VANCOUVER ISLAND
TRANSMISSION REINFORCEMENT PROJECT
ARNOTT SUBSTATION, DELTA, B.C.
TO
VANCOUVER ISLAND TERMINAL, DUNCAN, B.C.
Submitted to:
British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office
2nd Floor - 836 Yates Street
Victoria, B.C. V8W lL8
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
320 - 727 West Hastings Street
Sinclair Centre
Vancouver, B.C. 6C 1A1
Prepared by:
Rev. 4
January 2005
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section
Subject
Page
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................iv
Project Objectives ......................................................................................................iv
Project Components.................................................................................................... v
Project Schedule and Staging....................................................................................vii
Environmental Assessment....................................................................................... viii
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS......................................................................................... x
CONTRIBUTORS .......................................................................................................xi
1.0
GENERAL INFORMATION ....................................................................... 1
1.1
Key Proponent Contacts................................................................ 3
1.2
Project Objectives.......................................................................... 3
2.0
PROJECT SCHEDULE AND STAGING ................................................... 4
3.0
PROJECT COMPONENTS AND INFRASTRUCTURE............................. 6
4.0
PROJECT ALTERNATIVES...................................................................... 7
5.0
SUMMARY OF REGULATORY AGENCIES AND
KEY STAKEHOLDERS ............................................................................. 9
5.1
Consultations Held....................................................................... 11
5.1.1 Regulatory Agency Consultation...................................... 11
5.2
Consultations Planned or Proposed ............................................ 13
5.3
Public and First Nations Consultation.......................................... 14
6.0
PROJECT INFORMATION...................................................................... 16
6.1
Existing Infrastructure .................................................................. 16
6.1.1 Existing 138 kV System - Overhead Components ........... 16
6.1.2 Existing 138 kV System - Submarine Components ......... 17
6.2
Proposed Project Components and Infrastructure....................... 18
6.2.1 Overhead Transmission Lines ......................................... 18
6.2.2 Submarine Cables ........................................................... 20
6.2.3 Terminals and Substations .............................................. 25
7.0
SCOPE OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT .................................... 27
7.1
Marine Flora and Fauna Resources ............................................ 28
7.2
Freshwater Fish and Aquatic Resources..................................... 29
7.3
Terrestrial Environment ............................................................... 29
7.4
Land Use ..................................................................................... 30
7.5
Archaeological and Heritage Resources ..................................... 31
7.6
Visual and Recreational Resources............................................. 32
7.7
Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) ..................................................... 32
7.8
Public Health Issues .................................................................... 32
-iBritish Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
TABLE OF CONTENTS - Cont'd
Section
Subject
Page
SCOPE OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT - Cont'd
7.9
7.10
7.11
Resource and Material Requirements ......................................... 32
Spill Prevention and Emergency Response ................................ 33
Waste Disposal............................................................................ 34
8.0
CONCLUSIONS ...................................................................................... 35
9.0
REFERENCES ........................................................................................ 36
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1:
List of Potential Stakeholders for the Vancouver Island Transmission
Reinforcement Project .............................................................................. 9
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project Study Area ...... 41
Figure 2: Project Schedule (Sheets 1 and 2)......................................................... 42
Figure 3: Project Corridor through Corporation of Delta from Arnott Substation
to English Bluff Cable Terminal .............................................................. 44
Figure 4: Project Corridor across Galiano Island from Taylor Bay Cable
Terminal to Montague Cable Terminal on Parker Island ........................ 45
Figure 5: Project Corridor across Salt Spring Island from Maricaibo Cable Terminal
to Vancouver Island Terminal................................................................. 46
Figure 6: Existing Cable Layout and Bathymetry 138 kV and HVDC Corridors .... 47
Figure 7: Cross Section of a Typical High Voltage Submarine Transmission
Cable
............................................................................................... 48
Figure 8: Existing English Bluff Terminal 138 kV Cable Terminal ,
Tsawwassen, B.C................................................................................... 49
Figure 9: Existing Taylor Bay 138 kV Cable Terminal, Galiano Island .................. 49
Figure 10: Existing Montague Harbour 138 kV Cable Terminal, Galiano Island,
(Parker Island) ........................................................................................ 50
Figure 11: Existing Maricaibo Terminal 138 kV Cable Terminal, Salt Spring
Island ...................................................................................................... 50
- ii British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
TABLE OF CONTENTS - Cont'd
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix I
Summary of Canadian Federal Permits, Approvals, and Authorizations
for Construction of the Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement
Project (Replacement and Upgrade of Circuits 1L17/18)
Appendix II
Summary of Selected U.S. Federal, State and Local Environmental
Permits and Authorizations Relevant to the Vancouver Island
Transmission Reinforcement Project (Replacement and Upgrade of
Circuits 1L17/18)
Appendix III
Existing 138 kV Overhead Transmission Line System from Arnott
Substation to Vancouver Island Terminal
Appendix IV
Proposed 230 kV Overhead Transmission Line System Design Features
and Construction Processes
Appendix V
Submarine Cable Design Features
Appendix VI
Overview Level Environmental Inventory of Marine Flora and Fauna
Resources
- iii British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
British Columbia Transmission Corporation (BCTC) is a provincial Crown Corporation
responsible for managing, operating, and maintaining most of the provincial power
transmission system and its interconnections with the larger North American grid. In
order to meet current and projected electricity demand on Vancouver Island and to
maintain reliable grid operations, BCTC is proposing to replace and upgrade the
existing 138 kV facilities connecting southern Vancouver Island to the Lower Mainland
with new 230 kV infrastructure.
New facilities are proposed within an existing transmission corridor from Arnott
Substation in Delta, B.C., to Vancouver Island Terminal Station north of Duncan, B.C.
These facilities will be operated and maintained by BCTC and owned by BC Hydro.
The name of the project is the Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
(the Project).
The Project is subject to a screening level review under the Canadian Environmental
Assessment Act (CEAA) since federal approvals and authorizations from Fisheries and
Oceans Canada (DFO) and the Transport Canada Marine Division are required.
Although there is some uncertainty whether the Project would be automatically
reviewable under definitions in the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Act
(BCEAA), BCTC has requested the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office
(BCEAO) to voluntarily designate the Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement
Project a reviewable project under Section 7 of the BCEAA.
Various permits and approvals will also be required from U.S. federal, state, and county
regulatory agencies since a portion of the proposed submarine cable route in the Strait
of Georgia is located within U.S. jurisdiction.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
The Project is required to achieve the following objectives:
y
To provide adequate system reliability on Vancouver Island. The existing HVDC
voltage conversion system is nearing the end of its service life and cannot be
- iv British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
considered as reliable capacity beyond 2007.
Rev. 4, January 2005
Some of the critical AC/DC
conversion equipment is obsolete and no longer supported with spare parts or
maintenance services from the original manufacturer.
y
To meet current and future electricity demand on Vancouver Island by providing
greater firm electrical transmission capacity than is available with the existing
infrastructure. The existing 138 kV alternating current (AC) transmission system
between the lower mainland and Vancouver Island is approximately 50 years old
and is beyond its design service life. Its primary use is for electric service to the
South Gulf Islands and is no longer used for bulk electricity transfer to
Vancouver Island.
y
To reduce on going operating and maintenance costs. Due to aging equipment,
the existing facilities require increasing levels of expenditure for maintenance
and repairs.
y
To reduce the potential for negative environmental impacts resulting from cable
failures and ongoing construction activities needed to repair or replace failed
sections of cable.
y
To decrease exposure to system failures due to seismic events (earthquakes).
The existing HVDC conversion equipment is vulnerable to earthquake damage,
especially at the Arnott Substation terminal.
PROJECT COMPONENTS
The principal components of the Project include replacement of the following overhead
transmission line and submarine cable segments of the two existing 138 kV circuits
(1L17/1L18) between the Arnott substation (ARN) in Delta and the Vancouver Island
Terminal (VIT) north of Duncan:
y
Two 138 kV overhead transmission circuits from ARN to English Bluff Terminal
(EBT) in Tsawwassen. This includes line termination works at ARN including
disconnect switches, circuit breakers, protection and controls;
y
Two 138 kV submarine cable circuits (6 single-phase cables) beneath Georgia
Strait between EBT and Taylor Bay Terminal (TBY) on Galiano Island;
y
Two 138 kV overhead transmission circuits from TBY, across Galiano Island and
Montague Harbour, to Montague Terminal (MTG) on Parker Island;
-vBritish Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
y
Rev. 4, January 2005
Two 138 kV submarine cable circuits (6 single-phase cables) beneath Trincomali
Channel between MTG on Parker Island to Maricaibo Terminal (MBO) on Salt
Spring Island; and
y
Two 138 kV overhead transmission circuits between MBO on Salt Spring Island
and VIT on Vancouver Island.
This includes line termination works at VIT
including disconnect switches, circuit breakers, protection and controls, plus a
phase shifting transformer to control load flow.
Lengths of the 5 segments of each circuit are as follows:
Location
Description
Length
Delta (Lower Mainland)
ARN to EBT (Overhead)
12.0 km (7.5 miles)
Straight of Georgia
EBT to TBY (Cable)
25.5 km (16 miles)
Galiano and Parker Islands
TBY to MTG (Overhead)
5.2 km (3.2 miles)
Trincomali Channel
MTG to MBO (Cable)
4.5 km (3 miles)
Salt Spring and Vancouver Islands
MBO to VIT (Overhead)
21.8 km (13.5 miles)
The total corridor length is approximately 69 km (43 miles) long. The three overhead
segments of each existing circuit total approximately 39 km (24 miles) and consist of
new transmission support structures (either steel poles or lattice steel structures
depending on location), guys, and 3 conductors or wires.
The submarine cable segments total approximately 30 km (19 miles). The segment in
the Strait of Georgia passes through approximately 12 km (7.5 miles) of U.S. territorial
waters west of Point Roberts.
Two new 230 kV circuits (both the overhead and submarine portions) would be installed
within the same corridor. Modifications of the existing substations at each end of the
corridor will be required to install new 230 kV terminal facilities. At the VIT, it is possible
that the station boundary may be expanded somewhat to accommodate the phase
shifting transformer. Any such expansion would be within the existing site.
