A vocal advocate for protecting water wells in Chatham-Kent has been granted intervenor status at an upcoming Ontario Energy Board (OEB) hearing.
Kevin Jakubec wants to ensure Hydro One conducts "adequate environmental studies" as part of the proposed St. Clair Transmission Line Project.
In his intervention request, Jakubec stated that he is a citizen advocate supported by a scientific advisory team and is intervening in the proceeding to ensure that proper environmental studies are conducted to protect the local water supply.
"All I'm trying to do is prevent any more water wells from becoming impacted from the construction of this transmission line through an area that's already shown itself to be environmentally sensitive," said Jakubec.
His intervention request stated that he is not seeking costs.
Jakubec told CK News Today he's not opposed to the project, but wants Hydro One to be good environmental stewards by doing a basic groundwater baseline study.
"Just being cautious, if you do a baseline and then put your transmission tower through and do a follow up test of the baseline and there's no change, you guys are heroes," Jakubec said.
Hydro One lawyers objected to Jakubec's intervention, saying that the environmental issues raised by Mr. Jakubec are beyond the scope of this proceeding. They said that the intervention appears to "only relate to the consideration of environmental issues without any explanation as to how these issues directly impact price, reliability, and the quality of electricity service."
The OEB disagreed, saying Jakubec has the interests of consumers at heart.
Jakubec said the ongoing well water issues in Chatham-Kent have been very stressful and costly for families.
Hydro One wants to construct a new double-circuit 230 kilovolt transmission line between the Lambton Transmission Station in St. Clair Township, connecting the Wallaceburg Transformer Station, and ending at the Chatham Switching Station.
The line will cost $471.9 million and will support local food supply and security along with economic development and job creation in the region, according to Hydro One.
Hydro One completed the Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) in February 2024.
Enbridge Gas was also approved as an intervenor at the OEB hearing because they said that the proposed transmission line "crosses and comes close" to pipelines and other facilities that they have along the proposed route. Enbridge Gas said they "want to ensure that its assets and easements will not be adversely impacted by the project."
Hydro One did not object to Enbridge Gas' intervention request.
A date for the OEB hearing has yet to be determined, but Jakubec believes it'll be sometime this Fall.