routes known as Harewood Central. However, BCTC has determined the - - PDF document

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July 17, 2008 My name is Maureen Young, I am the Regional Director ofNanaimo, elected Representative for Electoral Area C. As Electoral C, Director, I will be presenting on behalf of the citizens specifically residing in the South ForklNanaimo River Area of Electoral Area C. I am predicating my presentation by stating that I am a layperson and not a professional in making these statements; all of my information is from the Golder Report on Environmental Assessment, EMF and Health: Review and Update of the Scientific Research, Prepared for BCTC and Prepared by: Exponent Health Sciences Practice New York, USA, October 20, 2007, the Arrowsmith Benson-Cranberry Bright Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1148 and the Regional Growth Management Strategy, which is affirmed by the Regional District ofNanaimo's State of Sustainabilty Report. Before, I make my presentation, I would like say we all realize the importance of electricity in our every day lifestyle and we can appreciate the need to reinforce the capacity to of the Central Vancouver Island Transmission system, it's not the electricity we are opposed to but the proposed choice of location for the transmission line. I am speaking on behalf of my constituents, who are adamantly opposed to the 230 kv double circuit transmission line, known as the Harewood South preferred route by the British Columbia Transmission Corporation, being located in close proximity to the residents, some of the property lines will be as close as 225m, 325m & 400m. This is the chronological order of events in regard to the proposal of British Columbia Transmission Corporation re the Central Vancouver Island Transmission Project - 230 kv double circuit line. May 8th 2007 - The letter dated April 23, 2007, from BCTC to the Regional Board states that - BCTC will not decide on a preferred routing option until community consultation, First Nations consultation and environmental studies are completed. After BCTC's presentation to Nanaimo Regional District Board - I questioned the BCTC Communitcations person carefully re: the proposed route for the Central Vanvouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project - their answer was that the proposed route was to be near the residents of Brannen Lake, and another route could impact the residents of Lantzville Foothills - and that the transmission lines would be no where near the residents residing in the South Forks/Nanaimo River area, but would be in an unpopulated area miles away from any residents. Because, of the information, re the proposed Brannen Lake route, I did notify many of those residents, to be sure and attend the BCTC Open house at the Coast Bastion Hotel, Nanaimo, on May 9th, 2007. May 9, 2007 - I attended the BCTC Open House, on behalf of the citizens of Area C. The staff of BCTC were very helpful in regards to showing me the proposed route, re Brannen Lake, the Lantzville Foothills and the Jingle Pot area. Because, of my concerns re the exact location of the proposed routes in the southern portion of Area C, the staff

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BCTC - CENTRAL VANCOUVER ISLAND TRANSMISSION PROJECT CPCN EXHIBIT

actually, went to great lengths with their maps and with the assistance of Google Earth, to clarify that the proposed transmission line route, were not near the residents of South Forks/Nanaimo River Road, in fact, when we looked at Google Earth mapping they indicated they didn't know where this populated area of South ForksINanaimo River was. Today, July 16,2008, while writing this presentation, I had a phone call from a resident

in the northern portion of Area C, Brannen Lake, the Foothills area, about another issue

and we talked about the upcoming meeting today, this resident attended the May 9 - meeting and was told then not to worry - the proposed route would be in the southern area of Area C. January 5, 2008 - Saturday - Dan Gogo 2100 Nanaimo River, phoned me to advise that BCTC, had approached him in October 2007, re the proposal of the transmission line rights-of-way going through their property and invited me to attend a meeting, on January 11, 2008, with Deepak Anand the Project Manager and Judy Dobrowolski, Community Relations, Coordinator, Public Affairs of BCTC as well as two other colleagues. During, the meeting, the staff advised, myself and Mr. and Mrs. Gogo, that the proposed transmission lines would have to be located on their property because of environmental concerns and wildlife. We pointed out that the Roosevelt elk, the deer and all of the wildlife had adapted to man and industry throughout the past 100 years plus - because the whole area had been mined for coal, the forests had been logged and there had been two forest fires, which had left coal outcroppings burning for long periods of time. Through, all of this invasion of the wildlife's territory the Roosevelt elk, deer, bear and cougars are still prevalent, and spotted on a regular basis throughout the Area. After, much discussion the staff of BCTC, indicated that the transmission line proposal was to route through Mr. and Mrs. Gogo's property because the lands available have other interested entities; such as the First Nations and the Timber Companies. At this, juncture,

