1.0 INTRODUCTION. 1.1 Project Overview

Transcription

1 1.0 INTRODUCTION A grouping of 22 communities, have joined together (through the Limited Partnership [FNLP] formerly known as the Central Corridor Energy Group [CCEG]), in partnership with Fortis Inc. (Fortis), to form a licenced transmission company, the Wataynikaneyap Power Limited Partnership (Wataynikaneyap) to develop, construct, operate, and own the Wataynikaneyap Transmission Project. The Wataynikaneyap Transmission Project is being developed in two phases. Phase 1, the New Transmission Line to Pickle Lake Project, is an approximately 300-kilometre (km) long, 230-kilovolt (kv) transmission line from the Dinorwic (east of Dryden) / Ignace area to Pickle Lake in northwestern Ontario. Phase 2 Connecting 17 Remote Communities includes approximately 1,500 km of 115-kV, 44-kV, and 25-kV alternating current (AC) transmission lines, and associated infrastructure for subsystems north of Pickle Lake and Red Lake that will connect 17 remote communities currently powered by diesel generation, to the provincial electrical grid. Figure shows the location of the Phase 1 and 2 projects. This Draft Environmental Study Report (ESR) is for the Phase 2 Connecting 17 Remote Communities Project (the Project), which is subject to the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act (EAA) and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA) (Section 67) for the portions of the Project on reserve lands. 1.1 Project Overview Connection to remote Aboriginal communities in northwestern Ontario to the provincial grid was identified in Ontario s Achieving Balance Long-Term Energy Plan (Ministry of Energy 2013) and maintained in the recent 2017 Long-Term Energy Plan (LTEP), 20-year roadmap (Ministry of Energy 2017). The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) developed a plan for remote community connections beyond Pickle Lake (OPA 2014). This plan identified a detailed economic case for connecting remote Aboriginal communities with new transmission lines. The OPA s study showed that over the next 40 years, grid connection could be 30% to 40% less expensive than continued use of diesel-generated electricity (OPA 2014). The Project includes the construction, operation, maintenance and retirement 1 of a 115-kV, 44-kV and 25-kV alternating current (AC) transmission system, located north of Red Lake and Pickle Lake, to connect to 17 remote communities. The communities currently proposed to be connected are: Bearskin Lake ; Deer Lake ; McDowell Lake ; Muskrat Dam ; Sachigo Lake ; Sandy Lake ; Kasabonika Lake North Caribou Lake Wapekeka ; ; ; Wawakapewin ; Keewaywin ; North Spirit Lake and Kingfisher Lake ; ; Wunnumin Lake. Kitchenuhmaykoosib Pikangikum ; Inninuwug; Poplar Hill ; 1 Retirement as applicable to the permanent Project components (e.g., poles). GAL-005-REP-V1 1-1

2 Phase 2 includes the following main components: Overhead 115-kV, 44-kV and 25-kV transmission lines for two subsystems, one each north of Pickle Lake and Red Lake, and associated components that will be located within a 2-kilometre (km)-wide corridor 2. An approximate 40-metre (m) wide transmission line alignment right-of-way (ROW) will be cleared within the 2-km-wide corridor. The transmission line structures and associated conductors and anchors will be installed within the approximate 40-m-wide transmission line alignment ROW to the extent practical. Substations located in or near each community, including either upgrades to the existing stations or new connections to the existing distribution facilities. The proposed substations are required as a point of transmission distribution within each community. Structures associated with construction, including but not limited to temporary construction camps, access roads, temporary laydown areas, turn-around areas, watercourse crossings, waste management, and staging areas. Some of these structures may be temporary, such as construction camps, and some will be permanent and remain during operation and maintenance, such as access roads. These structures are discussed in detail in Section A 2-km-wide study corridor has been identified for the Project components along the corridor length, including during construction (e.g., temporary laydown areas, temporary construction camp). Within the 2-km-wide corridor, an approximately 40 m wide alignment is defined that would be cleared. GAL-005-REP-V1 1-2

