Yes, the line crew ground support training is fully applicable to work in tower assembly yards. There will also be additional on the job training for specific tasks.
Yes, the line crew ground support training is fully applicable to work in tower assembly yards. There will also be additional on the job training for specific tasks.
Although the steel lattice suspension transmission structures will be higher, they will be thinner and there will be a large reduction in the number of structures and an increase in the span between the structures. Thus, the overall visibility and prominence of Project components and activities will remain the same as previously assessed, as would the visual contrast or compatibility of theProject within the existing natural landscape. No significant adverse effects are predicted; and no change to mitigation or monitoring commitments.
Although the steel lattice suspension transmission structures will be higher, they will be thinner and there will be a large reduction in the number of structures and an increase in the span between the structures. Thus, the overall visibility and prominence of Project components and activities will remain the same as previously assessed, as would the visual contrast or compatibility of theProject within the existing natural landscape. No significant adverse effects are predicted; and no change to mitigation or monitoring commitments.
A routing change can require a wide variety of approvals such as:
• community and land user engagement
• cost and schedule differential approval
• lender sign-off
• additional field work/archaeology
• screening for environmental and traditional land and resource use compliance
• EA amendment
• Permit amendments
• land rights acquisition
• access plan revisions
• addition lidar collection or field survey
• leave to construct amendment
• technical review
A routing change can require a wide variety of approvals such as:
• community and land user engagement
• cost and schedule differential approval
• lender sign-off
• additional field work/archaeology
• screening for environmental and traditional land and resource use compliance
• EA amendment
• Permit amendments
• land rights acquisition
• access plan revisions
• addition lidar collection or field survey
• leave to construct amendment
• technical review
A separate information sheet was prepared/issued on steel lattice towers. This was distributed in early April.
A separate information sheet was prepared/issued on steel lattice towers. This was distributed in early April.
This information is currently provided on the Wataynikaneyap website and updated on a regular basis. https://www.wataypower.ca
This information is currently provided on the Wataynikaneyap website and updated on a regular basis. https://www.wataypower.ca
All Valard employees are CUSW (union) members, however, there is an allowance for subcontractors and Indigenous workers to be non-unionized. (Valard to provide a list of job classifications that are unionized)
All Valard employees are CUSW (union) members, however, there is an allowance for subcontractors and Indigenous workers to be non-unionized. (Valard to provide a list of job classifications that are unionized)
Valard will work with communities todetermine firewood requirements.
Contact:Jacques Caron (jcaron@valard.com1(780) 668-7933)
Valard will work with communities todetermine firewood requirements.
Contact:Jacques Caron (jcaron@valard.com1(780) 668-7933)
An Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract is a form of contracting arrangement. The EPC Contractor (Valard LP) is responsible for all the activities from design and engineering, procurement of materials and services (subcontracting), construction, to commissioning and handover of the project to Wataynikaneyap Power. Valard LP, as the selected EPC contractor will be responsible for the final design of the transmission line sand substations. They will identify and procure all required materials and services to complete the work (including direct hiring and training of employees as well as subcontracting). They will be responsible for all construction activities such as set up of construction camps and lay down areas inside the project footprint, right-of-way tree clearing activities, construction and installation of steel lattice towers and wood poles, stringing of conductor etc… They will also be responsible for all substation construction activities. They will provide regular updates to Wataynikaneyap Power PM on the progress of all these activities.
An Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract is a form of contracting arrangement. The EPC Contractor (Valard LP) is responsible for all the activities from design and engineering, procurement of materials and services (subcontracting), construction, to commissioning and handover of the project to Wataynikaneyap Power. Valard LP, as the selected EPC contractor will be responsible for the final design of the transmission line sand substations. They will identify and procure all required materials and services to complete the work (including direct hiring and training of employees as well as subcontracting). They will be responsible for all construction activities such as set up of construction camps and lay down areas inside the project footprint, right-of-way tree clearing activities, construction and installation of steel lattice towers and wood poles, stringing of conductor etc… They will also be responsible for all substation construction activities. They will provide regular updates to Wataynikaneyap Power PM on the progress of all these activities.
Valard are responsible for repairs during construction.
Valard are responsible for repairs during construction.
