For immediate release:
June 25, 2012
Simcoe – Time is running out on sustained and co-ordinated efforts for government to listen to input on Samsung’s Grand Renewable Energy Park.
The McGuinty Samsung deal for 67 wind turbines, 800 acres of solar panels and a 20 km long transmission line across Haldimand County has received Renewable Energy Approval. Those wishing to appeal the decision have until June 30th to bring their case – the appeal period only commenced June 15th.
“Despite the amount of opposition from those contacting the office, the ministry and media, holding rallies, and attending open houses, government continues to shut down input through Green Energy Act regulations that grease the passage for renewables,” noted Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett. “This week marks the final opportunity before the gates open for industrial wind turbines across Haldimand and massive subsidies to Samsung.”
Barrett added that the decision to approve the project was announced following a previous 30-day consultation period on the EBR environment registry that engendered 101 comments. Of the 29 comments available to be read online, only one favoured the project.
“I remain concerned that people’s voices are being shut out,” Barrett added, noting that four of the available submissions questioned the time limitations for input. “I joined with a number of others requesting that the input timeline be extended due to the fact that – in what is becoming a McGuinty trend – the EBR posting went up on the Friday before March Break, thus further limiting commentary.”
The requests were denied.
Postings on the EBR for the Grand Renewable Energy Park made during the 30-day consultation window addressed a series of issues and concerns, including:
“Wind turbines do nothing for our environment. They do not reduce the output of CO2…”
“We are amazed at the lack of concern for all aspects of wind generation. Health, wildlife skyline and above all the cost of these monstrosities to taxpayer and users of electricity have been ignored.”
“The proposed turbines are too big to be situated around homes”
“Property Values and sales in Samsung’s project area have already been negatively affected.”
Those wishing to appeal the decision may request a hearing before the Environmental Review Tribunal through written notification to:
Environmental Commissioner of Ontario:
Environmental Commissioner of Ontario
1075 Bay Street, Suite 605
Toronto Ontario
M5S 2B1
Issuing Authority:
Vic Schroter
Director, Section 47.5 Environmental Protection Act
Environmental Approvals Branch
2 St. Clair Avenue West, Floor 12A
Toronto Ontario
M4V 1L5
Proponent:
Grand Renewable Wind LP/Grand Renewable Wind GP
55 Standish Court
Mississauga, Ontario
L5R 4B2
Appellate Body:
Secretary, Environmental Review Tribunal
655 Bay Street, Floor 15
Toronto
M5G 1E5
The notification must include (a) a description of how engaging in the renewable energy project in accordance with the renewable energy approval will cause, (i) serious harm to human health, or (ii) serious and irreversible harm to plant life, animal life or the natural environment; (b) the portion of the renewable energy approval in respect of which the hearing is required; and (c) the relief sought.