Environmental Assessment Consultation
Ongoing community/public input is a critical component of this process. Four rounds of environmental assessment consultation are planned for Bipole III at key points in project planning:
- Round 1 (completed October 2008) – a study area large enough to support several alternative routes for Bipole III was identified.
- Round 2 (completed June 2009) – information was collected from stakeholders, First Nation and Northern Association community members, and the public for consideration in developing alternative transmission line routes for the project.
- Round 3 (completed March 2010) – presentation of alternative transmission line routes. Alternative routes were identified based on community/public input, as well as biophysical, socio-economic, technical, reliability, and cost criteria.
- Round 4 (on now) – This round presents the preliminary preferred route. It will also provide an opportunity to review the route selection process, and obtain input from stakeholders, First Nation and Northern Association communities, and the public on possible mitigation measures.