3 KEY MAP PHASE 2 Red! H MANITOBA Dinorwic Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug Bearskin Lake Wapekeka Kasabonika Lake First Nation Wawakapewin Muskrat Dam Sandy Lake North Caribou Lake First Nation Kingfisher Lake Keewaywin Wunnumin Lake North Spirit Lake Poplar Hill Pickle Lake PHASE 1! H Sachigo Lake Deer Lake H Lake! Webequie Nibinamik First Nation Neskantaga First Nation McDowell Lake Cat Lake Pikangikum First Nation Marten Falls First Nation Eabametoong First Nation Pickle Lake Slate Falls Nation Mishkeegogamang First Nation Red Lake Ear Falls Corridor Alternatives Corridor 40-m-wide ROW Phase 2 Preliminary Proposed 2-km-wide Corridor!. ) " ) " City/Town Wataynikaneyap Power Community ( Community) Community REFERENCE(S) Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation Ignace Ginoogaming Animbiigoo Zaagi'igan Anishinaabek Red Rock Lac Des Mille Lacs Pays Plat Ojibways of the Pic River CLIENT WATAYNIKANEYAP POWER L.P. Railway Major Roads and Highways PROJECT Winter Road PHASE 2 CONNECTING 17 REMOTE FIRST NATION COMMUNITIES PROJECT Waterbody Provincial Parks TITLE Reserve Land PROJECT LOCATION Utility Lines Existing Electrical Transmission Line CONSULTANT Natural Gas Pipeline 0 1:3,400, KILOMETERS 1. BASE DATA - MNRF LIO AND NTDB, OBTAINED PHASE 1 CORRIDORS - PROVIDED BY GENIVAR MAR-AUG 2012, AND PRODUCED BY GOLDER ASSOCIATES LTD. OCTOBER 24, PHASE 2 CORRIDORS - PROVIDED BY WATAYNIKANEYAP POWER L.P. AND SENES 4. FIRST NATION COMMUNITIES FROM INDIGENOUS AND NORTHERN AFFAIRS CANADA ( 5. PRODUCED BY GOLDER ASSOCIATES LTD UNDER LICENCE FROM ONTARIO MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES, QUEENS PRINTER PROJECTION: TRANSVERSE MERCATOR DATUM: NAD 83 COORDINATE SYSTEM: UTM ZONE 15 PROJECT NO CONTROL #### YYYY-MM-DD DESIGNED JMC PREPARED JMC REVIEWED CS APPROVED REV. #### AE IF THIS MEASUREMENT DOES NOT MATCH WHAT IS SHOWN, THE SHEET SIZE HAS BEEN MODIFIED FROM: Preliminary Proposed Corridor 40-m-wide ROW Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek Dinorwic Naotkamegwanning (Whitefish Bay) Onigaming Naongashiing (Big Island) Big Grassy River First Naicatchewenin Nation Aroland Long Lake No.58 First Nation Sioux Lookout Northwest Angle 37 Phase 1 Savant Lake 25mm G:\Projects\2011\ _Dryden_To_PickleLake_TransmissionLine\GIS\MXDs\Working\EA\General\P1_EA_General_0001.mxd Ochiichagwe'babigo'ining First Nation Anishinabe of Dryden Wauzhushk Onigum Eagle Lake First Obashkaandagaang Nation Bay LEGEND Ojibway Nation of Saugeen Lac Seul Asubpeeschoseewagong (Grassy Narrows) Whitesand First Nation FIGURE Wabauskang

4 1.2 Proponent The FNLP (a grouping of 22 communities) has partnered with Fortis, to form a licenced transmission company, Wataynikaneyap. The Wataynikaneyap Power Project (Phase 1 and Phase 2) has been a ground-up initiative since 2008, built on the mandates and support of the communities. The s will remain majority owners of Wataynikaneyap and become 100% owners over time. Participating communities are listed in Figure Figure 1.0-2: Communities in Wataynikaneyap GAL-005-REP-V1 1-4

5 1.3 Proponent Background From the late 1990s several communities had been investigating the potential for transmission development north of Pickle Lake with the objective of connecting to the provincial grid to provide clean, affordable energy to their communities. In October 2008, 13 Chiefs mandated a Steering Committee to investigate transmission development and ownership, the objective of which was to connect remote s communities to the provincial grid. The mandate of the Steering Committee was expanded in February 2011 to include investigating reinforcing transmission reliability to Pickle Lake. In 2011, the grouping of 13 communities, then known as CCEG, began working with Goldcorp Inc. to expand their initiative to include transmission south of Pickle Lake and to establish a s-owned transmission company. The Chiefs mandate was expanded in October 2013 to include connection of five Keewaytinook Okimakanak communities. Sandy Lake and Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation then joined the ownership group in February 2015 and Pikangikum and Lac Des Mille Lacs joined in August 2016 bringing the total number of communities included in the mandate to 22. Today, FNLP (whose services branch is known as Opiikapawiin Services L.P. [Opiikapawiin Services]), is primarily responsible for administering projects and programs for Wataynikaneyap relating to community engagement, community readiness, education and training, business readiness, stakeholder engagement (including government relations), communications, and capacity building. Opiikapawiin Services also supports the FNLP in the management of its investment in Wataynikaneyap, which includes raising equity for the s interest in the Wataynikaneyap Power Project. In the summer of 2015, Wataynikaneyap formed a partnership with Fortis and RES Canada (Fortis-RES). In the spring of 2017, it was announced that Fortis increased its share in the ownership of the transmission partnership by acquiring the interest of RES Canada. As a result of this increased investment, Fortis s equity in the Limited Partnership has increased to 49%, while the 22 s communities continue to hold the remaining 51% majority interest. The 22 communities that comprise FNLP have an interest in achieving transmission upgrades to Pickle Lake to facilitate future connection of remote communities to the north. Wataynikaneyap has been established to design, permit, construct, own, and operate the proposed Project, and the Phase 2 expansion. On July 29, 2016, the government of Ontario officially selected Wataynikaneyap as the designated transmitter to undertake the Phase 1 and 2 projects by Order In Council (1158/2016). Fortis is an electric utility, which owns and operates Canadian Niagara Power Inc., Cornwall Street Railway Light & Power Company Ltd. and Algoma Power Inc., serving a combined 64,000 customers located in Fort Erie, Port Colborne, Cornwall, Gananoque, and the Algoma District of Northern Ontario. Fortis also owns regulated transmission assets in the Niagara and Cornwall regions, including an international interconnection between New York State and Fort Erie, Ontario. It has approximately 3,300 km of distribution and transmission lines. Fortis is the only investor owned electricity distribution utility in the province of Ontario. Fortis is a leader in the North American electric and gas utility business, with total assets of approximately $28 billion and fiscal 2014 revenue of $5.4 billion. Its regulated utilities serve more than three million customers across Canada and in the United States and the Caribbean. GAL-005-REP-V1 1-5

