HomeMy WebLinkAboutLakeshore Advance, 2013-02-27, Page 9Wednesday, February 27, 2013 • Lakeshore Advance 9
Submitted
Five generations gather
Great-grandmother Marilyn Marriott,
of Mitchell, is proud to bo a part of five
generations. The five gathered at the
baby shower at the Stratford home of
grandmother Angela Marriott recently.
Pictured aro Gwen McKellar (lett), great -
great -grandmother, of Zurich; Marilyn
Marriott, great-grandmother; Angela
Marriott, grandmother, of Stratford; and
mom Katie King, of Harrington holding
baby Kristine Catherine Marie King, born
Jan. 3, 2013.
•IWT effects on Exeter radar station concerning for Bluewater
Melissa Murray
OMI Agency
Turbines showing up as small clusters
of thunderstorms on the Exeter weather
radar is the latest concern for Bluewater
councillors when it conies to two pro-
posed wind projects for the
mnicipality.
Bluewater's Chief Administrative'
Officer, Steve McAuley, highlighted the
section about the Exeter radar station in
each of the reports for council to be
aware of as council discussed the com-
ments to be nladt' on their municipal
consultation forms as part of the Renew-
able Energy Approval process for the
Grand Beni and Goshen Vinci projects
at their Feb. 11 meeting.
"'I here will he an impact to the Exeter
weather station," explained McAuley,
adding Environment Canada confirmed
the grand bend wind farm couldn't effec-
tively interact with the radar as currently
proposed.
Currently there is no mitigation pro
posed for the wind project, although two
examples art' citl'cf. One example is to
use a stealth blade that wouldn't reflect
the Doppler radar and the other is they
would actually have Environment Can-
4111Pada turn the turbines off so they can read
the radar, he explained.
"Staff thought that was a fairly signifi-
cant item that we should comment 011
with the understanding that that is the
radar they use to predict severe weather
an(1 store warnings and watches."
The radar isn't just important for
severe weather warnings, but many resi-
dents and businesses within Bluewater
and South 1 luron also use it.
"We look at it all the time for our road
operations, I know contractors who, ,..
livejsj by that when it is time to pour con-
crete. So these things that arc not related
to predicting the weather but are pretty
important to the residents of Mummer."
The comments in the consultation
fora) ask that environment Canada
review the application to make sure the
weather radar continues to operate as it
(goes now. Currently, there is a radar in
the states that is affected by a wind devel-
opment, which shows that the turbines,
"Looks like there is a clump of thunder-
storms on the radar when in fact it's a
turbine spinning," he said.
11)011 receiving infornrttion from one
of Bluewater's planners that identified
the potential problem, Bluewater con
firmed with Environment Canada that
the radar station is it significant weather
installation for their purposes as well.
The Goshen project raised similar
concerns; however a study by the propo-
nent on tht' effect on the weather station
was not included in the project's docu-
ments explained McAuley,
"'1 he study was not done to even look
at any interference... 1 can't believe that
there wouldn't be interference from one
and not the other."
Council also tvantetl to slake sure that
their initial resolutions concerning set-
backs to turbines anti a letter sent to the
Health Minister and the Dalton
McGuinty as premier about their con-
cerns about turbines he included in the
section that outlines motions and rest
nations passed by council ht' included.
Councillors agreed with the changes
the municipal consultation fortes he
submitted. After the application is sub •
mitred, the Ministry of the Environment
has six months to review the REA.
Bluewater is currently awaiting the
result of Next Era's Ulu ter wind
project. The six-month window for it
decision expires this March.
Leave to construct
When it comes to an Ontario Energy
Board hearing about it leave 10 construct
for Next Era's Bluewater transmission
lines, (:AO NicAtiley said council's hands
are "cuffed.'
Bluewater found out at a special meet-
ing of council on Feb. 1 I, that what evi-
dence and presentations can he made at
the hearing Is limited and specific.
McAuley explained whether the lines
Vill he buried or not, will not he part of
the conversation.
'Ike municipality will also not he eligi
We for costs, as was predicted.
Road user agreement
The municipality's road user agree-
ment was orale public for the first time
on Feb. 11 illustrating that wind turbine
proponents will require a minimum
$100,000 security per turbine, a road
condition survey hefore construction,
the replanting of all trees removed and
that all transmission lines be buried.
Also on the user agreement is the requirenu'nt for
it pre -decided construction route and it permit for
private roads. Arrangements would also need to he
made between the municipality and the proponent
for roads not maintained through the winter. I\lcAtn-
ley explained the municipality will not be paying for
their maintenance.
A $10,000 deposit is required for legal and engi-
neering costs as well as $5 million in insurance.
the agreement is also binding on all successors.
"'111e goal of this document is to hand it off to the
producers and no doubt they will have comments
anti negotiations to enter into," he saki.
Councillor Geordie Paltrier had concerns about
whether the roads in Bluewater could support the
weight oldie traffic during the construction of the
proposed projects, especially on culverts.
"'that's the reason behind the survey and the haul
route,' explained McAuley adding, there is n0 w;ty
of knowing exactly how the roads and infrastructure'
will handle the load.
Message to Wynne
'the new Premier, Kathleen Wynne, and her new
cabinet will he receiving letters from Bluewater to
get them up to speed 011 the IWT projects proposed
for the municipality. Council voted to semi the let-
ters indicating the municipality will be at the Wain -
fleet Wind Energy Opposition Summit and illustrat-
ing liiuewater's frustration with the lack of
municipal control viten it comes to the Green
Energy act.
McAuley also suggested they send a letter to
1 luron Bruce' MP lien Lobb explaining about the
radar statioin, because it is federally mandated.
Council also supported that recommendation.
THIS MONTH IN LAMBTON
TODD CASE
WARDEN
Phragmites Control Plan
the County of I,unbtoris Yubtic Works ()epartrnent is asking County Council to set aside $50,000 al budget time to tackle the pesky
Piwagmrtes In some areas, Phragnwtes occupies 30 per cent of ditches. affecting the operalron and maintenance of roadside drainage.
It's proposed a combination of herbicide and mechanical mowing be conducted to carry out the plan along approxeately 90 kilometres
of County road allowance
Creative County
I amblon s new Creative County Committee is open for business, now accepting funding applications for protects that will improve hen
lage, arts, and cultural vdahly in the community. 515,000 in funding is available. Application lanes and funding guidelines can be found
on the Creative County page of the County's website. Funding applications will be received unlsl 4:30 p.m. Manch 15, 2013. Completed
forms and questions can be directed to Robert tremae, General Manager, Cultural Services at robert.trenainli+countylambton.on.ca
2013 Draft Budget
1 ambton County Councillors are mulhng over the Corporation's draft 2013 budget, presented to a toot meeting of Standing Com nsltei ,.
Council will hsten to grant requests at its March 6 regular meeting before sitting down for budget deliberations at 9 a in March 20.
COUNTY OF LAMBTON Paved Shoulder on County Roads
t anlbton county (:oorxr1 will be reexamining how best to int Node paved shoulders along County roads whsle keeping up with a road rehabddatron program Currently
roads that are identified as part of the 1 amblun County Trails System receive a lour fool paved shoulder when they ate reconstructed.
New Webslte for Lamblon County Library
I anibton county t new website is now up and running. www.khb ary cd is divided oto lour main categories Branches. My library (where patrons can log,
into (her library accounts), el 'buoy, and Programs.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program
The County of I,uubton, m conion( ton with Crean rtarbors Canada, will again be hosting six (6) free housebokl hazardous waste collection events in 2013 at the
Clean harbors Facility located at 4090 Teller Road in the township of St Clair the events are scheduled for the lollowing Saturdays: March 30. April 27, Mas
Arne 29, September 28, and October 26. Fach event rums from 9 a.m to 2 p.m
Items accepted include pwnts, solvents, batteries (single use and rechargeable), propane cylinders, fertilizers, pesticides. antifreeze, used oil, oil filters, fluorescent
lights (lubes and comgpact), fire extinguishers, pharmaceuticals, mercury containing devices (smoke detectors, thermometers, barometers), and sharps (needles)
'Welcome to lambton County'
County still have been asked 10 cost out the estallaton ol a'Wekone to lambton County' sign structure along Ilighway 402. Staff well not only examine costs, but
also timing, possible designs and where such is structure night be located.
Nominate a Woman You Know
In May. the 1 anibton Heritage Museum will open a new exhibitor' Shine: Spotlight on Women of Lamblon that embraces the lives and tines ol the everyday
worsen who have contributed to the social fabric of I. anibton communities Spe(at focus includes a section titled 'Guiding Beacons' that will pay tribute to the
women who have impacted and guided their families, their communities and beyond To submit your nomination, forward the wonanis full name arid contact intorno
ton along with a short descrrpton 1100150 words) ol her influence in the community. Indicate cleanly which muncrpahty the woman is representing. Alt nominations
should be sent to Dana Thorne, Curator / Supervisor,1 anibton Heritage Museum, 10035 Museums Road, RR 2, Grand Pend, ON NOM 110 or (milled to dans
thorned( ounty lambton on ca Visit the 'Community Nommationi page of our website for more information The deadline for ronwnations is March 15, 2013
OFFICE OF THE COUNTY WARDEN
a /89 Broadway
Street, Box 3000
Wyoming, ON NON 1TO
wt✓ Telephone: 519 845.0801
Toll Free: OuNT lir Fax: 519 66 324 6912
3160
9
t.l1MI3TON www,lnmbtononline.ca
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