NS: NewPage, NS Power propose new biomass venture
By Staff, Transcontinental Media
Source: The Daily Business Buzz, April 5, 2010
[HALIFAX, NS] — Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSPI) and NewPage Port Hawkesbury Corp. (NewPage) have announced agreements to develop a new 60 MW biomass co-generation facility.
The development entails an NSPI investment of $200 million. This includes $93 million in construction costs for new facilities, $80 million to purchase assets from NewPage, and other related costs. NewPage will be responsible for the construction and operation of the co-generation facility and be completely responsible for fuel supply. This project remains subject to regulatory approval from the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board and is targeting an in-service date of late 2012.
NSPI says the proposed co-generation project represents another important step toward meeting Nova Scotia’s renewable energy commitments while at the same time creating and sustaining jobs in the province. This local biomass fueled co-generation facility could supply Nova Scotians with approximately 400 GWh annually, representing approximately three per cent of the province’s total electricity requirement.
The project is expected to create an estimated 150 new jobs in Northern Nova Scotia, primarily in the forestry sector, in addition to maintaining the Port Hawkesbury mill’s existing workforce of approximately 550 employees. Approximately 50 person-years of employment will also be created during the construction phase.
A request for proposals is being issued to solicit competing renewable projects that provide firm energy. The RFP process will test the competitiveness of this proposed project.
Only “stem wood” will be used in the project’s biomass energy generation. Tree stumps, tops and branches will not be removed from the forest floor as they are necessary in restoring nutrients in the soil so new trees can grow.
NewPage Port Hawkesbury has used biomass sustainably since the early 1980s, and is the only company in the world to achieve all three forest management certifications; Canadian Standards Association, Sustainable Forestry Initiative and Forest Stewardship Council.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Nova Scotia needs this too
NB: Women’s groups demand pay equity for private sector
By Recommended by Staff
Source: CBC News, April 5, 2010
[FREDERICTON, NB] — CBC News is reporting that women’s organizations are urging the government to require that private-sector businesses adhere to policies relating to pay equity. For more information, read the story at: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/new-brunswick/story/2010/04/04/nb-pay-equity-private-sector-632.html
By Recommended by Staff
Source: CBC News, April 5, 2010
[FREDERICTON, NB] — CBC News is reporting that women’s organizations are urging the government to require that private-sector businesses adhere to policies relating to pay equity. For more information, read the story at: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/new-brunswick/story/2010/04/04/nb-pay-equity-private-sector-632.html
First Nations Train with Emera
NS: First Nations partner with Emera to meet need for skilled workers
By Staff, Transcontinental Media
Source: The Cape Breton Post, April 5, 2010
[MEMBERTOU, NS] — First Nation communities are teaming up with Atlantic Canada’s largest utility services contractor to help strengthen their skilled labour pool.
Emera Utility Services, a subsidiary of Emera Inc., has established a partnership with the Unama’ki Economic Benefits Office, an economic development organization established by the five First Nations in Cape Breton. The Unama’ki office will recruit and train local aboriginals and Emera has committed to hiring at least five people who successfully complete the training.
“This is the start of another very important partnership that has long-term implications,” said Unama’ki executive director Owen Fitzgerald. “Working with industry, understanding their needs and working to address these needs, is the key to our success.”
Fitzgerald said a collaborative and business-like approach to economic development has resulted in dozens of jobs and tens of millions of dollars in contracts for local Mi’kmaq.
A group of 10 aboriginals from Cape Breton recently visited an Emera Utility Services training facility in Truro, to learn more about the opportunity.
“The visit provided the group with an opportunity to experience first-hand the skills that they would learn in the program,” said Alex Paul, director with Unama’ki. “Attendees climbed poles, had a turn in a bucket truck and learned about EUS’ safety program.”
Learning to climb a power pole is Tim Paul of the Potlotek First Nation. Also shown is Gary Lamen, Potlotek First Nation, and Leo-Levi Stevens, right, of the Eskasoni First Nation.
The Economic Benefits Office has contracted the Nova Scotia Community College, Strait Campus, to deliver the training. Individuals that successfully complete the training will get six electrical credits through the community college.
Launched in 2000, Emera employs more than 200 skilled individuals and has an extensive fleet of on-road and off-road equipment. In Atlantic Canada, the company holds offices in Halifax, Truro, and Fredericton.
By Staff, Transcontinental Media
Source: The Cape Breton Post, April 5, 2010
[MEMBERTOU, NS] — First Nation communities are teaming up with Atlantic Canada’s largest utility services contractor to help strengthen their skilled labour pool.
