February 2011 St. Paul Transmission Project

Why are you receiving this project information package?

New transmission facilities are needed in Central East Alberta (St. Paul area). ATCO Electric has direction from the Alberta Electric System Operator to assess site and route options for these upgrades.

We have prepared this summary for landowners, occupants, agencies and interested parties located near the proposed power transmission facilities.

This package will provide you with important project information and will outline our public consultation process. We invite any comments, questions or concerns you may have.

Please refer to page six for our contact information and details.

Included in This Package: Project Overview • Project Information brochure The St. Paul Transmission Project is needed to meet • Reply Form growing demand for electricity from oil sands • Open House invitation development and pipelines and to interconnect • Alberta Electric System Operator document proposed gas-fired electricity generation as well as Transmission Reinforcement in the Central wind farms. Please see the Alberta Electric System East (Cold Lake, Vegreville and Provost) Operator (AESO) document entitled Transmission Reinforcement in the Central East (Cold Lake, Area Vegreville and Provost) Area. • ATCO Electric Information Sheets • Alberta Utilities Commission brochure If approved, the project will involve upgrades to the Public Involvement in Needs or Facilities existing St. Paul substation and construction of about Applications 35 kilometres of new transmission line from the St. Paul • Maps and drawings substation to a connection point on an existing transmission line. St. Paul Transmission Project 1

Project Need and Details St. Paul Substation

When upgrades to Alberta’s electrical system are The existing substation (called 707S) is located on needed, they are identified by a not-for-profit SW-17-58-09 W4M, north of the Town of St. Paul. If organization with a public interest mandate called the approved, the substation will be expanded within its Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO). current property boundary by extending the chain-link fence 26 metres (m) to the east. This will add additional The AESO has received applications to interconnect fenced area, resulting in final substation dimensions of over 500 megawatts of wind power and proposed gas- approximately 93 m by 68 m. fired electricity generation in Central East Alberta. Demand for electricity in the Cold Lake and The substation will require the addition of two 144/25 kV Wainwright areas is expected to increase. The existing 25/33.3/41.6 MVA transformers, four 144 kV line breakers, transmission system in this region is operating at a 46 m tall self-supporting steel lattice telecommunications capacity and parts of the system are subject to low tower and related electrical and communications voltages under certain conditions. equipment. Alteration to existing equipment will include the removal of all 72 kV equipment. The St. Paul Transmission Project is part of the system reinforcement needed to meet increasing demand for electricity and to interconnect new generation.

The AESO has described the need for these facilities in the enclosed document: Transmission Reinforcement in the Central East (Cold Lake, Vegreville and Provost) Area.

Typical Substation 2 St. Paul Transmission Project

144 kV Transmission Line Typical Double-Circuit 144 kV “Davit Arm” Structure If approved, approximately 35 kilometres of new 144 kV double-circuit transmission line (to be called 7L139 and 7L70) will be built to connect the St. Paul substation to the existing transmission line 7L70. Construction of the double-circuit transmission line will effectively divide the existing transmission line into two parts. The section of line to the west of the connection point will be renamed 7L139, while the section of line to the east of the connection point will keep the name 7L70.

The new line will consist of two sets of three conductor wires plus two overhead shield wires Approximate Dimensions strung on steel pole structures. The typical structure will be a single-pole “Davit Arm” design, Height………21m about 21 m tall. The typical distance between poles Max. Width……6m will be 100 m to 180 m. Distance between structures….100-180m

Non-typical structures with taller or additional poles, anchors and/or guy wires are required where the line ends or bends, at corners, and to maneuver around and over obstacles. In all cases, minimum clearance will meet or exceed the requirements of provincial safety regulations.

St. Paul Transmission Project 3

Typical Right-of-Way

Transmission lines are located in corridors that have been cleared of brush and other obstacles. These are called a ‘right-of-way’. Right-of-ways must have a minimum width to ensure safety and allow for construction and ongoing access for maintenance purposes. The width of the right-of-way, and the position of transmission structures within it, will depend on the type of structure that is used. The typical right-of-way that relates to this project is 18 metres and is shown below. Details may change with final design and location.

4 St. Paul Transmission Project

Route and Site Selection Facilities Application Process

We have identified preliminary route options for the Once the preferred transmission line route has been 144 kV transmission line. identified, ATCO Electric will submit a Facilities Application to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) to obtain Preliminary options are shown on the enclosed map. approval for the construction and operation of the proposed We have selected route options that: transmission facilities.

• Avoid homes and minimize impacts on For more information about how you can participate in the residences process, please refer to the enclosed AUC brochure • Follow property boundaries wherever possible to entitled Public Involvement in Needs or Facilities provide access and to avoid impacts to Applications. agriculture • Minimize impact on built-up areas, highways, agricultural, oil and gas operations and communication facilities • Minimize impacts to environmentally sensitive areas such as watercourses, wet or steep areas, wildlife habitat and other sensitive areas such as designated historical sites

Other options for transmission line routes may be considered if identified through our consultation process.

