|
Home > In Your Community > New Projects > Transmission System Projects
Why is the new line required?
How long is the proposed route?
How did the Ontario Power Authority decide on this route?
Is my community affected by the new line?
Can the new line be accommodated on the existing 500kV corridor?
How much land is required to build the new line? Why?
On which side of the existing corridor will the new line
be built?
How did you decide on which side of the existing corridor
the new line would be constructed?
How will Hydro One obtain the property necessary to widen
the transmission corridor?
What is the process for property acquisition?
If my property is affected by the new line, how will I be
compensated?
The new tower will destroy my view and decrease my property
value. How will Hydro One compensate me for this loss?
Why does Hydro One need early access to my land? The project
isn't approved yet so why should I let them on?
Ontario Hydro purchased my property for the first line over
30 years ago. My preference is that you purchase the property you need
outright rather than take an easement. Is this an option?
As an affected property owner, when can I expect to hear
directly from Hydro One to discuss my property issues?
What happens if my land is required for the new line and
I refuse to negotiate the use of my land?
When will the expropriation process begin?
Can you build the line underground for the length of the
route, or at least in sensitive areas?
How much forested land will be cut for the new transmission
line?
Will Hydro One replant where it has cut trees?
What types of trees will be replanted?
Who gets to keep the cut wood?
Can I cut my own woodlot?
Who will Hydro One be consulted with during the approval
processes?
How will trucks and cranes access the right-of-way to build
the transmission line?
Will tile drainage be damaged?
Will I be compensated for crop damage?
How will environmentally sensitive areas be protected?
The new towers will be even closer to my house. Could another
ice storm topple them onto my home or me?
Should I be concerned about electric and magnetic fields
(EMF)?
Does Hydro One practice "prudent avoidance" and/or
follow the "precautionary principle" like so many other jurisdictions
around the world?
What approvals are required to build the line?
If approved, when will construction begin and how long will
it take?
What is the cost for the project?
Who is paying for this? Will my hydro bill go up?
What is an Environmental Assessment?
What's the Ontario Energy Board's (OEB) role?
Can increased energy conservation eliminate the need for
the line?
I just read that Bruce Power launched its EA process for
a new build in Kincardine. Is this line needed to allow for further expansion
of the Bruce Power facility?
Will communities along the line benefit or is this just
a way to get energy to the GTA?
Aren't you concerned about losing all the lines along the
Bruce to Milton corridor?
Can I participate in the planning and approval process for
the new line?
How can I find out more and get involved?
Where are your Public Information Centres being held?
Why is the new line required?
The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) determined the new line is needed to
deliver additional power generation from the Bruce area to southern Ontario.
The Bruce nuclear generating station began a project in 2004 to refurbish
units Bruce A and unit 1 and 2, which are currently not operating. In
addition, agreements are in place to bring a number of planned wind power
projects online over the next few years in the Bruce area, which have
a combined capacity of more than 700 megawatts The OPA has also determined
that there is potential for a further 1,000 megawatts of wind power that
could be developed in this area.
How long is the proposed route?
The line is approximately 180 km.
How did the Ontario Power Authority decide on this
route?
After careful consideration of route alternatives, the OPA determined
that routing the new line along a direct path from the Bruce area to the
GTA was preferred, and the Bruce to Milton option was found to have technical
advantages over other direct route options. As well, utilizing existing
transmission rights of way rather than developing new corridors reflects
provincial land use policy (Provincial Policy Statement (PPS)) and would
be expected to minimize potential effects and require less time for approval.
Is my community affected by the new line?
The new 500 kV transmission line will follow the existing line from the
Bruce Power Complex in Kincardine to Milton. The communities affected
include:
- Kincardine
- Brockton
- Hanover
- Southgate
- West Grey
- Wellington North
- East Luther Grand Valley
- Erin
- East Garafraxa
- Halton Hills
- Milton.
Can the new line be accommodated on the existing 500
kV corridor?
