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McGuinty Government Invites Public Input
TORONTO, June 9 /CNW/ -
NEWS
The province is proposing a one-window approvals process and standardized
requirements for renewable energy projects.
The government is seeking the public's input on approval requirements for
renewable energy projects, including setbacks for wind, solar, hydro, biogas
and biomass projects, which build on and strengthen the environmental and
health protection components of current regulatory requirements.
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Proposed approval requirements for renewable energy projects include the
following:
- 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 turbines. It is also proposed that wind
turbines be set back from roadways and property lines, and there
would be ongoing requirements to monitor and address low-frequency
noise and vibrations.
- Natural heritage features, such as significant wetlands or
significant wildlife habitat, would be protected by a setback of 120
metres, with development only being able to move closer where there
is a study demonstrating the ability to mitigate negative impacts.
>>
The province will hold information meetings in six locations across
Ontario in June to get public input. Visit the Ministry of the Environment's
website (http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/en/) for dates and locations. Ontarians can
also comment on the proposals of the Ministry of the Environment and the
Ministry of Natural Resources, which will be posted on the Environmental
Registry until July 24.
QUOTES
"I encourage Ontarians to provide input into the proposed renewable
energy approvals process. It's our goal to ensure that Ontario has plenty of
sources of green energy that meet human health and environment standards." -
John Gerretsen, Minister of the Environment
"The proposed requirements will ensure we continue to uphold rigorous
safety and environmental standards while providing clarity about the approvals
process for renewable energy projects. Developing new sources of renewable
energy has a critical role to play in helping us reduce the impacts of climate
change." - Donna Cansfield, Minister of Natural Resources
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QUICK FACTS
- The new requirements would support implementation of the Green Energy
Act, 2009. It's part of Ontario's plan to create green jobs and bring
economic growth to Ontario, and will help address climate change.
- Renewable sources of energy will help the government meet its
commitment to phase out coal-fired generation by 2014, the single
largest greenhouse gas reduction initiative across Canada.
Eliminating coal-fired generation will reduce greenhouse gas
emissions by up to 30 megatonnes.
LEARN MORE
- See a backgrounder
(http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/en/news/2009/060901mb.php) for a brief
synopsis of the proposed approvals process, and details on setbacks
for wind turbines
(http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/en/news/2009/060901mb2.php).
- Want to comment on the ministries' proposals? Go to the Environmental
Registry (http://www.ebr.gov.on.ca/ERS-WEB-External/index.jsp). To
comment on:
- the Ministry of the Environment's proposed Renewable Energy
Approval, search for 010- 6516
- the Ministry of Natural Resources proposed Approval and Permitting
Requirements Document for Renewable Energy Projects, search for
010-6708.
- Read about Ontario's Green Energy Act
(http://www.mei.gov.on.ca.wsd6.korax.net/english/energy/gea/).
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BACKGROUNDER
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Proposed Approval Process for Renewable Energy Projects
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The McGuinty government's new Green Energy Act, 2009 was passed May 14,
2009, making Ontario the North American green energy leader.
The act will encourage new investment in renewable energy sources - wind,
solar, biomass, biogas and hydro power, for example - helping to create a
stronger, greener economy and well-paying green jobs.
It is a major step forward in ensuring that renewable sources of energy
supplement the province's power supply once coal-fired generation is phased
out by the end of 2014.
Benefits to the Environment
Phasing out coal is the single largest greenhouse gas reduction
initiative anywhere in Canada. It will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up
to 30 megatonnes. Replacing coal with other sources of energy, including
renewable energy, is a key component of Ontario's Climate Change Action Plan.
The government is committed to developing clean, renewable sources of
energy so Ontarians will have a reliable and sustainable supply of
electricity.
Proposed Approval Process for Renewable Energy Projects
The act allows for environmental standards and setbacks for renewable
energy projects, to be identified in regulation and developed in consultation
with Ontarians.
The proposed approval process would provide clear provincial rules and
requirements, transparent decision-making and create certainty for
stakeholders and proponents.
Proposed requirements are based on science and will incorporate
stakeholder consultation and comment.
Examples of the provincial ministry requirements that would have to be
met as part of the approval process include:
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- Public consultations to ensure local residents are heard
- A uniform process for proponent consultation with municipalities on
site requirements and local infrastructure
- Requirements for projects proposed on Ontario's Crown lands that
address the potential overlap with existing licensed resource users
such as forestry and fisheries.
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The proposed approval process and details of the requirements are
outlined for discussion and comment in both a consultation document titled
Proposed Content for the Renewable Energy Approval Regulation developed by the
Ministry of Environment and a Draft Approval and Permitting Requirements
Document for Renewable Energy Projects developed by the Ministry of Natural
Resources.
Ontarians Invited to Comment
Ontarians are encouraged to comment on the proposed approval process.
Consultation documents have been posted to the websites of the Ministry of the
Environment and the Ministry of Natural Resources. They have also been posted
on the Environmental Registry at (www.ebr.gov.on.ca). Enter Number 010-6516
for the Ministry of the Environment posting and Number 010-6708 for the
Ministry of Natural Resources posting. The deadline for comments is July 24.
Provincial information sessions will also be held in June in Ottawa,
Thunder Bay, Chatham, Port Elgin, Sault Ste. Marie and Toronto. Visit the
ministry's website at www.ene.gov.on.ca/en/business/green-energy for dates and
locations.
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BACKGROUNDER
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Wind Turbines - Proposed Requirements and Setbacks
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The Green Energy Act allows for the creation of environmental
requirements and setbacks for renewable energy projects to be identified in
regulation and developed in consultation with Ontarians.
The proposed approval process is intended to provide clear provincial
rules, create certainty for stakeholders and proponents, and require all
proposed renewable energy projects to meet provincially mandated requirements,
as described in the Proposed Content for the Renewable Energy Approval
Regulation.
One proposed requirement of interest to many Ontarians is setbacks for
wind turbines, and the ministry's proposed approach is outlined below.
General Requirements for Wind Turbines
The ministry is proposing that developers of all renewable energy
projects including wind turbines meet general requirements, including
consultation with local residents, municipalities and Aboriginal communities;
studies and research required for approval; and identification of potential
problems and how they can be mitigated.
Setbacks
The proposal also includes setbacks for wind energy projects from
receptors, such as dwellings.
The ministry is proposing a minimum setback for wind turbines of 550
metres to ensure noise levels do not exceed 40 decibels at the receptor. Forty
decibels is approximately the noise level experienced in a quiet office or
library.
The applicable setbacks would rise with the number of turbines and the
sound level rating of selected turbines. For example, a turbine with a sound
power level of 106 decibels would have to meet a setback of 950 metres from
the nearest receptor.
A facility with eight turbines with a sound power level of 105 decibels
would need to meet a setback of 1000 metres.
All wind turbines with a sound power level greater than 107 decibels,
regardless of the number, would require a noise study, as would projects
involving more than 26 turbines within 1.5 km of any receptor.
The ministry is also proposing that as a condition of approval for wind
turbine projects, proponents would be required to monitor and address any
perceptible infrasound (vibration) or low frequency noise as a condition of
the Renewable Energy Approval.
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For further information: John Karapita, Minister's Office, (416) 314-6736; Kate Jordan, Ministry of the Environment, (416) 314-6666; Ivan Langrish, Minister's Office, (416) 314-2212; Media Desk, Communications Services Branch, (416) 314-2106
Other news releases disseminated by this ministry
