Category Archives: Energy

Environmental Protection of the Ecological Reserve with the Installation of the Tidal current Generator at Race Rocks

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This file provides information on the process used to ensure environmental protection of the Ecological Reserve with the installation of the tidal current generator at Race Rocks.

BACKGROUND REFERENCES:

Contents:

BACKGROUND REFERENCES: See Below

1.Permit Application for Research on the Ecological Reserve 2004

2. Appendix A– Energy at Race Rocks : The problems and Solutions:

3. Environmental Impact of Tidal Current Energy Generation on Marine Mammals: Addendum to Clean Current Permit Application: Garry Fletcher.

4. References on the effects of Tidal Energy Generation on Marine Life:

5. Information for the Race Rocks Advisory Board on Alternate Energy Developments In the Race Rocks Ecological Reserve: 2004.

6.Outline of Expectations for a Baseline Study and Follow-up monitoring of the Current Energy Project at Race Rocks:

7. Video of the type of organisms that grow in the area of the turbine site.

8. Pam and Jason of Archipelago Marine Document life forms along the cable path.

9. Video of impact of Concrete Anchor Placement for the Tidal Energy Project

10. Environmental Monitoring at Race Rocks Ecological Reserve related to the Pearson College-Encana-Clean Current Tidal Power Demonstration Project by Pam Thuringer of Archipelago Marine, 2006.

11. Environmental Impact of the Diesel Energy Power generation System at Race Rocks

12. Preliminary Environmental Screening for: range Expansion of generator shed for battery storage

:13. Preliminary Environmental Screening for: Installation of Electrical Cable and Conduits at Race Rocks

14. Preliminary Environmental Screening for: Installation of the Piling for the tidal energy generator:.https://www.racerocks.ca/bc-parks-impact-assessment-process/ Continue reading →

THE ENERGY FLOW ASSIGNMENT

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OBJECTIVES: After doing this assignment, you will be able to:a) Trace the pathway of the flow of energy in a portion of the Race Rocks Ecological Reserve.

b) Use a symbolic model to represent energy flow in your own ecosystem.

c) Discuss the contributions of the Odum brothers to the science of Ecology.
PROCEDURE:1.Energy Flow in the Ecosystems of Race Rocks can be partially represented by the figure1.Click on any of the boxes to see the organism which is part of the energy flow and the food web of the Islands.
2. You will have seen that some of the links, especially for the top level consumers have videos and slide shows of energy flow in action involving the predators at Race Rocks. Some of these images have been submitted by viewers using the remote camera 5 .
Your challenge is to come up with a picture or a set of pictures which show energy flow in action. Watch the seabirds on the island, especially in the summer during nesting season as they deliver food to chicks. At low tide, you can often see shorebirds like the Black oyster-catcher as it hammers away at intertidal invertebrates for food. Use the OceanQuest GIS sighting report process to add your observation to the records.3. Use this blank template to construct an energy flow model for your observation.( For further information on the definition of the symbols, see #4 below. You can eliminate most of the boxes, just include ones for which you have direct evidence.4.This is a link to a resource which outlines the theory of modelling energy flow with odum symbols. You may also use it for further ideas that will help you in the construction of an energy flow diagram your own ecosystem.

5. Extension material: Investigate the work of the Odum brothers, in material linked at the bottom of the reference in #4. Write a paragraph on the significance of their work for the modern understanding of Ecology.

6..Extension Material: Investigate the application of the Odum Energy Flow Models in the reference below on the Ebro Watershed.

 

Figure 1: Energy Flow at Race Rocks…click on the symbols below

For Further Reference on the application of this model: External Link: Models of Energy Flow for Rural Planning in the Ebro River Watershed

BC Parks Impact Assessment Process

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FIle No: 85700-35-0210206

Name of Action:       Construction and Pile Drilling for Current Turbine Project  

Proponent:               Lester B Pearson College

Review Date(s):         Nov 2, 2005             

  1. Issues and Environmental Components
  2. List any issues of concern that have been or may be raised by BC Parks, other government agencies, First Nations, or the public.

2 Identify any geographic “hotspots” at or close to the proposed action (e.g., areas of high use, concentrations of facilities, wilderness conservation zones, unique landscape features).

Below are the relevant items that we are contributing to this Preliminary Assessment, the third in a series leading up to this project. If further items are provided in the next few weeks, they will be updated here:

Location: The proposed location of the Tidal Current Generator Piling for the Cradle is shown below. This site was chosen after extensive testing of the current profiles in both channels with the Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler.

The red lines indicate the Pearson College  permit access area..

