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They also posited that “increased phosphorus availability and light limitation of primary production were also correctly forecasted in a qualitative manner,” and that these studies contributed to quantitative
predictions in future reservoirs Hecky et al., 1984, p. 720.
Figure 13. Monthly averages: Southern Indian Lake water levels
Source: Manitoba Hydro 2015b
Table 5. Biophysical characteristics of South Indian Lake before and after the impoundment
Zone 1 Zone 4
Pre Post
Pre Post
Inundation ratio 0.09
0.16 Mean depth m
8 10.1
12.1 13
Flushing time yr 0.12
0.17 0.23
1.4 Temperature change °C
-0.8 -1.3
Suspended sediment mg. L
-1
3.2 8.1
1.2 6.3
I mE.m
-2
.min
-1
6.2 4
10 4.9
Erosive Input g.m
-2
.yr
-1
1,390 3,312
Primary production mg.m
-2
.d
-1
530 460
570 560
Source: Hecky et al. 1984
2.7 Overview of Major Studies
The area of Manitoba Hydro development in the northern NCRB has been the focus of many studies, including, but not limited to, the LWCNRSB, the Federal Ecological Monitoring Program FEMP, and
Split Lake Cree–Manitoba Hydro Joint Studies and Environmental Impact Statement EIS studies for pre- and post-hydroelectric development in northern Manitoba. Most reports that have addressed the
biophysical characteristics of the basin were detailed studies at smaller scales, as they were conducted as a part of or follow-up to the LWCNRSB, FEMP and Manitoba Ecological Monitoring Program
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MEMP studies. These studies mostly addressed speciic impacts related to hydro development in the northern NCRB. Therefore, there is a lack of biophysical knowledge in these studies describing the whole
basin in general and providing overviews and conclusions that may help in drawing up a comprehensive watershed management strategy. Nevertheless, these major studies are the foundation for development of
a comprehensive management strategy for the region. This section gives an overview of some of the major studies.
2.7.1 Lake Winnipeg, Churchill and Nelson Rivers Study Board LWCNRSB The primary purpose of LWR is “to regulate Lake Winnipeg to provide increased winter outlows for
power generation into the Nelson River”Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 2005, p. 5. LWR also regulates Lake Winnipeg for lood control LWCNRSB, 1975. The LWCNRSB was launched by the governments
of Canada and Manitoba in 1971 with a budget of CAD 2 million. The study had multiple goals, including: determining the potential efects of regulation and diversion infrastructure on water resources;
identifying beneicial projects; and recommending design and operational modiications. In the study, experts from federal and provincial governments, academic and research institutes, and consulting
irms looked at the potentially negative impacts of the projects and recommended necessary mitigation measurements to decrease them.
2.7.2 Federal Ecological Monitoring Program FEMP In order to address federal obligations under the Northern Flood Agreement NFA, Environment and
Climate Change Canada, and the Fisheries and Oceans Canada launched a ive-year monitoring program in Northern Manitoba that started in 1986 and culminated in a series of ecological reports FEMP, 1992;
Manitoba Hydro, 2015b. The reports broke down areas of concern and monitoring recommendations by region. Phase II Kellerhals Engineering Services Ltd., 1988 speciically quantiied the morphologic
changes in the lower Churchill River based on aerial photos and maps.
2.7.3 Split Lake Cree–Manitoba Hydro Joint Studies The joint studies conducted by Manitoba Hydro and the Split Lake Cree in 1996 cover 48,500 km
2
around Split Lake. The area encompasses land and water stretching from the Churchill River to the north and Sipiwesk Lake to the south; and east to west from the CN rail line to Fiddler Lake. The irst phase of
the studies focused on creating an environmental baseline in order to evaluate the environmental impacts of hydroelectric projects and predict future impacts on the Split Lake Cree Split Lake Cree–Manitoba
Hydro Joint Studies Group, 1996. The studies were set up to monitor any evolving environmental conditions, including the efects of erosion and substrate changes on water quality parameters. It also
identiied knowledge and data gaps. The second phase of the project consisted of a conclusion and summary of the Phase 1 investigations.
2.7.4 Environmental Impact Assessment Studies As set out in the Environment Act 1987, Manitoba Hydro is required to conduct Environmental
Impacts Assessments EIAs in the preliminary planning of hydroelectric projects to identify the potential social and environmental efects of development. Manitoba Hydro has conducted EIAs for Limestone,
Wuskwatim and Keeyask generating stations.
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2.7.5 Coordinated Aquatic Monitoring Program CAMP CAMP is a long-term monitoring program launched by Manitoba Hydro and the Province of Manitoba
in 2008. The program tracks the environmental impacts of Manitoba Hydro development on aquatic ecosystem health CAMP, 2014. The pilot segment of the program ran for three years to test and
standardize protocols and methodologies. Data pertaining to impacts on hydrometrics, water quality, lower trophic levels, ish community, mercury levels in ish, phytoplankton algae and sediment quality
are published every three years in technical reports.
These studies provide invaluable information relevant to the northern NCRB, and these can be used to start to connect the dots and characterize the relevant portions of the basin to create an ecosystem-based
management plan.
2.7.6 Regional Cumulative Effects Assessment RCEA, Phases I and II Using the Clean Environment Commission’s Bipole III recommendations as a point of departure,
Manitoba Hydro and the Government of Manitoba conducted the RCEA to contextualize socioeconomic and environmental impacts of hydroelectric development. The interim results from Phase I showed
how the project would gather and report on cumulative impacts in the north, while Phase II provide quantitative and qualitative analysis of these cumulative social, economic and environmental systems
excluding the Grand Rapids and Winnipeg River stations Manitoba Hydro, 2015c, 2015d.
2.8 Ecosystem Services from the NCRB