No. The existing corridor is not wide enough to accommodate a new 500
kV line.
How much land is required to build the new line? Why?
The new transmission line will be built adjacent to the existing line
to avoid the need to establish new rights of way. The line will require
a widening of the corridor by approximately 53 - 61 m (175 - 200 feet).
The width is required to meet safety and security standards.
On which side of the existing corridor will the new
line be built?
Hydro One is currently proposing to build the new line on the north side
of the corridor between Bruce and Colbeck Junction (west of Orangeville);
and on the east side from Colbeck Jct. to Milton.
How did
you decide on which side of the existing corridor the new line would be
constructed?
The north and east side of the corridor were selected as the reference
route for largely technical and economic reasons. The line must exit the
Bruce Power Facility on the north side to avoid crossing over the Bruce
to Longwood 500 kV line. Crossovers are technically challenging to build,
create system security issues and are costly therefore one of our objectives
was to limit the crossings of existing transmission lines.
A preliminary review of environmental factors indicated that there were
no significant differences between the north and south, or east and west
sides; however, this decision will be confirmed by the EA. A high level
environmental evaluation (i.e. without benefit of consultation, field
surveys, etc) showed no significant differences between north-south and
east-west alignments. We recognize that the EA process may bring to light
new information that could cause us to reconsider the route alignment.
Based on current information and analysis, these measures may not and
in fact appear unlikely to result in a complete switch from north to south
or east to west.
How will Hydro One obtain the property necessary to
widen the transmission corridor?
Widening the transmission corridor makes it necessary for Hydro One
to obtain additional easement rights and, in a limited number of cases,
to purchase properties. We appreciate that construction activities and
the need to acquire additional lands rights can be inconvenient and disruptive
to owners, and we want to assure property owners that we will work with
you to minimize any disruption. Hydro One will deal with affected property
owners in a fair, open and consistent manner.
Due to the extensive scale of the project – approximately 400 landowners
– and the need to meet the critical in-service date for the line,
Hydro One will be initiating expropriation through the Ontario Energy
Board Act and the Expropriations Act. The expropriation process balances
landowner rights with the need for essential services such as electricity,
and also safeguards owner appeal rights and assures a fair compensation
process.
What is the process for property
acquisition?
We appreciate that construction activities and our need for additional
lands rights can be inconvenient and disruptive to owners, and we want
to assure you that we will work with you to minimize any disruption. Due
to the extensive scale of the project (i.e. approximately 400 landowners)
and to meet the critical in service dates for the line, Hydro One will
be initiating discussions with property owners, as well as expropriation
through the Ontario Energy Board Act and the Expropriations
Act. The expropriation process balances landowner rights with the
need for essential services such as electricity, and also safeguards owner
appeal rights and assures a fair compensation process.
An independent, third party, accredited appraisers will begin the appraisal
process starting in mid-2007. Please note that property owners may not
see the appraiser right away given the number of properties that must
be evaluated.
If my property is affected
by the new line, how will I be compensated?
Directly affected property owners will be contacted by a Hydro One contracted
independent appraiser, and a property agent to discuss compensation and
other project-related issues this summer. Several factors are considered
when determining compensation. Whether the interest being sold is an easement
or buy-out, compensation is based on the market value of the land.
The new tower will destroy
my view and decrease my property value. How will Hydro One compensate
me for this loss?
We appreciate that the construction of new transmission lines can be temporarily
disruptive to people living close by. Hydro One, like all public agencies,
does not compensate non-affected property owners. Hydro One will only
pay compensation where properties are affected, and new or additional
land rights are required. During construction of the new line, we will
work with the local community to ensure that any project effects are mitigated
to the extent possible.
Why does Hydro One need early
access to my land? The project isn't approved so why should I let them
on?
