Hydro One Networks Inc. has completed the environmental assessment it needs to receive approval to construct its proposed 180-kilometre double-circuit 500-kilovolt transmission line between the Bruce Power Facility and the Milton switching station.

Required by the provincial Ministry of the Environment, the assessment will be up for public review for the next eight weeks at various locations; including Orangeville (51 Zina Street), East Garafraxa (374028 6th Line) and East Luther/Grand Valley (5 Main St. North).

The environmental assessment is the second phase of the project. The first phase, Leave to Construct, was a drawnout, contentious process which basically called for Hydro One to prove to the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) was the most efficient and cost-effective method of carrying the power.

The OEB gave Hydro One its blessing in June, but its approval was conditional on the environment ministry's approval of the environmental assessment.

Project director Gary Schneider says that, in this case, "environmental" has a broad definition. "It not only deals with the line's impact on the natural environment," he says, "it also deals with the social economic environment."

Close to 350 landowners will be affected by transmission line. After public consultation, Hydro One drew up its "land acquisition principals," wherein the utility's property agents and the landowners try to reach a fair and equitable deal as expeditiously as possible.

Mr. Schneider says the land required from each landowner is a strip approximately 175 to 200 feet wide. He says the property can be either purchased outright, or be acquired by Hydro One in the form of an easement.

In the case of a purchase, the vendor has the option of taking a lump sum payment, or having it spread out.

Should the parties be unable to reach an agreement, Mr. Schneider says there will be expropriation proceedings. He is reasonably confident, however, that such a procedure may never come to pass. "We hope that the approximately one year we spent in consultation was worthwhile and we can arrive at offers that are acceptable."

Additional information can be obtained at 1-877- 345-6799, or by e-mailing communityrelations@hyd roone.com, or on the website at hydroonenetworks. com/brucemilton.