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12013 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
2013 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
22013 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
Environmental Policy and Guiding Principles
All Nalcor Energy companies help sustain a
diverse and healthy environment for present
and future Newfoundlanders and Labrador-
ians by using a comprehensive environmental
management system to maintain a high standard
of environmental responsibility and performance.
These principles guide the environmental actions and
decision-making of Nalcor companies:
PREVENT POLLUTION
• Implement reasonable actions to prevent pollution of air,
water and soil and to reduce the impact of any accidental
or unavoidable pollution
• Use the province’s natural resources in a wise and
efficient manner
• Recover, reduce, reuse and recycle waste materials when
and where feasible
• Include energy efficiency in all elements of asset
management and promote energy efficiency for our
customers and other stakeholders
• Maintain a high standard of emergency preparedness to
respond quickly to environmental emergencies.
IMPROVE CONTINUALLY
• Audit facilities to assess potential environmental risks
and to identify opportunities for continual improvement
of environmental performance
• Establish environmental objectives and targets, and
monitor environmental performance
• Integrate environmental considerations into decision-
making processes at all levels
• Empower employees to be responsible for the environ-
mental aspects of their jobs and ensure that they
have the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct their
work in an environmentally-responsible manner
• Add value by engaging key stakeholders and partners.
COMPLY WITH LEGISLATION
• Comply with all applicable environmental laws and
regulations, and participate in the Canadian Electricity
Association’s Sustainable Electricity Program
• Periodically report to the Nalcor Board of Directors,
Leadership Team, employees, government agencies, and
the public on environmental performance, commitments
and activities
• Monitor compliance with environmental laws and
regulations, and quantify predicted environmental
impacts of selected activities on the environment
• Respect the cultural heritage of the people of the
province and strive to minimize the potential impact of
company activities on heritage resources.
32013 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
About Nalcor Energy
Nalcor Energy’s business includes the
development, generation, transmission, and sale
of electricity; the exploration, development,
production, and sale of oil and gas; industrial
fabrication; and energy marketing.
The company leads the development of the province’s
energy resources with a focus on sustainable growth.
Nalcor uses a corporate-wide framework to facilitate the
prudent management of its assets while maintaining an
unwavering commitment to the safety of its workers and
the public.
There are six lines of business for Nalcor: Newfoundland
and Labrador Hydro (Hydro), Churchill Falls, Lower
Churchill Project, Oil and Gas, Bull Arm Fabrication, and
Energy Marketing.
NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR HYDRO
Hydro provides safe, reliable, and cost-effective electricity
to meet current and future electricity needs. Hydro
generates and delivers electricity in Newfoundland and
Labrador to utility, industrial, residential and commercial
customers in more than 200 communities across the province.
Hydro is the primary generator of electricity in
Newfoundland and Labrador with an installed generating
capacity of 1,609 megawatts (MW). In 2013, 84 per
cent of the net energy produced by these sources was
from clean hydroelectric generation. Hydro’s generating
assets consist of nine hydroelectric plants (939 MW), one
oil-fired plant (490 MW), three gas turbines (127 MW),
and 25 diesel plants (52.6 MW). In addition, Hydro has
entered into power purchase agreements with non-utility
generators to supplement its own generation capacity
including two wind developments (54 MW).
Hydro is focused on strengthening and ensuring the integrity
of its existing business of power generation, transmission,
and distribution. The company’s goal of business excellence
focuses on delivering value to its customers and executing
its strategy with an uncompromising commitment to
safety, environmental stewardship, operational excellence,
its people and the communities where it operates.
CHURCHILL FALLS
Nalcor’s flagship operation in Churchill Falls is one of
the largest underground hydroelectric powerhouses in
the world with a rated capacity of 5,428 MW. In 2013,
approximately 35 terawatt hours of clean electricity was
produced, with the majority of that energy sold to Hydro-
Québec through a long-term power purchase arrangement
set to expire in 2041. Most of the remaining production is
used for mining operations in Labrador West and Hydro’s
Labrador Interconnected System. Nalcor Energy Churchill
Falls focuses on promoting safety excellence, delivering
42013 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
reliable power to customers, and ensuring future
generations benefit from this world-class resource through
long-term asset management.
OIL AND GAS
Nalcor is a partner in three developments in the
Newfoundland and Labrador offshore: the Hebron oil field,
the White Rose Growth Project, and the Hibernia Southern
Extension. Oil and Gas is also executing a comprehensive
exploration strategy to accelerate the discovery of new
resources in the offshore.
LOWER CHURCHILL PROJECT
The hydroelectric potential of Muskrat Falls and Gull Island
make the Lower Churchill River the best undeveloped
hydroelectric source in North America. Together, they
have a combined capacity of more than 3,000 MW. The
provincial government sanctioned the Muskrat Falls Project
in 2012 and construction is now underway.
BULL ARM FABRICATION
The Bull Arm Fabrication site is a world-class facility
spanning more than 6,300 acres with capabilities for steel
fabrication and concrete construction, outfitting installation,
at-shore hook-up, and deep water commissioning. The site
is leased to ExxonMobil Canada Properties for the Hebron
Project until 2017.
ENERGY MARKETING
Nalcor is involved in energy marketing and other energy
activities, including non-regulated electricity generation,
wind energy, and research and development. Nalcor’s energy
marketing portfolio will grow over the coming years and
it currently includes recall power not required by Hydro.
52013 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
Message from the CEO
At Nalcor Energy, we focus on effective and
environmentally sound practices as part of our
promise to be environmentally responsible and
sustainable. We produce the Environmental
Performance Report as our record of our
environmental commitments, accomplishments,
partnerships, and energy conservation activities.
In this 2013 report, we continue to document our
activities dedicated to our goal of becoming an
environmental leader in Newfoundland and Labrador. We
have focused on the many improvements we make to
support accountability, transparency and sustainability
in environmental protection, not just for today, but also
for our future. Our report also highlights the innovations
we implement and the measures we take to ensure our
environmental work both protects our resources and
enhances conservation and efficiency.
Our experienced and knowledgeable employees help us
keep that promise to protect and enhance our environment
through their daily contributions and constant diligence.
Please read this year’s report and share your thoughts
with us as we maintain our commitment to our natural
environment and its many resources.
Ed Martin, PRESIDENT AND CEO
62013 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
2013 Highlights
NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR HYDRO
The Ramea Wind-Hydrogen-Diesel Project, operated by
Hydro on behalf of Nalcor, continued making progress
in 2013. Designed as a research and development
project using renewable energy sources and the Energy
Management System (EMS), it also supplements the diesel
requirements of the island community.
This unique project has attracted attention from around the
world. Hydro continues to promote its renewable energy
and energy storage benefits through presentations at
various workshops and conferences.
In 2013, operation of the EMS resulted in a significant
reduction in diesel fuel consumption and assisted in the
collection of valuable operational data. Data analysis led
Nalcor Energy to proceed with Phase II of the project in
2014. The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, through its
Atlantic Innovation fund, will support Phase II, a five-year
project that will see the addition of a Hydrogen Fuel Cell
to the system. The project will consist of an operational
phase and a commercialization phase.
CHURCHILL FALLS
An ISO 14001–certified Environmental Management System
guides the work in Churchill Falls; this past year marked
four consecutive years of completing 100 per cent of its
environmental targets and milestones. Completing leak
repairs on 13 of the 735 kV transformers was an important
accomplishment achieved in 2013. The contractor made
the leak repairs while the transformers were still in
service, therefore eliminating the need for interruptions in
supplying power. Another significant accomplishment was
the finalization and approval of the River and Reservoir
Spill Response Plan. While the plan had been in place
since 2010, the company carried out a consultant review
in 2013, which led to the plan’s revision and finalization.
BULL ARM FABRICATION
During the fall of 2011, Bull Arm Fabrication signed a six-
year lease agreement with ExxonMobil Canada Properties
with respect to the use of the site for the construction
and fabrication of the Hebron Project. During 2013, the
company began construction of the gravity-based structure
and the living quarters module.
Consistent with Nalcor’s corporate policy and guiding
principles, the company developed an environmental
management framework for the duration of the Hebron
Project. The framework documents and outlines the
systems and processes providing the primary means
by which Nalcor will ensure consistent environmental
management of the Bull Arm Fabrication site under the
terms of the lease agreement. The framework is another
way Nalcor demonstrates its commitment to a high
standard of environmental responsibility and performance.