The design life of the new cables would be approximately 50 years, although the actual
life span is expected to achieve 60 years or more with proper maintenance and repairs.
Design life of the overhead lines should exceed 60 years.
- vi British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
PROJECT SCHEDULE AND STAGING
Removal of existing facilities and construction of replacement overhead transmission
lines and submarine cables would be undertaken in two stages, as follows:
1.
Stage 1: new double-circuit 230 kV overhead line structures and conductors
would be installed from Arnott Substation (ARN) to English Bluff Terminal (EBT)
in Tsawwassen, from Taylor Bay Terminal (TBY) to Montague Terminal (MTG)
on Parker Island, and from Maricaibo Terminal (MBO) on Salt Spring Island to
Vancouver Island Terminal Station (VIT).
One of two circuits on the new
overhead structures would continue to operate at 138 kV to supply the South
Gulf Islands until the second stage is completed.
For the Georgia Strait (EBT to TBY) and Trincomali Channel (MTG to MBO)
submarine cable crossings, three existing single-phase 138 kV cables would
be removed and replaced with three new single-phase 230 kV cables, using
modified cable termination equipment at each of the cable terminals (i.e.,
EBT, TBY, MTG and MBO). The remaining 138 kV submarine circuit would
continue to supply Salt Spring Substation (SAL) and Galiano Substation
(GLS) from Arnott Substation and Vancouver Island Terminal Station.
Improvements to the infrastructure would be made at each cable-landing site
and would involve work in the subtidal, intertidal and foreshore areas.
The focus of the current environmental assessment will be on the
construction, operation, and eventual decommissioning for the first stage of
the
Vancouver
Island
Transmission
Reinforcement
Project
only.
Construction activities for the first stage of the Vancouver Island
Transmission Reinforcement Project are currently scheduled to commence
in late 2006, depending on agency approvals, with an in-service date of
31 October 2008.
2.
Stage 2: the three remaining 138 kV cables would be removed and replaced
with three additional 230 kV submarine cables across Georgia Strait and
Trincomali Channel. The second circuit on the new overhead line structures
- vii British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
installed during stage one would then be converted from 138 kV to 230 kV
operation. The service configuration for Galiano and Salt Spring Substations
would also be changed at this time to permit continued reliable service to
customers on the South Gulf Islands.
The approximate in-service date for the second stage would be in year 2018,
based on current projections of on-island electrical demands at that time.
Stage two activities are not part of the current project scope. Additional,
separate environmental assessment and project approval processes will be
required, beginning several years before that projected date.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
BCTC will prepare and submit draft Terms of Reference (TOR) for regulatory review
and approval.
The TOR will outline the proposed scope of the technical studies,
assessment methodologies, public and First Nations consultation programs, and
general format and organisation for preparation of the Application for an Environmental
Assessment Certificate under BCEAA. Concurrently, the TOR will include requirements
for a screening level environmental assessment under CEAA.
The draft Terms of
Reference will also identify scope of the environmental assessments to be undertaken
to satisfy U.S. regulatory permitting and approval requirements.
The environmental assessment will consider potential effects to biological, physical, and
cultural resources.
The assessment will also consider potential impacts to project
facilities caused by natural events (seismic or weather) or other environmental
conditions, as required by CEAA.
The Application for an Environmental Assessment Certificate/ Screening Level
Environmental Assessment will also evaluate potential environmental effects of
accidents and equipment malfunctions, and cumulative environmental effects that may
occur in connection with construction and operation of the Project, as required by
Section 16 of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA).
Based on the detailed technical assessments of various disciplines, environmental
mitigation and monitoring measures will be recommended for reducing, and where
- viii British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
appropriate, precluding potentially adverse impacts associated with the construction and
operation of the Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project.
The
environmental assessment will include a determination of the significance of residual
effects after implementation of the recommended mitigation measures.
BCTC plans to engage in consultation with First Nations and public stakeholders
throughout the preparation of the environmental assessment report, to invite comment
and feedback on potential negative impacts, and to recommend mitigation measures.
BCTC will also undertake formal public consultation programs such as public open
houses, information sessions, and town hall meetings following completion and
submission of the environmental assessment report.
First Nations and public consultation will also be integral components of BCTC’s
application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) from the
British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC). Accordingly, BCTC will coordinate the
technical submissions and consultation programs between concurrent applications
under the BCUC and the BCEAA/CEAA processes.
- ix British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
Acronym
Definition
AOA
Archaeological Overview Assessment
AIA
Archaeological Impact Assessment
ARN
Arnott Substation
BC Hydro
British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority
BCEAA
British Columbia Environmental Assessment Act
BCEAO
British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office
BCTC
British Columbia Transmission Corporation
BCUC
British Columbia Utilities Commission
CDC
Conservation Data Centre
CEA Agency
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
CEAA
Canadian Environmental Assessment Act
COSEWIC
Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada
CPCN
Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity
CWS
Canadian Wildlife Service
DFO
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
DPAs
Development Permit Areas
EA
Environmental Assessment
EBT
English Bluff Terminal
EMF
Electromagnetic Field Effects
EMP
Environmental Management Plan
ESA
Endangered Species Act
ESAs
Environmentally Sensitive Areas
FREMP
Fraser River Estuary Management Program
GPS
Global Positioning System
HADD
Harmful Alteration, Disruption, or Destruction
JARPA
Joint Aquatic Resources Permit Application
kV
Kilovolt
MBO
Maricaibo Terminal
MTG
Montague Harbour Terminal
MWLAP
Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection
RA(s)
Responsible Authority(ies) under CEAA
SARA
Species at Risk Act
SEPA
State Environmental Policy Act
TBY
Taylor Bay Terminal
TEM
Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping
VIT
Vancouver Island Terminal
-xBritish Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
CONTRIBUTORS
British Columbia Transmission Corporation
Bruce Barrett, Program Manager
Melissa Holland, Regulatory
Donna McGeachie, Community and Stakeholder Relations
Robert Pan, System Planning
BC Hydro Engineering Services
Ross Nelson, Transmission Cables, Project Manager
Gary Barnett, Transmission Overhead
Allen MacPhail, Transmission Cables
Takashi Kojima, Transmission Cables
Francis Liang, Transmission Cables
Lauren Caldwell, Environment and Sustainability
Sandra Wilson, Environment and Sustainability
Bob Bradley, Environment and Sustainability
Gary Holisko, Environment and Sustainability
BC Hydro
Jim Fralick, Aboriginal Relations Department
Ted Olynyk, Community Relations
Subconsultants
Don Gamble, Golder Associates Ltd.
Guy Martel, Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd.
- xi British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
1.0
Rev. 4, January 2005
GENERAL INFORMATION
This Project Description provides an overview of the proposed Vancouver Island
Transmission Reinforcement Project (Replacement and Upgrade of Circuits
IL17/18). The proponent for this Project is the British Columbia Transmission
Corporation (BCTC). BC Hydro Engineering is providing the engineering design
services and environmental assessment studies on behalf of BCTC.
BCTC is a provincial Crown Corporation responsible for managing, operating,
and maintaining most of the provincial power transmission system and its
interconnections with the larger North American grid. In order to meet current
and projected electricity demand on Vancouver Island and to maintain reliable
grid operations, BCTC is proposing to replace and upgrade the existing 138 kV
facilities connecting southern Vancouver Island to the Lower Mainland with
230 kV infrastructure.
New facilities are proposed within an existing
transmission corridor from the Arnott Substation in Delta, B.C., to the Vancouver
Island Terminal Station north of Duncan, B.C. (Figure 1). These facilities will be
operated and maintained by BCTC and owned by BC Hydro.
This Project will be regulated by the British Columbia Utilities Commission
(BCUC) under the terms and conditions of a Certificate of Public Convenience
and Necessity.
BCTC will provide BCUC with the information, material,
evidence and documents that it prescribes. This information may include an
evaluation of potential impacts and mitigation measures with respect to the
construction and operation of the Project. BCUC has the discretion whether or
not to hold public hearings on an application for a Certificate of Public
Convenience and Necessity (Section 46(2)).
The Project is subject to a screening level review under the Canadian
Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) due to the requirement for federal
approvals and authorizations from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the
Transport Canada Marine Division. There is some uncertainty whether the
Project would be automatically reviewable based on the shoreline modification
trigger, as defined in Part 5 of the Reviewable Projects Regulations of the British
Columbia Environmental Assessment Act (BCEAA).
Therefore, BCTC has
-1-
British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
requested the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office (BCEAO) to
designate the Project as reviewable under the BCEAA.
BCTC anticipates that the BCEAA process will help facilitate a coordinated
technical review with regulatory agencies, public stakeholders, and First Nations
within the context of an Application for an Environmental Assessment Certificate.
Specifically, the BCEAA process will enable:
y
formal notification and consultation procedures and timelines, which in
turn may assist in optimizing stakeholder consultations required through
the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) regulatory process;
y
a coordinated review process with other agencies, stakeholders and
jurisdictions, and is consistent with the spirit of the Canada-British
Columbia Agreement on Environmental Assessment Cooperation
(March 2004);
y
a formal mechanism for coordination of information sharing on major
projects with U.S. regulatory agencies and stakeholders consistent with
the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Washington
State Department of Ecology and the British Columbia Environmental
Assessment Office (November 2003); and
y
a mechanism for concurrent application for provincially administered
permits and approvals at the time of submitting the Application for an
Environmental Assessment Certificate.
This Project Description has been prepared to satisfy the general information
requirements of the Canadian Environmental Assessment and with guidelines
administered by the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office
(BCEAO) under BCEAA.
This Project Description provides a general overview of the proposed nature of
the project, its components, alternatives considered, applicable environmental
assessment and approval processes within Canadian and U.S. jurisdiction. It
also provides a preliminary identification of the anticipated biophysical and
cultural resources that will need to be managed during construction, operation,
-2British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
and decommissioning of the Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement
Project.
1.1
Key Proponent Contacts
Proponent: BC Transmission Corporation (BCTC)
Bruce Barrett, P.Eng.
