Report says grizzlies and wolverines among animals that would be impacted by dam

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – A report to be presented at a public hearing on the Site C dam says the massive project on the Peace River in northeastern B.C. would impact six mammal species that are already affected by industrial development.

Biologist Clayton Apps’ report is related to caribou, grizzly bear, grey wolf, lynx, wolverine, and the fisher — a type of weasel from the mustelid family.

Apps, who was to appear before the Joint Review Panel on Wednesday, says the cumulative effects of development in the region are so significant that some wildlife populations may not be viable or recoverable in the future.

He evaluated the impacts of past, present, and projected future human influence, including the Site C dam, and says erosion from the dam would also affect wildlife populations along the Rockies.

The biologist wrote the report on behalf of the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative, a non-profit organization that opposes the $8-billion project.

BC Hydro says Site C is needed to generate electricity but opponents maintain the massive dam would flood an 83-kilometre stretch of the Peace River, affecting First Nations’ territory, a highway and the homes of farmers.