Area of Study and Assessment Report. Paraparaumu 220 kv Supply Connection. December 2012

Transcription

1 Area of Study and Assessment Report Paraparaumu 220 kv Supply Connection December 2012

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3 APPROVED FOR RELEASE On behalf of the Environment, Strategy and Approvals Manager Transpower NZ Ltd

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5 Document Quality Assurance Bibliographic reference for citation: Boffa Miskell Limited Paraparaumu 220 kv Supply Connection Area of Study and Assessment Report. Report prepared by Boffa Miskell Limited for Transpower New Zealand Limited. Prepared by: Reviewed by: Hamish Wesney, Associate Principal / Senior Planner Pauline Whitney, Senior Planner Rhys Girvan, Senior Landscape Planner Matiu Park, Associate Principal / Senior Ecologist Pen Moore, GIS/Digital Environment Solutions Specialist Boffa Miskell Limited Robert Schofield, Director / Planner Boffa Miskell Limited Joel de Boer, Senior Environmental Advisor Andrew Harrison, Project Manager Transpower New Zealand Limited Status: FINAL Revision / version: B Issue date: 20 December 2012 Template revision: File ref: W12086_009_Paraparaumu_Area_of_Study_Report_Final_ docx Boffa Miskell Limited 2012

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7 Contents Glossary and Abbreviations Executive Summary iii i 1.0 Introduction and Background Introduction Purpose and Structure of this Report Overview of the Project Overview of the Route/Site Selection Process Key Considerations Under the Resource Management Act Methodology for Identifying the Area of Study and Areas of Greatest/Least and Opportunities Overview of Area Assessment Methodology Description of General Project Area Review and Compilation of s and Opportunities Information Assessment and Rating/Scoring of s and Opportunities Opportunities and s Assessment Infrastructure Property and Land Use Historic Heritage & Tangata Whenua Landscape Ecological Geotechnical & Hazards Community Statutory Planning Identification of the Area of Study and Areas of Greatest and Least and Areas of Opportunity Boundaries of the Area of Study Areas of Greatest and Least and Areas of Opportunity Conclusions 30

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9 Appendices Appendix 1: Transpower ACRE Model Appendix 2: Area of Study Map Appendix 3: Areas of Greatest and Least and Areas of Opportunity Map Appendix 4: Opportunities and s Summary Table Appendix 5: Map Series of Features

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11 Glossary and Abbreviations BPE-WIL A BPE-HAY A BPE-HAY B Cable Circuit Conductor Double Circuit Line Double Tee HVDC Line MHO-PKK A MHO-PKK B KCDC kv Poles and Towers PKK PKK-TKR A PRM Bunnythorpe-Wilton A Line Bunnythorpe-Haywards A Line Bunnythorpe-Haywards B Line One or more insulated conductors forming a transmission circuit above or below the ground Conductors on a transmission line that together form a single electrical connection between two or more system nodes Bare conductor or conductor not insulated to full working voltage (unless the context conveys another meaning). Conductor includes conductive parts. All copper, aluminium and steel; conductor including stranded, tubular and solid. Transmission line containing two circuits of three phases An arrangement on the transmission network where two transmission spur lines are directly connected to two transmission lines. No switchgear is installed at the point of connection. High Voltage Direct Current Link A series of structures carrying overhead one or more transmission circuits. Mangahao-Paekakariki A Line Mangahao-Paekakariki B Line Kapiti Coast District Council Kilo Volts Poles and Towers are support structures that have crossarms to hold the conductors clear of the ground. Towers are sometimes referred to as pylons. Paekakariki Paekakariki-Takapu Road A Line Paraparaumu Substation RMA Resource Management Act 1991 Single Circuit Line Structure (lines) Structure (station) Substation Switching Station TKR Transformer Transmission Line A transmission line carrying one circuit. Any tower or pole irrespective of its physical construction, including all insulators and insulator fittings, which forms part of a transmission line. The assembly of posts, gantries and earthed metalwork which supports items of equipment. A building, structure or enclosure incorporating equipment used principally for the control of the transmission or distribution of electricity. A station which exists solely for the purpose of transmission rather than supply. Takapu Road Substation A static electric device consisting of a winding or two or more coupled windings which transfer power by electromagnetic induction between circuits of the same frequency, usually with changed values of voltage and current. A series of structures carrying overhead one or more transmission circuits.

