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Environmental Considerations
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Clearing, construction, reclamation, and subsequent activities are all carried out in accordance with Alberta Environment’s “Environmental Protection Guidelines for Electric Transmission Lines”.
Activities must also follow the terms and conditions of right-of-way agreements and Crown easements, and comply with all applicable laws, regulations and good utility practices. Transmission facilities normally do not require an environmental impact assessment report or Alberta Environment approval. Measures to be taken to address environmental concerns are identified through environmental protection planning and in consultation with landowners and agencies.
Do transmission facilities create noise?
Transmission lines are generally very quiet. Under some atmospheric conditions, you may hear a low level crackling or buzzing sound at the edge of the right-of-way. Certain equipment in substations and converter stations (e.g., transformers, fans) can be audible up to a few hundred metres away from the site.
The Alberta Utilities Commission imposes limits on noise for both the lines and substations and converter stations and ATCO Electric ensures that its facilities are designed to meet these limits.
Any significant noise or traffic is generally limited to the initial construction period. Construction traffic would include a variety of trucks and heavy equipment. During long-term operation, facilities require occasional light traffic and activity (typically weekly at substations and converter stations and annually for lines) for inspection and maintenance, and rare access (every few years) for larger repairs.
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