An environmental assessment is underway for a proposed 3.2 megawatt wind energy project to be located in the Municipality of Barrington.
Proponents of the Barrington Wind Farm, Watts Wind Energy Inc., are hoping to construct two wind turbines in the backwoods of the Atwood Brook area.
“The nearest communities surrounding the site are Bear Point (3.5 kms), Doctor’s Cove (2.1 km) and Shag Harbour 3.9 km)” reads the project description, on file with Nova Scotia Environment.
The proposed Barrington Wind Farm will encompass 167 hectares of privately owned land, which is primarily mixed hardwood and softwood. The closest home is more than 1,000 metres away from the nearest turbine. The construction of an access road is also part of the plan. The proposed route is in the Doctor’s Cove area from Highway 3.
The Barrington Wind Farm will connect with the distribution grid on Highway 3, which feeds into the Barrington substation.
“The project is organized as a Community Economic Development Investment Fund (CEDIF), which is Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) eligible and provides additional tax benefits to eligible Nova Scotia investors” states the project overview.
“Nova Scotia residents, including residents of the District of Barrington, will have an opportunity to invest in the project as part of the CEDIF structure….The project is funded privately; no government funding has been or will be provided.”
If environmental approval is granted, the company is hoping to have the turbines installed and in operation by February, 2014.
The public has an opportunity for input on the environmental assessment of Barrington Wind Energy project until March 14. Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau will decide on or before April 3 if the project can be granted conditional environmental assessment approval.
The project documents can be found online at the Nova Scotia Environment website. It is also available locally at the Barrington Municipal Administrative Center and the Barrington Municipal Library.