 

 

 

3. Identify any important environmental, recreational, social or economic values in the area of the proposed action and/or the area surrounding the proposed action (e.g., rare or endangered species, hiking experience, midden site). Include a rationale as to why the value is considered important.

The location for the installation is in the current channel just South of North Rock, with the typical associations of organisms of the highly current swept areas of the island. Since the depth is up to 20 meters, there are few macroalgae present.

Archipelago marine has done a SIMS towed video CD . The route they took and the timing of the footage was done according to this Chart. Video taken by Pam Thuringer in the area of the chart missed by the towed video is now available from Archipelago marine

Some footage taken by the Pearson College Divers which shows the bottom fauna in the area of the turbine piling is located here:

In order to predict the best location for the installation of the tidal power generator, an ADCP ( Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler) supplied by ASL Environmental Sciences was deployed. This instrument will collect current regime information for a period of one month. Rita Santos did the video and Angie Karlsen helped Chris Blondeau lift and position the concrete weights used to secure the device on the sea floor..

For an idea of the general patterns of organism distribution, the two clips below were taken from the video which was filmed at the location of the ADCP research at Station2:

Preliminary Screen Checklist (partial)

C. Level 1 report should recommend appropriate times and methods for construction to ensure birds /wildlifeimpacts are kept to a minimum.

Date of work: The installation in November is timed after the nesting and seal pupping season and in the time of the year when the Sea Lions have returned but are concentrated in the area to the East of the docks, on South Rock and on Middle and West Island. The closest population that may be disturbed by the drilling is on North Rock, and part of Middle Rock. In the past that population frequently comes and goes probably because of the fall schedule of blasting by DND .
Construction Method: We have been advised that a contract has been let by Clean Current for the drilling and installation of the piling to bear the generator to:

Fraser River Pile & Dredge Ltd. (FRPD)1830 River Drive
New Westminster, B.C.
V3M 2A8
Tel: (604) 528-9333
(Project manager Rick Gillis)
The attached .pdf file.. Construction Drilling provides the details of this phase of the project.

The amount of oil consumed in the drilling operation is approximately 5 gallons /hr. For a drilling depth of 8 m, the operation should take 4-5 hours. The drilling operation will not produce an oil slick. In the event of a spill FRPD, will employ their standard method of deploying containment booms and pads to contain the oil. Due to the challenging conditions in this area, FRPD will have additional booms and pads on board.
The drilling operation is a closed system. All drill cuttings will be brought to the surface and then processed through a cyclone which will separate the cuttings from the water. The water and entrained air will then be returned to the ocean via a pipe at a depth of approx. 20 ft. All of the cuttings will be collected on a scow that is tied up along side the drilling barge.The cuttings will be taken ashore for disposal.
Six anchor blocks of approximately 6’ x 6’ x 6’ will be used to anchor the drilling rig in position. Each of these blocks can be dropped at a predetermined location; however, depending on the current during this operation, the actual location may differ from the intended spot. Also, once all 6 blocks are in position, the anchor lines will be tensioned to firmly lock the barge in position. During this winching operation, it is very possible for the blocks to slide a short distance along the seabed until they lock in position. The thinking now is that 4of these blocks will left in place for the duration of the Tidal Generator Project. This will avoid further damage to the bottom in future operations where a barge will have to be employed for the lifting of the generator on regular (yeaarly) basis for servicing.
Equipment

Island Tug operates a large fleet of tugs and barges including one self-propelled cable layer. The principal method of cable handling utilizes one of two powered self-breaking drums. Reel number 1 has a capacity for 80,000 feet of 2-inch diameter cable with a break holding capacity of 200 tons. Reel number 2 has a capacity for 30,000 feet of 2-inch diameter cable with a break holding capacity of 100 tons.

Procedure of Cable Laying – General

Reel number 2 is mounted aboard the cable layer, Georgia Transporter. Cable is transferred from shore storage reels to the ship-mounted reel and transported to the site. Cable is taken ashore at the cable shore-end via a bow mounted adjustable ramp. A bow mounted cable chute is used to deploy the cable while the Georgia Transporter is towed astern. Two GPS systems monitor the surface position and provide feedback via digital charts. Track corrections are implemented through a variety of methods using the Ship’s power, directing the towing vessel or employing side boats. For shallow water lays, the cable tension is not monitored by equipment but by the angle off the bow, with lay and reel speeds corrected as necessary. For deep-water lays, the cable tension is monitored with on deck tension monitoring equipment such as linear tension devices or load cells. Cable weights and water depth information are pre plotted along a planned track in order to adjust for the intended tension at given positions.

Reel number 1 is mounted aboard one of Island’s flat deck barges and used in the same manner as the description above, with the exception that the barge will start and finish on four point moorings.

