N-3-(b)Redacted NSPI Response to UARB IR-12 (att 7-10) to IR-17
48 passages
st likely to be found would include disturbed areas such as woods roads, disturbed portions of abandoned pasture, ditches, and skidder ruts. Environmental Characteristics All species of vascular plants encountered during the surveys were i...
AI summary The study area exhibits high species richness due to its size and disturbances like agriculture and timber harvesting, with 334 vascular plant species identified, 16% non-native. Non-native species are linked to European settlement, while the site's moderate productivity is noted.
4.3.3 Wetlands The distribution and abundance of wetlands in the Study Area was determined through a review of the Nova Scotia Wetland Atlas database and air photo interpretation. Air photo interpretation, using 1:10 000 scale colour air p...
AI summary The document details the identification and classification of wetlands in a wind farm project area using air photo interpretation and the Canadian Wetland Classification System. It notes 65 wetlands, with tall shrub swamp, mixedwood treed swamp, and fresh marsh being most common. A conservative delineation approach was used to ensure wetland habitats are not underestimated.
Breeding Birds Breeding surveys, consisting of point counts and standardized area searches, were conducted for this assessment in June, July, and early August of 2008. A total of nine breeding bird surveys were conducted over this period,...
AI summary Breeding bird surveys conducted in 2008 identified 56 species, including raptors like Peregrine Falcon (status: Probable). No confirmed nests were found, and breeding activity for most raptors could not be verified. The surveys exceeded protocol requirements, with nine 4-hour sessions conducted.
the red bat, hoary bat, and silver-haired bat may be present in the Study Area. These migratory bats are found across North America, but there have been few accounts of these species in the province. Digby Neck is a well known migration ro...
AI summary The text discusses the potential presence of migratory bats (red, hoary, and silver-haired) in Nova Scotia, citing a 2003 study by Broders et al. that found minimal migratory bat activity in the region, with only two hoary bat echolocation sequences recorded at Brier Island. The study concludes that Digby Neck is not a significant migration route for these species.
DIGBY WIND POWER PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Environmental Assessment and Residual Effects The net effects of siting and surveying activities will be spatially limited to certain areas within the Project footprint, as well as temporal...
AI summary The Digby Wind Power Project's environmental assessment concludes that impacts from siting and surveying activities will be minimal and not significant, emphasizing avoidance of sensitive habitats, limited vegetation removal, and considerations for wildlife migration corridors.
5.1.3 Road Construction/Modification To the extent possible, existing access roads will be used, and upgraded where required. Access roads will be surveyed and staked/flagged. The roads are based on a proposed layout at this time and may r...
AI summary The document outlines road construction and modification plans for a wind farm project, emphasizing use of existing roads, temporary improvements for heavy equipment, and environmental mitigation measures. Roads will be 11m wide, with geogrid and compacted shale layers. Environmental impacts on wildlife, water quality, and cultural resources are noted, with consultation with NSE and DFO for watercourse crossings.
5.1.5 Temporary Storage Facilities Temporary storage facilities/equipment lay-down will comprise a small portion of the Project Area, and should not jeopardize species habitat. Sensory disturbance and habitat loss/alteration for birds and...
AI summary Temporary storage facilities will have minimal environmental impact due to their temporary nature and mitigation measures. They will be removed post-construction, with ground remediation, and the effects are discussed in other sections. Sensory disturbance is not significant, as existing activities already cause similar disturbances.
5.1.9 Substation Construction The substation will contain transformers to convert the voltage from 34.5 kV to 69 kV, which is required for connection to the proposed transmission lines. Topsoil excavated from the substation site will be re...
AI summary The substation will convert voltage from 34.5 kV to 69 kV, with construction focused on a 0.25 ha gravel-surfaced, fenced area. Environmental impacts are limited to construction phase effects, with mitigation measures ensuring residual effects are minimal and non-significant. Key concerns include wildlife, soils, and water quality.
5.1.10 Transmission Line to Power Grid A 69 kV transmission line will link the Project from the onsite substation to the NSPI substation in Conway. Approximately 10.6 km of aboveground pole-mounted 69 kV distribution line will be installed...