72013 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
LOWER CHURCHILL PROJECT
The lower Churchill River is one of the most attractive,
undeveloped hydroelectric resources in North America and
is a vital component of the province’s energy warehouse.
The project’s two sites at Muskrat Falls and Gull Island have
a combined capacity of more than 3,000 MW. The Muskrat
Falls Project consists of the construction of an 824 MW
hydroelectric dam and more than 1,500 km of transmission
lines; it will provide Newfoundlanders and Labradorians
with long-term stable electricity rates and will serve as a
valuable power-producing asset for generations.
Environmental Assessment is a regulatory review and
planning process administered by the federal and provincial
governments to identify the potential environmental and
socioeconomic effects of proposed development projects
and to inform project planning and decision making. In
April 2012, Nalcor submitted the required Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS) for the Labrador-Island Transmission
Link (LIL) environmental assessment. In 2013, the LIL was
released from Environmental Assessment.
OIL AND GAS
In 2009, Nalcor Energy announced its plan to proceed with
the Parsons Pond onshore exploration program on the
province’s West Coast, involving three exploration permits.
As part of an extensive environmental approval process,
Nalcor submitted an Environmental Preview Report (EPR) to
the Minister of Environment and Conservation in early 2010.
The Minister subsequently released the project subject to
conditions. These conditions included the submission of an
Environmental Protection Plan (EPP) and an Environmental
Effects Monitoring plan (EEM), and stipulations on when
road construction could be performed.
In 2013, the removal and disposal of drill cuttings were
completed at the Seamus and Finnigan well sites. This was
completed in consultation with the provincial Department
of Environment and Conservation and the operator of the
local waste disposal site.
82013 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
Our People
MANAGEMENT REPRESENTATIVES COMMITTEE
Nalcor Energy’s Environmental Management System
(EMS) allows for the management of its environmental
affairs and is applied to activities, products, and services
across Nalcor companies that may have an effect on the
environment. The Management Representatives (MR)
Committee oversees the operational management of the
EMS. Each of the Management Areas (MA) within the EMS
is represented on the committee.
The MR Committee meets on a regular basis and provides:
• An open exchange of information, approaches, and ideas
related to EMS development and implementation
• A consistent application of company EMS procedures
• A single point of communication between the Leadership
Team and Management in each MA
• A forum for training and mentoring newly appointed
Management Representatives.
The MR Committee keeps a global watch over the progress
and development of Environmental Management Programs
(EMP) within each MA to ensure the overall approach and
philosophy of Nalcor’s commitment to environmental
responsibility and responsiveness is upheld every day. The
successful completion of the registration process for ISO
14001 across the company reflects the efforts of Nalcor’s
MR Committee.
In 2013, the membership of the MR Committee included
Frank Ricketts, Corporate MA; Rob Bartlett, Hydro Plant
Operations MA; Cindy Michelin, Churchill Falls MA; Rod
Healey, Services MA; Michael Manuel, Holyrood Generating
Station MA; and Paul Smith, Transmission and Rural
Operations MA.
RECOGNIZING OUR PEOPLE
President’s Award – Environment: Craig Parsons
The President’s Awards are Nalcor’s most prestigious form
of recognition. Recipients are considered role models who
live the corporate goals on a day-to-day basis and take
personal action to improve Nalcor’s performance.
The 2013 honoree, Craig Parsons, has been with Nalcor
since 2008 as a Vegetation Control Specialist. Long
considered an environmental ambassador, Craig makes
sure his efforts to safeguard and improve the environment
encompass work, home, and community. From the time
he was first hired with Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro,
Craig’s priorities have been the environment and how to
find operational improvements in that area.
Early in his career with Hydro, Craig realized the existing
vegetation program had the potential to be more
effective; he readjusted this program to produce higher
92013 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
quality results. Craig has maintained this constant focus on
environmental improvement and efficiency throughout his
career, including the introduction of GPS/GIS technology in
the vegetation management program and in the frequent
review of the herbicide products Hydro uses.
Craig also maintains his environmental commitment
by working with the Atlantic Vegetation Management
Association and the Grand Falls-Windsor Scout Group.
He has used his expertise to help a berry-picking co-op
maintain their green certification. “Craig understands the
need to balance environmental stewardship with getting
the job done and ensures that all regulatory requirements
are met.”
2013 Churchill Falls Environmental Award: Anna Dawe
Churchill Falls holds Nalcor’s commitment to the
environment in high esteem. Since 2010, the
Environmental Stewardship Award is presented to
an individual in Churchill Falls in recognition of their
commitment to the environment and demonstration of
environmental leadership.
The recipient of the Environmental Stewardship Award for
2013 was Anna Dawe. Anna exhibits her commitment to
the conservation and protection of the environment on a
daily basis, promoting environmental protection through
leadership and example. She plants greenery, regularly
helps with the community beverage container recycling
program, uses cloth grocery bags, conserves energy and
water, and volunteers on the Environment Week Committee
each year. Anna promotes environmental protection to
others by encouraging them to participate in beverage
container recycling activities.
Craig Parsons (right) receiving the President’s Award from Ed Martin (left) President and CEO of Nalcor Energy.
Anna Dawe (left) receiving the Environment Stewardship Award from Cindy Michelin (right) at Churchill Falls in 2013.
102013 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
Nalcor Energy has chosen the ISO 14001–certified EMS to drive
the continual improvement of the company’s environmental
performance. An EMS provides a management framework
for an organization’s environmental responsibilities and
is an integral component of the organization’s business
operations. The EMS governs the environmental activities
in Nalcor’s electricity businesses: Hydro and Churchill Falls.
Nalcor is also committed to the use of the EMS for its other
lines of business.
The six designated MAs within Nalcor manage their
environmental aspects through the EMS (Figure 1). Each
EMS is certified and registered by an independent Registrar,
Quality Management Institute (QMI – SAI Global). More
information can be found at www.qmi-saiglobal.com.
Nalcor has undertaken a comprehensive and phased
approach to environmental management within the
company and has registered and maintained EMSs at its
six existing MAs over the period since 1999.
While the company has made progress in 2013 to reduce
its impact on the environment, Nalcor will continue to
develop long-term plans to achieve its environmental
targets and its corporate environmental goal – to be an
environmental leader. In 2013, Nalcor continued tracking
and reporting EMS performance to the Leadership Team
and achieved 95 per cent completion of its EMS targets
and milestones.
Environmental Management Systems
Figure 1: Structure of Nalcor Energy’s Environmental Management System
CORPORATESenior Leadership Team
OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT AREAS
Thermal Plant Operations
Hydro Generation
Churchill Falls
TRO Operations
MR Committee
ServicesService input
to Operational Management Areas
Input
Ouput
112013 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
EMS programs developed under the EMS cover a broad
range of areas:
• Alternative energy and conservation
• Emissions control, waste management, and recycling
• Spill prevention and management
• Environmental site assessment and remediation
• Species and habitat diversity.
These systems include specific performance measures and
a commitment to continual improvement. For example, in
2013, Hydro developed and implemented a strategy for
the identification and mitigation of construction effects on
bogs and wetlands. The strategy included reviewing the
2013 and 2014 capital transmission and distribution work
to identify sensitive bogs and wetlands and developing
mitigation strategies to minimize impacts.
Additional accomplishments resulting from the
Environmental Management Plan in each of the
Management Areas in 2013 follow.
CORPORATE MANAGEMENT AREA
The Corporate MA consists of the Leadership Team and a
committee of managers with responsibilities for facilities
and operations with environmental aspects. The goal of this
MA is to co-ordinate the development and maintenance of
the overall EMS for Nalcor and to identify environmental
aspects appropriate to the Leadership Team’s activities and
responsibilities. Although the operational and services EMSs
are managed independently, a common and consistent
Corporate Environmental Policy and Guiding Principles set
the standard for all Nalcor companies. Employees also
carry out periodic reviews of activities and issues to ensure
consistency with corporate standards.
TO BE AN ENVIRONMENTAL LEADER
Nalcor developed a corporate strategy that today sets
the stage for environmental performance and guides
the direction of all Nalcor companies, including the
development of goals, objectives, and targets for each.
Nalcor established three objectives to support Nalcor’s
environmental goal – to be an environmental leader. These
are reviewed annually:
• Reduce emissions per unit of energy delivered through
2015 by achieving not more than 10 per cent variance
from ideal production schedule at the Holyrood
Generating Station
• Maintain the number of environmental leadership
targets accomplished at, or greater than, 95 per cent
each year for the next five years
• Have all current non-regulated generating entities and
lines of business under an EMS fully compliant with the
ISO 14001 standard by 2015.
