Compliance Verification Activity Report: CV2122-299 - Hydro One Networks Inc.

Overview

Compliance verification activity type: Field Inspection

Activity #: CV2122-299
Start date: 2021-09-08
End date: 2021-09-09

Team:

Regulated company: Hydro One Networks Inc.

Operating company: Hydro One Networks Inc.

Province(s) / Territory(s):

Discipline(s):

Related events:

Rationale and scope:

Field inspection of Hydro One Networks

Compliance tool(s) used:

Facility details

Facilities:

Regulatory requirements

Regulatory requirements that apply to this activity:

Observations (no outstanding follow-up required)

Observation 1 - J5D (EC-13)

Date & time of visit: 2021-09-08 08:18

Discipline: Integrity Management

Categories:

Facility:

Observations:

Observation:
Staff inspected J5D towers and accessories. The vibration dampers, insulators, and the general condition of the towers were found satisfactory (except for the deficiencies and items of concern listed below). No bird caging was noticed on the conductors. Line clearances of the river crossing and other towers exceeded the requirements of the standard CSA 22.3 No.1-15. At the time of the inspection, the control room was not accessible. Hydro One provided pictures of the Differential Protection relay which replaced the Line Distance Protection relay as described in their application.

Five deficiencies categories were identified on the inspected sections of IPL J5D. The deficiency categories and corresponding CSA 22.3 No. 1-15 requirements are listed below:

  1. Climbing Aid (CSA 22.3 Section 4.2.5.2): Structures that can be climbed without the use of special means shall be protected against climbing. 
  2. Signage:
    1. (CSA 22.3 Section 4.3.1d): Conductors, cables, and equivalent longitudinal strands of supply and communication lines shall be installed in such a manner as to facilitate identification by qualified persons. This may be achieved by one or more means, including marking or numbering; and
    2. (CSA 22.3 Section 4.2.5.2) Structures that can be climbed without the use of special means shall be protected by fences or other means against climbing, or shall carry signs in the predominant languages of the locality that warn against trespassing and call attention to the hazards.
  3. Corrosion (CSA 22.3 Section 4.2.6.1): All metal supporting structures and hardware, subject to corrosion, including bolts, nuts, washers, shall be protected by galvanized coating, paint, or other treatments that effectively retard corrosion.
  4. Grounding (CSA 22.3 Section 9.1.7): Metal poles or the reinforcing metal of concrete poles, shall be effectively grounded, guarded, or isolated.
  5. Crossarms of Metal Structure (CSA 22.3 Section 7.5.3.2):  A built-up metal crossarm of a metal structure shall be designed to withstand the specified loads with load factors at least as large as those required for the tower or structure itself.
The following item of concern was identified on IPL J5D:
  1. Vegetation Management: The ROW was not cleared sufficiently to facilitate safe access for inspection purposes. Tall and dense vegetation reduced visibility representing a tripping hazard, as well as preventing thorough visual inspection of certain structure. Noxious weeds were sometimes present representing a health and safety hazard. 
The deficiencies and items of concerns were identified on the following structures:
Tower 8:
  1. Deficiencies:
    1. Climbing Aid: Stepping bolts were present below the height of 10 ft. 
    2. Signage: Warning signs and tower identification were missing.
    3. Corrosion: Some hardware showed signs of corrosion (rust). 
    4. Grounding: A temporary grounding plate was left in place. At the closing meeting, Hydro One confirmed that the plate was removed.
  2. Item of concern:
    1. Vegetation management: Tall and dense vegetation was present along the access path to the tower. 
Tower 7:
  1. Deficiencies:
    1. Climbing Aid: Stepping bolts were present below the height of 10 ft. 
    2. Signage: Warning signs and tower identification were missing.
    3. Crossarms of Metal Structure: Four internal diaphragms were visibly bent.
Tower 6:
  1. Deficiency:
    1. Signage: Warning signs and tower identification were missing.
  2. Item of concern:  
    1. Vegetation management: Tall and dense vegetation was present along the access path to the tower. A tree was present within the ROW.

