Friday, April 15, 2011

Bay of Fundy Tidal Pwer from the BBC

Canada harnesses power of tides
By Elizabeth Blunt
BBC World Service correspondent, Canada



The world's highest tides are a source of electricity for Canada
The one thing that every schoolchild learns about the Bay of Fundy is that it has the highest tides in the world.

The North Atlantic waters are funnelled up this deep inlet between the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, swirling through the narrowest parts of the bay with impressive speed and power.

So when in the 1980s the Canadian government wanted to explore the feasibility of tidal power, this was a natural site for an experimental station.

The site chosen at Annapolis Royal had already been closed off by a causeway, built to control tidal flow further up the Annapolis River.

The idea was that water flowing through the sluices could also pass through a turbine and generate power on its way down the Bay of Fundy and out into the sea.

Now there is a neat box-like structure in the middle of the causeway, one of only a handful of operational tidal power plants in the world.

Plant engineering


The Bay of Fundy funnels the power of the Atlantic
Twice every day, as the tide rises, the sluice gates are opened to let water flow up into the lower part of the Annapolis river, which now serves as the headpond for the power station.

Just before high tide, the gates are closed, leaving only a narrow passage for fish to pass. Now all the operators have to do is wait for the tide to turn and the water level on the seaward side to drop.

When there is enough difference between the water levels on the two sides, they begin to let water flow through the giant turbine, slowly at first to get it turning, and then at full strength.

Once the huge 25-metre diameter wheel is up to its operating speed of 50 revolutions per minute, the station starts to generate. At peak power it supplies a very respectable 20 megawatts to the Canadian grid.

Once the tide has gone out and the water level is equalised, the turbine slows to a stop, before the whole cycle begins again.

Stuart MacDonald of Nova Scotia Power remembers the thrill of seeing the plant in action for the first time. He loves the elegant simplicity of its engineering and its reliability, but accepts that tidal power has its limitations.

Built for purpose

It may be a predictable source of electricity, but only while the tide is going out.


Water flows through a giant turbine at Annapolis Royal
And it is not the sort of thing that can be bought off the shelf; machinery has to be purpose-built for the site, which makes it expensive for a power station which is always going to be idle for at least 12 hours a day.

But at least the fuel is free; and although the plant was designed for a 70 year lifespan, Stuart MacDonald believes that with proper maintenance it could last 200 years.

The technology, though, has yet to take off in a significant way.

The biggest tidal station in world is in France, near St Malo, 12 times larger than Annapolis Royal; Russia has a much smaller plant, while China has constructed several small facilities.

With fossil fuels getting scarce and expensive, and concern rising about the damage they are causing to the atmosphere, interest in tidal power is growing; because these plants produce no greenhouse gas emissions.

Other projects are planned, and designers are now working on plans involving individual turbines moored in the middle of the tidal flow, easier to build and less environmentally controversial than the fixed barrages used by the existing stations.

Tidal Power

Partnerships to develop Islands’ tides


Testing a five-kilowatt turbine last November in the Bay of Fundy. Published on April 14, 2011
John DeMings Fundy Tidal to apply for feed-in tariff for power projects
Fundy Tidal Inc., a community-based marine energy developer, has entered into two separate agreements to develop in-stream tidal power in the waters of Digby Neck and Islands.

Topics : New Energy Corporation , Grand Passage , Ocean Renewable Power Company of Maine , Digby County , Petit Passage , Long Island

A news released from Fundy Tidal said it and Alberta-based New Energy Corporation Inc. will install and operate several tidal turbines in the swift currents of Grand Passage between Brier and Long islands.

The plan is to use New Energy’s 250-kilowatt ‘EnCurrent’ generation system, a vertical-axis in-stream hydrokinetic turbine.

Fundy Tidal has also entered into a partnership with Ocean Renewable Power Company of Maine to install its ‘TidGen’ power system in Petit Passage between Digby Neck and Long Island.

Fundy Tidal says analysis of final site locations will be completed this year, and a single unit will then be installed next year. The projects will then add further turbines with a goal of producing two to five megawatts.

The projects are subject to satisfying all regulatory requirements and support from community stakeholders.

