In a decision posted May 4 to Ontario’s Environmental Bill of Rights, a Renewable Energy Approval has been issued to Nation Rise Wind Farm GP Inc., as general partner for and on behalf of Nation Rise Wind Farm LP (EDP Renewables Canada Ltd.), “to engage in a renewable energy project in respect of a Class 4 wind facility consisting of the construction, installation, operation, use and retiring of up to 33 wind turbines, a transformer substation, and associated project components/infrastructure. The wind facility will have a total nameplate capacity of 100 megawatts and will connect to Hydro One’s transmission system.”
This Class 4 wind facility, known as the Nation Rise Wind Project, will be located on privately owned lands and public right-of-ways within the Township of North Stormont, United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.
Concerns had been raised over the windfarm’s proposed location above an aquifer, considered vulnerable to the construction activities that might be involved, such as the driving of support piles. The concern is that the aquifer, source of water supply for several local homes, may be disturbed, including sediment being released by vibration associated with construction.
Among the terms and conditions placed on the proponent are that it:
• not commence construction of turbine foundations and access roads until a detailed geotechnical report is submitted to and has been approved in writing by the ministry,
• implement groundwater monitoring during various project phases,
• implement ground-borne vibration monitoring during various project phases,
• implement a well water complaint response plan/protocol and contingency plan, as necessary,
• implement measures to address potential impacts of water taking activities,
• not commence construction of the facility until a site-specific Stormwater Management and Erosion and Sediment Control Plan is submitted to and approved in writing by the ministry.