Decision - power plant construction

Decision 3460-D01-2015
BowArk Energy Ltd.
Construction of a 90-MW Power Plant
March 6, 2015
Alberta Utilities Commission
Decision 3460-D01-2015
BowArk Energy Ltd.
Construction of a 90-MW Power Plant
Proceeding 3460
Application 1610912-1
March 6, 2015
Published by the:
Alberta Utilities Commission
Fifth Avenue Place, Fourth Floor, 425 First Street S.W.
Calgary, Alberta
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Fax: 403-592-4406
Website: www.auc.ab.ca
Alberta Utilities Commission
Calgary, Alberta
BowArk Energy Ltd.
Construction of a 90-MW Power Plant
1
Decision 3460-D01-2015
Proceeding 3460
Application 1610912-1
Introduction
1.
BowArk Energy Ltd. (BowArk) filed an application with the Alberta Utilities
Commission for approval to construct and operate the 90-megawatt1 (MW) Queenstown power
plant, in the Vulcan area, pursuant to Section 11 of the Hydro and Electric Energy Act. This
application was registered on October 11, 2014, as Application 1610912-1.
2.
On November 12, 2014, the Commission issued information requests to BowArk
pertaining to environment, noise and the participant involvement program. BowArk responded to
the request on December 10, 2014. The Commission issued follow up information requests on
December 19, 2014. BowArk responded on February 9, 2015.
3.
On December 18, 2014, the Commission issued a notice of application to potentially
affected parties within a 2,000-metre radius of the project. The Commission also published a
notification in the Vulcan Advocate on January 7, 2015. No objections to the proposed power
plant were received.
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Discussion
4.
BowArk proposed to install two 45-MW natural gas-fired turbines located at
LSDs 3 and 4 of Section 17, Township 19, Range 22, west of the Fourth Meridian, at the
intersection of Range Road 225 and Township Road 192 in the County of Vulcan. The
power plant would be located next to the existing AltaLink Management Ltd. Queenstown 504S
substation.
5.
The southwest quarter of Section 17, Township 19, Range 22, west of the
Fourth Meridian, the site of the proposed Queenstown power plant, is owned by
Ducks Unlimited. BowArk has an option to purchase agreement with Ducks Unlimited to
purchase the 34.6 acres required to construct the power plant.
6.
BowArk stated that the proposed power plant would be located in excess of 2,000 metres
from the closest residence. It also submitted that it conducted a participant involvement program
for the project, including sending notification packages to the landowners within 2,000 metres
of the proposed power plant and consulting the landowners within 800 metres. BowArk also sent
the project notification packages to five residences located between 2,000 and 3,000 metres from
the proposed power plant.
1
Information response, Exhibit 0015.01.BOWARK-3460, AUC-BOWARK-2, December 10, 2014.
Decision 3460-D01-2015 (March 6, 2015) • 1
Construction of a 90-MW Power Plant
BowArk Energy Ltd.
7.
BowArk submitted that the proposed power plant was within 100 metres of a wetland
located in the southwest quarter of Section 17, Township 19, Range 22, west of the
Fourth Meridian. BowArk stated that drainage and erosion control mitigation measures
consisting of a berm and ditch would be constructed between the wetland and the power plant to
address runoff and siltation.
8.
BowArk submitted that an air quality assessment was completed for the proposed power
plant, which indicated that the emissions would meet the requirements of the Alberta Ambient
Air Quality Objectives.
9.
BowArk submitted a noise impact assessment respecting the power plant and stated that
anticipated noise levels would be within the permissible sound levels specified in
Rule 012: Noise Control.
10.
Although no statements of intent to participate where submitted during the application
process, BowArk provided the details of questions and concerns raised by landowners that were
received while they conducted their participant involvement program. Some concerns were
raised about the visual and noise impacts of the proposed power plant. BowArk addressed these
concerns by stating that the predicted noise levels would be below the permissible sound level at
the nearest receptors and it would install a tree hedge to the south side of the proposed power
plant in order to mitigate the visual impact.
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Findings
11.
The Commission finds that the application meets the information requirements stipulated
in Rule 007: Applications for Power Plant, Substations, Transmission Lines, Industrial System
Designations and Hydro Developments.
12.
The Commission is satisfied that minimum environmental impacts are expected from the
proposed project. The Commission understands that the air emissions from the project are
expected to be compliant with the Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objectives.
13.
The Commission finds that the noise impact assessment submitted by BowArk fulfills the
requirements of Rule 012 and the noise emitted by the power plant will not exceed the
permissible sound levels.
14.
The Commission finds that BowArk’s participant involvement program has been well
conducted and there are no outstanding public or industry objections or concerns. Therefore, a
hearing is not required as the Commission considers that its decision will not directly and
adversely affect the rights of a person pursuant to Section 9 of the Alberta Utilities Commission
Act.
15.
The Commission has reviewed the application and has determined that the technical,
siting, emissions, environmental and noise aspects of the power plant have been met. Therefore,
the Commission considers the project to be in the public interest in accordance with Section 17
of the Alberta Utilities Commission Act.
2 • Decision 3460-D01-2015 (March 6, 2015)
Construction of a 90-MW Power Plant
4
BowArk Energy Ltd.
Decision
16.
Pursuant to Section 11 of the Hydro and Electric Energy Act, the Commission approves
the application and grants BowArk the approval set out in Appendix 1 – Power Plant Approval
3460-D02-2015 – March 6, 2015, for the 90-MW Queenstown power plant (Appendix 1 will be
distributed separately).
Dated on March 6, 2015.
Alberta Utilities Commission
(original signed by)
Tudor Beattie, QC
Commission Member
Decision 3460-D01-2015 (March 6, 2015) • 3