Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Project Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

SP DEVELOPMENT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a subsidiary of Sprott Power Corp.

11-5625-2000

Submitted by:

Dillon Consulting Limited SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

REGISTRATION OF a 9.2-MEGAWATT EXPANSION OF THE LINGAN WIND FARM, LINGAN, NOVA SCOTIA

This document represents formal registration of a 9.2 MW expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm located on lands between the communities of New Waterford and Lingan, Nova Scotia (the project) by SP Development Limited Partnership, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sprott Power Corp. (referred to as Sprott in this document) to meet the requirements of the Nova Scotia Environmental Assessment Regulations, as defined under Section 9 of the Regulations.

Name of Undertaking Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm, Lingan, Nova Scotia

Location of the Undertaking The project is situated between the urban community of New Waterford and the suburban community of Lingan on lands formerly used primarily for coal mining by the Cape Breton Development Corporation and its predecessors. Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSPI) operates the Lingan Generating Station adjacent to the project site. The project is proposed for vacant lands which are currently owed by Sprott (or its subsidiaries) and Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC). Refer to Figure i and Figure ii for the regional and local context of the project location. The following summarizes the property identification and ownership for the parcels proposed for this project:

Property Identification Ownership Number ( PID) 15501141 Enterprise Cape Breton Corp 15501166 Enterprise Cape Breton Corp 15827520 GBL Wind Power (Phase II) Limited (a subsidiary of Sprott Power Corp) 15772999 Glace Bay Lingan Wind Power LTD. (a subsidiary of Sprott Power Corp.)

Dillon Consulting Limited Page i

712000.000000 718000.000000 724000.000000 730000.000000 736000.000000 0 0 0 0

0 Key Map 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 . . 0 0 P 0 0 o

0 i A 0 n L i 8 t l t 8 d t A le 2 e 2 c r P 1 o o 1 P Lingan Expansion d n n d 5 t 5 a a o d i o e o i R Lingan Expansion R R n e Project Location e o t r R r o t o t a e h R s a d e S S tr d e Project Location o d r S k L a r a e h a d c u o d r m A t l a n t i c O c e a n Sydney n u B R h o a L x C n a e m l l e d e i ys l H s D v a La A in le n e S y e New c Ro n h t a e r d a y e A hway 28 K v e Hig e

0 t n 0 t u 0 e e H 0

0 Waterford 0 e i n 0 r t 0 t

0 e 0 Port Hawkesbury e c 0 Antigonish S r h 0 . d t . e a x S i 0 o c La y 0 d d i t k

0 Q 0 a R e u A n n R e o e o en a v 0 v 0 i k e l r r t ad St R R D re e B A 5 la a et 5 h il o n V P V Sydeny a 2 c 2 r il B c u u l h e 1 a a 8 t 1 h D r 2 e e 5 r Mines e s 5 C r in C y tr M iv g h a S R e to a w id a o n rl h N v h a o g a H o d Lingan S tt i ic D n e H ig t S k R re t le h e r w w o t ee a Indian t o a d o y d d 2 a D Bay t 8 o r s i d v R M J e e a o il h in o l n W s d b H R S s D a 8 o o e i o t u 5 e g r n T 2 i Lingan K u n r 2 e t h v

0 i 0 r lk R R e n e o e w i e 1 y 0 s n River e 0 o r r n e e h t 0 a a B 0 a y Bay t y S L v 0 D d S a y 0 w k S t a h e d 0 e Ryan A t 0 r 2 e i h R x e n 0 v i 0 k a w o r . 8 t . n S e g a d r i d o h a O S a S a 0 0 o easid g H e d D R i R rive e r i S t P Ha 0 0 h y n e c s S H North a e tre T tree 0 0 g a t e S O in s k L e o c 2 2 treet id iv ro S a King Sydney r B l 2 2 e D l D e M a B 1 1 e P r id a aco s t W 5 5 ep iv a in n S p e e e tre et 8 ive S e Dominion S et t S r tr t t 2 South Bar D r M B re ide S e ro e y s e i o t a ea n t n M k S t e o S w ri u e t h re Gardiner S v g B s i e i g t O t r H r t r Mines e a D e v Glace e e C A r e e t t e i n t t 8 t e t r e S s k e vi l l 2 lle a e t i L e Ro Bay t n

a r r y a t d t e W Sydney t k a i n S c S c

e a n w l e L D

t h i B e l n 0 t 0 s i r g

e Harbour g e 0 0

a i e i v r d E u v t S 0 S t a 0

e H e e r 0 5 Q rv ee o 0 N 0 2 e 0 1 es t R Port 0 y 0 . y R r t . a H r e 0 w a e Caledonia 0 gh ig 4 u tr 0 i 0 h y Q S H w a 0 w w 0 e a h Do 9 v d m t e 9 i y ig d inio r r a oa n e 1 H R S D 1 2 o on tre D ils et e

1 W 1 8 R r w t

5 r 5 e y 4 S i e a v n ighw i H e a d d e r i S a oad s R k d d G ney d o a a Sy o o o r R R n B a 2 ad g d Ro B H in e e i ig L ak rc hw ay m d L h a H adw a an y ig South t Bro n Gr G 2 h as n ro 5 w S E J^ 5 a North West U v H h e y 0 Arm t 0 o ree 2 0 ig St R 5 0 r e

0 Arm h in 5 0 e ther o 0 w a 0 C a R 0 a D d 0

0 y 0 o t o . 9 e . 3 2 tre F 2 a s S o 0 3 e r 0 d m l y 9 Ja e a

0 a R n n 0

w c s 0 h o 0 h ig b L 6 R 6 H e a u S 1 d r n 1 t d t r e 1 e s 1 e r d h Mar U 5 in 5 S e a e Drive d a m n t a t o o S R k r R E n e o H e r R a arbo oad i u o e k a r Driv ss R a n n d e w ce e t c L m ort A d n P v ey d o ydn n L 1 S ra re o t r en 2 G a c D k s R V G re r e C o i Sydney iv lf c d h u a e R

t c G G d o a r o Ke e S o i ltic Drive r e o i p a E r a R B v g r d i s u r p e R n K l d c e D a S o e e l n a ti tr o a e c a S r n e d D d e R t H r e e t l r G i v a e ig ve n hw a i e a h m t y r r 12 i e 5 a T F Watercourse Project Parcel Boundaries LINGAN WIND FARM EXPANSION PROJECT Road Open Water

Highway

FIGURE I

PROJECT LOCATION - REGIONAL CONTEXT

Meters MAP PROJECTION: UTM NAD 83, ZONE 20 0 740 1,480 2,220 2,960 SOURCE: GEO NOVA PROJECT #: 115625 ² DATE: JUNE 2012 t

e r t e t S e n

e e n a e t n i e a L r e a z t L e L n s S r

s e b t l M n e b a t S r K i e ne o c e e A t c r v u s t en a ue e e r e p M W e r m "t e " d " G e t " r a " " "t m r n S t e " " S a a " S e " "a " S " x r " S t " " e n e " r " g l "o t S " " d " d " n A " h e i t a s n " " a "e " L e o "" " "" e ""A " "r " t e " " " "" " " R "" " M m r " " " " " t " " S " " " " " " a k " " " " " " S " "" " h " J " " " " " o " "t " " " " " " " " "" t " " " "" " c "" "" " o "e " "" " " " " " "" " n r " " " " "" " " a """"" " " "e " " " " " "t C e B " "r " " " " " " e " "" " " " " A onn " t " "" " "t " " "" " tla ors v " " e " n Av "" " " " " " B "" ti enu h " " " " "e "" " "" " " " c d e n " "S "" """ " " "" " "e " "Av" "" " " " " "e r " " e a s " " " " " " " " "" n o i " " " " " r " " " "t " " "" u r ""n " " " " " e o " " " " t " " " " C I "" " " " " " " " S " " "" o " " " " " """ "" "" t " "S " " " " " " "" " " R " "" " t " " " " " "" """ h " " " g " " " " " """ "" e " " " " """ " " "" " """ " " "a " " " ""n " " "e " " " " " " " " " " e " " " "e " " " """ n " " " " l " " " " " e t i " " l " r " o "" " " "" " " "" M " "t " r " i " " t " " " " "" " "e "" "" "" " " " " " "" " s " " t K "" """" " H"i v " " " " " " "" " n"c" " k" 15501141 "" " e "S "d " " " " e "" h" " " " " " " " " " S " " " "" """ " e " " " " "r " " " "y" T-13 e " e " " " " "" " " " o

