A faded talkshow host g(r)asps for last chance at limelight
What do you do, when your ego has depended for years on hearing your own opinions and having others hear your voice? The soon silence of oblivion or the oblivion of silence is unbearable, so you make one last g(r)asp for attention. You won’t, you CAN’T, you JUST CAN’T BE forgotten, can you?
What do you do? Hmmm…create controversy and bring your name to mind one more time. NOT, albeit, by initiating your own novel idea, but by entering an existing controversy. And not, either, by entering a controversy in your own area, and adding input however questionable there, but by insulting a community dealing with its own issues.
Yes, an insult to somebody or some community would get attention, wouldn’t it. Way to go, P. Dum-man! I’m not so dumb to give you the attention you desire for your memorial, so I’ve changed your name. Trouble is, what memorial, what legacy do you leave, on your way out? Slapping other people? Perhaps that’s what you did on your show. I don’t know, I don’t listen to talkshow hosts for the reason of them wanting to hear their own voices and opinions and the ego that involves, despite the delusion of pretending to hear other voices. Maybe you do hear other voices, I don’t know.
But again, what legacy do you leave, on your way out? Do you pretend to be leaving the world a better place, after they hear your opinion, and your slaps? The people of Digby Neck are trying to KEEP their world a better place! There are fewer and fewer “better places” on this earth, and Digby Neck is one of them. You should see and hear the comments people from other places on this globe say about Digby Neck! I will gladly share them with you. And please see one of them on the Digby Courier, hopefully this week coming. It’s only one of many.
Our place will have more and more value over the days and years to come as one of the few pristine and lovely places left on earth. Don’t you think that should be preserved? Or do you not care, since you are leaving it. ?
I’m asking the question: do you think we should preserve the diminishing green places on earth? Or is your legacy to fill every existing spot with the most detrimental objects or operations of industry? Hmmm?
When you live out in the country for a long time, perhaps all your life, and haven’t seen much of the world like the visitors of mine have, you tend to take your area for granted. “Oh, Digby Neck is just this s_ _t stick of land with nothing on it. Who cares? We might as well do “something” with it.” Ya, right. Number one, it is a beautiful stretch of land, embraced by the awesome wonder of the magnificent Bay of Fundy on one side, and the beautiful and more gentle waters of St. Mary’s Bay. Green spaces, and flora and fauna abound, not only in these surrounding waters, but on the so called s- - t stick of land itself. Deer graze in my orchard daily, the grey heron stalks the brook for trout, eagles hawks bats and owls soar and grace the unsullied skies (there is no smog here, you know).
There are no skyscrapers, no pulpmills, no tar sands, there are no dust clouds from blasting or quarries and the water is clean and clear. Do you want otherwise for us? Wish these other things on your own area, P. Dum-man.
Digby Neckers, at least some of them, are good “shoppers”. It’s not that they don’t want business on this land. Small business is up and coming now. They don’t want businesses with major detriments, that’s all. The big proposals for this area all had and have major detriments to the area and its people. There is, maybe, a downside to every major industry, but these people wish to select the ones with the fewest negative environmental and social impacts. Can you blame them? Wouldn’t you wish this for your area?
There’s no reason why the projects with the worst impacts should be placed here. We don’t have the best wind sites in the country- the turbines are best placed in the best wind areas of the country so they get more bang for the buck! Solar power projects could be placed in the sunniest areas of the country. Tidal projects and turbines should be placed in the areas in which they can provide the best results for their purchase! Isn’t that what good shopping and thinking people would do? You would think it would be good business practice as well. Digby Neck may not have the best return for these investments.
Digby Neck has inherent value, however. It’s assets are what it has, and once you remove the assets or destroy its assets, it no longer will have value. To willingly promote and accept detrimental industry is like…well…shitting in your own bed, you know? Or do you want US to do it, and not you, in YOUR county of Nova Scotia?
The Digby area in general has not refused every business, large or small, that came to be placed on the table. Therefore Digby County cannot be accused of the misnomer of Nimbyland. Walmart arrived with little either fanfare or protest. Sobey’s and Superstore arrived and were not rejected. There is a greenhouse operation on Digby Neck. And a gas station. Even the now enormous, in my view, Wharf Rat Rally has been accepted, although some people leave town during that event.
