Topic:"Infrastructure Planning" in M13015

CI C0053295 L5004 Kearney Lake Structure Replacement ATO NON-CONFIDENTIAL August 4, 2026

AI summary The document is a non-confidential submission related to the replacement of the Kearney Lake Structure, dated August 4, 2026. It appears to be part of a regulatory proceeding concerning infrastructure planning and power infrastructure.

DESCRIPTION: This project includes the removal of nine existing wooden pole structures and replacing them with six new steel pole structures to increase the reliability and the useful life of the transmission Line L-5004 in Kearney Lake. L...

AI summary The project involves replacing nine wooden pole structures with six steel pole structures on the 69kV transmission line L-5004 in Kearney Lake to improve reliability and serviceability. The line, originally built in 1966, is nearing the end of its service life and requires upgrades for safety and longevity.

Why do this project? Based on assessment from the transmission inspection program, the deteriorated condition of these assets, along with the existing and rapidly growing customer base for the Kearney Lake area, all indications that the tr...

AI summary The project is necessary due to the deteriorated condition of transmission structures around Kearney Lake and the growing customer base, which requires replacement to ensure reliability and quick repair of the transmission feeder.

Why do this project now? Upon completion of this project the reliability of the transmission line will be significantly increased due to the removal and replacement of end of life assets and mitigating unplanned and unforeseen customer imp...

AI summary This project aims to replace end-of-life assets on a transmission line to improve reliability and reduce repair times and costs. The line serves nearly 30,000 customers, and failure could cause prolonged outages, especially since some poles are located in a lake. The project will be deemed in-service in May 2026, with a Final Cost Date of June 2027.

Why do this project this way? Replacing the existing deteriorated assets is the only technically feasible option to accomplish the intended scope of this project. The new design will result in stronger metallic structures with greater clea...

AI summary Replacing deteriorated assets is the only technically feasible option to achieve the project's goals. The new design includes stronger structures, greater clearances, and enhanced durability to reduce failure risks. The new structure's location near the roadway facilitates inspection and maintenance, and the improved design allows for future expansion.

Reason for Variance – ATO The increase of $4,358,247 from the approved 2025 ACE Plan budget of $2,478,537 is primarily due to significant increases in the construction related costs for the engineered concrete foundation design requirement...

AI summary The increase in the 2025 ACE Plan budget is due to underestimated construction costs for concrete foundations and steel poles, driven by complex geotechnical investigations and environmental challenges. The project has completed design phases and is entering construction, with remaining tasks including asset removal and installation of new infrastructure.

L-5004 Kearney lake Structure Replacement Title: Description Unit Quantity Unit Estimate Total Estimate Cost Support Reference Completed Similar Projects (FP#'s) NEW STR 44 FOUNDATION Lot 1 $ 767,300 $ 767,300 NEW STR 45 FOUNDATION Lot 1 $...

AI summary The document outlines the estimated costs for the replacement of structures at Kearney Lake, including foundations, steel pole erection, environmental support, and engineering design. The total estimated cost for the project is $4,812,977.

Document No: XXX-XX-XXXX-XXXX Project Cost Estimate Input Checklist and Maturity Matrix Transmission Line Infrastructure Required fields: Estimate Classification Project Name: ATO L5004 Kearney Lake Structure Replacement Started or Prelimi...

AI summary The document outlines a checklist and maturity matrix for the ATO L5004 Kearney Lake Structure Replacement project, focusing on the transmission line infrastructure. It includes details on project scope, capacity, location, requirements, technology selection, strategy, and planning, with classification levels for estimate maturity.

Inclusions For the purposes of this document, the term power transmission line infrastructure industries is assumed to include greenfield or brownfield sites for overhead, buried and submarine transmission of electrical power in the infras...

AI summary The document defines power transmission line infrastructure industries and excludes certain facilities such as process plants, mining facilities, and power generation. It references other RPs for excluded project scopes and cites definitions from the Construction Industry Institute.

1.1 GENERAL Stantec Consulting Ltd. (Stantec) has conducted a geotechnical investigation for four new proposed transmission tower structures along Kearney Lake in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The new structures are required to replace existing st...

AI summary Stantec Consulting Ltd. conducted a geotechnical investigation for four new transmission tower structures in Halifax, Nova Scotia, to replace aging structures. The investigation assessed subsurface conditions to support the design of earthworks and foundations for the new Tangent H-frame steel structures.

1.2 SCOPE OF WORK The scope of work for the geotechnical investigation consisted of: - Drilling a single sampled geotechnical borehole using a conventional geotechnical drill-rig at each of the four proposed replacement tower locations, -...

AI summary The scope of work for the geotechnical investigation includes drilling boreholes at four tower locations, conducting soil and bedrock testing, and preparing a report with foundation planning recommendations.

5.1 GENERAL We understand that NSPI propose to replace the existing wooden tower structures alongside Kearney Lake Road and off Hamshaw Drive with Tangent H-frame steel structures. Tower structures STR#44 and STR#45 will be located near th...

AI summary NSPI proposes replacing wooden towers with steel structures near Kearney Lake Road. Due to subsurface conditions and proximity to the lake, shallow foundations are not feasible for some sites, and rock-socketed piles are recommended. STR#47 can use shallow foundations.

