The campaign to keep Glacier and Howser Creeks wild has had some great successes recently. In June, more than 1,100 people attended the rally and provincial government meeting in Kaslo. In July, more than 450 people attended a public meeting hosted by Nelson-Creston MLA Michelle Mungall. By the end of July, more than 1,000 people submitted comments on the Glacier/Howser project to the provincial environmental assessment office (EAO). More than 95% of submissions expressed concern and opposition to this environmentally destructive private hydro project.

Provincial and federal government ministries and some First Nations have also submitted comments to the EAO. Many of these submissions echo much of what the EcoSociety has been saying about the potential significant negative impacts the Glacier/Howser project would have on wildlife, fish and the environment. Some government submissions have also noted a lack of necessary information within AXOR’s application for the project.

Where are things at now with the Glacier/Howser project?
The EAO is continuing its assessment process on the project and more information is expected within the next couple of months. AXOR and the EAO’s responses to the 1,000+ submissions is expected be posted to the EAO site within the next two weeks.

According to the formal assessment process, the EAO will finish its assessment and make its recommendation to the Ministers of Environment and Energy Mines & Petroleum Resources by early December. The Ministers will make a decision on the fate of the project by mid January, 2009.

Keep talking with your friends and family about the Glacier/Howser project & stay tuned for EcoSociety bulletins and action alerts.

Glacier/Howser In Provincial News

The Province, August 17, 2009, page 4
Five- dam proposal in West Kootenay riles residents
By Sam Cooper

Globe & Mail, August 14, 2009
Opposition to Dams Reaches High-water Mark
By Mark Hume