Frequently Asked Questions

• Why is Ontario Power Generation (OPG) asking for an Interim Minor Amendment to the Water Management Plan for Lower Sturgeon Generating Station (GS)?
  OPG is presently engaged in construction work at the Lower Sturgeon GS site in relation to the Upper Mattagami Redevelopment Project. The Interim Minor Amendment will allow the contractor to refurbish the upstream piers and replace them with reinforced concrete and protective steel. The water level conditions required under the interim minor amendment are only required for the duration of the rehabilitation work from July 1, 2010 to August 31, 2010.
  
  
• What is a Minor Amendment to the Water Management Plan?
  Minor amendments are required for changes to the Plan that are anticipated to affect a small geographic scale (i.e., in the vicinity of one dam) and where MNR and the Water Management Plan Steering Advisory Committee agree that the changes will not have a significant impact. OPG is requesting a minor amendment, on a temporary basis to the Mattagami River System Water Management Plan (Plan) under Section 23(1) of the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act (LRIA) to allow for water levels upstream of the Lower Sturgeon GS to remain below the approved summer levels identified in the Plan.
  
  
• What is OPG requesting?
  OPG is requesting MNR to approve an interim minor amendment to the Water Management Plan. The amendment includes temporarily lowering the 2010 summer minimum water elevation constraint for July and August 2010 from 257.70 m to 256.47 m for Lower Sturgeon GS
  
  
• Will there be any impacts to the environment?
  No impacts are expected to the aquatic environment. The exceptionally low flow in the river this year resulted in low water levels early and throughout the spring when some fish species spawn in shallow water, forcing them to spawn at lower levels within the reservoir. While most shallow water spawning fish will have finished spawning by July 1, especially during this exceptionally warm spring, any spawning fish or un-hatched eggs or fry remaining in shallow areas will not be affected because further significant reductions in water levels are not anticipated.
  
  
• How long is the interim amendment for?
  OPG is requesting a temporary interim amendment from July 1, 2010 to August 31, 2010.
  
  
• What will happen if OPG does not get the Amendment?
  Without an approved amendment, OPG's contractor will not be able to carry out the refurbishment to the concrete piers in the event the water levels rise naturally during the period the maintenance work will be undertaken.
  
  
• What will the impact be to the public?
  OPG will temporarily post signs at the area boat launch warning boaters of low water levels. The intent of the summer compliance water level of 257.70 m is to enhance navigation between Sandy Falls GS and Lower Sturgeon GS.
  
  
• What is the current summer compliance zone and what is the temporary change being requested?
  OPG is requesting a change in the summer minimum water elevation from 257.70 m to 256.47 m. This interim amendment will allow the contractor to perform the rehabilitation work and also allow OPG to manage water levels and flows.
  
  
• What part of the Mattagami River will be impacted?
  The area upstream of Lower Sturgeon GS to Sandy Falls GS will possibly be impacted by the proposed lower summer minimum water elevation.
  
  
• Has OPG discussed this matter with MNR?
  OPG developed the spillway maintenance work plans that will be enabled by the minor amendment in consultation with the MNR. The MNR Regional Director will take into account public comments in making a final decision on this amendment.
  
  
• Why is OPG redeveloping these facilities?
  There are several reasons why OPG wants to re-develop these three generating stations:
  • The generating stations are at the end of their current service life and require replacement. Ongoing maintenance of the generating stations will not provide a long-term reliable solution.
  • No replacement parts because 25 cycle equipment is no longer manufactured.
  • These stations can continue to provide Ontario with a reliable, clean and renewable energy resource.
  • There is an opportunity to increase the power produced at these stations by employing modern technology and without changing the current and approved operating regime. The generating stations will continue to operate as run-of-the river facilities and be managed so that there is no change to the water levels and flows.
  • The power from these facilities is currently produced at 25 cycles and cannot be used locally.
  • Producing the power at 60 cycles under the current proposal can allow for its local use.
  • The Proposed Undertaking will free up a transmission corridor from Timmins to Sudbury for Hydro One to use .
    
    
• Will there be any new flooding of land?
  There will be no new flooding of land. The Water Management Plan for the Mattagami River legally establishes the operating regimes (water flows and levels) for the three Upper Mattagami Generating Stations, namely Wawaitin, Sandy Falls and Lower Sturgeon.
  
  
• When will the projects be constructed?
  It is planned that this will be constructed between 2008 and 2009.
  
  
• Where can I obtain a copy of the Mattagami River System Water Management Plan?
  A copy of the Water Management Plan can be obtained from the Ministry of Natural Resource Timmins District Office (705) 235-1300.