Class Environmental Assessment Vaughan Transformer Station ... · Class Environmental Assessment...

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Class Environmental Assessment Vaughan Transformer Station #4 Public Information Centre No.1 Thursday March 27, 2014 The Kingbridge Conference Centre and Institute 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Transcript of Class Environmental Assessment Vaughan Transformer Station ... · Class Environmental Assessment...

Class Environmental Assessment Vaughan Transformer Station #4Public Information Centre No.1

Thursday March 27, 2014The Kingbridge Conference Centre and Institute4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Class Environmental Assessment Vaughan Transformer Station #4Public Information Centre No.1

Panel No.2

Welcome Class Environmental Assessment Vaughan Transformer Station #4Public Information Centre No.1

• Please sign in on the sheet provided

• Please review display materials

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

• Comment sheets are provided. Please complete the comment sheet and drop it in the Comment Box tonight, or return it to the contact people provided in the Comment Sheet by Friday April 11, 2014

Class Environmental Assessment Vaughan Transformer Station #4Public Information Centre No.1

Panel No.3

Why are we here tonight?

• 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.

Class Environmental Assessment Vaughan Transformer Station #4Public Information Centre No.1

Panel No.4

Objectives of this Public Information Centre

This Public Information Centre provides an opportunity for the public to:

• Understand the need for this project and review background information

• Learn about the activities completed to-date as per the Class Environmental Assessment process for Minor Transmission Facilities

• Review and provide feedback on the preliminary preferred site for the new Vaughan Transformer Station (TS) #4

• Review and discuss the project with PowerStream staff and their consultants

Class Environmental Assessment Vaughan Transformer Station #4Public Information Centre No.1

Panel No.5

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, as amended December 2013.

• 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 Preparation of Environmental Study Report Confirm Project Acceptability and Preparation of Environmental Study Report

We are here PIC No.1

Class Environmental Assessment Vaughan Transformer Station #4Public Information Centre No.1

Panel No.6

Project Background – Need for this Project

• PowerStream is the local distribution company for Aurora, Vaughan, Markham and Richmond Hill, also known as PowerStream South Service Territory.

• Eighteen transformer stations provide electricity to the PowerStream South Service Territory, for a total existing capacity of 1,750 MW.

• A load forecast for a planning period of 2014 – 2023 identified that peak demands from anticipated load growth in the South Service Territory will be approximately 1,785 MW by 2017 / 2018, which exceed the existing capacity of 1,750 MW. This forecast includes CDM (6%) and DG, which offset load.

• Approximately 50% of the projected load growth is expected to occur in Vaughan.

• Additional power supply capacity needs to be provided in Vaughan to meet the load growth projections of the south service territory.

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

• A long-term integrated resource regional plan is being developed.

Future Load Growth in PowerStream South Service Territory

Class Environmental Assessment Vaughan Transformer Station #4Public Information Centre No.1

Panel No.7

11 Alternative Solutions for providing additional power supply capacity in the City of Vaughan were identified, as shown below.

Project Background -Identification of Alternative Solutions

Option 4:• Expansion of Hydro One Kleinburg

Transformer Station, removal of Woodbridge Transformer Station from transmission line and a new tap at Woodbridge TS.

Option 5:• Expansion of Hydro One Woodbridge TS to

accommodate a new Transformer Station

Option 6:• Expansion of PowerStream Vaughan TS#1 or TS#2 to

accommodate a new Transformer Station

Option 7:• Expansion of PowerStream Vaughan TS#3 to

accommodate a new Transformer Station

Option 8:• Construction of facilities to supply capacity in

Markham.

Option 9:• New Transformer Station on Parkway Corridor

Lines (Segments C & D)

Option 1:• Do Nothing - No changes or upgrades would

be made

Option 2:• Implement energy conservation measures

Option 3:• Distributed Generation

Option 10:• New Transformer Station on Kleinburg

Transmission Line (Segment A)

Option 11:• New Transformer Station on Minden

Transmission Line (Segment B)

Class Environmental Assessment Vaughan Transformer Station #4Public Information Centre No.1

Panel No.8

Feasibility of all Alternative Solutions was assessed. Alternative Solutions that did not meet the objective of the Class EA study were eliminated.

Option 11 – Construction of a New Transformer Station (Vaughan TS #4) on the Minden Transmission Line was identified as the preferred Alternative Solution and will be considered further in the Class EA study.

