FORT ST. JOHN -- BC Hydro has announced the successful completion of reservoir filling for the Site C Dam project, marking another major milestone.
The filling process, which took place over the past 11 weeks, has raised water levels nearly 43 metres.
BC Hydro confirmed that the filling was safely completed, with over one thousand inspections conducted to ensure the dam's safe operation, alongside one million instrumentation readings.
“Key project structures such as the earthfill dam, powerhouse, spillways and approach channel, are performing well,” said BC Hydro in a release.
The public is being warned to stay out of the reservoir area for at least the next year due to slope stability and debris concerns.
The utility adds that slope changes have stayed within the anticipated range throughout the duration of the filling process. Cultural monitoring was also observed at the site.
“Cultural monitors from Treaty 8 First Nations have monitored the reservoir filling process throughout the reservoir area,” said BC Hydro, “Environmental monitoring, including of wildlife and fish, will continue during operations of the dam.
The project remains on track to be fully in service by fall of 2025, with ‘testing and commissioning work’ currently being undertaken on the second of six generating units.