6 Wataynikaneyap means line that brings light in Anishiniiniimowin, named by the Elders who provided guidance to the partners. Wataynikaneyap objectives include: establish a led transmission company to improve transmission service to Pickle Lake and connect s to the provincial electricity grid; provide clean, reliable and accessible power for the region; realize economic opportunities for s in the construction and operation of the transmission line; and provide a market for power generation initiatives. The primary proponent contact for the purposes of the environmental assessment (EA) is: Nancy O Neill Manager, Project Environmental Assessments Wataynikaneyap Power PM Inc. Suite B, 300 Anemki Place, Fort William, Ontario P7J 1H9 Telephone: Nancy.ONeill@wataypower.ca The primary proponent contact for the purposes of engagement efforts associated with the EA is: John Reid EA Engagement Coordinator New Economy Development Group P.O. Box 186 Metcalfe, Ontario K0A 2P0 Telephone: jhhreid@neweconomygroup.ca The primary consultant contact for the purposes of the EA is: Brett Thompson Project Manager Golder Associates Ltd Century Avenue, Suite 100 Mississauga, Ontario L5N 7K2 Telephone: Brett_Thompson@golder.com The primary proponent contacts for official communication associated with the Project are: Margaret Kenequanash CEO, Wataynikaneyap Power Suite B, 300 Anemki Place Fort William, Ontario P7J 1H9 Telephone: margaret.kenequanash@wataypower.ca GAL-005-REP-V1 1-6

7 1.4 Background on Electricity Sector Planning in Ontario The Ontario government established the OPA, now part of the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), through the Electricity Restructuring Act, This legislation made changes to the institutional arrangements of the electricity sector in Ontario and established the OPA as the province s authority on energy planning, including the Long-Term Energy Plan (LTEP). Specifically, the OPA was given the mandate to develop integrated electricity plans that look forward several years, with the purpose of providing sustainable electricity solutions to Ontarians into the future. The OPA prepared a 20-year energy plan in 2007 (formerly known as the Integrated Power System Plan or IPSP). Initiatives from the 2007 IPSP, together with subsequent public policy initiatives (primarily the Green Energy and Green Economy Act, 2009), are transforming how Ontario produces and uses electricity. Implementation happens through generation procurement and conservation measures, and by the development of transmission. The IESO is directly responsible for establishing the need for new transmission facilities. There has been, and continues to be, substantial interest in connecting renewable generation to both distribution and transmission systems as a consequence of the Green Energy and Green Economy Act, However, the ability of existing or approved transmission facilities in Ontario to accommodate more generation is limited. Given this, the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) issued a policy document entitled Framework for Transmission Project Development Plans on August 26, 2010, which sets out framework for new transmission investment in Ontario. An LTEP was published by the Ministry of Energy in 2010 to serve as an update to the 2007 IPSP, given developments in technology, demographic and economic trends and growth of the renewable energy sector. The Ministry of Energy published an updated LTEP in 2013 and the connection of remote communities to clean electricity through transmission lines was identified. The connection of remote communities to the provincial grid was maintained in the current 2017 update of the LTEP. As well, the OPA released a Draft Technical Report and Business Case for the Connection of Remote Communities in Northwest Ontario in 2014 (2014 Remote Connections Plan; OPA 2014), updating an earlier release in The report presents the economic case for connecting 21 of the 25 remote communities in Northwest Ontario with new transmission lines; including 16 of the remote s identified for connection as part of Phase 2 of the Wataynikaneyap Transmission Project 3. The business case presented by the 2014 draft Remote Community Connection Plan informed a July 2016, Order in Council (1157/2016) from the provincial government confirming the need to connect the 21 remote communities and defining the Phase 1 and 2 projects as priority projects. A concurrent Order in Council (1158/2016) designated Wataynikaneyap Power the designated transmitter to undertake the Phase 1 and 2 projects. Related to this designation, IESO developed a document to provide to the Ontario Energy Board its recommended scope for the Phase 1 project and its supported scope for the Phase 2 Project. The supported scope is as follows: Radial lines to the communities from supply points at Red Lake and Pickle Lake to connect remote communities; 3 Phase 2 of the Wataynikaneyap Transmission Project includes consideration of potential future connection to McDowell Lake in addition to the 10 communities north of Pickle Lake and 5 communities north of Red Lake identified for connection in the 2014 Remote Connections Plan. McDowell Lake is not currently serviced with a local electricity supply system. GAL-005-REP-V1 1-7