Emera Utility Services, a subsidiary of Emera Inc., has established a partnership with the Unama’ki Economic Benefits Office, an economic development organization established by the five First Nations in Cape Breton. The Unama’ki office will recruit and train local aboriginals and Emera has committed to hiring at least five people who successfully complete the training.
“This is the start of another very important partnership that has long-term implications,” said Unama’ki executive director Owen Fitzgerald. “Working with industry, understanding their needs and working to address these needs, is the key to our success.”
Fitzgerald said a collaborative and business-like approach to economic development has resulted in dozens of jobs and tens of millions of dollars in contracts for local Mi’kmaq.
A group of 10 aboriginals from Cape Breton recently visited an Emera Utility Services training facility in Truro, to learn more about the opportunity.
“The visit provided the group with an opportunity to experience first-hand the skills that they would learn in the program,” said Alex Paul, director with Unama’ki. “Attendees climbed poles, had a turn in a bucket truck and learned about EUS’ safety program.”
Learning to climb a power pole is Tim Paul of the Potlotek First Nation. Also shown is Gary Lamen, Potlotek First Nation, and Leo-Levi Stevens, right, of the Eskasoni First Nation.
The Economic Benefits Office has contracted the Nova Scotia Community College, Strait Campus, to deliver the training. Individuals that successfully complete the training will get six electrical credits through the community college.
Launched in 2000, Emera employs more than 200 skilled individuals and has an extensive fleet of on-road and off-road equipment. In Atlantic Canada, the company holds offices in Halifax, Truro, and Fredericton.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Scary
What do you think of this plan to solve the energy problem with solar power?
Saturday, April 3rd, 2010 at 2:55 pm
Construct a 30,000 square mile array of solar panels in the Southwest along with concentrated solar power arrays and a massive direct-current power transmission backbone to distribute electricity throughout the country. Excess power produced by the photovoltaic arrays would be distributed and stored as compressed air in below-ground caverns.
(Blogger's Note: This article is from and about the US and solar power. What if this was wind power and SW Nova Scotia?)
With a massive investment in solar power plants and infrastructure, solar could provide 69% of US electricity and 35% of total energy (including transportation) by 2050.
If wind, biomass, and geothermal power sources were also developed, the US could produce 100% of its electricity and 90% of its transportation energy from renewable sources. To make this happen, the US would have to invest $10 billion per year for the next 40 years. For comparison, the US is now spending $12 billion per month for military involvement Iraq and Afghanistan
http://gas2.org/2008/03/25/how-solar-panels-could-power-90-of-us-transportation/
What do you think?
If you’re just going to dismiss the suggestion off-hand with no good reason, don’t bother to answer the question.
For those saying nuclear is the only solution, I suggest you read the best answer to this question: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AvbtgI1im3pK.PoH1Qb02YkAAAAA;_ylv=3?qid=20080528094715AAcnVM3
The full plan is available here: http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=a-solar-grand-plan
Some other key points:
“the land required for each gigawatt-hour of solar energy produced in the Southwest is less than that needed for a coal-powered plant when factoring in land for coal mining.”
“To meet the 2050 projection, 46,000 square miles of land would be needed for photovoltaic and concentrated solar power installations. That area is large, and yet it covers just 19 percent of the suitable Southwest land. Most of that land is barren; there is no competing use value. And the land will not be polluted. We have assumed that only 10 percent of the solar capacity in 2050 will come from distributed photovoltaic installations—those on rooftops or commercial lots throughout the country. But as prices drop, these applications could play a bigger role”
from windpowerspot.com
Saturday, April 3rd, 2010 at 2:55 pm
Construct a 30,000 square mile array of solar panels in the Southwest along with concentrated solar power arrays and a massive direct-current power transmission backbone to distribute electricity throughout the country. Excess power produced by the photovoltaic arrays would be distributed and stored as compressed air in below-ground caverns.
(Blogger's Note: This article is from and about the US and solar power. What if this was wind power and SW Nova Scotia?)
With a massive investment in solar power plants and infrastructure, solar could provide 69% of US electricity and 35% of total energy (including transportation) by 2050.
If wind, biomass, and geothermal power sources were also developed, the US could produce 100% of its electricity and 90% of its transportation energy from renewable sources. To make this happen, the US would have to invest $10 billion per year for the next 40 years. For comparison, the US is now spending $12 billion per month for military involvement Iraq and Afghanistan
http://gas2.org/2008/03/25/how-solar-panels-could-power-90-of-us-transportation/
What do you think?
