Lakeshore Advance, 2013-04-24, Page 3232 Lakeshore Advance • Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Gord Potts
Director Business Development
and Project Manager
Grand Bend Wind Farm for
Northland Power Inc.
Sited properly,
wind power helix;
to mitigate climate
change's significant
impact on wildlife.
Bei
„-
unity News
ADVERTISIMRNT
ind Farm
http://grandbend.northlandpower.ca
Wind energy —
Protecting bat habitats in the short and long term
One of the signs spring has finally arrived is the sight of
Canadian geese migrating back home. They represent warmer
days ahead, while reminding us to be mindful of bird and bat
presence throughout the summer. Both are considered vital to
biodiversity in Ontario and their protection is heavily monitored
and evaluated throughout pre- and post -construction on wind
farms. In compliance with our commitment to perform robust
environmental studies, a report was recently submitted to the
Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR): "Pre -Construction Wildlife
Habitat Survey Results: Bat Maternity Colony Candidate Habitat
Surveys". This report outlines the methodology, results, and
future actions to be taken to harmonize our wind energy project
with the local ecosystem.
In October, we outlined our Renewable Energy Approval (REA)
Process, which includes a Natural Heritage Assessment (NHA).
It is carried out in four stages: records review, site investigation,
evaluation of significance, and an environmental impact study
(EIS). All four of these stages were completed, and we received
the MNR's sign -off on the NHA in January 2013.
Under the MNR's Significant Wildlife Habitat Technical Guide
(http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/stdprodconsume/groups/Ir/@
mnr/@fw/documents/document/mnr_eoo1285.pdf), bat
maternity colonies are defined as a type of significant wildlife
habitat (SWH) which is protected under provincial policy.
Assessment of candidate bat maternity colonies was initially
conducted in March 2013 - the leaf -off period, when tree cavities
and crevices where bats may reside are not obscured by foliage.
The surveyors'goal was to ascertain the density of cavity holes
in sample plots; according to provincial guidelines, if ten or more
tree cavities per hectare in a given woodlot were discovered,
the area may be deemed significant and will need to be revisited
in June 2013 to confirm if bats are actually using the area. The
surveyors worked within the parameters established
Intelligent energy fgr a greener planet
by Gord Potts
by the MNR under the "Bird and Bat Habitat: Guidelines
for Wind Power Projects" 2011, which outlines criteria for
assessment of Candidate Habitats (http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/
stdprodconsume/groups/Ir/@mnr/@renewable/documents/
document/stdprod_o88155.pdf ).
Deciduous forests are most conducive to bat maternity colonies
(as opposed to plantation or coniferous forests). These regions
are often dominated by white ash, with an abundance of poplar
species. Typically, many of the woodlots in the vicinity of our
project are relatively young, with few Targe -diameter trees; most
have been harvested, altering the composition and thereby no
longer meeting the criteria for a candidate habitat.
Of the woodlots surveyed, five were found to have some
potential as bat habitat and will be re -surveyed in June when
bats are active. If a significant number of bats are using the
sites, a number of measures will be undertaken to protect them.
These will include timing restrictions to avoid construction
during the important breeding and maternal roosting season,
avoidance of any tree clearing in the affected area and post -
construction monitoring to quantify any impacts and enact
contingency plans to address any unforeseen problems, if
necessary. The results of the upcoming June study findings will
be published later this year.
Sited properly, wind power will help to mitigate the significant
impacts on wildlife that are consequences of climate change.
We are committed to following the stringent process laid out by
the government and regulators to ensure that the Grand Bend
Wind Farm is sited responsibly, and that any potential impacts
to birds and bats are identified and mitigated. If you have any
questions about the studies or the project, please contact nye at
grand bendenorthlandpower.ca.
Northland Power is an Ontario -based company with over 25 years experience developing,
NORTHLAND
owning and operating facilities that produce and sell clean and green energy POWRR