Design

Buried powerhouse

Substantially reduced visible shoreline structures and imperceptible noise.

The powerhouse will be located away from the shoreline and will be buried in a cavern. With the major components deep underground, noise output from the pumping and generating equipment during operations are expected to be imperceptible and the visibility of the project facilities from off the base, and particularly from the water, has been substantially reduced or eliminated.

Water intake/outfall

Tunneled deep water raised placement to avoid bottom-dwelling aquatic organisms and turbidity.

The water intake/outfall will be placed away from the shoreline resulting in no shoreline or near shoreline structures and no visible in-water infrastructure. Tunnels installed beneath the lakebed will access deep water, avoiding sensitive near-shore fish habitat. The inlet/outlet structures will be raised off the lakebed to avoid bottom dwelling aquatic organisms and the potential to create turbidity.

Fish protection measures

Reduced water withdrawal speeds, permanent fixed screens.

The combination of reduced water speeds, coupled with appropriately sized screens will protect fish that may be present.

Environmental impacts

We recognize that how we interact with the environment is of vital importance to you. It is to us as well. That’s why our environmental principles of stewardship, protection and performance reflect our culture and guide our decisions every day when project planning.

To ensure the protection and integrity of Georgian Bay, TC Energy will be conducting multiple environmental studies to understand the potential impacts on important environmental values such as fish and fish habitat, water resources, wildlife and other sensitive resources.

The studies will inform the environmental and socio-economic assessment documents supporting an application under both the federal Impact Assessment Act and the provincial Environmental Assessment Act.