|
VANCOUVER, BRITISH
COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - May 21, 2009) - NaiKun Wind Energy Group Inc. (TSX
VENTURE:NKW) announced today that the public comment phase of the
environmental assessment for its 396MW offshore wind energy project on
the northwest coast of B.C. will begin in one week. The public comment
period begins on May 28, 2009 and continues until midnight on July 12,
2009.
The gathering of public input is an important part of NaiKun Wind's
application for an Environmental Assessment Certificate. It also
reflects the Company's commitment to ongoing community engagement to
ensure that the project is developed in a manner that minimizes effects
on the environment while maximizing benefits for local communities.
NaiKun Wind submitted a proposal for a long-term contract to BC Hydro
as part of the provincial utility's Clean Power Call Request for
Proposals. Power from the project will be used by BC Hydro to help meet
the province's growing energy needs by generating enough clean,
renewable electricity to power 130,000 homes. Contract awards under the
Clean Power Call are expected to be announced in mid-summer.
A recent public opinion survey conducted for NaiKun Wind by Mustel
Research indicated that 73 per cent of British Columbians support the
Company's offshore wind energy project. Feedback gathered from local
residents also indicates very strong support for wind energy.
NaiKun Wind
is seeking environmental certification from both the federal and
provincial governments and has submitted the project for a harmonized
review process led by the provincial Environmental Assessment Office
(EAO). The EAO accepted NaiKun Wind's application for a 180-day review
process, effective May 20, 2009.
First Nations, local governments, interested organizations and members
of the public are invited to review and comment on the application
during the 45-day public comment period. Open houses will be held in
North Coast communities to provide information about the application
and gather input. The application and related documents can be accessed
on the EAO's website - www.eao.gov.bc.ca. All comments must be submitted
to the EAO by midnight on July 12, 2009.
"Our consultations over the years with local communities,
including First Nations, residents and stakeholder groups have helped
to improve the project," said NaiKun Wind Vice-President, Matt
Burns. "With further input and guidance from the public, NaiKun
Wind can continue to develop a project that reflects the values and interests
of British Columbians and serves our province for generations to
come."
Six years of detailed studies by scientists and area experts along with
extensive consultations with First Nations and local communities
contributed to NaiKun Wind's 4000-page application. The application
covers 10 study areas including marine aquatic ecology, marine mammals,
marine birds, archaeological resources, socio-economics and terrestrial
ecology. It concludes that there is no indication of significant
adverse effects in any of the 10 study areas.
The assessment also indicates notable positive effects for local
communities and their economies through the creation of employment,
education and training services, and clean energy.
An extensive list of environmental management, mitigation and
monitoring activities has been committed to by NaiKun Wind in its
application. These activities include a cooperative seabird study with
Simon Fraser University and discussions with the Area 'A' Crab
Association regarding crab migration studies. This and other work will
continue to build on the extensive body of knowledge developed for the
application and allow NaiKun Wind and local stakeholders to apply
adaptive management practices to ensure the ongoing environmental
compatibility of the project.
Open houses will be held in Prince Rupert on June 3, in Masset on June
8 and in Queen Charlotte City on June 9. The open houses will include a
presentation by the provincial EAO and the Canadian Environmental
Assessment Agency, followed by a question and answer session.
To learn more about NaiKun Wind's application, visit www.naikun.ca to
access the executive summary of the application, information sheets and
a schedule for open houses.
NaiKun Wind Energy Group Inc. is a British Columbia-based renewable
energy company. The first phase of its offshore wind energy project
will generate enough electricity to power 130,000 B.C. homes, help the
province reach its goal of becoming electricity self-sufficient by
2016, and play a significant role in combatting climate change. The
project will also create an estimated 200 jobs during construction and
50 permanent jobs for maintenance and operations.
The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the
adequacy or accuracy of this release.
|