Canadian Hydro Updates Dunvegan Hydroelectric Prospect
CALGARY, ALBERTA--Canadian Hydro Developers, Inc. today announced an update on the joint hearing (the ``Hearing'') with the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board and the Natural Resources Conservation Board (the ``Board''), which opened in Fairview, Alberta on October 2, 2001. The purpose of the Hearing is to approve the construction and operation of the Corporation's proposed 80 MW Dunvegan hydroelectric prospect. The Hearing has been adjourned until June 17, 2002, in order to allow the Corporation to provide additional information that has been requested by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (the ``DFO'') and Alberta Environment. The adjournment is expected to delay Canadian Hydro's completion of the Dunvegan hydroelectric prospect by up to twelve months.
The DFO and Alberta Environment have requested detailed physical and computer hydraulic modeling of the proposed hydroelectric facility in order to demonstrate how the facility accommodates the expected movement of fish. The Corporation had expected this modeling would be required after obtaining initial regulatory approvals, which is usual for a hydroelectric project of this nature. Canadian Hydro continues to work with the DFO and Alberta Environment in order to provide this additional information so they can complete their environmental reviews.
Canadian Hydro is a developer and operator of eleven existing electrical generating facilities: nine ``run of river'' hydroelectric plants, one wind plant and one gas-fired plant. These plants, representing 62 MW (net) of capacity, are located in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. The Company is presently engaged in construction of 26 MW of wind capacity in southern Alberta and 30 MW of run of river hydro in BC. All of Canadian Hydro's wind and water plants are certified under the EcoLogo(TM) certification program.
Canadian Hydro is committed to the concept of low-impact power generation. Through its wind, run-of-river hydro, and gas-fired facilities, Canadian Hydro is demonstrating that commitment to the benefit of the environment and its shareholders |
