EPCOR Utilities Inc., through its indirect wholly owned subsidiary EPCOR Power Development Limited Partnership, has initiated an environmental assessment process for the Quality Wind Project (QWP). This 100 MW to 200 MW wind energy project is proposed for an area approximately ten kilometers northeast of Tumbler Ridge.
The British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) has issued a Section 10 Order formally triggering a review of the QWP under British Columbia's Environmental Assessment Act. EPCOR will be preparing environmental and socio-community studies in support of an application to the EAO for an environmental assessment certificate and will be undertaking an extensive dialogue and engagement program with regional stakeholders, First Nations and other Aboriginal communities throughout the environmental assessment process.
The QWP was initiated by Chinook Power Corp., which will continue to act as a consultant to the project. Construction of the QWP will be subject to conditions such as regulatory approvals, economic and engineering assessments, successful participation in an anticipated competitive bid process by BC Hydro, and negotiation of a power purchase agreement with BC Hydro.