• n behalf of Mr. and Mrs. Dan Gogo and the Community, I would like to thank the

Snuneymuxw First Nations for there much appreciated assistance in addressing this issue. January 22, 2008 - An Open House was presented by BCTC, at the Loyal Order of the Moose Hall, in Nanaimo. At this Open House the residents had the opportunity to speak to BCTC staff and peruse the information, which stated - in deciding to pursue the route

• ption south of Nanaimo, BCTC believes that it has selected the route that is the most

effective and energy-efficient solution to increase the capacity of the Province's transmission system. In evaluating the alternatives, BCTC considered the following: topography - where the line could be easily built and remain secure. Minimal visual impact of the towers and substation. Minimal impact to the environment Minimal impact to existing land use Efficiently meeting transmission system requirements and costs

• Mr. and Mrs. Gogo, and the Community, were not pleased with this proposal and

indicated; strongly that they would prefer a route, known as the Old Nanaimo Lakes Road bypassing Barsby Lake, and connecting with the proposed Nanaimo River Sub Station - it is now known that this route is very closely aligned with one of the alternate

routes known as Harewood Central. However, BCTC has determined the Old Nanaimo Lakes Road route would not be feasible. May 8, 2008 - An agreement has been entered into with the Snuneymuxw First Nation, which will allow BCTC to align approximately 500 metres of its transmission line across provincial crown land Block 271. However, even with the transmission lines moved off ofMr and Mrs Gogo's property- the Community are still very concerned re the nearness of the lines which will be approximately 225 m from the nearest property line to 315 m from the nearest home. As a compromise - the Community would like to suggest the proposed transmission lines be placed 1 kilometre to the north side of the Department of National Defence Property along the South Forks Road in Block 258 the proposed line is already passing through Block 258 from the North at this juncture it could cross horizonitally across the South Forks Road through the Crown property on the North side of the DND property and then Block 271 on a right angle on the west side of the DND property before continuing down the west side of Boulder Creek. As an application would have already been applied for to cross Block 258 - it should be a simple matter to re-apply to the lIMB to cross Block 258. The following are some of the Communities Issues of Concern re the nearest of the proposed transmission lines to their property lines: Health Impacts to the residents to the Electric and Magnetic Fields After reading the report, Review and Update of the Scientific Research by Exponent - Health Sciences Practice, 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1740, New York, NY 10170; it was apparent that there still are many unanswered questions, regarding living close to transmission lines. As noted, in the report there were several references in various studies, of the association of childhood leukemia and exposure to Electric and Magnetic fields. The report also states, there are over 30 years of literature on one single topic. The World Health Organization, as well as

• ther scientific panels, recommended that future research use novel and sound

methods to understand what is causing, the observed statistical association. Recent studies have followed-up on this recommendation by asking tangential questions: 1) Do magnetic fields contribute to the higher rate of childhood leukemia among genetically susceptible children: 2) Do magnetic fields contribute to a worse prognosis among those already diagnosed with childhood leukemia? 3) Is the association more strongly influenced by nighttime magnetic field exposure? 4) Do trends in the incidence of childhood leukemia correlate with trends in average population magnetic field exposure? Government and industry should promote research programs to reduce the uncertainity of the scientific evidence on the health effects of ELF field exposure. Page 29 of the

