The Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan (PCS) requires a 138 kilovolt (kV) transmission line to service its new Scissors Creek mine site. PCS also requires an upgrade to a 138 kV transmission line from the current 72 kV line for its Rocanville mine site.
Project need
- The expansion of the PCS Rocanville mine operation will exceed the current capacity of the existing 72 kV transmission line
- The anticipated demand at the PCS Scissors Creek mine site requires a 138 kV transmission line be used to connect to the SaskPower grid
- It was determined that the best option was to serve both mine sites from the Tantallon Switching Station using a common 138 kV line
Route options and selection criteria
We have examined all options, with special attention being paid to the following guidelines:
- Minimize agricultural impacts
- Minimize environmental impacts
- Minimize social and other impacts (such as land use)
- Minimize economic impacts (construction cost, maintenance, operation and impacts to landowners, communities and other stakeholders)
- Construct on favourable topography and foundation conditions
Structure design
Two-pole H-frame (single-circuit, double-circuit and bundled and single conductor) structures will be used in this project. The pole structures will be constructed with tubular steel.
Heavy- and medium-angled deflection structures, and terminal deadend guyed structures will also be used for this project.
Environmental approvals
The proposed transmission line will require a project proposal submission to the Ministry of Environment under The Environmental Assessment Act. Our goal is to reduce project impacts on the physical, biological and socioeconomic environment of Saskatchewan.
We comply with all municipal, provincial and federal regulatory requirements and adhere to all provincial guidelines related to transmission lines.
Every effort will be made to mitigate or avoid impacting endangered and threatened species and habitats, as well as sensitive landscape features by making use of existing rights-of-way and previously used land areas.
Project schedule
- October 2010 to January 2011: Alternative route selection
- February 2011: Public consultation
- May to June 2011: Environmental and archaeological field studies
- July 2011: Preferred route selection and second round of public consultation
- July to September 2011: Prepare Ministry of Environment submission
- September 2011 to January 2012: Ministry of Environment regulatory review
- September 2011 to October 2011: Engineering design
- November to December 2011: Easement acquisition
- January 2012 to May 2012: Construction
- June 2012: Energization
