WELCOME. To the St. Columban Wind Project Open House!

Transcription

1 WLCOM To the St. Columban Wind Project Open House! Thank you for coming. We are here to answer your questions, and provide information on the proposed wind facility. Please view the display panels, speak with members of the study team, and complete a questionnaire with your comments.

2 Objectives of This Public Open House Ÿ Provide a status update on the proposed St. Columban Wind Project (the Project). Ÿ Provide an overview of the Renewable nergy Approval (RA) process. Ÿ Share results of the environmental studies which have been completed to date. Ÿ Answer questions about the Project and outline next steps. Ÿ Receive the community's input and feedback for consideration by the Project team as St. Columban nergy LP finalizes the reports for submission to the Ministry of the nvironment (MO).

3 St. Columban nergy LP The Project Project Benefits Ÿ Municipality of Huron ast, Township of Howick, and Municipality of Morris-Turnberry Ÿ Zero emissions helps meet forecasted energy supply requirements while reducing Ÿ 1 Turbines, MW (maximum capacity) Ÿ A. kv - approximately 43 km underground renewable energy and phasing out of coalelectrical interconnection line greenhouse gas levels Ÿ Helps meet Ontario's commitment to fired power plants Ÿ Infrastructure includes access roads, buried electrical collector lines, two points of connection to the existing Hydro One network, a transformer station, and two small Ÿ New local investment Ÿ Secondary source of income for farmers and landowners unserviced electrical control buildings Ÿ All Project components are on private land and within municipal rights-of-way

4 Site Selection - Why St. Columban? Ÿ Good Wind Regime 6 years of wind monitoring have verified the site capacity Ÿ nvironment studies of local environmental features show that the Ÿ Sufficient distance between the turbines to account for wind energy loss between turbines Ÿ Compatible Land Uses agricultural land requiring a small footprint for Project components Ÿ Landowner Interest in hosting turbines Project will have no/low impact on wildlife and natural features Ÿ Local economic benefit - jobs, municipal tax revenue, keeps famers farming as supplemental income on participating lands Ÿ Site Access good existing road infrastructure Ÿ lectrical Interconnection the project has access to connect to transmission capacity Ÿ Flat Topography on the Hydro One provincial grid

5 St. Columban Wind Project Wind Project Study Area and Project Location NO RT H Legend Study Area WI NT 12m Zone of Investigation HR OP RO Turbine Location A Noise Receptor Point of Connection Unserviced lectrical Control Building Construction Area Access Road 1 Underground Collector Proposed Underground lectrical Interconnection Line Route NL Y 9 MA Highway Road OA 6 BR G AL LR I Watercourse RO Waterbody H NS A Aggregate Site 7 Wooded Area SU MM R HI 8 LL RO A MA PL 42 QUBC OO HW Ottawa C ONTARIO R O B HY Lake Huron 4 R Toronto OA Pe r o n r th C o Co unt un y ty Lake Ontario Hu 13 Lake rie Notes Coordinate System: UTM NA 83 - Zone 17 (N). 2. Base features produced under license with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Queen's Printer for Ontario, Orthographic Imagery: First Base Solutions Imagery ate: 21, RO A 18 Study Area 17 9R P OA 2R 36 ecember OA RT H RO A 18 1 Client/Project 18 1R OA ST. COLUMBAN NRGY LP ST. COLUMBAN WIN PROJCT Figure No. 2. W:\active\696649\drawing\GIS\MX\CPR\696649_Fig2_WindProjectLocation_ mxd Revised: By: pworsell 1, m Title WIN PROJCT LOCATION

6 Wind Turbine etails 1 Siemens SWT /SWT wind turbine generators with a maximum installed nameplate capacity of MW. Manufacturer Siemens Siemens Model SWT SWT Name plate capacity (MW) 2.3 MW 2.3 MW Hub height above grade 99. m 99. m Blade length m 49 m Full blade diameter 113 m 11 m Blade sweep area 1, m 8, m Speed range 6-13 rpm 6-16 rpm Frequency spectrum 6 Hz 6 Hz To be conservative, two turbine models are being assessed as part of the Renewable nergy Approval (RA) process the SWT (113m blade span) and the SWT (11m blade span). Ÿ For the noise assessment, the SWT is being assessed, due to its higher noise level. Ÿ For potential impacts to the natural environment, and property line setback assessments, the SWT is being assessed, due to its longer blade length. This conservative approach will ensure the 'worst case scenario' is being assessed.

