Revelstoke Generating Station Unit 6 Project

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

March 2013

Revelstoke Unit 6 – Project Description – March 2013

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Purpose of Project Description

This Project Description has been prepared in accordance with the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office‟s (EAO) “Guidelines for the Preparing a Project Description for an Environmental Assessment in ” (Project Description Guidelines). The Project Description Guidelines provide that the purpose of the Project Description is to enable the EAO to determine:

(1) If Revelstoke Unit 6 falls within the category of projects that is „reviewable‟ under the Reviewable Projects Regulation (B.C. Reg. 370/2002). Revelstoke Unit 6 would have a rated nameplate (installed) capacity of approximately 500 megawatts (MW), which exceeds the threshold in Part 4, Table 7 of an increase of 50 MW or greater in the rated for modifications to existing hydroelectric facilities. Refer to section 3.1 of this Project Description; and

(2) If the EAO should exercise its section 10 B.C. Environmental Assessment Act (S.B.C. 2002, c.43) (BCEAA) decision-making authority to require British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority (BC Hydro) to apply for an Environmental Assessment Certificate (EAC) for Revelstoke Unit 6. A general overview of the potential environmental, economic, social, heritage and health effects is provided in section 4.5 of this Project Description.

The Project Description is the first step in the BCEAA process. Subsequent steps include: (1) Section 11 procedural order/EAC Application Information Requirements (scope of the project, scope of the assessment); and (2) the review of the EAC Application itself.

Background

Revelstoke and Generating Station are located on the 5 kilometers upstream from the City of Revelstoke. Originally designed to be a six unit generating station, the installation of Unit 5 and Unit 6 were deferred until additional generating capacity was required. The fifth unit came into service in 2010. The and Generating Facility provide significant value by helping BC Hydro to meet peak customer demand for electricity. Currently the facility has an installed capacity of 2,480 MW, which represents approximately 23% of the installed capacity of BC Hydro‟s Heritage resources.

The Project

Revelstoke Unit 6 (sometimes referred to as the Project in this document) consists of installing an approximately 500 MW turbine into an existing turbine bay at the

Revelstoke Generating Station. BC Hydro is proposing Revelstoke Unit 6 to meet the demand for dependable capacity. There is a need for dependable capacity beginning in 2018. BC Hydro is working towards a target in service date of October 2019. On-site construction for the generation of Unit 6 would take approximately 40 months. Subject to regulatory and BC Hydro approvals, construction is expected to commence in 2016.

BC Hydro anticipates the Project would have no significant adverse environmental effects during construction. During the BCEAA process it will be determined whether the operation of the sixth unit would be likely to result in any significant incremental adverse environmental effects.

Other Regulatory Approvals

The Project does not trigger the new threshold established under the Regulations Designating Physical Activities (SOR/2012-147) enacted under the 2012 Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. BC Hydro is exempt from the requirement to obtain a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the British Columbia Utilities Commission for the Project pursuant to section 7 of the B.C. Clean Energy Act (S.B.C. 2010, c.22).

The existing Water Licence of 90,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) was intended to provide water diversion flows for all six units. With the larger and more efficient Unit 6, the plant could productively utilize a higher flow of 93,000 cfs, resulting in an increase of about 58 MW of needed dependable capacity. To utilize the additional flow BC Hydro would have to apply for an additional diversion Water Licence for 3,000 cfs. BC Hydro plans to apply for the Water Licence concurrently with the BCEAA process.

During stakeholder engagement and First Nations consultation for the Project, the Columbia River Water Use Plan (WUP) monitoring studies and physical works would be reviewed to determine what, if any, revisions or additions might be required to address the operation of Revelstoke Unit 6. If revisions are required, a WUP Addendum would be drafted and submitted to the BC Comptroller of Water Rights.

