Birds block wind energy project near Chaplin, Sask.

A wind energy project near Chaplin, Sask. wasn’t approved after concerns over how it may affect migratory birds.
 
The decision was made after completing an assessment process, which included feedback from the public and environmental non-government organizations.
 
The Ministry of Environment received 137 responses during the public review process in 2015. All except one response supported wind energy, but were worried over the location of the development.
 
“The government will continue to move forward with green energy, with a goal of 50 per cent of power generation from renewable energy sources by 2030,” said Environment Minister Scott Moe.  “Ultimately, there were potential negative impacts to birds and migratory corridors, as well as other risks, that led us to conclude this is not an appropriate location for a wind energy project.”
 
Algonquin Power proposed to build the 117-megawatt wind-power facility on behalf of SaskPower.
 
The facility would have included up to 79 wind turbine generators, around 50-50 kilometres of access roads and 110 kilometres of trenched transmission lines.
 
The Government of Saskatchewan said this was the first wind electricity project to undergo an environmental impact assessment.