Hydro-Québec's Eastmain-1 Development assessed against Hydropower Sustainability Standard

1 June 2023


The Hydropower Sustainability Alliance (HSA) and Hydro-Québec have jointly released the Assessment Report, evaluating the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of the Eastmain-1 Development project in accordance with the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS). This comprehensive report sheds light on the project's operational practices and impact management.

The Eastmain-1 Development project encompasses the Eastmain Reservoir and the Eastmain-1 and Bernard-Landry power houses, which are critical components of Quebec's hydropower infrastructure. In order to gauge its adherence to sustainability principles, the project underwent an exhaustive evaluation process conducted by a team of independent assessors. The process involved document reviews, interviews, and an extensive site visit to gather relevant data.

The Assessment Report focuses on the Eastmain-1 and Bernard-Landry generating facilities, analyzing their performance across the 12 ESG topics outlined by the HSS. Notably, the report highlights the project's positive achievements in various crucial areas, including biodiversity preservation, labour and working conditions, cultural heritage preservation, and governance and procurement. 

One of the key highlights of the assessment is the close collaboration between Hydro-Québec and the Cree community. The report recognizes that the involvement and engagement of the Cree community has played a central role in the project's operations, showcasing a model of cooperation between industry and indigenous communities.

To ensure transparency and accountability, the Assessment Report is now open for public comment for a period of 60 days. Interested stakeholders and members of the public are encouraged to provide their insights and perspectives on the report's findings. 

This public consultation period aims to foster a comprehensive evaluation of the project's performance, taking into account the viewpoints of diverse stakeholders. The HSA and Hydro-Québec welcome constructive feedback and input, which will contribute to the ongoing commitment to sustainable hydropower development.

As the public comment period begins, stakeholders and interested parties are invited to actively participate in the process, ensuring that the evaluation of the Eastmain-1 Development project is comprehensive, transparent, and inclusive.

 



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