Ongoing Engagement
The Genesee Generating Station and Mine have operated west of Edmonton, AB for 25 years. Genesee 3, commissioned in 2005, is one of the most advanced, fuel-efficient, and environmentally-progressive coal-powered facilities in Canada. We maintain open communication with local stakeholders and adapt our operations, where possible, based on community feedback.
Open House for Proposed Genesee Generating Station Units 4 & 5, and Licence Renewal Projects
Capital Power submitted Applications for its proposed Genesee Generating Station Units 4 & 5 (the Project) and Licence Renewal for the existing Genesee Generating Station Units 1–3 to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) and to Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD) on December 20, 2013.
Capital Power held its first community open house for both projects in November 2013, with just over 25 community members attending.
Genesee Generating Station Units 4 & 5
The proposed gas-fired generation facility will be located entirely within the boundaries of the existing Genesee Generating Station, in a five-hectare area previously used as construction laydown. The expected in-service date for both units is 2017–2020. Construction of the 1,050 MW facility will be in two phases, with each phase being approximately equal in length. Pending a successful outcome of the regulatory review, Capital Power anticipates construction beginning in 2015.
Capital Power is proposing the Project in order to meet anticipated increases in Alberta’s power requirements arising both from continued economic growth in Alberta and from the expected retirement of some of the province’s older coal generating units beginning around 2020.
Genesee Generating Station Licence Renewal
The Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA) approval for the existing Genesee Generating Station (GGS) Units 1–3 is required to be renewed every 10 years. The current approval expires February 1, 2015.
The EPEA approval documents the environmental parameters the existing GGS site must operate within, such as the monitoring and reporting of air emissions, wastewater, waste management, soil, and the biomonitoring program.
Capital Power is proposing a number of updates to the existing EPEA approval:
- Clarification and update of approval conditions to reflect operational changes and technical improvements.
- Addition of approved mercury control equipment as a site air emission source.
- Minor amendment to approval conditions when operating with natural gas.
- Clarification and update of definitions and reporting requirements.
The participant involvement program for both projects began in late 2013 and will continue through 2014. Project updates and information can be found at www.capitalpower.com
The proposed Genesee Mine Extension
Area residents’ groundwater concerns
The Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) and Alberta Environment continue their review of Capital Power’s application for approval of the Genesee Mine Extension (submitted October 2011). The Mine Extension would secure continued fuel supply for the three generating units at the Genesee facility. The proposed extension includes 14.5 sections (9,280 acres) of land.
Within the application process, we took steps to address concerns of potential impacts on groundwater and private wells from a group of landowners living within five kilometres of the eastern edge of the proposed mine permit boundary. We met with these landowners, shared information on the technical assessments done on potential groundwater impacts, and committed to working with them to address their concerns.
With input from community members, a new Water Supply Policy was developed and a program to conduct baseline assessments of wells in the area was commenced.
Capital Power kept the ERCB and Alberta Environment informed of all communication with landowners.
Addressing displacement – Genesee’s Land Purchase Program
The proposed mine extension directly affected approximately 30 private landowners.
Our Land Purchase program includes a premium on market value for the land that is required for the mine and allows flexibility for landowners to remain on the land for as long as they desire or to sell the land early. Land exchanges and a ”sellers list” were also coordinated to maximize the potential for those interested in selling and buying land. The program was very successful in securing the required land and, by the end of 2013, all but three quarter sections required for the project had been purchased.
Genesee’s responsible hunting program – Hunting for Tomorrow
Hunting for Tomorrow has been administering hunting on Capital Power lands at the Genesee Generating Station for almost 10 years in response to hunting requests from local area residents. In addition to managing hunting activities on the 8,000 acres (3,200 hectares) of designated land at Genesee, Hunting for Tomorrow also provides a mentorship program, which pairs first-time hunters with a qualified mentor to receive one-on-one instruction.
Area hunters are allowed to use only primitive weapons such as black powder rifles, bow and arrows, crossbows, and shot guns with slugs (which are lower-velocity and have a smaller range). This is done as a safety precaution as there is potential for employees to be on the land at the same time. Hunters typically hunt for deer, moose, and elk on the property.
The TV show, Let’s Go Outdoors, visited the site in 2013. This episode features a father mentoring his 13 year-old son.