Ontario clears Veresen’s 40-MW wind proposal

Oct 20, 2014 - Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment (MOE) has given the green light to the 40-MW Grand Valley 3 wind project proposed by local energy infrastructure operator Veresen Inc (TSE:VSN).

According to a statement on the Ministry’s website from Wednesday, the wind power facility will consist of up to 16 turbines and a 45-MVA transformer in Dufferin County. Two of the machines will have capacities of 2.7 MW each, while the remaining 14 will be of 2.5 MW per unit. The Renewable Energy Approval (REA) requires the developer to build the plant and connect it to the grid in three years. The wind facility will interconnect to the power network of utility Hydro One.

Opponents of the scheme can appeal MOE’s decision with the Ontario Environmental Review Tribunal (ERT) within five days of the REA issuance. Some of the major points against the project are related to noise, health, water, safety and loss of property values.

In order to respond to concerns about the scheme’s effect on birds in a local wildlife area, Veresen will have to carry out mitigation and monitoring measures as per the REA approval.

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