8 Facilitate the arrangement of backup electricity resources for connecting communities where: such facilities do not already exist; other arrangements have not been made or the community has not specifically requested an exemption. The backup supply resources, at a minimum, will maintain supply to essential loads within critical buildings (nursing station, airport, water treatment plant, and at least one of school/band office/ community centre) in each community, consistent with each communities Emergency Preparedness Plan. In accordance with the business case for the connection, and, as confirmed by the making of an Order in Council dated July 20, 2016 declaring the Remote Connections Project [Phase 2] to be a priority transmission project under section 96.1 of the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998, the Remote Connections Project [Phase 2], should be placed in-service as soon as the transmitter is reasonably able (IESO 2016). 1.5 Rationale and Purpose of the Project Rationale for the Project Ontario s remote communities currently rely on diesel generation for their electricity supply; however, diesel fuel is expensive, difficult to transport, and poses environmental and health risks. In addition, a lack of affordable and reliable power contributes to poor living conditions and constrained community growth (e.g., housing and community infrastructure). As noted, the OPA developed the Remote Connections Plan for remote community connections north of Pickle Lake and Red Lake that includes a detailed economic case for connecting these remote communities with new transmission lines. The OPA s study showed that over the next 40 years, grid connection could be 30% to 40% less expensive than continued use of diesel-generated electricity (OPA 2014). The Ontario Waterpower Association has indicated that there are more than a dozen active waterpower development applications led by communities in Ontario s Far North totalling in excess of 350 Megawatts (MW). According to the OPA, approximately 100 MW of this is located in the vicinity of the remote communities identified to be connected to the provincial grid. Development of these projects could be considered once transmission is available (OPA 2014). Studies prepared by Lumos Energy (Lumos Energy 2013) and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC 2015) conclude that the Phase 1 and 2 projects will result in positive, environmental, social, and regional economic development. The PwC report concludes that Wataynikaneyap s projects are expected to generate substantial economic benefits for local Aboriginal communities, Northwestern Ontario, the rest of Ontario, and the rest of Canada more broadly. Overall, the projects are expected to generate one-time economic effects from the construction and development of the projects, ongoing effects from increased economic growth, and the substantial savings associated with the avoidance of Phase 2 community diesel costs. PwC (2015) estimates that the current cost of diesel generation for the 17 remote s identified in Phase 2 of the Wataynikaneyap Transmission Project is $53 million per year and growing. Building and operating transmission to these communities is expected to save $1 billion compared to continued use of diesel generation. In addition, the PwC study concludes that the Phase 2 project is estimated to create more than 700 jobs during construction and nearly $900 million in social value, including a substantial reduction to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. GAL-005-REP-V1 1-8

9 Some of the key benefits identified in the studies are: Environmental Benefits Fewer Fuel Spills and Contamination: Reduced risks and lower number/volume of transport, storage and consumption- based oil spills and contamination due to substantive reduction in the use of diesel fuel for electricity and space/water heating. Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Major reduction in GHG emissions due to replacement of diesel fuel requirements with grid-based electricity. The estimate is 6.6 million tonnes CO2 equivalent 4 reduction in GHG emissions at remote off-grid Aboriginal communities over a 40-year period. Enhanced Environmental Resilience: Enhanced environmental reliance in Northern Ontario due to: reduced reliance on ice road, transport infrastructure, and fuel storage; elimination of emergency fuel deliveries by air related to poor ice road conditions (climate change); and additional substantial reduction in GHG emissions from diesel generation. Social and Community Development Benefits Reduced Health Risk: Diesel fuel increases risks to human health. The transport and storage of fuel is an occupational health risk. Diesel-based power generation and furnace emissions from fuel oil, lead to poor indoor air quality, which can exacerbate respiratory, heart and other ailments. Community Quality of Life: The effect of replacing unreliable, poor quality diesel electricity with cleaner, cheaper and much more reliable grid power has a range of positive benefits on community quality of life (e.g., noise). Community Infrastructure: The positive effects of continued operations, lower maintenance costs and longer infrastructure lifespans as a consequence of introducing grid power to replace local diesel electricity. Residential Development: Allows for residential development to accommodate a growing population. s and Regional Economic Development Benefits Employment and Jobs: Direct construction, operating and management jobs created through the Project. Skills Development: Skills development, job qualifications and experience obtained by peoples through development, planning, construction, operation and ownership/management of the Project. Economic Development (Energy and Business): Transmission infrastructure investment leads to three types of developments beyond construction types of economic development: the opportunity to develop clean energy projects to feed into the system; community-based economic development based on the availability of clean, reliable grid power; and commercially-driven economic development by small businesses that use grid power for their operations. 4 CO 2 equivalent represents the amount of CO 2 that would have the equivalent global warming potential as the selected greenhouse gas. GAL-005-REP-V1 1-9

