Town advocating for changes to Nalcor’s Emergency Response Plan after notification of water seepage at Muskrat Falls cofferdam
November 18, 2016
Happy Valley – Goose Bay, NL – Given the statement released by Nalcor Energy today regarding increased water flows and levels downstream of Muskrat Falls due to the mitigation of risks associated with the upstream cofferdam, the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay is disappointed with Nalcor Energy’s approach to community consultation and reiterates changes must be made to Nalcor’s Emergency Response Plan.
“The Town was notified by Nalcor Energy this morning at approximately 3:45am of increased water flows to the Churchill River,” says Mayor Jamie Snook. “During what Nalcor described as a “courtesy call,” the Town was advised the public could expect increased water flow, however was not made aware of the increase in water levels, nor that Nalcor enacted its Emergency Preparedness Plan.”
To ensure a consistent and cohesive communications approach surrounding the Muskrat Falls development, the Town continues to lobby for changes to Nalcor’s Emergency Response Plan and municipal involvement on the new Independent Expert Advisory Committee recently announced.
“With continued progress of the project, as well as potential associated impacts on residents of Upper Lake Melville, federal, provincial, indigenous as well as municipal leaders all have a role to play by providing meaningful input and joint decision-making surrounding Muskrat Falls.”
The Town is also advocating for an increase in the scope of the work of the Committee to include dam safety, as resident health and safety remains a top priority for the Town.
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Media Contact:
Naomi Sharpe
Public Relations & Special Events Manager
Town of Happy Valley – Goose Bay
o) 709-896-3254 ; c) 709-896-1609
publicrelations@hvgb.wpengine.com