The preferred transmission line route will be identified after we have considered feedback and concerns.

St. Paul Substation Transmission Project 5 Proposed Timeline* ATCO Electric

February 2011 – December 2011 Albertans count on us for the safe, reliable and cost-

Consultation with landowners and agencies. effective delivery of electricity to their homes, farms and businesses. We have delivered electricity to January 2012 Albertans for more than 80 years.

Selection of preferred route and submission of the Facilities Application to the Alberta Utilities Headquartered in Edmonton, ATCO Electric has 38 Commission (AUC). service offices serving two-thirds of the province in northern and east-central Alberta. November 2013

If approval is granted by the AUC, We help keep the lights on across the province by construction will commence. building, operating and maintaining more than 69,000 kilometres of transmission and distribution power lines. October 2014 We also operate an additional 12,000 kilometres (km) Facilities completed and operating. of distribution power lines on behalf of Rural

*Timing may be adjusted to reflect final plans. Electrification Associations.

We are committed to responsible development and environmental practices. We conduct an open and transparent consultation process, carefully considering the impacts to landowners, communities and the environment.

Contact Us Your comments and concerns are important to us. Please contact us toll free 1-866-600-0022 or direct:

Shawn Hipkiss, Project Planner St. Paul Transmission Project Phone: 780-420-5554 ATCO Electric Fax: 780-420-5030 10035-105 Street Email: [email protected] Edmonton, AB T5J 2V6 Website: www.atcoelectric.com

6 St. Paul Transmission Project

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æ Join us at our open house ST. PAUL TRANSMISSION PROJECT ATCO Electric is hosting an open house to share details of the reinforcement transmission project taking place in the County of St. Paul and in the M.D. of Bonnyville. The proposed project looks to answer the growing demand for electricity and to interconnect to new generation in the region. Proposed project activities will involve upgrading the existing St. Paul substation and constructing a new transmission line. Additional alterations will occur to the related substation electrical and communications equipment. We invite you to attend the St. Paul open house. Attendance at an open house will provide you with an opportunity to meet the members of our team, learn more about the different options under consideration and have your questions answered. We welcome open discussion including any comments or concerns you may have as your feedback plays a critical role in our projects. We look forward to meeting you. If you have questions about this project or if you cannot attend the open house and you would like to discuss this project with ATCO Electric, please contact: Shawn Hipkiss, Environmental/ Right of Way Planner Toll free: 1-866-600-0022 Fax: 780-420-5030 Email: [email protected] Website: www.atcoelectric.com

Wednesday, March 16, 2011 4 - 8 p.m. St. Paul Legion Hall, 4925 – 49th Avenue, St Paul, Alberta REPLY FORM

10035 - 105 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 2V6

DATE: ______

FAX TO: Shawn Hipkiss, ATCO Electric, Fax No. 780-420-5030

PROJECT: St. Paul Transmission Project

Do you have any facilities or developments in the area that may be affected by this project? No. Yes, and they are as follows: ______

Do you have any concerns about the project? No. Yes, and they are as follows: ______

Is there anyone else we should be contacting about this project? No. Yes, and they are as follows: ______

Do you have any other comments or questions? No. Yes, and they are as follows: ______

If we have any errors in your name and address, please provide corrections. ______

Sent By: Name Agency/Company Name Address

Phone No.: ______Fax No.: E-mail/Other:

NOTE ABOUT PRIVACY: The information on this form is being collected to help identify potential concerns with proposed power transmission facilities, to facilitate communications about the project, and to comply with our obligations to the Alberta Utilities Commission. This information may be provided to the Alberta Utilities Commission. Information relating to the need for the facilities may be provided to the Alberta Electric System Operator. Enquiries or concerns about ATCO Electric's privacy policies can be directed to Greg McNeill, privacy officer (address above), phone 780-420-4468. Transmission Reinforcement in the Central East (Cold Lake, Vegreville and Provost) Area

For more information please contact the AESO at 1-888-866-2959, www.aeso.ca or [email protected] Who is the AESO? Alberta’s transmission system, also referred to as the Alberta Interconnected Electric System (AIES), is planned and operated by the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO). The transmission system is comprised of the high-voltage lines, towers and equipment (generally 69 kV and above) that transmit electricity from generators to lower voltage systems that distribute it to cities, towns, rural areas and large industrial customers. Our job is to maintain safe, reliable and economic operation of the provincial transmission grid.

Where is the AESO’s planning study region? The AESO’s planning study region runs from Cold Lake south through the Battle River, Wainwright and Vegreville areas, and east to the Provost area. The Central East region also covers Lloydminster, at the border with Saskatchewan. Larger communities in this region include Cold Lake, Bonnyville, Vermilion, Kitscoty, Lloydminster, St. Paul, Elk Point, Vegreville, Wainwright, Hardisty, Sedgewick, Strome, Jarrow, Edgerton, Castor, and Killarney Lake.

