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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News Record, 2014-02-19, Page 3Wednesday, February 19, 2014 • News Record 3 Solar panels now operational at CHCC, REACH Gerard Creces Clinton News -Record The initial cost may be high, but 2014 will be the year solar power income starts coming in to the municipality. At Central Huron Committee of the Whole Monday, Feb. 10, council received a report from the finance department on the expenses to date as well as the anticipated revenue for the solar panels on both the REACH Centre and the Central Huron Community Complex. The total costs associated with the project to date are $1,480,103, with the bulk of the funds - $1.29 million - paid to Panasonic. About $79,000 was paid to Erie Thames Powerlines, $35,000 to the Ontario Power Authority and $3,225.51 in loan interest to date. A full list of all costs is available through the municipal website. In order to get the project off the ground, the municipality received an Infrastructure Ontario loan for $1.9 million, at a rate of 1.59 per cent. To date, $1,049,563 has been drawn on the loan, which is expected to be paid in full by July, 2018. The panels on the REACH have been generating power since mid-January, with the CHCC starting up at month's end. Central Huron is basing the revenues on a 10 -month duration for 2014. The figures look good for revenues. This year alone, both projects are expected to bring in significant money to the municipality - $225,000 for the CHCC and $236,000 for the REACH Centre. Return on investment is estimated at three years, minus operational, maintenance costs, amortization and loan interest. Council asked Director of Finance Terri Rau to place the solar panel revenues in a separate account, to keep all solar expenses together with solar income. Maintenance is estimated to cost $8,000 yearly and the panels have a life cycle of 20 years - the same amount of time as Central Huron's Feed in Tariff (FIT) contract. After expenses, the net revenue for the solar panels is estimated at $6.5 million to the end of February 2034. Feasibility studies for the project began back in September of 2010. Multi -municipal noise bylaw could dampen turbine woes Bluewater joins anti -turbine collective Gerard Creces For the News -Record Bluewater Council is formally agree- ing to participate in the Multi -Munici- pal Wind Turbine Work Group (MMWTWG), as well as a coalition of municipalities looking at the develop- ment of bylaws that would offer com- munities some protection. The municipalities are collaborating on a noise bylaw, which, while not overtly addressed at industrial wind development, could have some serious ramifications for noise offenders. "What's driving that coalition is reac- tion to concerns that have been raise about wind turbines and the imple- mentation of that industry in south- western Ontario," said Bluewater Coun- cilor John Gillespie, council's alternate representative at the MMWTWG. "There have been a number of reports - notwithstanding the best intentions - showing the noise generated by tur- bines is greater than the Ministry of the Environment had hoped it would be." Turbine noise, he said, is probably the underlying factor in many of the medical concerns faced by those living in close proximity to turbines. The municipal coalition is attempt- ing to create a bylaw that would be able to stand up to legal challenge, and the considerable legal pull of wind energy companies, Gillespie said. The MMWTWG is currently waiting for Bluewater and other municipalities to see if they are interested in partici- pating in both the development of the bylaw and the funding for it. There are currently 15 municipalities from Bruce, Dufferin, Huron, Perth and Wellington counties signed on to the multi -munic- ipal group, and Gillespie notes the number of municipalities approached is far higher. McBride r We thank the Lord for blessings he bestows, ten tiny fingers and ten tiny toes. Mike & Tori along with George, Elizabeth & Rachel have welcomed Frederick Michael into their family. Fred was born Feb. 23, 2013 at home weighing 10Ibs 8oz. He was also welcomed by his grandparents Dave & Deb Rodges, Larry & Ann McBride, his great-grandparents Eileen Rodges, Russell, Verona Snider & many aunts, uncles and cousins. Our families rejoice, a new life's begun, our circle is richer with the birth of our son, Allen & Jen welcomed Samuel Keith into their family on Oct. 9, 2013. He was born at Stratford Hospital and weighed Sibs hoz. Also welcomed by his grandparents Pete & Deb Timmermans, Larry & Ann McBride, great-grandparents Jean Towers Adrian Timmermans & his aunts, uncles and e cousins. The total bill for the bylaw and associated legal costs is estimated as high as $300,000, Gillespie said. Each member municipality is being asked to contribute what they can. There are 36 turbines currently under construction in Bluewater, with a further 60-70 anticipated in the future. Any money received from the municipality from industrial wind turbines could be used to offset their negative effects, Gillespie said. Though that is still conceptual, he said, the tax revenue generated by the structures could give Bluewater funds to mitigate any potential damage. Creating a noise bylaw that would stand up to legal scrutiny will be a challenging task, as it will apply to all industry and not just industrial wind development. What sets turbines apart from other industry - such as grain dryers or manufacturing - is turbines have the ability and capacity to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year. Normally, Gillespie noted, agriculture is exempt from noise bylaws, as any disruptions are generally short in duration or seasonal. For wind companies, the bylaw is only problematic if they are in contravention. "If there isn't an issue with turbine noise, there won't be a problem with the bylaw and the issue will not require any intervention by Bluewater," he said. "What I'm anticipating, based on experience in other communities is there will be a problem and wind companies will not deal with the issue in good faith and they will seek legal intervention:' However, Bluewater Council is widely split on the issue. Many councilors feel the bylaw is specifically targeted at big wind, and administration has been asked to review and adjust local bylaws in light of the growing industry. Council is currently in their budget process, and a decision will soon be made whether to support the MMWTWG financially and to what extent. ATTENTION ADVERTISERS! DEADLINES Our Weekly Deadlines are as follows: ADVERTISING & EDITORIAL Friday @ 2:00 pm dews Record 53 Albert St. S, Clinton PH: 519-482-3443 www.clintonnewsrecord.com MP" OFFICE HOURS: Mon. - Fri. 9am - 5pm CLOSED TUESDAYS