The province’s recently enacted Renewable Electricity Plan has established community feed-in tariffs (COMFIT) for 100 megawatts of wind energy, combined heat and power, run-of-river hydro and small-scale in-stream tidal projects in Nova Scotia.

Eligible projects under the COMFIT must be majority owned by community proponents, including a minimum of 25 persons from the community.

Utility and Review Board rate hearings began April 4 in Halifax to finalize COMFIT rates for wind, combined heat and power, run-of-river hydro and small-scale in-stream tidal.

A statement from Fundy Tidal said the province expects the application process to begin soon after for submissions from eligible proponents which include municipalities, First Nations, universities, non-profits, and co-ops and community economic development corporations.

The town and municipality of Digby, for instance, have been looking at erecting a wind turbine and selling power to effectively reduce their joint electrical bills.

Westport village commissioner and Fundy Tidal founder Jim Outhouse said many years of hard work have promoted Digby County as the ideal location to create tidal power and to establish a thriving research and development community and industry hub.

“We have made our living from these waters for generations, and with the downturn of the fishery, we see this new industry as a means to return to more prosperous days and attract new families, businesses and jobs to the region.”

The Petit and Grand passages were identified by the Electronic Power Research Institute as a primary location for development of tidal energy, and resulted in the formation of Fundy Tidal in 2006.

Fundy Tidal president Dana Morin says the creation of a feed-in tariff for tidal power and one that requires community ownership are world firsts. Combined with tidal developments in Minas Passage, the province has solidified its position as the place to demonstrate both large and small-scale devices and connect to the grid with a guaranteed rate.

“Digby County will play a key role not only as a source of green energy production but in providing the infrastructure and expertise required to support and grow the tidal industry in region,” he said.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Atlantic Prosperity Summit

APCC's Atlantic Prosperity Summit and AGM
May 12, 2011

Place : Kentville, NS

Time : 08:00

Details : Join the Atlantic Provinces Chambers of Commerce and co-host the Eastern Kings Chamber of Commerce at the Old Orchard Inn, Greenwich, for the Atlantic Prosperity Summit 2011 on May 12, one of three days of events beginning with “Networking Wednesday” on May 11, featuring a golf tournament and other great daytime options plus “Nova Scotia Night”, hosted by EKCC, an evening of food and entertainment to be held at Acadia University. On Thursday, May 12, at the Old Orchard Inn, APCC’s annual business conference - Atlantic Prosperity Summit 2011 - will host expert guest speakers from the areas of energy, transportation, and people. Atlantic Prosperity Summit 2011 is designed for, and open to business and government leaders, and chamber of commerce and board of trade members. That evening APCC’s Gala Dinner will feature special guest speaker Pete Luckett of Pete’s, and of Luckett’s Vineyards. Chamber Day is Friday, May 13, with an education session, a guest speaker, and the ever-popular bear pit, along with the APCC AGM and the Nova Scotia Chambers of Commerce AGM. Visit the event website to register - www.atlanticprosperity.ca

Contribute Your Thoughts

CALL FOR ECONOMIC SECTOR REPRESENTATIVES
Board of Directors, Annapolis Digby Economic Development Agency

The newly-formed Board of Directors of the Annapolis Digby Economic Development Agency is seeking qualified representatives from the local community to serve on its Board of Directors in a voting capacity. We are looking for 6 citizen volunteers who would advise the Board and Agency Staff on the following sectors:


FORESTRY
FISHERIES
AGRICULTURE
TOURISM
RETAIL & SERVICES
EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

If you are eager to contribute to economic development in our region as part of a forward-thinking Board of Directors, we’d love to hear from you. You are invited to attend Industry Focus Group sessions in which you can share your views on your sector(s) of interest:


WEDNESDAY, April 13th - 6pm - EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
TUESDAY, April 19th - 6pm -TOURISM
WEDNESDAY, April 20th - 6pm - AGRICULTURE
TUESDAY, April 26th - 6pm - FISHERIES
WEDNESDAY, April 27th - 6pm - FORESTRY
TUESDAY, May 3rd - 6pm - RETAIL & SERVICES

MEETING LOCATION: ADEDA Board Room, 86 Atlantic Avenue, Cornwallis

Everyone is welcome to attend these sessions. Those that so choose may submit their qualifications to the Board, through Dan Harvey, Acting Managing Director. If you have any questions, or wish to RSVP, please call Dan Harvey at 902.526.4479 or email at dharvey@annapolisdigby.com. Thank You!

