Sunrise Expansion Project Electrification Assessment

Project Highlights

Coldwater Band retained KWL to provide independent technical advisory services related to the proposed electrification and expansion of Enbridge’s Westcoast Compressor Station 8A (CS8A) in the Coldwater Valley near Merritt, BC.  The project focused on evaluating power supply options and identifying transmission routing alternatives that would reduce impacts on Coldwater lands, cultural values, archaeological resources and environmentally sensitive areas.

Enbridge proposed an original concept consisting of a 21 km, 138 kV transmission line between Merritt and the compressor station.  On behalf of Coldwater, KWL reviewed alternative approaches and identified a significantly shorter 3.5 km transmission connection from near the existing Trans-Mountain Pipeline Kingsvale Pump Station as a preferable option.

KWL conducted technical reviews, site visits, and route evaluations to minimize environmental, archaeological, and cultural impacts.  The team worked to identify opportunities to reduce vegetation clearing, minimize disturbance to culturally important areas, avoid sensitive habitat, and utilize existing corridors where possible.

Through ongoing assessment and engagement, KWL provided recommendations regarding route optimization, construction access planning, utility coordination, environmental protection measures, and infrastructure compatibility.  The work supports the Bands’ ability to evaluate project impacts and advocate for solutions that better align with community priorities while supporting lower-emission major industrial infrastructure.