The following remediation actions are recommended:
Tower 8:
  1. Climbing Aid: Stepping bolts shall be removed, as Hydro One committed to at the closing meeting.
  2. Signage: Warning signs identifying the hazards shall be added, as Hydro One committed to at the closing meeting. Tower identification should be considered.
  3. Corrosion: Although the extent of the corrosion does not present an integrity issue at this point, per CSA 22.3 No.1-15, it is recommended that structures and hardware, subject to corrosion, shall be protected by galvanized coating, paint, or other treatments that effectively retard corrosion. Hydro One to provide details on corrosion protection plan, including proposed mitigation measure, maintenance program and frequency of maintenance activity.
  4. Grounding: Temporary grounding plate was removed as confirmed by Hydro One. No further action required.
  5. Vegetation management: Access to towers in densely vegetated areas should be cleared to facilitate access and visual inspection. Hydro One to provide details on vegetation management plan, including proposed mitigation measure, maintenance program and frequency of maintenance activity.
Tower 7:
  1. Climbing Aid: Stepping bolts shall be removed, as Hydro One committed to at the closing meeting.
  2. Signage: Warning signs identifying the hazards shall be added, as Hydro One committed to at the closing meeting. Tower identification should be considered.
  3. Crossarms of Metal Structure: Four bent internal diaphragm shall be repaired, as Hydro One committed to at the closing meeting.
Tower 6:
  1. Signage: Warning signs identifying the hazards shall be added, as Hydro One committed to at the closing meeting. Tower identification should be considered..
  2. Vegetation management: Access to towers in densely vegetated areas should be cleared to facilitate access and visual inspection. Trees within the ROW will need be removed before they reach the clearance limit established in CSA. Hydro One to provide details on vegetation management plan, including proposed mitigation measure, maintenance program and frequency of maintenance activity.   

Compliance tool used: No compliance tool used

Observation 2 - L4D & L51D (EC-III-6 & EC-III-13)

Date & time of visit: 2021-09-08 13:30

Discipline: Integrity Management

Categories:

Facility:

Observations:

Observation:
Staff inspected L4D selected towers and accessories as well as L4D and L51D substation. The conductor, vibration dampers, insulators, and the general condition of the towers were found satisfactory (except for the deficiencies and items of concern listed below). No bird caging was noticed on the conductors. Line clearances of the river crossing and other towers exceeded the requirements of the standard CSA 22.3 No.1-15.

Four deficiencies categories were identified on the inspected sections of IPLs L4D and L51D. The deficiency categories and corresponding CSA 22.3 No. 1-15 requirements are listed below:

  1. Climbing Aid (CSA 22.3 Section 4.2.5.2): Structures that can be climbed without the use of special means shall be protected against climbing. 
  2. Signage:
    1. (CSA 22.3 Section 4.3.1d): Conductors, cables, and equivalent longitudinal strands of supply and communication lines shall be installed in such a manner as to facilitate identification by qualified persons. This may be achieved by one or more means, including marking or numbering; and
    2. (CSA 22.3 Section 4.2.5.2) Structures that can be climbed without the use of special means shall be protected by fences or other means against climbing, or shall carry signs in the predominant languages of the locality that warn against trespassing and call attention to the hazards.
  3. Corrosion (CSA 22.3 Section 4.2.6.1): All metal supporting structures and hardware, subject to corrosion, including bolts, nuts, washers, shall be protected by galvanized coating, paint, or other treatments that effectively retard corrosion.
  4. Grounding (CSA 22.3 Section 9.1.7): Metal poles or the reinforcing metal of concrete poles, shall be effectively grounded, guarded, or isolated.
The following item of concern was identified on IPL L4D:
  1. Vegetation Management: The ROW was not cleared sufficiently to facilitate safe access for inspection purposes. Tall and dense vegetation reduced visibility representing a tripping hazard, as well as preventing thorough visual inspection of certain structure. Noxious weeds were sometimes present representing a health and safety hazard. 

