Eastmain Magazine

Volume 7, Issue 4, December 2009

People with a powerful vision

A busy year is drawing to a close.

2009 It’s been a year of intense efforts to deliver the goods. All the project objectives, and particularly the partial diversion of the Rupert River, have been achieved. Once again, all your hard work has paid off.

And central to these positive results is a good accident-prevention record. Unfortunately, the record is not spotless: a shovel operator and a young laborer died in conditions that have not yet been fully explained. We must remain vigilant and spare a thought for the families of those two men, whose Christmas without them will be far from merry. Let’s wish them courage.

A big break is coming up, a time to go home and celebrate. Have a great time with your friends and families, have fun, and come back safe and healthy, ready to face another year of exciting challenges.

Thank you everyone, and enjoy the holidays!

Normand Béchard, Eng. Director – Eastmain Projects

Rupert diversion jobsite

After two and a half years of work, we have reached a key stage in the project for partial diversion of the Rupert River.

This stage required the construction of 74 dikes, five instream flow release structures, four dams, a spillway, a transfer tunnel and the Waskaganish drinking-water plant, as well as preparatory work on eight weirs.

The Rupert diversion jobsite has changed a lot over the year, with the construction of Oujeck workcamp, the dismantling of Rupert workcamp and the relocation of crews to other workcamps or projects.

It is thanks to you, the workers of the Rupert diversion jobsite, that we can say “mission accomplished!” I would also like to thank the Cree and Jamesian communities for their welcome and support throughout the year.

I’d like to wish you all a very happy holiday season. I hope you’ll enjoy lots of time with your loved ones.

Gervais Savard Site Manager – Rupert Diversion Jobsite

Supervisor – Public Relations / Magazine Editor: Bionda Miotto / 819 672-2200, ext. 3854 miotto.bionda@hydro.qc.ca Writers: Pascal Dion, Véronique Gagnon-Piquès, Catherine Langlois, Jimmy Lavoie, Liza Perron, Mélanie Vachon Contributors: Isabelle Marceau, Yvon Coulombe, Isabelle Cloutier Translators: Margaret Kane Savage and Karin Montin / Reviser: Paola Ciccone Graphics: Paul Salois Design / Photographer: Paul Brindamour and Christian Paquin / 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. (© SEBJ. Tous droits réservés. ) 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, December 2009

People with a powerful vision

Administration of the Rupert diversion project

First row: Lucien Bilodeau, Virgile Albert, Diane Lalonde, Alain Grenon, Marie-Andrée Lacas, Chantal Chevalier Second row: Stéfan Simard, Isabelle Rondou, Francis Marson, Alain Cossette, François Baril Third row: Charles Simard, Claude Daneau, Binh Quy Tran, Jacques Labbé, Denis Beauchesne Fourth row: Robert Dufresne, Marc Imbeau, Jean Sauther Absent: Victor Gauvin, Mélanie Casavant, Pierre Côté, Rémy Dussault, Laval Dionne, Daniel Gauthier, Khaled Kabbara

Rupert diversion jobsite

Partial diversion on November 7 In early November, everyone at the weir and diversion bay section of the Rupert jobsite was eagerly awaiting the completion of a major step: partial diversion of the Rupert River. The event, expected to take place sometime between November 1 and 15, finally occurred on the 7th.

JL: After many years of preparation, the time had come.

On November 7, 2009, between 11:00 and 11:15 a.m., the partial diversion of the Rupert River began. The gate-lowering operation was a success, allowing the river’s instream flow to be released into the riverbed while the diversion bays were being impounded.

SEBJ had prepared the site so that the Crees could mingle and take the microphone to address the gathering.

The ceremony, a sad one for many, ended shortly after gate operations at the spillway were completed.

Traditional dishes and hot drinks were served. Prayers, speeches and reminiscences followed throughout the afternoon.

The next day, a shuttle was organized so workers could visit the spillway site.

