Evaluating the impacts of a hydro‐electric development in northern Manitoba, Canada

• Published in: Environmetrics
• Main Authors: Shay, C. T., Shay, J. M., Johnston, B.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 1991
• Subjects: Canada; Indian; Small Bay; Southern Indian Lake; Churchill; Churchill River; Nelson River
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/env.3770020207; https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1002%2Fenv.3770020207; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/env.3770020207

Abstract In an attempt to make optimal use of the seasonal water flow of the Churchill River for hydroelectric generation, a storage basin was created utilizing Southern Indian Lake (SIL). A dam raised the lake level by 3 m. The water was diverted primarily to the Nelson River system and its hydro stations. The increased water level changed the character of SIL. Flooding inundated the forest around the lake and the biomass that was flooded began to decompose. This study has two parts. First, we develop estimates of the flooded biomass and outline some consequences of the flooding. About 4,500 metric tonnes of biomass entered the water of one small bay of SIL. Secondly, we review the project and emphasize the need for comprehensive planning involving environmental and social scientists.