Survey crews have begun work on Stage 2 of Yukon Energy’s Carmacks-Stewart transmission line. The Whitehorse firm Challenger Geomatics began the survey work earlier this month. They will spend the next few weeks marking the line route between Pelly Crossing and Stewart Crossing.
“I’m very encouraged that work has started on the final phase of the Carmacks-Stewart line,” Yukon Energy President David Morrison said. “When it’s completed, it will link Yukon’s two electrical grids, improving reliability by giving us the flexibility we need to move power from one area of the territory to the other.”
The project brings local employment and economic spin-offs. In addition to its own employees, Challenger is hiring four or five survey assistants from Pelly Crossing and one food services person, also from Pelly Crossing, to provide meals for the crews. It is also renting local housing for its workers.
With the survey work already underway, brush clearing will follow very shortly. Yukon Energy plans to award the brushing contract this week, and that work will start late this month or early next.
Line construction is expected to start in February or March. Sections of the line will be built in wet areas, so it’s important, as an environmental protection measure, to do construction in these sections while the ground is still frozen.
The transmission line is expected to be in operation by the spring of 2011, subject to delivery of the transformer at Stewart Crossing.
For safety reasons, Yukoners are asked to stay away from the area while the groundwork is taking place. If they absolutely must enter the work area, they are asked to wear safety clothing and to prearrange access with the on-site project manager. Contact information for the project manager will be posted at worksite access points along the Klondike Highway, or can be obtained by contacting Yukon Energy.
The Carmacks-Stewart Transmission Project has been through an extensive environmental screening by the Yukon Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment Board and through three public hearings by the Yukon Utilities Board. Stage 2 is expected to cost approximately $40 million. It is being financed in large part by contributions from the federal and Yukon governments.
Contact:
Janet Patterson
Supervisor, Communications
Yukon Energy Corporation
(867) 393-5333
janet.patterson@yec.yk.ca
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