Cleared HVac right-of-way near Burgeo Highway in Newfoundland.

The Link

Right-of-way cleared for transmission

08I S S U E

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M a r i t i m e L i n k P r o j e c tQ u a r t e r l y N e w s l e t t e r

In early March, Major’s Logging achieved substantial completion of right-of-way (ROW) clearing on the island of Newfoundland. With this achievement, the entire 412 km route of ROW in both provinces is now complete and marks a significant milestone for the Maritime Link Project.

Substantial completion means that Major’s completed clearing the Newfoundland ROW and will return to work following the snow melt in the spring to achieve final completion using manual cutters. In Nova Scotia, MacLean’s Forestry reached final completion in June 2015.

“Given distance and scope, with challenging terrain and

weather, both companies were effective and efficient, while keeping safety and the environment as their top priorities,” says Rick Janega, President and CEO of Emera NL.

Since 2014, Major’s Logging in Newfoundland and MacLean’s Forestry in Nova Scotia have been working towards the safe completion of this work. In Newfoundland ROW clearing encompassed over 1,500 hectares of land, covering four construction sites, 325 km of lines and touched all parts of the Project geography. In Nova Scotia, ROW clearing encompassed over 264 hectares of land, covering three construction sites and 87 km of lines.

this issueROW substant ia l ly c leared

Safety p lanning

Construct ion updates

Community investment

Outf i tter engagement

Divers i ty tra in ing program

And more!

Making the connection, one pole at a time

As wooden poles extend their reach toward the grounding sites in Big Lorraine and Indian Head, reels of conductor are rolling out to connect the dots. Line stringing is underway in both provinces, making a physical connection between the wooden poles that make up the grounding line. Each reel contains upwards of 3,500 metres of grounding line conductor.

With over 40 km of grounding line right-of-way (ROW) in NS, Abengoa’s contractor PowerTel is attaching the lines to the newly installed poles, using specialized equipment and crew. In NL, the team is spanning the line across 23 km of land between Bottom Brook and Indian Head.

Once stringing on the grounding line is complete, this will finalize construction on this phase of the Project, making way for line testing. A grounding line has an important role in directing any electrical current that may result in an imbalance between the two poles of the HVdc system. It will undergo extensive testing to ensure it will prove effective for safe power transmission.

Installation of grounding line poles in both provinces began in late 2015. Poles follow the ROWs that reach the shoreline grounding sites.

Safety on the Maritime Link is everyone’s businessSafety of our workers on the Project is the highest priority at Emera NL. That’s why Emera NL requires all contractors to prepare and implement safety plans. Part of the safety planning process is to prepare for emergencies. That means working with resources in the communities for the best outcomes.

Corrie Ann Vallis is a Canadian Registered Safety Professional, leading health and safety, security and environment work for ABB at the Woodbine converter site in NS. Her responsibilities include working with first responders in the area to ensure ABB’s Emergency Response Plan recognizes all aspects of potential crises.

“At ABB, we work with the highest safety standards at all times. We take steps to develop solid health and safety programs and focus on prevention,” says Corrie Anne.

Corrie Ann recently coordinated a mock safety drill with

the Marion Bridge Fire Department. As the first responder closest to the Woodbine site, the Marion Bridge Fire Department was keen to gain knowledge and insight into operations at the Woodbine site.

Abengoa’s contractor, PowerTel, is leading the grounding line installation for the Maritime Link. Tim Rowe, PowerTel’s Safety Advisor in Nova Scotia, is organizing an information exchange with provincial Emergency Health Services, and the three fire departments servicing the area. The workshop will include an orientation about their work on the Project and the Emergency Response Plan.

“In developing and testing an Emergency Response Plan, you may discover hazards that would intensify an emergency situation and you can work to eliminate them,” says Tim. Safety drills will take place as the 2016 construction season ramps up this spring.

Stringing operations are ongoing in NL and NS for the Maritime Link.

Newfoundland construction update

Cape Ray

Marine Contractors Inc. completed the horizontal directional drilling (HDD) pad site preparation in late February 2016. The cable access road leading up to the future transition site is forecasted to be completed in late April. Emera NL’s contractor Direct Horizontal Drilling will drill two boreholes followed by casing installation beginning in early April, with work expected to continue through the spring and early summer.

Indian Head

Contractor H.J. O’Connell is expected to resume work on the grounding site in early April 2016. This will involve completion of the shoreline section of the access road to the grounding site, quarry activity, and dredging activity in preparation for the rock breakwater construction scheduled to begin in May.

Bottom Brook

ABB and its contractors have been advancing converter station construction

since the fall of 2015. The HVac switchyard foundations are expected to be fully installed by the end of June. This work involves installation of 172 pre-cast foundations, along with 42 foundations poured on site. The 400 converter yard foundations are scheduled to begin installation in May, with completion expected in the spring of 2017. ABB’s contractor, Pacer, is scheduled to begin work on the converter station building structure this quarter.