Early access would allow Hydro One and its representatives to get on your
property to undertake a number of activities including field and legal
surveys and soil testing during 2007 and 2008. It is necessary that we
start this work now to allow us to meet the in-service date of 2011. These
activities are largely non-intrusive, but you would be compensated for
any damage to your property. These activities will provide information
for the EA, OEB and expropriation processes.
Once the Early Access to land application is approved, it is legislation,
and Hydro One will have the legal right to go onto your land. You will
be notified once the approval is granted. It is Hydro One's practice to
contact landowners prior to entering their property and we will make every
effort to contact you before we begin work on your land.
Ontario Hydro purchased my
property for the first line over 30-years ago. My preference is that you
purchase the property you need outright rather than take an easement.
Is this an option?
Hydro One is not in the business of acquiring property and we want to
ensure that as much land as possible remains in farm operations. Therefore,
Hydro One plans to acquire easements on land for the new line, and in
a limited number of cases, purchase properties where buildings are located
within the expanded corridor.
We will however, consider purchasing "strips of land" rather
than acquiring easements for those properties where Ontario Hydro had
purchased land for the first 500 kV line. In addition, we would only do
this if there is a consensus among landowners within a specific municipality
for purchases, and provided that the severances created are acceptable
to the municipality. When Hydro One acquires an easement, you as the landowner
retain ownership of the property and you can continue to use the land
on the corridor for farming, with the exception of the land under the
tower.
As an affected property owner,
when can I expect to hear directly from Hydro One to discuss my property
issues?
Hydro One is committed to treating affected property owners in a fair,
consistent and open manner. Our representatives will be contacting each
property owner this summer to discuss the project and property compensation.
As a first step, we mailed affected property owners a letter and newsletter
notifying them about the project in late March. A second package was mailed
on behalf of the Ontario Energy Board on April 23, 2007 containing a Notice
that Hydro One had filed a leave to construct application and early access
to land application for the Bruce to Milton line. Hydro One public information
centres were published in fifteen newspapers along the line; and OEB ads
also appeared in local papers. The Bruce to Milton newsletter was also
distributed via Canada Post unaddressed Ad mail to over 20,000 homes and
business in the vicinity of the line.
What happens if my land is
required for the new line and I refuse to negotiate the use of my land?
Property agents will be contacting you to discuss all the aspects
surrounding the project and the acquisition of land and we can discuss
your concerns in more detail at that time. Hydro One is seeking approvals
to expropriate easement rights for the new line.
When will the expropriation
process begin?
Hydro One will not file a plan of expropriation until it has received
Environmental Assessment Act approval which we anticipated will
occur in fall 2008. In the meantime, we will begin discussions/negotiations
with landowners.
Can you build the line underground for the length
of the route, or at least in sensitive areas?
Hydro One's policy is to build all high-voltage transmission lines
above ground. This is standard construction practice in Ontario and throughout
the world. The cost of placing transmission lines underground is prohibitive,
often costing five to seven times the cost of constructing an overhead
line, and underground lines are more difficult to maintain. Increased
use of underground facilities would have a negative impact on electricity
rates within the Province. Hydro One will consider placing a transmission
line underground only if there are technical constraints that prevents
the construction of an overhead line, or if in a particular area the cost
of constructing an overhead line exceeds the cost of placing the line
underground.
There are other factors that Hydro One considers when constructing new
transmission lines. While underground facilities are protected from the
elements, a fault on an underground circuit can take longer to isolate
and repair. In addition, the trenching involved in burying transmission
cable can be more disruptive in environmentally sensitive areas and agricultural
lands than overhead towers.
How much forested land will be cut for the new transmission
line?
We currently estimate that approximately 250 hectares (620 acres)
will be cut. Forestry crews selectively cut trees from the right-of-way,
but shrubs and low-growing trees will be retained where possible. The
right-of-way will then be stabilized with a cover crop following cutting.
All trees which will, at maturity, grow within 6 meters of the conductor
(in practice 95% of trees) will be cut for the new line. The remaining
5% of trees are "selected" for retention. These are important
because they are often in environmentally sensitive valleys or along fencerows
(windbreaks).
