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OPEN HOUSE. Public Information Centre #2 Township of Wellesley February 26, 2013. Overview. Invenergy Canada Renewable Energy Approval(REA) process Project details Construction process REA summary Next steps. Invenergy. Profile. North America’s largest independent wind developer
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OPEN HOUSE Public Information Centre #2 Township of Wellesley February 26, 2013
Overview • Invenergy Canada • Renewable Energy Approval(REA) process • Project details • Construction process • REA summary • Next steps
Invenergy Profile • North America’s largest independent wind developer • 8,000+ landowners • Developed and placed into service 33 wind farms across the United States, Canada and Europe, totalling over 3,000 megawatts • Developer and operator of Raleigh Wind Energy Centre, a 78 megawatt project in Chatham-Kent, ON • Canadian offices in Toronto and Montreal, head office in Chicago, regional offices throughout the USA and in Europe
REA Process 2nd Public Information Centre (PIC) Address Stakeholder Concerns Finalize REA Reports REA Submission to MOE MOE Posting & Decision Period Final Public Review REA Decision
Conestogo Wind Energy Centre Project details • 69 megawatt project • 26 maximum turbines located in North Perth and Perth East • Substation located in the Township of Wellesley (Steed and Evans) • 20 year power purchase contract with the Ontario Power Authority
How a wind farm works Rotating generator converts kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy Transformer increases voltage for transmission to substation Substation increases voltage for transmission over long distances Transmission to grid 2 3 Source: The Canadian Wind Energy Association
Wind farm construction process • Survey and consult all components • Clear and grade • Install road • Dig foundation • Place rebar and anchor bolts • Pour foundation • Backfill foundation • Dig trench for collection line • Lay collection line • Repair drain tile • Delivery of turbine components • Prepare for turbine assembly • Erect tower, hub and rotor blades • Field reclamation • Decompaction of affected soil • Commission turbine Turbine installation Collection line installation Turbine installation
Collector Line Construction Installation overview
Underground Collection System Cable supply moves in front of installation crew
Underground Collection System Steps 1 & 2 – trenching machine excavates trench and places cables in trench
Underground Collection System Option – Horizontal Directional Drilling is used for public roads and/or water crossings, or significant natural features
Underground Collection System Step 3 – small dozer follows behind trencher to backfill trench using compacted native fill
Underground Collection System Finished trench view
REA Summary - Mitigation measures in place for construction impacts Spills • A spills response plan will be in place to contain and clean-up all spills without unnecessary delays and to notify the appropriate authorities, including the MOE and local municipalities. Erosion/Stormwater runoff • Erosion and sediment control measures will be used to prevent sedimentation loading of local surface water bodies. Particulate matter • Dust control methods will be used to suppress particulate matter. Noise and safety from heavy equipment • Work with all community members including Mennonite representatives regarding notification and procedures for construction activities .
REA Summary - Noise Study • The noise assessment was completed in accordance with the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE) “Noise Guideline for Wind Farms” (Oct. 2008). • The project substation will meet the 40 dBA noise limit.
REA Summary - Natural Heritage The results of the Natural Heritage Studies found that: • Seven significant Amphibian Breeding Habitat was identified within 120 meters of the project location; • 33 woodlands within 120 meters of project components have been identified as significant; • 11 wetlands within 120 meters of project components have been identified as provincially significant; and, • No Areas of Natural or Scientific Interest (ANSI), Provincial Parks or Conservation Reserves are within the study area. • MNR has provided a confirmation letter of Natural Heritage Studies.
Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) • Every time someone uses electricity they encounter EMF at extremely low frequencies. Health Canada (2010) stated that: “On a daily basis, most Canadians are exposed to EMF generated by household wiring, fluorescent lighting and any electrical appliance that plugs into the wall, including hair dryers, vacuum cleaners and toasters”. • For some Canadians this also includes exposure to EMF from high voltage power lines and transformer boxes. Health Canada (2010) has also stated: “When you are indoors at home, the magnetic fields from high voltage power lines and transformer boxes are weaker than those from household electrical appliances”. • Invenergy will construct the project collector system to meet Provincial Electrical standards. The collector lines will be buried which reduces EMF levels.
Stray Voltage • Recognize concern and sensitivity in the community. • The Conestogo Wind Project will be constructed to all applicable codes and standards. • Perth County has recommended that Invenergy works with Hydro One to determine how additional load requirements related to this project have any impact on stray voltage • Hydro One and the Ontario Energy Board protocols in place to address existing stray voltage concerns.
Next Steps February 2013 • Public Information Centre #2 (60 days after release of draft REA documents) Spring 2013 • Submit REA application to the Ministry of the Environment Late 2013/Early 2014 • Construction start Project Updates • Please contact Mr. Richard Deacon (519) 365-4180
For more information • Further comments on the REA reports can be submitted to: Dillon Consulting Ministry of Environment conestogo@dillon.caREFO@ontario.ca • Keep informed of project updates and provide input on project decisions – join the project working group. Interested community members are encouraged to contact conestogo@dillon.ca.