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13 Executive Summary Transpower New Zealand Limited ( Transpower ) is currently investigating the construction of a new 220 kv supply connection to the Paraparaumu substation from existing 220 kv lines on the Kapiti Coast. This new supply connection is an alternative to re-aligning the existing 110 kv Paekakariki Takapu Road A Line ( PKK TKR A ) to facilitate the construction of the Transmission Gully road. The new supply connection would eliminate the need for the realignment of the PKK-TKR A Line through Transmission Gully as this section of transmission line would be removed. Transpower has been working with the NZ Transport Agency ( NZTA ) to re-align a section of the PKK-TKR A as part of the Transmission Gully project. Transpower is investigating this new supply connection as an alternative to re-aligning the PKK- TKR A Line as it may offer a number of advantages. These advantages include removal of the PKK TKR A Line through Transmission Gully which would more readily facilitate the design and construction of the new Transmission Gully road, would avoid the visual impact of the existing and re-aligned transmission line when viewed from the new Transmission Gully road, provides a greater electricity supply connection to the Kapiti Coast for future growth, and potentially lower cost depending on transmission option selected. A series of investigations have commenced to assess the feasibility, benefits and costs of these alternative transmission options to determine a preferred option. One of these background investigations is an Area of Study and Assessment Report which identifies an area within which the transmission option would be located and the potential opportunities and constraints for locating transmission options within this defined area (the subject of this report). Transpower has developed a generic methodology for identifying the location of new transmission infrastructure such as substations and transmission line routes. This methodology is described as the ACRE process an acronym for Area-Corridor-Route-Easement investigations with key decisions being made at each stage using appropriate evaluation techniques, taking into account the information relevant to that stage. A summary description of this route selection process is included in Appendix 1 of this report. The use of this approach will assist in meeting the requirements of the Resource Management Act 1991 and the National Policy Statement for Electricity Transmission, in particular, the assessment of alternatives and avoiding, remedying or mitigating the environmental effects of the new transmission infrastructure. This report summarises the findings of the first ( Area ) stage of the ACRE process, the identification of the General Project Area, the delineation of the Area of Study, as well as the potential opportunities and constraints within that Area. It describes the following: the investigations undertaken to date; the key considerations for the identification and documentation of the Area and opportunities and constraints within this Area; the collection and mapping of features that influence the identification of the Area and opportunities and constraints within this Area; the identification of the Area and assessment of the opportunities and constraints to identify the area of greatest and least constraint; and recommendations regarding further investigations for subsequent stages of the project. The result of this work has been the identification of an area of approximately 47.4 km 2 located predominantly east of the North Island Main Trunk Railway Line, south of the Waikanae River, west of the Bunnythorpe-Wilton A Line and north of Paekakariki as identified in Figure 1. Within this Area of Study, various features have been identified as potential constraints for siting the proposed supply connection (substation and transmission lines/cables). These constraints Paraparaumu 220 kv Supply Connection Area of Study and Assessment Report i

14 are used as a basis for the first stage of option assessment, reducing the long list of feasible options to a short list. Further investigations into these constraints will be required in order to identify a preferred option out of the short list. A summary of the identified constraints and opportunities is provided in the table in Appendix 4. Each of the constraints and opportunities has been mapped (refer Appendix 5). ii Paraparaumu 220 kv Supply Connection Area of Study and Assessment Report

15 Kebbell Drv Akatarawa Rd Project Area " Transpower Substation State Highway Waikanae 0 Railway Otaihanga Rd MHO-PKK-B Reikorangi Rd Kapiti Rd SH 1 MHO-PKK-A Raumati Rd PARAPARAUMU Rimu Rd Ruapehu St Nikau Palm Rd BPE-WIL-A Valley Rd " Poplar Ave Valley Rd PA R A PA R A U M U k V C O N N E C T I O N PROJECT AREA BPE-HAY-B Maungakotukutuku Rd MHO-PKK-B Valley Rd Ruapehu St MHO-PKK-A Valley Rd " BPE-HAY-B BPE-HAY-A Date: November 2012 Revision: 1 Plan Prepared for Transpower New Zealand Ltd by Boffa Miskell Limited Author: PM Checked: HW PKK-TKR-A 1: A km File Ref: W12086_00_ProjectArea_A3.mxd

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17 Akatarawa Rd BPE-HAY-A Waikanae MHO-PKK-A 21 Otaihanga Rd BPE-HAY-A Kebbell Drv MHO-PKK-A MHO-PKK-B Reikorangi Rd OPPORTUNITY LEVEL 3 LEVEL 2 MHO-PKK-B LEVEL 1 Raumati Rd Kapiti Rd Rimu Rd PARAPARAUMU Ruapehu St Nikau Palm Rd BPE-WIL-A BPE-WIL-A Valley Rd PA R A PA R A U M U k V C O N N E C T I O N PKK-TKR-A Poplar Ave BPE-HAY-B BPE-HAY-B Valley Rd Maungakotukutuku Rd MHO-PKK-B Valley Rd Ruapehu St MHO-PKK-A Valley Rd MHO-PKK-A 1: A3 MHO-PKK-B BPE-HAY-A BPE-HAY-B BPE-HAY-A BPE-HAY-B km COMBINED OPPORTU N ITI ES & CONSTR AI NTS Date: January 2013 Revision: 2 Plan prepared for Transpower New Zealand Ltd by Boffa Miskell Limited Author: MP Checked: HW File Ref: W12086_21_s_Combined.mxd

