To build the transmission line with local
interests in mind, the report reflects important feedback from
Indigenous communities, provincial and local government, interest
groups and residents
CHATHAM-KENT, ON, Feb. 5, 2024
/CNW/ - Hydro One Inc. (Hydro One) has submitted the final
Environmental Study Report and Statement of Completion to the
Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks for the
St. Clair Transmission Line project. To ensure the
transmission line is built with local interests in mind, Hydro One
received and responded to important feedback from Indigenous
communities, government agencies, elected officials, interest
groups, residents and affected property owners before submitting
the final report.
"Hydro One is pleased to have reached this important stage in
the planning of this transmission project that will address the
forecasted energy demand and growth in southwest Ontario," said Sonny
Karunakaran, Vice President, Strategic Projects and
Partnerships, Hydro One. "Our team has been listening and working
to ensure local community input is considered in a meaningful way.
We're committed to using construction methods that minimize the
effects of this project in the community and on natural resources
and habitats, including groundwater and agricultural lands."
The final report details engagement during the Class
Environmental Assessment (EA), including the route selection
process. It also identifies potential effects to the natural and
socio-economic environments along with the measures Hydro One will
use to avoid, minimize or restore any negative effects of the
project. Hydro One has made several commitments including:
- Using construction approaches that that limit or avoid effects
to natural habitats, water, agricultural lands and the socio-
economic environment. This includes minimize ground disturbances,
noise and vibrations levels on groundwater sources and water wells
by ensuring tower foundations remain a minimum of 30 feet above the
top aquifer layer.
- Minimizing the inadvertent spread of invasive species and
agricultural pests by replacing lines of trees and plants around
agricultural lands with compatible vegetation after construction
and keeping trees and plants that are not impacted by
construction.
- Continuing to work with property owners to understand the
unique features of their property.
"Hydro One has demonstrated a willingness to work closely with
communities throughout this process by actively listening to our
comments and providing mitigation measures, when possible,"
said Darrin Canniff, Mayor of Chatham-Kent. "We look
forward to working together to make progress on this critical
project to help meet the increasing energy needs of our community
and position Chatham-Kent for
future growth."
"Our township and communities are growing. We're pleased to see
the community come together to provide Hydro One with the feedback
they need to build this critical project that will ensure residents
in St. Clair have reliable power, now and in the future," said
Jeff Agar, Mayor of St. Clair
Township.
The St. Clair Transmission Line is a proposed new double-circuit
230 kilovolt transmission line between the Lambton Transformer
Station (TS) in St. Clair Township and the Chatham Switching
Station (SS) in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. As part of
the Class EA, the expansion of Lambton TS and Chatham SS is also
proposed, as well as an upgrade to the Wallaceburg Transformer
Station which will increase the transmission reliability and
resiliency for the Wallaceburg area. The line is
expected to be in service in 2028. The project is part of
a network of infrastructure projects across
southwest Ontario that will unlock the electrification
potential of Ontario's economy and help address
forecasted energy demand in the region.
As part of the project, Hydro One has offered five First Nations
in the region 50 per cent equity ownership in the transmission line
component of the project and is committed to working to advance the
project in partnership.
To read the final report visit St. Clair Transmission
Line Project | Hydro One.
Hydro One Limited (TSX: H)
Hydro One Limited, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is
Ontario's largest electricity
transmission and distribution provider with approximately 1.5
million valued customers, approximately $31.5 billion in assets as at December 31, 2022, and annual revenues in 2022 of
approximately $7.8 billion.
Our team of approximately 9,300 skilled and dedicated employees
proudly build and maintain a safe and reliable electricity system
which is essential to supporting strong and successful communities.
In 2022, Hydro One invested approximately $2.1 billion in its transmission and distribution
networks, and supported the economy through buying approximately
$1.9 billion of goods and
services.
We are committed to the communities where we live and work
through community investment, sustainability and diversity
initiatives. We are designated as a Sustainable Electricity Leader™
by Electricity Canada.
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SOURCE Hydro One Limited