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project, Program Manager
British Columbia Transmission Corporation (BCTC)
10th Floor – 1055 Dunsmuir Street
Vancouver, B.C. V7X 1V5
Phone: (604) 699-7380
Fax: (604) 699-7471
Email: Bruce.Barrett@bctc.com
Agent (on behalf of BCTC): BC Hydro Engineering
1.2
Ross Nelson, P.Eng.
Lauren Caldwell, B.C.S.L.A.
Project Manager
Environmental Task Manager
BC Hydro Engineering
BC Hydro Engineering
6911 Southpoint Dr
6911 Southpoint Drive
Burnaby, BC, V3N 4X8
Burnaby, BC, V3N 4X8
Phone: 604-528-2292
Phone: 604-528-2103
Fax: 604-528-2940
Fax: 604-528-2940
Email: ross.nelson@bchydro.com
Email: lauren.caldwell@bchydro.com
Project Objectives
BCTC is proposing to replace and upgrade BC Hydro’s existing 138 kV
overhead and submarine cable transmission line system with a 230 kV
system from the Arnott substation in Delta, to the Vancouver Island
Terminal (VIT) north of Duncan, B.C.
The Project is required to achieve the following objectives:
y
To provide adequate system reliability on Vancouver Island. The
existing HVDC voltage conversion system is nearing the end of its
service life and cannot be considered as reliable capacity beyond
2007.
Some of the critical AC/DC conversion equipment is
-3-
British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
obsolete
and
no longer
Rev. 4, January 2005
supported
with
spare
parts
or
maintenance services from the original manufacturer.
y
To meet current and future electricity demand on Vancouver
Island by providing greater firm electrical transmission capacity
than is available with the existing infrastructure.
The existing
138 kV alternating current (AC) transmission system between the
lower mainland and Vancouver Island is approximately 50 years
old and is beyond its design service life. Its primary use is for
electric service to the South Gulf Islands and is no longer used for
bulk electricity transfer to Vancouver Island.
y
To reduce on going operating and maintenance costs. Due to
aging equipment, the existing facilities require increasing levels of
expenditure for maintenance and repairs.
y
To reduce potential for environmental impacts resulting from
cable failures and the construction activities needed to repair or
replace failed sections of cable.
y
To decrease exposure to system failures due to seismic events
(earthquakes).
The existing HVDC conversion equipment is
vulnerable to earthquake damage, especially at the Arnott
Substation terminal.
2.0
PROJECT SCHEDULE AND STAGING
The definition and permitting phase of the Project schedule is shown in Figure 2.
Removal of existing facilities and construction of replacement overhead
transmission lines and submarine cables would be undertaken in two stages, as
follows:
Stage 1: new double-circuit 230 kV overhead line structures and conductors
would be installed from Arnott Substation (ARN) to English Bluff Terminal (EBT)
in Tsawwassen, from Taylor Bay Terminal (TBY) to Montague Terminal (MTG)
on Parker Island, and from Maricaibo Terminal (MBO) on Salt Spring Island to
Vancouver Island Terminal Station (VIT).
One of two circuits on the new
-4-
British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
overhead structures would continue to operate at 138 kV to supply the South
Gulf Islands until the second stage is completed.
For the Georgia Strait (EBT to TBY) and Trincomali Channel (MTG to MBO)
submarine cable crossings, three existing single-phase 138 kV cables would be
removed and replaced with three new 230 kV cables, using modified cable
termination equipment at each of the cable terminals (i.e., EBT, TBY, MTG and
MBO). The remaining 138 kV submarine circuit would continue to supply Salt
Spring Substation (SAL) and Galiano Substation (GLS) from Arnott Substation
and Vancouver Island Terminal Station.
Improvements to the infrastructure would be made at each cable-landing site
and would involve work in the subtidal, intertidal and foreshore areas.
The focus of the current environmental assessment will be on the construction,
operation, and eventual decommissioning for the first stage of the Vancouver
Island Transmission Reinforcement Project only. Construction activities for the
first stage of the Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project are
currently scheduled to commence in late 2006, depending on agency approvals,
with an in-service date of October 31, 2008.
Stage 2: the three remaining 138 kV cables would be removed and replaced
with three additional 230 kV submarine cables across Georgia Strait and
Trincomali Channel. The second circuit on the new overhead line structures
installed during stage one would then be converted from 138 kV to 230 kV
operation. The service configuration for Galiano and Salt Spring Substations
would also be changed at this time to permit continued reliable service to
customers on the South Gulf Islands.
The approximate in-service date for the second stage would be in year 2018,
based on current projections of on-island electrical demands at that time. Stage
two activities are not part of the current project scope. A separate environmental
assessment and project approval processes will be required, beginning several
years before that projected date.
-5British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
3.0
Rev. 4, January 2005
PROJECT COMPONENTS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
The principal components of the Project include replacement of the following
overhead transmission line and submarine cable segments:
y
Two 138 kV overhead transmission circuits from Arnott Substation (ARN)
to English Bluff Terminal (EBT) in Tsawwassen.
This includes line
termination works at ARN including disconnect switches, circuit breakers,
protection and controls;
y
Two 138 kV submarine cable circuits (6 single-phase cables) beneath
Georgia Strait between EBT and Taylor Bay Terminal (TBY) on Galiano
Island;
y
Two 138 kV overhead transmission circuits from TBY, across Galiano
Island and Montague Harbour, to Montague Terminal (MTG) on Parker
Island;
y
Two 138 kV submarine cable circuits (6 single-phase cables) beneath
Trincomali Channel between MTG on Parker Island to Maricaibo
Terminal (MBO) on Salt Spring Island; and
y
Two 138 kV overhead transmission circuits between MBO on Salt Spring
Island and VIT on Vancouver Island. This includes line termination works
at VIT including disconnect switches, circuit breakers, protection and
controls, plus a phase shifting transformer to control load flow.
Lengths of the 5 segments of each circuit are as follows:
Location
Description
Length
Delta (Lower Mainland)
ARN to EBT (Overhead)
12.0 km (7.5 miles)
Straight of Georgia
EBT to TBY (Cable)
25.5 km (16 miles)
Galiano and Parker Islands
TBY to MTG (Overhead)
5.2 km (3.2 miles)
Trincomali Channel
MTG to MBO (Cable)
4.5 km (3 miles)
Salt Spring and Vancouver Islands
MBO to VIT (Overhead)
21.8 km (13.5 miles)
The total corridor length is approximately 69 km (43 Miles) long.
The three
overhead segments of each existing circuit total approximately 39 km (24 miles)
and consist of new transmission support structures, guys, and 3 conductors or
wires.
-6British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
The submarine cable segments total approximately 30 km (19 miles).
The
segment in the Strait of Georgia passes through approximately 12 km (7.5 miles)
of U.S. territorial waters west of Point Roberts.
Two new 230 kV circuits (both the overhead and submarine portions) would be
installed within the same corridor. Modifications of the existing substations at
each end of the corridor will be required to install new 230 kV terminal facilities.
At the VIT, it is possible that the station boundary may be expanded somewhat
to accommodate the phase shifting transformer. Any such expansion would be
within the existing site.
The design life of the new cables would be approximately 50 years, although the
actual life span is expected to achieve 60 years or more with proper
maintenance and repairs. Design life of the overhead lines should exceed 60
years.
4.0
PROJECT ALTERNATIVES
Project alternatives will be considered within the context of "alternatives to" the
Project.
Alternatives to the Project
Analysis of alternatives to the Project will describe the process that BCTC
proposes to use to determine that the Project is technically, economically and
environmentally viable.
Alternatives to the Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project would
include, for example:
ƒ
Development of on-island power projects capable of meeting Vancouver
Island’s projected power demands;
ƒ
Replacement of the existing High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) system
between the lower mainland and southern Vancouver Island, and;
ƒ
Replacement and upgrading of the existing 138 kV transmission line and
submarine cable with a much larger capacity 500 kV line.
-7British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
Alternative Means of Carrying out a Project
"Alternative means of carrying out the project" are not required for a Screening
Level Environmental Assessment under CEAA; such alternative means will only
be examined and discussed briefly within the context of the Screening Level EA.
Alternative means of carrying out the Vancouver Island Transmission
Reinforcement Project include, for example:
ƒ
Evaluation of alternative overhead transmission line and submarine cable
crossing alignments, including right-of-way variations;
ƒ
Evaluation of alternative routings in the Tsawwassen area;
ƒ
Evaluation of undergrounding portions of the overhead lines;
ƒ
Evaluation of alternative transmission line support structures, span lengths,
and heights;
ƒ
Evaluation of alternative techniques and methods for installing the new
submarine cable, including trenching, hydro-jetting, and other burial
techniques to ensure system security in view of seismic and anchor damage
risks;
ƒ
Evaluation of alternative techniques and methods for decommissioning,
removing, and disposing of the existing submarine cables and overhead
transmission line; and,
ƒ
Evaluation of alternative station locations.
There are likely to be constraints associated with any alternative right-of-way for
the submarine cables.
submarine
cable
An alternative corridor to the south of the existing
right-of-way
would
likely
require
securing
additional
authorizations for working and maintaining a longer cable system within U.S.
territorial waters than currently exists.
In addition, there are increased geotechnical and seismic risks north of the
existing right-of-way, as well as constraints with respect to shipping traffic within
the vicinity of the Tsawwassen B.C. Ferry Terminal and the Vancouver Port
Authority Container Terminal at Roberts Bank.
-8British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
5.0
Rev. 4, January 2005
SUMMARY OF REGULATORY AGENCIES AND KEY STAKEHOLDERS
The Project crosses several jurisdictions and communities within the Lower
Mainland, on the Gulf Islands, and on Vancouver Island.
An initial list of
regulatory agencies, public stakeholders, and First Nations likely to have an
interest in certain aspects of the Project is provided below in Table 1. This list is
not all-inclusive, but rather, representative of the range and types of regulatory
agencies and potential stakeholders who will need to be consulted with during
the environmental assessment and regulatory review process for this Project.
