The Maritime Link Transmission Project: Registration Document November 30, 2011 Project Registration November 30, 2011 Maritime Link TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Summary .................................................................................................................................... viii 1 General Information ............................................................................................................................. 1 1.1 Project Name, Nature and Locations ............................................................................................ 1 1.2 The Proponent ............................................................................................................................... 3 1.3 Project Consultation ...................................................................................................................... 4 1.3.1 Aboriginal Engagement ......................................................................................................... 4 1.3.2 Regulatory Consultation ....................................................................................................... 6 1.3.3 Stakeholder Consultation ...................................................................................................... 7 1.4 Environmental Assessment Process and Requirements ................................................................ 7 1.4.1 Federal Environmental Assessment Process ........................................................................ 8 1.4.2 Provincial Environmental Assessment Processes ................................................................. 8 1.4.2.1 Newfoundland and Labrador ............................................................................................ 8 1.4.2.2 Nova Scotia ..................................................................................................................... 10 1.4.3 Responsible Authorities ...................................................................................................... 11 2 Project Information ............................................................................................................................. 11 2.1 Project Context ............................................................................................................................ 11 2.2 Project Purpose ........................................................................................................................... 11 2.3 Project Objectives ........................................................................................................................ 12 2.4 Project Components .................................................................................................................... 12 2.4.1 Overview of Technology ..................................................................................................... 15 2.4.1.1 Converter Stations .......................................................................................................... 15 2.4.1.2 Transmission Towers ....................................................................................................... 15 2.4.1.3 Landfall Component ........................................................................................................ 16 2.4.1.4 Subsea Cables .................................................................................................................. 20 i Project Registration November 30, 2011 Maritime Link 2.4.1.5 Grounding Sites ............................................................................................................... 21 2.4.2 Project Overview by Geographic Region ............................................................................ 23 2.4.2.1 Southwestern Newfoundland ......................................................................................... 23 2.4.2.2 Cabot Strait ..................................................................................................................... 24 2.4.2.3 Cape Breton .................................................................................................................... 24 2.5 Project Activities .......................................................................................................................... 25 2.5.1 Construction ........................................................................................................................ 25 2.5.1.1 Access and Clearing ......................................................................................................... 26 2.5.1.2 Distributing Materials ..................................................................................................... 27 2.5.1.3 Installing Towers ............................................................................................................. 27 2.5.1.4 Stringing Conductors ....................................................................................................... 28 2.5.1.5 Installing Grounding Facilities ......................................................................................... 28 2.5.1.6 Preparing Marine Substrate ............................................................................................ 29 2.5.1.7 Laying Subsea Cable ........................................................................................................ 29 2.5.1.8 Accommodations Facilities and Workforce .................................................................... 30 2.5.1.9 Emissions and Discharges ............................................................................................... 32 2.5.2 Operation and Maintenance ............................................................................................... 33 2.5.2.1 Emissions and Discharges ............................................................................................... 34 2.5.3 Decommissioning ................................................................................................................ 35 2.6 Project Schedule .......................................................................................................................... 35 3 Project Site Information ...................................................................................................................... 37 3.1 Southwestern Newfoundland ...................................................................................................... 37 3.1.1 Environmental Features ...................................................................................................... 37 3.1.1.1 Ecoregions ....................................................................................................................... 37 3.1.1.2 Vegetation ....................................................................................................................... 40 ii Project Registration November 30, 2011 Maritime Link 3.1.1.3 Aquatic Habitat and Fish ................................................................................................. 40 3.1.1.4 Terrestrial Wildlife .......................................................................................................... 42 3.1.1.5 Protected Areas............................................................................................................... 46 3.1.1.6 Species at Risk ................................................................................................................. 48 3.1.2 Land Use .............................................................................................................................. 48 3.1.2.1 History ............................................................................................................................. 49 3.1.2.2 Contemporary Socioeconomic Setting ........................................................................... 49 3.1.3 Aboriginal Groups ............................................................................................................... 53 3.1.3.1 Historical ......................................................................................................................... 53 3.1.3.2 Contemporary Setting ..................................................................................................... 53 3.2 Cabot Strait ................................................................................................................................. 56 3.2.1 Environmental Features ...................................................................................................... 56 3.2.1.1 Marine Fish...................................................................................................................... 58 3.2.1.2 Management Zones ........................................................................................................ 58 3.2.1.3 Marine Mammals ............................................................................................................ 59 3.2.1.4 Marine Avifauna .............................................................................................................. 61 3.2.1.5 Benthic Community......................................................................................................... 61 3.2.1.6 Reptiles ............................................................................................................................ 62 3.2.1.7 Protected Areas..............................................................................................................