High Energy Splicing Activities Coming Up

Shared on behalf of Voltage Power Ltd.

Dear Residents of Chatham-Kent, Lakeshore, Essex, and surrounding areas: 

Intermittent noise and flashes due to high energy splicing activities

Voltage Power Ltd., the Prime Contractor selected by Hydro One for the Chatham to Lakeshore Transmission Line Project (the Project), will be completing high energy splicing/joining activities in your area between March 2024 and July 2024. We are writing to provide details of this upcoming work and the potential disruption it may cause.

What work is required?

As you have likely seen, we have made significant progress installing tower foundations and erecting towers on the Project. The stringing of the lines between the towers is the next essential step in project delivery. To install the transmission lines safely and effectively, we must employ high energy joining activities of the conductor wires, also known as “splicing” or “dead ending”. Splicing involves the joining of two cable wires together with an “instant weld.” An aluminum sleeve is wrapped with a guided discharge to facilitate compression of the sleeve around the conductor to join the two ends together. Similarly, “dead-ending” involves securing the connection of the wire to an anchor point on the tower. Dead-end towers are used to turn and redirect cable and act as vital support locations for the thousands of pounds of cable and steel being supported by the towers transmitting power to the communities.

Voltage Power prioritizes safety above all else and will abide by all protocols as they pertain to laws/regulations, along with licenses/approvals/permits which govern the usage, transportation, and storage of high energy joining sleeves used for splicing. 

What should I expect?

When splicing occurs, there will be intermittent loud noises and flashes, similar to a firework. There is also the potential for transient noise.

How is the community being notified?

Voltage Power has surveyed all locations where high energy splicing/joining will occur, to identify nearby and adjacent residences, farms, and businesses. We will be using a variety of channels to make people aware, including in-person visits, mail, social media, and public announcements.

• If your residence is located within the 1.6km buffer radius of a dead-end tower, landowners and residents will be notified by mail, social media and potential radio ads prior to work being conducted. Discussions will be held with livestock and hobby farms, along with kennels etc., in order to minimize effects to animals as best as possible.
• If splicing/joining will be occurring within 200m of any homes or buildings, residents will be visited personally by a member of our team prior to work being conducted. Given the proximity and the potential for vibrations, we may be asking these residents to open their windows. Our team can also provide advice with respect to minimizing the impact on buildings, vehicles, transportation units, etc.

It is crucial that we establish communication prior with Landowners to ensure minimal disruptions, as best as possible.

Who can I contact for more information?

Voltage is aware that construction noise and activities can affect the daily lives and well-being of surrounding residents, Farmers, and community members. We look forward to working with you to reduce disruptions. If you have any questions, please contact: Marc Buchanan, Lands & Environmental Coordinator, Voltage Power (An Aecon Company) at (647) 237-7762 or mabuchanan@aecon.com.

Voltage Power Ltd. appreciates your patience during these essential construction activities and hope to continue to work in cooperation with the communities of Chatham-Kent, Lakeshore, Essex, and surrounding areas.