Appendix C PUBLIC MEETING MATERIALS

Transcription

1 Appendix C PUBLIC MEETING MATERIALS

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19 EarthLight LP Project Summary Introduction: SkyPower Limited (SkyPower) is proposing to develop a solar facility with a capacity of approximately 10 MW, located near the Town of Georgina, in the Region of York, Ontario. SkyPower limited is managing the development and permitting of this project. The renewable energy facility will be known as EarthLight LP and will be rated as a Class 3 solar facility. SkyPower has received a contract from the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) for the sale of electricity generated by this project through the Province s Feedin-Tariff (FIT) program (enabled by the Green Energy and Green Economy Act). The project will require approval under Ontario Regulation 359/09 Renewable Energy Approval (REA) under Part V.0.1 of the Ontario Environmental Protection Act. Project Location: The proposed Class 3 solar facility (not including the electrical connection line which will be assumed by Hydro One) is located at Old Homestead Road and Park Road, approximately 14.5 km from the town of Georgina. Energy Sources: The primary source of energy that will be used to generate direct current electricity will be the kinetic solar energy of moving photons, which will be converted to electrons by the solar photovoltaic cells. Project Components: Photovoltaic panels will be used to convert solar energy into electricity. Inverters will then convert Direct Current (DC) electricity generated from the panels into Altering Current (AC) electricity. From the inverters, power will be collected at a step up transformer where power will be metered and supply electricity to the local distribution system and the community. Solar Modules and Mounting System: Approximately 50,000 to 200,000 PV panels of between watts each will be installed for EarthLight LP, depending on the final selection of panel type and manufacturer subject to Ontario content requirements. These modules are heavyduty and designed to withstand the harsh Canadian weather. Renewable Energy Approval Process: Projects that receive a FIT contract must receive approval from the Ministry of the Environment (MOE). The REA process in under Part V.0.1 of the Environmental Protection Act. The process defines setbacks and requires an assessment of project potential negative effects. More information can be obtained on REA at The Ministry of Environment reviews and approves the REA submission application. A complete REA submission includes: - Project Description Report: Provides an overview of the project (draft completed); - Natural Heritage Assessment Report; to be reviewed by the Ministry of Natural Resources; - Archaeological Assessment and Cultural Heritage Assessment to be reviewed by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture; - Construction Plan Report: Details the construction activities and potential effects; - Decommissioning Report: Describes how the facility will be removed at the end of its lifespan; - Design and Operations Report: Describes the design, operation and emergency plans; - Consultation Report: Documents the consultation process followed and feedback received during the study; - Noise Study Report; and - Water Assessment Summary Report. 1

