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Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary: ........................................................................................................................................................ 3
2. Introduction: ................................................................................................................................................................... 3
3. Project Description: ........................................................................................................................................................ 3
a. List of Project Actions: ................................................................................................................................................ 4
b. Description of the environmental and socio-economic environmental aspects: ....................................................... 5
c. Identification of affected and interested stake holders: ............................................................................................ 7
4. Environmental Impact Matrix: ........................................................................................................................................ 8
5. Detailed Discussion of VECs and VSCs: ........................................................................................................................... 9
a. The baseline: ............................................................................................................................................................... 9
b. Potential impacts: ..................................................................................................................................................... 10
c. Mitigative measures: ................................................................................................................................................ 11
d. Residual impacts: ...................................................................................................................................................... 11
6. Monitoring program: .................................................................................................................................................... 12
a. Identifying monitoring criteria: ................................................................................................................................. 12
b. The type of data collected: ....................................................................................................................................... 12
c. The frequency of collecting data: ............................................................................................................................. 14
7. Conclusion: .................................................................................................................................................................... 15
8. Appendix (Work Division): ............................................................................................................................................ 16
a. Report: ...................................................................................................................................................................... 16
b. Presentation: ............................................................................................................................................................. 16
9. References: ................................................................................................................................................................... 17
1. Executive Summary:
The purpose and approach of this report is to introduce the Wind Turbine Farm Project by Chebucto Terence
Bay Wind Field Limited and to discuss the process in which the project will be taking place. This project
classifies as a Class I Environmental Assessment Requirement due to the nature and the location of its
construction, operation and maintenance. In order for the project to be approved, the proponent has to
complete a detailed environmental assessment process, analyze its results, and present it to the Government
of Nova Scotia as this project is on a provincial level. The results were discussed in this report and the
mitigative measures that would be taken were mentioned. In some cases, results turned out to be
environmental or socio-economic impacts that needed to be mitigated. In order to discuss certain aspects,
results are shown and explained. Please refer to the table of contents on page 2 to access specific sections of
the report.
2. Introduction:
Chebucto Terence Bay Wind Field Limited (CTB) is a Community Economic Development Corporation (CEDC).
CTB is located in the Halifax Regional Municipality, Nova Scotia, Canada. Thirty seven singular shareholders
who are inhabitants of Nova Scotia claim 37 percent of CTB.
In 2010 as a major aspect of Nova Scotias Renewable Energy Plan the Government of Nova Scotia has focused
on an objective of 25 percent renewable power supply by 2015. By 2020, the Government of Nova Scotia
wants to increase the renewable power supply to 40 percent. The renewable vitality generation is anticipated
that would incorporate hydro, wind, biomass and tidal sources.
To empower the region to accomplish this objective, a base of 100MWs will be acquired through the COMFIT
system directed by the Nova Scotia Department of Energy. COMFIT is intended for locally-based renewable
power ventures. The projects are required to be owned by the community and connected at the distribution
level. This project is being created in light of this government initiative and has already been approved by the
Nova Scotia Department of Energy.
3. Project Description:
Chebucto Terence Bay Wind Field Inc. (CTB) planned to install three Enercon E92 wind turbines at the site of
Terence Bay, N.S. PID: 00384966 [1]. These three wind turbines were approved to generate up to 7.2
Megawatts of energy. The location was selected and proved to be a very good wind resource through the use
of a MET (Measurement) tower [1]. As CTB came to the realization that this project would have a Class I
environmental assessment requirement, they started the necessary work for an environmental assessment
along with doing the necessary field studies. They also took steps to analyze the information in order to
determine potential impacts and engaged with representatives of the local municipalities which may have
been in the boundary of the projects effect.