7 Renewable nergy Approval (RA) Process Proponent's Project Concept Site Selection, Land Acquisition Ÿ The Green nergy and Green conomy Act (GA), and related amendments to other provincial legislation, received Royal Assent in the Ontario Legislature on May 14, 29. Ÿ The Project will require a RA according to Ontario Regulation 39/9 (Renewable nergy Approvals under Part V.1 of the Act) under the nvironmental Protection Act. This regulation became law on September 24, 29, was amended on January 1, 211, and replaces the previous Ontario nvironmental Assessment Act process for wind projects. Ÿ The RA application for the St. Columban Wind Project will include a comprehensive assessment and plan related to Project design, construction, operation, maintenance and decommissioning. Ÿ All non-ra approvals (Conservation Authorities, ndangered Species, and Municipal) will be sought during the RA process. nvironmental Studies and Consultation, including 6 day public review of reports Ministry of Natural Resources and Ministry of Tourism and Culture review and confirmation Submit RA application to MO MO determines 'completeness' and places on nvironmental Registry f or 3 day public review 6 month MO review MO decision notice - how the Project will be built, operated and decommissioned, considering the local community and environment Appeals Process/nvironmental Review Tribunal Public, Municipal and Aboriginal Consultation

8 Renewable nergy Approval Process - Setbacks Ÿ A key component of the RA process is the establishment of common setbacks for all renewable energy facilities in the Province. Ÿ Where Project related infrastructure will be located within the setback distances, additional analysis, including an nvironmental Impact Study, will be provided in the RA application and summarized in the Final Project escription Report. Ÿ Key setbacks which will be applied throughout the design of the Project are as follows: Feature Setback istance Non-participating noise receptor Public road right-of-way and railway right-of-way m (from turbine base) Turbine blade length + 1 m (from turbine base) Property line Provincially significant wetland Turbine height (excluding blades) (from turbine base) 12 m Provincially significant ANSI (arth Science) Provincially significant ANSI (Life Science) m 12 m Significant valleyland Significant woodland 12 m 12 m Significant wildlife habitat Lake or a permanent or intermittent stream Seepage area 12 m 12 m from the average annual high water mark 12 m

9 Technical Studies nvironmental studies have been completed to fully understand the local environment and have been considered in the development of the Project layout. The technical studies include in-depth analysis of: Ÿ Wildlife and wildlife habitat, including Species at Risk and Significant Wildlife Habitat Ÿ Bird breeding, wintering, and migration areas Ÿ Waterbodies and aquatic resources Ÿ Woodlands, vegetation, and other significant natural features (e.g. wetlands and Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest) Ÿ Archaeological Features, Built Heritage Features and Protected Properties All of the technical studies will be provided within the RA reports in draft form for public review and comment at least 6 days before the Final Public Open House, planned for late spring 212.

10 Health and Wind Power Public health and safety will be considered during all stages of the Project. Many studies have been conducted world-wide to examine the relationship between wind turbines and possible human health effects. In Ontario Ontario doctors, nurses, and other health professionals support energy conservation combined with wind and solar power to help us move away from coal Ontario College of Family Physicians, Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, Canadian Association of Physicians for the nvironment, Physicians for Global Survival, the Asthma Society of Canada, and the Lung Association In The Potential Health Impact of Wind Turbines (May 21), Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health examined the scientific literature related to wind turbines and public health, considering potential effects, such as dizziness, headaches, and sleep disturbance. The report concluded that: Ÿ the scientific evidence available to date does not demonstrate a direct causal link between wind turbine noise and adverse health effects. The sound level from wind turbines at common residential setbacks is not sufficient to cause hearing impairment or other direct health effects, although some people may find it annoying. Ÿ The report also concluded that low frequency sound and infrasound from current generation upwind model turbines are well below the pressure sound levels at which known health effects occur. Further, the report states that there is no scientific evidence to date that vibration from low frequency wind turbine noise causes adverse health effects. Ÿ Overall, health and medical agencies agree that sound from wind turbines is not loud enough to cause hearing impairment and is not causally related to adverse effects*. Ÿ Scientists and medical experts around the world continue to publish research in this area. Through our health consultants, St. Columban nergy LP is committed to keeping informed on this issue. *e.g., Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit, 28; Minnesota epartment of Health, 29; Australian Government, National Health and Medical Research Council, 21; Australian Government, 211

