700 workers escorted from Muskrat Falls site

In a statement released Sunday afternoon by Nalcor Energy, the company said about 700 workers were "peacefully and safely escorted" from the Muskrat Falls hydroelectric site following protesters entering the site.

According to the company, about 50 people and several vehicles entered the site Saturday afternoon and remained in the common areas of the Muskrat Falls accommodations complex on Sunday.

Protestors also remained near the main gate of the Muskrat Falls site, as well as police.

Nalcor said contractors began releasing non-essential workers, as well as those workers scheduled to finish a regular work rotation, early Sunday. That release continued into the afternoon as workers left the site and began returning home.

The company is maintaining a workforce at the site to ensure equipment is safely maintained.

It also said water levels in the reservoir will not be raised until provincial government officials have met with leaders and representatives of the Innu Nation, the Nunatsiavut Government as well as the NunatuKavut Community Council.

Nalcor said safety is its primary focus.