The British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority are planning to dam the Peace River just downstream of Fort St. John, 31 miles west of the B.C.-Alberta border. The $3.5?illion dam, known as the Site C project, is now in its planning stages. B.C. Hydro justifies the dam by arguing that demand for electricity is growing at 4.6% per year, up substantially from the forecast level of 2.8%. Environmentalists warn the dam could mean lower downstream water flow, which could pose a threat to the water and wildlife of the Peace's Alberta basin. The dam will flood 4,600 hectares of land and water flow will stop for a short time as a 56 mile-long reservoir forms behind the dam. B.C. Hydro claims that there will be negligible downstream impacts. The northern Alberta native community of Métis wants public hearings into the effects of the Site C Dam. If the dam prejudices the capacity of the river to carry life, then federal involvement may be warranted. 2 figs.