CPC

Waneta Terrestrial Compensation Projects Receive Support
Friday, May 17, 2013

CASTLEGAR, B.C. – Partners in the Waneta Expansion Project - Fortis Inc., Columbia Power Corporation and Columbia Basin Trust have awarded $50,000 this year to local conservation and restoration projects through the Waneta Terrestrial Compensation Program.

The Waneta Terrestrial Compensation Program provides $50,000 annually to research, physical works, and other on-the-ground or applied terrestrial compensation projects.

“Throughout construction of the Waneta Expansion Project, an emphasis has been placed on environmental stewardship,” said Audrey Repin, spokesperson for the project. “All the projects selected this year support our stewardship goal and provide unique contributions to the environment.”

This year’s successful projects include a life history of the blue-listed Checkered Skipper butterfly in the Pend d’Oreille, a reptiles at risk conservation project, phase two of the Ft. Shepherd Conservancy Area restoration effort, critical habitat restoration for the Yellow-Breasted Chat and an inventory, monitoring, and prioritization of conservation activities for the Lewis’s Woodpecker.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2014 Waneta Terrestrial Compensation Program. The deadline for submissions is January 31, 2014. Visit www.columbiapower.org/wanetaexpansion for an application form and more information.

In addition, the Waneta Expansion Project is improving shallow water fish habitat at the Fort Shepherd bar on the Columbia River, along Highway 22A. Work on this project will resume in the next low water period which is anticipated to occur this fall.

The Waneta Expansion Project owners are proud the project is progressing safely, on schedule and on budget, meeting our environmental, First Nations and community commitments.

The Waneta Expansion Project is a partnership between Fortis Inc., Columbia Power Corporation, and Columbia Basin Trust. For more information please visit: www.columbiapower.org/wanetaexpansion.

For further information, please contact:
Audrey Repin, Waneta Expansion Project Spokesperson. Phone 250.304.6044. Cell 250.365.9502