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Huron-Kinloss should have its own stated position about off-shore wind projects. That's
the word from councillor Anne Eadie who brought the matter forward last
night (Aug. 16) in response to a position statement about the projects
by the Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation. Manager
Geoff Peach said the statement was developed out of concern that
without proper investigations prior to permitting construction, there
could be unnecessary impacts to coastal resources both in the off-shore
and on-shore. Eadie said the township should state
its position on off-shore development and incorporate some of the
centre's ideas. Bruce County should also issue a statement, she said. "Who has jurisdiction over this?" asked councillor Lillian Abbott. "The
provincial government has control over issues along the shore, but the
federal government has jurisdiction over of the lake," said Eadie. Administrator
Mary Rose Walden said there is a map available that shows off-shore
wind turbine applications all along the Lake Huron coastline, from
Kincardine to Goderich. "We're trying to verify it," she said. To check out the map, click here The centre's position is as follows: - Prior
notice and consultation should occur on a lake-wide basis for all
off-shore proposals on Lake Huron. It is crucial that meaningful public
participation be provided. In this regard, First Nation consultation is
considered vital.
- The Province of Ontario and
Government of Canada should fund independent research in the areas of
coastal processes, aquatic ecology, coastal engineering, beach and
shore ecology to determine the potential impacts of off-shore
windmills on the off-shore, near-shore and on-shore ecosystems, system
communities and species, and coastal geomorphology.
- Proposed
off-shore wind projects should be reviewed with comprehensive analyses.
Engineering and ecological consultants need to undertake primary
research (modeling, measuring and counting) to determine whether the
proposed undertakings will result in negative impacts on water quality
(including re-suspension of contaminated sediments) and the physical
and biological features and processes associated with any off-shore
proposal. In addition, the promotion of invasive species colonization
from lakebed alteration should be investigated.
- The
lead federal agencies should initiate, as early in the planning
process as possible for any proposed wind project on one of the
lakes, intergovernmental consultation with all government agencies that
might be directly and substantially affected by an off-shore wind
project - or involved in any capacity - to ensure that issues and
concerns at all phases of the project, including decommissioning, are
identified and adequately addressed.
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If deemed to be feasible that it is possible to
construct these structures without significant impacts, it is also
necessary to identify impacts and measures related to the following: - Ongoing
operation, including, but not limited to: Concern over possible leaks
of lubricant fluid; methods of winter repairs under ice conditions;
aesthetic issues related to light and fog horns which have the
potential to cause visual, noise and light pollution; concern over
vibrations and electromagnetic fields emitted from cables transferring
power from off-shore sites, and their effect on aquatic communities and
any people who live nearby.
- Potential damage from wind, waves, ice and lightning.
- Eventual
dismantling and end of life removal. Decommissioning and removal of
turbine components,including blades, nacelle, tower and containerized
transformer, is anticipated to be largely a reversal of the
installation process and should be subject o the same constraints.
Operational wastes associated with routine maintenance, repair, upgrades
and/or decommissioning must be properly handled, stored, transported
and disposed of at a licensed facility that complies with applicable
regulations.
For further information about proposed off-shore wind projects, click here
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