Municipal Affairs and Environment
September 26, 2017

Provincial Government Receives Recommendations from Independent Experts Advisory Committee

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has received and accepted the initial recommendations from the Independent Experts Advisory Committee (IEAC) to address concerns related to methylmercury at the Muskrat Falls project.

The recommendations include:

  • A feasibility study be undertaken by December 20, 2017, for the removal of soil and vegetation from the future reservoir area;
  • Nalcor implement the IEAC report’s recommended changes to the scope and quality of the Muskrat Falls Aquatic Monitoring Program; and
  • Nalcor expedite the finalization of their current methylmercury modelling project, and complete the work no later than February 15, 2018.

On October 26, 2016, the Provincial Government, in partnership with the Innu Nation, Nunatsiavut Government, and the NunatuKavut Community Council committed to mitigating issues regarding methylmercury associated with the Muskrat Falls Project. A key agreement was reached to establish an Independent Expert Advisory Committee comprised of representatives of the Innu Nation, Nunatsiavut Government, the NunatuKavut Community Council, federal, provincial and municipal governments and Nalcor.

The committee was tasked with seeking an independent, evidence-based scientific approach that incorporates Indigenous knowledge to determine and recommend options for mitigating human health concerns related to methylmercury.

Quote
“Our government is committed to working in partnership with Indigenous governments and organizations to address concerns related to methylmercury at the Muskrat Falls project. I have accepted all the recommendations of the IEAC and look forward to implementation. I thank the members of the committee for their valuable work and look forward to their future recommendations and advice.”
Honourable Eddie Joyce
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment

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Learn More
Terms of Reference for the IEAC PDF icon

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Media contact
Lynn Robinson
Municipal Affairs and Environment
709-729-5449, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca

2017 09 26                              1:45 p.m.