Yes, if there are trees of suitable size and species for firewood, near your FN community, the wood will be delivered to a location that you will identify to Valard
Yes, if there are trees of suitable size and species for firewood, near your FN community, the wood will be delivered to a location that you will identify to Valard
Where there are trees of suitable size to be commercially valuable to a mill, the trees will be removed with a feller-buncher. The trees will be stacked in piles on the ROW for later pickup by a logging truck. Where the trees are too small to be valuable for a mill, of a tree species of negligible value (such as aspen poplar), or located too far from a FN community for delivery as firewood, the trees and shrubs will be pushed over with a large dozer, such as a Caterpillar D8T, with a special cutting blade attached to the base of the dozer blade.
Where there are trees of suitable size to be commercially valuable to a mill, the trees will be removed with a feller-buncher. The trees will be stacked in piles on the ROW for later pickup by a logging truck. Where the trees are too small to be valuable for a mill, of a tree species of negligible value (such as aspen poplar), or located too far from a FN community for delivery as firewood, the trees and shrubs will be pushed over with a large dozer, such as a Caterpillar D8T, with a special cutting blade attached to the base of the dozer blade.
Surveyors will use GPS linked equipment that link to satellites orbiting the earth. The survey procedure uses one static instrument and one roving instrument. First surveyors will set up the static instrument which determines its position on the land by tracking using satellites that are orbiting the earth. You may see an instrument sitting in the bush on a tripod without anyone nearby. This is the static instrument. It is very important that this instrument not be disturbed. The surveyor carries the roving instrument to determine the ROW boundary. The roving instrument determines it location by communicating with the static instrument. The surveyor walks or quads through the bush and flags the edge of theROW with bright colored survey flagging. The two antennas use a radio link that allows the static instrument to send corrections to the roving instrument.
Surveyors will use GPS linked equipment that link to satellites orbiting the earth. The survey procedure uses one static instrument and one roving instrument. First surveyors will set up the static instrument which determines its position on the land by tracking using satellites that are orbiting the earth. You may see an instrument sitting in the bush on a tripod without anyone nearby. This is the static instrument. It is very important that this instrument not be disturbed. The surveyor carries the roving instrument to determine the ROW boundary. The roving instrument determines it location by communicating with the static instrument. The surveyor walks or quads through the bush and flags the edge of theROW with bright colored survey flagging. The two antennas use a radio link that allows the static instrument to send corrections to the roving instrument.
No, once trees are cut down, they need to be removed from the ROW to make way for the transmission line foundation installation and then the structure installation and conductor stringing.
No, once trees are cut down, they need to be removed from the ROW to make way for the transmission line foundation installation and then the structure installation and conductor stringing.
MostROW clearing will take place in frozen conditions between January andMarch. This is because much of the ROW requires frozen ground for suitable access by heavy feller-bunchers and dozers. Where heavy equipment can access the ROW in unfrozen conditions, these portions of the ROW may be cleared in summer and fall.
MostROW clearing will take place in frozen conditions between January andMarch. This is because much of the ROW requires frozen ground for suitable access by heavy feller-bunchers and dozers. Where heavy equipment can access the ROW in unfrozen conditions, these portions of the ROW may be cleared in summer and fall.
The cleared transmission line ROW becomes a construction zone and needs to be treated as such. If there is construction activity on the ROW at the desired point of access, the community member needs to approach a Valard on site representative first. The Valard construction representative on theROW will advise on suitable precautions if crossing the ROW or if ROW access is advisable or allowed at the time in question.
The cleared transmission line ROW becomes a construction zone and needs to be treated as such. If there is construction activity on the ROW at the desired point of access, the community member needs to approach a Valard on site representative first. The Valard construction representative on theROW will advise on suitable precautions if crossing the ROW or if ROW access is advisable or allowed at the time in question.
The only two circumstances where trees may be removed by hand clearing. Trees within the riparian zone of a watercourse or danger trees at the edge of the ROW. Danger trees are trees that could fall into the future transmission line.
The only two circumstances where trees may be removed by hand clearing. Trees within the riparian zone of a watercourse or danger trees at the edge of the ROW. Danger trees are trees that could fall into the future transmission line.
TheROW width is determined by calculating the distance the conductor (the wire)that is blown out by a strong wind. The swing out distance from the structure together with the flashover distance (the distance that the electricity could flashover through the air to the adjacent trees) makes up the distance from center line to the edge of the ROW.
TheROW width is determined by calculating the distance the conductor (the wire)that is blown out by a strong wind. The swing out distance from the structure together with the flashover distance (the distance that the electricity could flashover through the air to the adjacent trees) makes up the distance from center line to the edge of the ROW.
