Nova Scotia: Kings County puts major wind turbine projects on hold

 Kings County puts major wind turbine projects on hold | The Chronicle Herald:

KENTVILLE — The door could soon be shut on large-scale wind turbine development in Kings County, at least for now.

The planning advisory committee for the Municipality of the County of Kings has passed a motion recommending further review of wind turbine issues. The committee also recommended that large-scale projects not be permitted in the meantime.

Council has not yet approved the motion. A public meeting has been set for May 10 at 5 p.m. in council chambers.

The existing wind turbine bylaw, which was approved last year and allows large-scale wind turbine development, will be amended to ensure development permits are not issued.

...

Residents of North Mountain presented a petition to county officials with over 1,000 names opposing the Acciona development. The residents also asked that any wind turbine policy include a 2.5-kilometre setback from any home, a move that could effectively kill many wind farm proposals.

The setback under the existing policy is 700 metres.

Many councillors are concerned about the proposed developments, Killam said.

“I think the majority of us want to do the right thing. It’s a huge issue.”

A recent health and safety report on wind turbines commissioned by council highlighted several uncertainties, he said.

“There are new things coming out all the time in relation to the negative aspects.”

Read the full article at the Chronicle Herald website