Ontario Power Generation

WATER MANAGEMENT

Responsible, effective and efficient use of water requires co-operation, co-ordination, and consultation among Ontario Power Generation, other utilities, many different levels of government, and with local communities and interest groups. To the extent that nature allows it, power companies and government agencies strive to manage water levels and flows, control flooding, limit erosion and accommodate environmental, commercial and recreational interests.

Regulatory Commitments
In certain areas - such as the Niagara River system, the St. Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers, and Lake of the Woods - water levels and flows are regulated by an international treaty, as well as federal, provincial and inter-utility licenses, agreements and legislation.

Voluntary Commitments
In other watersheds, OPG works closely with governments, conservation authorities, environmental groups, cottager associations, recreational users and others to meet voluntary watershed management commitments. For instance, some of the initiatives in the Madawaska river system include:

• Working with government agencies to identify flood-prone areas and ensure that new housing developments are built away from them.
  
  
• Improving flood forecasting and high water warnings to allow residents and cottagers to take appropriate action to protect their property.
  
  
• Developing fish and wildlife management strategies that consider the character of the river system, including rebuilding spawning areas to compensate for low levels, blocking fish access to areas known to dry out in spawning season and stocking fish to make up for losses.

Working to a High Standard
OPG also undertakes many other initiatives to minimize the impacts of its plant operations. For example, fish and wildlife habitat considerations are factored into construction and operating plans. We've built a special "ladder" at our R.H. Saunders Generating Station for migrating eels. Other stations are operated in a particular way in the spring so as to enhance spawning conditions.

We have also achieved ISO 14001 certification - an internationally recognized quality standard for environmental performance - for all of our generating stations. As well, most of our smallest generating stations have been registered with Environment Canada's Environmental Choice Program for "Green Power," known commonly as the Ecologo program.

For more information on water use please contact:
Margaret McMahon
(905) 357-0322 ext.2911

For questions on the Aguasabon, Kamanistiquia, and Nipigon Rivers, please contact:
Tom Aaltomaa
(807) 346-3946

Download our Water Safety brochure for more information on safety around dams and hydro stations. (Also available in French.)

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