MUSKRAT FALLS
Operations at the Muskrat Falls site in Labrador are ramping down in light of the escalation of the COVID-19 situation.
Nalcor Energy announced the plan for the Lower Churchill Falls hydroelectricity project in a news release issued Tuesday afternoon.
It cited potential risks to people, communities, and site operations for as the reasons.
The corporation said precautionary measures had already been put in place at the site to ensure the health and safety of its workers and the public.
There have been no reported cases of COVID-19 at the Muskrat Falls site, the news release emphasized.
“This is a difficult decision,” the prepared statement reads. “Recognizing that we have a responsibility within our worksite, as well as within the wider community, we are doing our part to help control potential spread of COVID-19.”
The company said it is working with its contractors and union partners as it starts a controlled demobilization of the workforce.
There are around 500 people working at the Muskrat Falls site and about 350 of them are living at the camp while working.
Preparations are underway to put the site in care and maintenance mode. Construction work will be paused while the company maintains essential systems and operations at the site.
The initial plan is to put this precaution in place for the next month, according to the press release.
“The safety of our workers and their families, our communities, and the public is of utmost importance to us,” concluded the press release. “We have been actively monitoring and addressing the evolving COVID-19 pandemic and potential impacts. This information has informed our decision as we take further actions to help protect the health and well-being of others.”
