“The wind farm project in Wedgeport is still on our plans and we are working on it to make it ready for a request for proposals (RFP) that is to be released before the summer,” said Rodrigo Moura.
Last May representatives from AGRE and Stantec Consulting provided one-on-one discussion with residents at the Wedgeport Fire Department about the proposed project.
Moura says this year preparations are continuing on several fronts, including the completion of environmental studies required by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Nova Scotia and federal governments; wind measurement; securing permits and approvals/compliance from the municipality, province and Canada-wide agencies; engaging the community and procuring land control for the area of the project; and planning the interconnection of the proposed wind farm with NS Power’s substation.
“Since the last community meeting in May 2011 we have been working to secure all the items above. One of the most important is the environmental assessment that overlooks not only the animals and plants but also any noise and visual impacts the project might bring,” said Roura.
“The schedule for the RFP says that by May the projects will be awarded by the government. In case this project is successful then a construction plan will be shared with the community so everybody is aware of the next steps,” he said.
Another community meeting is tentatively planned for March to bring more information to the community.
At that meeting the intention is to present more information on project layout as well as visual and noise modeling to give the community members a better ideal of the impact of a project in the area.
