National

'Clean' Hydroelectric Power Poses Northern Methylmercury Threat: Study

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 08 Sep, 2015 10:42 AM

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — A new study by Harvard University researchers suggests hydroelectric projects will put more methylmercury pollution into northern ecosystems than climate change.

Methylmercury is a toxic byproduct as mercury blends with bacteria that's linked to neurological and other issues.

High levels of the substance in Arctic marine life have been traced to global warming as sea ice melts.

But the researchers say governments turning to hydroelectric dams as a cleaner way to curb climate change must consider effects of flooding.

The study echoes concerns raised by Inuit leaders who fear methylmercury downstream from the new Muskrat Falls dam in Labrador will soar.

Crown corporation Nalcor Energy is monitoring mercury levels but has said contamination in Lake Melville will be diluted to "no measurable effects."

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Educating Omar Khadr: 'Just doing what we do,' Christian university says

TORONTO — Taking in former Guantanamo Bay inmate and government-branded terrorist Omar Khadr as a student would dovetail perfectly with how King's University sees itself, the school says.

Educating Omar Khadr: 'Just doing what we do,' Christian university says

ICAO delegates suggest 15-minute real-time aircraft tracking as standard

MONTREAL — Member states of the International Civil Aviation Organization have recommended the adoption of a new standard that would see commercial aircraft tracked every 15-minutes.

ICAO delegates suggest 15-minute real-time aircraft tracking as standard

Cut down the corporate tax burden to help Canadian economy: study

OTTAWA — A new study is calling on the federal and provincial governments to cut corporate tax rates as a way to boost revenues and broaden the tax base.

Cut down the corporate tax burden to help Canadian economy: study

Near-century of tradition at end with Mounties taking over Hill security

OTTAWA — Nearly a century of parliamentary tradition is coming to an end with the RCMP poised to take control of security inside the Parliament Buildings.

Near-century of tradition at end with Mounties taking over Hill security

U.S. Congress honours Canadian-American WWII vets, real-life 'James Bonds'

WASHINGTON — A group of Canadian veterans received the United States' highest civilian award Tuesday for their role in a legendary military unit whose exploits dazzled moviegoers at home and tormented Nazis abroad.