Site C construction violating environmental regulations, B.C. Hydro warned

The federal government has issued a warning to B.C. Hydro for not monitoring air quality at its Site C hydroelectric project site near Fort St John.

In a letter dated May 26, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency noted that during an April inspection air quality data was not being collected.

In particular, the letter says, information was not being collected on total suspended particulates, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxideand sulphur dioxide.

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This is in violation of federal regulations and could result in a fine of up to $400,000.

B.C. Hydro has until June 10 to respond.

Construction began on work camps for the controversial Site C dam last year. When complete, it is expected to flood 5,500 hectares of land along the Peace River and generate 1,100 megawatts of power.