120-kV Grand-Brûlé-Saint-Sauveur transmission line project: Hydro-Québec must meet the current and future needs of the region

MONTREAL, Nov. 13, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Hydro-Québec would like to provide some important clarifications with respect to the 120-kV transmission line in the Laurentides and Pays-d'en-Haut regional county municipalities (MRCs). Given the information that is currently circulating, it is important to set the record straight.

A project adapted to regional needs

The regional system in the Laurentides is currently being used at full capacity. The aim of this regional 120-kV line project is to meet the growing electricity needs in the Laurentides and Pays-d'en-Haut MRCs, where demand increased by 20% between 2004 and 2012. This line will help support residential, economic and tourism development in Saint-Adolphe-d'Howard and the surrounding region, as well as meet electricity needs for the next 20 years.

The project is for a 120-kV line. The transmission system in the Laurentides is operated at 120 kV. Any change to this voltage would require substantial and unnecessary investments.

All 120-kV line projects are subject to section 22 of the Environment Quality Act. In compliance with this law, Hydro-Québec will file an environmental impact statement with the ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement, de la Faune et des Parcs (MDDEFP) in order to obtain a certificate of authorization.

The allegations of certain opponents that the company is trying to avoid BAPE hearings are unfounded. It is the voltage of the line that determines the applicable environmental review process, not the structure that supports the conductors. In accordance with current laws and regulations, the present project is not subject to an environmental review process.

It should be noted that in all cases, Hydro-Québec's environmental review process is very rigorous.

Minimizing impacts

To meet the significant increase in electricity demand in the region, while minimizing impacts, Hydro-Québec Hydro-Québec plans to build a double-circuit line, with twelve conductors instead of six (equivalent to two double-circuit lines). This requires stronger support structures. These structures do not alter the line's voltage. The tower model, the right-of-way and the clearance height are the same as those of a 120-kV line.

The next steps

The regional technical committee set up by Hydro-Québec is pursuing its activities as planned. This committee is comprised of land use, environment and landscaping experts from organizations concerned by the project. Its mandate is to supply information and additional recommendations to the ones already gathered in the community. The committee is working to develop a line route with the least possible impact in an effort to achieve the widest possible consensus.

Hydro-Québec will keep the public and landowners informed of the committee's work. Once their work is completed, the company will once again consult local representatives, affected landowners, citizens and concerned organizations.

This is an evolving line project. Hydro-Québec is working to meet the region's current and future electricity needs while taking into account the concerns of local communities.

SOURCE: Hydro-Québec

Ariane Connor, Press Officer
Tel.: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Press room: http://www.hydroquebec.com/media