Site C work camp construction upsets local residents

Construction on a workcamp 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 Pedersonhave a clear view of the construction site from the edge of their farm. Pedersonsaysshe cannot open her windows at night anymorebecause 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, anATCO subsidiary, is building a worker camp that will eventually house up to 2,200 people.

Construction is well underway, with160 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 hopethe Site C project can be stopped.

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

"We're hoping to stop that thing."

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