FORT ST. JOHN, BC -- Some workers were evacuated from Site C after Tuesday evening’s earthquake; however, no one was injured and there was no damage to the dam.

After the 5.8 magnitude quake at 5:55pm on Tuesday – as well as a series of smaller quakes – BC Hydro spokesperson Bob Gammer said safety procedures worked exactly as planned. Workers were evacuated in some areas of the site where water could potentially pour in.

Afterwards, the company conducted visual inspections of the dam structures, powerhouses, and spillways. No damage was found, and no one was injured. Workers were allowed back to work on Wednesday morning.

Gammer said Site C is built to withstand a much stronger earthquake – it is designed to hold through a one in 10,000 year event.

The dam previously experienced a 4.2 magnitude quake back in 2018.

Tuesday night’s quake, which originated in Reno, Alberta, is potentially the largest Alberta has ever experienced. It was felt across the Peace Region, including Fort St. John and Dawson Creek. Experts say it was likely a natural quake, not caused by human activity.