After the diversion, attendees returned to the buses to go to Walter Jolly’s sabtuaan at KM 235 of the Route du Nord, where the day’s events continued.

Out of respect for the Crees, the ceremony marking the partial diversion of the Rupert was very solemn. The Société d’énergie de la Baie James (SEBJ) and Hydro-Québec had invited members of the Native community to gather at the spillway site before and during the gate-lowering operation.

There were more than 120 Crees in attendance.

Gathering organized for the Crees at the site of the Rupert spillway Eastmain Magazine, December 2009 3

Rupert diversion jobsite

Rupert’s ecological instream flow regime JL: In addition to impoundment of the Rupert diversion bays, the partial diversion involves a reduction in the river’s flow downstream of Rupert dam.

The instream flow release structure at the Rupert spillway site will discharge 29% of the river’s mean annual flow. This ecological instream flow will be 45% at Lake Nemiscau and 48% at Waskaganish, thanks to the rivers and streams flowing into the Rupert River.

at KP 49, 85, 110 and 290. When they have been completed, the structures will maintain the Rupert’s water level over almost 50% of its course downstream of the dam.

These mitigation measures will help conserve fish habitat, maintain navigation and preserve the Rupert’s landscape.

Environmental monitoring of water quality and ice conditions for snowmobile travel will be conducted in winter 2009-2010.

Caution is advised.

Downstream of Rupert dam, eight hydraulic structures will be built, four of which are under construction at kilometre points (KP) 20, 33, 170 and 223. Work to prepare for construction of the other structures is underway

Partial diversion of the river: Water to the wheel

The instream flow release structures at Lemare, Nemiscau-1 and Nemiscau-2 dams and Ruisseau-Arques and LR 51 52 dikes will return 100% of the mean annual flow of the Lemare and Nemiscau rivers to the Rupert. The main structure, at the Rupert spillway, will release 29% of the river’s mean annual flow, producing 4 Eastmain Magazine, December 2009

a mean annual flow of 48% at Waskaganish. The level of Mesgouez Lake will not be affected by the increased water level expected in the diversion bays.

During impoundment which will take a few weeks, an environmental monitoring program concerning wildlife movements and the formation and characteristics of the ice cover will be carried out in close cooperation with the Cree tallymen concerned.

THE JOBSITE IN PICTURES

JL: The partial diversion of the Rupert River involves impounding the diversion bays (artificial lakes created to direct the flow from one basin to the next but, unlike reservoirs, without storing the water) and reducing the flow of the river.

Once full, the diversion bays will cover 346 km2.

People with a powerful vision

VGP: The four companies responsible for building the 79 diversion bay dikes have now left the Rupert jobsite. After two years of hard work, FGL, SBC-EMF, CCDC and CRT-Hamel placed the final touches before removing all their equipment.

Meanwhile, EBC-Neilson (dam and concreting of the Rupert spillway) and Canmec (spillway gates) have completed the final testing that will allow them to hand over the facilities to SEBJ for commissioning.

Canal C-6 forebay

Hydraulic structures VGP: The two contractors responsible for the hydraulic structures on the Rupert, Newco and Denis Lavoie et Fils (DLF), are back hard at work after a bit of a slowdown during the prediversion period, except at KP 110 (DLF), where the pace never slackened.

Location of spur at KP 85

Newco VGP: At KP 20.4, crews are continuing to build the central jetty to the middle of the river. At KP 33, rock is being blasted, crushed and screened for use as weir fill.

Several dozen kilometres upstream, at KP 170, things are moving right along.

The contractor has finished putting up a temporary bridge to the island over the right branch of the river. The temporary jetty, which provided access while the bridge was being built, has now been dug up, clearing the way for water to flow under the bridge. Once that crucial step had been taken, work could begin on construction of the upstream cofferdam in the main branch of the river.

Weir at KP 170 under construction

In parallel, Newco has set up a concrete plant at KP 170.

