Shear Wind must provide more information on Glen Dhu project to NS Government
The environmental assessment of the proposed Glen Dhu Power-Wind Project, Pictou and Antigonish Counties, Nova Scotia, has been completed.
This letter is to advise that, pursuant to Section 13 (1)(a) of the Environmental Assessment Regulations, I have determined the registration information is insufficient to allow me to make a decision and that I require additional information.
During the review many local residents expressed concern about the potential for noise from the wind farm. The Registration Document failed to provide the necessary information about the proximity of nearby residents to the turbines and anticipated noise levels. This information is required in order to determine the potential for noise-related concerns. Shear Wind Inc. must, therefore, provide a description of the proximity of the proposed project to affected communities including the number of residences and sensitive receptors such as day cares, hospitals, or seniors’ residences, within intervals of 640 m, 1 km, 1.5 km and 2.0 km.
In addition, although Estimated Turbine Sound Levels are presented in Figure 5.5 of the Registration Document, there is no discussion of the model used or model inputs used in determining the noise levels from the proposed wind turbines. Shear Wind Inc. must provide a discussion of the noise simulation model used and provide mitigation measures that will be taken to reduce public exposure to noise, in accordance with the requirements of the Proponent’s Guide to Wind Power Projects. Shear Wind Inc. must also demonstrate that consideration has been given to project-related sources of electric and magnetic fields and potential health effects.
Shear Wind Inc. must provide the details of all issues and concerns raised by local residents and how the company proposes to address them.
There are outstanding concerns regarding mainland moose and the potential for adverse effects within and around the proposed project footprint. Shear Wind Inc. must address potential impacts of the proposed development on the local population of mainland moose. Specific attention should be directed at clarifying what, if any, changes in moose distribution, habitat use and/or behavior have been documented at wind farms after they have become operational.
Provide any other studies or information pertinent to the assessment.
This information shall be submitted by Shear Wind Inc., within one year, as an addendum to the original registration information. Pursuant to Section 13(1) of the Environmental Assessment Regulations decision options available to me are: additional information is required; approval with conditions; focus report is required; environmental assessment report required; or, rejection. Upon submission of the information I will have 50 days to make my decision. Shear Wind Inc. is also required to notify the public of the submitted addendum through notices in the paper pursuant to Section 10 of the Environmental Assessment Regulations.
In addition, during the review, Fisheries and Oceans Canada requested that Shear Wind Inc. contact Mr. Charles MacInnis, Habitat Protection Chief, Antigonish Office, as soon as possible, in order to plan a site visit to different proposed water crossings. Mr. MacInnis can be reached at (902) 863-5670.
Shear Wind Inc. must not commence the undertaking or any part thereof until the undertaking has been approved under Part IV of the Environment Act.
Original Signed By
Mark Parent
Minister
PDF: http://www.gov.ns.ca/nse/ea/glen.dhu.wind.farm/glen.dhu.wind.farm_MinDecision.pdf
9 October 2008
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