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19 K-A AY -A -PK E- H BP 21A MH O Waikanae an -H A Y-A ih Ota -B ga -P A K- OPPORTUNITY K d ngi R LEVEL 3 LEVEL 2 -PK K-B HO M KK ora Reik Kebbell Drv BPE Rd H M P O- MH O LEVEL 1 A p Ka iti W E- Rd BP PARAPARAUMU au Nik A Palm W E- u R d Rd BP R im eh us a ti IL ap Ru Ra um IL t Rd l Va ley Rd Rd PA R A PA R A U M U 220kV CON N ECTION Valle y Popla r Ave COMB I N ED OPP ORTU N ITI ES & CO NSTR AI NTS -HA Y-B Date: December 2012 Revision: 0 -HA Y-B Plan prepared for Transpower New Zealand Ltd by Boffa Miskell Limited BPE Author: MP Checked: HW BP E-H This graphic has been prepared by Boffa Miskell Limited on the specific instructions of our Client. It is solely for our Client s use in accordance with the agreed scope of work. Any use or reliance by a third party is at that party s own risk. Where information has been supplied by the Client or obtained from other external sources, it has been assumed that it is accurate. No liability or responsibility is accepted by Boffa Miskell Limited for any errors or omissions AYA Rd BP E-H Valle y B BP HAYBPE- R-A PKK-TK File Ref: W12086_21A_s_Combined.mxd (INCORPORATING PROPOSED DISTRICT PLAN) BPE K Akatarawa Rd Rd KK AY -A Rua pe -P K-B MHO-PKK-A O MH MH A K- MHO-P K ng u u E-HA Y-B au M ot ak k tu ku Rd hu y lle Va St -B P O- 1: A km

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21 1.0 Introduction and Background 1.1 Introduction Transpower New Zealand Limited ( Transpower ) is currently investigating the construction of a new 220 kv supply connection to the Paraparaumu substation from existing 220 kv lines on the Kapiti Coast. This new supply connection is an alternative to re-aligning the existing 110 kv Paekakariki Takapu Road A Line ( PKK TKR A ) to facilitate the construction of the Transmission Gully road. The new supply connection would eliminate the need for the realignment of the PKK-TKR A Line through Transmission Gully as this section of transmission line would be removed. Transpower has been working with the NZ Transport Agency ( NZTA ) to re-align a section of the PKK-TKR A as part of the Transmission Gully project. Transpower is investigating this new supply connection as an alternative to re-aligning the PKK- TKR A Line as it may offer a number of advantages. These advantages include removal of the PKK TKR A Line through Transmission Gully which would more readily facilitate the design and construction of the new Transmission Gully road, would avoid the visual impact of the existing and re-aligned transmission line when viewed from the new Transmission Gully road, provides a greater electricity supply connection to the Kapiti Coast for future growth, and potentially lower cost depending on transmission option selected. A series of investigations have commenced to assess the feasibility, benefits and costs of these alternative transmission options to determine a preferred option. Various transmission options have been scoped by Transpower to determine what is potentially feasible. These transmission options consist of connections from either the existing 220 kv Bunnythorpe-Haywards A and B Lines (BPE-HAY A and B) or the Bunnythorpe-Wilton A Line (BPE-WIL-A). The new connections could include a new substation, switching substation, transmission line or for short sections underground cable. Any preferences for transmission options have yet to be determined. This report forms part of the investigations currently being undertaken by Transpower to assist in site and route selection for whichever transmission option. 1.2 Purpose and Structure of this Report This report documents the process and outcomes for identifying the Area of Study and Areas of Greatest and Least s and Areas of Opportunity to provide the basis for further investigation of transmission options. This Area of Study Report is structured as follows: Chapter 1: Introduction and Background Chapter 2: Key Considerations Under the Resource Management Act 1991 Chapter 3: Methodology for Identifying the Area of Study and Areas of Greatest/Least and Areas of Opportunity Chapter 4: Opportunities and s Assessment Chapter 5: Identification of the Area of Study and Areas of Greatest and Least and Areas of Opportunity Chapter 6: Conclusions This report also includes a series of maps showing the features described in the report, as well as an overall summary map showing the areas of greatest and least constraint and areas of opportunity. These maps should be read in conjunction with the explanatory text contained in this report. Paraparaumu 220 kv Supply Connection Area of Study and Assessment Report 1

22 1.3 Overview of the Project For this new 220kV supply connection, various transmission options have been scoped by Transpower to determine what is potentially feasible from a technical, cost and environmental perspective. These transmission options consist of connections from either the existing 220 kv Bunnythorpe-Haywards A and B Lines (BPE HAY A and B) or the Bunnythorpe-Wilton A Line (BPE WIL A). The new connections could include a new substation, switching substation, transmission line and/or underground cable. Any preferences for transmission options are yet to be determined. It is anticipated under all options the existing 110 kv PKK-TKR A Line and Mangahao-Paekakariki A and B Lines (MHO PKK A and B) are removed between the Pauatahanui Substation and Paraparaumu Substation. 1.4 Overview of the Route/Site Selection Process Transpower has developed a generic methodology for identifying new or replacement substations and transmission line routes. This methodology is described as the ACRE process an acronym for Area-Corridor-Route-Easement investigations with key decisions being made at each stage using appropriate evaluation techniques, taking into account the information relevant to that stage. A summary description of this route selection process is included in Appendix 1 of this report. For selection of the location of a new substation and/or a transmission line alignment, this process involves a progressive filtering approach, where increasing and more specialised detail is provided on technical, environmental, social and property constraints and features throughout the process to enable the identification of a preferred site and/or easement. Once the site and/or easement centreline has been identified, the planning approvals (Notice of Requirement for a designation and/or resource consent applications) can be lodged with the relevant local authorities under the RMA for the purpose of securing approvals for the substation site and/or transmission line and any associated works. The application of site and route selection process may differ for each project, depending on the nature of the project and the particular circumstances with the Region of Study. While the full extensive site and route selection process is appropriate to apply where lines are to be constructed over long distances involving a wide area of investigation, more limited investigations and processes can appropriately be applied through a truncated methodology when smaller scale projects are involved. For this project, in determining the Area of Study, a constraints analysis was undertaken at the same time, which is effectively an amalgamation of the Area, Corridor and first part of the Route steps into a single assessment. The focus of the modified ACRE model for this project has been determining the Area of Study to a confined area, and then identifying the areas of greatest and least constraint within this defined area. This report represents the initial Area assessment of the site and route selection process and the findings of the identification of broad areas of least constraint, which could potentially contain a substation and/or transmission line or underground cable. 2 Paraparaumu 220 kv Supply Connection Area of Study and Assessment Report

