The Nuttby Mountain Wind Farm is the second largest in the province with 22 turbines and a generation capacity of 50.6 megawatts. That’s enough energy to power more than 15,000 homes, with the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Nova Scotia by more than 114,000 tonnes a year. Over the winter months in 2010, construction was on hold while the ground was frozen. During the spring, an access road was constructed to allow for the turbines to arrive. Assembly took place throughout the summer months, followed by testing in the early fall. The first turbines were energized and began delivering electricity to homes and businesses on October 4, 2010. The Nuttby Mountain project received Environmental Assessment Approval by the provincial government in April of 2009. To review the document in detail please visit gov.ns.ca/nse/ea. Nova Scotia does not have set guidelines for acceptable levels of sound; however, the World Health Organization recommends that community sound levels measured at people’s homes do not exceed 45 decibels during overnight hours and 50 decibels during the daytime. This project is expected to be well within these recommendations. Baseline studies were completed to understand the potential impact on birds. There will be a bird and bat monitoring program implemented when the wind farm is in operation to evaluate bird interaction. The wind farm will be equipped with lights so they are visible to birds and planes. The Nuttby Mountain wind farm is a $120 million project which includes wind turbines, a new substation and transmission interconnection. One of the many benefits of wind energy is that the costs are less variable than other types of generation which rely on fuel from the world markets. Projects like this will help us to stabilize power rates over the long term. This project isn’t only generating electricity but economic benefits as well. Surveyors and consultants have already been hired to help with the planning stages. Come spring, construction workers, crane operators, and mechanics will also be needed. Beyond jobs, wind farms can generate new tourism opportunities. This means an increase in the purchase of local goods and services. Leases have also been signed with local land owners. |