• report. With all of these cited impacts, questions and many studies trying to

determine the exact effect of transmission lines on humans; it would be prudent to

place these transmission lines as far away from the citizens living in the South ForkslNanaimo River Community as possible, to alleviate their many concerns. Environment - South side of the Department of National Defense property versus placing the transmission lines on the North side of the Department of National Defense Property. The south side of the DND property is a mature second growth forest which provides a canopy for a pristine woodland, that is bisected by a riparian area wetland habitat that is mapped as a Sensitive Ecosystems Development Permit Area in the "Arrowsmith Benson - Cranberry Bright Official Community Plan." This riparian area is the source of two streams one known historically as Charlie's Creek, it flows into Berkley Creek, which the proposed corridor also encroaches, Berkeley Creek which ultimately flows into Nanaimo River, all of these streams and creeks are part of the water recharge area for the domestic water wells in the residential homes along South Forks Road. At the time of subdivision both of these streams as part, of the Development Permit Area, are subject to the applicable DPA's which are the Fish Habitat Protection Development Permit Area and the Sensitive Ecosystems Development Permit Area as in "Arrowsmith Benson - Cranberry Bright Official Community Plan." Through the subdivision process and applicable DPA 's a total of 14 acres of parkland was dedicated on either side of the streams. If the transmission lines pass through this riparian area a portion of the recharge area for the domestic wells will be destroyed, as well as, the link to the environmentally sensitive areas as part of a natural corridor and dedicated parkland. The Crown parcel being a riparian area wetland will support many amphibians and birds. The woodland is also traversed by a Roosevelt Elk trail and as observed by the residents is also home to the red tailed hawk, owls and many other birds and small mammals. It is well known that the deer and black bears make this Community and surrounding forest their home. On May 23, 2008, I discovered many orchids, on this Crown property, which a resident and I took pictures of and submitted as Evidence to the British Columbia Utilities Commission, which Golder Associates identified as a Spotted Coral Root Orchid, which is found from Prince of Wales Island and Bella Coola south to California and is included in the Plants of Coastal British Columbia book. As a lifetime resident of the Area, I personally had never seen or heard of this orchid being found in the Area. North side of the Department of National Defense Property this property has more roads within the Area, the trees are not as dense and less mature, as well Manson Creek, which was a very small stream when I was there in May, could be crossed horizonitally by the transmission lines thus not disturbing the riparian area, as would happen to the two streams that are sourced in the Crown property South of the DND property, if the transmission lines are placed in that location.

By placing the 230 V transmission lines North of the DND property there would be less noise pollution in variable weather. Potentia] for Future Upgrades to the Transmission Line - it is stated in the letter from BC Transmission Corporation, April 17, 2008 - that the proposed transmission line will be built to operate at 230 kilovolt line voltage rating and once this line is built it cannot be

• perated at any higher voltage.

This statement makes me wonder; is this because of health issues, pertaining to living near high voltage lines and if there was an expansion of the transmission lines, at a later date, would this added voltage exceed the limits for health? If the transmission line is increased in size and voltage at a later date: doesn't it make sense to locate the initial transmission line further away from the Community, where there would be more Rights of Way area should future expansion take place? Devaluation of residents properties and loss of land and a sensitive ecosystem, and loss of privacy - once a transmission line is in place it can be accessed by 4x4's, motorbikes and atv's and it also introduces a greater risk of fires being ignited. The citizens of Area C are governed by an Official Community Plan - known as Arrowsmith Benson - Cranberry Bright. The purpose of this Community Plan is to provide a comprehensive set of policies and guidelines for managing existing and future uses of land and water surfaces in Arrowsmith Benson - Cranberry Bright. Its fundamental aim is to preserve the rural character and natural amenities, while allowing for a moderate level of compatible growth and settlement in appropriate locations. The OCP provides citizens and the Regional District with a framework for decision making in light of pressures for growth and change. The public consultation process conducted for the preparation of this Official Community Plan identified two major objectives of the Community. preserve, protect and enhance the area's natural resources which include not only aquatic and terrestrial wildlife and plants, but also freshwater, agricultural, forest and mineral resources and accommodate a moderate rate of new residential development through appropriate land use designations and policies intended to preserve established rural lifestyle and the general characteristics that have made the area attractive to its residents. Residents through their actions and participation in the planning process are the final arbiters of community values. For the Plan to succeed, public awareness and understanding of the Plan will be critical. Regional Context Statement The Arrowsmith Benson - Cranberry Bright, Official Community Plan is a community based initiative that responds to the Regional Growth Management Plan for the Regional District ofNanaimo as well as the Regional Districts State of Sustainabi1tiy Report.

