Environment
Protecting the Environment
MATL is committed to responsible construction practices. MATL has worked, and continues to work, with a broad range of individuals, government agencies and First Nations' groups to ensure the project has minimal impact on people and the environment.
During the planning stage, MATL consulted with, met with or made presentations to a large number of groups and organizations in an effort to understand them and their environmental and socio-economic priorities. As well, MATL undertook a number of detailed studies and surveys such as: water crossings, sharp-tailed grouse leks, rare and endangered species, archeological sites, and First Nations' traditional land use, to name a few.
As a result of these consultations and studies, MATL made several route changes designed to minimize the impact of the project; for example, a redirection to bypass the environmentally sensitive Milk River Ridge in southern Alberta.
MATL will be taking the following steps, amongst others, to minimize the impact on the environment during and after construction:
- Construction will be staged to minimize or avoid effects on rare and endangered species by limiting the periods in which construction may occur.
- Setbacks will be observed from wetlands, rivers, and the nests and mating grounds of certain birds.
- Bird mortality surveys will be used to identify locations requiring mitigation. Mitigation may take the form of the placement of bird diverters to minimize bird deaths due to the power line.
- Weed surveys will be conducted to maximize the effect of MATL’s vegetation management program and minimize invasion by invasive plant species.
Pre-Construction Surveys
Over the course of three years during the project’s development, MATL has undertaken extensive studies to examine specific environmental sensitivities, safety concerns and potential landowner issues. Some of these include:
- Rare and Endangered Species - This survey gathered information on the types of species located along the route and their abundance. By law, MATL is required to avoid endangered species or develop a plan to preserve those species.
- Weeds - Information outlining the species, location and abundance of weeds is required to determine potential problems, the extent of those problems and the means of control.
- Vegetation - MATL has gathered extensive information on the types of crops grown along the transmission route. This information is required to estimate compensation to landowners, determine where setbacks are required and to establish tree pruning and control requirements.
- River Crossings - Special construction methods are necessary when working near navigable waters. The MATL line will comply with all applicable regulations as they relate to navigable waters.
- Radio Frequency Interference (RFI), Television Interference (TVI), etc. - In order to identify potential problems and develop appropriate mitigation measures, MATL has compiled information on the interaction between high-voltage transmission lines and the following electrical systems: VHF television, FM and AM radio, satellite receiver systems, wireless internet service, VHF/UHF communications systems, and GPS. Where appropriate, signal strengths will be obtained before and after construction.
- Archaeological, Paleontological and Historical Sites - All sites along the MATL route with archaeological, paleontological or historic interest have been profiled to include information on the type of site, approximate age (when possible), stratification or layering of site, usage and importance as a heritage site. By law, MATL is required to have an impact mitigation plan.
- Topographical and Geotechnical Surveys - Topographical surveys establish the shape of the terrain, allowing poles to be placed and sized in such a way that proper safety clearances are maintained. For much of the route an aerial LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) survey was performed to establish the topography. Geotechnical surveys assess the soil type where the poles will be placed. This information is used to determine pole foundation design as well as to identify potential reclamation problem areas, topography challenges and land prone to wind erosion. Geotechnical investigation requires drilling.
- Infrastructure Crossings - This includes such things as telecommunication lines, railways, pipelines, electrical distribution and water lines. This group of surveys covers a broad range of safety considerations and takes into account regulated setbacks and the potential for interference. Considerable coordination is required between MATL and the owners of these facilities to establish safe construction methods and a sound design that avoids conflict.
- Irrigation Infrastructure - MATL aims to achieve minimal interference with private land and farming operations. Studies of irrigation and other farming infrastructure focus on the types of irrigation systems and operating methods employed to determine what special considerations are required to avoid or mitigate interference.
Post-Construction Surveys
Following construction, on-going monitoring will facilitate reclamation efforts and ensure MATL fulfills all regulatory commitments. The following post-construction surveys will be conducted:
- Weeds - Studies monitoring the species, location, and abundance of weeds will pinpoint potential areas of concern. Weed control measures will be adjusted accordingly.
- Erosion - Studies to determine the location, nature and extent of erosion will take place. Reclamation will be undertaken as required.
- Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) and Television Interference (TVI) - Where appropriate, signal strength will be measured and compared to pre-construction readings. In the unlikely event that interference has been caused by the MATL transmission line, MATL will compensate affected parties.
- Avian (bird) Mortality - Incidents of avian mortality will be carefully reviewed to determine the species, location and number. Should problems occur, MATL will consider the use of bird diverters or other appropriate measures.
- Reclamation Monitoring - A review of the extent of plant cover and the success of plant establishment will be undertaken. Through this process, MATL will determine the need for intervention and develop an appropriate plan for additional reclamation.