MEDIA RELEASE
Hydro Impacts 101 – The Trade-offs
Significant environmental damage from hydroelectric power generation has been ongoing for many decades in Ontario and in other locations throughout the world, yet the public has been led to believe that it provides a clean and green source of energy because there is no smoke, no ash, and no radiation. Indeed, some mistakenly think that all hydro contributes positively to the climate change issue. “This report will help to set the record straight on just how clean and green waterpower really is”, said Linda Heron, Chair of the Ontario Rivers Alliance (ORA).
ORA’s report, Hydro Impacts 101 – The Trade-offs, identifies some of the environmental impacts that can and do occur at dams and waterpower facilities. It will become clear that waterpower is seldom clean or green, and that some rivers should not be dammed at all. In addition, this Report recommends some ways of reducing the impacts, and of improving the regulatory process for waterpower in Ontario.
The view that free flowing rivers are wasted, and having no value unless they are dammed, is commonly expounded by developers and politicians. “This pervasive perspective over the past century diminishes or ignores the impacts that have occurred, and the numerous other benefits of healthy free flowing rivers that are placed at risk”, said Linda.
ORA is a Not-for-Profit grassroots organization acting as a voice for several stewardships, associations, and private and First Nation citizens who have come together to protect, conserve and restore healthy river ecosystems. ORA has formed a strong network of environmental, stewards to share, communicate, collaborate, and join our voices, experience and strengths in a coordinated effort to address policy, risky or threatening developments, and unhealthy river ecosystems.
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For more information:
Linda Heron
Chair, Ontario Rivers Alliance
705-866-1677
LindaH@ontarioriversalliance.ca