Transmission

The Project Description Guidelines provide that the Project Description is to set out a “brief description of the major…off-site project components”. BC Hydro provides the following information to the EAO to permit it to determine if the following capacitor station and/or upgrade work are off-site facilities “related to” Revelstoke Unit 6 (section 1 of BCEAA, definition of “reviewable project”) as part of the second step in the BCEAA process (the EAC Application Information Requirements):

 The capacitor station is required on the BC Hydro 500 kilovolt transmission line (circuit 5L98) between Vaseux Lake Terminal Station and Nicola Substation to increase the capacity of the transmission system in the Interior of British Columbia;  While the capacitor station will serve all existing generation in the Southern Interior of B.C., the Project advances the need for the capacitor station by about 15 to 20 years under current planning assumptions.

Upgrade work at Nicola Substation is required. Refer to section 4.1.2 for further detail.

Revelstoke Unit 6 – Project Description – March 2013

Table of Contents 1 INTRODUCTION ...... 7 2 PROPONENT INFORMATION ...... 7 3 GENERAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION ...... 8 3.1 Type and Size of Project ...... 8 3.2 Project Rationale and Purpose ...... 8 3.3 Number of Construction and Operation Jobs...... 8 3.4 Location (Latitude & Longitude) ...... 9 4 PROJECT OVERVIEW ...... 9 4.1 Project Components ...... 9 4.1.1 Generation ...... 9 4.1.2 Transmission ...... 10 4.2 Construction Activities ...... 11 4.2.1 Generation ...... 11 4.2.2 Transmission ...... 12 4.3 Site Plans and Aerial Photo...... 12 4.3.1 Area Plan ...... 13 4.3.2 Site Plan ...... 13 4.3.3 Aerial Photo ...... 15 4.3.4 Aerial Plan View ...... 16 4.3.6 Cross Sectional Plan View ...... 17 4.3.7 Transmission ...... 18 4.4 On-Site Construction Duration ...... 19 4.5 Environmental, Economic, Social, Heritage, and Health Effects ...... 19 4.5.1 Construction Effects – Generation ...... 19 4.5.2 Construction Effects – Transmission ...... 20 4.5.3 Operational Effects - Generation ...... 21 4.5.4 Operational Effects – Transmission ...... 22 5 LAND USE SETTING ...... 22

6 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND FIRST NATION CONSULTATION ACTIVITIES...... 23 7 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE ...... 25 8 REGULATORY APPROVALS ...... 25

Figure 1 Revelstoke Dam and Generating Station ...... 13 Figure 2 Site Plan of Revelstoke Facilities ...... 14 Figure 3 Aerial photo of the Revelstoke Dam ...... 15 Figure 4 Aerial plan view of Revelstoke Dam and Generating Station ...... 16 Figure 5 Cross Section of Revelstoke Dam and Generating Station ...... 17 Figure 6 Existing Transmission System and Proposed Capacitor Station Location ...... 18

Table 1 Proposed High Level Development Schedule ...... 25

1 INTRODUCTION

Purpose of Project Description

This Project Description has been prepared in accordance with the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office‟s (EAO) “Guidelines for the Preparing a Project Description for an Environmental Assessment in British Columbia” (Project Description Guidelines). The Project Description Guidelines provide that the purpose of the Project Description is to enable the EAO to determine:

(1) If the proposed project, Revelstoke Unit 6 (sometimes referred to as the Project in this document) falls within the category of projects that is „reviewable‟ under the Reviewable Projects Regulation (B.C. Reg. 370/2002). Revelstoke Unit 6 would have a rated nameplate (installed) capacity of approximately 500 megawatts (MW), which exceeds the threshold in Part 4, Table 7 of an increase of 50 MW or greater in the rated nameplate capacity for modifications to existing hydroelectric facilities. Refer to section 3.1 of this Project Description; and

(2) If the EAO should exercise its section 10 B.C. Environmental Assessment Act (S.B.C. 2002, c.43) (BCEAA) decision-making authority to require British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority (BC Hydro) to apply for an Environmental Assessment Certificate (EAC) for Revelstoke Unit 6. A general overview of the potential environmental, economic, social, heritage and health effects is provided in section 4.5 of this Project Description.

The Project Description is the first step in the BCEAA process. Subsquest steps include: (1) Section 11 Procedural Order/EAC Application Information Requirements (scope of the project, scope of the assessment); and (2) the review of the EAC Application itself.

