Design work underway on Strathcona Dam upgrade near Campbell River

From the Campbell River Mirror:

Design work continues on BC Hydro’s Strathcona Dam upgrade in hopes of getting BC Utilities Commission approval in 2022.

The design of the water discharge upgrade to Strathcona Dam will allow for BC Hydro to draw down the Upper Campbell Reservoir level after a severe earthquake.

The upgrades will also provide better downstream water management reliability for downstream fish habitat flows to flood risk management.

“For a few years now we have been meeting and consulting with First Nations, government agencies and stakeholders on the project as we continue to refine the design,” says BC Hydro spokesperson, Stephen Watson. “While day-to-day it is very safe, the Strathcona facility has deficiencies that may limit its ability to operate or cause it to fail following a severe earthquake. A new low level outlet, which is a deep excavated channel, will allow us to lower the reservoir level after an earthquake to minimize risks to the dam. The final design will ultimately be developed and then we’ll go to the BC Utilities Commission for approval in around 2022.”

Read the full article on the Campbell River Mirror website