10 Ontario and Canada Economic Development Benefits Infrastructure and Natural Resource Competitiveness: The benefits associated with having grid power infrastructure to support natural resources development and competitiveness in Northwestern Ontario. Tax Revenue: A projection of provincial and federal tax revenue generated through the Wataynikaneyap Project, including income (personal, corporate and payroll) and consumption (sales and excise) taxes. Infrastructure Investment Multipliers: A projection of the additional economic benefits arising from the Project through multiplier effects from investment and job creation. Further justification of proceeding with the Phase 2 project from a socio-economic benefit includes a Sustainable Return on Investment 5 of approximately $2 billion (CAD), which includes: financial return on investment $1.071 billion; present value of avoided greenhouse gas emissions $472 million; present value of reduced adverse health effects $304 million; present value of damage to vegetation $35 million; and present value of avoided diesel spills $21 million (PwC 2015). Table below summarizes the cumulative benefits of the construction and development of Phase 2. Table 1.5-1: Cumulative Economic Benefit of Construction and Development of the Phase 2 Project Gross Domestic Product ($M) Wages and Salaries ($M) Employment (FTEs) Government Revenues ($M) Canada $1,189.7 $ $273.8 Ontario $957.3 $ $220.3 Northwestern Ontario $361.7 $ $83.2 FTE = Full-time equivalent jobs. FTE is defined as total hours worked divided by average annual hours worked in full-time jobs. This can also be described as full-time-equivalent work-years. It is a less precise alternative to expressing labour input in terms of total hours worked. M = Million Canadian dollars Purpose of the Project The purpose of the Project is to provide grid connection to 17 remote communities, thereby meeting one of the priorities identified in Ontario s LTEP and the requirements of Wataynikaneyap s transmission licence under the Order-in-Council and Ministerial Directive to develop and seek approval for this priority project. The Project, as described in Section 3.0 (Project Description), is the focus of the EA under the Environmental Assessment Act. 5 Sustainable Return on Investment (SROI) an enhanced form of Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA). It provides a triple-bottom line view of a project s economic results, incorporating state-of-the-art risk analysis. SROI monetizes (converts to monetary terms) all relevant social and environmental effects related to a given project and provides the equivalent of traditional financial metrics. GAL-005-REP-V1 1-10

11 1.6 Regulatory Approvals and Authorizations The Project requires provincial and federal regulatory approvals and authorizations from a number of government ministries and agencies. Consultation on the various provincial approvals and authorizations detailed in the following sub-sections will be coordinated by the Ontario Ministry of Energy, with procedural aspects of the duty to consult to be carried about by Wataynikaneyap. Communications with respect to consultation on any of the approvals or authorizations listed in this section should be directed to the contacts listed on page 1-6 of this document. For clarity, Wataynikaneyap has been advised by Ontario that unless otherwise noted in respect of a specific authorization, government ministries and agencies are relying upon the consultation process being carried out by the proponent on behalf of the Crown and will not be consulting with communities outside of this process Environmental Assessment Requirements There are a number of environmental assessment regulatory requirements applicable to certain aspects of the Project. Wataynikaneyap is implementing a comprehensive engagement plan and effects assessment method and process in respect of these requirements. This single Environmental Study Report is targeted to satisfy the requirements of both provincial and federal regulatory ministries and agencies. The various regulatory requirements that the Project is subject to are described in the following sub-sections Provincial Environmental Assessment Requirements Portions of the Project are subject to the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act (EAA) under the following provincial environmental assessment processes: Class Environmental Assessment for Minor Transmission Facilities Portions of the transmission line are deemed a Category B project in accordance with the Guide to Environmental Assessment Requirements for Electricity Projects (the Guide) (MOE 2011) and Ontario Regulation (O. Reg.) 116/01 Electricity Projects Regulation (Government of Ontario 1990a) due to the voltage (115-kV) and length of the proposed transmission line (>2 km). As per Section A.5.2, Transmission Not Associated with Generation of the Guide, the Class Environmental Assessment for Minor Transmission Facilities (Ontario Hydro ; Class EA for Minor Transmission Facilities), would apply to these portions of the transmission line and associated infrastructure. A Class Environmental Assessment for MNR Resource Stewardship and Facility Development The Project will also be subject to the Class Environmental Assessment for MNR Resource Stewardship and Facility Development Projects (Ministry of Natural Resources [MNR] ; Class EA for RSFD) Resource Stewardship and Facility Development (MNR 2003) (Class EA for RSFD) for the less than 115-kV line sections that require a disposition of resources. Separate portions of the 44-kV line have been identified as Category B and Category C projects by the MNRF (Appendix 2.4A). Wataynikaneyap is conservatively applying a Category C project process to all less than 115-kV line portions and associated infrastructure that area covered under this Class EA. 6 At the time of publication of the Class EA for Minor Transmission Facilities, Hydro One was known as Ontario Hydro prior to its reorganization into five companies in The company responsible for hydroelectricity became Hydro One. 7 The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) was formerly known as the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) prior to its name change in GAL-005-REP-V1 1-11

12 A Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves The Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves (Ministry of Natural Resources [MNR] ; Class EA for PPCR) applies to the less than 115-kV portions of the line that cross Provincial Parks and Dedicated Protected Area s (DPA) regulated under the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act. These portions of line have been classified as a Category C project by the MNRF. The 115-kV transmission line portions and access roads (Pipestone River Provincial Park and BDE DPA) that cross provincial parks and protected areas (including regulated DPAs) are subject to the Hydro One Class EA for Minor Transmission Facilities (MNR 2005). The Project also includes 25-kV distribution lines. Although an assessment is not required under the EAA, the distribution lines have been included in the EA to provide a fulsome assessment of the Project; particularly for the footprint-based criteria assessments (e.g., vegetation and wetlands and wildlife criteria) Federal Environmental Assessment Requirements According to the Regulations Designating Physical Activities under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA 2012), a federal EA is to be undertaken for transmission projects that: include construction, operation, decommissioning and abandonment of a transmission line in a wildlife area (as defined under the Wildlife Area Regulations) or migratory bird sanctuary (as designated under the Migratory Bird Sanctuary Regulations) (Section 1); or include construction, operation, decommissioning and abandonment of a transmission line with a voltage of 345 kv or more that is 75 km or more in length on a new ROW (Section 5). The Project is not captured by the Regulations Designating Physical Activities as the voltage of the transmission line is below 345 kv; and the Project is not located within a wildlife area, as defined under the Wildlife Area Regulations, or migratory bird sanctuary, as designated under the Migratory Bird Sanctuary Regulations. Portions of the Project are located on Reserve lands and are therefore subject to Section 67 of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012, which states: An authority must not carry out a project on federal lands, or exercise any power or perform any duty or function conferred on it under any Act of Parliament other than this Act that would permit a project to be carried out, in whole or in part, on federal lands, unless 1. the authority determines that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects; or 2. the authority determines that the carrying out of the project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects and the Governor in Council decides that those effects are justified in the circumstances under subsection 69(3). GAL-005-REP-V1 1-12

