Compliance Verification Activity Report: CV2223-053 - Quebec Hydro - Hydro-Québec

Overview

Compliance verification activity type: Field Inspection

Team:

• Inspector 2349

Regulated company: Quebec Hydro - Hydro-Québec

Operating company: Quebec Hydro - Hydro-Québec

Province(s) / Territory(s):

• Quebec

Discipline(s):

• Integrity Management

Rationale and scope:

Inspection of:

• EC-III-021: IPL 4451 and 4452 including Des Cantons  electrode and Des IPL
• EC-III-17: Stanstead-Derby Line IPL 1400 including Stanstead Substation

Compliance tool(s) used:

• None

Facility details

Facilities:

Facility Types

• International Power Line (IPL)
• Conductors and shields
• Dampers and spacers
• Grounding
• Guy wires
• Insulators
• Other
• Poles and towers
• Right of way

Life-cycle Phases

• Operations

Regulatory requirements

Regulatory requirements that apply to this activity:

• Canadian Energy Regulator Act (CERA)
• Canadian Energy Regulator Act (CERA)
• National Energy Board Act (NEBA)
• National Energy Board Electricity Regulations (ER)
• National Energy Board General Order for Electricity Reliability Standards General Order MO-036-2012
• National Energy Board Act (NEBA) 2016-06-19

Regulatory instrument number(s):

• EC-III-17
• EC-III-021

Observations (no outstanding follow-up required)

Observation 1 - Line 4451 & 4452 (EC-III-021) - Des Cantons Electrode

Date & time of visit: 2022-07-18 13:40

Discipline: Integrity Management

Categories:

• Facilities
• Electrical Workmanship
• Control Room
• Electrical

Facility:

Observations:

CER IOs inspected the ground electrode. CER IOs were informed that the electrode:

• Has an 800 m diameter for an effective ground zone
• Is not connected to the 4451-4452 line anymore.

CER IOs inquired about the purpose of the 44 kV coil (Picture Line 4451 & 4452 (EC-III-021) - Des Cantons Electrode - Coil). In an email dated 06 September 2022, HQ explained that the coil is a band filter for the Elis line protection to ensure the integrity of the grounding.

• A bird’s nest located on one of the poles inside the substation (Picture: Line 4451 & 4452 (EC-III-021) - Des Canton Electrode - Bird Nest)
• One broken porcelain insulator disk (Picture: Line 4451 & 4452 (EC-III-021) - Des Cantons Electrode - Broken Insulator Disk)
• Grounding on all structures, including the fence, were in good condition.

Compliance tool used: No compliance tool used

Observation 2 - Line 4451 & 4452 (EC-III-021) - Tower 14, 13, 12, 11

Date & time of visit: 2022-07-19 15:07

Discipline: Integrity Management

Categories:

• Powerlines
• Vegetation Control
• Poles and Towers
• Insulators
• Conductors and Shields
• Dampers & Spacers
• Guy Wires
• Grounding

Facility:

Observations:

Tower 14
CER IOs travelled to Tower 14 (MLG type) and observed the following:

• The structure is in good condition considering its age as it was built after the NEB issued the certificate in 1985
  • No bent cross members
  • No rust
• The top conductor on the tower is the electrode
• The tower grounding was not observed. HQ explained that the tower was grounded at the foundation level, as documented in an email dated 16 December 2022
• Compression splicing to connect the conductor was observed
• HQ stated no components have been replaced including the conductor

Tower 13
CER IOs travelled to Tower 13 (MMA Type) and observed the following:

• The tower was generally in good condition
• The tower was grounded although the guy wires can act as the ground

Tower 12
CER IOs travelled to Tower 12 (MLG type) and observed the following:

• Line 4009-4010 was observed in proximity
• The porcelain string insulators have apparently been in operation from the original installation and the disk sizes are slightly bigger than the current design used by utilities.
• Substantial vegetation growth covering the base of the tower and surroundings was observed. CER IOs asked whether the vegetation growth was acceptable. In an email dated 06 September 2022, HQ explained that the vegetation observed at tower 12 is classified as a level 2 (2 to 4 m high) density 5 (76%) according to HQ's internal system. HQ confirmed in the same email that vegetation clearing at tower 12 is planned for 2022 by manual clearing and herbicide.

Tower 11
CER IOs travelled to Tower 11 (MMA Type) and observed the following:

• The tower was generally in good condition
• Substantial vegetation growth was observed here and as such the guy wires are not visible (Picture: Line 4451 & 4452 (EC-III-021) - Tower 11 - Vegetation Around Guy Wire).

