) and Rich Coleman (mines).
The proposed projects total an estimated $194-million, and will produce up to 72 megawatts of hydroelectric energy. That is enough to power 27,500 homes per year, according to a release from the provincial government announcing the certification.
The projects will include 3.25 kilometres of new and upgraded roads and a 47-kilometre, 138-kilovolt transmission line from the existing Tipella Creek Waterpower Project to the Shovel Creek Waterpower project.
The commercial operational date (electricity delivery date to the BC Hydro grid) is Dec. 2015 for Tretheway Creek and Nov. 2016 for Shovel Creek and Big Silver Creek.
There are several requirements listed including maintaining a minimum in-stream flow requirement, developing and implementing a Spotted Owl Habitat Mitigation Plan, and a "Navigation Mitigation Plan" for each the projects to address impacts to recreational boat use such as kayaking.
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