APPLICATION TO THE ALBERTA UTILITIES COMMISSION SWEETHEART LAKE TRANSMISSION PROJECT. February 2014

Transcription

1 APPLICATION TO THE ALBERTA UTILITIES COMMISSION SWEETHEART LAKE TRANSMISSION PROJECT February Street P.O. Box 2426 Station Main Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2V6

2 ATCO Electric Ltd. Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project Application to Alberta Utilities Commission Attachment 1 Application Text February 2014 INDEX OF ATTACHMENTS 1 THROUGH 13 ATTACHMENT 1 APPLICATION TEXT ATTACHMENT 2 ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION ATTACHMENT 3 PARTICIPANT INVOLVEMENT PROGRAM ATTACHMENT 4 PROJECT AREA MAPS Regional Map Drawing RS-7L147 - A-01 Reference Map Drawing RS-7L147 - A-02 ATTACHMENT 5 ELECTRICAL DIAGRAMS AND SITE LAYOUTS Proposed System Single Line Diagram Drawing RS-7L147 - A-03 Dawes 2011S Proposed Site Plan (Ownership) Drawing RS-7L147 - AO-04 Dawes 2011S Proposed Single Line Diagram Drawing RS-7L147 - A-05 Sweetheart Lake 2032S Proposed Site Drawing RS-7L147 - AO-06 Plan (Ownership) Sweetheart Lake 2032S Proposed Single Drawing RS-7L147 - A-07 Line Diagram ATTACHMENT 6 AIR PHOTO MOSAIC Proposed Route Mosaic (Ownership) Drawing RS-7L147 - AO-08 ATTACHMENT 7 TRANSMISSION LINE DRAWINGS 7L147 Right-of-Way Cross-Sections Drawing RS-7L147 - A-09a-c Typical Structure Drawing RS-TW311-Davit Arm-144SC Typical Structure-Understrung Distribution Drawing RS-TW311-Davit Arm-144SCu Page i

3 ATCO Electric Ltd. Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project Application to Alberta Utilities Commission Attachment 1 Application Text February 2014 ATTACHMENT 8 CONSTRAINT MAPS Forest Capability Map Drawing RS-7L147 - A-10a Environmental and Historical Constraints Map Drawing RS-7L147 - A-10b Wetlands Map Drawing RS-7L147 - A-10c Land Use Constraints Map Drawing RS-7L147 - A-10d ATTACHMENT 9 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PLAN ATTACHMENT 10 AESO DIRECTION AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION AESO Direction to Project No (February 20, 2013) AESO Functional Specification (R2 January 20, 2014) AESO Notice to File (February 3, 2014) ATTACHMENT 11 NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT ATTACHMENT 12 PUBLIC NOTIFICATION PACKAGES Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project Newsletter (November 2013) Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project Update (January 2014) ATTACHMENT 13 REFERENCE NOTE Cross-Reference of Attachments Page ii

4 ATCO Electric Ltd. Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project Application to Alberta Utilities Commission Attachment 1 Application Text February 2014 INDEX TO INFORMATION REQUIRED PER AUC RULE 007 Information Requirements (Short Description) Found at: TS1 Sections of the HEEA under which application is made. Attach.1: s.1.2 TS2 Other acts that may affect the project. Attach.1: s.1.3, 1.4, 2.0, 4.1, 4.3 & 4.4 TS3 Approvals being applied for. Attach.1: s.1.2 TS4 Existing approvals for facilities being altered. Attach.1: s.1.2 TS5 Details/outcomes of consultations with local jurisdictions. Attach.1: s.1.4; Attach.3 TS6 Other companies affected, concerns, agreements. Attach. 3 TS7 Description of proposed project. Attach.1: s.1.1, 2.0, 3.3 TS8 Copy of ISO direction letter. Attach.1: s.1.3; Attach. 10 TS9 Dates when approval and facilities required. Attach.1: s. 2.6 TS10 Route alternatives and relative impacts. Attach.1: s. 3.3 TS11 Description of participant involvement program. Attach.1: s. 1.4 & 5.0 Attach. 3 TS12 List of occupants, residents, landowners, interested parties contacted. Attach. 3 TS13 Mailing addresses and labels. (Sent separately) TS14 Persons identifying concerns and specifics. Attach. 3 TS15 Summary of discussions with directly/adversely affected persons. Attach. 3 TS16 How concerns are being dealt with. Attach. 3 TS17 Confirmation of resolution of concerns. Attach. 3 TS18 Design and operating voltages. Attach.1: s. 2.1 to 2.3 TS19 Continuous and maximum ratings of transmission line; line losses. Attach.1: s. 2.2 to 2.3 TS20 Conductor choice, size and arrangement. Attach.1: s. 2.2 to 2.3 TS21 Transmission line structure types, height/spacing, locations. Attach.1: s. 2.2 to 2.4 TS22 Right-of-way width and the basis for width. Attach.1: s. 2.2 to 2.4; Attach. 7: Dwgs. A-09a, A-09, & A-09c TS23 Major substation equipment: applied for and final list. Attach.1: s. 2.1 & 2.2 TS24 Switching and protection features. Attach 5: Dwgs. A-04 & A-06 TS25 Electrical interaction with other facilities. Attach.1: s. 4.4 TS26 Changes required to existing facilities. Attach.1: s.1.2, 2.2 & 2.3 TS27 Map of study area; reasons for area chosen. Attach.1: s. 3.1, 3.3 & 3.4 Attach. 4: Dwg A-02 Attach. 6: Dwg. AO-08 TS28 TS29 Maps/drawings of route and alternative routes, kilometre points (nodes); right-of-way widths and line locations re: and property lines. Maps/air photo mosaics of routes, residences/landowners and land-use/resource features. Page iii Attach. 4: Dwg. A-02 Attach.6: Dwg.AO-08 Attach.7: Dwgs. A-09 & A-10 Attach.6: Dwg.A-08 Attach.8: Dwgs. A-11a to A-11d TS30 Map of project area suitable for use in public notice. Attach.4: Dwg.A-02 TS31 Electric single-line diagrams; substation layout. Attach.5: Dwg.A-03 to A-07 TS32 Construction schedule; construction and right-of-way maintenance methods. Attach.1: s. 2.6 to 2.6; Attach. 2 TS33 Functional Specification Attach. 10 TS34 Noise Impact Assessment Rule 012 Noise Control Attach. 1: s. 4.2 Attach. 11 TS35 Environmental Evaluation for right-of-way clearing/maintenance as required by AESRD. Attach. 1: s. 4.1 Attach. 2 TS36 Landscape/screening areas and measures. Attach. 1: s. 4.5 Attach.2 TS37 Aesthetics: viewpoints and measures to minimize impacts. Attach. 1: s. 4.5 Attach. 2

5 ATCO Electric Ltd. Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project Application to Alberta Utilities Commission Attachment 1 Application Text February 2014 TS38 Tower location flexibility to reduce inconvenience to residents. N/A TS39 Archaeological/historical impacts, consultation with AC. Attach. 1: s. 4.3 Attach. 2 TS40 Environmental evaluation of study area and routes, table/discussion of Attach.1: s. 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 & 4.3 land-use/resource factors, comparison of environmental factors/costs; Attach.2 compatibility with municipal services if near urban centres. TS41 Compliance with the Lower Athabasca Regional Plan Attach. 2 TS42 Applicable Land Use Regional Plans Attach. 1: s. 3.2 TS43 Detailed cost breakdown, Rule Appendix B format. Attach.1: s. 2.7 Page iv

6 ATCO Electric Ltd. Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project Application to Alberta Utilities Commission Attachment 1 Application Text February 2014 TABLE OF CONTENTS INDEX TO INFORMATION REQUIRED PER AUC RULE iii TABLE OF CONTENTS... v 1.0INTRODUCTION SUMMARY OF PROPOSED FACILITIES DISPOSITIONS REQUESTED PROJECT NEED AND AESO DIRECTION... 1 AGENCY APPROVALS... 2 FACILITY LOCATION SUMMARY PROJECT DESCRIPTION PROPOSED SWEETHEART LAKE SUBSTATION 2032S ALTERATIONS TO APPLIED FOR DAWES SUBSTATION 2011S... 4 PROPOSED 144-kV TRANSMISSION LINE 7L CONSTRUCTION METHODS... 7 SCHEDULE PROJECT COST ESTIMATE ROUTE SELECTION STUDY AREA LAND USE PLANS AND POLICIES ROUTE AND SITE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPUTAL ROUTING AND SITING OPTIONS SWEETHEART LAKE SUBSTATION AND TRANSMISSION ROUTE SELECTION ENVIRONMENTAL AND ELECTRICAL EFFECTS ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS NOISE EFFECTS HISTORICAL IMPACTS ELECTRICAL EFFECTS LANDSCAPE AND AESTHETICS PARTICIPANT INVOLVEMENT CONCLUSION Page v

7 ATCO Electric Ltd. Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project Application to Alberta Utilities Commission Attachment 1 Application Text February 2014 LIST OF TABLES TABLE 1: LOCATION COORDINATES... 3 TABLE 2: PROPOSED TRANSMISSION LINE 7L147 DETAILS... 5 TABLE 3: TRANSMISSION LINE 7L147 THERMAL RATINGS... 6 TABLE 4: A PROPOSED SINGLE CIRCUIT TRANSMISSION LINE SEGMENT ALIGNMENT AND RIGHT-OF-WAY... 7 TABLE 5: POTENTIAL CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES... 8 TABLE 6: PROPOSED PROJECT SCHEDULE TABLE 7: PROJECT COST ESTIMATE TABLE 8: ROUTE SUMMARY FOR TRANSMISSION LINE 7L TABLE 9: TRANSMISSION LINE 7L147 SEGMENT DESCRIPTIONS Page vi

8 ATCO Electric Ltd. Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project Application to Alberta Utilities Commission Attachment 1 Application Text February INTRODUCTION 1.1 SUMMARY OF PROPOSED FACILITIES 1. As part of the Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project (the Project ) ATCO Electric Ltd. ( ATCO Electric ) proposes to construct a 144-kV/25-kV substation to be named as Sweetheart Lake Substation 2032S approximately 60 kilometres (km) southwest of Fort McMurray, southeast of the previously proposed Dawes Substation (Application No ; Proceeding ID No. 2947). 2. ATCO Electric proposes to construct approximately 8 km of new single-circuit 144 kilovolt (kv) transmission line designated as 7L147 connecting the proposed Sweetheart Lake Substation 2032S to the applied for Dawes Substation 2011S 3. ATCO Electric also proposes to alter the previously proposed Dawes Substation 2011S. 1.2 DISPOSITIONS REQUESTED 4. ATCO Electric hereby applies to the Alberta Utilities Commission (the Commission or AUC ) pursuant to Sections 14, 15, and 18 of the Hydro and Electric Energy Act (HEEA), being Chapter H-16 of the Revised Statutes of Alberta 2000, as amended for Permits, Licences, Approvals, and Orders to undertake the following: a. Construct a new 144-kV/25-kV substation to be named Sweetheart Lake Substation 2032S; b. Construct approximately 8 km of new single circuit 144-kV transmission line designated as 7L147, connecting the proposed Sweetheart Lake Substation 2032S to the previously proposed Dawes Substation 2011S; c. Alter the previously proposed Dawes Substation 2011S (Application No ; Proceeding ID No. 2947) by: Addition of one 144-kV circuit breaker with associated disconnect switches; and Addition of one 144-kV motorized disconnect switch. d. Connect these facilities to ATCO Electric's electrical system, and operate and maintain the aforementioned transmission facilities. 1.3 PROJECT NEED AND AESO DIRECTION 5. Development of the proposed transmission facilities is required to support current and future industrial development in the area. The specific customer being serviced in this Project is Japan Canada Oil Sands Limited. Pursuant to the applicable processes under the Electric Utilities Act, the need for the Project has been addressed by the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) as Project No In accordance with Section 35 of the Electric Utilities Act, the AESO has directed ATCO Electric to submit this Facility Application. A copy of the direction correspondence is included in Attachment 10. The AESO and ATCO Electric have Page 1

9 ATCO Electric Ltd. Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project Application to Alberta Utilities Commission Attachment 1 Application Text February 2014 agreed to coordinate the submission of the Need Identification Document (NID) and Facility Application. Under the provisions of the applicable AESO and Commission rules, and of Section 15.4 of the Hydro and Electric Energy Act, ATCO Electric hereby requests that this Facility Application be combined for consideration with the AESO NID Application No AGENCY APPROVALS 7. The status of approvals from other agencies is described below. All of these agencies have been provided information as part of the participant involvement program and have indicated no objections to the proposed transmission facilities. The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) is the municipal authority with land interests in the Project area, pursuant to the Municipal Government Act. The proposed facilities are exempt from Part 17 of the Municipal Government Act with respect to subdivision and development approvals. Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (AESRD) administers the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act and the Water Act. The proposed transmission facilities are not of the class requiring Conservation and Reclamation Approval or an Environmental Impact Assessment under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act. ATCO Electric will comply with the Water Act and apply for all necessary approvals, if required, prior to the start of construction. Further, AESRD administers Crown Land under the Public Lands Act. ATCO Electric will apply to AESRD for the land rights required. AESRD is also responsible for the management of wildlife as a crown resource and for the conservation of species at risk under the Wildlife Act. The Project will include preconstruction environmental surveys including an assessment of plants, wildlife and wetlands. Alberta Culture (AC) has confirmed that a Historical Resource Impact Assessment (HRIA) is not required for the Project area. Historical Resources Act clearance has been received on the proposed route and substation site. With respect to the federal Navigable Waters Protection Act, ATCO Electric will submit the required information to the Transport Canada (TC) Navigable Waters Protection Officer for determination of navigability and approvals if necessary. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has no concerns with respect to the Project. If any work takes place in watercourses, beds or banks, ATCO Electric will notify DFO as per the Operational Statement. With respect to agreement by TELUS Communications pursuant to Section 39 of the HEEA, ATCO has referred the Project to TELUS. NAV Canada has requested structure design data for the new transmission lines. The data will be provided following the completion of the transmission line design. With respect to the federal Aeronautics Act, ATCO Electric will submit the required information to the Transport Canada (TC) Civil Aviation Safety Inspector and if required, submit an application for Aeronautical Obstruction Clearance. Page 2

10 ATCO Electric Ltd. Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project Application to Alberta Utilities Commission Attachment 1 Application Text February FACILITY LOCATION SUMMARY 8. Table 1 provides a summary of facility land locations and latitude/longitude coordinates. TABLE 1: LOCATION COORDINATES FACILITY LAND (LEGAL) LATITUDE (N) LONGITUDE (W) 1 Sweetheart Lake Substation 2032S LSD-03 Sec-14 Twp-84 Rge-11 Mer Dawes Substation 2011S LSD-08 Sec-19 Twp-84 Rge-11 Mer kV Transmission Line 7L End (Dawes Substation 2011S) -Start (Sweetheart Lake Substation 2032S) LSD-08 Sec-19 Twp-84 Rge-11 Mer-4 LSD-03 Sec-14 Twp-84 Rge-11 Mer PROJECT DESCRIPTION 9. This section describes the location, Project details and engineering specifications of the proposed transmission facilities. The facilities will be designed in accordance with the AESO's direction correspondence and Final Functional Specification [Attachment 10]. The facilities will be built and operated in accordance with the authorizations granted pursuant to this Facility Application, Section 39 of the Electric Utilities Act (Safe and Reliable Operation), the Alberta Safety Codes Act, and applicable regulations and industry standards. The proposed facilities will be inspected and declared safe prior to being energized. 2.1 PROPOSED SWEETHEART LAKE SUBSTATION 2032S 10. ATCO Electric proposes to construct the Sweetheart Lake Substation 2032S, including a 144/25-kV transformer, one 144-kV circuit breaker, and associated disconnect switches, one 25/33/42 MVA, 144/25-kV LTC Transformer and two 25-kV circuit breakers and associated foundation, structural, protection and control facilities. 11. The Sweetheart Lake Substation 2032S will be connected to the electrical system by a proposed single circuit 144-kV transmission line 7L147 originating from the applied for Dawes Substation 2011S, as shown on the Proposed System Single Line Diagram [Drawing A-03, Attachment 5]. Location and Land Area 12. The proposed Sweetheart Lake Substation is situated in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, approximately 60 kilometres (km) southwest of the Urban Services Area of Fort McMurray [Drawing A-02, Attachment 4]. The proposed site is primarily Page 3

11 ATCO Electric Ltd. Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project Application to Alberta Utilities Commission Attachment 1 Application Text February 2014 located in the southwest quarter of W4M on Crown Land as shown on the Proposed Site Plan [Drawing AO-06, Attachment 5]. ATCO Electric is utilizing a site that was formerly part of the customer s central processing facility. The total lease size is 100 m x 280 m with a fenced area of approximately 50 m x 66 m. ATCO Electric has applied to AESRD for a Miscellaneous Lease (DML) surface disposition that is approximately 2.6 hectares (ha) in size. Proposed Major Equipment Final Design Specification 13. If the proposed Sweetheart Lake Substation 2032S is approved, the final major equipment list will include: a) One 144-kV circuit breaker and associated disconnect switches; b) One 25/33/42 MVA, 144/25-kV LTC Transformer; c) Two 25-kV circuit breakers with associated disconnect switches; and d) An enclosure surrounded by a chain link fence. General Equipment and Engineering Outline 14. The general equipment layout is indicated on the Proposed Site Plan [Drawing AO- 06, Attachment 5]. Engineering information, including switching and protection features, is shown on the Proposed Single Line Diagram [Drawing A-07, Attachment 5]. 2.2 ALTERATIONS TO APPLIED FOR DAWES SUBSTATION 2011S 15. ATCO Electric proposes to alter the applied for Dawes Substation 2011S (Application No ; Proceeding ID No. 2947), through adding one 144-kV circuit breaker and associated protection and control facilities. The location of the equipment within the proposed substation alteration is shown on the Proposed Site Plan [Drawing AO-04, Attachment 5]. Location and Land Area 16. The previously proposed Dawes Substation 2011S is situated in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, approximately 60 kilometres (km) southwest of the Urban Services Area of Fort McMurray [Drawing A-01, Attachment 4]. The Dawes Substation 2011S is located in the southeast quarter of W4M and on Crown Land as shown on the Proposed Site Plan [Drawing AO-04 in Attachment 5]. Proposed Major Equipment Additions 17. If the proposed alterations to the applied for Dawes Substation 2011S are approved, the major equipment additions will include: a) One 144-kV circuit breaker; and b) One 144-kV motorized disconnect switch. Proposed Final Design Specification 18. If the proposed alterations to the applied for Dawes Substation 2011S are approved, the final major equipment list will include: a) One 240/144-kV 180/240/300 MVA LTC transformer; Page 4

12 ATCO Electric Ltd. Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project Application to Alberta Utilities Commission Attachment 1 Application Text February 2014 b) Three 240-kV circuit breakers; c) Four 144-kV circuit breakers; d) One 144-kV motorized disconnect switch; and e) An enclosure surrounded by a chain link fence. General Equipment and Engineering Outline 19. The general equipment layout is indicated on the Proposed Site Plan [Drawing AO- 04 in Attachment 5]. Engineering information, including switching and protection features, is shown on the Proposed Single Line Diagram [Drawing A-05, Attachment 5]. 2.3 PROPOSED 144-kV TRANSMISSION LINE 7L ATCO Electric proposes to construct a new single-circuit transmission line designated as 7L147, originating from the applied for Dawes Substation 2011S site travelling northeast for approximately 4.1 km and southeast for approximately 4.1 km, connecting to proposed Sweetheart Lake Substation 2032S. The Proposed Route is shown on the Proposed Route Mosaic [Drawing AO-08 in Attachment 6]. The Proposed System Single Line Diagram is shown as Drawing A-05, Attachment The proposed 144-kV single-circuit transmission line 7L147 will be a standard threephase design with one circuit of three conductor wires and one optical ground wire (OPGW) for telecommunications and will be strung on wood poles built to ATCO Electric s standards for operation at the nominal voltage of 144-kV. The typical structure will be a single-circuit Davit Arm structure design with guy wires between the previously proposed Dawes Substation 2011S and node A5. The structures will be approximately 20 m tall, with a typical span length of approximately 150 m between structures. Guyed structures will be the typical structures used due to ground conditions, although these structures may not be required in all areas and side guys will not be utilized unless required. The typical structure is shown in Drawing RS-TW311- Davit Arm-144SC in Attachment 7. Design details are summarized in Table 2. TABLE 2: PROPOSED TRANSMISSION LINE 7L147 DETAILS DESIGN TYPE Nominal Voltage Transmission Line Length Number of Transmission Circuits Transmission Line conductor Overhead Shield Wire (OHSW) Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) Typical Structure Height Typical Span Between Structures Minimum Conductor Clearance, Mid-span 144-kV Wood Pole 144-kV 8.2 km 1 Circuit Single 477 kcmil 26/7 ACSR Hawk None OPGW 24Fibers (O.D mm mm) 19 m m 6.8 m (varies with location per safety codes) Page 5

13 ATCO Electric Ltd. Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project Application to Alberta Utilities Commission Attachment 1 Application Text February From node A5 to the Sweetheart Lake Substation 2032S, ATCO Electric proposes to understring a 25kV single circuit distribution line. Both transmission and distribution circuits will be strung on wood poles built to ATCO Electric s standards for operation at the nominal voltages of 144-kV and 25-kV, respectively. The typical structure will be a single-circuit Davit Arm structure design with guy wires, understrung by a 25- kv single-circuit. The structures will be approximately 21 m tall, with a typical span length of approximately 100 m between structures. Guyed structures will be the typical structures used due to ground conditions, although these structures may not be required in all areas and side guys will not be utilized unless required. The typical structure is shown in Drawing RS-TW311- Davit Arm 144SCu in Attachment Non-typical structures with taller or additional poles, and/or anchors and guy wires may be required where the line turns or terminates. In all cases, the transmission lines will meet or exceed the requirements of applicable safety regulations. Final structure specification will be determined following survey and line design. 24. Conductors for the transmission line 7L147 will be single 447 kcmil (Hawk) per phase. The summer and winter line rating at 100 C for 7L147 is 163 MVA and 220 MVA, respectively. Thermal Ratings are shown in Table 3 below. TABLE 3: PROPOSED TRANSMISSION LINE 7L147 THERMAL RATINGS CONDUCTOR Single 477 kcmil (Hawk) THERMAL RATING: NORMAL (At 85 C Conductor Temperature) THERMAL RATING: EMERGENCY (At 100 C Conductor Temperature) Summer (30 C) Winter (0 C) Summer (30 C) Winter (0 C) 163 MVA 220 MVA 187 MVA 236 MVA Transmission Line Alignment and Right-of-Way 25. The proposed alignment for transmission line 7L147 was based on the location of physical and environmental constraints between the previously proposed Dawes Substation 2011S and the proposed Sweetheart Lake Substation 2032S and informed by stakeholder feedback obtained through ATCO Electric s participant involvement program. 26. A minimum right-of-way width is required for the safe operations of the transmission line and for construction and maintenance access in consideration of structure guying space requirements. The width and structure placements will vary with structure type. Typical minimum right-of-way widths for the proposed transmission line 7L147 are as indicated in Table 5 below. Page 6

14 ATCO Electric Ltd. Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project Application to Alberta Utilities Commission Attachment 1 Application Text February 2014 TABLE 4: A PROPOSED SINGLE CIRCUIT TRANSMISSION LINE SEGMENT ALIGNMENT AND RIGHT-OF-WAY Transmission Line Route Location Aligned with existing right of way Cross-Country Alignment Typical Structure Location Centre of new right-of-way Centre of new right-of-way Minimum Right-of-Way Width 9 m on either side of the transmission line. (18 m total) 9 m on either side of the transmission line. (18 m total) 27. Right-of-way requirements for specific route segments are shown on the Cross- Section Drawings A-09a-c [Attachment 7]. 28. In addition to the minimum widths indicated, additional area is required as follows: At non-typical structures such as at corners, in wetlands or saturated soils, and at watercourse crossings, for anchors, additional guy wires, additional poles, wider spacing and for line stringing and tensioning; and In treed areas to keep the power line "tree-free" by removing adjacent trees that could potentially fall onto the transmission line. 29. ATCO Electric will apply to AESRD for a Vegetation Control Easement (VCE) as needed along the length of the transmission line right-of-way. 30. Additional clearing width is related to adjacent tree heights. Additional tree clearing will be required along most of the Proposed Route, with the exception of non-treed wetlands, cutblocks and other pre-existing disturbances. 2.4 CONSTRUCTION METHODS 31. Project construction consists of three general phases: pre-construction, construction and post-construction. These activities are summarized both in Table 5 and in the following sections. As appropriate, ATCO Electric will modify the following general standard construction practices depending upon either environmental conditions or the presence of environmentally sensitive features. Mitigation measures to be employed during project construction are described in the Environmental Evaluation [Attachment 2] and the Environmental Protection Plan (EPP) for the North East Region [Attachment 9]. Page 7

15 ATCO Electric Ltd. Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project Application to Alberta Utilities Commission Attachment 1 Application Text February 2014 TABLE 5: POTENTIAL CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES PROJECT PHASE PRE-CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION POST-CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY Land surveys Land acquisition Geotechnical survey Environmental surveys Final structure placement and temporary access and workspace identification and allocation Equipment cleaning station deployment (as required) Right-of-way preparation (includes brushing and fence removal) Temporary structure installation at crossings Travel lane construction (where required: including stripping, soil salvage, grading, micro drainage installation) Temporary workspace preparation (where required: including stripping, grading, micro drainage installation) Structure foundation installation Materials hauling Structure assembling Structure erection and setting Conductor stringing and tensioning (including insulator and wire travel device installation) Tie-in (attaching conductors to insulators) Structure and line inspection Temporary structure dismantling Energizing Temporary workspaces, equipment cleaning stations and right-of-way travel lane decommissioning (where required) Land reclamation, fence installation, and weed control Pre-Construction Activities 32. Approximate structure and other temporary workspace locations will be identified. The centreline will be surveyed and the right-of-way boundaries, travel lane, and other temporary access and workspaces will be marked. Prior to final structure placement, pre-construction surveys for geotechnical, wildlife, wetlands, and plants will be conducted. Upon completion of these surveys, structure locations and structure assembly workspaces will be finalized and marked. Construction Activities 33. Standard construction practices for the right-of-way, travel lanes, access, and workspace areas are outlined below and are appropriately described in a wide range of operating conditions, including unfrozen ground. Alternative construction practices will be utilized based on favourable ground conditions (i.e., frozen) and in sensitive areas in consultation with the appropriate regulators as follows: Page 8

16 ATCO Electric Ltd. Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project Application to Alberta Utilities Commission Attachment 1 Application Text February 2014 removal of fences (where applicable), small infrastructure, brush, rocks, and any other obstructions to equipment; construction or repair of access roads and travel lane where applicable (this could include stripping, soil salvage, grading, the deployment of mats where required, and installation of bridges and/or culverts to maintain surface water flow); temporary workspace preparation (where and when required, the topsoil will be stripped and stored; tackifiers and cover mats may be used as erosion controls for soil stockpile sites; selective herbicide application may be used for weed control where appropriate and approved by the landholder; geotextile materials and gravel may also be used on work surfaces where required; excavation/drilling/auguring of holes for foundations and spoil removal; material staging, structure, guy, and insulator assembly; placement of structure with a mobile boom truck and/or crane; addition of lean fill concrete or similar material to set the structure base (where applicable); installation of temporary structures at crossings over streams, roads, or other obstacles as required; installation of guy anchors as required; stringing and tensioning of conductor, shield and/or OPGW; and inspection of the transmission line. 34. To facilitate construction activities, the following types of equipment may be used: pickup trucks, one-ton trucks, drill/auger trucks, boom trucks, dozers, picker trucks, back hoes, cranes, and winch/spool trucks. Post-Construction Activities 35. Clean up, restoration, and monitoring can begin once construction is complete and will include the following tasks: dismantling and removal of temporary structures; clean up and removal of all construction materials (including temporary bridges and culverts, geotextile materials, and gravel), equipment, and equipment cleaning stations; reclamation of temporary workspace, travel lane, and access road (fertilizer and seed mix applications will be conducted on public land following consultation with AESRD; restoration of fences and other small infrastructure within the rights-of-way and temporary workspaces; and monitoring effectiveness of erosion control measures and re-vegetation process (removing erosion control measures and re-vegetating as required; reapplying fertilizer and seed mixes as required; conducting one noxious weed control program during the growing season following the last work completed on the property). Page 9

17 ATCO Electric Ltd. Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project Application to Alberta Utilities Commission Attachment 1 Application Text February SCHEDULE 36. Construction is scheduled to start in September 2014 if conditions permit and all necessary approvals are received. The targeted completion date for the proposed Sweetheart Lake Substation 2032S and transmission line 7L147 is August The approximate schedule of key preparatory and construction activities is provided in Table 6. The dates are approximate and may change depending on such factors as timing of approvals, contractor plans, resource availability, material delivery, ground conditions, environmental timing restrictions, and weather. TABLE 6: PROPOSED PROJECT SCHEDULE ACTIVITY OR MILESTONE START COMPLETED AUC approvals Transmission line right-of-way clearing and construction February 2014 (application submitted) August 2014 (approvals issued) September 2014 March 2015 Substation alterations/construction August 2014 March 2015 Commissioning March 2015 July 2015 In-Service Date August This schedule assumes that activities including survey, geotechnical assessment, land approvals (where possible), and detailed engineering will occur prior to issuance of AUC approval so that construction can begin immediately after said approval is received. Consequences of Delay 39. To meet the scheduled in-service date, ATCO Electric must start substation brushing and construction in Parts of the transmission line brushing and construction can occur in fall 2014; however, other areas must occur in winter 2014 due to wet ground conditions in certain areas of the Project Area, ATCO Electric must also brush and construct within restricted operating windows. Meeting the in-service date included in this Facility Application depends on timely approval that permits project execution commencing in fall Delays to approvals could result in cost escalation due to unfavorable environmental conditions, such as wet ground, throughout brushing and construction. Project execution in these conditions could have adverse environmental impacts on the Project area. Further, delays in approvals could result in a longer construction period resulting in further cost increases and a delay to the proposed in-service date. 2.7 PROJECT COST ESTIMATE 41. The cost estimate for the scope of the Project work, as detailed in ATCO Electric s Proposal to Provide Service submitted to the AESO is provided in Table 7. Page 10

18 ATCO Electric Ltd. Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project Application to Alberta Utilities Commission Attachment 1 Application Text February 2014 TABLE 7: PROJECT COST ESTIMATE System Portion Customer Portion TOTAL Transmission Line Costs Material $ - $ 1,059,357 $ 1,059,357 Labour $ - $ 4,583,903 $ 4,583,903 Total-Transmission line $ - $ 5,643,260 $ 5,643,260 Substation Facilities Cost Material $ - $ 2,413,213 $ 2,413,213 Labour $ - $ 4,038,586 $ 4,038,586 Total-Substations $ - $ 6,451,823 $ 6,451,823 Telecommunications Cost Material $ - $ 69,452 $ 69,452 Labour $ - $ 139,425 $ 139,425 Total-Telecommunication $ - $ 208,877 $ 208,877 Owner Costs Proposal to Provide Service $ - $ 356,000 $ 356,000 Facility Applications $ - $ 893,401 $ 893,401 Land Rights - Easements $ - $ - $ - Land - Damage Claims $ - $ - $ - Land - Acquisitions $ - $ 105,890 $ 105,890 Owners Costs $ - $ 1,355,291 $ 1,355,291 Distributed Costs Procurement $ - $ 65,594 $ 65,594 Project Management $ - $ 374,800 $ 374,800 Construction Management $ - $ 1,381,144 $ 1,381,144 Contingency $ - $ 1,474,310 $ 1,474,310 Distributed Costs $ - $ 3,295,848 $ 3,295,848 Total Owners and Dist. Costs $ - $ 4,651,139 $ 4,651,139 Total Direct Costs $ - $ 16,955,099 $ 16,955,099 Salvage - Transmission Line Labour $ - $ - $ - Salvage - Substation Labour $ - $ - $ - Land Remediation and Reclamation $ - $ - $ - Salvage Costs $ - $ - $ - Other Costs Inflation $ - $ 854,829 $ 854,829 E&S $ - $ 1,691,943 $ 1,691,943 AFUDC $ - $ - $ - Total Indirect Costs $ - $ 2,546,772 $ 2,546,772 TOTAL PROJECT COSTS $ - $ 19,501,871 $ 19,501,871 Page 11

19 ATCO Electric Ltd. Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project Application to Alberta Utilities Commission Attachment 1 Application Text February ROUTE SELECTION 3.1 STUDY AREA 42. The proposed Project is located in northeast Alberta within the Boreal Forest Natural Region and both the Central Mixedwood and Lower Boreal Highlands subregions (Natural Regions Committee 2006). The Study Area is located within the Athabasca River watershed and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. The Project also falls within the Lower Athabasca Regional Plan (LARP) area. The Study Area is predominantly forest and wetlands as shown on the Land Capability Forestry Map [Drawing A-10a, Attachment 8]. The topography in the Study Area is generally flat to undulating, with the area on the south side of Horse Creek having steep slopes. The land use is predominantly oil and gas development. 43. ATCO Electric s route selection process started with the identification of a Study Area that met the technical requirements of the AESO s direction and accounted for large scale geographic, environmental, and social constraints [Drawing AO-08, Attachment 6]. A sufficient geographic area was selected to ensure that sensitive environmental features and land constraints were identified. These are further explained in the Environmental Evaluation [Attachment 2]. 44. ATCO Electric compiled baseline spatial information for the defined Study Area and subsequently developed a project-specific dataset of landscape features relevant to the Study Area with ortho-mosaic background. The applied datasets and mosaics were used to identify broad constraints and serve as a basis for field reconnaissance work. Datasets utilized to define the Study Area for the Project included the following: roadways including primary highways, secondary highways, major roads, and local roads existing electrical facilities populated areas including hamlets and larger communities oil and gas facilities including pipelines, booster stations, surface wells, batteries, processing facilities and pump stations Environmentally Significant Areas Caribou and Key Wildlife Biodiversity Zones Parks and Protected Areas including natural areas, provincial parks, national parks, provincial recreation areas, wilderness areas, ecological reserves, and heritage rangeland Historical Wildlife Observations from the Fisheries and Wildlife Management Information System (FWMIS) Alberta Vegetation Index that indicated vegetation growth throughout the project area planned transportation networks sand and gravel operations affected leaseholder development plans wildlife constraints Page 12

20 ATCO Electric Ltd. Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project Application to Alberta Utilities Commission Attachment 1 Application Text February 2014 Historical Resource Values on lands that either possess known historic resources or have high potential for their presence, including archaeological, paleontological, historical, natural, and cultural resources Watercourses, water bodies, wetlands, and muskeg 45. The Study Area is defined by the need to connect the Sweetheart Lake Substation to the Dawes Substation and is bound by Highway 63 to the east and to the west by the previously proposed Dawes Substation site. The Study Area extends to the north of the main haul road to the Algar Substation 875S and Algar pumping station and to the south of the customer central processing facility 46. A number of significant Study Area constraints limited routing and siting options. Identification of a significant crossing at Horse Creek is a major routing constraint. Areas with limited access also constrained the ability to maintain the transmission facility in the future. There are also several future oil and gas development plans in the Study Area, which limited routing options due to various offset requirements. ATCO Electric engaged early-on with AESRD and the customer regarding routing concepts and substation siting. Pipeline industry stakeholders were also engaged early-on to mitigate concerns regarding routing alignments adjacent to pipeline rights-of-way. These constraints are identified on the constraint maps in Attachment 8 and further described in Attachment 2 (Environmental Evaluation). 47. The Study Area does not contain any significant viewpoints and agricultural or residential land uses. The Study Area does not include any Wildland Provincial Parks, Public Land-use Zones, Provincial Recreational Areas, Public Land Areas for Recreation/Tourism, or new parks or recreation areas found within the Lower Athabasca Regional Plan (LARP). Furthermore, the Study Area is located outside of any future growth nodes, conservation areas or potential recreation and tourism areas defined in the Municipal Development Plan (MDP) for the RMWB. 3.2 LAND USE PLANS AND POLICIES 48. The following planning documents are relevant to the Project, and further stressed the importance of following the routing and siting criteria utilized by ATCO Electric: Lower Athabasca Regional Plan (LARP) 49. The LARP includes Regional Outcomes that incorporate the coordination of infrastructure development and integrated land management. This provincial planning policy document reinforced AESRD s position that utilizing existing linear disturbances should be one of the main routing criteria for the Project. The Project is consistent with the LARP in the following ways: a) Government Agencies, industrial landholders, and trappers were consulted in the routing process and all provided input on the Project. The LARP states that infrastructure development should utilize the minimum amount of land possible, and that integrated land management Page 13

21 ATCO Electric Ltd. Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project Application to Alberta Utilities Commission Attachment 1 Application Text February 2014 between industrial users is to be implemented. ATCO Electric has sought to follow existing linear disturbances while avoiding other constraints including wetlands, water crossings, and industrial facilities. ATCO Electric has worked closely with large-scale industrial operators in the area to integrate transmission line route planning with other current and planned industrial activities. b) The LARP emphasis on engaging First Nations in the planning process was achieved when developing the Project routing and siting options. ATCO Electric engaged six First Nations and the Metis Nation of Alberta Region 1 identified as potential interest holders. Through information sharing, consultation and collaboration, ATCO Electric strived to understand Aboriginal issues and concerns and incorporate them into the planning process in order to minimize impacts wherever reasonably possible. c) Air emissions from the Project will not cause ambient air quality conditions to exceed the triggers or limits detailed in the air quality management framework of the LARP. d) Depending on weather and ground conditions, ATCO Electric may withdraw water to assist in freezing in work areas. If this is required, ATCO Electric will obtain the necessary regulatory approvals in that regard. e) The Project does not require the use of groundwater. f) The Comprehensive Regional Infrastructure Sustainability Plan for the Athabasca Oil Sands Area (CRISP) describes the province s mandate of integrating multi-use corridor planning and incorporating extensive consultation in the Athabasca Oil Sands area for proposed future projects. The Project is consistent with the CRISP. Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo Municipal Development Plan (MDP) 50. The RMWB s Municipal Development Plan (MDP) includes Regional Growth Management Directions. Direction 3.1 states that the municipality will work with the Government of Alberta to support integrated resource management and planning practices. Further, the municipality aims to limit development along streams, lakes, rivers, and other environmentally sensitive areas. The Project supports the MDP. 3.3 ROUTE AND SITE DEVELOPMENT 51. The primary purpose of the Project is to fulfill the customer s service request. The primary goal of siting the substation is to be as practicably close to the load as possible. 52. Numerous field reconnaissance surveys were completed within the Study Area in order to verify the accuracy of the available datasets and to identify any additional features that were not digitally available. Field reconnaissance was completed via Page 14

22 ATCO Electric Ltd. Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project Application to Alberta Utilities Commission Attachment 1 Application Text February 2014 helicopter flights to assess areas not easily accessible due to wet ground conditions with limited existing access. Features typically recorded include the following: communication towers industrial developments oil and gas facilities other constraints, including treed areas recreational areas roadways trapper cabins slumping or eroding soils steep slopes utilities wetlands waterbodies 53. In addition to the close proximity of the substation location to the customer s electrical service, siting options for the substation also considered the following criteria: sufficient land base for substation development and incoming transmission lines; relatively flat terrain to reduce the amount of grading and potential impacts to surface and subsurface drainage patterns; adequate access for construction, and permanent, all-weather access for operation; avoidance of encroachment upon surrounding industrial development; avoidance of environmentally sensitive areas; accessibility by maintenance crews; ability to further connect transmission or distribution lines to the facility; road crossings; fragmentation of habitat and landscape; and available space for development. 54. ATCO Electric worked closely with AESRD on the routing of the Project. Through consultation, AESRD stressed that minimizing environmental impacts, reducing landscape fragmentation, choosing optimal river crossings and paralleling existing linear disturbances should be emphasized as routing criteria in the Project area. AESRD highlighted the objectives included in the Enhanced Approval Process (EAP), which guides development and approvals for oil and gas companies including reducing environmental impacts, staying far enough away from watercourses, creating common corridors, and following existing disturbances. AESRD clarified that although the EAP does not specifically apply to the facilities proposed by ATCO Electric, it should be used by ATCO Electric to further guide and support routing and siting decisions. Page 15

23 ATCO Electric Ltd. Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project Application to Alberta Utilities Commission Attachment 1 Application Text February Key criteria for conceptual routing of the transmission line included: minimizing impacts with other land uses such as built-up areas and oil and gas facilities; utilizing existing linear developments to minimize new disturbance and clearing; following existing transmission lines where possible; following existing road rights-of-way where possible, for access and to reduce new clearing and to avoid environmental impacts; keeping routes as straight as possible, to reduce transmission line length and costly corner structures; minimizing length along environmentally sensitive areas such as watercourses and wetlands [Drawing A-10c, Attachment 8] recreation areas, parks, campgrounds and wildlife habitat [Drawing A-10b, Attachment 8]; and minimizing length through wet areas and steep slopes for better access and to reduce environmental impacts. 56. Three potential route options were chosen based on key routing criteria, favourable metrics, and understanding of governmental and industry preferences reflected in the technical, economic, environmental, and land-use criteria described in this section. 3.4 CONCEPUTAL ROUTING AND SITING OPTIONS 57. Consultation on the Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project involved discussing conceptual substation sites and routes for transmission line 7L147 with Project stakeholders. The primary stakeholders in this project were AESRD and the customer. Consultation also included other oil and gas developers, agencies, interested parties, and the general public. Throughout consultations, the conceptual 7L147 routes and the substation site were adjusted in attempts to mitigate stakeholder concerns. Substation Siting 58. ATCO Electric identified the conceptual Sweetheart Lake Substation 2032S site, as seen in the Public Notification Package in Attachment 12, as being directly adjacent to the customer CPF. In addition to being close to load centres, this site avoids poor ground conditions and allows for future transmission and distribution facility development. 7L147 Transmission Line Routing 59. Key concerns for stakeholders incorporated into routing decisions included: Minimizing transmission line routing through the riparian area associated with the Horse Creek valley; Creating the least amount of new linear disturbance by aligning with the most existing linear disturbance; Traversing the least amount of muskeg area; Keeping the line length as short as possible; and Routing away from areas of potential oil and gas expansion. Page 16

24 ATCO Electric Ltd. Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project Application to Alberta Utilities Commission Attachment 1 Application Text February 2014 TABLE 8: ROUTE SUMMARY FOR TRANSMISSION LINE 7L147 Routing Factor Proposed Route Line length (km) 8.2 Number of Major Turns (>15 ) 7 Adjacent Pipelines/Access (km) 5.2 Length traversing wetlands (km) 1.0 Length traversing saturated soils (km) 2.8 Length traversing upland soils (km) 5.4 Length traversing Aquatic Environmentally Significant 65 % Areas Length traversing Caribou Range (km) 6.8 Line Cost $5,643, AESRD did not express concern with regard to the Caribou Range and the Aquatic Environmentally Significant Area. 61. The proposed route option minimizes transmission line length, the number and extent of impacts to stakeholders, and the amount of habitat fragmentation [Drawing A-10d, Attachment 8]. It also satisfies AESRD guidelines. This option is near no residences or work camps, is entirely on public land, has no objections from landholders, has no registered PNTs and is not in a Key Wildlife and Biodiversity Zone. 3.5 SWEETHEART LAKE SUBSTATION AND TRANSMISSION ROUTE SELECTION 62. The selected 2032S Sweetheart Lake Substation Site is considered favourable for the following reasons: Close to the proposed load; Least impacted the customer s future development plans; Reduces the overall impact of the proposed facilities on stakeholders and the surrounding environment by integrating with the customer facility; and Allows for future customer connections. 63. The 7L147 proposed transmission line route is most favourable, as it: Maximizes alignment with existing linear disturbances; Provides an acceptable crossing of the Horse Creek riparian area; Minimizes disturbances to natural systems in the area; Integrates transmission and distribution routing; and Best addresses key stakeholder s concerns. 64. Both the proposed substation site and 7L147 transmission line route achieve a balance of key evaluation criteria. The proposed facilities were developed in Page 17

25 ATCO Electric Ltd. Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project Application to Alberta Utilities Commission Attachment 1 Application Text February 2014 consultation with AESRD and sought to minimize impacts to the noted AESA, Caribou Range and wetland areas. The proposed developments are found to be environmentally acceptable [Attachment 2] and in the public interest. 65. The conceptual 144-kV transmission line 7L147 from the proposed Sweetheart Lake Substation 2032S to the applied for Dawes Substation 2011S is described in detail in Table 9. Detailed route information is shown on the Proposed Route Mosaic [Drawing AO-08 in Attachment 6], and on the Cross Section Drawings A-09a-c [Attachment 7]. TABLE 9: PROPOSED TRANSMISSION LINE 7L147 SEGMENT DESCRIPTIONS REFERENCE POINT Dawes Substation 2011S node A1; Node A4 A5; Node A9 Sweetheart Lake 2032S 7L147 adjacent to pipeline and roadway node A1 A2 7L147 adjacent to pipeline node A2 to A4 7L147 understrung with 25 kv adjacent to MSL corridor and pipeline node A5 to A6 7L147 understrung with 25 kv adjacent to MSL corridor and pipeline node A6 to A7 7L147 understrung with 25 kv adjacent to MSL corridor and pipeline node A7 to A8 7L147 understrung with 25 kv adjacent to MLL node A8 to A9 LINE SEGMENT DESCRIPTION Proposed 7L147 departs from the previously proposed Dawes Substation 2011S travels east for approximately 500m and turns northeast; 7L147 travels northwest for approximately 3.8 km and crosses Horse Creek; 7L147 turns south of the JACOS MLL and travels in an east direction for approximately 400 m into Sweetheart Lake Substation 2032S. Proposed 7L147 follows northeast alongside the Algar road, TransCanada Pipeline and Alberta Oil Sands Pipeline Proposed 7L147 follows northeast along the Alberta Oil Sands Pipeline. Proposed 7L147 follows south along JACOS road Proposed 7L147 follows south along JACOS road Proposed 7L147 follows southeast along JACOS road Proposed 7L147 follows south along edge of the JACOS MLL CROSS-SECTION DRAWINGS A B C D E F G 4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL AND ELECTRICAL EFFECTS 4.1 ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS 66. ATCO Electric will construct and maintain the proposed transmission facilities adhering to AESRD (formerly Alberta Environment [AENV]) R&R/11-03, Environmental Protection Guidelines for Transmission Lines (the Guidelines), and in Page 18

26 ATCO Electric Ltd. Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project Application to Alberta Utilities Commission Attachment 1 Application Text February 2014 accordance with the terms and conditions of the right-of-way agreements and easements. Measures to reduce the environmental impacts of the Project are described in the Environmental Evaluation document [Attachment 2] and the EPP [Attachment 9], along with general reclamation and long term right-of-way management practices. Stormwater Management 67. In designing the proposed Sweetheart Lake Substation 2032S site, the primary consideration with regard to storm water runoff will be to keep the pad free from standing water and allow storm water to drain naturally from the substation area towards adjacent low-lying areas. An increase in post runoff quantity due to building the substation pad is not anticipated due to the insignificant difference between the runoff coefficient of pad material (un-compacted insulation gravel) and the existing ground material. The existing ground slope surrounding the site is much greater than the design slope of the substation pad, which will minimize surficial runoff quantities. 68. Spill containment, reporting, and clean-up protocols which are standard at all ATCO Electric facilities will reduce incidences of substance contact with stormwater. 4.2 NOISE EFFECTS 69. Any significant noise or traffic is generally limited to the construction period, when larger trucks and equipment are required for moving and construction. 70. A Noise Impact Assessment was conducted in accordance with the current AUC Rule 012: Noise Control. The Noise Impact Assessment Summary Form is included in Attachment 11. The results indicate that the proposed facility does not exceed permissible sound levels. 4.3 HISTORICAL IMPACTS 71. ATCO Electric recognizes the potential of encountering sites with Historical Resource Value along the proposed right-of-way. Through consultation with AC it has been determined that a Historical Resources Impact Assessment (HRIA) is not required. Historical Resource Act clearance was issued by AC in November As a condition of the clearance issued by AC, an updated mosaic map was submitted in November 2013 outlining the final alignment. 72. ATCO Electric considers the potential of encountering any sites with Historical Resource Value very low. Work in proximity to any such sites that may be discovered during construction will be suspended until permission to continue is granted by AC. ATCO Electric is confident that any historical resources identified within or near the proposed right-of-way can be avoided or mitigated. Avoidance strategies might include adjusting structure and access road locations, or through flagging and temporary fencing of the sites. Mitigation strategies might include restricted traffic, Page 19

27 ATCO Electric Ltd. Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project Application to Alberta Utilities Commission Attachment 1 Application Text February 2014 use of lay-down mats or other temporary protective materials, or through ACapproved scientific excavation and recording. 4.4 ELECTRICAL EFFECTS 73. High voltage power transmission facilities (alternating current) have electromagnetic fields (EMF) or invisible lines of force associated with the electric fields (the result of the strength or voltage of the electric charge) and magnetic fields (the result of the motion or current of the charge). EMF is present everywhere that electricity is used. Considerable research has been conducted to assess the potential interference or noise created by these fields and the effects that they may have on commonly used equipment such as radio, television, Global Positioning Satellite (GPS), etc. Generally, most modern equipment has been designed so that it is largely unaffected by EMF interference. Electric fields may also induce a voltage in metal objects that are located nearby; the most common of these are metal fences and buildings, telephone lines, and pipelines. Below is a summary of the common issues and current mitigation. Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF) Human Exposure 74. Alternating Current transmission lines are a source of extremely low-frequency (ELF) electric and magnetic fields. Both of these electric (kv/m) and magnetic (mg) fields are at their highest levels directly under the transmission line, decreasing dramatically in strength with distance from the source. Electrical Fields (kv/m) are also blocked by objects (trees, buildings, etc.), which greatly reduces field strength. With increased distance from the right-of-way, the ELF EMF that is associated with AC transmission lines is similar in effect to the natural low-level electric and magnetic fields that we are exposed to in our daily lives (e.g., from appliances, the wiring in homes). 75. Research on EMF has been monitored by many health authorities including Health Canada (HC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). These authorities have evaluated a variety of studies on EMF and health. To date, the weight of scientific evidence does not support a cause and effect relationship between general health symptoms and exposure to EMF. Currently, there are no Canadian government standards for exposure to EMF at ELF. Some international agencies have proposed recommended guidelines for exposure. 76. While landowners and occupants occasionally raise questions regarding the potential for health effects from EMF, ATCO Electric's review of available information on biological research and epidemiological studies indicates that the scientific evidence is not strong enough to conclude that exposures to EMF at ELF cause health problems. ATCO Electric has adopted the conclusions and recommendations of HC, WHO, and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) with respect to the EMF associated with both Alternating Current and Direct Current transmission lines. ATCO Electric is also committed to monitoring Page 20