Compliance tool used: No compliance tool used

Observation 3 - Line 4451 & 4452 (EC-III-021) - Tower 184, 185, 186, 187, 182

Date & time of visit: 2022-07-20 08:51

Discipline: Integrity Management

Categories:

• Powerlines
• Vegetation Control
• Poles and Towers
• Insulators
• Conductors and Shields
• Dampers & Spacers
• Guy Wires
• Grounding

Facility:

Observations:

Tower 184
CER IOs travelled to Tower 184 (MMA Type) and observed the following:

• The structure did not show signs of rust and all parts such as the insulators, the conductors, the spacers were in good condition.
• The sleeves on the guy wires were visible and the guy wires had good tension.
• The conductors were crossing a residential distribution line. The clearance between the two lines was approximately measured to be 167 ft. HQ's own standard, which exceeds the requirements of CSA 22.3 No. 1-15 Table 4, requires the clearance to be 19.7 meters from the ground. A clearance of 50 meters (167 ft) from the distribution line exceeds the requirement for 450 kV DC for each pole.

Tower 185
CER IOs travelled to Tower 185 (MMA Type) and made the same observations as tower 185.
 
Tower 186
CER IOs travelled to Tower 186 (MMA Type) and observed the following:

• The structure was in good condition.
• One guy wire sleeve was not visible because of overgrown vegetation (Picture: Line 4451 & 4452 (EC-III-021) - Tower 186 - Vegetation). However, the guy wire is located away from the road and it is a very low risk that a vehicle could come in contact with it.
• The tower appeared slightly inclined to one side but it was difficult to confirm without using any measuring tools (Picture: Line 4451 & 4452 (EC-III-021) - Tower 186 Alignment).
• A large nest was observed on the structure (Picture: Line 4451 & 4452 (EC-III-021) - Tower 186 - Bird Nest). HQ explained that for wildlife preservation reasons, the nest could not be removed until nesting was complete. However, the nest was not close to the live conductor therefore there was no immediate safety concern.

Tower 187
CER IOs travelled to Tower 187 (MLG Type) and observed the following:

• The tower is a different style than towers 184 to 186. The reason for the tower type is the height of the tower is compatible with the terrain elevation.
• As per the previous day’s observation, the tower grounding was not observed. However, HQ explained that the tower was grounded at the foundation level, as documented in an email dated 16 December 2022.

Tower 182
 
CER IOs travelled to Tower 182 (MLG Type) and observed the following:

• Ribbons on trees indicate that the vegetation is planned to be trimmed.
• Fading of the galvanized coating resulted in some rust colour on the cross members (Picture: Line 4451 & 4452 (EC-III-021) - Tower 182 - Faded Galvanized Coating).

Compliance tool used: No compliance tool used

Observation 4 - Line 4451 & 4452 (EC-III-021) - Towers 86, 88, 90

Date & time of visit: 2022-07-20 16:09

Discipline: Integrity Management

Categories:

• Powerlines
• Vegetation Control
• Poles and Towers
• Insulators
• Conductors and Shields
• Dampers & Spacers
• Guy Wires
• Grounding

Facility:

Observations:

Tower 86
CER IOs drove by tower 86 (MMA Type) and observed:

• Bird feeders were present on the tower (Picture: Line 4451 & 4452 (EC-III-021) - Tower 86 - Bird Feeders).
• An unauthorized steel structure was on the ROW (Picture: Line 4451 & 4452 (EC-III-021) - Tower 86 - Metal Structure).
• One guy wire bolt was loose (Picture: Line 4451 & 4452 (EC-III-021) - Tower 86 - Loose Bolt).

• The tower is grounded
• A white tag was observed at the top of the tower (Picture: Line 4451 & 4452 (EC-III-021) - Tower 88 - White Tag). In an email dated 06 September 2022, HQ clarified that the white marker's purpose is to signal an obstacle

• A yellow sign showing the number of the tower for aerial patrol.
• There was no guy wire. In an email dated 06 September 2022, HQ explain that guy wires are typically used on rock foundations.

Compliance tool used: No compliance tool used

Observation 5 - Line 4451 & 4452 (EC-III-021) - Des Cantons Substation

Date & time of visit: 2022-07-20 16:08

Discipline: Integrity Management

Categories:

• Facilities
• Electrical Workmanship

Facility:

Observations:

CER IOs travelled to the Des Cantons Station and observed the following:

• The presence of the deactivated line (450, i.e., the ground wire for 4451 and 4452).
• The location where Lines 4451 – 4452 and Lines 4009 – 4010 interconnect at the substation.
• According to the original certificate EC-III-21, the international power line designated by HQ as 451-452 originated from the Des Cantons substation extending 77.5 km to the international border. The converter station at Des Cantons station was used to convert the 735 kV AC to +/- 450 kV DC and the capacity of the station was 690 MW. Later HQ applied to the NEB for modifications of the station and dismantled the converter. The incoming +/- 450 kV DC line from Nicolet is now interconnected with the original 451-452 line at Des Cantons station thus changing the configuration of the IPL.
• The station used to have a center-tap connected to a ground electrode which was to travel to an electrode station a few kilometres away by an overhead 44 kV class line. However, the electrode is now disconnected as there are no converters.

