How were the routes selected?
Selection of preferred facility locations begins with the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO), a not-for-profit organization that identifies electrical system upgrades required in the public interest. The AESO identified the need for new transmission facilities in the Hanna region, which was subsequently approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission on April 29, 2010.
ATCO Electric was directed by the AESO to plan these new facilities. The first step in the process was to identify and evaluate general areas or corridors for the facilities and recommend a preferred corridor with regard to seven major aspects outlined by the Alberta Utilities Commission (Rule 007, Section 6, www.auc.ab.ca):
- residential impact
- agricultural impact
- visual impact
- environmental impact
- electrical considerations
- special constraints
- cost
Once a preferred corridor was identified, specific transmission line route options were investigated. ATCO Electric identified a set of prelimiary options for each project after studying available land-use information agthered from maps, aerial photos, field visits and meetings with agencies. Locations were chosen in an effort to minimize impacts on residences, agriculture, built-up areas, industrial operations, roads and highways, environmentally sensitive areas and other sensitive areas, such as historical sites.
Prelimiary options for each transmission line and substation location were subjected to extensive consultation to assess potential impacts on landowners, occupants and interested parties. In some locations, new prelimiary options were developed as a result of this feedback and discussed with those affected. The results of consultations, field studies, and additional information were compiled to identify preferred and alternative options with the least overall impacts.
Typical Substation