Proposed Quebec hydroelectric river diversion projects receive environmental assessment approval

HULL - August 7, 2002 - Environment Minister David Anderson today announced that Hydro-Québec's proposed partial diversion projects of the Portneuf and Sault aux Cochons rivers do not require referral to a mediator or a review panel under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. Minister Anderson has referred the projects to the federal responsible authority, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, for appropriate action.

The Minister determined that the two projects are not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects, provided that Hydro-Québec implements the mitigation measures in the two comprehensive study reports, and develops an adaptive management plan for each of the two projects. The Minister based his decision on the following:

• the comprehensive study reports, including the conclusions and recommendations submitted by Fisheries and Oceans Canada;
• public comments received during two separate 30-day consultation periods and Fisheries and Oceans Canada's response to them;
• the implementation of mitigation measures, including an additional adaptive management plan for each of the two projects; and
• the implementation of follow-up programs.

The follow-up programs will help determine the effectiveness of measures taken to mitigate any adverse environmental effects of the projects, and verify the accuracy of the environmental assessments.

To optimize operation of existing power stations, Hydro-Québec proposes to divert part of the Sault aux Cochons River toward the Pipmuacan Reservoir via the Lionnet River and part of the Portneuf River towards the Bersimis Complex. The Portneuf project involves the construction of a dam between Itomamo and Portneuf lakes and the erection of a control structure at the outflow of Portneuf Lake.

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The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency administers the federal environmental assessment process, which identifies the environmental effects of proposed projects and measures to address them, in support of sustainable development.

For more information:

Robert Deslauriers
Senior Communications Advisor
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Tel: (819) 953-9405
Fax: (819) 953-2891

Related documents:

• Mitigation measures and adaptive management plans for partial diversion of the Portneuf and Sault aux Cochons rivers
  [Backgrounder, 2002-12-31]