RAPID/Roadmap/9 (4)
Bulk Transmission Canada Environmental Review Overview (9)
Potential environmental impacts from bulk transmission development that may occur during the site evaluation, construction, and operation phases of the project include:
- Vehicle emissions, volatile organic compound (VOC) releases from storage and transfer of vehicle/equipment fuels, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and particulates from blasting activities, and fugitive dust from clearing, grading, excavating, and vehicle and equipment traffic;
- Noise disturbances from drilling, blasting, vehicle traffic, turbine, generator, and transformer can impact migration, feeding, and reproduction patterns in species;
- Direct and indirect impacts to cultural resources from surface disturbances or excavation, erosion, sedimentation, increased human access can increase exposure to contaminants, and interfere with behavioral activities of species;
- Direct and indirect impacts to ecological resources (vegetation, wildlife, aquatic biota and their habitats) from introduction of invasive species from vehicle traffic, fugitive dust, erosion and runoff from excavation can limit a plant’s ability to photosynthesize, and impact habitats. Construction of roads and transmission rights-of-way can fragment wildlife habitats affecting feeding and reproduction behaviors; and
- Water quality could also be affected by activities that cause soil erosion, which could increase turbidity and suspended sediment transport.
Canada Environmental Review Overview Process
1
9.1 to 9.2 – Does the Project Require a Federal Environmental Review?
The developer may need approval from the appropriate federal government entity with jurisdiction if the proposed project may have environmental impacts. At this time the federal environmental impact review process for major projects is being revised therefore the RAPID Toolkit does not have specific content for Canada’s federal environmental assessment process. For more information contact the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency and review the Regulatory Side-by-Side – Governing Permitting of Cross-Border Electricity Transmission Between the United States and Canada Guidance.
9.3 to 9.4 – Does the Project Require a Territorial or Provincial Environmental Review?
The developer must also consider the project’s environmental impact to territorial and provincial resources. The developer may also need approval from the applicable territorial or provincial government entity to construct and operate a transmission line project that may impact territorial and provincial environmental resources.
Alberta
In Alberta, bulk transmission lines are exempted from the Alberta – Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act environmental review process. A.reg. 111/93 s. 2 (a)(vi).
British Columbia
In British Columbia, a bulk transmission developer may need an Environmental Assessment Certificate from the British Columbia Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy and the British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines, & Petroleum if the project is subject to review pursuant to the Environmental Assessment Act, R.S.B.C. 2002, c. 43. For more information, see:
Manitoba
In Manitoba, a bulk transmission developer may need an Environment Act License from the Manitoba Environmental Approvals Branch of the Department of Sustainable Development if the project is subject to review pursuant to the Manitoba Environment Act, S.M. 1987-88, c. 26. For more information, see
New Brunswick
In New Brunswick , a bulk transmission developer may need a Certificate of Determination from the Minister of the New Brunswick Department of Environment and Local Government if the project may have a significant environmental impact and is subject to review pursuant to the New Brunswick Clean Environment Act, R.S.N.B. 1973, c. C-6. New Brunswick Clean Environment Act, R.S.N.B. 1973, c. C-6, s. 31.1(1). For more information, see:
Ontario
In Ontario, a bulk transmission developer may need approval from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks for an undertaking pursuant to the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. R.S.O. 1990, c. E.18, s. 5(3). For more information, see:
Quebec
In Quebec , a bulk transmission developer may need a Certificate of Authorization from the Quebec Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment, and the Fight Against Climate Change for any project that includes a transmission line greater than 75 kilovolts. For more information, see:
Saskatchewan
In Saskatchewan, a bulk transmission developer must obtain approval from the Minister of the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment if the project is considered a development and subject to review pursuant to the Saskatchewan Environmental Assessment Act, S.S.A. 1980, c. E-10.1. For more information, see:
Yukon
In Yukon, a bulk transmission developer may need to complete an Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment with the Yukon Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment Board if the project is subject to review pursuant to the Yukon Environmental Assessment and Socio-economic Assessment Act, R.S.Y. 2003, c.7. For more information, see:
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