Alberta Utilities Commission Preferred and alternate routes soon submitted for review
The company tasked with building electrical lines in Alberta has finalized preferred and alternate routes for two portions of a system in southern Alberta.
AltaLink released maps in December of its preferred and alternate routes for a 240 kilovolt power line it expects to build from Picture Butte to Etzikom Coulee and from Etzikom Coulee to Whitla.
Scott Schreiner, director of external engagement for AltaLink, said the company plans to submit its route information to the Alberta Utilities Commission this spring. The AUC will then decide whether to accept that information, apply conditions or reject the plans.
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The Picture Butte to Etzikom Coulee portion is a 66 to 80 kilometre line. Specific length depends upon the route selected.
The Etzikom to Whitla stretch is a projected 87 to 90 km.
Schreiner said AltaLink has consulted with every landowner on the route and will continue to discuss plans as needed.
“There’s always going to be potentially smaller movements with the line and the route that can still be done at this point,” he said.
The proposed power line route will cross primarily cultivated land, much of it irrigated. The line’s effect on irrigation and aerial spraying were among concerns raised by landowners during open houses last year.
Schreiner said basic compensation for towers and easements are similar for all landowners, but additional compensation for impediments to irrigation or spraying are negotiated case by case.
“We compensate on current and best use of the land,” he said.
Environmental assessments earlier in the process raised concerns about the line crossing Stafford Reservoir near Coaldale, which could affect a sensitive pelican foraging area. The reservoir is also popular for summer recreation.
AltaLink now plans to enclose the line in a bridge-like conduit across the reservoir rather than erect towers for power lines across the span.
“It limits the visual impact, it limits the environmental impact and because of the technology that would have been required to do the crossing as an overhead system, the cost of it is very similar,” said Schreiner.
AltaLink plans to start construction of both projects next winter if the AUC accepts the proposed and/or alternate routes that have been presented.