28 ATCO Electric Ltd. Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project Application to Alberta Utilities Commission Attachment 1 Application Text February 2014 EMF research and sharing this information with customers, employees, government officials, or any other interested parties. 77. ICNIRP updated their exposure guidelines in September For magnetic field exposure, ICNIRP recommends a public exposure guideline of 2,000 mg, and an occupational (worker) exposure of 10,000 mg. For electric field strength, ICNIRP recommends a public exposure guideline of 4.2 kv/m and an occupational (worker) exposure of 8.3 kv/m. The expected EMF levels for the proposed transmission lines will be well below the public exposure guidelines at the edge of the right-of-way. 78. ATCO Electric builds and operates all of its electric facilities to industry and safety standards and strives to route new facilities away from residences and densely populated areas wherever possible. The nearest permanent residence to the transmission facilities proposed in this application is further than eight km. Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF) Animal Exposure 79. Research has also been conducted on the possible effects of EMF on various wild and domesticated animals. A number of universities and national agencies both in the United States and Canada have carried out studies on cattle, pigs, sheep, and horses to determine whether EMF produced by high-voltage Alternating Current transmission lines has any effect on the health, productivity, reproduction, or behaviour of livestock. A review of this research indicates that exposure to EMF from Alternating Current transmission lines is not a demonstrated cause of any adverse health effects for these animals. 80. Research into the possible effects on smaller animals, including bees and some birds that detect electromagnetic fields for navigational purposes, reveals similar results. Evaluation of these findings does not support the indication of any adverse effects from EMF exposure. There has been no indication that EMF from transmission rights-of-way interferes with the homing behaviour of birds or bees. Most often, where bee hives are located under Alternating Current lines, the bees appear to receive small but frequent nuisance shocks in hives from currents induced by the lines. However, this is primarily associated with domesticated bee hives, and mitigation can include shielding the hives or relocating the hives away from the transmission lines (outside of the right-of-way). 81. As with human studies, government and research organizations continue to monitor and assess new and current findings of animal research to ensure the most up to date information on EMF is being considered. Radio and Television Interference 82. Corona is defined as the electrical breakdown of air ions around the conductors (ionization) as a result of high or non-uniform electric fields. Corona may create some electromagnetic noise at or near the same frequency as a radio signal. Potential for this noise to interfere with radio reception is dependent upon the Page 21

29 ATCO Electric Ltd. Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project Application to Alberta Utilities Commission Attachment 1 Application Text February 2014 frequency and strength of the signal, as weaker signals have greater potential to be affected. AM radio operates at a lower frequency than FM; the higher frequency of FM radio signals typically do not pick up any interference from transmission lines. The greatest potential for AM radio interference is directly below the transmission line: this interference decreases rapidly the further the distance from the transmission line. The higher frequency of FM radio signals typically does not pick up any interference from transmission lines. Two-way radios may be subject to low levels of interference, as a result of obstructed line of sight between the transmitter and receiver associated with buildings, geographic features, or towers. This situation can be easily mitigated by moving the transmitter to a nearby location with a clean line of sight. 83. The potential for television interference (TVI) is much less than radio interference and is generally not a concern. If a transmission structure is located between the TV source signal and the receiver, it is possible to see evidence of interference (shadowing). As transmission structures have large distances between each structure, this potential interference can easily be mitigated through structure placement. Digital signals have a greater tolerance to interference sources. Satellite TV signals are typically free of TVI as ATCO Electric routes transmission lines away from residences wherever possible. No transmission structures should be located close enough to affect the line of sight of the satellite receiver. 84. The limits for Radio Interference (RI) are specified in Canadian standard CAN3- C The maximum field intensity of radio noise produced by the proposed transmission line (in fair weather, at 15 m from the outer phase), will not exceed the RI limit of 49 db above 1uV/m for kv systems and 53 db above 1uV/m for kv systems. 85. Transmission power lines do not generally affect GPS. GPS units transmit and receive their data through the use of high frequency communication with multiple satellites. While the unit is in motion it is continually dropping and picking up different satellites. While there is the potential for a large object like a transmission structure to block the signal if it is in direct line with the receiver and the satellite, this is extremely rare and is usually temporary as the satellites are in constant motion and the GPS unit may also be moving. Even in this rare situation, GPS units using multiple satellites should still function as normal. Poor satellite connection can be caused by many things (e.g., no visible satellites in the area, outage at satellite base station). 86. The transmission facilities will be constructed and maintained in such a manner as to keep electrical interference levels within limits acceptable to Industry Canada, the federal government department that regulates communications. In general, interference has not been a problem for ATCO Electric s facilities; however, in the event that problems are reported, ATCO Electric will work with the affected parties to Page 22

30 ATCO Electric Ltd. Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project Application to Alberta Utilities Commission Attachment 1 Application Text February 2014 identify the sources of the interference and to mitigate any interference that may be caused by the proposed facilities. Telephone Facilities 87. Under certain conditions, power transmission facilities can induce both electrical noise and hazardous voltages on telephone lines. ATCO Electric will work with TELUS before and after construction to identify and mitigate adverse impacts. 88. Cellular phone interference from transmission lines is unlikely, as cellular signals operate at higher frequencies than those in which corona interference is usually prevalent. Similar to television and radio signals, cellular interference can result from an obstructed line-of-site with the signal receiver. As cellular phone service signals are multidirectional, in the unlikely case of this interference, the effect would be minimal and most often experienced temporarily while in close proximity to the structure. Metal Fences, Buildings, and Structures 89. Transmission facilities can cause induced current and voltage in nearby metallic objects, especially those which parallel the transmission line. The potential for induced voltage is primarily related to the strength of the electric or magnetic field and the distance that the object in question parallels the transmission line. These shocks are typically more of the nuisance variety, similar to the static electricity shock received after a crossing a carpet. Where necessary, metal fences, buildings, and structures will be grounded by ATCO Electric in order to minimize induced voltages. Other mitigation options are available where electric fences exist, in order to keep the possibility of induced voltages to an acceptable level. Minimum clearance required between all transmission facilities and buildings will be in accordance with the Safety Codes Act and regulations. Oil and Natural Gas Well Heads 90. Standards under Section 10 Overhead Systems of the Alberta Electrical Utility Code set out the requirements for transmission facilities. During the route selection process, ATCO Electric maintained a minimum 5 m setback from the right-of-way boundary to the centre of any well bore in order to ensure compliance with the Alberta Energy Regulator s Directive 079. These requirements were adhered to with the use of the most up-to-date information available for all active, inactive, and abandoned sites. Well sites established subsequent to the date of our information and prior to Commission approval, will be appropriately accommodated in the design of the Project. Pipelines 91. The Safety Codes Act and the Pipeline Act both have regulations to which ATCO Electric and the pipeline operators must adhere. ATCO Electric, in conjunction with pipeline operators, will continue to meet the regulated standards so that both facilities can be operated safely. Page 23

31 ATCO Electric Ltd. Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project Application to Alberta Utilities Commission Attachment 1 Application Text February LANDSCAPE AND AESTHETICS 92. Visual impacts are taken into consideration during the routing of transmission lines. However, some of the issues concerning these impacts are that they are difficult to quantify, very subjective, and vary between stakeholders. Where practical, ATCO Electric has attempted to limit potential visual impacts by avoiding close proximity to protected areas. 93. No scenic viewpoints have been identified through agency or stakeholder consultation. 5.0 PARTICIPANT INVOLVEMENT 94. ATCO Electric undertook a comprehensive consultation program with Project stakeholders, inclusive of oil and gas developers, agencies, and other interested parties, as described in Attachment 3: Participant Involvement Program. ATCO Electric notified stakeholders, agencies, and other potential interested parties within 850 m of the proposed route option. 95. ATCO Electric has conducted individual consultation with all landholders, occupants, agencies and interested parties within 800 m of the proposed route rights-of-way, applied for Dawes Substation 2011S and 800 m of the Proposed Sweetheart Lake Substation 2032S site. To date, ATCO Electric has confirmed that there are no objections to the Project. ATCO Electric is in on-going communications with stakeholders and will continue to work with them to address concerns. 96. As the Project is located in traditional area identified by six First Nations communities and one Métis Nation, ATCO Electric implemented a consultation plan to ensure thorough and meaningful consultation with the affected communities. Consultation with the local First Nations and other aboriginal organizations is described in Attachment 3. Consultation continues with the communities regarding ongoing aspects of the Project. 97. Following submission of the Facility Application, all participants identified by ATCO Electric from the outset of the participant involvement program will receive an update about the Project announcing that ATCO Electric has applied for the Proposed Route. Those on the approved route will be advised of the construction schedule and details prior to construction. Page 24

32 ATCO Electric Ltd. Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project Application to Alberta Utilities Commission Attachment 1 Application Text February CONCLUSION 98. Consultation with affected parties played an important role in the planning of these facilities. The Proposed Sweetheart Lake Substation 2032S site and Proposed transmission line 7L147 were selected based on general routing/siting criteria, environmental analysis, as well as input from landholders, occupants, agencies, and interested parties potentially affected by the Project. ATCO Electric believes that the proposed transmission facilities are the most acceptable and respectfully requests the Commission's timely and favourable approval. 99. If there are any questions concerning this submission, please contact the Project Planner, Emmett Ganser, at or the Project Manager, Muhammad (Tab) Tayyab, at Sincerely, ATCO Electric Ltd. <Original Signed By> Ray Boven, P. Eng. Senior Vice President, Projects Page 25

33 ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION FOR THE PROPOSED ATCO ELECTRIC LTD. SWEETHEART LAKE TRANSMISSION PROJECT February Prepared for: Prepared by: ATCO Electric Ltd th Street Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2V6 TERA Environmental Consultants Suite 1100, 815-8th Avenue S.W. Calgary, Alberta T2P 3P2 Ph:

34 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/10252 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 1.0 INTRODUCTION Environmental Regulatory Requirements PROJECT DESCRIPTION Proposed 7L147 Transmission Line Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation Access Rights-of-Way Project Setting and Area ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION SCOPE Biophysical Components Terrain and Soils Aquatics Wetlands Vegetation Wildlife Field Studies ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION METHODS Designated Areas and Land Use Terrain and Soils Aquatics Wetlands Satellite Imagery Interpretation Limitations Vegetation Wildlife ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION RESULTS Designated Areas and Land Use Results Designated Areas Land Use Land Use-Related Notations Alberta Land Use Framework Lower Athabasca Regional Plan Route Summary Potential Impacts and Mitigation Recommendations Terrain and Soils Results Physiography Bedrock Geology Surficial Geology Permafrost Terrain Features Soil Route Summary Recommendations Aquatics Results Watercourse Crossings Fish Community Potential Impacts and Mitigation Recommendations Wetlands Results Wetland Definition Page i

35 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/ Wetland Classification Environmental Setting Important Waterfowl and Shorebird Waterbodies and Wetlands Aquatic Environmentally-Significant Areas Results of Wetland Satellite Imagery Interpretation Route Summary Potential Impacts and Mitigation Recommended Wetland Field Survey Vegetation Results Ecological Setting Rare Plant Potential Potential Rare Plant Species and Rare Ecological Communities Non-Native and Invasive Species Clubroot Disease Route Summary Potential Impacts and Mitigation Recommendations Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat Wildlife Habitat Identified Wildlife Areas Provincial Database Species with Special Conservation Status Potential Impacts and Mitigation Recommendations SUMMARY Proposed Route and Proposed Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation REFERENCES Personal Communications Literature Cited GIS Data and Mapping References Appendix A Appendix B LIST OF APPENDICES Vegetation Tables...A-1 Wildlife Species with Special Conservation Status with the Potential to Occur within the Study Area...B-1 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 Regional Location Figure 2 Alberta Dispositions Figure 3 Terrain And Soils Overview Figure 4 Aquatic Environmentally Significant Areas Figure 5 Wetland Classification Organisation Chart Figures 6A Wetland Overview Figures 6B Wetland Overview Figure 7 Canada Land Inventory Land Capability for Forestry Figure 8 Alberta Conservation Information Management System Occurrences Figure 9 Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development 1995 Wildfire Perimeter Figure 10 Provincially Identified Wildlife Areas Page ii

36 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/10252 LIST OF TABLES Table 2.1 Summary of the Proposed Route - 7l147 Transmission Line Table 5.1 Summary of Land Use along the Proposed Route - 7l147 Transmission Line Table 5.2 Slopes along the Proposed Project Table 5.3 Soil Units along the Proposed Route Table 5.4 Recommended Soil Mitigation Measures Table 5.5 Potential Watercourse Crossings along the Proposed Route Table 5.6 Fish Species that May Occur within the Horse River Sub-Basin Near the Project Area Table 5.7 Recommended Aquatics Mitigation Measures Table 5.8 Wetland Classes Established by the Canadian Wetland Classification System Table 5.9 Aquatic Environmentally Significant Area Crossed by the Proposed Route Table 5.10 Classification and Distribution of Wetlands Within 50 M of the Proposed Route Table 5.11 Recommended Wetlands Mitigation Measures Table 5.12 Recommended Vegetation Mitigation Measures Table 5.13 Occurrences of Wildlife Species with Special Conservation Status Reported Within 1 KM of the Proposed Project Table 5.14 Recommended Wildlife Mitigation Measures Table 6.1 Summary of the Environmental Evaluation of the Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project Table A1 Rare Vascular Plant Species with Potential to Occur in Proximity to the Proposed Project Area...A-2 Table A2 Rare Ecological Communities with Potential to Occur in Proximity to the Proposed Project Area...A-7 Page iii

37 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/ INTRODUCTION ATCO Electric Ltd. (ATCO Electric) is applying for a Permit and Licence pursuant to the Hydro and Electric Energy Act to construct and operate the Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project (the Project). The proposed Project will consist of approximately 8.2 kilometres (km) of new single circuit 144 kv transmission line designated as 7L147 and a proposed new substation called the Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation. The 7L147 transmission line will connect the Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation to the previously proposed Dawes 2011S Substation (under separate application). The proposed Project is located approximately 50 km southwest of Fort McMurray, Alberta in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB). An overview of the proposed Project is provided in Figure 1. ATCO Electric is applying to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) with one proposed location for the Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation and one proposed route. Throughout this report, the proposed routing will be referred to as the Proposed Route. Pending regulatory approval, ATCO Electric anticipates rightof-way clearing, line and substation construction to commence in September ATCO Electric retained TERA Environmental Consultants (TERA) to conduct an Environmental Evaluation (EE) in order to describe the environmental conditions in both the Project Area and the Study Area of the proposed Project, and to identify potential impacts of the proposed Project. Recommendation measures to mitigate those potential impacts are detailed within this EE. 1.1 Environmental Regulatory Requirements The proposed Project is not subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and does not require a Conservation and Reclamation Plan under the Alberta Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA). Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (AESRD) directs transmission facility operators to refer to R&R11-03 Environmental Protection Guidelines for Transmission Lines for guiding principles for routing and environmental planning of transmission lines. Page 1-1

38 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/ PROJECT DESCRIPTION ATCO Electric proposes to construct a new substation to be named the Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation located in SW W4M and approximately 8.2 km of new single circuit 144 kv transmission line (7L147) to connect to the previously proposed Dawes 2011S Substation (under separate application), located in SE W4M. A brief description of the Project components and the footprints associated with these components is provided within this section. 2.1 Proposed 7L147 Transmission Line ATCO Electric is proposing one route for the 7L147 transmission line. Preliminary route options for the 7L147 transmission line were presented to Project stakeholders including oil and gas developers, agencies, interested parties, and the general public. The selection of the Proposed Route is detailed in Section 3.3 to Section 3.5 within Attachment 1 of the Facility Application. The Proposed Route of the 144 kv 7L147 transmission line will be approximately 8.2 km in length and will require a base preliminary right-of-way that is 18 metres (m) wide, with an additional Vegetation Control Easement (VCE), where required, on both sides of the right-of-way to assist with vegetation control. The proposed 7L147 transmission line will be constructed with single circuit wooden pole structures. The pole structures will utilise a Davit Arm design and will be approximately 19 m tall, with an average span of 100 m to 120 m between structures. TABLE 2.1 SUMMARY OF THE PROPOSED ROUTE - 7L147 TRANSMISSION LINE 1 Aspect Detail Length of new transmission line (km) 8.2 Required right-of-way width (m) 18 Additional right-of-way for vegetation control (metres on both sides of right-of-way) 20 Structure type Wood pole Structure design Single circuit Davit Arm Structure height (m) 19 Typical span length (m) Note: 1 Refer to the Facility Application for a detailed Project description. 2.2 Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation ATCO Electric is applying with one proposed location for the Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation. Preliminary substation site options for the Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation were presented to Project stakeholders including oil and gas developers, agencies, interested parties, and the general public. The selection of the proposed Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation site is detailed in Section 3.3 to Section 3.5 within Attachment 1 of the Facility Application. ATCO Electric proposes to construct the new Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation in SW W4M. The substation will accommodate the connection of the 144 kv 7L147 transmission line to the previously proposed Dawes 2011S Substation. The proposed Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation will be approximately 280 m x 100 m and will be contained within the footprint of the Japan Canada Oil Sands Limited (JACOS) Hangingstone Plant Expansion project. 2.3 Access Rights-of-Way Access may be required to the right-of-way in areas where terrain conditions, wetlands or other environmental features make driving on the right-of-way impractical or undesirable. Some access rights-of-way will be temporary, while other access rights-of-way may be permanent to facilitate ongoing maintenance of the proposed Project. The exact locations of all access rights-of-way are not yet determined and the dimensions will be indicated within the final plans. Page 2-1

39 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/ Project Setting and Area The Study Area occurs approximately 50 km southwest of Fort McMurray, Alberta in the RMWB on Crown land. The Project Area and Study Area are located within the boundaries of the Lower Athabasca Regional Plan (LARP) (Government of Alberta 2012). The Study Area for the Project was selected by ATCO Electric to represent geographic and environmental constraints which may be present along the proposed Project. The Project Area consists of a corridor ranging from 50 m, to in some cases 1000 m surrounding the perimeter of the proposed Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation, as well as either side of the Proposed Route centerline in accordance with ATCO Electric s technical specifications document. Land use within the Study Area is primarily oil and gas, with both existing pipeline and well site facilities occurring in the vicinity of the Project Area. An existing Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) operation called the Hangingstone SAGD Demonstration project occurs at the southern portion of the Project Area. This SAGD project is operated by JACOS. The Project Area is primarily remnant mature forest and forest which is regenerating from a burn in 1995 (AESRD 2013a). Page 2-2

40 February T 83 T 84 T 85 R 12 W4M R 11 W4M Previously Proposed Dawes 2011S Substation R 12 W4M R 11 W4M Proposed Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation UV 63 R 10 W4M R 10 W4M 2014 FIGURE 1 REGIONAL LOCATION ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION FOR THE PROPOSED ATCO ELECTRIC LTD. SWEETHEART LAKE TRANSMISSION PROJECT Proposed Route UV 63 Highway Watercourse Waterbody Proposed Project Substation Previously Proposed Substation Under Separate Application Study Area SCALE: 1:75,000 km (All Locations Approximate) UTM Zone 12N Hillshade: TERA Environmental Consultants 2008; ATS: AltaLIS 2009; Proposed Route: ATCO Electric Ltd. 2013; Proposed Project Substation, Previously Proposed Substation under Separate Application: TERA Environmental Consultants 2013; Highway: Natural Resources Canada 2013; Watercourse/Waterbody: Natural Resources Canada ; Study Area: ATCO Electric Although there is no reason to believe that there are any errors associated with the data used to generate this product or in the product itself, users of these data are advised that errors in the data may be present. Mapped By: LLH Checked By: SP BC ALBERTA SK Project Area Edmonton Calgary!! t10252_ov_figure1_rev04_feb2014.mxd T 83 T 84 T 85

41 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/ ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION SCOPE This EE focuses on identifying biophysical features potentially affected by both the proposed Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation and the Proposed Route of the 144 kv 7L147 transmission line, and recommends measures to avoid or mitigate environmental impacts. The EE was developed based on a review of the literature and existing datasets, and interpretation of the best available aerial imagery. The results of the evaluation were used to determine the recommended mitigation strategies and to identify further environmental studies that may be warranted. Mitigation measures recommended in this evaluation are primarily for construction during dry or frozen conditions, based on ATCO Electric s proposed September 2014 construction start date, however, some mitigation is included that addresses work outside of these conditions. Should the proposed construction timing change, the mitigation measures will be revisited. 3.1 Biophysical Components Terrain and Soils Overall, the terrain within the Study Area is undulating, with slopes occurring near watercourses. The Proposed Route traverses both organic and upland soils. Organic soils are present along much of the Project south of Horse Creek. The organic soils transition to upland soils north of Horse Creek along the Proposed Route. The potential for eroded slopes associated with Horse Creek may present site-specific construction and reclamation challenges. Additional concerns include the potential occurrence of discontinuous permafrost within the soils Aquatics The Proposed Route is expected to cross mapped and unmapped Class C watercourses with fish habitat of moderate sensitivity that could potentially be impacted during construction activities (Alberta Government 2013). The Proposed Route also crosses an Aquatic Environmentally Significant Area (AESA). The AESA crossed includes watercourses where Arctic grayling have been documented Wetlands Wetlands were assessed from desktop to assist with detailed design of the Proposed Route and the proposed Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation (e.g., structure placement and planning access to the right-of-way and substation location) Vegetation The Proposed Route crosses lands which contain mature upland forest, wetlands and riparian areas and, therefore, there is a high potential for rare plant species to be found along the proposed Project Wildlife The Proposed Route will require clearing of forested habitat, including areas of the Project which are regenerating from the Mariana Lakes forest fire in 1995 (AESRD 2013a). There is potential for the presence of wildlife species with special conservation status within the Project Area. The Proposed Route is located within the East Side of Athabasca River (ESAR) caribou range, associated with the Egg-Pony herd. 3.2 Field Studies TERA plans on conducting a suite of biophysical studies in order to supplement this EE. TERA recommends that aquatics, wetlands, vegetation, weeds, archaeology and wildlife field studies be conducted during the 2014 field season along the Proposed Route and proposed Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation footprint to determine site-specific issues that may be present. The results of these studies will be further incorporated into Project design, construction planning and environmental protection planning. These studies will also provide information required for permit applications, such as Code of Practice notifications. Page 3-1

42 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/ ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION METHODS The EE was conducted to determine the environmental features present within the Study Area that could potentially affect routing and construction activities. This EE describes existing environmental conditions along the Project Area and within the Study Area, identifies potential impacts of the Project and recommends measures to mitigate those potential impacts. The following subsections describe the methods that were used for gathering data for each biophysical component. 4.1 Designated Areas and Land Use The primary sources of information consulted for the desktop review include the following: Environmentally Significant Areas (ESAs) (Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation [ATPR] 2009), Parks and Protected Areas (ATPR 2013); AESAs (Fiera Biological Consulting Ltd. 2011); Important Bird Areas (Bird Studies Canada and Nature Canada 2012), Migratory Bird Sanctuaries (Environment Canada 2013), National Wildlife Areas (Environment Canada 2013), Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserves (Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network [WHSRN] 2012), Ramsar wetlands (Bureau of the Convention on Wetlands 2013) and World Biosphere Reserves (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization [UNESCO] 2013); Geographic Land Information Management Planning System (GLIMPS) (Alberta Energy 2013); satellite imagery (Centre National d Etudes Spatiales [CNES] 2012); and applicable municipal and provincial land use plans and policies. 4.2 Terrain and Soils Geological, drift thickness and physiographical maps were reviewed to identify terrain characteristics in the Study Area. Soils along the Proposed Route were assessed using information from the Soils inventory of the Alberta Oil Sands Environmental Research Program study area (Turchenek and Lindsay 1982). Turchenek and Lindsay (1982) initially mapped the soils in the late 1970s and early 1980s at a scale of 1:50,000 and then reduced the scale to 1:126,720. Information provided by Turchenek and Lindsay (1982) was intended for broad regional planning and does not necessarily represent fine scale soil characteristics at specific locations. 4.3 Aquatics Watercourses crossed by the Proposed Route were identified through review of the AESRD Code of Practice Map for the Fort McMurray Management Area (Alberta Environment [AENV] 2006) and digital hydrology data from the National Hydro Network (Natural Resources Canada ). Information regarding previously recorded fish presence in the watercourses crossed by the Project Area and within the Study Area was determined using the Fisheries and Wildlife Management Information System (FWMIS) Internet Mapping Tool (FWMIS 2013). 4.4 Wetlands Satellite imagery interpretation at a 1:5,000 scale (BlackBridge Geomatics 2012) was used to identify potential wetlands within 50 m of the centre line (.e., a 100 m band) along the Proposed Route and within the proposed Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation location. Wetlands were identified on the imagery using key indicators such as geomorphology, surficial hydrology and vegetation type and cover. Wetlands were classified following the Canadian Wetland Classification System (CWCS) (National Wetland Working Group [NWWG] 1988, 1997). For the satellite imagery interpretation, wetlands were classified to the extent possible following the Canadian Wetland Classification System (CWCS) (National Wetland Page 4-1

43 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/10252 Working Group [NWWG] 1988, 1997). Artificial dugouts and borrow pits, although not included in the CWCS classification system, were also considered in this review, since the open water provides potential habitat for waterfowl, which may require markers to be placed on the proposed 7L147 transmission line Satellite Imagery Interpretation Limitations The satellite imagery available for the desktop interpretation does not allow for a complete detailed classification of wetlands following the CWCS, ground based surveys are required. Some wetlands encountered within the Study Area encompass upland areas within their perimeters and are better defined as a wetland complex rather than one distinct feature. Wetland field surveys will be necessary to accurately determine wetland boundaries and classifications. 4.5 Vegetation Using data available from Alberta Conservation Information Management System (ACIMS), the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) and the Government of Canada, tables of potential rare vascular plant species and rare ecological communities occurring in the Study Area were compiled (Appendix A of this report). The ACIMS plant tracking list and watch list were reviewed at the Natural Subregion level (ACIMS 2012a). Rare ecological communities were also reviewed at the Natural Subregion level (Allen 2012). Habitats were examined using Rare Vascular Plants of Alberta (Kershaw e. 2001) and Flora of Alberta (Moss 1983). Satellite imagery was reviewed to identify areas that have high potential to support rare plant species (e.g., riparian areas, mature forested areas, wetlands) and to determine land use along the Proposed Route. The Agricultural Fieldman with the RMWB was contacted to determine known or anticipated Noxious weeds and disease (e.g., clubroot) issues in the Study Area. 4.6 Wildlife The primary sources of information consulted for the wildlife desktop review include: provincial wildlife mapping (AESRD 2013b); AESRD FWMIS wildlife occurrence data (AESRD 2013c); and GLIMPS (Alberta Energy 2013). A list of wildlife species with special conservation status that have the potential to occur within the Study Area is provided in Appendix B of this report. The list provided in Appendix B is based on wildlife species identified as having the potential to occur in the Central Mixedwood and Lower Boreal Highlands Natural Subregions of the Boreal Forest Natural Region (Natural Regions Committee 2006). The list was reviewed and further refined based on a desktop review of species range and species habitat requirements. Page 4-2

44 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/ ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION RESULTS 5.1 Designated Areas and Land Use Results Designated Areas The Proposed Route and proposed Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation do not encounter any environmentally significant areas (ATPR 2009), Parks or Protected Areas (ATPR 2013), Migratory Bird Sanctuaries (Environment Canada 2013), National Wildlife Areas (Environment Canada 2013), Important Bird Areas (Bird Studies Canada and Nature Canada 2012), Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserves (WHSRN 2012), Ramsar wetlands (Bureau of the Convention on Wetlands 2013) or World Biosphere Reserves (UNESCO 2013). The Proposed Route crosses a designated AESA for 65% of the route length. The AESA is discussed in Section 5.3 and Table 5.9. The closest designated Park or Protected Area to the Project is Stony Mountain Wildland Provincial Park, located approximately 18 km southeast of the proposed substation and the Proposed Route (ATPR 2013). The proposed Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation and 77% of the length of the Proposed Route are located within the ESAR caribou range, associated with the Egg-Pony herd (AESRD 2013b), which is discussed in Section 5.6 of this report. Maps supporting this EE are provided in the Facility Application Land Use Land use in the Study Area is primarily forested with oil and gas activity, including a SAGD operation (.e., JACOS). There are numerous seismic cut lines throughout the Project Area. The Project does not encounter any contaminated sites listed on the Federal Contaminated Sites Inventory (Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat 2011) and does not cross any active coal, metallic or industrial mineral dispositions (Alberta Energy 2012b). There are no identified springs on the lands traversed by the Project (AENV 1991, Borneuf 1983) and there are no known groundwater wells located within 150 m of the Project (AENV 2010). Land use along the Proposed Route is provided in Table 5.1. TABLE 5.1 SUMMARY OF LAND USE ALONG THE PROPOSED ROUTE - 7L147 TRANSMISSION LINE Land Use Total Route Length Land Ownership Length Traversing Native Vegetation (i.e., Wetland Treed, Wetland Herb, Coniferous Forest Dense, Coniferous Forest Open) Length Paralleling Existing Disturbance (i.e., roads, pipeline rights-of-way) Length of line through the 1995 Mariana Lakes wildfire perimeter Sources: Alberta Energy 2012a, AltaLIS 2013, CNES 2012, Natural Resources Canada 2009, 2012, IHS Inc. 2013a,b Proposed Route 8.2 km 8.2 km Crown 8.2 km 5.2 km 7.3 km Land Use-Related Notations The land along the Proposed Route and the proposed Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation lies within an area denoted with a Consultative Notation Company (CNC) (see Figure 2). The CNC pertains to the existing JACOS Hangingstone SAGD Demonstration project and the JACOS Hangingstone Plant Expansion project. ATCO Electric has been engaged in consulting with JACOS and will continue to consult with them throughout the proposed Project. Local trappers (registered trapping area [TPA] 1842, TPA 2326, TPA 2277), forestry companies (Forest Management Area [FMA] ), and other oil and gas companies are present in the Study Area. (Alberta Energy 2013). ATCO Electric is engaged in ongoing consultation with these stakeholders and land users to ensure any conflicts are resolved prior to the commencement of construction. Page 5-1

45 February T 84 Proposed Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation Horse Creek R 12 W4M R 12 W4M Previously Proposed Dawes 2011S Substation R 11 W4M R 11 W4M UV 63 R 10 W4M W4M W4M W4M W4M W4M W4M R 10 W4M 2014 FIGURE 2 ALBERTA DISPOSITIONS ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION FOR THE PROPOSED ATCO ELECTRIC LTD. SWEETHEART LAKE TRANSMISSION PROJECT UV 63 Proposed Route Highway Road Access/Resource Road Proposed Project Substation Previously Proposed Substation Under Separate Application Study Area Alberta Dispositions CNC - Consultative Notation Company DLO - Departmental License of Occupation DML - Department Miscellaneous Lease DRS - Disposition Reservation EZE - Easement ISP - Industrial Sample Plot LOC - License Of Occupation MLL - Miscellaneous Lease MLP - Miscellaneous Permit MSL - Mineral Surface Lease PIL - Pipeline Installation Lease PLA - Pipeline Agreement PNT - Protective Notation RDS - Provisional Roadway RRD - Registered Roadway SMC - Surface Material License SML - Surface Material Lease VCE - Vegetation Control Easement SCALE: 1:35,000 m ,000 (All Locations Approximate) UTM Zone 12N 2012 SPOT CNES, Licensed by BlackBridge Geomatics Corp, Roads: IHS Inc. 2013; ATS: AltaLIS 2009; Proposed Route: ATCO Electric 2013; Proposed Project Substation, Previously Proposed Substation under Separate Application: TERA Environmental Consultants 2013; Dispositions: AltaLIS 2013; Study Area: Although there is no reason to believe that there are any errors associated with the data used to generate this product or in the product itself, users of these data are advised that errors in the data may be present. Mapped By: LLH Checked By: SP t10252_dispositions_rev04_feb2014.mxd T 84

46 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/ Alberta Land Use Framework The Project is located in an area that is subject to the LARP (Government of Alberta 2012) Lower Athabasca Regional Plan The proposed Project is located within an area that is under the planning jurisdiction of the LARP, which came into effect September 1, 2012 and sets strategic directions for the region for a period of 10 years. The LARP is discussed in more detail in Attachment 1 of the Facility Application. Routing for the Project followed existing linear disturbance as much as practical, including existing roads, oil and gas infrastructure and seismic lines in order to reduce landscape fragmentation. In addition, routing near existing access reduced the amount of new permanent and temporary access points required for construction and future operation of the line. The proposed Project is not located within a new conservation area or in a provincial recreation area. Air emissions from the Project will not cause ambient air quality conditions to exceed the triggers or limits detailed in the air quality management framework of the LARP. Dependent upon conditions, ATCO Electric may withdraw surface water to facilitate the freezing of the work area and other mitigation measures. Where required to withdraw surface water, ATCO Electric will obtain all of the necessary regulatory approvals. The Project does not require the use of groundwater Route Summary The Project Area does not cross any ESAs, Parks or Protected Areas. The Proposed Route crosses an AESA for 65% of its length. The AESA crossed includes watercourses where Arctic grayling have been documented. The proposed Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation and 77% of the length of the Proposed Route are located within the ESAR caribou range (AESRD 2013b) Potential Impacts and Mitigation The Project Area will not impact ESAs, Parks and Protected Areas or other designated areas. Recommended mitigation measures to address constructing within a caribou range and the AESA are presented in Section of this report. ATCO Electric is engaged in ongoing consultation with various stakeholders and land users in the area to ensure any conflicts are resolved prior to the commencement of construction Recommendations TERA recommends continued consultation with AESRD, local trappers and industry (i.e., forestry, oil and gas companies) in order to implement site-specific mitigation measures to address any potential concerns. 5.2 Terrain and Soils Results Physiography The Study Area is located within the Wabasca Plain District of the Wabasca Lowlands Section of the Northern Alberta Lowlands Region of Alberta (Pettapiece 1986). The Wabasca Plain District consists of a glaciofluvial veneer overlaying undulating morainal deposits (Pettapiece 1986) Bedrock Geology The central portion of the Study Area is underlain by the Westgate Formation. The Westgate Formation was formed during the Lower Cretaceous period of the Mesozoic era and consists of marine sediments, forming...medium to dark grey, generally blocky to nodular, weathering mudstone, and concretionary sideritic nodules (Prior et al. 2013). The eastern and western portions of the Study Area are underlain by the Fish Scales and Belle Fourche Formations. The Fish Scales formation was formed during the Upper Cretaceous period of the Mesozoic era and consists of...marine sediments forming sand-to-silt-grade, fish-debris, bone bed at the base overlain by dark grey to black, organic rich, fissile shale with abundant fish scales (Prior et al. 2013). The Belle Fourche Formation was also formed during the Upper Cretaceous period of the Mesozoic era and consists of marine sediments forming...siltstone, silty shale, and dark grey to black, organic rich, Page 5-3

47 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/10252 laminated shale, that is variably calcareous with white seckled units and local bentonite beds with sideritic concretionary layers (Prior et al. 2013). The Conklin Channel, which extends north from Twp 74, Rge 8, W4M is present in the bedrock underlying the Study Area; there are no underlying channels within the Project Area (Andriashek and Meeks 2001). No areas of exposed bedrock have been identified in the Study Area (Andriashek and Meeks 2001). Drifts range in thickness from approximately 15 m to approximately 120 m (Andriashek and Meeks 2001) with deeper depths associated with the buried Conklin Channel in the southeast corner of the Study Area Surficial Geology Undulating morainal deposits overlain by a glaciofluvial veneer composed of a mixture of clay, silt and sand as well as minor pebbles, cobbles and boulders are located in the Study Area (Pettapiece 1986, Fenton et al. 2013). The Project Area consists of a combination of peatlands, with generally low surface expression and some slightly raised mounds and undulating to hummocky glacial till composed of sand, silt and clay (Turchenek and Lindsay 1982) Permafrost The Study Area is not located in the Permafrost Zone of Canada and is approximately 30 km south of the Isolated Patches of Permafrost area as identified by Natural Resources Canada (1993). However, permafrost can be present in areas with a mean annual temperature greater than 0 o C (Harris 1982) and areas of localised permafrost have been identified near the Study Area (Beilman et al. 2001). These areas of localised permafrost are often associated with peatlands and frequently have...localied treed frost mounds or internal lawns (Beilman et al. 2001). Permafrost has been associated with peatlands within the Project Area (Turchenek and Lindsay 1982) Terrain Features Hills and valleys are identified as important terrain features as they often contain steeper slopes, which can become susceptible to weathering, erosion and mass movement. Slopes ranging from 0-9 are considered gentle, slopes ranging from 9-15 are considered moderate, and slopes greater than 15 are considered strong (slope classifications are adapted from the Soil Classification Working Group [1998]). Disturbance of areas associated with slopes greater than 15 can accelerate the erosion process. These areas can often constrain future reclamation and warrant additional mitigation measures. Overall, terrain features within the Study Area are relatively level with gentle slopes. Features within the bedrock have been mostly covered by drift and organic matter accumulation resulting in a level to gently undulating topography (Turchenek and Lindsay 1982). Strong slopes (greater than 15 ) are encountered within the Study Area in association with Horse Creek and tributaries to Horse Creek; however, no strong slopes and a minimal amount (0.3%) of moderate slopes (9-15 ) are present within the Project Area (Table 5.2) (Figure 3). TABLE 5.2 SLOPES ALONG THE PROPOSED PROJECT Slope Percent of Project % % Greater than 15 0% Total 100 Source: Natural Resource Canada 2008 Notes: - Slope calculations based on 50k Digital Elevation Model (DEM). This information should not be used for precise measurements. The information provided in this table is not based on a site-specific slope assessment and is intended only as a general overview. Page 5-4

48 February T 84 Horse Creek R 12 W4M R 12 W4M Previously Proposed Dawes 2011S Substation SRT1 uh KNZ1 STP1 u SRT1 uh R 11 W4M SRT1 KNZ1 u R 11 W4M MMY2 It RB KNZ2 STP1 u SRT1 KNZ2 u Proposed Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation UV R 10 W4M W4M W4M W4M W4M W4M W4M R 10 W4M 2014 FIGURE 3 TERRAIN AND SOILS OVERVIEW ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION FOR THE PROPOSED ATCO ELECTRIC LTD. SWEETHEART LAKE TRANSMISSION PROJECT Proposed Route UV 63 Highway Road Access/Resource Road Proposed Project Substation Previously Proposed Substation Under Separate Application Study Area 0-9 degree slope 9-15 degree slope Soil Polygon Boundary SRT1 KNZ1 u Dominant Soil Unit Subordinate Soil Unit Surface Expression SCALE: 1:35,000 m ,000 (All Locations Approximate) UTM Zone 12N 2012 SPOT CNES, Licensed by BlackBridge Geomatics Corp, ATS: AltaLIS 2009; Proposed Route: ATCO Electric Ltd. 2013; Proposed Project Substation, Previously Proposed Substation under Separate Application: TERA Environmental Consultants 2013; Highway: IHS Inc. 2013; Watercourse/Waterbody: IHS Inc. 2004; Degree Slope, Soil Polygon Boundary: TERA Environmental Consultants 2013; Study Area: ATCO Electric Although there is no reason to believe that there are any errors associated with the data used to generate this product or in the product itself, users of these data are advised that errors in the data may be present. Mapped By: LLH Checked By: SP BC ALBERTA SK Project Area Edmonton Calgary!! t10252_soils_rev04_feb2014.mxd T 84

49 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/ Soil Soils within the Study Area generally consist of 6 soil units: Kenzie1, (KNZ1), Kenzie2 (KNZ2), Surmont1 (SRT1), Steepbank1 (STP1), Rough Broken (RB) and McMurray2 (MMY2) (Turchenek and Lindsay 1982). KNZ2 and STP1 soils are the dominant soils in the southern and central portions of the Study Area, SRT1 and KNZ1 soils are the dominant soils in the northern portion of the Study Area and RB and MMY2 soils are found in association with the Horse Creek valley within the Study Area (Turchenek and Lindsay 1982). The Proposed Route crosses eight mapped soil polygons. Approximate locations of each break between the mapped soil units have been indicated on Figure 3 and tabulated in Table 5.3. TABLE 5.3 SOIL UNITS ALONG THE PROPOSED ROUTE Mapped Soil Polygon 1 Length (km) 2 Dominant Soil Unit Subordinate Soil Unit Surface Expression SRT1 undulating hummocky KNZ1 STP1 undulating SRT1 undulating hummocky SRT1 KNZ1 undulating MMY2 -- level terraced RB KNZ2 STP1 undulating SRT1 KNZ2 undulating Total 8.2 Source: Adapted from Turchenek and Lindsay (1982) Notes: 1 Numbers associated with each mapped soil polygon are for ease of reference only and do not have any significance. 2 Distances are approximate. SRT1 soils are mostly classified as orthic Gray Luvisols that have developed on stable loamy, colluviated morainal materials (Turchenek and Lindsay 1982). SRT1 soils have very dark grayish brown and dark grayish materials that are slightly stony and very strongly acid to neutral in reaction. Few coarse fragments are associated with these soils. Soil profiles typically associated with Surmont soils consist of a LFH horizon (5-10 cm thick) overlaying a gray, platy Ae horizon (up to 25 cm thick) and a strong, sub-angular blocky Bt horizon (up to 50 cm thick). SRT1 soils are typically well drained orthic Gray Luvisols with a significant presence of Gleyed Gray Luvisols and peaty Gleysols. Organic soil inclusions are also present. SRT1 soils are slightly to very stony (Turchenek and Lindsay 1982). Soils encountered by the Proposed Route north of Horse Creek are predominately SRT1 soils. KNZ1 soils are organic soils that are comprised of various organic soil subgroups. These soils are widespread throughout the general area and have formed on acidic mesic and fibric bog peats. Organic material layers, resulting from the accumulation of sphagnum or forest peat material in the KNZ1 soils, range in depth from cm (Turchenek and Lindsay 1982). The Proposed Route crosses a small area containing KNZ1 soils in W4M. KNZ1 soils consist of fibric Mesisols with amounts of mesic Fibrisols, typic Fibrosols, and fibric organic Cryosols. The presence of Cryosols is indicative of the presence of permafrost (Turchenek and Lindsay 1982). KNZ2 soils are crossed by the Proposed Route south of Horse Creek. KNZ2 soils are dominantly terric Mesisols in association with substantial amounts of terric fibric Mesisols, terric Fibrisols, and fibric Mesisols (Turchenek and Lindsay 1982). STP1 soils have developed on loamy morainal and glacio-lacustrine deposits, and are predominately classified as Gleysols. Predominate phases of STP1 soils include peaty phases of orthic Gleysols, Rego Gleysols and orthic luvic Gleysols with up to 60 cm of fibric pear or 40 cm of mesic and humic peat. An Ah or Ahe layer may be present, however, a well developed Ae horizon is rarely present (Turchenek and Lindsay 1982). STP1 soils are located throughout the Project area and consist of poorly drained peaty gleysols with undulating topography (Turchenek and Lindsay 1982). Page 5-6

50 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/10252 MMY2 soils are located on the floodplains of aggrading watercourses. Due to the meandering nature of watercourses and proximity to the water table, MMY2 soils are dominantly a combination of regosolic and gleysolic soils of varying textures. Textures of these soils are influenced by the texture of the regional glacial sediments, however, are most likely to be loamy textured (Turchenek and Lindsay 1982). The Proposed Route crosses a small area of MMY2 soils associated with the Horse Creek flood plain. MMY2 soils along the route are predominantly a combination...of imperfectly to poorly drained Gleyed Cumulic Regosols and peaty Gleysols associated with significant amounts of moderately well to imperfectly drained Cumulic Regosols and Orthic Regosols. Minor inclusions of Organic soils may occur (Turchenek and Lindsay 1982). The RB soil unit is used to describe strongly eroded banks associated with watercourse valleys (Turchenek and Lindsay 1982). These soils are generally quite variable due to erosion and slumping that is often associated with valley slopes. Typically, RB soils are classified as Regosols. RB soils along the Proposed Route are associated with the Horse Creek valley Route Summary The Proposed Route traverses soils ranging from well drained to poorly drained soil types. Organic soils dominate the portion of the Proposed Route south of Horse Creek, while well drained upland soils dominate the portion of the Proposed Route north of Horse Creek. The Horse Creek valley itself consists of eroded slopes and a flood plain that has undergone regular flooding. Cryosols (i.e., frozen soils) were identified through literature review and are associated with the Kenzie soil unit. Organic soils, and the often associated high water table, can result in unstable ground surfaces to travel and work on. Slopes associated with Horse Creek have the potential to be easily eroded and may have bedrock exposures Recommendations Transmission line right-of-way clearing and construction is scheduled to occur primarily during dry or frozen conditions, which will minimise potential impacts to soil such as rutting and compaction. TERA suggests that the recommended soil mitigation measures (Table 5.4) are discussed with applicable government representatives (e.g., AESRD Forest Officer) prior to the commencement of soil handling activities, if warranted. In general, surface soil salvage will not be necessary unless structure placement and line stringing are of such a duration that soil protection cannot be maintained, or at areas where greater ground disturbance is required. However, in the event that surface soils are disturbed, recommended mitigation measures are provided below. The potential environmental impacts of the Project to terrain and soil resources are common to transmission line development in this region of the province. With application of the recommended mitigation measures presented in Table 5.4, the potential environmental impacts from construction and operation of the proposed route can be mitigated. TABLE 5.4 RECOMMENDED SOIL MITIGATION MEASURES Concern Recommended Mitigation Measures rganic Soils onstruct during dry or fro en ground conditions. se existing access roads and trails wherever possible to access the right-of-way. Mat the right-of-way where organic soils are present to avoid rutting and disturbance to the vegetation. mploy methods to promote frost penetration on the right-of-way. Mulch non-merchantable trees along right-of-way to provide a support base for traffic. nsure mulch is removed following construction or if left in place is not present in uantities enough to restrict revegetation. onsult with A SRD regarding the amount of mulch to be left on right-of-way. igh ater Table looding Pump water into a road bar ditch if feasible or onto stable and well-vegetated areas tarpaulins or sheeting in a manner that does not cause erosion or allow any unfiltered or silted water to directly re-enter a watercourse waterbody or wetland. Place structures outside of floodplain to the extent practical. nsure structures located on flood plain areas are ade uately anchored in the event of a flood. Page 5-7

51 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/10252 TABLE 5.4 Cont'd Concern Recommended Mitigation Measures Surface rosion Tackify apply water or pack surface material windrows where present with approved e uipment if the materials are likely to be prone to erosion by wind. Shut-down or relocate construction activities in the area until the risk of erosion has been reduced winds dissipate or conditions improve. Restrict stumping on erosion-prone slopes to reduce the severity of surface material disturbance and erosion. nstall temporary berms of subsoil logs timbers or sandbags during construction activities. nstall silt fences near the base of slopes. Avoid over picking of small diameter slash. Regrade areas with vehicle ruts and erosion gullies. Salvage remaining surface material and store away from area to be regraded. Reseed and hand rake an annual cover crop hydro-seed or apply seed impregnated mats. onsider using the following techni ues if wind erosion of surface material is of concern after salvaged material replacement seed cereal or sterile hybrid cover crop apply hydro-mulch or tackifier use a packing roller (e.g. Accuroller) to lightly compact sandy or pulveri ed soils import small diameter slash for use as rollback - walk down slash add locally available manure or install wind fences. Shallow Bedrock Rip bedrock if encountered and if feasible. Ripping is preferred over blasting. Permafrost Avoid additional disturbance to areas where permafrost has been encountered. Reduce disturbance to and maintain the vegetation layer. se access trails or existing access to avoid identified permafrost locations. Loss of SoilSurface Material Structure Through ompaction and Rutting Lowering of SoilSurface Material apability Through Stripping Lowering of SoilSurface Material apability Through Surface SoilsSubsoil Mixing Surface Soil Salvage ( ro en) Lowering of Topsoil apability Through Surface SoilsSubsoil Mixing Surface Soil Salvage (Nonfro en) Lowering of Topsoil apability Through TopsoilSubsoil Mixing Topsoil Replacement onstruct during dry andor fro en ground conditions. onfine construction activities to the allotted right-of-way and temporary workspace. Restrict construction traffic to existing roads the right-of-way and approved access roadstrails. Postpone construction suspend e uipment travel or utilise alternative construction practices in the event of wet or thawed ground conditions to minimise terrain disturbance and soil structure damage. nstall geotextiles swamp mats matting hardwood mats or corduroy constructed from nonmerchantable timber or employ frost inducement measures such as snow packing or plowing to increase the load-bearing capacity of wet or thawed ground. f surface soilmaterial is to be salvaged use e uipment with good depth control to ensure thin surface soilsmaterial are accurately stripped (i.e. surface soilmaterial less than 10 cm in depth). Salvage surface soilsmaterial from areas to be graded and store in a location that will not allow for mixing of surface soils with subsoil and graded material. Avoid overstripping. The area stripped is to correspond to the area to be graded. Minimise grading throughout the route and especially at watercourses and wetlands. Minimise the width of grading in order to limit the potential for erosion and subsoil compaction. Leave gaps in the windrow if warranted at obvious drainage courses access roadstrails and wildlife trails. Remove or pack snow on the travel lane to increase frost penetration during winter if excessive snow depths are encountered along the right-of-way. During mid to late-winter pack snow on the travel lane to avoid premature thawing of the upper soil surface material layer. rade snow over the travel lane if rough to improve driving conditions. Do not salvage surface soilsmaterial from the travel lane during fro en conditions unless the right-of-way will be graded. Reduce the area of land subect to surface salvage during fro en conditions. Limit stripping activities to specialised e uipment capable of accurately separating variable depths of surface soilmaterial from subsoil (e.g. fro en cuttermulcher if available). f a fro en cuttermulcher is not available rip fro en surface soil to the same depth as the salvage re uirements. Do not over rip and avoid over stripping. ull Surface Soil Stripping Salvage surface soilmaterial from the travel lane on all lands that will be subect to grading. Partial Surface Soil Stripping Do not strip surface soilmaterial from the travel lane. Monitor the condition of the travel lane throughout the construction program and further assess whether surface soilmaterial is being subect to degradation that will eventually impact capability. f surface soilmaterial is at risk of being degraded salvage from the travel lane. omplete final clean-up prior to free e-up where construction occurred during nonfro en conditions. Postpone clean-up on wetthawed soils until conditions are dry. Replace surface soil evenly over all portions of the right-of-way that have been stripped. Postpone replacement during wet conditions or high winds to prevent damage to soil structure or erosion of surface soil. Surface rosion Restrict stumping on erosion-prone slopes to reduce the severity of soil disturbance and erosion. nstall temporary berms of subsoil logs timbers or sandbags during construction activities. nstall silt fences near the base of slopes. Shut-down or relocate construction activities in the area until the risk of erosion has been reduced or conditions improve. Avoid over picking of small diameter slash in wooded areas with erodible soils. Regrade areas with vehicle ruts and erosion gullies. Page 5-8

