AltaLink to investigate dead ducks by transmission lines

AltaLink is investigating reports about dozens of dead ducks near one of its transmission lines in southwest Alberta.

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Retired scientistDavid McIntyre raised concerns afterhe foundduck carcasses under a newly-built transmission line north of Pincher Creek.

McIntyre estimates the deaths may be in the hundreds based on a 10-minute walk along the line he took on Dec. 31.

Judging from the damage to ducks, he thinks they may be hitting the line in bad weather when they can't see it.

The company is sending workers to an area near Pincher Creek and mayinstall "flappers" to help make the lines more visible.

Director Scott Schreiner says it appears it happened near an existing lineand not near one of the new transmission lines under construction.

"We've sent a team of environmental experts from AltaLink and external providers down to investigate. Normally, what we try to do is mitigate any impact on the environment of our facilities. That includes bird contacts."

The team will walk up and down the transmission lines in the area and may also do a bird count. While the company performs environmental assessments and can use some techniques to divert birds,Schreineradmits some conflict with birds is unavoidable.

"Whether it's a phone line or a telephone toweror a house, birds have collisions with those aerial facilities."

AltaLink willneeda few days to investigate the reports. The company has notified Alberta Environment about the incident.