"" " "" " " " "u """ " " " t " " " " "" A""" " " A t l a n t i c O c e a n

" r" n " " " " " " """ " " ve" n " " " " o n

"" " " t "" " " " " " ""h " " " t " "" " " "" nu" "" " " o H " " " t " S " " " " " e " " i

a " " " " " " " " " " " " " " r"" ÑÖ

" " " " " " "" " " " " e " " " " " " " " " " S" " " " n " " " " " " a " " b " " i " " " " " " " " "

K " " " " " " " "h " e " " " " B P " """ " " " " " t " " " t " " " " r

" " b " " " "r " " " " " " " l n " " " " " " ! u " " "i " " N " " " " " " " " "

m " " " " n " "t " "t "e "" " " " "

m " " n" " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " Former D Davys Head

e "" " " " " New "

r " G " " " " " " e S "e " "e " " " " " "

A A " " " "" " "r " " T-9

v " T " e t " "

e " " t " " " " " " s " n " " " " " "

u " t " " """ " " " g " "r " " " " " " "

" " " e Lingan !

e "" " " "t " " e " S " " " ! !

"" "S " "" "n " " " " " " "" " " " " c ! ÑÖ

"" " " """" "" " " i " S " " " " " " " e " " " " " " " " " T-6 r " " " h " ! "" " " "K " " " " " " a

"" "" " t " " """"" " " " " t " " " Colliery T-7

" " " " " h " " " " r ! " "" " " " "t " n " " " " ! " """ " S " " " " ! "" "" " " "" " ""f " " Waterford ÑÖ " " "" "" " "" " l " e " " " " " G ! """ """" " " " "" " " " "" " " " " T-12 ÑÖ

" " " h " " " e " " T-5

" "" " " e " "" " " " " " " " " " " " " ! "" " t " "" " t " " " d New "" i " " " " " " " ! G "" "" " " " r " " "" " " " " "w " " " e i

""" "" " " " " " " " " i " " " " " " " ÑÖ ll

"" m " " " T " " " " i

" "" "" " " " " " " ! ÑÖ s m !

"" """" "" " " " " " h " " " " " " " "" " " " " " " " " " " " a C "" S " " " " "" T " " P"l " " " "" "" "" "W" " " "" " um" " " " ! o

" " "" " """ "" "i " " " "" " m" e" " " " v

" " " ls " " r n "" " "" " " o A " ! e "" " "" "" "" n t " " "ve " "" " " "A t " nu "" " "" " v e " e

"" P" e" "" """" " en " n ÑÖ Water"f"ord"" "lla "" """ "u" e " " " ! """ "" ""t"t "" e"" e "

" A "" " ""r " e "" "" ""v " " " " " ! T-11

e " " t U " " "" "" " "n " "" " " "r " " " " " ""W """ "u" e " " " " t " " "" " " " !

" " S " " "" a" " " " " " " ! R ""rr " "" "t " " " ÑÖ " " "e " " S 15827520

! os " " "" "n" " """ " " " " "

! s " " "" A" " " T-3 " "" " !

! A "" "" v " "e e " ! ! " " "e " " ! ! ve " " " "" " " " n " " " " " h Former T-8 n " "" u " " e "" g " " " ! u " e " " 15772999 e " "" " r r " " t "" " " p "

" " " " " t " " ÑÖ T-1 " o " !

t " " " " e "t " "" e ÑÖ

! " "

Phalen Colliery ! " " " " ! " S " ! T-10 T-2 " "e " e " " s "

e "" e " " " " !

r " " o " ! North Head

e n " " !

e t " G !

! ! !

" " " ! ÑÖ

r J !

r !

" " ÑÖ ! t o " t V " " " " " ! ÑÖ t "

t ic " S " "t ! " " ! to " s "

S " t " " " NSPI Ashfill e r " " " " "

e S i " " " ! a " " ! " h " " p " S " " A " " "e t "" " " " e e ""ve t " " " " " " " " r r d n w " " " l u h "e " " e "

t t e " " "m " " " " Settling r " "

! ! "o " " " " ! Íw " " ! t " e " ! t a " g l " o " " " S S " i l " " " " r " " " " e n i " " " "S " h " "t " " E " " " " e t t " " " " " " Pond H NSPI e t " " " n o " " " T "S " " "" " W" " a " " "

h r e e " " " " ! o t e " " "" t " i " " " " " i t i D " " " " " " n e e "" " " " "e " " " "

c e " e " d " " ! y n S r " "" "" " " " " " " " ! c r " " " ! i t r " " " g " " t " "" " " "a " " " " " " Laffins Cove a t " " e " s " " " " " "r " h r n " " " "" r " " S S " " " " c " " "" t m S " " "t " " " " " " M " " " " o " " " e o a " " " " "

! e o l " " A " y n n " " " S " "e " " F e " " " " " " " " " " " e e " " " D o o " "

i n " " G " " " A ! r " g " " ! e " " " " t " " ! h " " " " Lingan n w " " " "n " " v H i " " "" S Q a " " " " " u o " " " " " " " " e e U " " ""

K ! e " " " n M " " " " n c " " " " " " " " S D " " " " " " tr E " " " e " " u

a e " " " !

e m " " ! t e" " " " " n " " " " " e " ! a K r"a" " " " " " " " " " " in ld M " "a s g "S"t " " " " " I S " " " " " " t re " a " " L "

! r M " e " " " e " " " " " " " " c a t " " et y " " F "c " " " " " " " " " " " Generating K S " L " " " " s " " "

a i tre " " "o " " " " " " "

! n " " ! g e " " "e " " " e " " S t r " " " " " " " " ! M t " d " " o " re " " " " " " " " """ p "" " "

et " "d " "r " " "

! ! ! " " " " !

! S ! ! ! ! ! " " " ! ! ! " " ! " " a ! ! " "" " "" " " " ! t A " " " " ! ! ! ! ! " " ! ! ! " r " " h " " " M ! ! ! ! !

e v " " " " ! ! ! ! !

" " " ! ! ! ! !

! " ! ! !

" e" "S " " ! ! ! ! ! !

! e " " a ! ! ! " " " n " " ! ! ! !

t" " " " " " c !

" " " ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! u ! ! ! ! Station

" " " " " L ! Shanty ! !

" e e ! !

! " " !

" " R " ll

a ! !

" "o ! " Cove

" n ! !

! a ! "

"c D " !

! " h !

! ! r

! " ! !

e iv " !

" "s ! e "

! " ! "

t " R" " " " ! ! ! e ! !

e " " " " Lingan

! ! r o !

t a " " " !

S !

! ! d " !

C id " " " ! ! "

! v ! " " "

o a " " " "

" ! " " "

lu D !

! H " ! ! ! "

m " " " " "

! i ! " " "

g " " " " " " ! ! !

b h ! " " " " " !

u w " " ! ! " " " " " " !

s ! "

! a " !

! " "

! " " !

S y " " " ! ! ! " "

t " M "

r 2 " ! " "

e " ! " " !

e 8 " " " a ! " " " " " !

