| In 2006, a wind farm developer from Quebec, Eolectric, proposed a turbine installation north and east of Honeywood. Originally, the proposal might have been as many as 15 or 20 turbines, but resolved itself to 5 turbines, in approximately 2007/08. CORE monitored this application, continuously taking the position that public consultation was insufficient both as to allowing affected neighbours to attend (the proponent held meetings during the week), and as to information. Eventually, Eolectric submitted a “Notice of Completion” on December 15, 2008, providing just 45 days for public input to the Provincial Government, as then required under the rules for Environmental Screening.
On February 7, CORE held a meeting educating concerned residents about issues with the application. Neighbours were encouraged to submit comments to the Ministry of Environment, and 41 residents did so!
CORE was successful in having the Ministry of the Environment advise Eolectric that it must conform to the most recent (October/08) noise standards, and not the earlier, weaker standards which it had previously claimed applied, and Environment Canada was highly critical of its avian study. As a result, Eolectric withdrew its Notice of Completion and indicated it would be undertaking additional research with respect to these matters.
Subsequently, the Green Energy Act was enacted and, like all of us, Eolectric is waiting for the regulations to be finalized. |