For more details on the actions of the project, please refer to the Environmental Assessment Report along
with its Supplemental Report (Data Analysis) as referenced at the end of this document [1] [2]. The
approval given by the ministry is also referenced in order to show compliance with the respective
environmental act [3].
during construction along with any limited number of hazardous material shall also be reused or recycled
in accordance with the environmental act [1]. Since the project is openly purposed to be an environment
friendly and renewable energy source, the amount of environmental impact is anticipated to be minimal if
not none. Even after taking this into consideration, the proponent initiated an environmental protection
plan prior to construction in order control the potential hazards caused to the environment and included
all the necessary information in the environmental impact assessment report [1]. An important potential
issue of the wind turbines would be the sound power level generated by the rotating action of the wind
turbines.
Table 1 - Sound Power levels for the E-92 with 2,350 kW rated Power (Enercon GmbH) [2]
Wind Speed @ 10 Sound Power Level (dBA) In the table to the left, 85 and 98 m distances are the
m (m/s) 85 m 98 m
hub height. The sound levels were recorded from a
5 99.5 99.9
6 102.0 102.2 distance of 10 m. The wind turbines of this project will
7 103.3 103.4 be 85 m high [2]. It is expected that the sound will
8 104.2 105.0
9 105.0 105.0 dissipate to acceptable levels before it reached the
10 105.0 105.0 nearest residential settlement which is 1.2 km away
95 % Rated Power 105.0 105.0
from the turbine [2].
Figure 2 - Sound Pressure Levels in the Terence Bay Wilderness Area [2]
As seen in the figure on the left, the sound levels are expected to have no unusual impact on the wilderness
within a 1 km radius [2]. As the surrounding of the wind turbines were already no suitable place for animal
habitat, there were no expected natural disruptions of the surrounding animal population. Bird nesting sites
were carefully observed and any clearing of the area was done outside of the bird breeding season [2].
Terence Bay is a small community which is a part of HRM that is approximately 25+ km away from Halifax.
The community, whose population is approximately 760 based on a 2006 census, is employed in various
fields such as: trades, transportation, education, social work and service industries [1]. After a decline in
the fishing industry in the past years, the community is mostly known for its outdoor activities such as:
hiking, sea kayaking, diving, boating, hunting along with evidence of ATV usage [1]. There are no public
transportation systems in place which connect the Terence Bay area to central Halifax which leads to the
local community having their own personal vehicles or access to a vehicle on which their transportation is
relied upon. No historic archaeological evidence was recorded in order to confirm First Nations land use
along the Terence Bay River [1]. A summary of potential environmental impacts are as seen below [1]:
Surface Water Quality
Species of Concern
Forest Cover
Migratory and Breeding Birds
Bats
Flicker
A summary of potential socio-economic impacts are as seen below [1] [2]:
Possible health concern from low frequency vibration
Noise (if applicable)
Property devaluation (within the area of impact from noise and/or flicker)
View of turbines impacting the beauty of the surroundings
Residents being aware late and thus not being able to involve from the beginning
Economic value of project for the community
Possible increase in property tax to accommodate upgrades to River Road
Effecting good hunting areas
respondents live within less than 2 km away, 14 of them between 2 to 5 km and 10 of them more than 5
km away. This reflects the change in concern depending on the distance away from the area of influence of
the project which is considered to be within an approximate radius of 2 km [1].
According to the questionnaire, most concerns regarding the project was determined to be regarding
environmental impact, potential health impacts and devaluation of property [1]. It was expressed by the
attendees of the questionnaire that 21 of the respondents were opposing, 11 were favoring and 10 were
left undecided regarding the project. Following are certain common interests of the stake holders who
lived either within or close to the proximity of the proposed wind farm project [1]:
Drinking water: Community members who live downhill from the Little Lake and well, and along
River Road.
Land use concerns: Private land owners whose property is within 400 m of their residential zoned
property.
Social concerns: Possible health, noise, lighting, property devaluation problems and the question of
whether the community members will benefit from the project and new development it will bring.
Power ownership: Many expressed concern in whether the power is to be used in NS or sold to the
US.
Community members have expressed their concern regarding any unknown health effects and
environmental impacts caused by the proposed project.
Table 5.1: Concordance: Key Issues and EA References show the summary of issues raised and
observations [1].
