Site C work camp construction upsets local residents

Construction on a work camp for the Site C dam started about two months ago but that isn't stopping some local residents from taking a stand against the controversial $9 billion project.

• Work begins on massive work camp for Site C dam
• Site C construction project for $9-billion dam approved by B.C. government

Esther Pederson lives with her family on the banks of the Peace River, across from the construction site.

She and her husband, Paul Pederson have a clear view of the construction site from the edge of their farm. Pederson says she cannot open her windows at night anymore because of the noise.  

"BC Hydro works at night as well and they usually fire up their machines, it seems around 1:30, and they work around the clock."

Pederson says the noise comes mostly from the tree mulchers.

About 9,000 cubic metres of trees have been logged so far, according to BC Hydro. That's approximately 300 logging truck-loads of lumber.

Pederson can see the clearing from her property, which borders the Peace River. That's where Two Rivers Lodging Group, an ATCO subsidiary, is building a worker camp that will eventually house up to 2,200 people.

Construction is well underway, with 160 workers on site, installing utilities, bringing in trailers, and building a temporary bridge across the Peace River.

BC Hydro says it will also install security gates, fences, and guard buildings around the construction site.

But Pederson and other local residents are not giving up on hope the Site C project can be stopped.

"That's what they say, but we're hoping not," said Pederson of the seven years of construction to come.

"We're hoping to stop that thing."

To hear the full interview listen to the audio labelled Local residents upset about Site C construction.