23 2.0 Key Considerations Under the Resource Management Act 1991 This section of the report sets out the relevant matters under the Resource Management Act 1991 ( RMA ) and other associated statutory context for identifying the Area of Study. Given Transpower s status as a requiring authority, it has the ability to prepare a Notice of Requirement to designate the land for a new substation, switching station, transmission line and/or underground cable and other associated facilities (in addition to any other resource consent requirements). The requirements for a designation are set out in Section 171 of the Resource Management Act, which states: (1) When considering a requirement and any submissions received, a territorial authority must, subject to Part 2, consider the effects on the environment of allowing the requirement, having particular regard to (a) Any relevant provisions of (i) A national policy statement: (ii) A New Zealand coastal policy statement: (iii) A regional policy statement or proposed regional policy statement: (iv) A plan or proposed plan; and (b) Whether adequate consideration has been given to alternative sites, routes or methods of undertaking the work; if (i) The requiring authority does not have an interest in the land sufficient for undertaking the work; or (ii) It is likely that the work will have a significant adverse effect on the environment. Of particular relevance for this stage of the site and route selection process is the National Policy Statement on Electricity Transmission (NPSET) which requires that local authorities recognise the national significance of the national grid in RMA plans and local decision-making under the RMA, and provides a high level framework for the management and future planning of the National Grid. The one objective of the NPSET is as follows: To recognise the national significance of the electricity transmission network by facilitating the operation, maintenance and upgrade of the existing transmission network and the establishment of new transmission resources to meet the needs of present and future generations, while: managing the adverse environmental effects of the network; and managing the adverse effects of other activities on the network. There are 14 accompanying policies to achieve the above objective. Policy 1 relates to the recognition of the national benefits of transmission; Policies 2 to 9 relate to managing the environmental effects of transmission; Policies 10 and 11 relate to managing the adverse effects of third parties on the transmission network; Policy 12 relates to the identification of the transmission network on territorial authority maps; and Policies 13 and 14 relate to the long term strategic planning for transmission assets. The site and route selection process for this investigation will help demonstrate how the relevant policies of the NPS have been given effect. The relevant policies are listed below with a brief commentary on how each policy can be given effect. Paraparaumu 220 kv Supply Connection Area of Study and Assessment Report 3

24 Policy 1 Recognition of the national benefits of transmission In achieving the purpose of the Act, decision-makers must recognise and provide for the national, regional and local benefits of sustainable, secure and efficient electricity transmission. The benefits relevant to any particular project or development of the electricity transmission network may include: 1. Maintained or improved security of supply of electricity; or 2. Efficient transfer of energy through a reduction of transmission losses; or 3. The facilitation of the use and development of new electricity generation, including renewable generation which assists in the management of the effects of climate change; or 4. Enhanced supply of electricity through the removal of points of congestion. The above list of benefits is not intended to be exhaustive and a particular policy, plan, project or development may have or recognise other benefits. To assist decision makers in the assessment of benefits for this project, Transpower will need to set out the benefits of the project through the RMA approval process. The primary benefit of this project in terms of Policy 1 above is anticipated to be maintained or improved security of supply and enhanced supply of electricity through the removal of points of congestion. These benefits could be contended to apply on a local and regional scale. Policies 2 9 Managing the Environmental Effects of Transmission Policy 3 When considering measures to avoid, remedy or mitigate adverse environmental effects of transmission activities, decision-makers must consider the constraints imposed on achieving those measures by the technical and operational requirements of the network. As part of the application documentation, Transpower will need to set out any technical and operational constraints which have influenced the selection of site and route options, as well as the constraints in terms of the proposed substation/switching station and transmission line itself. Policy 4 When considering the environmental effects of new transmission infrastructure or major upgrades of existing transmission infrastructure, decision-makers must have regard to the extent to which any adverse effects have been avoided, remedied or mitigated by the route, site and method selection. The adoption and implementation of the site and route selection process would demonstrate how Transpower has been consistent with Policy 4 in determining the most appropriate site, route and alignment for the proposed substation/switching station and transmission line. Through this Area phase and subsequent phases of the site and route selection process, locations where the effects of the substation/switching station and transmission line could be significant (e.g. locating within an Outstanding Landscape or Significant Natural Area) would be identified. If possible, these identified areas should be avoided, thereby avoiding potential adverse environmental effects. During the next phases of the site and route selection process, where it may not have been possible or practical to avoid adverse environmental effects, potential remedial or mitigation measures could be proposed. It is important that documentation is proposed at each stage of the site and route selection process to record the alternatives assessed, reasons for selecting preferred options, and any measures to avoid, remedy or mitigate adverse environmental effects. 4 Paraparaumu 220 kv Supply Connection Area of Study and Assessment Report