52 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/ Aquatics Results Watercourse Crossings Based on the desktop review, the Proposed Route will cross three watercourses, Horse Creek and two unnamed tributaries to Horse Creek. Horse Creek is a tributary to the Horse River, which flows into the Athabasca River upstream of Fort McMurray, Alberta. The watercourses crossed by the Proposed Route consist of both mapped and unmapped Class C waterbodies with a Restricted Activity Period (RAP) of April 16 to July 15 (Table 5.5). The class assigned to a watercourse by the Code of Practice for Watercourse Crossings (Alberta Government 2013) is based on the sensitivity of the fish habitat and known fish species distribution. Class C watercourses are those with fish habitat of moderate sensitivity that can potentially be damaged by unconfined or unrestricted instream activities (Alberta Government 2013). The class of a watercourse determines the preferred type of watercourse crossing as well as the construction timing restrictions (i.e., RAP) and conditions under the Code of Practice (COP) (Alberta Government 2013). The Proposed Route also crosses an AESA for approximately 65% of its length which is associated with the lower Athabasca River Basin (Figure 4). The Alberta Water for Life Strategy (Government of Alberta 2013) identified three goals with respect to the province s water: maintain safe and secure drinking water; maintain water quality; and maintain the health of the province s aquatic ecosystems. In an effort to achieve the goal of maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems, Fiera Biological Consulting Ltd was retained by the Government of Alberta to identify and map AESAs in Alberta (Fiera Biological Consulting Ltd., 2010). The document, Aquatic Environmentally Significant Areas in Alberta, was prepared for AESRD. AESAs are areas selected based upon a number of criteria to support land-use planning. Some of these criteria include the presence of aquatic species of conservation concern, rare or unique aquatic ecosystems and key areas that contribute to water quality (Fiera Biological Consulting Ltd. 2011). Page 5-9

53 February T 84 Horse Creek R 12 W4M R 12 W4M Previously Proposed Dawes 2011S Substation R 11 W4M R 11 W4M Proposed Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation UV 63 R 10 W4M W4M W4M W4M W4M W4M W4M R 10 W4M 2014 FIGURE 4 AQUATIC ENVIRONMENTALLY SIGNIFICANT AREAS ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION FOR THE PROPOSED ATCO ELECTRIC LTD. SWEETHEART LAKE TRANSMISSION PROJECT Proposed Route UV 63 Highway Road Access/Resource Road Pipeline Proposed Project Substation Previously Proposed Substation Under Separate Application Study Area Aquatic Environmentally Significant Areas SCALE: 1:35,000 m ,000 (All Locations Approximate) UTM Zone 12N; 2012 SPOT CNES, Licensed by BlackBridge Geomatics Corp, ATS: AltaLIS 2009; Proposed North Route: ATCO Electric Ltd. 2013; Proposed Project Substation, Previously Proposed Substation under Separate Application: TERA Environmental Consultants 2013; Roads: IHS Inc. 2013; Watercourse/Waterbody: IHS Inc. 2004; Wildfire Perimeter: Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development 2013; Pipeline: IHS Inc. 2013; Study Area: ATCO Electric Although there is no reason to believe that there are any errors associated with the data used to generate this product or in the product itself, users of these data are advised that errors in the data may be present. Mapped By: LLH Checked By: SP BC ALBERTA SK Project Area Edmonton Calgary!! t10252_wetland_aesa_rev00_feb2014.mxd T 84

54 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/10252 The AESA crossed by the Proposed Route includes watercourses where Arctic grayling have been documented. Arctic grayling are one of the focal fish species and species of conservation concern used in Aquatic Environmentally Significant Areas in Alberta (FWMIS 2013). More information regarding Arctic grayling is provided in Section This AESA was also noted to contain rare or unique aquatic ecosystems, and key areas that contribute to water quality, biological connectivity and possess intact complexity and/or biodiversity (see Table 5.9) (Fiera Biological Consulting Ltd. 2011). Label 1 WC1 TABLE 5.5 POTENTIAL WATERCOURSE CROSSINGS ALONG THE PROPOSED ROUTE Waterbody Name Unnamed tributary to the Horse Creek Legal Location (W4M) AESRD COP Classification 2 RAP 2 Documented Fish Presence 3 NW Unmapped Class C April 16 to July 15 No fish documented WC2 Horse Creek NE Mapped Class C April 16 to July 15 Arctic grayling, northern pike, white sucker, longnose sucker, finescale dace, lake chub, fathead minnow, pearl dace, trout-perch, brook stickleback, slimy sculpin and spoonhead sculpin previously captured. WC3 Unnamed tributary to the Horse Creek NE Unmapped Class C April 16 to July 15 No fish documented Notes: 1 Refer to Figure 6A. 2 AENV 2006, Alberta Government FWMIS Fish Community The Study Area is located in the Horse River sub-basin within the Athabasca River Basin. The fish communities found in the Horse River sub-basin within the Study Area are mixed assemblages containing both coldwater (e.g., salmonids) and coolwater (e.g., percids and esocids) species (Table 5.6). No fish species listed by COSEWIC or the Species at Risk Act (SARA) are known to occur near the Proposed Route (COSEWIC 2013a). Spoonhead sculpin are listed as not at risk by COSEWIC (COSEWIC 2013a). Arctic grayling, lake whitefish, brassy minnow and slimy sculpin are mid-priority candidates for a detailed status assessment by COSEWIC (COSEWIC 2013b). Arctic grayling and northern redbelly dace are listed as sensitive within Alberta, since they are not at risk of extinction or extirpation, however, may require special attention or protection to prevent it from becoming at risk (Alberta Sustainable Resource Development [ASRD] 2010). Spoonhead sculpin are listed as may be at risk in Alberta which means any species that may be at risk of extinction or extirpation and is, therefore, a candidate for detailed risk assessment (ASRD 2010). The provincial status of pearl dace, finescale dace, brassy minnow and ninespine stickleback populations is undetermined as there is insufficient information, knowledge or data available to reliably evaluate the general status (ASRD 2010). Common Name 1 TABLE 5.6 FISH SPECIES THAT MAY OCCUR WITHIN THE HORSE RIVER SUB-BASIN NEAR THE PROJECT AREA Scientific Name Spawning COSEWIC Season 2 Provincial Listing 3 Listed Species 4 SPORTFISH Arctic grayling Thymallus arcticus spring sensitive not listed lake whitefish Coregonus clupeaformis fall-winter secure not listed mountain whitefish Prosopium williamsoni fall secure not listed northern pike Esox lucius spring secure not listed burbot Lota lota winter secure not listed walleye Sander vitreus spring secure not listed yellow perch Perca flavescens spring secure not listed Page 5-11

55 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/10252 TABLE 5.6 Cont'd Common Name 1 Scientific Name Spawning Season 2 Provincial Listing 3 COSEWIC Listed Species 4 NON-SPORTFISH longnose sucker Catostomus catostomus spring secure not listed white sucker Catostomus commersoni spring secure not listed lake chub Couesius plumbeus spring secure not listed flathead chub Platygobio gracilis summer secure not listed longnose dace Rhinichthys cataractae spring-summer secure not listed pearl dace Margariscus margarita spring-summer undetermined not listed northern redbelly dace Phoximus eos summer sensitive not listed finescale dace Phoximus neogaeus summer undetermined not listed spottail shiner Notropis hudsonius summer secure not listed emerald shiner Notropis atherinoides summer secure not listed brassy minnow Hybognathus hankinsoni spring undetermined not listed fathead minnow Pimephales promelas summer secure not listed ninespine stickleback Pungitius pungitius spring-summer undetermined not listed brook stickleback Culaea inconstans spring-summer secure not listed trout-perch Percopsis omiscomaycus spring-summer secure not listed slimy sculpin Cottus cognatus spring secure not listed spoonhead sculpin Cottus ricei spring may be at risk not at risk Iowa darter Etheostoma exile spring secure not listed Notes: 1 FWMIS 2013, Nelson and aet Nelson and aet ASR C SEWIC 2013a. Arctic Grayling Arctic grayling are a coldwater salmonid and have been previously captured in Horse Creek, which is crossed by the Proposed Route (FWMIS 2013). They are known throughout the Hay, Peace and Athabasca River drainages in Alberta (Nelson and Paetz 1992). Arctic grayling typically occupy cool streams and lakes in northern Alberta. Arctic grayling spawn during the spring, in May and early-june when water temperatures reach 5 C to 10 C (Nelson and Paetz 1992). Unlike many other salmonids, Arctic grayling are broadcast spawners and do not construct redds. During the spring, they move upstream from overwintering pools into tributaries to spawn (ASRD 2005). Arctic grayling populations are especially sensitive to habitat degradation and angler overharvest (McPhail 2007). Alberta has implemented a management and recovery plan for Arctic grayling (Berry 1998). Spoonhead Sculpin Spoonhead sculpin have been documented in Horse Creek (FWMIS 2013). Their distribution in Alberta includes the Slave, Peace, Athabasca and North Saskatchewan River basins and the upper Red Deer, Bow and upper Oldman River sub-basins. They are most abundant in rivers and streams in the foothills and adjacent plains (Nelson and Paetz 1992). They are bottom feeders and prefer streambeds that are comprised of boulders, cobbles and large gravels (Nelson and Paetz 1992). Spawning takes place on rocks usually in April and May (Nelson and Paetz 1992). Spoonhead sculpin are often occur in large rivers, and as a result are difficult to capture and study. Alberta does not have a management or recovery plan for spoonhead sculpin. Northern Redbelly Dace Northern redbelly dace have not been previously documented near the Study Area or in the Horse River sub-basin (FWMIS 2013). However, they may occur in this area where suitable habitat exists (Nelson and Paetz. 1992). Northern redbelly dace frequently hybridise with finescale dace, where the two species occur in sympatry and pure populations are rare (Nelson and Paetz 1992). Adults are typically associated with the stained water associated with bogs, beaver ponds and sluggish streams (McPhail 2007). They Page 5-12

56 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/10252 are typically found close to cover (e.g., lake margins or vegetation) in water less than 2 m deep and over silt substrates (Nelson and Paetz 1992). In Alberta, spawning occurs in mid-june after temperatures begin to exceed 11 C (Nelson and Paetz 1992). Their diet consists mostly of aquatic vegetation and algae, as suggested by their digestive morphology (McPhail 2007). There is no management plan for northern redbelly dace populations in Alberta. Northern Pike and Walleye Although Alberta considers northern pike and walleye as secure (ASRD 2010), both species have experienced severe population declines across most of their range and the province has implemented management and recovery plans (Berry 1995, 1999). Angler overharvest and habitat degradation are commonly cited in the management plans as key factors that have led to the decline of these species. Northern pike have been documented in Horse Creek and walleye have been documented in the Horse River (FWMIS 2013) Potential Impacts and Mitigation There is no AESRD approval or notification required under the Code of Practice for Pipelines and Telecommunication Lines Crossing a Water Body exclusively for overhead transmission line construction across waterbodies, provided there are no instream activities, however the Water Act does apply. Instream activities will require approval or notification. All supporting structures must not encroach on the banks of any watercourse and it is recommended that the structures be located an appropriate distance away from the banks to reduce riparian vegetation clearing, and to minimise the potential for floodwater related issues. Vehicle and equipment crossings must comply with the mitigation measures outlined by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the Alberta Code of Practice for Watercourse Crossings. Additional conditions are also present in the Navigable Waters Protection Act (NWPA) Minor Works and Waters Order (Canada Gazette 2009) relevant to both transmission line and vehicle and equipment crossings. If these conditions cannot be met, a review by Transport Canada may be required. The passing of Bill C-38 in June 2012 by the Government of Canada, and subsequent Cabinet orders in July 2012, resulted in several changes to the federal Fisheries Act and the regulations related to this Act. In November 2013, amendments proposed to the Fisheries Act came in to force. New guidance and policy have been implemented to support the new fisheries protection provisions of the Fisheries Act, which will focus on the sustainability and ongoing productivity of recreational, commercial and Aboriginal fisheries (DFO 2013a,b). Bill C-38 also resulted in changes to other federal legislation and regulations (e.g., the Canadian Environmental Assessment [CEA] Act, SARA and National Energy Board [NEB] Act), which also regulate how watercourse crossings associated with transmission line projects can be constructed and operated. In addition, a separate Bill C-45 also resulted in several changes to the federal NWPA. As more information becomes available on the implementation of the regulatory changes associated with these acts, revisions to the federal standards discussed in this report may be required. DFO has initiated measures to streamline its review process by releasing a self-assessment tool for proponents to determine if DFO requires review of transmission line projects near water. The self-assessment tool outlines types of waterbodies and project activities and criteria where DFO review is not required. If a project meets the criteria of the self-assessment, no further review by DFO or notification to DFO is required. However, proponents are still required to comply with the Fisheries Act by following the best practices and mitigation measures outlined in the Measures to Avoid Causing Harm to Fish and Fish Habitat (DFO 2013). The self-assessment tool replaces all Operational Statements and notification to DFO under the Operational Statements. Recommended measures to mitigate potential impacts on watercourse crossings and the productive capacity of the aquatic environment are described below in Table 5.7. Page 5-13

57 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/10252 TABLE 5.7 RECOMMENDED AQUATICS MITIGATION MEASURES Concern General Impact to the Productive Capacity of the Aquatic Environment Impact of Transmission Line Installation on the Aquatic Environment Impact of Vehicle and Equipment Crossings on the Aquatic Environment Recommended Mitigation Measures Correspondence from regulatory agencies (e.g., DFO) may result in a number of conditions on the proposed works that will need to be followed during construction and operations. These conditions will also need to be incorporated into the mitigation program and adhered to during construction at and within the vicinity of watercourse crossings. Review all mitigation and regulatory requirements during a start-up meeting involving the contractors, ATCO Electric representative and/or subcontractors. Discussion should be used to ensure that all mitigation requirements are understood and able to be implemented. Clean all equipment entering the Project site prior to arrival. Also clean equipment after construction to ensure it does not transfer mud, debris or aquatic pests (e.g., Myxobolus cerebralis - the parasite that causes whirling disease in fish). Install and maintain appropriate erosion and sediment control methods to prevent sediments from disturbed areas from being transported into watercourses. This should include the management of erosion on slopes adjacent to each waterbody. Implement appropriate precautions to prevent deleterious substances (e.g., gasoline, sediment, oil, wet concrete, etc.) from entering waterbodies. Cleaning, fuelling and servicing of equipment should be conducted in an area where spills or wash water will not contaminate surface water or groundwater resources. An appropriate emergency spill kit is to be available at all times. Prevent construction materials and debris from entering waterbodies. Store spoil and waste materials removed from the work site above the high watermark. Stabilise this material, if warranted, to reduce the potential for runoff events to transport them into a waterbody. Halt construction when adverse construction conditions caused by inclement weather occur. Ensure that any disturbance of the right-of-way approach to any waterbody related to the Project and associated activities is limited, stabilised and restored to approximate natural conditions, where feasible. Follow the mitigation measures outlined in Transport Canada s minor works policy for aerial cables, as well as any additional mitigation and conditions that may be imposed by Transport Canada. Limit clearing of riparian vegetation during installation of the transmission line. Cleared areas should be restored and revegetated, as required, as soon as practical following construction, and sediment and erosion control methods should be installed and maintained until vegetation is re-established. Place structures above the ordinary high watermark whenever possible. Install transmission lines perpendicular to watercourses and drainages to avoid removing excessive riparian vegetation, when practical. Wherever possible, do not place structures on meander bends, floodplains and other areas of instability that may result in erosion of the streambed or banks and transmission line structures. Replace salvaged surface soil to facilitate revegetation of the banks if banks are disturbed by construction activities. Disturbed banks and riparian areas should be seeded with a native mixture as required. The Environmental representative will determine whether other restoration methods need to be applied to stabilise banks (e.g., soil wraps, brush layers, willow plantings and matting) in a manner that approximates natural conditions, where appropriate. Wherever possible, traffic will use the existing road network to cross watercourses. Limit clearing of riparian vegetation during installation of vehicle and equipment crossings. Cleared areas are to be restored and revegetated as soon as practical following construction and sediment and erosion control methods installed and maintained until vegetation is re-established. No excavation of the streambed is to occur. Construct or install temporary and permanent vehicle access across watercourses, shorelines, riverbanks and wetlands in a manner that follows applicable AESRD standards as well as applicable DFO guidelines. Temporary clear span bridges (Type 1) should be used if existing structures cannot be used, or if ice bridge or snowfill crossings are not feasible, and at watercourses that are flowing at the time of construction. These temporary structures should be designed to meet and exceed 1:50 year flood levels, and be installed perpendicular to the waterbody. Temporary clear span bridges (Type 1) can be used for temporary access during open water or frozen conditions. Logfill, snowfill or ice bridge crossings can be used if a temporary crossing is needed in the winter during ice covered, dry or frozento-bottom conditions. Use only clean ice and snow in construction of ice bridges and snowfills. Approaches to the bridge are to be constructed with compacted snow and ice of sufficient thickness to protect the stream channel and banks. Sand, gravel and soils are not to be used for ice bridge approaches. Ensure that logfills, ice bridges and snowfills do not interfere with or impede winter flows. Follow the mitigation measures outlined in Transport Canada s minor works policy for winter crossings, where applicable, as well as any additional mitigation and conditions imposed by Transport Canada. Install and remove any temporary vehicle crossings in a manner that protects banks from erosion and maintains flow in the waterbody. Ensure that crossing materials are removed prior to spring freshet. Ice bridges and snowfills are to be mechanically breached to the natural ice level prior to spring break-up. Remove temporary crossings within six months of date installed unless otherwise approved by AESRD under the Water Act. Stabilise and restore banks and areas disturbed for approaches, to pre-construction conditions. Remove all debris associated with the construction of temporary access after completion. Page 5-14

58 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/ Recommendations TERA plans on field visiting all potential watercourses in order to confirm whether they meet AESRD s definition of a watercourse (i.e., have defined bed and bank) under the Code of Practice for Watercourse Crossings (Alberta Government 2013) and to confirm if they provide fish habitat. TERA also recommends that an aquatic assessment by a Qualified Aquatic Environmental Specialist (QAES) be conducted at all confirmed watercourse crossings that require applications or submissions to agencies (e.g., Transport Canada, DFO or AESRD) and where instream work may be necessary. The potential environmental impacts of the Project to aquatic resources are common to transmission line development in this region of the province. With application of the recommended mitigation measures presented in Table 5.7, the potential environmental impacts from construction and operation of the Project can be mitigated. 5.4 Wetlands Results Wetlands were evaluated through desktop review to determine the types of wetlands likely to be present within the Study Area. Identification of wetlands along the Proposed Route and within the proposed Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation location to allow for planning of structure and substation placement to avoid or reduce potential disturbance to wetlands Wetland Definition Wetlands are defined as follows: land that is saturated ith ater long enough to promote etland or auatic processes as indicated by poorly drained soils, hydrophytic vegetation and various kinds of biological activity hich are adapted to a et environment.(aenv 2007, NWWG 1997). This wetland definition encompasses a wide range of wetland ecosystems, including those permanently flooded by shallow water (e.g., shallow open water) to forested wetlands with moist organic soils (e.g., bogs) Wetland Classification The CWCS (NWWG 1988, 1997) serves as a practical guide for the classification of wetlands encountered in Canada. For the Study Area, the CWCS has been slightly modified by Kershaw (in prep) to better describe wetlands typical of the Boreal Forest Natural Region in Alberta (Natural Regions Committee 2006). In many classification systems (Halsey and Vitt 1996, Mackenzie and Moran 2004, NWWG 1997), wetlands are further divided, based on soil properties, into organic (or peatland) wetlands and mineral wetlands (non-peat). Peat (mossy-peat and woody-peat) forming wetlands typically include bogs and fens. Mineral wetlands typically include marshes, shallow open water ponds (less than 2 m deep) and riparian wetlands. Additional detail for each of the CWCS wetland classes is provided in Table 5.8. TABLE 5.8 WETLAND CLASSES ESTABLISHED BY THE CANADIAN WETLAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM Dominant Wetland Class Key Wetland Class Characteristics og An accumulation of peat. Surface raised or level with surrounding terrain. Water table at or slightly below the surface and raised above the surrounding terrain. Ombrogenous (nourished by precipitation). oderately decomposed Sphagnum peat with remains of shrubs. ost frequently dominated by Sphagnum mosses with tree, shrub or treeless vegetation cover. Fen An accumulation of peat. Surface is level with the water table with water flow on the surface and through the subsurface. Fluctuating water table which may be at, or a few centimetres above or below, the surface. inerogenous (nourished by groundwater). Decomposed sedge or brown moss peat. Graminoids and shrubs characterise the vegetation cover. Page 5-15

59 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/10252 TABLE 5.8 Cont'd Dominant Wetland Class Key Wetland Class Characteristics Swamp Peatland and mineral wetland. Water table at or below the surface. inerogenous (nourished by groundwater). Highly decomposed woody peat and organic material. Coniferous or deciduous trees or tall shrub vegetation cover. arsh ineral wetland or peatland that is periodically inundated by standing or slow-moving waters. inerogenous (nourished by groundwater). Substratum usually consists of mineral material although occasionally it consists of peat deposits. Emergent aquatic macrophytes, largely rushes, reeds, grasses and sedges, and some floating aquatic macrophytes. Shallow Open Water Distinct wetlands transitional between those wetlands that are saturated or seasonally wet (bog, fen, marsh or swamp) and permanent, deep waterbodies. Standing water less than m deep in mid-summer. Natural impoundments such as beaver ponds or other open water wetland systems are included where water levels are not regulated. Usually associated with lacustrine (lake) or fluvial (stream) systems. Sources: Government of Canada 1, NWWG 1 A flow diagram showing a comprehensive overview of the CWCS s four dominant groups and six wetland classes as they are commonly found on mineral and peat soils is illustrated in Figure 5. Although Figure 5 is simplistic in its design, wetlands often occur as complex, dynamic ecological systems. Wetland classifications are often distinguished based on a moisture gradient and commonly occur in transition between one wetland class and another, or have smaller inclusions of wetlands of different classes located within larger areas. Figure 5 Wetland Classification Organisation Chart Source: Modified after Kershaw (in prep). Page 5-16

60 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/ Environmental Setting Wetland Regions in Canada are areas defined by characteristic and similar wetland ecosystems that develop in locations with similar topography, hydrology and nutrient regime. The Study Area encounters Continental High Boreal wetlands within the High Boreal Wetland Region. Continental High Boreal wetlands occur from the Yukon to northwestern Ontario. Characteristic Continental High Boreal wetlands consist of treed bogs and fens on broad flats and in confined basins. Swamp and marsh wetlands can be found in agricultural areas as well as along edges of some streams and lakes. Peat depth for Continental High Boreal wetlands averages 2-3 m (Government of Canada 1986) Important Waterfowl and Shorebird Waterbodies and Wetlands The Study Area does not contain any waterbodies designated as Important Bird Areas (Bird Studies Canada and Nature Canada. 2012), Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve (WHSRN 2012) or Migratory Bird Sanctuaries (Environment Canada 2013). There are no Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance within the Study Area (Bureau of the Convention on Wetlands 2013) Aquatic Environmentally-Significant Areas As discussed in Section of this EE, the proposed Project crosses an AESA. Table 5.9 summarises the AESA crossed by the Project. TABLE 5.9 AQUATIC ENVIRONMENTALLY SIGNIFICANT AREA CROSSED BY THE PROPOSED ROUTE Waterbody Associated with AESA within the Study Area Unnamed tributaries to the Horse River Unnamed tributaries to the Clearwater River Unnamed tributaries to the Hangingstone River AESA Criteria Presence of aquatic focal species, species groups or their habitat. Presence of elements of conservation concern. Presence of rare or unique aquatic ecosystems. Key areas that contribute to water quality. Key areas of biodiversity connectivity. Key areas of intact complexity and/or biodiversity. The general wetland mitigation recommendations (outlined in Section 5.4.8) provide measures developed to ensure protection of these criteria outlined in Table 5.9 and apply to wetland crossings within the AESAs Results of Wetland Satellite Imagery Interpretation A total of four potential wetlands within 50 m of the centre line of the Proposed Route were identified during satellite imagery interpretation. The distribution of potential wetlands along the Proposed Route is summarised in Table Potential wetland distribution within the 50 m buffer that was reviewed during the satellite imagery interpretation is illustrated in Figure 6. The locations of structures to be installed along the Proposed Route were not known at the time of the satellite imagery interpretation. No potential wetlands were indentified during satellite imagery interpretation within the Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation location. TABLE 5.10 CLASSIFICATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF WETLANDS WITHIN 50 M OF THE PROPOSED ROUTE Legal Location of Project within Wetland (W4M) 1 UTM (12U) 1 Length of Wetland Crossed by Proposed Route Wetland Classification Reference SW E N 487 m treed fen Figure 6A SW E N 197 m seasonal emergent marsh Figure 6A NE to NW E N 217 m treed fen Figure 6B Page 5-17

61 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/10252 TABLE 5.10 Cont'd Legal Location of Project within Wetland (W4M) 1 UTM (12U) 1 Length of Wetland Crossed by Proposed Route Wetland Classification Reference NW E N 120 m treed fen Figure 6B TOTAL 1,021 m (12..5 % of Proposed Route) Note: 1 he delineated locations provided are intended to identify the transition one as accurately as possible based on satellite imagery interpretation Route Summary Based on the results of the satellite imagery interpretation and the existing land use, the Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation location is not anticipated to cause disturbance to wetland habitat. It is anticipated that disturbance to wetlands along the Proposed Route will be of short duration and likely reversible with appropriate mitigation. Assuming appropriate mitigation measures are implemented, the Proposed Route is not anticipated to be detrimental to wetland habitat. The potential environmental impacts of the Project to wetlands are common to transmission line development in this region of the province. With application of the recommended mitigation measures presented in Table 5.11, the potential environmental impacts from construction and operation of the Project can be mitigated. Page 5-18

62 Treed Fen E, N Length of wetland crossed: 487 m Previously Proposed Dawes 2011S Substation Seasonal Emergent Marsh E, N Length of wetland crossed: 197 m Matchline 4A Matchline 4B 15 T 84 T 84 R 11 W4M R 11 W4M February 2014 FIGURE 6A WETLAND OVERVIEW ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION FOR THE PROPOSED ATCO ELECTRIC LTD. SWEETHEART LAKE TRANSMISSION PROJECT UV 63 Proposed Route Highway Road Access/Resource Road Proposed Route 50 m Buffer Proposed Project Substation Previously Proposed Substation Under Separate Application Potential Wetlands Treed Fen Seasonal Emergent Marsh SCALE: 1:15,000 m (All Locations Approximate) UTM Zone 12N SPOT 5 Satellite Imagery 2014 CNES, Licensed by BlackBridge Geomatics Corp., Roads: IHS Inc. 2013; ATS: AltaLIS 2009; Preferred Route, Substation: ATCO Electric 2013; Previously Proposed Project Substation, Proposed Substation under Separate Application, Wetlands: TERA Environmental Consultants Although there is no reason to believe that there are any errors associated with the data used to generate this product or in the product itself, users of these data are advised that errors in the data may be present. Mapped By: LLH Checked By: SP t10252_wetland_overview_rev05_feb2014.mxd

63 21 1W4M Treed Fen E, N Length of wetland crossed: 217 m Treed Fen E, N Length of wetland crossed: 120 m Proposed Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation UV 63 Matchline 4A Matchline 4B T 84 T 84 R 11 W4M R 11 W4M February 2014 FIGURE 6B WETLAND OVERVIEW ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION FOR THE PROPOSED ATCO ELECTRIC LTD. SWEETHEART LAKE TRANSMISSION PROJECT UV 63 Proposed Route Highway Road Access/Resource Road Proposed Route 50 m Buffer Proposed Project Substation Previously Proposed Substation Under Separate Application Potential Wetlands Treed Fen Seasonal Emergent Marsh SCALE: 1:15,000 m (All Locations Approximate) UTM Zone 12N SPOT 5 Satellite Imagery 2014 CNES, Licensed by BlackBridge Geomatics Corp., Roads: IHS Inc. 2013; ATS: AltaLIS 2009; Preferred Route, Substation: ATCO Electric 2013; Previously Proposed Project Substation, Proposed Substation under Separate Application, Wetlands: TERA Environmental Consultants Although there is no reason to believe that there are any errors associated with the data used to generate this product or in the product itself, users of these data are advised that errors in the data may be present. Mapped By: LLH Checked By: SP t10252_wetland_overview_rev05_feb2014.mxd

64 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/ Potential Impacts and Mitigation ATCO Electric will follow appropriate mitigative measures to minimise wetland impacts and, where feasible, shift structures along the centre line to avoid placement within wetlands. Given the relative flexibility for altering span distances between structure placements, permanent wetland disturbance associated with the Proposed Route is anticipated to be reduced. Transmission lines typically have low levels of ground disturbance along the rights-of-way (e.g., temporary vehicle crossings), with most disturbance occurring at structure and substation locations. Along the Proposed Route, it is anticipated that only a small percentage of wetland habitat along the right-of-way will be permanently disturbed by structure placement. No wetlands are anticipated to be disturbed at Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation location. The primary recommendation for mitigating impacts to wetlands is to locate structures outside of wetland boundaries, where feasible. Although the Proposed Route has been aligned to reduce environmental impacts, some disturbance to wetlands will inevitably occur during the construction phase (e.g., temporary vehicle crossings, unavoidable structure placement) and throughout the operational life of the transmission line and substation. Recommended wetland mitigation measures are described in Table TABLE 5.11 RECOMMENDED WETLANDS MITIGATION MEASURES Concern Reduction or Loss of Wetland Function Impact of Transmission Line Installation on Wetland Function Impact of Vehicle and Equipment Crossings on Wetland Function Recommended Mitigation Measures Where feasible, schedule construction activities near wetlands to occur during frozen conditions and avoid periods of high water table levels (e.g., spring and wet conditions). Limit traffic to the existing road network to the extent practical. Restrict construction activities to within the right-of-way or designated areas. Minimise construction traffic in wetlands. Minimise the removal of vegetation and the disturbance of uplands adjacent to wetlands. Conduct grading adjacent to wetlands away from the wetland, to the extent feasible, to reduce the risk of sediment and other material entering the wetland. Machinery is to arrive onsite clean (e.g., free of mud and vegetation debris) and maintained to be free of fluid leaks. Avoid or reduce stumping and grading in wetlands. Install berms, cross ditches, and/or silt fences between the disturbed wetland area and adjacent upland areas. Ensure silt fences have been properly installed, are solid, and the filter fabric is tight. If vegetation removal is necessary, reduce the amount removed from wetland areas to preserve wildlife habitat, protect from erosion caused by surface water runoff, and provide a visual barrier. If mulching cleared trees from peatlands, spread mulch to a depth of no more than 5 cm along the construction right-of-way. Allow natural regrowth of wetland vegetation (i.e., do not seed wetlands). Where practical, locate structures at least 30 m from the ordinary high watermark of a wetland to maintain ground cover and prevent erosion. Implement erosion and sediment control measures where appropriate, including at structure footing sites and temporary workspaces located within 30 m from the ordinary high watermark of wetlands. Measures may include installation and monitoring of silt fencing. Do not dewater any wetland. Wherever feasible, construct access trails around wetlands. Construct any vehicular wetland crossing, as per COP notifications submitted to AESRD. If necessary, use a snowfill or ice bridge if a temporary crossing is needed during winter in ice covered, dry or frozen-to-bottom conditions. Construct ice bridges following the applicable guidelines in Best Practice for Building and Working Safely on Ice Covers in Alberta (Government of Alberta 2013). Ensure that ice bridges or snowfills are dismantled prior to spring snowmelt. At a minimum, ice bridges and snowfills should be mechanically breached to the natural ice level prior to spring break-up. Install and remove temporary vehicle crossings in a manner that protects and maintains the emergent vegetation. Grade wetlands to their preconstruction profile following use of the temporary vehicle crossing. Remove all debris associated with the installation of the temporary access immediately after completion of the crossing. Use wide-track equipment or conventional equipment operated from swamp mats, or equivalent, to avoid compaction when working on saturated soils if nonfrozen ground conditions are encountered. Ensure activities are planned and carried out in a manner that reduces the risk of spills or the accidental exposure of fuels or hazardous materials to a wetland. Keep an emergency spill kit onsite in case of fluid leaks or spills from machinery. Page 5-21

65 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/ Recommended Wetland Field Survey TERA plans on completing wetland field surveys at locations identified as potential wetlands during the desktop satellite imagery interpretation. These investigations will focus on wetland presence, delineation and classification verification. Wetlands will be photographed, documented and geo-referenced during the wetland field surveys. During the wetland field surveys, baseline wetland data (i.e., hydrology, vegetation, habitat and soil) will be recorded to delineate and classify wetlands encountered by the Project to develop site-specific mitigative measure recommendations for construction. TERA recommends that wetland field surveys be conducted during the spring and/or summer before construction commences. Once the wetland field surveys are completed, Water Act approvals and Code of Practice notifications can be prepared should there be any disturbance to mineral wetlands or the open water component of peatlands along the proposed Project. 5.5 Vegetation Results This subsection provides an overview of vegetation, rare plant species, rare ecological communities and invasive plant species that may be encountered within the Project Area. Identification of vegetation resources along the Proposed Route allows for planning of structure placement and construction techniques to avoid or minimise impacts of the Project on vegetation Ecological Setting The Proposed Route traverses Mixedwood forest, of which approximately 88% is regenerating from the Mariana Lakes forest fire in 1995 (AESRD 2013a). Mature aspen and white spruce forests are present in areas that were not burned in Forest capability is detailed in Figure 7. The Study Area is located in the Central Mixedwood and Lower Boreal Highlands Natural Subregions of the Boreal Forest Natural Region (Natural Regions Committee 2006) (Figure 8). The Central Mixedwood subregion stretches south from the Caribou Mountains and Cameron Hills to just north of Red Deer and spanning the province from the British Columbia border to the Saskatchewan border. The Central Mixedwood Subregion is dominated by level to gently undulating plains and hummocky uplands. Parent materials are medium-textured tills, fine-textured lacustrine deposits, coarse-textured fluvial and eolian deposits, and organic deposits throughout the region. Upland forests consist of a mosaic of aspen (Populus tremuloides), mixedwood and white spruce (Picea glauca). Common understory species include: low-bush cranberry (Viburnum edule); prickly rose (Rosa acicularis); green alder (Alnus viridis); Canada buffaloberry (Shepherdia canadensis); hairy wild rye (Leymus innovatus); bunchberry (Cornus canadensis); wild sarsaparilla (Aralia nudicaulis); and dewberry (Rubus pubescens). Jack pine (Pinus banksiana) stands occur on coarser materials. Wetlands are often extensive and are dominated by black spruce (Picea mariana) fens and bogs (Natural Regions Committee 2006). The Lower Boreal Highlands include the lower slopes of the Cameron, Buffalo Head, Naylor and Clear Hills, Caribou and Birch Mountains, part of the Chinchaga Plain and all of the Stony Mountain and Peerless Uplands. It surrounds the higher elevation Upper Boreal Highlands and Boreal Subarctic Natural Subregions, and is bordered at lower elevations by the Central Mixedwood and Dry Mixedwood Natural Subregions. Landscapes in the Lower Boreal Highlands Natural Subregion are characterised by diverse mixedwood forests on moist lower slopes of northern hill systems and extensive wetlands at slope bases and on adjacent lowlands. Forests are a mix of aspen, balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera), black spruce, white spruce, white birch (Betula papyrifera) with hybrids of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) and Jack pine occurring specifically on slopes. Treed, shrubby or graminoid fens occur in depressions, seepage zones or level areas (Natural Regions Committee 2006). Page 5-22

66 February T 83 T 84 T 85 R 12 W4M R 11 W4M Previously Proposed Dawes 2011S Substation R 12 W4M R 11 W4M Proposed Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation UV 63 R 10 W4M R 10 W4M 2014 FIGURE 7 CANADA LAND INVENTORY LAND CAPABILITY FOR FORESTRY ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION FOR THE PROPOSED ATCO ELECTRIC LTD. SWEETHEART LAKE TRANSMISSION PROJECT UV 63 Proposed Route Highway Watercourse Waterbody Proposed Project Substation Previously Proposed Substation Under Separate Application Study Area Land Capability for Forestry Moderate limitations to the growth of commercial forests Moderately severe limitation to the growth of commercial forests Severe limitations to the growth of commercial forests Severe limitation which preclude the growth of commercial forests SCALE: 1:75,000 km (All Locations Approximate) UTM Zone 12N ATS: AltaLIS 2009; Preferred Route: ATCO Electric Ltd. 2013; Proposed Project Substation, Previously Proposed Substation under Separate Application: TERA Environmental Consultants 2013; Highway: Natural Resources Canada 2013; Watercourse/Waterbody: Natural Resources Canada ; Land Capability for Forestry: Government of Canada 1972; Study Area: ATCO Electric Although there is no reason to believe that there are any errors associated with the data used to generate this product or in the product itself, users of these data are advised that errors in the data may be present. Mapped By: LLH Checked By: SP BC ALBERTA SK Project Area Edmonton Calgary!! t10252_forestry_rev02_feb2014.mxd T 83 T 84 T 85

67 February T 84 golden saxifrage golden saxifrage golden saxifrage golden saxifrage golden saxifrage golden saxifrage golden saxifrage Lophozia excisa small butterwort golden saxifrage golden saxifrage golden saxifrage golden saxifrage golden saxifrage ground-fir ground-fir golden saxifrage golden saxifrage golden saxifrage golden saxifrage golden golden saxifrage saxifrage golden golden saxifrage saxifrage ground-fir golden saxifrage golden golden saxifrage saxifrage golden saxifrage ground-fir golden saxifrage golden saxifrage golden saxifrage golden saxifrage golden saxifrage golden saxifrage golden saxifrage golden saxifrage ground-fir Riccardia latifrons ground-fir Central Mixedwood Lower Boreal Highlands Horse Creek R 12 W4M R 12 W4M Previously Proposed Dawes 2011S Substation R 11 W4M R 11 W4M Proposed Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation UV R 10 W4M W4M W4M W4M W4M W4M W4M R 10 W4M 2014 FIGURE 8 ACIMS OCCURRENCES ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION FOR THE PROPOSED ATCO ELECTRIC LTD. SWEETHEART LAKE TRANSMISSION PROJECT Proposed Route UV 63 Highway Road Access/Resource Road Proposed Project Substation Previously Proposed Substation Under Separate Application Study Area Natural Subregion ACIMS Non-sensitive Element Occurrences Non-vascular Plant Vascular Plant SCALE: 1:35,000 m ,000 (All Locations Approximate) UTM Zone 12N; 2012 SPOT CNES, Licensed by BlackBridge Geomatics Corp, ATS: AltaLIS 2009; Proposed North Route: ATCO Electric Ltd. 2013; Proposed Project Substation, Previously Proposed Substation under Separate Application: TERA Environmental Consultants 2013; Highway: IHS Inc. 2013; Watercourse/Waterbody: IHS Inc. 2004; ACIMS: Alberta Tourism Parks and Recreation 2013; Natural Subregion: Alberta Sustainable Resource Development 2005; Study Area: ATCO Electric Although there is no reason to believe that there are any errors associated with the data used to generate this product or in the product itself, users of these data are advised that errors in the data may be present. Mapped By: LLH Checked By: SP BC ALBERTA SK Project Area Edmonton Calgary!! t10252_veg_acims_rev04_feb2014.mxd T 84

68 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/ Rare Plant Potential Information collected during the literature review of the Study Area was used to determine locations with the potential to support rare plant species along the Proposed Route. Environmentally sensitive areas, riparian and wetland areas, areas of native vegetation in proximity to known rare plants or rare ecological communities and under-represented ecosystems are habitats considered to have higher potential to support rare plant species. The Proposed Route contains mature aspen and white spruce forest and early successional forest regenerating from a forest fire. Riparian and wetland areas also occur along the Proposed Route. Rare plant potential exists in the Project Area and as a result, TERA recommends that the entire Proposed Route should be subject to a supplemental ground-based survey Potential Rare Plant Species and Rare Ecological Communities There are 93 ACIMS-listed rare vascular plant species and 38 ACIMS-listed ecological communities with the potential to occur within the Central Mixedwood and Lower Boreal Highlands Natural Subregions (Allen, L. 2012). There are no potential rare vascular plant species for the Central Mixedwood and Lower Boreal Highlands Natural Subregions that have SARA, COSEWIC or Alberta Wildlife Act designations. Previously recorded occurrences of rare plant species in the vicinity of the Study Area were obtained from ACIMS. No rare plant species listed as Special Concern, Endangered or Threatened under SARA or by COSEWIC have been previously recorded within the Study Area. A search of the ACIMS database provided records of five ACIMS-listed rare plant species occurrences. There are no ACIMS-listed rare ecological communities occurrences within the Study Area (ACIMS 2012a) (see Figure 8). The ACIMS-listed rare plant species that have previously occurred within the Study Area include three vascular plant species: golden saxifrage (Chrysosplenium iowense, S3?); small butterwort (Pinguicula villosa, S2); and ground fir (Diphasiastrum sitchense, S2), as well as two non-vascular plant species cut notchwort (Lophozia excisa, S1) and bog germanderwort (Riccardia latifrons, S2). Definitions of provincial designations are provided in the footnotes of Appendix A Non-Native and Invasive Species The introduction and spread of invasive weed species is a concern for landowners and land managers. Weeds of concern within the RMWB include common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), ox-eye daisy (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum), perennial sow-thistle (Sonchus arvensis), scentless chamomile (Matricaria perforata) and tall buttercup (Ranunculus acris) (RMWB 2009). No weed species have been up-listed from their current designations under the Alberta Weed Control Act within the RMWB. RMWB recommends that all equipment be sanitised prior to entering the region (Leeland pers. comm) Clubroot Disease Clubroot is a soil-borne fungal disease that affects canola and other crops in the mustard family. It is considered a pest under the Alberta Agricultural Pests Act (Alberta Clubroot Management Committee [ACMC] 2010). There has been no clubroot disease infestations found in the RMWB as of November 2013 (Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development [AARD] 2013) Route Summary The Proposed Route occurs on Crown land in the Central Mixedwood and Lower Boreal Highlands Natural Subregions of Alberta. The Proposed Route is considered to have high potential for rare plants and rare ecological communities due to the location and land use in the proposed Project Area Potential Impacts and Mitigation The proposed Project has the potential to alter native vegetation, impact rare plant species and rare ecological communities, and cause the introduction and/or spread of weeds. Potential issues associated with the Project pertaining to vegetation resources in the area will be further assessed during vegetation field surveys to be conducted in Although the Proposed Route has been aligned to minimise environmental impacts, some impacts will inevitably occur during the construction phase and throughout the operational life of the Project. Recommended measures to mitigate potential impacts on vegetation are described in Table Page 5-25

69 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/10252 TABLE 5.12 RECOMMENDED VEGETATION MITIGATION MEASURES Concern Alteration to Native Vegetation Impact on Rare Plants or Rare Ecological Communities Introduction and/or Spread of Weeds Recommended Mitigation Measures Do not clear timber, stumps, brush and other vegetation beyond marked construction right-of-way boundaries. Cut small trees and shrubs at ground level and leave the vegetative mat intact, whenever practical, to limit disturbance to the low vegetation root systems and promote rapid shrub regeneration. Complete clean-up and reclamation following construction as soon as weather and soil conditions permit. Restore native vegetation along disturbed areas of the right-of-way by allowing for natural regeneration, or by seeding disturbed non-wetland areas with native species. Restrict vehicle access over newly seeded areas. Monitor the effectiveness of revegetation efforts during post-construction monitoring of the construction right-of-way. Inspect moderate and steep slopes regularly. Undertake additional remedial work, where warranted. Mitigation measure options for occurrences of rare plants and rare ecological communities will be determined on a site-specific basis and could include the following: consider adjusting structure placement to avoid rare plant or rare ecological communities; consider adjusting temporary workspace to avoid rare plant or rare ecological communities; realign the travel lane and access trails or access the right-of-way in the immediate area of the vegetation to be protected (e.g., divert traffic to the opposite side of the right-of-way or use existing access roads or trails); fence or otherwise mark the location of the feature(s) to be avoided; use a roadway or temporary access outside of the right-of-way, if feasible, to avoid rare plant or rare ecological communities; narrow down the proposed area of disturbance and clearly mark the site using temporary fencing or flagging to avoid accidental encroachment during construction; avoid or reduce clearing trees or shrubs in the vicinity of a rare plant or rare ecological community; temporarily cover the site with geotextile pads, matting or snow (if available); propagate rare plants or specific portions of sensitive ecological communities via vegetative or reproductive means (e.g., harvesting of seed from the right-of-way or adjacent area, salvaging and transplanting portions of sod and surrounding vegetation, or collecting of cuttings); if surface soil salvage is necessary, salvage during nonfrozen conditions and separate the soil from the location identified (i.e., rare plant population or rare ecological community). Identify surface soil in this area by labelled stakes or flags. During reclamation, redistribute salvaged soil over the construction right-of-way at the location from which it was stripped; ensure surface drainage patterns are maintained or restored following construction; during operations, avoid blanket use of herbicides within 30 m of identified rare plant populations or rare ecological communities. Target spraying is acceptable and may be important to prevent invasive plants from encroaching on a rare plant or rare ecological community; mark off right-of-way rare plant or rare ecological community occurrence using temporary fencing or flagging to avoid accidental encroachment during construction; and the area should be revisited by the vegetation specialist prior to construction to mark and further delineate, the rare plant or rare ecological community. Prior to entering the RMWB, all equipment should be cleaned, particularly when arriving from urban areas, to reduce the possibility of invasive species introduction. Prior to entering the RMWB, equipment should be cleaned to prevent the introduction and spread of Prohibited Noxious and Noxious weeds. Ensure lands with native vegetation are left to naturally regenerate or if Noxious weeds are present, are seeded with an appropriate native seed mix. Ensure seed mixes are free of Prohibited Noxious and Noxious weed seeds Recommendations TERA plans on conducting vegetation field surveys (for rare plants, rare ecological communities and weeds) along the Proposed Route and the proposed Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation in In the event that rare plants or rare ecological communities are observed, the survey area will be extended to identify the extent of the population and the proportion traversed by the right-of-way. The vegetation survey will focus on areas of high rare plant habitat potential (ie, mature forest, regenerating burn, and riparian areas). During the vegetation field survey, the presence of rare plants, rare ecological communities and invasive species will be determined and vegetation community characterisation will be conducted. The potential environmental impacts of the Project on vegetation are common to transmission line development in this region of the province. With application of the recommended mitigation measures in Table 5.12, the potential environmental impacts to vegetation from construction and operation of the proposed route can be mitigated. Page 5-26

70 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/ Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat This subsection provides an overview of wildlife and wildlife habitat that may be encountered within the Study Area based on desktop review Wildlife Habitat The Proposed Route parallels existing linear disturbances for approximately 5.2 km (63%) of its length. Approximately 88% of the Proposed Route, including the proposed Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation, is located in an area regenerating from a forest fire in 1995 (AESRD 2013a) (Figure 9). Based on a desktop review, the Proposed Route crosses three watercourses (see Section for more details), and four wetlands (see Section for more details). No wetlands or watercourses were identified within the proposed substation location Identified Wildlife Areas The eastern portion of the Study Area is located within the ESAR caribou range associated with the Egg- Pony herd. The Proposed Route is located within the ESAR caribou range for a length of 6.4 km from NE W4M to SW W4M (AESRD 2013b) (Figure 10). A Caribou Protection Plan (CPP) is required for development within a provincially identified caribou range and must be submitted by October 15, prior to the winter that construction is scheduled to occur (AESRD 2012a). AESRD recommends an early in/early out approach and new site preparation or construction should not be initiated between February 15 to July 15 to reduce impacts to pregnant cows and their calves (AESRD 2012a). The Project is not located within any other provincially identified wildlife areas (AESRD 2013b). No wildlife-related Protective Notations (PNTs) are crossed by the Project (Alberta Energy 2013). Page 5-27

71 February T 84 Horse Creek R 12 W4M R 12 W4M Previously Proposed Dawes 2011S Substation R 11 W4M R 11 W4M Proposed Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation UV 63 R 10 W4M W4M W4M W4M W4M W4M W4M R 10 W4M 2014 FIGURE 9 ALBERTA ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTATINBLE RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT 1995 WILDFIRE PERIMETER ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION FOR THE PROPOSED ATCO ELECTRIC LTD. SWEETHEART LAKE TRANSMISSION PROJECT Proposed Route UV 63 Highway Road Access/Resource Road Pipeline Proposed Project Substation Previously Proposed Substation Under Separate Application Study Area Wildfire Perimeter (1995) SCALE: 1:35,000 m ,000 (All Locations Approximate) UTM Zone 12N; 2012 SPOT CNES, Licensed by BlackBridge Geomatics Corp, ATS: AltaLIS 2009; Proposed North Route: ATCO Electric Ltd. 2013; Proposed Project Substation, Previously Proposed Substation under Separate Application: TERA Environmental Consultants 2013; Roads: IHS Inc. 2013; Watercourse/Waterbody: IHS Inc. 2004; Wildfire Perimeter: Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development 2013; Pipeline: IHS Inc. 2013; Study Area: ATCO Electric Although there is no reason to believe that there are any errors associated with the data used to generate this product or in the product itself, users of these data are advised that errors in the data may be present. Mapped By: LLH Checked By: SP BC ALBERTA SK Project Area Edmonton Calgary!! t10252_wildlife_wildfire_rev04_feb2014.mxd T 84

72 February T 84 Horse Creek R 12 W4M R 12 W4M Previously Proposed Dawes 2011S Substation Egg-Pony Caribou Range R 11 W4M R 11 W4M Proposed Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation UV 63 R 10 W4M W4M W4M W4M W4M W4M W4M R 10 W4M 2014 FIGURE 10 PROVINCIALLY IDENTIFIED WILDLIFE AREAS ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION FOR THE PROPOSED ATCO ELECTRIC LTD. SWEETHEART LAKE TRANSMISSION PROJECT Proposed Route UV 63 Highway Road Access/Resource Road Pipeline Proposed Project Substation Previously Proposed Substation Under Separate Application Study Area Caribou Range SCALE: 1:35,000 m ,000 (All Locations Approximate) UTM Zone 12N; 2012 SPOT CNES, Licensed by BlackBridge Geomatics Corp, ATS: AltaLIS 2009; Proposed North Route: ATCO Electric Ltd. 2013; Proposed Project Substation, Previously Proposed Substation under Separate Application: TERA Environmental Consultants 2013; Roads: IHS Inc. 2013; Watercourse/Waterbody: IHS Inc. 2004; Caribou Range: Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development 2013; Pipeline: IHS Inc. 2013; Study Area: ATCO Electric Although there is no reason to believe that there are any errors associated with the data used to generate this product or in the product itself, users of these data are advised that errors in the data may be present. Mapped By: LLH Checked By: SP BC ALBERTA SK Project Area Edmonton Calgary!! t10252_wildlife_caribou_rev04_feb2014.mxd T 84