Compliance tool used: No compliance tool used

Observation 6 - Line 1400 (EC-III-17), Stanstead Substation

Date & time of visit: 2022-07-21 10:15

Discipline: Integrity Management

Categories:

• Facilities
• Electrical Workmanship

Facility:

Observations:

CER IOs travelled to Stanstead Station and observed the following:

• The two (2) 25 kV lines connected to the station.
• The two (2) 120 kV lines connected to the station: Line 1400 to the United States and Line 1401 to Sherbrooke.
•  A 22.5 MVA, 120/25 kV rating transformer is used for stepping up and stepping down the incoming voltages.
• The voltage and current transformers are used for measurement purposes.
• The capacitors are used to regulate and stabilize the voltage at 120 kV.
• The grounding was observed in all good condition.

Compliance tool used: No compliance tool used

Observation 7 - Line 1400 (EC-III-17), Towers 2, 4, 6, 8, 9

Date & time of visit: 2022-07-21 11:26

Discipline: Integrity Management

Categories:

• Powerlines
• Vegetation Control
• Poles and Towers
• Insulators
• Conductors and Shields
• Dampers & Spacers
• Guy Wires
• Grounding

Facility:

Observations:

All poles for line 1400 were cedar wooden poles. All insulators are disk-type suspension insulators made of glass.
 
Tower 2
CER IOs travelled to Tower 2 (H-frame) and observed the following:

• The tower was in good condition.
• Tower marking was present.
• The tag installed on one of the poles provides information on the type of wood used, the date the pole was delivered, and the height of the pole (i.e. 65 – 2 stands for 65 feet high and 2 stands for the type of pole) followed by the acronym for Hydro-Quebec = HQ.
• The two other tags installed on the pole indicate the year of installation. For example, two digits 1 and 4 on a pole indicate the year 2014. CER IOs were informed that this line’s poles were all replaced in recent years.
• No sign of rot. Wooden poles are pre-treated against rotting. HQ has a retreatment program for wooden poles.
• Poles are all grounded, and ground connections were observed in good condition.
• This tower had four (4) guy wires with visible sleeves and good tension.

• Similarly to the previous tower, the tags displaying the tower number, the information on the pole, and the date of installation were present.
• Both legs were grounded.
• There were no guy wires.

• Similarly to the previous towers, the tags displaying the tower number, the information on the pole, and the date of installation were present.
• All legs were grounded.
• 8 guy wires were present with visible sleeves.

• Similarly to the previous towers, the tags displaying the tower number, the information on the pole, and the date of installation were present.
• All legs were grounded.

Compliance tool used: No compliance tool used

Observation 8 - Line 1400 (EC-III-17), Towers 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

Date & time of visit: 2022-07-21 14:14

Discipline: Integrity Management

Categories:

• Powerlines
• Vegetation Control
• Poles and Towers
• Insulators
• Conductors and Shields
• Dampers & Spacers
• Guy Wires
• Grounding

Facility:

Observations:

All poles for line 1400 were cedar wooden poles. All insulators are disk-type suspension insulators made of glass.

Tower 10
CER IOs travelled to Tower 10 (Double H Frame) and observed the following:

• Similarly to the previous towers, the tags displaying the tower number, the information on the pole, and the date of installation were present.
• All legs were grounded.
• Tower was supported by eight (8) guy wires with sleeves.
• Vibration dampers were installed on shield wires.

• All legs were grounded.
• Guy wires with sleeves in a good condition.
• The crossbar was grounded.

• Similarly to the previous towers, the tags displaying the tower number, the information on the pole, and the date of installation were present.
• All legs were grounded.
• Out of the eight glass insulator disks on one string, one disk was missing. (Picture: Line 1400 (EC-III-17), Tower 12). According to HQ representatives, this tower is considered a P4 site and will be addressed according to the procedure.

• Similarly to the previous towers, the tags displaying the tower number, the information on the pole, and the date of installation were present.
• All legs were grounded.
• Eight (8) guy wires with sleeves.

• Similarly to the previous towers, the tags displaying the tower number, the information on the pole, and the date of installation were present.
• All legs were grounded.
• Eight (8) guy wires with sleeves.
• This is the last tower before the IPL crosses the border with the United States.

Compliance tool used: No compliance tool used

Observation 9 - Recommendations

Date & time of visit: 2022-07-21 16:00

Discipline: Integrity Management

Categories:

• Facilities
• Electrical Workmanship
• Powerlines
• Vegetation Control
• Poles and Towers
• Insulators
• Conductors and Shields
• Dampers & Spacers
• Guy Wires
• Grounding

Facility:

Observations:

Resulting from the inspection of line 4451-4451 (EC-III-021) and line 1400 (EC-III-17), CER Staff has the following recommendations:

• Des Cantons Electrode:
  • Remove bird nest when practical with respect to nesting constraints while maintaining the integrity of the substation equipment. 
  • Replace broken insulator disk
• Line 4451-4452:
  • Tower 11: Verify vegetation management plan regarding visibility of guy wire in dense vegetation.
  • Tower 86:
    • Remove bird feeders from the tower
    • Remove metal structure from ROW
    • Tighten the loose guy wire bolt.
  • Tower 186: Adjust alignment as committed to in the 6 September 2022 email.
• Line 1400:
  • Tower 12: Confirm the missing insulator disk is planned to be replaced.

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: