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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 ('anng+(,rowing P intim wfit'r f tip, You Tube