Proponent: Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro

Summary of Environmental Assessment Process

Project Description:

The proponent proposes to construct a 188 kilometre, 230 kilovolt transmission line to connect the existing Bay d’Espoir and Western Avalon Terminal Stations. The proposed new line will parallel two existing transmission lines from Bay d’Espoir to Sunnyside on the Avalon Peninsula. The width of the proposed transmission line right of way is 40 metres and runs south of the existing transmission lines passing through the Bay du Nord Wilderness Reserve. The proposal will require the removal of the right of way area from the Bay du Nord Wilderness Reserve. The proponent also proposes to upgrade the existing infrastructure at Bay d’Espoir and Western Avalon terminal stations. The rationale for the project is to ensure the continued stability and reliability of the Island Interconnected System particularly during faulting events. The Wilderness and Ecological Reserve Advisory Council (WERAC) has also been asked to review the proposal in accordance with s. 21(2) of the Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Act which stipulates the process to decrease the area of a reserve. The public is advised that the WERAC process will also include a public consultation hosted by WERAC as per s. 16 of the Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Act. The Minister will make a single decision on the entire project once the EA and WERAC processes have been completed.  Construction is proposed to begin in March 2016.

• July 20, 2015 – The undertaking was registered.
• August 26, 2015 – Deadline for public comments.
• February 3, 2016 – Addendum to the Registration Submitted.
• March 7, 2016 – Deadline for Public Comments on the Addendum.
• June 17, 2016 – The Minister announced that the project is released.
• October 25, 2018 – Plans Approved.

• Documents:
  • Registration and Appendices A – D (18 MB)
  • Appendix E – Environmental Protection Plan (EPP) (3 MB)
  • Appendix F – Ecological Land Classification (ELC) (34 MB)
  • Appendix G – Wetlands (21 MB)
  • Appendix H – Flora: Listed and Rare Plants (61 MB)
  • Appendix I – Freshwater Environment (14 MB)
  • Appendix J – Caribou (31 MB)
  • Appendix K – Avifauna and Mammals (5 MB)
  • Appendix L – Historic and Heritage Resources   (15 MB)
  • Appendix M – Land Use and Infrastructure (30 MB)
  • Addendum to the Registration  (45 MB)
  • Decision Letter (115 KB)
  • Environmental Protection Plan (5.1 MB)
  • Rare Plant and Lichen Protection and Monitoring Plan (2 MB)
    • Minister’s Approval (29 KB)
  • Decommissioning Plan (11 MB)
    • Minister’s Approval (280 KB)
  • Overview of the Gender Equity and Diversity Initiatives (1 MB)
    • Minister’s Approval (91 KB)
  • Decision Letter on Amendment (32 KB)
  • Decommissioning Plan Amendment  (2.8 MB)
    • Location Maps  (17 MB)
• Public Notices:
  • Project Registered (26 KB)
  • Addendum to the Registration (21 KB)
  • Project Released (70 KB)
  • Plans Approved (23 KB)
  • Plans Approved (28 KB)

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