11 Noise Assessment Ÿ A Noise Assessment NORTH WINTHROP ROA Legend Study Area Turbine Location Report has been Construction Area Underground Collector completed for the Proposed Underground lectrical Interconnection Line Route Access Road Project to ensure it Property Boundary Point of Connection complies with MO requirements. Ÿ Sound levels will be below 4 dba, and HNSALL ROA BRIG ROA MANLY Unserviced lectrical Control Building Highway Road Railway Watercourse Optioned Property Noise Receptors (As defined under.reg 3919) Participating Non-Participating Vacant Lot all turbines have 8 SUMMRHILL ROA been sited more than m from all MAPL non-participating receptors (including HYRO ROA BCHWOO 4 42 residences). ROA Huron County Perth County 39 Notes Coordinate System: UTM NA 83 - Zone 17 (N). Base features produced under license with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Queen's Printer for Ontario, 211. Orthographic Imagery: First Base Solutions - Imagery ate: 26 & ROA 181 ROA PRTH ROA ROA Client/Project Figure No. ST. COLUMBAN NRGY LP ST. COLUMBAN WIN PROJCT 6. ecember , m Title NOIS RCPTORS WIN PROJCT LOCATION W:\active\696649\drawing\GIS\MX\CPR\696649_Fig6 NoiseReceptor_ mxd

12 Natural Heritage Assessment Natural features within 12 m of the Project Location (proposed construction area) were assessed (where access was granted) for significance and potential effects of construction, operation and decommissioning of the Project. Findings: Ÿ There are no wetlands within the proposed construction area. There are provincially significant and locally significant wetlands within 12 m of the proposed construction area; these were all conservatively assessed by the Project Team as provincially significant to ensure their protection. Ÿ One Life Science Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) was found within 12 m of the proposed construction area for the interconnection line. Ÿ One deer yard was found within 12 m of the northern end of the proposed underground electrical risk may be found, it is anticipated that the Project will not have negative impacts on these species or their habitats. If, after completion of the species at risk analyses, it is determined that there is potential to negatively impact the species or its habitat, the Project will ensure that the affected species and/or its habitat will receive an overall benefit by working closely with MNR. Mitigation measures will be put in place to reduce or eliminate potential effects to provincially significant wetlands and significant woodlands. The Project has been sited to avoid natural features, and the interconnection line will be entirely within the municipal road allowance, significantly reducing or even eliminating potential effects on adjacent natural features. Potential impacts on all features were not determined to be significant and can be mitigated through standard practices and timing windows. interconnection line route. Ÿ Public input resulted in a 211 survey for Tundra Swans. Ÿ No seasonal concentration areas for birds were identified. Ÿ Two potential woodland amphibian breeding ponds were identified within 12 m of the proposed construction area. Ÿ No animal movement corridors, bat hibernacula (overwintering) or maternity roosts were identified. Ÿ Although the Project is within an area where species at

13 Water Body Assessment Water Features Ÿ Seven watercourses are present within 12 m of the Ÿ No impacts to fish or fish habitat are anticipated if Wind Project Location (construction area); three are mitigation measures are followed. within the construction area Ryan rain (T7), Woods rain (T3) and Carpenter rain (T1) Ÿ Water crossings with culverts are required at Krouskopf rain (T4), Ryan rain (T6), Canada Company rain (T14), and Woods rain (T1); T14 and T1 will require resizing of existing culverts Ÿ Twenty-three watercourses are within 12 m of the construction area for the underground electrical interconnection line all will be crossed by directional drilling under the watercourses Ÿ Project infrastructure, including access roads and buried electrical cable, could impact watercourses Ÿ Mitigation will include direction drilling, construction of appropriate sediment and erosion controls, and using Operational Statements from the epartment of Fisheries and Oceans

14 St. Columban Wind Project Natural Heritage Assessment & Water Body Assessment NT Point of Common Coupling RO A Construction Area Unserviced lectrical Control Building OP 31 Study Area Turbine Location HR WI H RT NO Legend Proposed Underground lectrical Interconnection Line Route Underground Collector Access Road Property Boundary 1 Y RA Waterbody (as defined in O.Reg 39/9) 7 Seaforth sker Wooded Area Waterbody Significant Natural Features SU MM R 8 31 RO A 42 MA 31 PL LL HI Contour Line (Metres) 3 OA LR AL NS H Watercourse Aggregate Site A RO Regionally Significant arth Science ANSI G I ublin Moraine sker 6 Railway MA Road NL BR 9 Highway B O 4 R 3 HY C 31 HW OO R OA RO 31 A Coordinate System: UTM NA 83 - Zone 17 (N). 2. Base features produced under license with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Queen's Printer for Ontario, Orthographic Imagery: First Base Solutions Imagery ate: 21, Notes 31 3 Hu Pe r on r th C o Co unt un y ty OA RO A TH P R OA 18 2R 31 ecember Client/Project ST. COLUMBAN NRGY LP ST. COLUMBAN WIN PROJCT 18 1R OA R Figure No. Title 1, m 31 W:\active\696649\drawing\GIS\MX\CPR\696649_Fig7_NaturalFeaturesWindProjectLocation_ mxd Revised: By: pworsell :37, NATURAL HRITAG FATURS WIN PROJCT LOCATION

