April 2009 What is the Proposed Heartland Transmission Project? The proposed Heartland Transmission Project (the project) involves the construction of a high voltage transmission line, which will connect the Heartland region (northeast of Fort Saskatchewan) to existing transmission facilities either west of Edmonton or in southern Edmonton. AltaLink and EPCOR, the Heartland Project Team, are working together in the project’s development. The project is the result of planning by the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO), Alberta’s independent, not-for-profit transmission system planner. The AESO has forecast a major increase in the demand for electricity in the Heartland region due to residential, commercial and industrial growth. For more information about the AESO and the need for this project please visit the transmission page on the AESO’s website at www.aeso.ca. To learn more about the project, or obtain a copy of the September 2008, January 2009 or February 2009 project newsletters, please visit the project website at www.heartlandtransmission.ca. If you do not have access to the Internet, please call our toll free number at 1-888-441-7192 to obtain further information. Volume 1 No. 3 Project Information We are sending this package to you because you are a landowner, occupant or resident of property near one of the potential route locations* of the Heartland Transmission project. The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) requires that stakeholders within 800 metres of a potential route location be notified. Stakeholders further than 800 metres from a potential route location who are interested in receiving project updates are welcome to contact us and be added to our distribution list. This package is intended to keep you informed of the Heartland Project Team’s progress in identifying potential route locations for the proposed transmission line. It is important to note that the project team is still in the process of selecting preferred and alternative route locations for the transmission line. Once this work is complete, the project team will apply to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) with preferred and alternative routes. If the project is approved, only one route for the transmission line will be selected by the AUC for construction. This newsletter includes technical information about the project, scheduling information, and a discussion of our next steps. We have also provided information on how you can obtain further details about the project and potential route locations, and provide us with your input. In addition to this newsletter, this package includes: • An Overview Study Area Map that shows the four potential route paths currently being reviewed for the project team’s application for the construction of one transmission line; • Detailed area map(s) to provide further details of the route location in relation to your property; • A sample Consultation Form; • An Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) brochure; and • A review of Heartland Transmisson Project considerations. *A glossary of power industry terms is included at the end of this newsletter. Words in italics can be found in the glossary. communities and stakeholders. We will then submit a Facility Application (FA) with these preferred and alternative routes to the AUC. The AUC will consider the routes, including feedback from stakeholders, and determine whether to approve the construction and operation of one route for the transmission line. The transmission line will ultimately be constructed along the one route approved by the AUC. In the coming months, we will launch the next phase of public consultation, which will include door-to-door visits, information centres and open houses. The next phase of consultation will present stakeholders with additional opportunities to provide further input to the project team. More information is provided under Next Steps. If you would like to contact us directly, the necessary information is at the end of this newsletter. How the potential route locations were identified What we’ve done to date The potential route locations were identified based on evaluating available information to determine constraints, the number of residences in an area and input received during preliminary consultation with stakeholders. The potential route locations were chosen with a view to reducing the overall impacts of the transmission line. Potential route locations To date, the project team has identified potential transmission route locations as shown on the Overall Study Area map included with this newsletter. In the end, only one route will be required for the project. It is important to note that preferred and alternative routes have not yet been selected. The process began with the AESO reviewing various options to transport power from the transmission system in the Keephills/ Wabamun area (west of Edmonton) to the Heartland region (northeast of Fort Saskatchewan). Through a review of land, technical and cost factors, as well as input gathered from a series of stakeholder consultation activities, the AESO identified two potential options to meet the need for additional electricity supply in the Heartland region and the need to reinforce the Alberta Interconnected Electric System. The options involved the construction of a new transmission line to be generally located in one of the following areas of consideration: The project team will work to study and refine the potential route locations further with the goal of identifying the route with the least overall impact. The project team’s efforts will include further public consultation and additional geographic, environmental and technical studies. New potential route locations may also be identified through the process. When this work is complete and we identify our preferred and alternative routes, we will provide details to the neighbouring • West side of Edmonton, in the Transportation/Utility Corridor (TUC) and/or outside the TUC; and • East side of Edmonton, in the TUC and/or outside the TUC. The AESO then directed AltaLink and EPCOR to identify and analyze potential routes for the two options. In response, the project team began consultation activities to gather input on what factors stakeholders believe are important to consider when identifying potential route locations. We held Community Advisory Task Groups (CATGs) with individuals randomly selected from the Capital Region to participate in a discussion and invited stakeholders to visit the project website to complete our Internet survey. We also received input through personal meetings, telephone calls, e-mails and letters. 