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Ensuring Environmental Acceptability
Environmental Assessments |
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Hydro-Québec does not carry out a project—be it a hydroelectric development or power line construction, generating station refurbishment, substation maintenance or other type of project—unless the following three questions can be answered in the affirmative:
- Is the project environmentally acceptable?
- Is it well received by local communities?
- Is it profitable under market conditions?
Such projects call for an environmental assessment. The assessment may be required by a law or regulation, or it can be an initiative taken by Hydro-Québec at various stages in the process (planning, preliminary study, draft design, etc.), as part of its environmentally responsible approach. The environmental assessment has two basic aims:
- Identify any environmental issues and impacts
- Define the measures to be taken to mitigate and compensate for any negative impacts anticipated, and to enhance positive impacts.
Environmental assessments are therefore an excellent means of preventing environmental degradation. They are also designed to increase the benefits stemming from a development or project.
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Some Examples |
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| Examples of Environmental Issues and Measures for Some of Our Recent Projects |
| Project Name |
Examples of Environmental Issues and Measures |
| Romaine hydropower complex (2009–2020) |
- Environmental impact statement tabled in early 2008. It covers such subjects as the biophysical and human environments—including Innu communities—archaeology and mitigation measures.
- Agreement signed with the regional county municipality of Minganie to fund various economic, environmental, social and cultural projects.
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| Eastmain-1-A/Sarcelle/Rupert project (2007–2012) |
- Mitigation measures incorporated into the project design: an instream flow and hydraulic structures will maintain the mean summer water level in nearly half of the Rupert River, which will remain navigable throughout its length and retain its recreational and scenic interest.
- Clearing of 21 km², of the eventual total of 51 km², of forest area in the Rupert diversion bays to facilitate land use and improve flow in the river. The work was carried out by Cree companies and tallymen.
- Archaeological inventories (2002–2009), in collaboration with the Crees, at sites affected by the project. In 2007, digs went on at 30 sites and remains dating back 4,650 years were uncovered.
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| Péribonka hydroelectric project (2004–2008) |
- A pool created on the Serpent River and a fish nursery area along the Manouane River, plus several weirs on the reservoir's tributaries.
- Spawning grounds for brook trout, walleye and lake whitefish to encourage reproduction by these species.
- Wetlands in the reservoir area to offset habitat loss.
- Seeding of riparian and aquatic plants to make the area more attractive to aquatic wildlife.
- A new back-country campground below the mouth of the Manouane River to preserve the area's recreational and tourist potential.
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| Chute-Allard and Rapides-des-Coeurs hydroelectric developments (2005–2008) |
- 1,552 m² of brook trout breeding habitat developed in six streams.
- Walleye spawning grounds built: 1,664 m² in four streams and 6,600 m² below the generating stations.
- Archaeological digs that uncovered the remains of human presence dating back 4,500 years. The artifacts were transferred to the province's archaeological reserve.
- Some dead trees and snags near banks preserved to create nesting sites and perches for use by various bird species.
- Aquatic plant communities maintained in various stretches to make the area more attractive to wildlife.
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Interconnection with Ontario
(2007–2010)
315/230-kV Outaouais substation (under construction)
230-kV Outaouais–Ontario line (under construction)
315-kV Chénier-Outaouais line (under study) |
- Embankment built with material excavated during earthwork, thereby reducing truck traffic. Trees and shrubs will also be planted.
- Environmental impact assessment updated and tabled with government authorities.
- Inventory of biophysical and human environments and landscape.
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Distribution Project Assessments
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For some years now, nearly 99% of the distribution projects approved have undergone an internal environmental assessment, although only a small number of them are subject to a legal requirement to that effect. This initiative is related to our desire to properly manage the environmental impacts of our projects. |
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| Distribution Projects That Underwent an Internal Environmental Assessment |
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2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
| Total number of projects approved |
12,867 |
15,288 |
14,987 |
14,802 |
| Number of projects that underwent an IEA |
12,738
(99%) |
15,020
(98%) |
14,687
(98%) |
14,620
(99%) |
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Assessments of Material Supply and Transportation Projects
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In 2004, we established a systematic, structured approach to internal environmental assessments for material supply and transportation projects, although we are not legally obliged to perform this type of assessment. Accordingly, various assessments are performed on projects ranging from dismantling of oil-immersed equipment to vehicle maintenance. |
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