2 PROPONENT INFORMATION

BC Hydro is a Crown corporation that began operations in 1962. BC Hydro's mandate is the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity. As one of the largest electric utilities in , BC Hydro serves approximately 1.9 million customers, about 95% of British Columbia's population. BC Hydro‟s head office is located at 333 Dunsmuir Street in Vancouver, British Columbia. Its website is www.bchydro.com.

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The contacts for the Project are:

Environmental Coordinator Project Manager Lauren Cherkezoff Paul Klawer 6911 Southpoint Drive 6911 Southpoint Drive Burnaby, B.C. V3N 4X8 Burnaby, B.C. V3N 4X8 Tel: 604-528-2103 Tel: 604-528-1820

3 GENERAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION

3.1 Type and Size of Project

This is a hydroelectric project that involves the addition of an approximately 500 MW generating unit at the Revelstoke Generating Station. Under the Reviewable Projects Regulation of BCEAA the threshold for a modification to a hydroelectric facility is an increase in the rated nameplate capacity of 50 MW or greater.

3.2 Project Rationale and Purpose

There is a need for new dependable capacity resources beginning in 2018. Revelstoke Unit 6 is the most cost-effective capacity resource available to BC Hydro to meet the identified need. Other supply-side dependable capacity alternatives are natural gas-fired simple cycle gas turbine and pumped storage facilities. Intermittent clean or renewable resources such as run-of-river and wind provide very little dependable capacity and thus are not alternatives to Revelstoke Unit 6. Several potential large hydroelectric facilities are prohibited by section 11 and Schdule 2 of the B.C. Clean Energy Act (S.B.C. 2012, c.22) and thus are not alternatives. BC Hydro will continue to consult with First nations concerning alternatives to Revelstoke Unit 6 as part of the BC Hydro-First Nation direct consultation process further described in section 6 of this Project Description.

The addition of Revelstoke Unit 6 would add approximately 488 MW of long-term dependable capacity to BC Hydro‟s ability to reliably meet peak customer demand. It would also provide operational and ancillary services including system shaping, operating reserves and load following. These ancillary services are required to integrate intermittent clean or renewable generation resources such as wind and run-of-river.

3.3 Number of Construction and Operation Jobs

It is estimated that the on-site construction of Revelstoke Unit 6 would result in approximately 390 person years of employment. The estimate for the construction of the capacitor station is 21.7 person years. No significant employment would be created for the operation of the sixth unit or the capacitor station.

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3.4 Location (Latitude & Longitude)

Revelstoke Dam and Generating Station are located on the Columbia River 5 kilometres (km) upstream from the City of Revelstoke. The latitude and longitude of the Revelstoke Generating Station are:

51:02:54.82 north 118:11:39.46 west

The new capacitor station on transmission line 5L98 needs to be within 10% of the mid- point of that line. The latitude and longtitude of that location is, 49:40:07.88 north 119:55:35.18 west The latitude and longtitude of the Nicola Substation is, 50:10:50.04 north 120:23:26.14 west

4 PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Revelstoke Dam and Generating Station are part of BC Hydro‟s Columbia River hydroelectric system, with and Kinbasket Reservoir located upstream, and and Reservoir situated downstream. The Revelstoke facilities include a large concrete gravity dam at the generating station, an adjacent earthfill embankment dam up the west side of the reservoir, a gated spillway, penstocks, and powerplant, and building. Construction began in early 1977, and the powerhouse began operations in 1984. The fifth unit was added more than 20 years later and brought into service in 2010. The current facility consists of five generating units with a combined installed capacity of 2,480 MW, which represents approximately 23% of the installed capacity of BC Hydro‟s Heritage Resources as listed in the Clean Energy Act.

4.1 Project Components

The following are the Project Components. 4.1.1 Generation

The Project consists of the installation of an approximately 500 MW generating unit and related equipment at Revelstoke Generating Station, including:

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 An exposed steel penstock, 7.9 metres (m) in diameter, similar to the existing penstocks, and consisting of a 75 m long straight section supported by four ring girdles and an expansion joint;

 A vertical shaft Francis turbine, about 7.0 m in diameter with a maximum discharge capability of about 400 cubic metres per second (m3/s);

 An umbrella type generator, air cooled, with a rated installed capacity of approximately 500 MW;

 A generator transformer, switchgear and associated equipment located in the existing powerhouse;

 Additional ancillary mechanical and electrical equipment for the generator and transmission switchgear; and

 Contractor‟s offices, parking and lay down areas, contractor‟s concrete (batch plant or hauled in), aggregate source/transportation/storage if contractor chooses on-site batch plant, additional temporary storage or warehouse facility.