Island Tug And Barge Ltd.
R.L. (Bob) Shields
President
Piling Construction:

Further details of the column construction in the figure above can be obtained from a .pdf file from Clean Current
On Site Supervision: Chris Blondeau, operations manager, and Garry Fletcher, Ecological Reserve Warden will be available to oversee the environmental concerns. In addition, Pam Thuringer and staff of Archipelago Marine have been contracted to do an ongoing environmental assessment for the duration of the construction phase of the project.
Recommendations:1. If it is possible, we recommend the temporary displacement of any of the larger motile invertebrates such as sea urchins, sea stars and sea cucumbers in the impacted area while the project is being carried out, with their return to the same approximate habitat upon completion. This may however not be feasible given the nature of the operation and the timing.

2. Working at this time of year could involve difficult weather conditions. It must be emphasized that the safety of personnel and the ecological reserve is paramount.

Prepared by G. Fletcher Nov 2, 2005

Underwater testing of materials to be used in the Tidal current energy project

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Below: Installation of the Fouling Plates by Chris Blondeau and Pearson College Diving Students in July, 2005. This video shows the installation process for the research project carried out to determine which surfaces discouraged growth in the waters at Race Rocks.

 

 

In the spring of 2005, a set of plates made up of 5 different materials and coatings was deployed in the centre of the main channel, straight out from the docks at Race Rocks. This is the result on Nov 2005 results- (qualitative)

 

ONE YEAR LATER June 09, 2006

 

BC Parks Impact Assessment Process Preliminary Screen Report for Electrical Cable installation

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File No:   85700-35/0210206

BC Parks Impact Assessment Process 

Level 1, Preliminary Screen Report

Name of Action:    Installation of Electrical Cable Channel and Conduits at Race Rocks. 

Proponent:               Lester B Pearson College and Clean Current Power

Review Date(s):         May 17, 2005                                                                Page:  1of 3

  1. Issues and Environmental Components
  2. List any issues of concern that have been or may be raised by BC Parks, other government agencies, First Nations, or the public.
  • No habitat loss should take place.
  • Impacts that could potentially be damaging to other wildlife and plant communities as a result of  demolition/construction activities.
  1. Identify any geographic “hots pots” at or close to the proposed action (e.g., areas of high use, concentrations of facilities, wilderness conservation zones, unique landscape features).

The proposed location of the cable entry to the water from the island is represented below.

This would allow construction in the intertidal area during mid-May to mid-June in a location where there is already extensive human-created infrastructure, and where there is no impact to nesting birds. It also enables us to provide needed repair of the dock structure.

  1. Identify any important environmental, recreational, social or economic values in the area of the proposed action and/or the area surrounding the proposed action (e.g., rare or endangered species, hiking experience, midden site). Include a rationale as to why the value is considered important.

There are none of the above values with this route along the docks that could be considered an impediment. Pam Thuringer of Archipelago Marine did a survey of the area at low tide on May 12. She found no rare or significant species in the area that will not recover in a short period afterwards. Link to her species list here

Preliminary Screen Checklist Page:  2 of 3

Complete the following based on information available and/or the experience of BC Parks staff at the time of the review.

  1. BC Parks has a responsibility to comply with the following Acts and regulations. Indicate that the proposed action complies with the following: Done ( or N/A)
    Park Act, Park Amendment Acts Yes
    Ecological Reserve Act Yes
    An order issued under the Environmental Land Use Act n/a
    BC Environmental Assessment Act n/a
    Waste Management Act n/aHeritage Conservation Act (i.e., Archaeological Impact Assessment Guidelines) n/a
    Federal Fisheries Act (Department of Fisheries and Oceans) n/a
    Other (specify):
    Comments:
    BC Parks should ensure that all actions comply with BC Parks policies. Indicate that the proposed action complies with the following: Done
    Approved management plan or management direction statement (MDS)Yes
    BC Protected Areas Strategy: Resource and Recreation Use Guidelines for Protected AreasYes BC Parks Policy including conservation and recreation goals (Striking the Balance) Yes
    BC Parks Policies (specify):Eco reserves set aside for protection and research Yes
    BC Parks ConservationProgramPolicies yes
    BCParksAnnualManagementPlan (i.e.,values and targets)n/a
    Other (specify):
    Comments:
    Page:3 of 3 3.
    Document which agencies /stakeholders that have been or should be notified and/or contacted: yes” Done ( or N/A)
    Conservation Data Centre n/a Ministry of SRM (specify branch):
    Ministry of Forests (i.e., Range Act) n/a