DLF VGP: Crews have just about accumulated all the materials needed to build temporary jetties and the permanent spur at KP 85, while at KP 110, concrete for the first nine cells of the weir is being poured.

Weir at KP 110 under construction Eastmain Magazine, December 2009 5

THE JOBSITE IN PICTURES

Rupert diversion jobsite

Diversion bay

Tribute to tallymen PD: People generally think of the James Bay area as being divided into municipalities, but to the Crees, it is divided into traplines belonging to tallymen. Here are some of their experiences on the traplines.

Matthew Iserhoff

Kenny Jolly

Gordon Wapachee

Matthew Iserhoff, who works for the project, inherited the land from his greatgrandfather. He remembers how when he was 13, he used to go goose and moose hunting with him. His great-grandfather taught him how to hunt on trapline M-33.

Luke Tent says that his trapline (R-18) is the ideal place for hunting and fishing. “There are all kinds of fish on my trapline, lots of geese and lots of moose. I’ve been hunting on this territory for over 40 years.”

Many tallymen have also had life-changing experiences on their land. For instance, Freddy Jolly once saved a student from drowning. He managed to haul him out of the water at the very last minute. “Nothing like that had ever happened to me before.”

Jimmy Neeposh’s memories revolve around trapline M-25, where he was born. His sister was also expecting a child at the same time his mother was pregnant with him, but unfortunately, his sister lost her baby. From what he was told, it was the coldest month of the winter: “That’s one of the things that makes me realize just how lucky I am to be here today.” He grew up on the trapline and, even now, he goes back whenever he has free time. To him, the best part of the project was the fact that the transfer tunnel was named in honor of his father, Tommy Neeposh.

With extensive experience arising from their decades of living on the land, tallymen have a wealth of knowledge of the James Bay area to share. They have spent many years on their traplines and will continue for many more.

Freddy Jolly

Luke Tent

Jimmy Neeposh

A moment of prayer and reflection at Walter Jolly’s sabtuaan on November 7, 2009

6 Eastmain Magazine, December 2009

People with a powerful vision

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Eastmain Magazine, December 2009 7

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An important visit!

CL: Deputy Premier Nathalie Normandeau, accompanied by the Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, Pierre Corbeil, spent October 8 and 9 at the Eastmain-1-A/Sarcelle/Rupert jobsite touring the Eastmain-1-A and Rupert diversion jobsites. They also attended a meet and greet event with workers at the Eastmain cafeteria, the morning of the 9th.

Networking with local flavor JL: Close to 90 people got together at the Sarcelle jobsite on November 18 for the fall networking session. Organized by the ComaxNord and ComaxAT committees to maximize economic spinoffs, in conjunction with SEBJ, the event enabled suppliers from Nord-du-Québec and Abitibi-Témiscamingue to meet

contractors working on the Eastmain1-A/Sarcelle/Rupert project with a view to forming business partnerhips.

COMAX’s mission is to foster dialogue and synergy among stakeholders in Nord-du-Québec and AbitibiTémiscamingue with a view to

developing effective strategies and tools that will allow local businesses and workers to profit as much as possible from major projects taking place in these areas.

Participants at the ninth corporate networking event pose proudly in front of Sarcelle powerhouse 8 Eastmain Magazine, December 2009

People with a powerful vision

Knowledge and pride, hand in hand IC: Between April 27 and May 15, as part of the “SEBJ en équipe, de l’énergie au cube” initiative, the champions of the provocative proposal (no. 15) invited SEBJ employees to enter the contest called “Le développement durable en équipe.”

How would they sum up their experiences of teamwork and sustainable development? In Danielle’s words: “Fantastic! In just a few hours, we had the chance to find out all kinds of things about the project. And what we discovered made us proud of our own small part in it.”

