Concrete Examples
Toulnustouc Hydroelectric Generating Station
Project: Build a generating station on the Rivière Toulnustouc to complete the hydroelectric development of the Manicouagan basin, in Côte-Nord.
- Installed capacity: 526 MW
- Average annual output: 2.7 TWh (equivalent to the consumption of 155,000 households)
- Construction: 2001–2005
- Commissioned: 2005
Environment
Environmental assessment
When
- During the project planning stage.
Why
- Determine the environmental impacts of the project.
Examples of environmental measures
- Wetlands for waterfowl (developed by building dikes and converting sandpits).
- A weir above the Rapides des Crans Serrés to maintain a favorable fish habitat through water level regulation.
- A boat launch above the dam to facilitate access to the water.
Environmental compliance monitoring
When
- For the duration of construction.
Why
- Ensure that contractors present on the jobsite adhere to applicable environmental specifications, according to Hydro-Québec's ISO 14001 environmental management system.
Examples of activities monitored
- Blasting
- Sandpit operation
- Wastewater treatment
Environmental follow-up
When
- Before, during and after construction (until 2020).
Why
- Track changes in the environment, compare them with impacts identified at the draft-design stage and determine the effectiveness of the mitigation measures applied.
Examples of follow-up components and results
- Condition of beaver habitat in the reservoir area.
- Land use: increased use of the area since the road to Lac Sainte-Anne was upgraded; no major disturbance in recreational and tourist activities.
- Waterfowl and raptors: increase in population and broods in 2007, compared to the inventory taken during the draft-design study in 1999.
Society
Agreements with local organizations
Why
- Take community and worker expectations and concerns into account.
How
- Public consultations, and information and discussion panels.
- Joint-action committees made up of local representatives and Hydro-Québec personnel.
Results
- Agreements with local organizations:
- regional country municipality (RCM) of Manicouagan
- Innu Council of Pessamit
- Manicouagan snowmobilers' association
- Creation of several committees:
- Workers: health and safety committee, labor relations committee and living conditions committee (lodging, food, recreation, etc.).
- Local community: regional economic spinoffs committee.
- Pessamit First Nation: committee to implement the Pesamit Agreement (1999).
Economy
Contribution to the provincial and regional economies
How
- Total investment: $1 billion
- Support for Côte-Nord companies and workers (ComaxNORD regional economic spinoff optimization committee).
Facts and Figures
- Regional economic spinoffs: $332 million
- Jobs (annual average): 700
- Proportion of jobsite workforce from the region: 62%, plus 10% Aboriginal
