December 12, 2014
Nova Scotia

Wind farm near Terence Bay given go ahead

By CLARE MELLOR Staff Reporter | The Chronicle Herald | Published December 12, 2014 | thechronicleherald.ca

The provincial Environment Department has given the green light to a controversial wind project near Terence Bay.

Chebucto Terence Bay Wind Field Ltd. received environmental assessment approval for the three-turbine project Thursday.

“I am satisfied that any adverse effects or significant environmental effects of the undertaking can be adequately mitigated through compliance with the attached terms and conditions,” Environment Minister Randy Delorey said in the approval.

The developer had first sought provincial environmental approval for the 7.2-megawatt wind farm in July. However, in August, Delorey asked for additional project details.

“We’re delighted to receive the approval. Now we can get to work,” said Terry Norman, president of Chebucto Terence Bay Wind Field Ltd.

The environmental assessment approval is based upon a review of the conceptual design, environmental baseline information, impact predictions and mitigation presented in the registration document, the approval document says.

The proposed project, which has been opposed by a residents group, would be built on private land in the River Road area.

Close to the Terence Bay Wilderness Area and some homes, the project will have a definite negative impact on the environment, area resident Jacqueline Pettipas said Thursday evening.

“I am very disappointed. I don’t really think this is going to be the end of our story. There are still a whole lot of environmental issues that are going to be of concern,” she said.

“It is right next to a lake, which the water flows into constantly. I think that even with a little bit of development of the roadway that has to go to the development, it will have to be stopped many times before it can even be developed.”

Norman said Thursday that heavy equipment will be brought in this month to begin construction of a road to the site.

Wind project construction should begin in late spring and continue through the summer.

“We’re looking to have everything finished by the fall,” he said.

Norman said the company is anxious to work with a community liaison committee.

“We’ve had people come forward and offer to be on the community liaison committee so we’re keen to get that going.”

With JoAnn Alberstat, business editor


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/12/12/wind-farm-near-terence-bay-given-go-ahead/