The aim of the contest was to familiarize SEBJ employees with the principles of sustainability through interactive Web-based training and let them discover certain aspects of the Eastmain-1-A and Sarcelle powerhouse projects and the Rupert diversion, which are being carried out as sustainable development projects.

Serge agrees. He adds that the tour made him want to find out even more about the project, and especially the Cree host communities. To him, the trip was just the start of a learning process.

The initiative arose from the provocative proposal (no.

15), which states: “We are proud to work as a team on a project that contributes to sustainable development.”

The online training on sustainable development can be found at http://intranet.hydro.qc.ca/vpa/developpement_ durable/formation/1879.htm.

The jobsite tour took place on October 8 and 9. Thanks to all those who helped ensure that everything went smoothly, and a special thank you to Isabelle Bertrand, Dominick Clos, Normand Faubert and Martin Dessureault for all the time and energy they put into making it a success.

Over 40 employees completed the online training on the principles of sustainability. Two people, project engineer Serge Trépanier and Danielle Gaucher from accounting, won a trip to the jobsite to observe some of the initiatives that demonstrate Hydro-Québec’s commitment to the three guiding principles of sustainable development.

After touring sites and talking to some of the environment people there, the winners expressed their amazement at the many measures taken to reduce the environmental and social impacts of the project in the host environment.

Danielle believes that any SEBJ employee would certainly gain by learning more about the project. She adds that her trip made her aware of the scope of the measures that have been necessary for this project.

Serge, who is working on the Sarcelle powerhouse project, particularly appreciated seeing the weirs on the Rupert. These structures have several purposes, including limiting the impacts of the project on fish, fishing, goose hunting, navigation and the landscape. He was also surprised to note the many wildlife enhancements created during the project to enable certain species to keep living in the area.

During their tour, the two winners also learned about other aspects of the project, such as the economic spinoffs to Cree and Jamesian businesses and the sustainable development measures implemented in the workcamps.

At SEBJ, teamwork equals energy to the third power!

Eastmain Magazine, December 2009 9

Eastmain-1-A jobsite

Another eventful year is coming to an end, a year of great accomplishments— challenges that you have met with flying colors. But, most importantly, the upcoming holidays would not be as festive if we had not made such great strides in occupational health and safety. The year 2009 has been exceptional in that regard. Our results show the importance of teamwork and working safely in compliance with prevention programs. Thank you all, and congratulations.

We are now turning the page and looking at the promise of a new year. Like the last, the coming year will have its share of challenges and pitfalls but, above all, it will see new accomplishments and reflect your exceptional efforts.

I hope you’ ll take advantage of the holidays to reconnect and relax with your families and friends. You have certainly earned it.

May peace and joy be with you throughout this time of celebration.

Denis Groleau Site Manager – Eastmain-1-A Jobsite

Water intake and penstocks JL: Cégerco-Inter-cité (CIC) is continuing concrete work at the water intake but the job is almost finished. On November 14, overall progress was estimated at more than 95% and consolidation grouting of the three penstocks was underway.

LAR Machinerie has finished inserting the 18 sections of armoring into the penstocks and is continuing robot welding.

At the water intake, Canmec Industriel has begun installing the lower guides for the trashracks, as well as the gate sills and stoplogs.

10 Eastmain Magazine, December 2009

Concrete work at the water intake

Drilling on a platform for penstock grouting

People with a powerful vision

THE JOBSITE IN PICTURES

Eastmain-1-A jobsite

Here we are on the eve of the holiday season, at the dawn of a new year.

Time has flown by so fast that we barely realize how much we have accomplished. Work at the jobsite is advancing at the speed of light thanks to the efforts of everyone at Eastmain-1-A. Not only have we reached our objectives and met our deadlines, but we can head into 2010 proudly and enthusiastically.

Do you remember how, barely a year ago, we were just starting the concrete work? Now the Eastmain-1-A powerhouse stands over the Eastmain River. Back then, we could only imagine what the water intake and its penstocks would be like. Today we are dwarfed by their sheer size, clear evidence that our hard work is equalled only by their grand scale.

