VICTORIA – The board will audit BC Hydro’s fire prevention practices on four licences to cut associated with the Columbia Valley Transmission Project, starting Tuesday, June 18.

The audit will examine fire hazard assessment and abatement practices along the transmission line expansion for compliance with the Wildfire Act and relevant regulations. Under the act, a person carrying out an industrial activity, such as land clearing, must take steps to protect forest and range resources from wildfire.

The transmission line extends 125 kilometres from Invermere to Golden through the Columbia Valley and is BC Hydro’s most significant investment in the upper Columbia Valley’s electrical system in almost 50 years.

The Columbia Valley is a popular recreation destination and is home to a variety of wildlife. This is the first time the board has looked at BC Hydro activities for compliance with the Province’s Wildfire Act.

Once the audit work is completed, a report will be prepared, and any party that may be adversely affected by the audit findings will have a chance to respond. The board’s final report and recommendations will then be released to the public and government.

The Forest Practices Board is B.C.’s independent watchdog for sound forest and range practices, reporting its findings and recommendations directly to the public and government.

The board audits forest and range practices on public land, as well as appropriateness of government enforcement.

More information can be obtained by contacting:

Helen Davies, Communications
Forest Practices Board
Phone: 250 213-4708 / 1 800 994-5899