Why is transmission development required in the Central East (Cold Lake, Vegreville and Provost) area?

Transmission system reinforcement is needed in the study region to meet growing demand for electricity from oil sands development and pipelines, and to interconnect proposed gas fired electricity generation as well as wind farms in the study region.

The AESO has received applications to interconnect over 500 megawatts (MW) of wind power and natural gas generation projects in Central East Alberta. Further, the AESO long term forecast shows demand for electricity in the Cold Lake and Wainwright areas increasing by more than five percent per year and 12 percent per year respectively. Oilsands development and pipelines, required for transporting oilsands products for upgrading, drive this growth in demand. The existing transmission system in this region, however, is at capacity and cannot carry any additional electricity. In addition, parts of the system are subject to low voltages under certain conditions. System reinforcement, therefore, is needed to meet increasing demand for electricity and to interconnect new generation.

Where will the new lines be proposed? The AESO identified a number of alternatives for reinforcing the transmission grid in this region. Consultation with stakeholders will help identify a preferred solution for reinforcing the system. This preferred solution will form part of our Needs Identification Document (NID), which we will submit to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) later this year. We will also submit individual NIDs separately to the AUC to interconnect wind power projects as well as gas fired generation.

The transmission facility owners, AltaLink and ATCO Electric, service the communities, industry, and farms in the Cold Lake, Vegreville and Provost region. Should the AUC approve our NID, we will assign the larger system reinforcement and each new interconnection to either AltaLink or ATCO Electric, to build and maintain the required transmission facilities. Additional public consultation will be required as part of this process. Once, completed, siting and routing proposals will be submitted to the AUC in the form of a Facility Application for approval.

What’s happening right now? Since the region is vast, we have developed alternatives to address both broader and local transmission issues. So far, our planning study has produced alternatives for system reinforcements in the area to address the challenges facing the transmission system. After gathering stakeholder insights on our alternatives, our study will identify areas where transmission lines and other related facilities could be added to improve the system.

The targeted in-service date for these facilities is 2012. The map below shows broadly where transmission lines may be needed. No individual routes have been identified below; this will be done in a later process also requiring public consultation.

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The AESO is committed to protecting your personal privacy in accordance with Alberta's Personal Information Protection Act. Any personal information collected by the AESO with regard to this project may be used to provide you with further information about the project, may be disclosed to the Alberta Utilities Commission (and as a result, may become public), and may also be disclosed to the eligible Transmission Facility Owner. If you have any questions about how the AESO will use and disclose your personal information collected with regard to this project, please contact us at 888-866-2959 or at [email protected].

INFORMATION SHEETS

TRANSMISSION LINES ON OR NEAR YOUR PROPERTY

We understand that you may have questions or may be interested in additional details about transmission lines. The following information sheets will provide you with detailed explanations and answers to commonly asked questions concerning:

 Additional contact information ………………. sheet 1

 Route selection & planning ………………. sheet 2

 Landowner participation ………………. sheet 3-4

 The regulatory process ………………. sheet 4

 Transmission line construction ………………. sheet 5

 Transmission lines and farming ………………. sheet 6

 Environmental considerations ………………. sheet 7

 Electrical effects ………………. sheet 7-8

 Electric & magnetic fields (EMF) ………………. sheet 9

 Compensation ………………. sheet 10

 Definition of terms ………………. sheet 11

TLYourPpty-Sep2009.doc TRANSMISSION LINES ON OR NEAR YOUR PROPERTY INFORMATION SHEETS

TRANSMISSION LINES ON OR NEAR YOUR PROPERTY

Albertans as a whole use more power If you are a landowner or leaseholder* every year. Transmission lines are required faced with the possibility of having a to transmit bulk power from generating transmission line built on or near your sources to the distribution systems which property, you probably have some questions serve homes, farms, businesses and industry. or concerns. These information sheets Transmission lines are designed and built to provide facts and answers to the questions carry bulk electricity safely, reliably and most frequently asked about transmission economically over long distances. They are lines. ATCO Electric encourages you to the lifeline of growth, development and become involved in the process for selecting prosperity in Alberta. new transmission line routes. The Alberta Interconnected Electric *Wherever the word "landowner" is used System consists of over 21,000 kilometres throughout these information sheets, of transmission lines and 530 substations, "leaseholders" and others with an interest in connecting more than 300 generating units land are also implied. The exception to this is across the province.1 Electricity flows over in the Compensation section. the transmission system from generating stations to supply customers around the province.