Table 1: List of Potential Stakeholders for the Vancouver Island Transmission
Reinforcement Project
Canadian Agencies
Federal
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)
Environment Canada (Canadian Wildlife Service, Pollution Prevention)
Transport Canada (Transport Canada Marine Division)
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC)
Vancouver Port Authority (VPA)
Parks Canada (Gulf Island National Park Reserve)
Health Canada
Provincial
y
y
y
y
y
y
BC Environmental Assessment Office (BCEAO)
BC Ministry of Water Land and Air Protection (MWLAP)
BC Ministry of Sustainable Resources Management (Archaeology Branch)
Land and Water BC (LWBC)
Ministry of Transportation
Agricultural Land Commission
Regional
y
y
y
Greater Vancouver Regional District
Islands Trust
Cowichan Valley Regional District
Municipal
y
y
y
y
y
Corporation of Delta
Corporation of the District of North Cowichan
City of Duncan
Salt Spring Island
Galiano Island
First Nations
y
y
y
Tsawwassen First Nation
Musqueam First Nation
Semiahmoo First Nation
-9British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
Rev. 4, January 2005
Sto:lo First Nation
Te’mexw Treaty Association
Cowichan First Nation
Lake Cowichan First Nation
Halalt First Nation
Penelakut First Nation
Lyackson First Nation
Tsartlip First Nation
Tsawout First Nation
Tseycum First Nation
Pauquachin First Nation
Malahat First Nation
Chemainus First Nation
Tsleil-Waututh First Nation
Katzie First Nation
Industries and Companies
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
BC Ferries
Telus
Terasen Gas Inc.
Boundary Bay Airport
BC Rail
The British Columbia Coast Pilots Ltd.
Rivtow
Seaspan
Community/ Public Stakeholder Groups/ Non-government Organizations
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
Tsawwassen Beach Access Association
Residents and property owners of Tsawwassen, Delta, Galiano, Salt Spring,
Cowichan Valley Regional District
Community Groups (e.g. Homeowners Associations)
Parks Committees (Tsawwassen, Delta, Galiano, Salt Spring, District of North
Cowichan, Cowichan Valley Regional District)
Boundary Bay Conservation Committee
Point Roberts Heron Preservation Committee
David Suzuki Foundation
Georgia Strait Alliance
Marine Conservation Program
Friends of Boundary Bay
Sierra Club
United States Agencies
Federal
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
y
U.S. Department of Energy
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE)
U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
National Marine Fisheries Service
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
Office of Coastal Zone Management
Secretary of the Treasury
- 10 British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
y
Rev. 4, January 2005
Homeland Security Department
State
y Washington Department of Natural Resources
y Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
y Washington Department of Ecology
County
Whatcom County
Local
Point Roberts
First Nations
Lummi Nation
Nooksack Indian Tribe
Industries and Companies
To be determined
Community/Public Stakeholder Groups/Non-government Organizations
To be determined
5.1
Consultations Held
5.1.1
Regulatory Agency Consultation
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
British
Columbia
Transmission
Commission
(BCTC)
and
BC Hydro Engineering met with representatives of the Canadian
Environmental Assessment Agency, Fisheries and Oceans
Canada (DFO), and Transport Canada (Transport Canada Marine
Division) on July 20th, 2004.
The purpose for the meeting was to provide an overview of the
Project, including:
y
the rationale and justification for replacing and upgrading
both of the overhead transmission lines and submarine
cables;
y
preliminary scope of the environmental assessment work;
and,
y
regulatory triggers for project approvals pursuant to the
Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA).
- 11 British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
This pre-assessment meeting served to confirm that the Project
would trigger a screening level review under the Canadian
Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA), due to the requirements
for federal approvals and authorizations from DFO and Transport
Canada. Specifically, these include:
Habitat Authorization Agreement under Section 35(2) of
y
the Fisheries Act from DFO for the "harmful alteration,
disruption, or destruction" (HADD) of fish habitat; and
Approval under Section 5(1) of the Navigable Waters
y
Protection Act from Transport Canada for "works built or
placed in, on, over, under, through or across any
navigable water".
This meeting also provided an opportunity to receive preliminary
input
from
the
federal
agency
representatives
regarding
anticipated issues and concerns, and to discuss other concurrent
environmental assessment processes that may be required, such
as
a
review
under
the
British
Columbia
Environmental
Assessment Act (BCEAA) and U.S. legislation.
British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office (BCEAO)
BCTC and BC Hydro Engineering met with representatives of the
British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office (BCEAO) on
October 6th, 2004 to provide an overview of the Project, and to
confirm whether the Project would be deemed "reviewable" under
the Reviewable Projects Regulations. Since the Project is still in
a preliminary planning and conceptual design phase, the length
and area of shoreline modification required for installation of the
new 230 kV cables and removal of the existing 138 kV cables has
not yet been confirmed. In view of this uncertainty, and in order
to optimize regulatory review and stakeholder consultations,
BCTC has applied to have the Vancouver Island Transmission
Reinforcement Project deemed reviewable by the BCEAA
- 12 British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
process. The BCEAO subsequently confirmed its acceptance to
review the Project under this process on December 1st, 2004.
A summary of various federal and provincial permits and
approvals, as well as local government bylaws and development
permit area processes that will likely apply to the Vancouver
Island Transmission Reinforcement Project are provided for
reference in Appendix I.
Following the pre-application meetings with the Canadian
Environmental Assessment Agency and the British Columbia
Environmental Assessment Office (BCEAO), it was confirmed by
each agency that approvals from the National Energy Board
(NEB) would not required for the Vancouver Island Transmission
Reinforcement Project, since the Project does not transfer power
inter-provincially or internationally.
5.2
Consultations Planned or Proposed
U.S. Regulatory Agencies
Since a portion of the submarine cables within the Strait of Georgia are
located within U.S. jurisdiction, the scope and methods for the
environmental assessment will need to satisfy regulatory review
requirements of the federal and Washington State agencies having
jurisdiction.
BCTC and BC Hydro Engineering participated in a
pre-application meeting with various U.S. federal and state regulatory
agencies and Whatcom County on 17 November 2004 to provide an
overview presentation, and to confirm the environmental assessment and
regulatory permitting processes applicable to the portion of the
submarine cable replacement activities to be undertaken in U.S. territorial
waters.
It is anticipated that the state and federal agencies will likely review the
Project through the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and/or the
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which would be initiated when
- 13 British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
BCTC submits a Joint Aquatic Resources Permit Application (JARPA) to
the U.S. agencies for review and approval under their respective
mandates.
Appendix II provides an overview summary of various U.S. federal and
state legislation, including approval process administered through
Whatcom County, some or all of which may apply to the regulatory
review and approval of the portion of the Vancouver Island Transmission
Reinforcement Project which is within U.S. jurisdiction.
5.3
Public and First Nations Consultation
General Approach
BCTC’s general approach for notifying and consulting with public
stakeholders and First Nations includes the following principles:
Research
Identifying key audiences, gathering the views of
stakeholders and identifying issues.
Program Design
Developing
communication
and
consultation
objectives, based on reasonable commitment of
personnel and financial resources to meet the
objectives.
Information Programs
Creating relevant project information and distributing it
to the appropriate public stakeholders and First
Nations in a timely fashion; ensuring programs are
sufficiently flexible to respond to the public and First
Nations interests, availability, and ideas
Decision Making
Incorporating local knowledge into the project decision
making process and seeking public acceptance to
accommodate as many interests as possible
The priorities of the public and First Nations consultation programs are
to:
y
Distribute information about the Project and build awareness;
- 14 British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
y
Rev. 4, January 2005
Create meaningful opportunities for public stakeholders and First
Nations to become informed about the Project and to provide
constructive feedback; and,
y
Seek public and community acceptance for the Project through
ongoing dialogue with interested parties.
First Nations Consultation
BCTC will commit to undertaking notification and consultation activities
with First Nations to build sustainable relationships.
Consultation
initiatives will be undertaken during the preparation of the Application for
an
Environmental
Assessment
Certificate/
Screening
Level
Environmental Assessment Report, and subsequently, during the public
comment period following submission of the Application for technical and
public review.
There will be broad mix of interests and means of First Nations
representation for this Project.
Although the Vancouver Island
Transmission Reinforcement Project corridor does not appear to cross
First Nations reserves or treaty settlement lands, it does overlap with the
traditional territories of a number of First Nations.
Public Consultation
BCTC will undertake public notification and consultation activities
throughout the preparation of the Application for an Environmental
Assessment Certificate/ Screening Level Environmental Assessment
Report to engage in meaningful public input and feedback. BCTC will
also undertake formal public consultation activities, such as scheduled
public meetings, information sessions, and town hall meetings during the
public comment period following submission of the Application for
regulatory and public review.
- 15 British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
6.0
Rev. 4, January 2005
PROJECT INFORMATION
6.1
Existing Infrastructure
The existing electrical transmission infrastructure system, including the
overhead transmission lines and submarine cables, between the lower
mainland of British Columbia and Vancouver Island was constructed in
the mid-1950’s. The following provides a general summary of the key
features of the existing overhead transmission line and submarine cable
components of this existing system.
6.1.1
Existing 138 kV System - Overhead Components
The overhead transmission line and submarine cable system
which supplies power to the southern Gulf Island and Vancouver
Island originates at the Arnott Substation Station (ARN) in Delta,
and terminates at the Vancouver Island Terminal (VIT) near
Duncan on Vancouver Island.
The existing overhead portion of this transmission infrastructure
system is comprised of two 138 kV circuits (1L17 and 1L18).
There are presently 254 structures along the overhead sections of
this corridor, including 156 single circuit wood poles and H-frame
structures and 98 lattice steel structures.
The length of the overhead sections of each circuit is
approximately 39.0 km as summarized below:
Location
Description
Length
Delta (Lower Mainland)
Arnott Substation (ARN) to the English
Bluff Cable Terminal (EBT)
12.0 km
Galiano Island
Taylor Bay Cable Terminal (TBY) to
Montague Cable Terminal (MTG) on
Parker Island
5.2 km
Salt Spring and
Vancouver Islands
Maricaibo Cable Terminal (MBO) to
Vancouver Island Terminal (VIT)
21.8 km
- 16 British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
The existing 1L17/18 structure heights along the corridor are
summarized below:
Location
Structure Type
Range in
Height
(m)
16 to 27
Average
Height
(m)
17.5
Arnott Substation to English
Bluff Terminal
Wood poles
Galiano Island from Taylor
Bay Terminal to Montague
Harbour
Steel Lattice
Structures
19 to 26
22
Galiano Island to Parker
Island across Montague
Harbour
Steel Lattice
Structures
41
41
Salt Spring Island
Steel Lattice
Structures
19 to 32
22
Vancouver Island
Steel Lattice
Structures
20 to 33
22
Vancouver Island
Wood Poles
16 to 21
17.5
The right-of-way width for circuits 1L17 and 1L18, exclusive of
any overlaps due to widening for added circuits, is 53.34 m
(175 ft).
