A major regulatory milestone was recently achieved by Capital Power as it continues to move forward in the development of the Quality Wind Project (QWP).
On July 9, the QWP received an Environmental Assessment Certificate (EAC) from the Government of British Columbia (view the news release). In March, BC Hydro awarded Capital Power an Electricity Purchase Agreement (EPA) for the QWP.
The potential wind power project would be located about ten kilometres northeast of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia.
Project Facts
- Installed capacity is expected to be 142.2 MW from 79 turbines;
- Each tower would be between 95 m and 100 m high (from base to centre of hub);
- The project includes a 22 km transmission line and sub-station;
- The project will be visible from some areas, such as along Highway 52, but not from the Tumbler Ridge town site.
Environmental Assessment and Land Tenure Process
The QWP was reviewed under British Columbia’s Environmental Assessment (EA) Act. A formal 180 day review process examined the project’s potential impacts, including biophysical, social, economic, heritage and health components. Public input, including a 30-day public comment period and several open houses in Tumbler Ridge and Dawson Creek, occurred in the summer of 2009.
The EA process concluded the proposed project is not likely to have significant adverse effects, based on the mitigation measures and commitments included as conditions of the environmental assessment certificate. The conditions outlined in the certificate must be implemented throughout the various stages of the project. The area has seen other development, including oil/gas activity and forestry operations.
Throughout the summer, CPC will continue with the land tenure process of securing the License of Occupation, Right-of-Ways and Easements required for the QWP. Capital Power is working closely with the Integrated Land Management Bureau (ILMB) on a concurrent permitting process, where land tenure permits are reviewed in tandem with the EA.
Consultation
Input from the community is helping us develop a project that is both environmentally sound and respects the values and interests of the local community.
Capital Power's engagement and dialogue process is designed to ensure those potentially affected by or interested in the QWP have the opportunity to express their views and provide input as project plans develop.
Initial discussions about the project with local community members and First Nations started in late 2007, followed by open houses in 2008 and 2009. Public engagement will continue throughout the course of the project.
More Information:
View the QWP Spring 2010 newsletter
View the EPA news release (March 11, 2010)
View the Environmental Assessment Application
View the original news release
Learn more about Capital Power's Kingsbridge I Wind Power Project
Contact
Jason Tusor
Capital Power Corporation
Phone: 604.232.5190
Email: QWP@capitalpower.com