As part of the evaluation of the Onimiki Project, we have received several questions about the project’s impact on the water level of Lake Kipawa. The project would have no impact on the water level of Lake Kipawa.
The water level of Lake Kipawa is currently controlled by two dams, the Laniel Dam and the Kipawa Dam. These dams are managed by the Direction générale des barrages [Dam Management Branch] (DGB) of the ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs [Department of Environment, Climate Change, Wildlife, and Parks].
Current management ensures that Lake Kipawa is kept at a stable level during the summer season (between 269.50 m and 269.55 m). During the winter, the lake’s level is lowered by two meters to accommodate spring flooding. It then rises again to reach its summer level.
After completion of the Onimiki project, the same management of Lake Kipawa’s water level would be maintained. Management would remain the responsibility of the DGB. The Onimiki project would use the available water volumes when they are available, particularly during the winter when energy needs are high.
Experts mandated by Onimiki Renewable Energy are currently conducting the environmental analyses required as part of the project assessment. In particular, they will analyze the effects of redirecting part of the water volume to the new outlet.
Their conclusions will be shared at information and consultation sessions scheduled this spring, before the submission of the environmental impact study.
Highlights
- The Onimiki project would not cause any change in the water level of Lake Kipawa.
- The Direction générale des barrages [Dam Management Branch] would remain responsible for managing the water level of Lake Kipawa.
- Lake Kipawa would continue to be kept at a stable level in the summer and lowered in the winter to effectively manage the spring flood.
- An ecological flow would be maintained at all times in the Kipawa River. The assumption of 15 cubic meters per second is based on the current management practices of the Dam Management Branch of the Ministry of the Environment, Climate Change, Wildlife, and Parks (Direction générale des barrages du ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCP), which aims to maintain this flow rate of 15 cubic meters.
- The conclusions of the ongoing environmental analyses will be presented during the consultations scheduled for the spring.