August 15, 2011
New Zealand

Environment Court approves wind farm for Ohariu Valley, but cuts five turbines

wellington.scoop.co.nz 14 August 2011

News from the Ohariu Preservation Society
The Environment Court has issued its decision on the Project Mill Creek windfarm in the Ohariu Valley. The project has been approved with only 26 turbines six less than the original plan.

There are also restrictions on noise and weekend traffic.

Meridian Energy originally proposed 31 turbines. The RMA approved 29 turbines. The Environment Court appeal has resulted in five turbines closest to dwellings being removed from the original 31 turbines (G1, G2, G3, G4 and F11).

Information from Meridian Energy
Project Mill Creek is located within privately owned farms. The wind farm would have 31 wind turbines with a combined capacity of about 71 MW. Consistent wind speeds mean that project Mill Creek would generate electricity over 90% of the time, generating enough renewable electricity to power the equivalent of 35,000 average homes.

The landowners have chosen wind farming as their preferred way of supporting the ongoing viability of their farms – over other options like major housing subdivision and forestry – because it would preserve the lifestyle and rural character of the area. Meridian has been selected by the landowners to develop and operate the wind farm because of its reputation for doing this well.

Project Mill Creek gained resource consent from the Wellington and Porirua City Councils and Wellington Regional Council in February 2009. However, the consent was appealed to the Environment Court And the hearing was completed in November 2010.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/08/15/environment-court-approves-wind-farm-for-ohariu-valley-but-cuts-five-turbines/