! ! ! "

t " " h " ! !

! " o ! " ad ""

n " Ro " " " " " " " ! ! n

" " " Y " "inga " !

" R ! ! o " " L " ! !

! " ! " " Lingan

! o u" " " !

a ! n" "

! ! " "

! d " g " " Wharf ! ! "

"D " " " !

! " "

! " ! ! ! ! ! r "

i " " D

! ! "v

e !

J N ! " o

! ! " "

! e ! "

ic m

! ! "

! n k "

w l !

! e ! i

! n !

o w ! "" Indian Bay

! ! " o o i

! ! ! d o ! "

! d " ! ! !

D " " n

! e D ! " "

v ! ! r i r ! " " i r i B

v v ! " !

e D e ! " "

! ! ! e !

w ! " ad ! ! o

e R a !

i ! ! Lingan Bay

v ! " n c !

ll ! " ga "

i ! ! ! !

! n

h ! ! i

! H " L " ! !

! ! !

! ! "

! ! " "

! "

! !

! ! !

! !

! ! Existing Project Ancillary Components

! Lingan III Turbines ( T10 to T13) 550 m Setback from Lingan III Turbines

! ÖÑ Local Road Proposed Access Road !

! ! ! !

! ! !

LINGAN WIND FARM EXPANSION PR! OJECT

! !

! 1000 m Setback from Lingan III Turbines Access Road ! Lingan I and II Turbines (T1 to T8)

! ÖÑ Trail/Track Project Parcel Boundaries !

! !

!! !

! ! !

! !

! ! ! 1500 m Setback from Lingan III Turbines

! ComFIT Turbine (T9) Overhead Line

! Ñ Railway

! Ö ! Property Parcel Boundaries

! !

! " ! ! w ! 2000 m Setback from Lingan III Turbines Í FIGURE II !

! Building Proposed Collector Lines Open Water Substation 109S !

! !

! ! !

! River Watercourse Wetland

! PROJECT LOC! ATION - LOCAL CONTEXT

! Ryan

! !

Meters SOURCE: GEO NOVA MAP PROJECTION: UTM NAD 83, ZONE 20 0 230 460 690 920 PROJECT #: 115625 ² DATE: MAY 2012 SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Contact Information Proponent Applicant SP Development Limited Partnership Dillon Consulting Limited (a subsidiary of Sprott Power Corp.) 137 Chain Lake Drive Royal Bank Plaza South Tower Halifax, NS 200 Bay Street, Suite 2700, P.O. Box 90 B3S 1B3 Toronto Ontario Tel: 902-450-4000 M5J 2J2 Fax: 902-450-2008 [email protected] Proponent Project Director Applicant Contact Person Mr. David Eva Scott McMillan, B.Sc., B.Des. (Env. Planning) Project Management Director Project Manager

Nature of the Undertaking

The term "undertaking" is defined in the Environment Act as:

"...an enterprise, activity, project, structure, work or proposal and may include, in the opinion of the Minister, a policy, plan or program that has an adverse effect or an environmental effect and may include, in the opinion of the Minister, a modification, extension, abandonment, demolition or rehabilitation, as the case may be, of an undertaking".

The project consists of construction and operation of a 9.2 -megawatt (MW) expansion of the existing wind farm near Lingan, Nova Scotia (NS). The expansion will consist of four (4), 2.3 MW turbines, access roads, and cabling to interconnect the turbines and connect the facility with the Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSPI) grid. Where possible, the project will be integrated with the existing interconnection to the NSPI grid.

Environmental planning and management is an integral part of this undertaking and is described, primarily, in the protection measures and mitigation detailed in these documents.

Background Sprott Power Corp (Sprott) has operational assets, located in Nova Scotia and Ontario, consisting of 28 wind turbines totalling 45.7 MW of nameplate capacity. All electricity outputs are subject to long-term Power Purchase Agreements ("PPAs") with Nova Scotia Power Inc., the Ontario

Dillon Consulting Limited Page iv

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Power Authority and Bullfrog Power Inc. In Nova Scotia, Sprott has four operating wind projects totalling 55.6 MW nameplate capacity.

Sprott is managed by Sprott Power Consulting LP, of which Sprott Consulting LP, a business unit of Sprott Inc. is the sole limited partner. Sprott is headquartered in Toronto, but maintains a local presence in Nova Scotia.

History of the Lingan Wind Farm 2004: Project conceived by Cape Breton Power Ltd. 2005: Project sold to Glace Bay Lingan Wind Power Ltd., a subsidiary of Confederation Power Inc. 2006: Two Enercon E70 wind turbines installed at Lingan. 2007: Five Enercon E70 wind turbines installed at Lingan. 2008: Confederation Power Inc. acquires Cape Breton Power and takes over operational duties. 2011: Sprott Power Corp. acquires Confederation Power Inc. 2012: Expansion of one additional E82 turbine on existing project lands [Sept-2012]. 2013: Proposed expansion of Lingan Wind Farm (comprised of the four expansion turbines and a ComFIT turbine).

Two previous environmental assessments have been submitted and approved for the turbines installed in 2006 and 2007.

The following outlines the naming convention used by Sprott to describe the various phases of the Lingan Wind Farm and the turbines in each phase: Lingan I: T1 – T-7 Lingan II: T8 ComFIT Turbine: T-9 Lingan III T10 – T13 (the subject of this Registration Document)

Turbine T-8 will be constructed in September 2012 under the previous approval (NSE, 2006) which was granted for the five turbines constructed in 2007. As construction of T-8 will be conducted under a prior approval, it is not part of the project described in this Registration Document and Environmental Assessment. Turbine T-9 (800kW) was awarded in the spring of

Dillon Consulting Limited Page v

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

2012 under the Nova Scotia Community Feed-In Tariff Program and will be constructed separately from the proposed expansion project for which this registration document is submitted.

The proposed expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm proposed by Sprott falls within the definition of a Class I undertaking under the Environmental Assessment Regulations pursuant to the Nova Scotia Environment Act. An undertaking of this type requires the submission of a Registration to the Minister of Environment for Nova Scotia, upon which the project will be evaluated under the review requirements set out in the Environmental Assessment Regulations. Sprott believes that the undertaking poses no significant risk of adverse environmental impacts that cannot be mitigated, and that it should be approved by the Minister of Environment, subject to applicable and appropriate Conditions of Approval. In order to support this position, Sprott has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) to accompany its Registration.

Purpose and Need for the Undertaking

The purpose of the undertaking is to expand the existing wind power generating facility to generate electricity for transmission via the existing NSPI grid. The expansion is anticipated to provide up to an estimated 27.5 GWh/yr (9200 kW x 8760 hrs/yr x 34% capacity factor). The electricity provided by the combined projects will displace the equivalent power supplied by NSPI’s fossil fuel fired generating stations.

Electricity generation is the largest contributor to Nova Scotia’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at 46% (NSE 2009). This is due to the use of fossil fuels for power generation (coal, petroleum, and to a lesser extent, natural gas). By adding wind power to the mix of energy sources, power generation in Nova Scotia can meet the required energy demands with fewer harmful emissions and reduce climate change impacts with lower GHG emissions. Using wind and other non-emitting renewable energy sources will help Nova Scotia reach its GHG reduction target of 10% from 1990 levels by the year (NSE, 2009).

Dillon Consulting Limited Page vi

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Alternatives

After reviewing potential locations for the project, Sprott selected the proposed expansion site based specific criteria that includes: x Strong and proven wind resource; x Close proximity to a connection to the NSPI electrical grid; x A community where there is a reasonable level of acceptance of wind energy and wind turbines; x Sufficient land for the required infrastructure, and; x Access to roads/rail and a port of sufficient size for the transportation of the turbines and other materials.

