Tag Archives: horizon

Autumn at Big Falls – Trout Lake River – Part II Order Request

Autumn at Big Falls – Trout Lake River

This is Big Falls – a beautiful stretch of rapids and falls located on Trout Lake River.  This is a sacred place that holds many precious memories for the NamekosipiiwAnishinaapek First Nation community.  They have had no say in whether this site will be destroyed and replaced with a hydroelectric dam – at least if Horizon Hydro Operations has their way.  Horizon is proposing a 3 to 4 MW run-of-river hydroelectric dam, with an 18.8 metre head,  and 1.7 km headpond that will encompass 15.5 hectares.    This would feed hydro to approximately 1500 people – on a good day.

The Experimental Lakes Area has studied the impact of newly inundated headponds and discovered that methylmercury can increase by 10 to 20 times.   Mercury can become elevated in fish tissue, and result in fish consumption restrictions.  That is not good for First Nations when fish is a main staple in their diets.  Does this sound like “Green Energy”?  If you agree that Big Falls should not be developed, then please write the Honourable Kathleen Wynne to let her know this is a bad idea – premier@ontario.ca.

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Trout Lake River Hydro Proposal – Part II Order Request

Download ORA Part II Order Request

Download Olsen Part II Order Request

After having carefully reviewed the information as presented, and in consideration of the lack of due diligence to properly consult with and resolve the issues of the Trout Lake Community, as well as the potential health and safety risks to First Nation communities, ORA is requesting a Part II Order be issued to elevate this proposal to an Individual Environmental Assessment.