Each guy wire will have a brightly colored guy guard placed over the guy wire. The guy guard will cover the bottom 3 meters(8 to 12 feet) of guy wire. The guy guards are bright yellow or orange.
Each guy wire will have a brightly colored guy guard placed over the guy wire. The guy guard will cover the bottom 3 meters(8 to 12 feet) of guy wire. The guy guards are bright yellow or orange.
Each structure should only take 2-4 minutes to install on a foundation. This procedure means the helicopter will hover over a foundation as linemen guide the structure onto the foundation and all four-guy wire are connected to the guy anchors. Once the structure is connected to the foundation and the guy wires secured, the helicopter will fly away. Evidence suggests that the characteristics of the noise (e.g. frequency, duration, onset, intensity) and the biology of the species in question (e.g. hearing range, behavioural state, habitat, vocal behaviours) are important for predicting how noise is likely to affect a particular mammal or bird. Nevertheless, the noise frequency, intensity and duration will be far more significant during tree clearing than the relatively short duration and intensity of noise produced by a helicopter. From past experience in working in the boreal forest, there are many examples where wildlife, including large mammals such as moose and deer, are not usually disturbed by short duration noise from a helicopter passing overhead.
Each structure should only take 2-4 minutes to install on a foundation. This procedure means the helicopter will hover over a foundation as linemen guide the structure onto the foundation and all four-guy wire are connected to the guy anchors. Once the structure is connected to the foundation and the guy wires secured, the helicopter will fly away. Evidence suggests that the characteristics of the noise (e.g. frequency, duration, onset, intensity) and the biology of the species in question (e.g. hearing range, behavioural state, habitat, vocal behaviours) are important for predicting how noise is likely to affect a particular mammal or bird. Nevertheless, the noise frequency, intensity and duration will be far more significant during tree clearing than the relatively short duration and intensity of noise produced by a helicopter. From past experience in working in the boreal forest, there are many examples where wildlife, including large mammals such as moose and deer, are not usually disturbed by short duration noise from a helicopter passing overhead.
In general, the structures will be approximately 300 m to 320 m apart.
In general, the structures will be approximately 300 m to 320 m apart.
The substations will perform one and/or two functions. First, the substation will convert the high voltage of the transmission line, such as 115,000 volts to the voltage in use within the existing community power system which is usually 25,000 volts. The second function of the substations, is to provide junctions for transmission lines where two or more transmission line meet. Equipment inside the substation allows transmission lines to be turned on or off much like turning off a breaker inside your home.
The substations will perform one and/or two functions. First, the substation will convert the high voltage of the transmission line, such as 115,000 volts to the voltage in use within the existing community power system which is usually 25,000 volts. The second function of the substations, is to provide junctions for transmission lines where two or more transmission line meet. Equipment inside the substation allows transmission lines to be turned on or off much like turning off a breaker inside your home.
Every substation will have a tall, page wire fence that surrounds all high voltage equipment. The fences will be at least 8feet tall and have several warning signs that caution against entry because of high voltage dangers. Gates into each substation will be locked and only accessible by authorized operation personnel
Every substation will have a tall, page wire fence that surrounds all high voltage equipment. The fences will be at least 8feet tall and have several warning signs that caution against entry because of high voltage dangers. Gates into each substation will be locked and only accessible by authorized operation personnel
Yes.First Nations currently own 51% of the project. The 24 First Nations communities will maintain their ability to increase their ownership and control to 100% in anticipation of such purchase right becoming available (25 years following the operation date for the Wataynikaneyap Transmission Line).
Yes.First Nations currently own 51% of the project. The 24 First Nations communities will maintain their ability to increase their ownership and control to 100% in anticipation of such purchase right becoming available (25 years following the operation date for the Wataynikaneyap Transmission Line).
The preliminary proposed study corridors were initially identified based on engagement with and input from the Wataynikaneyap Transmission Project member communities, together with computer modelling using cost and constructability, socio-economic and land use and natural environment criteria. The results of this engagement input, along with engineering and environmental factors, will help to identify a 2 km wide study corridor, which will be the focus of theEnvironmental Assessment. The 2 km study corridor will contain most of the other project components like construction camps, access routes, and equipment staging areas. The cleared corridor (the ROW – right-of-way) will be approximately 40 m (130 ft) wide. We will also be working with communities to identify this final 40 m (130 ft) ROW within the 2 km study corridor. This work will continue as the Environmental Assessment progresses.