Pouring concrete for gate piers

Starting to install scrollcases for unit LC-11

Excavating at tailrace upstream of stoplogs

JL: CIC’s Phase 2 concrete contract is ongoing at Eastmain1-A powerhouse. On November 14, concrete work on the diffusers was almost completed (99.8%) and concrete pours for the downstream wall of the powerhouse and the gate pier were moving ahead steadily (59%).

Voith Hydro has finished installing the three draft tube cones and has placed the first stay ring. The contractor was preparing to lower the first scrollcase in mid-November. Installation of the armored sections is ongoing.

Neilson-EBC is continuing excavation at the tailrace. Overburden excavation was 49% completed on November 14.

Consortium T.A.P. is continuing masonry work and installation of cable racks and ventilation equipment.

Although Eastmain-1-A powerhouse has been completely enclosed for several months, outside work is still in progress. Shown: Pouring concrete for gate piers.

Eastmain Magazine, December 2009 11

THE JOBSITE IN PICTURES

Eastmain-1-A jobsite

Eastmain-1-A powerhouse

Sarcelle jobsite

The year 2009 began with a bang and many innovations. The pace of the Sarcelle adventure was set by major accomplishments such as the end of excavation, impoundment of the bypass canal, development of the project’s largest spawning ground and installation of the superstructure in the service area, accompanied by an increased awareness of sustainable development among workers and a special team spirit.

Happy holidays, everyone! I hope you’ll take advantage of the opportunity to spend time with family and friends.

Laurent Busque, Eng. Site Manager – Sarcelle Jobsite

Sarcelle powerhouse LP: The slabs poured to cover the three draft tube cones marked the end of concrete work at the powerhouse. The powerhouse

generating area has now been concreted to the generator floor for all three units.

Concreting of the water intakes of units 21 and 22 has been completed to the

loading bay level. Work at the gantry crane storage area is at the 40% point, or up to the structural concrete.

THE JOBSITE IN PICTURES

Sarcelle jobsite

Building the first powerhouse with bulb units was a challenge that we’re proud to have met, particularly considering what a pleasure it was to work with a solid, progressive team. Thanks to your commitment and diligence, we achieved the results we were aiming for. Our tremendous progress at the powerhouse speaks for itself.

It was an adventure in which experiments with various tools and work procedures proved that innovation is not only synonymous with progress, but also with safety. It was a great start, and I am looking forward to seeing you all again in 2010.

We’ve got a busy year ahead of us!

12 Eastmain Magazine, December 2009

People with a powerful vision

LP: Assembly of the superstructure in the upper levels of the service area took until midNovember. Employees of contractor Alma Soudure, including welders and steel erectors, assembled the 1,500 t of steel beams that will shelter the overhead traveling crane and the offices at Sarcelle powerhouse.

CRT-Hamel’s architectural subcontractors arrived in early November to carry out cladding, masonry and roofing in the service area. A temporary wall will be built so that a section can be heated during winter 2009–2010. During that time, the powerhouse loading bay will be used to assemble the bulb unit stay rings.

All the concrete work on the lower floors of the service area, including the generator floor, electric equipment gallery and turbine floor, has been completed. Contractor CLSlas, which will be designing, supplying and installing the mechanical, electrical and architectural systems, will be able to begin work in this part of the powerhouse as soon as it arrives in early 2010.

In fact, the maze of electrical conduits downstream of the service area was concreted over to install the contractor’s trailers.

Draft tube cone mission accomplished!

LP: In contractor Alstom’s area, a 21-by-35-m steel building was put up in October to serve as an assembly area. This workspace will protect workers from winter weather while they assemble the generating unit stators.

Assembly of the third and last draft tube cone, which marked the end of work related to installation of the bulb units in 2009, was completed in October. Installing the three 100-t cones took nearly four months, including the welding in the contractor’s area.