The two circuits are typically 21 m apart along the
right-of-way.
A general description of the engineering features of the existing
overhead transmission line infrastructure across the Municipality
of Delta, on Galiano and Salt Spring Islands, and across to
Vancouver Island is presented in Appendix III.
6.1.2
Existing 138 kV System - Submarine Components
The existing submarine cable corridor is shown is Figure 6. At
the time of installation in the mid 1950s, this submarine cable
system was the longest of its kind without factory or field splices.
Initially, the five most southerly cables were installed in 1956, and
two more were added in 1958. Since then, one of these cables
was taken out of service in September 1990, due to leakage of
nitrogen gas caused by abrasion and vibration damage to the
cable as a result of underwater currents along the Galiano Ridge
area, approximately 2.5 km east of Galiano Island.
- 17 British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
The design transmission capacity was originally 120 MW for each
circuit, but they have since been down-rated to 100 MW due to
armour wire corrosion. The 100 mm diameter cables are the "self
contained gas-filled" (SCGF) type, in which the insulation is
pressurized with nitrogen gas. This type of cable is no longer
manufactured and is only suitable for use up to the 138 kV level.
6.2
Proposed Project Components and Infrastructure
6.2.1
Overhead Transmission Lines
It is proposed that the replacement overhead transmission lines
will be designed and built for 230 kV operation. The proposed
230 kV double-circuit will replace the existing 138 kV transmission
system between Delta and Vancouver Island, utilizing the existing
overhead right-of-way, cable terminal sites and underwater
rights-of-way.
While the ultimate configuration of the new
infrastructure is for two 230 kV circuits, each with a nominal rating
of 600 MW, initially only one circuit will be energized at 230 kV. It
is proposed that the overhead transmission line sections will be
built on double circuit structures, and that all overhead
transmission line construction activities would be completed in the
first stage. The second 230 kV circuit will be operated at 138 kV
to supply the southern Gulf Islands from both the Arnott
Substation in Delta, and the Vancouver Island Terminal north of
Duncan until the second 230 kV cable circuit is required.
Structure Design
The design of the new transmission support structures will be
based on engineering design requirements, as well as the
following objectives:
y
minimize disruption to the current land uses along the
right-of-way;
y
minimize construction of new roads and vegetation
removal; and
- 18 British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
y
Rev. 4, January 2005
optimize aesthetic appearance of the right-of-way.
The structures will be lattice steel structures or steel poles. With
the exception of a few special crossing structures, all new
structures will be capable of supporting two 230 kV circuits
(double circuit). Narrow configuration single circuit steel poles will
be considered as an alternative to the double circuit structures as
a means of mitigating overall heights of the structures, where
desirable.
In total, approximately 165 new replacement structures would be
installed to replace the existing wooden poles and lattice steel
structures the 39 km overhead transmission line corridor. The
majority of the new replacement structures would be placed at
existing structure sites, and therefore, be located in positions that
will minimize right-of-way preparation and site disturbance
requirements.
Appendix IV provides a general description of the engineering
features and configuration of the conductors and structures
proposed for the Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement
Project.
Overhead Construction Techniques
Construction activities associated with the proposed replacement
and upgrading of the overhead transmission line infrastructure
include:
y
Site
preparation
along
the
right-of-way
including
vegetation clearing and access improvements;
y
Removal of the existing 138 kV conductors and structures;
y
Installation of pole foundations and anchors for the new
replacement structures (i.e. steel poles or lattice steel
structures, depending on location);
- 19 British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
Installation of new replacement transmission support
y
structures;
Installation of conductors, overhead ground wires, and
y
counterpoise (horizontal buried wires to provide additional
grounding of the transmission structures); and
Site
y
restoration
along
the
right-of-way,
including
decommissioning of temporary construction access roads.
Each of these phases of construction activities associated with
the
overhead
transmission
line
are
briefly
discussed
in
Appendix IV.
6.2.2
Submarine Cables
As indicated above, during the first stage of the Vancouver Island
Transmission Reinforcement Project, three of the existing 138 kV
submarine cables would be removed and replaced with three new
230 kV cables within the Georgia Strait and Trincomali Channel
submarine cable crossings. The remaining 138 kV circuit would
continue to supply Salt Spring Substation and Galiano Substation
from the Arnott Substation and Vancouver Island Terminal. The
design life of the replacement submarine cables would be
approximately 50 years, although the actual life span could
achieve 60 years.
The following provides a summary of the proposed cable designs
and cable-laying and removal procedures to be considered for the
Project.
Cable Designs
The new submarine cables would be self-contained fluid-filled
(SCFF), in which the cable insulation is pressurized with
insulating fluid supplied from the cable terminals. The outside
cable diameter would be approximately 125 mm (5 inches). This
is presently the only cable type with proven reliability, suitable for
- 20 British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
the long distance, deep-water high-voltage AC installation across
Georgia Strait; however, BCTC and BC Hydro are continuously
monitoring technological developments and will consider any new
proven technologies during the final design stage.
A cross-section of a typical SCFF submarine cable is shown in
Figure 7.
The central stranded copper conductor is the
current-carrying component.
Its hollow core provides a
passageway for insulating fluid under static pressure provided by
equipment at the cable terminals. The insulating fluid saturates
the cable insulation, maintaining the integrity of the cable, and
prevents damaging ingress of water in the event of an underwater
leak.
The proposed insulating fluid is linear alkylbenzene (LAB), which
provides
optimal
electrical,
hydraulic
and
biodegradability
characteristics. This fluid is necessary to control the high electric
stresses in the insulation, which is important for the higher voltage
(230 kV) application. The fluid’s low viscosity aids in maintaining
internal cable pressure requirements when the electrical load
changes rapidly.
It also evaporates relatively quickly, in the
unlikely event of a leak.
Further details regarding the cables designs are provided in
Appendix V.
Submarine Cable Replacement
Replacement and upgrade of the three southerly most 138 kV
submarine cables with new 230 kV cables within the existing
IL17/18 circuit right-of-way will involve the following sequence of
construction activities.
- 21 British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
Cable Removal
The three southerly most 138 kV cables will be removed before
installation of the three new 230 kV cables commences.
It is
presently expected that this will be done via a removal and
disposal contract, with the metal components ultimately being
recovered and recycled. It may be necessary to use air-lifting and
water-jetting equipment to uncover the cables where they are
presently buried to approximately the –3 m bathymetric contour.
Similar controls on water turbidity and trench width will apply, as
for installation of the new cables as discussed below.
Cable Installation
The new 230 kV cables will be installed in the same right-of-way
corridor as the existing 138 kV cables. Their final position will be
controlled and final locations known with precision, using modern
navigation and laying equipment.
The new submarine cables will be installed to ensure that the new
circuit will meet BCTC’s and BC Hydro’s seismic performance
requirements.
A marine-based geotechnical investigation is in
progress to evaluate the seismic risks, and to provide input into
the routing for the proposed 230 kV submarine cables, and to
identify possible design mitigation measures.
The area of
greatest potential challenges for installation of the new cables is
anticipated to be within the intertidal and shallow subtidal areas
west of English Bluff Terminal and Point Roberts, coinciding with
the southern-most part of the Fraser River delta. Geotechnical
investigation is required to characterize the marine geology and
geophysics in this area, particularly with respect to stability during
a seismic event and susceptibility of the cables to erosion caused
by wave action.
It is proposed that the new submarine cables would be located
south of the existing cables within the existing right-of-way, over a
- 22 British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
distance approximately 4 km west of the English Bluff Terminal
landing.
Based on preliminary geotechnical analysis, this
proposed configuration would minimize potential risk of damage
to the cables during seismically induced underwater slides along
the southern edge of the Fraser River delta.
For the English Bluff Terminal installation, the cables would use
the existing cable tunnel from the high water level to near the
centre of Fred Gingell Park, immediately west of English Bluff
Road. From there, the existing concrete chaseways would be
used to route the new 230 kV cables to their new termination
positions, located at approximately the same locations as the
existing 138 kV terminations (Figure 8).
From the lower tunnel entrance, the cables would be installed
across the intertidal mud flats, and then water-jetted to a vertical
depth of approximately 1.0 m beneath the sea bottom, out to the
–3 m bathymetric contour, referenced to the vertical survey datum
at mean lower low water (MLLW). Protective split-pipe covers
would be placed around the cables in the upper intertidal zone to
provide additional protection against high wave energy and
seasonal sediment transport.
For the Taylor Bay, Montague Harbour, and Maricaibo Terminal
installations, the cables would use the existing concrete
chaseways from the high water level to the new 230 kV cable
termination footings. Figures 9 and 10 show concrete chaseways
at Taylor Bay and Montague Harbour (Galiano Island), and
Figure 11 shows concrete chaseways at Maricaibo Terminal (Salt
Spring Island). Sunshades would be installed over the exposed
chaseways to reduce solar heating effects.
Installation of the submarine cables will require a dedicated cable
laying
vessel,
with
dynamic
positioning
capabilities
and
- 23 -
British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
touchdown monitoring using an underwater remotely operated
vehicle (ROV). This will be especially necessary for laying across
the rugged Galiano Ridge underwater feature, and for some of
the rocky shore approaches. It is proposed that each cable will
be installed in one continuous length between cable terminal
landings, except for the potential sea splices within the intertidal
and subtidal zones.
Bringing the cable end ashore to English Bluff Terminal will be
challenging due to the approximate 2 km long, shallow intertidal
mud flats, and the relatively deep draft of cable laying vessels. At
all terminals, the cable end will be floated ashore guided by
shallow draft workboats during favourable weather conditions.