73 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/ Provincial Database A search of the AESRD FWMIS database (AESRD 2013c) reported observations of 2 species listed on Schedule 1 of SARA and by COSEWIC within 1 km of the proposed Project: woodland caribou (Threatened); and common nighthawk (Threatened) (COSEWIC 2013, Environment Canada 2013).There are 11 additional species that are provincially-listed as Sensitive in Alberta within the Project Area (within 1 km) (ASRD 2011). A summary of the AESRD FWMIS observations within 1 km of the Project is provided in Table TABLE 5.13 OCCURRENCES OF WILDLIFE SPECIES WITH SPECIAL CONSERVATION STATUS REPORTED WITHIN 1 KM OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT Common Name Scientific Name Federal Designation Provincial Designation MAMMALS Canada lynx Lynx canadensis -- Sensitive 3 fisher Martes pennant -- Sensitive 3 woodland caribou Rangifer tarandus Threatened 1,2 At Risk 3 Threatened 4 BIRDS black-backed woodpecker Picoides arcticus -- Sensitive 3 broad-winged hawk Buteo platypterus -- Sensitive 3 Cape May warbler Setophga tigrina -- Sensitive 3 common nighthawk Chordeiles minor Threatened 1,2 Sensitive 3 common yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas -- Sensitive 3 great gray owl Strix nebulosa -- Sensitive 3 northern goshawk Accipiter gentilis -- Sensitive 3 pileated woodpecker Dryocupus pileatus -- Sensitive 3 sharp-tailed grouse Tympanochus phasianellus -- Sensitive 3 western tanager Piranga ludoviciana -- Sensitive 3 Source: AESRD 2013c Notes: 1 COSEWIC (2013). 2 Schedule 1 of SARA (Environment Canada 2013). 3 General Status of Alberta Wild Species 2010 (ASRD 2011) Species with Special Conservation Status A list of wildlife species with special conservation status that have the potential to occur within the Study Area is provided in Appendix B. The list in Appendix B is based on wildlife species identified as having the potential to occur in the Central Mixedwood and Lower Boreal Highlands Natural Subregions of the Boreal Forest Natural Region. The list was reviewed and further refined based on species range, species habitat requirements and professional knowledge. Species with special conservation status that are listed on Schedule 1 of SARA or by COSEWIC that have the potential to occur within the Study Area based on a desktop review include the following. Mammals: - little brown myotis (Endangered by COSEWIC); - northern myotis (Endangered by COSEWIC); - wolverine (Special Concern by COSEWIC); and - woodland caribou (Threatened on Schedule 1 of SARA and by COSEWIC). Page 5-30

74 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/10252 Birds: - bank swallow (Threatened, by COSEWIC); - barn swallow (Threatened, by COSEWIC); - Canada warbler (Threatened, on Schedule 1 of SARA and by COSEWIC); - common nighthawk (Threatened, on Schedule 1 of SARA and by COSEWIC); - horned grebe (Special Concern, by COSEWIC); - olive-sided flycatcher (Threatened, on Schedule 1 of SARAand by COSEWIC); - rusty blackbird (Special Concern, on Schedule 1 of SARAand by COSEWIC); and - yellow rail (Special Concern, on Schedule 1 of SARA and by COSEWIC). The spring/summer 2014 field work will confirm whether there is suitable habitat for these species within the Project Area Potential Impacts and Mitigation A The risk of avian collisions and mortalities associated with transmission lines is greatest with large-bodied birds that have low flight agility (, waterfowl, pelicans, herons and cranes). The risk of avian collisions with transmission lines is greatest in or near habitats such as large ponds and lakes. No large ponds or lakes were identified in the vicinity of the proposed transmission line during the desktop review. A The proposed Project will involve approximately 8.2 km of new 144 kv transmission line. The risk of avian electrocution is largely limited to large-bodied birds with a preference for perching on tall structures. This risk is due to their large body size that can result in the contact of two parts of the bird to energised and/or grounded components. The risk of avian electrocutions is largely limited to power lines with voltages less than 60 kv. This is due to the shorter distances between energised and grounded components. Risk of electrocutions on 144 kv transmission line structures is low due to the greater distance (recommended minimum of 150 cm of horizontal separation and 100 cm of vertical separation) often utilised between these components (Avian Power Line Interaction Committee [APLIC] 2006). In addition, there may be potential for risk of electrocution at the proposed Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation. A Clearing and construction for the Project will result in alteration or loss of wildlife habitat. Linear features, such as transmission lines, contribute to habitat alteration both directly ( through forest clearing and fragmentation) and indirectly through reduced habitat effectiveness ( through avoidance or reduced use of habitats adjacent to linear features). The proposed Project has the potential to displace wildlife away from areas during active construction as well as change wildlife movement patterns during operation. Wildlife movement patterns vary between species, with species-specific attributes such as size and life stage, and other factors such as time of day and season. Most species will alter their movements to avoid construction areas, however, some may be less affected by the human activity and noise during construction. Changes in movement patterns can also occur since some wildlife species may be attracted to the right-of-way. For example, rights-of-way may provide a travel route for predators such as wolves and bears. Increased forage availability for some wildlife species is expected once vegetation communities regenerate to early-seral vegetation (, grasses/shrubs and potential for greater berry productivity at Page 5-31

75 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/10252 clearing edges), which may attract some wildlife to the right-of-way, thereby changing their normal movement patterns. Recommended mitigation measures to reduce potential environmental effects on wildlife and wildlife habitat during construction and operation of the proposed Project are described in Table TABLE 5.14 RECOMMENDED WILDLIFE MITIGATION MEASURES Concern Mitigation Measures Loss of Wildlife Habitat Parallel existing linear corridors and reduce right-of-way width to the extent practical. Do not clear timber, stumps, brush and other vegetation beyond marked proposed construction right-of-way boundaries. Mow shrubs, rather than grub the roots if feasible, to facilitate regeneration. Use matting or minimal stripping to avoid disturbance to ground layer vegetation to the extent practical and where appropriate. Ensure lands with native vegetation are seeded with an appropriate native seed mix where required or left to naturally regenerate. Complete clean-up and reclamation following construction as soon as weather and soil conditions permit. Locate structures to avoid wetland and riparian areas, to the extent practical. Salvage and redistribute coarse woody debris on the right-of-way to facilitate reclamation and provide wildlife habitat. Limit vegetation control along the right-of-way during operations, to the extent practical. Wildlife Disturbance and Prohibit construction personnel from the recreational use of all-terrain vehicles or snowmobiles on the right-of-way. Attraction of Wildlife During Prohibit construction personnel from having dogs on the right-of-way. Construction Prohibit construction personnel from feeding or harassing wildlife. Dispose food wastes and industrial waste properly. Report any issues related to wildlife encountered during construction and operation to AESRD. Migratory Birds Clearing and construction should be scheduled to be completed outside the migratory bird RAP of May 7 to August 20 and April 20 to August 25 for wetlands attractive to migratory birds (Gregoire pers. comm.). Use "avian-safe" designs for the transmission line and substation, following the recommendations of the APLIC (APLIC 2006, 2012). Caribou Range Employ an early in/early out approach by initiating activities as early as practical in the winter and working expeditiously to limit late-winter activities in the ESAR caribou range (AESRD 2012b). Schedule construction and routine maintenance activities in the ESAR caribou range outside the recommended timing restriction of February 15 to July 15 to reduce impacts to pregnant cows and their calves, unless otherwise approved by AESRD. Exceptions include: site preparation/construction that was initiated prior to February 15; activities using Class V roads; and activities within 100 m of an all-weather road provided ground conditions are favorable. Work can continue until adverse ground conditions are encountered (Government of Alberta 2013). Implement measures to reduce line-of-sight and control access at selected locations along the proposed right-of-way (e.g., rollback, vegetation screens). The locations of site-specific measures should be determined based on input from the wildlife field work and should be implemented in the field as directed by the ATCO Electric Environment Lead. Limit vegetation control along the right-of-way during operations to the extent practical. Species with Special Conservation Status If species with special conservation status are observed during construction, specific mitigation measures will be developed, if warranted. Beaver Dam/Lodge In the event beaver dams or lodges will be disturbed, an AESRD Wildlife Damage Control Licence is required to remove a beaver, dam or lodge. Wildlife Habitat Features (mineral licks, active dens, stick nests, etc) In the event that a wildlife habitat feature is identified during construction, the feature should be flagged and the appropriate mitigation should be developed as required in consultation with AESRD Recommendations TERA recommends and plans to conduct wildlife field work in late spring or early summer The Proposed Route and proposed Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation will be surveyed to identify wildlife presence, site-specific habitats with potential to support species with special conservation status and wildlife features that may be affected by construction and operation. The potential environmental impacts of the Project to wildlife is common to transmission line development in this region of the province. With application of the recommended mitigation measures in Table 5.14, the potential environmental impacts to wildlife from construction and operation of the Project can be mitigated. Page 5-32

76 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/ SUMMARY Based on the assessment of available datasets and review of aerial imagery, the potential environmental impacts to land use, soils and terrain, aquatics, wetlands, vegetation and wildlife are common to transmission line development in this region of the province. With application of the recommended mitigation measures, the potential environmental impacts from construction and operation of the Proposed Route and proposed Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation will be adequately mitigated. 6.1 Proposed Route and Proposed Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation The results of the evaluation of the Proposed Route and proposed Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation are summarised in Table 6.1. TABLE 6.1 SUMMARY OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION OF THE SWEETHEART LAKE TRANSMISSION PROJECT Environmental Consideration 1 Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project Land Use Total Proposed Route length is.2km. Traverses native vegetation for.2km. Soils and Terrain Proect Area traverses soils with the potential for the following soils issues: organic soils; high water table/flooding; terrain instability; surface erosion; shallow bedrock; permafrost; compaction and rutting; and water erosion potential. Aquatics Three potential watercourse crossings along the Proect Area. Proposed Route crosses an AESA for approximately 5.3km (65 of the length of the Proposed Route). Wetlands Right-of-way crosses four potential wetlands for a total of 1021 m (12.5 of Proposed Route) o wetlands encountered by the Proposed Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation. Vegetation Right-of-way crosses eight areas of high rare plant potential which range from mature forest, wetland, riparian and regenerating burn. There were records of five ACIMS-listed rare plant species and there were no ACIMS-listed rare ecological communities known within the Study Area. Wildlife A search of the FWMIS database reported observations of two species listed on Schedule 1 of SARA and by COSEWIC within the Proect Area (within 1 km of Proect): woodland caribou (Threatened) and common nighthawk (Threatened). 11 additional wildlife species listed provincially as Sensitive in Alberta were reported. The proposed Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation and Proposed Route are located within the ESAR Caribou Range for approximately 6. km (77 of the length of the Proposed Route). Note: 1 Based on desktop review. Page 6-1

77 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/ REFERENCES 7.1 Personal Communications TERA wishes to acknowledge those people identified in the Personal Communications for their assistance in supplying information and comments incorporated into this report. Leeland, Stone. Fieldman, Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. Fort McMurrary, AB. Gregoire, Paul. Wildlife Biologist. Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada. Edmonton, AB. 7.2 Literature Cited Agriculture and Agri-Foods Canada Canadian System of Soil Classification. Third Edition. Canada: National Research Council of Canada. Website: order3=lu&ggroup3=gl&lang=en. Accessed: February Agriculture Canada Expert Committee on Soil Survey The Canadian system of soil classification. Second edition. Agriculture Canada Publication pp. Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development Agriculture Land Resource Atlas of Alberta, 2nd Edition. Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Resource Management and Irrigation Division, Conservation and Development Branch. Edmonton, AB. 53 pp., 25 maps. Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development Cumulative Clubroot Infestations as of November Website: Accessed: November Alberta Clubroot Management Committee Alberta Clubroot Management Plan. May pp. Website: Accessed: October Alberta Conservation Information Management System Current Element Occurrence Data s. Alberta Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture. Edmonton, AB. Various Dates. Alberta Conservation Information Management System. 2012a. Tracked Elements Listed by NaturalSubregions. May Government of Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation. Edmonton, AB. Website: /Tracked_Elements_by_Natural_Subregions.xls. Accessed: October Alberta Conservation Information Management System. 2013a. Frequently Asked Questions. Website: equests/faqs.aspx. Alberta Conservation Information Management System. 2013b. Tracking and Watch Lists. Website: Alberta Conservation Information Management System Current element occurrence data s. Alberta Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture. Edmonton, AB. Various Dates. Alberta Conservation Information Management System. 2013a. Frequently Asked Questions. Website: Accessed: October Alberta Conservation Information Management System. 2013b. Tracking and Watch Lists. Website: Accessed: October Page 7-1

78 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/10252 Alberta Energy. 2012a. Geographic Land Information Management and Planning System search. March Alberta Energy. 2012b. Interactive Maps. Website: Accessed: October 7, Alberta Energy Geographic Land Information Management and Planning System search. October 7, Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development Species Assessed by Alberta's Endangered Species Conservation Committee: Short List. Updated November 6, pp. Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development. 2012a. Cariou Protection Plan uidelines and Caribou Calving Information. September 14, pp. Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development. 2012b. Species Assessed by Alberta's Endangered Species Conservation Committee: Short List. Updated November 6, pp. Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development. 2013a. Alberta Wildfire Perimeters: 1931 to 2012 (digital file). Edmonton, AB. Available: /HistoricalWildfireInformation/SpatialWildfireData.aspx. Acquired: May 1, Update Interval: Annually. Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development. 2013b. Wildlife Sensitivity Data Sets (digital files). Edmonton, AB. Available: WildlifeSensitivityMaps/Default.aspx. Last Update Check: August Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development. 2013c. FWMIS Internet Mapping Tool Internet Mapping Framework. Website: FWMISData.aspx. Accessed: October Alberta Environment Listings of springs in Alberta. 46 pp. Alberta Environment Fort McMurray Management Area Map. ater ActCode of Practice Management Area Maps. Website: Accessed: October Alberta Environment Provincial Wetland Restoration/Compensation Guide. Revised Edition. February Website: Restoration_Compensation_Guide_Feb_2007.pdf. Accessed: September Alberta Government Lower Athabasca Regional Plan Alberta Government Code of Practice for Watercourse Crossings. Edmonton, AB. 44 pp. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development Status of the Arctic Grayling (Thymallus arcticus) in Alberta. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Fish and Wildlife Division, and Alberta Conservation Association, Wildlife Status Report No. 57. Edmonton, AB. 41 pp. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development Species Assessed by Alberta s Endangered Species Conservation Committee: Short List. Updated June 3, pp. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development General Status of Alberta Wild Species Website: Species/GeneralStatusOfAlbertaWildSpecies2010/SearchForWildSpeciesStatus.aspx. Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation Explanation of Ranks. Website: Accessed: October Page 7-2

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80 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/10252 Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. 2013a. Canadian Species at Risk. Website: Accessed: October Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. 2013b. The COSEWIC Candidate List. Website: Accessed: October Douglas, G.W., D. Meidinger and J.L. Penny Rare Native Vascular Plants of British Columbia. 2nd Edition. Province of British Columbia. Environment Canada Network of Protected Areas. Website: Accessed: October Federation of Alberta Naturalists The Atlas of Breeding Birds of Alberta: A Second Look. Federation of Alberta Naturalists. Edmonton, AB. 626 pp. Fenton, M.M., Water, E.J., Pawley, S.M., Atkinson, N., Utting, D.J., and Mckay, K Surficial Geology of Alberta. Energy Resources Conservation Board, ERCB/AGS Map 601,scale 1: Fiera Biological Consulting Ltd Aquatic Environmentally Significant Areas in Alberta. Fiera Biological Consulting Report No Prepared for Alberta Environment. Edmonton, AB. 66 pp. Fiera Biological Consulting Ltd Aquatic Environmentally Significant Areas. Prepared for Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resources Development. 70 pp. Website: Accessed: October Fisheries and Oceans Canada Measures to Avoid Causing Harm to Fish and Fish Habitat. Projects Near Water. Website: Accessed: November, Fisheries and Wildlife Management Information System Fish and Wildlife Service, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. Area-specific Online Search. Website: Accessed: December 2013.Flora of North America Editorial Committee Flora of North America North of Mexico. 12+ vols. Oxford University Press, New York, NY. Website: Accessed: October Fisheries and Wildlife Management Information System Project-specific element occurrence data search - Internet Mapping Tool. Accessed: October Flora of North America Editorial Committee Flora of North America North of Mexico. 12+ vols. Oxford University Press, New York, NY. Website: Accessed: December Government of Alberta. 2012b. Land Use Framework Regional Plans. Website: Accessed: October 2013 Government of Alberta Best Practices for Building and Working Safely on Ice Covers in Alberta. Edmonton, AB. 70 pp. Government of Alberta ntegrated tandards and uideline Enhanced Approval Process. March 28, Version pp. Government of Canada Canada: Wetland Regions. National Atlas of Canada 5th Edition. Map. Government of Canada Species at Risk Public Registry. Website: Halsey, L.A. and Vitt, D.H Alberta Wetland Inventory in: Alberta Vegetation Inventory Standards Manual. Version 2.2. Alberta Environmental Protection. Page 7-4

81 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/10252 Harris, S.A Identification of permafrost zones using selected permafrost landforms. Proceedings of the 4th Canadian Permafrost Conference. Climate and Permafrost: Kershaw, L., J. Gould, D. Johnson and J. Lancaster Rare Vascular Plants of Alberta. University of Alberta Press. Edmonton, AB. 484 pp. Kershaw, L. in preparation. Alberta Wetland Classification System. Draft Report. Prepared for Alberta Environment. Edmonton, AB. January Mackenzie, W.H. and J.R. Moran Wetlands of British Columbia: A Guide to Identification. British Columbia Ministry of Forests. Land Management Handbook 52. Milko, R Enironmental Assessment uideline for etlands. Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada. Ottawa, ON. McPhail, J. D The Freshwater Fishes of British Columbia. University of Alberta Press. Edmonton, AB. 620 pp. Moss, E.H Flora of Alberta. 2nd Edition. Revised by J.G. Packer. University of Toronto Press. Toronto, ON. 687 pp. National Wetland Working Group Wetlands of Canada. Ecological Land Classification Series, No. 24. Sustainable Development Branch, Environment Canada, Ottawa, ON and Polyscience Publications Inc. Montreal, QC. 452 p. National Wetland Working Group The Canadian wetland classification system. Edited by B.G. Warner and C.D.A. Rubec. Wetlands Research Centre, University of Waterloo. Waterloo, ON. Natural Regions Committee Natural Regions and Subregions of Alberta. Compiled by D.J. Downing and W.W. Pettapiece. Government of Alberta. Pub. No. T/ pages, 1 map. Website: Accessed: November Natural Regions Committee Natural Regions and Subregions of Alberta. Compiled by D.J. Downing and W.W. Pettapiece. Government of Alberta. Natural Resources Canada Canada-Permafrost [map]. Fifth Edition, National Atlas of Canada. Natural Resources Canada National Hydro Network (digital files). Sherbrooke, QC. Available: Acquired: April Last Update Check: May Natural Resources Canada Land Cover, Circa Vector (digital files). Earth Sciences Sector, Centre for Topographic Information. Sherbrooke, QC. Available: Acquired: September Last Update Check: November Natural Resources Canada CanVec -Transportation Railway (digital file). Sherbrooke, QC. Available: Acquired: June Last Update Check: November NatureServe. 2013a. NatureServe Explorer - An Online Encyclopedia of Life. Website: Accessed: October NatureServe. 2013b. Heritage Status: Global, National and Subnational Conservation Status Ranks. Website: Accessed: October Nelson, J. S. and M. J. Paetz The Fishes of Alberta, Second Edition. University of Alberta Press, Edmonton, AB, and University of Calgary Press. Calgary, AB. 437 pp. Pettapiece, W.W., Physiographic subdivisions of Alberta. Agriculture Canada. 1:1,500,000 map. Page 7-5

82 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/10252 Porsild, A. and W. Cody Vascular Plants of Continental Northwest Territories, Canada. National Museum of Natural Sciences, National Museum of Canada. Ottawa, ON. 667 pp. Prior, G.J., Hathway, B., Glombick, P.M., Pana, D.I., Banks, C.J., Hay, D.C., Schneider, C.L., Grobe, M., Elgr, R. and Weiss, J.A Bedrock geology of Alberta; Energy Resources Conservation Board, ERCB/AGS Map 600, scale 1: Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo Newsletter 2: The eed Control Act and the Municipality. anagement+newsletters/ env+mgmt+newsletter.pdf Accessed: October 2013 Russell, A. and A.M. Bauer The Amphibians and Reptiles of Alberta. University of Calgary Press. 264 pp. Semenchuk, G.P The Atlas of Breeding Birds of Alberta. Published by the Federation of Alberta Naturalists. 391 pp. Smith, H.D Alberta Mammals: An atlas and guide. Provincial Museum of Alberta. Edmonton, AB. 238 pp. Soil Classification Working Group The Canadian System of Soil Classification. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Publication 1646 (Revised). 187 pp. Stebbins, R.C A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians. The Peterson Field Guide Series. Houghton Mifflin Company. 279 pp. Turchenek, L.W. and J.D. Lindsay Soils inventory of the Alberta Oil Sands Environmental Research Program study area. Prep. for the Alberta Oil Sands Environmental Research Program by Alberta Research Council. Alberta Oil Sands Environmental Research Program Report pp. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization The World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Website: Accessed: October Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network Site Boundaries. Website: Accessed: October Williston, P The Botrychiaceae of Alberta. Alberta Environment. Edmonton, AB. 57 pp. 7.3 GIS Data and Mapping References This subsection includes references cited on the figures accompanying this report. Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development. 2013a. Alberta Wildfire Perimeters: 1931 to 2012 (digital file). Edmonton, AB. Available: aspx. Acquired: May 1, Update Interval: Annually. Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development Caribou Range (digital file). Edmonton, AB. Available: Acquired: April Last Update Check: January 6, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development Natural Regions and Subregions (digital file). Edmonton, AB. Available: Acquired: October Last Update Check: November 12, Page 7-6

83 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/10252 Alberta Tourism Parks and Recreation Alberta Conservation Information Management System (ACIMS) Element Occurrences (Part 1: Non-sensitive) (digital file). Edmonton, AB. Available: Acquired: September Last Update Check: January 15, AltaLIS Alberta Township System version 4.1 (digital file). Calgary, AB. Available: Acquired: October Last Update Check: December 16, AltaLIS Alberta Digital Integrated Dispositions (digital file). Calgary, AB. Available: Acquired: December 3, Update Interval: Monthly. ATCO Electric Ltd Proposed North Route (digital file). Edmonton, AB. Received: via . Acquired: December 6, Last Update Check: December 6, ATCO Electric Ltd. 2013b. Sweetheart Lake Conceptual Substation Location (digital file). Edmonton, AB. Received: via . Acquired: September 30, Last Update Check: September 30, ATCO Electric Ltd Study Area (digital file). Edmonton, AB. Received: via . Acquired: January 14, Last Update Check: January 14, BlackBridge Geomatics SPOT5 2.5m Panchromatic Satellite Imagery (digital file). Lethbridge, AB. Available: Acquired: July Government of Canada Canada Land Inventory - Land Capability for Forestry (digital files). Ottawa, ON. Available: Acquired: January Last Update Check: December 6, Government of Canada Aboriginal Lands, Canada (digital file). Edmonton, AB. Available: Acquired: October Last Update Check: October 8, IHS Inc IHS Hydro Line Data (digital file). Calgary, AB. Available: Acquired: June Last Update Check: January 21, IHS Inc. 2004b. IHS Hydro Region Data (digital file). Calgary, AB. Available: Acquired: June Last Update Check: January 21, IHS Inc IHS Road Segments (digital file). Calgary, AB. Available: January 21, Update Interval: Monthly. IHS Inc. 2013b. IHS Enhanced Pipeline Data (digital file). Calgary, AB. Available: Acquired: January 21, Update Interval: Monthly. Natural Resources Canada, Earth Sciences Sector, Centre for Topographic Information Land Cover, Circa Vector (digital files). Sherbrooke, QC. Available: Acquired: September Last Update Check: November Natural Resources Canada CanVec -Transportation Railway (digital file). Sherbrooke, QC. Available: Acquired: June Last Update Check: November Natural Resources Canada National Road Network Alberta (digital file). Sherbrooke, QC. Available: Acquired: June Last Update Check: December 6, Page 7-7

84 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/10252 TERA Environmental Consultants Hillshade. Derived from Natural Resources Canada, Earth Sciences Sector, Centre for Topographic Information Canadian Digital Elevation Data 250k (digital files). Sherbrooke, QC. Available: Acquired: Last Update Check: December TERA Environmental Consultants Wetland Delineations. TERA Environmental Consultants Proposed Dawes Substation, (Other Project; Digital File). Calgary, AB. Digitised: October 31, Last Update Check: October 31, TERA Environmental Consultants Sweetheart Lake Proposed Substation (digital file). Calgary, AB. Digitised: October 29, Last Update Check: October 29, 2013 Page 7-8

85 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/10252 APPENDIX A VEGETATION TABLES Page A-1

86 TABLE A1 RARE VASCULAR PLANT SPECIES WITH POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN PROXIMITY TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT AREA Right-of-Way within Known Species Range Preferred Habitat on Proposed Right-of-Way Provincial Designations Scientific Name Common Name Habitat VASCULAR PLANTS Agrostis exarata spike redtop Moist slopes and open areas; usually areas S that hold snow late in the growing season. Flowering from late June to August. Anemone quinquefolia wood anemone Moist woods. Flowering in July S S Arabidopsis salsuginea mouse-ear cress Moist, saline shores and flats by springs and lakes. Flowering from late April to June. Arctagrostis arundinacea polar grass Marshy ground and moist meadows S2S Artemisia tilesii Herriot's sagewort Open woods and river flats. Flowering from S3 (W) 1 -- July to October. Aster engelmannii elegant aster Open, montane woods. Flowering from July to S3S4 (W) 1 -- August. Aster umbellatus flat-topped white aster Moist woods, thickets, meadows and swampy S sites. Flowering from July to September. Astragalus bodinii Bodin's milk vetch Gravelly banks and moist, sandy meadows S Flowering in July. Blysmus rufus red bulrush Saline fens and poorly drained iron-rich ponds S Flowering in July. Boschniakia rossica ground-cone Open woodland and scrub; parasitic on alder S Flowering in July. Botrychium crenulatum scalloped grape fern Dry, open areas. Flowering from mid-spring to S1 1 G3 2 late summer. Botrychium hesperium western grape fern Mesic, grassy slopes and wooded areas SU 1 -- Flowering from early spring to early fall. Botrychium lanceolatum lance-leaved grape fern Wet, rocky slopes, meadows and woods S Flowering from late spring to mid-summer. Botrychium multifidum var. leather grape fern Moist, sandy areas and fields S3 (W) 1 -- intermedium Botrychium oneidense blunt-lobed grape fern Moist, shady, acidic woods and swamps S Botrychium pinnatum northwestern grape fern Moist or wet, open places. Flowering from S June to August. Calamagrostis lapponica Lapland reed grass Moist to dry, gravelly slopes at high elevations S Flowering in August. Campanula aparinoides marsh bellflower Wet meadows and marshes S Cardamine pratensis meadow bitter cress Bogs and swamps. Flowering from June to Yes -- S3 (W) 1 -- July. Carex adusta browned sedge Dry, acid soil, moist, sandy ground under pine S and stony ground. Flowering in July. Carex arcta narrow sedge Moist woods. Flowering in July S Carex capitata capitate sedge Boggy and often calcareous areas. Flowering S3 (W) 1 -- from June to August. Federal/Global Designations Page A-2 Page A-2 2

87 TABLE A1 Cont'd Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Carex heleonastes Hudson Bay sedge Often calcareous bogs and marshes. Fruiting from June to August. Right-of-Way within Known Species Range Preferred Habitat on Proposed Right-of-Way Provincial Designations Federal/Global Designations S Carex hystericina porcupine sedge Shady marshes. Flowering from May to June S Carex lacustris lakeshore sedge Marshes and swampy woods. Flowering from S July to August. Carex oligosperma few-fruited sedge Wet meadows and bogs. Flowering in July S Carex pedunculata stalked sedge Forest edges. Flowering from May to June. Yes Yes S Carex scoparia broom sedge Moist, open woodlands and moderate elevations. Flowering from June to July. Carex umbellata umbellate sedge Dry, open areas; often sandy. Fruiting from mid March to mid-july Yes Yes S S Carex vulpinoidea fo sedge Swampy ground. Flowering from May to July S Chrysosplenium iowense golden sa ifrage Streambanks and marshy ground in the shade. Yes Yes S3 1 G3 2 Flowering from May to June. Coptis trifolia goldthread Damp, mossy woods, muskeg, willow scrub and tundra. Flowering in July. Cypripedium acaule stemless lady's-slipper Wetlands, woods, sand dunes and sphagnum bogs. Flowering from late June to July. Cystopteris montana mountain bladder fern Springy or damp, calcareous places. Sporulating from summer to fall. Danthonia spicata poverty oat grass Dry to moist, open areas and open woodland. Flowering in July. roduces fruit from late July to September S3 (W) S S S Diphasiastrum sitchense ground-fir Open woods and barrens. Yes Yes S Drosera linearis slenderleaf sundew Marly bogs and wet, calcareous shores S3 (W) 1 -- Flowering in July. Dryopteris cristata crested shield fern Moist woods and marshes S Dryopteris filix-mas male fern Wooded slopes. Yes -- S Elatine triandra waterwort Muddy shores and shallow water. Flowering from early summer to fall. Eleocharis elliptica slender spikerush eutral to calcareous, wet places. Flowering from May to August. Elodea canadensis anada waterweed Still or slow-flowing running water in sloughs, ponds and lakes. Flowering from July to September. Epilobium halleanum Hall's willowherb Moist ground. Flowering and produces fruit in July. Epilobium lactiflorum white willowherb Moist streambanks and moist slopes to alpine elevations. Flowering from June to August. Eupatorium maculatum spotted Joe-pye weed Marshy ground and moist, open woods. Flowering from July to September. Gentianopsis detonsa ssp. raupii northern fringed gentian Moist banks and meadows. Flowering from late June to early August S S SU S S S1S S1 1 G3G3 2 Page A-3 Page A-3 3

88 TABLE A1 Cont'd Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Geranium carolinianum arolina wild geranium Dry, rocky woods and disturbed sites. Flowering from April to July. Hedyotis longifolia long-leaved bluets Open, sandy woods and montane slopes. Flowering from June to July. Hypericum majus large anada St. John'swort Moist depressions in sand dunes and sandy shores. Flowering from late June to September. Isoetes echinospora northern uillwort onds, lakes and shallow water. Flowering in late August. Juncus brevicaudatus short-tail rush Shores, marshes and pioneer on wet ground. Fruiting from mid-summer to fall. Right-of-Way within Known Species Range Preferred Habitat on Proposed Right-of-Way Provincial Designations Federal/Global Designations S S S S Yes -- S Juncus nevadensis evada rush Wet areas. Flowering from July to August S Juncus stygius var. marsh rush Fens and mossy areas around springs and S americanus seepages. Flowering in August. Lactuca biennis tall blue lettuce Moist, open woods. Flowering from July to August. Liparis loeselii Loesel's twayblade ool, moist ravines and bogs or fens. Wet, peaty or sandy meadows and e posed sand along the edges of lakes. olonises previously open and disturbed habitats during early and middle stages of reforestation. Flowering from May to August. Luzula acuminata sharp-pointed wood-rush Moist woodland and clearings. Flowering from April to May. Luzula rufescens reddish wood-rush Mi edwood forest. Flowering and fruiting in summer. Malaxis paludosa bog adder's-mouth Black spruce bogs in sphagnum moss. Flowering from June to August. Mimulus guttatus yellow monkeyflower Stream margins, meadows and springs. Flowering from July to August. Monotropa hypopithys pinesap Moist woods; saprophytic in coniferous woods. Flowering in July. Muhlenbergia racemosa marsh muhly Sandhills and dry slopes. Flowering from late July to August. roduces fruit from August to September. Najas flexilis slender naiad onds and streams. Flowering from July to August. Nymphaea leibergii pygmy water-lily onds and uiet waters. Flowering from June to September. Nymphaea tetragona white water-lily Lakes, ponds and slow-moving streams; likes deep and acidic water. Flowering throughout the summer. Pellaea glabella smooth cliff-brake Dry limestone rocks. Sporulating from summer to fall S S S S S S2S S S S S1S S S Page A-4 Page A-4 4

89 TABLE A1 Cont'd Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Pellaea glabella ssp. simplex smooth cliff-brake alcareous cliffs and ledges. Sporulating from summer to fall. Right-of-Way within Known Species Range Preferred Habitat on Proposed Right-of-Way Provincial Designations Federal/Global Designations S Phegopteris connectilis northern beech fern Moist woodlands S Physostegia ledinghamii false dragonhead Moist woods and streambanks. Flowering from S3 (W) 1 G3 2 July to September. Pinguicula villosa small butterwort Sphagnum bogs. Flowering from mid-june to S July. Plantago maritima seaside plantain Saline marshes. Flowering in June S Polygala paucifolia fringed milkwort Marshy, coniferous woods. Flowering from S May to early July. Polypodium sibiricum Siberian polypody Shaded, sheltered slopes. Sporulating from S3 (W) 1 -- summer to early fall. Potamogeton foliosus leafy pondweed Shallow, standing water. Flowering from July S to September. Potamogeton obtusifolius blunt-leaved pondweed Lakes, ponds, cold springs and streams S Flowering from July to September. Potamogeton robbinsii obbins' pondweed Shallow water. Flowering from August to S September. Potamogeton strictifolius linear-leaved pondweed Wet places submerged in water. Flowering Yes -- S from July to September. Potentilla multifida branched cin uefoil Gravel bars and open slopes. Flowering in S July. Rhynchospora capillacea slender beak-rush alcareous bogs. Flowering in July S Sagittaria latifolia broad-leaved arrowhead onds and lakes. Flowering in August S Salix sitchensis Sitka willow Alluvial soil (Athabasca iver). Flowering in May S Scirpus pallidus pale bulrush Marshy areas. Flowering from June to July S Sisyrinchium septentrionale pale blue-eyed grass Moist, grassy areas. Flowering from May to S3 1 G3G4 2 July. Sparganium glomeratum bur-reed onds. Flowering in July S S Sparganium hyperboreum northern bur-reed A uatic plants in shallow alpinesubalpine lakes. Flowering from July to August. Spartina pectinata prairie cord grass Saline shores and marshes. Flowering from late June to July. Spergularia salina salt-marsh sand spurry Brackish or saline muds and sands. Flowering from May to August. Sphenopholis obtusata prairie wedge grass Moist meadows and open woods. Flowering from June to July. Spiranthes lacera northern slender ladies'- tresses Small, disturbed areas within moist, mixedwood forests. Flowering in mid-july. Stellaria crispa wavy-leaved chickweed Moist woods and moderate elevations. Flowering from June to July. Streptopus roseus rose mandarin Moist, coniferous forests. Flowering from June to July S Yes -- S2S S S S S Page A-5 Page A-5 5

90 TABLE A1 Cont'd Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Trichophorum clintonii linton's bulrush pen woodland and turfy shores. Flowering from May to June. Viola pallens Macloskey's violet Boggy or wet ground and wet thickets. Flowering from May to July. Wolffia columbiana watermeal Floating or ust beneath surface in beaver ponds. eproduce only by budding. Right-of-Way within Known Species Range Preferred Habitat on Proposed Right-of-Way Provincial Designations Federal/Global Designations Yes -- S Yes -- S2S S Sources: Alberta onservation nformation Management System A MS 2 12, 2 13a,b, Alberta nvironment and Sustainable esource evelopment 2 12, Argus and ryer 1, ommittee on the Status of ndangered ildlife in anada 2 13, ouglas et al. 2 2, Flora of orth America ditorial ommittee 1 3, overnment of anada 2 13, ershaw et al. 2 1, Moss 1 3, atureserve 2 13a,b, orsild and ody 1, illiston 2 1 Notes: 1. rovincial S ranks are assigned by the provincial and federal onservation ata entres s and in cases of conflict or missing data, the provincial will have preference. anks range from 1 five or fewer occurrences to demonstrably secure under present conditions and definitions below are adapted from atureserve 2 13b, unless noted otherwise. S1 ritically mperilled due to extreme rarity or due to some factors making it especially vulnerable to extirpation. ypically or fewer occurrences or very few remaining individuals 1,. S2 mperilled due to rarity or due to some factors making it very vulnerable to extirpation. ypically -2 occurrences or few remaining individuals 1, -3,. S3 ulnerable rare and uncommon or found in a restricted range even if abundant at some locations, or due to other factors making it vulnerable to extirpation. ypically 21-1 occurrences or between 3, and 1, individuals. S Apparently Secure uncommon, however, not rare and usually widespread in the province. ossible cause of long-term concern. sually more than 1 occurrences and more than 1, individuals. S Secure common, widespread and abundant in the province. ssentially ineradicable under present conditions. ypically with considerably more than 1 occurrences and more than 1, individuals. S S ange ank a numeric range rank e.g., S2S3 is used to indicate the range of uncertainty about the exact status of the element. S nrankable currently unrankable due to lack of information or due to substantially conflicting information about status or trends. S nexact numeric rank denotes inexact numeric rank. esignates a rank associated with a subspecies. atch ist elements that are not currently considered as high conservation concern, however, there is some information to suggest that they may become rare should there be significant alterations to the elements habitats or population. ata for watch-listed elements are collected by A MS lobal ranks are based on species status world-wide and follow a system parallel to that for rovincial anks ote 1, ranging from 1 five or fewer occurrences to demonstrably secure under present conditions. nly lobal anks of concern 1 to 3 or uestionable ranks are displayed, range ranks which include a 1 to 3 ranking are also included e.g., 3 atureserve 2 13b. Page A-6 Page A-6 6

91 TABLE A2 RARE ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES WITH THE POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN PROXIMITY TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT AREA Scientific Names Common Names Right-of-Way within Community Range Provincial and Global Ranks 1 Forest/Woodland Betula neoalaskana/ledum groenlandicum Alaska birchcommon abrador tea Yes S1S2 Larix laricina - Picea mariana/cornus stolonifera - Rubus idaeus tamarack - black sprucered-osier dogwood - wild red raspberry Yes S1S2 Larix laricina/carex prairea tamarackprairie sedge -- S1 Picea glauc/alnus incana ssp. tenuifolia - Betula neoalaskana/ Equisetum white spruceriver alder - Alaska birchmeadow horsetail stair-step moss Yes S3 pratense/hylocomium splendens Picea glauca/cetraria islandica white sprucelichen Yes S1 Picea glauca/equisetum scirpoides forest white sprucedwarf scouring-rush forest -- S Picea mariana/cornus stolonifera/feathermoss black sprucered-osier dogwoodfeathermoss Yes S1S2 balsam poplarriver alder - red-osier dogwood meadow horsetail Yes S3 Populus balsamifera/alnus incana ssp. tenuifolia -Cornus stolonifera/equisetum pratense Populus balsamifera/rhamnus alnifolia/equisetum arvense balsam poplaralder-leaved buckthorncommon horsetail -- S1 Populus balsamifera/viburnum opulus/matteuccia struthiopteris balsam poplarhigh-bush cranberryostrich fern -- S1S2 Populus tremuloides/rosa aciculari/apocynum androsaemifolium aspenprickly rosespreading dogbane Yes S1S2 Populus tremuloides/rubus parviflorus/aralia nudicaulis aspenthimbleberrywild sarsaparilla -- S2S3 Populus tremuloides/salix bebbiana - Corylus cornuta/calamagrostis canadensis - aspenbeaked willow - beaked ha elnutblueoint - ostrich fern Yes S1 Matteuccia struthiopteris Populus tremuloides/vaccinium myrtilloides woodland aspencommon blueberry woodland Yes S2 Shrubland Alnus incana ssp. tenuifolia/matteuccia struthiopteris shrubland river alderostrich fern shrubland Yes S2 Amelanchier alnifolia/arctostaphylos uva-ursi/oryzopsis pungens saskatooncommon bearberrynorthern rice grass -- S2S3 Andromeda polifolia/sarracenia purpurea/sphagnum angustifolium bog rosemarypitcher-plantpeat moss -- S1S2 Chamaedaphne calyculata - Kalmia polifolia/cladina mitis leatherleaf - northern laurelgreen reindeer lichen -- S1S2 Salix drummondiana/scirpus microcarpus - Calamagrostis canadensis rummond's willow small-fruited bulrush - blueoint -- S1 Salix pedicellari/potentilla palustris rich fen bog willowmarsh cin uefoil rich fen Yes S2 Symphoricarpos albus Amelanchier alnifolia slope type snowberry saskatoon shrubby slope Yes S2 Herbaceous Atriplex subspicata - Puccinellia nuttalliana - Triglochin palustris string fen spearscale saltbrush - uttalls salt-meadow grass - slender arrow grass -- S1S3 Calamagrostis stricta - Triglochin maritima string fen narrow reed grass - seaside arrow-grass string fen -- S1S3 Carex limosa - Menyanthes trifoliata - Cardamine pratensis mud sedge - buck-bean - meadow bitter cress Yes S1S2 Carex limosa - Scheuchzeria palustris/sphagnum teres - S. subsecundum mud sedge - scheuch eriapeat moss -- S1 Carex oligosperma/sphagnum subsecundum few-fruited sedgetwisted bog moss -- S1S2 Carex pseudocyperus - Calla palustris cyperus-like sedge - water arum -- S2 Carex retrorsa marsh turned sedge marsh -- S1S2 Carex rostrata marsh beaked sedge marsh -- S2 Elymus trachycaulus - Distichlis stricta slender wheatgrass - salt grass -- S1 Hudsonia tomentosa sand flats sand heather sand flats -- S2 Elymus trachycaulus - Hierochloe hirta ssp arctica slender wheatgrass - sweet grass -- S Triglochin maritima - Carex praegracilis spring fen seaside arrow-grass - graceful sedge spring fen -- S1S2 Page A-7

92 TABLE A2 Cont'd Scientific Names Common Names Sparsely Vegetated Puccinellia nuttalliana - Suaeda calceoliformis - Spergularia marina barren uttall's salt-meadow grass - western sea-blite - salt-marsh sand spurry barren Right-of-Way within Community Range Provincial and Global Ranks 1 -- S2 Salicornia rubra emergent marsh samphire emergent marsh -- S2, 2 3 Aquatic Cymbella pusilla - Mastogloia smithii - Nitzschia palea diatom ponds -- S1S3 Isoetes echinospora a uatic community northern uillwort a uatic community -- S1 Sparganium eurycarpum emergent a uatic vegetation giant bur-reed emergent a uatic vegetation -- S1S2 Source: Allen 2 12 Notes: 1. rovincial S and lobal ratings range from S1 five or fewer occurrences or very few remaining hectares to S demonstrably secure, though it may be uite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery. anks may be combined e.g., S1S2. his indicates a larger margin of error than ranks assigned a ualifier. atings that are not of concern - are not included. lement is not yet ranked i.e., S, or has an inexact numerical rank e.g., S1. nrankable currently unrankable due to lack of information or due to substantially conflicting information about status or trends. Page A-8

93 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/10252 APPENDIX B WILDLIFE SPECIES WITH SPECIAL CONSERVATION STATUS WITH THE POTENTIAL TO OCCUR WITHIN THE STUDY AREA Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Provincial Designations MAMMALS Gulo gulo wolverine Boreal forests, tundra, subalpine areas. S3 1 Lasiurus cinereus hoary bat oosts in coniferous or deciduous forest. Forages in openings, including above the forest canopy. May Be At isk 3 Federal Designations Special oncern S2.h 1 Sensitive Lynx canadensis anada lynx oniferous and mixed forests. S 1 Sensitive 3 Martes pennanti fisher ense coniferous forests. S3S 1 Sensitive 3 Microtus xanthognathus taiga vole pland areas along rivers near stands of S 1 -- horsetails. Myotis lucifugus little brown myotis oosts in buildings, large decaying trees, and rock crevicescaves. Forages in a variety of habitats, especially wetlands. S.h 1 ndangered Myotis septentrionalis northern myotis Mature or old-growth deciduousconiferous forest Rangifer tarandus pop. 1 woodland caribou, boreal population S2S3.h 1 May Be At isk 3 Mature coniferous and mixedwood forests. S2 1 hreatened 2 At isk 3 ndangered hreatened, Sorex hoyi pygmy shrew ry, upland coniferous and deciduous forests. S BIRDS Accipiter gentilis northern goshawk Mature mixedwood forest with high canopy closure. Anas acuta northern pintail pen areas with seasonal shallow ponds, marshes and reedy shallow lakes with drier margins. Anas crecca green-winged teal ooded ponds and streams. ests in upland area in dense cover, often in shrubs or sedges. n grassland subregions, typically nests in sedges on low ground near sloughs. Ardea herodias great blue heron pen shallow water at edges of freshwater lakes and streams. Aythya affinis lesser scaup ermanent and semi-permanent wetlands with tall, dense herbaceous vegetation for nesting. Botaurus lentiginosus American bittern Areas with a dense growth of emergent vegetation or tall grasses. S3S 1 -- Sensitive 3 S S 1 -- Sensitive 3 S S 1 Sensitive 3 -- S Sensitive 3 S 1 -- Sensitive 3 S3S 1 -- Sensitive 3 Buteo platypterus broad-winged hawk Mature forests. S3 1 Sensitive 3 -- Cardellina canadensis Canada warbler Mature, mixedwood forests near water. Prefers continuous (unfragmented) forests. S3S4 (T) 1 Sensitive 3 Threatened 4,5 Certhia americana brown creeper Coniferous and mixed mature forests. S3S4 (W) 1 Sensitive 3 -- Chlidonias niger black tern Shallow lakes, marshes, sloughs, ponds and wet meadows. Chordeiles minor common nighthawk Open forest and forest clearings (e.g., logged or burned areas, natural woodland clearings), grasslands, rock outcrops and flat gravel rooftops of buildings. Typically nest in open areas near logs, boulders, grassy clumps and shrubs. Circus cyaneus northern harrier Open areas near wetlands or marshy meadows. S4 (W) 1 -- Sensitive 3 S4 (T) 1 Threatened 4,5 Sensitive 3 S5 (W) 1 -- Sensitive 3 Page B-1

94 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/10252 Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Contopus cooperi olive-sided flycatcher orests and woodlands, burned areas with standing dead trees, taiga, subalpine coniferous forest and mixed coniferousdeciduous forest, especially near wetland areas. Contopus sordidulus western wood-pewee Conifer and mixedwood forest, forest edges and woodlands poplar forests and riparian areas. Provincial Designations Federal Designations S3 (T) 1 May e t isk 3 Threatened 4,5 S4 (W) 1 -- Sensitive 3 Coturnicops noveboracensis yellow rail arge, dense grass or sedge marshes. S (T) 1 Special Concern 4,5 Dryocupus pileatus pileated woodpecker Mature forests with large trees. S3S4 (W) 1 -- Sensitive 3 Empidonax flaviventris yellow-bellied flycatcher Moist coniferous forests, swamps, bogs. S (T) 1 -- Empidonax minimus least flycatcher eciduous and mixedwood forests. S5 (W) 1 -- Sensitive 3 Euphagus carolinus rusty blackbird iver groves, wooded swamps, muskeg. S4 (T) 1 Sensitive 3 Special Concern 4,5 Falco sparverius merican kestrel Open or partly open habitats (e.g., grasslands, farmland, watercourses) with scattered trees or woodlands. Geothlypis trichas common yellowthroat reas with dense, low vegetation (e.g., wetlands, early successional forests, forests with dense understory vegetation). S5 (W) 1 Sensitive 3 -- S4 (W) 1 Sensitive 3 -- Grus canadensis sandhill crane Marshes, bogs adacent to ponds. S4 (W) 1 Sensitive 3 -- Haliaeetus leucocephalus bald eagle Typically nest in mature trees along forest edges often associated with lakes or rivers. Hirundo rustica barn swallow Open areas near water. Often nest in overhangs of man-made structures (e.g., barns, bridges), cliffs or caves. Icterus galbula altimore oriole eciduous forests or mixedwood forests dominated by deciduous trees. est typically associated with forest edges where tree density is low and water is near. Nycticorax nycticorax black-crowned night heron arge marshy lakes or ponds man-made impoundments. Pandion haliaetus osprey Trees or man-made structures (e.g., utility poles) near waterbodies. Picoides arcticus black-backed woodpecker ecaying snags in burns, logged areas and windfalls in mixed or coniferous forests. S4 (W) 1 -- Sensitive 3 S4 (W) 1 Threatened 5 Sensitive 3 S4 (W) 1 -- Sensitive 3 S (T) 1 -- Sensitive 3 S4 (W) 1 -- Sensitive 3 S S3 (W) 1 -- Sensitive 3 Piranga ludoviciana western tanager Mature mixedwood forests. S3S4 (W) 1 Sensitive 3 -- Podiceps auritus horned grebe Shallow ponds and marshes. est along edge of emergent vegetation near open water. Podilymbus podiceps pied-billed grebe Marshes and ponds with dense emergent vegetation along periphery. Porzana carolina sora Wetlands with a mix of both shallow and moderately deep water and emergent vegetation. Rallus limicola irginia rail reshwater lakes, ponds, marshes, sloughs and bogs. Riparia riparia bank swallow Open areas, often near water. esting near the top of steep banks associated with inland water, gravel pits and road embankments. esting in the same area in successive years is common. Sayornis phoebe eastern phoebe Open wooded areas, often at forest edges. Prefers habitat near lakes or streams. Typically nest on cliff edges, caves, earthbank overhangs sometimes nest in buildings, culverts or bridges. Setophaga castanea bay-breasted warbler Spruce sprucepine tamarack mixedwood coniferous dominated mixedwood. S3 (W) 1 Special Concern 5 Sensitive 3 S4 (W) 1 -- Sensitive 3 S5 (W) 1 -- Sensitive 3 S (T) 1 -- S5 1 Threatened 5 S4 (W) 1 Sensitive 3 -- S3 (W) 1 -- Sensitive 3 Page B-2

95 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/10252 Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Setophaga fusca blackburnian warbler Mature balsam, white spruce forest or mixedwood forests. Setophaga pensylvanica chestnut-sided warbler airly open deciduous woodland, dense undergrowth. Setophaga tigrina Cape May warbler Mature white spruce stands of coniferous mixedwood forests open stands and edges. Setophaga virens black-throated green warbler Coniferous, or mixed forests, often nests high up in conifers. Provincial Designations Federal Designations S (T) 1 -- Sensitive 3 S (T) 1 -- S3 (W) 1 -- Sensitive 3 S3S4 (W) 1 Special Concern Sensitive 3 -- Strix nebulosa great gray owl Mature forests. S4 (W) 1 Sensitive 3 Surnia ulula northern hawk owl Open coniferous or mixedwoods, muskeg. S3S4 (W) 1 -- Tympanuchus phasianellus sharp-tailed grouse Open prairie, shrubby sandhills, coulees and margins of watercourses. AMPHIBIANS Anaxyrus hemiophrys Canadian toad Primarily boreal forest and aspen parkland shallows of temporary water bodies. S3S4 (W) 1 -- Sensitive 3 S3 (T) 1 -- May e t isk 3 Sources: CMS 1, CMS 13a,b, S 1 b, S 11, TP, anfield 1 4, COS WC 13, ederation of lberta aturalists, nvironment Canada 13, atureserve 13a, atureserve 13b, ussell and auer 1 3, Semenchuk 1, Smith 1 3, Stebbins 1 Notes: 1. Provincial (S) ranks are assigned by CMS ( 13a). Only anks S1 to S3, a rank involving S1 to S3 (e.g., S3S4), S and S are included in this table, as well as all species on the CMS Tracking and Watch lists. ll definitions below are adapted from atureserve ( 13b). S1 Critically mperilled because of extreme rarity or because of some factor(s) making it especially vulnerable to extirpation. Typically 5 or fewer occurrences or very few remaining individuals ( 1, ). S mperilled because of rarity or because of some factor(s) making it very vulnerable to extirpation. Typically - occurrences or few remaining individuals (1, -3, ). S3 ulnerable because rare and uncommon, or found in a restricted range (even if abundant at some locations), or because of other factors making it vulnerable to extirpation. Typically 1-1 occurrences or between 3, and 1, individuals. S4 pparently Secure uncommon but not rare, and usually widespread in the province. Possible cause of long-term concern. sually more than 1 occurrences and more than 1, individuals. S5 Secure common, widespread, and abundant in the province. ssentially ineradicable under present conditions. Typically with considerably more than 1 occurrences and more than 1, individuals. S S ange ank a numeric range rank (e.g., S S3) is used to indicate the range of uncertainty about the exact status of the element. S nrankable Currently unrankable due to lack of information or due to substantially conflicting information about status or trends. S Possibly xtirpated: nown from only historical records but still some hope of rediscovery. reeding refers to the breeding population of the species in the nation or province. (W) Watch ist elements that are not currently considered as high conservation concern, but there is some information to suggest that they may become rare should there be significant alterations to the elements habitats or population. ata for watch listed elements are collected by CMS ( CMS 13b). ot pplicable a conservation status is not applicable because the species is not a suitable target for conservation activities. (T) Tracking ist elements for which CMS is actively collecting information on and processing element occurrences for because they are elements that current information suggests are rare or of conservation concern due to threats to populations or habitats or documented declines ( CMS 13b). (T.h) Tracking ist - hibernacula elements for which CMS is collecting detailed information on known locations of hibernacula only ( CMS 13b).. lbertas Wildlife Act. species legislated as ndangered or Threatened under the Wildlife Act or designated Special Concern by the ndangered Species Conservation Committee ( SCC) using definitions based on those used by the Committee on the Status of ndangered Wildlife in Canada ( S 1 ) (see ote ). 3. Status designation assigned in the 1 eneral Status of lberta Wild Species ( S 11). Only t isk, May e t isk and Sensitive status designations are displayed in this table. efinitions below are from S ( 11). At Risk: ny species known to be t isk after formal detailed status assessment and legal designation as ndangered or Threatened in lberta. May Be At Risk: ny species that May e t isk of extinction or extirpation, and is therefore a candidate for detailed risk assessment. Sensitive: ny species that is not at risk of extinction or extirpation but may re uire special attention or protection to prevent it from -- Page B-