4.1.2 Transmission

The EAO will scope the project under section 11 of BCEAA through the EAC Application Information Requirements. BC Hydro provides the following information to the EAO to permit it to determine if the capacitor station and/or upgrade work at Nicola Substation are off-site facilities “related to” the Project. Note that this high level information is based on BC Hydro‟s preferred alternative location for the proposed capacitor station:

 BC Hydro would construct a series capacitor station sited on or adjacent to the existing Right-of-Way (RoW) around mid-point of circuit 5L98 near Summerland between Vaseux Lake Terminal Station and Nicola Substation. The capacitor station may require a repeater or reflector communication facility.

 The capacitor station is downstream of the Revelstoke Unit 6 point of interconnection to the transmission grid, and would be located approximately 200 km from the Revelstoke Dam and Generating Station. Refer to Figure 6.

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 The capacitor station is required to increase the capacity of the transmission system in the Interior of B.C. The reason for the capacitor station is to protect the BC Hydro system from failure of a transmission component and ensure the delivery of all dependable capacity from the Southern Interior of B.C. Thus the capacitor station would serve all existing generation in the Southern Interior, including Revelstoke Dam and Generating Station with the 6th unit.

 The Project advances the need for the capacitor station by about 15 to 20 years under current planning assumptions.

4.2 Project Activities

4.2.1 Generation

The following is a summary of the activities involved in the installation of the Project generating components:

 Removal of the concrete plug inside the powerhouse (approximately 115 cubic metres (m3) of concrete) from the draft tube exit, demolition of the concrete bulkhead and restoration of the draft tube, would all be carried out in an area confined by the draft tube gates. This work would be isolated from the downstream tailrace using gates or stoplogs. The rubble from the concrete demolition and bulkhead removal would be either transported to a spoil disposal area on BC Hydro property or taken directly to the Revelstoke landfill.

 Concrete placement (including curing) would occur in the dry, and wash water would be contained, tested for alkalinity, treated and disposed of appropriately. Much of the construction activity would consist of placing approximately 7000 m3 (9150 cubic yards) of concrete as well as associated form work preparation and reinforcing steel work.

 The 550 tonne penstock would likely be fabricated in segments at the site. This would require the use of heavy cranes and winches, and would involve externally- visible work on the face and top of the dam.

 The turbine draft tube and spiral case would be embedded in concrete. The existing concrete bulkhead in the draft tube would be demolished after insertion of a set of draft tube gates at the Unit 6 gate slots. The draft tube heel will be reshaped.

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4.2.2 Transmission

The following is a summary of the expected activities for the construction of the capacitor station:

 Siting of the capacitor station on or adjacent to the existing RoW.  Clearing of up to 2.5 hectares (ha) of vegetation and preparation of the land for equipment foundations including soil removal and import of granular materials.  Installing perimeter fencing.  Clearing a separate site of approximately 0.2 ha for the installation of repeater or reflector communication facility if required.  Preparing or upgrading vehicle access to repeater/reflector communication facility if required and/or preparing helicopter landing site/pad.  Installing electrical and telecommunication equipment at the capacitor and communication facility sites.

It is not yet known if the upgrade work at Nicola Substation can be done entirely within the existing footprint of the substation.

4.3 Site Plans and Aerial Photo

The following are plans, figures and an aerial photo of the Revelstoke Dam and Generating Station.

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4.3.1 Area Plan

Figure 1 is an Area Plan showing the location of the Revelstoke Dam and Generating Station.

Figure 1 Revelstoke Dam and Generating Station

4.3.2 Site Plan

Figure 2 is a Site Plan showing the dam, powerhouse, associated facilities and access routes. It is curently expected that all laydown and parking would be within the green property BC Hydro Property Line shown on the site plan.

