Comprehensive Study Report

Chapter 6 of Volume 1 of the draft-design report describes the monitoring and follow-up program proposed by the proponent. More precise details on monitoring of riparian and aquatic vegetation are also found in the supplement to the draft-design report.

The follow-up program basically consists of seven components related to the natural environment (compensation for fish habitat and aquatic and riparian vegetation) and the human environment (regional economy and use of the Saint-Maurice for recreation and tourism) as well as the physical environment (ice regime, shoreline erosion and noise level). The proponent will be responsible for implementing the different follow-up activities.

We feel that the follow-up activities will make it possible to achieve the primary objectives established by those programs. However, certain aspects of the follow-up work may be modified so as to permit more effective assessment of the anticipated environmental effects. That is the case, for example, for the follow-up of riparian and aquatic vegetation, since a sampling station should be added in the stretch of river between the Grand-Mère facility and the Hêtre Rapids, which has the highest water-level fluctuation range.

The results of the follow-up activities are to be relayed to DFO, which may request any necessary adjustments in light of the findings.