The company set targets arising from these objectives in
each line of business. The 2013 targets included:
• Increasing the number of Leadership Team-approved EMS
targets and objectives accomplished across the company
• Increasing internal and external energy savings
• Reducing emissions per unit of energy delivered at the
Holyrood Generating Station
• Completing EMS implementation and compliance audit
closure plans for the new lines of business.
122013 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
SERVICES MANAGEMENT AREA
Environmental aspects are an element of a department’s
activities, products, or services that can interact with the
environment. Currently, there are five departments within
the Services MA that have identified environmental aspects.
These groups include Systems Operations and Planning,
Corporate Relations, Project Execution and Technical Services,
Supply Chain Management, and Environmental Services.
In 2013, the Services MA managed nine environmental
management programs. Some results included:
• Controlled release of more than 126 million cubic metres
of water from reservoirs, as part of long-term agreements
with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans for fish and
fish habitat protection
• Initiating a Marine Environmental Effects Monitoring
study at the Holyrood Thermal Generating Station
• Implementing Year Two activities of the isolated systems
community energy efficiency program and creating and
implementing a communication plan for Hydro facilities
• Developing and implementing a strategy for the
identification and mitigation of impacts of construction
on bogs and wetlands
• Optimizing energy usage by reviewing and changing the
Hydro Place building automation system
• Continuing the optimization of Exploits Generation
through detailed vista modelling and incorporating the
Star Lake Generating Station into the generation
scheduling and water management processes
• Developing EMSs for new lines of business.
OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT AREAS
Thermal
The Holyrood Thermal Generating Station is a 490 MW
plant located in Holyrood, Conception Bay. Although the
Holyrood plant’s EMS was initially registered in January
1999, this plant continues to maintain registration.
In 2013, the Holyrood Thermal Generating Station made
progress on 14 environmental targets resulting in the
following improvements:
• Spill mitigation was improved through completion of
three tank upgrades
• Spill mitigation was improved through completion of day
tank upgrades
• Energy efficiency and spill mitigation were improved
through fuel line heating system upgrades
• Marine terminal operations and spill mitigation were
improved through completed marine terminal upgrades
• New ambient monitoring data loggers were installed
to support government initiatives to improve community
awareness of ambient air quality
• The main condenser performance was analyzed to identify
efficiency improvements to reduce fuel consumption.
Hydro Operations
The Bay d’Espoir MA consists of eight generating stations
on the island with a total installed capacity of 939 MW. In
2013, some of the Environmental Management Program
results included:
• Assessment of opportunities for the implementation
of energy efficiency and conservation applications
such as installing programmable thermostats in locations
throughout Hydro Generation facilities
• Review of our Granite Canal Plant Operating Requirements
and the Fish Habitat Compensation Facility as it pertains
to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans
Authorization Agreement
• Development and implementation of an Environmental
Management System for the Star Lake generating facility
and integration into the Hydro Generation EMS
• Fuel storage tank improvements
• Improvements in the reduction of oil losses and increased
emphasis on training awareness.
Transmission and Rural Operations (TRO)
The TRO division operates three gas turbines, three 100
kW wind turbines, three interconnected diesel generating
stations, and 22 isolated diesel generating and distribution
systems. Hydro also maintains 54 high-voltage terminal
stations, 34 lower-voltage interconnected distribution
substations, 3,743 km of interconnected high-voltage
transmission lines, and 3,428 km of distribution lines.
In 2013, the staff completed significant EMS programs in
TRO by:
• Developing procedure and tool list required to complete
vacuum testing of fuel storage tanks in TRO
• Reducing the risk of spill/leaks to the environment
through replacement of Transformer Radiators
132013 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
• Continuing testing of electrical equipment potentially
containing Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB) and the
implementation of a 15-year replacement plan for
sealed equipment
• Continuing to recycle/reuse 100% of salvageable
material at TRO
• Conducting trials of new products or new rates with
existing products with the potential to reduce herbicide
use; trials included alternative herbicide for weed
control program (Arsenal herbicide,) and the reduction
of the standard rate of Roundup Weathermax from
1.34 per cent to one per cent on 20 sites
• Completing Environmental Protection Plan training for
67 personnel
• Identifying a facility in each region for replacement of
T12 light fixtures and electronic ballasts. The facilities
retrofitted included the Bishop’s Falls Service Building
Classroom #2 and lunchroom/office, Happy Valley/
Goose Bay North Plant, and Cow Head Line Depot.
CHURCHILL FALLS
The Churchill Falls Hydroelectric Generating Station has
an installed capacity of 5,428 MW. Associated with
this development are about 1,200 km of high-voltage
transmission lines, an airport, and the Town of Churchill
Falls. Environmental aspects of these facilities are included
in the EMS. The Churchill Falls EMS also manages the
environmental aspects of the former Twin Falls Hydroelectric
Generating Station. The EMS was registered in 2000 and
successfully completed a surveillance audit in 2013.
The employees also developed environmental targets and
programs at Churchill Falls as part of the EMS. Some results were:
• 100% completion of 21 environmental management
system targets
• Finalized the River and Reservoir Spill Response Plan
• Installed new treated wood pole rack
• Installed new transformer oil tank farm
• Installed skimmers in powerhouse drainage sumps to
augment the oil water separator systems
• Ensured maintenance programs in place for all three
horsepower and greater refrigeration units
• Performed extra work on unit A2 turbine to reduce oil loss
• Continued a multi-year program for reduction of oil
leaks from switchyard transformers by repairing apparent
leaks on transformers
• Continued a multi-year contaminated lands program.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS FOR THE NEW LINES OF BUSINESS
Nalcor has decided on a staged approach to developing
and implementing an EMS across the new lines of business,
including Oil and Gas; Bull Arm Fabrication; Menihek
Hydroelectric Generating Station; Exploits Generation; and
Star Lake Hydroelectric Generating Station.
In 2013, Oil and Gas made great progress with developing
and implementing elements of its EMS. During the past year,
Oil and Gas reviewed the available options as they relate to
the best EMS structure suitable for its business and decided
that an Environmental Management Framework (EMF) best
fit its current structure. In 2014, Oil and Gas will continue to
expand on the EMF and develop and implement pertinent
internal procedures to ensure a high level of environmental
management exists for its operations.
Bull Arm Fabrication completed its Environmental
Management Framework (EMF) ensuring a more cohesive
management process between Bull Arm Fabrication and
ExxonMobil Canada Properties. In 2013, Environmental
Services, with the Bull Arm Team, completed a final review
of the EMF and finalized pertinent internal procedures to
ensure consistency between the sublease and EMF.
The Menihek Hydroelectric Generation Station is in the final
stages of implementing its ISO 14001:2004 consistent EMS.
In 2014, Menihek will continue to work towards having an
EMS in place by completing an internal review to ensure its
suitability for an independent audit review in 2015.
2013 also proved to be a successful year for Exploits
Generation with the completion of all environmental
targets identified in its gap closure plan. The Exploits team
continues to develop EMS-specific procedures to ensure
the continual growth and development of its EMS.
Star Lake Hydroelectric Generation Station was successfully
incorporated into the existing EMS for Hydro Generation
and the team completed an independent internal EMS
review. In 2014, the Star Lake team will deal with the
issues identified during the independent review.
142013 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
Emissions
WASTEWATER CONTROL
The Holyrood Generating Station’s wastewater treatment
plant treats the wastewater resulting from the combustion
of fuel and run-off from an on-site solid waste landfill.
Components of the wastewater are measured and
compared to regulatory limits. Once all aspects of the
wastewater meet provincial regulatory requirements, it is
released in the plant’s cooling water discharge and into
Conception Bay. In 2013, 3.4 million litres of wastewater
were treated and discharged, which was similar to the 3
million litres of wastewater treated and discharged in 2012.
AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT
Hydro has a mandate to meet the province’s growing
electricity needs. In 2013, on the Island Interconnected
System, approximately 82 per cent of this electricity was
generated from clean hydroelectric power. To meet the
total customer demand requirements and to secure the
transmission supply into the Avalon Peninsula, between
10 and 25 per cent of the island’s electricity continues
to come from fossil-fuel fired generation at the Holyrood
Generating Station each year. Hydro also operates 25
diesel plants across the province and three wind turbines
in the isolated community of Ramea.