The current uses of the land surrounding the site are only limited to hiking, hunting, and other recreational
coastal activities. This is mainly due to the environmental conditions preventing forestry and agriculture
industries from developing, which leaves the land largely unused in terms of industry development. Because
of the areas attraction to recreational use, care must be focused on the space affected by the project and on
the area closest to the site restricted for access to the public.
Given that the area is considered rural, ambient noise is a considerable factor that may disrupt natural
habitats along with residential areas (if levels exceed 40 dBA). The modelled turbines, which function without
the use of a gearbox, do fall within the threshold for residential areas (which none are located in the impacted
area). Care must be focused, therefore, on the disturbance in ambient noise for the affected natural habitats.
In terms of natural habitat, one of the more important components to focus on is the bird species that migrate
and breed in the surrounding project area. Most of the birds can be seen migrating during May, where most
species can be found and when early breeding begins. The Whitethroated Sparrow, Magnolia Warbler,
Common Yellowthroat, Alder Flycatcher and Goldencrowned Kinglet are the top five abundant species that
breed in the area and are at risk during this period. By the end of August bird species are mainly observed
migrating, and no longer breeding but preparing for the winter. To prevent the disruption of the at-risk
species, care must be focused towards the breeding phase to allow the reproduction of these species.
b. Potential impacts:
Possible significant effects the project may have on the water quality, habitats of birds, noise levels, and land
usage are mainly during the construction and decommission phases. Since these phases are almost identical,
except with the construction phase requiring initial clearing of forests, contaminating the ground and surface
water supplies is a major impact that can adversely affect the habitat quality and/or contaminate residential
wells. This can be caused by construction leading to erosion which would allow sediment to find its way into
streams and wetlands, and to the generation of dust which can also contaminate streams. During the
operation phase, water quality if affected by the accidental release of oils and fuel from the gearbox that
runoff into the water supply.
The impact on noise levels are only concerning during the construction and decommissioning phases, given
the project site location is considered a rural area and operation of the wind turbines will blend with the
ambient sounds. The use of heavy machinery during construction and decommissioning can generate noise
levels that disrupt activities of birds and fauna, and the generated noise may also cause sleep disturbances.
Focusing on migratory and breeding species in the vicinity of the project area, a substantial change in the
habitat and number of birds could be significantly impacted. During the construction phase, clearing of
forestry may lead to destruction of existing nests, which could inhibit breeding of affected bird species. The
only major problem during operation is the collision of birds into the blades of the turbines.
For land use, there exists the possibility that the site can turn into a dump, and also the project can devalue
nearby property owned by residents. These impacts can only be associated with the operating phase of the
project, as that is when passing motor vehicles are most likely to dump waste on the site. Property
devaluation, however, can be due to having adverse effects on the surrounding area during the construction
phase and also due to the close proximity of residential properties to the operating wind turbines.
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c. Mitigative measures:
The measures taken to reduce or prevent these impacts are mainly focused in the construction phase, where
the project has the most significant impacts. To prevent contamination of ground and surface water, erosion
and sediment control measures (drainage barriers, sediment fences, plastic sheeting, etc.) will be installed to
prevent transportation of sediment. Drainage barriers will also be installed along access roads to protect
drainage patterns. To prevent significant dust generation, exposed dry areas will be watered prior to
construction activities. Also, to reduce the impact from clearing, replanting of vegetation in needed areas will
occur.
To reduce the impact on ambient noise, which is only significant during the construction and decommissioning
phases, fully serviced machines will be used only during the day working hours. This will reduce the impact on
nocturnal animal activities. Any noise generated during the operation phase, as noted before can be
considered negligible, as it blends in with the ambient noise.
For the case of breeding and migratory birds, measures taken to reduce the projects impact on these species
involve observing breeding periods and flight patterns. The breeding season of most of the birds in the area
was found to be from May 1st to August 31st; therefore clearing would be done outside this period to ensure
breeding is not inhibited. For migrating birds it was found that these bird species dont fly below 400m, which
is well above the 140m height of the turbines. Also, to prevent habitual change due to birds roosting, a tubular
design for the turbines was used to avoid attracting any birds.
