THUNDER BAY – Business – The Ontario Waterpower Association (OWA) has announced the completion of the “Best Management Practices Guide for the Mitigation of Impacts of Waterpower Facility Construction” an initiative undertaken in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. The resource document consists of thirty eight (38) activity specific best management practices including topics related to in-water work, civil construction, vegetation management, and other key considerations.
“This document brings together the current state of knowledge with respect to waterpower development”, said Paul Norris, OWA President. “Its use will provide a solid basis for environmentally responsible projects and continuous improvement”.
Waterpower is Renewable
Made in Ontario waterpower is renewable, reliable and durable and accounts for more than one quarter of Ontario’s energy mix. The OWA has identified more than 3000 MW of additional untapped potential that, if developed, could help moderate electricity prices for decades to come.
“My Ministry is committed to advancing our government’s objectives with respect to renewable energy on Crown land”, said Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle. “These Best Management Practices will help support waterpower project development across the province. This is an excellent example of industry and the government working together to achieve and maintain high environmental standards in Ontario”.
The document is an addition to the series of best practices the OWA has produced for feature species, including Lake Sturgeon (2009), American Eel (2010) and Channel Darter (2011). The BMP was developed by GENIVAR Inc. and Natural Resource Solutions Inc., with contributions from a wide array of industry practitioners and agency staff.