The company continues to use alternative sources of
energy supplementing the province’s energy supply and
to reduce emissions from burning fossil fuels. In 2013,
Hydro purchased 191,904 MW hours of clean energy from
the island’s two wind farm projects, representing enough
green energy to power more than 12,880 homes. This is
equal to burning 305,000 barrels of oil at the Holyrood
plant, and is a reduction of more than 159,000 tonnes of
greenhouse gas emissions.
Overall, thermal production at the Holyrood Generating
Station increased in 2013 by 11.7 per cent from 2012,
primarily due to increased requirements of the plant for
Avalon transmission support. This was driven by colder
temperatures and increased customer demand.
The Holyrood plant produced just over 14 per cent of the
energy supplied by Hydro in 2013, up slightly from 13 per
cent in 2012. The increased energy production from the
Holyrood plant in 2013 resulted in a 10.9 per cent increase
in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The increase in CO
2
emissions is the direct result of more fuel being consumed.
The sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions from the plant in 2013
were 8.1 per cent higher than those experienced in 2012.
Overall, energy received into the system increased
by nearly two per cent in 2013, mainly because of the
increased production from the Exploits Generating plants
and the Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Co-generation unit.
This increase was partially offset by decreased generation
from the wind projects and the Star Lake Generating
Station. Overall energy supply requirements increased by
152013 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
3.4 per cent in 2013, primarily due to an increase in utility
load which was partially offset by an overall decrease in
industrial requirements. Hydro’s hydroelectric production
on the island was up by two per cent from 2012, primarily
due to the increased customer demand requirement and
partially offset by increased Holyrood requirements for
Avalon Peninsula transmission support.
Total emissions for CO2, nitrogen oxides (NO
x), and
SO2 for the Holyrood Generating Station, gas turbine
facilities, and isolated diesel generating stations are
calculated using formulas approved by the provincial
Department of Environment and Conservation. Nalcor’s
overall air emissions are dominated by those resulting
from production at the Holyrood Generating Station.
Emissions of CO2, NO
x, and SO
2 for the Labrador Isolated
Diesel System, Labrador Interconnected System, and the
Island Isolated Diesel System, were calculated to be
approximately 47.8, 1.4, and 0.06 kilotonnes respectively.
Emissions for the Island Interconnected System, including
the Holyrood Generating Station, interconnected gas
turbines and the standby diesel plants are outlined in the
following graphs:
ANNUAL CO2 EMISSIONS
Hydraulic Production Island Interconnected Emissions
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
02003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
2,000
1,800
1,600
1,400
1,200
1,000
800
600
400
200
0
Hydr
aulic
Pro
duct
ion
(GW
h) Emissions (kilotonnes)
162013 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
ANNUAL NOX EMISSIONS ANNUAL SO2 EMISSIONS
Hydraulic Production Island Interconnected Emissions Hydraulic Production Island Interconnected Emissions
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
02003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
5.0
4.5
4.0
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0
Hydr
aulic
Pro
duct
ion
(GW
h)
Hydr
aulic
Pro
duct
ion
(GW
h)Emissions (kilotonnes)
Emissions (kilotonnes)
25
20
15
10
5
0
172013 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
Waste Management
POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS (PCBs)
PCBs are the most significant waste management issue in
the electric utility industry. This substance was commonly
used in electrical equipment prior to the late 1970s, when
PCB production was banned. The effect of this ban on
Hydro and many other utilities was two-fold. The amount
of PCB in-service declined as new PCB-free equipment was
installed, and inventories of PCB-contaminated wastes
increased as older equipment was retired.
Hydro has had a PCB management program in place since
the early 1980s to reduce the risks associated with in-
service equipment containing PCBs. The earlier focus of this
program was to remove all items with a high concentration
(greater than 10,000 milligrams per kilogram [mg/kg])
of PCBs from service and to reduce the concentration of
PCBs in larger volume oil-filled equipment to less than
50 mg/kg.
In 2013, Hydro continued to test all other equipment that
was not sealed such as reclosers, voltage regulators, tap
changer compartments, oil circuit breakers, and station
service transformers. In 2013, Hydro sampled 46 units, and
found only one piece of equipment containing greater than
50 mg/kg of PCBs; this item was subsequently removed
and disposed of properly.
New federal PCB regulations, brought into effect in 2008,
focused on the removal of higher concentration PCB
equipment from service by planned dates, and introduced
more restrictive handling of PCB waste. The limits for
identifying high-concentration PCBs were also lowered to
any equipment having a PCB concentration greater than
500 mg/kg.
In 2013, Hydro’s Transmission and Rural Operations (TRO)
division continued to follow their PCB phase-out plan for
sealed equipment that was submitted to Environment
Canada in 2010 under a Section 33(2) extension permit.
Each year there are slight revisions to the plan as work
priorities change. In 2013, TRO discovered five pieces of
sealed equipment, under the extension permit, that had a
PCB concentration of 500 mg/kg or greater. They were all
oil circuit breaker bushings and all five were taken out of
service and sent for destruction.
Nalcor Energy Churchill Falls (NE-CF) continued to refine its
PCB phase-out program in 2013. Additional equipment and
information was added to its database to ensure that all
equipment 50 mg/kg and greater PCBs is removed from
service by 2025.
NE-CF continued with its annual PCB training program, with
minor updates, for all personnel handling and transporting
PCBs. The program ensures everyone is aware of the
requirements under the Transport of Dangerous Goods
(TDG) Regulations, PCB Regulations, Storage of PCB Wastes
182013 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
Regulations, Certificate of Approval for the PCB Storage
Building, Equivalency Certificate, and local EMS Standard
Operating Procedures.
Nalcor Energy submitted its fifth set of online PCB reports
under the PCB Regulations for the year 2013 for the
Bishop’s Falls PCB Storage Facility, the Churchill Falls PCB
Storage Facility, and the Menihek Hydroelectric Generating
Station. Reports were submitted under Sections 33(2),
33(3) and 37 of the PCB Regulations.
Hydro operates one approved PCB waste storage facility
at its Bishop’s Falls area office and inventory storage
yard. See Table 1 for PCB material in storage, sent for
disposal and destroyed as of December 31, 2013 at the
Bishop’s Falls PCB Waste Storage Facility.
Churchill Falls operates one approved PCB waste storage
facility. Table 2 provides an inventory of PCB material in
storage, sent for disposal and destroyed as of December
31, 2013.
Table 1: PCB material in storage, sent for disposal and destroyed as of December 31, 2013 at Bishop’s Falls.
Table 2: PCB material in storage, sent for disposal and destroyed as of December 31, 2013 at Churchill Falls.
PCB Material in Storage, Sent for Disposal and Destroyed (Churchill Falls PCB Waste Storage Facility)
2013 Tonnes
Total inventory of PCB material (50-500mg/kg) in storage 0
Total inventory of PCB material (>500mg/kg) in storage 0
Total inventory of PCB material (50-500mg/kg) sent for disposal 0
Total inventory of PCB material (>500mg/kg) sent for disposal 0
Total amount of PCB material (50-500mg/kg) destroyed 14.4
Total amount of PCB material (>500mg/kg) destroyed 0.0005
PCB Material in Storage, Sent for Disposal and Destroyed (Bishop’s Falls PCB Waste Storage Facility)
2013 Tonnes
Total inventory of PCB material (50-500mg/kg) in storage 2.3
Total inventory of PCB material (>500mg/kg) in storage 0
Total inventory of PCB material (50-500mg/kg) sent for disposal 11.7
Total inventory of PCB material (>500mg/kg) sent for disposal 1.6
Total amount of PCB material (50-500mg/kg) destroyed 1.1
Total amount of PCB material (>500mg/kg) destroyed 0
192013 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
REUSE AND RECYCLING INITIATIVES
Used Oil
Nalcor has a waste oil management system for handling and
disposing of used oil. On an annual basis, facilities record
the amounts of used oil generated and new oil purchased.
Used oil is stored in either 205 litre drums or storage tanks
and is collected by a certified waste oil handler for either
recycling or reuse. Table 3 summarizes used oil information
by location, used oil type, and volume collected.