Granite Canal

ABB will also be moving into Granite Canal over the next few months to commence work on the switchyard, which will connect to NL Hydro’s power distribution system. The accommodations facility at Granite Canal has seen a significant increase in use in recent months and will peak to full capacity (100 people) when this next phase of work begins.

Transmission line construction

Grounding line: Construction on the grounding line from Bottom Brook to Indian Head is ongoing by Abengoa’s contractor, PowerTel. Access construction, pole setting and stringing work are ongoing. PowerTel will use a helicopter to lessen the amount of ground travel required during the grounding line installation. The grounding line is expected to be completed by the end of April 2016.

HVdc line: Installation of steel grillages and tower assembly are in the early phases along the HVdc line from Bottom Brook to Cape Ray. The installation of anchors for the guyed towers is expected to commence this April.

HVac line: Near Granite Canal, PowerTel is working to install wooden HVac structures through to Bottom Brook. As part of this work, they will conduct drilling and blasting to install poles where rock cannot be removed mechanically. The use of helicopters for stringing, moving materials and personnel may be used to work through areas of limited access.

www.EmeraNL.com

ABB’s contractor, Marine Contractors Inc., installing pre-cast foundations at the Bottom Brook site in Newfoundland.

Nova Scotia construction update Point Aconi

Site preparation at Point Aconi is complete with the onset of HDD expected in early summer of 2016. The contractor, Direct Horizontal Drilling, will first complete HDD work in Newfoundland at Cape Ray, and mobilize to the Point Aconi site once work wraps up on the island.

Big Lorraine

Work at the Big Lorraine grounding site is scheduled to begin this summer, with the construction of a rock breakwater. Once completed, the contractor will perform the land based work needed for the termination of the grounding line. Big Lorraine is the end point for the grounding line that extends from the Woodbine converter site.

Woodbine

ABB has resumed construction of the foundations

at Woodbine converter site and are ramping up resources for a busy summer schedule. This includes construction of the converter building and the outdoor steel supports. ABB has contracted construction of the converter building to Pacer, which will be part of the summer activity at Woodbine.

As part of the expansion at Woodbine, the new auto transformer will be shipped to Cape Breton from ABB’s factory in Cordoba, Spain (see “Auto transformer is ready for transport” on page 4 for more details).

Transmission line construction

Abengoa and its contractor PowerTel will continue to install grounding and HVdc transmission lines through the summer of 2016. Foundations for transmission towers are now being installed, laying the groundwork for the placement of the

steel towers between Woodbine and Point Aconi, which is also underway.

Stringing of the grounding line is currently underway along the right-of-way between Woodbine and Big Lorraine.

Pole installation continues along the NS grounding line with PowerTel.

Engaging Newfoundland’s outfitting industry

Engaging the local community and key stakeholders about the Maritime Link Project is important to Emera NL. As part of the Environmental Assessment process, Emera NL made several commitments to engage stakeholders. An important part of this involves ongoing consultation during all phases of the Maritime Link Project with resource users, including the Newfoundland and Labrador Outfitters Association.

The outfitting industry – which includes hunting and fishing tour operations – is an important part of the Newfoundland and Labrador economy. Outfitters with operations near the Project continue to be engaged on various levels as the construction on the Project advances.

Each identified outfitter operating near the Project’s scope is provided with an update on construction activities related to the Maritime Link Project near their operations on an on-going basis through individual engagement and via the Emera NL quarterly newsletter. Specific engagement is made prior to Newfoundland’s spring and fall hunting seasons to help ensure identified outfitters are aware of any upcoming Project activity and address any possible concerns. Outfitters have been updated on relevant work such as geotechnical activity, right-of-way (ROW) clearing, temporary bridge installations, and access road upgrades.

In January 2016, Emera NL hosted an information booth and presented at the annual Newfoundland and Labrador Outfitter’s Association conference in Corner Brook. The presentation included a construction and environmental update, along with a summary of the local benefits and description of the Maritime Link jobs website.

Preparing for weather is always a consideration for people working outdoors. It’s not only a matter of comfort, but a matter of safety. Brian O’Neil, Safety Advisor with Emera NL is focused on how to best ensure the Emera NL field team is prepared to work in remote, wooded areas, in all weather conditions.

With experience in search and rescue from the fire department in his home town, Brian recalls emergencies where the unexpected happened. Accidents, weather events, injuries, dehydration, and lack of basic materials such as a compass or flashlight are safety issues that have left people in vulnerable situations.

“With much of the work on the

Maritime Link Project taking place in wooded areas along the right-of-way, field safety involves a high level of preparedness,” Brian says. After coordinating with field staff, they finalized materials for a mini-survival pack.

With everything from an emergency blanket to dry socks, the packs will become standard issue for those working mostly in the field. He encourages others who work outdoors to present the idea of a safety backpack to their occupational health and safety representatives for discussion.

