2022-23 Annual Report Highlights
Overview
The work of the Muskrat Falls Monitoring and Health Management Oversight Committee (MHMOC) officially began in July 2022, following the signing of the Independent Chairperson’s contract. The formation and membership of the MHMOC were formally announced through a joint media release issued by the Department of Health and Community Services and the Department of Environment and Climate Change on September 13, 2022 (https://www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2022/health/0913n01/).
As part of its early work, the MHMOC identified several priorities for Year One, and developed a work plan focusing on both the functioning of the MHMOC, as well as its mandate. To further support its work, the MHMOC formed two supporting committees—a Communications Advisory Committee and a Health Education Working Group.
The Communications Advisory Committee was established to provide advice on the committee’s public communications. and the Health Education Working Group (HEWG) was established to assist and advise the MHMOC in developing methods, benchmarks and tools for the ongoing interpretation and communication of monitoring program results.
The MHMOC chair provided an annual report to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change outlining the accomplishments of the prior year, which are outlined below.
RESULTS
Objective:
To review the existing surface water monitoring plan for methylmercury as well as all existing environmental assessments related to methylmercury monitoring as required of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro (NL Hydro) with the goal of ensuring that data produced respond to Indigenous and local concerns.
Progress:
The MHMOC reviewed the latest fish and seal monitoring data as presented by WSP consultants as well as the latest water monitoring data as presented by officials with the Department of Environment and Climate Change. A summary of current environmental monitoring for Muskrat Falls was also reviewed. Indigenous organization members of the MHMOC were asked to provide lists of any additional species that should be included in methylmercury monitoring. As part of its review, Health Canada recommended the addition of Burbot to the monitoring plan for 2023. This addition was further supported by the Indigenous organizations and subsequently accepted and actioned by NL Hydro in 2023.
Objective:
To recommend modifications, where necessary, to any monitoring plan to ensure that it has sufficient statistical power for the interpretation of key indicators.
Progress:
A reduction in the frequency of water sample collection within the reservoir and the river only during the summer season was considered, but no changes were recommended at this time given the uncertainties related to water temperature changes.
Objective:
To recommend new program components or modifications to existing monitoring program components to allow for the hands-on participation of members of the Indigenous and local population to participate in the design, implementation, and interpretation of monitoring programs through such actions as participation in sample collection, analysis, and recording of scientific observations.
Progress:
The MHMOC reviewed the latest Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) Technical Memo offered by Dillon Consulting, and agreed on modifications based on Health Canada’s review. Health Canada also confirmed the guidance values used in the HHRA.
Further, the MHMOC recommended updating the dietary survey previously completed in 2014. This was supported by NL Hydro with a commitment of $100,000 in the 2024 budget to support a community-led dietary survey, contingent upon receipt of related work plans by interested Indigenous communities. MHMOC members agreed to work towards achieving the greatest consistency possible in terms of survey implementation, while recognizing possible differences in diet among participating communities.
Objective:
To make recommendations to responsible federal, provincial, and municipal departments and agencies, to be identified by the MHMOC, using the best available peer reviewed science, professional expertise and Indigenous knowledge on monitoring and management measures to protect the health of the Indigenous and local population who harvest and consume country foods in the Churchill River and Lake Melville.
Progress:
As noted above, Health Canada engaged with several agencies on standing offer that could provide independent, technical expertise to support the work of the MHMOC and the HEWG more specifically. Part of the scope of work to be provided by the successful candidate will be to review the latest peer reviewed science, monitoring results, Indigenous knowledge, and lessons learned from similar health advisory programs with a focus on northern communities.
Objective:
To utilize medical or community health professionals to develop standard advice that will be provided to individuals and the community at large on the benefits and safety of eating country foods including fish and seal and choosing foods such as salmon, brook trout, and smelt that are high in important nutrients, while minimizing exposure to potential methylmercury.
Progress:
The MHMOC agreed to establish a Health Education Working Group (HEWG) with representation from the three indigenous member organizations, Health Canada, the Department of Health and Community Services, Indigenous Services Canada, and NL Hydro. The HEWG will also be supported with independent, external technical expertise supplied through a Health Canada standing offer agreement, as noted above.
The purpose of the HEWG will be to assist and advise the MHMOC in developing methods, benchmarks and tools for the ongoing interpretation and communication of monitoring program results. The HEWG will apply established risk communication concepts and practices to aid in the development of health-related advice and advisory information that is readily understandable to Muskrat Falls study area communities.