Hydro One is committing to taking local interests into account as the St. Clair Transmission Line project takes another step forward.
The utility submitted its final Environmental Study Report and Statement of Completion to the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks last week regarding the project.
Hydro One said it received and responded to feedback from Indigenous communities, government agencies, elected officials, interest groups, residents, and affected property owners before submitting the report.
Concerns have previously been raised by grassroots organization Water Wells First about how the construction of the transmission line could negatively impact well water for local residents.
“Our team has been listening and working to ensure local community input is considered in a meaningful way,” said Sonny Karunakaran, Hydro One’s vice president of strategic projects and partnerships, in a news release. “We’re committed to using construction methods that minimize the effects of this project in the community and on natural resources and habitats, including groundwater and agricultural lands.”
The company said it will be using construction approaches that limit or avoid effects on natural habitats, water, agricultural lands and the socio-economic environment. This includes minimizing ground disturbances, noise and vibration levels on groundwater sources and water wells by ensuring tower foundations remain a minimum of 30 feet above the top aquifer layer.
To avoid the spread of invasive species and agricultural pests, Hydro One will be replacing trees and plants around agricultural lands with compatible vegetation after construction. Plants that are not impacted by construction will be kept.
Hydro One said it will continue to work with property owners to understand the unique features of their land.
The St. Clair Transmission Line is a proposed new double-circuit 230-kilovolt transmission line that will stretch from the Lambton Transformer Station in St. Clair Township to the Chatham Switching Station.