The Lingan site meets all of the above criteria for the proposed project. In addition, the Lingan site is not a on a major migratory flight path, unlike other headlands in the area. Although there are migratory bird habitats in Indian Bay and Lingan Bay, the primary flight path is directly in and out of the Bay along the shore of Shanty Bay past North Head. This flight path is approximately 600 to 850 m east of the proposed turbines.

The lack of fish bearing watercourses on the site, past uses for coal extraction and the recent reclamation of the former colliery lands and waste rock piles reduces the likelihood of impacting sensitive aquatic or terrestrial habitat or cultural resources during construction due to the degree of disturbance and alteration of the landscape. The proposed turbines and other project components have been sited to make the best use of the available wind resource while at the same time avoiding former coal mine underground workings, waste rock piles, wetlands and watercourses as well as maintaining a setback of 554 m from adjacent residences. This setback is the minimum distance that Sprott will site a turbine from a residence or other receptor. The following shows the separation distance between the residences with 1000 m of the proposed project and the closest turbine.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page vii

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Separation Coordinates from Receptor Nearest Turbine UTM - X UTM - Y Elv. ( T-12) (m) ID Civic ID (m) (m) (m asl) R1 3159 726115 5125970 21.92 746 R2 3230 725848 5126021 31.49 713 R3 3239 725867 5126018 30.87 679 R4 3258 725915 5126016 29.11 658 R5 3273 725940 5126012 28.22 712 R6 3282 725982 5126011 26.47 697 R7 3307 726185 5126013 20.73 965 R8 3406 725842 5125967 32.99 944 R9 3412 725899 5125941 30.23 899 R10 3416 725795 5125962 34.99 875 R11 3430 725945 5125956 28.52 836 R12 3466 726211 5125956 23.25 652 R13 3525 725783 5125924 35.75 671 R14 3633 725769 5125879 35.9 951 R15 3636 726150 5125886 25.88 892 R16 3756 725821 5125835 33.2 996 R17 46421 726244 5126020 22.11 556 R18 2793 726172 5126164 12.58 851 R19 2828 726205 5126151 13.49 793 R20 3026 726202 5126091 15.59 601 R21 3111 726206 5126059 16.67 999 R22 3126 726143 5126061 16.12 1005 R23 3300 726167 5126019 17.41 635 R24 3427 726266 5125956 21.04 945 R25 3453 726003 5125949 23.39 602 R26 46677 726208 5126163 13.02 718 R27 46679 726165 5126129 13.6 732 R28 46680 726205 5126102 15.36 683

Based on the brownfield nature of the site, the reliable wind resource and proximity to transmission and transportation networks, expanding the existing project presents the best available option for Sprott to build on its capacity for renewable energy generation with the least probability of adversely impacting the environment. Utilizing the existing system (where

Dillon Consulting Limited Page viii

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

possible) of access roads and grid interconnection reduces the need for new construction and disturbance.

The project site presents the best available option for a wind farm in this region of Cape Breton with the least probability of adversely impacting the environment.

Proposed Construction and Operation Schedules

When the required approvals and permits are received and once a contract with the Provincial Renewable Energy Administrator or an alternative buyer for the energy is in place, Sprott plans to begin construction in late 2012 with commissioning anticipated in early 2013. (Refer to Section 2.2.3 of the accompanying Environmental Assessment for additional details)

Description of the Undertaking

The project includes the construction and operation of up to a 9.2 MW expansion of the existing wind generation facility. The proposed expansion will consist of four 2.3 MW wind turbines, access roads, interconnecting cables and a connection to the NSPI grid.

Sprott will construct, operate, and maintain the wind turbines, the connection to the NSPI grid and the ancillary components.

The physical aspects of the undertaking are as follows: x Four 2.3 MW turbines, which will be 78 m in height (hub) with an 82 m rotor diameter; x Approximately 100 m of underground cables between the individual turbines and the overhead collection lines; x Approximately 1,270 m of overhead collector lines providing the connection to the NSPI grid at the existing Lingan 109S substation; x Lay down areas and Crane pads at each turbine site (for erecting each of the turbines), and; x Approximately 925 m of access roads between the turbines and existing roads.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page ix

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Approvals Required and Other Forms of Authorization/Notification

The following approvals and other forms of authorization are anticipated for the project: x As a portion of the proposed project will be constructed on land leased from ECBC, a Screening level Environmental Assessment in accordance with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) with ECBC as Responsible Authority and Federal Environmental Assessment Coordinator. x Aeronautical Obstruction Clearance from Transport Canada; x Land Use Approval from Nav Canada; x Notification of, and clearance by, the Department of National Defence (DND) Aerospace and Telecommunications Engineering and Support Squadron to determine if the proposed project would interfere with DND radar systems; x Work Within Right-of-Way Permit from Nova Scotia Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (NSTIR) for the construction of access roads and construction of project components within 100 m of a public highway; x Special Move: Over-Dimension Permit from NSTIR for the transportation of turbine sections from the Sydport to the project location; x A development permit from Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM), and; x Aggregate will be required for construction of the access roads and crane pads: Sprott will obtain this aggregate from an approved offsite provider and, as such, will not need to act in accordance with the Pits and Quarries Act as the aggregate supplier will be acting in accordance with the Act.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page x

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Issues of Concern

The Sprott EA study team has identified potential issues by: x reviewing applicable provincial and federal environmental laws and regulations; x reviewing regulator and stakeholder comments received as a result of the previous Lingan Wind Farm Approvals; x meeting with NSE Environmental Assessment officials to confirm the scope of this assessment (June 2011) x conducting consultation meetings with stakeholders x considering available environmental literature and references; x incorporating the experience of the EA study team in conducting environmental assessments in Nova Scotia and elsewhere in Canada; and, x considering the experience and suggestions about wind farm operation and maintenance elsewhere in Canada and from other knowledgeable team members and associates.

The Issues of Concern specific to the project and study area identified by the study team, and addressed in the accompanying EA include: x Migratory/Breeding Birds x Other Flying species (Bats and flying insects) x Species at risk x Vegetation and Habitats x Air quality x Land use x Human Health x Accidents and malfunctions x Cultural heritage resources

Sources of Public Funding

Public funding is not anticipated for this project, however, a potion of the project will be constructed on land leased from a Federal Crown Corporation (i.e., ECBC).

Dillon Consulting Limited Page xi

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Summary of Concordance with Factors Relevant to the Minister's Decision

This section presents the concordance of the following EA with the factors that the Minister of the Environment must consider when formulating a decision following the registration of a Class I Undertaking. It is intended to provide a summary of the EA, as a convenience to the Minister in making that decision, and is based on the registration document and the specific commitments of, and studies and consultations carried out by Sprott.

The following is an extract from the Environmental Assessment Regulations made under Section 49 of the Environment Act, S.N.S. 1994-95, c.1, O.I.C. 95-220, N.S. Reg. 26/95, as amended up to O.I.C. 2009-386 (September 15, 2009), N.S. Reg. 277/20093.

Factors relevant to the Minister's decision.

The following information shall be considered by the Minister in formulating a decision following review of the registration documents for a Class I undertaking:

(a) the location of the proposed undertaking and the nature and sensitivity of the surrounding area;

(b) the size, scope and complexity of the proposed undertaking; c) concerns expressed by the public and aboriginal people about the adverse effects or the environmental effects of the proposed undertaking; d) steps taken by the proponent to address environmental concerns expressed by the public and aboriginal people;

(d.a) whether environmental baseline information for the undertaking is sufficient for predicting adverse effects or environmental effects related to the undertaking;

Dillon Consulting Limited Page xii

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

(e) potential and known adverse effects or environmental effects of the proposed undertaking, including identifying any effects on species at risk, species of conservation concern and their habitats;

(f) project schedules where applicable;

(g) planned or existing land use in the area of the undertaking;

(h) other undertakings in the area;

(h.a) whether compliance with licences, certificates, permits, approvals or other documents of authorization required by law will mitigate the environmental effects;

(i) such other information as the Minister may require.

