Journal Eastmain

Vol. 7, No. 1, June 2009

Eastmain-1-A jobsite

Progressing by leaps and bounds

Land clearing special Great teamwork

Rupert diversion jobsite A new phase begins!

Sarcelle jobsite

Another North American first!

In Insert side: in nav with chang igatio es for 20 n condition 09 - 20 s 10 RU

PER TR KM 0 - K IVER M 33 3

People with a powerful vision

A WORD FROM THE DIRECTOR

More than $124,000 collected during the 2008 Centraide campaign

Hello everyone, At Eastmain-1-A, 2009 is well underway. In fact, there was lots of activity during the winter. The past few weeks have also been increasingly busy at Rupert and Sarcelle.

What can we expect in 2009?

First, it will be the project’s busiest year, as more than 4,000 workers are expected on all the jobsites.

Oddly enough, it will also be a year of declining activity, which is totally unrelated to the current global economic crisis. Things are winding down due to the progress of work at the Rupert diversion jobsite, since the partial diversion is scheduled for this November.

It will also be a year during which activities are carried out in parallel at all project locations, particularly the downstream stretch of the Rupert River, with the beginning of work on the weirs, and in the Cree community of Waskaganish, where work is already in progress.

All these activities will require focusing even more on the environment, both physical and human.

I also urge you to make safety a central part of your work habits.

Thank you for your ongoing efforts.

Normand Béchard, Eng. Director – Eastmain Projects

JL – Congratulations to all the workers of the Eastmain-1-A/Sarcelle/Rupert project for their generous contribution to the 2008 fund-raising campaign for Centraide.

The Centraide 2008 campaign involved numerous activities, both at the jobsite and in Montréal. The amount donated by the workers and matched by Hydro-Québec added up to more than $124,000.

The funds were raised during various activities held in fall 2008: - Director’s coffee-muffin - Chocolate lollipops - Screen squeegees - Pizza lunch - Auction for a pair of football tickets - 50-50 draws at various work sites - Street auction at Sarcelle workcamp - Draw for a tour of Sarcelle workcamp - Bingo - The hour of work donated to Centraide - The “Jouez au héros !” hockey game - Donations from organizations - Donations from employees - The involvement of all the volunteers Province-wide, Hydro-Québec reached a new high with a donation of $6,723,260 to the 2008 Centraide campaign.

Supervisor – Public Relations / Magazine Editor: Bionda Miotto / 819 672-2200 ext. 3854 miotto.bionda@hydro.qc.ca Writers: Brian Brousseau, Geneviève Bujold, Pascal Dion, Véronique Gagnon-Piquès, Jimmy Lavoie, Liza Perron Contributors: Daniel Lacoursière, Isabelle Marceau, Jean Lindsay, Martin Vincent, Serge Caron, Line Martel Translators: Margaret Kane Savage, Debby Dubrofsky / Reviser: Ted Clarke / Graphics: Paul Salois Design / Photographer: Paul Brindamour / Printer: Imprimerie Lebonfon Eastmain Magazine is published by SEBJ Public Relations for the workers of the Eastmain-1-A/Sarcelle/Rupert project.

Internet site: www.hydroquebec.com/rupert Extranet site: www.extranetsebj.ca Eastmain Magazine is printed on chlorine- and acid-free EcoLogo certified paper, made in Québec, containing 100% post-consumer fibre, manufactured using biogas energy.

2 Eastmain Magazine, June 2009

People with a powerful vision

KP 310

Eastmain1 reservoir KP 280

Employees of the Cree Construction and Development Company (CCDC) were the first to return to the Rupert jobsite in 2009. In February, they were busy finishing excavation and slope stabilization at canals C-2 and C-3. Work on canal C-2 ended in early April, and canal C-3 should be finished before the end of May.

KP 20

LR-04A

LR-03 LR-03A

Canal C1A LR-08 LR-08A LR-08B LR-08C LR-08D

Canal C1

KP 30

LR-09C LR-12C LR-10

LR-09A

Rupert tailbay

LR-04

LR-05

LR-09B KP150NE LR-11

Nemiscau-1 dam and instream flow release structure (Nemiscau-1)

LR-12D LR-12E KP 40 LR-12B LR-12A LR-13A-2et13a-3 LR-13 LR-14

KP140NE

LR-15A et 15B KP50 LR-16

KP140

KP140

Ruisseau-Arques dike and instream flow release structure

Digu et o de d

Canal C2

LR-17

LR-18

LR-19A et 19B LR-20 LR-21A LR-21B

Cana

Canal C3

Seuil de co

Cana LR-23 LR-31 LR-30 LR-29

KP60

LR-24 LR-25 LR-26 LR-27

Canal C4

LR-28A et 28B

Canal C-3

Barr et o de d (Nem

KP160

Nemiscau-2 dam and instream flow release structure (Nemiscau-2)

Barr et o (Lem

Ouv de d

Barr et é (déb

Outlet channel Transfer tunnel

Rupert workcamp

Control weir Headrace LR-32

KP70

LR-33A LR-33B LR-34

LR-37 et 38

Canal C-34

KP80

LR-39

LR-35 LR-36 et 36A LR-40 KP40

LR-41 LR-42

Lemare dam and instream flow release structure (Lemare)

LR-43B LR-43A

Albanel substation

LR-43 LR-44 KP30

LR-45,46 et 47 LR-48A et 48B LR-49

Canal C5A KP90 Canal C5 Canal C6

LR-50

Instream flow release structure (LR-51-52)

Canal C-3

Canal C7 LR-51-52

KP20

KP100

te Rou

LR-53-54

ord du N

LR-55

KP10

LR-56

Rupert dam and spillway (instream flow) KP300

Barr et o de d (Nem

KP110 KP310 LR-57 KP320 KP330

Eastmain Magazine, June 2009 3

THE JOBSITE IN PICTURES

Another busy spot is the transfer tunnel headrace, which is being built by contractor SBC-EMF. Crews are preparing to continue concrete work on the control weir.

In all, ten canals will be built as part of the Rupert diversion jobsite.

KP 300

KP 290

Rupert forebay

Rupert diversion jobsite Canals

VGP - The contractors are back at the Rupert jobsite after a break of several months. The arrival of spring means that activities are in full swing again. Work in the diversion bay area will be ending this year, since only 25% of the backfilling remains to be done. Meanwhile, another phase is beginning at the jobsite—there are eight hydraulic structures to be built in the reduced-flow stretch of the Rupert River.