The preliminary proposed study corridors were initially identified based on engagement with and input from the Wataynikaneyap Transmission Project member communities, together with computer modelling using cost and constructability, socio-economic and land use and natural environment criteria. The results of this engagement input, along with engineering and environmental factors, will help to identify a 2 km wide study corridor, which will be the focus of theEnvironmental Assessment. The 2 km study corridor will contain most of the other project components like construction camps, access routes, and equipment staging areas. The cleared corridor (the ROW – right-of-way) will be approximately 40 m (130 ft) wide. We will also be working with communities to identify this final 40 m (130 ft) ROW within the 2 km study corridor. This work will continue as the Environmental Assessment progresses.
Typically, there are not access restrictions under transmission lines unless there is:
· Risk to powerline workers or other employees associated with the project
· Public safety concerns, such as a risk of lines touching people or equipment during work
· Potential for damage to infrastructure including the condition of the ROW and maintenance access trails
· Requirements forOperation and Maintenance (O&M) work activities
Based on these requirements, there may be times during construction, operation and maintenance when access is restricted to a section of the ROW due to work activities. We will work with land users and the communities to provide advanced notice and the general timing of operation and maintenance activities to try and accommodate any of their access requirements.You can still hunt, travel and collect plants where there are no restrictions.
Typically, there are not access restrictions under transmission lines unless there is:
· Risk to powerline workers or other employees associated with the project
· Public safety concerns, such as a risk of lines touching people or equipment during work
· Potential for damage to infrastructure including the condition of the ROW and maintenance access trails
· Requirements forOperation and Maintenance (O&M) work activities
Based on these requirements, there may be times during construction, operation and maintenance when access is restricted to a section of the ROW due to work activities. We will work with land users and the communities to provide advanced notice and the general timing of operation and maintenance activities to try and accommodate any of their access requirements.You can still hunt, travel and collect plants where there are no restrictions.
The Project will contribute none to few further effects on the wildlife species assessed through the EA process.
The Project will contribute none to few further effects on the wildlife species assessed through the EA process.
Noise emissionsfrom construction, operationand maintenance stage activities could increase existing noise levels atpotential point of receptions. Construction equipment can include:
· Bulldozers
· Excavators
· Linetrucks
· Trackmounted augers Track mounted rock drills Gravel trucks
· Transporttrucks
· Truckmounted cranes Skidders
· Loggingtrucks
· Fuel truck
· Generator
· Concretemixers Concrete batch plant -truck loading
· Concretebatch plant - truck rinsing
· Loader
· Lighttowers
· Backupalarm
For more detailed information see section 5.5and appendix 7.6B of the Phase 1 and 2 EA reports.
Noise emissionsfrom construction, operationand maintenance stage activities could increase existing noise levels atpotential point of receptions. Construction equipment can include:
· Bulldozers
· Excavators
· Linetrucks
· Trackmounted augers Track mounted rock drills Gravel trucks
· Transporttrucks
· Truckmounted cranes Skidders
· Loggingtrucks
· Fuel truck
· Generator
· Concretemixers Concrete batch plant -truck loading
· Concretebatch plant - truck rinsing
· Loader
· Lighttowers
· Backupalarm
For more detailed information see section 5.5and appendix 7.6B of the Phase 1 and 2 EA reports.
We will not be building a road on the ROW. There will be an access trail that in general will require an all-terrain vehicle in order to travel. Some water crossings will also be winter-only, which will limit access.
We will not be building a road on the ROW. There will be an access trail that in general will require an all-terrain vehicle in order to travel. Some water crossings will also be winter-only, which will limit access.
Wataynikaneyap’s role in the electricity system is to own and operate a transmission line to move electricity to communities. Wataynikaneyap does not sell power to customers. This is the role of the local distribution company in each community. Communities currently served by Hydro One Remotes Communities Inc will continue to billed in the same way as they were before connection.Communities transferring to Hydro One Remote Communities Inc from anIndependent Power Authority will see a change in their billing structure. HydroOne Remote Communities Inc does not charge “delivery” fees on their electricity bills and the residential rates are lower than in other parts of Ontario. As a result, the hydro bills are also the lowest in the province. For more information we recommend contacting Hydro OneRemote Communities Inc at
https://www.hydroone.com/remote-communities
Wataynikaneyap’s role in the electricity system is to own and operate a transmission line to move electricity to communities. Wataynikaneyap does not sell power to customers. This is the role of the local distribution company in each community. Communities currently served by Hydro One Remotes Communities Inc will continue to billed in the same way as they were before connection.Communities transferring to Hydro One Remote Communities Inc from anIndependent Power Authority will see a change in their billing structure. HydroOne Remote Communities Inc does not charge “delivery” fees on their electricity bills and the residential rates are lower than in other parts of Ontario. As a result, the hydro bills are also the lowest in the province. For more information we recommend contacting Hydro OneRemote Communities Inc at
https://www.hydroone.com/remote-communities
Employment Opportunities Include: material handlers, equipment operators, structure assemblers; loader operators, dozer operators, track hoe operators, compaction equipment operators, substations technicians, protection and control technicians, line crews to string transmission line, administration, camp services, camp cooks, environmental monitors.