20 The application submitted to the Ministry of the Environment will be posted on the Environmental Registry ( for public review and comment. All the reports (except consultation) will be available (in draft) to the public at least 60 days prior to the second public meeting on the project website and hard copies will be available for review at locations within the municipalities. Natural Heritage Resources: Land use within 300 meters - adjacent lands within 300 m include a mixture of pastureland, meadows, hayfields, wetlands and woodlands. To the southeast of the project location, the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has evaluated the Zephyr-Egypt Wetland Complex as a provincially significant wetland (PSW complex) and also classified it as a Life Science Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI). The MNR has also mapped a deer wintering yard in association with the PSW complex. These features are outside of the project location but within the surrounding 300 m. Other environmentally sensitive areas - No provincial parks, conservation reserves, Earth Science ANSIs or Valleylands were identified within the project location or surrounding 300 m. Wildlife habitats - No known wildlife habitat has been historically identified within the project location. The applicability of wildlife habitat within the project location and surrounding area will be investigated further during the Natural Heritage Assessment. Cultural Heritage and Archaeological Resources: Stage 1 and 2 Archaeological Assessments are being undertaken for EarthLight. All assessments will be provided to the Ministry of Tourism and Culture for comment and to the public in the draft REA release. Water Bodies: One potential water body was mapped within the project location and surrounding 300 m during the Water Assessment Records Review. This feature will be evaluated for potential impacts in the same manner as natural heritage resources. In general, the potential environmental effects to water bodies could include: erosion, release of suspended sediments, changes to surface and groundwater flow, and the potential release of contaminants such as oils, gasoline, grease and other materials. Appropriate mitigation and/or monitoring measures will be developed and outlined in future reports related to water bodies. In addition, several ponds have been observed in the project location and surrounding 300 m. These ponds will be investigated to determine if they meet the definition of a water body under Ontario Regulation 359/09. Land Use and Resources: The planned solar facility will mainly occupy rural-zoned lands. Based on soil studies, installation of a solar facility is permitted within the project location. Temporary loss of any agricultural land will occur for the duration of the project. Mitigation measures will ensure no impact to surrounding land uses. Short native vegetation will be grown beneath and between the panel rows to control erosion. The project location will be returned to its original condition after decommissioning. The proposed facility is physically low-profile and would be nonobtrusive to the surrounding community. Visual impact studies will be conducted as necessary. To learn more about the project, or to communicate concerns please contact: Charmaine Thompson Project Planning and Implementation SkyPower Limited 130 Adelaide St. West, 30th Floor Toronto, ON M5H 3P5 Office: Fax: info@skypower.com 2

21 EarthLight Solar Power Project Public Information Centre #1 CONTACT SHEET January 16, 2012 Inquiries about the Project: Charmaine Thompson Project Planning and Implementation SkyPower Limited Direct: Fax: Inquiries from Municipalities: Charmaine Thompson Project Planning and Implementation SkyPower Limited Direct: Fax: Inquiries from Landowners and the Community: Greg Bernardi Project Planning and Implementation SkyPower Limited Direct: Fax: Inquiries from the Media: Hando Kang Government Relations and Communications SkyPower Limited Direct: Fax:

22 Frequently Asked Questions What is solar energy? Solar energy takes advantage of the sun's rays to generate electricity. It is a renewable resource and is able to generate energy in a quiet, clean, and consistent manner. How do solar photovoltaic cells work? Photovoltaic cells are comprised of a semiconductor material such as silicon. Added to the silicon are the elements phosphorous and boron which create conductivity within the cell and activate the movement of electrons. The electrons move across the cell when activated by the sunlight's energy into the electrical circuit hooked up to the solar panel. Direct current (DC) energy is converted into alternating current (AC) electricity using an inverter and is then supplied to a power grid. Electricity is then distributed for use in local homes and businesses. What are the benefits of solar? Solar energy is clean, renewable, quiet, reliable, and passive. (Source: Renewable Energy Development, fits-of-solar-energy/) The photovoltaic panels are mounted in flat, unobstructed locations with a low profile. Solar energy creates jobs and benefits the local economy. (Source: Blue Green Canada, Solar energy is generated locally and distributed on the existing local grid. A 10 MW solar project will displace approximately 10,000 tons of CO2 equivalents a year. 1 kilowatt of power generated by solar panels prevents 150 pounds of coal from being mined. (Source: Solar Power Statistic, -power-statistics.shtml) Construction jobs will be sourced locally as possible. Who will use this electricity? The electricity will be fed into the grid and distributed to local users. A single 10 MW solar project will generate enough electricity to power almost 1,000 homes. What is Ontario's Feed-in Tariff Program? Ontario s Feed-In Tariff (FIT) Program for renewable energy generation is a cornerstone of the province s Green Energy Act. For more information, see the Ontario Power Authority s website at What are feed-in tariffs? Feed-in tariffs are simply payments for generation. They are payments, or tariffs, for renewably-generated electricity and heat. They are paid to the producers for every kilowatt-hour of electricity they generate. Why are they important? Feed-in tariffs are a powerful policy mechanism that has produced rapid growth of renewable energy in Europe--especially in Germany, France, and Spain and a host of other countries--at less cost than other policies. Equally as important, feed-in tariffs are more egalitarian than other policy mechanisms and have allowed people from all walks of life to participate in the renewable energy revolution-for profit. 1