KP 310

Eastmain1 reservoir KP 280

KP 20

LR-04A

LR-03 LR-03A

Canal C1A

Nemiscau-2 instream flow release structure after startup

LR-09C LR-12C LR-10

LR-09A

LR-09B KP150NE LR-11

Nemiscau-1 dam and instream flow release structure (Nemiscau-1)

LR-12D LR-12E KP 40 LR-12B LR-12A LR-13A-2et13a-3 LR-13 LR-14

Barr et o de d (Nem

KP160 LR-15A et 15B KP50 LR-16

KP140

KP140

Ruisseau-Arques dike and instream flow release structure

Digu et o de d

Canal C2

LR-17

LR-18

LR-19A et 19B LR-20 LR-21A LR-21B

Cana

Canal C3

Seuil de co

Cana

LR-31 LR-30 LR-29

KP60

Ouv de d

Canal C4

LR-28A et 28B

Barr et é (déb

Outlet channel Transfer tunnel

Rupert workcamp

Control weir Headrace LR-32

KP70

LR-33A LR-33B LR-34

LR-37 et 38

Canal C-34

KP80

LR-39

LR-35 LR-36 et 36A LR-40 KP40

LR-41 LR-42

Lemare dam and instream flow release structure (Lemare)

LR-43B LR-43A

Albanel substation

LR-43 LR-44 KP30

LR-45,46 et 47 LR-48A et 48B LR-49

Canal C5A KP90 Canal C5 Canal C6

LR-50

Instream flow release structure (LR-51-52)

Ruisseau-Arques instream flow release structure

Canal C7 LR-51-52

KP20

KP100

u te d

Rou

LR-53-54

Nord

LR-55

KP10

LR-56

Rupert dam and spillway (instream flow) KP300

Barr et o (Lem

LR-23 LR-24 LR-25 LR-26 LR-27

Finally, startup testing of the structure’s gates and electrical and mechanical equipment was carried out. The structure was started up in early May.

KP110 KP310 LR-57 KP320 KP330

4 Eastmain Magazine, June 2009

Barr et o de d (Nem

KP140NE

Nemiscau-2 dam and instream flow release structure (Nemiscau-2)

The CCDC’s contract includes two instream flow release structures, Nemiscau-2 and Ruisseau-Arques. Once the structures are started up—any day now—work will begin on Nemiscau-2 dam and RuisseauArques dike.

Joint venture SBC-EMF resumed electrical work in March. As soon as its crews arrived, they put the final touches to the service building at the Lemare instream flow release structure. Auxiliary electrical and mechanical work was also completed for the service building.

Canal C1

KP 30

People with a powerful vision

THE JOBSITE IN PICTURES

There are five instream flow release structures to be built at the Rupert diversion jobsite. Of these, the Nemiscau-1 structure is finished and several others are about to be completed.

LR-08 LR-08A LR-08B LR-08C LR-08D

Rupert tailbay

LR-04

LR-05

Rupert forebay

Rupert diversion jobsite Instream flow release structures

KP 300

KP 290

KP 300

KP 290

KP 310

Eastmain1 reservoir

At Ruisseau-Arques dike, crews are working on cofferdam construction on the right bank, and the creek should be diverted into the instream flow release structure in mid-May. In this particular case, the instream flow release structure, made of concrete, will be entirely incorporated into the dike. Part of the structure will therefore be covered.

KP 280

Work on Nemiscau-2 dam will begin with the construction of both cofferdams. The zone between the two structures will then be dewatered, the rock will be sealed by grouting and the area will be backfilled. More than 75,000 m3 of backfill material will be required for dam construction. This is the largest retaining structure that the CCDC will be building in 2009.

KP 20

LR-04A

LR-03 LR-03A

Canal C1A LR-08 LR-08A LR-08B LR-08C LR-08D

Canal C1

KP 30

LR-09C LR-12C LR-10

LR-09A

Rupert tailbay

LR-04

LR-05

LR-09B KP150NE LR-11

Nemiscau-1 dam and instream flow release structure (Nemiscau-1)

LR-12D LR-12E KP 40 LR-12B LR-12A LR-13A-2et13a-3 LR-13 LR-14

Barr et o de d (Nem

KP140NE

LR-15A et 15B KP50 LR-16

KP140

KP140

LR-18

LR-19A et 19B LR-20 LR-21A LR-21B

Ruisseau-Arques dike and instream flow release structure

Cana

Canal C3

Seuil de co

Cana

LR-31 LR-30 LR-29

KP60

Barr et é (déb

Outlet channel Transfer tunnel

Rupert workcamp

Control weir Headrace LR-32

KP70

LR-33A LR-33B LR-34

LR-37 et 38

Canal C-34

KP80

LR-39

LR-35 LR-36 et 36A LR-40 KP40

LR-41 LR-42

Lemare dam and instream flow release structure (Lemare)

LR-43B LR-43A

Albanel substation

LR-43 LR-44 LR-45,46 et 47 LR-48A et 48B LR-49

Canal C5A KP90 Canal C5 Canal C6

LR-50

Instream flow release structure (LR-51-52)

Canal C7 LR-51-52

KP20

KP100

u te d

Rou

LR-53-54

Nord

LR-55

KP10

LR-56

Rupert dam and spillway (instream flow) KP110 KP310 LR-57 KP320 KP330

Eastmain Magazine, June 2009 5

THE JOBSITE IN PICTURES

KP30

KP300

Ouv de d

Canal C4

LR-28A et 28B

Work on Nemiscau-2 dam

Barr et o (Lem

LR-23 LR-24 LR-25 LR-26 LR-27

Installation of riprap in the headrace of the Ruisseau-Arques instream flow release structure.

Digu et o de d

Canal C2

LR-17

KP120

Barr et o de d (Nem

KP160

Nemiscau-2 dam and instream flow release structure (Nemiscau-2)

Rupert forebay

Rupert diversion jobsite Nemiscau-2 dam and Ruisseau-Arques dike

VGP - Once the instream flow release structures are finished, dams must be built in the related streams and rivers. At Ruisseau-Arques, a dike will be built instead of a dam.

