2023-24 Annual Report Highlights

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. The MHMOC also reviewed the latest Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) Technical Memo offered by Dillon Consulting.

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:

In keeping with MHMOC recommendations, NL Hydro added burbot to its environmental monitoring plan for 2023. Those monitoring results were included in the annual data reviewed by the MHMOC.

As noted in the Year 1 report, a reduction in the frequency of water sample collection within the reservoir and the river only during the summer season had been considered, but no changes were recommended in Year 2 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

Following a financial commitment of $100,000 from NL Hydro to support a community-led dietary survey, MHMOC member organizations were provided with information, including previous dietary survey plans and tools prepared by NL Hydro, to support the development of new proposals and work plans. Further, Health Canada’s independent technical experts hosted a Dietary Survey Workshop for MHMOC members on March 27, 2024, in which various options and considerations were presented to inform dietary survey planning. The Nunatukavut Community Council (NCC) submitted its dietary survey proposal in June 2024, while the Nunatsiatvut Government and Innu Nation indicated that they did not have plans to submit proposals at this time.

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:

With approval from the MHMOC, Health Canada availed of a standing offer agreement to engage with an independent technical expert who could provide timely advice to the MHMOC and its working groups. The successful proponent, Intrinsik-Wilson, completed a jurisdictional scan of similar health advisory programs with a focus on northern communities.

The Health Education Working Group (HEWG) met for the first time in January 2024. Membership on the HEWG included representatives from MHMOC member organizations, as well as Indigenous Services Canada, and was further supported by Intrinsik-Wilson.

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 HEWG reviewed the draft “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQs) for inclusion on the MHMOC website. The FAQs included some interim consumption advice regarding high levels of methylmercury in adult seal liver, which pre-dates the Muskrat Falls project. The MHMOC website was launched and includes the approved FAQs. The HEWG will consider the development of other educational materials and tools as well as potential opportunities for community engagement.