At Hydro’s central maintenance facility in Bishop’s Falls,
insulating oil from transformers brought in for servicing is
collected in oil storage tanks and processed for recycling if
suitable. If the quality of the oil is not suitable for recycling,
the oil is collected by a certified waste handler for proper
disposal. In 2013, 23,600 litres of insulating oil taken from
transformers was recycled with 10,724 litres disposed of as
waste. This represents 69 per cent recycling of insulating oil
at the central maintenance facility in 2013, down from 99
per cent in 2012. The amount of insulating oil disposed of as
a waste will likely increase in the coming years due to the
removal of oil-filled equipment with a PCB concentration
between 2mg/kg and 50mg/kg; this oil cannot be reused
and will have to be disposed of as a waste.
Location Used Oil Type Volume (litres)
Diesel Plants lubricating oil 42,472
Hydroelectric Generating Stations lubricating oil 4,893
Holyrood Generating Station (HTGS) lubricating oil 18,890
HTGS oil/water mixture 569,661
Bishop’s Falls insulating oil 34,324
Churchill Falls lubricating and insulating oil 33,845
Churchill Falls oil/water mixture 33,290
Exploits Generation lubricating oil 1,360
Menihek Generating Station lubricating oil 0
Menihek Generating Station Insulating oil 56,000
Table 3: Volumes and types of used oil collected by location.
202013 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
WOOD POLE LINE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
As part of its transmission line network, Hydro manages about
26,000 poles of varying age. Wooden poles have an in-service
lifespan of 50 years. With proper management, maintenance,
and refurbishment, the in-service lifespan can be extended by
10 years or more. Core samples taken from some poles in 1998
showed the preservative retention level was not adequate.
As a result, Hydro initiated a Wood Pole Line Management
Program in 2003 and it is expected to continue as a long-term
asset management and life-extension program. In 2013, Hydro
treated 2,070 poles with boron rods to provide extra protection
and to extend the in-service life expectancy of new poles. Since
the start of the program, about 24,432 poles have been treated.
FUEL ASH DISPOSAL AT HOLYROOD GENERATING STATION
During 2013, all fuel ash produced at the Holyrood
Generating Station was disposed of in an on-site, controlled,
solid waste landfill. The amount of total ash produced and
disposed of at the landfill in 2013 was 206 tonnes, down
slightly from the 241 tonnes reported in 2012.
SCRAP METAL AND BATTERY RECYCLING AND REUSE
During 2013, Hydro decommissioned 151 distribution
transformers, all of which contained non-PCB oil. The
transformers were drained and sold to a transformer
manufacturer for reuse. No voltage regulators or batteries
were recorded as sold in 2013.
212013 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
Spills and Other Incidents
The very nature of Hydro’s work to generate and
transmit electricity requires the safe handling
and use of a variety of potential environmental
contaminants such as fuel oils, lubricating oils, and
chemicals. Each year, Hydro uses about 300 million
litres of fuel to generate electricity. The company
strives to reduce the potential for leaks and spills.
Being prepared for such an incident is critical to mounting
a quick and effective response that will reduce negative
effects on people and the environment. Nalcor Energy
and its lines of business have developed Environmental
Emergency Response Plans (EERPs) to deal quickly,
effectively and safely with such incidents. All personnel
who handle or work around petroleum products, receive
training related to the EERP and, where applicable, specific
operating procedures have been developed to facilitate
the safe handling of the products used.
Nalcor’s lines of business had a total of 10 reportable spill
and leak incidents in 2013: Hydro reported five; Churchill
Falls reported four; and Menihek Generation reported
one. The approximate volume for all reportable spills was
1,196 litres.
All but one reportable spill involved petroleum products
or its derivatives. One reportable incident at Churchill Falls
involved the release of 39 kilograms of refrigerant. The
other releases are categorized as follows:
• One release accounted for approximately 910 litres of
glycol and water mixture
• Five releases involved spills or leaks of transformer
insulating oil with an approximate volume of 215 litres
• One incident involved a one litre release of lubricating oil
• One incident involved a leak of approximately 50 litres
of #6 fuel oil
• One incident involved a spill of 20 litres of hydraulic oil
from mobile equipment.
In all incidents, staff responded promptly to the spills
and leaks with spill response equipment. Staff collected
the contaminated materials in suitable containers for
appropriate disposal, and where necessary, staff also
undertook appropriate sampling to ensure adequate
clean-up was completed. In some incidents, the company
engaged independent site professionals to manage the spill
clean-up, soil sampling, and spill closure. Table 4 outlines
the details of Nalcor’s more significant spill incidents.
222013 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
Date Source Volume Response/Status
March 4Non-PCB transformer insulating oil leaked from a transformer in Happy Valley Goose Bay.
120 LPole containing 3 transformers cracked off due to falling ice. Oil was confirmed non-PCB. Absorbent pads and snow were used to contain and absorb the spilled oil. Contaminated materials were removed in drums for subsequent disposal at an approved facility.
April 5Non-PCB transformer insulating oil leaked from a transformer in Happy Valley Goose Bay.
88 L
Pole containing 1 transformer cracked off when a transport truck hooked Aliant wires. Oil was confirmed non-PCB. Absorbent pads and snow were used to contain and absorb the spilled oil. Contaminated materials were removed in drums for subsequent disposal at an approved facility.
October 2133% Glycol to water mix leaked from cooling unit piping in Churchill Falls Curling Club.
910 LSystem was not checked between Friday and Monday. Glycol mix entered drains leading to the community waste water treatment system. Minimal glycol was recovered.
Table 4: Details of Nalcor’s more significant spill incidents.
TRO OIL SPILL TRENDS ANALYSIS
Nalcor continues to focus on eliminating spills and leaks
from its fuel storage systems and its operating and
electrical equipment. Staff maintain detailed information
related to reportable and non-reportable spills and leaks
and these are reviewed annually for trends and concerns.
If staff identify trends, they will consider and implement
preventative actions to address the concerns.
For example, in Hydro’s TRO Division in 2013, the identified
trends were weeps and leaks from oil-filled equipment in
terminal stations. To help prevent these types of incidents,
TRO Asset Managers will reinforce and promote the
inspection and monitoring of oil-filled equipment for leaks.
TRO has also identified trends from leaks and spills from
hydraulic line failures in mobile equipment and it has a
program for in-depth pre-use boom and vehicle inspections.
MENIHEK ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT REFURBISHMENT PROGRAM
The three power transformers and two oil circuit breakers
(OCB) at the Menihek hydroelectric generating plant are all
original to the plant construction and more than 50 years
old. In 2013, a transformer and OCB refurbishment program
was undertaken. Associated with the refurbishment
program was the replacement of about 56,000 litres
232013 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
of insulating oil with Luminol and the replacement of
13 oil filled bushings. Luminol transformer fluids are
biodegradable, free of carcinogenic polynuclear aromatics
(PNAs) and virtually non-toxic, thereby helping to reduce
environmental concerns about transformer oil toxicity,
spill liability, and potential disposal costs. All bushings
and insulating oil were tested for PCB concentration to
determine the means of destruction and/or disposal.
CHURCHILL FALLS SPILL PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
One of the ongoing programs in 2013 was the completion
of an action plan to improve further the Churchill Falls
powerhouse spill response and prevention measures. This
plan maintained a target for spill prevention and response
measures that the management at Churchill Falls has
worked on for the past several years. This is a significant
milestone because once all of the actions within this plan
are completed, all identified prevention and response
efforts will have been implemented.
In 2013, stakeholders within the corporation and an
independent consultant reviewed Nalcor’s River and
Reservoir Spill Response Plan. The response plan was
revised using the National Standard of Canada, “CAN/
CSA-Z731-03, Emergency Planning for Industry,” and
reflects evolving needs within NE-CF.
The plan uses local resources, but provides for the
opportunity to call in external resources if required. NE-CF
has their own spill response materials and equipment
including boats and booms. The plan specifies the roles
and responsibilities of On Scene Commanders and their
supporting response team, as well as training and
plan testing, and revision requirements. The plan also
includes information such as potential spill sources,
personal protective equipment (PPE), Material Safety
Data Sheets (MSDSs), and ties in other Nalcor Energy
emergency response plans. The 2013 revisions included
the addition of a quick reference flowchart that outlines
roles and responsibilities.
The finalization and management approval of this
plan was another completed element of the Churchill
Falls powerhouse spill response and prevention
measures program.
River Spill Responders train at the Churchill Falls Tailrace using peat moss, a commonly used method to simulate oil in training exercises.
242013 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) and RemediationIn 2000, Hydro implemented an ESA program for all properties it owns or operates.