25 Policy 6 Substantial upgrades of transmission infrastructure should be used as an opportunity to reduce existing adverse effects of transmission including such effects on sensitive activities where appropriate. As this project would facilitate the removal of a significant length of 110 kv transmission line, it is important to assess the benefits from this line removal. Transpower would need to identify, assess and document opportunities to reduce existing adverse effects of these sections of existing transmission line to demonstrate consistency with Policy 6. Policy 7 Planning and development of the transmission system should minimise adverse effects on urban amenity and avoid adverse effects on town centres and areas of high recreational value or amenity and existing sensitive activities. Policy 8 In rural environments, planning and development of the transmission system should seek to avoid adverse effects on outstanding natural landscapes, areas of high natural character and areas of high recreation value and amenity and existing sensitive activities. Through the site and route selection process, a number of areas or activities will need to be identified, including urban areas, outstanding natural landscapes, areas of high natural character, areas with high recreational and amenity values, and existing sensitive activities (e.g. schools). By identifying these areas and activities, it may be possible to select a site and route to avoid these areas and activities, thereby minimising adverse effects. Where avoidance is not possible, Transpower would need to demonstrate mitigation measures to minimise adverse effects for consistency with Policy 7. The above policies assist in providing direction on particular features to be identified and considered when determining the Area of Study for this project, as well as for more detailed investigations in subsequent stages of the route selection process. In Sections 4.2, 4.4 and 4.5 of this report, the features identified in Policies 6 and 7 are discussed in terms of their influence in identifying the Area of Study. In addition to the NPSET, the RMA plans of the District/City Councils will also need to have particular regard to, including: Proposed Wellington Regional Policy Statement Operative Kapiti Coast District Plan Proposed Kapiti Coast District Plan (recently publicly notified) The specific provisions of these RMA planning documents will need to be further evaluated in subsequent phases of the project. Paraparaumu 220 kv Supply Connection Area of Study and Assessment Report 5

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27 3.0 Methodology for Identifying the Area of Study and Areas of Greatest/Least and Opportunities 3.1 Overview of Area Assessment Methodology This section sets out how the Methodology for the Identification of the Area of Study. The ACRE process is set out in Section 1.4 of this report and a more detailed description is contained in Appendix 1. The application of the ACRE process differs for each project depending on the nature of the project and the general project area. The particular process for the identification of the Area of Study for the new 220 kv supply connection at Paraparaumu is detailed below. In outlining this process, it is important to note the Area stage is the first phase in the route selection process. The Area stage involves defining the broadest physical study area within which a transmission line could be located, and focuses on eliminating at a macro level those parts of the study area that are considered constrained technically, environmentally or from a property perspective, in order to narrow down the area to commence further investigations and identification of potential corridors. In defining the Area of Study boundaries, it is important to ensure sufficient land area is identified to provide for alternative sites and routes for further consideration in later stages of the site and route selection process. The evaluation and weighting of the technical, environmental and property features does not form part of the Area stage. The Area investigations identify the criteria and areas for further assessment during the subsequent stages of the ACRE process, including an analysis of additional information and outcomes of consultation with affected parties and stakeholders. 3.2 Description of General Project Area The identification of the Area of Study commenced with identification of the General Project Area by Transpower. This General Project Area was generally defined by starting at the existing Paraparaumu substation as the existing connection point on the Kapiti Coast. A 5 km radius circle was then applied based around the existing substation to provide scope for a range of potential substation sites and transmission line routes. Natural and physical boundaries were then identified near the edges of this 5 km radius circle to determine a general project area. The boundaries of the general project area are: Waikanae River (northern boundary) BPE-WIL-A 220 kv transmission line plus 1km (eastern boundary) Base of hills at northern end of Transmission Gully road route and Paekakariki (southern boundary) Tasman Sea (western boundary) This General Project Area provided a starting point for the collection of information. 3.3 Review and Compilation of s and Opportunities Information All of the possible technical, environmental and property features within the General Project Area were identified which may influence defining the boundaries of the Area of Study. An explanation of the three feature groupings is as follows: Technical Features are those features that are relevant to engineering aspects of the project, including design and construction (e.g. soils, lakes and rivers, elevation). 6 Paraparaumu 220 kv Supply Connection Area of Study and Assessment Report

