Invenergy LLC wrote an April 8 letter to the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office saying that it is withdrawing, for now, a pre-application dating back to 2009 for the 500-MW Rocky Creek Energy Project.
In early 2016, Rupert Peace Power Corp. (RPPC) sold its interest in the Rocky Creek Energy Project to Invenergy, the letter said. RPPC has been retained to manage the wind project through the development phase while also changing its name to Bridge Power.
As the owner of the project, Invenergy writing to the office about the status of the project’s Application Information Requirements (AIR). An AIR document, covering what data needs to be in an application for this project, was issued in 2012.
“Invenergy requests that the Rocky Creek Energy Project be withdrawn from the Environmental Assessment (EA) process as project details require updating,” the letter added. “The rationale for this request is based on an evolving external environment and Invenergy wants to ensure that its EA application properly reflects the changing needs of the region, including the need to address cumulative effects.
“Through all of the information gathered to date this project has created a substantial amount of new data about the region, including important insights into the ecosystem values that exist in the area. Invenergy believes that this project will have minimal impact on the environment and will be a benefit to the region for years.
“Invenergy intends to continue working with First Nations and stakeholders in the region to enhance the company’s relationships in preparation for submission of a new project description. Invenergy intends to submit a new project description once a decision has been made to significantly advance the project development. When submitted the updated project description will be complete and will align with the requirements of the BC Environmental Assessment Act.”
Rupert Peace Power had proposed to develop this 500-MW wind energy project, to be located approximately 40 kilometers south of Chetwynd and 80 kilometers northwest of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. The plan was for up to 150 wind turbines. It would supply power into the BC Hydro system.
