SUNDERMAN: Wrong time to change review process for wind power projects

According to the B.C. Environment Ministry, up until recently, wind projects generating more
than 50 megawatts of power or involving 15 or more turbines have been subject to an environmental assessment through the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office (BCEAO).

The Ministry has stated that wind projects have typically taken one to two years to complete the environmental assessment process — although no wind projects have been reviewed since B.C.’s Environmental Assessment Act was updated in 2018.

An important feature of the environmental assessment process is to analyze valued components (VCs) (either environmental, social or economic) that may be affected by the wind project. The overall goal of the environmental process is not to stop projects but to ensure that harms identified are mitigated.

There are nine new wind power projects approved, with projects ranging from 94 megawatts to 200 megawatts. The Province wants to develop projects quickly, stating they are moving approvals through a “one window permitting approach” overseen by the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, while other ministries will provide support to ensure coordinated and efficient consultation with First Nations, public engagement and efficient and transparent decisions.

However, it might be worth reminding the Province that currently the BCEAO is the agency with the experienced staff and the expertise to conduct environmental assessments efficiently. Shifting a new process on ministries that have never had this lead role, or responsibility suggests a lack of understanding of how the on-the-ground overall coordination of an assessment really works.

Also, removing the independent oversight of the BCEAO to “make the process go faster” looks politically motivated and risks removing the transparency and clarity the environmental process requires.

Further, it is not clear that time savings can be achieved as delays will be likely as new departments become familiar with their role and hire the necessary staff. Eliminating the BCEAO and established environmental assessment processes because the Province has not been properly planning and investing in its energy security could harm the reputation and public confidence in the wind power sector moving forward.

Getting it right is important, if the Province would like to update and streamline its environmental assessment process, it should do that. However, in the interim, let’s maintain transparency, trust and completeness in the B.C. environmental assessment process that has come from following the proven approach that is in place.

RANDY SUNDERMAN,
Director, Kamloops Area Preservation Association, and former Green Party candidate in the 2024 BC provincial election.