Annapolis Digby EDA
86 Atlantic Avenue
PO Box 271
Cornwallis, Nova Scotia
Canada B0S 1H0

Tel: (902) 638-3490
Fax: (902) 638-8106
E: msmith@annapolisdigby.com

We invite you to visit us anytime at www.annapolisdigby.com.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Digby Municipal Council Minutes

Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMarch 14, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia1Call to OrderThe meeting was called to order with Warden Gregory in thechair at 6:00 pm.AttendanceCouncillors present: Jimmy MacAlpine, Deputy Warden David Tudor, Councillor Randall Amero, Councillor Maritza Adams, CouncillorStaff present: Linda Fraser, Chief Administrative Officer Gordon Wilson, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Pat Stevens, AdministrationPrayerWarden Gregory asked everyone to pause to seek guidance forthe meeting. AgendaDeputy Warden MacAlpine added concerns regarding theDigby to Saint John Ferry as Old Business #2.MOVED and seconded that the agenda be approved asamended.MOTION CARRIEDHearings & PresentationsMarilyn Cameron, Chair Biosolids &Waste Water CaucusMOVED and seconded that Ms. Marilyn Cameron, Chair ofBiosolids and Waste Water Caucus come before thecommittee to make a presentation.MOTION CARRIED Ms. Cameron, Chair of Biosolids & Waste Water Caucusgave a lengthy presentation on the use of biosolids in thelocal farming area. Her concerns involved the usage ofbiosolids that have come from homes, hospitals, businessesinto the sewage treatment plants that have been turned intosludge that is being sold to farmers to apply to their fields. She was hoping to have Council’s support in hindering theuse of this sludge. It was discussed that products should belabeled to allow consumers to make a choice as to whetherto purchase if biosolids were used to promote the product’s
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 2
Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMarch 14, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia2growth. These concerns will be taken to the Rural Caucus who in turn will take to UNSM.MinutesFebruary 14, 2011MOVED and seconded that the minutes of February 14, 2011 be approved as circulated.MOTION CARRIEDBusiness Arising/OldBusinessPossible Amendment to Wind Turbine LUB– Commercial use of Small Scale Turbines There was a discussion on the possible amendment to the Wind Turbine LUB to accommodate the new CommunityFeed-In-Tariff (COMFIT) Program.MOVED and seconded that the matter of possibleamendment to the MPS/LUB for the Regulation of WindTurbines be forwarded to the PAC meeting to be heldMarch 15, 2011.MOTION CARRIEDOther Business ArisingSaint John Ferry There was a discussion on the Digby to Saint John Ferry.Feelings were that someone from the Municipality shouldbe on the committee. It was felt that the Government has to be held accountable to put another boat in place of thecurrent one. This issue is the number one project for theRegional Development Agency. Warden Gregory willserve on the committee.Joshua Slocum Monument The property that the Joshua Slocum Monument is situatedbelongs to an American family, surname Hunt. RobertHersey is researching this matter and will be asked to comeforth to Council when he is finished his research.Deputy WardenMacAlpine  No Business Arising
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 3
Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMarch 14, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia3Councillor Tudor No Business ArisingCouncillor Amero No Business ArisingCouncillor Adams No Business ArisingNew Business#1 Fundy Tidal Inc. –Letter of Support forCOMFIT Application There was a discussion held regarding a letter of support forFundy Tidal Inc. COMFIT application.MOVED and seconded that a letter of support for the COMFIT application be sent.MOTION CARRIED#2 Annapolis Royal Wharf Association –Letter of Support There was a discussion held regarding a letter of support forthe Annapolis Royal Wharf Association.MOVED and seconded that a letter of support for the Annapolis Royal Wharf Association be sent.MOTION CARRIED#3 Councillor Tudor -Electric Cars (Golf Cars) – Westport  Councillor Tudor requested a bylaw be set to allow electriccars to be driven on the roads in Westport. Discussion was held on this issue. Councillor Tudor will take theseconcerns to the MLA as the Municipality has no jurisdictionover the Motor Vehicle Act.