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Third Falls, Ivanhoe River – Proposed Hydroelectric Generating Station – Notice of Commencement of an EA

By Linda Heron on Monday, October 3rd, 2011
Posted in Dams, Energy, Hydroelectric, Ivanhoe River, River Concerns, Rivers at Risk, The Chute, Third Falls

NOTICE OF COMMENCEMENT

of an Environmental Assessment

Ivanhoe River: Third Falls Hydroelectric Generating Station (Xeneca Power Development)

Third Falls (ON)

September 29, 2011 — Transport Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada are required to ensure that a screening is conducted commencing on September 29, 2011 in relation to the development proposal: Ivanhoe River: Third Falls Hydroelectric Generating Station (Xeneca Power Development).

The proposed Third Falls (Ivanhoe River) Hydroelectric Generating Station will be operated as a run-of-river with modified peaking facility. The proposed generating station has two design options with the first one having an output of 5.1 MW from a gross head of 14 m and the second option having an output of 3.9 MW from a gross head of 10.5 m. The option one design consists of a 100 m long, 7 m high concrete spillway dam and 140 m long earth fill dyke to provide support for the 380 m long penstock. The option two design consists of a 75 m long, 10 m high concrete spillway dam and 260 m long earth fill dyke to provide support for the 260 m long penstock.

The scope of project for Third Falls 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 the Third Falls on the Ivanhoe River.
  • The construction, operation and maintenance of a new tailrace and its associated works or undertakings at Third Falls 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 11-01-64023