Class Environmental Assessment for Vaughan Transformer ... · Vaughan Transformer Station (TS) #4...

Class Environmental Assessment for Vaughan Transformer Station #4Public Information Centre No.2

Thursday June 19, 2014Kleinburg Elementary Public School 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Class Environmental Assessment Vaughan Transformer Station #4Public Information Centre No.2

Panel No.2

Welcome Class Environmental Assessment Vaughan Transformer Station #4Public Information Centre No.2

� Please sign in on the sheet provided

� Please review display materials

� Our representatives will be pleased to discuss the study with you, or answer any questions or concerns that you may have

� Comment sheets are provided. Please complete the comment sheet and drop it in the Comment Box today, or return it to the contact people provided on the Comment Sheet by Friday July 4, 2014


Panel No.3

Why are we here today?

� PowerStream is undertaking a Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) study to select the preferred location for a new transformer station in the City of Vaughan.

� A new transformer station in the City of Vaughan is necessary to meet PowerStream’s projected load growth in the area.

� Public participation is an important part of the Class EA study process. Please review the information presented today and provide us with any comments or concerns which you may have.


Panel No.4

Objectives of this Public Information Centre

This Public Information Centre provides an opportun ity for the public to review:

� The results of additional activities completed as part of the Vaughan Transformer Station (TS) #4 Class Environmental Assessment study

� The preliminary site layout and conceptual plan for the Vaughan TS #4

� The potential impacts associated with the new Vaughan TS #4 and the proposed mitigation measures

� Other aspects of the project with PowerStream staff and their consultants


Panel No.5

Why is Additional Power Supply Capacity Needed in Vaughan?

� Peak demands from anticipated load growth in the South Service Territory (Aurora, Vaughan, Markham and Richmond Hill) will be about 1,785 MW by 2017 , which exceed the existing capacity of 1,750 MW. This forecast includes electricity conservation and demand management targets of 6% and distributed generation, which offset the load.

� Since approximately 50% of the projected load growth is expected to occur in Vaughan, additional power supply capacity needs to be provided in the area.


Panel No.6

� 11 alternatives for providing the required additional power supply capacity were identified to include: � “Do-nothing”� Meeting power supply demands through energy

conservation and / or distributed generation� Expanding existing transformer stations� Building new transformer stations

� All 11 alternatives were screened based on their feasibility of implementation to ensure that additional required capacity will be provided by 2017.

Study Background

� “Construction of a New Transformer Station (Vaughan TS #4) on the Minden Transmission Line” was identified as the preferred alternative.

� The Ontario Power Authority has confirmed that additional capacity in the Vaughan area will be met through a new transformer station.

� A Class EA study was initiated to select the preferred location for the new Vaughan TS #4.


Panel No.7

Overview of Activities under the Class EA for Minor Transmission Facilities

� The Vaughan Transformer Station #4 project is being conducted in accordance with the Hydro One Class Environmental Assessment for Minor Transmission Facilities, April 1992.

� This is a planning process designed to ensure that small transmission projects are planned and implemented in an environmentally acceptable manner.

Step 1Establish the Project Need or OpportunityEstablish the Project Need or Opportunity

Step 2Identify and Screen Alternatives to the Undertaking Identify and Screen Alternatives to the Undertaking

Step 3Prepare Environmental Inventory. Identify and Evaluate Alternative Methods Prepare Environmental Inventory. Identify and Evaluate Alternative Methods

Step 4Select Preferred Alternative Select Preferred Alternative

Step 5Confirm Project Acceptability and Prepare Environmental Study Report Confirm Project Acceptability and Prepare Environmental Study Report

We are here PIC No.2

PIC No.1March 27, 2014


Panel No.8

Vaughan Transformer Station #4

The proposed Vaughan TS #4 will step-down electricity from Hydro One’s 230 kV high voltage transmission line to lower voltages, so that it can be distributed through PowerStream’s electrical system to consumers.

The Vaughan TS#4 will consist of: � two 125 MVA transformers

� switchgear building � ancillary equipment

� access road� appropriate setbacks and buffer zones

Typical Power Supply Schematic

Low Voltage Distribution Lines

Residential and Institutional Consumers

Power Plant

High Voltage Transmission Lines

Transformer Station


Panel No.9

4 alternative sites for the new Vaughan TS#4, in close proximity to the existing Minden Transmission Line, were identified based on:

� Minimum footprint requirement of 2 hectares � Proximity to existing transmission right-of-way or

at an existing site � Opportunity for PowerStream ownership of site � Proximity to regional roads to facilitate

transportation of major equipment � Sites with no apparent surface drainage

constraints� Sites which require minimal grading and site

preparation costs� Permitted land use for a transformer station

Identification of Candidate Sites for Vaughan Transformer Station #4


Panel No.10

Site Selection Evaluation / Analysis

Site Key ConsiderationsOption 1 5400 Kirby Road

� Availability of property (willing seller)

� Transmission line traverses the property � Lowest cost to connect to the existing transmission line

� Natural environmental features located within site. Protection of these features will be required. � Site located within the Natural Heritage System in the Protected Countryside.

Option 2 Southwest of Kirby Road and Kipling Avenue

� Site unavailable, lands are part of proposed development area as per approved North-Kleinburg Nashville Secondary Plan

� Transmission line traverses the property

� Lowest cost to connect to the existing transmission line.� Natural environmental features located within site. Protection of these features will be required.

� Portions of the site located within the Natural Heritage System in the Protected Countryside.

Option 3 Northwest of Kirby Road and Kipling Avenue

� Site unavailable (unwilling seller)

� Additional costs for transmission line connection � Natural environmental features located within site. Protection of these features will be required.

