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Goose Lake to Etzikom Coulee Transmission Project Open Houses
Did you know? Alberta is an importer of electricity. In 2011, Alberta imported nearly thirty times the amount of power it exported. Alberta depends on its transmission connections with British Columbia and Saskatchewan to meet its demand for electricity.
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Electricity at a glance GENERATION Generation ATCO Power
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Transmission
Transmission lines connect the power produced at generating facilities to substations.
Substations
Substations are the connection points between transmission and distribution systems.
Distribution
Distribution lines carry electricity to homes, farms and businesses.
Retailers
Retailers give consu mers a choice of electricity service providers.
You
Electricity is delivered to homes, farms and businesses.
Goose Lake to Etzikom Coulee Transmission Project The proposed transmission project includes a new transmission line from the existing Goose Lake Substation to the proposed Journault Substation. The proposed Journault Substation is part of the Etzikom Coulee to Whitla Transmission Project. AltaLink is currently completing public consultation for this project. AltaLink has identified two potential locations for the proposed Journault Substation. If approved, only one substation will be built. Discussions regarding the potential for a transmission line across the Blood Reserve are continuing with the Band.
Southern Alberta Transmission Reinforcement (SATR) The Southern Alberta Transmission Reinforcement (SATR) includes many proposed projects in southern Alberta that will provide Albertans with access to new wind generated power. Existing transmission lines and substations in the southern part of the province do not have the capacity to connect power generated from new wind farm projects to the electric system. To connect this wind power to you, a new transmission project is being proposed. The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) filed the need for the SATR with the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) in December 2008. The AUC held a public hearing to review the need for these projects in 2009 and approved the need later that year. The Goose Lake to Etzikom Coulee Transmission Project is part of the SATR.
Key players AltaLink AltaLink’s transmission system efficiently delivers electricity to 85% of Albertans. Dedicated to meeting the growing need for electricity, AltaLink connects Albertans to renewable, reliable and low-cost power. With a commitment to community and environment, AltaLink is ensuring the transmission system will support Albertans’ quality of life for years to come. Learn more at www.altalink.ca.
The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) The AESO is an independent, not-for-profit entity responsible for the safe, reliable and economic planning and operation of the Alberta Interconnected Electric System. The AESO determines the need for transmission reinforcement and directs Transmission Facility Owners, such as AltaLink, to submit a Facility Application for permitting and licensing to construct and operate transmission facilities. Find out more at www.aeso.ca.
The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) The AUC is a quasi-judicial agency that ensures the fair and responsible delivery of our utility services. The AUC is the provincial regulator responsible for reviewing Facility Applications. AUC approval is required before construction of facilities can occur. Learn about the AUC at www.auc.ab.ca.
Next steps 1 We will use the stakeholder input gathered to refine our preliminary routing. We will then consult with stakeholders again and collect input about the refined routes. 2 After our consultation process is complete, we will file a Facilities Application with the AUC.
3 The AUC will review our application through a process in which stakeholders can participate. The AUC can approve, approve with conditions or deny a Facilities Application.
Did you know? The average four-person family in Alberta today has 20 ‘instant-on’ electronics such as laptops, DVD players, music device chargers and cell phone chargers. This is in addition to the other appliances necessary to run a home – fridges, stoves, microwaves, washers and dryers – all of which require a reliable supply of electricity.
Anticipated project schedule Notify and consult with stakeholders about preliminary routes
Spring 2012
Notify and consult with stakeholders about refined routes
Summer 2012
File Facilities Application with the Alberta Utilities Commission
Spring 2013
Although we attempt to follow the anticipated project schedules they are subject to change. We will continue to provide you with updated schedule information as the project progresses.
Project cost The total estimated cost for the Goose Lake to Etzikom Coulee Transmission Project is approximately 300 million to 450 million dollars, which would be approximately 30 to 45 cents per month on the typical residential utility bill.
Public consultation AltaLink understands that landowners, occupants and residents have information we need to consider when evaluating potential routes. Input from stakeholders is very important to the process of selecting a solution with the lowest overall impact for this project. We will work with you to ensure your questions and concerns are understood and responded to in a timely fashion. A summary of stakeholder comments will be incorporated into the application we submit to the AUC. ONE-ON-ONE CONSULTATION We will contact occupants, residents and landowners who are on or directly adjacent to the proposed transmission line route options to gather their input. If you would like to schedule a one-on-one consultation please talk to an AltaLink representative.
What information do we need from you? When identifying route options, AltaLink takes several factors into consideration in an effort to find routes with the lowest overall impact. Some of the factors we take into consideration include:
Important Criteria Agricultural
• Impact on crop production • Reduced efficiency of field operations
Residential
• Proximity to residencies • Impact on developable lands and constraints on future development
Environmental
• Alteration of natural areas and impacts to environmental features
Cost
• Construction cost and land acquisition costs
Electrical
• Reliability and repairability of the lines
Visual
•V isual impact of structures and lines as seen from residences and recreational areas
Special considerations
• E lectrical interference with radio transmitting stations and other telecommunication equipment
Project details This proposed project includes:
•
a new 240 kV (240,000 volts) double circuit transmission line approximately 170 to 220 kilometres (105 to 136 miles) in length from the existing Goose Lake Substation to the proposed Journault Substation
Structure information A double circuit 240 kV steel lattice transmission structure is pictured below. A typical structure will have a: • • • • •
height of 44 to 60 metres (147 to 197 feet) width of 22 to 24 metres at the widest arm (72 to 79 feet) base of 10 by 10 metres, up to 14 by 14 metres (32 by 32 feet, up to 46 by 46 feet) distance between structures averaging 365 metres (1,198 feet) right-of-way width of 60 metres (197 feet) • A right-of-way refers to the strip of land required for the construction and operation of a transmission line. The right-of-way is subject to development restrictions to help ensure the safe and reliable operation of the transmission line.
