Muskrat Falls benefits update released

According to the latest report on benefits to the province from the Muskrat Falls hydroelectric project, $36 million was spent on the project in July, with about $24 million — 67 per cent — going to Newfoundland and Labrador companies.

Of that project spending, more than $13 million went to Labrador companies, the report states. The report was released Wednesday morning and notes the number of people employed on the multi-billion dollar build continued to grow during the summer month.

In all, 1,019 people from the province were working on the project during July, out of 1,376 people employed on the project in total.

Of those from this province employed, 321 were identified as Labrador residents. Of those, 160 identified themselves as members of a Labrador-based aboriginal group.

As for the work, bulk excavation — moving rock at the dam site — continued; the geotechnical investigation of the North Spur — land at the dam site that will require stabilization — was completed, and the longterm camp for the site was still being built.

There were no lost time injuries recorded. That said, Nalcor Energy recorded seven first aid cases and five near misses during the month.

The full report is available at: muskratfalls.nalcorenergy.com (look under “Newsroom,” “Reports,” “Monthly Benefits Reports”).