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A priority for the Hydro Group is to build and cultivate partnerships with other agencies and
organizations to achieve common environmental objectives. These partnerships maximize human and
financial resources to generate a body of knowledge and experience that can be used for environmental
decision-making in a variety of applications.
The Hydro Group has a long-standing relationship with the
Conservation
Corps of Newfoundland and Labrador. In 2003, Hydro sponsored a Green Team of four local youth who
worked with researchers from Parks Canada and Memorial University to help identify the location of
rare plant species located on the Limestone Barrens of the Great Northern Peninsula. The team also
conducted community and land use surveys, as well as information sessions to develop and provide an
interpretive tour of the Barrens.
In conjunction with the
NLCSA, Hydro developed a training course for
contractors on environmental protection within construction sites. We advised potential contractors that
having the course would be a condition of doing work for Hydro after January 1, 2004. By the end of 2003,
approximately 104 people representing 55 companies had completed the course. This partnership is
expected to improve environmental performance at all construction sites in the province, not only those
initiated by the Hydro Group.
Hydro and DFO conducted a joint study to track the migration of fish in the area of the Granite Canal
hydroelectric project. Scientists are using radio telemetry to follow the movements of approximately 90
fish throughout the year. Hydro's main objective is to document the use of the Fish Habitat Compensation
Facility constructed as part of the project. Invaluable information on habitat requirements by ouananiche
and brook trout is also being obtained that can be used for the management of inland fish in situations
throughout the Province.
Hydro Québec has been undertaking extensive studies on the production of greenhouse gas emission from
their reservoirs. In the summer of 2003, Hydro collaborated with the scientists at Hydro Québec to take
similar measurements at reservoirs in the Bay d'Espoir system. Preliminary analysis is complete and a final
report will be available in 2004.
Hydro continued its partnership with the Conservation Corps to support the
CCEC.
The CCEC develops and delivers innovative education and outreach programs to educate the public on climate
change and influence how they respond to this environmental concern.
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