Environment and Conservation
March 23, 2016
Statement: Minister Trimper Comments on Methylmercury Workshop
Experts from Federal and Provincial agencies, Nalcor Energy and environmental and health consultants participated in a scientific workshop yesterday (Tuesday, March 22) with officials from the Department of Environment and Conservation � see backgrounder for a list of attendees. The workshop, titled Methylmercury and Muskrat Falls: Sharing and Understanding Our Varied Perspectives, was hosted by a facilitator with the Office of Public Engagement. The Honourable Perry Trimper, Minister of Environment and Conservation, issued the following statement today:
�I would like to thank representatives from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Health Canada, the Department of Health and Community Services, Nalcor Energy, the Department of Environment and Conservation and environmental and health experts for coming together yesterday to examine the science surrounding this important issue.
�This workshop was an opportunity to convey perspectives, to allow for an open dialogue, and to ask questions of each other. Based on information from Harvard researchers previously presented by the Nunatsiavut Government, and information discussed at the workshop, we have come to understand there is common ground in all stakeholder perspectives.
�The Human Health Risk Assessment plan for the Lower Churchill Project is currently under review by my department. This plan is designed to mitigate impacts on the health of people living downstream of the Muskrat Falls Hydroelectric Project by identifying any potential health concerns as early as possible so that appropriate measures can be taken.
�Yesterday�s discussion, along with information received from the Nunatsiavut Government and Harvard researchers, will help inform my decision as regulator, on the proponent�s Human Health Risk Assessment plan. I hope to announce this decision in the near future.�
For information on Nalcor Energy�s environmental effects management plans visit the Muskrat Falls website: www.muskratfalls.nalcorenergy.com/environment/ 
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Media contact:
Emily Timmins
Director of Communications
Department of Environment and Conservation
709-729-2575, 709-693-1292
emilytimmins@gov.nl.ca
BACKGROUNDER
Experts Meet on Methylmercury
Attendees at Methylmercury and Muskrat Falls: Sharing and Understanding Our Varied Perspectives, March 22, 2016.
Martin Goebel, Assistant Deputy Minister, Department of Environment and Conservation
Bas Cleary, Director, Environmental Assessment Division, Department of Environment and Conservation
Paul Carter, Environmental Scientist, Environmental Assessment Division, Department of Environment and Conservation
Dr. David Allison, Chief Medical Officer of Health, Department of Health and Community Services
Darryl Johnson, Director of Environmental Health, Department of Health and Community
Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, M.Sc. Candidate, Public Health, Department of Health and Community Services
Dr. Claudia Sabru, Regional Medical Officer of Health, Department of Health and Community Services
Michelle Roberge, Team Leader Triage and Planning, Fisheries Protection Program-Regulatory Review, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Robin Anderson, Research Scientist, Ecological Sciences Section, Fisheries and Oceans Canada,
Gregory Kaminski, Senior Environmental Health Assessment Specialist, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada.
Marion Organ, Environmental Services Manager, Nalcor Energy
Jackie Wells, EA Commitments / Environmental Effects Monitoring Programs Lead, Nalcor Energy
Peter Madden, Regulatory Compliance Lead, Nalcor Energy
James McCarthy, Senior Aquatic Biologist, Amec-Foster Wheeler
Reed Harris, President, Reed Harris Environmental Ltd.
Rob Willis, Senior Toxicologist and Risk Assessor, Dillon Consulting Ltd.
Bruce Gilbert, Assistant Deputy Minister, Workshop Moderator, Office of Public Engagement
Susan Piercey, Manager Volunteer & Non-Profit Sector Engagement, Office of Public Engagement
2016 03 23 4:15 p.m.