Canyon Creek Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Project
The Canyon Creek Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Project, located near Hinton, Alberta, is designed to utilize existing infrastructure from a decommissioned open pit coal mine, which inherently reduces the environmental impact compared to building from scratch. However, like other pumped hydro energy storage projects, it can still have several environmental implications:
- Aquatic Habitat and Species Protection:
The project involves assessing and mitigating impacts on aquatic habitats and fish species at risk. Techniques such as eDNA analysis and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are used to evaluate and reduce environmental impacts on tributaries and riparian habitats. - Land Use and Landscape Alterations:
Pumped hydro projects can modify landscapes and require large areas of land for reservoirs. At Canyon Creek, the reuse of a decommissioned mine reduces this impact but may still involve some alteration to accommodate the new hydro facilities. - Water Demand and Reservoir Impact:
Pumped storage hydro requires significant water resources. The project’s reliance on existing infrastructure and its connection to the Athabasca River may influence local water systems and potentially impact water supply dynamics. - Wildlife and Ecosystems:
General concerns with pumped storage projects include impacts on wildlife habitats and migration patterns. The specific environmental assessment for Canyon Creek includes measures to mitigate such effects. - Control of Invasive Species:
Environmental assessments for the project also cover aspects like Clubroot and Whirling Disease control, highlighting the need to protect against invasive species that can harm local ecosystems.
Overall, while the Canyon Creek project integrates various mitigation strategies to reduce environmental impacts, the environmental effects of pumped hydro projects generally vary based on their design and location.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-environmental-impacts-of-the-canyon-creek-pumped-hydro-energy-storage-project/
