AN OPEN LETTER FROM ALEX ATAMANENKO TO FEDERAL ENVIRONMENT MINISTER JIM PRENTICE
Dear Minister Prentice,
As you are aware the Okanogan County Public Utility District in Washington state has undertaken a feasibility study to build a hydroelectric dam at Shankers Bend on the Similkameen River south of Osoyoos, B.C.
Part of the study includes an 80 metre dam which, if built, would flood about 7,200 hectares on the Canadian side of the border.
The study has been expanded to involve the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) with a two-year timeline.
According to an article in the January 21st edition of the Osoyoos Times, many are concerned that the utility district's application to FERC is focusing on the high-dam concept.
Feasibility studies are expensive.
The fact that millions of dollars are being spent means that the Americans are serious.
At the board meeting on January 8, 2009, the Board of Directors for Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen passed a resolution supporting the notice of intervention submitted by the Okanagan Alliance of First Nations and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness BC.
Under FERC rules, these are the organizations that will have to present the Canadian argument against the project through the FERC regulatory process.
Minister, on behalf of all those who oppose this project, I strongly urge you to:
Notify your U.S. Government counterpart and all those concerned that Canada unequivocally opposes this project.
Contact the Hon. Barry Penner, B.C. Environment Minister, to urge the Province of B.C. to take a definite stand against this project.
Commit to supporting both the Okanagan Alliance of First Nations and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society in their intervention against this project with the FERC.
Just as with your predecessor, the Hon. John Baird, I look forward to working very closely on this file with you.
Please rest assured that you have my ultimate co-operation.
Alex Atamanenko, MP,rnB.C. Southern Interior
OSOYOOS TIMES-February 4, 2009rn