#4 Councillor Tudor -End of Life Medical Box – Islands Health Centre Councillor Tudor brought forward the concerns from someone regarding having an end of life medical box at the Islands Health Centre. Warden Gregory noted that this matter is on the agenda for the next Tideview meeting.#5 Mineral Rights There was discussion on whether a person has the right togo on someone’s property to stake a claim to minerals. Staffwas requested to find out information regarding mineralrights.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 4
Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMarch 14, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia4# 6 Wanda VanTassel – Fundy AdventuresMOVED and seconded that a letter of congratulations besent to Wanda VanTassel on being nominated as aparticipant for the Adventure Tourism Best PracticesMission to be held in Victoria, BC.MOTION CARRIEDCorrespondenceHarold (Jr) Theriaultto Minister EmergencyManagement Ross Landry – Brier Island Fire Department – ReCommunications A discussion on the paging system on the Islands ensued. Itwas noted that the problems regarding the lack of anadequate communication system should have gone to the Municipal Fire Association who in turn would bring toCouncil. Deputy CAO Gordon Wilson will research theJEPP side of financing and find out whether or not arepeater has been installed in Bear River. Chief Administrative ReportEnvironmental Services ManagerExecutive SecretaryDr. Buekes - Dinner The CAO report dated March 14, 2011 was included in theCOTW Package. It was noted that Mr. Simon Doiron was the successfulcandidate for the Environmental Resource Managerposition. Mr. Doiron is to start on March 28th. It was noted that Mrs. Karen Adams accepted the termposition of Executive Secretary, covering Mrs. Bremner’smaternity leave, and will be starting work March 21st. There will be an overlap of two months employmentallowing for adequate training to cover all the responsibilities of the position. It was noted that Council had not had dinner with Dr.Buekes and his wife as planned. Warden Gregory will talk to the Doctor and set up two possible dates.Request forDecisions/Direction NILDepartment ReportsTaxation The Taxation report for February 2011 was included in themeeting package.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 5
Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMarch 14, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia5Building Inspection Report/Fire Inspection Report The Building Inspection report for February 2011 wasincluded in the meeting package. Airport/Dispatch The Airport/Dispatch report for February 2011 wasincluded in the meeting package.Dog Control Activityand Financial Report The Dog Control Activity and Financial report for February2011 was included in the meeting package. Coordinator Program Development The Coordinator Program Development report for February2011 was included in the meeting package.Other BusinessN/AUpdates fromPrevious meetingsMaud Lewis Site –Signage Councillor Adams gave an update on the Maud Lewis Site. She stated that there will be signs on both the East and the West side of the site, the house will be lighted at night,there will be flowers planted and there will be threeinterpretive panels to tell the Maud Lewis story. Special Projects Updates The special projects updates were included in the CAOReport.Strategic Priorities UpdateN/ANotice of MotionN/AComments from theGalleryN/AIn CameraMOVED and seconded that the meeting move in camera.MOTION CARRIEDRegular session resumed.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 6
Municipality of the District of DigbyMunicipal Committee of the Whole MinutesMarch 14, 2011Seabrook, Nova Scotia6Current TideviewTerrace buildingMOVED and seconded that the Municipality write a letterto the Minister of the Department of Health concerning theoutstanding mortgage of the current Tideview Terracebuilding.MOTION CARRIEDAdjournmentMOVED and seconded that the meeting adjourn at 8:15PM. MOTION CARRIED____________________________________________________________WARDENCLERK