What this evidences is the good shopping practices as I’ve mentioned before. We are sane, here, and in our rationality and good senses are, even through the fights, allowing growth at a gentle (in every aspect) pace and in a gentle way. Isn’t this a good way? I think so. I just wish we didn’t have to fight so.
There’s no reason that we can’t cherry pick the industry or industries that propose to come here. “Cherry-pick” is not a bad thing. It’s picking the best of the bunch. And, I’d say, rejecting the rotten ones.
I’m talking about bigger industry, here. Small business is coming along fine, on Digby Neck, I’d say, in the way that small business, from fishing to farming to tourism always has. Digby Neck is not going to disappear from small moderate growth. And the kids always go away and always come back. Digby Neck will, however, disappear under the weight and with the destructiveness of large enterprises, unless the cherry-picking is done. The North Mountain Range would disappear with the removal of….wait for it….the North Mountain Range, just as an instance. Basalt is one of Digby Neck’s assets and its presence forms the familiarity of our landscape and protects this narrow band of land from inundation. To use this asset in a destructive way and to lose this asset that gives value to this land by its very being there, is …not rational.
On this very erudite question, I leave you: If you pee or spit into the wind, how is that rational? Mr. Dum-man, I am a female, and cannot, exactly, pee into the wind, like you can, but I sure can spit. And I’m NOT going to do that, because I love my face, such as it is, and I’m rational. It would be a “self-detriment” that I’m not going to pursue, no matter how well another might think it would look good on me. Get my drift?
Kathleen Gidney
In Lovely Digby County, Nova Scotia
Friday, September 18, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Fundy Tidal Project
The Canadian Press
Firms hurry to get test projects in water after N.S. government gives OK
By Michael Tutton (CP) – 2 days ago
HALIFAX, N.S. — A tidal power turbine up to 10 metres in diameter will be installed in the Bay of Fundy this fall, as companies begin testing methods of harnessing some of the earth's mightiest water flows.
The Nova Scotia government and the federal Fisheries Department announced environmental approval Tuesday for test projects for three companies to place their turbines in the inner bay, where the world's highest tides rush in and out each day.
There is one small existing tidal power station at the mouth of the Annapolis River, providing sufficient power for 6,000 homes.
However, the test projects would be the first step towards installing multiple, undersea turbines in the bay, with the goal of eventually creating an array of generators to collect a portion of the tidal energy in the inner bay, along the Minas Passage.
The Nova Scotia Power (TSX:EMA) turbine - which looks somewhat like an underwater jet-engine turbine set on a large tripod - will be the first to go in the waters off Parrsboro, with installation plans set for late October.
That will be followed by the installation of a turbine by Clean Current Power Systems Inc., a British Columbia-based firm.
Scott Travers, the president of Minas Basin Pulp and Power Co. Ltd., said during a speech in Saint John, N.B., that his firm's turbine is expected to go in the water next summer.
He told the audience, which included the premiers of Canada's eastern provinces and New England governors, that the potential source of energy is immense in an area where the tides fall so dramatically twice a day that vessels are left perched on the mud.
"The shift of the current, and its predictability, you can bank on it," he said.
The three companies are spending a total of $60 million to $70 million to build the test system.
Nova Scotia's Energy Department said the test system will be linked together next year, with the possibility of creating enough energy to power 4,000 homes, or about 3.5 megawatts. Nova Scotia Power said the test system will not be hooked up to province's electrical grid.
Travers said the tidal projects are currently at the "Kitty Hawk stage" of development, comparing them to the earliest days of flying machines, and it will be several years before commercial scale production is achieved - estimated to be enough power for 100,000 homes.
He said results of the test phase would take one year to 18 months, and at that point proposals could go forward for commercial developments, and a new round of environmental assessments.
"The first multi-unit system will be right in our backyard. It's going to put us on the map, and from there it will grow ... and then we target Newfoundland's coast, Prince Edward Island," Travers said.
Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau said the reduction in greenhouse gases would benefit Nova Scotia, which is heavily dependent on coal-fired generators.
But he said the province could close down the test system quickly if there are signs it is damaging the endangered Atlantic salmon or the lobster fishery.
"I have the authority to stop that (project) as simply as walking over and turning off that light switch, and I wouldn't hesitate if the science and adverse effects are there," said Belliveau.
The studies will also include a look at potential impact on plankton, the microscopic plant life that flows through the bay.
In its July submission to the province's Environment Department, the Ecology Action Centre said the impact of undersea tidal projects "have been consistently underestimated, and in some cases, ignored."