As we approach the spring and summer, Emera NL’s safety team encourages hikers, campers, and other outdoor enthusiasts to compile their own safety pack with these key considerations:

• First aid kit• Weather appropriate attire,

such as warm socks • Water• High energy snacks• Signaling device, like a whistle

• Multi-purpose tool

The Marion Bridge Fire Department is closer to buying a new emergency response vehicle with some help from Emera NL’s community investment fund. Emera NL is committed to being a valued member of communities adjacent to Maritime Link construction sites and recently contributed to the Marion Bridge Fire Department’s fundraising efforts. The department is working toward the purchase of a vehicle to support access to rural roads in all weather conditions.

With a rich 55-year history of providing emergency services in the community of Marion Bridge and surrounding areas, the department is a focal point in the community. Members play a vital role in community events and social gatherings, as well their key role in emergency response.

“This contribution brings us closer to our goal of

improved response capability throughout a large and rural coverage area,” Fire Chief Donald John Walker said.

For more information on ENL’s Community Investment Program and how to apply, visit: www.EmeraNL.com.

Fire department bridging the distance in an emergency

Emera NL presents a cheque of $5,000 to the Marion Bridge Fire Department to support their fundraising efforts towards a new emergency response vehicle.

Outdoor safety: respect the unexpected

Leslie MacLean, Construction Supervisor with Emera NL, travels by foot with his survival pack in a remote wooded area.

Thirty-six individuals from traditionally underrepresentedgroups in the construction industry were provided the opportunity to gain skills in tower assembly in NL and NS.

A partnership between the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band, Abengoa, IBEW Local 1620 and Emera NL, brought together 18 local

participants for a training programin Newfoundland. This program was designed to equip members of the Qalipu First Nation withhands-on training to assemble steel transmission structures, including safety training such as first aid andfall arrest.

In Nova Scotia Women Unlimitedforged a partnership with Emera

NL’s contractor, Abengoa, and the Mi’kmaw Economic Benefits Officeof Nova Scotia, which allowed 18women to complete a similar tower assembly training program.

As of March 2016, 10 participantswho were certified in tower assembly through these diversity initiativesareworkingwithAbengoaontheMaritimeLinkProject.Inbothprovinces, it is expected that others may gain employment through this training.

As part of Emera NL’s Diversity Plan fortheMaritimeLinkProject,EmeraNL has committed to providing fulland fair opportunity to designated groups including those who have historically been underrepresented intheconstructionindustry.

ENL participates in Mawio’mi Business

ForumEmera NL recently participated in the 5th annual Mawio’mi Business Forum held by the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation on March 9-10 in Corner Brook, NL. The word Mawio’mi is Mi’kmaq for “gathering” – a fitting description of this collaborative summit that brings indigenous business and industry partners together.

This year’s event involved 50 Qalipu First Nation businesses, and a record 120 delegates – some of whom were youth participants in an “Innovation Forum”, which is a new component of Mawio’mi for 2016.

Emera NL’s Aboriginal Engagement Lead, Virginia Crawford, provided a Project update and discussed Qalipu First Nations’ involvement with the Maritime Link Project and some of the accomplishments that developed through Emera NL and Qalipu working together. The basis of Emera NL’s partnership with the Qalipu is the Socio-economic Agreement for the Maritime Link Project signed in the fall of 2014.

The Socio-economic Agreement was developed to enhance Mi’kmaq employment and business opportunities in relation to the Project. For example, Emera NL has collaborated with Qalipu for the past two years in executing training programs for members to enhance their employability skills.

The Link Issue 08

The auto transformer for the Woodbine HVac substation in Nova Scotia has passed a rigorous Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) process. Completed in early March at ABB’s Cordoba, Spain factory, the testing was a component of ABB’s quality control and design verification to construct the converter and HVac stations.

The auto transformer is part of the Maritime Link Project, which includes expansion of the existing Woodbine HVac substation. It is designed to step up voltage while reducing current for long distance power transmission.

Baron Young, Emera NL’s Project Engineer, Substations, explains the importance of this equipment; “It is the most critical asset in the HVac station, with the majority of the other components in the station there to provide protection. The new auto transformer, along with its sister unit already in place at Woodbine will be two of the largest transformers in Nova Scotia.”

Now that the auto transformer has passed all tests, it will be disassembled and packed for shipping, which is expected to happen in late May. It is scheduled to arrive at the Port of Sydney in September 2016. Extensive testing will be repeated upon its arrival as part of the commissioning process, ensuring the integrity of the unit is maintained and it is ready for operation.

Contact us1-855-722-3373 info_MaritimeLink@emera.com www.EmeraNL.com

Office locationsNewfoundland and Labrador

St. John’s: 9 Austin Street Stephenville: 13 Tennessee Drive

Nova Scotia

Halifax: 1223 Lower Water Street Sydney: 99 Terminal Road

Auto transformer is ready for transport

Tower training results in employment for diversity groups

Tower assembly team in Cape Breton, trained by Emera NL’s contractor, Abengoa, and Women Unlimited.

ABB personnel and Emera NL team members stand in front of the auto transformer unit.

Virginia Crawford, Aboriginal Engagement Lead with Emera NL presents at the 5th annual

Mawio’mi Business Forum