August 18, 2007
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia
TRURO – Plans are underway to erect up to 22 wind turbines on Nuttby Mountain.
“We’re well through most of the permitting process,” Cobequid Area Wind Farms Inc., co-owner Clare Peers told Colchester County Council this week.
The company is in the process of completing an environmental assessment, which includes public consultation.
If approved, the project is expected to cost from $70 million and $90 million and will see between 15 and 22 turbines erected just below the Nuttby fire and communications towers.
Combined, the turbines, which measure 120 metres in height, are capable of generating from 30 to 45 megawatts of electricity per year, enough to power between 10,000 and 14,000 homes.
The municipality of Colchester stands to gain between $200,000 and $300,000 per year in taxes from the project.
Company co-owner Charles Demond told council that the nearest permanent residence is sited approximately 1.5 kilometres away from where the nearest turbine would be situated.
And in respect of public protest that proposed wind farms have created in other areas of the province, Demond said the company will be adhering to high standards to help avoid similar conflict with this project.
“Regardless of what the county does with its bylaws we will not build closer than 500 metres to the nearest residence on the Nuttby Wind Farm.”
Nuttby Mountain is the highest point in mainland Nova Scotia and Peers said following the meeting that in addition to the wind power generated there, the site is also “excellent” because it is easily accessible, the land is available to lease and is near a major power line.
“The proximity to a grid line is always important,” he said.
The company’s application is one of several expected to be filed with Nova Scotia Power Inc., by the end of the month, as part of efforts to provide more sustainable power options.
If the approval is granted to the company, construction is expected to begin in the latter half of next year with completion scheduled for 2009.
By Harry Sullivan
17 August 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/08/18/company-wants-to-put-turbines-on-top-of-nuttby/