AI summary A 69 kV transmission line will connect the project to NSPI's Conway substation via Route 217, spanning 10.6 km. The line may impact soil, vegetation, wildlife, cultural resources, and land use. Table 5.9 summarizes potential environmental effects of the transmission line installation.
Sensory Disturbance Sensory disturbance of birds may occur during all phases of the Project as a result of on-site human activities such as surveying, clearing, trenching, turbine assembly, equipment operation, site inspections and site de...
AI summary The text discusses potential sensory disturbances to birds caused by a wind energy project, including effects during construction and operation. It highlights species-specific responses, noting some may avoid turbine areas while others are unaffected. Flight behavior changes and collision risks are also addressed.
Mortality A possible effect of this Project on birds is mortality due to collisions with the operating wind turbines. Indeed, there is a perception that wind turbines cause a great many bird deaths, and it has been highlighted by regulator...
AI summary The document discusses bird mortality caused by collisions with wind turbines, citing studies and the Altamont Pass case. It highlights concerns raised by regulatory and non-governmental agencies, emphasizing the need for monitoring protocols to address potential bird fatalities from wind farms.
Turbine Design Turbine height is believed to be a strong influence on the likelihood of collision with taller structures having an increased risk of collision, while structures below 150 m cause minimal mortality (Kerlinger 2000; Crawford...
AI summary The turbine design for the Project includes 80 m tall turbines with 38.5 m blades, below 150 m, minimizing collision risks with migratory birds. Tubular steel towers are chosen over lattice structures to reduce perching by raptors. Studies suggest birds adjust flight paths near wind farms, further reducing risks.
Facility Design The scale of the wind farm has a direct influence on the potential for bird-turbine collisions. Facilities of 100 turbines or more are thought to more likely have a greater effect in terms of bird mortality due to the incre...
AI summary The wind farm's scale directly affects bird-turbine collision risks. Larger facilities (≥100 turbines) pose higher risks due to increased vertical obstacles, but the Project's 20 turbines are deemed insufficient to elevate collision risks (Environment Canada 2005).
Bird Abundance and Behaviour When considering the results of the avian pre-construction monitoring program, the vast majority of birds observed during the study were flying less than 50 m of the ground, which roughly corresponds to the air...
AI summary The avian pre-construction monitoring program found most birds flying below turbine blade height, with no evidence of major migration stopover activity. Conservation concern species are unlikely to face collision risks due to low site use and habitat unsuitability, leading to no required mitigation measures.
hem for avoidance during construction. Mitigation for distribution lines will consider techniques recommended by the Avian Power Line Intervention Committee (1994, 1996). This mitigation may include: - Line visibility should be increased b...
AI summary Mitigation strategies for distribution lines to reduce bird collisions and electrocutions include increasing line visibility with bird flappers, avoiding high bird concentration areas, eliminating small lightning shield wires over wetlands, placing lines near trees, and ensuring adequate conductor spacing. These measures follow recommendations from the Avian Power Line Intervention Committee.
5.2.1.2 Other Wildlife Other wildlife species of the Project area include mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Most species are yearround residents of the Project area and adjacent lands, although certain local or long-distance migrations of...
AI summary The Project area hosts year-round resident wildlife, including mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, with some migration. Potential environmental effects include habitat alteration, mortality, and sensory disturbance from the Project.
Bat Turbine Collisions Given the ability of bats to navigate in darkness, to avoid large obstacles and detect small insects in the air using echolocation, it is interesting that bats would be found to collide with wind turbines and other t...
AI summary The text discusses bat collisions with wind turbines and other tall structures, noting that while infrequent, they can be concerning. Early studies from 1972 and subsequent research in the US and Alberta highlight the ongoing issue of bat fatalities at wind farms.
5.2.1.4 Property Values Prior to 2003, there was a general lack of empirical data assessing the impact of wind energy facilities on the economic value of properties whether within a wind farm or within site of a wind farm. However, Sterzin...
AI summary A 2003 study by Sterzinger et al. analyzed 10 U.S. wind power projects (1998–2001) to assess property value impacts. It found no evidence that wind farms reduce property values, with nine of ten projects showing greater post-construction value increases near wind farms compared to similar communities.