FOR MORE INFORMATION If you need more information, please If you have questions about the process try our web site (www.atcoelectric.com), or for applications to the Alberta Utilities contact one of our planning staff by calling Commission (AUC), please contact the toll-free 1-866-600-0022 or by writing to: Commission at 780-427-4903. Or, you may wish to contact the Commission for a list ATCO Electric of relevant publications, such as: Right-of-Way Planning Box 2426 • Public Involvement in Facility Applications Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2V6 to the Alberta Utilities Commission

AUC publications are available from: Enquiries about the need for transmission facilities can be directed to the Alberta Alberta Utilities Commission Electric System Operator (AESO): 4th Floor, 425 – 1 Street SW Calgary, Alberta, T2P 3L8 Phone: 403-539-2588, or 1-888-866-2959 Phone: 403-592-8845 or 780-427-9362 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Web page: www.aeso.ca Web page: www.auc.ab.ca www.auc.ab.ca

1. Based on information from Alberta Electric System Operator, Powering Albertans, vol. 3(1), May 2009.

TLYourPpty-Sep2009.doc TRANSMISSION LINES ON OR NEAR YOUR PROPERTY Sheet 1 INFORMATION SHEETS

R O U T E S E L E C T I O N A N D P L A N N I N G

If your property is situated in the general What factors does ATCO Electric consider area between existing or proposed power when selecting potential routes for a substation locations, there is the possibility transmission line? that a transmission line may be routed on or near your property. Generally, our planners select routes that meet cost and technical criteria, while creating ATCO Electric carries out detailed studies the least disruption to people, agriculture, to identify route alternatives that will have the industry and the environment. least impact on landowners, but it is impossible to avoid everyone's property. The Factors to consider could be: lines have to be built somewhere, and there • geographical features (lakes, rough are many factors to be considered. terrain) • cultivated land The final decision on the specific location of • residential property and built-up areas a proposed transmission line is made by the • other power lines Alberta Utilities Commission. • pipelines and related facilities • highways How are potential routes for a transmission • airports line decided? • parks and environmentally sensitive areas

ATCO Electric's planners carefully gather The nature and significance of route and study the best available information constraints vary for each project. Planners about the area between substation locations, have to consider all known factors and to determine possible route alternatives. constraints, then evaluate them to determine Engineers, environmental specialists, the most suitable route alternatives. surveyors, and construction personnel assist with these studies. Rules established by the Alberta Utilities Commission help guide the route and site They get their information from maps and planning and approval processes for aerial photographs, site investigations, cost transmission facilities. and technical studies, landowners, local governments and planning bodies, as well as various departments of the provincial and federal governments.

Alternative routes are selected to avoid, wherever possible, any problems or conflicts identified by the studies.

TLYourPpty-Sep2009.doc TRANSMISSION LINES ON OR NEAR YOUR PROPERTY Sheet 2 INFORMATION SHEETS

L A N D O W N E R P A R T I C I P A T I O N

When planning new power facilities, The open house would be held to get your ATCO Electric encourages landowners to views on the route alternatives being considered. participate, as early as possible, in the At this stage, ATCO Electric has not necessarily process of selecting a route for a transmission decided on a final route; all of the alternatives line. If it looks like a transmission line may shown would still be considered viable options. be routed on or near your property, we want you to tell us how you think the proposed ATCO Electric’s planners, transmission line will affect you. We will make every engineers, land agents and service staff will be reasonable effort to satisfy your concerns. available to talk to you about your concerns on a one-to-one basis. This is your chance to spend as How will I know if a proposed transmis- much time as you need to discuss the project and sion line route is on or near my property? your specific concerns with the people responsible for routing and designing the transmission line. Once some possible routes have been We record each participant's comments and identified, ATCO Electric planners will send concerns, to help us determine exactly where information to all landowners who have specific features are located that we should avoid. property within about 0.8 km (one-half mile) of any of these route possibilities. This does The open house gives you, the individual not always apply to land within incorporated landowner, the chance to voice your specific villages, towns or cities, where we would give concerns about how the proposed line would notice of the project through advertisements in affect your property. the local newspaper. Formal public meeting or Who can I talk to about my concerns? informal open house?

The name and phone number of the project A formal public meeting usually does not give planner along with details about the project every landowner an opportunity to bring all of his are included in an information package which or her individual concerns to the planners' you should receive from ATCO Electric early attention. For this reason, we have found a public in the planning process. We encourage you to meeting is usually not as effective as an informal call the toll-free number during business hours open house. to let us know about your concerns, or to get more information. Can my concerns be important enough to change the route proposed for a In addition, ATCO Electric may schedule a transmission line? public open house on the project. If so, the time and place will be announced in your Your concerns are very important to us. In the information package and through past, there have been occasions where landowners advertisements in your local newspaper. have brought up a variety of concerns important Open houses are usually held in a local enough to convince ATCO Electric’s planners and community hall or similar facility. engineers to make changes in the proposed routes.