A group of inshore fishermen also sent in their concerns to the department, saying plans to eventually put hundreds of turbines in the bay must not proceed.
"To consider putting hundreds of these units out into the Bay of Fundy doesn't make sense to us. It will ruin the fisheries of not only this area, but many others as well," wrote the Heavy Current Fishers Association in a July 17 submission.
"Millions upon millions of fish, of different species, migrate through the northern shore of the Minas Channel and Passage on their way to spawning grounds all around the basin."
Canada has enough tidal energy to power most of the country's homes and the lion's share of it lies in this bay, according to Natural Resources Canada.
Nova Scotia wants 25 per cent of its energy to come from renewable sources by 2020, and it sees tidal power as a means to get there.
Copyright © 2009 The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
Note from Kathleen: There was a photo of a tide turbine with this article. There does not appear to be any sheild around the blades protecting sea life from damage in and by the turbines
Firms hurry to get test projects in water after N.S. government gives OK
By Michael Tutton (CP) – 2 days ago
HALIFAX, N.S. — A tidal power turbine up to 10 metres in diameter will be installed in the Bay of Fundy this fall, as companies begin testing methods of harnessing some of the earth's mightiest water flows.
The Nova Scotia government and the federal Fisheries Department announced environmental approval Tuesday for test projects for three companies to place their turbines in the inner bay, where the world's highest tides rush in and out each day.
There is one small existing tidal power station at the mouth of the Annapolis River, providing sufficient power for 6,000 homes.
However, the test projects would be the first step towards installing multiple, undersea turbines in the bay, with the goal of eventually creating an array of generators to collect a portion of the tidal energy in the inner bay, along the Minas Passage.
The Nova Scotia Power (TSX:EMA) turbine - which looks somewhat like an underwater jet-engine turbine set on a large tripod - will be the first to go in the waters off Parrsboro, with installation plans set for late October.
That will be followed by the installation of a turbine by Clean Current Power Systems Inc., a British Columbia-based firm.
Scott Travers, the president of Minas Basin Pulp and Power Co. Ltd., said during a speech in Saint John, N.B., that his firm's turbine is expected to go in the water next summer.
He told the audience, which included the premiers of Canada's eastern provinces and New England governors, that the potential source of energy is immense in an area where the tides fall so dramatically twice a day that vessels are left perched on the mud.
"The shift of the current, and its predictability, you can bank on it," he said.
The three companies are spending a total of $60 million to $70 million to build the test system.
Nova Scotia's Energy Department said the test system will be linked together next year, with the possibility of creating enough energy to power 4,000 homes, or about 3.5 megawatts. Nova Scotia Power said the test system will not be hooked up to province's electrical grid.
Travers said the tidal projects are currently at the "Kitty Hawk stage" of development, comparing them to the earliest days of flying machines, and it will be several years before commercial scale production is achieved - estimated to be enough power for 100,000 homes.
He said results of the test phase would take one year to 18 months, and at that point proposals could go forward for commercial developments, and a new round of environmental assessments.
"The first multi-unit system will be right in our backyard. It's going to put us on the map, and from there it will grow ... and then we target Newfoundland's coast, Prince Edward Island," Travers said.
Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau said the reduction in greenhouse gases would benefit Nova Scotia, which is heavily dependent on coal-fired generators.
But he said the province could close down the test system quickly if there are signs it is damaging the endangered Atlantic salmon or the lobster fishery.
"I have the authority to stop that (project) as simply as walking over and turning off that light switch, and I wouldn't hesitate if the science and adverse effects are there," said Belliveau.
The studies will also include a look at potential impact on plankton, the microscopic plant life that flows through the bay.
In its July submission to the province's Environment Department, the Ecology Action Centre said the impact of undersea tidal projects "have been consistently underestimated, and in some cases, ignored."
A group of inshore fishermen also sent in their concerns to the department, saying plans to eventually put hundreds of turbines in the bay must not proceed.
"To consider putting hundreds of these units out into the Bay of Fundy doesn't make sense to us. It will ruin the fisheries of not only this area, but many others as well," wrote the Heavy Current Fishers Association in a July 17 submission.
"Millions upon millions of fish, of different species, migrate through the northern shore of the Minas Channel and Passage on their way to spawning grounds all around the basin."
Canada has enough tidal energy to power most of the country's homes and the lion's share of it lies in this bay, according to Natural Resources Canada.