Each of the factors listed is addressed below.

a) The location of the proposed undertaking and the nature and sensitivity of the surrounding area:

The project is located between the communities of New Waterford and Lingan in Cape Breton Regional Municipality, Nova Scotia. (Figure i). The lands on the site are a combination of successional forest and reclaimed colliery and waste lands associated with over 100 years of coal mining. The site is adjacent to the Nova Scotia Power Inc. ( NSPI)_Lingan Power Generating Station and it’s ancillary components including a coal pile and rail line and an ash disposal site (and settling pond). The proposed project is compatible with the nature and sensitivity of the surrounding area. b) The size and scope of the proposed undertaking:

The project consists of construction and operation of an 9.2 MW expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm consisting of four 2.3MW turbines, access roads, interconnecting cables, and a connection

Dillon Consulting Limited Page xiii

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

of the NSPI grid system. The proposed project footprint will encompass between approximately 2 and 3 ha of land including access roads, crane pads/lay down areas and turbine foundations. c) Concerns expressed by the public and aboriginal people about the adverse effects or the environmental effects of the proposed undertaking:

An Open House public engagement session and First Nations engagement (as part of the Crown’s Duty Consult) was included in the public consultation component of this project. The scope of the project and the findings of this Environmental Assessment were presented to the local community at an Open house on March 8, 2012 at the Lingan Parish Hall (2745 Lingan Rd.). Notifications of the Open House were hand-delivered to approximately 400 residences in the vicinity of the proposed expansion; a notice was also placed in the Cape Breton Post to capture other interested parties. The Open House was attended by 23 people and the response to the proposed expansion was generally favourable. Examples of the notices and the record of attendance are provided in Appendix I.

The Cape Breton Post reported on the expansion plans and CBC radio conducted an interview with the Sprott project director for their morning program the day following the Open House.

The Office of Aboriginal Affairs (OAA) was contacted to determine the appropriate contacts for aboriginal engagement in advance of crown consultation with the Mi’kmaq regarding the project. Letters advising of Sprott’s plans to expand the Lingan Wind Farm and an invitation to meet were sent to the following on advice from the OAA: x The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs; x The Union of Nova Scotia Indians; x The Nova Scotia Native Council; x Membertou First Nation; x Eskasoni First Nation; and, x Wagmatcook First nation.

The letters also included a copy of the Mi’kmaq Ecological Knowledge Study (MEKS) conducted for the project. Follow-up letters were mailed out to the above contacts in early April 2012; no response has been received to date by Sprott Power.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page xiv

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

d) Steps taken by the proponent to address environmental concerns expressed by the public and aboriginal people:

As summarized in Section 5 of the accompanying EA, the environmental effects of the project are minimal, and are mitigatable. Furthermore, the environmental issues that have been raised during the previous projects and those identified in the NSE Proponent’s Guide to Wind Power Projects (NSE, 2012) potential issues are addressed fully in the EA and the environmental protection approach adopted by Sprott. d.a) whether environmental baseline information for the undertaking is sufficient for predicting adverse effects or environmental effects related to the undertaking

The baseline information used in the attached EA is a combination of existing information, used in the two previous assessments (2005 and 2006) supplemented where needed with new, updated baseline data. This approach was reviewed with the NSE Environmental Assessment Branch (meeting date June 23, 2011). Existing baseline data used by the EA team includes: x avian survey data from the Avian Survey Report (2005) and Post – Construction Avian Monitoring Report (2009). NSDNR staff were consulted to ensure that the previous studies would sufficiently represent the area proposed for the expansion turbines (pers. com M. Elderkin, April 29, 2011); x description of existing environment components (i.e. climate, geology, surface and ground water, wetlands, socio-economic information) from the past Lingan EA reports and expanded where possible with additional available information x the Archaeological Screening Report (CRM, 2005). The screening was conducted for the Lingan project area, as well as two separate sites, Glace Bay (1-B Road) and Port Caledonia sites, and; x the Archaeological Assessment of Lingan Turbines 2, 3, &4 (CRM, 2006);

New baseline information includes: x Additional site specific vegetation and habitat surveys were undertaken as Sprott considered different options for turbine locations in the Lingan study area. These surveys were conducted to identify potential constraints to turbine sites such as at risk flora species and

Dillon Consulting Limited Page xv

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

wetlands. No flora species of concern were identified during field surveys and the vegetation is characteristic with that of a previously disturbed landscape. x Visual simulations to illustrate how the proposed turbines would interact with the existing visual landscape; x Flicker modeling to predict the maximum hours/year that receptors may experience shadow flicker from the proposed turbines. Flicker modelling indicated that when applying true climate and astronomic conditions (as opposed to the modeled worst case scenario that assumes that the sun is shining all the time as long as the sun is above horizon), the maximum amount of shadow flicker received by a receptor property is 12.66 hours per year. The actual conditions may be less since the model assumes that all windows of the receptor dwellings face the proposed wind farm which is not the case. x Sound emission modeling to predict the sound levels experienced by receptors and what sound levels would be emitted at different distances from the proposed turbines. The resulting sound emission modelling determined that all of the 28 receptors (those within 1000 m of the project) would receive less than 40.0 dBA as a result of the proposed expansion. x A review of remediation and reclamations activities and an assessment of potential risks associated with former coal mining activity on lands owned by ECBC. e) Potential and known adverse effects or environmental effects of the technology to be used in the proposed undertaking:

The potential adverse and beneficial environmental effects of the technology to be used in this project are well known and documented in the accompanying EA. f) Project schedules where applicable: The anticipated start-up date for construction of the project is during the winter of 2013. An overview of the schedule is provided below: x Tree Clearing – Winter 2013 (to avoid nesting season of breeding birds) x Access Roads and Crane Pads – Summer 2013 x Foundation Construction – Summer 2013

Dillon Consulting Limited Page xvi

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

x Turbine Delivery and Erection – Fall 2013 x Commissioning – Fall 2013 h) Other undertakings in the area:

In addition to the existing Lingan Wind Farm, Sprott operates 800 kW turbines at Glace Bay (1B Road) and at Port Caledonia (one at either location). These two turbines were not subject to approvals under the Environmental Assessment Regulations. Sprott is not aware of any other current undertakings as defined by the Environmental Assessment Regulations in the area.

(h.a) Whether compliance with licences, certificates, permits, approvals or other documents of authorization required by law will mitigate the environmental effects

The licences, certificates, permits, approval or other documents of authorization required by law for and pertinent to, this proposed undertaking are established based on standards of environmental and human health protection which is proven and accepted in Nova Scotia, Canada and for other international environmental jurisdictions. j) Such other information as the Minister may require:

Sprott has planned the project and prepared this document and the accompanying EA in recognition of the environmental issues particular to wind power projects in Nova Scotia. Through its discussions with NSE EA branch personnel and based on the experience of operating the existing wind farm, Sprott does not anticipate that the Minister will require additional information. However, Sprott is prepared to provide more information should it be required by the Minister.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page xvii

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Glossary

As-of-Right Refers to land uses permitted in a given zone that do not require a development agreement to proceed (assuming the general provisions of the land use by-law are met). abandonment terminating use of facilities at the end of project life. abiotic non-biological; a process not mediated by or resulting from the activity of organisms. Weather is an example of an abiotic process. acid generating bedrock Under Section 66 of the Nova Scotia Environment Act acid generating bedrock means aggregate having a sulphide sulphur content equal or greater than 0.4% (12.51 kg H2SO4/tonne). archaeological resource archaeological sites consisting of pre-contact and historical, in ground, resources.

bedrock the more or less solid rock in place either at or beneath the surface of the earth. brownfield abandoned, idle or underutilized commercial or industrial properties where past actions have caused known or suspected environmental contamination, but where there is active potential for redevelopment (OCETA, 2008). channel a natural stream that conveys waters; a ditch excavated to control the flow of water.