2 Reducing residential, agricultural and environmental impacts while managing project costs are many of the factors that stakeholders told us were important to them in identifying potential route locations. Under AUC Rule 007, in identifying and evaluating potential locations of transmission projects, the AESO and the project team had regard for the following major aspects as they relate to each potential location: agricultural impact, residential impact, environmental impact, cost, electrical considerations, visual impact and special constraints (further information can be found in AUC Rule 007, Section 6 at www.auc.ab.ca). transmission line, northeast of Fort Saskatchewan. Please refer to the Overall Study Area Map to find the potential substation locations. The locations are highlighted by this icon: In the coming months, landowners, occupants or residents of property near the potential substation locations will receive further information from the project team. Technical Information continued on page 4 A desk top study was undertaken by the project team to collect area-specific information relevant to the AESO’s two options, including geographic features. Constraints were identified such as environmentally significant areas and airport setbacks. Proposed project timeline Activity Timeframe Based on the two options provided by the AESO, the project team identified four potential route paths for the transmission line: 2009 Project update on consultation newsletter January • West of Edmonton (blue on the maps); Project update on routing newsletter February/March • The Transportation/Utility Corridor (TUC) on the west side of Edmonton (orange on the maps); Project package for stakeholders near the potential route locations April/May Personal consultation April to November • The TUC on the east side of Edmonton (green on the maps); and Information centres Opening April Project update newsletter Summer East of Edmonton (pink on the maps). Open Houses (two rounds) Late Spring & Late Fall Project update newsletter Fall Heartland project team submit Facility Application to AUC Late 2009/early 2010 AUC review 2010 • NOTE: North of Edmonton there is a grid where many of the potential route locations overlap. As further consultation and route evaluations are done, preferred and alternative routes will emerge. 2010 - 2013 Technical Information Substation sites Substations are the connection point between high-voltage transmission lines and the distribution systems found in your community. When power passes through a substation its voltage is reduced so it can be transported to homes and businesses. *Permit and License issued Late 2010 *Construction Late 2010 to Early 2013 *In-service Spring 2013 *These steps will only occur if the Facility Application is approved by the AUC. Public consultation, involving potentially affected stakeholders, is a significant step in the identification and evaluation of potential routes for the transmission line and the development of the Facility Application. If the AUC approves the project, consultation will continue beyond the application process into the construction and operational phases. The Heartland Transmission Project will require the development of a substation at the finish-point of the 3 Transmission structures The proposed double circuit 500 kV support structure to be used in the Heartland Transmission Project is pictured top-right. These structures would be located along the Right-ofWay at typically 365 metre (1198 foot) intervals. The width of the proposed Right-of-Way is approximately 70-80 metres (or 230-262 feet). The illustration below shows a comparison of the proposed structure to a double circuit 240 kV transmission support structure and a single circuit 500 kV transmission support structure that are used today in the Capital Region. Proposed typical double circuit 500 kV structure. Proposed typical double circuit 500 kV structure. Double circuit 240 kV transmission towers representative in the Edmonton area. 4 Single circuit 500 kV transmission towers representative in the Edmonton area. 803 Proposed Transmission Line Route Paths 28 (only one route will be selected) 643 28 FINISH POINT 825 28A 642 Morinville A. West of Edmonton (blue) 28 B. The Transportation/Utility Corridor on the west side of Edmonton (orange) 44 2 C. East of Edmonton (pink) 15 37 37 Fort Saskatchewan 15 21 633 167 Ave. 97 Street il Tra 16 rt Fo West Edmonton Stony Plain Rd. 50 Street 75 Street Wye Rd. South East Edmonton 23 Ave. 23 Ave. Anthony Henday Anthony Henday Dr. Twp Rd 522 Dr South West Edmonton 34 Street Terw illeg ar D r. Whitemud et 1202L - Existing 1202L Transmission Line (purple) Sherwood Park Whyte Ave. 66 Stre 628 Baseline Road Jasper Ave. Calgary Trail Stony Plain Central Edmonton Anthony Henday Dr. 16A . Rd Range Rd 222 rt 137 Ave. 50 Street lbe .A North East Edmonton Yellowhead Trail Spruce Grove Manning Dr. St. Albert St Multi-coloured lines represent potential route locations that overlap FAR WEST WEST TUC FAR EAST EAST TUC 1202 L Castle Downs Rd. D. The Transportation/Utility Corridor on the east side of Edmonton (green) 21 14 Ellerslie Rd START POINT Other projects in the area AltaLink and