Slide 1: Supply to Essex County Class Environmental Assessment
Hydro One Networks Supply to Essex County Class Environmental Assessment Yury Tsimberg Manager, Asset Strategies & Standards Brian McCormick, Manager, Environmental Services & Approvals March 4, 2008 1
Slide 2: Purpose of this Meeting
Purpose of this Meeting • Introduce an upcoming Class Environmental Assessment (EA) project for new electricity transmission infrastructure in Essex County • Seek your input on the proposed facilities and study areas • Become acquainted with you and local issues • Invite you to participate in the Cl
Slide 3: Who is Hydro One?
Who is Hydro One? • Owner / operator of Ontario’s high voltage transmission network, serving large industrial users & local distribution companies (LDCs) • Distribution network serves 1.3 million customers mainly in rural and small urban communities, incl. smaller LDCs • Province of Ontario is sole
Slide 4: Hydro One's Role in System Development
Hydro One’s Role in System Development • Implement transmission solutions • Obtain Ministry of Environment and Ontario Energy Board approvals as required for new facilities or facility upgrades • Conduct public and stakeholder consultation in accordance with Environmental Assessment Act requirements
Slide 5: The Need for New Transmission Infrastructure
The Need for New Transmission Infrastructure • Need for new transmission capacity in the Windsor – Essex region confirmed by Ontario Power Authority in consultation with local distribution companies and Hydro One 5
Slide 6: Supply to Essex County Class Environmental Assessment Project
Supply to Essex County Class Environmental Assessment Project • First of two projects Hydro One will undertake to address identified needs in Essex County • A new transformer station (TS) and associated transmission line facilities or upgrades are required to relieve overloading of the 115 kV circui
Slide 7: Option 1
Option 1 Study Area for Alternative 1 Supply to Essex County: COUNTY:RD 22 a Belle River COUNTY:RD 2 Existing Transmission Lines COUNTY RD 34 eo 3 NOTRE DAME ST £ y BELLE RIVER TS & 74 a § j meague 3. | " = 8 8 3 | \—e a a | | BELLE RIVER JCT 2 8 LAUZON TS % DIVISION RO ~ cs COUNTY:RD 42 a & ; *, &
Slide 8: Option 2
Option 2 Supply to Essex County: Study Area for Alternative 2 Ward Juuso? a FOUNTW'RD 22 Belle River recumsen Ro—~_3 " e\ % NOTRE DAME ST & 2 COUNTYRD 2: ve BELLE RIVER TS = a me 5. : en LAUZON TS DIVISION RO. _ BELLERIVERSCT fw 5 é a e 5 8 oe 2 4 WOODSLEEJCT == cABANARD A o 3 a § 1 CUsty, 3 Z ; ——3
Slide 9: Project Approval Requirements
Project Approval Requirements • Ontario Environmental Assessment Act – The facilities are subject to provincial Environmental Assessment Act approval in accordance with the Class Environmental Assessment for Minor Transmission Facilities • Ontario Energy Board Act – “Leave to Construct” approval is
Slide 10: Target Project Timelines
Target Project Timelines • Initiate Class EA March/April 2008 and Public Consultation • Identify Preferred Spring 2008 Transmission Option • Identify preferred TS site Spring/Summer 2008 and transmission line route • Anticipated Class EA and Fall 2008 OEB approvals • Start of construction Spring 200
Slide 11: Class EA Process
Class EA Process • In 1978, a Class EA for minor transmission facilities was developed and approved by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE) and implemented by the former Ontario Hydro. The Class EA was updated in 1992. • The Class EA process is an effective way of ensuring that minor transm
Slide 12: Class EA Process (continued)
Class EA Process (continued) • If no concerns are expressed during the public review period, the project is considered acceptable. Hydro One then files a final ESR with the MOE and approval is granted. • If concerns are expressed during the review period, Hydro One will attempt to resolve them in or
Slide 13: Environmental Planning Process
Environmental Planning Process • The potential effects of the project will be identified during project planning and design as part of the Class EA process, including potential effects on the: – Natural Environment – Cultural Environment – Agricultural Environment – Socio-economic Environment • Key
Slide 14: Development of Criteria
Development of Criteria • Consider potential effects of the project on the components of the environment • Develop evaluation criteria and indicators where applicable 14
Slide 15: Examples of Evaluation Criteria
Examples of Evaluation Criteria • Natural environment – Environmentally significant areas (significant habitat, species at risk); forest resources (wooded areas) • Cultural environment – Built heritage (built and landscape features) • Agricultural environment – Soil capability and land use; specialt
Slide 16: Public Consultation Process
Public Consultation Process • Notification of study commencement on-going communication with municipal officials, potentially- affected property owners and other key stakeholders (e.g. government agencies, MPPs, First Nations and interested groups) throughout the EA and OEB approvals processes • Int
Slide 17: Scheduled Public Consultation Activities
Scheduled Public Consultation Activities • Project announcement in local newspapers – After Easter weekend • Public Information Centres (PICs) at key stages – First round of PICs in mid-April – Second round when preferred option is determined • Opportunity for public participation in Ontario Energy
Slide 18: How can you help?
How can you help? • Contribute planning/land use data and other information to assist project team in evaluating the project options • Provide property owners mailing information to assist with public notification • Participate at public information centres in your communities • Contact members of t