KP 280

KP 20

LR-04A

LR-03 LR-03A

Canal C1A LR-08 LR-08A LR-08B LR-08C LR-08D

Canal C1

KP 30

LR-09C LR-12C LR-10

LR-09A

LR-09B KP150NE LR-11

Nemiscau-1 dam and instream flow release structure (Nemiscau-1)

LR-12D LR-12E KP 40 LR-12B LR-12A LR-13A-2et13a-3 LR-13 LR-14

LR-16

KP140

KP140

LR-17

Ruisseau-Arques dike and instream flow release structure

Dig et o de

Canal C2 LR-18

LR-19A et 19B LR-20 LR-21A LR-21B

Cana

Canal C3

Seui de co

Cana

LR-31 LR-30 LR-29

KP60

Ouv de

Canal C4

Bar et é (déb

Outlet channel Transfer tunnel Control weir Headrace

LR-32

KP70

LR-33A LR-33B LR-34

LR-37 et 38

Canal C-34

KP80

LR-39

LR-35 LR-36 et 36A LR-40 KP40

LR-41 LR-42

Lemare dam and instream flow release structure (Lemare)

LR-43B LR-43A

Albanel substation

LR-43 LR-44 KP30

LR-45,46 et 47 LR-48A et 48B LR-49

Canal C5A KP90 Canal C5 Canal C6

LR-50

Instream flow release structure (LR-51-52)

Canal C7 LR-51-52

KP20

KP100

u te d

Rou

LR-53-54

Nord

LR-55

KP10

LR-56

Rupert dam and spillway (instream flow) KP300

Bar et o (Lem

LR-23 LR-24 LR-25 LR-26 LR-27

Dike LR-43A

Bar et o de (Ne

KP160 LR-15A et 15B KP50

Rupert workcamp

KP110 KP310 LR-57 KP320 KP330

6 Eastmain Magazine, June 2009

Bar et o de (Ne

KP140NE

Nemiscau-2 dam and instream flow release structure (Nemiscau-2)

LR-28A et 28B

Dike LR-13

Rupert tailbay

LR-04

LR-05

People with a powerful vision

THE JOBSITE IN PICTURES

Contractor CRT-Hamel resumed work in late March. Activities immediately focused on overburden excavation at dikes LR-13 and LR-14. Several drainage ditches were also excavated. Once excavation was completed, cleaning of the rock foundation began at dike LR-13. The construction of freeboard dikes LR-13A2 and LR-13A3 and overburden excavation at dike LR-12E are also under way.

KP 310

Eastmain1 reservoir

Joint venture SBC-EMF began preparatory work for the construction of dike LR-34. The upstream and downstream cofferdams have already been erected, naturally redirecting water toward the Lemare instream flow release structure. The dike foundations have been cleaned and foundation treatment will begin in early June. At dike LR-42, operations are continuing where they left off in 2008—at the backfilling stage.

CCDC is continuing the work begun in 2008 on dikes LR-15B, LR19B, LR-21B and LR-28. At LR-28, in particular, instrumentation work—piezometer installation—is under way. Work crews have also been mandated to begin new dikes. Accordingly, excavation has begun at dikes LR-16, LR-19A and at Ruisseau-Arques.

KP 300

KP 290

Rupert forebay

Rupert diversion jobsite Dikes

VGP - The employees of contractor Fernand Gilbert Limitée (FGL) returned to the jobsite in mid-March. They began overburden excavation at dikes LR-43A, LR-43B and LR-48B. Rock cleaning, foundation treatment, formwork and concrete work were then carried out. The crews are now backfilling the structures. Work also resumed on dikes LR-51 and 52 with overburden excavation. Soon, the foundations will need to be cleaned and treated.

Rupert diversion jobsite Waskaganish drinking water plant

VGP - Work in the reduced flow stretch of the Rupert River includes the construction of a new drinking water plant in Waskaganish.

Begun in mid-April, work on the drinking water plant for the community of Waskaganish is progressing well.

Excavation is quite advanced and some concrete has been poured. Crews from Newco are now working on an aboveground structure.

VGP - Preparatory work began in spring and will continue until November 2009. The main weir structures will be built after the partial diversion of the Rupert River, following the commissioning of Rupert spillway, expected in November 2009.

Work at the Km 28 quarry on the road leading to Waskaganish.

THE JOBSITE IN PICTURES

Weirs on the Rupert River

Work at the Waskaganish drinking water plant

Road to KP 33

Eastmain Magazine, June 2009 7

A new phase begins!

VGP – A brand new phase is starting at Rupert jobsite as work begins on the weirs. A total of eight structures will be developed in the stretch of the Rupert River between the river mouth (KP 0) and Rupert dam (KP 314).

These structures have a significant impact on the environment; they make it possible to maintain navigation zones, protect wildlife habitat and hunting and fishing areas, and preserve the landscape.

Once the Rupert River has been diverted in November 2009, an average of 30% of its current will flow in the natural riverbed. The weirs will be distributed along this route, allowing the water level to be raised over nearly half of the river’s length.

Two companies, Newco (a joint venture involving the Waskaganish and Nemaska band councils, Waska Ressources, EBC and Neilson) and Denis Lavoie et Fils, are responsible for the work. Crews are already hard at work at KP 20.4, while an access road is being built to link KP 33, 49, 85, 110, 170, 223 and 290. The work should continue until late 2010.

Rock blanket at KP 20.4

Workers at KP 20.4

8 Eastmain Magazine, June 2008

People with a powerful vision

All roads lead to ... the Rupert River!

PD – The eight hydraulic structures to be built along the Rupert River require a series of related work, including road building. Yes, reaching the work sites is important!

Accordingly, contractor Fernand Gilbert LtĂŠe was mandated to build a 60-kilometre road to reach the hydraulic structures at KP 170 and 223.

put down to even out the roadbed. The next step will involve contouring and cleaning the ditches, followed by the application of a layer of MG-20, which is granular material ranging from 0 to 20 millimetres. The access road forks at Km 10; one branch heads toward KP 170 and the other toward KP 223.

Which is why... all roads lead to the Rupert River!

The work began last fall and went well; the infrastructure of the road was almost completed before the Easter holiday.

Contractor FGL then mobilized its employees at the end of April to finish the work. A layer of granular material, consisting of rock from 0 to 80 millimetres in diameter (MG-80), was

Backfilling at Km 29 of the access road.

Eastmain Magazine, June 2009 9

Oujeck, the latest addition!

PD - Since April, Oujeck workcamp is being readied to house the workers who will be building the hydraulic structures on the Rupert River.

The workcamp is located 1 kilometre from Km 237 (intersection with the road to Waskaganish) of the James Bay Highway.

Various contractors, including Newco, Goscobec, Larouche Construction and Binet Constructions are completing work

Oujeck workcamp, May 4, 2009

10 Eastmain Magazine, June 2009

related to the installation of municipal services.

Work has been completed on the cafeteria.

Several other buildings should be ready in mid-May, including the warehouse, garage, fire station and a laboratory from the worksite at the Sakami canal. The building that served as the Nemiscau workcamp bar, connected with another, will serve as a convenience store, bar

and recreation centre. The convenience store will open in June, the recreation centre in mid-June and the bar during the summer.

The first meal, served on May 4, marked Oujeck workcamp’s official opening.

There will soon be 230 workers living on the site.