The ESA process the company follows is illustrated in Figure 2.
Figure 2: Environmental Site Assessment Process. Completion
Remediation Phase
Assessment Phase
Communication and Input
Reporting
List of Sites
Phase III
No Further Work Required
No Further Work Required
Notification to Stakeholder
Notification to Stakeholder
Regulator Input
Remediation Action Plan
Remediation Contract Management
CriteriaCriteria
Criteria Regulator Input
Confirmatory Sampling
Phase I Phase II
Notification to Stakeholder
Regulator Input
Risk Assessment Remediation
No Further Work Required
Annual Report
252013 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
The objectives of the ESA program are to:
• Evaluate the potential for environmental contamination
• Undertake sampling to characterize and delineate
any contamination
• Assess the potential risks and liabilities associated with
any contamination identified
• Identify sites requiring monitoring or remediation
• Develop & implement remediation programs
when necessary.
Arising from the recommendations of previous ESA-related
work at Hydro, the following are noteworthy points related
to the 2013 ESA program:
• Groundwater and/or soil vapor monitoring was
completed at five sites
• Additional delineation to supplement previously
completed Phase II assessments were completed at
four sites
• Free product assessment and recovery was completed
at one site
• Phase II ESAs were completed at two sites
• Decommissioning of ground water monitor wells was
completed at one site.
In 2013, the Churchill Falls ESA program continued at seven
sites (five sites were located in remote areas while the
other two sites were located close to the town site) with
the following highlights:
• Ongoing ground water monitoring and free product
recovery at three sites
• Additional delineation with monitoring well installations
at one site
• Phase I & 2 and hazardous materials survey at one site
• Stain removal and capping at one site
• Remediation of affected soil at one site
• Monitoring well decommissioning at a few locations.
Nalcor completed a Phase II Environmental Site
Assessment on eight Exploits Generation facilities located
throughout central Newfoundland in 2013. Staff also
completed additional Phase II ESA investigations as a
follow up to previous investigations. During 2013, staff
carried out a hazardous materials abatement program
at multiple facilities to address asbestos and lead paint
issues. The most significant abatement program occurred
in the former Grinder Room in preparation for the
eventual demolition of the building.
The ESA program continues to be successful in identifying
and managing the potential environmental contamination
associated with Nalcor’s past and present operations.
Phase l — review of information and records,
site visit and interviews.
Phase II — characterization of a site for
physical aspects and potential contamination.
Risk-Based Corrective Action (RBCA) —
a methodology that identifies a site-specific
target level of contamination that has an
acceptable risk to human health.
Remediation — site cleanup to a specified
regulatory standard.
262013 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
REMOVAL OF DRILL CUTTINGS AT PARSONS POND 2013 AS PART OF PROJECT RAINBOW REMEDIATION
In December 2013, the company awarded a contract for
the removal of an estimated 300 dump truck loads of
drill cuttings at the Project Rainbow drill sites at Parsons
Pond. Drill cuttings were stored in pits at two sites: four
pits at the Seamus Site at Parsons Pond Head and three
pits at the Finnigan Site at Five Mile Road (Figure 3). A
preconstruction orientation session was held between
Hydro’s Environmental Services Department (ESD) and
the contractor on December 9, 2013 and excavation and
removal of materials began on December 10, 2013.
Excavation and removal of drill cuttings first began at the
Seamus Site (Figure 4). This site is located 23 kilometers
from the waste disposal site and would take longest to
complete. Due to the time of year, excavated materials
were nearly frozen during removal. This meant additional
mitigation was not required inside the trucks to prevent
liquids spilling from the vehicles on route to the landfill.
A total of 160 loads were removed from the Seamus Site
over six days.
Work at the Finnigan Site (Figure 5) began on December 17
and was completed on December 22, 2013. Due to slurry
conditions in two of the pits, some over-excavation was
required to ensure complete removal of all drill cuttings.
A total of 188 loads was hauled from this site, making the
overall number of loads at 348.
Slurry conditions in two of the pits at the Finnigan Site meant
that soil samples couldn’t be taken from the bottom as was
done at the Seamus Site. In 2014, ESD will revisit the site to
determine if samples can be collected once the area has dried.
At each site, once all visible drill cuttings were removed, the
area was back bladed and graded (Figure 6). Some material
was hard to grade because it was frozen in large chunks;
some additional grading may be required in 2014.
While the contractor was hauling material, a second
excavator was set up at the regional landfill to grade
material that was removed from the Seamus and Finnigan
Sites (Figure 7). The regional waste management authority
was very pleased with the condition of the landfill upon
completion of the work and no additional concerns
regarding the landfill were identified.
Figure 3: Project Rainbow Drill sites.
272013 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
Figure 4: Pits at Seamus Site before water removal.
Figure 6: Graded area of a pit at the Seamus Site. Further grading may be needed in 2014.
Figure 5: Pits at the Finnigan Drill Site.
Figure 7: Dumped drill cutting graded at the waste management site.
282013 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
Species, Habitat Diversity, and Historical Resources
FISHERIES COMPENSATION WATER RELEASE
In 2013, as part of long-term agreements with the
Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Hydro released
approximately 126 million cubic metres of water at its
fisheries compensation facilities. The water released
at White Bear River, Grey River, Granite Canal, Upper
Salmon, and Hind’s Lake was performed at established
times throughout the year for habitat protection and
fish migration.
Because of the isolated nature of the island’s electrical
system, lost hydroelectric energy production associated
with these water releases under normal conditions must
be replaced by thermal generation from the Holyrood
Generating Station. The amount of thermal production
required to offset the amount of water released in 2013
was just over 25 Gigawatt Hours (GWh). When the 2013
thermal conversion rate and average cost of fuel are
considered, the equivalent value of the water released
at all fisheries compensation facilities was about $4.5
million. This resulted in a potential increase of 86 tonnes
of sulphur dioxide emissions and 20,700 tonnes of carbon
dioxide emissions.
RAPTOR PROTECTION PROGRAM
For more than 20 years, Hydro has managed a raptor
protection program. In keeping with Nalcor’s EMS and the
corporate Environmental Policy and Guiding Principles,
staff with Hydro’s Environmental Services Division
survey transmission lines in Labrador for the presence of
active raptor nests. This is an annual survey undertaken
in consultation with the provincial Department of
Environment and Conservation, Wildlife Division. These
nests are primarily osprey, with smaller numbers of
northern ravens, red tailed hawks, and bald eagles.
Surveys are undertaken early in the egg laying stage of the
breeding season at which time nests that would be active
for the year are usually occupied or show signs of occupancy.
Surveys carried out in late June 2013 found a total of 171
nests on the three transmission line corridors in Labrador.
On the island transmission grid, 29 active nests were
identified on various structures. The work crews received
the data immediately following completion of the surveys
to allow for planning of maintenance activities on these
transmission lines.
Structures with active nests are avoided until after the
breeding season, usually after August 15. This allows line
crews to avoid potential negative effects on these species
during the critical periods within the breeding regime,
which in turn ensures compliance with wildlife legislation
regarding migratory birds in Newfoundland and Labrador.
PRESERVING THE ATLANTIC SALMON RUN
Exploits Generation staff manage a very successful Atlantic
salmon diversion system on the Exploits River in Central
Newfoundland in partnership with the Department of
292013 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
Fisheries and Oceans, fish biologists, and the Environmental
Resource Management Association (ERMA). One Atlantic
salmon enhancement project, started in the early 1960s, has
seen the natural adult salmon run grow from 1,200 strong to
an adult incoming run in the range of 40,000 today.
Every year, spring runoff brings adult salmon that have
migrated downstream from their spawning grounds.
Some of these adult salmon will enter the power canal
at the Grand Falls hydroelectric plant. Barriers prevent the
salmon from entering the power generation turbines once
they reach the power canal. Without this assistance, they
could be delayed in their annual migration downstream.
Exploits Generation staff begin visually monitoring the
power canal at the end of April when water temperatures
begin to rise. Through a cooperative effort started in
1997, local fishermen and Exploits Generation employees
remove salmon from the power canal and transport
them downstream.
In 2013, approximately 33,000 adult salmon migrated
upstream of Bishop’s Falls into various tributaries of the
Exploits watershed. About 600 adult fish passed the
Millertown dam in the upper reaches of the Exploits River.
