Shear Wind must provide more information on Glen Dhu project to NS Government

http://www.gov.ns.ca/nse/ea/glen.dhu.wind.farm/glen.dhu.wind.farm_MinDecision.pdf

The environmental assessment of the proposed Glen Dhu Power-Wind Project, Pictou and
Antigonish Counties, Nova Scotia, has been completed.

This letter is to advise that, pursuant to Section 13 (1)(a) of the Environmental Assessment
Regulations, I have determined the registration information is insufficient to allow me to
make a decision and that I require additional information.

During the review many local residents expressed concern about the potential for noise
from the wind farm. The Registration Document failed to provide the necessary information
about the proximity of nearby residents to the turbines and anticipated noise levels. This
information is required in order to determine the potential for noise-related concerns. Shear
Wind Inc. must, therefore, provide a description of the proximity of the proposed project
to affected communities including the number of residences and sensitive receptors such
as day cares, hospitals, or seniors’ residences, within intervals of 640 m, 1 km, 1.5 km and
2.0 km.

In addition, although Estimated Turbine Sound Levels are presented in Figure 5.5 of the
Registration Document, there is no discussion of the model used or model inputs used in
determining the noise levels from the proposed wind turbines. Shear Wind Inc. must
provide a discussion of the noise simulation model used and provide mitigation measures
that will be taken to reduce public exposure to noise, in accordance with the requirements
of the Proponent’s Guide to Wind Power Projects. Shear Wind Inc. must also demonstrate
that consideration has been given to project-related sources of electric and magnetic fields
and potential health effects.

Shear Wind Inc. must provide the details of all issues and concerns raised by local
residents and how the company proposes to address them.

There are outstanding concerns regarding mainland moose and the potential for adverse
effects within and around the proposed project footprint. Shear Wind Inc. must
address potential impacts of the proposed development on the local population of mainland
moose. Specific attention should be directed at clarifying what, if any, changes in moose
distribution, habitat use and/or behavior have been documented at wind farms after they
have become operational.

Provide any other studies or information pertinent to the assessment.

This information shall be submitted by Shear Wind Inc., within one year, as an addendum
to the original registration information. Pursuant to Section 13(1) of the Environmental
Assessment Regulations decision options available to me are: additional information is
required; approval with conditions; focus report is required; environmental assessment
report required; or, rejection. Upon submission of the information I will have 50 days to
make my decision. Shear Wind Inc. is also required to notify the public of the submitted
addendum through notices in the paper pursuant to Section 10 of the Environmental
Assessment Regulations.

In addition, during the review, Fisheries and Oceans Canada requested that Shear Wind
Inc. contact Mr. Charles MacInnis, Habitat Protection Chief, Antigonish Office, as soon as
possible, in order to plan a site visit to different proposed water crossings. Mr. MacInnis can
be reached at (902) 863-5670.

Shear Wind Inc. must not commence the undertaking or any part thereof until the
undertaking has been approved under Part IV of the Environment Act.

Original Signed By
Mark Parent
Minister