Nunatsiavut Government files notice of appeal in Muskrat Falls case

Press Release

The Nunatsiavut Government has filed a Notice of Appeal following the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador’s decision to deny an application to quash the provincial Department of Environment and Conservation’s Authorization to Alter a Body of Water with respect to the Muskrat Falls hydroelectric project.  The permit essentially allows Nalcor Energy to begin construction of a dam on the Churchill River and to flood the Muskrat Falls reservoir.

“The Muskrat Falls development will put mercury into Lake Melville and negatively affect our people, our land, and the fish and wildlife we depend on,” says President Sarah Leo. “We have asked for consultation and accommodation that will, in part, address our concerns. “

The Nunatsiavut Government is of the view that the lack of reliable data on the potential effects of mercury on the fish harvested and consumed by Labrador Inuit reinforces the need for recognition and acceptance of the Inuit rights in question, and the need for a real and ongoing commitment to take all reasonable steps to minimize adverse effects downstream from the project. The Nunatsiavut Government feels the rights held by Inuit are real and cannot be ignored, and will continue to seek to minimize the impacts of the project on those rights.

“The Nunatsiavut Government has proposed reasonable mitigation measures including full clear cutting of the reservoir, to minimize mercury contamination of Lake Melville, but no attempt has been made to accommodate our concerns,” adds the President. “We are disappointed with the decision as we believe our concerns have been dismissed, and feel we have little choice but to file an appeal.”

Media Contact:

Bert Pomeroy
Director of Communications
(709) 896-8582

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