NEEFS acknowledges the need for meaningful consultation and respect for the land and the people who have and do reside on the Nechako watershed, including: Cheslatta Carrier Nation, Dakelh Communities, Nadut’en, Takla, Stellat’en, Wet’suwet’en Yintikh, Nadleh Whut’en, Yekooche, Nee-Tahi-Buhn Band, Skin Tyee Nation, Tl'azt'en Nation, Nak'azdli Whut'en, Lheidli T'enneh Band, and Saik'uz First Nations.
As part of the BC/Alcan 1997 Agreement between the Province and Alcan, Rio Tinto Alcan agreed to contribute up to $50 million to the Nechako Environmental Enhancement Fund (NEEF). The purpose of this fund is to enhance the environment of the Nechako Watershed. The decision on the best use of the fund was given to a Management Committee (NEEF MC) whose structure and mandate is stated in the 1997 Agreement.
Download BC/Alcan 1997 Agreement Download BC/Alcan 1997 Agreement - Schedule 4
In 2001, after a lengthy process of consultation and technical studies the NEEF MC made a legally binding decision that the fund should be used to build a cold water release facility at Kenny Dam on the Nechako River, but that further studies were required to address outstanding issues. Over a period of almost ten years these issues were addressed revealing that a cold water release facility at Kenny Dam would not provide the same suite of benefits as originally anticipated and that the costs of even a simpler, surface water release facility were estimated at $260 million.
Mindful of the information now available regarding the potential benefits and costs of a water release facility, the Province and RTA decided to re-convene the NEEF MC to reconsider previous decisions for use of the fund, and in accordance with the BC/Alcan 1997 Agreement invited the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to participate. The recently re-convened NEEF MC, with newly appointed representatives from the Province, RTA and DFO, will be hosting information sessions and conducting a consultation process in consideration of the question of how to best use the fund. Revisiting these decisions will encompass consideration of all options for environmental enhancement including a surface water release facility at Kenny Dam.
This website, which will be updated on a regular basis, will be used by the NEEF MC to provide current information regarding this decision making process, relevant background reports and a record of communications throughout the process.
