Welcome to the official Amherst Community Wind Farm website!
This website has been set up to provide information for the community and stakeholders on the Amherst Community Wind Farm.
As of January 2019, since the Amherst Community Wind Farm was commissioned in January 2017, it has generated a total of 37.70 GWh of clean renewable energy.
About the Project
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The Amherst Community Wind Farm is located in the County of Cumberland, approximately 5 kilometers east of Amherst, Nova Scotia. The site lies between John Black Road and Pumping Station Road on privately owned land. The Amherst Community Wind Farm consists of two wind turbines with an installed capacity of 3.0 MW each for a total project capacity of 6 MW.
This capacity is estimated to supply approximately 1,892 homes with electricity while offsetting 10,606 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. |
Why Here?
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When developing a wind project, it is crucial to find the best suitable location and community to host it. To do so, there are four main factors to consider during the site finding phase of development:
While the wind strength and consistency has a major impact on the power produced, factors such as proximity to the electricity grid, road access, ecology, archaeology and cultural significance, proximity to residential dwellings, and health concerns should also be considered. The location of the Amherst Community Wind Farm was selected after a thorough review of all the above factors. Discussions with experts at the Department of Natural Resources Canada were also incredibly influential in determining this specific site. Items of environmental and socio-economic significance in the region have also been studies in depth by Natural Forces and third-party consultants. The results of all project studies have been compiled in the Environmental Assessment. |
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What's Happening?
January 1st, 2017: Turbines reached commercial operation date under our power purchase agreement.
November 22nd, 2016: As of November 21st both turbines are energized and we are aiming to complete electrical and commissioning works by the end of the month.
November 2nd, 2016: We are pleased to report Turbine 1 at Amherst is now energized! This is a great milestone as it is the largest wind turbine in the Maritimes.
October 24th, 2016: The first turbine is assembled and raised, construction in ongoing on the second turbine. The bottom section of the second tower has been installed and we expect the rest of the turbines to be installed this week!
August 23rd, 2016: Construction has been ongoing. Last week, tower construction was in full force for Turbine 1 and the blades for that turbine began arriving Friday.
July 19th, 2016: After an enormous day on July 9th, where 1,000 cubic meters of concrete were poured in seven hours, the foundation for Turbine 1 is complete. Prep work for the foundation for Turbine 2 is underway and trucks are beginning to deliver tower segments for Turbine 1. In the following weeks, more trucks like those seen the photo directly below are expected to arrive on site.
June 29th, 2016: Site road construction is almost complete and tower foundations will be poured within the first two weeks of July. Increased traffic near the site should be expected for that time.
May 25th, 2016: Road construction is underway and is continuing with success.
May 6th, 2016: Clearing of the site has been completed and equipment is on site to start building the turbine roads. Road construction is intended to start in the following week.
Community Engagement
Natural Forces is committed to establishing positive relationships with the community by means of public meetings and community consultation. In doing so, we will address all concerns pertaining to this proposed development raised by local residents and community members. The following is an estimated projected time line for the public consultation that will take place in accordance with the following schedule:
Winter 2011 - Open house #1
Summer 2012 - Community Feed-In Tariff Approval
Spring 2014 - Commenced wind monitoring
Summer 2014 - Open house #2
Summer 2014 - Website built
Fall 2014 - Environmental Assessment registration
Winter 2015 - Environmental Assessment approval
December 2015 - Newsletter Released
Winter 2016 - Pre-construction activities
Winter 2016 - Tree clearing
Spring 2016 - Road construction
Spring 2016 - Turbine pad construction
Spring 2016 - Foundation construction start
Spring 2016 -Tower, turbine and blade delivery
Summer 2016 - Concrete pour for foundation
Summer 2016 - Electrical work by Nova Scotia Power Inc.
Summer 2016 - Assemble of turbine
Fall 2016 - Site cleanup
Fall 2016 - Electrical work continues
Fall 2016 - Commissioning of the turbines
Summer 2036 - Project decommissioning
Summer 2012 - Community Feed-In Tariff Approval
Spring 2014 - Commenced wind monitoring
Summer 2014 - Open house #2
Summer 2014 - Website built
Fall 2014 - Environmental Assessment registration
Winter 2015 - Environmental Assessment approval
December 2015 - Newsletter Released
Winter 2016 - Pre-construction activities
Winter 2016 - Tree clearing
Spring 2016 - Road construction
Spring 2016 - Turbine pad construction
Spring 2016 - Foundation construction start
Spring 2016 -Tower, turbine and blade delivery
Summer 2016 - Concrete pour for foundation
Summer 2016 - Electrical work by Nova Scotia Power Inc.
