As increased runoff continues on the Abitibi River due to a partial breach of the Twin Falls Dam, the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks says it is continuing to observe the situation.
Ministry staff was made aware of the partial breach at the dam in Iroquois Falls on July 6 and visited the site the same day, said spokesperson Gary Wheeler.
Wheeler said H2O Power, which operates the dam, will be installing silt curtains to capture sediment and preventing it from flowing down river.
"Ministry staff are investigating the event and will ensure that the responsible parties take appropriate action if negative impacts to the environment are observed," said Wheeler.
The company said in a memo the breach occurred while it was making a repair to concrete at the site. No injuries have occurred as a result of the breach and the risk to the surrounding community is low.
H2O Power advises residents and river users to "exercise caution and appropriate due care while near or on Lake Abitibi and the Abitibi River system and its associated waterways."