Will Hydro One replant where it has cut trees?
Hydro One's policy is to replace forested land on an area-for-area
basis. Reforestation decisions are typically made in consultation with
property owners and the conservation authorities.
In sensitive valley lands, ESA's, the Greenbelt and the Niagara Escarpment
Commission Planning Area, screening, erosion control and/or habitat restoration
plantings may be required with compatible native trees and shrubs on the
right-of-way. Landscaping may also be done to screen towers within the
foreground of an adjacent property and at significant road and river crossings.
These plantings may be done on the right-of-way or on the owner's property,
if this is mutually agreeable, to further reduce the impact of the transmission
facility.
What types of trees will be replanted?
Hydro One replants only native species. Species will be selected based
on owner preference, characteristics of the planting site and availability.
One- to two-year-old seedlings will be planted.
Who gets to keep the cut wood?
As a landowner, you can choose to be compensated for the standing timber
value and Hydro One then retains ownership of wood and "wood salvage"
is included as part of the cutting contract. You can however still negotiate
your own deal with the cutting contractor to purchase firewood for your
own use.
Alternatively, you can elect to retain ownership of wood (I.e., tree
length size) and our contractor will pile the wood on your property just
off the right of way.
Can I cut my own woodlot?
No. Landowners cannot cut their own woodlot due to safety concerns (live
lines) and existing collective agreements with our unions.
Who will Hydro One be consulted with during the approval
processes?
Hydro One is committed to providing a fair, open and transparent consultation
process. We do not have approval for this project and you will have numerous
opportunities to provide meaningful input to the process through the Ontario
Energy Board and Environmental Assessment process.
We are consulting with affected landowners who have residences and businesses
in the vicinity of the route, government agencies, municipal officials
and interest groups. We are also consulting with Aboriginal peoples.
Public notices related to the project were posted in local newspapers
along the route. Over 20,000 project newsletters were sent to homes and
businesses. Public information centres are being held at various locations
along the route, and one-on-one meetings have been and will continue to
be held with interested groups. A web site has been established where
up-to-date information will be posted and comments can be submitted, and
a toll-free project hotline (1-877-345-6799) has been established to receive
your input.
How will trucks and cranes access the right-of-way
to build the transmission line?
Crews will construct temporary gravel access roads to each tower.
These roads will prevent rutting and soil compaction. A tough geo-textile
plastic is placed on the ground prior to dumping gravel to keep topsoil
and gravel separate and to reduce soil compaction.
Will tile drainage be damaged?
Tile drains are avoided where possible. Gravel roads usually offer sufficient
protection, but main drains can be protected with extra gravel or steel
plates. If drains are damaged, they are promptly repaired.
Will I be compensated for crop damage?
Yes.
How will environmentally sensitive areas be protected?
Environmentally sensitive areas are identified early in the planning process
and avoided if possible. Hydro One works with stakeholders to develop
plans to mitigate any residual impacts. Typical measures include, careful
mapping and avoidance of sensitive features, appropriate timing of construction
activities, selective removal of vegetation, and effective erosion and
sediment control plans.
The new towers will be even
closer to my house. Could another ice storm topple them onto my home or
me?
It is extremely unlikely that a tower will damage your home or put your
personal safety at risk. Hydro One Networks conforms to CSA standards.
Tower failure is rare and tends to result from severe weather conditions.
Towers are designed to fail in a specific way. There is a design point
or bend line on each tower whereby the tower will fold well above the
ground, and will not topple like a tree cut from the base. Therefore,
in the rare occurrence where a tower does fail, it will stay within the
Right of Way (ROW). This was the case in the tower failures during the
1998 Ice Storm. Because the towers are designed in this manner, comparing
tower height to the distance from a home to a tower does not provide a
reasonable estimate for where or how a tower might land in the unlikely
event that it did fall.