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L A N D O W N E R P A R T I C I P A T I O N ( C o n t i n u e d )

However, it is important for you to make We will notify you after we have submitted your concerns known to us as soon as our application to the AUC, and we will possible. If you wait until an Alberta advise you of the route(s) described in the Utilities Commission (AUC) hearing is application. announced (which may or may not be required) or later, it may be too late for us to The list of landowners affected is forwarded make changes that will satisfy your major to the AUC as part of the formal application. concerns. Talk it over with us before it's The AUC may also contact landowners along too late. the route, to determine if there are any objections, or to announce the date and place What happens after the landowner for a public hearing on the transmission line consultation? project. If necessary, a hearing date and location may also be advertised in your local After our representatives have met with newspaper. potentially affected landowners, our planners evaluate all the factors and select a If no landowners or other interested parties preferred route (and alternatives, if any). oppose the project, a hearing may not be ATCO Electric then applies to the AUC for called. permission to build and operate the line.

T H E R E G U L A T O R Y P R O C E S S

On direction from the Alberta Electric Any directly affected group or individual is System Operator (the province's independent entitled to participate in the hearings as an transmission system administrator), ATCO intervener, to support or oppose all or any part Electric must apply to the Alberta Utilities of the company's proposal. If a hearing is not Commission (AUC) for permission to required, anyone with an interest in the project construct and operate a transmission line, can make their views known by contacting the which is any power line carrying 69,000 volts AUC directly. or more. In the application, we will describe the preferred route and alternatives, if any, Once the AUC has considered the and the reasons for our selection. information presented by all parties, it will announce its decision. And once the decision Who has the final say on the location of has been made, it is normally too late to make transmission lines and substation sites? changes to the transmission line route. The simplest and most effective way of having The AUC must decide whether or not the your concerns recognized and considered is to transmission line is required, and if so, where make them known to ATCO Electric’s route it is to be located. Before reaching these planners as early as possible. decisions, the AUC may conduct a public hearing. The AUC does not make a decision on matters of land compensation. These issues are dealt with by the Surface Rights Board.

TLYourPpty-Sep2009.doc TRANSMISSION LINES ON OR NEAR YOUR PROPERTY Sheet 4 INFORMATION SHEETS

T R A N S M I S S I O N L I N E C O N S T R U C T I O N

Construction activities for a new trans- How will the right-of-way look after mission line include: conducting field construction is completed? investigations, surveying, preparing the right- of-way, installing the poles or towers, and All construction debris is removed from the stringing the conductor wires. Surveying and right-of-way, either before our contractors field investigations such as geotechnical leave the area or, in the case of winter testing can occur before approvals are granted construction, as soon as ground conditions by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC). permit. All fences removed or relocated will The other activities occur only after the AUC be restored to the condition they were in has issued its approvals. before construction began. Brushing debris is normally burned on site. Before construction begins, ATCO Electric contacts landowners along the route to inform When clearing treed areas, we do not grub them of our schedule and negotiate the roots or break up new ground. You may wish necessary agreements (see Sheet 10, to do this work yourself if you want to Compensation). cultivate the newly cleared area. We will, however, seed the right-of-way to compatible Preparing the right-of-way may require grasses if you request this. We will make selective clearing or removal of trees, every effort to restore, as near as practicable, according to safe clearance standards. The the work site to its original condition. actual width of the cleared right-of-way will depend on the type of transmission structure After construction, will ATCO Electric and the height of trees nearby. Our liaison need access to the right-of-way? representative can explain the right-of-way width required on your property. Access rights are granted in the power line easement or agreement. By law ATCO In some cases, we may have to temporarily Electric must inspect the line, either on the remove a fence or gate, or relocate granaries ground or from the air, at regular intervals, or other structures. Temporary fences will be usually yearly. Our crews may need access to installed, where necessary, to make sure your inspect or repair the line, or to control livestock is contained. We may have to hazardous vegetation. You will be paid fair construct temporary or permanent roads for compensation for damage to crops, land or access to the right-of-way, sometimes on fences. property not crossed by transmission lines, especially in steep terrain. Vegetation must be managed to provide for the safe operation of the line. ATCO Electric Before we put up the transmission poles or tries to keep the right-of-way covered with towers, foundation holes are drilled and, in the grass or other low-growing plants, to allow case of towers, the footings may be embedded access and to protect the soil. Vegetation is in reinforced concrete. The structures are controlled chemically by spraying herbicides assembled, then raised and set into place. In (such as Garlon 4 or Tordon 101), or the final stage of construction, trailers mechanically by trimming, slashing or carrying large reels of wire are brought in, and mowing. the wire is pulled from the reels and strung onto the towers or poles.

TLYourPpty-Sep2009.doc TRANSMISSION LINES ON OR NEAR YOUR PROPERTY Sheet 5 INFORMATION SHEETS

T R A N S M I S S I O N L I N E S A N D F A R M I N G

When planning new power facilities, Will I still be able to farm around and ATCO Electric tries to avoid placing under the line, once it is completed? transmission lines diagonally across cropland. We make every effort to position transmission You will still be able to farm around and structures where they will have the least under it, subject to certain restriction due to possible impact on farming operations. the exact location of the poles or towers.