15 Built Heritage, Protected Properties and Archaeological Assessments Stage 2 Archaeological Assessment (field studies) conducted for all Project components Legend Study Area Project Components NORTH Turbine Location WINTHROP ROA Construction Area No archaeological features found. Point of Connection Unserviced lectrical Control Building Access Road Underground Collector 47 significant built heritage resources and two Proposed Underground lectrical Interconnection Line Route 1 significant cultural heritage landscapes were identified within the Study Area and assessed for Project-related effects. Potential negative Highway Road Railway Aggregate Site Watercourse Heritage Resources Water Well HNSALL ROA Abandoned Petroleum Well BRIG ROA 6 9 MANLY effects were identified for 17 properties and 2 Setback Optioned Property 7 SUMMRHILL ROA cultural heritage landscapes. Mitigation includes: Ÿ A study by a qualified engineer to determine acceptable levels of vibration Notes Road Setback (6m) Property Line Setback (99.) Coordinate System: UTM NA 83 - Zone 17 (N). Base features produced under license with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Queen's Printer for Ontario, 211. Orthographic Imagery: First Base Solutions - Imagery ate: 21 & 26. MAPL HYRO ROA BCHWOO Ÿ Monitor vibrations during sub-grade construction Ÿ Halt activities if vibration levels exceed Huron County Perth County 39 maximum thresholds ROA Ÿ Avoid removal of trees in vicinity of properties and avoid damaging tree roots th th Also, five 19 and 2 century windmills were identified in the Study Area, and the team 182 ROA 181 ROA PRTH ROA ROA recommends these not be removed during 1, m construction and operation of the Project. W:\active\696649\drawing\GIS\MX\CPR\696649_Fig4 Socioc_Windproject_ mxd

16 St. Columban Wind Project Visual Impact Assessment Visual assessments were conducted during the SR phase in 29. While some newly proposed turbines have not been assessed, the majority have been, and the figures below give an indication of the visual impact of turbines within the Study Area.

17 St. Columban Wind Project Visual Impact Assessment

18 Renewable nergy Approval Reports The following reports will be prepared and submitted as part of the RA application: Ÿ Project escription Report (a raft is already posted on the project website) Ÿ Natural Heritage Assessment / nvironmental Impact Study Ÿ Construction Plan Report Ÿ esign and Operations Report, includes: Ÿ Water Assessment / Water Body Report Ÿ Heritage Impact Assessment - Preliminary Property Line Setback Assessment Ÿ Protected Properties Assessment - Noise Assessment Ÿ Stage I Archaeology Assessment Ÿ ecommissioning Plan Report Ÿ Wind Turbine Specifications Report Ÿ Stage II Archaeological Resources Assessment Report Ÿ Consultation Report All reports, with the exception of the Consultation Report, will be made available in draft form for public review and comment at least 6 days prior to the Final Public Open House. Notification of the release of the draft reports will be provided.

19 Project Schedule Overview 211 Initiate Public RA Process Winter 211 Ongoing consultation with government agencies and local community members, Aboriginal communities, Huron ast, Howick, Morris-Turnberry and Huron County. If project approved. We Are Here raft Project escription Report and Site Plan made available March 211 Undertake RA Technical Studies throughout 211 (supplemented with SR studies) raft RA Reports and Municipal Consultation Form provided to Huron ast and Huron County May 211 Public Open House #1 May 211 Public Open House #2 January 212 raft RA Reports and Municipal Consultation Form provided to Huron ast, Howick, Morris-Turnberry and Huron County January 212 raft RA Reports to Public February day Public Review and Comment Period Final Public Open House late Spring 212 RA Submission Spring day nvironmental Registry public review period - date determined by MO RA ecision late 212 Start of Construction July 213 Commercial Operation ate (CO) early 214 Repowering/ecommissioning Approximately 2. years after CO

20 We Want Your Feedback! Please share your questions and comments with us by filling out a questionnaire. You can also contact the Project team by: mail: Shawna.Peddle@stantec.com Project mail: stcolumbanwind@vereseninc.com Phone: Mail: José Menendez VP Business evelopment, ast St. Columban nergy LP Shawna Peddle Senior Project Manager Stantec Consulting Limited 222-3rd Avenue SW, Suite 9 7 Southgate rive, Suite 1 Calgary, AB T2P B4 Guelph, ON N1G 4P You may also visit us on the project website at: Copies of the display boards from this Public Open House and the raft Project escription Report are available on the website.