The deficiencies and items of concern were identified on the following structures:
Tower 13:
  1. Deficiencies:
    1. Corrosion: Some hardware showed signs of corrosion (rust).
    2. Grounding: Grounding probe was covered.
Tower 11:
  1. Deficiency:
    1. Corrosion: Some hardware showed signs of corrosion (rust).
Tower 10:
  1. Deficiencies:
    1. Climbing Aid: Stepping bolts were present below the height of 10 ft.
    2. Signage: Warning signs and tower identification were missing. 
  2. Item of Concern:
    1. Vegetation Management: Tall and dense vegetation was present along the access path to the tower. 
L4D and L51D Towers at Substation:
  1. Deficiency:
    1. Corrosion: Both towers showed signs of corrosion on the entire structures.

The following remediation actions are recommended:
Tower 13:
  1. Corrosion: Although the extend of the corrosion does not present an integrity issue at this point, per CSA 22.3 No.1-15, it is recommended that structures and hardware, subject to corrosion, shall be protected by galvanized coating, paint, or other treatments that effectively retard corrosion.
  2. Grounding: The grounding probe shall be properly covered, as committed to by Hydro One.
Tower 11:
  1. Corrosion: Although the extend of the corrosion does not present an integrity issue at this point, per CSA 22.3 No.1-15, it is recommended that structures and hardware, subject to corrosion, shall be protected by galvanized coating, paint, or other treatments that effectively retard corrosion. Hydro One to provide details on corrosion protection plan, including proposed mitigation measure, maintenance program, and frequency of maintenance activity.
Tower 10:
  1. Climbing Aid: Stepping bolts shall be removed, as commited to by Hydro One at the closing meeting.
  2. Signage: Warning signs identifying the hazards shall be added, as committed to by Hydro One at the closing meeting. Tower identification should be considered. 
  3. Vegetation Management: Access to towers in densely vegetated areas should be cleared to facilitate access and visual inspection. Hydro One to provide details on vegetation management plan, including proposed mitigation measure, maintenance program, and frequency of maintenance activity.
L4D and L51D Towers at Substation:
  1. Corrosion: Structures and hardware, subject to corrosion, shall be protected by galvanized coating, paint, or other treatments that effectively retard corrosion. Hydro One to provide details on corrosion protection plan, including proposed mitigation measure, maintenance program, and frequency of maintenance activity.

Compliance tool used: No compliance tool used

Observation 3 - L33P & L34P (EC-11 & EC-18)

Date & time of visit: 2021-09-09 07:40

Discipline: Integrity Management

Categories:

Facility:

Observations:

Observation:
Staff inspected selected L33P and L34P towers and accessories. The conductor, vibration dampers, insulators, and the general condition of the towers were found satisfactory (except for the deficiencies and items of concern listed below). No bird caging was noticed on the conductors. Line clearances of the river crossing and other towers exceeded the requirements of the standard CSA 22.3 No.1-15. At the substation it was observed that line L33P was out of service. Hydro One clarified that L33P has been out of service for over a year.

Five deficiencies categories were identified on the inspected sections of IPLs L33P and L34P. The deficiency categories and corresponding CSA 22.3 No. 1-15 requirements are listed below:

  1. Climbing Aid (CSA 22.3 Section 4.2.5.2): Structures that can be climbed without the use of special means shall be protected against climbing. 
  2. Signage:
    1. (CSA 22.3 Section 4.3.1d): Conductors, cables, and equivalent longitudinal strands of supply and communication lines shall be installed in such a manner as to facilitate identification by qualified persons. This may be achieved by one or more means, including marking or numbering; and
    2. (CSA 22.3 Section 4.2.5.2) Structures that can be climbed without the use of special means shall be protected by fences or other means against climbing, or shall carry signs in the predominant languages of the locality that warn against trespassing and call attention to the hazards.
  3. Corrosion (CSA 22.3 Section 4.2.6.1): All metal supporting structures and hardware, subject to corrosion, including bolts, nuts, washers, shall be protected by galvanized coating, paint, or other treatments that effectively retard corrosion.
  4. Grounding (CSA 22.3 Section 9.1.7): Metal poles or the reinforcing metal of concrete poles, shall be effectively grounded, guarded, or isolated.
  5. Foundation (CSA 22.3 Section 8.3.11) Foundations and settings shall be of sufficient strength to withstand the load transferred by the pole or structure under the assumed loads.
The following item of concern was identified on IPL L33P & L34P:
  1. Vegetation Management: The ROW was not cleared sufficiently to facilitate safe access for inspection purposes. Tall and dense vegetation reduced visibility representing a tripping hazard, as well as preventing thorough visual inspection of certain structure. Noxious weeds were sometimes present representing a health and safety hazard. 

The deficiencies and items of concerns were identified on the following structures:
Tower 11:
  1. Deficiencies:
    1. Signage: Identification of L34P was missing.
    2. Grounding: Grounding was loosely secured.
    3. Foundation: Two concrete bases showed visible signs of erosion (spalling concrete).
Tower 12:
  1. Deficiencies:
    1. Signage: Warning signs were missing. 
    2. Grounding: Grounding was loosely secured.
  2. Item of concern:
    1. Vegetation management: Tall and dense vegetation was present along the access path to the tower.
Tower 10:
  1. Deficiencies:
    1. Climbing Aid: Stepping bolts were present below the height of 10 ft. 
    2. Signage: Warning signs and tower identification were missing.
  2. Item of concern:
    1. Vegetation management: Tall and dense vegetation was present along the access path to the tower. 
Tower 2:
  1. Deficiency:
    1. Signage: Warning signs and tower identification were missing.
  2. Item of concern:
    1. Vegetation management: Tall and dense vegetation was present along the access path to the tower. 

The following remediation actions are recommended:
Tower 11:
  1. Signage: Identification of L34P should be considered.
  2. Grounding: Grounding shall be properly secured, as Hydro One committed to at the closing meeting.
  3. Foundation: Spalling concrete bases should be repaired.
Tower 12:
  1. Signage: Warning signs identifying the hazards shall be added, as Hydro One committed to at the closing meeting. 
  2. Grounding: Grounding shall be properly secured, as Hydro One committed to at the closing meeting.
  3. Vegetation management: Access to towers in densely vegetated areas should be cleared to facilitate access and visual inspection. Hydro One to provide details on vegetation management plan, including proposed mitigation measure, maintenance program, and frequency of maintenance activity.
Tower 10:
  1. Climbing Aid: Stepping bolts shall be removed, as Hydro One committed to at the closing meeting.
  2. Signage: Warning signs identifying the hazards shall be added, as Hydro One committed to at the closing meeting. Tower Identification should be considered.
  3. Vegetation management: Access to towers in densely vegetated areas should be cleared to facilitate access and visual inspection. Hydro One to provide details on vegetation management plan, including proposed mitigation measure, maintenance program, and frequency of maintenance activity.
Tower 2:
  1. Signage: Warning signs identifying the hazards shall be added, as Hydro One committed to at the closing meeting. Tower Identification should be considered.
  2. Vegetation management: Access to towers in densely vegetated areas should be cleared to facilitate access and visual inspection. Hydro One to provide details on vegetation management plan, including proposed mitigation measure, maintenance program, and frequency of maintenance activity.

Compliance tool used: No compliance tool used

Observations (company follow-up required)

Identified non-compliances to company plans or procedures are non-compliances either to:

- the condition of an authorization document that requires the implementation of that plan or procedure; or

- the relevant section of the regulations that requires implementation of that plan or procedure including those sections that require implementation of plans or procedures as a part of a Program