Nova Scotia wants 25 per cent of its energy to come from renewable sources by 2020, and it sees tidal power as a means to get there.
Copyright © 2009 The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
Note from Kathleen: There was a photo of a tide turbine with this article. There does not appear to be any sheild around the blades protecting sea life from damage in and by the turbines
Energy EFFICIENCY new buzz word
Energy efficiency should get as much attention as green power
09/17/2009
from the Kennebec Journal
from Gordon Weil
Everybody seems to be agog about green power.
It will reduce dependence on polluting electric power, create thousands of new jobs and even make us independent of foreign oil and natural gas. At least, that's what we are promised.
Green power is a good idea, but it is oversold.
Let's look at some of the myths about green power.
1. Green power is such a good idea that it is beyond controversy.
There has never been an energy resource without opponents.
Nuclear power scares people. Hydro power prevents fish passage. Wind power kills birds, is unsightly and makes noise. Tidal power interferes with commercial fishing. Oil-fired power makes us too dependent on imports. Natural gas needs some liquefied imports, but the terminals are too large, and the tankers could be blown up. We don't have enough sun to waste time with solar power.
That's what opponents say. It makes you wonder what source is acceptable to people who want the lights to go on, computers to work and industry to provide jobs.
Green power will happen, but not without a fight with someone.
2. Green power will reduce the cost of electricity, because it is renewable and local.
Green power will raise the cost of electricity.
New transmission lines need to be built to allow wind and tidal power to get to the grid. Developers want to roll the transmission costs into everybody's electric rates. Otherwise, the consumers of green power will have to pay.
Given the variations in wind and tidal power, they require conventional and more reliable backup power, and that will add to the cost.
Green power developers receive the same rate paid to the most expensive resource used to supply even the smallest part of the market. Even if they have no fuel cost, they will be paid as if they were using natural gas.
So every time legislators require more green power, they also are raising electric rates.
3. Green power will be a boon to the economy.
About a half dozen places in the United States, including Maine, have been told they are "the Saudi Arabia of wind."
The Saudi princes got rich from oil, so we ought to get rich from wind, right? Of course, the princes own the oil and we don't own the wind.
Federal taxpayer-financed green power projects will create jobs. The timing is good as a way to combat the recession. But the impact will only be relatively short-term.
Without subsidies, green power will be less attractive. And only a handful of people are needed to operate green power facilities after they are built.
4. Green power will transform our energy supply mix.
No credible observer believes that wind, solar and tidal power together will amount to even 10 percent of our total energy supply. There is simply not enough wind or other resource opportunities.
Meanwhile, hydro power, the classic American green resource, is in decline as dams are being torn down to increase fish passage.
New hydro power seems to be out of the question.
Probably the only non-fossil fuel energy resource that could cover a substantial part of our needs is nuclear power, which has a limited future, because of failure to agree on how to dispose of radioactive waste.
Does all of this mean that green power is not worth the effort?
On the contrary, green power can help us deal with the pressing problem of global warming by reducing emissions. This is a worthwhile public objective, and it is worth paying for. That is just what will happen as green power is increasingly used.
We should not overlook a much less dramatic approach to making the country more energy independent and reducing emissions. It can have a major impact.
It is the more efficient use of energy. When we use less or can match our energy use to times when electricity supplies are readily available, we can avoid building new power plants and power lines.
People don't want to wash clothes at 3 a.m. Fortunately, we won't have to go such extremes, thanks to "smart grid."
It is the remote control of power usage so that it has almost no discernable negative effect on human activities.
Smart grid and other efficiency measures can deliver everything that green power offers with less transmission cost. They leave more green in our pockets.
Legislators and regulators need to focus now as much on promoting and funding less glamorous energy efficiency as they do on green power.
Gordon L. Weil, a weekly columnist for this newspaper, is an author, publisher, consultant and former international organization, U.S. and Maine government official.
09/17/2009
from the Kennebec Journal
from Gordon Weil
Everybody seems to be agog about green power.
It will reduce dependence on polluting electric power, create thousands of new jobs and even make us independent of foreign oil and natural gas. At least, that's what we are promised.
Green power is a good idea, but it is oversold.
Let's look at some of the myths about green power.
1. Green power is such a good idea that it is beyond controversy.
There has never been an energy resource without opponents.