Evaluation of Alternative Solutions

Alternative Solution Description Short-Listed Yes No

1. Do Nothing System load demands will exceed the existing system capacity by 2017 / 2018 X

2. Energy Conservation Option alone will not provide additional capacity required X

3. Distributed Generation (DG) Option alone will not provide additional capacity required X

4. Expansion to Kleinburg TS There is no remaining capacity on existing transmission line X

5. Expansion to Woodbridge TS There is no remaining capacity on existing transmission line X

6. Expansion to Vaughan TS#1 or TS#2 There is no remaining available room to accommodate a new TS at either location X

7. Expansion to Vaughan TS#3 There is no remaining capacity on existing transmission line X

8. Construction of Facilities to supply capacity in Markham This will not provide capacity where needed. X

9. New TS on Parkway Transmission Lines Lengthy approval process. Not optimal from a technical or financial perspective. X

10. New TS on Kleinburg Transmission Line There is no remaining capacity on existing transmission line X

11. New TS on Minden Transmission Line There will be sufficient capacity on the Minden transmission line for a new TS based on improvements underway by Hydro One as endorsed by the OPA – Option will be considered in the next steps

Class Environmental Assessment Vaughan Transformer Station #4Public Information Centre No.1

Panel No.9

Class EA Study Objective

The Objective of the Vaughan Transformer Station #4 Class EA study is:

• To identify the preferred site for the new Transformer Station #4 in the City of Vaughan, to meet the additional power supply capacity in the PowerStream south service territory by 2017 / 2018.

• The preferred site will be selected to minimize potential impacts to the environment and community, as well as distribution system expansions within the context of the long-term Integrated Plan for York Region.

Class Environmental Assessment Vaughan Transformer Station #4Public Information Centre No.1

Panel No.10

Proposed 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 (potential for two more in

the future)• switchgear building • ancillary equipment • access road(s)• appropriate setbacks and buffer zones

Typical Transformer Stations

Class Environmental Assessment Vaughan Transformer Station #4Public Information Centre No.1

Panel No.11

Identification of Study Area

A study area was defined based on:

• There will be sufficient capacity on the Minden transmission line for a new TS based on improvements underway by Hydro One as endorsed by the OPA – Option will be considered in the next steps.

• Proximity to forecasted load growth areas in the City of Vaughan in order to reduce pole line construction, system losses and improve system reliability

Potential sites for the new Vaughan Transformer Station #4 were identified within the limits of the study area.

Class Environmental Assessment Vaughan Transformer Station #4Public Information Centre No.1

Panel No.12

Four candidate sites for the new Vaughan TS#4 were identified based on the following:

• Minimum footprint requirement of 2 ha• 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• Adequately zoned for TS station

Based on the availability of the candidate sites (willingness to sell), Site Option 1 – 5400 Kirby Road has been identified as the preliminary preferred site for Vaughan TS#4.

Identification of Candidate Sites for Proposed Vaughan Transformer Station #4

Class Environmental Assessment Vaughan Transformer Station #4Public Information Centre No.1

Panel No.13

Impact Assessment – Proposed Site for Vaughan Transformer Station #4

5400 Kirby Road Property will be examined in detail to identify potential impacts and mitigation measures related to:

• Natural Heritage Features: • Vegetation, wildlife, wildlife and aquatic habitats,

watercourses, etc.• Socio-Cultural Environment:

• Aesthetics, landscaping • Traffic, dust, vibration and noise (during construction) • Public health and safety • Archaeological potential

• Technical Considerations: • Soil conditions • Transformer station layout• Feeder egress• Transmission Right-of-Ways• Planning and policy guidelines (Greenbelt Plan, Official Plans,

Development Approvals, etc.) • Approval requirements

Class Environmental Assessment Vaughan Transformer Station #4Public Information Centre No.1

Panel No.14

Next Steps• Receive comments from this Public Information Centre. Confirm Option 1 – 5400 Kirby

Road as the preferred site for the Vaughan TS#4.

• Complete impact assessment and identify measures to prevent or mitigate potential impacts to natural heritage, socio-cultural and technical environments during design, construction and operation.

• A second Public Information Centre is planned to occur in May / June 2014, to present the results of the impact assessment and introduce a preliminary concept for the proposed Vaughan TS #4. This will be another opportunity for you to give feedback on the project.

• Comments received will be considered in finalizing the preferred site and preliminary concept.

• 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.

Thank you for your participation!

Class Environmental Assessment Vaughan Transformer Station #4Public Information Centre No.1

Panel No.15

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

Friday April 11, 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 Inc161 Cityview BlvdVaughan, Ontario L4H 0A9Telephone: 905-532-4517Fax: 905-532-4447Email: [email protected]

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

Project Contacts