HomeMy WebLinkAboutLakeshore Advance, 2013-03-06, Page 2120 Lakeshore Advance • Wednesday, March 6, 2013
ADVICIMSEMENT
Bend4.ind Farm
•
Cord Potts
Director Business Development
and Project Manager
Grand Bend Wind Farm for
Northland Power Inc.
On February 15,
2013, Northland
submitted its
Application for
Renewable Energy
Approval (REA) of
the Grand Bend
Wind Farm to the
Ministry of the
Environment.
News. .
Status of Renewable Energy
Approval Application
On February 15, 2013, Northland submitted its Application for
Renewable Energy Approval (REA) of the Grand Bend Wind
Farm to the Ministry of the Environment. The REA application
includes a comprehensive set of reports that identify the
potential environmental impact and mitigation measures for the
project. One requirement of a complete REA application is to
first have the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and Ministry
of Tourism, Culture and Sport (MTCS) review and comment on
the environmental, archaeological, and cultural heritage reports
for compliance with the relevant laws, standards, and guidelines
governing the investigations. Below is a brief summary of these
reports and the corresponding MNR and MTCS reviews.
Cultural Heritage Assessment
The Cultural Heritage Assessment identified only one designated
structure in the study area: the Huron County Playhouse in the
municipality of South Huron. The Playhouse does not abut any
of the properties within which the proposed turbines would be
located. The study also found there are no designated cultural
heritage landscapes, heritage easements or properties of national
historic significance within or in close proximity to the project.
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport concluded that,
based on the information contained in the report, it is satisfied
that the project meets the applicable heritage assessment
requirements of Ontario.
Archaeological Assessment
The Archaeological Assessment identified nine archaeological sites
as part of a Stage 2 survey, none of which are considered to show
any heritage value or interest. The assessment also recommended
archaeological work that will be performed during construction of
the transmission line as it passes the Hensall Union Cemetery on
Rodgerville Road.
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport is satisfied with the
recommendations of the report, and concluded that the fieldwork
and reporting for the archaeological assessment meet the required
standards and license terms and conditions of Ontario.
Intelligent energy for a greener planet
http://grandbend,northlandpower.ca
by Gord Potts
Natural Heritage Assessment
The Natural Heritage Assessment identified potential
environmental impacts as a result of constructing, operating,
and decommissioning the project. Each potential environmental
effect was carefully analyzed to develop appropriate mitigation
measures. By implementing the mitigation measures proposed in
the Natural Heritage Assessment, the project can be constructed,
operated, and decommissioned in a responsible manner that
protects the environment.
The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) confirmed that the
natural heritage assessment provided by Northland Power was
prepared in accordance with established procedures, including
but not limited to the determination of the existence of natural
features, records review, site investigation, evaluation of
significance, and environmental impact study report. Furthermore,
a commitment has been made, by Northland to undertake
additional pre -construction habitat assessments for the following
wildlife habitats:
• Bat Maternity Colonies
• Turtle Wintering Area
• Habitat for Special Concern
and Rare Species, including
rare forest plants
Next Steps
Once the Ministry of the Environment has completed its
preliminary review of the REA application, it will post the project
to the Environmental Registry for further detailed review and
consultation. After posting to the Environmental Registry, the
reports submitted as part of the REA application, as well as the
MNR and MTCS letters summarized above, will be made available
on the project website. A project notice with further information
regarding the Environmental Registry will also be published in
local newspapers.
If you have any questions about the findings or reports
addressed here or would like us to notify you once the
completed documents become available, please contact
me at grandbend®northlandpower.ca.
Northland Power is an Ontario -based company with over 25 years experience developing,
owning and operating facilities that produce and sell clean and green energy
NORTHLAND
POWER