If you’re just going to dismiss the suggestion off-hand with no good reason, don’t bother to answer the question.
For those saying nuclear is the only solution, I suggest you read the best answer to this question: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AvbtgI1im3pK.PoH1Qb02YkAAAAA;_ylv=3?qid=20080528094715AAcnVM3
The full plan is available here: http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=a-solar-grand-plan
Some other key points:
“the land required for each gigawatt-hour of solar energy produced in the Southwest is less than that needed for a coal-powered plant when factoring in land for coal mining.”
“To meet the 2050 projection, 46,000 square miles of land would be needed for photovoltaic and concentrated solar power installations. That area is large, and yet it covers just 19 percent of the suitable Southwest land. Most of that land is barren; there is no competing use value. And the land will not be polluted. We have assumed that only 10 percent of the solar capacity in 2050 will come from distributed photovoltaic installations—those on rooftops or commercial lots throughout the country. But as prices drop, these applications could play a bigger role”
from windpowerspot.com
Labels:
wind turbines solar power
Saturday, April 3, 2010
When 8 Legs Aren't Enough
Are 9 legs better than 8? Surprised US chef notices steamed octopus has an extra limb
Module body
Fri Apr 2, 7:34 PM
By The Associated Press
ADVERTISEMENT
TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. - Nineopus. Novopus. Freak of nature.
Whatever you want to call it, the nine-legged octopus probably had a leg up on all the other creatures in the Gulf of Mexico - until it was caught and found its way to Hellas Bakery and Restaurant in Florida.
Head Chef Emmanuel Psomas says he was steaming the octopus Thursday when he discovered that it seemed, well, leggier than normal. Psomas says he's cooked octopus for 40 years - it's a Greek delicacy - and has never seen one with an extra leg.
He says he counted the legs three times in disbelief.
"I'm like, this can't be," Psomas said. "I've seen a lot of octopus."
He's keeping the octopus in his refrigerator for now, but he plans to enjoy it soon with a bit of vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil and herbs.
While unusual, marine experts say the extra leg on the octopus is likely due to genetic mutation.
Module body
Fri Apr 2, 7:34 PM
By The Associated Press
ADVERTISEMENT
TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. - Nineopus. Novopus. Freak of nature.
Whatever you want to call it, the nine-legged octopus probably had a leg up on all the other creatures in the Gulf of Mexico - until it was caught and found its way to Hellas Bakery and Restaurant in Florida.
Head Chef Emmanuel Psomas says he was steaming the octopus Thursday when he discovered that it seemed, well, leggier than normal. Psomas says he's cooked octopus for 40 years - it's a Greek delicacy - and has never seen one with an extra leg.
He says he counted the legs three times in disbelief.
"I'm like, this can't be," Psomas said. "I've seen a lot of octopus."
He's keeping the octopus in his refrigerator for now, but he plans to enjoy it soon with a bit of vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil and herbs.
While unusual, marine experts say the extra leg on the octopus is likely due to genetic mutation.
Labels:
octopus Florida
Burning Grass Causes Problems
From the Digby Courier
Grass fire claims Tiverton home
An out of control grassfire destroyed three buildings in Tiverton last week. Early dry conditions, March winds create headache for firefighters
A home and two outbuildings were destroyed last week in Tiverton after a grass fire got out of control. The fire was one of 18 grass fires last week that required the attention of area firefighters.
Grass fire claims Tiverton home
An out of control grassfire destroyed three buildings in Tiverton last week. Early dry conditions, March winds create headache for firefighters
A home and two outbuildings were destroyed last week in Tiverton after a grass fire got out of control. The fire was one of 18 grass fires last week that required the attention of area firefighters.
Labels:
Tiverton Long Island NOva Scotia
Westport Wharf in a Fix
Kerr: Irishtown wharf fix suddenly cancelled by feds
By BRIAN MEDEL Yarmouth Bureau
Sat. Apr 3 - 4:53 AM
A sign on the Irishtown wharf on Brier Island warns that no one may use the structure because it is unsafe. (Brian Medel / Yarmouth Bureau)
WESTPORT — If passengers boarding Brier Island whale watching boats have a spring in their step this season, it may be due to their excitement. Then again, they may be bouncing along on some rotting planks on the Irishtown wharf.
A prominent red and white sign warns pedestrians to stay clear of the wharf because it’s dangerous.
But the Irishtown wharf is where a couple of busy whale watching tour companies greet their passengers.
