"The notification that these projects have passed the Environmental Assessment screening stage assures us that we remain on track to hit our scheduled commercial operation dates for the Wildmare and Tumbler Ridge Wind Energy Projects," said Finavera Wind Energy President and COO Peter Leighton.
Based on existing conditions and with the mitigation proposed, the projects are not expected to result in any significant impacts for the biophysical, social, heritage, economic and health components assessed for these Applications. The final decision on impacts will be determined by the BC Ministry of Environment and the BC Ministry of Energy and will be reflected in a decision to issue Environmental Assessment Certificates to the Company for the projects. The Projects have passed the screening stage and will enter the Application Review stage shortly. The Application Review stage must be completed in a maximum of 180 days. After the Review stage is complete, they will be considered by the Ministers for an Environmental Assessment certificate (maximum 45 days).
The Environmental Assessment Application for the Company’s 117 MW Meikle Wind Energy Project will be submitted to the EAO in the Spring of 2011, and the Application for the 60 MW Bullmoose Wind Energy Project is scheduled to enter the Environmental Assessment process the following year.
Finavera Wind Energy is a wind power development company focused on developing, constructing, and operating wind turbines plants in North America and Ireland. Our mission is to create and operate a viable renewable energy business while protecting and enhancing the physical and social environment. In British Columbia, Canada, projects totaling 301 MW have been awarded 25 year Electricity Purchase Agreements. In Ireland, the Company has signed a co-development agreement with Scottish and Southern Renewables for the 105 MW Cloosh Valley Wind Project. Data collection and environmental studies have been continuing at a number of prospective sites in Canada and the United States.