5.2.1.5 Visual Impacts Due to the importance of assessing the potential impact to the area's visual aesthetics, a visual impact assessment was completed. The following section summarizes the visual assessment with respect to the photo mont...
AI summary A visual impact assessment was conducted to evaluate potential effects on the area's visual aesthetics, including photo montage and shadow flicker analyses as part of the environmental assessment process.
5.2.1.6 Noise Impacts Noise can be simply defined as "unwanted sound". Sound level limits are identified on an A-weighted decibel scale (abbreviated as dBA), which is generally accepted to reflect how humans perceive sound. Conversation in...
AI summary The section discusses noise impacts from the Digby Wind Power Project, noting that Nova Scotia lacks specific regulations for wind turbines. Sound levels are modeled using ISO standards, and existing background noise dominates over project noise. Mitigation measures ensure minimal residual impact.
5.2.1.7 Recreation and Tourism As indicated in Section 4.6.3, the Digby Neck and Islands area attracts tourists, particularly those interested in nature tours. It is expected that tourists travelling through the Study Area might be attract...
AI summary The project may have a minor positive effect on tourism, similar to existing wind farms like North Cape Wind Farm, but no adverse effects are anticipated. Recreational use will be managed to avoid trespass, and visual/sound effects are addressed elsewhere. Residual impacts on tourism and recreation are deemed minimal.
Shadow Flicker Concerns have been raised about the potential for wind turbines to cause epileptic seizures as a result of shadow flicker. As discussed in Section 5.2.1.5, shadow flicker is caused by the rotating blades of the turbines inte...
AI summary The document addresses concerns about shadow flicker from wind turbines potentially causing seizures in photosensitive epilepsy patients. It explains that turbine flicker frequencies (e.g., 1.02 Hz for the GE 1.5sle model) are below the 3 Hz threshold linked to seizure risk, concluding shadow flicker is a visual annoyance, not a health hazard.
Infrasound Recently there has been concern for the potential of wind turbines to generate infrasound and the potential for infrasound to result in health effects. Infrasound is defined as wave phenomenon with the physical nature as sound,...
AI summary The text addresses concerns about infrasound from wind turbines, citing studies showing levels are similar to natural ambient levels and no adverse health effects. Alberta research suggests turbines may reduce infrasound by extracting energy from the wind.
5.2.1.9 Electromagnetic Interference A potential effect of a wind farm is interference with radioelectric signals, such as television, radio, cellular telephone, microwave transmission and radar. The Radio Advisory Board of Canada (RABC) a...
AI summary The document discusses potential electromagnetic interference (EMI) from the Digby Wind Power Project on radioelectric signals. SkyPower consulted stakeholders via the RABC/CanWEA Coordination Contact List, with two entities requesting detailed studies. Mitigation will address complaints on a case-by-case basis, while satellite/cable signals are unlikely to be affected.
5.2.2 Maintenance Activities The wind turbines will be visited approximately once every three months for routine servicing. Furthermore, the facility will include a sophisticated wind energy oriented Supervisory Control and Data Acquisitio...
AI summary Routine maintenance of wind turbines occurs every three months, supported by SCADA systems for real-time monitoring and fault detection. Access is via light trucks, with minimal sensory disturbance to wildlife deemed negligible compared to existing forestry activities.
5.3.2 Removal of Power Line Power poles and cabling will be removed and recycled/disposed of as required. Environmental components that potentially could be impacted as a result include soils, water quality/aquatic environment, birds and o...
AI summary The removal of power poles and cabling involves recycling/disposal, with potential environmental impacts on soils, water quality, wildlife, land use, and noise. Referenced in Table 5.13 for detailed environmental effects.
5.5 Effects of the Environment on the Project The following section outlines the effects of the environment on the Project, which includes climatic fluctuations and extreme events that are likely to occur in the Project area.
AI summary Section 5.5 discusses environmental effects on the Project, focusing on climatic fluctuations and extreme events in the Project area. It outlines potential impacts from natural environmental factors that could influence project outcomes.
5.6.1 Past, Present and Future Projects/Activities in the Regional Area There is not a lot of industrial development within or surrounding the Study Area There are two other wind turbines in the vicinity of the Study Area, but no proposed...