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Revelstoke Unit 6 – Project Description – February 2013

Figure 2 Site Plan of Revelstoke Facilities

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Revelstoke Unit 6 – Project Description – February 2013

4.3.3 Aerial Photo

Figure 3 Aerial photo of the Revelstoke Dam

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Revelstoke Unit 6 – Project Description – February 2013

4.3.4 Aerial Plan View

Figure 4 is an aerial plan view of the Revelstoke Dam and Generating Station. 1. Revelstoke Reservoir 2. Concrete Dam 3. Existing Penstock and Generating Units 1-5 4. Proposed Revelstoke Unit 6 Penstock and Generating Unit 5. Tailrace 6. Spillway

Figure 4 Aerial plan view of Revelstoke Dam and Generating Station

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Revelstoke Unit 6 – Project Description – February 2013

4.3.5 Cross Sectional Plan View

Figure 5 provides a cross-sectional view of the Revelstoke Dam and Generating Station, including the following:

1. Revelstoke Reservoir 2. Concrete Dam 3. Penstock 4. Concrete Dam 5. Powerhouse 6. New Generating Unit 6 7. Draft Tube Outlet to Columbia River

Figure 5 Cross Section of Revelstoke Dam and Generating Station

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Revelstoke Unit 6 – Project Description – February 2013 4.3.6 Transmission

Figure 6 shows the location of the existing transmission system in the Southern Interior, proposed general location of the capacitor station, and Nicola Substation.

Figure 6 Existing Transmission System and Proposed Capacitor Station Location

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Revelstoke Unit 6 – Project Description – February 2013

4.4 On-Site Construction Duration

The on-site construction of 6th unit would take approximately 40 months. The on-site construction for the capacitor station, and repeater or reflector communication facility if required, and the Nicola Substation upgrade would take approximately 18 months. Construction would commence in 2016 subject to:  Receipt of an EAC;  BC Hydro‟s assessment of the adequacy of First Nation consultation prior to the Project implementation decision-making stage should an EAC be issued; and  completion of other regulatory processes.

BC Hydro is working towards a target in-service date of October 2019.

The sixth unit and the capacitor station are expected to have a seventy (70) year operating lifespan. Plans for decommissioning are not being developed at this time but would meet applicable legislative requirements at the time of decommissioning.

4.5 Environmental, Economic, Social, Heritage, and Health Effects

The following is a general description (as called for by the Project Description Guidelines) of the potential environmental, economic, social, heritage and health effects during construction and operation of Revelstoke Unit 6.

4.5.1 Construction Effects – Generation

Environmental: Potential environmental effects during construction are:

1. Wastewater: Wastewater from drainage in the powerhouse and from construction process water would be treated, monitored and disposed of appropriately in accordance with regulatory requirements and so as to prevent harm to the environment. The contractor would likely install a wastewater treatment plant with discharge to the reservoir.

2. Concrete Waste: Concrete waste in various forms would require disposal. Waste concrete from the demolition of the concrete plug and removal of the concrete bulkhead would also require disposal, most likely in the Revelstoke landfill.

3. Waste Management: BC Hydro would ensure there is no disposal or burning of any packaging or other waste on site. Perishable waste would be managed so as not to attract bears.

4. Hazardous Waste: Waste oil and any other hazardous waste would be stored, managed, and disposed of in accordance with all regulatory requirements.

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Revelstoke Unit 6 – Project Description – February 2013 5. Sulfur Hexafluoride: The Project would involve some handling of sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), which is a potent greenhouse gas. All handling would be in accordance with BC Hydro‟s SF6 procedures so as to prevent releases to the environment.

6. Site Drainage: Laydown areas or any construction activities that could result in run-off of silt or other contaminants into the reservoir would be managed with silt fencing and riparian buffers.

7. Spills: All contractors would be required to have spill prevention and management procedures and equipment.

8. Wildlife: Wildlife crossing the access roads to the Revelstoke Generating Station could be at risk from increased traffic.

9. Vegetation Clearing: There would be less than 5 ha of vegetation clearing (parking and laydown) for the work at the Revelstoke facility.