Summer 2016 - Assemble of turbine
Fall 2016 - Site cleanup
Fall 2016 - Electrical work continues
Fall 2016 - Commissioning of the turbines
Summer 2036 - Project decommissioning
Throughout the length of the project’s development, construction, operational, and decommissioning phases, Natural Forces is committed to:
- Constant consultation with residents of nearby communities
- Continuous discussions with the local councilors, MLAs and business owners
- Informing the public of the project's progress using this website, newsletters, public open houses and press releases.
Community Benefits
An increase in demand for local goods and services during the feasibility and construction phases of development.
- The creation of jobs within Amherst and the Municipality of the County of Cumberland during the construction phase.
- The creation of a small number of permanent positions during the wind farm's operational life for maintenance.
- Renewable energy supply in the Amherst region to help meet growing energy demand. Additional revenue for Municipality of the County of Cumberland through the payment of annual property taxes by the project proponent, which will benefit all residents of the municipality. Help achieve government renewable energy targets.
- Targets are to produce 25% renewable energy by 2015 and 40% by 2020.
What is the Process?
1 - Development
3 - Operation
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2 - Construction
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4 - Decommissioning
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Environmental Assessment
The Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Amherst Community Wind Farm has been approved by the Minister of Environment on February 17th 2015. The EA was registered on December 19th 2014 and was open for public comment until January 28th 2015. An EA is a tool that is used to predict and evaluate the environmental effects of the proposed Amherst Community Wind Farm to determine the acceptability of the project. In other words, it is used to determine the impact the project may have on the environment surrounding the project. The EA was conducted in accordance with the Nova Scotia Environmental Assessment Regulations.
The results of the EA can be seen below:
Other studies
The final bird and bat studies conducted for the project can be seen below:
The First year or Post-Construction Bird and Bat Monitoring has been completed and can be viewed below:
2017 Post-Construction Bird and Bat Monitoring Report
Additionally, as a condition of the Environmental Assessment approval a post-construction noise survey was completed and the results can be viewed below:
2017 Post-Construction Noise Monitoring Report
The results of the EA can be seen below:
- Amherst Community Wind Farm EA
- Amherst Community Wind Farm EA - Appendix A-B
- Amherst Community Wind Farm EA - Appendix C-D
- Amherst Community Wind Farm EA - Appendix E-F
- Amherst Community Wind Farm EA - Appendix G-I
- Amherst Community Wind Farm EA - Appendix J-M
Other studies
The final bird and bat studies conducted for the project can be seen below:
- Amherst Community Wind Farm Avian Baseline Study
- Characterization of the magnitude of bat activity at the proposed Amherst Community Wind Farm Project
The First year or Post-Construction Bird and Bat Monitoring has been completed and can be viewed below:
2017 Post-Construction Bird and Bat Monitoring Report
Additionally, as a condition of the Environmental Assessment approval a post-construction noise survey was completed and the results can be viewed below:
2017 Post-Construction Noise Monitoring Report
Post-construction Monitoring
The first year of post-construction bird and bat monitoring has been completed for the Amherst Community Wind Farm. The results of these studies are still being compiled, when compiled, the final report will be posted here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conventional sources of electricity come from burning fossil fuels such as coal, gas, oil and from nuclear fuels. There are fears of fossil fuel shortages, and an international consensus that burning fossil fuels is contributing to our planet's increasingly rapid climate change.
Power generation from clean energy sources has become increasingly important. To reflect these needs, the Canadian government's targets seek to increase Canada's electricity generated by renewable sources to 25% by 2015, and by 40% by 2020. The benefits of wind energy in Canada are extensive:
Power generation from clean energy sources has become increasingly important. To reflect these needs, the Canadian government's targets seek to increase Canada's electricity generated by renewable sources to 25% by 2015, and by 40% by 2020. The benefits of wind energy in Canada are extensive:
- New energy generation helps to meet the growing demand for electricity.
- Increased diversity of supply and therefore, increased security of supply.
- Aids in the prevention of biodiversity loss caused by unchecked world temperature rises.