AI summary The Study Area has two existing wind turbines but no proposed wind farms. Activities like forestry, agriculture, and quarrying may interact cumulatively with the Digby Wind Power Project, affecting wildlife, visual impact, noise, and economic development.
5.6.2.1 Birds and Other Wildlife Past and ongoing forestry and agricultural activities in the regional area has resulted in a loss of forest and wetland habitat and the active forestry of much of the Study Area has reduced the area of cont...
AI summary The Digby Wind Power Project is unlikely to significantly impact bird and bat populations due to existing habitat loss from prior activities. Historical data suggests wind turbines cause less wildlife mortality than other structures, and surveys found no significant use by rare species. Cumulative effects on wildlife are deemed not significant.
5.6.2.2 Visual Impact The development of the Project, taken into consideration with forest harvesting activities, existing and future power lines, could be considered a further visual obstruction. However, since the landscape has already b...
AI summary The project's visual impact, when combined with existing forest harvesting and power lines, is deemed incremental and not significant due to prior human activity alterations to the landscape. Cumulative effects with existing structures are considered non-significant.
5.6.2.3 Noise Acceptable sound levels are expected to be produced by the Digby Wind Power Project. Although forestry and quarrying activities would create noise, they are not expected to generate sound levels above acceptable levels to nea...
AI summary The Digby Wind Power Project is expected to produce acceptable noise levels, with forestry and quarrying activities not exceeding these levels. The project's noise impact is considered incremental and not significant.
5.6.2.5 Summary With the adherence to mitigation presented in this report, in addition to compliance with regulatory requirements (including terms and conditions of approval), the residual environmental effects of the Project, including cu...
AI summary The project's residual environmental effects, including cumulative impacts, are predicted to be not significant when mitigation measures and regulatory requirements are adhered to.
OE Class 3) in Ontario". September 28, 2007. - Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA). 2006. North Cape Wind Farm. Available online at: http://canwea.ca/images/uploads/File/North_Cape2.pdf - Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA). 20...
AI summary The literature cited includes studies on wind energy impacts, avian mortality at structures, and endangered species assessments. Key sources involve the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA), COSEWIC reports on the Canada Warbler, and research on bird fatalities at towers.
WIND TURBINE STUDY PRE-CONSTRUCTION (BASELINE) BIRD MONITORING PROTOCOL
AI summary This document outlines a protocol for pre-construction bird monitoring to establish baseline data for wind turbine projects, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and assessing potential impacts on avian species. It emphasizes adherence to legal frameworks and scientific methodologies for ecological assessment.
1.0 INTRODUCTION This bird survey protocol will be used as a guideline to gather information on pre-construction (baseline) information on birds that use and move through sites proposed for wind farm development. Specifically, this protoco...
AI summary This document outlines a bird survey protocol for the proposed Digby wind farm, emphasizing baseline data collection on avian activity. It references Environment Canada's guidelines and collaboration with the Canadian Wildlife Service, noting adjustments may be needed based on weather or bird behavior changes. Surveys will inform environmental assessments and post-construction monitoring.
2.0 BREEDING SEASON During the breeding season, surveys will determine which species regularly use the area for nesting, for foraging during the breeding season, or for raising their young, and to obtain measures of abundance of bird speci...
AI summary Surveys during the breeding season will assess bird species' use of the area for nesting and foraging, measure abundance, and predict impacts of turbine development on breeding birds. Data will help quantify actual impacts if construction proceeds, using post-assessment monitoring.
4.2 Schedule and Frequency The following survey periods are proposed to obtain information on use of the area by overwintering birds (e.g., songbirds, raptors, waterfowl): One survey every two to three weeks from November to April.
AI summary The proposed survey schedule includes biweekly to monthly assessments from November to April to monitor overwintering bird usage, focusing on species like songbirds, raptors, and waterfowl.
APPENDIX F NOISE IMPACT STUDY Sound Impact Assessment Digby Wind Power Project SKYPOWER CORP. Project No. 1030972.
AI summary Appendix F presents a Noise Impact Study for the Digby Wind Power Project by SkyPower Corp., Project No. 1030972. The document outlines an assessment of potential noise effects from the proposed wind power development.
