Nova Scotia’s environment minister claims he doesn’t have enough information in order to approve a proposal for the largest wind farm in the province.
Natural Forces, a renewable energy company, submitted its plans to the province in January for the Benjamins Mill Wind Project.
Natural Forces seeks environmental approval for up to 28 large turbines near Windsor, which would generate enough energy to power approximately 50,000 homes.
Tim Halman, Environment Minister, had until Tuesday to make a decision on the proposal. The proposal was approved by the Environment Minister Tim Halman.Three-page letter to companyHalman wrote in a Thursday public statement that he found the proposal inadequate in several ways.
Natural Forces, with offices in Halifax, Quispamsis and Dublin, now has one year to provide additional information about:
- Historical geoscience.
- Flora and Fauna
- Wetlands and other waterways
- Turbines produce noise.
- Potential impacts on biodiversity
- Archeological resources
The minister will have 50 days from the time the company submits the information Halman asked for to make a new decision.
Representatives of Natural Forces did no immediate respond to CBC News’s request.
The company presented its original proposal saying it had reviewed existing data, conducted field studies on nearby homes, watercourses, endangered species, wetlands, and sensitive habitats in order to design a project that would have minimal environmental impacts.
It concluded that any environmental effects would be “minor, negligible, and short-term in nature.”
Comments from the public
One hundred and twenty-one federal and provincial departments, two Mi’kmaw organizations, and 21 members the public provided feedback on the original proposal during the standard comment period for environmental assessments.
Some of the minister’s requests are based on recommendations made by government departments such as Environment and Climate Change Canada and Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables.
Many residents of the area expressed concern about the noise from the turbines as well as adverse health effects.
In a letter to the minister, the minister suggested that the company refer to Health Canada’s guidance on noise and human health and offer plans for mitigation and resolution.
