Bute Inlet Hydroelectric Project Panel Site Visit

September 1-2, 2009 Summary

To facilitate a better understanding of the proposed Bute Inlet Hydroelectric project, the federal review Panel established to conduct the environmental review of the project undertook a tour of the proposed project area on September 1st & 2nd, 2009 while staying at the Painter’s Lodge in Campbell River, BC. The tour of the 17 proposed run-of-river facilities and associated transmission line routings was conducted via helicopter and boat.

On the first day, the Panel flew over each of the 17 proposed powerhouse sites and several of the associated intake structures located on the Orford, Southgate and Homathko rivers with West Coast Helicopters. Both transmission line options A and B were viewed including the proposed Southgate and Orford substations. The proposed 500 kV transmission line routing was flown from its terminus at the Malaspina substation to its confluence with the East Toba Montrose collector transmission line. The Panel also viewed existing ancillary facilities such as roads, bridges and camp locations. Given the similarities with the proposed Bute Inlet project, the Panel also visited the East Toba and Montrose run-of-river facilities that are presently being constructed by Plutonic Hydro. The Panel observed the construction of the intakes, penstocks, powerhouses, and transmission lines associated with this project.

On the second day, the Panel visited Bute Inlet by boat with Way West Coastal Ventures. The tour commenced in Campbell River and continued to the head of Bute Inlet. The tour stopped for a short break at Big Bay on Stuart Island. All five proposed permanent barge facilities were visited, including the Orford, Southgate, Homathko, Potato Point, and Bear locations. The Panel viewed the proposed sites of some segments of the transmission line (Option A on the map) that may be visible from Bute Inlet should the project proceed.

The Panel and the secretariat conducted the site tour independently and were not accompanied by any other participant in the review process. PHOTO INDEX MAP

Day 1: September 1, 2009

Map 1 Map 2 4 DAY 1 - Map 1

Click on the number to view picture

15

3

2 1

Note: The locations of the photos are approximate. Map source: Plutonic Hydro Inc. 13 DAY 1 - Map 2 12

10, 11 9

14 7 6 8

5

Note: The locations of the photos are approximate. Not to scale. Map source: Plutonic Hydro Inc. 1

Malaspina substation with transmission line servicing the East Toba- Montrose project. Back to Map 2

Existing transmission line crossing at Agamemnon Channel Back to Map 3

Existing transmission line crossing at Back to Map 4

East Toba-Montrose work camp Back to Map 5

East bank of Bute Inlet Back to Map 6

Grizzly bear in Orford River valley Back to Map 7

View from Elliot Creek valley Back to Map 8

Wetlands at valley Back to Map 9

High elevation lake above Southgate River valley Back to Map 10

Homathko icefield Back to Map 11

Homathko icefield Back to Map 12

Upper Jewakwa River Back to Map 13

Glacial runoff at Coola creek Back to Map 14

Mouth of facing Bute Inlet Back to Map 15

View of the Pacific Range Back to Map PHOTO INDEX MAP

DAY 2: September 2, 2009

Map 1 Map 2 DAY 2 - Map 1 3 2

Click on the number to view picture 1

Note: The locations of the photos are approximate. Map source: Plutonic Hydro Inc. DAY 2 - Map 2

7 8 9

6

4,5

Note: The locations of the photos are approximate. Not to scale. Map source: Plutonic Hydro Inc. 1

Killer Whale in

Back to Map 2

View from Big Bay, Stuart Island

Back to Map 3

Rapids near Stuart Island Back to Map 4

Existing barge landing at Orford Bay Back to Map 5

Local business at Orford Bay Back to Map 6

Bute Inlet facing north-northwest towards Mount Sir Back to Map Francis Drake 7

Mouth of the Southgate River Back to Map 8

Potato Point – proposed barge landing site Back to Map 9

Mouth of Bear creek Back to Map