Bala Community Development
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Bala Falls, screening report public comments period ends at midnight. Please pass it on to friends and relatives...Cheers!
Bala Falls, screening report public comments period extended until tomorrow. Please pass it on to friends and relatives...Cheers!
To members: Screening report comments are due on or before Nov. 26th 2009.
May I help you get started with you letter to the MOE?
Subject: Request for elevation of Bala Falls Hydro Generator Proposal to require the proponent to satisfy the requirements of Part II of the
Environmental Assessment Act by preparing a Terms of Reference and an Individual Environmental Assessment.
To: Director of the Environmental Assessment and Approvals Branch
Ministry of the Environment
2 St. Clair Avenue West, Floor 12A
Toronto, Ontario
M4V 1L5
E-mail: EAABGen@ene.gov.on.ca
and To: Swift River Energy Limited (herein the Proponent)
and To: Trion Clarke, Hatch Energy (for the proponent)
Dear Sirs,
Under the Environmental Assessment Act new electricity projects are subject to Regulation 116/01 to ensure projects are reviewed in a manner that is consistent with the potential environmental effects of the project. The size and scope of the Bala Falls Hydro Generator Proposal is such that it is deemed a “Category B” project under Regulation 116/01.
Category B projects are projects which have potential environmental effects that can likely be mitigated. Proponents of these projects are permitted an exemption from the requirement to carry out an Individual Environmental Assessment on the condition that they complete the Environmental Screening Process (as set out in regulation 116/01). There are provisions in the Environmental Screening Process to elevate projects (proposals with significant unmitigated environmental effects) to require the proponent to satisfy the requirements of Part II of the Environmental Assessment Act by preparing a Terms of Reference and an Individual Environmental Assessment.
Category C projects are major projects with known significant environmental effects. These projects require an individual Environmental Assessment.
In accordance with the provisions in the Environmental Screening Process and for the reasons contained herein, I hereby request that the Minister make a determination that, the effect of the proposal is major and possesses known significant unmitigated environmental effects. These effects are justification enough to require the proponent to satisfy the requirements of Part II of the Environmental Assessment Act by preparing a Terms of Reference and an Individual Environmental Assessment.
I note that my concerns have already been made known to the proponent at public meetings which the proponents designate attended. I further note that I have not seen any evidence of satisfactory answers and that this elevation request is to an Individual Environmental Assessment as there are significant unaddressed concerns and environmental effects.
I note that details of efforts to discuss/resolve these concerns/environmental effects with the proponent have been made by designates of SaveTheBalaFalls.com.
I note that details of the benefits of requiring the proponent to undertake an Individual Environmental Assessment have been made by designates of SaveTheBalaFalls.com.
Notwithstanding the forgoing my concerns have been made by designates of SaveTheBalaFalls.com. and may include the following:
A Grey Energy project is a renewable energy proposal that conflicts with other social values. Green Energy projects can only be considered truly green if they are Socially and Environmentally benign.