Project details In addition to the main transmission line right-of-way, there are other workspaces we will require at some structure locations:
Additional required riGht-Of-Way: This is additional area beyond the transmission line right-of-way that we use to construct the structures and operate equipment.
OPtiOnal temPOrary WOrksPace: This is area beyond the transmission line right-of-way next to the transmission structures to help us build the line more efficiently. It allows us to easily store material, assemble and construct the structures.
access: This is additional area we require to access the transmission line right-of-way. Landowners will receive fair compensation for additional required right-of-way, optional temporary workspace and access.
This diagram shows an example of an optional temporary workspace.
843
520
New route crossing the Blood Reserve 23
GRANUM
PICTURE BUTTE
519
864
You received a project information package NOBLEFORD in April 2012 that indicated discussions were underway with the Blood Tribe for a transmission line route option845 across the Reserve.TABER
3A Peigan 25 811 BARNWELL 2 Timber A new route option crossing the Blood Reserve has recently been added for Limit "B" COALHURST 785 consideration and is included in the mapping products on display512 at this open house. COALDALE FORT 4 MACLEOD
510
Information and maps with this new route option are in the process of being sent to landowners near 3 the preliminary routing. LETHBRIDGE 810
Piikani Reserve (formerly Peigan IR No. 147)
786
PINCHER CREEK
520
2
505
811
519
3A
786
HILL SPRING 810
507
MAGRATH
503
800
506
Aetna
2
CARDSTON
504
62
STIRLING RAYMOND Craddock
Spring Coulee
WARNER
36
5
Leavitt GLENWOOD
HILL SPRING
Blood No. 148A 5 6
Stand Off
Blood No. 148
5 505
509
McNab
506
Spring Coulee 513
LETHBRIDGE
CARDSTON
New Dayton
864
COALDALE
512
STIRLING RAYMOND Craddock
TABER BARNWELL
845
25
4
511
Piikani Reserve (formerly Peigan IR No. 147)
PINCHER CREEK
Blood No. 148
COALHURST
800
6
NOBLEFORD
GLENWOOD FORT MACLEOD
3
MAGRATH
PICTURE BUTTE
36
5
Stand Off
23
785
510
509
843
507 GRANUM
Peigan Timber Limit "B"
511
513
New Dayton McNab
820
WARNER
501
504
62
503
Leavitt 2
Aetna
820
501
Blood No. 148A
U N I T E D S TAT E S O F A M E R I C A
U N I T E D S TAT E S O F A M E R I C A
LEGEND Potential Substation
Hamlet or Locality
Existing Substation
Road
Potential Transmission Line
First Nations Reserve
Hamlet or Locality
Water Body
Road
LEGEND
Potential SubstationUrban Area Existing Transmission Line Existing Substation
Potential Transmission Line
First Nations Reserve
Landowner compensation RIGHT-OF-WAY AGREEMENT PAYMENT The right-of-way agreement includes compensation for the interest in the land that we require to maintain and operate the transmission line. We provide fair market value per acre for the total area of the right-of-way crossing a landowner’s property. The landowner retains ownership of the land. The one-time right-of-way agreement payments for the preferred route include: • $10,000 early access and routing consent payment: allows AltaLink to complete preconstruction surveys and is paid to landowners who sign an agreement prior to the AUC decision • $250-5,000 per title entry fee payment: amount depends on the number of acres required for the transmission line • $1,500 minimum general disturbance payment • $2,500 (per titled unit) land damages payment: ($2,500 pre‑construction; post construction paid if applicable) With the exception of the $10,000 early access payment and a $50 signing fee, all other one-time payments are subject to the AUC’s approval of this project.
Annual Structure Payments (ASPs) Steel lattice structures • $1,300 per structure per year on cultivated land • $520 per structure per year on uncultivated land Factors we take into consideration when determining ASPs include: • • • • • • • •
the loss of use of the area enclosed by the structure once operational the inconvenience and additional costs associated with weed control additional time required to operate equipment around transmission structures additional seed required overlap of pesticide/herbicide and fertilizer used when farming around the structure effects on cultivation potential impacts to irrigation systems potential impacts to aerial spraying
Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF) AltaLink recognizes that people have concerns about exposure to Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF) and we take those concerns very seriously. Everyone in our society is exposed to EMF from many sources, including: • • • •
power lines and other electrical facilities electrical appliances in your home building wiring the earth’s natural magnetic field
National and international organizations such as the World Health Organization and Health Canada have been conducting and reviewing research about EMF for more than 40 years. Based on this research, these organizations have not recommended the general public take steps to limit their everyday exposure to EMF from high voltage transmission lines. We are here to answer your questions and help you get the information you need about EMF.
Environmental Evaluation An Environmental Evaluation identifies environmental features within the project area through existing data and field surveys. Additional information is gathered from consultation with provincial and federal regulators, landowners and the public. This information is used to assist in route development. Potential effects from the project are identified, so that mitigations can be developed to minimize or eliminate these effects. Information within the Environmental Evaluation typically includes: • • • •
wildlife and vegetation inventories wetland, watercourse and groundwater assessments threatened and endangered species identification terrain and soil evaluations
Thank you for attending our open house To learn more about this project, please visit www. altalink.ca/projects or contact us: Phone: 1-877-269-5903 (toll-free) Email: satrinfo@altalink.ca