Ministry of Energy and Mines (Mineral Tenure Act) n/a
Ministry of Health Services n/a>
First Nations Yes
Agencies responsible for broader level plans (i.e., Regional District, LRMP) n/a
Other (specify):
Comments (include name and title of contact):
The proposed action is likely to result in the following impacts (check all that apply) Done
(U or N/A)

Adverse and permanent effects on the important conservation, recreation and/or cultural heritage values n/a

Adverse and permanent effects on the character and aesthetics of the protected area n/a

Adverse effects to endangered, threatened or vulnerable or regionally significant species, populations and  habitats (i.e., red/blue-listed species/habitats, biogeoclimatic representation) U

Adverse effects to critical or geographically unique characteristics U

Adverse effects to public health and safety n/a

Adverse effects to traditional use of the area by First Nations n/a

Adverse effects to local communities n/a

Adverse effects to the recreational use or enjoyment of the park (regardless of the intended benefits of the proposed action) n/a

Economic implications, such as operating costs, that cannot be maintained over time n/a

A high level of controversy or public concern regarding the action n/a

Effects of the action, which when combined with the effects of other actions in the region, may result in cumulative impacts n/a

Implications which may be precedent-setting and should therefore be considered in the context of similar future actions n/a

Comments (use corresponding letters to refer to specific impacts listed above):

  1. Level 1 report should recommend appropriate times and methods for construction to ensure birds/wildlife impacts are kept to a minimum.
    to ensure birds/wildlife impacts are kept to a minimum.The site where the cable would enter the sea, is on the west side of the Jetty. This area can receive concrete cladding of a reinforced conduit right down to the end of the jetty, if concrete is poured at one of the upcoming low tides in the next month, in order to avoid pouring underwater.
    The proposal involves a protective conduit that can be bolted to the wall of the jetty. This same conduit would enter the water and carry the cable down to the depths, where intertidal damage from rolling rocks would not occur.
    A further advantage of this proposal is that we would require that the west wall of the jetty would re-enforced with concrete in order to repair some of the undermining of the jetty. In some areas this has gone in as far as 60 to 80 centimeters. That part of this erosion of the jetty could be the result of it not being fully filled in with new concrete when the jetty was partly rebuilt in 1986. It looks very much like the older exposed loose concrete and fill was the part that has eroded. The dock was constructed sometime pre-1950 on a rock finger projecting seaward.
    By using camera 5 remote control at  you can see this area easily if you choose the pre-selection of “Jetty”. By zooming in at low tide, the base of the dock can be seen almost to the end.    Construction Method: Roma Construction is being contracted for the above water portion of the job.This job consists of two parts:

    Part a) Consists of immediate work, to commence within the next week, in order to take advantage of the upcoming sets of low tides during the daytime. A 6 inch solid conduit in 25’ sections (HDPE )  will be embedded in concrete for the length of the docks shown here in magenta. Removal of the surface coating of algae and sessile invertebrates will be done only in the area of the new concrete addition. Any large motile invertebrates will be displaced manually from the immediate area prior to the cleaning. No chemicals will be used in the cleaning process as a directed water jet should be adequate. The dock will be repaired along this side in the process, with holes and unstable portions filled in. Also included in this operation will be the inclusion of a 4 inch conduit for telemetry and cables as well as a 1.25 inch poly hose for water intake.

    Concrete will be made on site from materials transported to the island. Any debris created during the process will be hauled off the island for disposal.

    Chris Blondeau, operations manager and Garry Fletcher, Ecological Reserve Warden, will be on site to oversee the environmental concerns. In addition, Pam Thuringer and staff of Archipelago Marine have been contracted to do an ongoing environmental assessment for the duration of the construction phase of the project during the next year.

BC Parks Preliminary EIA for Dock Species.

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This list was compiled by Pam Thuringer of Archipelago Marine on May12, 2005. She examined the west side of the docks exposed at a 0.35m tide. This is the area that will be impacted by the construction of the conduit to carry electrical cables from the Tidal Current generator up to the island,

General Group Species Occurence
Brn. Algae Nereocystis luetkeana sparse
Fucus sp. sparse
Leathesia difformis sparse
Hedophyllum sessile abundant
Alaria marginata abundant
Costaria costata few
Red Algae Mazzaella splendans few
Mastocarpus pappilatus sparse
Halosaccion glandiforme few
Lithothamnion sp. few
Odonthalia floccosa sparse
Polysiphonia sp. sparse
Coralline algae. several species sparse
Porphyra perforata sparse
Endocladia muricata sparse
Green Algae Ulva sp. sparse
Acrosiphonia sp. few
Invertebrates Balanus glandula many
Semibalanus cariosus many
Hemigrapsus nudis few
Mytilus californianus few
Sponge ( orange encrusting species) few
Katharina tunicata few
Littorina scutulata many
Tectura persona few
Lottia pelta few
Anthopleura elegantissima few
Lirubuccinum dirum few

Diving on the Underwater Turbine Project

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Thia article appeared in The Link, the college newsletter on  May 6, 2005. Link no. 79

Diving for the Underwater Turbine Project at Race Rocks was amazing. Our task wasn’t simple and the time was limited. To implement the project they need to know what is the best location to install the tidal power generator, so I went diving with Chris and Angie to Race Rocks on a beautiful and sunny Wednesday morning and an ADCP (Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler) was deployed there. The ADCP will collect current regime information for a month.