The first residents of Oujeck workcamp were employees of ESS-Compass: Normand Robertson, Martin Caron and Guillaume Lefebvre

People with a powerful vision

LAND CLEARING SPECIAL Great teamwork

VGP - SEBJ’s land clearing unit is quietly closing its books after two years of intense activity. Inspectors, forestry technicians, and technical assistants are rounding up the last bits of information needed to bring a final end to the activities.

“We’ve worked with eight tallymen and two Cree companies since the beginning,” says Denis Arsenault, Section Manager -- Land Clearing, “and we’ve come a long way together in two years.

It was a great pleasure managing the clearing with them. The quality of the work has been excellent.”

Since 2007, more than 250 Crees have been involved in the manual tree felling and the collection and burning of debris every year. In all, the equivalent of 10,880 American football fields (5,824 hectares of land) have been cleared. The pace of the work has been exceptional, and the companies were there to meet the demand.

Eastmain Magazine, June 2009 11

LAND CLEARING SPECIAL Great teamwork

This did not prevent the tallymen’s crews and the two Cree companies from reaching their clearing objective of 1,974 hectares for the season.

Challenges 2007 was a year of getting up to speed and adaptation. The Cree companies and the tallymen had to mobilize workers and line up equipment in addition to building the logging camps where the loggers and the support staff would be living.

Everyone had to learn to work together.

The establishment of clear procedures helped to clarify the expectations of the Cree companies and SEBJ. The work sequences in the field had to be carefully coordinated while respecting SEBJ requirements.

There were to be new challenges in 2008. Additional quantities of wood to be cut were added to the already sizable numbers previously established. To meet these new objectives, everyone had to step it up a notch. The result: only a small amount of clearing remains to be done in 2009.

The year’s other big challenge was to clear, pile and burn 3,850 hectares without interfering with the work of the civil engineering contractors. The smoke generated during the burning phase was of particular concern. Everything was accomplished according to plan, and the burning was completed in less than four weeks, bringing the land clearing contracts at the Rupert jobsite to an end.

To add to everything, there was rainy weather throughout the season.

12 Eastmain Magazine, June 2009

People with a powerful vision

LAND CLEARING SPECIAL Great teamwork

In winter 2009, four spawning grounds were developed in the forebay to maintain fish reproduction. Six similar spawning grounds are still to be developed in the bays.

Related work Besides felling trees, the land clearing unit and the Cree companies took on a number of other tasks: transporting merchantable timber, developing spawning grounds, beaver and bear trapping, developing moose crossings and installing gauging stations to measure the depth of the water at different locations.

“The members of the land clearing team have done a remarkable job,” said Site Manager Gervais Savard. “Everyone worked to create and sustain a real spirit of collaboration—the tallymen, the Cree companies and the other firms working on the Rupert diversion jobsite. It’s been two exciting years, and I want to thank everyone involved for their effort and their contribution.”

Commercial quality wood was transported over the winters of 2008 and 2009.

Altogether, more than 40,000 m3 of wood were trucked to the Barrette-Chapais sawmill then sent to the sawmill that belongs to the Crees of Waswanipi.

Personnel of SEBJ’s Rupert land clearing unit. From left to right: Angie Cassista – Technical Assistant, Sarah Devaré Paquet – Office Clerk II, Pierre Laneuville – Technical Assistant, Louis Goyer – Section Manager – Contract Administration, Dion Michel – Forestry Technician, François Hamel – Section Manager/Inspection and Denis Arseneault – Section Manager

Eastmain Magazine, June 2009 13

Well structured to keep things running smoothly

PERT

The Rupert recreation team has also made sure that tasks are well distributed among its members to maximize its effectiveness.

It can therefore take advantage of each member’s special skills. Rest assured that Claude Boutin and the Rupert workcamp recreation team are attentive to their residents’ needs.

RU

PD - As you may know, pleasing 1100 workers is not easy. To manage it, the Rupert workcamp recreation team set up a clear structure, including various means of informing the workers about upcoming events. The Info-loisirs leaflet distributed every Monday, for example, features the week’s activities. Fliers are also left on the tables in the cafeteria shortly before each event.

I

RS

RUPERT RECREATION

LO I S

Rupert recreation team: Claude Boutin – Recreation Leader III, Normand Kistabish – Recreation Attendant, Marc Caron – Recreation Attendant and Julie Morin – Office Clerk III Absent: Kim Santoire – Recreation Leader II and Yves Saint-Pierre – Recreation Attendant

14 Eastmain Magazine, June 2009

People with a powerful vision

Curling at Nemiscau workcamp MV/JL - Sure enough, there’s a curling club at Nemiscau workcamp, thanks to Grégoire Gaudet’s persistence and Claude Daneau’s support. The club was created in partnership with Rupert workcamp, which is why it’s called the “Club de curling Nemiscau-Rupert”. The club’s activities began in January 2008 on natural ice under a fabric-covered shelter. The first season lasted two months (February and March). During summer 2008, an artificial ice system was installed, which made it possible to begin the season on October 15, 2008 and curl until April 19, 2009.

As members of the Ligue Amicale or of the Super Ligue Performance, people from every workcamp gathered at Nemiscau to share their passion for curling. The Club de curling NemiscauRupert was good for team spirit since people could play in bonspiels, no matter whether they were from Sarcelle, Eastmain or Rupert. Curling in Nemiscau was a recreational program with lots of impact.

According to Jean Lindsay, the curling activity was a hit and people were proud of the club’s success. He says the recipe was simple: “Participation is actively encouraged by organizing clinics for beginners and by emphasizing the social aspect of this great sport.”

Martin Vincent, the person responsible for the Ligue Performance, added: “Interest in the league never waned during the season. Two nights a week, teams from Rupert and Nemiscau faced each other in healthy competition. Everyone looked forward to the weekly scores.”

We mustn’t forget to mention the visit by seven professional curlers during an Invitation Pro-Am bonspiel, held in March, that generated particular enthusiasm as professionals shared their expertise with local curlers throughout the bonspiel. Every one of the club’s 127 members was proud to hear the comment made

by Marco Berthelot, president of Curling Québec, at the end of the event: “Every curling club should have this kind of atmosphere!”

Another major event, the last bonspiel of the season—“Le Funspiel du Pêcheur”—was an unqualified success. Eighteen teams battled for top spot over four days. More than 100 people showed up at the club to cheer on the 85 players. The atmosphere was great and everyone agreed that the ice, under Nelson Lebel’s care, was worthy of the “Brier”, no less!

During the 2009-2010 season, you can expect to see a passion for curling and a big team effort to make this activity a success.

Eastmain Magazine, June 2009 15

OUTSIZE LOADS

JL – From last December to March, the two main roads in northern Québec were affected by outsize loads being transported from Matagami to the Eastmain-1-A jobsite. This will happen again in the coming months.

