The SOO Green HVDC Link is pioneering a new model for sustainable transmission development that avoids environmental and community impacts associated with traditional aboveground transmission lines. SOO Green has secured rights to install the proposed SOO Green HVDC Link underground within Canadian Pacific Railway’s right-of-way.
By installing the conductor cable underground along the existing railroad and other transportation corridors, SOO Green reduces the need for tree clearing and eliminates threats to sensitive species such as migratory birds, bats or native plants.
The project utilizes safe materials: the electricity-conducting cable is well-insulated, produced from non-flammable materials and does not require any cooling liquids or gels. The electric fields produced by the underground high-voltage lines will not harm humans, animals, plants or interfere with railroad operations.
The project will eliminate over 1 million tons of harmful carbon emissions, which is the equivalent of taking over 2 million cars off the road, and is estimated to save $9.8 billion in public health costs, mainly in disadvantaged neighborhoods. That means cleaner air for everyone.
The SOO Green HVDC Link team is committed to minimizing environmental impacts during construction and operation and are working in collaboration with federal, state and local agencies to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Threatened and Endangered Species
By co-locating the project within a transportation right-of-way and installing the project underground the project will avoid disturbing much of the sensitive habitats typically used by threatened and endangered species. For sensitive habitats that cannot be avoided, the use of alternate underground construction will result in minimal surface disturbance and help ensure the ecological integrity of these habitats.
Remnant Prairie Avoidance
By confining the project corridor to previously disturbed areas, the project will not disturb intact remnant prairie areas in the region. For remnant prairie that cannot be avoided, the use of alternate underground construction techniques will avoid potential surface disturbance that could result from open trenching. These preventive measures will help preserve the current biotic integrity in the immediate vicinity of the project corridor.
Wetlands and Waterways
When the project crosses environmentally sensitive areas, such as wetlands and major water bodies like the Mississippi River, the project will use underground boring techniques. This method involves drilling beneath the surface to install infrastructure without disturbing the natural habitat above. By avoiding surface-level disruption, this approach helps protect the delicate ecosystems and minimizes environmental impact in these critical areas.