Registration Number: 1618

Maritime Transmission Link

Proponent: ENL Maritime Link Inc.

Summary of Environmental Assessment Process

Project Description:

The proponent, ENL Maritime Link Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Emera Newfoundlandand Labrador Holdings Inc., is proposing to design, develop and operate the Maritime Link Transmission Project between the Island of Newfoundland and Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.The transmission link is a 500 MW, +/-200 to 250 kV high voltage transmission system that includes the following elements and associated infrastructure: transmission corridors, subsea cables, shore grounding facilities, two converter stations and adjoining substations,two transition compounds and other potential infrastructure as required. The three main geographical components of the project are:

  1. Newfoundland component – In southwestern Newfoundland, a new transmission line between Cape Ray and Bottom Brook along an existing transmission corridor and Bottom Brook to Granite Canal in a combination of existing and new corridors.
  2. Cabot Strait component – Crossing the Cabot Strait, two subsea cables spanning approximately 180 kilometres from Point Aconi (or Lingan), NovaScotia to Cape Ray, Newfoundland (exact location to be determined).
  3. Nova Scotia component – In Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, a new transmission line (approximately 50 kilometres in length) parallel to the existing transmission corridor centerline between Point Aconi (or Lingan) and Woodbine.

Project construction is scheduled to begin in 2014 and first power planned for delivery inlate 2016 or early 2017.

  • December 1, 2011 – The undertaking was registered.
  • January 6, 2012 – Public comments are due.
  • January 14, 2012 – The Minister’s decision is due.
  • February 8, 2012 – Environmental Preview Report Required.
  • March 14, 2012 – Environmental Assessment Committee Appointed.
  • October 15, 2012 – Final Guidelines Issued.
  • January 17, 2013 – Environmental Assessment Report Submitted
  • June 21, 2013 – The Minister announced that the project is released.
  • January 23, 2014 – Environmental Protection Plan Approved.

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