10. Riparian Zones: Any sensitive riparian zones in and around the work areas would be protected from construction activities via fencing, signs and instructions to contractors.

Economic and Social: Potential economic and social effects during construction are:

1. Accommodation: Most of the workers involved in the construction of the generation facility would be accommodated in the City of Revelstoke, which may impact accommodation availability and cost.

2. Recreational Areas: There are a variety of formal and informal recreational activities and facilities in the area. There is the potential for increased use of recreational facilities due to the workforce in Revelstoke for the Project.

3. Heritage: The construction work at Revelstoke Generating Station would occur inside the existing power plant and at other previously disturbed areas from the original dam construction.

4. Health Effects: There are no health effects anticipated.

4.5.2 Construction Effects – Transmission (Capacitor Station)

Environmental: Potential environmental effects of the Nicola Sustation upgrades, the capacitor station, and the possible microwave communication site(s) during construction are:

1. Material and Hazardous Waste Management: Materials such as batteries, SF6, waste oil and any other hazardous waste would be stored, managed, and disposed of in accordance with all regulatory requirements.

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Revelstoke Unit 6 – Project Description – February 2013 2. Loss of Habitat: Loss of terrestrial and wildlife habitat (up to 3 to 4 ha for the capacitor site and approximately 0.2 ha for the repeater/reflector communication facility).

3. Species at Risk: Disturbance to species at risk (fauna and flora within 5 kilometres) and breeding birds and nests,

4. Temporary Construction Effects: There is potential for spread of noxious weeds, noise and dust, traffic, livestock control issues, erosion and sedimentation.

5. Spills: All contractors would be required to have spill prevention and management procedures and equipment to prevent releases from fuel, batteries, capacitor fluids, and/or construction equipment.

Economic and Social: Potential economic and social effects during construction are:

1. Heritage: Potential effects related to siting of facilities and/or access on or near heritage, cultural and/or archaeological sites and potential disturbance of unknown sites.

2. Accommodation: Most of the workers are expected to travel from local communities which could impact accommodation availability and cost.

3. Health: There are no health effects anticipated.

4.5.3 Operational Effects - Generation

The following is a summary of potential operational impacts of the 6th unit:

Power Flow Operation: The operation of the sixth unit would not be expected to lead to significant changes in the way the existing facility is operated. The additional unit would provide the opportunity to use the existing water supply differently by releasing up to 20 percent more water with all six units operating for short periods of time.

The current Water Licence (Conditional Water License (CWL) 47215) has a diversion limit of 90,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). Since the original licencing and construction of the facility, more modern generating units have a capacity for a higher diversion rate. The higher diversion rate enables an additional 58 MW of needed dependable capacity from Revelstoke Generating Station. To access this additional capacity, BC Hydro would require an additional water licence of 3,000 cfs. BC Hydro plans to apply for this additional water licence concurrently with the BCEAA process.

The incremental effects of a sixth unit have been modelled at both 90,000 cfs and 93,000 cfs. The modelling methodology is the same as that used for the Columbia River Water Use Plan (WUP), Revelstoke Unit 5, and Mica Units 5 and 6. The results of this modelling will be used in the assessment of the potential environmental effects of the incremental operational changes.

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Revelstoke Unit 6 – Project Description – February 2013

Maximum Flows: Given a hydroelectric generating station‟s efficiency (energy produced per unit volume of water) drops rapidly at very high loadings, BC Hydro generally doesn‟t often run its hydro plants in that range. There would be two circumstances when BC Hydro would expect to run Revelstoke Generating Station at near maximum loading with corresponding high discharges: 1) in response to a system need for Revelstoke Generating Station to supply “Operating Reserve” coinciding with a high load; and 2) at a time when high reservoir inflows exceed ability to generate the water efficiently. Based on simulations of operations, these two circumstances combined are expected to happen for less than 1% of the time.

Reservoir Operation: Revelstoke Reservoir would continue to be operated within its licensed operating range. Increased daily fluctuations of up to 0.2 m (~0.7 ft) could occur during winter when local inflows are low. However, reservoir levels would be expected to be within 1 m of the maximum elevation of 573.0 m. The reservoir would operate within the normal operating range of 1.5 m during times when it is necessary to draft (lower) the reservoir to avoid spill or to meet short-term system load requirements. Weekly and emergency reservoir drafts are not expected to change.