13 1.6.2 Other Permits, Approvals and Authorizations Other federal, provincial and municipal permits, approvals or authorizations may be necessary. In many cases, these permits, approvals or authorizations cannot be issued until after Statement(s) of Completion are issued for the Project EA under the applicable Class EAs listed in Section A summary of the permits, approvals or authorizations that may be required before construction of the Project is presented in Table These permits, approvals and authorizations are discussed in more detail in the sections below. The required permits, approvals or authorizations will be confirmed as Project planning and design progress. Table 1.6-1: Summary of Potential Permits, Approvals, and Authorizations Agency Act or Regulation Approval/Permit/Authorization Applicability to the Project Provincial Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) Ontario Water Resources Act (1990) Water Taking and Transfer Regulation - O. Reg. 387/04 Ontario Water Resources Act Section 53 (Sewage Works) Environmental Protection Act (1990) Environmental Protection Act (1990) Environmental Protection Act (1990) Permit to Take Water (PTTW) Registered on the Environmental Activity and Sector Registry (EASR) Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) ECA ECA Required depending on Project water taking and dewatering per activity. An ECA may be required for the wastewater treatment systems (leaching beds) at the temporary camps. An ECA may be required for the storage, transportation and disposal of domestic and industrial wastes, including sewage, from the temporary construction camps. Approval for noise generation in relation to the substations. Generator Registration Number Required in the event hazardous and liquid O. Reg. 347 industrial wastes are generated during Project construction. GAL-005-REP-V1 1-13

14 Table 1.6-1: Summary of Potential Permits, Approvals, and Authorizations Agency Act or Regulation Approval/Permit/Authorization Applicability to the Project Provincial Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) Endangered Species Act (2007) Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act (1997) Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act (1997) Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006 Subsection 2(2) of Ontario Regulations 347/07 and 319/07 Research Authorization Procedure for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves (Procedure PAM ) Crown Forest Sustainability Act (1994) Letter of Advice / Permit Fish Scientific Collectors Permit Wildlife Scientific Collection Permit Authorization Authorization to Conduct Research Forest Resource Licence (Cutting Permit) Required if Project activities during construction and operation cause a prescribed impact to a species designated as endangered or threatened on the Species At Risk in Ontario [SARO] list or its protected habitat. Allows for the taking and transferring of fish or wildlife during construction. Required in the event Project construction/operation is anticipated to destroy the nests or eggs of birds, a beaver dam, or the den of a black bear or some furbearing mammals, or interfere with a black bear in its den. Allows proponent to conduct research in Ontario Protected Areas. Required to harvest and/or cut timber on Crown land. GAL-005-REP-V1 1-14

15 Table 1.6-1: Summary of Potential Permits, Approvals, and Authorizations Agency Act or Regulation Approval/Permit/Authorization Applicability to the Project Provincial Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) Forest Fires Prevention Act (1990) Public Lands Act (1990) O. Reg. 239/13: Activities on Public Lands and Shore Lands Work Permits and Exemptions Burn Permit Land Use Permit Work Permit Public Lands Act Crown Easement Required to burn materials from forest clearing. A land use permit gives the right to conduct a specified activity on the land for up to 10 years, but does not give ownership of the land or interest in the land. The land use permit and work permits may be required to authorize construction stage activities including geotechnical investigations, construction/upgrade of access roads, culverts/bridges, temporary construction camps and transmission lines. Easement required to locate transmission line and access roads (to and within the Project site) in Crown land 8. Co-location or Multiple Use of Utility Corridors are subject to the consent of the existing occupant of a utility Corridor on Crown land. Applicants proposing to install new lines, cables, pipe etc. will be encouraged to co-locate improvements within an existing corridor. 8 It is noted that the s entered into a treaty relationship with the Crown within the spirit and intent of Indigenous Peoples understanding based on respect, friendship and mutuality. It is always understood that there would be sharing of lands and resources. Any references to Crown Land are without prejudice to the positions of s in relation to Treaty and Aboriginal rights. GAL-005-REP-V1 1-15