Digby Municipal Council Agenda

Municipality of the District of DigbyCommittee of the WholeAgendaMeeting DateApril 11, 2011Meeting LocationCouncil ChambersCall to OrderWardenPause to Seek GuidanceWardenApproval of the Agenda Additions/DeletionsPresentationsJenny Milligan-Tri County Women’sCenter Kristie Herron – Digby BOT, Pipe and DrumBand Ian Russell – Nova Scotia Week 2011Approval of MinutesMarch 14, 2011Old Business /Business Arising from Minutes# 1.0 Westport Fire Department-Communications# 2.0Biosolids – Ban on biosolids # 3.0Burn Trailer – Training AssistanceDeputy Warden MacAlpineCouncillor AmeroCouncillor AdamsCouncillor TudorWarden Gregory
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 2
Municipality of the District of DigbyCommittee of the WholeAgendaNew Business#1Tri County RegionalSchool BoardNova Scotia School Boards Association Conference – Request for Promotional Items#2Wharf Rat Rally Request for Support –(Budget to follow)#3Health and Wellness Physical Activity Forum#4Fire Departments Feasibility Review of Fire Departments (David Tudor)#5 Digby Area RecreationCommission Funding request – Re: Canadian Senior Curling Championships Volunteer Event#6 Nova Scotia RoyalMounted Police &Friends of Mark Gallagher Society Sergeant Mark Gallagher Charity BallInvitationCorrespondenceReceivedInformation Only# 1 Jean ColeConcerns regarding Animal Shelter# 2# 3#4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 3
Municipality of the District of DigbyCommittee of the WholeAgendaChief AdministrativeReport April 11, 2011Request for Decisions/DirectionMeeting Dates/RemindersDate & TimeMeetingLocationApril 11, 2011 @ 6:00 pmCOTWCouncil ChambersApril 18, 2011 @ 5:00 pmTransportationMunicipal BoardroomApril 18, 2011 @ 6:00 pmBy-Law & PolicyMunicipal BoardroomApril 26, 2011 @ 6:00 pm(note change from Monday the25th)CouncilCouncil ChambersMay 2, 2011 @ 6:00 pmBy-Law & PolicyMunicipal BoardroomMay 9, 2011 @ 6:00 pmCOTWCouncil ChambersMay 16, 2011No MeetingMay 24, 2011 @ 6:00 pm (notechange from May 23rd)CouncilCouncil ChambersDepartment Reports for March 2011 Administration Taxation Building Department Building Permit Municipal Fire Inspector  Airport/Dispatch Dispatch Call Report Airport Statistical  Dog Control Activity Dog Control Financial  Coordinator Program DevelopmentUpdates from PreviousmeetingsSpecial ProjectsUpdatesStrategic PrioritiesUpdateNotice of MotionIn-CameraAdjournment

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Aquaculture Comments Invited

PUBLIC NOTICE

April 4,2011


Transport Canada is required to ensure that the screening is conducted in relation to the development

proposal: PROPOSED THAT AQUACULTURE SITES FOR THE CULTURE OF ATLANTIC SALMON

NEAR LONG ISLAND IN ST MARY'S BAY,NOVA SCOTIA .

The two proposed sites are located in the eastern shore of the southern end of Long Island. Each

Aquaculture site is approximately 540m by 780M (42.12ha), and will contain a 2 X 6 grid of 60 m.cells

and circular plastic cages. Each site will be used primarily to culture Atlantic salmon, with ten of the

twelve cells stocked at all times. The remaining two grid cells will be used to facilitate the transfer of'

fish to larger cages once they reach an appropriate size.

The public is invited to comment on the screen. Only submissions received by Transport Canada

by May 3, 2011 will be considered. Submissions may be sent in either official languages to


KEVIN LEBLANC

SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER

ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

TRANSPORT CANADA

PO BOX 42, 95 FOUNDRY ST

MONCTON N.B.

ElC 8K6



facsimile : 506-851-7542

e-mail : kevin.leblanc@tc.gc.ca


All documents and/or comments received by Transport Canada regarding this Environmental Assess-

ment will be considered to be in the public domain, and will become part of the Public Registry for the

project.

Please quote the Project Title and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry

Reference Number, 10-01-55946, on all correspondence.

To obtain a copy of the screening,or for further information on the project, please contact Transport

Canada at the above address.

Participant funding is not available to facilitate public participation.

03-0068 (0308-02)
Clicky Web Analytics