4.5.4 Operational Effects – Transmission (Capacitor Station)

The capacitor control and operation would occur via BC Hydro‟s System Control Center located in the Lower Mainland. BC Hydro‟s field services staff would visit the capacitor station on a regular basis to inspect it, and as required, to make repairs. Otherwise, the capacitor station would not require any on-site staff.

There may be a need to provide a backup diesel generator on site. This diesel generator, if needed, would operate only when the primary power supplies to the station are not available, which is expected to be infrequently. Fuel would be stored with containment.

From an aesthetic perspective, there could be visual impacts related to station equipment, towers, fence, control building and the microwave reflector if required.

5 LAND USE SETTING

Installation of the generating unit, penstock and switchgear equipment would be done within the existing facility using the same 3-4 ha laydown and parking areas as for Revelstoke Unit 5, all of which are within the footprint of the existing Revelstoke Dam and Generating Station. The powerhouse would also be used for temporary storage, sorting and preparation of some of the equipment for the 6th unit as well as for offices for BC Hydro construction personnel. An additional warehouse, or expansion of the existing warehouse, would be required at either the warehouse site or an adjacent 3-4 ha laydown and parking area.

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Revelstoke Unit 6 – Project Description – February 2013 The location of the capacitor station would likely be under and/or adjacent to the existing RoW. If required, the repeater or reflector communication facility would most likely require a new Crown land site and clearing.

6 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND FIRST NATION CONSULTATION ACTIVITIES

BC Hydro plans to convene a project stakeholder committee, known as a Core Committee, for the purpose of stakeholder engagement. There would be an open public invitation for Core Committee members. Core Committee members will likely include interested Government agencies, the City of Revelstoke, members of the public, and First Nations.

As an agent of the Crown, BC Hydro has a duty to consult First Nations who may be potentially affected by Revelstoke Unit 6. Based on past work in the Revelstoke Dam and Generating Station area including the Columbia River WUP and Revelstoke Unit 5, BC Hydro identified the following as First Nations and Tribal Councils with a potential interest in the Revelstoke Unit 6 area:

Ktunaxa Nation Council (Ktunaxa)  St Mary‟s, Lower Kootenay, Tobacco Plains, ?Akisq‟nuk First Nation, Shuswap1

Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA)  Westbank First Nation, Upper Similkameen, Upper Nicola, Penticton, Osoyoos, Okanagan, Lower Similkameen

Shuswap Nation Tribal Council  Adams Lake (member of the Lakes Division), Neskonlith Band (member of the Lakes Division), Splats‟in First Nation (member of the Lakes Division2), Bonaparte, Little Shuswap Lake, Shuswap, Simpcw First Nation, Skeetchestn, Tk‟emlúps te Secwépemc, Whispering Pines/Clinton.

Based on information received during previous interactions with the above First Nations including Revelstoke Unit 5 and the Columbia River WUP, BC Hydro started consulting with Ktunaxa, members of the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council and the ONA.

BC Hydro identified the following as First Nations and Tribal Councils with a potential interest in the capacitor station area:

ONA

1 As of January 30, 2013, the Shuswap is identified as a member community in the websites of both the Ktunaxa Nation Council and the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council. 2 The Lakes Division refers to the Sexqueltkemc (People of the Lakes) Division of the Secwepemc Nation.

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Revelstoke Unit 6 – Project Description – February 2013  Westbank First Nation, Penticton Indian Band, Lower Similkameen

Nlaka'pamux Nation Tribal Council  Lytton, Oregon Jack Creek

Nicola Tribal Association (and Esh-kn-am Cultural Resources Management Services)  Cook's Ferry, Siska, Coldwater

Non- Affiliated  Lower Nicola

These lists are subject to confirmation through discussions with First Nations and Tribal Councils, and subject to the First Nations listed in an EAO BCEAA Section 11 Procedural Order.

