Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services

Jean Marie River (Oct 01/01) - Fears the community of Jean Marie River will flood if hydro developments unfold on the Mackenzie River are unfounded, says Minister of Economic Development Joe Handley.

Recent reports suggesting the flooding are based on "invalid assumptions," Handley said.

"We're not going to flood Jean Marie River," said Handley. "There is no need for concern."

A map released by Peter Cizek, environmental consultant for the Deh Cho First Nation, predicted extensive flooding along the banks of the river including the community and various environmental and cultural areas.

But Handley dismissed those concerns.

He said it's impossible to predict water levels without factoring how much backup the projects create --something that can't be done without a study.

Handley said water levels would rise to high water marks at the most unless there is a desire to generate more power.

But Cizek questions that.

Cizek said high water marks along the river are from the post-glacial era.

According to Cizek, the proposed development would reach marks left by glacier melt spillways created about 10,000 years ago.

Cizek said his map--based on Handley's map used in presentations-- puts impact in its "proper geographical context."

Jean Marie River Chief Stanley Sanguez said his band council rejects any development along their portion of the river.

"The whole area of hydro development will potentially change everything we believe in," said Sanguez.

"The whole life cycle will change," he said. "Our council said no to the project."

"What we have here is a wide river and a shallow valley," said Cizek. "The width of the flooding in some cases is 50 kilometres."

He warned flooding from development on the Mackenzie will be comparable to the controversial James Bay hydro project in northern Quebec, which flooded 15,000 square kilometres of land.

Handley said Cizek is wrong."I don't know where he's coming from," said Handley. "There will be no development without full aboriginal support,"said Handley.

The Mackenzie development is part of Handley's proposed $26 billion hydro project using run of the river technology for six rivers.