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Alberta government not about to hit switch on power line assessment

There are no plans by the Alberta government for an environmental assessment of a proposed high-voltage power line that critics argue could generate health problems.

EDMONTON — There are no plans by the Alberta government for an environmental assessment of a proposed high-voltage power line that critics argue could generate health problems.

Alberta Environment says the impact of the Heartland Transmission Project would be minimal.

The line would supply power to Alberta’s industrial heartland near Fort Saskatchewan and is projected to run from west of Edmonton along a route east of the city.

Jessica Potter, a department spokeswoman, says the impact of power lines is limited to land disturbance and the government does not believe a broader assessment is required.

The lobby group Responsible Electricity Transmission for Albertans has sent a letter to Environment Minister Rob Renner, asking for an assessment.

The group says it’s concerned about the potential effects of the line on human health, wildlife and property values.