Nuclear power scares people. Hydro power prevents fish passage. Wind power kills birds, is unsightly and makes noise. Tidal power interferes with commercial fishing. Oil-fired power makes us too dependent on imports. Natural gas needs some liquefied imports, but the terminals are too large, and the tankers could be blown up. We don't have enough sun to waste time with solar power.
That's what opponents say. It makes you wonder what source is acceptable to people who want the lights to go on, computers to work and industry to provide jobs.
Green power will happen, but not without a fight with someone.
2. Green power will reduce the cost of electricity, because it is renewable and local.
Green power will raise the cost of electricity.
New transmission lines need to be built to allow wind and tidal power to get to the grid. Developers want to roll the transmission costs into everybody's electric rates. Otherwise, the consumers of green power will have to pay.
Given the variations in wind and tidal power, they require conventional and more reliable backup power, and that will add to the cost.
Green power developers receive the same rate paid to the most expensive resource used to supply even the smallest part of the market. Even if they have no fuel cost, they will be paid as if they were using natural gas.
So every time legislators require more green power, they also are raising electric rates.
3. Green power will be a boon to the economy.
About a half dozen places in the United States, including Maine, have been told they are "the Saudi Arabia of wind."
The Saudi princes got rich from oil, so we ought to get rich from wind, right? Of course, the princes own the oil and we don't own the wind.
Federal taxpayer-financed green power projects will create jobs. The timing is good as a way to combat the recession. But the impact will only be relatively short-term.
Without subsidies, green power will be less attractive. And only a handful of people are needed to operate green power facilities after they are built.
4. Green power will transform our energy supply mix.
No credible observer believes that wind, solar and tidal power together will amount to even 10 percent of our total energy supply. There is simply not enough wind or other resource opportunities.
Meanwhile, hydro power, the classic American green resource, is in decline as dams are being torn down to increase fish passage.
New hydro power seems to be out of the question.
Probably the only non-fossil fuel energy resource that could cover a substantial part of our needs is nuclear power, which has a limited future, because of failure to agree on how to dispose of radioactive waste.
Does all of this mean that green power is not worth the effort?
On the contrary, green power can help us deal with the pressing problem of global warming by reducing emissions. This is a worthwhile public objective, and it is worth paying for. That is just what will happen as green power is increasingly used.
We should not overlook a much less dramatic approach to making the country more energy independent and reducing emissions. It can have a major impact.
It is the more efficient use of energy. When we use less or can match our energy use to times when electricity supplies are readily available, we can avoid building new power plants and power lines.
People don't want to wash clothes at 3 a.m. Fortunately, we won't have to go such extremes, thanks to "smart grid."
It is the remote control of power usage so that it has almost no discernable negative effect on human activities.
Smart grid and other efficiency measures can deliver everything that green power offers with less transmission cost. They leave more green in our pockets.
Legislators and regulators need to focus now as much on promoting and funding less glamorous energy efficiency as they do on green power.
Gordon L. Weil, a weekly columnist for this newspaper, is an author, publisher, consultant and former international organization, U.S. and Maine government official.
Live Earth: Mobs and Movies
From Live Earth
Sept. 21 Global 'Wake-Up Call'
On Monday September 21, Avaaz.org and the tcktcktck campaign are organizing flash mobs around the world to press our leaders to take action on the climate.
Sign up to join one of 1,000+ climate "wake-up calls" or register an event near you. It's simple for everyone involved!
Click here for more info.
3 New Environmental Movies!
Some excellent films about the climate crisis are opening in theaters this month:
The Age of Stupid -- An old man living in the devastated world of 2055, watching 'archive' footage from 2008, asks: why didn't we stop climate change while we had the chance?
No Impact Man chronicles the real-life adventures of the Beavan family striving to drastically reduce their carbon footprint and leave no impact on the environment while living in Manhattan.
Crude -- The inside story of the controversial "Amazon Chernobyl" environmental
Sept. 21 Global 'Wake-Up Call'
On Monday September 21, Avaaz.org and the tcktcktck campaign are organizing flash mobs around the world to press our leaders to take action on the climate.
Sign up to join one of 1,000+ climate "wake-up calls" or register an event near you. It's simple for everyone involved!
Click here for more info.
3 New Environmental Movies!
Some excellent films about the climate crisis are opening in theaters this month:
The Age of Stupid -- An old man living in the devastated world of 2055, watching 'archive' footage from 2008, asks: why didn't we stop climate change while we had the chance?