28 Environmental Features are those features that are relevant to planning and resource management aspects of the project (e.g. District Plan zones, schools, areas of ecological and landscape values, Department of Conservation land). Property Features refers to those features that are relevant to property aspects of the project (e.g. lot size, multi-ownership land, legally protected land). Based on previous Area of Study investigations undertaken by Transpower and knowledge of the project team of other features likely to be present within the General Project Area, a list of potential features was prepared as listed in Table 1 below. Information on each of the potential features was sourced, and, where readily available, was mapped. Information was sourced from the following organisations and documents: Topographical and aerial maps for the area Relevant district and regional planning documents, including the Proposed Wellington Regional Policy Statement (GWRC) and Operative and Proposed Kapiti Coast District Plan (KCDC) Reserves from the Department of Conservation (DOC) Geographical Information System accessed via DoCGIS at Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on location of airports and airstrips Ministry of Economic Development (MED) Radio/Spectrum Licence information sourced from Information from Office of Treaty Settlements (OTS) regarding land set aside for historic Treaty settlements from Maori Trust owned land identified by the Maori Land Court New Zealand Historic Places Trust (NZHPT) Register of Historic Places and New Zealand Archaeological Association (NZAA) Database of Archaeological Sites Natural hazard areas identified by the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences (GNS)and Landcare Research New Zealand Property details based on information from Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) Table 1 below provides a complete list of all features considered. A full set of maps showing the features where information is available are in Appendix 5. These maps are intended to serve as a record of the desk top assessment undertaken during this stage of the project, even though some of these features may not have had a direct bearing on the identification of the Area of Study. Paraparaumu 220 kv Supply Connection Area of Study and Assessment Report 7

29 Table 1: List of Technical, Environmental and Property Features Map Reference Number Feature Specific Features Information Sources TECHNICAL FEATURES 1 Infrastructure/Networks Existing Transpower Transmission Lines Local Overhead Transmission Lines Local Underground Transmission Cables Future Water Supply Dam/Reservoir Telecommunication Facilities High Pressure Gas Pipelines Reticulated Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Systems 1 Transportation State Highways Local Roads Railway Civil Aviation 4,5,6,7,8,9 Geotechnical and hazards PROPERTY FEATURES Contaminated Sites Erosion Active Fault Lines Fault Avoidance Zones Liquefaction Topography Soil Types Flooding/Ponding 2,3 Land Use & Property Transpower owned sites Land held in landbank for Treaty of Waitangi Settlements Landownership (Maori Trust/Multiple Ownership Crown or Council Owned Land Lot Size/Patterns Primary Production ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES 10, 14,15 Community Tourism and Recreation Reserves Dwellings/Buildings Urban Residential Areas Schools, Childcare Centres, Hospitals, Churches and other Community Facilities 11 Landscape Outstanding Landscapes Visual Amenity Areas Transpower Electra MED and LINZ KCDC LINZ and NZTA GWRC Landcare GNS KCDC LINZ Transpower OTS Maori Land Court LINZ Aerial Photography LINZ Aerial Photography KCDC KCDC 12 Ecological Ecological Sites QE II National Trust Covenants Department of Conservation Land KCDC QEII Trust LINZ 8 Paraparaumu 220 kv Supply Connection Area of Study and Assessment Report

30 Map Reference Number 13 Historic Heritage & Tangata Whenua 16, 17,18,19,20 Feature Specific Features Information Sources Statutory Planning Heritage buildings Heritage Trees Geological Sites/Areas Archaeological Sites Areas and Sites of Significance to Tangata Whenua Marae Regional Waterbodies Zoning Designations Rural Subdivision Urban Water Supply Collection Areas KCDC GWRC KCDC 3.4 Assessment and Rating/Scoring of s and Opportunities Following the collation of the information listed in Table 1 above, each of the features in Table 1 were assessed to determine the potential difficulties/opportunities each feature may cause with respect to the proposed 220 kv supply connection at Paraparaumu. To assist in this assessment, rating or scoring factors is a commonly used technique to form judgements in multi-criteria analysis, as well as for comparing different factors. The assigned rating or score is simply a method for assessing the relative importance, significance or extent of an issue, and does not attempt to capture the complexity or variability of an issue. For the purposes of this assessment, the potential opportunities and constraints have been rated as follows: Table 2: s/opportunity Scoring System Measure Description Opportunities Level 0 (no shading) Level 1 (shaded yellow) Applies to those features that represent an opportunity or provide a positive benefit for the project (opportunities are shaded in green on the maps). An opportunity remains irrespective of any overlying constraint. Applies where no known constraints have been identified. These features are not identified on the maps (i.e. no shading). Applies to those features that pose a minor constraint to a potential substation site or transmission route, and, while ideally it should be avoided, it should not present a major obstacle for a new substation or transmission line. Some Level 1 constraints may be of such a scale as to pose no real constraint to identifying a substation site or transmission line route for example, some heritage sites are of a scale and form as to pose no real difficulties for a route (however, the constraints represented by such features may become more important at a more detailed level of route and easement identification). A Level 1 constraint may also be evaluated as being unlikely to impose a constraint, but will require further investigation at the next stage of assessment to determine whether there is any serious impediment. Multiple Level 1 constraints do not necessarily have a cumulative effect of leading to an overall significant constraint; rather it means that a range of further investigations are necessary. Consequently, the weighting of multiple Level 1 constraints should not have any determinative effect at this stage of the analysis. Paraparaumu 220 kv Supply Connection Area of Study and Assessment Report 9