Although it is too early for a final count of outsize loads on northern roads, a significant milestone was reached in March when the final load of penstock armouring reached Eastmain-1-A powerhouse. A total of 18 sections of armouring were transported to the jobsite by nine convoys. There were also three trips of draft-tube elbow lining, bringing the total number of convoys that traveled between Matagami and the Eastmain-1-A jobsite to twelve.

16 Eastmain Magazine, June 2009

Since some of the loads being transported were more than 9 metres wide, the Route du Nord had to be completely closed while certain convoys traveled between kilometre 274 and Nemiscau workcamp. Although the James Bay highway is much wider, traffic was also disrupted in certain locations by a general slowdown, with passing allowed every 15 minutes or so.

“But it went very well,” said Pierre Aubertin, Division Manager – Contract Administration for SEBJ. “We had good cooperation from Claude Perron’s team at Hydro-Québec’s Direction de la Sécurité industrielle for traffic management and road closure.”

More to come There will be more outsize transportation affecting traffic before fall.

After the penstock armouring, the next loads are the turbine manufacturer’s embedded parts, such as the scrollcases, which are being manufactured at LAR Matagami, and the draft tube cones.

“These parts will require 30 to 40 trips, depending on the schedule established by contractor Voith Hydro Inc.,” said Mr. Aubertin.

People with a powerful vision

JL - Since the start of the year, the 186 employees of the Cegerco – Inter-Cité (CIC) joint venture have poured themselves into the concrete work at the three penstocks of the future Eastmain-1-A powerhouse. Destined to carry water from the intake to the powerhouse turbine runner, the massive penstocks will be more than 9.4 m long when finished.

By May 16, 2009, CIC had poured 6,373 m3 of concrete, slightly more than 27% of the total contract. In addition to the challenge of concreting the penstock elbows, the contractor must complete the concreting of the sloping sections, with a head of more than 63 m. To accomplish this, CIC is using EFCO formwork, which is lowered at an angle from the water intake and anchored with the help of a structure on rails.

Powerhouse Progressing by leaps and bounds

Formwork past the elbow of penstock CF11

JL - The first concrete pouring phase at the Eastmain-1-A powerhouse has progressed by leaps and bounds in recent months. Contractor NeilsonEBC’s 250 workers have taken advantage of the favourable temperatures in the temporary shelters to double the pouring rate.

By May 16, more than 27,435 m3 of concrete had been poured, mainly in the service bay and the LC-11 and LC-12 draft tubes. These concrete pours constitute more than 74% of the total pouring planned for the first phase of the concrete work.

With the return of good weather, the contractor can begin to install the formwork for the third draft tube, LC-13, which was not under a shelter during the winter.

THE JOBSITE IN PICTURES

Eastmain-1-A jobsite

Penstocks Concrete work

Concrete work – unit LC-11

Eastmain Magazine, June 2009 17

Eastmain-1-A jobsite

Dismantling of the temporary shelter at Eastmain-1-A powerhouse JL - The temporary shelter at Eastmain 1-A powerhouse will soon be just a memory. Contractor Neilson-EBC began dismantling the structure on April 17, 2009.

The work to dismantle it will be carried out in two steps. The contractor is now concentrating on the structure covering the service area, and in early June will be working on the portion located to the left, above generating units LC11 and LC12.

With its length of approximately 77 metres and lowest elevation of more than 42 metres, the shelter could have covered slightly more than 2.5 hockey rinks! Under this impressive structure, nonstop concrete work was possible, despite winter weather, at a more favorable temperature for maximum concrete quality.

Dismantling of the temporary shelter in the service area

As you may recall, the temporary shelter consisting of steel framework and metal siding was assembled last fall.

THE JOBSITE IN PICTURES

In early June, this part of the shelter, over generating units LC-11 and LC-12, will be dismantled

18 Eastmain Magazine, June 2009

People with a powerful vision

We’re really lucky at Eastmain!

BB - You don’t have to look far to see why we consider ourselves lucky at Eastmain.

The camp’s most visible structure is the white dome of the arena—used for hockey and the very popular curling in winter and tennis and soccer in summer.

There’s always something going on at the arena, including regularly scheduled softball and beach volleyball tournaments.

The recreation team has just three full-time staffers, yet they manage to organize a full range of activities. It’s the experience acquired at many other jobsites that makes all the difference at Eastmain. Serge Caron, Jean-Pierre Dauphin and Viviane MousseauAubertin always go the extra mile to make sure workers get what they want.

As well, the team is always open to suggestions.

Serge Caron and Jean-Pierre Dauphin teamed up at the Laforge-2 camp in 1993 and learned which activities the workers in the different camps enjoyed most. Together again at Eastmain-1 in 2003, they were able to put their knowledge to good use, generating a high rate of participation. In 2007, when the Eastmain-1-A/Sarcelle/Rupert project got under way, Viviane Mousseau-Aubertin was added to the team. “Viviane is like a little sister to us. She always has a smile for us,” said Serge, looking at her with a big smile of his own.

The team goes all out to make sure the activities—which include kayaking classes, archery, aerobics and English classes—are fun and well received by all participants.

Jean-Pierre Dauphin , Viviane Mousseau-Aubertin, Serge Caron

Spring networking activity a great success!

JL - On the day after the Maillage Printemps 2009 networking activity held at Eastmain workcamp, the event could already be called a great success, since more than 120 people participated in this regional entrepreneurial summit. Nearly sixty companies from the Nord-du-Québec and Abitibi-Témiscamingue regions were on site on May 6 at the Eastmain1-A jobsite to participate in this seventh networking activity.

The event, which uses the speed dating formula, allows contractors from the regions to meet companies that landed contracts for the Eastmain-1-A/Sarcelle/ Rupert project and establish business ties to maximize regional economic impacts.

Eastmain Magazine, June 2009 19

TWO CONCRETE PLANTS FOR EXCAVATIONS MARCHAND & FILS Another North American first!

Johannes Lutz, Jean-François Marchand, Serge Leblond, Frédéric Turmel, Hugues Marchand, Simon St-Pierre

LP - Two gems of German technology arrived by boat at the port of Halifax— twin concrete plants built by Liebherr Inc. Ten convoys were required to transport the retractable plants to the Sarcelle jobsite, where assembly took only six days. A crane capable of lifting 165 tons raised the plants from the centre. External walls were then adjusted into place, conveyors and outlet tanks were installed, and the plants were ready for operation.

Excavations Marchand et Fils (EMF) chose this type of prefabricated plant, common in Europe, Asia and South America, because it is easy to assemble and works quickly.