No Impact Man chronicles the real-life adventures of the Beavan family striving to drastically reduce their carbon footprint and leave no impact on the environment while living in Manhattan.
Crude -- The inside story of the controversial "Amazon Chernobyl" environmental
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Bay of Fundy Tidal Power
CBC News
Fundy tidal power demonstration approved
Last Updated: Tuesday, September 15, 2009 | 2:16 PM AT Comments37Recommend32CBC News
The Fundy tidal power demonstration project in the Minas Basin, near Parrsboro, was given the green light Tuesday by Nova Scotia's Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau.
The project, first announced in January 2008, would set up $10-million research facility to test underwater turbines to convert tidal energy into electricity, subject to passing a strategic environmental assessment.
The Environment Department said the project has passed the assessment and will be subject to strict conditions to protect the environment.
Among the conditions are that Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy is responsible for developing a comprehensive environmental effects monitoring program and establishing an environmental effects advisory committee.
The marine demonstration site will consist of three underwater berths for turbines located in the Minas Passage, home of the highest tides in the world.
Belliveau said he sees tidal power as a way of helping Nova Scotia meet 25 per cent of its energy requirements from renewable sources.
But he's also a longtime commercial fisherman who knows the lobstermen in the Bay of Fundy are worried the turbines may change fish migration patterns.
"These questions are not going to be addressed unless you have a demonstration project. I think you can basically cannot sit in a conference room and get the answer to that," Belliveau said.
"You have to go out in the real world. There's going to be further environmental studies that will have to be done if the project is going to go to the next stage, to the commercial. This information will be a valuable tool in making recommendations at that given time."
Belliveau said fishermen must be included on an advisory committee, and the companies must monitor the impact of tidal turbines on birds and fish.
If there are any adverse consequences, Belliveau said he wouldn't hesitate to quash the project.
"The minister of environment has the authority to stop it any time, and I would not hesitate if the science and adverse effects were there," he said.
Mark Taylor, who fishes for lobster in the bay, has concerns about the technology, but he said he is willing to accept the environment minister's assurances.
"I think we'd be agreeable to that as long as he holds to his word that he will pull them out if there's any effects. I mean we're losing fishing ground as it is and we should be compensated for that, if nothing else," he said.
The objectives of the demonstration facility project as proposed by the proponent are to:
Build and operate a tidal energy demonstration facility to test the commercial potential of in-stream tidal-energy devices designed to convert tidal kinetic energy to electrical energy.
Acquire information necessary to assess the performance of tidal energy devices including their effect on the environment and the effect of the environment on the devices.
Develop monitoring techniques and methodologies for these devices in the tidal environment.
The three companies chosen for the project are:
Minas Basin Pulp and Power.
Nova Scotia Power.
B.C.-based Clean Current.
Nova Scotia Power is working toward putting a commercial size turbine in the bay by October, while Minas Basin Pulp and Power is aiming for next spring.
Fundy tidal power demonstration approved
Last Updated: Tuesday, September 15, 2009 | 2:16 PM AT Comments37Recommend32CBC News
The Fundy tidal power demonstration project in the Minas Basin, near Parrsboro, was given the green light Tuesday by Nova Scotia's Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau.
The project, first announced in January 2008, would set up $10-million research facility to test underwater turbines to convert tidal energy into electricity, subject to passing a strategic environmental assessment.
The Environment Department said the project has passed the assessment and will be subject to strict conditions to protect the environment.
Among the conditions are that Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy is responsible for developing a comprehensive environmental effects monitoring program and establishing an environmental effects advisory committee.
The marine demonstration site will consist of three underwater berths for turbines located in the Minas Passage, home of the highest tides in the world.
Belliveau said he sees tidal power as a way of helping Nova Scotia meet 25 per cent of its energy requirements from renewable sources.
But he's also a longtime commercial fisherman who knows the lobstermen in the Bay of Fundy are worried the turbines may change fish migration patterns.
"These questions are not going to be addressed unless you have a demonstration project. I think you can basically cannot sit in a conference room and get the answer to that," Belliveau said.
"You have to go out in the real world. There's going to be further environmental studies that will have to be done if the project is going to go to the next stage, to the commercial. This information will be a valuable tool in making recommendations at that given time."
Belliveau said fishermen must be included on an advisory committee, and the companies must monitor the impact of tidal turbines on birds and fish.
If there are any adverse consequences, Belliveau said he wouldn't hesitate to quash the project.