"They typically start right after Mother’s Day," said Dan Norwood, Westport’s harbour master.
Westport is the only town on Brier Island, which is reached by ferry from Long Island, which can only be reached by ferry from Digby Neck.
West Nova MP Greg Kerr announced a repair job for the Irishtown wharf late last year. But the job was suddenly cancelled by the federal government.
"They weren’t going to tell us," Norwood said this week.
The Brier Islanders learned the job had been shelved from a contractor who bid on the project, he said.
Although the Irishtown wharf is no longer considered safe, tourists must still board whale watching boats there, said Norwood.
If it was fixed, five lobster boats could tie up there during fishing season, alleviating overcrowding at the island’s only other wharf, he said.
There are about 15 fishing vessels on Brier Island and three whale watching boats, said Norwood.
A portion of the Irishtown wharf where a floating dock is attached is falling apart, Norwood said. That’s how passengers board the tour boats.
A supportive structure is also crumbling, and islanders want a new concrete deck placed on top of those springy planks.
The Irishtown wharf is about 120 metres long. It was built in the 1930s and fixed a bit in the 1960s and 1970s.
Brier Island resident Penny Graham said in a recent letter to Kerr that the sign warning people of the dangerous wharf has been up for three years.
She said an assessment done in 1995 concluded the deck on the wharf was unsafe.
"Unfortunately, we have been studied to death down here with no results," she wrote last week.
On Thursday, Kerr said the Irishtown wharf tender proposal was the only one that did not proceed from several announced late last year.
The low tender came back at about twice what the budget had been for the work, which is extremely unusual, he said.
The wharf repair was to be worth about $550,000, he said, so the Public Works Department did not pursue it.
Kerr said a Fisheries and Oceans Canada official told him someone will visit the wharf in a couple of weeks to see what can be done to make it safe for this season.
"We want to get the project done but I can’t tell them how long it’s going to take to get the next tender out," Kerr said.
( bmedel@herald.ca)
By BRIAN MEDEL Yarmouth Bureau
Sat. Apr 3 - 4:53 AM
A sign on the Irishtown wharf on Brier Island warns that no one may use the structure because it is unsafe. (Brian Medel / Yarmouth Bureau)
WESTPORT — If passengers boarding Brier Island whale watching boats have a spring in their step this season, it may be due to their excitement. Then again, they may be bouncing along on some rotting planks on the Irishtown wharf.
A prominent red and white sign warns pedestrians to stay clear of the wharf because it’s dangerous.
But the Irishtown wharf is where a couple of busy whale watching tour companies greet their passengers.
"They typically start right after Mother’s Day," said Dan Norwood, Westport’s harbour master.
Westport is the only town on Brier Island, which is reached by ferry from Long Island, which can only be reached by ferry from Digby Neck.
West Nova MP Greg Kerr announced a repair job for the Irishtown wharf late last year. But the job was suddenly cancelled by the federal government.
"They weren’t going to tell us," Norwood said this week.
The Brier Islanders learned the job had been shelved from a contractor who bid on the project, he said.
Although the Irishtown wharf is no longer considered safe, tourists must still board whale watching boats there, said Norwood.
If it was fixed, five lobster boats could tie up there during fishing season, alleviating overcrowding at the island’s only other wharf, he said.
There are about 15 fishing vessels on Brier Island and three whale watching boats, said Norwood.
A portion of the Irishtown wharf where a floating dock is attached is falling apart, Norwood said. That’s how passengers board the tour boats.
A supportive structure is also crumbling, and islanders want a new concrete deck placed on top of those springy planks.
The Irishtown wharf is about 120 metres long. It was built in the 1930s and fixed a bit in the 1960s and 1970s.
Brier Island resident Penny Graham said in a recent letter to Kerr that the sign warning people of the dangerous wharf has been up for three years.
She said an assessment done in 1995 concluded the deck on the wharf was unsafe.
"Unfortunately, we have been studied to death down here with no results," she wrote last week.
On Thursday, Kerr said the Irishtown wharf tender proposal was the only one that did not proceed from several announced late last year.
The low tender came back at about twice what the budget had been for the work, which is extremely unusual, he said.
The wharf repair was to be worth about $550,000, he said, so the Public Works Department did not pursue it.
Kerr said a Fisheries and Oceans Canada official told him someone will visit the wharf in a couple of weeks to see what can be done to make it safe for this season.
"We want to get the project done but I can’t tell them how long it’s going to take to get the next tender out," Kerr said.
( bmedel@herald.ca)
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