BC Hydro field studies and field work notifications

Starting this spring, crews will be in the field conducting various studies in the Bridge River Valley to support planning for the La Joie Dam Improvement Project. This project is needed to address dam safety risks related to ageing and potential seismic activity, allowing us to continue to generate clean power for British Columbians while working to mitigate our operational impacts on the environment. This project is being done in consultation with St'át'imc Nation.

La Joie access and accommodation feasibility studies

As noted in the ‘La Joie Access and Accommodation Study’ report, the analysis of potential temporary work camp locations didn’t point to one single option that is clearly outperforming the
others. Instead, three sites were carried forward for further study (see Figure 1).

• The ‘Hurley site’.
• The ‘Gold Bridge town site’.
• The ‘Quarry-Adjacent’ site.
   

Site investigations on the three sites will start in mid-May and will include the following:

• Assessing site constraints.
• Geotechnical investigations:
  • Assessing the physical properties of soil and rock around a site.
• Geophysical studies:
  • Using non-invasive methods crews can explore the subsurface properties at the site.
  • Techniques such as seismic surveys, magnetic measurements, and electrical
    resistivity help detect and map geological formations, mineral deposits, and
    groundwater resources.
• Hydrogeological investigations:
  • These investigations focus on the distribution and movement of groundwater.
  • Some drilling and the use of an excavator will be required for test wells but is
    expected to be minimal.
• Environmental studies:
  • Overview assessments to include wildlife, habitat, and vegetation.\
• Archaeological studies.

These activities will support site selection for the work camp and their preliminary design. Field investigations are also planned for potential project access routes which include Lillooet Pioneer Road 40 (Road 40), the Hurley Forest Service Road, and the Gun Lake Airstrip as well as potential haul roads connecting the existing BC Hydro quarry to the La Joie Dam (see Figure 2).

We anticipate a work camp site and project access route(s) will be identified in early 2026. Residents and key stakeholders will be updated at key milestones before moving into implementation.
 

Environmental field studies underway

This year, small crews are out in the field taking part in environmental studies in and around Downton and Carpenter Reservoir.

Anticipated studies include:

• Water quality testing.
• Terrestrial studies: The study of land-based ecosystems, their interactions with climate, and the impacts of environmental changes on plants and animals.
  • This involves drone surveys, remote camera monitoring and field verification of vegetation.
• Fish and fish habitat.
• Archeology.

These are expected to adapt as information from the field is gathered and incorporated.

This information will inform our ongoing assessment of potential project effects (ex. temporary reservoir drawdowns).

No traffic impacts are anticipated from this work. Please be mindful of worker safety when passing crews along the road.

There will be upcoming field work in the area related to the Bridge River Transmission Project.
 

Project background

The purpose of the Bridge River Transmission Project is to improve the reliability and safety of the Bridge River transmission system by eliminating system constraints and increasing its capacity to move electricity from where it is produced to other parts of the province.

This project involves upgrades to a number of transmission wood pole structures (approximately 150 identified at this time) and raising the height of an existing transmission line (2L90) in several sections between Kelly Lake Substation and Bridge River Terminal Station (see map below) within existing BC Hydro rights-of-way (ROW, the land under and around our power lines).

This project is being done in consultation with impacted First Nations. For more information view the Bridge River Transmission Project webpage on the BC Hydro website. 

Upcoming activities

Small crews will be in the area conducting environmental and archeological assessments at existing transmission structures, project access roads and other access sites, as well as refreshing and adding markings along project access roads and the existing ROW. This work is in preparation for construction anticipated to begin in the Fall of 2026.

When: Work is planned to start in May and continue into October.

Work includes:

• Assessing the project area and revisiting structures for signs of wildlife use.
• Surveying wetlands for amphibians.
• Shovel or mechanical soil testing near existing transmission structures.
• Hanging ribbons (vinyl flagging tape) and/or installing wooden stakes at previously identified sites and at other road features and clearing areas not previously marked.
• Archaeological studies to establish areas where artifacts are present.

Most sites will be accessed by 4x4 pickup or walked by foot. Areas not accessible by road will be surveyed via helicopter. A boat will be used to access several areas on the south shore of Seton Lake. No traffic impacts are anticipated from this work. An invasive species management plan is in place.

Most of this work is being done within BC Hydro’s ROW however, there are portions of the access roads and other access sites that fall outside of this. Affected landowners will be notified in advance. 

For more information on this work or the project, please contact 1-866-647-3334 or projects@bchydro.com. If you haven’t already, you can subscribe for updates at bchydro.com/lajoie or bchydro.com/bridgeriver.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we proceed with this essential work.

Sincerely,
Whitney Deane
Stakeholder Engagement Advisor, BC Hydro