Environment and Climate Change
September 29, 2016

The following statement was provided today by the Honourable Perry Trimper, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, regarding the September 26 meeting with the Nunatsiavut Government on their concerns relating to methylmercury.

Premier Ball, Minister Coady and I met with President Lampe and Minister Darryl Shiwak of the Nunatsiavut Government regarding their concerns relating to methylmercury on September 26.

It was a productive meeting.

We agreed to immediately establish a water quality monitoring program to provide a better understanding of the potential impacts as the initial phase of flooding begins in fall 2016.

We also agreed in general terms to a role for the Nunatsiavut Government in monitoring, including the potential for an Independent Expert Advisory Committee on which they would participate, with further discussions on this to occur.

Additionally, we agreed to further discussions regarding the Nunatsiavut Government requests for an Impact Management Agreement and for joint decision-making authority over downstream environmental monitoring.

Our government inherited the Muskrat Falls project.

Given the contractual and legal obligations, we must proceed with the project and the initial flooding of the reservoir to 25 metres, which is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2016. We remain open to further examination of the feasibility of clearing the reservoir from the initial flooding of 25 metres to full flooding 39 metre mark.

Our government recognizes and appreciates the concerns of the Nunatsiavut Government. We look forward to continuing to work with them on this important matter.

2016 09 29            1:45 p.m.