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HIGHLIGHTS 2006
We will integrate environmental considerations into decision-making processes at all levels.
As the primary generator of electricity in the province and a committed member of the community, Hydro has a commitment and responsibility to protect the environment. Hydro’s commitment to environmental leadership can be seen across the business through its ISO 14001 certified Environmental Management System. Hydro’s Environmental Management System and ISO 14001 certification are key components of this commitment and they will continue to be the cornerstone of the company’s environmental work.
- In 2006, Hydro outperformed its target for reducing sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions at the Holyrood Thermal Generating Station, achieving almost a 60% reduction in emissions compared to 2005. The move to a 1% sulphur fuel from 2% at the Holyrood plant will reduce the SO2 emission rate by 50% and particulate emission rate by 40%.
- Hydro strengthened its energy conservation commitment by hiring a new Energy Conservation Program Manager to work with our partners to promote a coordinated province-wide approach to conservation, education, awareness and programming.
- Hydro’s Hydrowise Energy Conservation School Pilot Program received an Award of Excellence at the International Association of Business Communications (IABC) NL Chapter. The Hydrowise School Pilot Program received an award in the community relation category, which focuses on communications programs or campaigns targeted at maintaining or improving an organization’s presence, image, and relationship among community audiences, governing bodies or agencies.
- At the end of 2006, Hydro awarded two contracts for wind projects – 27 MW in St. Lawrence and another 24 MW in Fermeuse. Together, these projects, when on stream in 2009, will displace 300,000 barrels of oil annually at the Holyrood plant, reduce SO2 by over 900 tonnes, carbon dioxide by over 140,000 tonnes and generate green energy for thousands of homes.
- In December, Hydro started a wind monitoring program to provide the data required to assess the wind potential in Labrador. This monitoring program, near the Churchill Falls Generating Station, will provide information for a complete feasibility study for the potential development of the wind resource in Labrador.
- Hydro secured funding and approval for an innovative research and development project to integrate hydrogen with wind power and diesel generation. This environmentally-friendly energy project will build on the existing, successful wind-diesel system that has been operating in Ramea on the South Coast of Newfoundland since 2004.
- Hydro completed year two of a three-year program to remove all friable asbestos from the Holyrood Thermal Generating Station. The total cost of the 2006 program was approximately $3.8 million.
- Through its capital program, Hydro invested almost $2 million to replace an aging wooden creosote treated penstock for the Snook’s Arm Generating Station to a modern steel penstock.
- Hydro’s Transmission and Rural Operations Division, Hydro Generation Division and Churchill Falls (Labrador) Corporation (CF(L)Co) were successful in receiving ISO 14001 recertification, following audits by its Registrar.
- An assessment of all CF(L)Co fuel systems were completed in 2006 to develop a comprehensive report on the structure and operation of each of the current fuel systems and to identify areas for environmental protection improvements.
- CF(L)Co initiated a process to identify and quantify solid waste streams and to develop options for waste diversion.
- Hydro advanced the Lower Churchill Hydroelectric Project in a number of areas. Hydro is firmly moving towards project sanction in 2009. The environmental registration for the Project was filed in late 2006.
- Hydro continued its partnership with the Newfoundland and Labrador Conservation Corps and sponsored Green Teams during the summer of 2006 in Cartwright and Forteau.
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