Please see below for a summary of Proponent questions that were addressed live on the November 30 webinar. If you have a question that was not answered on the webinar, please see below for the appropriate contact information.
Summary of Questions:
- Q: Is the completion of "other permits" (e.g., municipal development) required at the time of registration?
- A: The completion of these permits is not required at the time of registration, however a comprehensive list of necessary permits is required at the time of registration
- Q: How are receptors defined for noise and shadow flicker modelling?
- A: Receptors are usually referred to as residences, businesses, or sensitive receptors such as (churches, schools, seniors home, daycare etc.) where there may be different noise considerations depending on the receptor. WHO advocates that at the exterior of a residence the annual night-time noise level should not exceed 40 dBA and WHO (1999) noise limit is 60 dB LAmax at the bedroom façade no more than 10 times per night. For a sensitive receptor such as schools, WHO advocates for 15dB difference between background noise levels and conversational levels to ensure full speech comprehension. Guidelines indicate a maximum shadow flicker of 30 minutes per day, and/or 30 hours per year. If you have additional questions, please contact Health Canada to talk about the specifics for your project and review the studies below.
- World Health Organization (WHO). 1999. Guidelines for Community Noise. Berglund, B., Lindvall, T. and Schwela, D.H (Eds.). Available online at: www.who.int/docstore/peh/noise/guidelines2.html
- World Health Organization (WHO). 2009. Night noise guidelines for Europe. Hurtley, C. (Ed). WHO Regional Office for Europe Copenhagen, Denmark. Available online at: www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/environment-and-health/noise/publications/2009/night-noise-guidelines-for-europe
- Q: If the noise assessment determines that 40 dBA can be met at a receptor, but the receptor still has concerns that cannot be resolved, will the EA branch rely on the findings of the noise impact assessment?
- A: Noise assessments at the EARD stage would be based on modelling. If modelling suggests noise limits can be maintained but there are public concerns, the proponent should endeavor to identify other potential mitigation measures that can be applied to minimize concerns. If the project is approved and the turbines are constructed, the approval will contain conditions requiring the proponent to undertake noise surveys at the receptor in response to complaints (at the request of the Department).
- Q: Is there an appeal process once a decision is made?
- A: There is no appeal process through the Department.
- Q: You have recommended that we ask CWS for guidance on studies, etc for turbines exceeding 150m. With current typical turbine tip heights exceeding 150m and presumably most wind projects that will respond to this procurement, could you the procurement manager potentially request and circulate that guidance rather than having each individual proponent contacting CWS?
- A: Proponents and consultants are encouraged to speak with CWS directly about their project since project specifics will likely impact their advice.
- Q: Given the vast majority (if not all) turbines are over 150m in height, can NSECC clarify what the expectation is for radar studies in Nova Scotia?
- Q: Can you elaborate on the requirements regarding solar projects? Is there an EA Guide specific to solar projects?
- A: There are no EA requirements for solar, unless there is more than 2ha of wetland alteration. There is no EA Guide specific to solar projects at this time. However, Proponents should keep in mind that there may be regional requirements or approvals for solar projects.
- Q: Could you provide contact details for the Department's expert on blade glint and any relevant regulations?
- A: NSECC and Health Canada do not evaluate the effects of light from wind turbines (glint or glare) on human health. Guidance offered from Health Canada suggests that projects should consider blade curvature, location of the sun, and also paint colours. Further consideration especially as it relates to paint colours and impacts on bird species should be discussed with Environment Canada.
- Q: How is the Department dealing with the issue of turbines over 150m? Will there be a regional study such as in New Brunswick?
- A: There is an ongoing study to address this, one season of which has been completed with the data being verified by Arcadia. This study is being conducted with acoustic monitoring as opposed to radar.
- Q: Can Proponents provide their project locations to the OLA in order to receive confirmation on which Mi'kmaq tribe(s) are the closest to the project?
Contact Information:
For additional questions regarding the Environmental Assessment process please contact ea@novascotia.ca
For questions specific to climate change adaptation please contact alex.cadel@novascotia.ca
For questions regarding noise or shadow flicker requirements, please contact Health Canada at ia-atl-ei-atl@hc-sc.gc.ca
For questions regarding the Canadian Wildlife Service and their requirements please see their contact page.
For additional questions regarding consultation with the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia please contact Janel.Hayward@novascotia.ca