SOUND IMPACT ASSESSMENT
AI summary The document outlines a sound impact assessment as part of an environmental evaluation, focusing on noise effects from projects like wind farms. It involves regulatory compliance, mitigation strategies, and consideration of environmental and community impacts.
2.2 Sound Design and Mitigation The Digby Wind Power Project will be designed to reduce sound from the installed turbines and the transmission of sound to potentially sensitive receptors. Best practices will be followed at all times, inclu...
AI summary The Digby Wind Power Project will implement sound reduction measures, including low-noise equipment and local sound control, to minimize acoustic impacts on sensitive receptors during construction and operations. Best practices will guide mitigation strategies.
3 PROJECT RESIDUAL EFFECTS
AI summary The section titled '3 PROJECT RESIDUAL EFFECTS' introduces a discussion on residual impacts of a project, though no detailed content is provided in the text. Further analysis would be required to identify specific environmental, social, or economic residual effects.
3.1.2.1 General Overview Sound modeling was completed to predict the effects of the Project on the sound environment in the local study area. The sound modelling was undertaken in accordance with the requirements of Interpretation for Appl...
AI summary Sound modeling was conducted to assess the Project's impact on the local sound environment, following MOE NPC Technical Publications (2004) and ISO 9613 standards for environmental assessment.
Turbine Generator Project (Project Manager) A study of baseline noise during operation and shutdown modes of the Maritime Electric Company Limited plant in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, and Principal Scientist for acceptance testing...
AI summary A study on baseline noise levels during operation and shutdown of the Maritime Electric Company Limited plant in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, is conducted by the Principal Scientist for acceptance testing and verification.
Environmental Impact Studies Air quality and noise issues related to: - Voisey's Bay mine/mill project in Labrador and the smelter/refinery project in Argentia - Potential impacts of nuclear powered vessels berthing in Canadian ports - Ass...
AI summary The text outlines various environmental impact studies, including air quality and noise assessments for projects like Voisey's Bay mine, nuclear vessel berthing, and offshore training by DND. Studies also cover the Prince Edward Home wood-fired system, Halifax Harbour sewage plants, and CFB Trenton's environmental baseline.
Acoustic Environment Studies Noise Modelling, Lameque, NB (Air & Noise Quality Scientist) Sound Pressure Level Modelling Wind Turbine Farm, Lameque, NB Acoustic Technical Study, Saint John, NB (Air & Noise Quality Scientist) \ denotes proj...
AI summary The document lists acoustic studies conducted by One Team. Infinite Solutions, including noise modelling in Lameque, NB, and an acoustic technical study in Saint John, NB. These projects, involving Air & Noise Quality Scientists, were completed in collaboration with other firms.
New Brunswick Department of Transportation TransCanada Highway Twinning, Woodstock, NB, 2003 (Terrestrial Ecologist) Conducted breeding bird, vascular plant inventories and aerial deer and moose surveys for the rerouting of the Trans-Canad...
AI summary A terrestrial ecologist conducted breeding bird, vascular plant inventories, and aerial deer/moose surveys for the Trans-Canada Highway rerouting project between Woodstock and Grand Falls, NB, in 2003, assessing ecological impacts of the highway twinning.
Bear Head LNG Project, Bear Head, NS, 2005-2006 (Senior Terrestrial Ecologist) Conducted rare plant and breeding bird surveys as part of the environmental assessments for the Bear Head LNG plant and associated natural gas pipeline, Port Ha...
AI summary A Senior Terrestrial Ecologist conducted rare plant and breeding bird surveys as part of the environmental assessments for the Bear Head LNG plant and associated natural gas pipeline in Port Hawkesbury, NS, between 2005-2006.
Digby Wind Farm Environmental Assessment, 2008 – 2009, Digby, NS (Research Analyst) Researching and analyzing data on migrating, overwintering, and breeding bird activity in the area of the proposed wind turbines. Preparing summary tables...
AI summary The research analyst conducted studies on bird activity patterns (migrating, overwintering, breeding) near the proposed Digby Wind Farm. Summary tables and chapters were prepared for the Environmental Assessment (EA) document to evaluate potential avian impacts from turbine operations, focusing on life cycle activities.