20 Eastmain Magazine, June 2009

Unlike some techniques for the preparation of concrete in which the final blend is made in cement mixers, the mixing of the components is done entirely in the plant. The output is ready to use, similar to how asphalt is manufactured.

Four loaders situated above the conveyor, three containing different sizes of rock and one containing sand, are programmed to release the quantities of material needed. The calculations and verifications are performed by a series of computerized sensors. The materials are then transported to a container that uses a pulley system to pour the components into a twin-shaft mixer with a manufacturing capacity of 2.25 m3 of concrete.

It takes only 30 seconds to produce the concrete normally produced in 60.

With this level of efficiency, one plant would have been sufficient to produce the required 70 m3 of concrete per hour, but to provide for possible breakdowns, EMF, which is extremely proud of its new acquisition, decided to err on the side of caution.

People with a powerful vision

Sarcelle jobsite Permanent access road downstream of dike OA-03

GB – Work in the tailbay of the future powerhouse was completed at the end of April. The gates of the control structure were opened on April 26, flooding the tailrace and the two spawning grounds.

Tailrace of Sarcelle powerhouse

The work is going well in the headrace, upstream of the powerhouse. Blasting takes place twice a day, in 8- to 10-m layers. The excavation of the headrace should be completed by early June.

The new permanent access road is taking shape at the foot of dike OA-03, less than a kilometre from Sarcelle control structure. The road will cut down on traffic along the dike leading to the control structure.

A new contract for CRT-Hamel LP - On February 27, 2009, contractor CRT-Hamel landed the contract for concrete work on the powerhouse, water intake and related work. The contractor quickly mobilized its workers to the jobsite and finished setting up at the work site, where reinforcement, formwork and concrete work are going well. Work is continuing on the central generating unit and in the service area.

LP – Upgrading work was completed at Muskeg substation in late April. A 10,000-kVA transformer was installed to replace the 3300-kVA transformer dating from the 1980s. Since the new transformer is physically larger and has more components, preliminary work was required, including refitting the busbar assembly.

This transformer and the one installed in late 2008 were refurbished at Hydro-Québec’s electrical maintenance centre in Trois-Rivières.

Muskeg substation, which already serves the Cree community of Eastmain, will now have enough power to supply the entire Sarcelle sector.

Eastmain Magazine, June 2009 21

THE JOBSITE IN PICTURES

MUSKEG SUBSTATION

LP – The canal will be started up in late May. Excavation was completed on February 26 and the plug just needs to be removed.

It is necessary to divert part of the flow from Opinaca reservoir because of the Rupert River diversion. Although the diversion is only planned for November 2009, the temporary by-pass canal is being started up in advance.

The reason is simple: this will make it possible to carry out maintenance work on dike OA11, which borders the Eastmain spillway area, before the Rupert River’s flow causes the reservoir’s water level to rise.

Since the canal is located in a key area for travel toward dikes OA-2 and OA-1 and access to the Opinaca mine facilities, a temporary bridge has been installed at the narrowest point.

It is the same type of structure that was used during construction of the transmission lines.

THE KEY TO YOUR SAFETY LP - The lockout procedure is recognized as the best way to protect workers from the hazards of accidental equipment startup. That’s why the people in charge of occupational health and safety at Sarcelle workcamp advocate this method of protection.

The workers have taken a course given by one of the work supervisors always present on the jobsite. Each worker is responsible for his or her own lock attached to one of the two lockout boxes containing the key that unlocks the gates.

This work procedure, specific to the work area downstream of the Sarcelle control structure, will be in force until the work has been completed.

Ongoing monitoring of Opinica reservoir’s water level is in force. If it should reach the 215.8-metre level, there will be a daily lockout and release for each shift.

It consists of locking out three gates of the control structure and running a gate-opening test in concert with the operator in Rouyn-Noranda. Once the test has shown that no remote gateopening manoeuvre can be carried out, each worker’s lock should be attached.

22 Eastmain Magazine, June 2009

People with a powerful vision

THE JOBSITE IN PICTURES

Sarcelle jobsite

TEMPORARY BY-PASS CANAL

GB – It is anticipated that the water and sewer system will be completed at the Opinaca terminal by the end of May. Roadwork is planned over the summer. The stretch of road between Muskeg substation and the James Bay highway is to be rehabilitated after 30 years of service. The road is to be resurfaced, ditches reshaped, culverts repaired and the side of the road cleared of brush. Trucks and graders will be working along the road, slowing down traffic. The road will have to be closed at Km 9.4 between the checkpoint and the workcamp to build a culvert. Users will have to take a temporary bypass road.

Installation of the water and sewer system at the Opinaca terminal

Access to Opinaca bridge will be closed for a few weeks. The repairs to the wood deck and the railings will require that users make a detour of several kilometres over the existing bypass road. SEBJ will correct the configuration of the bypass road over dike OA-05, as the current route is not suitable for heavy vehicles.

At Sarcelle workcamp, the playing field will soon be ready to be used, and landscaping will be done during the summer.

THE JOBSITE IN PICTURES

Sarcelle jobsite

Sarcelle infrastructure

Repairs to Opinaca bridge

Eastmain Magazine, June 2009 23

LO

IS

IR S

RCELLE

Sarcelle jobsite

Activity leader Dan St-Gelais and assistant Charles Couillard promise a number of lively activities to brighten your day. Since the services are different from those offered at other workcamps, these brave souls will have to be inventive to respond to the needs of the workers at the camp.

Participation has been steadily growing since the official opening of the recreation centre on March 21. Inspired by the turnout, St-Gelais and Couillard look forward to organizing the fairweather activities with unabashed enthusiasm. They claim the new workers arriving at the workcamps have brought

a breath of fresh air. While facilities and resources need to be put in place and there is much planning to do, the two activity leaders know their efforts will be appreciated.

The challenge is to offer recreational activities attractive to as many workers as possible.

THE MOST EXTENSIVE SPAWNING GROUND DEVELOPMENT Meticulous work GB - In 2002 and 2003, the employees of Environnement IllimitĂŠ inc. sited six spawning grounds downstream of the Sarcelle control structure.

Increased flow in this area and the construction of the tailrace made it necessary to relocate them.

Contractor EBC/Neilson s.e.n.c. is in charge of developing two new spawning areas at the head of Lake Boyd. With a total area of 13,600 m2, they form the project’s largest multispecies spawning ground. Lying along the right side of the tailrace, they are designed to appeal to various fish species, including yellow walleye, suckers and lake whitefish.

The northern spawning ground, which has an area of 3,000 m2, was excavated and lined with a geomembrane to compensate for soil instability. The one farther south, covering 10,600 m2, consists of backfill.

