Transmission
WInd Farms and Transmission
Wind development in the MD of Pincher Creek is having a significant landscape and ecosystem impact, directly and through the associated development of major new transmission lines and substations that are being built to integrate wind energy into the grid.
Our iconic views and large tracts of native prairie are slowly being replaced by industrial creep as evidenced by the industrial infrastructure shown in this photo taken east of Pincher Creek.
Pincher Creek To Chapel Rock Transmission Proposal
AltalLInk and the Alberta Electric System Operator(AESO) plan to apply this year to the Alberta Utilities Commission to construct a 240kV transmission line and a 500kV substation in environmentally sensitive areas west of Pincher Creek.
AltaLlink has identified four potential routes for the project and has advised stakeholders that applications for the need and the facilities will be filed before the end of the year. The project is included in the AESO’s 2020 long-range transmission plan.
Multiple variations of this development (originally named Fidler to Chapel Rock) have been successfully opposed by the Livingstone Landowners Group and other like-minded organizations for more than 10 years.
Unresolved Issues
Following LLG’s ongoing work with the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) , AltaLink and provincial and municipal government leaders, some previously proposed initiatives have been cancelled or delayed and some extremely high impact transmission routes were removed.
But the proposal still on the table continues to be a cause for significant concern. The AESO and AltaLink have said they will file applications with the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) this year. LLG will review and respond to filings and intends to intervene in hearings on behalf of its members.
Outstanding Concerns
Project Issues
NO new transmission is required in the area to meet electricity load growth, which is forecast to be extremely low in southwest Alberta for the foreseeable future.
Transmission need and timing is being driven by forecast renewable energy development across all of southern Alberta. Such forecasts are notoriously uncertain given the impact of changing market conditions and government policies. In any case, there may be more appropriate means for meeting future need than more transmission in the MD of Pincher Creek.
The proposed development, which will cost hundreds of millions of dollars, will add significantly to industrialization of the region with the proposed 240kV line, a large 500 kV substation and associated other infrastructure.
LLG’s position is consistent with the principles of the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan (SSRP) - a land use framework approved by the government in 2018. The SSRP directs that future development should use existing infrastructure and developed corridors where possible, thus avoiding fracturing intact and undisturbed lands.
Environmental Impact
The proposed routes have significant viewscape and environmental consequence including impact on designated environmentally sensitive areas with endangered and at risk species. Some routes directly affect an area within the last 1% of the Great Plains and the only remaining segment with a full complement of species.
Click on Native Grasslands map image (above) to hear a presentation prepared for LLG by Brad Stelfox, Landscape Ecologist, Alces Group, on cumulative impact of wind and transmission in the MD of Pincher Creek (Dec. 2018).
Environmental impact is compounded by the unique geographic area and biodiversity, difficulty reclaiming native grassland, extreme wind conditions and resulting erosion on any disturbed land.
The beauty and biodiversity treasured by residents and tourists in this region has already been damaged by the industrialization associated with wind energy and transmission development and action needs to be taken to protect remaining environmentally sensitive areas.
AltaLink Identifies Transmission Route Options (North & South)
AltaLink is pushing forward on the Pincher Creek to Chapel Rock Transmission Project and plans to file for Alberta Utilities Commission approval of the project in December.
In a recent update to stakeholders, the company said it is now considering three northern routes and one southern route. Read the details here. A previous route option on Wildcat Road has been eliminated.
If you need an information package or wish to provide input contact AltaLink at: 1-877-267-1453 or at stakeholderrelations@altalink.ca
Banner Photo by David McIntyre