Williston Lake

By Cheryl Jahn

Mackenzie Matters Part Two

Another issue plagues Mackenzie

Aug 28, 2019 | 9:54 AM

MACKENZIE – There is another issue plaguing the District of Mackenzie, other than sawmill closures. Aside from Canfor’s decision to indefinitely curtail operations in that mill, and Conifex’s temporary shut down, BC Hydro has applied to drop the water levels below the permitted level of 21-50, which will have serious consequences on the community.

“As you may know just three years ago BC Hydro reviewed the Peace Williston Water Use Plan requesting a new minimum reservoir water-operating level of 2,140 down from 2,147,” said Pat Crook, Regional District Representative for Area G, to the crowd gathered at the Mackenzie Matters rally.

He went on to talk about the impacts of that on the community, starting with the District of Mackenzie itself.

“At 2,147 the District of Mackenzie will be discharging its effluent into a creek not a lake and the dilution factor would put us out of compliance with our permits.”

But the District is not alone, the application would impact the Paper Excellence pulp mill.

Girl found

Burns Lake girl located safe and sound

A few moments ago

Cougars

Shorthanded Cougars grab three of four available points on opening weekend

3h ago

BCHL ACTION

Spruce Kings top Chiefs in OT, aim for perfect start to season Sunday in Langley

10h ago

“Levels below 2,150 would impact the Pulp Mill because it would jeopardize access to process water from the lake. It would also be discharging its effluent into a river not a lake and the dilution factor would put them out of compliance with their permits.”

BC Hydro maintains the low snowpack levels over the winter coupled with the increased draw on the grid has put the utility in trouble, which is the drive behind the application.