23 Why should we use feed-in tariffs? Systems of feed-in tariffs have been highly successful at developing large amounts of geographically dispersed renewable sources of generation quickly, at low cost, and with minimal administration. And because feed-in tariffs are not dependent upon the tax status of the owner, they are available to everyone who wants to use them-rich and poor alike. What are Advanced Renewable Tariffs? Advanced Renewable Tariffs are a comprehensive system of feed-in tariffs that are differentiated by technology, project size, application, and by resource intensity. Advanced Renewable Tariffs are the modern version of the simpler feed-in tariffs that were used previously in California during the early 1980s, and in Denmark and Germany during the 1990s. Where have feed-in tariffs been used successfully? Feed-in tariffs are widely used in Europe. Advanced Renewable Tariffs are prominently used in Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, and now Great Britain. Germany and Spain have become worldwide leaders in renewable energy because of their sophisticated systems of Advanced Renewable Tariffs. Where are feed-in tariffs being used now in North America? Ontario and Vermont have both implemented systems of feed-in tariffs. Ontario's program of Advanced Renewable Tariffs is the most comprehensive renewable energy policy in North America in three decades. How many jobs will be created? An estimated construction and trades jobs that can be sourced locally will be created, as well as supporting manufacturing and engineering. What happens when the sun doesn t shine? A period of no sunlight will simply mean relying on grid power. Will I be able to see the solar park? Visual barriers, such as trees will be planted, as required to reduce the visibility of the park. Are the panels fixed and what is the space between the rows of arrays? The panels will be fixed (i.e. they do not track the sun) and the rows are approximately 5-9 ft apart. Why were these particular sites chosen for the solar farm projects? Reasons for choosing the sites include: connection capacity to the grid, size of land available, topography of site, and limited natural heritage features. How many acres is the project? For a typical 10 MW solar project, 75 to 100 acres is what is used. What is the life span of the project? The project has a contract for 20 years and components are designed and warranted for a much longer life. Once the contract is complete project can either be decommissioned or continue to produce energy through another program or open electricity market. What are the air contaminant emissions associated with this project? There are no air emissions from the project. What are the health effects associated with living in close proximity to a solar farm facility? There are no known negative health effects of living in close proximity to a solar farm. 2

24 In contrast to the traditional agricultural use the solar farm will replace, no storage of fuels, hazardous chemical storage or intensive use of pesticides are proposed during operation. The solar farm does not emit any ground vibrations or air emissions. Noise maybe emitted but will be the park will be designed and built to ensure it falls below Ministry standards. How will weeds be controlled? Weeds will be controlled on the property through scheduled maintenance. Vegetation can be planted and selected to minimize the establishment of weeds as required. The land will still be subject to all acts and by-laws relating to weed control on properties. Why was the particular parcel of land chosen for the solar farm? Reasons for choosing the sites include connection capacity to the electricity distribution system and local transformer station, minimal distance to grid connection point, size of land available, topography of site, and limited natural heritage features. To learn more about the awarded solar power project, please contact: Charmaine Thompson Project Planning and Implementation SkyPower Limited Direct: Fax: For media inquiries, please contact: Hando Kang Government Relations and Communications SkyPower Limited Direct: Fax: When is construction going to start? Construction will start once all permits required for construction are acquired. Where can I get more information on solar power? Canadian Renewable Energy Network ( Canadian Solar Industry Association ( Pembina Institute ( Solar Energy Industries Association ( 3

25 SkyPower Limited SkyPower Limited is Canada's largest owner and developer of solar energy projects. With 260 MW of power purchase contracts awarded, 57 MW of installed operating capacity, 10 MW actively under construction and over 1.5 GW at advanced stages of development across North America. SkyPower Limited prospects, develops, manages, finances, owns and operates solar energy projects from initial stages through to commercial operation. Developed Canada s first utility-scale, fully operating solar park First Light 1 (9.1 MW) SkyPower Limited is helping many jurisdictions meet their increasing demand for cleaner, non- emitting renewable energy solutions.