31 Level 2 (shaded orange) Level 3 (shaded red) This applies where a moderate constraint is identified. Such a constraint is likely to pose an impediment for a new substation or transmission line route, and should be avoided if possible. A Level 2 constraint does not mean that a substation or transmission line route cannot proceed in these locations. However, if an alternative route is available, it is preferable to avoid areas with a Level 2 constraint. Level 2 constraints are shaded in orange on the maps. Cumulatively, overlying Level 2 constraints should represent a significant impediment to site and route selection. This applies where a major constraint is identified. Such a constraint is likely to pose a significant risk to the substation site and transmission line route and potentially or effectively identifies no go areas. Level 3 constraints are shaded in red on the maps. Following the identification and analysis of these potential opportunities and constraints, at a broad level, areas of least constraint (limited or no known constraint) were identified, as well as those areas where there are opportunities. These areas generally identify the potential number of sites and routes within in the Area of Study. This approach in assigning rating/scoring to the different factors was based on the expert opinions of attendees at a workshop held in October 2012, and based on information from preliminary desktop studies. The attendees at the workshop are detailed in Appendix 4 of this report. In addition to the rating determined at the workshop, an overall written assessment on the respective constraints and opportunities was completed (contained in this report with a summary table in Appendix 4). It is noted the Proposed Kapiti Coast District Plan was publicly notified after this workshop and assessment was undertaken. The relevant features which are referred to the District Plan have been reviewed and updated to include reference to the Proposed District Plan. A series of maps has been produced grouping the features to show the scoring applied for each feature. An overall composite map of all features shows the areas of least and most constraint. It is important to note that no consultation on the constraints has been specifically undertaken at this time with potentially affected or interested parties. Consultation with the community, individual and organisations will be undertaken to help understand and inform the evaluation of the transmission options, which is the next phase of the route selection process. 10 Paraparaumu 220 kv Supply Connection Area of Study and Assessment Report

32 4.0 Opportunities and s Assessment The following is a summary of the opportunities and constraints for each feature identified which influences the transmission options and future site and route selection process for the new 220 kv supply connection. It is noted that the evaluation of each feature is focused on the specific issues for that particular feature, whereas the boundary of the Area of Study and Areas of Greatest and Least and Areas of Opportunity is based on an overall evaluation of all features. 4.1 Infrastructure Existing Transpower Transmission Lines There are three 220 kv transmission lines located within the Area of Study (see Map 1 in Appendix 5): The Bunnythorpe - Wilton A line (BPE-WIL-A) double circuit line; and The Bunnythorpe - Haywards A and B lines (BPE-HAY-A and B) single circuit lines. There are also four 110 kv transmission lines located within the Area of Study (see Map 1 in Appendix 5): The Paekakariki Takapu Road A line (PKK-TKR A) double circuit line; and The Mangahao Paekakariki A and B lines (MHO-PKK A and B) single circuit lines. The 220 kv transmission lines form part of the core network of the National Grid. These 220 kv lines currently pass through the Kapiti Coast District with no supply connection point within the district. The 110 kv transmission lines supply electricity to the Kapiti Coast and connect with the Paraparaumu Substation, with the PKK-TKR A Line and MHO-PKK A and B Lines supplying electricity from the south, while the MHO-PKK A and B Lines supply electricity from the north. If the proposed new 220 kv supply connection was developed it would allow the PKK-TKR A Line and MHO-PKK A and B Lines to be removed between the Pauatahanui Substation and the Paraparaumu Substation. There is a public familiarity with the transmission lines in their existing locations and existing land uses and development have responded to their presence. For this reason, the general alignment of the existing transmission lines is generally considered an opportunity in this route selection process. However, Transpower aims to avoid, if possible, building new lines that cross above existing transmission lines. This approach is to minimise the risk of a grid system incident. There are advantages and disadvantages with locating a new line immediately adjacent to an existing line. Advantages can include that the location often has good access for construction and maintenance purposes and there may be existing relationships with landowners with assets on their land. Disadvantages include reducing diversity in the system, which could reduce the network s resilience if a grid system incident occurred. At this phase of the site and route selection process, it is concluded the existing transmission lines do not present any significant constraints Local Overhead and Underground Transmission Lines A number of local overhead and underground electricity distribution lines (operated by Electra Lines) are located throughout the Project Area up to 33 kv. Paraparaumu 220 kv Supply Connection Area of Study and Assessment Report 11

