Terms of Reference

Labrador - Island Transmission Link Project– Review of the Marine Environment and Effects Modelling Component Study from the EA Report

Newfoundland and Labrador Region and Quebec Region Science Special Response Process (SSRP)

St. John’s, NL
December, 2011

Context

Nalcor Energy is proposing to develop the Labrador – Island Transmission Link (the Project), a high voltage direct current (HVdc) transmission system extending from Central Labrador to the Island of Newfoundland’s Avalon Peninsula which will include the installation of submarine cables across the Strait of Belle Isle (SOBI). In preparation for, and support of the Project, Nalcor Energy has submitted to Marine Habitat Protection Section of Fisheries and Oceans Canada in Newfoundland and Labrador a series of environmental assessment reports. In November 2011, the report entitled "Marine Environment and Effects Modelling Component Study" was submitted. The submission is comprised of three study reports:

1. Strait of Belle Isle: Oceanographic Environment and Sediment Modelling (June 2011) – A study to model the likely characteristics of sedimentation that may occur as a result of marine construction activities associated with the Strait of Belle Isle submarine cable crossing.
2. Sound Modelling: Proposed Strait of Belle Isle Cable Installation Activities (June 2011) – A study to estimate and describe potential sound level resulting from the proposed construction activities associated with underwater cable installation in the Strait of Belle Isle.
3. Environmental Modelling: Proposed Shore Electrodes (August 2011) – A study to estimate the emissions associated with monopolar and bipolar operations of the electrodes for two HVdc system voltages, 320 kV and 400 kV.

The Marine Habitat Protection Section (NL Region) has requested the Science Branch review of the component study.

Objectives

• To validate whether the information on marine environment and effects modelling is accurate and complete.

Expected Publications

• CSAS Science Response

Participation

• DFO Science 

References

Nalcor Energy, 2011. Labrador – Island Transmission Link – Environmental assessment. Marine Environment and Effects Modelling Component Study. November 2011.