Roughly 9,250 m3 of spawning substrate was used for both sites. The substrate consists of a mixture of natural rock of which 10% is 250 to 400 millimetres in diameter, 80% is 80 to 250 millimetres in diameter and 10% is 40 to 80 millimetres in diameter, replicating natural spawning ground conditions.

24 Eastmain Magazine, June 2009

People with a powerful vision

THE JOBSITE IN PICTURES

SA

Champion Appreciation Day April 20, 2009 Nemiscau workcamp

Josée Blaquière, responsible for training, Yvan David, Linda Daigneault and André Gauthier, members of the champion coordinating committee.

BM - About twenty champions got together at Nemiscau workcamp during Champion Appreciation Day to build on what has been accomplished and experienced in the past year. The day also allowed them to discover new opportunities to forge ahead with renewed energy!

Sharing expertise and experience was in the spotlight on this special day.

In addition to acknowledging and celebrating the champions’ efforts and accomplishments, it was a time to discuss what has been achieved since the project started. The meeting provided the champions with tools to measure and communicate the results and impacts of their actions. In fact, surveys

of SEBJ personnel were conducted to determine the degree of satisfaction of employees. In addition, climate indicators were installed in every meeting room to allow employees to submit their comments and their appreciation of the meetings they attended. The results obtained were presented to all the champions on April 20.

They can now plan the next steps to take, including updating the action plans and organizing the champions’ tours of their respective sites, to improve effectiveness at the Eastmain-1-A/Sarcelle/Rupert project!

More to come

The champions posing proudly in front of a mural showing everything accomplished to date.

Eastmain Magazine, June 2009 25

Profile

WANDA GABRIEL

A question of balance At the age of 30, Wanda Gabriel decided to go back to school to study social work.

Ten years later, she obtained a master’s degree from McGill University. More important is the fact that, throughout her studies, she acquired experience and knowledge from Native elders. They taught her a unique way of helping people based on tradition and on considering the human being as a whole.

VGP – Life is a never-ending series of events—some more unsettling than others. Like tightrope walkers, we have to keep our balance, no matter what. But when things get more difficult, there are people who can help us manage. That is one of Wanda Gabriel’s roles as a social worker.

“The Native caregiving system is based on the four aspects of a human being: mental, physical, spiritual and emotional. A person can come to me for

help in recovering the balance between each of these aspects,” explained Ms. Gabriel.

For Ms. Gabriel, the important thing is to identify the aspect that is out of balance and to work with the person to recover the equilibrium. “And when we’ve achieved balance, well, then we’ve reached heaven!” she exclaimed with a laugh. “At least, that’s what the elders say.”

Help from Ms. Gabriel is available at all the jobsites. She can be reached at 819 865-7266 or 819 672-2600, ext. 5072.

Social services accessible to everyone!

Thérèse Patricia Côté

It is a pleasure to announce the consolidation of our social services with the arrival of Ms. Thérèse Patricia Côté, social worker, who will provide full-time services on a shared 14/14 schedule with me at the Eastmain-1-A/Sarcelle/Rupert project.

Social workers are therapists, consultants and resource persons. They help people who have personal, family-related or other problems.

Anyone from any social background can consult a social worker for various reasons, including: • •

•

Problems in relationships with a spouse, child or parent Personal crises, work-related problems or personal problems such as anxiety, alcoholism or drug addiction Problems related to peers, living conditions or to a traumatic event

With the person who has requested help, the social worker attempts to understand the problem and find solutions that will lead to the expected changes and objectives.

Line Martel

We would like to welcome Thérèse Patricia Côté and wish her every success in her new job.

Line Martel, S.W. Social Services Eastmain-1-A/Sarcelle/Rupert project

Thérèse Patricia Côté and Line Martel: 819 672-2600 extension 5080, or 0 387-5080, or 819 865-0072 (cellular).

26 Eastmain Magazine, June 2009

People with a powerful vision

Do it right!

We all know that most accidents are preventable.

But knowing is not enough.

We’re ready to pour ...

The best way to prevent accidents is to follow the safety guidelines for each type of activity at all jobsites.

Before beginning the concreting, all equipment must be checked—the concrete mixer, the concrete pump, the piping, the bucket and all other equipment required. It’s also important to determine who will do what.

Watch out, we’re setting up …

We’re pouring ...

We’re about to place the reinforcing steel and the formwork elements.

Cement is a corrosive material. Do not allow cement to come in contact with your eyes or skin, as burns may occur 12 to 48 hours after contact with cement.

Personal safety equipment such as goggles or a visor, long cuff gloves, waterproof pants and boots are essential in this work.

Basic precautions must be taken: check the condition of the formwork, install and maintain guard-rails (solid and high enough) and safety platforms (keep them unobstructed and never use them for storage), wear a harness where there is a risk of falling, do not move around under formwork during assembly and dismantling of guards on protruding reinforcing steel, cover reinforcing steel with plywood where people circulate.

We could go on talking about risks and safety measures indefinitely, but for the most part, you already know them.

Of course, never stand under moving equipment, such as the bucket or boom of a hoist.

Let’s get to work!

Together we can do what it takes to ensure a safe working environment!

Eastmain Magazine, June 2009 27

Weh-Sees

Indohoun

Get out your fishing rods, the sport fishing season will soon be starting again for a seventh year under the management of the Weh-Sees Indohoun Corporation.

What is the Weh-Sees Indohoun Corporation?

In terms of language, Weh-Sees Indohoun means “hunting game” in Cree Weh-Sees being “game” and Indohoun “hunting”.

BB - Politically speaking, the Weh-Sees Indohoun Corporation (WSI) is a joint venture between the Crees and HydroQuébec. Its mandate is to monitor the sport hunting and fishing activities of workers assigned to the Eastmain-1-A/Sarcelle/ Rupert project and other land users.

WSI information officers should be at work as of May 19. Information sessions will be held in all the workcamps during the weeks that follow.

To give you a preview and an idea of the special terms and conditions that prevail on WSI-managed land, here is some information: To fish on a designated water body, you need a pass issued free of charge by the WSI. Quotas for fish species are the following:

o o o o

Walleye – 4 Pike – 8 Lake trout – 2 Brook (or speckled) trout – 7 or 1 kg + 1

For further information, please contact: Mary Ann Kistabish, Coordinator 819 672-2200 ext. 3595 www.weh-sees-indohounn.ca

Have fun and don’t forget that we want to hear those fish stories!

28 Eastmain Magazine, June 2009

People with a powerful vision

Cree Environmental Internship BB – The environment has been and will always be an important aspect of Cree culture. Why then are there so few Cree environmentalists? Despite the natural sense of responsibility towards the environment, not many Crees have thought about making a career of it. The Internship Program sponsored by the Niskamoon Corporation gives Crees the opportunity to experience first-hand what type of work can be done in the field while learning about Hydro-QuÊbec projects in the area.