Single poles can usually be located on road Normally, you should be able to operate allowances, thereby avoiding private land. your farm equipment under the wires without However, if there are too many homes or other any concern. For your own safety, equipment restrictions, we may have to place the poles should be no higher than 4.3 metres (14 feet), along quarter lines or section lines - usually as specified by provincial safety regulations. offset 1 metre from the property boundary - or Most farm equipment meets this height across cultivated land. Transmission lines restriction, but if you have any doubts about built on the larger two-pole or steel lattice- your equipment or loads, please contact us. type structures are usually located along quarter lines or section lines. For all Do transmission lines affect production by transmission lines on private property, we pay honey bees? compensation for the inconvenience of farming around structures, as explained in the Honey production may be affected if hives information on Compensation. are located too close to a transmission line. Bees are sensitive to both the low-level In some cases, such as line deflections, we electric fields around the hives and the very may have to approach the landowner for an low-level induced charge that may develop on easement for a supporting guy wire and a hive's supers. anchor, or even for additional poles. Shielding hives with a grounded wire plate Double-pole "H-frame" structures and steel or moving them further away from the towers cannot be safely located on opened transmission lines will eliminate these effects, road allowances. As a result, we have to and the bees will carry on their normal level position these structures on adjacent of honey production. properties. ATCO Electric will try to place them where the least amount of cropland will be affected, such as on pastureland.

Will transmission line construction interfere with my farming operations?

Depending on the time of year construction takes place, there may be some temporary interference with some farm activity. We will make every reasonable effort to co-ordinate our construction activities with your farming operations to minimize any inconvenience to you.

TLYourPpty-Sep2009.doc TRANSMISSION LINES ON OR NEAR YOUR PROPERTY Sheet 6 INFORMATION SHEETS

E N V I R O N M E N T A L C O N S I D E R A T I O N S

Clearing, construction, reclamation, and crackling or buzzing sound at the edge of subsequent activities are all carried out in the right-of-way. Even so, the noise is less accordance with Alberta Environment's than the sound of a light breeze. Environmental Protection Guidelines for Electric Transmission Lines (C&R/IL/95-2). Certain equipment in substations (e.g., Activities must also follow the terms and transformers, fans) can be audible up to a few conditions of right-of-way agreements and hundred metres away from the site. ATCO Crown easements, and comply with all Electric must ensure that the facilities meet applicable laws, regulations and good Alberta Utilities Commission rules for noise utility practices. Transmission facilities control. normally do not require an environmental impact assessment report or Alberta Any significant noise or traffic is Environment approval. Measures to be generally limited to the initial construction taken to address environmental concerns period. Construction traffic would include a are identified through environmental variety of trucks and heavy equipment. protection planning and in consultation During long-term operation, facilities with landowners and agencies. require occasional light traffic and activity (typically weekly at substations and Do transmission facilities create noise? annually for lines) for inspection and maintenance, and rare access (every few Transmission lines are very quiet in good years) for larger repairs. weather. You will hardly notice any sound they make during normal operation. During rain or heavy fog, you may hear a low level

E L E C T R I C A L E F F E C T S

Occasionally landowners express concern sensation if you touch an ungrounded metal about the electrical effects of transmission object near a high voltage transmission line. lines. Unfortunately, misconceptions can This sensation is similar to what you may cause unnecessary concerns for many have experienced in your own home, after people. The following questions cover the walking across a carpet and touching a door most common concerns people have about knob. Typical ungrounded objects include electrical effects. wire fences with dry wood posts, large vehicles with old rubber tires, and metal Should I worry about getting an electrical buildings. To eliminate these mild shocks, shock from a transmission line? make sure metal objects and fences are properly grounded. During construction of a You will not get a harmful shock from a new line, ATCO Electric will do this. You transmission line unless you or your can always contact us about proper equipment comes into contact with or is grounding methods. very close to the actual conductor wires. Long lengths of ungrounded pipe parallel Occasionally you might experience a to and near a power line can build up an slightly annoying but harmless electrical induced hazardous electrical charge.

TLYourPpty-Sep2009.doc TRANSMISSION LINES ON OR NEAR YOUR PROPERTY Sheet 7 INFORMATION SHEETS

E L E C T R I C A L E F F E C T S ( C o n t i n u e d )

Is it safe to drive or park a car or truck Will transmission lines affect my radio near a transmission line? and TV reception?