96 ATCO Electric Ltd. Environmental Evaluation Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project February 2014/10252 becoming at risk. 4. Species at Risk Act (SARA). The Act establishes Schedule 1 as the list of species to be protected on all federal lands in Canada. The Act also applies to all lands in Canada for Schedule 1 bird species cited in the Migratory Birds Convention Act. Endangered: a species that is facing imminent extirpation or extinction. Threatened: a species that is likely to become an endangered species if nothing is done to reverse the factors leading to its extirpation or extinction. Special Concern: species that is particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events, but is not an endangered or threatened species. 5. Committee on the Status of ndangered Wildlife in Canada (COS WC 13). Only species designated as ndangered, Threatened or Special Concern are included. Endangered: species facing imminent extirpation or extinction. Threatened: species likely to become endangered if limiting factors are not reversed. Special Concern: species that is particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events, but is not an endangered or threatened species. Page B-4

97 ATCO Electric Ltd. Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project Application to Alberta Utilities Commission Attachment 3 Participant Involvement Program February 2014 ATTACHMENT 3 PARTICIPANT INVOLVEMENT PROGRAM 1.0 PROGRAM OVERVIEW AND OBJECTIVES 1. ATCO Electric Ltd. ATCO Electricundertook a comrehensive articiant involvement rogram or the Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project the Projectin accordance with Section and Aendi A oauc Rule 007: Applications for Power Plants, Substations, Transmission Lines and Industrial System Designations. The rogram included consultations with landholderstraersaboriginal communitiesgovernment agencies municialitiesand non-government organiations. Consultation activities or the Project have been on-going or more than 12 months and will continue or the duration othe Project. 2. n designing and eecuting the articiant 1 involvement rogramatco Electric sought to inorm and consult with all arties who may be directly and/or adversely a ected by the Project. The objectives othe rogram were to rovide these arties with roject-seciic inormation and oortunities to voice their concerns and ask uestions. ATCO Electric undertook these activities with a commitment to work with otentially imacted and other interested arties to discuss otionsaddress uestionsconcerns andwhere racticable resolve issues.. ATCO Electrics articiant involvement rogram or the Project consisted othe ollowing stages Program initiation early discussions with government agencies and industry Public notiication concetual route and site otion and announcedinut sought Consultations ersonal consultations on concetual route and site otion esolution oconcerns route and substation site reinements identiied mitigation otions discussed Project udate site layout was resentedinut soughtand Consultations ersonal consultations on concetual site layout. 4. The timing oactivities included in ATCO Electrics articiant involvement rogram or the Project are outlined in Table A. etails associated with each stage othe rogram are described in Sections 2 to. 1 For the uroses othis documentarticiantreers to all occuantsresidentslandholdersagenciesmunicialities and other interested arties contacted by ATCO Electric during its articiant involvement rogram or this Project. Page 1

98 ATCO Electric Ltd. Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project Application to Alberta Utilities Commission Attachment 3 Participant Involvement Program February Feedback obtained throughout the articiant involvement rogram layed an imortant role in roject lanning. ndividual consultations generated new inormation that was used to identiy additional route constraintswhich were then taken into consideration during subseuent routing analysis.. Following submission othe Facility Alicationall articiants identiied by ATCO Electric rom the outset othe articiant involvement rogram will receive an udate about the Project announcing that ATCO Electric has alied or the Proosed oute. Those on the route and in the vicinity othe substation site will be advised othe construction schedule and details rior to construction. TABLE A: TIMING OF KEY PROGRAM ACTIVITIES Timing February 201 ovember 201 ovember 201-anuary 2014 January February 2014 Activity or Milestone Program initiation Early meetings and discussions with governmentindustry and others. Public notiication Project inormation ackages identiying the reliminary route and the substation site were mailed to industry stakeholdersoccuantsagencies and other interested arties in the Project Study Area. Project details were ublished on ATCO Electrics website. Aboriginal consultation rogram was initiated. Consultations or the Project Personal consultations were conducted with landholdersoccuantsagenciesfirst ations and other interested arties within 00 m othe reliminary route otion and substation site. Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project Update Project update packages identifying the planned substation layout were mailed to landholders, occupants, agencies and other interested parties in the Project Study Area. Project details were published on ATCO Electric s website. 2.0 PROGRAM INITIATION 7. Pre-consultation activities were initiated in February Early activities included discussions with government and industry identified to have the greatest stake in the project. Meetings were held with representatives of agencies responsible for administering legislation potentially applicable to the Project. ATCO Electric also met with industrial participants who had mineral lease rights in the project area. The purpose was to inform these parties of the nature of the Project and that route planning was underway, and to obtain the latest information with respect to environmentally sensitive areas and future development plans in the Project area. 8. Input from the meetings was used to identify routing constraints and preferences. Conceptual route and substation location options were discussed at these initial meetings.this input was combined with information gathered from maps and field assessments and other sources to identify the conceptual route option based on the standard routing criteria described in Section 3 of the Application Text [Attachment 1]. Page 2

99 ATO. A A A P I P.0 PI NOTIIATION ONPTA ROT AN IT. P N T P 20. Following the identification of a conceptual route, ATCO Electric commenced the public notification stage of the participant involvement program. The purpose was to inform the public of the Project, to answer uestions and address concerns of potentially affected participants and other interested parties, and to gather feedback regarding the conceptual route and substation and the Study Area. 10. In ovember 2013, ATCO Electric mailed written information about the Project. This information contained the Conceptual oute and substation disposition location, and was sent to landholders, occupants and trappers within 800 metres mof the conceptual route and 800 m of the awes and Sweetheart Lake substation sites. Other interested parties, such as municipalities and government departments were also mailed the information package. Over 30 information packages were distributed. 11. The materials distributed by mail were also made available on ATCO Electric s website and included the following ATCO Electric brochures Project Information, Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project; Technical Details, Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project Alberta Utilities Commission AUCbrochure Public Involvement in Needs and Facilities Applications Alberta Electric System Operator brochure Need for the Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation in the Southwest Fort McMurray Area eply form and postage-paid return envelope Mosaic map showing the Conceptual oute and Substation option 12. Samples of the information packages are included in Attachment 12. ATCO Electric s project-specific information brochures clearly describe various aspects of the Project including the consultation process and contained the following project-specific information Project Planner s name and contact information including website, phone, toll free phone number, fax, , and mailing addressfor reuesting further information escription of the facilities and associated locations, including Conceptual oute and substation option locations of facilities were also shown on mosaic maps included with the brochure iagrams of typical transmission line structures and right-of-way alignments escription of the route and site selection process and the Facility Application process Proposed timeline for the Projectand Page 3

100 ATO. A A A P I P ackground information on ATCO Electric. T P 20.0 PI NOTIIATION TART A TRANMIION PROT PAT 13. Following the identification of the Substation Site layout, ATCO Electric sent a Project update to the public. The purpose was to update the public on the Project, to answer uestions and address concerns of potentially affected participants and other interested parties, and to gather feedback regarding the Substation layout. 14. In January 2014, ATCO Electric mailed the Project update. This information contained the substation site layout and was sent to landholders, occupants and trappers within 800 m of the substation site. Other interested parties, such as municipalities and government departments were also mailed the information package. Over 30 information Project updates were distributed. 1. The materials distributed by mail included the following ATCO Electric letter Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project pdate Site layout showing the planned euipment areas 1. Samples of the Project update are included in Attachment 12. The project-specific information clearly detailed the Project Planner s name and contact information including website, phone, toll free phone number, fax, , and mailing addressfor reuesting further informationand escription of the site layout, with areas for the substation facilities and the fenceline demarcated..0 ONTATION T ROT AN IT 17. ATCO Electric sought to conduct personal consultations with all landholders, occupants, and trappers within 800 m of the conceptual route and within 800 m of the boundaries of the conceptual Sweetheart Lake Substation 2032S site and the awes Substation 2011S. These consultations were conducted in person, by phone, or through correspondence, based on the preference of the participant. Other interested parties, such as municipalities, government departments, and industry were also consulted. 18. The purpose of these consultations was to explain the potential impacts of the Project, to document the views and concerns of participants, and to collect site-specific information about potential impacts. uring these meetings, ATCO Electric representatives recorded participant concerns and feedback on the conceptual route and site options and provided or Page 4

101 ATO. A A A P I P T P 20 arranged to provide additional information when reuested. In some cases, additional visits andor follow-up calls were made to participants on the conceptual route option, based on feedback from initial consultation. Personal consultations were also conducted with other interested parties including municipal, provincial and federal government agencies, industry, and Aboriginal communities. 1. Feedback from consultation was reviewed and entered into ATCO Electric s consultation tracking database. Input received during consultation and analysis of consultation results were used in combination with other standard routing criteria described in Section 3 of Attachment 1 to refine the route for the Project that ATCO Electric anticipated would have the least overall impact to the land, landholders and surrounding community..0 MMAR O PARTIIPANT A 20. ATCO Electric used its consultation tracking database to document the information collected during the participant involvement program. Systematic records were kept for each participant and included the following Participant contact information escription of the land interestsheld by the participant, by parcel ecords of land titles for all parcels where land interests are held ecords of all communications with the participant throughout the notification and consultation processand ocumentation of follow-up reuests and follow-up activities. 21. ATCO Electric has carefully considered the feedback received from industry, government, Aboriginal communities and other interested parties. As comment forms were received by ATCO Electric, information from those forms was reviewed by Project staff and input into ATCO Electric s consultation tracking database. The comment form review process was used to identify issues or concerns that reuired follow-up and to identify site-specific opportunities to mitigate Project impacts. 22. ATCO Electric considers the participant involvement program to be an important part of the planning and development process. Through meaningful discussions with government agencies, trappers, and industrial stakeholders, ATCO Electric acuired valuable feedback with regard to the Project and was able to address many of the participants concerns. here applicable, feedback was incorporated into Project design and planning. ATCO Electric is committed to continuing open and transparent consultation throughout the duration of the Project in an effort to resolve outstanding issues. Page

102 ATO. A A A P I P T P The following tables summarie the comments and concerns of participants directly affected by, or immediately adjacent to, the conceptal Sweetheart Lake Substation 2032S, awes Substation 2011S and transmission line 7L The following sections contain a comprehensive summary of the participants directly affected by, or immediately adjacent to, the Proposed Sweetheart Lake Substation 2032S and transmission line 7L147the nature of their land interestsand any concerns raised. Also included is ATCO Electric s response to concerns, where applicable. This information is presented as follows Consultation with government agencies Section.1 Consultation with industry landholders Section.2 Consultation with trappers Section.3 Aboriginal consultation Section.4 Summary of Consultation and ATCO Electric s esponse Tables -.. G A 2. ATCO Electric notified and consulted with all federal, provincial and municipal agencies identified as participants in accordance with A ule 00. ATCO Electric s consultation with these agencies began in April 2013, through meetings to introduce the Project concept and Study Area and solicit information on known and potential developments. As participants, these agencies received all notification materials issued at each stage of the participant involvement program. 2. Consultation with these agencies was initiated with a phone call andor to agency representatives to review and receive comments on project-specific information provided to them. ATCO Electric also met with a number of these agencies, where reuested, to clarify or provide additional information and attempt to resolve specific concerns in relation to conceptual routes. 27. ATCO Electric has succeeded in meeting program objectives to date. ATCO Electric was able to respond to all concerns. A list of the specific concerns raised by agencies regarding the Project and ATCO Electric s responses is summaried in Table. Page

103 ATO. A A A P I P TA MMAR O AGN OMMNT T P 20 MNIIPA O N A R egional Municipality of ood uffalo Consulted o concerns or objections. A PROINIA Alberta Culture AC Consulted Sweetheart Lake Substation and transmission line 7L147 have been granted A clearance. Updated mosaic showing final alignment and selected substation site was submitted to AC in ovember o concerns or objections. ill comply with any recommendations issued by AC. Alberta Energy Coal and Mineral evelopment CM Alberta Energy - Oil Sands Sustainable evelopment Secretariat Alberta Environment and Sustainable esource evelopment AES Alberta Tourism, Parks and ecreation - Parks ivision otified Any concerns will be forwarded to Alberta Energy through the field offices of ES. CM will not be responding to the project directly. A otified o concerns or objections. A Consulted orked with ATCO Electric to select the most preferable transmission line route through numerous rounds of consultation. AES accepts the proposed site and route. A otified o concerns or objections. A Alberta Energy egulator otified o concerns or objections. A RA A Canada Aeronautical Information Services otified Submit Land Use Proposal. ill comply. Transport Canada Civil Aviation Consulted o concerns or objections. If construction is planned in close proximity to an aerodrome, an Aeronautical Obstruction Clearance Form must be submitted. ill comply. Transport Canada avigable aters Consulted Conduct a self-assessment of each crossing against the PA Minor orks and aterways Order Aerial Cable Crossings. Submit application for approval if crossings do not meet criteria. ill comply. Fisheries and Oceans Canada FO - abitat Impact Assessment Consulted o concerns or objections. Submit notification form for overhead line construction if reuired. ill comply. TIITI OTR TELUS Consulted. o concerns or objections. A.2 I 28. Industry participants holding various dispositions on land located within 800 m of the edge of the right-of-way of any conceptual route option were included in the Project notification. ATCO Electric sought to complete personal consultations with industrial participants holding caveats and dispositions on land traversed by the right-of-way of the route option. These Page 7

104 ATO. A A A P I P T P 20 companies included oil and gas producers, large distribution and transmission pipelines. Table contains a list of the individual concerns raised by industrial participants and ATCO Electric s associated responses. Concerns that were common to multiple industrial participants are further described in Sections.2.1 to Some of the companies that responded expressed no concerns, provided ATCO Electric observed the reuired separation from well sites and mitigated any electrical effects from the transmission line on pipeline facilities. Some also reuested crossing agreements prior to commencement of Project construction. 30. In planning the selected route, ATCO Electric maintained a minimum separation of 40 m between the centreline of the route and any well head or metres from the edge of the right of way and any abandoned wellbore. Often the separation is greater in order to avoid the right-of-way overlapping the well lease site. 31. ith respect to pipelines, ATCO Electric has agreed that it will reimburse owners for reasonable costs incurred for the analysis, design and installation of mitigation measures demonstrated to be necessary as a result of the Project and enter into the necessary crossing and proximity agreements as is its usual practice regarding these facilities One industrial party indicated that the new facilities should be located in an area that would least impact their future development plans. This concern and corresponding routing consideration is described throughout Section 3 of Attachment A 33. One Industrial party indicated that they reuire a minimum clearance of 40 feet when crossing access roads. ATCO Electric will comply by ensuring that the wire heights have a clearance of at least 40 feet at this location.. T 34. ATCO Electric consulted with all trappers directly affected andor directly adjacent to the Project. A list of the trappers consulted on the Proposed oute and Site is located in Table. This table also contains a summary of the specific concerns raised by each participant and ATCO Electric s response, where applicable.. A 3. ATCO Electric s relationship with Aboriginal communities has evolved over the years and we continue to further enhance our relationships with Aboriginal communities. ATCO Electric believes that responsible development must take into account the issues and concerns of all ATCO Electric interest holders, including Aboriginal communities. Through information sharing, consultation and collaboration, ATCO Electric works with Aboriginal communities to Page 8

105 ATO. A A A P I P T P understand issues and concerns to avoid and mitigate impacts within Aboriginal communities traditional lands wherever possible ased on information direction given by Alberta Environment and Sustainable esource evelopment, one First ation was identified as an interest holder. ased on input from First ation communities, ATCO Electric identified five additional First ations and the Mtis ation of Alberta egion 1 as potential interest holders. Starting in ovember 2013, ATCO Electric provided preliminary project information to the First ations. here a First ation confirmed interest, ATCO Electric then began a process to determine and address potential impacts. First ations were provided with additional project information as needed to help assess their interests and to aid in planning any further activities reuired to identify potential impacts. The following is a summary of the status of our engagement with the one First ation. TA MMAR O ONTATION IT IRT NATION N Fort McMurray 48 First ation Confirmed no objections. 37. In addition to the First ations consultation engagement, ATCO Electric also notified Chipewyan Prairie ene First ation, eart Lake First ation, riftpile First ation, Saddle Lake Cree ation, Sucker Creek First ation and the Mtis ation of Alberta egion 1 as potential Aboriginal interest holders. Public Project Information packages were mailed to these parties and no comments have been provided to ATCO Electric to date. TA MMAR O INTR AN TRAPPR ONTATION 00 I I I P A R Alberta Oil Sands Pipeline Ltd. Alpac Forest Products Inc. evon Canada Corporation License of Occupation 1, Surface Material Lease SML1 Forest Management Agreement 1, Industrial Sample Plot 1 Licence of Occupation 3, Mineral Surface Lease 2, Pipeline Agreement 2 ithin 100 m Object to a transmission line through their SML or put powerpoles closer than metres to their O. ithin 100 m o concerns. A ithin 100 m o concerns. A ill comply. Page

106 ATO. A A A P I P rily Oil Sands ULC Japan Canada Oil Sands Limited Mineral Surface Lease 4, Pipeline Agreement 1, Temporary Field Authoriation Consultative otation 1, C 2, Licence of Occupation 8, Miscellaneous Lease 2, Mineral Surface Lease 14, Pipeline Agreement 1, Surface Material Licence 2, Surface Material Lease 2 Temporary Field Authoriation 21 T P ithin 100 m o concerns. ill Comply. ithin 100 m euires a minimum clearance of 40 feet on structures crossing the access road. ill Comply. 20 ova as Transmission Ltd. Pipeline Agreement 1 ithin 100 m euire ATCO Electric to conduct an AC Mitigation Study at the location of any point where the transmission line comes in close proximity to their pipeline. euires ATCO Electric to use approved contractor, Corrosion Service, and provide a copy of the study. ill Comply. Pembina Pipeline Corporation Pipeline Agreement 1 ithin 100 m Ask that our structures be placed m away from their right-of-way. ill Comply. Talisman Energy Inc. illiams Energy CanadaInc. Area Operating Agreement Pipeline Installation Lease 1 ithin 100 m o concerns. A ithin 800 m o concerns. A T Perry Fotty Trapping Area 232 ithin 800 m o concerns. A Jason Mckenie Trapping Area 1842 ithin 800 m o concerns A Eva uppie Trapping Area 2277 ithin 800 m o concerns. A Page 10

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125 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v NIRONMNTA PROTTION PAN OR T NORT AT RGION ATO TRI T.

126 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v TA O ONTNT INTRODUCTION... 1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION Project Activities... 3 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Decision Making Criteria EPP Distribution, Implementation and Enforcement... 6 GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MEASURES... 7 PRE-CONSTRUCTION Land, Geotechnical and Environmental Surveys Final Structure Placement and Workspace Allocation Environmental Training Notification of Affected Parties RIGHT-OF-WAY AND WORKSPACE PREPARATION TRAVEL LANE AND WORKSPACE CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS HAULING TRANSMISSION STRUCTURE FOUNDATION CONSTRUCTION TRANSMISSION STRUCTURE ASSEMBLY, ERECTION AND SETTING CONDUCTOR STRINGING AND TENSIONING SUBSTATION CONSTRUCTION TRANSMISSION LINE DECOMMISSIONING AND SALVAGE SUBSTATION DECOMMISSIONING AND SALVAGE WORKSITE CLEAN-UP AND RECLAMATION GLOSSARY IT O TA Table 1: Project Activities Considered in this Environmental Protection Plan... 3 i

127 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v IT O APPNI Appendix A Boreal/Foothills Sensitive Species Guidelines Setback Distances Appendix B Spills Contingency Plan Appendix C Fire Contingency Plan Appendix E Soil Handling Contingency Plan Appendix F Siltation of Watercourses, Waterbodies or Wetlands Contingency Plan Appendix G Soil/Sod Pulverization Contingency Plan Appendix H Wet/Thawed Soils Contingency Plan Appendix I Flood and Excessive Flow Contingency Plan Appendix J Plant Species of Concern Discovery Contingency Plan Appendix K Wildlife Encounter Contingency Plan Appendix L Wildlife Species of Concern Discovery Contingency Plan Appendix M Fisheries and Oceans Canada Alberta Operational Statement for Overhead Line Construction Appendix N Best Management Practice Crop Disease Protection and Noxious Weeds Appendix O Emergency Contact List AC Alberta Culture ARONM IT AUC NE COP DFO EPP ESRD RAPs RoW Alberta Utilities Commission North East Code of Practice Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada Environmental Protection Plan Environment and Sustainable Resource Development Restricted Activity Periods Right-of-Way ii

128 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v INTROTION This Environmental Protection Plan (EPP) describes proven environmental protection measures most likely to be used during the construction of projects in ATCO Electric Ltd. s (ATCO Electric) North East Region (NE Region) to avoid or reduce environmental effects. The EPP is written in construction specification format. Within each section of the EPP, measures to be addressed by ATCO Electric are noted, where applicable, as well as mitigative measures to be implemented by the Contractor. This EPP has been prepared to address construction activities occurring during both frozen and non-frozen conditions. Clean-up of disturbed portions of the right-of-way (RoW) will be conducted immediately following construction or as soon as soil and weather conditions permit. The EPP may be updated following the completion of additional environmental surveys, detailed engineering and design, and construction planning to incorporate site-specific environmental protection measures as well as the conditions of the various approvals and permits that are required prior to the commencement of construction. Environmental Alignment Sheets may be produced to illustrate where specific environmental protection measures are to be implemented during construction and reclamation of the Project, and should be read in conjunction with this EPP. If produced, Environmental Alignment Sheets will be provided to Contractors and ATCO Electric staff prior to the commencement of construction. 1

129 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v PROT RIPTION Projects in the NE Region are required to meet growing demand for electricity from oil sands development and pipelines. These projects will range from new transmission lines, both 240 kilovolt (kv) and 144 kv, new substations and alterations to existing substations. Typical right of way (RoW) widths range from 18 metres (m) to 50 m and can range in length from less than one kilometre (km) to over a 100 km. The area typically required for a new substation can range from 4 hectares (ha) up to 64 ha. In addition to the minimum RoW widths and substation sites indicated above, additional areas are required for safe and timely project completion as follows: Wider RoWs at non-typical structures such as deflections or corners, or where longer spans are required such as at valleys and waterbody crossings. Off-RoW access roads or trails may be required where wetlands, steep slopes, or other barriers prevent travel along the RoW. Off-RoW access may also be required to enable access in areas where there are no existing roads adjacent to, or crossing the RoW. Where required, a Letter of Occupation (LOC) will be obtained from ESRD to allow these access points to be left in place for future access to the transmission line for maintenance activities. Disturbance associated with off-row access may include clearing, grading, filling, and the installation of fences, gates, and culverts. Workspaces located outside of the transmission line RoW are required for structure erection and at deflections and corners to allow for the stringing of the conductor. A temporary field office for projects will be located in the project area, if required and could include office space and maintenance bays. Routine maintenance will occur onsite and repair of equipment will be completed at an approved licensed facility. The field office will also include waste management facilities as required. Temporary and longer term work camps may be required for housing work crews. Each camp could contain comfort trailers, self-contained restrooms, water, sewer, and electricity. Work camps will be located on previously disturbed lands wherever possible. Temporary laydown yards may be required to manage and store additional materials, tools, and equipment. Laydown yards will be located on previously disturbed lands wherever possible. Temporary laydown yards may be used for structure assembly before structures are moved to the final structure erection site. Additional RoW width may be required in treed areas, known as Vegetation Control Easement (VCE), to prune or remove adjacent hazard trees that could fall onto the line now or in the future. Projects in the NE Region are proposed for development on a combination of public and private land. 2

130 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v P A Construction of the project will consist of three general phases including pre-construction, construction and postconstruction/operation activities that are summarized in Table 1 and in the following sections. T P A P P P P Pre-construction Construction Post-Construction/Operations Land surveys Geotechnical survey Environmental surveys Environmental training Notification of affected parties A Final structure placement, pre-selection of laydown sites and temporary workspace allocation Equipment cleaning station deployment (as required) RoW and temporary workspace preparation (may include brushing and fence removal) Travel lane and temporary workspace construction (where required; includes stripping, soil salvage, grading, micro drainage installation) Transmission structure foundation construction Materials hauling Structure assembling, erection and setting Temporary structure installation at crossings Conductor stringing and tensioning (including insulator and wire travel device installation) Tie-in (attaching conductors to insulators) Substation construction (where required) Transmission line decommissioning and salvage Substation decommissioning and salvage Worksite cleanup and reclamation Structure and line inspection and monitoring Energizing Post Construction Reclamation Assessment Report 3

131 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v RO AN RPONIIITI The ATCO Electric Construction Supervisor will support the implementation of the EPP. The Construction Supervisor is responsible to supervise and coordinate the installation of the substations, transmission lines and related facilities in accordance with the applicable design drawings, codes, specifications, and standards. Additionally, the Construction Supervisor provides direction to Contractors including actions required to maintain compliance with NE Regions project environmental, safety, and health requirements. ATCO Electric will provide Environmental Coordinators which are ATCO Electric field environmental staff or contractors/consultants retained by ATCO Electric to aid in the planning, construction and completion of the project. The Environmental Coordinators will support the decision making process by providing advice on directing the contractor on daily situations throughout the project to proactively prevent environmental noncompliances. Each Contractor working on projects in the NE Region will appoint a Designated Environmental Lead who will act as the primary contact and site lead for the respective Contractor. The Construction Supervisor, in consultation with the Contractor s Designated Environmental Lead and the Environmental Coordinators will be accountable for ensuring environmental compliance during the construction of the project. The environmental coordinators will be notified prior to any work being conducted in environmentally sensitive areas or conditions to aid in the environmental compliance process. All incidents that qualify as being in non-compliance of applicable laws, commitments made by ATCO Electric and/or specific approval conditions by regulators, shall be reported to the Construction Supervisor, Contractor s Designated Environmental Lead and the Environmental Coordinators. The Construction Supervisor, Contractor s Designated Environmental Lead and the Environmental Coordinators shall take necessary steps to rectify the situation through appropriate notification of regulators, implementation of suitable mitigation measures and record keeping of the circumstances that resulted in the non-compliance, any remedial measures taken and any recommendations for future monitoring. The Environmental Coordinator will manage environmental information collected throughout the project in order to provide as-built information required for commitments made prior to construction and to transfer key environmental information. The Construction Supervisor, Contractor s Designated Environmental Lead and the Environmental Coordinators will monitor construction activities and, if applicable, will implement suitable measures to prevent the occurrence of events that could result in ATCO Electric being in non-compliance with laws, commitments and/or specific approval conditions by regulators.. M The Construction Supervisor, Contractor s Designated Environmental Lead and the Environmental Coordinators will consider the following criteria when deciding which protection measures and/or procedures to implement during construction of the project: site conditions at the time of construction (e.g., slope gradient and aspect, soil texture, frozen/non-frozen surface, etc.); weather conditions at the time of construction (e.g., wind, precipitation forecast, air temperature, etc.); equipment and/or materials availability at the time of construction; 4

132 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v regulatory requirements based on approval conditions and/or specific environmental policy; experience with conducting specific construction techniques; and experience with implementing applicable protection measures and/or procedures. 5

133 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v PP I M The following measures are the responsibility of ATCO Electric. A PP and ontract onstruction Documents nvironmental Alinment Sheets Discipline Licences and Permits Preob Meetins construction and work plannin nvironmental Inspection PP M 3.1. The EPP shall form part of the contract documents. Should any conflict in contract and EPP requirements arise, the more stringent conditions will apply The Construction Supervisor, Contractor s Designated Environmental Lead and the Environmental Coordinators will be provided the EPP and copies of all approvals including the most recent updates and revisions The Construction Supervisor, Contractor s Designated Environmental Lead and the Environmental Coordinators and other ATCO Electric representatives will be provided with Environmental Alignment Sheets, if produced, prior to construction Those who show careless or wanton neglect of the regulatory requirements, environment or disregard the EPP shall be removed from projects in the NE Region All necessary licences and permits shall be obtained prior to the commencement of applicable local construction activities. All conditions of Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) Permit and License, Crown Easements and Dispositions, Navigable Waters Approval, istorical esources Act Clearance, ater Act Approval, applicable Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Operational Statements, Road Crossing Agreements, Rail Crossing Agreements and Burning Permits will be met. If any inconsistencies between conditions of different permits exist they will be rectified prior to construction Prior to the commencement of construction pre-job meetings shall be held with the appropriate Construction Supervisor, Contractor s Designated Environmental Lead and the Environmental Coordinators. These meetings are designed to make supervisory construction personnel aware of the key environmental issues, general environmental concerns, contingency plans and rules and regulations applicable to the construction area All permits and approvals shall be on hand at the work site and available upon request by any environmental inspectors The Construction Supervisor, Contractor s Designated Environmental Lead and the Environmental Coordinators will ensure the implementation of the EPP during all phases of construction Prior to the commencement of construction, the Environmental Coordinators shall review the Contractor's preliminary construction plan to ensure environmental resources (e.g., listed plants, archaeological sites, etc.) will not be compromised as a result of construction activities. 6

134 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v GNRA NIRONMNTA PROTTION MAR The following general environmental protection measures apply to all stages of projects in the NE Region. Further information can be found in Appendices A to N. M The following measures are to be implemented by the Contractor. A Scheduling Access PM M 4.1. Follow wildlife timing constraints and setback distances as provided in Appendix A No vegetation clearing will occur within the period of March 1 to August 31, unless other region-specific timing windows are provided through consultation with the local ESRD Wildlife Biologist and Environment Canada Canadian Wildlife Service. If clearing is required within this timing period, a pre-construction breeding bird survey will be conducted, prior to clearing or surface disturbance activities, to determine if adverse impacts to breeding birds are likely and if clearing can proceed Schedule construction activities to avoid spring break-up, where possible, to limit surface disturbance and impacts on roads and agricultural lands Follow in stream Restricted Activity Periods (RAPs) for all watercourses as listed under the ode of Practice for atercourse rossins, if applicable, when installing vehicle/equipment crossing structures Schedule activities to avoid constructing during RAPs within Caribou Zones (February 15 to July 15). If construction is required within this timing period consultation with ESRD and approval is required prior to construction proceeding Schedule activities to avoid constructing during RAPs associated with Key Wildlife and Biodiversity Zones (January 15 to April 30). If construction is required within this timing period consultation with ESRD is required prior to construction proceeding Schedule construction in areas prone to inundation or flooding to occur when ground conditions are dry or frozen, where feasible Abide by road bans as stipulated by the applicable counties and municipal districts The Contractor s Designated Environmental Lead will notify the Environmental Coordinator and the Construction Supervisor if field conditions or work progress requires a substantive change in the construction schedule Confine activities to the RoW and designated access roads and workspaces If additional workspace or RoW is required during construction, even if it is only required for temporary use, notify ATCO Electric so that appropriate permission can be obtained. 7

135 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v A Emergency Contacts and Contingency Plans Wet/Thawed Conditions PM M Review the contingency plans prior to the start of construction (Appendices B to L). All key construction and inspection personnel should be aware of the contingency plans. A project specific Emergency Contact list will be available to all workers on projects in the NE Region and is provided in Appendix O Prepare a contingency plan prior to construction that addresses disposal options for excess bedrock and spoil from structure footing excavations, as well as plans for the importation of suitable backfill, if required Postpone construction, suspend equipment travel or utilize alternative construction practices in the event of wet or thawed soil conditions to reduce soil degradation and soil structure damage Initiate Wet/Thawed Soil Contingency Plan (see Appendix H) once one of the following indicators occurs: excessive rutting; wheelslip, build-up of mud on tires and cleats, formation of puddles, and/or tracking of mud down the road as vehicles leave the RoW Employ the following contingency measures progressively or individually as warranted if the above indicators occur: limit equipment traffic to the late afternoon or early morning when ground conditions are frozen or delay construction until soils dry out or refreeze; prevent rubber-tired traffic from driving on the RoW; install geotextiles and substrates, rig mats, hardwood mats or employ frost inducement measures such as snow packing or plowing to increase the load bearing capacity of wet or thawed ground; salvage excess snow from the RoW and spread, as well as pack, the snow on the travel lane to avoid premature thawing of the upper soils; restrict construction vehicle traffic to equipment with low-ground-pressure tires or wide pad tracks; and shut-down construction until conditions improve The wet/thawed conditions shut-down decision will be made by the Contractor s Designated Environmental Lead in consultation with the Environmental Coordinator and Construction Supervisor. Factors influencing a decision to postpone start-up or shut-down work include: the weather forecast; construction schedule; and availability of non-problem areas (i.e., frozen or well-drained). 8

136 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v A Working near Wetlands, Waterbodies and Watercourses Weeds PM M ATCO Electric will obtain approval under the ater Act if required, for any activity that may impact a watercourse, waterbody or wetland Equipment and machinery will not be operated within boundaries of watercourses, waterbodies or wetlands as established by a qualified aquatic environmental specialist and as defined by ESRD, unless suitable dry or frozen conditions exist such that operation of equipment and machinery will not impact watercourses, waterbodies or wetlands. If there are impacts to watercourses, waterbodies or wetlands approvals under the ater Act must be obtained prior to any activity Install temporary vehicle/equipment water crossing structures in accordance with the ode of Practice for atercourse rossins, if applicable. Obtain the appropriate ater Act approvals where required Comply with all applicable RAPs for watercourses, as outlined by the ode of Practice for atercourse rossins Precautions will be taken so that deleterious substances do not enter watercourses, waterbodies or wetlands. Should siltation occur, implement the Siltation of Watercourses, Waterbodies or Wetlands Contingency Plan (Appendix F) Based on the results of the environmental surveys, implement the ATCO Electric s Best Management Practice - Crop Disease Protection and Noxious Weeds (Appendix N) to limit risk of transporting weeds and/or diseases from infested areas Mechanically clean (i.e., physical removal of dust, soil and plant materials by scraping off mud, sweeping or blowing off dirt) all construction equipment prior to its arrival on the RoW to reduce the risk of introduction of noxious weeds. Any equipment which arrives in a dirty condition shall not be allowed on the RoW until it has been cleaned off at a suitable location Clean equipment (i.e., mechanical cleaning level 1) passing through areas identified as having a noxious weed problem prior to continuing work on the RoW unless topsoil has been stripped from a wider area than the travel lane and workspaces. Clean equipment involved in topsoil handling at noxious weedinfested sites prior to leaving the location Keep a log of all equipment that has been cleaned. Provide this log to the Environmental Coordinator for record keeping Consider stripping topsoil from a wider area than the travel lane and workspaces if localized noxious weed infestations are encountered Record in a log book any sites where equipment was specifically cleaned due to concerns associated with noxious weeds and provide a record Monitor noxious weed growth on topsoil piles during the course of construction and conduct corrective measures (i.e., herbicide application), if warranted. 9

137 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v A Spill Prevention Equipment Refuelling and Servicing Hydrovac PM M Ensure that during the course the project no fuel, lubricating fluids, hydraulic fluids, antifreeze, herbicides, biocides or other chemicals are released on the ground or into any watercourse, waterbody or wetland. In the event of an accidental spill, implement the Spills Contingency Plan (Appendix B) Place an impervious tarp underneath equipment/vehicles when servicing equipment/vehicles with the potential for accidental spills (e.g., oil changes, servicing of hydraulic systems, etc.) Ensure that bulk fuel trucks, service vehicles and pick-up trucks equipped with box-mounted fuel tanks carry spill prevention, containment and clean-up materials that are suitable for the volume of fuels or oils carried. Carry spill contingency materials suitable for use on land and/or water, as appropriate Ensure that all fuel tanks meet current environmental standards Ensure that operators and the Contractor s Foremen are trained to contain spills or leakage from equipment Do not store fuel, oil or other hazardous materials within 100 m of a watercourse, waterbody or wetland Wherever practical, conduct refuelling at least 100 m from any watercourse, waterbody or wetland Where required, and under the supervision of the Environmental Coordinator or designate, employ the following measures to reduce the risk of fuel spills in water where equipment refuelling is required within 100 m of a watercourse, waterbody or wetland: all containers, hoses, nozzles are free of leaks; all fuel nozzles are equipped with automatic shut-offs; operators are stationed at both ends of the hose during fuelling unless the ends are visible and readily accessible by one operator; fuel remaining in the hose is returned to the storage facility; and no refuelling occurs within 15 metres of a watercourse, waterbody or wetland Do not wash equipment or machinery in watercourses, waterbodies or wetlands Dispose of hydrovac effluent in an area approved by Environmental Coordinators and the Construction Supervisor. 10

138 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v A Air Pollution/Noise Dust Control Garbage Roads and Temporary Access Erosion and Siltation PM M Follow the requirements of AUC Rule 12 Noise Control: conduct construction activity between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. to reduce the duration of construction noise; ensure that ATCO Electric has advised nearby residents of significant noisecausing activities and schedule these events to reduce disruption to the residents; and ensure that all internal combustion engines are fitted with muffler systems Use well-maintained equipment to reduce air pollution and unnecessary noise Restrict the duration that vehicles and equipment are allowed to sit and idle to less than one hour unless air temperatures are less than 0 C Use multi-passenger vehicles to transport work crews to and from the work site, to the extent feasible Reduce travel time to and from the work site through the use of temporary camps Implement dust control measures (e.g., apply water) in the event that nuisance dust results from construction activities Collect all construction garbage and dispose of it at an approved facility to avoid the attraction of nuisance animals. Waste containers shall accompany each working unit. No waste shall be disposed of in the structure footing excavations Confine construction activities to the approved RoW and workspace Restrict construction traffic to existing roads, the RoW and approved access roads/trails Repair all roads damaged by construction vehicles to pre-construction conditions Reclaim temporary access roads/trails as part of final clean-up Follow all traffic safety and road closure regulations During non-frozen conditions, where passage is available, restrict construction traffic to the workspaces and travel lane to reduce the area subjected to potential soil compaction Prevent or control soil erosion and water siltation to the satisfaction of the Environmental Coordinator, Construction Supervisor and ESRD s Environmental Protection Officer and/or appropriate County representatives. Make available personnel and equipment to control erosion, when warranted (see Appendices D and F). 11

139 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v A Wildlife Traffic Road/Highway Crossings Fires PM M Complete a wildlife survey prior to the start of ground disturbance activities outside of previously disturbed areas (stripped portions of travel lane and workspaces), if construction occurs during the nesting/breeding season In the event that listed wildlife species are found, implement the Wildlife Species of Concern Discovery Contingency Plan (Appendix L) If a wildlife encounter occurs, implement the Wildlife Encounter Contingency Plan (Appendix K) Do not harass or feed wildlife. Prohibit construction personnel from having dogs on the RoW. In addition, prohibit the recreational use of all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles by construction personnel on the RoW Install markers along shield wires at locations with a high concentration of bird use as identified in discussions with ESRD Wildlife Biologist Ensure construction-related traffic adheres to posted speed limits on public roads used to access the RoW Speed limits are to be set and mandated for all traffic on the RoW and access roads/trails. Speed limits will be lowered in areas that are prone to erosion, sloped terrain, and areas with a higher probability of wildlife encounter (e.g., river valleys) Where a traffic accommodation plan has been filed with Alberta Transportation, the contractor must comply with it completely. On all other roadways, the contractor must inform road authorities of crossing plans and gain their approval of their plan. In all cases, Alberta regulations and local Municipal stipulations for working on or near roadways shall be followed Signage and/or flag persons will be employed at road and highway crossings to inform motorists of the work ahead, safely guide public motorists through the work zone and safely allow construction-related traffic to cross the public road way Review and be familiar with the requirements of the Forest and Prairie Protection Act and eulations and abide by applicable procedures to prevent wildfire from occurring during construction activities Implement the Fire Contingency Plan (Appendix C), notify proper authorities and cut or plow fire breaks in the event of a wild fire Ensure that all personnel are made aware of proper disposal methods (as directed by the Construction Supervisor) for welding rods, cigarette butts and other hot or burning material. Do not burn if the fire hazard is high or a burn ban has been issued Do not smoke in the open on the RoW if the fire hazard is high or a burn ban has been issued. At these times, smoke only in designated areas (as directed by the Construction Supervisor). 12

140 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v A Fires (cont d) Archaeological, Palaeontological, or Historical Discovery PM M Ensure that exhaust and engine systems of equipment are in good working condition and inspect undercarriages periodically to ensure that grasses do not accumulate. If the fire hazard is high, do not leave vehicles idling for extended periods of time and parked on stubble or tall grass Station a full mobile water tank equipped with the required firefighting equipment near active construction sites when the fire hazard is high and air temperatures allow If the fire hazard is high, an evaluation will be conducted in consultation with the Contractor s Designated Fire Boss and Environmental Coordinator to assess mowing the RoW prior to construction to reduce potential ignition sources. Mow at appropriate times (i.e., early morning or late evening) when relative humidity is high and the temperature is cool, and accompany the mower with a water truck with appropriate fire-fighting equipment. In areas where mowing over rocky terrain could increase the risk of fire, use a non-metallic roller or equivalent to flatten down rather than mow grasses Ensure that each vehicle carries the fire-fighting equipment required by the Forest and Prairie Protection Act and eulations and the minimum fire extinguishers as outlined in Appendix C. Each crew must also carry a two-way radio or cell phone Contact ATCO Electric to consult with applicable County, ESRD Operations Division or landowner to determine the preferred slash disposal method. If burning is preferred, obtain permission to burn from the County, ESRD Operations Division and/or landowner. Attend the fire and prevent fire from spreading off the RoW. Extinguish burning embers before leaving the site and monitor burn sites to ensure no smouldering debris remains. No burning shall be conducted during high winds Ensure that all crews have firefighting equipment on hand that is capable of controlling any fire that may occur as a result of their activities as per the Forest and Prairie Protection Act and eulations Do not burn slash if the fire hazard is high or a fire ban has been issued. If burning is delayed, store slash along the RoW, in natural clearings or in approved push-outs. Approved burning may continue once the fire hazard is low and/or the fire ban has been rescinded Suspend work if archaeological, palaeontological or historical sites are discovered during construction to prevent any further disturbance to the site. No work at that particular location shall continue until permission is granted by Alberta Culture (AC). 13

141 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v PRONTRTION During the pre-construction phase, approximate structure and other workspace locations will be surveyed. Preconstruction surveys for geotechnical, vegetation, wildlife, wetlands and soils, will be conducted prior to final structure placement. Upon completion of the pre-construction surveys, structure locations and structure assembly workspaces will be finalized. Appropriate training of personnel will be conducted and affected parties will be notified. A more detailed description of mitigation measures to be employed during various activities conducted during the pre-construction phase is provided below.. M G The following measures are the responsibility of ATCO Electric. A onstructability Surveys eotechnical Investiations Soil Surveys PM M 5.1. Onsite field checks will be performed to ensure that the project: is evaluated to ensure available access techniques are adequate for safe work and are environmentally acceptable; as detailed in the plans and specifications, can be constructed using customary construction methods, materials and techniques; and when constructed in accordance with the plans and specifications will result in a transmission line that can be maintained in a cost-effective manner over the life of the project Reduce ground disturbance during geotechnical investigations by using appropriate equipment (e.g., low ground-pressure vehicles, wide pad tracks, etc.) when conducting the investigations Ensure subsoil materials brought to the surface during geotechnical investigations are returned back to the drill hole upon completion of the investigation. If not, dispose of excess spoil materials at locations approved by ATCO Electric in consultation with applicable government agency and/or occupant and/or the landowner. If spoil material must be stored temporarily on the RoW, remove any spoil that is not replaced as soon as practical Conduct soils investigations within all areas that will be affected by construction activities prior to the commencement of construction. The information obtained during the soils investigations will be used to: confirm topsoil depths at locations where topsoil stripping may occur; determine locations where low-quality subsoils (e.g., saline/sodic or gravelly subsoils) may be encountered; and establish erosion control. 14

142 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v A eetation Surveys etland Surveys ildlife Surveys PM M 5.5. Field surveys to classify vegetation and determine the presence of listed plant species, listed plant communities and/or listed weed species within the RoW, substation sites and workspaces will be completed prior to the start of construction If listed plant species and/or listed plant communities are discovered, implement the Plant Species of Concern Discovery Contingency Plan (Appendix J) Detailed wetland assessment, classification and delineation surveys will be completed prior to construction, to refine structure placements along the RoW, to facilitate the development of site-specific mitigation measures where required and to collect any additional information for any needed ater Act approvals Listed raptor species surveys will be conducted during the recommended survey period up to 1,000 m from the route selected for development prior to construction to verify that disturbances to habitat features are appropriately mitigated during construction If suitable habitat is present, an amphibian survey will be conducted during the recommended survey period within 100 m of the route selected for development prior to construction to assess the presence of listed amphibians If ground disturbance activities occur outside of previously disturbed areas during the nesting/breeding season, a wildlife clearance survey should be conducted prior to the start of the activity In the event that listed wildlife species are found, implement the Wildlife Species of Concern Discovery Contingency Plan (Appendix L)..2 P A M The following measures are the responsibility of ATCO Electric. A Structure Placement atercourse, aterbody and etland rossins ffo Access oads PM M Structures will be located to avoid known locations of listed plants, site-specific wildlife habitat features, archaeological, palaeontological and/or historic sites, watercourses, waterbodies, wetlands, or other site-specific sensitive environmental or cultural features that were identified during pre-construction surveys, to the extent practical Develop access within and off the RoW so that watercourse, waterbody and wetland crossings will be limited Use existing bridges where the installation of vehicle crossings is not planned Comply with all applicable RAPs for watercourses, as outlined by ESRD s ode of Practice for atercourse rossins 15

143 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v A Temporary orkspace Temporary Laydown ards and ork amps PM M The amount of temporary workspace required for construction will be limited to the extent practical Locate temporary workspaces, where feasible, a minimum of 30 m back from the ordinary high water mark of a watercourse, waterbody or wetland Temporary laydown yards and work camps, where required, will be located within previously disturbed areas, wherever practical Temporary laydown yards and work camps, where required, will be approved through a formal disposition rather than a TFA process.. T All personnel, including unescorted visitors to the RoW and other construction sites, will receive environmental training before they are allowed to access any development site associated with projects located in the NE Region. Environmental training will occur during project orientations. Environmental training will include, at a minimum, the following: an overview of the environmental features encountered on the project (i.e. waterbodies, watercourses, wetlands, wildlife habitats, historical resources, vegetation region, etc.); the process to follow should an environmental feature be located and/or disturbed during construction; initial response should a spill of any controlled substance occur; and the expectation that speed limits, signage and flagging and/or fences delineating the environmental features shall be respected at all times. Multiple environmental training sessions may be required for components of the project that are constructed over several different seasons (i.e., frozen/non-frozen).. M N A P The following measures are the responsibility of ATCO Electric. Provincial Authorities PM M Notify applicable provincial authorities such as ESRD s Regional Office, Public Lands, and Wildlife Biologist, as well as appropriate County representatives a minimum of 10 working days prior to construction. Contact shall be maintained until project completion Notify the ESRD District Approvals Manager 14 days (minimum) prior to the commencement of temporary vehicle/equipment water crossing structure installation in accordance with the ode of Practice for atercourse rossins, if applicable. Notify the Regional Director within 24 hours in the event of a contravention of the above Code of Practice (COP). 16

144 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v Federal Authorities overnment Liaison ater sers Aboriinal roups ccupant andor Landowner PM M Notify the DFO Impact Assessment Biologist a minimum of 14 days, prior to commencement of construction in accordance with the applicable Alberta Operational Statements. If applicable, refer to the Letter of Advice or Authorization to determine the advance notice required by DFO Notify Transport Canada 14 days prior to the commencement of construction at/near navigable watercourses as per Navigable Waters Approval, as required Notify NAV CANADA of final route and structure locations as well as ground elevations and structure heights prior to the commencement of construction activities Notify Industry Canada, as required, by permits for the telecommunication structures to be constructed at the substation sites Regular liaison with government field representatives during construction will be ATCO Electric s responsibility Notify appropriate authorities and licensees, if required by COP requirements, prior to the commencement of the installation of vehicle/equipment water crossing structures, if applicable Notify representatives of Aboriginal Groups of the proposed construction schedule a minimum of two weeks prior to the commencement of construction Notify occupants and/or landowner of the proposed construction schedule and details prior to the initiation of construction activities on their land Advise nearby residents of significant noise-causing activities and schedule these events to reduce disruption. M The following measures are to be implemented by the Contractor. Provincial Authorities Local Authorities esource tility ompanies ail ompanies PM M Notify Alberta Transportation, if required by highway crossing agreements, prior to initiating highway crossings Notify Utility Officers, if required by crossing agreements, prior to the initiation of construction activities Notify applicable resource and utility companies for road, fibre optic, telephone line and buried facility crossings, if required, by crossing and road use agreements Notify rail companies, if required by rail crossing agreements, prior to initiation of rail crossings or excavations encroaching on a rail company s RoW. 17