EPCOR want to keep you informed of other proposed transmission and distribution projects that may be occurring in your area. A separate consultation will occur for each project, and include project contact information. Project Name Location/End Points Description Company Status Summerside Substation and Transmission Pole Structure In the TUC at approximately 83 Street and 2nd Ave (south of the Anthony Henday Drive, near Ellerslie) in Edmonton. Construction of a new substation. Installation of a new transmission pole structure. EPCOR and AltaLink AUC descision pending 1202 Line Energization Ellerslie (south Edmonton) to Keephills (Wabamun). Existing transmission line will be upgraded from 240 kV to 500 kV AltaLink Final stages of public consultation Existing Transmission Line Reconfiguration Ellerslie to Cloverbar (east Edmonton). Reconfiguration of existing AltaLink transmission lines and energization of presently decommissioned lines. Edmonton Region 240kV Line Upgrades Increase the capacity of several Petrolia (south Edmonton) and Jasper EPCOR and (west Edmonton) substations to Keephills. 240 kV transmission lines in the AltaLink Keephills / Sundance / Wabamum / area and Jackfish lake area. Spruce Grove / Edmonton area including a new 14 km double circuit 240 kV transmission line from Jackfish Lake area to Keephills area. Public consultation to begin in spring 2009 New Transmission Lines for Upgraders Upgrader area near Fort Saskatchewan (Heartland Region). New transmission lines and substations to supply upgrader development. AltaLink Preliminary stages of planning NE Alberta Development to Fort McMurray Heartland region to Fort McMurray area. New transmission lines to accommodate industrial growth and power generation. AESO Preliminary stages of planning 5 AUC descision pending Next steps - how you can provide input Your input is important to us. Our next phase of public consultation will be launched in April and will include: Door-to-door visits and direct phone calls – beginning in April 2009 In urban areas, project team members will directly contact (either by phone or visit) stakeholders within the first row of houses next to a potential route location. In rural areas, we will contact (either by phone or visit) stakeholders whose property is on or beside a potential route location. This is an opportunity for stakeholders to share their comments, suggestions and ask questions with a project team member one-on-one. Project team members can also be contacted directly at 1-888-441-7192. We will begin this personal consultation in April. Information centres will be opening April 21, 2009. Locations and an initial schedule are shown below. Location Address Spruce Grove Spruce Grove Public Library 35 5th Avenue Tues, Thurs - noon - 8p.m. Wed, Fri - 9a.m. - 5p.m. Sat - 10 a.m. - 2p.m. Closed Sun, Mon Morinville Tues, Thurs - noon - 8p.m. Wed, Fri - 9a.m. - 5p.m. Sat - 11 a.m. - 3p.m.* Closed Sun, Mon In this package you will find a sample consultation form. The form will help prepare you for your conversation with our project team members. West Edmonton Information centres There will be information centres set up in communities across the Capital Region to provide stakeholders additional opportunities to meet with project team members at convenient locations and times. Information centres will be opening April 21, 2009. Locations and an initial schedule are shown to the right. Millwoods • Discuss the project with members of the project team and the AESO. Sherwood Park Fort Saskatchewan We would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to provide their input. Sherwood Business Centre Suite 15 2016 Sherwood Drive (Lower level Franklin’s Inn) Tues, Thurs - noon - 8p.m. Wed, Fri - 9a.m. - 5p.m. Sat - 10 a.m. - 2p.m. Closed Sun, Mon Open houses will be held in late spring. Dates, times and locations will be advertised and notices will be distributed to communities near potential route locations. Your comments and suggestions are important to us. Contact information is provided at the end of this newsletter. Best Western Cedar Park Inn 5116 Gateway Blvd. Tues, Thurs - noon - 8p.m. Wed, Fri - 9a.m. - 5p.m. Sat - 10 a.m. - 2p.m. Closed Sun, Mon Following the start of the door-to-door visits and phone calls, we will host open houses in communities across the Capital Region. These sessions will allow stakeholders to: Receive information on the project; and Best Western Westwood Inn 18035 Stony Plain Rd EPCOR room Tues, Thurs - noon - 8p.m. Wed, Fri - 9a.m. - 5p.m. Sat - 10 a.m. - 2p.m. Closed Sun, Mon Open houses • Musee Morinville Museum North of 100 Ave on 101 St Super 8 Hotel 8750-84 Street Boardroom Tues, Thurs - noon - 8p.m. Wed, Fri - 9a.m. - 5p.m. Sat - 10 a.m. - 2p.m. Closed Sun, Mon * Note - Morinville Saturday hours differ from other centres. 6 Glossary of Terms Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO): The AESO is the 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 projects in Alberta. Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC): The AUC is an independent, quasi-judicial agency of the Government of Alberta responsible for ensuring that the delivery of Alberta’s utility services takes place in a manner that is fair, responsible and in the public interest. The AUC ensures that electric facilities are built, operated, and decommissioned in an efficient and environmentally responsible way. AltaLink and EPCOR, the Heartland Project Team, must file an application with the AUC to obtain approval to construct and operate the Heartland Transmission Project. AUC Rule 007: A rule administered by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) that specifies the information requirements and describes the application filing process for alterations to or proposals to construct new power plants, substations and transmission lines. Constraints: Obstacles, either structural or geographical, in a specific area or areas which represent