Boaters reminded to stay clear of Pickering fish net

Net is part of Pickering Nuclear's environmental commitment

TORONTO, May 21 /CNW/ - Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is reminding GTA boaters this weekend that staff at Pickering Nuclear have re-installed a fish protection net at the mouth of the station's intake channel.

"This net was installed last fall to reduce the amount of fish entering the intake channel," said Glenn Jager, Senior Vice President, Pickering A nuclear station. "The results so far have been very encouraging and we are optimistic we will reduce the number of fish entering the channel by more than 80 per cent annually."

Jager said this was part of a comprehensive environmental program that also includes fish habitat and wetland restoration work at Duffin's Creek Marsh, Hydro Marsh, and Frenchman's Bay.

"We're proud of our overall environmental record at Pickering. We will continue to look for ways to improve on this record and to work with the community on shared initiatives. We also benefit from the experience we have gained as a company as we evolve ways of reducing our environmental footprint while providing the province with the electricity it needs."

The netting is submerged to the lake bottom with 19 lighted buoys providing a visible warning to water craft operators.

The net is about 610 meters long with a half-inch mesh. It protrudes about 77 meters from the southern tip of the intake channel.

For further information: OPG Media Relations, 1-877-592-4008, or [phone]