Jobs will be advertised through the IndigenousRecruitment and Retention Advisor, postings will direct candidates to forward their resumes to: projectjobs@oslp.ca. Also, through the Indigenous Labour Pool, the skills, experience, and level of work readiness of each member will be identified to match potential candidates with available jobs. https://www.oslp.ca/labour-pool. Project has ensured community members from the 24 owner First Nations will be given the opportunity to work.
Employment Opportunities Include: material handlers, equipment operators, structure assemblers; loader operators, dozer operators, track hoe operators, compaction equipment operators, substations technicians, protection and control technicians, line crews to string transmission line, administration, camp services, camp cooks, environmental monitors.
Jobs will be advertised through the IndigenousRecruitment and Retention Advisor, postings will direct candidates to forward their resumes to: projectjobs@oslp.ca. Also, through the Indigenous Labour Pool, the skills, experience, and level of work readiness of each member will be identified to match potential candidates with available jobs. https://www.oslp.ca/labour-pool. Project has ensured community members from the 24 owner First Nations will be given the opportunity to work.
Transmission lines are meant to move electricity over long distances and/or in large quantities and hooking up to a transmission line requires a large substation that isn’t workable for a cabin. If you have a cabin near the line we recommend reaching out to our Land Access team through the general inquiries link here:
Transmission lines are meant to move electricity over long distances and/or in large quantities and hooking up to a transmission line requires a large substation that isn’t workable for a cabin. If you have a cabin near the line we recommend reaching out to our Land Access team through the general inquiries link here:
Wataynikaneyap/Opiikapawiin Energizing Youth has agreement with NRCAN to engage 6 youth ages 18-25 during the summer months over the next five years. Total 30 people. The first intake was successfully completed in July 2019.
Opiikapawiin, NRCAN and IESO will launch Plugged in for a Brighter Future for to 9 to 14 years of age to promote energy literacy and safety. The program will begin in March 2020 and run for two years in 2020 and 2021.
Wataynikaneyap/Opiikapawiin Energizing Youth has agreement with NRCAN to engage 6 youth ages 18-25 during the summer months over the next five years. Total 30 people. The first intake was successfully completed in July 2019.
Opiikapawiin, NRCAN and IESO will launch Plugged in for a Brighter Future for to 9 to 14 years of age to promote energy literacy and safety. The program will begin in March 2020 and run for two years in 2020 and 2021.
All communities are to be connected by the end of 2023. Communities will be energized as construction progresses and an annual schedule for connections will be released by Valard and reviewed and approved by the project partners.Wataynikaneyap will continue to update communities on target connection dates for communities as they are released. To view the latest 3-month outlook schedule click here www.wataypower.ca
All communities are to be connected by the end of 2023. Communities will be energized as construction progresses and an annual schedule for connections will be released by Valard and reviewed and approved by the project partners.Wataynikaneyap will continue to update communities on target connection dates for communities as they are released. To view the latest 3-month outlook schedule click here www.wataypower.ca
Yes. In order for more power to flow north to communities, a second line to Pickle Lake is required to free up capacity north of both Pickle Lake and Red Lake.
Yes. In order for more power to flow north to communities, a second line to Pickle Lake is required to free up capacity north of both Pickle Lake and Red Lake.
Valard intends to have the following measures in place:
o Security personnel at camp access points (general during evening hours)
o Check in/check out procedure
o Vehicle curfew
o Valard Vehicle GPS
o Valard Alcohol & Drug policy (dry camp)
o Fit for work policy
o Valard discipline policy
Valard intends to have the following measures in place:
o Security personnel at camp access points (general during evening hours)
o Check in/check out procedure
o Vehicle curfew
o Valard Vehicle GPS
o Valard Alcohol & Drug policy (dry camp)
o Fit for work policy
o Valard discipline policy