� Site located within the Natural Heritage System in the Protected Countryside.

Option 4 11720 Kipling Avenue

� Site unavailable (unwilling seller)

� Natural environmental features located within site. Protection of these features will be required. � Site located within the Natural Heritage System in the Protected Countryside.

Based on the following key considerations and the availability of the alternative sites

(willingness to sell), Option 1 – 5400 Kirby Road has been identified as the preliminary

preferred site for the Vaughan TS#4.


Panel No.11

Vaughan Transformer Station #4 – Preliminary Preferred Site

Key advantages of Option 1 – 5400 Kirby Road site compared to the other sites: � Lowest cost to connect to the existing

Minden Transmission Line� Adequate property size to locate the TS #4,

while protecting existing significant environmental features

� Availability of property (willing seller)


Panel No.12

Natural Heritage Study – 5400 Kirby Road

Important natural features were identified within the 5400 Kirby Road site, such as: � Wetland communities, part of the East Humber River Provincially

Significant Wetland (PSW)� Forest communities, part of the East Humber River

Environmentally Significant Area� The Headwater tributary of Purpleville Creek – considered

“contributing habitat” for Redside Dace present further downstream

Other natural heritage constraints on the property include: � Slopes associated with the tributary on and adjacent to the site � Grassland bird species (i.e., Barn Swallow and Bobolink) have

been confirmed within the vicinity. Potential breeding habitat for these species has not been confirmed and is unlikely to occur on the 5400 Kirby Road property.

Additional field studies will be completed in late summer to confirm preliminary findings.


Panel No.13

Preliminary Site Plan – Vaughan TS #4


Panel No.14

Preliminary Concept – Vaughan TS #4

Aerial View

South-east View (1) North-west view (2)

1

Existing Transmission Tower / Line

2



Panel No.15

Preliminary Concept – Vaughan TS #4

North view – from Kirby Road

East view (from top of west berm) West view (from Kirby Road)




Panel No.16

Anticipated Impacts and Proposed Mitigation Measures (1 of 2)

Community / Social Noise� All site preparation and construction related work will conform with municipal noise by-law � Construction equipment will be maintained to ensure operation conforms to acceptable air and noise

parameters� Transformer station will be designed to comply with noise levels set out in provincial regulations. Acoustic

barriers will be installed, if required, to meet Ministry of the Environment requirements under the Environmental Protection Act

Odours� No odours expected from construction or operation of the station

Health & Safety � The station site will be fenced in for public safety and station security during and after construction � Nearby residents will be informed prior to construction

Aesthetics � A vegetative restoration and screening plan will be developed to minimize station visibility

Cultural / Heritage� Stage 1 and 2 archaeological assessments were completed. The site has been cleared from

archaeological potential, no additional work is required.


Panel No.17

Anticipated Impacts and Proposed Mitigation Measures (2 of 2)

Water and Groundwater Quality � Groundwater during excavation will be controlled by

temporary pumping. Additional boreholes will be drilled prior to construction to confirm structural design.

� Transformers will be equipped with spill containment systems to prevent the loss of transformer insulating oil from entering the surrounding environment.

� Runoff precipitation will be the only source of station discharge

� Containment and drainage systems subject to a Site Plan Approval

Air Quality � Particulate emissions during construction will be minimized

by dust suppression techniques such as on-site watering and street cleaning

� Construction equipment will be maintained to minimize exhaust emissions

� There will be no air emissions associated with operation of the station

Natural Environmental Features � The required setbacks of existing natural

features will be respected � A sediment and erosion control plan will be

developed and implemented to protect terrestrial and aquatic habitat

� Planned staging of construction activities to respect sensitive timing windows for wildlife breeding in adjacent areas. To be confirmed in the next stages of the natural study.

� Consideration for enhancement of habitat features, including planting riparian corridors and use of native species.

� Buffers around retained natural features will bemaximized, as much as possible.

� Tree removals will conform with local tree removal by-laws (City of Vaughan By-law 185-2007), as required.

Natural / Technical


Panel No.18

Next Steps• The project team will consider the comments received from this Public Information

Centre in finalizing preliminary concept of the Vaughan TS #4. Specific mitigation measures will be developed to address additional socio-cultural impacts identified by the public or review agencies.

• Completion of additional field studies on 5400 Kirby Site to confirm the presence and absence of aquatic habitat, wildlife, habitat function, and vegetation communities within the property. Further consultation with agencies (MNR and TRCA) will be required.

• An Environmental Study Report, presenting the Class EA study, will be prepared and made available for a 30-day public review period, where you will have a final chance to comment on the recommendations.

• Detailed design of Vaughan TS #4 will occur in 2015 after approval of Class EA study. Construction of the transformer station to be completed by Spring 2017.

Thank you for your participation!


Panel No.19

Please complete a Comment Sheet and leave it here today, or return it to any of the contacts below by

Friday July 4, 2014

Should you have any questions or concerns at any time during the project, please contact either of the following individuals:

Riaz Shaikh, M.A.Sc., P.Eng.Manager, System PlanningPowerStream Inc.161 Cityview BlvdVaughan, Ontario, L4H 0A9Telephone: 905-532-4517Fax: 905-532-4447Email: [email protected]

Sandra Rodriguez, M.Eng., P.Eng.Project ManagerCIMA7880 Keele Street, Suite 201Vaughan, Ontario, L4K 4G7Telephone: 905-695-1005 Ext. 6718Fax: 905-695-0525Email: [email protected]

Project Contacts

Class Environmental Assessment for Vaughan Transformer ... · Vaughan Transformer Station (TS) #4...

Documents

Transcript of Class Environmental Assessment for Vaughan Transformer ... · Vaughan Transformer Station (TS) #4...