How to manage mercury at hydropower reservoirs

The development of new hydroelectric dams can result in a temporary increase in mercury levels in reservoir fish. During the past 40 years, Hydro-Québec has developed various strategies to prevent any mercury-related health risks for fish consumers. For the Romaine complex project, a risk assessment method was used to assess risk in three local populations. It showed that the project would not result in additional risks to fishers’ health and was deemed satisfactory by Health Canada. Nevertheless, a mercury monitoring programme was set up to validate these predictions and communication tools were, and continue to be, distributed in these communities.