Wataynikaneyap Power (Wataynikaneyap) has initiated a provincial Environmental Assessment (EA) for the New Transmission Line to Pickle Lake Project (the Project). The proposed Project will include a 230 kV transmission line that will extend approximately 300 km to Pickle Lake, a transformer station at Pickle Lake and a connection facility at Dinorwic or Ignace. The first step in the EA process is the preparation of a Terms of Reference (ToR). The ToR sets out the proponent’s framework and work plan for the EA.
In September 2012, a Draft ToR was distributed for review by agencies, interested persons including First Nation and Métis communities, other Aboriginal groups, and traditional land-based rights holders. Open Houses and meetings were also completed to seek input on the Draft ToR, including the preliminary corridor routing analysis and criteria and indicators. On May 10, 2013 Wataynikaneyap submitted a Final ToR to the MOE, which took into consideration comments received on the Draft ToR. The Final ToR was distributed for review and comments were submitted to the MOE and Wataynikaneyap.
Based on comments received on the Final ToR, particularly with respect to focusing the EA on a single corridor (Dinorwic [east of Dryden] to Pickle Lake), Wataynikaneyap elected to take a timeout period during this review process to amend the Final ToR. The Amended ToR unfocuses the EA and includes the following corridors:
The preliminary proposed corridor and corridor alternatives will be assessed in the EA Report. The EA will determine the potential environmental effects for all three corridors. A routing analysis will compare the three corridors using the results of the EA, as well as cost and constructability and technical criteria. This analysis will identify a preferred corridor for the transmission line.
Your feedback is important to us and an important part of this process. Wataynikaneyap is now requesting comments on the Amended ToR. More information, including the Amended ToR can be found under Environmental Assessment - Documents & Reports.
The comment period will be from April 3, 2014 to May 2, 2014