FISH BYPASS UPGRADES
Over its existence, the Grand Falls hydroelectric plant has
undergone various upgrades and expansions, the most
significant occurring in 1997 with the construction of a
400 m long, 40 m wide and roughly 10 m deep power
canal to replace the aging penstocks. Concurrent with
the construction of the power canal was the design and
implementation of a fish protection system to assist in the
removal of smolt trapped in the power canal. At the core
of the fish protection system is a 185 m long, 2 m deep
floating louver system that exploits behavioral guidance
principles to direct smolt toward a 40 m long concrete and
wood fish bypass structure that diverts guided fish back to
the Exploits River to continue their out-migration.
In 2012, the louver system was replaced with a new
system based on the same design principles of the former
system. Studies undertaken in 2013 to document the
effectiveness of the new louver system found its guidance
efficiency to be the same or better than the performance
of the former system.
Upgrades continued in 2013 with the replacement of the
fish bypass entrance system. Installed in 1997, the existing
system was based on a preliminary design concept with an
understanding that further modifications and testing of the
design would be required to optimize its performance. In light
of this, the system was installed using temporary materials
which simplify the completion of any reconfigurations required
for system optimization. In 2013, the company undertook to
remove the existing temporary materials and replace them
with new material to create a more permanent installation.
Additional studies are planned for 2014 to document the
effectiveness of the new fish bypass entrance system.
LOWER CHURCHILL PROJECT ARCHAEOLOGICAL RECOVERYAT MUSKRAT FALLS
When the Lower Churchill Project began, Nalcor Energy
committed to carrying out all project work in a manner
that respects the culture and heritage of the area. The
protection and preservation of historical resources in the
project area – including any archaeological findings that
would provide a glimpse of the past – was a key part of
that commitment.
Through consultations and interviews during the
environmental assessment process, the team learned
about various Aboriginal peoples’ historic use of the
land near Muskrat Falls. They recognized the possibility
that important cultural remnants could be buried within
the proposed project footprint, and determined to better
define the true archaeological potential of the site.
The Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Manager
with the Lower Churchill Project currently manages the
ongoing archeological assessment and recovery at Muskrat
Falls. Once Nalcor became aware that historical resources
may be present, the company needed to determine the
actual extent of those resources within the project footprint.
It was extremely important to Nalcor that the recovery of
any archaeological resources was completed before site
work could begin in a particular area.
In 2012, Nalcor hired Stantec Consulting Ltd. to complete
further assessment and move forward with excavation
302013 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
of the identified archaeological sites. The process began
with a desktop review for historic resources potential.
High potential areas were flagged for field testing. Based
on this work, known sites were identified within the
project footprint.
In 2012, excavation began on the south side of the
river in the area to be developed for the power house
and spillway. The crew returned to the field in 2013 for
additional recovery work, including eight new sites on the
North Spur.
Working in a series of grids, a team of three archaeologists
and their field staff excavated areas by hand, then carefully
cleaned and stored all material. Only when all required
excavation was complete could equipment and machinery
be cleared to operate in the identified areas.
Through the recovery work that was carried out over the
past two years, archaeologists have uncovered significant
evidence of past occupation by Aboriginal peoples in the
area. More than 40,000 artifacts were recovered, including
hearths and pit features, stone tools, burnt food, bone, and
charcoal as well as some ceramics, representing ancient
Amerindian campsites in the area dating back to between
2,000 and 3,500 years ago.
Although the recovery work has now been completed in
the south area of the river, Stantec will continue to record
and analyze all remaining material using radiocarbon
dating and mapping. It will then hand all findings over to
the Provincial Archaeology Office for further examination.
Future archaeological recovery work is planned in 2014 and
2015 for additional sites in the reservoir area of the project.
312013 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
Alternative Energy
WIND PROJECTS PROVIDE GREEN ENERGYTO ISLAND CONSUMERS
In 2009, in an effort to reduce emissions from burning
fossil fuels, Hydro increased its renewable generation.
Hydro has power purchase agreements for 54 MW of clean,
renewable wind energy on the island of Newfoundland.
The integration of wind power in Newfoundland has
broadened Hydro’s energy mix and allowed the company
to continue providing electricity at a reasonable cost.
Wind generation is an environmentally-friendly, pollution-
free and endless source of energy. It is clean and
leaves a small environmental footprint on the province.
On the island, wind generation will help reduce fossil-
fired generation at Hydro’s thermal generating station
in Holyrood.
On average, the annual environmental benefits from the
wind farms in St. Lawrence and Fermeuse are:
• Reduction in fuel consumption by about 300,000 barrels
• Reduction in sulphur dioxide emissions by nearly
700 tonnes
• Reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by nearly
160,000 tonnes
• Generation of green energy for the equivalent of up to
12,700 homes.
WIND-HYDROGEN-DIESEL ENERGY PROJECT
While the province has an abundance of renewable
resources, many coastal, isolated communities rely on
diesel-fueled generation systems for electricity generation.
In its efforts to reduce reliance on fuel-fired generation,
Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro (Hydro) has built one
of the first projects in the world to integrate generation
from wind, hydrogen, and diesel in an isolated electricity
system. The Wind-Hydrogen-Diesel Energy Project in
Ramea is a research and development project using
renewable energy sources and the Energy Management
System (EMS), to supplement the diesel requirements of
the island community.
This unique project has attracted attention from around
the world. Hydro continues to promote the renewable
energy and energy storage benefits of the project through
presentations at various workshops and conferences.
In 2013, operation of the EMS resulted in a significant
reduction in diesel fuel consumption and in a continued
focus on the collection of valuable operational data. Data
analysis has led Nalcor Energy to proceed with Phase II
of the project in 2014. The Atlantic Canada Opportunities
Agency, through its Atlantic Innovation Fund, will support
Phase II, a five-year project that will see the addition
of a Hydrogen Fuel Cell to the system, along with an
operational phase and a commercialization phase.
322013 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY STUDY UNDERTAKEN IN COASTAL LABRADOR
From 2012 to 2015, Hydro will complete further analysis of
possible hydro generation sites and wind power potential
in this region. The hydroelectric study is focused on
possible hydro electric sites near Mary’s Harbour, Port Hope
Simpson, Charlottetown, Makkovik, and Hopedale. The
wind resource study is focused on wind power potential
near Cartwright, Makkovik, Hopedale, and Nain.
This initiative is guided primarily by the two main objectives
outlined in the Newfoundland and Labrador Energy Plan:
the protection of the environment through the reduction
of emissions and the development of energy projects in
the best long-term interests of residents of the province.
332013 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
Energy Efficiency and Conservation
INTERNAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Offices
Hydro is always looking to reduce energy waste in
their facilities, and its main office, Hydro Place (HYP),
is no exception. In 2012, the Internal Energy Efficiency
Advisor (IEEA) identified a number of energy conservation
opportunities (ECOs) relating to the control of heating,
ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). Over the years,
the team responsible for HYP’s operation have consistently
maintained a focus on reducing HYP’s energy consumption
and improving facility performance. In addition to energy
savings, the ECOs have several other non-energy benefits,
some of which include increased occupant comfort, more
reliable operation of the HVAC system, and reduced wear
and runtime on HVAC equipment.
In 2013, the HYP facility operations team, with help
from the IEEA and controls contractors, placed a focus
on optimizing the operation of HVAC equipment while
improving occupant comfort (no new equipment was
installed; it was just controlled better). Their efforts
proved to be effective, with 2013 being the year that HYP
used the least amount of electricity since tracking began
in 2007. HYP used 420,000 kWh less electricity than the
previous year, which is equivalent to what 17 electrically
heated island homes use in a year, and it has reduced
consumption by 882,000 kWh since 2007. All electricity
consumption was normalized for weather. The focus
on further energy consumption reductions at HYP will
continue, while several of the regional offices have been
selected to undergo similar HVAC optimization initiatives
along with full lighting retrofits over the next two years.
Other
Hydro’s line depots and other support buildings are
relatively small structures and can have infrequent
occupancy; however, their annual consumption is more
than an average electrically-heated home. The largest
energy consumption categories at these sites are heating
and lighting. It has been a challenge to find cost-effective
commercial control solutions for these sites; however,
Hydro is continually evaluating proposed technologies to
meet their heating and lighting control requirements.
Hydro’s vision for these types of facilities is to install small
scale building automation systems (BASs) which will be
linked via a network, and observed and/or controlled via
one location. With that said, instead of waiting for an
ideal solution, Hydro has pushed forward to do what is
reasonable to achieve energy savings at these locations.