16 Table 1.6-1: Summary of Potential Permits, Approvals, and Authorizations Agency Act or Regulation Approval/Permit/Authorization Applicability to the Project Provincial Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) Crown Forest Sustainability Act (1994) Far North Act (2010) Aggregate Resources Act (1990) Overlapping Agreement Certain projects must demonstrate conformity with applicable community-based land use plans, and/or receive an exception from the Act by Minister s order, or an exemption from the Act by order of the Lieutenant Governor in Council. 9 Aggregate Permit Required for work permit operations not approved in forest management plans. The Far North Act (2010) 10 applies, to those portions of the Project located in Far North of Ontario. Approaches will vary depending on the type of development, and the stage of completion of community-based land use plans. Engagement and consultation may be required. Required to extract aggregate on all Crown Land, as well as on private land in areas of the province designated (identified) in the regulations. 9 The FNA is included in the Permits/Approvals/Authorizations Tables for convenience and on a without prejudice basis. The FNA sets up a system wherein certain projects must demonstrate conformity with applicable community-based land use plans according to a process set out in those plans, and/or receive an exception from the Act by Minister s order, or an exemption from the Act by order of the Lieutenant Governor in Council. 10 Please note that a number of the member communities that comprise s Limited Partnership (FNLP) do not recognize the Far North Act legislation. GAL-005-REP-V1 1-16

17 Table 1.6-1: Summary of Potential Permits, Approvals, and Authorizations Agency Act or Regulation Approval/Permit/Authorization Applicability to the Project Provincial Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, section 14 and section 22 Public Transportation and Highway Improvement Act Work Permit Provincial Park/Dedicated Protected Area Management Plan/Statement amendment Land Use and Building Permit Entrance Permit The Project crosses provincial parks. Within the protected areas where utility corridors are permitted uses in the Provincial Park/Dedicated Protected Area Management Plans/Statements, a work permit may be required to authorize required clearing, construction and other related activities. Within the protected areas where utility corridors are not permitted uses, amendments to the Provincial Park/Dedicated Protected Area Management Plans/Statements may also be required before work can proceed. This amendment enables the crossing of provincial parks/dpas by amending management direction to permit the crossing. Land Use and Building Permit for construction within MTO s permit control area. Entrance Permit for proposed entrances, including temporary entrances to construct or service a proposed development, onto provincial highways. GAL-005-REP-V1 1-17

18 Table 1.6-1: Summary of Potential Permits, Approvals, and Authorizations Agency Act or Regulation Approval/Permit/Authorization Applicability to the Project Provincial Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Ontario Ministry of Labour Public Transportation and Highway Improvement Act Occupational Health and Safety Act Encroachment Permit Sign Permit Notice of Project Encroachment Permit to place, alter or erect any power line, pole line, or other transmission line within 400 m of any limit of a controlled access highway. Sign Permit for all signage within 400 m of any limit of a provincial highway. File a notice of Project under Section 23(2) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (1990) prior to construction. GAL-005-REP-V1 1-18

19 Table 1.6-1: Summary of Potential Permits, Approvals, and Authorizations Agency Act or Regulation Approval/Permit/Authorization Applicability to the Project Provincial Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport (MTCS) Ontario Energy Board (OEB) Ministry of Northern Development and Mines Ontario Heritage Act Ontario Regulation 9/06 Criteria for Determining Cultural Heritage Value or Interest (O. Reg. 9/06) Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998 Compliance Letter to licensee under Ontario Heritage Act Letter of Satisfaction for heritage report under S.23 of O.Reg. 359/09 Leave to Construct Mining Act Withdrawal request Archaeological assessment, to be conducted as part of the EA under the Ontario Heritage Act (1990) and submitted to the Ontario Public Register of Archeological Reports. An Archaeology License issued under the Ontario Heritage Act is required to conduct archaeological assessments and to alter archaeological sites in Ontario. Built heritage and cultural heritage landscape screening and, where required, heritage impact assessments (HIAs) submitted to the MTCS for review under Ontario s Environmental Assessment Act and in compliance with the Standards and Guidelines for Conservation of Provincial Heritage Properties. The Project requires leave to construct approval under section 92 of the Ontario Energy Board Act, This application provides the OEB with an opportunity to review the Project s technical and other components. Withdrawal of lands from prospecting and withdrawal of staking rights under the Mining Act. GAL-005-REP-V1 1-19

20 Table 1.6-1: Summary of Potential Permits, Approvals, and Authorizations Agency Act or Regulation Approval/Permit/Authorization Applicability to the Project Provincial Technical Standards and Safety Authority Federal Environment Canada and Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000 Species at Risk Act (SARA) License Permit Licenses for the transport, storage and handling of fuels under the Technical Standards and Safety Act, Required if Project activities during construction and operations cause a prescribed impact to species listed under Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) or its prescribed habitat, and which contravene the Act's general or critical habitat prohibitions (includes intrusive methods for sampling). Permit under Section 73 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) if Project activities during construction and operations affect terrestrial species listed under Schedule 1 of the SARA or its habitat, and which contravene the Act's general or critical habitat prohibitions (includes intrusive methods for sampling). GAL-005-REP-V1 1-20