COSEWIC status the status or rank (e.g., extinct, extirpated, threatened, endangered or rare) given to species of wildlife by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). decommissioning preparing facilities for abandonment at the end of project life. discharge the process by which groundwater feeds into surface water bodies, or the general flow of water from a source to a receiving body of water. drainage the removal of excess surface water or groundwater from land by means of surface or subsurface flow.

Environmental Construction Plan a document that identifies location specific environmental protection measures to be used during construction (i.e., construction drawings illustrating placement of sediment fences adjacent to a watercourse).

Dillon Consulting Limited Page xviii

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

endangered descriptive of a species threatened with imminent extinction or extirpation.

Environmental Protection Plan identifies construction activities and mitigation strategies common to the construction of the natural gas system and may contain contingency plans. erodible susceptible to erosion. erosion detachment of soil particles by agents such as water, wind, and ice. extinct a species that no longer exists on the planet. extirpated a species that is locally extinct for a specific location, but that may exist elsewhere. fauna animals. field truthing on-site verification of information gathered from primary and secondary sources. fine-grained texture generally refers to the silt- and clay-size particles in soil. fish habitat the spawning grounds and nursery, rearing, food supply, and migration areas on which fish depend directly or indirectly in order to carry out their life processes (federal Fisheries Act definition). flora plants. fugitive emission a gas, liquid, solid, vapour, fume, mist, fog, or dust that escapes from process equipment, or work areas. geotextile a flexible fabric that can be used to filter sediment from water or that can be placed over the soil surface to prevent germination and growth of weeds or to temporarily prevent soil erosion. geotextile filter bag a bag constructed of geosynthetic fabric used to filter sediment out of water. grading any ROW stripping, cutting, filling, stockpiling, or any combination thereof, including the land in its cut-and-filled condition. gravel rock or mineral pieces larger than two mm and up to 76 mm, in diameter, may include larger diameter cobbles. habitat the environment in which the life needs of a plant or animal are supplied. hazardous materials any prohibited, restricted, or controlled product.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page xix

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

heritage resources archaeological resources, heritage structures, designated historic sites, sacred sites, burial sites, and areas of historical importance. heritage structure standing structure meeting Canadian Inventory of Historic Building (CIHB) criteria. herpetiles a category of animal consisting of amphibians and reptiles. historic after European arrival. impact an observable and measurable response of a population, individual or abiotic factor to an external source of disturbance. migration (birds) movement of birds, usually in large numbers, with the purpose of reaching areas used for breeding or returning from those areas. mitigation measures measures applied to eliminate or minimize the potential adverse effects of an activity on the environment. mudstone a fine-grained sedimentary rock consisting mainly of clay mineral particles. mulch material such as baled hay, straw, or shredded straw mixed with newsprint and raw cotton fibres, which covers the surface of the soil and protects against the impact of erosion. mulching the application of mulch on slopes and other exposed ground as a temporary measure to prevent erosion of the exposed ground and siltation of watercourses. organisms any life forms. passerine perching birds. perennial a plant which lives for more than two growing seasons. petroleum product includes aviation fuel, asphalt, bunker 'C' oil, diesel fuel, engine oil, gasoline, kerosene, lubricants, mineral spirits, naphtha, petroleum-based solvents, transformer oil, and water/petroleum products (exclusive of paint and propane). pH a quantitative measure from 0 to 14 of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. Low pH indicates acidity, high pH indicates alkalinity, pH7 indicates neutrality. pre-contact an event that predates European arrival, typically referring to First Nations peoples and their activities before contact with Europeans. project, the The Sprott Power Corp. 11.5 MW Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm, NS

Dillon Consulting Limited Page xx

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

rare species species which occur in low numbers in a given area, but which are in little danger of extinction. runoff portion of the precipitation on a drainage area that is discharged from the area in the stream channels. Includes surface runoff, groundwater runoff, or seepage. sandstone a sedimentary rock consisting of sand-sized particles cemented by silica or clay. sediment fence fence constructed of geosynthetic fabric and installed in a special manner to collect sediments in surface runoff. sediment pond/trap a depression formed from the construction of a barrier or dam built to retain sediment or debris. sediment fine soil material that is generated by erosion and deposited from water. sedimentary rock rock formed by the accumulation of sediment in water (aqueous deposits) or from air (eolian deposits). sedimentation deposition of soil particles or other solids. seepage water escaping through, or emerging from, the ground; usually considered to occur along an extensive line or surface, as contrasted with a spring, where the water emerges from a localized spot. sensitive descriptive of a species that normally exhibits a well-defined perturbation to an external source of disturbance when measured under controlled conditions. However, population characteristics of sensitive species may render them non-susceptible to disturbance under field conditions (see vulnerable). silt soil particles from 1/256 mm to 1/16 mm in diameter. siltation see also sedimentation. Denotes sediment pollution of a watercourse. slate a fine-grained metamorphic rock that originated as shale, easily split into flat smooth plates. species a self-perpetuating population of animals or plants which is more or less genetically isolated. stream bank the usual boundaries, not the flood boundaries, of a stream channel. streambed bottom of channel carrying streamflow. study area refers to the EA study area for the Lingan 11.5 MW Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Wind Farm (refer to Figure i).

Dillon Consulting Limited Page xxi

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

study team Sprott Power Corp. and Dillon Consulting Limited. surface runoff see runoff. surface water all water, the surface of which is exposed to the atmosphere. surficial characteristic of, pertaining to, formed on, situated at, or occurring on the earth's surface; especially, consisting of unconsolidated residual, alluvial, or glacial deposits lying on the bedrock. suspended solids particles either floating or suspended in water. threatened descriptive of a species likely to become endangered. till non-sorted, non-stratified sediment carried or deposited by a glacier. topography the configuration of the Earth's surface, including the shape, elevation and position of its natural and man-made features. turbidity condition of water when it becomes cloudy due to sediment in suspension in the water column. undertaking, the as described in the Registration Document and defined by the Nova Scotia Environment Act and Environmental Assessment Regulations. vulnerable descriptive of a species at risk because of low numbers or restricted occurrence. watercourse means any creek, brook, stream, river, lake, pond, spring, lagoon or any other natural body of water, and includes all the water in it, and also the bed and the shore (whether there is actually any water in it or not). It also includes all ground water (Environment Act). watershed an area of land draining to a common collection system such as stream or lake. wetland Land commonly referred to as marsh, swamp, fen or bog that either periodically or permanently has a water table at, near or above the land's surface or that is saturated with water, and sustains aquatic processes as indicated by the presence of poorly drained soils, hydrophytic vegetation and biological activities adapted to wet conditions.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page xxii

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Table of Contents

1.0 Introduction...... 1 1.1 Project Overview ...... 1 1.1.1 Need for the Project...... 1 1.1.2 Role of Environmental Planning...... 1 1.1.3 Alternatives ...... 2 1.1.4 Approvals and Permits Required ...... 3