"The minister of environment has the authority to stop it any time, and I would not hesitate if the science and adverse effects were there," he said.
Mark Taylor, who fishes for lobster in the bay, has concerns about the technology, but he said he is willing to accept the environment minister's assurances.
"I think we'd be agreeable to that as long as he holds to his word that he will pull them out if there's any effects. I mean we're losing fishing ground as it is and we should be compensated for that, if nothing else," he said.
The objectives of the demonstration facility project as proposed by the proponent are to:
Build and operate a tidal energy demonstration facility to test the commercial potential of in-stream tidal-energy devices designed to convert tidal kinetic energy to electrical energy.
Acquire information necessary to assess the performance of tidal energy devices including their effect on the environment and the effect of the environment on the devices.
Develop monitoring techniques and methodologies for these devices in the tidal environment.
The three companies chosen for the project are:
Minas Basin Pulp and Power.
Nova Scotia Power.
B.C.-based Clean Current.
Nova Scotia Power is working toward putting a commercial size turbine in the bay by October, while Minas Basin Pulp and Power is aiming for next spring.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Maine Medical Assoc. Speaks on Wind Turbines
Maine Medical Association
Resolution RE: Wind Energy and Public Health
WHEREAS, proposals to locate and build wind energy facilities in the State
have at times proven controversial, due to concerns regarding potential
effects of such facilities on the public health, and
WHEREAS, the trade off between the public good of generating electricity and
the adverse health effects warrant appropriate evidence-based scientific
research, and
WHEREAS, assessing the potential health impact of wind turbines has been
difficult to measure but if present would be of significant concern. This is
especially apparent regarding the noise level and other noise
characteristics specific to industrial wind turbines, and
WHEREAS, there is a need for modification of the State's regulatory process
for siting wind energy developments to reduce the potential for controversy
regarding siting of grid-scale wind energy development and to address health
controversy with regulatory changes to include, but not limited to:
a) Refining certain procedures of the Maine Department of Environmental
Protection and the Maine Land Use Regulation Commission to reflect
scientific evidence regarding potential health effects, and to further
explore such potential health effects;
b) Judging the effects of wind energy development on potential public health
by avoiding unreasonable noise and shadow flicker effects, with development
setbacks and incorporating upto date noise regulations specific for
industrial wind turbines adequate to protect public health and safety.
Therefore be it resolved that the Maine Medical Association work with health
organizations and regulatory agencies to provide scientific information of
known medical consequences of wind development in order to help safeguard
human health and the environment.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Maine Medical Association 1) work with
other stakeholders to encourage performance of studies on health effects of
wind turbine generation by independent qualified researchers at qualified
research institutions; 2) ensure that physicians and patients alike are
informed of evidence-based research results
Resolution RE: Wind Energy and Public Health
WHEREAS, proposals to locate and build wind energy facilities in the State
have at times proven controversial, due to concerns regarding potential
effects of such facilities on the public health, and
WHEREAS, the trade off between the public good of generating electricity and
the adverse health effects warrant appropriate evidence-based scientific
research, and
WHEREAS, assessing the potential health impact of wind turbines has been
difficult to measure but if present would be of significant concern. This is
especially apparent regarding the noise level and other noise
characteristics specific to industrial wind turbines, and
WHEREAS, there is a need for modification of the State's regulatory process
for siting wind energy developments to reduce the potential for controversy
regarding siting of grid-scale wind energy development and to address health
controversy with regulatory changes to include, but not limited to:
a) Refining certain procedures of the Maine Department of Environmental
Protection and the Maine Land Use Regulation Commission to reflect
scientific evidence regarding potential health effects, and to further
explore such potential health effects;
b) Judging the effects of wind energy development on potential public health
by avoiding unreasonable noise and shadow flicker effects, with development
setbacks and incorporating upto date noise regulations specific for
industrial wind turbines adequate to protect public health and safety.
Therefore be it resolved that the Maine Medical Association work with health
organizations and regulatory agencies to provide scientific information of
known medical consequences of wind development in order to help safeguard
human health and the environment.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Maine Medical Association 1) work with
other stakeholders to encourage performance of studies on health effects of
wind turbine generation by independent qualified researchers at qualified
research institutions; 2) ensure that physicians and patients alike are
informed of evidence-based research results
Letter to paper- Dan Mills
From: danmills@eastlink.ca
To: voice of the people halifaxherald
Cc: dan mills
Sent: Sunday, September 13, 2009 1:43 PM
Subject: WIND OR HOT AIR?
