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Sept 24, 1999
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 24, 1999 NWC Prepares for Public Consultations (Vanderhoof, B.C.) The September meeting of the Nechako Watershed Council (NWC) was highlighted by the reaffirmation by Alcan of its position concerning water that might be freed up by a cold water release facility (CWRF). "If the NWC and the Nechako Environmental Enhancement Fund believe that a cold water release facility is the best use of the fund, Alcan can reaffirm the position it took in February of 1998," said Daniel Gagnier, Vice President, Corporate Services of Alcan Aluminium Limited. At that time, Alcan stated that it would make flows liberated by a CWRF (if constructed) available to meet the specific needs identified in the BCUC Report on KCP. It also agreed that any requests for additional water that might be "freed up" by such a facility would have to be established through an open, consensus-based process, like the NWC. "The NWC members appreciate Alcan’s reaffirmation and continued interest in the Council’s mission," said NWC Chair, Henry Klassen. "The NWC is pleased with its continued progress towards enhancing the long-term health and viability of the Nechako Watershed." The September meeting also included a comprehensive presentation by the Nechako Fisheries Conservation Program (NFCP) on its mandate and efforts on the Nechako River. The NFCP was established as part of the 1987 Settlement Agreement and includes representatives from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Provincial Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Alcan and an independent member. Specifically the NFCP discussed issues related to the population and migration patterns of Sockeye and Chinook salmon. "The NFCP presentation proved to us that the Nechako is one of the most studied rivers in British Columbia," noted Klassen. "An enormous amount of data has been collected over the past 10 years, and the NFCP has agreed to provide the NWC with valuable technical expertise." "We were pleased to be invited to present the results of our research on the Nechako River to the members of the NWC," stated Duncan Hay, independent member of the NFCP. "The NWC has created an excellent forum for the users of the Nechako River and we are pleased to offer any assistance that we can." The meeting concluded with a review by members of an interim report to the Nechako Environmental Enhancement Fund (NEEF) Management Committee that will be available to the public at the two-day NEEF workshop in Vanderhoof on October 16 and 17. The next meeting of the NWC is scheduled for October 15 in Vanderhoof. This meeting will coincide with the first public consultation sponsored by the Nechako Environment Enhancement Fund Management Committee. For more information, please contact: Henry Klassen, Chair 250-567-4254
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