August 21, 2007
Nova Scotia

Wind power farm proposal weighed; Nuttby Mountain could be site of 15 to 22 turbines

NORTH RIVER – A possible wind power farm on Nuttby Mountain has area residents weighing the positives and negatives of the proposal.

More than 60 people attended an open house in North River last night to get more information. Atlantic Wind Power Corporation (AWPC), partnering with Cobequid Wind Power Inc., sent a proposal to Nova Scotia Power requesting permission for a wind farm on Nuttby Mountain, southwest of Earltown. If approved, between 15 to 22 wind turbines would be constructed in 2008 and completed in 2009 at a cost of between $50 to $100 million.

“I think they have a perfect location,” said David Smith, who owns property in Nuttby.

“There are very few people living on Nuttby Mountain; there are a lot of old, abandoned farms … If hydrogen technology becomes feasible … I feel this is the future because it produces power without pollution.”

Brad McNutt owns a woodlot where the turbines could possibly be erected.

“It’s good for the environment. I think it will help the county generate revenue, will create jobs for the area and help lots of businesses.”

However, Joan Smith of Nuttby Mountain has a few concerns.

“I think more information should’ve been given before now,” she said. “I’m concerned about the noise (and) it’s not all that pretty to look at even though it’s down the side of the mountain.”

Nuttby Mountain’s Amanda McRae also said she would’ve liked more information sooner.

“I was shocked to know it was coming. My concern is the noise and motion sickness,” McRae said. “Why not try a few at first … to make sure the community’s OK with it?”

Charles Demond, president of AWPC, said the site has a buffer area of more than 1.5 km from the nearest full-time resident in Nuttby Mountain.

He added the average size would be 120 metres to the tip of the turbine blade, with each turbine having a maximum generating capacity between 1.5 to three megawatts.

Turbines would be capable of producing 30 to 45 megawatts of electricity at full wind speeds and could create clean, renewable energy for between 9,000 and 17,000 average homes. A decision by NS Power is expected in early October.

By Monique Chiasson

Truro Daily News

20 August 2007


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/08/21/wind-power-farm-proposal-weighed-nuttby-mountain-could-be-site-of-15-to-22-turbines/