Multiple mechanisms and tools were also developed to promote open and informed two-way discussions on different issues, going beyond one-way information dissemination. Cree representatives of affected communities were key partners in overseeing all aspects of the project, fieldwork protocols, timeframes, environmental studies and results, mitigation measures, integrated traditional knowledge, on-site hiring of Cree workers and much more.
This level of involvement made the environmental approach more community based and adaptive, therefore more sustainable. Enhancing environmental performance To better evaluate potential impacts and adapt mitigation measures, the environmental assessment approach addressed three different distinct areas of this large project: the increased flow section, the creation of both the forebay and the tailbay, and the reduced flow section of the Rupert River.
Environmental studies, field protocols and both mitigation and enhancement measures benefited from traditional knowledge which added value to the outcome. A comprehensive environmental programme, spanning from , was put into operation in partnership with the Crees to enhance understanding of the long-term environmental and social impacts as well as to assess the efficiency of mitigation measures.
Multiple follow-up studies have been conducted on both biophysical and human components including, but not limited to: riparian vegetation, riverbank stability, tributaries and fish access, fish populations and their habitats, bird migration and reproduction, mammals, special status species, human health determinants, land use, ice cover, navigation and economic spin-offs. All the field work for this environmental programme has been conducted with the involvement of local Cree land users.
As an example of effective adapted mitigation measures, eight weirs were built on the reduced flow stretch of the Rupert River to substantially maintain water levels upstream, prevent bank erosion, and preserve riparian habitats and their use by Cree hunters and fishermen.