33 The existing underground 33 kv cables may require access for maintenance or upgrading purposes in the future. If a substation was located on-top of the underground cable it would impose some limitations to this access, and therefore has been identified as a Level 1 constraint. The location of the 33 kv underground cables is shown on Map 1 in Appendix 5. It is considered all other local overhead transmission lines and underground cables can be reasonably relocated and do not pose an opportunity or constraint for the project at this phase of the site and route selection process. If existing local electricity transmission lines or cables do cross a proposed transmission route or location of a new substation, options for addressing this include relocating local lines or undergrounding them, or re-aligning the cables. If required, this assessment would occur at a later stage of investigation High Pressure Gas Pipeline A high pressure gas pipeline with a few sub-pipelines is located within the Area of Study. The pipeline has a generally north-south alignment and is located in the vicinity of the BPE-HAY A and B Lines where they cross State Highway 1 north of Otaihanga. The gas pipelines then follows the BPE-HAY A and B Lines south towards the Paraparaumu substation before deviating to the west towards State Highway 1 and away from the existing transmission lines (see Map 1 in Appendix 5). High voltage transmission lines can have an effect on gas pipelines. The higher the voltage of the line, the more likely such an effect may occur. It is acknowledged that the presence of the high pressure gas pipelines may not in itself present a constraint if appropriate precautions are taken in the design of the new line or if the line only crosses the pipeline at right angles rather than running parallel to the pipeline. However, due to the risk of damage to the pipeline and the potential risk that this poses to the project, it is better to avoid locating too near to the pipeline. Therefore a 50 m buffer has been identified either side of the existing Vector gas pipeline and the corridor within that buffer is identified as having a Level 2 constraint Telecommunication Facilities There are a number of radio transmitters and telecommunications antennae in the Area of Study (as identified in the Ministry of Economic Development s Radio/Spectrum Licence database and LINZ topographical data). All of the telecommunication structures are located west of the existing transmission lines (See Map 1 in Appendix 5). A nominal 50 m buffer has been established around these locations for reasons of potential signal interference (which will need further investigation). Furthermore, equipment location is not always precisely at the coordinates identified in the licence. The precise location of relevant equipment will need to be identified at the next stage of assessment. Depending on the location and direction of transmission, new structures may need to be sited so as not to interfere with the telecommunications signals from these structures. For these reasons, facilities with radio spectrum licences and telecommunication facilities are identified as a Level 2 constraint Reticulated Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Systems The reticulated stormwater, sewer and water network lines servicing Paraparaumu and surrounding area are predominantly located in road reserves and/or along cadastral boundaries. Stormwater, sewer and water lines are key underground infrastructure. Transmission line support structures and substations would not be able to be sited directly over underground reticulated networks. However, transmission lines can traverse such infrastructure without constraint. 12 Paraparaumu 220 kv Supply Connection Area of Study and Assessment Report

34 Therefore, reticulated water, wastewater and stormwater systems are not considered a constraint for this project. However, it will be necessary to precisely locate these services when identifying the locations for the substation and support structures for any transmission option Future Water Supply Dam/Reservoir Kapiti Coast District Council has recently purchased land in the Maungakotukutuku Valley as part of its Water Supply Project. Part of this land is proposed as the location of a new water supply dam and reservoir. This dam and reservoir is located approximately 2.5 km to the east of the Paraparaumu substation (see Map 1 in Appendix 5). The Proposed Kapiti Coast District Plan includes a new designation for this proposed new water supply dam and reservoir. The proposed dam site and area of inundation for the reservoir would pose a significant constraint for a substation and support structures. However, transmission lines would be able to potentially span across the dam and reservoir. For these reasons, the proposed dam and reservoir site is identified as a Level 1 constraint Roads State Highway 1 is the only major road located within the Area of Study. State Highway 1 is located along the western side of the Area of Study running in a north-south direction (see Map 1 in Appendix 5). There are other main and local roads within the Area of Study including within the urban area of Paraparaumu and surrounding rural areas. The Transmission Gully designation for a new State Highway motorway is located at the southern end of the Area of Study. State Highway 1 is classified as a Limited Access Road. A Limited Access Road is a means of controlling the number of accessways to and from the road. Access can be obtained where there is no other access, but generally it is preferred by NZ Transport Agency that access is gained from other roads. The nature of the restrictions that would apply to access from Limited Access Roads to any support structures would need to be investigated further. Minimising other major road crossings for transmission lines is desirable as this reduces the visibility of the line. This approach needs to be balanced against the reduced access costs for construction and maintenance provided by the close proximity to a road. Therefore, all other roads are considered to present neither an opportunity nor a constraint for this project. State Highway 1 and Transmission Gully designation are identified as a Level 2 constraint Railway The North Island Main Trunk Railway runs along the western edge of the Area of Study in a north-south direction immediately adjacent to or in close proximity to State Highway 1 for most of its length (see Map 1 in Appendix 5). This rail line is used for passenger and freight services. The rail line does not pose a constraint to a substation, but multiple crossings of railway for a transmission line are generally to be avoided due to potential access restrictions in crossing the railway for works associated with constructing and maintaining the transmission line. For these reasons, the railway line is identified as a Level 1 constraint Civil Aviation There are no private airstrips or helicopter landing areas currently known in the Area of Study. The flight paths and obstacle limitation surfaces for Paraparaumu Airport are located outside the Area of Study. Therefore, no civil aviation constraints apply at this time. Paraparaumu 220 kv Supply Connection Area of Study and Assessment Report 13