Dear Editor:
Last week the voice of Scotian Windfields reverberated on the CBC air waves
all over New Scotland. How well he did indeed by distracting people from the
truth of the issue and using the tactics of The National Enquirer to
ridicule the Voices of Dissent on Digby Neck. That's OK and the reason for
which he gets the big bucks.
But "sticks and stones" cannot break the truth. The truth is that Wind
Turbines are not all they are cracked up to be. Mounting evidence around the
world bears witness daily to that.
Since the Minister of the Environment forced the relocation of three
turbines from behind a local Spiritual Center and Hermitage,at this time
there is only one local landowner who will have turbines on his land.The
other fifteen, and very likely the three to be relocated, will be on lands
owned by people off Digby Neck and out of province and country.
The remaining lessors will derive some small pittance, and as I understand
it, will be restricted in what land use can be undertaken.
Another truth strikes at democracy itself. The same spoke out about
consultation with the people. He applauded a large turn-out the day of the
announcement of Wind Rigs coming to town. What he did not acknowledge was
that that meeting was to be held in secret. The numbers beyond the invited
surged when someone let the cat out of the bag and we crashed the
party.Digby Neckers know what is going on!
Again, the proponent engaged the services of a pollster who did a telephone
survey in the municipality. The figures astound me: Digby Neck 9 % were
polled; Town of Digby 20%; and the rest of the Municipality 71%. That's
one sure fire way to stack the books in favor of wind power whatever be the
costs to man and beast.
Our Municipal fathers and mothers did not see fit to consult us; our
provincial government has taken the thirty three pieces of silver and will
close their eyes and ears; and the proponent, if it can find the lucre that
makes the world and the turbine spin, will tell the world that "It's all in
the NIMBY's heads!"
All will have bypassed truth itself by failing to listen to and to be
informed in the latest medical information.
The Interviewed gentleman spoke not one of these truths but took the route
of denial and rather chose to disparage and belittle his opponents...Do you
think his company will make a good neighbor? That presence will signal a
drop in property values right away!
Daniel Mills
902-245-5171
To: voice of the people halifaxherald
Cc: dan mills
Sent: Sunday, September 13, 2009 1:43 PM
Subject: WIND OR HOT AIR?
Dear Editor:
Last week the voice of Scotian Windfields reverberated on the CBC air waves
all over New Scotland. How well he did indeed by distracting people from the
truth of the issue and using the tactics of The National Enquirer to
ridicule the Voices of Dissent on Digby Neck. That's OK and the reason for
which he gets the big bucks.
But "sticks and stones" cannot break the truth. The truth is that Wind
Turbines are not all they are cracked up to be. Mounting evidence around the
world bears witness daily to that.
Since the Minister of the Environment forced the relocation of three
turbines from behind a local Spiritual Center and Hermitage,at this time
there is only one local landowner who will have turbines on his land.The
other fifteen, and very likely the three to be relocated, will be on lands
owned by people off Digby Neck and out of province and country.
The remaining lessors will derive some small pittance, and as I understand
it, will be restricted in what land use can be undertaken.
Another truth strikes at democracy itself. The same spoke out about
consultation with the people. He applauded a large turn-out the day of the
announcement of Wind Rigs coming to town. What he did not acknowledge was
that that meeting was to be held in secret. The numbers beyond the invited
surged when someone let the cat out of the bag and we crashed the
party.Digby Neckers know what is going on!
Again, the proponent engaged the services of a pollster who did a telephone
survey in the municipality. The figures astound me: Digby Neck 9 % were
polled; Town of Digby 20%; and the rest of the Municipality 71%. That's
one sure fire way to stack the books in favor of wind power whatever be the
costs to man and beast.
Our Municipal fathers and mothers did not see fit to consult us; our
provincial government has taken the thirty three pieces of silver and will
close their eyes and ears; and the proponent, if it can find the lucre that
makes the world and the turbine spin, will tell the world that "It's all in
the NIMBY's heads!"
All will have bypassed truth itself by failing to listen to and to be
informed in the latest medical information.
The Interviewed gentleman spoke not one of these truths but took the route
of denial and rather chose to disparage and belittle his opponents...Do you
think his company will make a good neighbor? That presence will signal a
drop in property values right away!
Daniel Mills
902-245-5171
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