Most vehicles today are naturally Transmission lines in Alberta are alternating grounded, because their tires are made of current (AC) lines, which normally do not semiconducting carbon black. A mild affect radio or TV reception. However, under electric charge can build up on a vehicle certain circumstances, there may be some static with old rubber tires because they interference which may affect the reception of generally do not conduct electric currents. weak signals from far away radio and TV Such induced charges are annoying, but stations, particularly if poor quality receiving harmless. If your vehicle tends to develop equipment is used. a mild electric charge, it can be grounded by attaching a chain that is long enough to ATCO Electric will make every reasonable touch the ground. effort to correct any interference caused by its facilities. Sometimes it may be a matter as There have been no reported cases of simple as tightening a nut or bolt. fires caused by static sparks induced by transmission lines. However, the However, if you have poor reception now refueling of vehicles under lines could without the presence of a transmission line, the pose a problem in the unlikely event that company cannot improve your reception after a certain conditions (including hot, still transmission line is built. ATCO Electric, in weather and a completely insulated consultation with the federal department for vehicle) existed all at the same time. As a communications (Industry Canada), will work precaution, never refuel your vehicles to address radio and TV reception complaints. directly under a transmission line. If you Industry Canada stipulates that within six have no choice in the matter, use a plastic months of the line being energized, radio noise gasoline container. levels are to be measured, and that they must fall within set limits. Will a transmission line endanger my property in a lightning storm? A WORD ABOUT SAFETY.

Transmission lines do not attract distant You should always be careful and follow lightning. When a storm is directly common sense rules of safety when near overhead, they may actually draw any type of power line. lightning away from nearby trees, buildings, animals and people. Since Some of the hazards you should avoid in the home, around the farm and on the job are lightning is attracted to the highest illustrated in a variety of safety booklets and available object, in a rural area the power materials, available at no charge by contacting transmission lines are often struck. your local electricity provider. However, because these structures are well grounded, the potential danger is far less Look for safety tips on our web site: www.atcoelectric.com than if it were to strike a tree or building.

TLYourPpty-Sep2009.doc TRANSMISSION LINES ON OR NEAR YOUR PROPERTY Sheet 8 INFORMATION SHEETS

E L E C T R I C A N D M A G N E T I C F I E L D S

What is EMF? For a typical 144 kV transmission line, magnetic field strengths might be up to 25 mG EMF stands for "electric and magnetic directly beneath the line, dropping to about fields" which are fields of force caused by 0.5 mG at a distance of about 60 metres electric voltage and current. (200 feet) away. The average magnetic field in most homes (due to home electronics, Since the 1970s, scientists having been appliances and household wiring) is 1 mG or researching the potential health effects of less. EMF, particularly the 60-hertz, alternating current type that surrounds all electrical Are there EMF limits or guidelines? equipment, from high voltage power lines and lower voltage distribution lines to Health Canada does not consider guidelines household wiring and appliances. In fact, necessary because scientific evidence is not EMF surrounds all things electrical. strong enough to conclude that typical exposures cause health problems. Should I be concerned? What is ATCO Electric doing about EMF? Concerns are mainly about chronic, long- term exposure rather than occasional ATCO Electric is taking steps to act exposure such as harvesting crops under a responsibly. We continue to build and operate power line. our transmission facilities within accepted engineering and safety standards. We try to Research has been focusing on magnetic route new facilities away from built-up areas. fields, where some studies have suggested a slightly increased risk of certain illnesses We are also committed to monitoring what associated with people who may be exposed is happening in the research, and sharing to higher EMF levels. However, the information with customers, employees, associations are weak, and other studies government officials or any other interested indicate no association at all. And none of people or organizations on matters concerning the research has found a cause-and-effect EMF. relationship. Further information and links can be found What do we know about EMF? on the Canadian Electricity Association web site: www.canelect.ca. We do know that field strengths decrease quickly with distance. Magnetic fields are commonly measured in units of milligauss (mG). Magnetic field strengths might be up to 60 mG directly beneath a typical ATCO Electric 240 kV transmission line, but would drop to about 0.5 mG at a distance of 70 metres (230 feet) to 100 metres (330 feet) away.

TLYourPpty-Sep2009.doc TRANSMISSION LINES ON OR NEAR YOUR PROPERTY Sheet 9 INFORMATION SHEETS

C O M P E N S A T I O N

For new transmission lines ATCO Electric In addition, you may receive payment for negotiates compensation settlements that are general disturbance such as costs for time, and fair and reasonable to landowners and in other inconveniences related to the installation accordance with surface rights legislation. of the power line.

Compensation negotiations usually take When do I get my compensation? place after the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) issues the company a permit to Whenever possible, ATCO Electric will pay construct the transmission line along a the initial lump-sum compensation before designated route. construction begins.