THE JOBSITE IN PICTURES

Sarcelle jobsite

Service area

Eastmain Magazine, December 2009 13

Sarcelle jobsite

Switching from ice maker to boiler LP: EMF is pretty well ready for winter. A warehouse that will hold 1,000 t of sand has been built in the contractor’s area.

Also, since October 1, hot water

Crushing aggregate for concrete

has been added to the concrete mix instead of ice. The boiler used to heat the water has a steam production capacity of 8,000,000 Btu.

EMF concrete plant

Opinaca bridge framework and replacing the wooden deck and guardrails. The bridge dates from the ’80s, when Opinaca reservoir was impounded.

THE JOBSITE IN PICTURES

LP: Work on Opinaca bridge, at km 28 of the Sarcelle powerhouse access road, began on October 21. It includes repairs to certain components of the steel

Work on bridge over the Opinaca 14 Eastmain Magazine, December 2009

People with a powerful vision

Think about safety, even at home!

YC: The holidays are almost upon us. Most of us will have the great pleasure of seeing our families again and we’ll enjoy good times in good company. The holiday season is a special time, filled with emotions, surprises and memories.

But for some families who have suffered a loss, the holidays will be difficult. The absence of a loved one is felt more keenly at this time of year. Many of us will be thinking of the families of the two men who worked at the Rupert diversion jobsite.

Let’s take a moment to reflect on our role in accident prevention.

We can all do our part in prevention efforts. Each of us must take steps to make our jobsites safe by eliminating potential risks, so that neither we nor our coworkers are hurt.

The main purpose of taking time to reflect is to ensure that we act and do more to promote jobsite safety. If everyone pitches in, we can hope to enjoy many more holidays to come.

Happy holidays! See you soon!

Eastmain Magazine, December 2009 15

Anadromous lake cisco IM: Although it is a member of the Atlantic salmon family, this fish is not well known. The bombiomeku, to use its Cree name, is especially valuable to the community of Waskaganish. Traditional dip-net fishing takes place each fall when the fish return to the river downstream of Smokey Hill rapids.

What does anadromous mean?

An anadromous (anAH-druh-mus) fish is one that swims upriver from the sea to fresh water to spawn. When the water is about 15°C, in late summer (August or September), breeding fish school and travel up the lower Rupert to the spawning grounds between KP 13.5 and 23.0 of the Rupert. Spawning is triggered in early November by a drop in water temperature and reaches its peak when it is below 2°C. Findings in 2002 and 2003 indicate that fertilized eggs are deposited in channels 2 to 8 m deep where there is a flow of about 1 m/sec. The spawners then return to their feeding grounds near Rupert Bay. The eggs incubate all winter and hatch in May, when the water starts to warm up again. The larvae begin to drift around mid-May, and the current carries them down to Rupert Bay.

Given the cultural and traditional value of lake cisco fishing below the Smokey Hill rapids (known to the Crees as Nutemasanan or Noodamessenan), spawning grounds will be preserved by laying a rock blanket at KP 20.4 of the Rupert. Work will begin after spawning with the building of a jetty at right angles to the river’s flow, in order to limit the drop in water level after diversion. The work will be completed in April, before the eggs hatch, so as not to interfere with larval drift. According to the project impact assessment statement, anticipated current speeds in the spawning grounds downstream of the spillway will be higher than the critical speeds for deposition of fine sediment. There is therefore no reason to worry about the spawning grounds silting up.

Furthermore, the Boumhounan Agreement stipulates that to maintain fish resources, the fish spawning sites downstream from the Rupert diversion point are to be maintained or replaced. Hydro-Québec has therefore undertaken to take remedial measures should the big spawning ground at Smokey Hill or any other spawning ground below the spillway be affected by the work. After diversion, a followup program will be implemented to determine the behavior of lake cisco in the new hydrological conditions, with the aim of preserving traditional fishing activities.