The Regional Growth Management Plan, adopted in January 1997, describes a vision of future region and a strategy for attaining that vision. The eight goals of the RGMP are as follows:

• 1. Contain urban sprawl, 2. Create complete, livable communities, 3. Protect rural

integrity, 4. Protect the natural environment, 5. Improve mobility, 6. Create a vibrant and sustainable economy, 8.Encourage cooperation among jurisdictions. The RGMP includes policies to achieve these eight goals. With the proposal of placing the 230 kv double circuit transmission lines in close proximity to the South ForkslNanaimo River Communtiy many of the goals and policies

• f the Arrowsmith Benson - Cranberry Bright Officical Community Plan and the

Regional Growth Management Plan will not meet or be consistent with the community values of achieving a future desired for the region. For Example: the Goal of protecting rural integrity which seeks to ensure that changes which occur on these rural lands contribute to rather than damage, their rural integrity. These land use designation s provide for the recognition of existing rural residential neighbourhoods, protect traditional rural activities and mitigate potential land use conflicts between resource - based activities and residential uses. The character and economy of Arrowsmith Benson - Cranberry Bright is defined by the natural resource value of the land for forestry, agriculture, aggregate extraction and recreation. Protecting the Natural Environment - to protect the natural environment, environmentally sensitive and natural hazard areas are identified and policies to support their protectiona and enhancement are provided. Environmentlly sensitve areas consist of waters and lands that are sensitive to human presence or land development including fresh water systems, sensitive ecosystems and nesting trees. Environmentally sensitive areas are not

• nly important to the ecology of an area but also enhance the character and Hvab1i1tyof

communities by providing opportunities for passive recreation. Furthermore, environmentally sensitive areas may also stimulate tourist-related activities. Example-of tourism - the Provincial Equestrian Trail rides hosted at Dan and Shirley Gogo's on the weekend of June 29th 2008. Additionally, all of the NaturallEnvironmental Features, Development Permit Areas for Watercourse Protection, Development Permit Areas for Sensitive Ecosystem Development Permit Areas and the Fish Habitat Protection Development Permit Area are all mapped in Area C by the Regional District ofNanimo, to reflect the Sensitive Ecosystem Development Permit Area; which includes part ofDL. 7, part ofBlk. 271, D.L. 1 Blk 17 and Blk. 258, as well, the Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory of East Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands Disturbance Mapping and Re - Evaluation of Major Riparian Corridors has been recently mapped by Environment Canada and the Canadian Wildlife Services, which also includes the South ForkslNanaimo River Area C. What this means is that all of citizens of Area C, are required to adhere to these Development Permits pertaining to Sensitive Ecosystems and Fish Habitat Protection Development in these permit areas.

At this juncture I would like to read the following letter recently written to the Integrated Land Management Bureau - from the Regional District ofNanaimo. Included in the OCP for Area C is the Natural Hazard Areas - which promotes the protection of natural hazard areas and adjacent lands is encouraged. As this area was extensively mined for coal, and many of the mine tunnels were not mapped - was a Geotech Study of the Area conducted? There are many coal outcroppings throughout this area, that during the two major forest fires burnt for long periods of time, which we were told created caverns underground - has any of this information been investigated, as part

• f the proposed transmission lines for Harewood South ?

