A proposal to build a 40MW hydro dam on the Peace river in Alberta, Canada, was condemned by the Pembina Institute, an environmental study group. Glacier Power, a subsidiary of Calgary-based Canadian Hydro Developers, is proposing the construction of a 6m high concrete dam at a cost of about C$80M, near Dunvegan in north western Alberta. The dam, when completed, is expected to submerge about 100ha of land, and back the river up to a distance of about 15 km.
Pembina Institute says the dam is not a true run-of-river project and that it will interfere with the movement of fish. The developers of the project say that a fish ladder and a navigation boat lock is a part of the dam’s design. Alberta Energy and Utilities Board is expected to hold public hearings on the proposal shortly.