Once the cables are safely pulled ashore, they will be buried,
probably using a mechanized water jetting machine.
Some
disturbance to the eelgrass is likely.
Landing the submarine cables at the remaining cable terminals
will be less complex because water depth increases quickly. Site
investigations are not yet complete, but it appears that similar
burial methods as at English Bluff Terminal may be practical,
except where the sea bottom is composed of gravel and cobbles.
In this case, it may be necessary to use diver operated air-lifting
equipment, to ‘vacuum’ open trenches on the sea bottom before
cable laying.
Cathodic Protection Systems
The existing 138 kV cables have galvanized steel armour wires,
which are susceptible to corrosion.
Potential for corrosion is
usually greatest where the cables are not buried in the subtidal
zones, and oxygen content in the seawater is relatively high.
Corrosion also occurs where the cables make a transition from
natural burial in soft bottom sediments, to where they lay on
underwater rock outcrops. Abrasion can also result from cable
movement caused by under-water sea currents along submarine
- 24 British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
rocky ridges, causing greater exposure of the armour wires to
corrosion.
Areas of greatest potential risk to the submarine
cables due to abrasion are considered to be offshore from
Montague Harbour Terminal, Maricaibo Terminal, and the Galiano
Ridge feature approximately 4 km east of Taylor Bay Terminal.
Engineering design evaluations for the new 230 kV submarine
cables will include corrosion studies to investigate the extent of
the problem for modern cable designs, and to determine possible
mitigation methods. Possible solutions include use of:
y
copper wire armour, which is naturally more corrosion
resistant than galvanized steel;
y
avoidance of rock outcrops where possible;
y
more extensive burial of the cables beneath the sea
bottom where economically feasible; and
y
high-abrasion resistant insulating layers over the armour
wires.
In some areas it may be more effective to use shore-based
cathodic protection systems to impress a low-voltage, negative
electric potential on the armour wires, to resist the loss of metal
into the sea water.
Such cathodic protection systems are
commonly used to protect steel structures in sea water, such as
at ferry terminals, bulk lading facilities, and outflow pipes.
6.2.3
Terminals and Substations
Cable Terminals
Modifications and improvements to the four cable terminal sites
(English Bluff Terminal, Taylor Bay Terminal, Montague Harbour
Terminal, and Maricaibo Terminal) will include removal and
replacement of existing concrete footings for the cable terminals,
lightning arrestors, insulating fluid containment systems, cable
chases, and other miscellaneous improvements.
- 25 British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
The cable insulation will be kept pressurized by systems located
at each of the four cable terminal sites. For the Georgia Strait
crossing, ‘pumping plant’ systems will be used to maintain
pre-determined pressures within the cables. The pumping plant
systems are able to automatically reduce pressure and the flow of
fluid in the unlikely event of a leak, while maintaining minimum
pressures until repairs can be made.
For the shorter and shallower Trincomali Channel crossing, cable
insulation will be pressurized either through a conventional
pumping plant at Maricaibo Terminal and a ‘crossover’ at
Montague Harbour Terminal, or alternatively, via a passive
pressure tank system at each terminal. Both of these options
would be effective at maintaining required pressure of the
insulating fluid during normal operations and automatically
reducing pressure and thereby flow during abnormal conditions.
If a leak should occur, the low viscosity fluid would dissipate
quickly. Leaks at the cable terminals or within the insulating fluid
pressurizing systems would be contained with special insulating
fluid containment systems.
Substations
The Arnott and Vancouver Island Terminal substations will be
modified to accommodate the additional 230 kV line positions.
This work will be contained entirely within the station property,
and will follow normal BCTC and BC Hydro practices. Installation
of a phase-shifting transformer at the Vancouver Island Terminal
may require expansion of the substation boundary but within the
available property.
The phase-shifter would be installed within an impervious
secondary containment basin of sufficient capacity, consistent
with the requirements of the National Fire Code of Canada and
with the British Columbia Fire Code of Canada. Details on the
- 26 British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
configuration and specifications for the phase-shifter will be
determined during the detailed engineering phase. In addition,
noise abatement measures may need to be incorporated into the
modifications at the Vancouver Island Terminal to minimize
potential disturbances to surrounding landowners associated with
the phase-shifting transformer.
7.0
SCOPE OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
BCTC will prepare and submit draft Terms of Reference for regulatory review
and approval which will outline the proposed scope of the technical studies,
assessment methodologies, public and First Nations consultation programs, and
general format and organization to be implemented during preparation of the
Application for an Environmental Assessment (EA) Certificate under BCEAA,
and concurrently, to meet the requirements for a screening level environmental
assessment under CEAA. The draft Terms of Reference will also identify scope
of the environmental assessments to be undertaken to satisfy U.S. regulatory
permitting and approval requirements.
It is anticipated that the scope of the environmental assessment will consider
potential effects to the following biological, physical, and cultural resources:
y
Marine aquatic life including eelgrass beds, kelp beds, marine fish,
benthic invertebrates, marine mammals and species of management
concern protected under the Canadian Species at Risk Act (SARA) and
U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA);
y
Terrestrial wildlife and vegetation resources including mammals,
amphibians, reptiles, birds, and plant and animal species protected under
Canadian legislation;
y
Freshwater aquatic resources and riparian habitat;
y
Current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes by First
Nations;
y
Cultural heritage and archaeological resources;
y
Socio-economic conditions affecting communities and residents along
the proposed corridor;
- 27 British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
y
Rev. 4, January 2005
Land uses, including impacts on agricultural and forested lands,
residential areas, parks and open spaces;
y
Visual and recreational quality effects on nearby properties and public
facilities within the vicinity of the Project corridor;
y
Air quality and noise impacts; and,
y
Other construction-related issues such as traffic and waste management.
The following provides a brief overview summary of the key considerations
associated with these environmental and cultural resources. It is intended that
the baseline characterization and assessment of potential impacts to these, and
potentially other resources, will be expanded upon during the preparation of the
Terms of Reference, which will serve as a framework for the Application for an
EA Certificate/ Screening Level Environmental Assessment Report.
7.1
Marine Flora and Fauna Resources
During installation and removal of the submarine cables, potential
environmental effects will include loss or disruption of habitat to marine
fish, invertebrates, and impacts to marine waterfowl, mammals, including
potentially threatened and endangered species which are protected
under the Canadian Species at Risk Act (SARA) and/or the U.S.
Endangered Species Act (ESA). Therefore, areas and types of marine
habitat (both intertidal and subtidal) predicted to be altered or disturbed
during the cable removal and installation processes will be determined as
part of the impact assessment. In addition, direct impacts on marine
mammals and waterfowl resulting from habitat loss and alienation, water
quality degradation, noise and other physical disturbances associated
with the submarine cable installation and removal activities will be
determined.
During operation of the new 230 kV submarine cables, potential effects
to marine flora and fauna are anticipated to be limited to release of fluids
from the cables in the event of a failure or rupture.
- 28 British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
Based on the assessment of potential impacts to marine flora and fauna
resources associated with the installation and removal of the submarine
cables, BCTC will prepare a habitat compensation plan to achieve no net
loss of aquatic habitat, consistent with DFO’s Policy for the Management
of Fish Habitat, and with the mandate of the Canada Fisheries Act.
Appendix VI provides an overview summary of the general range of
typical marine flora and fauna resources likely to occur within Georgia
Strait and Trincomali Channel. The summary of marine flora and fauna
species listed in Appendix VI is not intended to be an exhaustive listing of
all marine resources and habitats potentially occurring within Georgia
Strait and Trincomali Channel.
7.2
Freshwater Fish and Aquatic Resources
During
construction
of
the
overhead
transmission
line,
various
watercourses will be crossed along BC Hydro’s right-of-way between the
Arnott Substation and Vancouver Island Terminal within Delta, on
Galiano and Salt Spring Islands, and along Vancouver Island. Many of
these watercourses provide habitat for anadromous and resident
populations of fish including coho salmon and cutthroat trout, both of
which are protected under the Species at Risk Act (SARA).
The Application for the EA Certificate/ Screening Level Environmental
Assessment Report will evaluate critical and sensitive spawning and
rearing habitats along the corridor, and provide recommendations for
environmental mitigation and habitat compensation strategies.
These
measures will incorporate input to be solicited from regional habitat
biologists with DFO and MWLAP, as well as local streamkeepers groups
where applicable.
7.3
Terrestrial Environment
Construction activities along the existing overhead transmission line
right-of-way which could potentially affect terrestrial species include
- 29 British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
vegetation clearing, foundation construction, and dismantling of the
existing structures and related infrastructure. The Application for an EA
Certificate/ Screening Level Environmental Assessment will identify
terrestrial habitat and wildlife resources along the Vancouver Island
Transmission Reinforcement Project right-of-way, including areas used
for nesting, breeding, and foraging.
Potential effects of installing and operating the new 230 kV overhead
transmission line support structures to terrestrial habitat and wildlife
populations
will
be
assessed,
and
wildlife
habitat
mitigation/
compensation measures will be recommended as necessary. Potential
threatened and endangered wildlife species which are protected under
the Canadian Species at Risk Act (SARA) will also be identified, and
mitigation measures developed as necessary.
In addition to consideration of potential impacts to terrestrial wildlife
species and their respective habitats, sections of the overhead
transmission line right-of-way on Galiano and Salt Spring islands may
pass through patches of Garry Oak and arbutus ecosystems, plant
communities protected under the Species at Risk Act (SARA). The Garry
Oak and arbutus ecosystems are home to a diversity of wildlife species.
Twenty-four species, including birds, reptiles, butterflies, vascular plants,
and mosses represented in the Garry oak ecosystem are found on the
COSEWIC and British Columbia Conservation Data Centre lists for
threatened or endangered species.
7.4
Land Use
The Application for the EA Certificate/ Screening Level Environmental
Assessment Report will consider potential impacts of construction and
operation of the Project on surrounding land uses. The assessment will
delineate urban, agricultural, commercial, industrial, First Nations lands,
parks, ecological reserves, and other protected areas along the Project
corridor. Areas of active resource development, such as logging and
gravel extraction, as well as areas of urban growth within the vicinity of
- 30 British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
the Project corridor will be identified. This will enable an assessment of
potential land use conflicts associated with the Project.
