Overview
What is the Northeast Reliability Interconnect? The North American electric grid upon which our society relies for electric service is built on a backbone of large, interconnected high voltage transmission lines. The Northeast Reliability Interconnect (NRI) is a high voltage transmission line between the Bangor area and New Brunswick, Canada. Although Maine shares over 600 miles of border with Canada, previously only one major backbone transmission line linked the two regions and their electrical system operations. This second line will improve electric system reliability, stability and efficiency in addition to expanding competition and electric energy exchanges between New England and the Maritimes. The Maine section of the line is owned and operated by Bangor Hydro; the New Brunswick section of the line is owned and operated by New Brunswick Power. Why is a new transmission line needed? Central and northern Maine had been served by only one major transmission line, known as the MEPCO Line. This line has been in service for over 30 years and is nearing its engineering life expectancy. The NRI addresses the following problems that occur as a result of operating without any back up for only the single tie line connection with New Brunswick:
In addition to helping to solve these problems, the NRI allows increased energy transfers in both directions between Maine and the Maritimes. This provides access to a greater range of electricity supply options, stimulating competition and contributing to improved market conditions for Maine electricity consumers. Wasn’t a similar project on the drawing boards several years ago? Bangor Hydro has explored the feasibility of a second electric transmission line between Maine and New Brunswick for over 15 years. In the early 1990’s, federal and state permits for the lines were granted to Bangor Hydro. Bangor Hydro attempted to renew existing permits for a second transmission route to New Brunswick in the late 1990’s, but withdrew the renewal from consideration amidst concerns that alternative routes had not been fully explored.
How was the Route Selected ?
What happens to the landowners who will be affected by the line? Bangor Hydro contacted every landowner with property along the route to provide the details and explain the process. Bangor Hydro typically purchases a right of way easement from individual landowners. The purchase price is based on fair market value. A significant portion of the right-of-way for this project was already owned by BHE or MEPCO for many years. The final rights needed were all secured before construction started. If you would like to talk with one of our project team members now, please contact us at 1-800-499-6600 ext. 2568.
What major permits were required for the Northeast Reliability Interconnect? Federal
State
Municipal
What did the Department of Environmental Protection consider under the Natural Resource Protection Act and Site Location of Development Law? The Department of Environmental Protection has reviewed the project to ensure compliance with public environmental standards associated with, among other issues, freshwater wetlands, great ponds, rivers, streams and brooks, and significant wildlife habitat. Bangor Hydro demonstrated that the project will not cause unreasonable erosion or sedimentation, will not cause unreasonable adverse impacts to wildlife and habitat and will not unreasonably interfere with existing scenic, aesthetic and recreational uses. How long is the permitting process? The full permitting process spanned approximately two years.
What are the environmental impacts of a transmission line? Through careful siting and well-planned construction, Bangor Hydro will minimize the environmental impacts of the transmission line. The environmental impacts of a transmission line stem largely from route location and the placement of the structures that support the line. Careful placement of structures to protect wetlands and other sensitive resources minimizes environmental impacts. Attention to route selection and structure design can also minimize environmental and aesthetic impacts. Wooden poles are the most common transmission line structure used in Maine because they can be directly embedded in the ground without the need for foundations. Wooden poles blend in with the environment better than taller, steel lattice type structures and their height is usually near the tree line which further minimizes visual impacts. Examples of environmental impacts that Bangor Hydro was also particularly sensitive to include clearing forests, affecting deer wintering areas and wetlands, crossing water bodies, and working in areas with rare, threatened or endangered species. What construction methods are utilized to minimize environmental impacts? Bangor Hydro utilizes a number of design and construction methods to minimize environmental impacts. These methods include designing the structure placement in order to span wetlands and water bodies, maintaining vegetative buffers along rivers and streams, and scheduling construction activities to avoid critical spawning/nesting periods for fish and wildlife. Work required in wetland areas is scheduled for winter when the surfaces are frozen. Appropriate construction techniques include the use of specialized tracked construction equipment to minimize soil disturbance, placement of wooden mats and temporary bridges if crossing of wetlands and water bodies is necessary, and adherence to a project specific erosion control plan. Who will make sure the environment is protected during construction? We are firmly committed to minimizing environmental impacts during construction. Bangor Hydro hired personnel to monitor all phases of construction to ensure compliance with environmental standards. In addition, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and a third party inspector closely monitored all aspects of construction.
What construction methods are utilized to minimize environmental impacts? Bangor Hydro utilizes a number of design and construction methods to minimize environmental impacts. These methods include designing the structure placement in order to span wetlands and water bodies, maintaining vegetative buffers along rivers and streams, and scheduling construction activities to avoid critical spawning/nesting periods for fish and wildlife. Work required in wetland areas is scheduled for winter when the surfaces are frozen. Appropriate construction techniques include the use of specialized tracked construction equipment to minimize soil disturbance, placement of wooden mats and temporary bridges if crossing of wetlands and water bodies is necessary, and adherence to a project specific erosion control plan. Who will make sure the environment is protected during construction? We are firmly committed to minimizing environmental impacts during construction. Bangor Hydro hired personnel to monitor all phases of construction to ensure compliance with environmental standards. In addition, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and a third party inspector closely monitored all aspects of construction. How long will it take to build the line? Construction took approximately 18 months and was completed before the end of 2007. |