It was so deep and (Angie said) cold down there but a really interesting experience for both of us. I was filming while Angie and Chris would “drag” the heavy weights (25 kg underwater – that’s 40 kg on surface! – each!!) and position them to secure the device on the sea floor.

It was hard work in very strong current but also very satisfying. It’s awesome to go diving but it’s even nicer when you get to do something important underwater. And on our way back we happened to stop by the boat with the EnCana diver (who was extracting samples of sea floor rocks) and have a long chat with him, who explained to Angie and me many things about being a commercial diver and also about the wetsuit he was wearing. For those that saw the movie “Man of Honor” these pictures may be familiar… Angie and I got really amazed by the huge helmet the diver had and he let us try it. It even has a microphone on it (to communicate with the boat)!!! The benefits of diving….

Rita Santos (year 30)

Preliminary Screening: BC Parks Impact Assessment

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                                                                                                               File No:   85700-35/0210206

BC Parks Impact Assessment Process

Level 1, Preliminary Screen Report

(See Users Guide, pp. 9 to 12)

Name of Action:       Expand generator shed for battery storage for Current Turbine Project  

Proponent:               Lester B Pearson College

Review Date(s):         March 17,05                                                                Page:  1of 3

A. Issues and Environmental Components

  1. List any issues of concern that have been or may be raised by BC Parks, other government agencies, First Nations, or the public.

Impacts of expanding sidewalk footprint. Impact on nesting birds.

ie: Construction should take place when birds aren’t nesting.

No habitat loss should take place.

Impacts that could potentially be damaging to other wildlife and plant communities as a result of  demolition/construction activities.

  1. Identify any geographic “hotspots” at or close to the proposed action (e.g., areas of high use, concentrations of facilities, wilderness conservation zones, unique landscape features).

The proposed footprint of the engine room expansion is represented below. Note the sidewalk extension is made more clear in following diagrams.

This would accommodate the floor plan represented following:
The outside wall with the double door in the technical diagram is the part that would occupy the small white square above.

This would accommodate the floor plan represented following:
The outside wall with the double door in the technicall diagram is the part that
would occupy the small white square above.

  1. Identify any important environmental, recreational, social or economic values in the area of the proposed action and/or the area surrounding the proposed action (e.g., rare or endangered species, hiking experience, midden site). Include a rationale as to why the value is considered important.

Ensure no endangered or rare plant species or other habitat is lost as a result of expansion of sidewalk. Reduce size to minimum needs.

This area has been surveyed on April 6 /05 by Pam Thuringer of Archipelago Marine and she has indicated there are no endangered plant species therein. Most of the grasses are introduced species, with a few invasive species. None of the rock outcrop up the slope is impacted by this extension.

“I have recommended that the sod that is lifted, should be transplanted to another area of the island, for instance to a corner of the top of the concrete covered cistern, which could support a grass community if  adequate soil depth was restored, or other areas which currently have concrete which could be moved such as the “sidewalk to nowhere!” below, located by the boat shed.   I think that restoration of this 17 by 4 foot area would be a suitable mitigation for the impacted area by the engine room, as it adds habitat in an area more suitable for nesting. ”
(Garry Fletcher)

Preliminary Screen Checklist Page:  2of 3

Complete the following based on information available and/or the experience of BC Parks staff at the time of the review.

