Minister Approves Pugwash Wind Farm Project

The province is granting an environmental assessment approval to North Cumberland Wind Power LP, with terms and conditions in place to protect the environment and public health. If the project goes ahead, up to 10,000 Nova Scotian homes will have cleaner energy from the 33-megawatt wind project.

Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau made the announcement today, March 27. The project must still go through the competitive bidding process under the Renewable Electricity Administrator.

"I have carefully reviewed the application and I am confident there are appropriate measures in place to protect the environment and public health," said Mr. Belliveau. "Wind farms are an important part of government's renewable electricity goals, and will help us reduce our reliance on coal."

Highlights of the environmental assessment include:

• monitoring and mitigating potential impacts to wildlife
• strict limits on noise levels and proximity to residences
• creating controls for erosion and sedimentation and a monitoring program for surface water
• completing a Mi'kmaq ecological knowledge study
• restoring the habitat to its original state when the site is decommissioned
• establishing a community liaison committee to address community concerns

The province's 2010 Renewable Electricity Plan outlines a path to a more diverse energy mix that will provide Nova Scotians with greater energy security, price stability and cleaner air. Wind is a critical part of that strategy as the province reduces its reliance on coal, where the price of coal is the biggest driver in electricity rate increases.

Electricity generation from coal now accounts for 57 per cent of the province's electricity mix, down from 80 per cent. With the increase in local renewable energy development, that will be reduced to 40 per cent by 2020.

North Cumberland Wind Power LP registered its environmental assessment on Feb. 6. After a 30-day consultation, the Minister of Environment had 50 days to issue a decision.

For more information, visit www.gov.ns.ca/nse/ea/ .