21 Table 1.6-1: Summary of Potential Permits, Approvals, and Authorizations Federal Agency Act or Regulation Approval/Permit/Authorization Applicability to the Project Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Transport Canada Fisheries Act Authorization / Letter of Advice Species at Risk Act (SARA) Navigation Protection Act (NPA) Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) Standard 621 Obstruction Marking and Lighting Permit Notice and/or approval Approval Authorization may be required for construction activities if the activity is determined to cause serious harm to fish. This applies to work being conducted in or near waterbodies that support fish that are part of a commercial, recreational, or Aboriginal (CRA) fishery. Required if Project activities during construction and/or operations cause a prescribed impact to fish species listed under Schedule 1 of SARA, or its prescribed habitat, as extirpated, endangered, or threatened and which contravene the Act's general or critical habitat prohibitions (includes intrusive methods for sampling, e.g., electrofishing). Required for work on navigable waters listed on the schedule to the Navigation Protection Act. In the event the transmission line could interfere with air navigation, the Project will require specific lighting and marking requirement to be determined by Transport Canada. Aeronautical Assessment Form for Obstruction and Lighting. GAL-005-REP-V1 1-21

22 Table 1.6-1: Summary of Potential Permits, Approvals, and Authorizations Federal Agency Act or Regulation Approval/Permit/Authorization Applicability to the Project Department of Indigenous Service Canada (ISC) Natural Resources Canada Other Hydro One Networks Inc. Section 28(2) of the Indian Act Authorization Explosives Act Permit Transmission System Code Agreement Indigenous Service Canada (ISC) must authorize the occupation or use of s Reserve lands by means of Section 28(2) of the Indian Act whereby: The Minister may by permit in writing authorize any person for a period not exceeding one year, or with the consent of the council of the band for any longer period, to occupy or use a reserve or to reside or otherwise exercise rights on a reserve. Permit under the Explosives Act for the use, storage or transportation of explosives. Required to cross existing Hydro One transmission and distribution lines. Mining Claim Holders n/a Consent Consent from existing claim holders. Private land n/a Consent Easement from private land owners. Other Utility Companies n/a Consent Required if crossing other utilities (i.e., existing pipelines, fiber optics). GAL-005-REP-V1 1-22

23 Table 1.6-1: Summary of Potential Permits, Approvals, and Authorizations Other Agency Act or Regulation Approval/Permit/Authorization Applicability to the Project Local Municipality n/a Local permits Building Permit per the Building Code Act, ECA = Environmental Compliance Approval; kv = kilovolt; m= metre; MTO = Ontario Ministry of Transportation; n/a = not applicable; O.Reg = Government of Ontario Regulation; ROW = right-of-way. Permit to Injure or Remove Trees (woodlands/woodlots), as applicable based on municipal by-laws. Conformance with local land use policy and zoning (e.g., road use agreements). Permits for open-air burning and fires, as applicable. Official Plan amendments in accordance with the Planning Act. Site Plan Control Approval in accordance with the Planning Act Potential Provincial Permits, Approvals and Authorizations Permit to Take Water A Permit to Take Water (PTTW) may be required for the Project if any of the following conditions are triggered: Construction dewatering where the surface water and groundwater takings are between 50,000 L/day and 400,000 L/day. If the eligibility and exemption conditions from O. Reg. 64/16 are met and registration on the Environmental Activity and Sector Registry (EASR) is completed a PTTW is not required; however, water takings between 50,000 L/day and 400,000 L/day require registration on EASR and a discharge plan from a qualified professional. Surface water takings of more than 50,000 L/day for the purposes of road construction (e.g., dust suppression, compaction of earth, seeding). If the proponent meets the eligibility and exemption conditions from O. Reg. 64/16 a PTTW is not required; however, surface water takings of more than 50,000 L/day for the purposes of road construction require registration on EASR and a discharge plan from a qualified professional. Water taking of less than 50,000 L/day is permitted without a PTTW. GAL-005-REP-V1 1-23

24 Surface water taking specific to stormwater runoff alone, of any amount for the purposes of construction dewatering. If the proponent meets the eligibility and exemption conditions from O.Reg. 64/16 a PTTW is not required; however, this type of water taking requires a water taking and discharge plan from a qualified professional, but registration on EASR is not needed. Project activities that may trigger the need for a PTTW are listed below: Concrete production (Section 3.4.4) Construction water sources, methods of accessing water and volume of water for concrete production is not known at this stage of Project planning, but will be conducted in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements. If required, Wataynikaneyap will apply for a PTTW and after sufficient design details are confirmed for completing the application. Environmental Compliance Approval An Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) may be required for the Project if any of the following conditions are triggered: Waste water is treated on site (leaching beds). Waste water is discharged to a sewage treatment system. Noise generation by stationary equipment that exceeds sound level limits under NPC-300 Noise Guideline. The Project activities that may trigger the need for an ECA are listed below: Domestic waste (Section 3.4.4) - Domestic effluent will be taken by tanker truck for disposal to an existing wastewater treatment facility authorized to accept this type of waste. Wastewater treatment (Section 3.4.4) - Grey water will be discharged to leaching beds or treatment systems constructed at the temporary construction camps. Audible noise (Section ) Predicted noise emissions from equipment at the substations will meet the MOECC noise level limit of 40 dba at all identified receptors. Generator Registration Number A generator registration number will be required for wastes produced by the Project (e.g., ashes, garbage, domestic waste, industrial waste, commercial waste, construction debris and residues from industrial and commercial activities). Project activities that may trigger the need for a generator registration number include: Temporary construction camps (Section 3.4.4) Organic solid waste disposal at the camps will be in compliance with applicable guidelines and regulatory requirements. Organic solid waste may be temporarily stored in bear-proof containers before being transported to an approved waste disposal site. GAL-005-REP-V1 1-24