The company is installing stand-alone low voltage
control circuits with programmable thermostats so that
night setbacks are employed. This initiative is laying the
foundation for the company to realize maximum energy
savings in the future through the installation of small-
scale BASs and by networking the facilities together.
342013 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
To reduce energy consumption associated with lighting,
staff are retrofitting T12 fluorescent fixtures with T8
ballasts and lamps. In 2013, heating setback control and
lighting retrofits were completed at three of the company’s
locations (Cow Head Line Depot, North Plant Depot, and
Bishop’s Falls Carpenter Shop).
GENERATION STATIONS
Thermal Generation
Holyrood Thermal Generation Station (HTGS) is used to meet
increased load on the island system during the heating season.
It is a large and complex site, with several support buildings.
Its marine terminal receives number 6 fuel shipments from
large tanker ships, and transfers the fuel shipment to onsite
storage tanks via a 1 km, 18 inch pipe line.
The entire length of the pipeline is fitted with an electric
heat trace system (EHTS) which keeps the contents of the
pipe at 60°C (140°F) year-round to maintain an acceptable
viscosity for pumping. Historically, the site only receives
tanker shipments in an eight-month window, and within
that timeframe, there can be several weeks to a month in
between deliveries. The EHTS provides an opportunity to
reduce energy consumption significantly just by reducing
the temperature set point of the EHTS outside of delivery
season, and in between deliveries.
In 2006, a consultant’s energy audit of various support
buildings and systems at HTGS calculated the annual
electricity consumption associated with the EHTS for the
fuel transfer line to be more than 980,000 kWh. In 2013, an
operation procedure was formalized with the sole purpose
of reducing energy consumption related to this system.
The Environment and Long Term Asset Planning
departments for EHTS, along with Hydro’s Internal Energy
Efficiency Advisor, developed and submitted a 2013 EMS
target to create an efficient control procedure for the new
heat trace system. HTGS personnel formalized a control
procedure that has temperature set points based on the
operating season and fuel properties. The new procedure
has two seasonal set points, 20°C (68°F) from October 1st
to May 1st (operating season), and 10°C (50°F) outside of
that time period.
The new efficient control procedure for the EHTS will result
in 344,000 kWh of annual electricity savings; this is equal
to what 13 electrically-heated island homes would use in
a year. The company has the potential to reduce further
energy consumption associated with the EHTS by more
than 200,000 kWh, when we control the temperature set
point with actual deliveries, as opposed to by season. This
will require further investigation to assess requirements
for implementation.
Isolated Diesel Generation
Hydro operates diesel plants in more than 20 isolated
communities. Wasted electricity at Hydro’s diesel
generation stations directly relate to increased diesel
consumption and emissions. A strong focus has been
placed on identifying ways to reduce station service
at these sites. The two largest energy consumption
categories at these sites are lighting and pumps and
fans. Hydro has planned capital projects to install variable
frequency drives on radiator fans over the next two years
to reduce station service loads significantly.
In 2013, the engine hall lighting at Paradise River Diesel
Plant was retrofitted from metal halide fixtures to T5
fluorescent fixtures with occupancy sensors. Control of
ventilation fans was improved at several sites to reduce
unnecessary fan operation, and metal halide exterior
wall packs were replaced with LED wall packs. In 2013,
Hydro chose an LED fixture for use in engine hall high bay
applications. The Charlottetown Diesel plant will be the
first site to install the new LED fixtures.
Hydraulic Generation
The company’s hydraulic generation stations vary greatly
from large hydro plants to mini hydro and from manned
stations to unmanned ones. There are also some very
remote structures with infrequent occupancy. Three of
the major energy consumption categories at these sites
with significant energy savings potential are: electric trace
heating, space heating, and lighting.
Staff identified an opportunity to reduce electricity
consumption associated with space heating in the penstock
inlet structures at the Bay d’Espoir plant. These structures
have very infrequent occupancy, and were equipped with
352013 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
high wattage electric unit heaters with a knob on the back
of the heater to control temperature. Often, employees
would turn up a heater on a cold day, and then it would
be left at that temperature indefinitely. These types of
heaters can often be found operating in summer months.
In 2013, heater controls were installed to maintain the
space temperature in these structures at the precise,
minimum temperature required, and automatically reset
to that minimum temperature, after a delay, even if the
heaters are turned up.
Transmission & Distribution Facilities/Systems
Equipment used at terminal stations is reviewed continually
to improve efficiencies. Significant electricity loads at these
sites are lighting, heating, and compressed air systems.
In previous years, line selection for distribution and
transmission systems was based on reducing transmission
losses. While these projects have been executed with the
intention of improving overall efficiency of the system,
there is a gap in the communication of electricity savings
associated with these projects. A strong focus in the coming
years will be to ensure electricity savings associated with
any future transmission/distribution projects are properly
captured and reported.
ISOLATED SYSTEMS BUSINESS EFFICIENCY PROGRAM (ISBEP)
The ISBEP is offered to commercial customers in Hydro’s
isolated diesel and L’Anse aux Loup systems. In 2013,
more than 40 on site facility energy walkthroughs were
conducted with reports submitted to customers. These
reports identified no cost recommendations for electricity
savings and provided high-level opportunity assessments
for possible retrofit projects to complete through ISBEP.
The Program provides a custom approach that will allow
larger commercial customers to explore a wide range of
technologies suitable to their own operations, and let small
business to focus in on smaller more common projects
and technologies.
Hydro employees have completed walkthrough audits
on commercial facilities across many sectors and
currently there are projects involving lighting, process
improvements, refrigeration, and small equipment
upgrades. Hydro has taken an aggressive approach to
engagement with customers on this program, conducting
in person cold calls for walkthroughs, and providing
significant incentives to ensure customers take action.
The program components include financial incentives
based on energy savings, and other supports to assist
in opportunity identification and evaluation. Financial
incentives are based on the lower of $0.4/kWh first
year savings or 80% of capital project costs. By the end
of 2013, program staff had installed 2,176 residents and
commercial kits with a significant savings in energy. In
2014, the program will continue to focus on more ways
to save.
362013 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
Commited to Our Communities
Nalcor is dedicated to the promotion of
environmental awareness and preservation
of Newfoundland and Labrador’s unique
environment. A priority for Nalcor is to
build and cultivate partnerships with other
agencies and organizations to achieve common
environmental objectives. These partnerships
maximize human and financial resources to
generate a body of knowledge and experience
that can be used for environmental decision-
making in a variety of applications.
CONSERVATION CORPS NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
Since 1996, Nalcor and Hydro have supported 25 Green
Teams through Conservation Corps Newfoundland and
Labrador’s Green Team Program, employing almost 100
youth and contributing about $340,000 to support local
employment opportunities for youth throughout the
province. Though the two projects in Happy Valley-Goose
Bay and Flower’s Cove in 2013 had a different focus, they
all shared a common goal, as do all Green Teams, which
is to provide meaningful youth employment opportunities
with an environmental and cultural focus.
Happy Valley–Goose Bay Team – Illegal Dumping Prevention and Mud Lake Walking Trail Development
The Happy Valley-Goose Bay Green Team worked with
Healthy Waters Labrador to identify illegal dumping sites in
the Upper Lake Melville area. They created brochures and
other tools to raise awareness of how to properly dispose
of household items. The team also worked with the Town
of Happy Valley-Goose Bay to continue beautifying and
restoring the Mud Lake walking trail. This work included
spreading gravel, cutting brush, and creating viewing areas
of the beautiful Churchill River. Working with two different
organizations gave the team valuable work experience
and offered project variety.
Flower’s Cove – Sandy Cove Provincial Ecological Reserve Restoration
In 2013, the Flower’s Cove Green Team worked with
sponsors Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and the
Limestone Barrens Habitat Stewardship Program to protect
the vulnerable and ecologically important limestone
barrens. The team used GPS technology to plot the three-
phase telephone poles from Flower’s Cove to the Sandy
Cove Lions Club; this information will help Hydro avoid
critical habitat during future pole repairs and replacements.
The team worked to restore the natural slope of the
land, which was disrupted many years ago when heavy
equipment damaged the landscape. The barrens were
also greened as the team collected more than 20 bags of
garbage and debris. The team carried out public education
to educate the community on the need to protect the
limestone barrens. The team also worked with researchers
from Memorial University to tag, identify, and count rare
flora and important fauna on the limestone barrens.