Investigation reveals no basis for charges against Star Lake Partnership

Oliver Langdon, Minister of Environment and Labour, today announced the results of the province�s investigation into additional flooding of Star Lake associated with the construction of the hydroelectric facility by the Star Lake Partnership.

The province�s investigation reveals that there is no basis for charges against the Star Lake Partnership.

"Based on aerial photographs of the actual reservoir and mapping developed from those photographs, it is our conclusion that the lake has been expanded by approximately 2.2 sq km over what had been anticipated in the environmental impact statement. This is considerably less than the 6.1 sq km that had been reported initially in the media," said Langdon.

"The extra flooded area represents approximately eight per cent over what had been estimated in the environmental impact statement and from an engineering perspective, this is considered normal variance for a project of this size and scope," said the minister.

The additional flooding occurred mostly on the northwest section of the lake in a very flat area that is sparsely covered by black spruce. Minister Langdon said the additional flooding occurred because of minor inaccuracies with respect to the contour lines on the maps used for the project. The errors in the contour lines created problems in defining the actual flooded area.

The area where additional flooding had occurred was studied as part of the environmental assessment of the project before any work had commenced. "The fact that the area was included in the initial environmental assessment provided us with the information necessary to properly assess the environmental impacts," stated Langdon. "Based on our evaluation, we have determined environmental impacts to be minimal."

The dam itself was constructed in accordance with government approvals with no change in the full supply level of 292 metres. Therefore, the company�s capacity to generate electricity has not increased.

"The company has done nothing wrong and therefore no charges will be laid against the company by the province as a result of this incident," said the minister. "The additional flooding was caused by minor errors in the maps, there are no significant environmental consequences and the reservoir was constructed within normal variances for a project of this size and scope. Further, the conditions in the environmental impact statement will be extended to the additional flooded area."

Media contact: Sean Kelly, Director of Communications, (709) 729-2575.

2000 01 20                                                 2:35 p.m.