Broadly speaking, the planned First Nation consultation process for the Project consists of direct BC Hydro-First Nation consultation, as well as consultation undertaken through a BCEAA process if the EAO determines that an EAC is required for the Project. To date, Project related consultation has consisted of:

 Notification in August 2012 by BC Hydro to the above listed First Nations and Tribal Councils with a potential interest in Revelstoke Unit 6.  Presentations, in October 2012 through February 2013, to each of Lakes Division, Ktunaxa, and ONA concerning the need for and alternatives to Revelstoke Unit 6, together with preliminary information concerning the BCEAA process. BC Hydro has conducted two (2) rounds of presentations to date outlining the need for and alternatives to Revelstoke Unit 6.  Notification, in late January and early February 2013, by BC Hydro to the above listed First Nations and Tribal Councils with a potential interest in the area that BC Hydro is considering for the development of a new capacitor station. Since that time, BC Hydro has met with the Nicola Tribal Association to introduce the Project to them and discuss the need for and alternatives to Revelstoke Unit 6 with a focus on the capacitor station.  There have been preliminary discussions concerning capacity funding and interim capacity funding has been sent to some First Nations.

BC Hydro provided a draft copy of this Project Description to all of above First Nations and Tribal Councils between 1-6 February 2013 for comment. BC Hydro received written comments from Lakes Division, and made changes to the Project Description as a result.

BC Hydro wrote the Nation Society with regard to the Project on 6 March 2013 and provided a draft copy of this Project Description for comment; no comments had been received by BC Hydro as of 28 March 2013.

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Revelstoke Unit 6 – Project Description – February 2013 7 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE

The following is the proposed high level schedule for the Project. There is about a 14 month period between initiation of the Core Committee and submission of the EAC Application:

Commence Consultation with First Nations on Need and August 2012 Alternatives Submit Project Description to EAO March 2013 Commence Core Committee meetings Fall 2013 Submit EAC Application Winter 2014 Commence Construction - generation July 2016 Commence Construction - transmission Spring 2017 In Service Date October 2019 Table 1 Proposed High Level Development Schedule

8 REGULATORY APPROVALS

The following is a review of the major approvals and whether or how they apply to the Project.

BCUC: BC Hydro is exempt from the requirement to obtain a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the BC Utilities Commission for Revelstoke Unit 6 pursuant to section 7 of the Clean Energy Act.

BCEAA: The Project exceeds the Reviewable Projects Regulation threshold of an increase of 50 MW or greater in the rated nameplate capacity for modifications to existing hydroelectric facilities. (Part 4, Table 7).

CEAA: The Project does not trigger the new threshold established under the 2012 Canadian Environmental Assessment Act Regulations Designating Physical Activities (SOR/2012-147). The threshold for an expansion of a hydroelectric facility is: (1) an increase of 200 MW or more; and (2) an increase in production capacity of fifty percent (50%) or more. Revelstoke Unit 6 does not result in an increase in production capacity of 50% or more at Revelstoke Generating Station. The increase is only twenty percent (20%).

Water Licence: Under CWL 47215, BC Hydro has maintained the water licencing rights to install Revelstoke Unit 6 by paying annual water rental fees for construction. This Water Licence authorizes diversion flows up to 90,000 cfs. With the addition of the more modern Unit 5 and Unit 6 the plant would be able to utilize power flows of up to 93,000 cfs, an increase of 3,000 cfs. BC Hydro plans to apply to the Comptroller of Water Rights for an additional for Water Licence for 3,000 cfs concurrently with the BCEAA process (section 23 of BCEAA).

WUP Addendum Process: During stakeholder and First Nations consultation the Columbia River WUP studies and physical works would be reviewed to determine what, if any, revisions

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Revelstoke Unit 6 – Project Description – February 2013 or additions might be required to address the operation of the 6th unit. Any recommended revisions would be submitted to the BC Comptroller of Water Rights in an addendum for approval.

Fisheries Act: There are no fisheries effects expected during the construction phase of the Project. During the BCEAA process it would be determined whether the operation of the 6th unit would be likely to result in any significant incremental effects on fish populations. The current Fisheries Act Authorization applicable to Revelstoke Generating Station may need to be amended to include unit 6.

The need for other permits or approvals will depend on final design, locations, and construction activities.

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