Group protests Lower Churchill plans

About 30 people gathered in Happy Valley-Goose Bay on Tuesday to protest against plans to develop hydroelectric dams on the lower Churchill River.

Newfoundland and Labrador's Crown-owned energy company, Nalcor, plans to dam the river at Muskrat Falls and Gull Island.

"We're not going to accept it," said protester Kirk Lethbridge.

"We're not going to accept the mercury in the water; we're not going to accept Labrador's resources being stolen.Enough is enough and we're taking a stand starting here today. This is the beginning."

Protesters said they fear the environmental assessment panel that isnow holding hearings about the Lower Churchill projectwill simply rubber stamp the plans. The hearings are expected to continue into April.