26 First Light First Light is Canada s first fully operational solar project. SkyPower Limited activated First Light in September MW nameplate capacity -Located on 90 acres of land in Stone Mills, Ontario - Will generate enough electricity to power almost 1,000 homes - Displaces almost 8,000 metric tons of CO2 (equivalent of 1,800 cars)

27 SkyPower Limited Development SkyPower Limited has six operational utility-scale solar projects (57 MW) and one project under construction Fort William First Nation (10 MW) - Two utility utility--scale solar projects are expected to generate over 59 million KWh in their first year of operation and over 1000 million kwh after 20 years. - That is approximately enough electricity to power 100,000 homes and cut over 776 thousand metric tons of CO2 emissions from the environment.

28 How Photovoltaics Work 1. Sunlight contacts the solar photovoltaic (PV) panel. 2. The electrons in the cells move about, creating direct current (DC) electricity. 3. DC energy is converted into alternating current (AC) electricity using an inverter. 4. AC electricity is supplied to the power grid. 5. Electricity is distributed for use in local homes and businesses.

29 The Benefits of Solar -Solar energy is clean, renewable, quiet, reliable, and passive. (Source: Renewable Energy Development, of-solar-energy/) -The photovoltaic panels are mounted in unobstructed locations with a low profile. -Solar energy creates jobs and benefits the local economy. (Source: Blue Green Canada, -Solar energy is generated locally and distributed on the existing local grid. -A 10 MWsolar project will displace approximately 10,000 tons of CO 2 equivalents a year. -1 kilowatt of power generated by solar panels replaces 150 pounds of coal from being mined. (Source: Solar Power Statistic, - Construction jobs will be sourced locally as possible.

30 Green Energy Act and Feed-In Tariff The Green Energy Act (GEA) was passed by the Province of Ontario in 2009 to: - Increase the amount of renewable energy generated in Ontario; -Create a new economic driver for the Ontario economy; and -Reduce Ontario s greenhouse gas emissions to 6% below 1990 levels by The Feed-In-Tariff (FIT) program is an important part of the Green Energy Act: -The program is designed to encourage and promote greater use of renewable energy sources. -The OPA awarded 40 FIT contracts to renewable energy developers in Ontario on February 25, It is a contract between renewable energy developers and the Ontario Power Authority (OPA). -This Project has received a contract under the FIT program and is now proceeding through the Renewable Energy Approval process.

31 The Renewable Energy Approval (REA) Process Following receipt of the FIT contract the project must obtain a Renewable Energy Approval from the Ministry of the Environmental before it can be constructed. The REA process (Ontario Regulation 359/09) is under Part V.0.1 of the Environmental Protection Act. The process defines setbacks and requires an assessment of project potential negative effects. More information can be obtained on REA at A complete REA submission includes: -Project Description Report: Provides an overview of the project (draft completed); -Construction Plan Report: Details the construction activities and potential effects; -Design and Operations Report: Describes the design, operation and emergency plans; -Decommissioning Report: Describes how the facility will be removed at the end of its lifespan; -Consultation Report: Documents the consultation process followed and feedback received during the process; -Natural Heritage Assessment Report: Describes natural features and provides for mitigation against environmental effects; -Water Report: Describes water bodies and provides for mitigation against environmental effects. -Archaeological Assessment and Cultural Heritage Assessment; and - Noise Study Report. The application submitted to the MOE will be posted on the Environmental Registry ( for public review and comment. All the reports (except consultation) will be available (in draft) to the public 60 days prior to the second public meeting on the project website and hard copies will be available for review at municipalities. All reports will be finalized after the second public meeting.