Finally, to reduce any impacts toward land use would require the application of safety signs and gates to
reduce foot and motor traffic to the site. Preserving the value of residential property can be done by reducing
the footprint left by the project, i.e. minimizing adverse impacts to the habitat. The use of gates would prevent
motor traffic to the site, and therefore making the possibility of the site becoming a dump very unlikely. The
use of safety signs help to make people aware of the site, reducing the risk of injury to people as well.
d. Residual impacts:
The only significant residual impact would be on the ground and surface water, whenever accidental leaks
would occur from the gearbox. This can be solved, however, by regular monitoring and maintenance of the
turbines. The adverse impact on migratory birds would be negligible as there will not be many birds colliding
into the turbines (comparing to the USA where approximately 2.19 birds per year were recorded for colliding
into turbines). There also wont be any significant impact on the land usage, even after the projects lifespan,
once the footprint was minimized.
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6. Monitoring program:
The monitoring program in an EIA process is put in place to monitor impacts and mitigation. This includes
identifying which impacts are to be monitor, what to measure concerning those impacts, which techniques are
used to monitor, what the time scale will be in the monitoring process, the spatial area, and how the
reportings of the findings will be handles.
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Noise: In this specific wind turbine, there are no gears, with a direct drive variable speed
generator. This means there wont be any mechanical or tonal noise to be concerned about.
However, with the direct drive variable speed generator, it means that there will be higher
noise outputs at higher wind speeds [2]. This also means that at lower speeds, it produces less
noise outputs. With the help of noise emission data obtained from the turbine manufacturer, a
model simulation test was conducted to determine the highest sound pressure levels [1]. A
conservative and standardized approach was taken to model sound pressure levels in all
buildings located within 2000 m of the site. It was determined that a wind speed of 7 m/s (25.2
km/hr) produced the highest levels of sound pressure. The test also determined that from this
specific turbine system, the noise wont have any effect on the surrounding community (with
the closest resident 1112 m away) [2].
Water Quality: When fish habitat data is collected, it normally includes information on the
following [2]:
o Substrate (types and percent);
o Cover (types and percent);
o Wetted and channel width (where applicable);
o Approximate water depth;
o Morphology;
o Unique watercourse characteristics (e.g., bars, islands, pattern);
o Approximate velocity (where applicable);
o Crown closure;
o Water Quality (Dissolved Oxygen, Temperature and pH)
o Incidental vegetation; and
o Photographs and UTM locations.
The overwintering habitat quality was based on whether or not there was a presence of a deep
pool or pond (a body of water 50cm deep), while the rearing habitat quality was assessed
using cover and water flow. The spawning habitat quality was mainly based on water flow and
substrate. The specific water quality measurements (such as dissolved oxygen and pH), the
habitat quality when the assessment was conducted, and the habitat quality with the
convergence of other watercourses determined if there was a potential for a fish presence year
round [1]. Water quality parameters are within the tolerance range for brook trout. However,
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the pH and dissolved oxygen levels were found to be outside the optimum range of the
Canadian Water Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Life (CCME, no date) [2].
Wildlife (specifically migratory birds): The transect of migratory birds and their migratory paths
are relatively small in size compared to the size of the wind farm, and in this projects case,
approximately 250 m of the transect was located outside of the boundaries of the site. For this
reason, all birds that were either seen or heard were recorded that were within distances of <
50 m, 50 - 100 m, and > 100 m from the site. This was done to conservatively account for these
birds flying through the path of the project [2]. It was determined that the effects on the
migratory birds encompasses the entire site, which leads to the temporal boundaries for the
assessment of the project impacts on bird species to be the duration of the project ( 20 years)
[2].