Throughout all of these studies we have forgotten the most important factor in the equation; that is the citizens living in the South Forks/Nanaimo River Area - these residents including the Gogo's whose heritage farm has been a part of the history for over a hundred years, they are all excellent stewards of their rural lands. The Community Input Session that we are provided with today, should have taken place a year ago before Golder Associates began their environmental field assessments on July 17,2007, which is ironically a year ago today. An additional concern is the request by BCTC to shorten the process time from 120 days which is sometime in October 2008 to the end of August. After, being left out of the process for approximately seven months this request by BCTC is very unfair.and we ask for a fair process time. The goals, objectives and policies of the Arrowsmith Benson - Cranberry Bright Offical Community Plan to preserve the rural character and environmental qualities, protect the supply of groundwater for domestic use - all of these statements are reflections of community values and long - term aspirations. They are the community's statements of what is important and provide a vision for the future. These are the bylaws and policies the citizens have chosen to live by. To bring the proposed 230 kv double circuit transmission line to these citizens doorstep is not justifiable. As the information provided in siting the transmission lines is contrary to the Arrowsmith Benson - Cranberry Bright Official Community Plan, Bylaw No. 1148 and the Regional Growth Strategy Management Plan as well as the Sustainability goal of the Regional District ofNanaimo we justifiably ask that the British Columbia Transmission Corporation move the proposed transmission line one kilometer from the nearest property line or reassess the Harewood Central line. I would like to read an exert from the IR-l Responses, 19 June 2008 re the CVI Transmission Project. The response to 1.16 Reference: Appendix C, Schedule C-5 Appendix K 1.16.c Is it anticipated that the outcome of either will impact on the proposed projects in terms of timing or cost? If, so, please describe how. If not, please explain why. Response:

BCTC does not anticipate that the outcome of the environment or heritage assessments will impact the proposed project in terms of timing or cost. As per BCTC"s response to BCU C IR 1.40.1, the alignment of the proposed transmission line and location of the substation have not yet been finalized, and will be finalized after the granting of the CPCN. The placement of the substation at the proposed substation location can be adjusted to accommodate the findings of the Environment Management Plan and Archaeological Impact Assessment, if required, as there is sufficient similar land close by. In addition, the span lengths and the location of the steel poles for a transmission line can be adjusted to avoid areas identified by the Environmental Management Plan an Archaeological Impact Assessment. The citizens, irrefutable and genuine concerns in regard to the proposed placement of the transmission lines near their Community, should be considered paramount in regards to the impact on their health and environment. The citizens, that have chose to live in this area, have made their decision with care they have made this their home because they love the rural lifestyle, they enjoy the majestic beauty of the forest, river and mountains, this is their recreation and Community. In conclusion, there is a real difference between choosing to locate near a transmission line and the transmission line being brought to your Community, especially when there are many miles of unpopulated land along the South Forks Road. Thank you, for listening, I know may presentation has been lengthy but not comparable to the hundreds and hundreds of pages of reports we have read as being Interveners. I also know how stressful and time consuming this proposal as been for the citizens and I do hope our presentations, the goals and policies of our Arrowsmith Benson Cranberry - Bright Official Community Plan, our Regional Growth Strategy and Sustainability Report and the mapped applicable Development Permit Areas re Sensitive Ecosystems and Protected Fish Habitat, as well as the mapped Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory of East Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands, provided by Environment Canada and Canadian Wildlife Service and the British Columbia Ministry of Sustainable Resources Management of Water Land and Air Protection will provide the framework to re-evaluate the proposed 230 kv double circuit transmission line being placed on the Crown property described as DL 1 and Block 17 and instead place the transmission line on Block 258 which is approximately 1 km away or chose the route known as Harewood Central. 1would like to thank all of the Community for their hard work, passion and support in addressing this issue, the one positive observation is what a wonderful rural Community we all enjoy!