The Eigg Mountain Wind energy project received its environmental assessment approval Thursday, according to a news release from the Nova Scotia government. In his decision, the minister of Environment and Climate Change writes, “I am satisfied that any adverse effects or significant environmental effects of the undertaking can be adequately mitigated.” Eigg Mountain Wind Inc. will oversee the development of the 22-turbine wind farm in Antigonish County, N.S., expected to begin later this year. The government expects the development will employ 200 to 250 people. The turbines will be around 200 meters tall. Once operational in 2028, they’re expected to generate 154 megawatts of energy, enough to power the equivalent of about 49,280 homes. The government believes the energy from the turbines will reduce Nova Scotia’s greenhouse gas emissions by about 271,000 tonnes, roughly the equivalent of taking 58,800 gas-powered cars off the road. The government forecasts the wind farm will bring in $1.3 million in annual tax revenue for the Municipality of the County of Antigonish. Public consultation over the past few months has brought support and criticism to the project. From February 18 to March 30, the office of Environment and Climate Change received 176 anonymous comments for the environmental assessment of the wind farm. “I am excited to see Projects like the Eigg Mountain Wind project move forward in our region,” one anonymous resident writes. Others voice concerns about the impact on the environment and landscape. “Currently there is an existing wind turbine site on Browns Mountain, another under construction on Weavers Mountain, and a new project proposed for Eigg Mountain. Together, these developments are rapidly transforming what has long been a largely intact forecasted wilderness into an industrialized landscape,” one writes. Another email to the minister says, “The project sits directly adjacent to the Protected James River Watershed, a primary drinking water source for the Town of Antigonish. The construction of 150 km of access roads and turbine pads creates an immediate risk of siltation and chemical contamination (such as hydraulic leaks) into our water supply.” With the construction set to go ahead, the environmental assessment involved consultation with Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn (KMK), an initiative seeking to uphold Mi’kmaq rights. In a letter to the environmental assessment officer, the organization expresses their concern about developments and fast-tracking approval of projects in the Cape Breton Highlands. They highlighted the presence of Mainland moose around the wind farm development. The moose population continues to decline and the moratorium on hunting them remains in the Highlands. “Construction of access roads, turbine pads and transmission lines fragments habitat and increases human access which could disrupt moose movement corridors, increase mortality rates and reduce hunting and harvesting opportunity for the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia,” they write. They also note construction of roads and turbines will alter drainage patterns and reduce water quality. “These bodies of water support habitats for American Eel and Atlantic Salmon, both species that are extremely significant to the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia,” they add. The government of Nova Scotia says the project must comply with 57 terms and conditions designed to protect the environment and human health. Eigg Mountain, the developer, says on their site, “We look forward to continuing to work with the community to advance a project that provides clean energy, supports local economic opportunities, and delivers long term benefits to the region.” For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
