Bigger than life: Waneta in its full effect
By Contributor
One of the biggest construction projects the region has ever known is now open for public viewing.
A new public viewing area opened last week across from the Waneta Expansion Project construction site.
The viewing area is located directly across Highway 22A and provides a safe place to observe construction and view interpretive signage about the project.
Work on the 335-megawatt, $900 million hydroelectric project began last fall, and is on schedule and budget.
Construction activities currently underway include intake and powerhouse excavation and work in the powerhouse area to provide access for excavation of the power tunnel.
In keeping with the project’s emphasis on safety and environmental protection, there has been no lost time or major environmental incidents to date.
The Waneta Expansion will provide enough clean energy to power about 60,000 homes per year and will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 400,000 tonnes, the equivalent of taking 78,000 cars off the road.
Over four and a half years, this project is expected to provide more than 400 jobs and an estimated $200 million in wages and benefits. Local, qualified workers are given preference in hiring and equity provisions are in place for women, visible minorities, disabled persons and First Nations.
- The Waneta Expansion Project is a partnership between Fortis Inc., Columbia Power Corporation, and Columbia Basin Trust.
- For more information please visit: www.columbiapower.org/wanetaexpansion.
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