  1. BC Parks has a responsibility to comply with the following Acts and regulations. Indicate that the proposed action complies with the following: Done ( or N/A)
    Park Act, Park Amendment Acts Yes
    Ecological Reserve Act Yes
    An order issued under the Environmental Land Use Act n/a
    BC Environmental Assessment Act n/a
    Waste Management Act n/aHeritage Conservation Act (i.e., Archaeological Impact Assessment Guidelines) n/a
    Federal Fisheries Act (Department of Fisheries and Oceans) n/a
    Other (specify):
    Comments:
    BC Parks should ensure that all actions comply with BC Parks policies. Indicate that the proposed action complies with the following: Done
    Approved management plan or management direction statement (MDS)Yes
    BC Protected Areas Strategy: Resource and Recreation Use Guidelines for Protected AreasYes BC Parks Policy including conservation and recreation goals (Striking the Balance) Yes
    BC Parks Policies (specify):Eco reserves set aside for protection and research Yes
    BC Parks ConservationProgramPolicies yes
    BCParksAnnualManagementPlan (i.e.,valuesandtargets)n/a
    Other (specify):
    Comments:
    Page:3 of 3 3.
    Document which agencies /stakeholders that have been or should be notified and/or contacted: yes” Done ( or N/A)
    Conservation Data Centre n/a Ministry of SRM (specify branch):
    Ministry of Forests (i.e., Range Act) n/a

Ministry of Energy and Mines (Mineral Tenure Act) n/a
Ministry of Health Services n/a>
First Nations Yes
Agencies responsible for broader level plans (i.e., Regional District, LRMP) n/a
Other (specify):
Comments (include name and title of contact):
The proposed action is likely to result in the following impacts (check all that apply) Done
(U or N/A)

Adverse and permanent effects on the important conservation, recreation and/or cultural heritage values n/a

Adverse and permanent effects on the character and aesthetics of the protected area n/a

Adverse effects to endangered, threatened or vulnerable or regionally significant species, populations and  habitats (i.e., red/blue-listed species/habitats, biogeoclimatic representation) U

Adverse effects to critical or geographically unique characteristics U

Adverse effects to public health and safety n/a

Adverse effects to traditional use of the area by First Nations n/a

Adverse effects to local communities n/a

Adverse effects to the recreational use or enjoyment of the park (regardless of the intended benefits of the proposed action) n/a

Economic implications, such as operating costs, that cannot be maintained over time n/a

 A high level of controversy or public concern regarding the action n/a

Effects of the action, which when combined with the effects of other actions in the region, may result in cumulative impacts n/a

Implications which may be precedent-setting and should therefore be considered in the context of similar future actions n/a

Comments (use corresponding letters to refer to specific impacts listed above):

  1. Level 1 report should recommend appropriate times and methods for construction to ensure birds /wildlife impacts are kept to a minimum.

The window of work for the sidewalk construction will be in the next few weeks. It is scheduled to start on April 18, well before the onset of nesting in late May. We have given the end of April as a deadline for the sidewalk extension and any other on land work that may compromise the bird nesting habitat to be completed.

Concrete will be made on site from materials transported to the island.

  Garry Fletcher and /or Chris Blondeau will be on site to oversee the environmental concerns and Brian Emmett and Pam Thuringer and staff of Archipelago Marine have been contracted to do an ongoing environmental assessment for the duration of the construction phase of the project during the next year.

  1. An on ground review of proposed sidewalk location and reduced sidewalk footprint recommended.

See photos above.

Tide turns for power, and for young minds

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Tide turns for power, and for young minds

Louise Dickson
Times Colonist (Victoria)
26-Feb-2005

They’re harnessing the tide at Pearson College to keep the lights burning at Race Rocks.

Turbulent tides tumbling by Race Rocks ecological reserve near Metchosin will test how well a new tidal turbine generator stands up to the harsh West Coast environment.

Pearson, which brings together students from around the world for studies and to serve the community, expects the tides to help produce more than enough electricity to replace two diesel generators and provide power to the college’s marine education centre on Great Race Rock Island by 2006.

“The project, the first of its kind in Canada, could prove the value of new technology over time and it could be very beneficial to coastal peoples around the world,” Stuart Walker, director of Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific, said Friday.

The $4-million project is a partnership between Pearson College, EnCana Corporation of Canada, and Clean Current Power Systems of Vancouver. EnCana, the largest producer and developer of natural gas in North America, is investing $3 million in the project from its environmental innovation fund.

Clean Current developed and built the prototype of a tidal turbine generator which harnesses the power of ocean currents to produce electricity.

Testing will take place in about 15 metres of water, off Race Rocks, about 10 nautical miles southwest of Victoria. The tidal turbine generator, which functions like an underwater windmill, will be anchored to the seabed, and cables will carry away the electricity it generates.

When the tide flows, the blades turn, explained Glen Darou, president of Clean Current. The blades have a permanent magnet attached to them. When the magnet passes by coils, the coils create electricity. The turbine works when currents are flowing in either direction.

According to Darou, the project will have minimal impact on the environment.

“We will have to disturb the bottom of the ocean with the turbine and cables but it’s a fast-growing marine en-

vironment and will recover quickly,” he said.

“Anything that can swim in the tidal currents will not swim into the turbine, it will swim around it. But something that floats through like a jellyfish could actually go into it. That’s the size of the risk.”

