October 21, 2016
The Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay continues to actively express its concerns with the Muskrat Falls Project.
The Council has been consistent in our stance and messaging related to this project and, after a Council meeting last night, we would like to re-iterate three key issues:
1. Council continues to echo concerns from residents related to the likely increase in methylmercury in the river and Upper Lake Melville ecosystems, which would have impacts to the food sources on which many residents rely. We continue to advocate on behalf of our residents for mitigation and prevention based on best available scientific evidence, and recognize that health risks associated with methylmercury in the food chain is unacceptable for our residents and all Labradorians who enjoy country foods.
2. Council continues to reflect the wishes of our community and, as such, remain concerned about the Nalcor Emergency Response Plan, and the impacts on the community if there was a dam breach. We therefore expect Nalcor and the Province to take full responsibility by providing the necessary emergency response infrastructure and cost to recover from such a disaster.
3. Hearing the concerns of residents, Council has continually raised concerns around the ways in which our municipal infrastructure and capacity has been negatively affected. We are continuing to advocate for infrastructure funding so the health, safety, and wellness of our residents is put first and foremost.
Finally, Mayor Snook and Council will continue to advocate for full inclusion of the municipality in decision-making processes related to Muskrat Falls moving forward to ensure that the municipal level of government plays an active role moving forward and brings local voices, local issues, and local knowledge to the dialogues.