Blog

Photo by Linda HeronPhoto Credit

McCarthy Chute Hydroelectric GS, Serpent River – Notice of Commencement of an Environmental Assessment

By Linda Heron on Monday, October 3rd, 2011
Posted in Dams, Energy, Hydroelectric, McCarthy Chute, River Concerns, Rivers at Risk, Serpent River

NOTICE OF COMMENCEMENT

of an Environmental Assessment

McCarthy Chute Hydroelectric Generating Station, Xeneca Power Development

McCarthy Lake (ON)

September 29, 2011 — Transport Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada are required to ensure that a screening is conducted commencing on September 28, 2011 in relation to the development proposal: McCarthy Chute Hydroelectric Generating Station, Xeneca Power Development.

The proposed McCarthy Chute hydroelectric development will be operated as a run-of-river with modified peaking facility. The proposed generating station will have an output of 2.0 MW from a gross head of 7.0 m and will consist of a 62 m long concrete dam that incorporates a 31 m wide spillway and 8 m wide powerhouse.

The scope of project for McCarthy Chute Hydroelectric Generating Station has been identified as the physical works or activities associated with the construction, operation and maintenance of the proposed hydroelectric generating facility as well as the decommissioning or abandonment (where applicable) of certain components of the development proposal. The RA(s) have determined that the scope of project will include the following components:

  • The construction, operation, maintenance and decommissioning of a new generating station, dam and associated works at McCarthy Chute on the Serpent River.
  • The construction, operation and maintenance of a new tailrace and its associated works or undertakings at the McCarthy Chute site.
  • The construction of new transmission lines and associated structures.
  • The construction or alteration of portage routes either temporary during construction or permanent.
  • The construction of new access roads and upgrades to existing access roads.
  • Any other works or undertakings directly associated with the hydroelectric project including those that are temporary.

Under section 5 of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, an environmental assessment is required because, for the purpose of enabling the project to be carried out in whole or in part, Transport Canada may take action in relation to section 5 of the Navigable Waters Protection Act and Fisheries and Oceans Canada may take action in relation to subsection 35(2) of the Fisheries Act and may take action in relation to section 32 of the Fisheries Act.

This project is also subject to the environmental assessment requirements of the Government of Ontario.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency will act as the Federal Environmental Assessment Coordinator for this environmental assessment.

For further information on this environmental assessment, please contact:
Jennifer Hughes
Senior Environmental Officer
Environment and Engineering
4900, rue Yonge, Suite 300
Toronto  ON  M2N 6A5
Telephone: 416-952-0469
Email: jennifer.hughes@tc.gc.ca

and refer to Registry reference number 11-01-64028