The Provincial Government is enhancing community partnership and water level monitoring on the lower Churchill River by installing new monitoring stations and initiating a Community River Watch Program. These enhancements build on the guidance provided in the report from the independent assessment of the flooding at Mud Lake in May 2017.
Seven new water level and climate monitoring stations have been activated in the Churchill River watershed and three new stations will be activated in summer 2018. The Provincial Government will use these stations to monitor water and ice levels and use the data for flood forecasting and alerts along with data from satellite imagery and web cams. Real-time data information from these stations is available on the Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment’s website at www.mae.gov.nl.ca/waterres/flooding/lc_flood_warning.html.
In addition, a community-driven monitoring program has been initiated with residents of Mud Lake and Happy Valley-Goose Bay who will play a valuable role in monitoring and managing potential flood impacts. Data collected will determine responses to floods, rising water levels, and potential mitigation measures.
The Provincial Government is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and is taking measures to forecast floods and issue appropriate alerts to prevent and mitigate the effects of potential future floods in the Mud Lake region.
Quote
“We have taken the guidance of the independent assessment and have increased monitoring capacity on the river. We look forward to engaging with local and long-time residents on this program and welcome their critical input as we all work together to keep everyone safe.”
Honourable Eddie Joyce
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment
Learn More
Churchill River Early Flood Warning and Alert System: www.mae.gov.nl.ca/waterres/flooding/lc_flood_warning.html
Independent Review of Flooding at Mud Lake: www.mae.gov.nl.ca/waterres/flooding/mud_lake_flooding.html
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @MAE_GovNL
– 30 –
Media contact
Lynn Robinson
Municipal Affairs and Environment
709-729-5449, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca