[IPSM] Charest to launch Rupert River diversion Thursday

[nora butler burke]

  Charest to launch Rupert River diversion Thursday
Last Updated: Wednesday, January 10, 2007 | 10:11 PM ET
CBC News <http://www.cbc.ca/news/credit.html>

Quebec Premier Jean Charest will officially launch construction work 
Thursday on the Eastmain 1-A hydroelectric dam, a potentially lucrative 
power plant that will divert the Rupert River in the province's north.
The $4 billion project is the most ambitious hydroelectric installation 
in the province in a decade.
Charest was expected to travel to the Cree region to make the 
announcement in person, but his administration changed its plans at the 
last minute, citing "logistical" reasons.
The Rupert River, which flows across the province and dumps into James 
Bay, will be diverted by up to 80 per cent in some areas in order to 
generate large volumes of power that will translate into cheap 
electricity for southern clients.
The project has sparked resistance from several sides, including local 
Cree residents, leaders and environmentalists.
All are concerned about the long-term impact of diverting such a large 
body of water central to the Crees' hunting and fishing lifestyle.
Many are worried that fish in the river will become contaminated with 
mercury.
Both the provincial and federal government gave the project a green 
light and recommended the local population be warned to consume less 
fish from the river to offset any potential contamination. 
 
The project was midwifed through the Paix des Braves (the Peace of the 
Braves) agreement, a historic deal brokered by former Quebec premier 
Bernard Landry and Grand Cree Chief Ted Moses, and signed in 2002 after 
a referendum in northern Cree communities.
The agreement ensured the Crees' autonomy and allowed Hydro-Québec to 
pursue its development of hydroelectric plants along the Eastmain and 
Rupert rivers.
The power plant's construction is expected to bring an economic windfall 
for surrounding communities in the Saguenay, which will benefit from 
years of work on the site.
The power plant should be operational by 2010, with the capacity to 
provide Quebec with an additional 888 megawatts of electricity.