2.0 Project Description...... 5 2.1 System Overview...... 5 2.1.1 System Components...... 5 2.1.1.1 Turbines ...... 5 2.1.1.2 Turbine Lighting ...... 8 2.1.1.3 Tower Foundation ...... 8 2.1.1.4 Interconnection to the Substation and Grid ...... 8 2.1.2 Ancillary Components ...... 9 2.1.2.1 Service Areas (Assembly Areas) ...... 9 2.2 Management, Schedule, Design and Pre-construction Activities...... 11 2.2.1 Pre-Construction Management...... 11 2.2.2 Construction Management...... 11 2.2.3 Construction Schedule...... 13 2.2.4 System Planning and Design...... 13 2.2.4.1 Regulatory Environment...... 13 2.2.4.2 Site Selection Process and Design ...... 14 2.2.5 Pre-construction Activities...... 15 2.2.6 Construction Activities and Methods...... 16 2.2.6.1 Construction Equipment ...... 16 2.2.6.2 Grading ...... 16 2.2.6.3 Construction of the Crane Pads...... 16 2.2.6.4 Excavation of the Turbine Foundation Pits ...... 17 2.2.6.5 Transportation and Assembly of the Turbine Components...... 17 2.2.7 Environmental Protection Methods...... 18 2.2.7.1 Management of Soils and Bedrock ...... 19 2.2.7.2 Waste Management ...... 19 2.2.8 Management of Sediment, Erosion and Construction Drainage ...... 20 2.2.8.1 Description of Erosion and Sediment Control Measures ...... 20 2.2.9 Cultural Heritage Resource Protection During Construction...... 21 2.2.10 Paleontological Resource Protection during Construction...... 22 2.3 Operations...... 22 2.3.1 Site Access...... 22 2.3.2 Turbine Operation...... 23

Dillon Consulting Limited Page xxiii

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

2.3.3 Maintenance...... 23 2.3.4 Decommissioning, Closure and Abandonment ...... 24

3.0 Public Consultation Summary ...... 25 3.1 Consultation...... 25 3.2 Open Houses...... 25 3.3 Engagement with the Mi’kmaq ...... 25

4.0 Study Area Boundaries and Assessment Methodology...... 27 4.1 Introduction ...... 27 4.2 Setting and Boundaries ...... 27 4.3 Method of Assessment ...... 29 4.3.1 Impact Significance ...... 29 4.4 Issue Scoping...... 30 4.4.1 Issues of Concern ...... 31

5.0 Description of Exisiting Environment, and Effects Assessment ...... 36 5.1 Biophysical Environment ...... 36 5.1.1 Weather Conditions...... 36 5.1.2 Air Quality ...... 41 5.1.2.1 Air Emissions...... 41 5.1.3 Geology...... 42 5.1.4 Surface Water...... 45 5.1.5 Groundwater ...... 47 5.1.6 Wetlands...... 48 5.1.7 Vegetation/Habitats...... 48 5.1.8 Species at Risk and Significant Habitats ...... 53 5.1.8.1 Significant Habitats ...... 58 5.1.9 Migratory Birds...... 60 5.1.10 Other Flying Species ...... 63 5.1.11 Fish and Fish Habitat...... 65 5.1.12 Visual Landscape ...... 65 5.1.13 Electromagnetic Interference...... 70 5.2 Socio-Economic Conditions...... 71 5.2.1 Economy...... 71 5.2.2 Land Use...... 72 5.2.3 Traffic/Transportation...... 74 5.2.4 Recreation and Tourism ...... 75 5.2.5 Human Health and Safety...... 75 5.2.5.1 Ice Throw...... 75 5.2.5.2 Blade Throw or Structural Failure ...... 76 5.2.5.3 Shadow Flicker...... 76 5.2.5.4 Sound Emissions ...... 85

Dillon Consulting Limited Page xxiv

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

5.2.6 Cultural and Heritage Resources...... 92 5.2.7 Accidents and Malfunctions...... 93 5.3 Summary of Effects of the Undertaking on the Environment...... 94 5.3.1 Residual Effects Summary ...... 95 5.4 Effects of the Environment on the Undertaking...... 106 5.4.1 Extreme Weather Events...... 106 5.4.2 Sea Level Rise ...... 106 5.4.3 Coastal Erosion...... 107 5.4.4 Subsidence...... 107

6.0 Follow-up ...... 108 6.1 Additional Studies...... 108 6.2 Environmental Protection Plan (EPP)...... 108 6.3 Contingency Plans ...... 108 6.4 Compliance Monitoring ...... 108 6.5 Post-Construction Environmental Effects Monitoring ...... 109

7.0 References Cited and Literature Reviewed ...... 110

Dillon Consulting Limited Page xxv

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

List of Figures:

Figure 2-1 Project Layout...... 7 Figure 2-2 Typical Platform Layout ...... 10 Figure 4-1 Spatial Boundaries ...... 28 Figure 5-1 Bedrock Geology...... 44 Figure 5-2 Aquatic Environment ...... 46 Figure 5-3 Lingan and Phalen Colliery Remediation and Reclamation Sites...... 49 Figure 5-4 Significant Wildlife Habitats...... 59 Figure 5-5 Viewpoint Locations for Visual Simulation...... 66 Figure 5-6 Land Use Zoning ...... 73 Figure 5-7 Wind Direction and Speed Distribution at the Site...... 80 Figure 5-8 Worst Case Shadow Flicker by Receptor...... 82 Figure 5-9 Real Case Shadow Flicker by Receptor...... 83 Figure 5-10 Acoustic Emissions...... 91

List of Tables:

Table 1-1 Permitting Plan ...... 4 Table 2-1 Turbine Specifications ...... 5 Table 2-2 Access Road Specifications...... 9 Table 4-1 Assessment of Criteria for Determination of Significance of Effects ...... 30 Table 4-2 Issues and Location in the EA ...... 31 Table 5-1 Temperature Normals for Sydney Airport ...... 38 Table 5-2 Precipitation Normals for Sydney Airport ...... 39 Table 5-3 Wind Data for Sydney Airport ...... 40 Table 5-4 Shortlist of Potential at Risk Species for Habitat and Field Findings...... 55 Table 5-5 Lingan Wind Farm Layout ...... 79 Table 5-6 Probability of Monthly Sunshine at Lingan Wind Farm Site...... 79 Table 5-7 Shadow Flicker Results for the Expansion Turbines...... 81 Table 5-8 Sound Power Spectra for Dominant Noise Sources ...... 87 Table 5-9 Noise Source Coordinates ...... 88 Table 5-10 Acoustic Summary Table ...... 89 Table 5-11 Impact Assessment Summary...... 95 Table 5-12 Residual Effects Summary ...... 96

Dillon Consulting Limited Page xxvi

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

List of Appendices

Appendix A Avian Survey Data: 2005 Baseline Report And One Year Post Construction Monitoring Report Appendix B Plant and Fauna Survey Data Appendix C Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment from 2006 Environmental Assessment Appendix D Environmental Protection Plan Appendix E Mi’kmaq Ecological knowledge Study Appendix F Assessment of ECBC Properties Associated with the Former Phalen and Lingan Collieries Appendix G Sound and Flicker Modelling Reports Appendix H Technical Specifications Appendix I Open House Flyer, Newspaper Notice, Record of Attendance and Comment Form Appendix J Curriculum Vitae of Team Members

Dillon Consulting Limited Page xxvii

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Project Overview

Sprott plans to develop an expansion of the existing Lingan Wind Farm on land leased from Sprott subsidiaries and ECBC, located between Lingan and the Town of New Waterford, NS (Figures i and ii).

The project will consist of 9.2 MW of electricity, which will be generated by four 2.3 MW wind turbines. The turbine model currently selected for this project is the Enercon E82, which will be 78 m high at the hub and have an 82 m rotor diameter.

When the required approvals and permits are received, Sprott plans to begin construction in mid in the winter of 2013 with commissioning in the fall of 2013.

1.1.1 Need for the Project The purpose of the undertaking is to expand the existing wind power generating facility to generate electricity for transmission via the existing NSPI grid. The expansion is anticipated to provide up to an estimated 27.5 GWh annually (9200 kW x 8760 hrs./yr. x 34% capacity factor). The electricity provided by the combined projects will displace the equivalent power supplied by NSPI’s fossil fuel fired generating stations.

