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Home > In Your Community > New Projects > Transmission System Projects
New Projects Transmission System Projects Nobel Station What's New - April 2008 Download the final Class EA Environmental Study Report (PDF 3.7 MB) for the Nobel Station project. Project Background & Need The existing high-voltage transmission system between Sudbury and Barrie
is currently, just adequate to meet today's power transfer needs. The
system has no capacity to accommodate increased generation. The development of major renewable energy generation in northern Ontario
has created a need to increase the capacity of this high-voltage transmission
system to deliver more electricity between northern and southern Ontario.
This need was identified by the Independent Electricity System Operator
in its June 2006 Ontario
Reliability Outlook and confirmed by the Ontario
Power Authority. To address this need, Hydro One proposes to build a new transmission
station at the midpoint of the two existing 500-kV transmission lines
between Hanmer Transformer Station (TS) in Sudbury and Essa TS outside
of Barrie. The proposed Nobel Station will increase the flow of electricity
between northern Ontario and southern Ontario by about 600 megawatts.
The proposed in-service date is September 2009. Together with the extension
of the generation rejection scheme in the northeast, the capability of
the existing lines will be increased by up to 1000 MW. Alternative Sites In 1988, Ontario Hydro (predecessor of Hydro One) undertook a site selection
and environmental assessment for a proposed switching station to increase
power transfer capability of the two 500-kV transmission lines along the
the 500 kV transmission corridor connecting Hamner TS in Sudbury and Essa
TS outside of Barrie. Following a consultation process with municipal
officials, provincial agencies, directly affected landowners and the general
public, a preferred location was selected based on a comparison of the
technical, environmental and landuse characteristics of seven locations.
Although the project was approved and the property purchased by Ontario
Hydro, the proposed Nobel Switching Station was not constructed since
the forecast load growth did not materialize and generation development
in the North was uncertain at that time. For more information, read the
1988
Nobel Switching Station Class EA Report (PDF 4.1 MB). Preferred Site The proposed Nobel Station would be located on Hydro One property in the Municipality of McDougall, approximately 700 metres south of the community of Waubamik and about 6 km southwest of the community of Nobel. The location of the station was chosen near Parry Sound (approximately 20 km to the south) as this is the midpoint between Sudbury and Barrie and the optimal location for improving the transmission flow from north to south. The station would be approximately 4 hectares in size. Proposed Nobel Station Site Relocation Subsequent to the Public Information Centre held on December
7, 2006 and initiation of the 60-day draft ESR review period, Hydro One
staff has had an opportunity to revisit the proposed Nobel Station site
area. Based on public input and additional technical information, Hydro
One proposes to relocate the proposed Nobel Station from directly adjacent
to transmission tower 401 further north (approximately 250 metres) to
a location of lower gradient between transmission towers 401 and 400.
In addition, the station equipment will be situated on two adjacent footprints
as shown on the map below. This relocation further increases the distance
between the proposed Nobel Station and the nearest residence, eliminates
its visibility from the Hydro One right-of-way on the top of grade on
the south side of Kirkham Road (and from adjacent residential property
on Kirkham Road) and takes advantage of flatter terrain, eliminating the
need to blast bedrock outcrops and minimizing the use of fill material
and grading.
Access Road Analysis and Selection of Preferred Route As indicated in the draft ESR, initially three potential access routes were being considered. All are existing roads/trails which are accessible from Kirkham Road:
Direct access from Kirkham Road (at the point where the Hydro One eastern
transmission line intersects the road) was rejected as an option due to
the need for blasting and associated effects on nearby residents; potential
interference with a major snowmobile trail; and the potential for increased
entry to the Hydro One property by unauthorized traffic directly from
Kirkham Road. The Pete's Hill Road access was rejected as an option due to the potential
conflict with CN railway operations (immediately adjacent to the south
of the route), the presence of a steep grade, the need for significant
upgrading of the road and the greater route length. Access using Fire Route 208 is the preferred option since the road is
in good condition and requires the least upgrading. Further access to
the north to the Nobel Station site would be provided by the Hydro One
western transmission line corridor which will also facilitate tapping
operations between the proposed Nobel Station and the western transmission
line. The proposed access road from the western transmission line corridor
through the forested area to the station will also provide for greater
security from unauthorized entry since it is more remote and a greater
distance from Kirkham Road. Entry to the site will be further restricted
at the right-of-way/forested area interface. Proposed Transmission Facilities The proposed Nobel Station (see picture
of similar station) will enable Hydro One to maximize the use of the
existing transmission lines. It will also help to supply the Province
of Ontario with clean and affordable renewable energy. Major station equipment will include:
Stakeholder Consultation Hydro One is seeking public feedback on the proposed location of Nobel
Station. Our Public Information Centre (PIC) will provide you with an
opportunity to review display panels and maps describing the proposed
Nobel Station and the Class EA process; to comment on the proposed project;
and to learn about the next steps in the approval process.
Environmental Approval Process Hydro One has initiated an Environmental Assessment (EA) in accordance
with the Class
Environmental Assessment for Minor Transmission Facilities. The Class
EA process falls under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act
and is an effective way of ensuring that minor transmission projects that
have a predictable range of effects are planned and carried out in a manner
which is environmentally acceptable. Following a consultation process with members of the public, government
agencies and municipalities, a draft Environmental Study Report (ESR)
is made available for stakeholder review and comment for a 30-day period.
If no concerns are expressed during the 30-day review period, the project
is considered to be acceptable. The final ESR is filed with the Ministry
of the Environment and approval is granted. If concerns are expressed during the 30-day review period, Hydro One
will attempt to resolve them to complete the EA process. If Hydro One
cannot satisfy all of the concerns, a stakeholder may submit a "bump-up"
request for an individual Environmental Assessment of the proposed undertaking.
Hydro One will then consider whether a re-designation of the project is
appropriate, and send its response, the draft ESR and the individual's
bump-up request to the Minister of the Environment for a decision as to
whether or not the project requires an Individual EA or if the project
should be approved as proposed. Next Steps The planning and analysis for the proposed project site is documented
in Hydro One's Draft Environmental Study Report (ESR). The ESR is available
for a 60-day public review period starting on January 5, 2007. Copies
are available for download below, or can be obtained from your local public
library or municipal office.
For more information, please contact: Heather Zhang |
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