Open House For Proposed Wind Farm

Dozens of people attended an open house Tuesday about the proposed Burchill Wind Project near Saint John.

Natural Forces plans to invest up to $60 million to build five to 10 wind turbines in the Lorneville area.

The Halifax-based company was selected as the proponent by Saint John Energy, which will purchase the energy.

Katherine Dorey, a development officer with Natural Forces, said she was pleased with the turnout.

“We’ve had so many great conversations with all the community members,” said Dorey.

Dorey said residents came in with general concerns about noise and wildlife, and company officials were able to answer questions.

She said the company, which operates several wind farms across Canada, tries to keep turbines about a kilometre away from homes.

“It’s just a distance enough that by the time noise does reach a home, it’s no louder than an air conditioner or an air system in your home,” Dorey said.

During Tuesday’s open house, residents were able to see where the company wants to build the turbines.

Bill Lewis, who lives on Lorneville Road, said he is not against the project but wants the turbines to be at least two kilometres from homes.

“Our house will be a-kilometre-and-a-half from [one turbine] and it’s too close,” said Lewis. “That’s only a proposal but hopefully they won’t build that one that close to our house.”

Lewis said he has been told the low vibration from the wind turbines can cause health issues, including atrial fibrillation or AFib.

According to a 2014 study by Health Canada, self-reported illnesses and chronic health conditions were not found to be associated with wind turbine noise.

Dorey said they are finishing some field studies for the environmental impact assessment (EIA), which they hope to submit to the province in early 2020.

“Once that document is drafted and submitted, we’ll have another open house where people will be able to review and comment on the EIA,” she said.

Dorey said they hope to start construction in the fall of 2020 and have the turbines commissioned by the end of 2021.

Natural Forces developed the first wind farm in New Brunswick and currently has two additional wind energy projects under construction near Sussex and Richibucto.