What follows is what we may mail/e-mail/otherwise distribute to inform people in the area about the proposed wind farm. Snowbirds are starting to return and are just now finding out about the wind farm. I am open to suggestions on how to tweak this. I'd like to include more information, but to fit in any more will have to make the font pretty small!. We hope to include a copy of the map with the mail-out.
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Did you know that Atlantic Wind Power Company (AWPC) plans to change the nature of your neighborhood?
The same company that put in a sometimes controversial 17 turbine wind farm in Pubnico wants to come over here and erect a 27 turbine industrial power plant that will affect our health, enjoyment of this beautiful area and significantly affect our property value, local economy and ability to develop this area as we would like it to be.
The wind farm is planned to be between MacFarlane Road westerly to Irving's dairy farm and between the Gulf Shore Road and Miller Road)
At 120m (394 feet) these turbines are huge. They will completely dominate the skyline for miles and miles.
They are noisy. On normal days they can be heard for 1-2 km. On humid, calm days they can be heard from much further away.
They set up vibrations and ultrasound which very seriously affect many people's health.
The flickering light as the sun is seen through the rotors is maddening and can induce migraines.
Some areas report large bird and bats mortality at turbines.
If this project goes ahead, cottagers and tourists will go somewhere else for their peace, quiet and beautiful beaches. Our local economy is heavily dependent on these visitors. Many move here permanently. If they stop coming, how much longer will the Co-op, the hardware stores and pharmacy last?
There is no evidence that any long term jobs will come out of this permanent project.
If this project goes ahead where will Pugwash be able to develop its community?
Once these turbines are erected, what stops the next wind power coming in and marching even more turbines into Pugwash or down to Fox Harbour?
Property prices are already being detrimentally affected. Eventually people will get used to turbines, but can you wait 20+ years for your property value to return to where it should be?
People planning on buying/building their retirement homes have canceled/put plans on hold.
We need more green power. We need to promote wind energy. Any environmentalist, renewable energy proponent or consultant would agree that as much as we need green energy sources, consideration for the existing local economy is of prime importance when deciding where these projects are located.
This is a very thinly populated County. The Cobequids are the windiest parts of the County. There are NS Power transmission lines on the Cobequids. That's where wind turbines should be.
There is already strong lack of public support for this poorly located wind farm. If it is allowed to go ahead, it will hurt the green energy movement.
Why hasn't anyone contacted adjacent property owners?
When did AWPC know that the Gulf Shore was a potential site for a wind farm?
AWPC has been testing the winds of the Gulf Shore for 2.5 years. It only takes 12 months to collect enough data to determine if a site is suitable or not. Why is it only in the last few months that their plan has come to light?
What's been going on?
November 2004 First wind monitoring tower erected behind Brogan's. It fell and broke that day.
December 2004 Second wind monitoring tower erected
Summer 2006 Cumberland County starts the process to amend the land use bylaw to include specific setback for wind turbines.
3rd November '06 Scotian WindFields (competitor to AWPC) held a presentation and meeting at St Thomas More church hall looking for investors.
21 November AWPC held an Open House at St Thomas More church hall. No open forum for questions.
6 December First draft of amendment presented to Cumberland County Council with a proposed turbine setback of 125% of turbine height.
21 March '07 First reading of amendment. Setback distance minimum 3x turbine height.
(A 120m [394'] turbine could be as close as 360m [0.22 mile] to a residence). There is no provision for undeveloped land.
4 April Presentations made to County Council. The first explaining the many reasons why setbacks should not be too close to residences and urging County to increase setback distance. The second by AWPC as rebuttal to the first presentation.
7 April AWPC met with 18 concerned seasonal home owners in HRM.
11 April AWPC Open House at St Thomas More church hall. Approx 140 people present, most in opposition.
18 April Public hearing at Cumberland County Municipality. 20 presentations made. Due to large numbers and lack of time, a “no repetition of the facts” rule excluded many more. County has received 70 presentations and letters of concern from residents.
2 May Second Reading at Council scheduled
15 May AWPC Open House at St Thomas More church hall scheduled.
16 May AWPC meeting in HRM. Time and location to be announced.
July Environmental Assessment (EA) expected to be completed
5th July AWPC Open House at St Thomas More church hall. (This will be the first meeting held during “cottage season” and after when the EA is expected to be completed)
What can you do now?
To voice your concerns contact CBCL Ltd who is conducting the EA. Ms Annabelle Singleton of CBCL can be contacted at (902) 421 7241 ext.2253 or annabelles@cbcl.ca. The EA has to be conducted and has to include public input.
Call your councilor
Write to your local newspaper
Tell your neighbours
Get more information at http://pugwashwindfarm.blogspot.com/
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