145 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v RIGTO A AN ORPA PRPARATION Right-of-way and workspace preparation includes the removal of brush and trees, fences, small infrastructure, rocks and any other obstructions to equipment, as required. Temporary fencing will be installed at the boundaries of the RoW and any off-row construction areas as required for safety. Trees and shrubs that are within the defined limits of the RoW will be removed. ATCO Electric will allow for the re-establishment of low shrubs where possible. Workspaces will not be cleared of trees and other vegetation unless absolutely necessary. VCEs are established to eliminate hazard trees from impacting the line and conductors. These will be managed as per the Forest and Prairie Protection Act regulations and policies. M The following measures are the responsibility of ATCO Electric. A StakinFlain PM M 6.1. The Construction Supervisor will ensure that the projects footprint is established by flagging or staking the RoW, workspaces, temporary access roads and trail boundaries, where necessary. M The following measures are to be implemented by the Contractor. A PM M Schedule 6.2. No vegetation clearing will occur within the period of March 15 to August 31, unless other region-specific timing windows are provided through consultation with ESRD Wildlife Biologist and Environment Canada Canadian Wildlife Service. If clearing is required within this timing period, a pre-construction breeding bird survey will be conducted, prior to clearing or surface disturbance activities, to determine if adverse impacts to breeding birds are likely and if clearing can proceed. Staking/Flagging 6.3. Where construction is scheduled to occur from March 15 to August 31, remove timber and/or agronomic grasses from the RoW and workspace prior to the onset of the activity restricted bird nesting season in the spring (March 15). Do not mow vegetation within the vegetation buffers of wetlands Identify the need for extra workspace prior to construction Flag or stake the RoW at crossings of watercourses, waterbodies, wetlands, irrigation canals, rail lines, buried facilities, highways and roads as per crossing agreements. 18

146 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v Activity/Concern Staking/Flagging nt ka Fn laing a i Failit ing ing an laing naat atian/ tlan Potential Mitigation Measures 6.6. Ensure that known locations of listed plants, wetlands, site-specific wildlife habitat features, archaeological, palaeontological and historic sites, or other sitespecific sensitive environmental or cultural features that were identified during pre-construction surveys have appropriate mitigation in place (e.g., fenced or flagged for avoidance) during construction Obtain approval from ATCO Electric, ESRD, occupant and/or landowner prior to taking additional workspace in the field Do not allow clearing or grading beyond the staked boundaries of the RoW and workspace unless additional workspace rights have been obtained Brace fences properly before cutting. Install gates in fences crossed by the RoW. Close gates after use Fell all timber onto the RoW during clearing. No fallen or leaning trees shall be permitted off the RoW or in watercourses, waterbodies or wetlands Strip topsoil if the upper subsoil horizon will be used as approach material Construct approaches with subsoil on all land uses unless otherwise approved by ESRD or, appropriate County representatives. At locations where disturbance is to be reduced import material from an approved source for use as approach material Install culverts in approaches to maintain drainage, as appropriate Follow the conditions of the Crossing Agreements when crossing buried facilities Remove only the vegetation adjacent to a watercourse, waterbody or wetland that is absolutely necessary Fell trees away from watercourses, waterbodies and/or wetlands and away from limits of the RoW to reduce damage to stream banks, beds and adjacent trees. Remove any trees, debris and soil inadvertently deposited within the high water mark in a manner that reduces disturbance of the bed and banks Do not skid or drag trees across watercourses, waterbodies and/or wetlands Use hand cutting and winching to selectively remove trees within the vegetated buffer zones of watercourses, waterbodies and/or wetlands Complete brushing and clearing activities to prevent siltation of watercourses, waterbodies and wetlands Maintain low vegetation or vegetated ground mat within the vegetated buffer zone of watercourses, waterbodies and wetlands to the extent practical by walking, storing material or constructing over the undisturbed areas Keep vegetation removal near fish-bearing watercourses and waterbodies to a minimum as per the Fisheries and Oceans Canada Alberta Operational Statement for Overhead Line Construction (Appendix M). 19

147 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v Activity/Concern ing an laing nast Sl an in n Sil ing inak/slt lt ing ag i ing n alagal i illi aitat Sting Potential Mitigation Measures Selectively cut vegetation and restrict clearing within areas with steep slopes and soils with risk of erosion Consider clearing trees and vegetation manually in areas with steep slopes and in areas with a risk of erosion Clear trees and dispose of timber and slash from windbreaks/shelterbelts as per the instructions ATCO Electric has received from the occupant and/or landowner Reduce effects of windbreak/shelterbelt removal by allowing for the re-vegetation of low shrubs Salvage and deck timber where requested as per the instructions ATCO Electric has received from ESRD, the forest management agreement holder, occupant and/or the landowner Use clearing equipment that limits surface disturbance, soil compaction and topsoil loss (e.g., equipment with low pressure tracks or tires, blade shoes and brush attachments) Use brushcutters, brushhogs or other equipment (e.g., rotary mowers) which should result in minimal soil disturbance when brushing non-salvageable timber in areas where grading is not warranted Clear non-salvageable timber with a dozer equipped with a cutter (KG) blade during frozen conditions. This will assist in maintaining an intact ground surface in areas where grading is not warranted. Angle blade and make initial passes down boundaries of the RoW Consider using a stump mulcher when brushing in areas where topsoil stripping and grubbing are not necessary. Mulch stumps to ground level to facilitate safe travel along the RoW Do not damage trees that contain nests of listed avian species, as identified during pre-construction surveys. If a tree containing a nest of a listed avian species needs to be removed contact ESRD and plan appropriate mitigation strategies Salvage and retain coarse woody debris and organic materials at select locations to return to the RoW during clean-up and reclamation as needed to establish or re-establish suitable wildlife habitat, as per the instructions ATCO Electric has received from ESRD and /or the landowner Remove stumps, only where necessary, with a brush rake attachment on a dozer to preserve topsoil Reduce the width of stumping through wet areas to facilitate the restoration of shrub communities Restrict stumping in wet areas to avoid creation of flooded areas with little soil. 20

148 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v Activity/Concern Sting nt aning an aag aa Sla iling Sla ial Potential Mitigation Measures During frozen conditions, restrict stumping to the travel lane and any area to be excavated at structure sites, if feasible, to reduce surface disturbance Restrict stumping within 2 m of the edge of the RoW to prevent damaging adjacent trees Restrict stumping near watercourses, waterbodies and wetlands. Shear off stumps within vegetated buffers adjacent to watercourses, waterbodies or wetlands. Where pre-clearing is necessary, leave the vegetative ground mat and root structure intact. Maintain low vegetation or vegetative ground mat within buffer zone of watercourses, waterbodies and wetlands to the extent practical by walking, storing and constructing over the undisturbed areas Clearing and stumping within the vegetated buffer may be approved if completion of these activities will reduce the risk of erosion and/or sedimentation. Clearing and grading within the vegetated buffer will be subject to the approval of the Environmental Coordinator after taking into account the following criteria: slope gradient both before grading and after slope has been graded; and potential for sedimentation (i.e., soil texture of materials to be graded) Restrict stumping on erosion prone slopes to reduce soil disturbance and erosion Immediately fell all trees damaged during construction activities. Do not postpone felling of damaged trees until clean-up. Remove any trees that fall off the RoW Identify hazard trees that are located off-row and/or workspace. ATCO Electric will obtain permission from ESRD or the landowner or to fell hazard trees. Leave the felled hazard trees in the standing vegetation adjacent to the RoW or as per the instructions ATCO Electric has received from ESRD, occupant and/or the landowner Use a brush rake attachment on a dozer to push slash and non-merchantable timber into piles that are located a minimum of 5 m from the edge of the RoW. This will facilitate preservation of any topsoil. Leave a firebreak (8 m minimum) at 60 m (maximum) intervals ATCO Electric will consult with ESRD and/or applicable County representatives and/or landowners/occupants to determine preferred slash disposal method If burning is preferred, ATCO Electric will obtain permission to burn from ESRD, County and/or landowner If permission to burn has been obtained, attend fire and prevent fire from spreading off of the RoW. Extinguish burning embers before leaving site and monitor burn sites to ensure no smouldering debris remains. Burn only when the fire hazard is low. No burning shall be conducted during high winds. 21

149 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v Activity/Concern Sla ial nt Potential Mitigation Measures Locate burn piles on exposed subsoils (i.e., where topsoil stripping has occurred) or on burning sleds/sloops Dispose of slash by chipping if burning is restricted due to high risk of wildfire or permission has not been granted to burn by the applicable authority. Spread chips evenly over the RoW, following the directive on wood chip management (Industry Directive ID ). 22

150 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v A A A PAC CC Travel lane preparation and construction (where applicable), may include topsoil stripping, soil salvage, grading, and installation of culverts to maintain surface water flow. While the travel lane will typically be seven to eight metres wide, when required, topsoil stripping may occur to the width of the lane or lanes required for travel and the remaining width will be utilized for topsoil storage, as required. The travel lane will be placed within the RoW boundaries, in such a manner to allow for storage of salvaged topsoil within the RoW boundaries when required, that is best suited for travel with the least amount of disturbance to the environment. Heavy use and light use workspace construction may include topsoil stripping, grading, and micro drainage installation. Where and when required, the topsoil will be stripped from the heavy and light use areas and stored in dedicated soil storage areas. Geotextile materials and/or gravel may also be used on work surfaces where required. Co any Measures The following measures are the responsibility of ATCO Electric. Activity/Concern al an an ka aatin iin aking itia Mitigation Measures 7.1. Prior to the commencement of travel lane and/or workspace construction in any given region, the Environmental Coordinator, Construction Supervisor and the Contractor s Designated Environmental Lead will discuss the manner in which the RoW and/or workspace will be constructed and possible mitigation. Potentially, no initial action may be required if the RoW is deemed acceptable for travel without causing adverse effects. Right-of-way and workspace construction activities may include one or a combination of the following activities based on the seasonal conditions: driving in frost on the travel lane and workspaces through snow removal and water application; packing snow on the travel lane and workspaces; matting the travel lane and/or the workspaces; and stripping topsoil from the travel lane and/or workspaces Criteria that will be considered by the Environmental Coordinator, Construction Supervisor and the Contractor s Designated Environmental Lead when deciding the manner in which the RoW will be prepared include: landowner requests communicated by ATCO Electric; geotechnical data; ground conditions during construction (i.e., frozen, non-frozen, dry, moist); land use; conditions of permits and/or approvals received from administers of Crown lands (e.g., ESRD); and schedule of construction activities that will occur in the region. 23

151 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v Activity/Concern nnt iain Mitigation Measures 7.3. The Environmental Coordinator will discuss the various soil handling scenarios with applicable government representatives (e.g., ESRD Environmental Protection Officer, appropriate County representative) prior to the commencement of soil handling activities for the project, if required. Contractor Measures The following measures are to be implemented by the Contractor. Activity/Concern nsit Sil natin Sn anag nt il anling ntingna il Stiing Sl il Stiing Sl nt Potential Mitigation Measures 7.4. In consultation with ATCO Electric, use one or a combination of the following activities to limit the amount of soil stripping required during travel lane and workspace construction, where appropriate and feasible: driving in frost on the travel lane and workspaces through snow removal and application of water; packing snow on the travel lane and workspaces; and applying geotextile or gravel on the travel lane and/or the workspaces Remove or pack snow on the travel lane to increase frost penetration into the soil during the winter if excessive snow depths are encountered along the RoW. During mid to late winter, pack snow on the travel lane to avoid premature thawing of the upper soils. Ensure all windrowed snow is stored on the allotted RoW and/or workspace Grade snow over the travel lane, if rough, to improve driving conditions. To ensure that no scalping of soil or vegetation occurs while grading, leave approximately two inches of snow pack after grading Implement the Soil Handling Contingency Plan (Appendix E) during topsoil stripping if any of the following are encountered: little or no topsoil; uneven boundary between topsoils and subsoils; poor colour separation between topsoils and subsoils; stony soils; uneven surface on native pasture or modified pasture; wetlands; high winds; or requests for alternate topsoil handling methods that ATCO Electric has received from ESRD, a landowner and/or occupant For construction scheduled to occur during frozen conditions, and where topsoil stripping is required (e.g., substation sites) attempt to pre-strip topsoil prior to freeze-up, if feasible. Attempt to have all topsoil stripping completed prior to October Postpone topsoil stripping until after spring break-up, when ground conditions are not excessively wet, for construction scheduled to occur during non-frozen conditions. 24

152 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v Activity/Concern il Stiingn n nitin cenario o triing Potential Mitigation Measures Do not strip topsoil within travel lane and/or heavy and light use areas Apply geotextile, rig matting or gravel as appropriate The Environmental Coordinator will monitor the condition of the travel lane and workspaces throughout construction and further assess whether topsoil is being subject to degradation that will eventually impact soil capability. If topsoil is being degraded, consider stripping topsoil as outlined in the scenarios below or install matting (or equivalent) to protect topsoil degradation. cenario tri ravel ane Strip topsoil from the travel lane only. Strip only the area required for safe vehicle and equipment travel. Stockpile topsoil stripped from the travel lane in a windrow located adjacent to the stripped travel lane within the RoW The Environmental Coordinator will monitor the condition of the light and heavy use workspaces throughout construction and further assess whether topsoil is being subject to degradation that will eventually impact soil capability. If topsoil is being degraded, consider stripping topsoil from the workspaces or install matting (or equivalent) to protect topsoil degradation. cenario tri eavy se orsace Strip topsoil from the heavy use workspaces used for cranes, tensioning equipment and/or structure foundation areas, as required. Stockpile topsoil adjacent to each heavy use workspace for use during future reclamation and clean-up. For corner structures with grillage foundations where excavation is required, store excavated subsoil on previously stripped areas or geotextile material adjacent to the excavation. Ensure sufficient space (approximately one metre) is left between the edge of the storage pile and the excavation to ensure material does not slough back into the excavation The Environmental Coordinator will monitor the condition of the travel lane and light use workspaces throughout construction and further assess whether topsoil is being subject to degradation that will eventually impact soil capability. If topsoil is being degraded, consider stripping topsoil from the travel lane and/or light use workspaces or install matting (or equivalent) to protect topsoil degradation. 25

153 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v Activity/Concern il Stiingn n nitin nt Potential Mitigation Measures cenario tri ravel ane an eavy se orsace Strip topsoil from the travel lane. Strip only the area required for safe vehicle and equipment travel. Stockpile topsoil stripped from the travel lane in a windrow located adjacent to the stripped travel lane within the RoW Strip topsoil from the heavy use workspaces used for cranes, tensioning equipment and/or structure foundation areas as required. Stockpile topsoil adjacent to each heavy use workspace for use during future reclamation and clean-up. For corner structures with grillage foundations where excavation is required, store excavated subsoil on previously stripped areas or geotextile material adjacent to the excavation. Ensure sufficient space (approximately one metre) is left between the edge of the storage pile and the excavation to ensure material does not slough back into the excavation The Environmental Coordinator will monitor the condition of the light use workspaces throughout construction and further assess whether topsoil is being subject to degradation that will eventually impact soil capability. If topsoil is being degraded, consider stripping topsoil from the light use workspaces or install matting (or equivalent) to protect topsoil degradation. cenario tri ravel aneeavy se orsace an igt se orsace Strip topsoil from the travel lane. Strip only the area required for safe vehicle and equipment travel. Stockpile topsoil stripped from the travel lane in a windrow located adjacent to the stripped travel lane within the RoW Strip topsoil from the heavy use workspaces used for cranes, tensioning equipment and/or structure foundation areas as required. Stockpile topsoil adjacent to each heavy use workspace for use during future reclamation and clean-up. For corner structures with grillage foundations where excavation is required, store excavated subsoil on previously stripped areas or geotextile material adjacent to the excavation. Ensure sufficient space (approximately one metre) is left between the edge of the storage pile and the excavation to ensure material does not slough back into the excavation Strip topsoil from light use workspaces used for structure assembly. Stockpile topsoil within the light use workspace for use during future reclamation and clean-up. 26

154 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v Activity/Concern il Stiing Fn nitin it Sil anling Stiing t Sil Stag in a in in il in aing Potential Mitigation Measures Reduce the area of land subject to topsoil stripping during frozen conditions to the workspaces where structure foundations will be either grillage or concrete cassions and to areas that will be subject to grading. Limit topsoil stripping activities to specialized equipment capable of accurately separating variable depths of topsoil from subsoil (e.g., frozen topsoil cutter, if available). If a frozen topsoil cutter/mulcher is not available, rip frozen topsoil to the same depth as the stripping requirements. Do not over rip and avoid overstripping Do not strip topsoil from the travel lane during frozen conditions unless the travel lane will be graded. Implement the Wet/Thawed Soils Contingency Plan (Appendix H) if thawed conditions are encountered during winter construction Conduct three-lift soils handling during dry and unfrozen conditions, if required, at workspaces where soils with poor-quality lower subsoils (e.g., saline soils) than upper subsoils are encountered and structure foundations will be either grillage or concrete cassions. Ensure topsoils and better quality upper subsoils are stored in a manner that will not result in admixing with poor-quality subsoils When and where stripping is required, strip all available topsoil. Where soils are not readily distinguishable by colour, the Environmental Coordinator will provide direction based on an evaluation of soil texture and structure Strip all available topsoil in one lift. Strip better quality upper subsoils in areas in a second lift where three-lift soils handling is required. The depth of the second lift will be determined prior to the commencement of construction (e.g., during the soils investigations) Store topsoil in windrows a minimum of 2 m from embankments, slumps, cuts, pits, watercourses, waterbodies and/or wetlands Leave gaps in the topsoil windrow, if warranted, at obvious drainage courses, access roads/trails and wildlife trails and as per the instructions ATCO Electric has received from the ESRD and/or landowner/occupant to allow farm machinery and livestock to cross the RoW Tackify, cover, seed, apply water or pack the topsoil stockpiles and windrows with approved equipment, if the assessment by the Environmental Coordinator(s) indicates that soils are likely to be prone to wind erosion Strip topsoil from areas to be graded and store in a location that will not allow for mixing of topsoil with excavated subsoil and graded material. Avoid overstripping. The area stripped is to correspond to the area to be graded Do not mix topsoil and subsoil disturbed during grading with foreign material (e.g., stumps and brush). 27

155 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v Activity/Concern Potential Mitigation Measures aing n t Reduce grading throughout the RoW, especially near watercourses, waterbodies, wetlands and on native pasture, hay land and modified pasture lands with a competent sod layer. Limit the width of grading to reduce the potential for erosion and subsoil compaction Limit grading on erosion prone or steep slopes Conduct grading away from watercourses, waterbodies and wetlands to reduce the risk of sediment and other material entering the wetland Ensure graded material does not spread off the RoW and other designated workspaces. a / Silt Fn king na at ati an tlan at at an tlan ing Limit disturbance to natural drainage channels during grading; avoid blocking channels with graded material; install culverts if necessary Do not place windrowed or fill material in watercourses, waterbodies or, wetlands during grading Do not store graded material in low areas Install temporary berms on approach slopes to watercourses, waterbodies and wetlands. Erect silt fences or other sediment control structures near the base of approach slopes to watercourses, waterbodies and wetlands prior to grading. Inspect the temporary sediment control structures on a regular basis and repair, if warranted, as soon as practical after noticing repairs are necessary Use low ground pressure equipment and/or install rig mats, matting, geotextiles or construct a subsoil ramp, to limit impacts to watercourses, waterbodies and wetlands, if warranted and surface conditions require (i.e., non-frozen) Do not complete grading or soil stripping within watercourses, waterbodies or wetlands unless prior approval from ESRD and/or DFO has been obtained Where ESRD and/or DFO approval has been obtained grading and/or stripping activities within watercourses, waterbodies or wetlands must follow all requirements stipulated within the approval(s) Use existing bridges where the installation of vehicle crossings is not planned Abide by plans and procedures submitted to ESRD and DFO when installing vehicle crossing structures, if applicable, in accordance with the applicable COP and Alberta Operational Statements, respectively. Adhere to COP and federal approval/authorization conditions Comply with all applicable RAPs for watercourses, as outlined by the COP for Watercourse Crossings Ensure that all necessary equipment and materials required for vehicle/equipment structures are onsite and ready for installation prior to commencing instream work, if applicable. Complete all work as quickly as practical to shorten the duration of disturbance. 28

156 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v Activity/Concern at at an tlan i n g nt Potential Mitigation Measures Inspect any temporary erosion and sediment control structures installed on approach slopes on a regular basis throughout crossing construction. Repair the structures, if warranted, as soon as practical after noticing repairs are necessary Postpone instream construction, where necessary, if excessive flows or flood conditions are present or anticipated (See Appendix I). Resume activities when water levels have subsided or equipment/techniques suitable for conditions are deployed Clean all construction equipment prior to crossing any watercourse, waterbody or wetland. 29

157 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v MAA A Materials hauling involves the transfer of materials via tractor-trailers and other trucks from materials yards to the workspaces used for structure assembly within the transmission line RoW or substation sites. Vehicles will use provincial numbered highways and local county roads to access the project area. Vehicles will travel along designated off-row access roads and the RoW travel lane to access workspaces used for structure assembly. If temporary laydown yards are required, the laydown yards will be located outside of native pasture and within previously disturbed areas, where practical. Contractor Measures The following measures are to be implemented by the Contractor. Activity/Concern lit il natin Potential Mitigation Measures 8.1. Confine materials hauling vehicles to existing roads, the allotted travel lane, designated off-row access roads and workspace Repair all roads damaged by materials hauling vehicles to pre-construction conditions Follow all traffic safety regulations and road bans During non-frozen conditions in sensitive areas (near watercourses, waterbodies and wetlands), consider the use of helicopters to transfer materials from temporary laydown yards to workspaces used for structure assembly If the travel lane and workspaces have not been stripped, the Environmental Coordinator will monitor the condition of the travel lane and workspaces during materials hauling to assess whether topsoil is being subject to degradation that will eventually impact soil capability. If topsoil is being degraded, stripping will be conducted and/or geotextiles, rig matting, gravel or other mitigation will be applied. 30

158 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v AM C A CC The type of foundation will vary by transmission structure type. Typical foundations for steel lattice structures will be driven piles; however, other foundation types such as screw piles, grillage or concrete caissons may be used as determined by a pre-construction geotechnical survey. Driven piles or screw piles will be directly embedded into the earth at each of the four corners of the steel lattice structure base. Grillage foundations will require four excavations at each of the four corners of the steel lattice structure base that are approximately 9 m x 9 m in area and 3 m to 5 m deep (size of excavations will be determined during detailed engineering design). A back-hoe or similar equipment will be used for excavation. The 49 m 2 steel grillage foundation will be installed at the bottom of the excavation and then the excavation will be backfilled to meet engineering specifications. Where required, caissons will be installed in a square formation, one at each of the four corners of the steel lattice structure. A drilling auger will be used to excavate the caisson. If soil or water control is required, a sono tube will be installed to maintain the integrity of the caisson. Once caissons are excavated, concrete foundations will be cast-in-place. Concrete will be poured into caissons using a cement pump truck. No backfilling will be required because poured concrete will completely fill the excavated caisson. Directly embedded wooden, steel Davit Arm and steel single pole structures will involve drilling or augering holes approximately 0.5 to 2 m in diameter and backfilling with native fill, imported fill or concrete after the pole is installed. Temporary wood pole structures will be installed in the same manner; however, native backfill will be used. Contractor Measures The following measures are to be implemented by the Contractor. Activity/Concern i Sil Stag an ialill g l Potential Mitigation Measures 9.1. Follow the requirements of AUC Rule 12 Noise Control: conduct construction activity between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. to reduce the duration of the impact of construction noise, unless otherwise approved; and ensure that ATCO Electric has advised nearby residents of significant noisecausing activities, such as pile driving, and schedule these events to reduce disruption to residents Spoil from augered holes will be placed back into structure foundations for use as backfill If spoil material is not to be used as backfill, load the spoil material directly into trucks for hauling and disposal at approved locations. If spoil material must be stored temporarily on the RoW, remove any spoil that is not replaced as soon as practical Store spoil a minimum of 2 m from embankments, slumps, cuts, pits, watercourses, waterbodies and wetlands and a minimum of 1 m from topsoil windrows. 31

159 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v Activity/Concern Sil Stag an ialaatin Fning ating nt anagnt Potential Mitigation Measures 9.5. If spoil material is not to be used as backfill, load the spoil material directly into trucks for hauling and disposal at approved locations. If spoil material must be stored temporarily on the RoW, remove any spoil that is not replaced as soon as practical Store spoil a minimum of 2 m from embankments, slumps, cuts, pits, watercourses, waterbodies and wetlands and a minimum of 1 m from topsoil windrows During non-frozen conditions where the area surrounding the structure location has been stripped, place excavation spoil material on the stripped area adjacent to the excavation During non-frozen conditions where the area surrounding the structure location has not been stripped, place spoil material directly on geotextile material adjacent to the excavation During frozen conditions, place spoil material on a 10 cm buffer of snow, if available. Otherwise place spoil material on geotextile material adjacent to the structure location Fence off open excavations or auger holes left unsupervised to protect wildlife from entering the work area If warranted, dewater the excavation prior to the installation of structure foundations Where warranted, discharge will flow through a sediment removal system, as approved by the Environmental Coordinator Pump water onto stable and well-vegetated areas, tarpaulins or sheeting in a manner that does not cause erosion or allow any unfiltered or silted water to directly enter a watercourse, waterbody or wetland. Place pumps on polyethylene sheeting above the high water mark of the watercourse, waterbody or wetland Dewatering locations must be approved by the Environmental Coordinator and located greater than 50 m from a watercourse, waterbody or wetland Completely isolate work areas in the vicinity of watercourses, waterbodies and wetlands to ensure water does not become more alkaline during construction Prevent water that contacts uncured or partly cured concrete during activities such as equipment washing from directly or indirectly entering a watercourse, waterbody or wetland Isolate and hold any water that contacts uncured or partly cured concrete until the ph is between 6.5 and 8.0 and the turbidity is less than 25 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) measured to an accuracy of +/- 2 NTU. 32

160 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v Activity/Concern nt anagnt n t ling an ining akilling Potential Mitigation Measures Do not deposit, directly or indirectly, any concrete, cement, mortar or other limecontaining construction materials into or near any watercourse, waterbody or wetland. All forms and caissons, if applicable, shall be examined by qualified inspectors prior to pour to ensure they are tight Provide containment facilities for the excess concrete, wash-down water from concrete delivery trucks, concrete pumping equipment and other tools and equipment Excess concrete will be disposed of at an approved facility Report spills of sediments, fines, concrete fines, wash or contact water to applicable agencies. Implement the Spill Contingency Plan (see Appendix B) Refer to General Environmental Preventive Measures (Section 4.0) before work commences and implement the Fire Contingency Plan (Appendix C) when required during fire seasons If the fire hazard is high, implement protection measures such as the use of fire resistant mats or wetting down the area prior to work commencing or having a water truck and or appropriate fire-fighting equipment on site Ensure that each vehicle carries the fire-fighting equipment required by the Ft an aii ttin t an glatin and the minimum fire extinguishers as outlined in Appendix C. Each crew must carry a two-way radio or cell phone Ensure sources of imported backfill have been approved by ATCO Electric and/or applicable authorities. To the extent feasible, attempt to schedule delivery of imported fill so it can be installed directly into the excavation upon arrival at the structure site rather than being temporarily stored on the RoW prior to being backfilled Use excavated material to backfill the excavation, wherever practical Backfill each lift in the correct sequence where three-lift soils handling was implemented to ensure saline lower subsoils do not contaminate upper subsoil horizons Backfill to the surface and mound to allow for drainage away from the structure and settlement of soils. Mounding should not exceed 30 cm above grade Avoid scalping sod and/or topsoil during backfilling. Use suitable equipment (such as a clean-up bucket on a backhoe or urethane prairie protector ) to reduce the potential for scalping Use a backfill auger, power dozer or suitable equipment to break up clods or frozen soils if required Avoid mixing snow into backfill material. 33

161 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v Activity/Concern Sil Potential Mitigation Measures Dispose of excess spoil material at locations approved by ATCO Electric in consultation with the applicable government agency, the landowner and/or occupant. 34

162 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v AM C AMC A Steel lattice structures will be assembled horizontally in sections using a crane or boom truck located within a workspace adjacent to the transmission foundation. Each section will be lifted in sequence and placed onto the structure foundation by one or more boom trucks or cranes. Double and single circuit steel and/or wooden Davit arm structures along with other permanent and temporary wood pole structures will be assembled within the RoW and will be lifted into previously augered/drilled holes using a boom truck or cranes. Guy wires may be installed on structures for additional support, as required. Contractor Measures The following measures are to be implemented by the Contractor. Activity/Concern Sa nitin l an an k lit Potential Mitigation Measures Ensure ground surface is sufficiently dry or frozen to ensure work can continue without causing rutting, compaction, soil pulverization or any other detrimental impact to soils and/or vegetation Confine structure assembly, erection and setting work to the designated workspace During non-frozen conditions in sensitive areas (near watercourses, waterbodies and wetlands), consider assembling structures in off-row laydown yards located on previously disturbed lands Transport structure sections assembled in off-row laydown yards to the structure location with flatbed trailers The use of cranes and boom trucks will be restricted to the designated heavy use workspaces within the RoW No levelling or grading will be completed within the designated crane footprint unless required for the safe operation of machinery Rig mats, geotextiles or other similar materials will be used under crane stabilizers to limit vegetation and soil disturbance within the crane footprint During non-frozen conditions in sensitive areas (near watercourses, waterbodies and wetlands), consider the use of helicopters to transfer pre-assembled structure sections from off-row laydown yards to the structure location and/or use helicopters to assemble structures During non-frozen conditions in sensitive areas (near watercourses, waterbodies and wetlands), consider the use of helicopters instead of cranes or boom trucks to lift structures into place. 35

163 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v Activity/Concern il natin Potential Mitigation Measures If the workspaces where structures are being assembled and/or crane footprints have not been stripped, the Environmental Coordinator will monitor the condition of these areas during structure assembly and setting to assess whether topsoil is being subject to degradation that will eventually impact soil capability. If topsoil is being degraded, stripping will be conducted and/or geotextiles, rig matting, gravel or other mitigation will be applied. 36

164 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v CC A Conductor stringing, joining and tensioning follows structure installation. Insulators and travel devices (pulleys) are installed on the structures and then a pilot line is threaded through each travel device. The conductor is drawn through the travel devices and attached to the pilot line. Conductors for the 144 kv transmission lines will primarily be strung without tension. Stringing without tension will also be used on certain portions of 240 kv lines to limit the number of tension and pull sites required. Partial tension or full tension stringing will be used as required on the 144 kv and 240 kv lines when crossing over roads, railways and waterbodies to assist in keeping the conductor clear of traffic and other obstacles that would be harmful to the conductor and to ensure the safety of workers and the general public. Where tension stringing is used, temporary conductor stringing workspaces are required for tension and pull sites. For tangent structures the tension and pull sites will be located within the RoW while angle and corner structures require temporary conductor stringing workspaces located off the RoW. Tension and pull sites will be located approximately every 3 km to 5 km along the RoW for the lines. If necessary, helicopters could also be used to place a conductor line. The requirement to use helicopters will depend on site-specific conditions and construction schedule. Potential benefits to this method of construction could include lower environmental impacts, especially in sensitive areas, and shorter construction schedules. Contractor Measures The following measures are to be implemented by the Contractor. Activity/Concern tiiatin/ al Sa nitin Potential Mitigation Measures Notify the ESRD District Approvals Manager 14 days (minimum) prior to the commencement of conductor stringing across watercourses or waterbodies in accordance with the ati at ing. Notify the ESRD Regional Director within 24 hours in the event of a contravention of the above COP Notify DFO 14 days prior to stringing overhead conductors over fishbearing watercourses as per Alberta Operational Statement for Overhead Line Construction (Appendix M) Notify Transport Canada 14 days prior to stringing conductors over waterbodies and/or watercourses that require Navigable Waters Approvals, if required Ensure ground surface is sufficiently dry or frozen so that work can continue without causing rutting, compaction, soil pulverization or any other detrimental impact to soils and/or vegetation. The Environmental Coordinator will monitor the condition of the workspaces during conductor stringing whether topsoil is being subject to degradation that will eventually impact soil capability. If topsoil is being degraded, stripping will be conducted and/or geotextiles, rig matting, gravel or other mitigation will be applied. 37

165 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v Activity/Concern nin an ll Sit nit Sniti ain/ illi aitat tlan an iaian a Stinging aigal ata an ati Potential Mitigation Measures The Environmental Coordinator will monitor the condition of the tension and pull sites during conductor stringing to determine whether topsoil is being subject to degradation that will eventually impact soil capability. If topsoil is being degraded, stripping will be conducted and/or geotextiles, rig matting, gravel or other mitigation will be applied Only grade or level tension and pull sites if no alternative measures are available Anchor pits may be required to anchor tensioning equipment. Strip topsoil from areas where anchor pits will be excavated and store the topsoil separately from material removed to excavate the pit Backfill excavated material into the anchor pit following stringing. Level backfilled material to grade and compact backfilled material to equivalent of adjacent lands off-row. Evenly replace topsoil upon completion of backfilling Consider avoiding environmentally sensitive areas by going around the feature or using helicopters or using pilot wire extensions to support the stringing of conductors over large wetlands, waterbodies, sensitive terrain and/or wildlife habitat Abide by applicable timing constraints when using helicopters to string conductors through areas with wildlife timing constraints (see Appendix A) Install markers on shield wires in and around select wetlands and riparian areas to deter birds from the infrastructure, as determined during consultation with ESRD and/or Ducks Unlimited Canada During conductor stringing, Warning signs must be placed 50 m upstream and downstream from the construction site until stringing is completed Allow users of the waterway safe passage (assisted if necessary) through the construction site Follow all conditions of any approvals issued under the aigal at ttin t 38

166 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v A CC Construction of the new substations and the upgrades to existing substations required for the NE Project will involve the following construction activities: Clearing and grading of the substation site and access road. Front end loaders, graders, and gravel trucks will be used to clear and grade the site. Borrow pits may be utilized; these will be located on lands owned or leased by ATCO Electric. Excavation will be restricted to the substation site or borrow pits. Topsoil and subsoil will be stockpiled adjacent to the substation within the boundaries of the land owned or leased by ATCO Electric. Construction of the all-weather access roads will include grading and compaction, including placement and compaction of fill, pit run, and road crush gravel. Road crush gravel will be backfilled to attain the required elevation. Pit run and road crush gravel will be placed using a dozer, grader or other heavy equipment. Gravel trucks will haul the various site preparation and fill materials. Any culverts, earth dams or barriers required in wet areas will be placed using front end loaders (or similar equipment), as required. The substation ground grid will require the installation of a network of below-ground grounding rods and wires will be installed within the substation footprint and outside the perimeter of the substation fence. All ground rods will be connected by a network of copper wire installed below the finished grade. Construction of some substation sites, especially where there are extreme thicknesses of organic soils (such as greater than 2 meters) will be completed without removing the organic layer. A layer of ge-tech material will placed overtop to the organic, or muskeg soil followed by a layer of clay or sand. The ground-grid will placed upon this soil layer followed by another layer of clay soils and then capped by gravel/sand mixture. A chain link safety fence will be installed around the perimeter of the substation. A combination of driven piles, screw anchors or concrete foundations will be installed within the substation fence. The entire surface of the substation site will be covered with a layer of insulating gravel within the fenced area of the substation and just outside the perimeter of the fence. Flatbed trailers and closed cargo vehicles will be used to transport equipment and materials to the site. Installation of electrical equipment, transformers, telecommunication structures and control buildings will be completed by using cranes, boom trucks or other heavy equipment will be used to put the substation equipment in place. Termination of transmission lines at the substation will be completed using bucket trucks. 39

167 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v Contractor Measures The following measures will be the responsibility of the Contractor. Activity/Concern i a a il anag nt Sa lling aa tin an ntallatin ating aa tin Potential Mitigation Measures Follow the requirements of AUC Rule 12 Noise Control: conduct construction activity between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., unless otherwise approved, to reduce the duration impact of construction noise; and ensure that ATCO Electric has advised nearby residents of significant noisecausing activities, such as pile driving, and schedule these events to reduce disruption to the residents Install culverts in approaches to maintain drainage as required Strip all available topsoil from the area required to construct and operate the substations, including parking areas, temporary travel lanes and equipment storage areas Store topsoil stripped from areas of the substation sites that will not be replaced following construction in low profiles along the edges of the site Ensure topsoil berms do not interfere with local surface water drainage patterns. Do not store topsoil in low areas Apply a suitable seed mix for the area (see Section 15.0) to the topsoil berms to protect against erosion and weed infestation Record the locations of topsoil berms on as-built drawings to ensure they can be relocated for future reclamation Level the working surface of the substation site. Haul excess grade material off site for disposal at an approved location, if required Soil material excavated from ground grid trenches, borrow pits and/or equipment foundations that is not replaced, will be disposed of properly in an approved location Separation between the stored topsoil berm and the excavation spoil pile will be appropriate to prevent admixing Ensure that a spill kit of appropriate size is on site. In the event of an accidental spill, implement the Spills Contingency Plan (Appendix B) Ensure that operators and the Contractor s Foremen are trained to contain spills or leakage from equipment If warranted, dewater the excavation prior to the installation of structure foundations Where warranted, discharge will flow through a sediment removal system, as approved by the Environmental Coordinator. 40

168 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v Activity/Concern ating aatin nt nntl illi tnt laatin Potential Mitigation Measures Pump water onto stable and well-vegetated areas, tarpaulins or sheeting in a manner that does not cause erosion or allow any unfiltered or silted water to directly enter a watercourse, waterbody or wetland. Place pumps on polyethylene sheeting above the high water mark of the watercourse, waterbody or wetland Dewatering locations must be approved by the Environmental Coordinator and located greater than 50 m from a watercourse, waterbody or wetland Ensure runoff, storm and melt water from the substation sites do not directly drain into a watercourse, waterbody or a wetland Install guards and/or wildlife protectors, if warranted, at substation sites to protect wildlife and/or deter birds from landing on electrical infrastructure Replace topsoil to a depth comparable to the surrounding landscape on areas that were disturbed for construction but are not required for operation of the substation site Apply a suitable seed mix (see Section 15.0) for the region to the area where topsoil has been replaced, as per the instructions ATCO Electric has received from ESRD or municipal district representative. 41

169 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v AM CMM A AA Transmission line decommissioning and salvage involves the removal of all existing infrastructure and eventual release of the RoW. The stages of decommissioning are generally as follows. First, the conductor is untied and dropped to the ground. The conductor is rolled onto reels and can be re-used or recycled. Structures are removed from the ground using a radial boom digger. Structures are laid on the ground and all hardware and equipment (nuts and bolts holding the cross arms, braces, insulators, etc.) are removed. Poles and any other equipment that are still acceptable to ATCO Electric construction standards will be re-used. Poles, hardware and equipment that do not meet ATCO Electric construction standards will be disposed of as per ATCO Electric Waste Minimization practices. Wood poles may be offered to landowners; however, a release form for receiving treated wood poles is required to be completed and signed. Contractor Measures The following measures will be the responsibility of the Contractor. Activity/Concern l Salag Sil la nt Potential Mitigation Measures Completely remove existing wood pole transmission structures, including the butts, wherever possible Recycle or dispose of wood poles according to ATCO Electric Waste Minimization practices Reuse, recycle or scrap, as appropriate, all conductors, shield wires, insulators, and all other metal components Fill former pole locations with clean local fill and replace local topsoil to a comparable depth of the surrounding topsoil. 42

170 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v A CMM A AA Substation decommissioning and salvage involves the removal of all existing infrastructure, assessment of lands, remediation and/or reclamation. Depending on the location, the land may be sold or retained for future use by ATCO Electric. The stages of decommissioning are generally as follows. First, the substation is isolated from the power system and all structures, buildings, fences, conductors, hardware and equipment (including oil filled equipment) are dismantled and removed. Structures, control buildings, hardware and equipment that meet ATCO Electric construction standards will be re-used and transported to an ATCO Electric site for storage. Structures, hardware and equipment that are do not meet ATCO Electric construction standards will be disposed of following ATCO Electric s Waste Disposal Practices. For substation sites that ATCO Electric will no longer use, the grounds will be reclaimed to equivalent land capability as specified in the Alberta ninntal ttin an nan nt t (EPEA). An environmental site assessment will be conducted to the appropriate level and if required, the site will be remediated to the appropriate lta i Sil an natiatin ilin or the lta i Sil an natiatin ilin. Contractor Measures The following measures will be the responsibility of the Contractor. Activity/Concern i nt Salag laatin Potential Mitigation Measures Completely remove existing equipment foundations and pole butts, wherever possible Follow ATCO Electric Waste Minimization practices to dispose of structures, hardware and equipment that do not meet ATCO Electric construction standards Reuse, recycle or scrap, as appropriate, all conductors, shield wires, insulators, and all other metal components Restore contours to match the surrounding landscape Replace topsoil evenly over all areas that have been stripped. Postpone replacement during wet conditions or high winds to prevent damage to soil structure or erosion of topsoil Reclaim to meet the conditions attached to the Miscellaneous Lease (MLL) approval issued by ESRD, if applicable. 43

171 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v CAP A CAMA Worksite clean-up and reclamation can begin once construction is complete and includes the following tasks, as appropriate: Temporary structure dismantling and removal. Clean-up and removal of all construction materials (including temporary culverts, geotextile materials, and gravel), equipment, and equipment cleaning stations. Workspace and travel lane restoration including tilling or ripping compacted soil, re-contouring areas where necessary to restore micro drainage patterns, and applying erosion control measures (e.g., mulching, tackifiers, check dams, straw crimping) where required. Fertilizer and seed mix applications will be conducted following consultation with the ESRD, the appropriate County representative and/or the landowner. Restoration of fences and other small infrastructure within the RoW and workspaces. Monitoring the effectiveness of erosion control measures and re-vegetation process. Removing erosion control measures and re-vegetating as required. Reapplying fertilizer and seed mixes as required and conducting a noxious weed control program during the growing season following the last work completed on the property to control any weeds resulting from construction activities. Contractor Measures The following measures are to be implemented by the Contractor. Activity/Concern Sling t at Potential Mitigation Measures Commence rough clean-up immediately Postpone work on excessively wet or thawed soils until conditions are dry or refreeze Complete final reclamation outside of frozen conditions Time re-vegetation to take advantage of favourable moisture and temperature conditions Remove temporary vehicle/equipment crossing structures from all watercourses. All crossing structures must be removed within 6 months of installation. Remove log fills, snow or ice bridges, if used, prior to spring break up. Remove snow or ice bridge, if used, by physical means rather than blasting Restore disturbed stream banks and approaches immediately following the removal of vehicle crossing structures. 44

172 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v oug Cleanu Activity/Concern ig atatting ttil i a Fn an at a il in Potential Mitigation Measures Remove geotextiles, rig mats and matting from all locations on the RoW. Ensure materials that could be reused elsewhere on the RoW are suitably cleaned at an approved location before transferring and using at a different location Remove all remaining garbage and debris from the RoW Install temporary fences and gates until replaced with permanent structures if not already installed during travel lane and/or workspace construction Unless culverts were installed during surface preparation activities, remove approaches to prevent blockage of spring runoff in ditches During frozen conditions, pile snow over the windrow to reduce the risk of wind erosion during the winter. If snow is not available consider applying water to freeze the windrow During non-frozen conditions, consider tackifying, seeding or watering down the topsoil windrow. inal ecla ation Activity/Concern gaing nttatin Sil atin Sil aatin il la nt Potential Mitigation Measures Re-grade areas with vehicle ruts and erosion gullies Restore original contours within all workspaces and access areas ensuring that no drainages are blocked Determine locations where subsoil compaction has occurred by comparing compaction levels within compacted areas to adjacent lands. Sites compared should be in close proximity and have similar drainage, soil moisture, aspect and land use. Rip compacted subsoils with a multi-shank ripper or breaking disc to a depth of 30 cm or the depth of compaction, whichever is deeper. If soils are moist, postpone ripping of subsoils until soils dry to ensure that the soils fracture when ripped Employ a subsoiler plow (e.g., Paratiller) along segments of the RoW where topsoil stripping did not occur and subsoil compaction is severe Disc or chisel plow and harrow ripped subsoils to smooth the surface prior to replacing topsoil Replace topsoil evenly over all areas that have been stripped. Postpone topsoil replacement during wet conditions or high winds to prevent damage to soil structure or erosion of topsoil Clean all topsoil handling equipment when leaving areas with noxious weeds. 45

173 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v Activity/Concern S natin Stnil k Sing annt Stkil S alit Ftiliing Sing it it Sing St Sl an Sta ank akii Sta iing Fn Potential Mitigation Measures Avoid scalping of the sod layer during topsoil replacement on hay, modified pasture. Use equipment (e.g., clean-up bucket, prairie protector), which will reduce scalping during the final pass of topsoil replacement and is approved by the Environmental Coordinator(s) Pick stones on agricultural lands so that the RoW surface is equivalent to that of adjacent lands (i.e., stone size and density). Dispose of stones as per the instructions ATCO Electric has received the landowner and/or occupant or applicable government agency Dispose of excess rock displaced from the excavations as per the instructions ATCO Electric has received from the landowner and/or occupant or government agency Seed permanent topsoil stockpiles at substation sites with the seed mixes specified below to most closely match the land use and vegetation composition on adjacent lands Use only native seed mixes as approved by the local ESRD Officer. Present the Certificates of Analysis to the ESRD Environmental Protection Officer, appropriate County representative, occupant and/or landowner upon request. For native seed, obtain the highest seed grade available. Do not accept seed that contains noxious or prohibited noxious weeds Fertilize lands as per the instructions ATCO Electric has received from ESRD, occupant and/or landowner Seed disturbed soil in ditches using a suitable seed mix determined through consultation with ESRD and/or appropriate County representative unless ATCO Electric has received other instructions from the landowner and/or occupant Seed steep slopes and stream banks with using a suitable seed mix determined through consultation with ESRD and/or appropriate County representative unless ATCO Electric has received an alternative request from the occupant and/or landowner Apply a tackifier on disturbed soils and/or the topsoil windrow at a rate recommended by the supplier where wind erosion may be problematic Conduct straw crimping as per instructions ATCO Electric has received from the applicable regulatory agency or landowner/occupant where vegetation and soils have been disturbed and there is an increased risk of soil erosion. Ensure straw is procured from a certified weed-free, local source Repair fences and replace temporary gates with permanent fences of equal or better quality, unless ATCO Electric has received an alternative request from the occupant and/or landowner. 46

174 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v Activity/Concern Fnnt illi aitat attl aag a Potential Mitigation Measures Ground fences as required by ATCO Electric s Transmission Engineering Standard TEL-T-STD-351 to reduce/eliminate induced current and risk of shock, where required Replace salvaged coarse woody debris and organic materials, as per instructions ATCO Electric has received from the applicable regulator or landowner/occupant to provide ground cover habitat Plant low growing shrubs or trees in riparian areas if removed during clearing activities Install temporary fences, if warranted, to restrict grazing and trampling of seeded areas until vegetation becomes established or less palatable Remove any remaining temporary approaches, then seed and fertilize road ditches accordingly. Postconstruction/erations Operation and maintenance of the projects in the NE Region will require access to the structures and conductors. Annual inspections of the line will typically occur by helicopter, in addition to less frequent ground patrols to carry out a detailed inspection of the structures, insulators and conductors. Access for operational maintenance on the line will be from the acquired RoW, using existing access where available, as well as from off-row access that has been granted approval by ESRD, or negotiated with the landowner/occupant. Permanent access roads will provide all-weather access to all substations during operation. Maintenance activities at substations will include periodic inspections. Co any Measures The following measures will be the responsibility of ATCO Electric. Activity/Concern tnttin laatin n t Sil nt Potential Mitigation Measures ATCO Electric will develop and implement a Post-Construction Reclamation Assessment Plan to assess the effectiveness of mitigation and reclamation measures on soils, vegetation, watercourses, waterbodies and wetlands disturbed during construction of the project Conduct an appropriately designed soil assessment program during non-frozen soil conditions after one full growing season following clean-up to confirm reclamation success and determine if any soils issues persist in areas affected by construction (e.g., compaction, admixing, stoniness, contour restoration, and erosion). Where issues are identified through this assessment, implement remedial measures as soon as feasible. 47

175 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v Activity/Concern ainag nt gtatin niting a at niting tlan niting tnttin laatin n t t ng niting Potential Mitigation Measures Conduct an appropriately designed drainage assessment program during nonfrozen conditions to confirm the proper drainage along the RoW. Where issues are identified through this assessment, implement remedial measures as soon as feasible Conduct vegetation monitoring when vegetation is mature enough for accurate identification and evaluation after the first full growing season following clean-up to confirm reclamation success and determine if any vegetation issues persist in areas affected by construction (e.g., weed infestations, poor vegetation establishment or reduced crop growth). Conduct additional soils assessments, if warranted, to identify the cause of vegetation issues, if any. Where issues are identified through this assessment, implement remedial measures as soon as feasible Maintain all access roads to prevent soil erosion and siltation of watercourses Monitor erosion and sediment control structures adjacent to watercourses as well as bank protection at watercourses, if applicable. Apply remedial measures if these structures are not performing as designed Evaluate wetlands after one full growing season following clean-up to verify that unapproved impacts did not occur. Implement appropriate remedial measures if required. Determine if additional monitoring is required and complete additional follow-up until it is determined that impacts have been appropriately mitigated During the evaluation, inspect areas where disturbed mineral soil/debris might be eroding and depositing within the wetland edges. Implement remedial measures (e.g., install silt fence or equivalent structure) as required Prepare a Post-Construction Reclamation Assessment Report that documents the results of soils, vegetation, watercourse, waterbody and wetland monitoring, comments/complaints from landowners, as well as any remedial measures taken. The report will also document whether specific reclamation issues have been successfully resolved or if they remain unresolved. Proposed mitigation and remediation techniques to address unresolved issues will be documented in the Post-Construction Reclamation Assessment Report. If required, provide copies to the applicable regulators (i.e., ESRD Environmental Protection Officer, ESRD Forest Officer and/or appropriate County representative) prior to the calendar year end of the first growing season following final clean-up and reclamation Monitor the RoWs, off-row access routes and substation sites on a routine basis for the life of the project. Issues related to slope or bank erosion or wind and water erosion will be reported to ATCO Electric s Environmental Staff. ATCO Electric will implement applicable remedial measures on a timely basis. 48

176 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v Activity/Concern gtatin anagnt ial atl in an Si nt ntl gtatin tali nt Potential Mitigation Measures Conduct vegetation management (mowing, trimming and herbicide application), where warranted, to maintain the safe and efficient operation of the transmission facilities Conduct vegetation management in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, corporate policies and industry best management practices Abide by applicable timing restrictions for ungulates, migratory birds, etc. when conducting routine aerial patrols (see Appendix A). Timing constraints do not apply to aerial patrols for emergency situations Maintain minimum heights (e.g., 500 m above ground level) in populated areas and when flying over sensitive wildlife habitat as identified in Appendix A Monitor the effectiveness of erosion and sediment controls. Make all necessary repairs if these controls are not working as per their design Monitor areas that were subject to seeding or other revegetation techniques (e.g., shrub planting) during clean-up and reclamation. Take remedial actions if revegetation is unsuccessful or poor. Vegetation monitoring should occur for a minimum of two growing seasons following the completion of clean-up and reclamation. 49

177 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v A Agrono ic Farm crops; all forage, hay, cereals and other general farm crops not including fruit. Contractor Measures Applies to both ATCO Electric and contract crews completing work for ATCO Electric. eleterious Having a harmful effect. nviron ental Align ent eets Maps showing all areas where environmental mitigation should be considered. These maps are directly linked to this EPP. ire aar A rating provided by ESRD or the Municipality. roen osoil Cutter An attachment for a bulldozer to effectively separate topsoil from subsoil during frozen conditions. o roun Pressure ui ent A vehicle or equipment equipped with floatation tires, wide pad tracks, dual tires or some other method of reducing the occurrence of rutting. ative Pasture An area of unbroken grassland or parkland dominated by non-introduced species, and an area of previously broken grassland that has reverted back to native vegetation (30 to 60 years), (Alberta Prairie Conservation Forum, 2012). aciy A form of soil stabilization. Tackifier is often applied with a mulch or seed the tackifier is the medium which holds the mulch to the soil. 50