32 Renewable Energy Approval Studies Natural Heritage - Evaluate the significance of natural features within 120 m of the site. -A complete natural heritage investigation is composed of a records review from sources, such as Ministry of Natural Resources, Local Municipalities and Conservation Authorities, followed by site investigations by a biologist to confirm or update the findings of the records review. -The information collected is used to evaluate the significance of natural features. -This natural heritage information is used to design the project to avoid or minimize any adverse effects to the identified significant natural features. Archaeology - Purpose is to evaluate the presence of any known archaeological resources or heritage features on the site. -Investigation is conducted by a licensed archaeologist who prepares a Records Review (information collected from Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Local Municipalities, etc.) and a Site Inspection to determine the potential presence of archaeological resources. Noise - Transformers and inverters emit low levels of noise when in operation. This study is to evaluate the predicted levels of noise emitted from these components and the potential effects to ensure that noise levels meet MOE requirements. Water -A project must normally meet a minimum setback distance of 120 m from any nearby water body (which includes a lake, a permanent or intermittent stream and a seepage area. This report must identify and assess any negative environmental effects of the project on the water body and must identify mitigation measures in respect of those effects.

33 The Renewable Energy Approval Process We are here

34 BeamLight LP - Project Location and Description PROJECT LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION: The proposed BeamLight LP solar project site is located at the corner of Frog Street and Park Road in the Town of Georgina. BeamLight LP solar project is considered to be a Class 3 solar facility as per Ontario Regulation 359/09 under the Environmental Protection Act Part V.0.1. The Project is approximately 10MWACin size.

35 BeamLight LP Studies Update CULTURAL HERITAGE AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES Stage 1 and 2 Archaeological Assessments are being undertaken for BeamLight. All assessments will be provided to the Ministry of Tourism and Culture for comment and to the public in the draft REA release. NATURAL HERITAGE RESOURCES Land use within 300 meters - adjacent lands within 300 m include a mixture of pastureland, meadows, hayfields, wetlands and woodlands. To the southeast of the project location, the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has evaluated the Zephyr-Egypt Wetland Complex asa provincially significant wetland (PSW complex) and also classified it as a Life Science Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI). The MNR has also mapped a deer wintering yard in association with the PSW complex. These features are outside of the project location but within the surrounding 300 m. Other environmentally sensitive areas -No provincial parks, conservation reserves, Earth Science ANSIs or Valleylandswere identified within the project location or surrounding 300 m. Wildlife habitats - No known wildlife habitat has been historically identified within the project location. The applicability of wildlife habitat within the project location and surrounding area will be investigated further during the Natural Heritage Assessment. WATER BODIES No potential water bodies (lakes or seepage areas) are within the project as identified during the Water Assessment Records Review; ; however, Zephyr Creek is located within the surrounding 300 m to the southeast of the project location. This water body will be evaluatedfor potential impacts in the same manner as the natural features. In general, the potential environmental effects to water bodies could include: erosion, release of suspended sediments, changes to surface and groundwater flow, and the potential release of contaminants such as oils, gasoline, grease and other materials. Appropriate mitigation igation and/or monitoring measures will be developed and outlined in future reports related to water bodies. In addition, several ponds have been observed in the project location and surrounding 300 m. These ponds will be investigated to determine if they meet the definition of a water body under Ontario Regulation 359/09.

36 EarthLight LP - Project Location and Description PROJECT LOCATION DESCRIPTION: The proposed EarthLight LP solar project site is located on Old Homestead Road inthe Town of Georgina. EarthLight LP solar project is considered to be a Class 3 solar facility as per Ontario Regulation 359/09 under the Environmental Protection Act Part V.0.1. The Project is approximately 10MWACin size.