Every summer since 2007, a few students in environmental studies have been selected for an internship at the Eastmain-1-A/Sarcelle/Rupert project.

The Niskamoon Corporation, which funds the program with support from SEBJ, has accepted 15 students.

The goal is simple: creating more Cree environmental professionals and expanding the horizons of students who would never have considered the environment as a career. Specific fields in which the interns receive training include: - Basics of environmental laws in Eeyou Istchee - Hydroelectric development in Eeyou Istchee - Fish ecology - Archaeology - Marine biology - Cree culture and heritage

Since the beginning of the Internship Program, one of the students has already been hired full-time and 2 other have good prospects for future jobs. Accordingly, it can be said that the program has been successful.

SEBJ would like to congratulate all students who have given the internship a chance.

The Internship Program runs from June 1 to August 31 but dates can be flexible for students going back to school or students taking summer classes. For more information, you can contact your local Niskamoon coordinator or Marc Dunn at 514 861-5837 or mdunn@niskamoon.org.

Group of students at the transfer tunnel, summer 2008

Eastmain Magazine, June 2009 29

Picking mushrooms in the James Bay territory: A lucrative hobby!

JL - With the arrival of spring, outdoor enthusiasts and hikers will be pleased to learn that there is a new hobby in our area: gathering forest mushrooms. As certain edible species are abundant in the region, this is an attractive activity for workers who want to spend their leisure time profitably.

“Mushroom hunting can be an appealing activity for people working on the Eastmain1-A/Sarcelle/Rupert project who want to be productive in their leisure time,” says Noël. “There are few collectors in the area and an abundance of mushrooms,” he adds.

Offering expertise and excellent prices, Mycoboutique hopes to meet the rising demand by helping workers learn to gather.

The forest fires that ravaged the territory in recent years have left behind more changes than meet the eye. It’s hard to miss the lanky blackened tree trunks and the slow and steady regrowth of the old forest vegetation.

But in addition to regenerating the forest, the fires have brought a new ephemeral and transitory ecosystem into existence. Certain forest mushrooms such as morel thrive in this environment.

The morel is highly prized in the culinary world and annual sales are in the millions of dollars.

The same is true of matsutake, the most popular mushroom in Japan and increasingly found on our own tables. It grows in abundance in August and September under the jack pines in our region. Like picking blueberries, gathering mushrooms can be an attractive source of extra income for forest lovers who bother to search.

30 Eastmain Magazine, June 2009

For more information: www.mycoboutique.ca The Association pour la commercialisation des champignons forestiers du Québec: www.acchf.org

Inspired by the potential, Pierre Noël, a former Hydro-Québec employee who is now retired, opened Mycoboutique in Montreal. Mycoboutique offers customers a full range of products related to collecting and eating edible mushrooms. Noël boldly claims that Quebec is the world’s largest morel and matsutake garden, and he is prepared to buy these delicious mushrooms, which are just waiting to be picked.

Did you know ...

The morel is one of the most sought after wild mushrooms. You need good eyes to pick morels because their earthy colours make them very difficult to see, especially for beginners.

The morel has a brown, conical honeycombed head. It is picked in the spring.

People with a powerful vision

Environment

A team with character!

IM - The Eastmain-1-A/Sarcelle/Rupert project environment team is a dream team. Multiethnic, multidisciplinary, with members of all ages (26 to 67), it’s a team with a global vision and diverse experience—not to mention several members who are walking encyclopedias!

to draw on his years of experience as a biologist—Phase 1 of the La Grande complex, Brisay, Toulnoustuc, LA-2, etc.— to find solutions to our problems. An ornithologist in his spare time, Normand is himself a rare bird who can often be found close to the marshes, birdwatching.

France Brûlé is the heart of the team, the key to the group’s unity. A sterling model for us all, she works day after day to bring out the best in each of us. This is why we are the “best team,” as she often remarks.

With her perceptive and penetrating mind, her strong moral sense and her sensitivity, she’s everyone’s confidante.

But she’s also a real fighter when that’s what the team needs.

With over 34 years of experience, Eleftherios Theophanides is a real asset.

Our resident Greek poet/historian/ storyteller, Eleftherios is also an electrical engineer who is always improving or simply inventing the tools needed for his work.

Normand Faubert is known for his extraordinary memory. He is always able

And we can’t say enough about the other members of the team. Forest engineer André Marcoux, busy rescuing our forests, loves trout fishing. Isabelle Bertrand has a master’s degree in

environmental studies and a smile only equalled by her perseverance and her tenacity. Always on the go, Isabelle Marceau is known for her originality and her good ideas. The baby of the team, with a lion’s heart and a master’s in environmental studies, Olivier Trépanier is dedicated to preserving nature. From Columbia, Yolima Gonzalez has a master’s degree in public health engineering and environmental studies and is our liaison with the Ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et des Parcs (MDDEP).

It’s a team that’s up to the task, prepared to take on the many environmental challenges of the Eastmain-1-A/Sarcelle/Rupert project.

Eastmain Magazine, June 2009 31

IM- This protozoan parasite is present in most of the world’s caribou herds.

However, in the past few years, the two herds in Québec—particularly the Leaf River Herd—seem to have been hardest hit. About 30% of the caribou in Québec are severely affected. This situation is unusual, compared to other herds across Canada, where more than 50% of the caribou are affected but have almost no symptoms.

A slightly affected caribou will show symptoms in the form of cysts observed under the skin of the lower legs. In severe cases, the cysts spread under the entire skin, as well as in the cartilage of the muzzle and on the cornea. Unfortunately, affected caribou suffer major consequences such as hair loss, lesions, especially on the legs, decreased skin elasticity and abnormal growth of antlers, which also become brittle and blackened.

We know, however, that this condition cannot be spread to humans.

Nevertheless, since the definitive host is a carnivore, it is strongly recommended to avoid feeding pets meat or organs from game. You will thereby avoid transmitting these parasites to the pets, while limiting their spread in the environment. This last reason is why basic rules of hygiene should be applied when handling the carcass and meat intended for consumption.

Usually, habitat food quality is the predominant factor affecting the caribou’s physical condition. The question of why fewer caribou are affected in Québec but are more severely affected than elsewhere in Canada remains unanswered.

In addition, the life cycle and effects of Besnoitia tarandi on the population dynamics of its intermediate host are still unknown. Research is under way to answer these questions. To find out more, we will have to wait for test results from samples taken during the last hunting season.

Have you ever heard of Besnoitia tarandi?