Site Selection and Environmental Assessment (SSEA) Process

Identification of the route for Bipole III was based on a Site Selection and Environmental Assessment (SSEA) process. The SSEA process is a phased assessment approach, employing increasing levels of study area refinement leading to a balanced and comprehensive choice for a preferred route. The SSEA iterative process includes:

• Defining a project study area based on factors including community and public input, socio-economic, environmental, and technical (engineering) considerations.
• Identifying regional and site-specific constraints and opportunities for transmission line routing including potentially sensitive socio-economic, cultural, and biophysical features.
• Identifying and evaluating alternative routes based on community/public input, local and Aboriginal traditional knowledge, socio-economic, biophysical, technical, and cost considerations.
• Selecting a preliminary preferred route that, where feasible, minimizes potential adverse effects and enhances opportunities.
• Developing mitigation measures, where required, to address potential adverse effects.

Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge is valued for the contribution it makes to providing complementary understanding about the environment and people. We recognize the value of Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge and that this knowledge must be respectfully incorporated in the Site Selection and Environmental Assessment Process.

The SSEA process for Bipole III will result in the development of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which is to be submitted to Manitoba Conservation in November 2011.