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April 10, 2000
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 10, 2000 Vanderhoof, B.C. – The April meeting of the Nechako Watershed Council (NWC) was held on April 7th to coincide with the Nechako Environmental Enhancement Fund (NEEF) public consultation on April 8th. The NWC reached consensus on their Second Interim Report to the NEEF Management Committee. The report states that the NWC strongly supports the construction of a water release facility as the best use of the Nechako Environmental Enhancement Fund. The report was delivered to the NEEF Management Committee on April 8th and was also made available to the public at that time. "A water release facility would best address the majority of the diverse interests of Nechako Watershed residents," said Henry Klassen, Chair of the NWC. Wally Eamer with B.C. Environment, reported on the current status of water licenses on the Nechako River. The total volume of licensed water is substantially unchanged over the last year, with the additional licenses being balanced by changes in some existing licenses. Total water license demand was 6,492 acres with three applications pending for approximately 272 acres at 12" water duty. The NWC was encouraged by the NEEF public consultation, which was held on Saturday, April 8th. Attendance was impressive with over 65 participants representing a wide range of values and interests including environmental, recreational, aboriginal, local business and industry, and all levels of government. Although a diverse group participated in the session, the common theme that joined all parties was the support for the construction of a water release facility at Kenney Dam designed to allow the redevelopment of the Murray-Cheslatta Lake system, to reallocate flows in the Nechako River, and to have the potential capability of generating hydroelectric power. The NWC supports the efforts of the NEEF Management Committee to gain additional information on water release structures. The announcement that the NEEF Management Committee would be making their recommendation to government by the end of 2000 was encouraging news. The NWC will focus its attention on discussing the potential use of the water that may be freed up by a water release facility at the next meeting to be held in Vanderhoof, B.C. on May 12 and 13, 2000. For more information, please contact: Henry Klassen 250-567-4254 |
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