178 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v C Alberta Prairie Conservation Forum, ati aii nnti. Available online at: 51

179 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v APP A A/ PC AC AC Species Location Time of Year Level of Disturbance Low Medium High ertiles boreal toad and 100 m 100 m 100 m Breeding ponds Year round Canadian toad* northern leopard frog* Breeding ponds Year round 100 m 100 m 100 m long-toed salamander Breeding ponds Year round 50 m 100 m 200 m etiles wandering garter 200 m 200 m 500 m snake and red-sided garter snake Hibernacula Year round Maals northern long-eared Roost sites and 50 m 100 m 300 m Year round bat hibernacula grizzly bear Den sites October 1 st April 30 th 200 m 500 m 750 m irs pileated woodpecker Nesting sites April 1 st July 15 th m 100 m July 16 th March 31 st m barred owl Nesting sites March 1 st August 15 th 100 m 400 m 500 m August 16 th February 28/29 th m golden eagle** Nesting sites March 15 th July 15 th 1000 m 1000 m 1000 m July 16 th March 15 th 50 m 100 m 1000 m bald eagle** Nesting sites March 15 th July 15 th 1000 m 1000 m 1000 m July 16 th March 15 th 50 m 100 m 1000 m osprey Nesting sites April 1 st August 31 st 300 m 500 m 750 m September 1 st March 31 st m 750 m northern goshawk Nesting sites March 15 th August 31 st 200 m 500 m 500 m September 1 st March 14 th m peregrine falcon Nesting sites March 15 th July 15 th 1000 m 1000 m 1000 m July 16 th - March 14 th 50 m 100 m 1000 m pied-billed grebe*** Nesting sites April 15 th July 31 st 100 m 500 m 500 m horned grebe*** Nesting sites April 15 th July 31 st 200 m 500 m 500 m western grebe*** Nesting sites April 1 st July 31 st 500 m 1000 m 1000 m August 1 st March 31 st m 1000 m Forster s tern*** Nesting sites May 1 st July 31 st 100 m 200 m 200 m August 1 st April 31 st m 200 m black tern*** Nesting sites May 1 st July 31 st 200 m 300 m 1000 m August 1 st April 31 st m 1000 m *Measured from bed and shore of wetlands **All sites located outside Grassland and Parkland Natural Region ***Measured from edge of nesting site ASRD Best Management Guidelines Enhanced Approval Process. Available online at: ents/eap-bestmanagementguidelines-may pdf 52

180 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v APP P C C PA nitial esonse In the event of a spill of hazardous material, the first person on the scene will follow the actions presented below: a) If possible without further assistance, assess the safety hazards of the situation, control danger to human life and identify the composition of the spilled material (see Spill Report Form). b) If feasible and safe to do so, remove any sources of ignition, cut off the source of the spill and initiate a release response plan (i.e.control, contain and clean-up). c) While efforts have been initiated to contain the spill, immediately notify the Contractor s Designated Environmental Lead and/or the Environmental Coordinator. If the Contractor s Designated Environmental Lead and/or the Environmental Coordinator cannot be immediately contacted, notify the Construction Supervisor. d) Once the source has been cut off, attempt to contain the spilled area. e) Before any reports are filed, take notice of dangers to the environment (e.g.proximity of watercourses, waterbodies or wetlands) and clean-up actions that might be necessary. f) If any of the tasks listed above are beyond the capabilities at hand, do not hesitate to ask for qualified assistance (e.g., Environmental Coordinators who can call specialty companies to assist). When notified of a spill, Contractor s Designated Environmental Lead will immediately ensure that: the Construction Supervisor and Environmental Coordinator are notified and provided with all information in the Spill Report Form; action is taken to control danger to human life including the appointment of an Onsite Supervisor to ensure health, safety and environmental protection mitigation measures are in place ; the appropriate approach for addressing the situation is determined in consultation with the Environmental Coordinator; and The Project Emergency Response Plan is implemented, such that necessary equipment is mobilized and measures are being implemented to control and contain the spill. The Contractor will be required to make all resources available to contain and clean up a spill. eneral ill Contain ent Proceures The successful containment of a spill on land or water depends on a variety of factors including: ground cover and topography, hydrogeology, solubility of the material, viscosity of the liquid, water currents, soil permeability and climatic conditions. The procedures to be followed will be consistent with those described in Project Emergency Response Plan. 53

181 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v The following general guidelines will be followed for containment of most hazardous materials. 1. Assess the safety hazards of the situation. 2. Remove sources of ignition, if safe to do so. 3. Identify the product, stop source and physically contain spill as soon as safe to do so. 4. Avoid use of water or fire extinguishing chemicals on nonpetroleum product spills unless it is necessary to control a fire or prevent an explosion, since many chemicals react violently with water and chemical extinguishing agents may release toxic fumes. In addition, chemicals may be soluble in water and dispersal makes containment and clean up more difficult. 5. Reduce traffic on contaminated soils. 6. Use natural depressions or berms constructed with materials and equipment in proximity to the site to physically contain a spill on land. Deployment of booms will be necessary on water. General clean-up guidelines for specific incidents are outlined below; details of procedures are contained within the Project Emergency Response Plan. ransortation y ruc At a minimum, the following general guidelines will be followed for containment and clean-up of most hazardous materials if spilled from a fuel truck. 1. Contain spilled petroleum product. 2. Pump tanker dry if the tanker is compromised and at risk of further release (into appropriate containers or another tanker). 3. Remove tanker from site. 4. Recover spilled product. 5. Clean-up contaminated area. 6. Dispose of sorbent pads, heavily contaminated soil and vegetation at an approved facility. On lightly contaminated soil areas where remediation is feasible, add amendments, repeat as required, sample soil and seed as appropriate. Repeat as required. 7. Remediate the affected area, as required. ills Aacent to or into a atercourse ateroy or etlan At a minimum, the following general guidelines will be followed for containment and clean-up of most hazardous materials if spilled adjacent to, or into, a watercourse, waterbody or wetland. 1. Construct berm and/or trenches to contain spilled product prior to entry into a watercourse, waterbody or wetland. 2. Deploy booms, skimmers, sorbents, etc., if feasible, to contain and recover spilled material from watercourse, waterbody or wetland. 3. Recover spilled product. 4. Clean-up contaminated area including downstream shorelines. 54

182 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v ot ills 5. Dispose of heavily contaminated soil and vegetation at an approved facility. 6. Remediate the affected area, as required. Since impacts from small spot spills can generally be reduced if appropriate actions are implemented, all small spills of fuels or noxious materials must be reported immediately to the Contractor s Designated Environmental Lead. At a minimum, the following general guidelines will be followed while cleaning up spot spills of fuel or other hazardous materials. 1. Suspend construction activity in the immediate vicinity of the spot spill until permission to resume activity has been granted by the Contractor s Designated Environmental Lead. 2. The Contractor s Designated Environmental Lead will consult with the Environmental Coordinator, to determine appropriate methods to remove or restore contaminated soils. Soil and vegetation heavily contaminated with petroleum products will be incinerated or disposed of at an approved facility. 3. Locations where spot spills occur are to be flagged or otherwise marked to ensure that post-construction monitoring of the site can be undertaken. 4. Remediate the affected area, as required. a ling an Analysis Soil or water sampling will occur on a case by case basis considering the quantity released and the site specific conditions, as determined by the Environmental Coordinator. The sampling will confirm the remedial actions have effectively removed contamination from the affected area. Sample analysis will be based on spilled material and site specific conditions, and will follow the lta i Sil an natiatin ilin or the lta i Sil an natiatin ilin for parameters of concern. egulatory eorting Immediate verbal reporting to ESRD must be completed at the first available opportunity for any spill or release that may cause, is causing, or has caused an adverse effect on the environment. Call (toll-free, 24 hours-a-day) or to report a spill, release, or environmental emergency. The Environmental Coordinator will contact the appropriate regulatory agency to report spills exceeding the volumes listed below. ATCO Electric has set release reporting requirements that are more stringent than the quantities specified by ESRD and has done so to address the general condition of adverse effects related to the release. The quantities include: 55

183 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v PCB oils Oils (hydraulic, used, transformer, etc.) Gasoline, diesel, glycols Ozone depleting substances (ODS such as CF4 and refrigerants) and SF6 Any amount where the concentration is 2 ppm from equipment not currently in use, or 1 g if from in-use equipment, or if, in a raw case, the oil is suspected to contain PCB but the concentration is unknown. >5 litres >50 litres >10 kg or any quantity that could pose a danger to public safety. A written report must be submitted directly to ESRD's Monitoring Division within seven days of verbally reporting a release, unless it was specifically waived at the time of the immediate report. nternal eorting The Contractor Contractor s Designated Environmental Lead is responsible for ensuring immediate notification to the Environmental Coordinator and Construction Supervisor and include all information in the Spill Report Form. Additionally, a written incident report will be completed by the Contractor responsible for the spill, and will provide details of the incident investigation. 56

184 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v P P M Instructions: Complete Part A for all spills, regardless of size. Complete Part A, B and C for spills one litre or greater. Submit form to Environmental Representative within 24 hours of the spill. PA A Date of Incident: Time of Incident: Company Name: Investigator Name: Type of Material Spilled (check one): Gasoline Diesel Lube Oil Hydraulic Fluid Antifreeze Other (please specify): Source of Spill: Volume of Spill (L): Area of Spill (m2): Depth of Spill (cm): For gaseous releases Estimated Release Rate: Duration of Release: Location (Include nearest structure, substation, road): Was there any osite impact with threat to human health or environment (Y/N): Did the spilled material reach a water body or the groundwater table (Y/N): Description of circumstances leading up to the release: Procedures taken to reduce control or stop the release: Remediation activities complete and schedule of implementation: Current status of remediation: Date remediation completed: 57

185 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v PA ite escrition Legal Location: LSD: Sec: Twp: Rg: W4M UTM: Northing Easting Zone Description of release location (i.e. land, water, both): Land Use: Waterbody type (e.g. lake pond, stream): Soil type (sandy, clay, etc): Environmentally sensitive areas affected: Weather at time of spill: aste Manage ent or e eiation Activities Waste Type: Waste Quantity: Disposal Location: Measures to revent reoccurrence Coents ignature Name (print): Signature: Company Name: Date: 58

186 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v PA CPotos soing site conitions eore an ater clean u Date/Time: Photographer: Direction Facing: Description: Insert Photo Here Date/Time: Photographer: Direction Facing: Description: Insert Photo Here 59

187 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v APP C C C PA ire uression Measures The following standard measures will be adhered to during construction of the Project. 1. Prior to commencement of construction, the Contractor will designate one of his staff as Fire Boss. The Fire Boss will be familiar with fire-fighting techniques and equipment. 2. All construction vehicles must be equipped with at a minimum, one shovel and the following Type ABC dry chemical fire extinguishers, fully charged and securely mounted: ye oeicle Cars, forklifts and construction vehicles up to 5,500 kg GVWR Construction vehicles over 5,500 kg GVWR ATVs/Quads ie an u er otinguiser One 5 lb. or 2.27 kg extinguisher One 10 lb. or 4.55 kg extinguisher One 2.5 lb. or 1.14 kg extinguisher 1. In accordance with the Ft an aii ttin t an glatin, during fire season all crews must be equipped with additional wildfire fighting equipment as follows ire igting ui ent euire ui ent or ire Control Men loye at te ite oerations Shovels Backpack with pump Same as plus increase by Axe Minister Fire pump Fire hose (metres) m 450m Power saw In addition to the above requirements, each crew shall also have a cell phone and/or radio 1. The Fire Boss will ensure that fire fighting equipment is readily available and fully charged and operational at the work site. 2. The Fire Boss will ensure that the belly pans of crawler tractors are periodically removed and cleaned, if applicable. 60

188 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v n te vent oa il ire The following mitigative measures will be implemented in the event of a fire. 1. Commence fire suppression measures immediately upon detection of fire provided that fire conditions allow personnel to safely proceed. 2. Report location of fire as well as size of fire and wind direction, to Fire Boss. 3. Fire Boss will report wild fires and relevant information to ATCO Electric Environmental Staff, Contractor s Designated Environmental Lead, landowner and/or occupant, ESRD Public Lands Officer and/or appropriate County and local fire department. 4. Fire Boss will deploy fire-fighting equipment and crew to plow or clear fire breaks or extinguish the fire directly if possible. All equipment and personnel shall be made available to control the fire. Effort of fire control will be limited, if warranted, due to safety issues and will take into consideration fire conditions, safety, fitness of personnel and equipment availability. 5. Fire Boss will inspect the fire site as soon as possible and take charge of directing suppression measures. 6. Fire Boss will deploy additional crew and machinery as needed and will request assistance of the local fire department and/or County if Contractor resources are inadequate. Fire suppression measures shall continue until the fire is extinguished or until otherwise notified by the local fire department and/or County. 7. Moveable material, particularly explosive or flammable materials, vehicles, etc. will be promptly moved to a safe location whenever there is a possibility of being endangered by fire. 8. Fire Boss will ensure that all burning embers are extinguished and will monitor burn area for smouldering material. Employ infrared scanning equipment to detect any hot spots. 9. Fire Boss will complete a Wildfire Investigation Report and submit it to ATCO Electric. 61

189 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v Wildfire Investigation Report SRD Forest & Prairie Protection # : General Information SWMS # : Capital Projects Fire Number: Date of Ignition (YY/MM/DD/24hr): Legal Location: Service Area: Fire Size (estimate): Type of fuel (grass, black spruce 8m, etc): Weather at the Time of Ignition Temp: Wind Speed: Wind Direction: Ignition Source: Tree Contact Fuse expulsion Facility (i.e. conductor failure) Other (i.e. construction crew) Specify: Which area(s) is the fire located within? Forest & Prairie Prot. Area: Green Zone: National Park: Provincial Park: Private Lands: Municipal Lands: County or ID Lands: Aboriginal Lands: Specify which fire suppression organization(s) actioned the fire (i.e. Forest Service, County/ M.D. Fire Department): Describe Damages: If started by Tree, Complete Detailed Tree Information Tree fell into conductor or facility: Tree grew into conductor: Tree Species: Tree height (meters): Spruce, Black Spruce, Pine, Fir, Aspen, Poplar, Birch Tree class (dominant, co-dom., intermediate, suppressed): Condition of tree (live, dead, visible signs of defect, exposed to wind, etc.): Distance from base of tree to conductor (meters): Distance from R.O.W. edge to centerline (meters): Describe the tree and powerline locations in relation to each other and in relation to other facilities or clearings (i.e. tree was west of powerline and the powerline was located on the west side of an oilfield road): General Comments Attach sketch & pictures Person Completing Investigation Report: Detailed Field Investigation Completed: 62

190 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v APPENDIX D SOIL EROSION CONTINGENCY PLAN If wind or water erosion is evident during the construction phase of the Project, all necessary Contractor equipment and personnel will be made available to control the erosion. During the construction phase, the Contractor s Designated Environmental Lead in consultation with ATCO Electric s Environmental Staff and, if required, the ESRD Regional Environmental Protection Officer and/or the, appropriate County representative will determine appropriate procedures to be implemented to control soil erosion and other soil handling problems encountered. This table provides a list of control options to be implemented as soon as practical. Similar mitigative control measures should be implemented following construction should erosion issues be noticed. Concern Water Erosion Cultivated/Hay Land Modified pasture Mitigative Options D.1. Install temporary erosion berms of subsoil, sandbags or bales during construction activities. D.2. Strip remaining topsoil and store away from area to be regraded. D.3. Construct temporary cross ditches as per instructions ATCO Electric has received from the landowner and/or occupant. D.4. Install temporary berms of logs, sandbags or bales during construction activities. Shut-down construction until the risk of erosion has been reduced or the conditions improve. D.5. During wet conditions shut-down construction until the risk of erosion has been reduced or the conditions improve D.6. Install temporary berms of logs, sandbags or bales during construction activities. D.7. Install silt fences near the base of slopes and at intervals of a longer slope. D.8. Strip remaining topsoil and store away from area to be regraded. D.9. Regrade rills and gullies only if they have formed on subsoil material and stripped topsoil has not been replaced. D.10. Replace salvaged topsoil. D.11. Implement one or a combination of the following mitigative techniques to reduce the potential for erosion: construct cross ditches and berms decreasing the spacing on steeper slopes or on more erodible soils; armour the upslope face of berms with geotextile, logs or sandbags; import small diameter slash then roll back and walk down; apply netting, mulch or tackifier to hold soil; 63

191 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v Concern Mitigative Options Modified pasture reseed and hand rake an annual cover crop, hydroseed or apply seed impregnated mats; rosion of or ailure of treaans transplant native shrubs, plant willow stakes or use other bioengineering techniques, where appropriate; and; install slope indicators at locations where the risk of slope failure, or creep exists; consult a geotechnical engineer. D.12. Implement one or a combination of the following mitigative techniques when streams or riparian areas are encountered: plant willow stakes in the spring; transplant willow clumps, install willow wattles, or brush layering; apply netting or netting with straw mulch complete with seed mix; install log cribwall bank protection; armour bank with rock riprap; install vegetated geogrid; install rock gabions; or reconstruct stream profile to remove scour holes or instream obstructions. D.13. During wet conditions shut-down construction until the risk of erosion has been reduced or the conditions improve. Win Erosion opsoil D.14. Consider using the following techniques if wind erosion of the topsoil windrow is of concern: apply water to the topsoil windrow; windrow snow over the topsoil windrow; seed topsoil windrow; tackify (at rate recommended by the distributor) the topsoil windrow; or windrow snow over the topsoil windrow; pack the topsoil windrow with suitable equipment; or seed cereal or sterile hybrid cover if surrounding lands are cultivated. 64

192 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v Concern opsoil ontd Mitigative Options D.15. Consider using the following techniques if wind erosion is of concern after topsoil replacement: seed cereal or sterile hybrid cover if surrounding lands are cultivated; employ straw crimping if approved by the land authority (contact Agricultural Fieldman or Crop Specialist for reputable local straw suppliers); apply hydromulch or tackifier.; use a packing roller (e.g., Accuroller) to lightly compact sandy or pulverized soils on native pasture. import small diameter slash for use as rollback - walk down slash; add locally available manure, where permitted, and cultivate; and import small diameter slash for use as rollback - walk down slash; install wind fences and add locally available manure, where permitted, and cultivate. D.16. Shut-down or relocate construction activities until winds dissipate and conditions improve. 65

193 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v APPENDIX E SOIL ANDLING CONTINGENCY PLAN During construction, the following problems may arise which may result in loss of soil capability if not addressed. Mitigative measures are suggested which may lessen the impacts associated with construction. Co pan Measres The following measures will be the responsibility of ATCO Electric. ConitionConcern lternate soil andlin easure reuested y landoner and/or oupant Mitigative Options E.1. Discuss benefits of proposed soil handling with landowner and/or occupant. E.2. Notify ESRD s Regional Environmental Protection Officer if landowner and/or occupant maintains the request. E.3. If the landowner and/or occupant maintains the request following discussions with the Regional Environmental Protection Officer, instruct contractor to conduct topsoil handling operations in compliance with the landowner and/or occupant s request. Contractor Measres The following measures will be the responsibility of the Contractor. ConitionConcern Little or no topsoil oor olour separation eteen topsoils and susoils tony susoils or topsoils Mitigative Options E.4. Where topsoil is not distinguishable by colour, the Environmental Coordinator will provide direction on salvage depth based on structure and texture. When provided, strip topsoil to depths indicated on the Environmental Alignment sheets. E.5. Identify subsoil by texture and structure for any site-specific adjustments to depth after consultation with an Environmental Coordinator. E.6. Use topsoil depths indicated in the Soils Report and Environmental Alignment Sheets (if provided) as a guide. E.7. Attempt to use conventional equipment to strip topsoil. E.8. Employ backhoe, if above measures are ineffective. E.9. Pick rocks after replacement of topsoil. 66

194 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v ConitionConcern allo edro odi oft o lternate soil andlin easure reuested y landoner and/or oupant nstale eavation alls neven oundary eteen topsoil and susoil oil pulveriation Hi inds neven surfae on native pastureay or odified pasture Mitigative Options E.10. Ripping is preferred over blasting where rock is encountered. E.11. Excess bedrock will be disposed of as per instructions ATCO Electric has received from the landowner and/or occupant and ESRD Regional Environmental Protection Officer, appropriate County representative, and/or Public Lands Officer. E.12. Import additional or replacement backfill, if warranted, from locations approved by the ESRD Regional Environmental Protection Officer and/or appropriate County representative.. E.13. Where sodic soft rock is encountered at shallow depths, the material will be salvaged and stored separately from the topsoil (A horizon) and subsoil (B and C horizon) and replaced in the order of the original soil profile so that equivalent land capability is maintained and to limit soil admixing. Alternatively, if there is minimal sodic soft rock salvaged it may be disposed of in a landfill rather than stockpiled. E.14. Conduct topsoil handling operations in compliance with ATCO Electric s instructions to meet the landowner and/or occupant s request. E.15. Strip extra width of topsoil if storage of extra spoil is required. E.16. Strip extra width of topsoil if topsoil could slough into the excavation. E.17. Utilize equipment capable of fine depth adjustments when salvaging topsoil. E.18. Reduce traffic on RoW. E.19. Increase topsoil stripping if fine textured soils will be subjected to undue traffic and pulverization. E.20. Reduce cultivation and harrowing once topsoil has been replaced. E.21. Suspend topsoil handling during high wind conditions. E.22. Consider stripping spoil pile area at footing excavations on hay and tame pasture. E.23. Use equipment with fine depth control to backfill spoil in contact with geotextile material. E.24. Consider use of prairie protector on clean-up bucket or grader blade. E.25. Reduce scalping of sod layer. 67

195 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v APPENDIX SILTATION O WATERCORSESWATERODIES OR WETLANDS CONTINGENCY PLAN The Environmental Coordinator will maintain a record of the location, timing and reason for implementation of the contingency plan. Appropriate authorities such as ESRD and DFO will be notified as soon as practical, by the Environmental Coordinator, that contingency measures have been implemented. See also the Flood and Excessive Flow Contingency Plan (Appendix I). Should an extreme precipitation/streamflow event threaten, or other circumstances occur which may render the existing sediment control measures inadequate, the procedures outlined below will be implemented progressively or individually as warranted. Prohibit the operation of construction equipment within 30 m of the banks or edges of watercourses, waterbodies or wetlands. Install additional silt fencing, or equivalent, to prevent silt-laden water from entering watercourse, waterbody or wetland. Excavate cross ditches to divert runoff away from watercourses, waterbodies or wetlands. Construct berms of subsoil, sandbags, rock, timber, straw bales or hay bales on approach slopes and/or banks to divert runoff from the RoW and onto well-vegetated lands. The location and material of the sediment control structures will be determined by the Environmental Coordinator. Import sand bags and place strategically to help stabilize and add height to banks to prevent flooding of nearby areas, especially where vegetation has been removed. 68

196 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v APPENDIX G SOILSOD PLERIATION CONTINGENCY PLAN Where warranted, ESRD and/or the appropriate County representative will be notified as soon as practical that contingency measures have been implemented. Criteria for Implementation Pulverization may occur on unstripped well-sodded lands, particularly on sandy or silty soil and on cultivated lands with fine textured soils. The Soil/Sod Pulverization Contingency Plan will be implemented where sod integrity on hay and/or pasture lands or topsoil has been disturbed to the extent that the soil/sod will lose it s structure, or there is an unacceptably high risk of soil erosion. The following contingency measures will be implemented where pulverization is occurring and topsoil was not fully salvaged. Locations where these measures apply will be determined by the Environmental Coordinator in consultation with the landowner and/or occupant and/or applicable government agency (e.g., ESRD and/or the County). Provide alternative access to avoid areas prone to soil/sod pulverization. Reduce traffic in areas where soil and/or sod is prone to pulverization. Use equipment with wide pad tracks during soils handling (i.e., salvaging and replacing topsoil). Salvage a wider area of topsoil. Implement other suitable mitigation depending on conditions encountered during construction (e.g., availability of extra workspace, soil moisture levels, land use, etc.). Implement the following measures during clean-up and reclamation activities where soil/sod pulverization occurred prior to contingency measures being implemented. Lightly cultivate the affected areas in two directions with a spike cultivator or a scarifier. Harrow the area to prepare a seed bed. Drill or broadcast seed the area as appropriate and if necessary lightly harrow the area again to cover all seed and compact the seed bed. Add straw crimp, if warranted, on erosion prone soils and if approved by the land authority. 69

197 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v APPENDIX WETTAWED SOILS CONTINGENCY PLAN ATCO Electric will assign Environmental Coordinators with sufficient training and soils-related experience to be able to identify soils that are too wet for a particular activity and when the soils are sufficiently dry to allow the activity to resume. The decision to continue or suspend particular construction activities on lands with excessively wet/thawed soils will be made by the Construction Supervisor in consultation with the Contractor s Designated Environmental Lead, and the Environmental Coordinator. A record of the location, timing and reason for implementation of the Wet/Thawed Soils Contingency Plan will be maintained by the Environmental Coordinator. Soils are considered to be excessively wet when the planned activity could cause damage to soils either due to rutting by traffic through the topsoil into the subsoil; soil structure damage during soil handling; or compaction and associated pulverization of topsoil structure damage due to heavy traffic. Contingency measures will be implemented, if warranted, once one of the following indicators occurs: rutting of topsoil to the extent that admixing may occur; excessive wheelslip; excessive build-up of mud on tires and cleats; formation of puddles; or tracking of mud as vehicles leave the work or travel area. To reduce terrain disturbance and soil structure damage through rutting or compaction due to wet/thawed soil conditions, construction alternatives will be employed, as necessary, in the event of thawed soils during frozen conditions and/or an excessively wet surface during non-frozen conditions. The contingency measures listed below will be implemented individually or in combination, as necessary, based on site-specific conditions. Wet SoiContingenc Measres Restrict construction traffic, where feasible, to equipment with low-ground pressure tires or wide pad tracks. Work only in non-problem areas, such as well-drained soil or well-sodded lands, until conditions improve. Install geotextiles or matting in problem areas. Consider salvaging an additional width of topsoil in wet areas. Suspend construction until soils dry out. Tae SoiContingenc Measres Restrict construction traffic, where feasible, to equipment with low-ground-pressure tires or wide pad tracks. Work only in non problem areas, such as frozen or well-drained soils, until conditions improve. Postpone construction until evening or early morning when the ground is frozen. Install geotextiles or matting in problem areas. Employ frost inducement measures such as snow packing or plowing to increase the load-bearing capacity of thawed ground. Suspend construction until soils dry out or freeze. 70

198 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v APPENDIX I LOOD AND EXCESSIE LOW CONTINGENCY PLAN Notify Environmental Coordinator and/or the Construction Supervisor that contingency measures have been initiated as a result of flooding or excessive stream flow along the route. Construction Supervisor and/or Environmental Coordinator will record the location, timing and reason for implementation of the contingency plan. Appropriate authorities such as ESRD, and DFO will be notified, as soon as practical, by the Environmental Coordinator, that contingency measures have been implemented. See also Siltation of Watercourses Contingency Plan (Appendix F). The weather conditions will be monitored by the Environmental Coordinator on a daily basis. If a major storm is predicted or occurs, qualified personnel will inspect all watercourse crossings where vehicle/equipment crossing structure installation is in progress or has been completed, if applicable, to determine whether any corrective actions need to be implemented. If the potential for siltation of a watercourse due to contractor activity is predicted, the contingency plans for Soil Erosion and for Siltation of Watercourses (Appendix D and Appendix F) will be implemented. The following contingency measures will be implemented progressively or individually, as warranted, if excessive flow or flood conditions are anticipated prior to commencing vehicle/equipment crossing structure installation. Assess the capability to handle the forecasted flow rate with the proposed vehicle/equipment crossing structure. If use of the proposed crossing structure is determined by ATCO Electric to be still feasible, the crossing will proceed. Defer vehicle/equipment crossing structure installation to a later time when flows have subsided, if determined by ATCO Electric that the proposed crossing method is not feasible. Alternatively, where the forecasted flow rates and window limitations combine to preclude the proposed crossing structure, request the appropriate authority (e.g., DFO, ESRD) for permission to use an approved alternative crossing structure. The following contingency measures will be implemented progressively or individually, as warranted, if excessive flow or flood conditions should occur during vehicle/equipment crossing structure installation, if applicable. Withdraw all equipment or tanks containing fuel, oil or other hazardous materials from potential flood areas. Relocate all topsoil piles at the direction of the Environmental Coordinator. Relocate spoil piles, to the extent feasible, to a position above the anticipated high water level. Remove all stationary and mobile equipment deployed at the crossing site to a safe area above the anticipated high water level. Evaluate vehicle crossing structure to determine whether adequate free-board is present on bridges and adequate capacity is available in culverts. Take corrective measures as appropriate to avoid flooding of adjacent lands. 71

199 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v APPENDIX PLANT SPECIES O CONCERN DISCOERY CONTINGENCY PLAN In the event that listed vascular plants, or sensitive ecological communities are discovered during future vegetation studies for the Project, the plant or ecological community will be assessed and appropriate mitigative measures will be determined prior to construction of the Project. The appropriate mitigative measures will be determined following an assessment, which will include: the location of the plant or ecological community; the relative rarity listing of the plant or ecological community (regionally, nationally, etc.); the local abundance of the plant or ecological community; the growth habit and propagation strategy of the plant or ecological community; and the habitat preferences of the plant or ecological community. Mitigative options that may be implemented include: avoiding the listed plant species or community and flagging and fencing off the occurrence; informing all users of access restrictions along native vegetation segments and in the vicinity of flagged or fenced sites; temporarily covering the site with geotextile pads, flex net, or rig mats; realigning the travel lane or workspaces to avoid the site; or propagating listed plants or ecological communities (e.g., by harvesting seed, salvaging and transplanting sod or collecting cuttings of the listed species or community). 72

200 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v APPENDIX WILDLIE ENCONTER CONTINGENCY PLAN In the event of an encounter with wildlife during the construction phase of the Project, either at the construction site or on the commute to and from the construction site; follow the measures outlined below. 1. Report any incidents (e.g., aggressive behaviour, nuisance behaviour) with wildlife to the Environmental Coordinator who will, if warranted, immediately notify the local ESRD Wildlife Biologist and the local police detachment. 2. Report any trapped, injured, or dead animals on the site to the Environmental Coordinator. If warranted (i.e., wildlife identified are listed either provincially or federally), the Environmental Coordinator will contact local ESRD Wildlife Biologist to consult on appropriate action. 3. Report location and details of collisions with wildlife to the Environmental Coordinator. If warranted (i.e., wildlife identified are listed either provincially or federally), the Environmental Coordinator will notify local ESRD Wildlife Biologist and the local police detachment. 4. Once the preceding contacts have been made, the Environmental Coordinator will also contact ATCO Electric's environment staff to report the situation. 73

201 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v APPENDIX L WILDLIE SPECIES O CONCERN DISCOERY CONTINGENCY PLAN Liste Wi ie Species Discover Prior to Constrction In the event that listed wildlife species or their site-specific habitats are discovered during future wildlife studies for the Project, the discovery will be assessed and appropriate mitigation will be determined in conjunction with ATCO Electric s Avian Protection Plan (APP), and consultation with ESRD. The wildlife or habitat will be assessed based on the following criteria: the location of the wildlife or habitat feature with respect to the proposed area of development; the presence of topographic features or vegetation to effectively screen the wildlife or habitat from construction activities; the timing of construction versus the critical timing constraints for the species; and the potential for an alteration of construction activities to reduce or avoid sensory disturbance. The mitigative measures available include, but are not limited to, the following: abide by seasonal timing constraints within the recommended set back distances; abide by daily timing restrictions on construction activities; narrow down the proposed area of disturbance and protect the site using fencing or clearly mark the site using flagging; alter or delay construction activities to avoid sensory disturbance (e.g., no burning); inform all users of access restrictions in the vicinity of flagged or fenced sites; realign the travel lane or workspaces to avoid the site; install nest boxes or platforms or otherwise replace or enhance habitat during reclamation or restoration; and relocate nests or other habitat features or individuals if practical and in consultation with ESRD Wildlife Biologist staff and monitor post-construction response. The Environmental Alignment Sheets will incorporate recommended mitigative measures for the given situation, if applicable. Liste Wi ie Species Discover Dring Constrction In the event that listed wildlife species or their site-specific habitat is discovered during construction, the discovery will be assessed and appropriate mitigation measures from the list above will be determined in conjunction with ATCO Electric s APP, and in consultation with ESRD. Listed wildlife species and their habitat characteristics that could occur within the Project area will be identified in the Environmental Education Program for the Environmental Coordinators. The Environmental Coordinators will be provided with detailed information on identifying listed wildlife species and their site-specific habitat. 74

202 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v In the event that listed wildlife species or their site-specific habitats are discovered during construction, follow the measures outlined below. 1. Suspend work immediately in the vicinity of any newly discovered wildlife species of concern. Work at that location may not resume until the measures below are undertaken. 2. Notify the Environmental Coordinator who will notify the Construction Supervisor. 3. The Environmental Coordinator will assess the discovery and either allow construction to be resumed or, in the event of a confirmed or potential discovery, proceed by notifying ESRD Operations Division, Wildlife Biologist and, if required, retaining the services of a qualified third party wildlife biologist. Liste Wi ie Species Discover Dring Operations an Maintenance The following is adapted from ATCO Electric's Practice #1401: Birds of Prey - Nest Management: If a migratory bird, or bird of prey, is encountered on one of ATCO Electric's structures and is causing an outage, immediately contact the local ESRD Operations Division, Wildlife Biologist. The Wildlife Biologist must be advised of the situation and that there is an immediate need to disturb the nest. Any action requires the Wildlife Biologist's endorsement. It is a regulatory offence to disturb or destroy the contents of an active nest (and, specifically, if the disturbance deals with a nest for a species at risk - at any time) without verbal or written permission from the local Wildlife Biologist. The information to be provided, recognizing the time/season of the year, includes a) the status of the nest (e.g., is it known to be active with eggs or nestlings are present), b) is the nest under construction, and c) the seriousness (e.g., nature and extent) of the outage. Based on this initial assessment, work with the local Wildlife Biologist to determine a course of action that will address the outage and the current status of the nest. Potential options for consideration may include but are not limited to: trim any branches that may be causing the fault; temporarily relocate the conductor farther away from the nest; add insulation to temporarily address the existing situation; install a line cover-up to temporarily address the situation; or as a last resort, and only with verbal and/or written permission of the local Wildlife Biologist, remove the active nest and its contents from the structure. In some cases it may be possible to work with the local Wildlife Biologist to salvage the entire nest or the contents of an active nest. This work must receive permission from the Wildlife Biologist and should only be undertaken with the support and assistance of the Wildlife Biologist on the condition that the work can be conducted safely, protecting against electrical contacts and protection against any attack by birds attending the nest. ATCO Electric would generally prefer not to provide a nesting structure adjacent to existing transmission lines. Although this may deal with a nest on the live structure, it does not move the bird away from the transmission line; therefore, the potential for an avian contact with the line in the nesting area remains. When a nest is discovered on a structure, submit a Nest Management Reporting Form to ATCO Electric Environmental Affairs. 75

203 LOCATIONINFORMATION NestManagementReportingForm Date: Reportedby: Region: District: Line# Structure# LSD: POLEINFORMATION 1. Whatexistingbirdprotectionisonthestructure(checkallthatapply)? BushingCaps Insulated/Weatherproofcopperwires Guystrainedinsulator LightningArrestorCaps Cutoutcovers ConductorcoversPerchdeterrents Jumperroutedbeneatharmorconductor Other(pleasespecify): None 2. Distancetolake/river/largepond?0250m250500m500m1km>1km BIRD/NESTINFORMATION 3. Pleaseselectspeciesofnestingbird(pleaserefertotheHealth,Safety,andEnvironmenthomepage onenetforspeciesphotosanddescriptions): GreathornedowlUNKNOWNOWLOtherOWL(pleasespecify): RedtailedhawkOspreySwainsonshawkFerruginoushawkUNKNOWNHAWK BaldEagleGoldeneagleUNKNOWNEAGLE PeregrinefalconUNKNOWNFALCONSPECIES RavenCrowMagpieGooseUNKNOWNBIRD Other(pleasespecify): 4. Conditionofnest:loosesticksnest,noeggsnestwitheggsnestwithyoungbirds 1

204 5. Risktosystem?outageoccurredoutagepossibleoutageimminentlittle/norisk 6. Hasabirdbuiltorattemptedtobuildonthisstructurebefore? Yes,oncemorethanoncenopreviousattemptsknown ACTIONINFORMATION **NOTEITISILLEGALTODISTURBMOSTNESTINGBIRDSORDESTROYTHEIRNESTS.FURTHERINSTRUCTION ONDEALINGWITHNESTSCANBEFOUNDINSECTION7OFTHEAVIANPROTECTIONPLAN,LOCATEDONTHE HSEHOMEPAGEONENET.LOCALFISH&WILDLIFEOFFICESSHOULDBECONTACTEDIFMORETHANAFEW LOOSESTICKSAREPRESENT. 7. System&BirdProtectionActionAlreadyTaken(pleaseselectallthatapply): removedstickstopreventnestestablishment trimmednest enteredintosyclo replaceddoublearmwithsinglefibreglassarminsulatedcontactsonpole addedperchdeterrentinstalledlightningarrestorcapsinstalledcutoutcovers contactedfishandwildlifere:movingnest;outcome: Other: None(pleaseprovidejustification): 8. System&BirdProtectionactionrecommended(selectallthatapply): removestickstopreventnestestablishment trimnestenterintosyclo replacedoublearmwithsinglefibreglassarmcontactfishandwildlifere:movingnest insulatecontactsonpole installcutoutcovers addperchdeterrentinstalllightningarrestorcaps Other: None(pleaseprovidejustification): PLEASESENDACOPYOFTHISCOMPLETEDFORMTO: BETTINAMUELLER,CORPORATEENVIRONMENTALAFFAIRS FAX:(780) THFLOOR,ATCOCENTRE ST EDMONTON,AB,T5J2V6 2

205 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v APPENDIX M FISHERIES AND OCEANS CANADA ALBERTA OPERATIONAL STATEMENT FOR OVERHEAD LINE CONSTRUCTION 79

206 OVERHEAD LINE CONSTRUCTION Overhead lines are constructed for electrical or telecommunication transmission across many watercourses that range in size from small streams and ponds to large rivers, lakes and reservoirs. This Operational Statement applies to selective removal of vegetation along the right-of-way to provide for installation and safe operation of overhead lines, and passage of equipment and materials across the water body. Although fish habitat occurs throughout a water system, it is the riparian habitat that is most sensitive to overhead line construction. Riparian vegetation occurs adjacent to the watercourse and directly contributes to fish habitat by providing shade, cover, and spawning and food production areas. It is important to design and build your overhead line project to meet your needs while also protecting riparian areas. Potential impacts to fish and fish habitat include excessive loss of riparian vegetation, erosion and sedimentation resulting from bank disturbance and loss of plant root systems, rutting and compaction of stream substrate at crossing sites, and disruption of sensitive fish life stages. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is responsible for protecting fish and fish habitat across Canada. Under the Fisheries Act no one may carry out a work or undertaking that will cause the harmful alteration, disruption or destruction (HADD) of fish habitat unless it has been authorized by DFO. By following the conditions and measures set out below you will be in compliance with subsection 35(1) of the Fisheries Act. The purpose of this Operational Statement is to describe the conditions under which it is applicable to your project and the measures to incorporate into your project in order to avoid negative impacts to fish habitat. You may proceed with your overhead line project without a DFO review when you meet the following conditions: the project is not located on a Class A stream according to the Alberta Water Act Code of Practice, it does not require the construction or placement of any temporary or permanent structures (e.g. islands, poles, crib works, etc.) below the ordinary high water mark (HWM) (see definition below), and you incorporate the Measures to Protect Fish and Fish Habitat when Constructing Overhead Lines listed below in this Operational Statement. If you cannot meet all of the conditions listed above and cannot incorporate all of the measures listed below then your project may result in a violation of subsection 35(1) of the Fisheries Act Fisheries and Oceans Canada Alberta Operational Statement Version 3.0 and you could be subject to enforcement action. In this case, you should contact the DFO office in your area if you wish to obtain DFO s opinion on the possible options you should consider to avoid contravention of the Fisheries Act. You are required to respect all municipal, provincial or federal legislation that applies to the work being carried out in relation to this Operational Statement. The activities undertaken in this Operational Statement must also comply with the Species at Risk Act ( If you have questions regarding this Operational Statement, please contact the DFO office in your area (see Alberta DFO office list). We ask that you notify DFO, preferably 14 days before starting your work by filling out and sending the Alberta Operational Statement notification form ( central/habitat/os-eo/prov-terr/index_e.htm) to the DFO office in your area. This information is requested in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the work carried out in relation to this Operational Statement. Measures to Protect Fish and Fish Habitat when Constructing Overhead Lines 1. Installing overhead lines under frozen conditions is preferable in all situations. On wet terrains (e.g., bogs), lines should be installed under frozen conditions, where possible, or using aerial methods (i.e., helicopter). 2. Design and construct approaches so that they are perpendicular to the watercourse wherever possible to minimize loss or disturbance to riparian vegetation. 3. Avoid building structures on meander bends, braided streams, alluvial fans, active floodplains or any other area that is inherently unstable and may result in erosion and scouring of the stream bed or overhead line structures Wherever possible, locate all temporary or permanent structures, such as poles, sufficiently above the HWM to prevent erosion. 4. While this Operational Statement does not cover the clearing of riparian vegetation, the removal of select plants may be necessary to accommodate the overhead line. This removal should be kept to a minimum and within the road or utility right-of-way or approved work space.

207 5. Machinery fording the watercourse to bring equipment required for construction to the opposite side is limited to a one-time event (over and back) and should occur only if an existing crossing at another location is not available or practical to use. A Temporary Stream Crossing Operational Statement is also available If minor rutting is likely to occur, stream bank and bed protection methods (e.g., swamp mats, pads) should be used provided they do not constrict flows or block fish passage Grading of the stream banks for the approaches should not occur If the stream bed and banks are steep and highly erodible (e.g., dominated by organic materials and silts) and erosion and degradation is likely to occur as a result of equipment fording, then a temporary crossing structure or other practice should be used to protect these areas Time the one-time fording to prevent disruption to sensitive fish life stages by adhering to appropriate fisheries timing windows (see Alberta Water Act - Code of Practice restricted activity periods, which can be found at: water/legislation/cop/mapindex.html) Fording should occur under low flow conditions and not when flows are elevated due to local rain events or seasonal flooding. cover exposed areas with erosion control blankets to keep the soil in place and prevent erosion) and vegetated the following spring Maintain effective sediment and erosion control measures until re-vegetation of disturbed areas is achieved. Definition: Ordinary high water mark (HWM) The usual or average level to which a body of water rises at its highest point and remains for sufficient time so as to change the characteristics of the land. In flowing waters (rivers, streams) this refers to the active channel/ bank-full level which is often the 1:2 year flood flow return level. In inland lakes or wetlands, it refers to those parts of the water body bed and banks that are frequently flooded by water so as to leave a mark on the land and where the natural vegetation changes from predominately aquatic vegetation to terrestrial vegetation (excepting water tolerant species). For reservoirs this refers to normal high operating levels (Full Supply Level). 6. Operate machinery on land and in a manner that minimizes disturbance to the banks of the watercourse Machinery is to arrive on site in a clean condition and is to be maintained free of fluid leaks Wash, refuel and service machinery and store fuel and other materials for the machinery away from the water to prevent any deleterious substance from entering the water Keep an emergency spill kit on site in case of fluid leaks or spills from machinery Restore banks to original condition if any disturbance occurs. 7. Install effective sediment and erosion control measures before starting work to prevent entry of sediment into the watercourse. Inspect them regularly during the course of construction and make all necessary repairs if any damage occurs Avoid work during wet, rainy conditions or use alternative techniques such as aerial methods (i.e., helicopter) to install overhead lines. 8. Stabilize any waste materials removed from the work site to prevent them from entering the watercourse. This could include covering spoil piles with biodegradable mats or tarps or planting them with grass or shrubs. 9. Vegetate any disturbed areas by planting and seeding preferably with native trees, shrubs or grasses and cover such areas with mulch to prevent erosion and to help seeds germinate. If there is insufficient time remaining in the growing season, the site should be stabilized (e.g.,

208 FISHERIES AND OCEANS CANADA OFFICES IN ALBERTA Calgary Office Fisheries and Oceans Canada th St. NE Calgary, Alberta, T2E 8X4 General Inquiries: Fax: Edmonton Office Fisheries and Oceans Canada Whitemud Business Park th Street Edmonton, Alberta, T6E 5Y7 General Inquiries: Fax: Lethbridge Office Fisheries and Oceans Canada J.D. Higinbotham Building 204, th Avenue South Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 0N8 General Inquiries: Fax: Peace River Office Fisheries and Oceans Canada th Street Peace River, Alberta, T8S 1G9 General Inquiries: Fax: Aussi disponible en français modernizing-moderniser/epmp-pmpe/index_f.asp DFO/ Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada 2007 This Operational Statement (Version 3.0) may be updated as required by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. It is your responsibility to use the most recent version. Please refer to the Operational Statements web site at to ensure that a more recent version has not been released.

