Whereas established run of the river independent power projects IPPs in British Columbia monitor and can share real-time streamflow data with the provincial government without detriment to the proprietary interests of the IPP; And whereas real-time streamflow data is vital to local authorities engaged in flood management and other public safety operations: Therefore be it resolved that the British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations shall require each IPP in British Columbia, as a condition of licensing and once operations have been established, to share real-time streamflow data with the British Columbia River Forecast Centre for the public safety benefit of local authorities in the province.
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations The Province currently requires streamflow data from water licensees for purposes relevant to the operation of the independent power project, such as ensuring minimum instream flows for fish during critical periods. While this data is important for that specific purpose, it would be of limited value to the River Forecast Centre for flood forecasting purposes. Run-of-river Independent Power Projects IPPs are typically located on smaller, steep mountain streams, making the collection of real-time data challenging and unreliable. Flow data for the purposes of flood warning are principally needed on larger watercourses, where populations and structures could be under threat. Given the limited value of the data for flood mitigation, the province is not currently planning to require IPPs to share this information with the River Forecast Centre but will continue to look at other ways to increase our ability to accurately predict flood hazards.