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VANCOUVER, BRITISH
COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Aug. 11, 2009) - NaiKun Wind Energy Group Inc.
(TSX VENTURE:NKW) released today a summary of responses to comments
received during the 45-day public comment period for the harmonized
federal-provincial environmental assessment (EA) review of its proposed
offshore wind energy project in Hecate Strait.
"This has been an incredibly valuable process," said Susan Bruckner,
Director Community Relations. "We see it as a very constructive
means to identify outstanding questions so that we can refine the
project as appropriate during the remainder of the EA review."
More than 75 people attended the three open houses held in local
communities during the 45-day comment period and the BC Environmental
Assessment Office received a total of 56 written comments.
In accordance with EAO requirements, NaiKun Wind has responded to
comments received and has also prepared a summary report, which
compiles key themes from the written comments, open houses and
stakeholder group meetings. Both documents are available on the EAO
website (www.eao.gov.bc.ca).
"Equally encouraging was the significant number of comments of
strong support we received," said Bruckner. "Submissions
indicating support were the most frequent theme, which is consistent
with the feedback we've received from local communities since we began
discussing the project with them in 2002."
Other frequently occurring themes included marine aquatic ecology
(including crabs), environmental assessment methodology, project
scope/design and socio-economic.
In the coming months, NaiKun Wind will continue to work with regulatory
agencies, First Nations and local communities to further develop the
project's environmental management system and adaptive management
plans, develop commercial fisheries access management plans, begin
initiating long term environmental monitoring studies, and advance the
career training and employment program, as well as continue to work
with the Haida Nation during its concurrent review of the project.
"We're confident that the ultimate design of the project will be
one that benefits from the valuable input and support we received, so
that it can proceed in a manner that respects the environment and the
interests of local communities, and begins delivering clean, renewable,
made-in-B.C. energy by 2104," concluded Bruckner.
NaiKun Wind Energy Group Inc. is a British Columbia-based renewable
energy company. The first phase of its project will generate enough
energy to provide electricity to 130,000 B.C. homes, help the province
reach its goal of becoming electricity self-sufficient by 2016, and
play a significant role in combating 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.
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