The Application for an EA Certificate/ Screening Level Environmental
Assessment Report will include a review of historical land uses and
activities along the Project corridor, as a basis for determining potential
sources of "onsite" and "offsite" contamination.
7.5
Archaeological and Heritage Resources
The Project corridor traverses through the territorial areas of several First
Nations. Table 1 (List of Potential Stakeholders for the Vancouver Island
Transmission
Reinforcement
Project)
in
Section 1.0
provides
a
preliminary list of First Nations who may have potential interests in the
Project, and who BCTC will need to consult with during the
environmental assessment and regulatory review process. Within and
along the Project corridor is the potential of encountering archaeological
and heritage resources.
A summary of recorded archaeological sites within the Project corridor as
identified in the BC Hydro EGIS database were compared with the
provincial RAAD database reveals 5 shell midden and one lithic scatter
site. Consultation with First Nations, the BC Archaeology Branch and
other stakeholders will need to be undertaken to advance and add to the
information provided and to address traditional use issues.
An Archaeological Overview Assessment (AOA) will be conducted to
evaluate potential locations for impacting unrecorded heritage resources
and artifacts along the Project corridor. As part of the technical studies to
be conducted in support of the Application for an EA Certificate/
Screening Level Environmental Assessment Report.
Based on this
Archaeological
more
Overview
Assessment
(AOA),
a
detailed
Archaeological Impact Assessment (AIA) involving field investigations
with local First Nations, and subsurface investigations at selected
locations along the right-of-way may be required to confirm the presence
- 31 British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
or absence of encountering as-yet unrecorded archaeological and
heritage resources, and then taking appropriate mitigation measures.
7.6
Visual and Recreational Resources
Construction and operation of the Project may potentially impact visual
quality and recreational resources along the corridor. Potential concerns
with respect to visual quality impacts may be raised in the urban areas of
Tsawwassen, and/or within the rural areas on Galiano and Salt Spring
Islands. Recognizing that the new structures required for the 230 kV
overhead transmission lines are likely to be higher than the existing
138 kV structures, there may be concerns expressed with respect to
visual impacts and loss of quality to recreational resources in some areas
along the corridor.
7.7
Electromagnetic Fields (EMF)
The proposed replacement and upgrade of the overhead transmission
lines and submarine cables from 138 kV to the larger capacity 230 kV will
likely raise concerns with respect to potential increase in existing levels
of EMF.
This issue will be discussed in the Application for an
EA Certificate/ Screening Level Environmental Assessment Report. The
review will evaluate and report on the results of available scientific
research.
Computer models will be used to determine EMF levels
associated with existing and new facilities.
7.8
Public Health Issues
The Application for an EA Certificate / Screening Level Environmental
Assessment Report will consider potential effects and mitigation
measures for such health issues as increased noise levels and air
emissions (e.g., fugitive dust, construction machinery, etc.).
7.9
Resource and Material Requirements
The Project is predicted to have little requirement for raw materials,
including energy, water, and aggregate resources.
The raw material
- 32 -
British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
requirements for the Project include manufactured products including
submarine cables, overhead transmission wires, steel transmission
structures, insulators, conductor support hardware, phase-shifting
transformers, and other station equipment.
Concrete will likely be
manufactured off-site by a concrete supplier, and therefore, no borrow
pits or aggregate processing operations will need to be developed
specifically for this Project. Therefore, the Project is not likely to deplete
or consume large quantities of natural non-renewable resources.
Energy requirements for the Project include fuel for the cable-laying and
cable-removal ships, and construction equipment.
Fuel and limited
energy requirements will also be necessary for construction equipment
associated with works and undertakings at the cable landing sites, and
for the overhead transmission crews to access portions of the
right-of-way by vehicle or helicopter.
It is anticipated that only minor quantities of water will be required for the
Project.
7.10
Spill Prevention and Emergency Response
BC Hydro Engineering’s contractors will be responsible for preparing and
implementing site-specific Spill Prevention and Emergency Response
Plans tailored to their particular construction activities, consistent with
BC Hydro’s corporate policies and procedures.
Spill Prevention and Emergency Response Plans to be prepared by
BC Hydro Engineering’s contractors will need to include and address, at
a minimum, the following:
y
A general measure of the probability and severity of an adverse
effect to health, property, or the environment on the basis of fuel,
oil, and other hazardous materials consumed, handled, and
stored;
y
Spill/release notification and alerting procedures;
y
Containment, recovery, and clean-up procedures;
- 33 British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
y
Rev. 4, January 2005
On-site spill/release clean-up materials, equipment, and locations;
and,
y
Names and telephone numbers of persons and organizations that
may be contacted in the event of a potential environmental
incident.
The submarine cables will be designed to minimize potential for a fluid
leak and to withstand abrasive forces of the cables moving along
submarine ridges due to underwater sea currents. Similarly, the cable
terminals will incorporate secondary containment design features to
minimize the potential for a spill or release of cable insulating fluid.
Post-construction spill contingency plans will be modified for each cable
terminal and substations to reflect changes to reflect potential hazards
and risks as a result of the Project. For example, these plans would
address emergency procedures and protocols for the storage and use of
cable fluid.
7.11
Waste Disposal
Waste materials to be generated from the Project will be reused and
recycled in the BC Hydro system wherever possible.
BC Hydro
Engineering and their contractors will investigate methods for material
re-use, recycling, and/or disposal to ensure that the most feasible,
environmentally and socially-responsible, and economic management
practices are employed. The 138 kV cables that are removed from the
Project area will be disposed of in accordance with BCTC’s and
BC Hydro’s corporate policies and procedures, and in accordance with
the provisions of the B.C. Waste Management Act. Waste steel from the
decommissioned overhead transmission line lattice steel structures will
be recovered and recycled.
- 34 British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
8.0
Rev. 4, January 2005
CONCLUSIONS
Details regarding the scope, methodology, consultation processes, and overall
organization of the environmental assessment will be provided in the Terms of
Reference to be submitted for regulatory review and comment. It is understood
that once approved, the Terms of Reference will form the basis of a Section 11
Order under BCEAA, which will specify among other things:
y
scope of the environmental assessment;
y
information requirements from BCTC and BC Hydro Engineering;
y
organizations, including but not limited to the public, First Nations,
government agencies and, and neighbouring jurisdictions, to be
consulted by BCTC and BC Hydro Engineering during the assessment;
and
y
means by which the persons and organizations are to be provided with
notice of the assessment, access to information during the assessment
and opportunities to be consulted.
In addition to evaluating potential environmental effects of the Project on the
above-referenced biological and cultural resources and land uses, the
environmental assessment will also consider potential impacts to Project
facilities caused by natural events (seismic or weather) or other environmental
conditions, as required by CEAA.
The Application for an EA Certificate/ Screening Level Environmental
Assessment will also evaluate potential environmental effects of accidents and
equipment malfunctions, and cumulative environmental effects that may occur in
connection with construction and operation of the Project, as required by
Section 16(1) of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA).
Based
on
the
detailed
technical
assessments
of
various
disciplines,
environmental mitigation and monitoring measures will be recommended for
reducing, and where possible, precluding potentially adverse impacts associated
with the construction and operation of the Vancouver Island Transmission
Reinforcement Project.
The environmental assessment will include a
- 35 British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
determination of the significance of residual effects after implementation of the
recommended mitigation measures.
Consultation measures are planned to be undertaken with First Nations and
public stakeholders throughout the preparation of the environmental assessment
report, to invite comment and feedback on potential negative impacts, and to
recommend mitigation measures.
BCTC will undertake formal public
consultation measures such as public open houses, information sessions, and
town hall meetings following completion and submission of the environmental
assessment report.
Environmental assessment and stakeholder consultation programs will be
conducted in parallel with BCTC’s application for a Certificate of Public
Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) from the British Columbia Utilities
Commission (BCUC).
Accordingly, BCTC will coordinate the technical
submissions and public consultation programs with the requirements of the
CPCN process.
9.0
REFERENCES
Armstrong, D. A, Armstrong, J. L. and Dinnel, P. A. 1988. Distribution,
abundance and habitat associations of Dungeness crab, Cancer
magister , in Guemes Channel, San Juan Islands, Washington.
J. Shellfish Res. 7:147-148.
BC Hydro T&D Engineering.
December, 1993.
1993.
Vancouver
Island
Supply
Study.
BC Hydro. 2003. Project Planning Report. 230 kV Transmission Circuit from
Arnott to VIT. Report No. SP2003-04 System Planning
BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer. 2003. Victoria, British Columbia,
Canada.: http://srmapps.gov.bc.ca/apps/eswp/.
Bourne, N. F. and G. D. Heritage. 1997. Intertidal clam surveys in British
Columbia - 1992 and 1993 Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. no. 2168;
107 pp.
Bracewell & Patterson, L.L.P. 2003. Memorandum to Mr. David Avren re:
Replacement of Certain Electrical Transmission Lines from Mainland
British Columbia to Vancouver Island. Dated October 16, 2003
- 36 British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
Burgner, R.L. 1991. Life History of the sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka).
Pages 1-118 In: Pacific Salmon Life Histories. C. Groot and L. Margolis
(eds.). UBC Press. Vancouver, British Columbia.
Calambokidis, J. and R.W. Baird. 1994. Status of marine mammals in the Strait
of Georgia, Puget Sound, and Juan de Fuca Strait and potential human
impacts. P 282-303 In: Review of the marine environment and biota of
Strait of Georgia, Puget Sound, and Juan de Fuca Strait. Proceedings of
the BC/Washington Symposium on the Marine Environment, January 13
and 14, 1994. R.C.H. Wilson, R.J. Beamish, F. Aitkens, and J. Bell, Eds.
Canadian Technical Report of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences No. 1948.
Canadian Hydrographic Service. 1999. Canadian Hydrographic Service Tidal
Manual. http://chswww.bur.dfo.ca/TCWL/tidalmanual.html
Chambers, P.A., R.E. DeWreede, E.A. Irlandi and H. Vandermeulen. 1999.
