Comments sought on proposed regulations for renewables
New rules governing renewable energy projects have been proposed by the Province and the public has 45 days to comment. The Ministries of the Environment and Natural Resources are also holding six public information sessions in cities around the province; the Ottawa schedule is shown below. Please make the effort to attend.
These new regulations, designed to streamline the approval process, include minimum setbacks from homes, roads and environmentally sensitive areas for wind, solar, hydro biogas and biomass projects. Under the proposed terms, wind turbines would not be permitted less than 550 metres from the nearest dwelling and this minimum setback would increase with the number and loudness of the turbines. There would also be an ongoing requirement to monitor low frequency noise and vibrations.
Renewable energy projects would also have to be set back 120 metres from important natural areas such as wetlands, wildlife habitat and provincial parks with development only being able to move closer if it can be shown that negative impacts can be mitigated.
The proposed rules also pertain to giving public notice and consulting with the community. It is proposed that renewable energy proponents would be required to give notice to those living within 1.5 km radius of the proposed project. At least one community meeting is recommended in the early stages of the project so that local residents can be consulted. Another public meeting is proposed once all the required studies have been completed. Energy proponents would also have to consult with local municipalities about roads, service connections, emergency procedures and disturbances during construction.
The government also proposes downloading some aspects of its obligation to consult with Aboriginal communities to the energy developers.
To read the complete proposal for renewable energy approval regulations go to http://tinyurl.com/m36ayo.
To comment on these proposals, go to the Environmental Registry (search numbers 010-6516 and 010-6708) [http://tinyurl.com/dco9e9].
Monday, June 15
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Ottawa
Tudor Hall
3075 North Bowesville Road
Ottawa, ON K1V 1B8
[Google Map]