37 EarthLight LP Studies Update CULTURAL HERITAGE AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES Stage 1 and 2 Archaeological Assessments are being undertaken for EarthLight. All assessments will be provided to the Ministry of Tourism and Culture for comment and to the public in the draft REA release. NATURAL HERITAGE RESOURCES Land use within 300 meters - adjacent lands within 300 m include a mixture of pastureland, meadows, hayfields, wetlands and woodlands. To the southeast of the project location, the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has evaluated the Zephyr-Egypt Wetland Complex asa provincially significant wetland (PSW complex) and also classified it as a Life Science Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI). The MNR has also mapped a deer wintering yard in association with the PSW complex. These features are outside of the project location but within the surrounding 300 m. Other environmentally sensitive areas -No provincial parks, conservation reserves, Earth Science ANSIs or Valleylandswere identified within the project location or surrounding 300 m. Wildlife habitats - No known wildlife habitat has been historically identified within the project location. The applicability of wildlife habitat within the project location and surrounding area will be investigated further during the Natural Heritage Assessment. WATER BODIES One potential water body was mapped within the project location and surrounding 300 m during the Water Assessment Records Review.. This feature will be evaluated for potential impacts in the same manner as natural heritage resources. In general, the potential environmental effects to water bodies could include: erosion, release of suspended sediments, changes to surface and groundwater flow, and the potential release of contaminants such as oils, gasoline, grease and other materials. Appropriate mitigation igation and/or monitoring measures will be developed and outlined in future reports related to water bodies. In addition, several ponds have been observed in the project location and surrounding 300 m. These ponds will be investigated to determine if they meet the definition of a water body under Ontario Regulation 359/09.

38 GoldLight LP - Project Location and Description PROJECT LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION: The proposed GoldLight LP solar project site is located on Old Homestead Road in the Town of Georgina. GoldLight LP solar project is considered to be a Class 3 solar facility as per Ontario Regulation 359/09 under the Environmental Protection Act Part V.0.1. The Project is approximately 10MWACin size.

39 GoldLight LP Studies Update CULTURAL HERITAGE AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES Stage 1 and 2 Archaeological Assessments are being undertaken for GoldLight. All assessments will be provided to the Ministry of Tourism and Culture for comment and to the public in the draft REA release. NATURAL HERITAGE RESOURCES Land use within 300 m - Adjacent lands within 300 include a mixture of agricultural lands, woodlands and wetlands all within the Greenbelt Protected Countryside. To the north of the project location but within 300 m, the Ministry of Natural Resources has evaluated the Vachell Wetland complex to be provincially significant. Other environmentally sensitive areas -No provincial parks, conservation reserves, Earth Science ANSIs or Valleylandswere identified within the project location or surrounding 300 m. Wildlife habitats - No known wildlife habitat has been historically identified within the project location. The applicability of wildlife habitat within the project location and surrounding area will be investigated further during the Natural Heritage Assessment. WATER BODIES No potential water bodies (lakes or seepage areas) are within the project as identified during the Water Assessment Records Review.. A large pond is located near the southern boundary of the project location, which drains through a culvert south to adjacent lands alongold Homestead Road. This feature is not anticipated to meet the definition of a water body under Ontario Regulation 359/09.. This water body will be evaluated for potential impacts in the same manner as the natural features. In general, the potential environmental effects to water bodies could include: erosion, release of suspended sediments, changes to surface and groundwater flow, and the potential release of contaminants such as oils, gasoline, grease and other materials. Appropriate mitigation igation and/or monitoring measures will be developed and outlined in future reports related to water bodies. In addition, several ponds have been observed in the project location and surrounding 300 m. These ponds will be investigated to determine if they meet the definition of a water body under Ontario Regulation 359/09.

40 Thank You Thank You for attending the Public Information Centre Please fill out a comment sheet. For further information, please contact: Attention: Charmaine Thompson Project Planning and Implementation SkyPower Limited info@skypower.com

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