Management issues in aquatic macrophytes ecology: a Canadian
perspective. Canadian Journal of Botany. 77:471-487.
Cowan, I. McT. And C.J. Guiget. 1973. Mammals of B.C. B.C. Provincial
Museum Handbook #11.
Department of Fisheries and Oceans. 1998. Strait of Georgia Herring. DFO
Science Stock Status Report B6-05 (1998). Department of Fisheries and
Oceans 1998.
Dunham, J.S. and J.A. Boutillier. 2001. Pandalus danae, coonstripe shrimp: a
review of the biology and recommended assessment framework for
directed fisheries. Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat Research
Document 2001/151
Environmental Protection Service. 1978. West Coast Offshore Environment:
Groundfish and Herring Resources. Canada Department of Fisheries and
Environment.
Fairbanks Environmental Services Inc. August 2004. BC Hydro Eelgrass
Assessment Point Roberts Right-of-Way 1L17/18. Prepared for
BC Hydro Environmental Fisheries and Oceans Canada. 2004. BC Tidal
Waters Sport Fishing Guide 2003-2005.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada 2001. CEAA guide. Applying the Canadian
Environmental Assessment Act for the fish habitat management program.
Ottawa.
Fisheries Information Summary System: http://pisces.env.gov.bc.ca
Glaholt, R., T. Fung and S. Ong. 2000. Investigation of the potential for a
bottom-founded marine pipeline to act as a barrier to the dispersal of
Dungeness crab (Cancer magister), California sea cucumber
(Parastichopus californicus), green sea urchin (Strongylocentroides
- 37 British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
droebachiensis) and other species. TERA Environmental Consultants
(Alta) Ltd., Calgary, Alberta. 17 pp.
Harrison. P.G. 1984. The biology of seagrasses in the intercauseway area of
Roberts Bank, B.C. Report submitted to the Port of Vancouver.
Harrison, P.G. and R.E. Bigley. 1982. The recent introduction of the seagrass
Zostera japonica Aschers. and Graebn. to the pacific coast of North
America. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 39: 1642-1648.
Hart, J.L. 1973. Pacific Fishes of Canada. Fisheries Research Board of Canada,
Ottawa.
Hay, D.E. and P.B. McCarter. 2004. Herring Spawning Areas of British
Columbia: A review, geographic analysis and classification. Fisheries and
Oceans Canada, Pacific Biological Station, Nanaimo.
Healey, M.C. 1991. Life history of the chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus
tshawytscha). Pages 311-394 In: Pacific Salmon Life Histories. C. Groot
and L. Margolis (eds.). UBC Press. Vancouver, British Columbia.
Howard Paish & Associates. 1975. Some Ecological Considerations for
BC Hydro Routing of Cables or Pipeline Across Roberts Bank.
Island
Adventures
Inc.
2004.
San
Juan
www.island-adventures.com/sanjuanwildlife.cfm
Wildlife.
website:
Jamieson, G.S. and S. Dixon. A proposed MPA boundary identification for
reproductive refugium establishment, using lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus)
as an example of focal species. Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res. Doc.
2001/106.
Jensen, G.C. 1995. Pacific coast crabs and shrimps. Sea Challengers.
Ketchen, K.S., N. Bourne and T.H. Butler. 1983. History and present status of
fisheries for marine fishes and invertebrates in the Strait of Georgia,
British Columbia. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 40: 1095-1119.
Levings, C.D., R.E. Foreman and V.J. Tunnicliffe. 1983. Review of the benthos
of the Strait of Georgia and contiguous fjords. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci.
40: 1120-1141
Levy, D.A. 1985. Biology and management of surf smelt in Burrard Inlet,
Vancouver, B.C. Westwater Research Centre Technical Report No. 28.
Love, M.S. M. Yoklavich, and L. Thorsteinson. 2002. The rockfishes of the
Northeast Pacific. University of California Press.
Morrison, J. M. Kattilakoski, I. Winter, and J. Boutiller. 1998. Prawn trap fishery –
1996-97. PSARC Fisheries update document. Department of Fisheries
and Oceans.
- 38 British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
Peterson, C.H., H.C. Summerson, and P.B. Duncan. 1984. The influence of
seagrass cover on population structure of a suspension-feeding native
bivalve, Mercenaria mercenaria. J. Mar. Res. 42: 123-138.
Precision Identification Inc. September 2004. BC Hydro Cable Terminal
Eelgrass Assessments: English Bluff, Tsawwassen, Maricaibo, Salt
Spring Island, Montague Harbour, Parker Island, Taylor Bay, Galiano
Island. Prepared for BC Hydro. Vancouver, B.C.
Salo, E.O. 1991. Life history of the chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta). Pages
231-310 In: Pacific Salmon Life Histories. C. Groot and L. Margolis
(eds.). UBC Press. Vancouver, British Columbia.
Schweigert, J. 2001. Stock assessment for British Columbia herring in 2001 and
forecasts of the potential catch in 2002. Can. Sci. Adv. Secr. 53:
818-841.
Theriault, T.W., A.N. McDiarmid, W. Duff and D.E. Hay. 2002. Review of surf
smelt (Hypomesus pretiosus) biology and fisheries, with suggested
management options for British Columbia. Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res.
Doc. 2002/115.
Triton Consultants Ltd. 1996. A review of recent physical and biological
development of the southern Roberts Bank seagrass system 1950-1994.
Report to the Roberts Banks Environmental Review Committee.
Vancouver, 84 pp.
Tunnicliffe, V. 1993. Biodiversity: the marine biota of British Columbia. Pages
191-220. In: Our Living Legacy: Proceedings of a Symposium on
Biological Diversity. M.A. Fenger, E.H. Miller, J.A. Johnson and E.J.R.
Williams (eds.). Royal British Columbia Museum. Victoria, British
Columbia.
Walker, W.A., M.B. Hanson, R.W. Baird and T.J. Guenther. 1998. Food habits of
the harbour porpoise, Phocoena phocoena, and Dall's porpoise,
Phocoenoides dalli, in the inland waters of British Columbia and
Washington. pp 63-75 in Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered
Species Act Implementation Program 1997. AFSC Processed Report
98-10.
Yamanaka, K.L. and L.C. Lacko. 2001. Inshore Rockfish (Sebastes ruberrimus,
S. malinger, S. caurinus, S. melanops, S. nigrocinctus, and S. nebulosus)
Stock Assessment for the West Coast of Canada and Recommendations
for Management. Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res. Doc. 2001/139, Ottawa.
Zhang, Z., W.Halas, A. Phillips and J.A. Boutillier. 2002. Evaluation of an
intensive fishery on Dungeness crab (Cancer magister) in Fraser delta,
British Columbia. Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res. Doc. 2002/118
- 39 British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
FIGURES
Figure 1
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project - Study Area
Figure 2
Project Schedule (Sheets 1 and 2)
Figure 3
Project Corridor through Corporation of Delta from Arnott Substation
to English Bluff Cable Terminal
Figure 4
Project Corridor across Galiano Island from Taylor Bay Cable
Terminal to Montague Cable Terminal on Parker Island
Figure 5
Project Corridor across Salt Spring Island from Maricaibo Cable
Terminal to Vancouver Island Terminal
Figure 6
Existing Cable Layout and Bathymetry 138 kV and HVDC Corridors
Figure 7
Cross Section of a Typical High Voltage Submarine Transmission
Cable
Figure 8
Existing English Bluff Terminal 138 kV Cable Terminal,
Tsawwassen, B.C.
Figure 9
Existing Taylor Bay 138 kV Cable Terminal, Galinao Island
Figure 10
Existing Montague Harbour 138 kV Cable Terminal, Galiano Island
(Parker Island)
Figure 11
Existing Maricaibo Terminal 138 kV Cable Terminal, Salt Spring
Island
- 40 British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
www.bctc.com
British Columbia Transmission Corporation
Figure 1: Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project Study Area
- 41 -
Rev. 4, January 2005
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
www.bctc.com
British Columbia Transmission Corporation
Figure 2: Project Schedule (Sheet 1)
- 42 -
Rev. 4, January 2005
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
www.bctc.com
British Columbia Transmission Corporation
Figure 2 Cont'd: Project Schedule (Sheet 2)
- 43 -
Rev. 4, January 2005
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
Figure 3: Project Corridor through Corporation of Delta from Arnott Substation to English Bluff Cable Terminal
- 44 British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
Figure 4: Project Corridor across Galiano Island from Taylor Bay Cable Terminal to Montague Cable Terminal on Parker Island
- 45 British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
Figure 5: Project Corridor across Salt Spring Island from Maricaibo Cable Terminal to Vancouver Island Terminal
- 46 British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Figure 6: Existing Cable Layout and Bathymetry 138 kV and HVDC Corridors
- 47 -
Rev. 4, January 2005
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
Figure 7: Cross Section of a Typical High Voltage Submarine Transmission Cable
Item
Component
Description
1
Insulating Fluid Duct
2
Conductor
Cross section
Self supporting segmental strips of copper
3
Conductor screen
Carbon black papers
4
Insulation
Impregnated PPL paper tapes
5
Core screen
Carbon black papers copper woven fabric tape
6
Lead sheath
Extruded lead alloy
7
Reinforcement
Bronze, copper or stainless steel tapes
8
Anti-corrosion jacket
Extruded polyethylene sheath
9
Antiteredo protection
10
Bedding
Polypropylene yarn
11
Armour
Metal wire armour (single or double layers)
12
Serving
Polypropylene yarn
Approximate outside diameter range = 120 – 145 mm
- 48 British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
Cable crossing sign
Figure 8: Existing English Bluff Terminal 138 kV Cable Terminal , Tsawwassen, B.C.
Figure 9: Existing Taylor Bay 138 kV Cable Terminal, Galiano Island
- 49 British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com
Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project
Project Description
Rev. 4, January 2005
Figure 10: Existing Montague Harbour 138 kV Cable Terminal, Galiano Island,
(Parker Island)
Figure 11: Existing Maricaibo Terminal 138 kV Cable Terminal, Salt Spring Island
- 50 British Columbia Transmission Corporation
www.bctc.com