Environmental contracts awarded for Churchill River Power Project

The following is being distributed at the request of the Labrador Hydro Project, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro:

The Labrador Hydro Project announced today the awarding of two environmental contracts for the proposed Churchill River Power Project. These contracts involve studies of historic resources in Labrador and on the island.

Innu Economic Development Enterprises Inc. (IED) in partnership with Jacques Whitford Environment Limited was awarded the contract to study historic resources in Labrador. The study involves assessing historic resources potential and locating historic resources which could be affected by the proposed hydroelectric development. Examples of historic resources include archaeological sites, old trading posts and camp sites. The study will employ Innu archaeological researchers and translators. There will also be a training program on archaeological methods and techniques for the Innu researchers. This contract is worth an estimated $320,000.

Gerald Penney Associates Limited was awarded the contract for the Newfoundland historic resources study. This study will focus on assessing historic resources and predicting their potential in areas associated with the proposed HVDC transmission line corridor. The approximate value of this contract is $60,000.

Work scopes for the environmental studies were prepared by the Labrador Hydro Project Environment team in conjunction with the Innu Nation and Hydro-Quebec. As the Innu are participating in the environmental assessment process, the work scope and summaries of the studies will also be provided in their language, Innu Aimun.

All environmental contracts are being awarded on a competitive basis. The Labrador Hydro Project requested a statement of qualifications in May from interested environmental consultants. Requests for proposals were then sent to companies based on their statement of qualifications.

IED is the regional economic development arm of the Sheshatshiu and Mushuau Innu Band Councils. It is owned jointly by the two band councils with its board of directors representing a cross section of all Innu people. IED's mandate is to give the Innu people of Labrador the means to participate in the development of resources and economic opportunities. IED is a for-profit corporation registered in Newfoundland with an office in Sheshatshiu.

JWEL has a proven ability to assemble and manage dedicated and effective archaeological teams for large field programs in Labrador. The company has been providing environmental consulting services in the province since 1980. It has had an office in St. John's for more than 18 years and one in Happy Valley-Goose Bay since 1995. JWEL operates worldwide delivering environmental and engineering services.

Gerald Penney Associates Limited is a qualified Newfoundland archaeological research and heritage consulting company. The company has extensive experience gained during more than 20 years of professional archaeological consultations.

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