Some people have concerns about the impact of wind farms on house prices, health , and other issues. As a result, many studies have been done with regard to these issues and are available on Government and Industry association websites. To help people find good quality information, the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) lists Windy myths about Wind Power. Many more facts about Wind Energy can also be found on the CanWEA Wind Facts page (FAQ's).
How strong does the wind have to blow?
Wind turbines start operating at wind speeds of 4 to 5 meters per second (around 10 miles per hour) and reach maximum power output at around 15 meters per seond (around 33 miles per hour). In gale force winds (25 meters per second, 50+ miles per hour) wind turbines shut down to reduce unnecessary wear and tear. For more information on wind energy, see the CanWEA factsheets on wind energy.
Wind turbines start operating at wind speeds of 4 to 5 meters per second (around 10 miles per hour) and reach maximum power output at around 15 meters per seond (around 33 miles per hour). In gale force winds (25 meters per second, 50+ miles per hour) wind turbines shut down to reduce unnecessary wear and tear. For more information on wind energy, see the CanWEA factsheets on wind energy.
Do turbines affect birds and wildlife?
The greatest impact to wildlife is climate change, and wind energy is an important contribution to combating it. During the development of a wind farm, an Avian Impact Assessment Report is created, and submitted within the project's Environmental Assessment. The report typically contains detail on the avian monitoring methodology used, the associated data recorded, and the conclusions drawn.
The greatest impact to wildlife is climate change, and wind energy is an important contribution to combating it. During the development of a wind farm, an Avian Impact Assessment Report is created, and submitted within the project's Environmental Assessment. The report typically contains detail on the avian monitoring methodology used, the associated data recorded, and the conclusions drawn.
Do wind turbines frighten livestock?
Wind farms are popular with farmers because their land can continue to be used from growing crops, or for livestock grazing. Sheep, cows, and horses are not disturbed by wind turbines, and in fact they usually enjoy the shelter that turbine towers can provide from the wind and the sun. Likewise, working dogs are also unaffected by wind turbines.
Wind farms are popular with farmers because their land can continue to be used from growing crops, or for livestock grazing. Sheep, cows, and horses are not disturbed by wind turbines, and in fact they usually enjoy the shelter that turbine towers can provide from the wind and the sun. Likewise, working dogs are also unaffected by wind turbines.
Are wind turbines noisy?
Since wind turbines are large mechanical equipment, they can be expected to produce noise. However, as wind turbine technology has evolved, the sound emitted by wind turbines has decreased, In current designs the mechanical noise is almost obsolete, resulting in only the interaction of the air and the turbine parts producing noise. This noise decreases as the radial distance from the turbine increases. To relate this, the compressor of a refrigerator produces 40-45 dB of noise. According to the Government of Nova Scotia, a wind energy project would have a noise level of between 35-45 dB at 350 meters away (Check out the Energy Nova Scotia Wind Page for more information). Federal and provincial jurisdictions establish minimum distances from turbines to occupied dwellings to minimize this noise.
Since wind turbines are large mechanical equipment, they can be expected to produce noise. However, as wind turbine technology has evolved, the sound emitted by wind turbines has decreased, In current designs the mechanical noise is almost obsolete, resulting in only the interaction of the air and the turbine parts producing noise. This noise decreases as the radial distance from the turbine increases. To relate this, the compressor of a refrigerator produces 40-45 dB of noise. According to the Government of Nova Scotia, a wind energy project would have a noise level of between 35-45 dB at 350 meters away (Check out the Energy Nova Scotia Wind Page for more information). Federal and provincial jurisdictions establish minimum distances from turbines to occupied dwellings to minimize this noise.
Does turbine noise have any effect on health?
A study done by Health Canada in 2014 investigated the health effects of wind turbine noise. This study found that wind turbine noise was not associated with self-reported slip, illness or stress levels. The summary of these results can be reviewed on the Health Canada Environmental and Workplace Health page.
A study done by Health Canada in 2014 investigated the health effects of wind turbine noise. This study found that wind turbine noise was not associated with self-reported slip, illness or stress levels. The summary of these results can be reviewed on the Health Canada Environmental and Workplace Health page.
To get in touch with us
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Natural Forces - Halifax office
1801 Hollis Street, Suite 1205 Halifax, NS B3J 3N4 |
1 (902) 422.9663
1 (844) 422.WIND(9463) toll free info[at]naturalforces.ca |