Our land agent will negotiate compensation Where the transmission structures are to be settlements with each landowner or lease- located on agricultural land, the negotiated holder from whom rights must be obtained. settlements will also include annual ATCO Electric does not purchase the land compensation payments for inconvenience outright for a right-of-way, but simply and crop loss. You may review these annual acquires rights to use it for a specific purpose. payments with the company at five-year intervals, at which time they may be adjusted How much compensation will I be offered? to reflect changes in farming costs and crop prices. Our land agent will explain these The amount of compensation depends on procedures to you in more detail. how, and to what extent, the transmission line will affect you and your property. A number Does the compensation payment include of factors are considered, and not all may reimbursement for construction damage? apply to your case. Compensation is paid for each of the following, if required: Claims for damage arising from construction activities are settled separately from the main 1. an entry fee payment (required under compensation agreement after construction is surface rights legislation) based on $500 completed. per acre of land required. For each parcel of land, the minimum payment is $250 and What can I do if I am not satisfied with the the maximum is $5000; company's final offer? 2. an easement or agreement for the trans- mission line right-of-way, based on the If you are not happy with the company's amount of land within the right-of-way and offer or settlement of damage claims, you are the fair market value of the land (or a entitled to ask that the amount of portion of the value if the rights are only compensation be determined by the Surface temporary); Rights Board. 3. an agreement allowing for the removal of trees and brush adjacent to the right-of-way; 4. a temporary working-space agreement allowing for additional area outside the right-of-way of the transmission line during the construction period.

TLYourPpty-Sep2009.doc TRANSMISSION LINES ON OR NEAR YOUR PROPERTY Sheet 10

Definition of Terms

Transmission System: The transmission system or "grid" is made up of transmission lines and substations that have the ability to efficiently transmit power over long distances, between generators and "load" (customer) centres, or between regions. Transmission lines (69 kilovolts or more) are higher voltage, and transmit power to local substations whereas the distribution lines (25 kilovolts and lower) deliver power to homes, farms and businesses. The transmission system is like a major highway network for longer distance travel, while distribution lines are comparable to secondary roads and local streets.

144 kilovolt (144 kV): A 144 kilovolt line is a mid to higher capacity type of line, usually transmitting power within regions, to larger industrial loads, and from larger generating sites.

240 kilovolt (240 kV): A 240 kilovolt line is a higher capacity transmission line, usually transmitting bulk power between regions, to very large industrial loads, and from very large generating sites.

Substation: A fenced enclosure containing equipment such as step-down transformers that connect the transmission lines to the distribution system, and other equipment to manage the flow and quality of power. Substations are also designed to operate and protect the electric system similar to in-home breaker units but are a much more sophisticated, larger scale version.

Study Area: The area in which we are examining both the opportunities for routing such as existing power lines, roads, high ground, etc., and the key constraints such as residences, sensitive environmental or cultural features, conflicting developments, etc.

Route or Route Option: A possible location for the proposed transmission line and right of way, selected to try to meet the technical, economic, environmental and land use criteria. The route selection process also involves obtaining essential feedback from agencies and landholders toward ensuring we minimize environmental or land use impacts. Preliminary routes require further refinement and may be rejected, or may shift by several hundred metres depending on information gathered through further examination, surveys and the feedback from landholders and interested parties. In the final analysis, only one new line is needed along an acceptable route.

Right of Way: An area that is cleared of trees, brush, debris or other obstacles to allow access for construction and ongoing maintenance and operation of the transmission line. Right of way also means the legal rights to use the land, normally obtained by a power line agreement or easement.

Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC): The AUC is an independent, quasi-judicial agency of the Government of Alberta. Its mission is to ensure that the delivery of Alberta's utility services takes place in a manner that is fair, responsible, and in the public interest. The AUC ensures that electric facilities are built, operated, and decommissioned in an efficient and environmentally responsible way. All new transmission facilities require the approval of the AUC. The AUC replaced the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) on January 1, 2008. If you have any questions regarding the process for applications to the AUC, please see the enclosed AUC brochure "Public Involvement in Facility Applications to the Alberta Utilities Commission", or contact the Commission at 780-427-4903.

Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO): A corporation established under provincial law, the AESO acts as the independent system operator, directing the reliable and economic operation of Alberta's interconnected electric system. AESO plans the transmission development in Alberta by identifying present and future needs, and contracts with transmission facility owners such as ATCO Electric to provide the needed transmission services and facilities. AESO is independent of any industry affiliations and owns no transmission assets. Enquiries about the need for transmission facilities can be directed to AESO at 1-888-866-2959, [email protected].

ATCO Electric: ATCO Electric owns and operates the power transmission and distribution systems in northern and east-central Alberta. With a service area covering almost two-thirds of the province, ATCO Electric provides safe, reliable delivery of electricity to Alberta homes, farms, and businesses. ATCO Electric also reads the electricity meters and provides consumption information to the retailer, which passes these charges on to their customers. ATCO Electric costs are regulated by the Alberta Utilities Commission.

For power emergencies call ATCO Electric at 1-800-668-5506. For general enquiries about power lines or meters call us at 1-800-668-2248. For questions about hook-ups or your bill, please contact your energy retailer (see the phone number on your bill).

Definition of Terms for 144-kV and 240-kV Transmission Line Projects Sept. 2009