potentially higher impact that should be avoided by a transmission line. Desk top study: Involves the analysis of information gathered from such sources as literature, data bases, maps and previous studies. The types of information gathered include: environmentally significant areas, landscape and geographic information, residential areas, legal limitations, municipal infrastructure and other possible challenges, obstacles and opportunities that exist in different geographic areas. This information is used to identify potential route locations with the least overall impact. Distribution system: A system of electric distribution wires that supply electricity to consumers. Distribution wires are energized at 25 kV or less. Kilovolt (kV): Equal to one thousand volts. This unit of measurement is most commonly used when describing transmission and distribution lines. Distribution and transmission lines in Alberta carry between 4 kV (4,000 volts) and 500 kV (500,000 volts). Facility application (FA): This is the application that the Heartland Project Team will be submitting to the Alberta Utilities Commission for approval to construct and operate the transmission line. The facility application will include information such as technical details, consultation feedback, cost, environmental studies, proposed project schedules and routing options. High voltage transmission line: High voltage electric transmission wires that carry electricity from one point to another. The term includes all support structures and other equipment associated with the wires. For the Heartland Transmission Project double circuit 500kV high voltage towers are proposed. Major aspects: A set of criteria described in AUC Rule 007 which the Heartland Project Team considers in identifying and evaluating potential transmission line locations. Public consultation: A process that allows anyone potentially affected by a particular project to become informed and to ask questions and have them answered, raise concerns and have them addressed, and provide input into the project and have their voices heard. Quarter lines: A legal boundary which divides a one mile by one mile section of rural land into quarters. Each quarter section is 1/2 mile by 1/2 mile in size. Right-of-Way: A strip of land acquired for the construction and operation of a transmission line. Route location: A proposed centerline that will be further examined for routing a transmission line. If approved, only one route will be selected by the AUC for construction. 7 Glossary of Terms - continued Route path: The four general geographic options indicated on the map: west of Edmonton, west TUC, east TUC and east of Edmonton. In each route path are potentially hundreds of route options which could eventually lead to preferred and alternate routes. Setback: An area that will restrict the construction or development of a transmission line. An airport has a setback. Stakeholder: Any individual, organization, group or business that is potentially directly and adversely affected by the Heartland Transmission Project. Landowners, occupants and residents which may be affected by a potential route location. Substation: Substations are the connection point between high-voltage transmission lines and the distribution system found in your community. When power passes through a substation, its voltage is reduced so it can be transported to you through the distribution system. Transportation / Utility Corridor (TUC): In the 1970s, the Government of Alberta designated specific land around the cities of Edmonton and Calgary for future infrastructure such as ring roads, major utilities and pipelines, storm water management facilities and municipal services. For more information about the TUC, please visit the Buildings and Land section of the Alberta Infrastructure website at www.infrastructure.alberta.ca. Guiding principles of stakeholder consultation The project team’s stakeholder consultation program is based on the following principles: • Building ongoing relationships with community citizens through effective consultation, and proactive, open and honest communication. • Ensuring community consultations and dialogue are guided by input received from stakeholders. • Listening to and learning from the community on an ongoing basis. • Maximizing the benefits of EPCOR’s and AltaLink’s operations to the community by working together where possible. Heartland Transmission Project P.O. Box 1547 Edmonton AB T5J 2T6 • Toll-free: 1-888-441-7192 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.heartlandtransmission.ca Effectively addressing community questions, interests, priorities and concerns, and engaging those potentially impacted by the project in a timely manner. • Utilizing stakeholder feedback when making project decisions, where possible and appropriate. • Providing open, suitable communication lines and accessibility to Heartland Transmisson Project information, and actively encouraging feedback. • Monitoring progress and results, and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement of the consultation process as it unfolds. • Meeting or exceeding all applicable regulatory requirements. Voltage: A unit of electric pressure. Contact Us For more information about the Heartland Transmission Project, to provide us with your feedback, to be added to our distribution list, or to meet with us in person, please contact: Cert no. XXX-XXX-XXXX Like you, EPCOR and AltaLink care about the environment and its resources. That’s why we print on FSC paper. EPCOR and AltaLink respect your right to privacy. Any personal information we collect about you including your name, address, phone number and email address, will only be used in regards to the Heartland Transmission Project. For further information, please see EPCOR’s Privacy Policy at www.epcor.ca and AltaLink’s Privacy Policy at www.altalink.ca. 8
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