5.2.2 Water Control Due to the proximity of Kearney Lake, it will likely be necessary to provide temporary dewatering measures during mass excavation and filling for shallow foundations. Control of surface water run-off and groundwater see...

AI summary The text discusses water control measures necessary during construction near Kearney Lake, including temporary dewatering, surface water runoff control, and groundwater management. It recommends diversion ditches, drainage swales, and water management plans to ensure compliance with regulations and prevent soil degradation.

5.2.3 Spread Footing Design The glacial till and bedrock encountered in the boreholes, or approved structural fill placed over glacial till or bedrock, are suitable bearing surfaces for spread footings. Due to the possibly of cobbles and b...

AI summary This section discusses the design of spread footings on glacial till, bedrock, or approved structural fill, including considerations for over-excavation, backfilling, compaction requirements, bearing resistance values, and frost protection. Design parameters are based on serviceability and ultimate limit states, with adjustments for eccentric or sloped conditions.

5.3.1 Micropiles Design of micropiles is based on the capacity of the socket, which is a function of the socket diameter, socket length and average factored bond resistance between the cementitious grout and in-situ material. T the grout-t...

AI summary This section discusses the design of micropiles, focusing on factors such as socket capacity, bond resistance, and construction recommendations. It outlines design parameters for compressive and uplift resistance, bond lengths, and considerations for groundwater and casing requirements.

5.3.2 Drilled CIP Concrete Piles Similar to micropiles, design of conventional rock-socketed piles should be based on the capacity of the socket, which is a function of the rock socket diameter, socket length and average factored bond resi...

AI summary This section discusses the design and installation of drilled CIP concrete piles in rock-socketed foundations. It emphasizes the importance of bond stress values for Quartzite bedrock and concrete, the need for full-time inspection during installation, and monitoring of concrete strength and placement.

Kearney Lake Foundation Preliminary Cost Estimate Description - Assumptions Unit Cost ($) # of Units Cost ($) General Conditions, Permits 10,000 1 10,000 Security, Traffic Control - Lane shut downs as required 7,500 1 7,500 Tree Clearing,...

AI summary The document provides a preliminary cost estimate for the Kearney Lake Foundation project, detailing various construction and design costs, including pile installation, foundation work, and geotechnical support, with a total estimated cost of $247,500.

Introduction Stantec Consulting Ltd. (Stantec) was retained by Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSPI) to carry out a supplemental geotechnical investigation for two additional proposed transmission tower locations, Structure STR43 and Structure STR...

AI summary Stantec Consulting Ltd. conducted a supplemental geotechnical investigation for two proposed transmission tower locations, STR43 and STR50, as part of infrastructure upgrades. The study aimed to assess subsurface conditions and provide foundation recommendations based on soil, bedrock, and access constraints.

Structure STR43 At STR43, the borehole encountered approximately 1.1 m of compact to very dense, grey and brown gravel with silt and sand. This upper unit included trace organic material in the top 0.18 m and could possibly be fill derived...

AI summary The geotechnical investigation at STR43 reveals a layered subsurface profile with gravel, silty sand, and bedrock. Due to site constraints such as sloping terrain and limited overhead clearance, shallow foundations are impractical, and deep foundations like micropiles are recommended for their compatibility with restricted access and limited headroom.

Structure STR50 The subsurface profile at STR50 consists of approximately 0.6 m of surficial gravel fill, underlain by very dense silty gravel till with frequent cobbles and boulders. Bedrock was encountered at approximately 3.3 m depth an...

AI summary The geotechnical investigation at STR50 reveals a subsurface profile of gravel fill and dense silty gravel till, with bedrock encountered at 3.3 m depth. The bedrock is classified as high-strength greywacke. Based on findings, geotechnical design parameters for spread footings are recommended, including bearing resistance values and construction considerations.

2nd Quarter Overview - as of June 30, 2026 ACE Plan Reference Submission or 1 Awaiting Approval Transmission C0082085 67C-T64 Transformer Replacement U&U OTQ - June 6, 2026 $ - $ 2,418,415 2,400,607 Awaiting Approval Distribution C0083451...

AI summary The 2nd Quarter Overview as of June 30, 2026, outlines two projects awaiting approval: the 67C-T64 Transformer Replacement and the Seton Ridge Underground Network, both with associated costs and references to an Order in the Matter dated June 6, 2026.

Request IR-1: - As the application noted, this project was approved as part of 2025 Annual Capital Expenditure - (ACE) Plan with an estimated budget of $2,478,537. This ATO application has increased the - approved budget cost by $4,358,247...

AI summary The document discusses an application (ATO) for a transmission line project under the 2025 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan. The project involves replacing wooden poles with steel ones and relocating one structure from Kearney Lake to the shoreline. The application has increased the project's budget and raises questions about permissions, environmental requirements, and delays.

Request IR-2: - a) Please identify and provide any significant incremental information discovered during the supplemental geotechnical investigation detailed in Attachment 2 to the application, dated April 16, 2025. Specifically those that...

AI summary Request IR-2 asks for information on significant incremental findings from a supplemental geotechnical investigation, why structural design changes could not have been identified from an earlier investigation, and what triggered the need for the supplemental investigation and why it was not considered preliminary engineering.