The prototype has been tested in fresh water, but Clean Current has to make sure its turbine generator works in saltwater.

“Now we have to prove its operability and maintenance,” said Darou.

Clean Current will know in about 18 months how the model and its one moving part — the rotor — stands up to corrosion in a harsh marine environment. The turbine will be monitored by underwater cameras. The prototype being tested is 3.5-metres in diameter and can produce enough electricity for 10 houses. Full scale models will be 14 metres in diameter and produce enough electricity for 250 houses.

Darou envisions the day when there will be big underwater tidal turbine generator farms with up to 800 turbines that will produce electricity around the world.

“The end of the dream will be our technology licensed around the world and applied in tidal environments all over the world. It’s seeing the technology used and replacing fossil fuels,” he said.

The project will run at Race Rocks for five years. After that, Clean Current will sell the prototype to either B.C. Parks or Pearson College for $1.

Clean Current still needs to come up with $1 million to pay for the project, Darou said. He expected the money will come from private investors and the federal government.

The project will help the company and the province evaluate the future of this technology, said B.C. Energy and Mines Minister Richard Neufeld.

Alternative energy will change how we consume fossil fuels over time, said Neufeld. “This is brand new, so let’s give it time to see how it works. Let’s give it time to see (how) technology can change it to make it more efficient.,” said Neufeld.

TV and Newspaper coverage of the Tidal Energy Project

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TV NEWS CLIPS FEB 25 

 

 

 

Tide Turns for Power, and for Young Minds: Pearson College, Partners Apply Current ThinkingTimes Colonist (Victoria)

Saturday, February 26, 2005 Page: A1 / FRONT Section: News Byline: Louise Dickson Source: Times Colonist

They’re harnessing the tide at Pearson College to keep the lights burning at Race Rocks. Turbulent tides tumbling by Race Rocks ecological reserve near Metchosin will test how well a new tidal turbine generator stands up to the harsh West Coast environment.
Pearson, which brings together students from around the world for studies and to serve the community, expects the tides to help produce more than enough electricity to replace two diesel generators and provide power to the college’s marine education centre on Great Race Rock Island by 2006. “The project, the first of its kind in Canada, could prove the value of new technology over time and it could be very beneficial to coastal peoples around the world,” Stuart Walker, director of Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific, said Friday. The $4-million project is a partnership between Pearson College, EnCana Corporation of Canada, and Clean Current Power Systems of Vancouver. EnCana, the largest producer and developer of natural gas in North America, is investing $3 million in the project from its environmental innovation fund. Clean Current developed and built the prototype of a tidal turbine generator which harnesses the power of ocean currents to produce electricity. Testing will take place in about 15 metres of water, off Race Rocks, about 10 nautical miles southwest of Victoria. The tidal turbine generator, which functions like an underwater windmill, will be anchored to the seabed, and cables will carry away the electricity it generates.When the tide flows, the blades turn, explained Glen Darou, president of Clean Current. The blades have a permanent magnet attached to them. When the magnet passes by coils, the coils create electricity. The turbine works when currents are flowing in either direction. According to Darou, the project will have minimal impact on the environment. “We will have to disturb the bottom of the ocean with the turbine and cables but it’s a fast-growing marine environment and will recover quickly,” he said. “Anything that can swim in the tidal currents will not swim into the turbine, it will swim around it. But something that floats through like a jellyfish could actually go into it. That’s the size of the risk.” The prototype has been tested in fresh water, but Clean Current has to make sure its turbine generator works in saltwater. “Now we have to prove its operability and maintenance,” said Darou. Clean Current will know in about 18 months how the model and its one moving part — the rotor — stands up to corrosion in a harsh marine environment. The turbine will be monitored by underwater cameras. The prototype being tested is 3.5-metres in diameter and can produce enough electricity for 10 houses. Full scale models will be 14 metres in diameter and produce enough electricity for 250 houses. Darou envisions the day when there will be big underwater tidal turbine generator farms with up to 800 turbines that will produce electricity around the world. “The end of the dream will be our technology licensed around the world and applied in tidal environments all over the world. It’s seeing the technology used and replacing fossil fuels,” he said. The project will run at Race Rocks for five years. After that, Clean Current will sell the prototype to either B.C. Parks or Pearson College for $1. Clean Current still needs to come up with $1 million to pay for the project, Darou said. He expected the money will come from private investors and the federal government. The project will help the company and the province evaluate the future of this technology, said B.C. Energy and Mines Minister Richard Neufeld. Alternative energy will change how we consume fossil fuels over time, said Neufeld. “This is brand new, so let’s give it time to see how it works. Let’s give it time to see (how) technology can change it to make it more efficient.,” said Neufeld.

