Specialized Documentation
The documentation centre is open to the public by appointment and publishes a catalogue on CD twice a year.
Find out more >>>
The impoundment of hydroelectric reservoirs leads to the conversion of mercury already present in plants and flooded soil and its circulation in the aquatic environment. The result is an increase in fish mercury levels for a period ranging from 10 to 30 years depending on the fish species and reservoir characteristics. Since the early 1980s, Hydro-Québec has conducted an extensive mercury research program in order to determine the effects of this phenomenon on birds and mammals, and to manage the potential risk to the health of fish consumers.
According to the results to date, mercury levels in modified environments are not harmful to populations of birds and mammals that eat fish. The communication programs established, in cooperation with regional public health authorities, to inform the public about the health risks and benefits associated with fish consumption show that recreational anglers and subsistence fishermen can continue to benefit from the great nutritional value of fish without incurring mercury-related risks.
To obtain a copy of the following documents, write to accueil@hydro.qc.ca.
© Hydro-Québec, 1996-2013. All rights reserved.