209 ATCO Electric North East Environmental Protection Plan v APPENDIX N BEST MANAEMENT PRACTICE CROP DISEASE PROTECTION AND NOXIOUS EEDS 83

210 Best Management Practice (BMP) C D P N Page 1 of 3 Objective To minimize or restrict the potential spread of crop disease and noxious weeds through application of an appropriate level of cleaning for ATCO Electric equipment that has been used in agricultural fields where clubroot and / or noxious weeds infestation has been identified as a concern or where agricultural crops may be impacted by other soil-borne diseases. Equipment Cleaning Practices The Alberta Clubroot Management Plan recommends three recognized levels of equipment cleaning applicable to clubroot and other crop diseases: 1 Level 1 Mechanical Cleaning: physical removal of dust, soil and plant materials (scraping off mud, sweeping or blowing off dirt). Level 2 Washing: physical removal of soil including hot water or steam cleaning. Level 3 Disinfecting: refers to a bio-security mode. This requires physical removal of soils including hot water/steam cleaning followed by disinfectant, typically 1-2% bleach (misting (keeping moist) for 15 minutes). Application of Equipment Cleaning Practices Clubroot or other soil-borne diseases: In those counties where crop disease has been identified as being present (see attached 2011 clubroot map: and where ATCO Electric's operations will be conducted on agricultural lands, ATCO Electric will clean our equipment intended for use on these lands at a minimum to Level 1 Mechanical Cleaning. A decision to take action beyond Level 1 - Mechanical Cleaning will be made in consultation with the landowner and the local Agricultural Fieldmen or Municipality. In determining whether additional cleaning practices are 1 *link below provides the most current plan and additional information on clubroot: ), Revised August 9, Approved August 9, 2012 Revision

211 Best Management Practice (BMP) Crop Disease Protection an oious Wees Page 2 of appropriate, ATCO Electric will consider several critical factors including, but not limited to: whether there is a confirmed presence of crop disease on the site or in the immediate area where the site is located geographically (e.g., see attached 2011 clubroot map: 1 1) how the land is being used and its geographic location, including water use and conservation requirements requirements communicated by the local district Agricultural Fieldmen or Municipalityand pecific landowner circumstances and the nature of any landowner request for additional cleaning practices, including current landowner equipment cleaning practices. An electronic record or land notation should be documented and retained in the local office for locations wherever Level 2 or equipment cleaning has been used, which includes the process followed to determine the level of cleaning required. These records will be referenced for future site access requirements and to demonstrate ATCO Electric's practices and due diligence in the event that future crop disease/clubroot issues arise. Equipment that only travels on gravel or paved roadways/sites does not require cleaning under this MP. oious eeds: To limit the risk of transporting weeds from infested areas: Mechanically clean (Level 1) all equipment prior to its arrival on site. Clean equipment (Level 1) passing through areas identified as having a noxious weed problem prior to continuing work. Clean equipment involved in topsoil handling at noxious weed infested sites prior to leaving the location. Monitor noxious weed growth on topsoil piles during the course of construction activities and conduct corrective measures (i.e.herbicide application), if warranted. evised August 9, Approved August 9, 2012 evision

212 Best Management Practice (BMP) Crop Disease Protection an oious Wees Page of eep a log of all equipment that has been cleaned archive a record of this log at the local office. ecord in a log book any sites where equipment was specifically cleaned due to concerns associated with noxious weeds and provide a record to Environment/ E coordinator. eren ents uring emergency events (e.g., events that pose a risk to public safety or to the environment) safe restoration of service is the highest priority. Personnel and machinery must be mobilized rapidly during an emergency. It is recognized that some of the guidelines set out in this MP may not be followed in their entirety as circumstances may dictate a need to deviate from the guidelines. owever, ATCO Electric is committed to implement the guidelines in this document to the extent possible. evised August 9, Approved August 9, 2012 evision

213 ATCO Electric orth Central Environmental Protection Plan v APPENDIX O EMERGENCY CONTACT LIST FOR NORTH WEST FORT MCMURRAY TRANSMISSION DEVELOPMENT Dean Kandt ATCO Electric Ltd th Street Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2V6 Mobile: (780) dean.kandt@atcoelectric.com Matt McClelland ATCO Electric Ltd th Street Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2V6 Phone: (780) Mobile: (780) matt.mcclelland@atcoelectric.com Ahmad Shala ATCO Electric Ltd th Street Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2V6 Phone: (780) Mobile: (780) ahmad.shala@atcoelectric.com Laine Watson ATCO Electric Ltd th Street Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2V6 Phone: (780) Mobile: (780) laine.watson@atcoelectric.com Charla Downey EBA, A Tetra Tech Company Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T5V1B4 Phone: (780) Mobile: (587) CDowney@eba.ca ATCO Electric's Construction Supervisor ATCO Electric's Environmental Coordinator ATCO Electric s Project Manager ATCO Electric s Project Planner ATCO Electric's Environmental Consultant (Qualified Aquatic Environment Specialist, Wildlife Biologist, Vegetation Specialist, Soils Specialist) 88

214 ATCO Electric orth Central Environmental Protection Plan v Barry ewton Land se Planner Archaeological Survey Section Alberta Culture and Community Services Old St. Stephen s College Street Edmonton, Alberta T6 2P8 Phone: (780) barry.newton@gov.ab.ca Archaeological Contact Mark eckbert ish and Wildlife Program Manager Alberta Sustainable esource Development 2 nd fl Provincial Building Avenue igh Prairie, Alberta T0 1E0 Phone: (780) mark.heckbert@gov.ab.ca egional ish and Wildlife Contact Therese acyshyn orest Officer Operations Section ead Alberta Environment and Sustainable esource Development 2 nd fl Provincial Building Avenue igh Prairie, Alberta T0 1E0 Phone: (780) therese.yacyshyn@gov.ab.ca Alberta Sustainable esource Development Phone: (24 hr anywhere in Alberta) AESD orthern egion Bag 900-5, Provincial Bldg Peace iver, Alberta T8S 1T4 Phone: a: waterapprovals.peaceriver@gov.ab.ca Director of Monitoring 11th loor, th Street Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2J6 Phone: (780) Phone: (24 hr) a: (780) egional Public Lands Contacts n the event of a Wildfire Provide Water Crossing otification 14 Days Prior to Vehicle Water Crossing nstallation and within 24 ours if a Contravention of the Code of Practice Occurs (n the Event of a efined Product elease) 89

215 eather Jones Compliance Assurance Edmonton 111 Twin Atria Building Avenue Edmonton, AB T6B 23 Phone: (780) a: (780) Kale Bromley Compliance Assurance Edmonton 111 Twin Atria Building Avenue Edmonton, AB T6B 23 Phone: (780) a: (780) egional Compliance nspector egional Compliance nspector ATCO Electric orth Central Environmental Protection Plan v Patrick Marriott Approvals 1 st fl Twin Atria Building Avenue Edmonton, AB T6B 23 Phone: (780) a: (780) larry.kuchmak@gov.ab.ca District Approvals Manager Paul regoire Senior Environmental Assessment Biologist Environment Canada Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T6B 23 Phone: (780) a: (780) paul.gregoire@ec.gc.ca Peace iver Office isheries and Oceans Canada Street Peace iver, Alberta T8S 19 Phone: (780) a: (780) referralspeaceriver@dfo-mpo.gc.ca Canadian Wildlife Service Department of isheries and Oceans Canada 90

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220 JACOS Sweetheart Lake Project FS R H R D R D R F HN R F HN R F Y R R V MOD S U Y R U L Y ile o AESO FS Page 2 of 21

221 JACOS Sweetheart Lake Project TALE OF CONTENTS 1 PPOSE TEPETATO AD VAACES POJECT OVEVEW OECAST O TE DEVELOPMET TE POJECT AEA SCOPE O WOK eneral Compliance with AESO Authoritative Documents Modeling Data equirements Substation Equipment Specifications Specific Scope of Work for the Legal Owner of the Transmission acility Market Participant Scope of Work TASMSSO SSTEM OPEAT CAACTESTCS Short Circuit Current Levels Voltage Levels nsulation Levels Specific Project Operational or Transmission Constraints APPEDCES System nterconnection Proposed Sweetheart Lake 2032S Connection Single Line Diagram Proposed Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation Single Line Drawing Dawes 2011S Substation Single Line Drawing Dawes 2011S Substation Proposed Development Energy Data equirements SCADA Point equirements Proposed Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation SCADA Point equirements Dawes 2011S Substation SCADA Data equirements...20 ile o AESO FS Page 3 of 21

222 JACOS Sweetheart Lake Project PURPOSE The purpose of this document (the unctional Specification) is to set out the technical specifications and requirements and approved variances issued by the AESO to the legal owner of the, ATCO Electric Ltd., as TO (ATCO TO), and the, ATCO Electric Ltd., as DO (ATCO DO), related to the design, construction, development and commissioning of certain new or modified facilities (the project) that have been proposed for or are related to a physical facilities connection with the (the Purpose). This unctional Specification is issued for the Purpose only, and the legal owner of the and the must comply with the unctional Specification provisions. The ISO is not responsible for any facilities designed by or for any third party, or installed on a third parties behalf, to accomplish the connection of the facilities. This unctional Specification includes: (i) certain specific engineering, technical and functional requirements for the project (ii) the requirements to comply with certain ISO,, technical standards, and ISO T provisions, (the Authoritative Documents) which requirements must be satisfied and incorporated in to the design, construction, development and operation of the connecting and other connection work (iii) the electrical system environment in which the connecting must be designed and operateand (iv) any approved variances from requirements set out in any applicable AESO Authoritative Documents. INTERPRETATION AND VARIANCES Subject to subsection (2), any revision or variance to any of the unctional Specification provisions by the legal owner of the or the is prohibited. The legal owner of the or the may make application in writing to the AESO requesting a variance to this unctional Specification, and the AESO may in writing approve of the variance after the AESO has completed an analysis of the implications to the with respect to the requested variance. Words or phrases appearing in bold have the meanings set out in the Authoritative Document Consolidated Glossary. PROECT OVERVIEW The outline includes: On May 5, 2011, the requested to AESO to provide service to Japan Canada Oil Sands (JACOS) at the angingstone Epansion SAD facility. The angingstone facility currently eists as a pilot plant about 11 km from the Algar 875S substation with about ile o AESO FS Page 4 of 21

223 JACOS Sweetheart Lake Project 3MW of load. The facility is now to be epanded. Peak load at the epansion site is estimated at 25 MW. The initial Demand Service equest (DTS) is 15 MW on August 1, Proposed project development: Construct a new kv Sweetheart Lake 2032S POD nstall one 144 kv breaker at Dawes 2011S Build approimately 9 km 144 kv line from Dawes 2011S to the new POD nstall one 144 kv transformer breaker at 2032S nstall one MVA kv transformer and associated equipment at 2032S nstall two 25 kv breakers at 2032S The requested in service date is August 1, FORECAST OF FUTURE DEVELOPMENT IN THE PROECT AREA Long term development in the ort McMurray area includes the addition of a new 500kV circuit from the Wabamun Lake area to ort McMurray including a new kV substation, ThickWood 951S, with additional VA support. The anticipated in service date for the 240kV development of the Thickwood substation is 2015 while the 500kV portion of this development is epected to be in-service by There are also plans to upgrade the future Livock 939S substation to a kV substation to provide system support to future loads in the northwest ort McMurray area and the orthwest region of the AES. SCOPE OF WOR G The legal owner of the and the must complete all engineering, design, land or land-use acquisition, siting, public consultation, applicable regulatory approvals and permits, material procurement, construction, commissioning, and associated permitting requirements for the project facilities. The legal owner of the and the must coordinate with each other as required on all project facility design details, including protection and control, grounding, insulation,, and site layout. The legal owner of the and the must develop joint operating procedures and any connection agreements as required such that all connecting will operate safely and reliably. The legal owner of the must deliver to the AESO all final design and as-built facility information and records in the format and content required by the AESO, to enable the AESO to update and maintain its technical records and system models. The legal owner of the must submit the project information and records referred to in subsection (4) above, under the professional stamp and signature of a registered professional engineer in Alberta who assumes responsibility for the preparation and accuracy of the content of the information and records. The legal owner of the must ensure that all project facilities have been inspected by professional and certified inspectors in accordance with industry standards and practices, so that the project facilities are declared to be: ile o AESO FS Page 5 of 21

224 JACOS Sweetheart Lake Project (a) (b) safe for operation prior to and in compliance with this unctional Specification, and any Authoritative Documents for which the project must comply o project facilities are to be energied until an energiation authoriation has been issued by the AESO in accordance with the ISO. C AESO A D The legal owner of the and the must comply with the Authoritative Documents provisions which are applicable to the project, including those provisions contained in: AESO Alberta eliability Standards AESO Measurement System Standard ev. 1 (dated September 18, 2007) ISO, including but not limited to: a. Section 502.2, Bulk Transmission Line Technical equirements (effective January 1, 2012) b. SO ules, Section 502.3, nterconnected Electric System Protection equirements (effective December 31, 2012) c. Section 502.4, Automated Dispatch and Messaging System and Voice Communication Systems equirements (effective January 8, 2013) d. Section 502.8, SCADA Technical and Operating equirements (effective ebruary 28, 2013) e. Section 9.1, Transmission acility Projects M D R All modeling data is to be provided per the following information document: nformation Document Transmission Modelling Data equirements (effective ebruary 15, 2010) S E S (1) All transmission equipment must meet the following minimum specifications: Temperature rating of -50C for all outdoor equipment. Equipment maimum and minimum continuous voltage ratings as indicated in Table 1. Minimum continuous equipment current ratings as indicated in Table 2. Equipment maimum fault level (31.5kA for 144kV and 40kA for 240kV). T ile o AESO FS Page 6 of 21

225 JACOS Sweetheart Lake Project N M C E O V V A V V ominal Maimum T M C E CR A C V V V Main Bus Cross Bus eeder 3 or line terminal 4 1. Main bus includes all sections of ring bus scheme and single bus of simple bus scheme. 2. Cross bus includes diameter sections of breaker and a half or breaker and third schemes. 3. eeder includes all equipment from the connection at the low voltage bus to the riser pole. 4. Line terminal includes all equipment and conductor from the transmission line to the line breakers. S S W LO T F GR Ensure project safety is appropriately managed from design through construction. Co-ordinate with the as required to connect transmission facility to the 25 kv connection point. Complete insulation coordination studies and coordinate with the as required to establish appropriate insulation levels. ndertake all required grounding studies, testing, and mitigation to ensure the connecting transmission facilities are safe. SL S S A Construct a new kV Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation with the following major equipment: ile o AESO FS Page 7 of 21

226 JACOS Sweetheart Lake Project One (1) 144kV circuit breaker with associated disconnect switches. One (1) MVA, kV LTC Transformer. Two (2) 25kV circuit breakers with associated disconnect switches T ew telecommunication system and appropriate communication interface at Sweetheart Lake 2032S such that voice, SCADA, OP, and teleprotection requirements are met. P C nstall breaker failure protection functionality for the 144 kv circuit breaker. nstall frequency relays as required for the under-frequency load shedding scheme. nstall all other required protection equipment for the safe and reliable operation of Sweetheart Lake 2032S substation. Any equipment required to implement the control schemes related to the Operational Constraints outlined in Section 6.4. Complete system protection coordination studies and coordinate with the legal owner of the adjacent transmission facility, the legal owner of the electric distribution system, and as required to establish settings appropriate for the facility additions and ATS operations. R nstall demandenergy meters as detailed in the AESO Measurement System Standard to measure power flow through the Measurement Point. SCADA Establish communications interface point with the connecting such that voice and SCADA data can be transmitted back to the AESO s SCC. The transmission facility owner's control centre must have supervisory control and indication of all circuit breakers rated at 69kV and above. Control Center data mapping and verification of SCADA information for the proposed transmission facility modifications and additions and any associated changes required at other area substations. A complete listing of energy data requirements can be found in Appendi7.6 of this document. D S S A Augmentation of Dawes 2011S Substation with the following major equipment: One (1) 144kV circuit breaker with associated disconnect switches. One (1) 144 kv motoried disconnect switch. ile o AESO FS Page 8 of 21

227 JACOS Sweetheart Lake Project ndertake all required grounding studies, testing, and mitigation to ensure the connecting transmission facilities are safe. Amend all engineering documents and drawings to accommodate the addition at Dawes 2011S substation. T Modify as required the eisting communication system and appropriate communication interface at Dawes 2011S such that voice, SCADA, OP, and tele-protection requirements are met. P C nstall new or modify eisting protection equipment, as required, to accommodate the additional transmission facility at Dawes 2011S substation. Complete system protection coordination studies and coordinate with the legal owner of the adjacent transmission facility, the legal owner of the electric distribution system, and as required to establish settings appropriate for the facility additions and ATS operations. SCADA Control Center data mapping and verification of SCADA information for the proposed transmission facility modifications and additions and any associated changes required at other area substations V L L Construct approimately 9 km 144 kv single circuit line connecting the new Sweetheart Lake 2032S substation to eisting Dawes 2011S substation. The new line section shall be designated as 7L147, and the minimum capacity shall be approimately 220 MVA (winter) and 163 MVA (summer). M All site preparation, fencing, foundations, grounding, support structures, termination structures, cabling, bus work, station service, control building, protection, controls, SCADA equipment, etc. as required to complete the additions andor modifications outlined above. MP S W GR ndertake all required grounding studies, testing, and mitigation to ensure the connecting transmission facilities are safe. Ensure connection project safety is appropriately managed from design through construction. ile o AESO FS Page 9 of 21

228 JACOS Sweetheart Lake Project SL S S A T E Co-ordinate all alignments with the legal owner of the transmission facility as required to connect the facility to the 25 kv bus work connection point. Supply and install all risers or other connections as required to connect the connecting transmission facility to the 25 kv bus work connection point. P Complete protection coordination studies and coordinate with the legal owner of the transmission facility as required to establish settings appropriate for the facility additions and ATS operations. All Load are required to participate in the ATS under-frequency load shedding program as per OPP-804. The Load shall ensure sufficient load is equipped with underfrequency load shedding relays armed in each frequency band to meet the program specifications, and that the scheme is installed, tested, and commissioned appropriately. Any frequency relays installed to protect equipment for off-nominal frequency operation must not be disabled for transmission system voltages that are below eighty percent (80 ) of the rated voltage. Provide all protection and control (PC) equipment required for the facility and related communication interfaces with other Alberta transmission system facilities. R Provide the description of the measurement point location for the point of deliverypoint of supply, and the acceptable installation options for revenue metering in order to report on the measurement point. TRANSMISSION SYSTEM OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS The legal owner of the and the must ensure all facilities are capable of operating in the following electrical environment. SC CL The short circuit current levels set out in Tables 3 and 4 have been developed by the AESO based on information provided by the legal owners of the any connecting and adjacent operating areas. Available fault current levels will continue to increase as generation, transmission, and system inter-ties are added to the. The legal owner of the and must continue to review the fault levels and their equipment ratings for adequacy. Any future equipment upgrades or protection system setting changes required due to increasing fault levels are the responsibility of the legal owner of the or the, as applicable. ile o AESO FS Page 10 of 21

229 JACOS Sweetheart Lake Project The following assumptions were incorporated into the AESO short circuit current models: (i) All epected Alberta generation is dispatched. (ii) All transmission elements are in service. (iii) The proposed project facility is connected as per this document. (iv) V base V bus, MVA base 100 T M SC CLWPP S L S S V V P V V P F A P S T S I RX P F A S T S I RX angingstone 820S j j Algar 875S j j McMillan 885S j j uth Lake 848S j j uth Lake 848S j j Salt Creek 977S j j McMillan 885S j j Dawes 2011S j j T M SC CL WPP S L S S V V P V V P F A P S T S I RX P F A S T S I RX Sweetheart Lake 2032S angingstone 820S j j j j Algar 875S j j McMillan 885S j j uth Lake 848S j j uth Lake 848S j j Salt Creek 977S j j ile o AESO FS Page 11 of 21

230 JACOS Sweetheart Lake Project McMillan 885S j j Dawes 2011S j j T E M F WPSC CL S V V P V V P F A P S T S I RX P F A S T S I RX Sweetheart Lake 2032S angingstone 820S j j j j Algar 875S j j McMillan 885S j j uth Lake 848S j j uth Lake 848S j j Salt Creek 977S j j McMillan 885S j j Dawes 2011S j j V L Table 6 provides the normal planned voltage range in the area of the proposed facility. T P O R S N N N V M L V N O M V N O M V M L V Sweetheart Lake 2032S otes: 1. The ormal Operating Minimum and ormal Operating Maimum are generally associated with system normal conditions (Category A events as per Appendi1 of TPL-001-AB) 2. The Minimum Limit and Maimum Limit are generally associated with system conditions following the loss of one or more elements (Category B,C,D events as per Appendi1 of TPL-001-AB) 3. The facilities must be capable of continuous operation at voltages up to and including the Maimum Limit ile o AESO FS Page 12 of 21

231 JACOS Sweetheart Lake Project I L Table 7 provides the minimum required basic insulation levels for the. Station equipment with lower insulation levels may be used provided that protection and coordination can be maintained with judicious insulation design and use of appropriate surge arresting equipment. or 25 kv circuit breakers where there is a grounded wye transformer and surge arrestors are installed a basic insulation level of 125 kv is acceptable. T I L V N V C V Station Post nsulators and Airbreaks Circuit Breakers Current and Potential Transformers Transformer Windings (Protected by Surge Arresters)) S P OT C The ort McMurray area is presently operated under SO ule ortheast Area Transmission Constraint Management, which can be found on AESO s website in the section of Current SO ules ndividual SO ules: D for the ort McMurray area. All loads and generators in the ort McMurray area are subject to ule As conditions change in the region and the planned system reinforcements in the area come into service, constraints could be changed accordingly. The AESO will continue to monitor the performance of this region as part of its long-term planning process, and long-term plans will be developed and adjusted correspondingly. ile o AESO FS Page 13 of 21

232 JACOS Sweetheart Lake Project APPENDICES S I P SL S C 9L23 7L97 9L84 9L07 P1102 alfway 2082S March 2013 angingstone 820S 7L135 P1214 angingstone 2009S 9L85 P673 Salt Creek 977S 7L36 regoire 883S 856S Kinosis LongLake 841S 2011S - Dawes 7L147 Algar 875S Sweetheart Lake 2032S 9L45 7L183 7L104 7L38 Proposed Development uture 144 kv Development uture 240 kv Development 240kV - Eisting System 138kV - Eisting System Eisting eneration uture eneration uture Substation 7L170 9L89 885S McMillan 9L55 7LA38 7L121 orseiver 917S 860S Crow Lake Mariana 833S P1049 ortis oundill POD 2012 Waddel 907S 9L930 P1122 StatOil-Corner Leismer 72S 957L 723S Christina Lake P1086 Sunday Creek 2013 P1074 Jackish 698S 2013 P1128 Conoco POD P1106 Kettle iver 2013 P1101 Black Spruce 154S (CL1) 7L167 P927 Quigley 989S 2012 ME-Conklin 762S 971L P1106 Enbridge-Janvier P1101 PATK LAKE 167S (CL2) P1101 PKE 170S (CL4) AESO 7L89 eart Lake 898S Winefred 818S P683 Kirby CL 2013 ort McMurray Area Development (Partial) System Configuration 9L930 9L22 This diagram contains a simplified version of the system configuration. Technical detail has been simplified for illustration purposes. t does not indicate geographical locations of facilities 13S DeerLand 9L9609L S Whitefish Lake 9L379L36 Margurite Lake 826S ile o AESO FS Page 14 of 21

233 JACOS Sweetheart Lake Project S L D P SL S S 7L147 from Dawes 2011S kv MVA LTC Transformer 25kV Bus ATCO JACOS Legend otes Manual Disconnect Switch Circuit Breaker LTC Transformer Motorized Switch This single line diagram provides an illustration of a functional arrangement that would meet the need of the proposed project. Although the TFO is required to maintain the specified functionality, the exact routing and configuration of the project proposed by the TFO in its facility application may vary slightly from this configuration based on more detailed engineering, routing and siting information obtained by the TFO in preparation of its Facility Application. ile o AESO FS Page 15 of 21 Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation 1225-SLD-2032S-1

234 JACOS Sweetheart Lae roject 7.3 Single Line Drawing Dawes 2011S Substation Proposed Development under Algar Area Transmission Development (Project number 1267) 240 L 07 To Dover S L To McMillan S MA 144 7L170 To Algar 7S 7L14 To illow Lae 200S otes This single line diagram provides an illustration of a functional arrangement that would meet the need of the proposed project. Although the TFO is required to maintain the specified functionality, the exact routing and configuration of the project proposed by the TFO in its facility application may vary slightly from this configuration based on more detailed engineering, routing and siting information obtained by the TFO in preparation of its Facility Application. Circuit reaer anged Airswitch Manual Operation anged Airswitch Motor Operated Transformer Load Tapchanger Dawes2011 S Substation Proposed under P SLD- 2011S-1 File o AESO Functional Specification age 1of 21

235 JACOS Sweetheart Lae roject 7.Single Line Drawing Dawes 2011S Substation Proposed Development 240 L 07 To Dover S L To McMillan S MA 144 7L170 To Algar 7S 7L14 To illow Lae 200S 7L147 To Sweetheart Lae 202S otes This single line diagram provides an illustration of a functional arrangement that would meet the need of the proposed project. Although the TFO is required to maintain the specified functionality, the exact routing and configuration of the project proposed by the TFO in its facility application may vary slightly from this configuration based on more detailed engineering, routing and siting information obtained by the TFO in preparation of its Facility Application. Circuit reaer anged Airswitch Manual Operation anged Airswitch Motor Operated Transformer Load Tapchanger roposed Development Dawes2011 S Substation Proposed Development SLD- 2011S-2 File o AESO Functional Specification age 17 of 21

236 JACOS Sweetheart Lae roject 7.5 Energ Data euirements SADA PO T E EETS POPOSED SEETEAT LAE 2032S SSTATO 7L147 from Dawes 2011S MA LTC Transformer 2 us ATCO JACOS To SAD Facility 77 Legend otes f applicable Manual Disconnect Switch Circuit reaer This single line diagram provides an illustration of a functional arrangement that would meet the need of the proposed project. t is conceptual in nature and subject to change. LTC Transformer File o AESO Functional Specification age 1of 21 DATA TO AESO 11 Status 22 M Mar Analogs oltage Analog 44 LTC Tap osition Analog LTC AutoManual Status AS Armed and Operated Status 77 Total AS M available and M armed Communication Failure Alarm T Failure Alarm 10 MA Analog 11 A Compensating Device Status 12 1 SS and A Status Frequency 14 enerator Mode voltage control or constant pf 1 enerator egulating Control Status nableddisabled 1 enerator M setpoint from the generators control system Analog 17 igh and Low egulation ange Limit in M Analog DATA FO AESO 1 A status indication that ASO has control over the resource 2 M setpoint to the lant Analog Sweetheart Lake 2032S Substation 1225-SLD-2032S-1

237 JACOS Sweetheart Lae roject SADA PO T E EETS DA ES 2011S SSTATO DATA TO AESO 11 Status M Mar Analogs oltage Analog LTC Tap osition Analog L07 To Dover S L To McMillan S MA 144 7L170 To Algar 7S 7L14 To illow Lae 200S 22 7L147 To Sweetheart Lae 202S LTC AutoManual Status AS Armed and Operated Status 77 Total AS M available and M armed Communication Failure Alarm T Failure Alarm 10 MA Analog 11 A Compensating Device Status 12 SS and A Status 1 Frequency 14 enerator Mode voltage control or constant pf 1 enerator egulating Control Status nableddisabled enerator M setpoint from the 1 generators control system Analog 17 igh and Low egulation ange Limit in M Analog DATA FO AESO 1 A status indication that ASO has control over the resource 2 M setpoint to the lant Analog otes This single line diagram provides an illustration of a functional arrangement that would meet the need of the proposed project. Although the TFO is required to maintain the specified functionality, the exact routing and configuration of the project proposed by the TFO in its facility application may vary slightly from this configuration based on more detailed engineering, routing and siting information obtained by the TFO in preparation of its Facility Application. Circuit reaer anged Airswitch Manual Operation anged Airswitch Motor Operated Transformer Load Tapchanger roposed Development Dawes 2011S Substation Proposed Development SLD-2011S- 2 File o AESO Functional Specification age 1of 21

238 JACOS Sweetheart Lae roject SADA DATA E EETS FacilitLocation Device Element ndication pdate ate ode otes Sweeteart Lae 2032S reaer C1 Status On vent 144 Circuit reaer associated with high side of 1442 transformer 144 us 144 1s 144 us voltage 144 Line 7L147 M 1s Outgoing M from this substation on 7L Line 7L147 MAr 1s Outgoing MA from this substation on 7L147 Transformer 1442 M 1s Transformer 1442 MAr 1s M reading at high side, towards transformer MAr reading at high side, towards transformer AS AM Status Status On vent AS T Status Status On vent AS COMM Status Status On vent AS Armed M M 1s AS Available M M 1s Armed ot armed status of each AS scheme associated with the site only if applicable Status of associated with the tripping of each AS scheme associated with the site only if applicable ntersite communication status of each AS scheme associated with the site only if applicable M that is currently armed for AS only if applicable Total M that is available for AS, both armed and not armed only if applicable Communications Communication Failure Alarm On vent Communications T Failure Alarm On vent anged alarm indicating that 1 or more devices supplying data is in alarm This is contingent upon the communication method being an T File o AESO Functional Specification age 20 of 21

239 JACOS Sweetheart Lae roject Dawes 2011S reaer C1 Status On vent 144 Circuit reaer between 7L147 and 7L170 MOS MOS1 Status On vent 144 MOS associated with 7L Line 7L147 M 1s Outgoing M from this substation on 7L Line 7L147 MAr 1s Outgoing MA from this substation on 7L147 ote 1. and Ar SADA data sall be gatered independentl of te revenue metering data 2. An eternal PS based signal sall be utilied to provide 1ms time stamped event accurac File o AESO Functional Specification age 21 of 21

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247 Appendix 3 Noise impact assessment summary form (Please retain detailed records for audit purposes) Licensee ATCO Electric Ltd. Facility name Sweetheart Lake Type Substation Legal location LSD W4M Contact Emmett Ganser Telephone (780) Permissible Sound Level (PSL) determination (Rule 012, Section 2) ote that the SL for a pre1 facility undergoing modifications is the equivalent noise level L eqthat currently exists at the dwelling if no prior noise complaint exists and the current sound level L eq exceeds the calculated SL from Section 2.1. Complete the following for the most impacted dwellingsor at a distance of 1. m where there are no dwellings Dwelling Dwelling Daytime Class A Class ighttime Daytime Distance SL Direction adjustment adjustment adjustment SL SL from facility da from facility da da da da da m 1,500 North n/a n/a Sound source identification For the new and existing equipment, identify major sources of noise from the facility, their associated sound power level Lor sound pressure level SL. ew andor xisting quipment oise Sources include mae and model, power rating One Proposed 144/25 kv, 25/33/42 MVA LTC Transformer redicted or Measured L da or SL da Lw = 93 dba L da or Data source endor Measurement theoretical, etc. SL da ATCO Database Distance SL measured from the noise source m Provide a tentative schedule and timing for the operation, maintenance and testing of the equipment It has been assumed for the purposes of this assessment that the transformer will operate 24 hours per day and this represents the maximum sound levels associated with normal operation. 3. Normal operating conditions When using manufacturer s data for expected performance, it may be necessary to modify the data to account for actual operating conditions (for example, indicate conditions such as operating with window/doors open or closed, load, RPM). Describe any considerations and assumptions used in conducting estimates: The equipment has been modeled at full load with transformer cooling fans in operation. Full spectral PWL levels including all associated equip. are: dba Transformer (each) Noise modeling parameters If modeling was conducted, identify the model input parameters used (see Section 3.5): Modeling was performed with Cadna/A software from DataKustik which calculates based on the ISO 9613 standard. Spectral sound levels were used in the modeling. The model has accounted for geometric spreading, atmospheric absorption, ground absorption (G=0.7), temp. of 10C, RH of 70%, 2 reflections and downwind propagation of (continued) km/hr. AUC Rule 012: Noise Control 43

248 5. Predicted sound level/compliance determination Identify the predicted sound leel at the most impacted dwelling or at a distance of.5 m where there are no dwellings. ypically, only the nighttime sound leel is necessary, as leels do not often change from daytime to nighttime. oweer, if there are differences between day and night operations, both leels must be calculated. Predicted sound leel contribution from the new or modified facility alone at the most impacted dwelling or at a distance of.5 m where there are no dwellings. ighttime sound leel: d e d e ssumed ambient nighttime sound leel: d e d e Daytime sound leel: ssumed ambient daytime sound leel: Predicted sound leel at the most impacted dwelling or at a distance of.5 m where there are no dwellings, from the new or modified facility including the cumulatie effects of noise from energyrelated facilities and the assumed ambient leel (S new facility existing energyrelated facilities). 35 ighttime sound leel: d e d e 45 Daytime sound leel: d e d e 40 ighttime permissible sound leel: 50 Daytime permissible sound leel: Is the predicted sound leel less than the permissible sound leel by a margin of three d es o If No, conduct a detailed I as per Section 3 of Rule 6. Supply any other relevant information you want to provide to the AUC. Submit additional pages if required. The are multiple well-sites within 1,500 m of the proposed ATCO Electric facility. Assuming a worst case scenario where the contribution from the well-sites including ambient levels is 40 dba at the critical receptor, the proposed substation will have no effect on the existing sound levels as it is more than 10 db below the assumed 40 dba sound level at the receptor. 7. If the permissible sound level is higher than 40 dba Leq, provide supplementary information to support the use of such permissible sound level. n/a 8. Explain what measures have been taken to address construction noise. Construction activity will be (where possible) conducted during daytime hours to reduce the impact on any residences. Construction activities are not expected to cause significant noise. All internal combustion engines used in the construction process are to be fitted with mufflers. If possible, drive-through techniques should be implemented to reduce the impact of reverse-beepers on mobile equipment. 9. Acoustical practitioner s information (See Section 3.9 (9)): Company: ompany: ATCO Emissions Management (Permit to Practice P2312) Name: Paul Lassen, MEDes. Position: e: Acoustician Telephone: Experience: eience 5+ years experience in Acoustical Consulting itle: including NIAs and studies eeone: for a variety of Date: industrial facilities. Date: January 24, 2014 YES 44 AUC Rule 012: Noise Control

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250 SHAPE the conversation November 2013 PROJECT NEWSLETTER 1 SWEETHEART LAKE TRANSMISSION PROJECT The Sweetheart Lake transmission project will help meet the increased demand for electricity in your area. If approved, the project will involve constructing a new substation, a new segment of transmission line and installing new equipment at a nearby substation. The new line will connect the planned Sweetheart Lake substation to the Dawes substation. ATCO Electric is seeking your input on how this project may affect you. Since the 1980s, growth of Alberta s electric system has not kept pace with Albertans rising electricity needs. New projects are being planned to meet those needs. ATCO Electric s consultations with landholders on transmission projects routinely lead to improvements on our projects. We have adjusted locations, developed new route options, and rejected other routes as a result of feedback and conversations with landholders. Please provide your feedback on this project and help shape the conversation. Contact information is provided on the back page. Did you know... ATCO Electric - A Regulated Utility There is no doubt that most of us consider electricity a vital service that is essential in today s world. It is also part of a complex regulatory industry in Alberta. Alberta s electrical system is regulated by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC). The AUC is a quasi-judicial agency that ensures the services provided by ATCO Electric and other Alberta utilities take place in a fair and responsible manner and are in the public s interest. Before ATCO Electric can begin construction on a project, the AUC must approve the facilities application, which includes details such as location of transmission facilities and routes.

251 THE PROJECT A new transmission project is being planned for your area. If approved, the Sweetheart Lake transmission project will connect the planned Sweetheart Lake substation to the Dawes substation with about 10 kilometres of new transmission line.the new facilities will help meet the increased demand for electricity in the area. Local Benefits Upgrading the transmission system in your area will: Improve access to safe, secure and reliable power Allow future businesses to connect to Alberta s electric system Encourage investment in our province If you are a local business and would like information on ATCO Electric s approved vendors list, please contact us toll free at or by at consultation@atcoelectric.com The Process In the coming weeks, ATCO Electric will be contacting everyone in the vicinity of an early route concept for the Sweetheart Lake transmission project (see enclosed map). Our research indicates that you are in the vicinity of these planned facilities. We would like your input on what you think about this early route concept, whether you have any ideas for other route options, concerns or information on the planned facilities that you would like to share, or if you have any questions you would like answered. These conversations will help us determine the best route option for the new transmission facilities. Once this initial consultation phase is complete, ATCO Electric will identify the selected route that appears to be the best option. Another round of consultation may begin with everyone in the vicinity of this selected option to see if additional changes are required and feasible (see The Schedule below). In developing the route option, ATCO Electric must consider a range of constraints and barriers (see Considerations on next page). We undertake extensive studies to understand the potential impacts on wildlife, wetlands and other sensitive areas. Consultation with landholders routinely leads to improvements on our projects. We have adjusted locations, developed new route options, and rejected other routes because of conversations with landholders. Your feedback and input will help determine the best possible facility locations. In addition to the in-person and telephone consultations that ATCO Electric will undertake, we invite anyone who is interested in this project to: Provide feedback and share other information using the enclosed reply form and postage paid envelope; Be a part of the conversation. If you have any questions, concerns or would like other information regarding this project, we want to hear from you. THE SCHEDULE Public consultation begins with sharing information about the project in order to find the best options We gather your input. Based on this input and other factors, route option(s) are selected. ATCO Electric submits an application to the AUC to build the proposed facilities. The AUC reviews the application in a public process. If approved, construction of the new facilities begins. PUBLIC CONSULTATION is a continuous process that occurs throughout the life of the project

252 The Right-of-Way The term right-of-way refers to the area a transmission line uses, including areas on either side of the line. Right-of-ways must have a minimum width to ensure safety and ongoing access for maintenance. For safety reasons, some general restrictions on the use of the land in the direct vicinity of the transmission line may apply. The right-of-way: Will follow property boundaries if feasible; In some situations, will follow existing features like a road, pipeline or another power line; Typical right-of-way width for this project is 18 metres; Other dimensions will depend on the type and size of the required structure, existing land use, surrounding features and other factors. Once the proposed route(s) has been submitted to the AUC, ATCO Electric begins coordinating agreements with landholders to acquire the right-of-way(s). Once a right-of-way is constructed, landholders continue to use the right-of-way subject to the terms of agreements made between the landholder and ATCO Electric. Considerations Prior to consultation with landholders, ATCO Electric develops early route concepts (see enclosed map). In selecting early route concepts, ATCO Electric considers numerous constraints and barriers including: Proximity to residences Environmentally sensitive areas Wetlands Existing infrastructure (i.e. other transmission lines, roads, highways, pipelines, telecommunication towers) Planned developments Agriculture operations Visual factors Construction and land acquisition costs Quarter and section lines Other special considerations (i.e. access roads) Substation locations are chosen to ensure: Proximity to the increased electricity needs Suitable site conditions (level, welldrained) Good access Sufficient space for initial development and incoming lines Adequate setback from adjacent development and environmentally sensitive areas The enclosed map shows the Sweetheart Lake substation and an early route concept. New options may be developed in response to feedback, landholder consultations and ongoing study of the project area. Only one route will be selected and built. If you have an interest in lands located on, or beside, either the Sweetheart Lake substation or the enclosed route option, ATCO Electric will contact you to schedule a personal consultation. Anyone who is interested in speaking with ATCO Electric about the project can contact us to arrange a consultation at their convenience. Please see our contact information on the back page. early route concept route option selected consultation continues right-of-way acquisition process begins AUC process continues facilities completed and operating NOVEMBER to DECEMBER 2013 JANUARY 2014 to MARCH 2014 APRIL 2014 project notification & consultation application filed with the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) (proposed locations) if approval is granted by the AUC, construction begins

253 CONTACT INFORMATION Your comments and concerns are important to us. Please contact us if you would like to learn more about this project or if you would like to share information with us. Call us toll free at: or contact the project planner directly: Emmett Ganser Right-of-Way Planning ATCO Electric Street Edmonton, AB T5J 2V6 Phone: Website: atcoelectric.com Fax: Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) Phone: Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) Phone: (for toll-free, dial first) Scan with your smart phone for project contact information Did You Know When upgrades to Alberta s electrical system are needed, they are identified by the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO). The AESO is an independent, not-for-profit organization responsible for the safe, reliable and economic planning and operation of the provincial transmission grid. For more information about why this project is needed, please refer to the AESO s Need Overview included with this package, or visit If you have any questions or concerns about the need for this project you may contact the AESO directly or you can make your concerns known to an ATCO Electric representative who will communicate them to the AESO on your behalf.

254 The Technical Details November 2013 PROJECT FACT SHEET 1 SWEETHEART LAKE TRANSMISSION PROJECT The technical details of facilities associated with the Sweetheart Lake transmission project are described in this fact sheet. Designs may vary as plans are finalized. Dawes Substation The Dawes substation (called 2011S) is located approximately 50 kilometres (km) southeast of Fort McMurray, in the southeast quarter of Section W4M and the southwest quarter of Section W4M. Planned 144-kV Transmission Line Approximately 10 km of transmission line (to be called 7L147) will connect the Dawes substation to the planned Sweetheart Lake substation. Planned Sweetheart Lake Substation The planned Sweetheart Lake substation (to be called 2032S) will be located approximately 60 km southwest of Fort McMurray in the southwest quarter of Section W4M. THE DETAILS The Dawes substation is part of the Algar Area transmission system development connecting the existing 240-kV 9L07 line to the existing Algar 875S substation. As part of the Sweetheart Lake transmission project new equipment will be installed at the Dawes substation (please refer to the back of this fact sheet for equipment definitions): one 144-kV circuit breaker one 144-kV motorized disconnect switch THE DETAILS If approved, the 144-kV transmission line will be approximately 10 km long. The line will consist of: three conductor wires one overhead shield wire Davit Arm structure The typical structure is described in more detail on the back of this fact sheet. THE DETAILS The planned Sweetheart Lake substation will include the following equipment (please refer to the back of this fact sheet for equipment definitions): one 144-kV circuit breaker one 144-kV motorized disconnect switch one kV transformer two 25-kV circuit breakers related support equipment and structures

255 What It Will Look Like If approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission, the 144-kV transmission line will be built with single circuit Davit Arm structures similar to the one shown here. Structures will be single-circuit. This means that they will have one set of three wires strung across them. One overhead shield wire will be strung from the tops of the structures to protect the line from lightning. The distance between structures will range from 120 to 150 metres (m). Non-typical structures with wider bases and/or guy wires and anchors may be required where the line ends or bends, at corners and to go over and around obstacles. In all cases minimum clearance will meet or exceed the requirements of provincial safety regulations. Details may change as the project develops and designs are finalized. 19 m APPROXIMATE DIMENSIONS Height m Distance between structures to 150 m Typical *right-of-way for this project is 18 m *Right-of-ways are cleared of trees, brush and debris to allow access for construction and ongoing maintenance. Additional vegetation clearing may be required outside the proposed easement. Definitions Circuit: A circuit is a group of wires electricity flows through. ATCO Electric s transmission lines can be single or double circuit. A single circuit line has three wires and a double circuit line has six. A transmission line may also have one or two shield wires on the top of the structures to protect the line from lightning. Circuit breaker: An automatic switch that is designed to protect an electrical circuit from overloading by shutting off the flow of electricity. Consultation: A meeting where advice, information and views are exchanged. Easement: A right to use private or crown land for the placement of transmission lines and structures. Kilovolt (kv): A kilovolt is equal to one thousand volts. This unit of measurement is most commonly used when describing transmission and distribution lines. Distribution and transmission lines in Alberta carry between 4-kV (4,000 volts) and 500-kV (500,000 volts). Right-of-way: A right-of-way is the use of a strip of land acquired for the construction and operation of a transmission line. The term right-of-way is also used to refer to the physical space a transmission line encompasses, including areas on either side of the line. Transformer: A transformer is the device in a substation that steps voltage up or down. It transforms the electricity from higher transmission voltages to the lower distribution voltages that power your home. consultation@atcoelectric.com (toll free)

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257 REPLY FORM SWEETHEART LAKE TRANSMISSION PROJECT Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 2V6 CONTACT INFORMATION Date (DD/MM/YYYY): First Name: Last Name: Company/Organization Name (if applicable): Mailing Address: Please help us identify new contacts You were contacted about this project because ATCO Electric identified you or your company/organization as having a land interest in the vicinity of the project. Is there anyone else associated with your property, such as other owners, renters or occupants, who we should also contact? If so, please provide the name(s) and contact information below: City/Town: Province: Postal Code: Home Phone: Cell Phone: Business Phone: Fax: I would like to receive all future correspondence about this project by (If this is your preference, please check the box) AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE ABOUT PRIVACY: The information on this form is being collected to identify concerns with proposed changes to and/or the siting of power transmission facilities, and to comply with the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) rules regarding the submission of transmission facilities applications. This information may be provided to electric facility owners, Alberta's Surface Rights Board, and the Alberta Electric System Operator. Your comments and personal information may also be publicly accessible through the AUC website, should it be submitted to the AUC as part of a transmission facility application subject to Alberta's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. If you wish to keep your information confidential, you must make a request to the AUC ( ). If you have questions or concerns about your information or how it may be used or disclosed as part of this process, please contact us (see contact information below). Please share any comments or concerns that you have about the Sweetheart Lake Transmission Project: HOW TO SUBMIT: Please use the enclosed envelope to return by mail or fax to If you would like more information about the project, please contact us toll free or by consultation@atcoelectric.com.

258 Need for the Sweetheart Lake S Substation in the Southwest Fort McMurray Area Transmission evelopment Information for Stakeholders ATCO Electric Ltd. (ATCO) has reuested a transmission connection to serve a new industrial load southwest of the City of Fort McMurray. ATCOs reuest can be addressed through the development of a new 144/25 k substation, to be called weetheart Lake 2032, and a new 144 k transmission line to connect the above-mentioned substation to the Dawes 2011 substation. The Dawes 2011 substation will be modified to facilitate the connection. The Alberta Electric ystem Operator (AEO) is processing ATCOs reuest, including providing information to landowners, occupants, residents and agencies in the southwest Fort McMurray area that may be near the proposed transmission development. The AEO intends to apply to the AC for approval of this need in the winter of The AEOs needs identification document (NID) application will be available on the AEOs website at at the time of its submission to the AC. Who is the AESO Albertas transmission system, sometimes referred to as the Alberta Interconnected Electric ystem (AIE), is planned and operated by the AEO. The transmission system comprises the high-voltage lines, towers and euipment (generally k and above) that transmit electricity from generators to lower voltage systems that distribute electricity to cities, towns, rural areas and large industrial customers. The AEOs role is to maintain safe, reliable and economic operation of the AIE. The AEOs planning responsibility includes determining the need for transmission system development and the manner in which that need is met. The AEO is also mandated to facilitate the interconnection of ualified market participants to the AIE. The AEO is regulated by the AC and must apply to the AC for approval of its NID. How is ATCO involved ATCO is the transmission facilities owner (TFO) in the southwest Fort McMurray area. hile the AEO is responsible for identifying that transmission system development is needed, ATCO is responsible for detailed siting and routing, constructing, operating and maintaining the associated transmission facilities. The AEO has directed ATCO to provide information to stakeholders on this need and to file a facility proposal application with the AC which will include a detailed description and location of the proposed transmission development Page 1 uly 2013

259 Further Information The AEO appreciates your views on the need for transmission system development and your comments are encouraged. If you have any uestions or suggestions regarding the need for the proposed transmission system development in the southwest Fort McMurray area or the AEOs application regarding this need, please contact: Mean Harris AESO Stakeholder Relations stakeholderrelations aesoca th Avenue SW CalaryAlberta TP L The AESO is committed to protecting your personal privacy in accordance with Alberta's Personal Information Protection Act. Any personal information collected by the AESO with regard to this project may be used to provide you with further information about the project, may be disclosed to the Alberta Utilities Commission (and as a result, may become public), and may also be disclosed to ATCO as the legal owner of transmission facilities in your area. If you have any questions about how the AESO will use and disclose your personal information, please contact us at or at staeholder.relations aeso.ca 1225 Page 2 uly 2013

260 Public Involvement In Needs Or Facilities Applications The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) is committed to ensuring that Albertans whose rights may be directly and adversely affected by a needs, or a utility facilities application, is informed of the application and have the opportunity to have his/her concerns heard, understood and considered. If you believe an application may directly and adversely affect you, you can become involved in the AUC application process. This pamphlet explains how.

261 Summary of the AUC application process Step 1 Public consultation (prior to application to the AUC) Step 2 Application made to the AUC Step 3 AUC issues notice of application (or hearing) Step 4 Interested parties make submissions or objections (If no submissions are made the AUC will continue to process the application) Step 5 Opportunity for consultation and negotiation AUC issues notice of hearing (if not already issued in Step 3) Step 6 Public hearing Step 7 AUC decision Needs: Approval of application or Return to applicant or Denial of application Facilities: Approval of application or Approval of application with conditions or Denial of application Step 8 Right to appeal Step 9 Approvals, construction and operation of facility (if approved) 2

262 AUC s role in needs and facilities applications The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC or Commission) regulates transmission lines, electric substations, power generation facilities (i.e. power plants including wind turbines) and gas utility pipelines in Alberta. The AUC is committed to ensuring that Albertans whose rights may be directly and adversely affected by an application for these facilities is informed of the application and has the opportunity to have their concerns heard, considered and understood. Transmission needs and utility facilities applications Approvals from the AUC are required for the construction, operation, alteration and decommissioning of transmission lines and electric substations. These include: Approval of the need for transmission upgrades.* Approval of the route and location of transmission facilities. (* The Electric Statutes Amendment Act gives the provincial cabinet responsibility for approving the need for specified critical transmission infrastructure projects.) Sometimes an application for needs approval is considered together with an application for a utility facilities approval in a single hearing, or separate hearings may be held to consider each application. Power generation facilities and gas utility pipelines Approvals from the AUC are required for the construction, operation, alteration and decommissioning of power generation and gas utility pipeline facilities in Alberta. If you believe that you have rights that may be directly and adversely affected by the decision of the AUC on an application relating to a transmission line or electric substation, a power generation facility or a gas utility pipeline you can become involved in the AUC application process. This pamphlet explains how. A summary of our process is on the page to the left. The rest of this brochure explains each of the steps. 3

263 Step 1: Public consultation prior to application Prior to making an application to the Commission on the need for transmission changes, or for a proposed facility, the applicant is required to conduct meaningful public consultation in the area of the proposed needs, or facilities project(s), so that concerns may be raised, properly addressed and if possible, resolved. The Commission has set out requirements for applicants to follow regarding public consultation about needs applications for transmission changes. The AUC also has requirements for public consultation for utility facilities applications in respect of power plants, substations, transmission lines and industrial system designations, set out in AUC Rule 007. The requirements for gas pipeline consultation and notification are set out in AUC Rule 020. AUC Rule 007 and Rule 020 can be found on the AUC website at Potentially-affected parties are strongly encouraged to participate in the initial public consultation, as early involvement in informal discussions with an applicant may lead to greater influence on project planning. 4

264 Step 2: Application to the Alberta Utilities Commission After the applicant has conducted its public consultation process, it should take into consideration what it learned during consultations and make any amendments it sees as necessary and reasonable to its proposal. The applicant then makes an application to the Alberta Utilities Commission. Applicants must identify in their application any unresolved objections or concerns that they are aware of from the public consultation process. Meaningful public participation through a fair, open and transparent process is important and necessary if the AUC is to reach sound and principled decisions. 5

265 Parties wanting to become a participant in an AUC proceeding must make a written submission to the AUC. Step 3: The Commission will issue a notice of application when it receives an application that, in the Commission s opinion, may directly and adversely affect the rights of one or more people. The notice is typically published in local newspapers. The notice will provide key dates, contacts and information on how to participate for those who are interested in becoming involved in the application process. Step 4: Public participation If you wish to participate in a proceeding, you must make a written submission to the Commission in accordance with the AUC s notice of application. Submissions must contain: approval of the application may directly and adversely affect you. why you believe that the Commission should accept your recommendation. The Commission will consider your submission and decide whether you are a person who may be directly and adversely affected by the proposed project. If you are, an AUC public hearing may be held. 6

266 Subject to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, all documents filed in respect of an application must be placed on the public record and are accessible through the AUC website. If you wish to keep any information in a document confidential, you must make a request for confidentiality to the Commission. To do this, contact the lead application officer specified in the notice of application, before filing the document in question. Documents associated with applications are stored and accessed through the AUC s electronic filing systems. The AUC would appreciate receiving submissions through its electronic filing services on our website, however submissions may also be made through mail, or fax. More information on the electronic filing services can be found on the AUC s website at or by calling Electronic Filing Services. Please see the back cover of this pamphlet for contact information. Financial assistance If a party may be potentially directly and adversely affected by a proposed facility, they can apply to be reimbursed for reasonable costs incurred in support of their participation in a Commission proceeding. Details regarding recovery of participants costs are described in AUC Rule 009: Rules on Local Intervener Costs, available on the AUC s website at 7

267 Step 5: Consultation and negotiation The Commission supports ongoing efforts to reach a positive outcome for the applicant and all affected parties. The Commission encourages the applicant and those who have filed submissions to continue to attempt to resolve any outstanding issues. Sometimes in utility facilities applications, the applicant may suggest that it enter into an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process to resolve any outstanding issues. In an ADR process, the applicant and the participants agree to meet with an independent third party who will facilitate discussions between the parties in an attempt to reach an agreement. 8

268 ADR is neither mandatory nor binding on either party. However, it can be an effective tool to try and resolve issues in an amicable environment and manner. If all concerns can be satisfactorily resolved this may eliminate the need for a formal hearing. However, if there continue to be unresolved issues after further discussions with participants, typically those matters will be addressed at an AUC public hearing. Early involvement in discussion with the applicant 9

269 Step 6: The public hearing process The public hearing process provides an opportunity for those who were unable to resolve their concerns with the applicant to express their views directly to a Commission panel. Those persons who the Commission has determined may be directly and adversely affected by the proposed application are entitled to participate in the hearing. The Commission publishes a notice of hearing in newspapers distributed in the local area, in major Alberta daily newspapers and on the AUC website at Copies of the notice are also mailed to the applicant and participants. The notice of hearing sets out the deadlines for various steps in the process, including the process and timelines for filing written submissions and for preparing questions to be answered by the applicant or other participants. An AUC public hearing operates similarly to a court proceeding and is a quasi-judicial process. The hearing is open to the general public. Participants in a hearing can either represent themselves or be represented by legal counsel. In addition, participants may hire experts to assist in preparing and presenting evidence to support their position. Persons who hire legal counsel or technical experts must be aware that while reimbursement for the costs of legal and technical assistance may be available, recovery of costs is subject to the Commission assessing the value of the contribution provided by counsel and technical experts. People with similar interests and positions are expected to work together to ensure that any expenditures on outside legal or technical assistance are efficiently spent and not duplicated. 10

270 Step 7: The decision After hearing a needs application the Commission either approves the application, denies the application, or sends the application back to the applicant with suggestions for change. After hearing a utility facilities application, the AUC has three options in reaching a decision: approve the application as applied for, approve it with conditions, or deny it. The AUC endeavors to release decisions within 90 days from the close of the record. Decisions are issued in the form of a public written decision report that summarizes the Commission s findings and includes its final decision. All Commission decision reports are available to any member of the public on the Commission s website ( or by calling the AUC s Information Services. Please see the back cover of this pamphlet for contact information. 11

271 Step 8: Right to appeal A participant in a hearing who is dissatisfied with the decision of the Commission may request that the Commission review and vary its decision. Such a request must follow the procedure set out in the Commission s Rule 016: Review and Variance of Commission Decisions. A dissatisfied participant may also file a leave to appeal motion in the Court of Appeal of Alberta within 30 days from the date the decision is issued. All Commission decision reports are available to any member of the public on the Commission s website ( or by calling Information Services. See the back cover of this pamphlet for contact information. 12

272 Step 9: Construction and operation Any applicant that receives a licence or permit to build and operate a facility from the Commission must adhere to any conditions that were set out in the Commission s decision. If you notice something during the construction or operational phases of a project that concerns you, bring this to the applicant s attention. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, please bring your concerns to the attention of the AUC Consumer Relations. See back cover of this pamphlet for contact information. 13

273 Useful resources: - Rule 001: Rules of Practice - Rule 007: Rules Respecting Applications for Power Plants, Substations, Transmission Lines, and Industrial System Designations - Rule 009: Rules on Local Intervener Costs - Rule 020: Rules Respecting Gas Utility Pipelines - About the AUC brochure - AUC electronic filing services brochure - Local intervener costs brochure - Understanding gas utility pipeline regulation in Alberta 14

274 Notes: 15