Should I be concerned about
electric and magnetic fields (EMF)?
In addressing health issues, Hydro One looks to the scientific
expertise of organizations such as Health Canada and the World Health
Organization to assess the scientific studies and provide advice and guidance.
Health Canada monitors scientific research on EMFs and human health as
part of its mission to help Canadians maintain and improve their health.
Health Canada's recent conclusion about EMF is that "there is
no compelling scientific evidence that EMF in living and school environments,
regardless of locations from power transmission lines, cause ill health
such as cancer." [Health Canada comments on VITR Project Application,
September 2006]
The Canadian Federal-Provincial-Territorial Radiation Protection Committee
similarly concluded in 2005 that "adverse health effects from
exposure to power-frequency EMFs, at levels normally encountered in homes,
schools and offices, have not been established." [FPTRPC Position
Statement, January 2005]
Similarly, the World Health Organization says that "current evidence
does not confirm the existence of any health consequences from exposure
to low level electromagnetic fields." [WHO website 2007]
All stakeholders have the opportunity to raise concerns regarding EMF
exposure via the Ministry of the Environment Environmental Assessment
(EA) and Ontario Energy Board processes.
Does Hydro One practice "prudent avoidance"
and/or follow the "precautionary principle", like in so many
other jurisdictions around the world?
Even though there is no scientific basis to conclude that EMF cause adverse
health effects, Hydro One has adopted certain "precautionary"
measures which are consistent with the recommendations of Health Canada
and the World Health Organization. These include: (1) monitoring scientific
developments, (2) supporting research on EMF and (3) providing information
about EMF to our customers. Read additional background information:
- The WHO's "Framework to Develop Precautionary Measures in Areas
of Scientific Uncertainty" (http://www.who.int/peh-emf/publications/reports/en/precautionary_framework_october2004.pdf),
specifies that given the "desire by society to err on the safe
side, it seems likely that only very low-cost measures will be justified".
- "The application of the precautionary principle with respect
to power frequency EMF should involve low-cost or no-cost measures,
where feasible, but should not involve lowering exposures at all cost"
(Comments by the Electromagnetics Division, Consumer & Clinical
Radiation Protection Bureau, Health Canada on the VITR Project Application
Report EMF Health Impact Assessment).
What approvals are required to build the line?
Hydro One's job as the province's electricity transmitter is to obtain
all necessary approvals to allow construction and operation of the line.
The project is subject to both the Environmental Assessment (EA) Act and
Ontario Energy Board (OEB) approvals. The company will initiate the EA
process and will file a Section 92 (leave to construct) application with
the OEB simultaneously to meet the service date for the line. Hydro One
is committed to open consultation throughout the required approvals process.
The new line will require a widening of the existing transmission corridor
of 53m - 61 m (175 - 200 feet). Hydro One will need to obtain additional
easement rights and in a limited number of cases purchase entire landowner
property holdings.
If approved, when will construction begin and how
long will it take?
Hydro One expects to receive approvals to begin the construction of the
line in fall 2008. Construction would begin in late 2008 in areas where
no new land rights are required. On the majority of the line, construction
would begin in mid-2009 after required property rights are attained, and
take about three years to complete.
What is the cost for the project?
The capital cost for the project is estimated to be more than $600 million
dollars.
Who is paying for this? Will my hydro bill go up?
The cost of operating and maintaining electricity transmission facilities
and building new transmission infrastructure is borne by all electricity
consumers in Ontario and is reflected on each electricity bill as part
of the Delivery Charge. Hydro One must seek approval from the Ontario
Energy Board (OEB) to construct new transmission lines and pass these
costs on to the consumer. The OEB examines Hydro One's proposed projects
with a view to ensuring an adequate supply of electricity for Ontario
and a reasonable cost for the province's electricity consumers.
What is an Environmental Assessment?
Environmental Assessment (EA) is a decision-making process used to promote
good environmental planning by assessing the potential effects of certain
activities on the environment. The EA Act ensures that environmental problems
or opportunities are considered and their effects are planned for before
construction takes place.