Land Use: Common uses of the land are taken into consideration, along with general conditions
of socio economic activity. Chebucto peninsula is windy and rocky, which makes it non
conducive for forestry or agriculture. What was once home to a dominant fishing industry, now
only employs a few fishermen. The land is virtually unused, aside from single family housing
(which, stated above, has its closest resident 1112 m from the site). The area is alive with
outdoor activity, such as hiking, sea kayaking, diving and boating. A presence of ATV activity
was noted at the site of the project [1].
Noise monitoring has only been conducted in the modeling process [1], but may be monitored
a little more as the project gets underway, just to make sure things theoretically and physically
line up.
Water Quality has only been conducted once in the tenure of the project (September 12, 2012)
[2].
Wildlife data (specifically migratory birds) has been collected on several occasions. During the
spring migration, data collection was taken 5 times between April 27 and May 25, 2012. During
the fall migration, data collection was taken 6 times between August 29 and October 10, 2012.
This wildlife data was taken approximately half hour after sunrise [2].
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Land Use data has only been conducted during the preliminary design of the project. The issues
were raised and deemed a non-factor in the decision for acceptance.
7. Conclusion:
To fulfill the Nova Scotia Environment Act requirements, this environmental assessment was directed to
understand the potential environmental impact due to construction, operation and decommissioning of the
proposed project at the Chebucto peninsula in Terence Bay. This assessment took into consideration the
potential environmental effects occurred due to the project related malfunctions and accidents. The advocate
also took into consideration the local municipality and local individuals concern and informed them about any
risk and effects due to the project. The advocate promises to keep all interested parties update about the
Project progress and respond to any reasonable project related questions.
Three 2.35MW wind turbines will generate up to 7.05MW of wind energy and it is proposed to build on
approximately 50 hectares of land in the River Road area near Terence Bay which is located to the southwest
of downtown Halifax. The wind energy under the COMFIT program is proposed for sale to NSPI.
After careful data collection and research, it was determined that there will be negligible impacts on the
environment and its surrounding. The nearest residence is 1,112 meter away from the closest wind turbine. It
is also determined that shadow, noise and flicker is not going to be any issue for the surrounding communities.
Overall, it is determined that this location is best to locate this project.
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Sadman Soumik: Wrote the 2. Introduction, 7. Conclusion and 4. Environmental Impact Matrix
parts of this report.
Lauren Cumberbatch: Wrote the 5. Detailed Discussion of VECs and VSCs part of this report.
b. Presentation:
Oguz Avci: Prepared the PowerPoint. Debated against the proponents by supporting the environmental,
bird and animals. Acted as a local resident/environmentally conscious person and discussed issues with
vegetation area around the project site, explained the bird nesting pattern near the area (specifically
Canada Warbler and Common Nighthawk), and destruction of bird, deer and moose habitat.
Sadman Soumik: Debated for the proponents. Acted as a mechanic and discussed the economic benefits of
the project to the near settlements. Project on long term benefits of the project.
Timothy Barnes: Debated against the proponents. Acted a company owner for recreational activities and
discussed the potential impacts of the project to the activities near the area such as sightseeing, hunting,
bird watching and fishing.
Lauren Cumberbatch: Debated for the proponents. Acted as a community member downstream of a
nearby river. Supported his view by discussion how the project will not affect his near settlement and
possible bring benefits in the future.
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9. References:
[1] CBCL Limited: Consulting Engineers, "Environmental Assessment Volume 1 Report: Proposed Chebucto Terence Bay
Wind Farm," CBCL Limited, Halifax, 2014.
[2] CBCL Limited and ALPRO Wind Energy Consulting Canada Inc., "Supplemental Report: Chebucto Terence Bay Wind
Farm Environmental Assessment," CBCL Limited, Halifax, 2015.
[3] R. Delorey, "Environmental Assessment Chebucto Terence Bay Wind Farm -Terence Bay, Halifax Regional
Municipality," Environment Office of the Minister, Halifax, 2014.
[4] Nova Scotia Environment, "Chebucto Terence Bay Wind Farm Project," 11 Dec 2014. [Online]. Available:
http://www.novascotia.ca/nse/ea/chebucto-terence-bay-wind-farm-project.asp. [Accessed 8 October 2015].
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