The Ontario Waterpower Association (OWA) has awarded 4DM and Senes Consultants a contract to complete a feasibility study for a proposed 'Waterpower Reference Centre', a project designed to advance data and information sharing in the industry.
The project is being undertaken through a partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) and is intended to leverage the considerable investment being made by the waterpower industry in the collection of data and information related to hydroelectric projects.
"At present, an estimated $150 to 200 Million is being invested in waterpower development and redevelopment to support environmental assessments and approvals across the province" said Paul Norris, OWA President. "If this data and information could be captured centrally it could help inform adaptive management, effectiveness monitoring and answer some of the broader science questions."
"We are pleased to be working in collaboration with the industry and the Ministry on this important project," added Steven McArdle, President of 4DM. "We see this as a unique opportunity to significantly advance our collective knowledge base for, and sustainability of, waterpower in Ontario."
Both the industry and the Canadian province have recognized the potential benefits of retaining and using ecological information to help guide future resource management decisions. To this end, OWA is proposing to design and develop a central location for environmental reports, supporting data/information, and best management practices. A first step is completing this feasibility study to better understand existing systems, holdings, and available products.