College Harnessing Waves to Power Ecological Reserve Okanagan Weekender Sunday, February 27, 2005 Page: A2 Section: West Byline: Dateline: VICTORIA Source: Canadian PressVICTORIA (CP) — They’re harnessing the tide at Pearson College on Vancouver Island to keep the lights burning at Race Rocks ecological reserve. Turbulent tides tumbling by Race Rocks will test how well a new tidal turbine generator stands up to the harsh west coast environment. The project is expected to produce more than enough electricity to replace two diesel generators and provide power to the suburban Metchosin college’s marine education centre on Great Race Rock Island by 2006. “The project, the first of its kind in Canada, could prove the value of new technology over time, and it could be very beneficial to coastal peoples around the world,” Stuart Walker, director of Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific, said Friday. The $4-million project is a partnership between Pearson College, Calgary-based EnCana Corp., and Clean Current Power Systems of Vancouver. EnCana, the largest producer and developer of natural gas in North America, is investing $3 million in the project from its environmental innovation fund. Clean Current developed and built the prototype of a tidal turbine generator that harnesses the power of ocean currents to produce electricity. Testing will take place in about 15 metres of water, off Race Rocks, about 10 nautical miles southwest of Victoria. The tidal turbine generator, which functions like an underwater windmill, will be anchored to the seabed. When the tide flows, the blades turn. They have a permanent magnet attached that passes by coils, which create electricity. The electricity passes through a cable on the seabed into a facility where it is conditioned. The turbine works when currents are flowing in either direction.

College Reseachers Testing Tidal Power

B.C. news roundup: Feb. 26 Broadcast News Saturday, February 26, 2005
Pearson College near Victoria is testing the waters of tidal power with a new turbine generator to run the Race Rocks ecological preserve. It’s a $4 million experiment to see how well the new turbine stands up to the harsh west-coast environment. If it works, the unit will replace two diesel generators by March 2006. The project is being sponsored Calgary-based energy producer EnCana Corporation and Clean Current Power Systems of Vancouver.

Project tests Race Rocks’ Tidal Power

Goldstream News Gazette  Mar 02 2005, By Rick Stiebel

  The tides of change are turning in Metchosin.  Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific, Encana Corporation and Clean  Current Power Systems announced an innovative partnership Friday to  build a free-stream tidal power generator, the first of its kind in  Canada, at the Race Rocks Ecological Reserve.  The project, made possible by a $3 million investment from Encana’s  Environmental Innovation Fund, involves replacing two diesel-powered  generators at Race Rocks that supply power for Pearson’s marine  education centre with a tidal turbine generator, built by Clean  Current Power Systems.  The remaining funding for the $4 million project is expected to come  from private investors and the federal government.  The generator is scheduled to begin producing power by 2006.  The turbine generator has only one moving part, the rotor assembly  that contains permanent magnets. The turbine, anchored to the ocean  floor in about 15 metres of water, operates like an underwater  windmill with cables that carry away the energy it produces.  “This Canadian technology is simple, efficient and environmentally  friendly,” Clean Current president Glen Darou said at the Feb. 25  announcement at Pearson College.

 A prototype, which has been tested in fresh water, will be scrutinized  closely over the next 18 months to see how it holds up to corrosion  resulting from a marine, saltwater environment.  “This is a terrific project for Pearson College, in that it supports  our goal of making the ecological reserve a showcase for alternative,  low impact technologies such as tidal power,” said Pearson College  director Stuart Walker.  Pearson College staff and students played a major role in having the  site at Race Rocks, about three nautical miles from the Metchosin  school. Race Rocks was declared an ecological reserve in 1980.  The college is dedicated to protecting the marine ecosystems within  the reserve, while increasing awareness about marine systems,  ecological reserves and environmental issues, Walker said.

 Encana Corporation CEO president Gwyn Morgan said his company is  “pleased to be a partner in a first-class, alternative energy  project.”  “Our investment in this B.C. based unconventional environmental and  power technology reflects our desire to tangibly encourage innovative  energy solutions.”  Encana is one of North America’s largest independent oil and natural  gas companies, with an enterprise value of about $34 billion US.

 B.C. Minister of Energy and Mines Richard Neufeld praised the three  parties involved in the partnership.

 “The project certainly looks environmentally sound,” said Don McLaren,  area supervisor for B.C. Parks. “It will not only remove the diesel  generators on Race Rocks, but greatly reduce the noise factor.”  McLaren said the project will put Pearson College and B.C. Parks in “a  greener position, and help us and Pearson a lot.”