Barrett requests extension for public input on Capital Power wind towers, Holiday weekend EBR posting for Port Dover/Nanticoke project denies adequate time for consideration and comment

For Immediate Release:
July 14, 2011

Halidmand-Norfolk’s MPP is asking government to allow adequate time for public input on the Capital Power wind Port Dover-Nanticoke wind project.

“I regret the fact that government chose to post the Capital Power Environmental Bill of Rights (EBR) notice for comment over the July First holiday weekend, leaving many of those concerned unaware that a 30 day window was already beginning to close,” Barrett noted. “Much like last years July First eco tax surprise, this EBR posting has caught many unaware.”

Barrett has written a letter to Environment Minister John Wilkinson highlighting, “numerous calls to my office indicating concern for that impact,” and requesting consideration for, “an extension of the EBR public commentary period for the Capital Power Port Dover-Nanticoke project.”

Barrett’s letter reiterates a comment to the EBR from Cayuga area resident Grant Church: “Mr. Church correctly notes, the posting was initiated over the July First holiday weekend when, “many are off work and on vacation for most if not all of July.”

The Capital power project calls for 58 wind turbine generators with a total generation capacity of 104.4 megawatts in the Port Dover and Nanticoke areas.

According to the original EBR notice, the proposal was posted, “for a 30 day public review and comment period starting June 30, 2011. If you have any questions, or would like to submit your comments, please do so by July 30, 2011 to the individual listed under “Contact”. Additionally, you may submit your comments on-line.

“All comments received prior to July 30, 2011 will be considered as part of the decision-making process by the Ministry of the Environment if they reference EBR Registry number 011-3999.

The EBR notice and related information can be accessed here.

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For more information, please contact MPP Toby Barrett at: (416) 325-8404,

(519) 428-0446 or 1-800-903-8629