November 2, 2013
Ontario

Residents launch appeal against Armow Wind Project

By Barb McKay | The Kincardine Independent | 31/10/2013 | www.independent.on.ca

A Kincardine couple has launched an appeal against the Armow Wind Project, fearing that the wind energy development will negatively impact their health.

Sharon Kroeplin told The Independent Monday that she and her husband Ken are appealing the project in an attempt to put it on hold until studies, including the current Health Canada study, are completed. The Armow project, being developed by Samsung Renewable Energy and Pattern Renewable Holdings, received renewable energy approval from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment earlier this month to erect 92 turbines that will produce 180 megawatts of power.

The Kroeplins live on Concession 7 and learned that one turbine will be located 599 metres from their home. The provincial setback minimum is 550 metres, but the Municipality of Kincardine has been pushing for greater distances from non-participating properties.

“The municipality wanted 800 metres, but the company just went ahead and did what they wanted,” Kroeplin said.

The couple is concerned that their close proximity to the wind turbines could cause health problems, as voiced by residents who live within other developments, including the Ripley Wind Power Project.

The Falconer LLP law firm, based in Toronto, is representing the Kroeplins in their appeal. The firm also represents Shawn and Tricia Drennan, of Lucknow, who are appealing the K2 Wind Power Project, a proposed large-scale wind energy development in Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh that will include 140 industrial wind turbines. The project is being developed by Capital Power, Samsung and Pattern, which together formed a limited partnership – K2 Wind Ontario Inc. The hearing for the K2 Wind Power Project is currently in its second week in Lucknow.

There are a number of conditions attached to the renewable energy approval of the Armow Wind Project. Samsung and Pattern must carry out an acoustic emission audit of the sound levels produced by the operation of the equipment to ensure compliance with the Ministry’s noise emission limits; implement the pre- and post-construction Natural Heritage monitoring program, which includes bird and bat monitoring; implement mitigation measures as discussed with NAV Canada; notify the Ministry of complaints received alleging adverse effect caused by the construction, installation, operation, use or retirement of the facility; and prepare a traffic management plan to be provided to the local planning board and local services boards.

Jody Law, a developer for Pattern, said Monday that the companies were only just made aware of the appeal.