Hydro‑Québec international power line; Red River notice

Summary#

This Canada Gazette page lists notices from several commissions. It announces that Hydro‑Québec TransÉnergie has applied to the Commission of the Canada Energy Regulator to build a 320‑kV international power line of about 103 km, and that the International Joint Commission is seeking public input on proposed nutrient limits for the Red River with a public hearing on January 16, 2020 and a comment deadline of February 28, 2020.

What it does#

• Canada Energy Regulator item:
  • Notes an application by Hydro‑Québec TransÉnergie under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act to build and operate a 320‑kV direct‑current international power line linking the Appalaches substation to the New England Clean Energy Connect project in the United States.
  • Gives the proposed line route as roughly 103 km, from the Municipality of Saint‑Adrien‑d’Irlande to a point in the Municipality of Frontenac at the Quebec–Maine border.
  • Says the Commission is starting a preliminary technical analysis and will publish a second notice inviting public comments before deciding on the permit.
  • Encourages people to take part in the related Quebec provincial environmental review (including hearings by the Bureau d’audiences publiques sur l’environnement (BAPE)) and to contact the applicant or the regulator with concerns. Documents are available at the applicant’s office, the regulator’s library, and online.
• International Joint Commission (IJC) item:
  • Publishes the International Red River Board’s recommended water-quality objectives and load targets for nutrients at the Canada–U.S. boundary.
  • Proposed concentration objectives (seasonal average April 1–October 30): Total phosphorus 0.15 mg/L and Total nitrogen 1.15 mg/L.
  • Proposed load targets (five‑year running average): Total phosphorus 1,400 tonnes/year and Total nitrogen 9,525 tonnes/year.
  • Announces a public hearing in Fargo, North Dakota on January 16, 2020 (7–9 p.m.) and that written comments are accepted until February 28, 2020.
  • Notes the IJC’s recommendations are advisory to the governments of Canada and the United States and are not binding.
• Canadian Radio‑television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) note:
  • Reminds the public that many CRTC decisions and applications are posted on its website and that people should check “Today’s Releases” to follow ongoing proceedings.

Who's affected#

• The power‑line application most directly affects:
  • Residents, landowners, and municipalities along the proposed 103 km route in Quebec (including Saint‑Adrien‑d’Irlande and Frontenac).
  • People and businesses interested in cross‑border electricity trade between Quebec and New England.
  • Environmental groups and anyone involved in the provincial environmental review process.
• The Red River nutrient proposals most directly affect:
  • Communities, farmers, wastewater operators, and environmental managers in the Red River basin on both sides of the border.
  • Governments and agencies that manage water quality and pollution controls, since meeting load targets could affect land use and treatment practices.
• The CRTC notice affects:
  • Broadcasters, telecom applicants, and people tracking regulatory decisions who rely on the Commission’s public postings.

Why it matters#

• The power‑line application could lead to a major cross‑border transmission link. That can change how electricity is traded, affect local land use, and trigger environmental reviews and public hearings. People who live near the route or use local land should watch for consultation opportunities.
• The Red River nutrient recommendations set specific concentration and load targets. If accepted by governments or acted on by local authorities, they could lead to changes in farming practices, wastewater treatment, and efforts to reduce algal blooms and improve river health. The IJC’s recommendations are advisory, so public input can influence whether and how governments respond.
• The CRTC reminder helps interested parties know where to find updates on broadcasting and telecom proceedings; it’s mainly a practical pointer for stakeholders.