The EA for the new transmission line will focus on the transmission route
from the Bruce Nuclear Power Complex to the Milton Switching Station (SS).
It will consider design alternatives (e.g. tower and access route locations)
as well as measures to avoid and minimize effects. It will also identify
advantages and disadvantages and net effects of the project.
What's the Ontario Energy Board's (OEB) role?
The OEB is the regulator of Ontario's natural gas and electricity industries.
The OEB's role is to review a transmissions project's effect on consumers
with respect to prices, reliability and quality of electricity service.
It would approve construction of this transmission line.
Can increased energy conservation eliminate the need
for the line?
The Ontario Power Authority considered conservation and demand management
(CDM) strategies during the development of its Integrated Power System
Plan (IPSP) for Ontario and found that although CDM efforts will continue,
population growth and economic growth will result in an increased need
for electricity for Ontarians and new generation is necessary.
I just read that Bruce Power launched its EA process
for a new build in Kincardine. Is this line needed to allow for further
expansion of the Bruce Power facility?
The Bruce to Milton project does not address future transmission capacity
required as a result of new developments at the Bruce plant. The proposed
Bruce to Milton transmission line will have capacity to accommodate the
committed and future wind and the restart of the two laid-up Bruce nuclear
units.
While it is premature to comment on future routes, a new station, along
with the line at the Bruce Facility would require Canadian Environmental
Assessment Act approval.
Will communities along the line benefit or is this
just a way to get energy to the GTA?
The OPA has indicated that line will provide emission free power from
renewable sources and the Bruce Power units to all of southern Ontario.
Hydro One, as a publicly owned company, is responsible for developing
and maintaining an efficient and reliable electricity transmission network
to service the people and businesses of Ontario. As long as we are successful
at what we do, our economy can continue to grow, and when our economy
grows we all benefit.
Aren't you concerned about losing all the lines along
the Bruce to Milton corridor?
The new Bruce to Milton line would not expose the Province's transmission
network to any more risks than other corridors in Ontario. It is not uncommon
to find two high voltage tower lines running parallel on the same corridor.
From system security perspective, a wider separation between transmission
lines is preferred; however this must be balanced with other consideration
when planning new lines such as land use impacts, provincial land use
policies, and in-service dates. For major events, such as hurricanes and
tornados, the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) would have
the technology to track and monitor severe weather events/conditions.
They would also take the appropriate actions in advance to mitigate the
consequences.
Can I participate in the planning and approval process
for the new line?
You will have many opportunities to participate in the planning and approvals
for the line, which is expected to take approximately two years. The project
is subject to environmental assessment process which requires public consultation
at each stage in the process.
A project website www.HydroOneNetworks.com/BrucetoMilton
has been established where up-to-date information will be posted and comments
can be submitted, and a toll-free project hotline has been established
to receive your input at 1-877-345-6799. You can learn more about opportunities
for participation on the website.
How can I find out more and get involved?
The best way to find out more is to attend a Public Information Centre
(PIC) in your area. You can also call us toll-free at 1-877-345-6799 (local
calls: 416-345-6799); or reach us by e-mail at: Community.Relations@HydroOne.com
Project Website: www.HydroOneNetworks.com/BrucetoMilton
Where are your Public Information Centres being held?
Monday, April 30, 2007
4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Best Western Governor's Inn
Kincardine, Ontario |
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Aquatic Centre Auditorium
Hanover, Ontario |
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Egremont Optimist Centre
Holstein, Ontario |
Thursday, May 3, 2007
4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Community Hall
Marsville, Ontario |
|
|
|
|
|
Monday, May 7, 2007
4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Community Centre, Grand River Rm
Grand Valley, Ontario |
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Community Centre, Shamrock Rm
Erin, Ontario |
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Royal Canadian Legion
Acton, Ontario |
|
|
