Green Energy Projects - Your chance for Input

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.
 
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 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
 
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 for a brief synopsis of the proposed
approvals process, and details on setbacks for wind turbines.
 
        Want to comment on the ministries' proposals? Go to the
Environmental Registry. 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.ene.gov.on.ca/en/news/2009/060901.php (news release)
 
 
 
http://www.ebr.gov.on.ca/ERS-WEB-External/displaynoticecontent.do?noticeId=MTA2NDQ5&statusId=MTU5NjQ1&language=en
 (EBR posting)

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