1.1.2 Role of Environmental Planning Environmental planning is fundamental to the successful execution of all stages of this project. The Environmental Assessment (EA) addresses the requirements for review of the project under

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 1

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

the Nova Scotia Environmental Assessment Regulations. The purpose of an EA is to identify the anticipated impacts of a proposed project, allowing for the identification of residual (remaining) impacts once reasonable and practical mitigation measures have been incorporated.

1.1.3 Alternatives Selecting a suitable location for a wind farm requires that the proposed site meet specific criteria: x Available source of wind resource; x Close proximity to a connection to the NSPI electrical grid; x A community where there is a reasonable level of acceptance of wind energy and wind turbines; x Sufficient land for the required infrastructure, and; x Access to roads/rail for the transportation of the turbines and other materials.

The expansion site meets all of the above criteria for the proposed wind farm project. In addition, the Lingan site is not a on a major avian flight path, unlike other headlands in the area. Although there are migratory bird habitats in Lingan Bay, the primary flight path is directly in and out of the Bay along the shore of Shanty Bay past North Head.

The siting of individual turbines was based upon a number of factors including: x Setback from residences (Sprott has an internal company policy of siting turbines no closer than 550 m from a residence to mitigate potential issues associated with noise or visual impacts);

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 2

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

x Noise and shadow flicker studies; x Separation distance from other turbines; x The local wind dynamics on the site; and, x Avoidance of underground coal workings (to avoid potential subsidence which is an issue in this part of Cape Breton) in the coal seams that underlie the project area.

1.1.4 Approvals and Permits Required Provincial and federal approvals applicable to the undertaking are summarized in Table 1-1.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 3

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Table 1-1 Permitting Plan Action Authority Notes/Comments

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Provincial Environmental Assessment Nova Scotia Environment (NSE) An electric generating facility which has a production rating of 2 megawatts or more derived from wind energy is Process defined as Class I undertakings in the Environmental Assessment Regulations.

Sprott is seeking Ministerial approval to be granted following Registration based on submitting a Registration Document/EA that:

• Meets all requirements for approval by the Minister under the EA Regulations. • Evidences that good planning and environmental management guide the assessment. PROVINCIAL APPROVALS

Notification and Approval for works NSE As required by the Sulphide Bearing Material Regulations, this relates to construction activities in areas where there affecting sulphide bearing material is sulphide-bearing material, primarily pyritic slate bedrock of the Halifax Formation. Not anticipated to be required for this project.

Special Move Permit NSTIR Over-Dimension Permit from NSTIR for the transportation of turbine sections from the Sydport to the project location

Work Within Right-of-Way Permit NSTIR For the construction of access roads and construction of project components within 100 m of a public highway

Permit to Generate, Carry or Receive NSE “Waste dangerous goods” may be generated during some construction. Depending on volumes and characteristics, Waste Dangerous Goods registration may be required.

FEDERAL APPROVALS

CEAA Screening Level Environmental ECBC Required before a federal authority can transfer land or any interest in federal land. Assessment

Aeronautical Obstruction Clearance Transport Canada Required to assess if structures present a hazard to aviation and to determine lighting requirements.

Submission of Wind Turbine Submission DND - ATESS Required by, the Department of National Defence (DND) to determine if Form the proposed project would interfere with DND radar systems.

Land Use Approval Nav Canada Required to assess if structures have an impact on Nav Canada operations.

MUNICIPAL APPROVALS

Development Permit Cape Breton regional Municipality Required for any new construction in Cape Breton Regional Municipality

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 4

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

2.0 Project Description This section provides a detailed description of the 9.2 MW expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm project (the Project).

The Project description is presented in sufficient detail that reviewers can understand the potential environmental impacts of the project and the methods that will be applied to avoid or mitigate environmental effects. An overview of standard environmental management and protection measures are integrated with the project description.

2.1 System Overview

Sprott plans to construct a 9.2 MW expansion of the existing wind energy generation facility in the vicinity of New Waterford and Lingan, Nova Scotia. The facility will consist of four 2.3 MW wind turbines constructed within the study area of the existing wind farm. The turbines will be connected to the NSPI grid at Lingan through the existing wind farm connection (Lingan 109S substation). The proposed layout of the expansion is shown in Figure 2-1.

2.1.1 System Components 2.1.1.1 Turbines The turbines selected for this project are built by Enercon. The model, the E-82, 2.3MW, turbine generates a maximum 2.3MW (in winds exceeding 12 m/s). Table 2-1 summarises the specifications of this particular model.

Table 2-1 Turbine Specifications Component Specification Rated Output 2.3 MW Hub Height (center) 78 m Rotor Diameter 82 m (blade length measured to the center of the Nacelle) Rotor and Pitch Control Type Upwind rotor with active pitch control Direction of Rotation Clockwise Number of Blades Three Swept Area 5,281 m2 Blade Material Fibreglass (epoxy resin) with built-n lightning protection)

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 5

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Component Specification Rated blade rotation speed Variable 6-18 revolutions/minute Pitch Control Enercon single blade pitch system, one independent pitch system per rotor blade with allocated emergency supply Generator and Drive Train Hub Rigid Main Bearing Double-row tapered/cylindrical roller bearings Generator Enercon direct-drive annular generator Grid Feeding Enercon inverter Brake Systems Three independent pitch control systems with emergency power supply. Rotor brake and rotor lock for maintenance Yaw Control Active via adjustment gears, load-dependant damping Tower Construction Three parts with a free length of 65 m Material Steel Base diameter 4.3 m Top Diameter 2.2 m Base Circumference 13.5 m Base Area 14.51 m2 Wind Velocities Start-up 2.5 m/s Rated 12.0 m/s Shut-down (average wind speed) 28 m/s (79.2 km/hr.) Shut-down (gust) 35 m/s (100.8 km/hr.) Enercon GmbH (2006)

The Direct Drive System Direct drive refers to the link between the rotating blades and the electrical generator. The blades on the turbine drive a shaft that turns directly within the generator. This means that the turbines do not require a gearbox or drive train and as a result, and do not require high-speed mechanical (or electrical) components. Therefore, all moving parts including the blades rotate at the same speed, (6-18 revolutions per minute (rpm) depending on wind conditions). The result is that the turbines are quieter, more reliable and efficient, and need less maintenance than turbines that contain a gearbox or drive train.

Variable Speed Variable speed means that the speed of rotation of the blades (and therefore the generator) will depend on the wind speed, rotating slowly at times of low wind speed and speeding up with increases in wind velocity. A computer located in the nacelle varies the pitch of the blades depending on the wind speed, to optimise the surface area of the blades exposed to the wind and

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 6

t e e d r r

t a

S 1 v 5 5 r e 5 l 1 e t u t " " o e 20 " b B

d " a w 20

e e i L " v "

H a A t l a n t i c O c e a n inc " e h 2 " PID: 15501141 ey c Ave 5 nue O 30 " " " " " " " " T-13 " " " " " " " " t e 35 " 20 e r t

S " " T-9 r Former u

h t r " Lingan New A 35 30 Colliery T-6 T-7 Waterford PID: 15501166 k o o t r e T-5 B e 40 r

t t n S e

t 0 i

e s 3 e a

d r e T-12 2 r 5

r e t c 20 r

a t S D a

r 30

r S

n e r G 15

G a 30

T-4 10

K k

c c

M d

C 2 e

5 PID: 15827520 35 m

30 a

T-11 T-3 PID: 15772999 5 Former T-8 30 Phalen Colliery T-1 T-2

30 T-10

NSPI Ashfill Settling Pond

0 NSPI Lingan

4 5

4 Generating Station 5 H 3 in c h e 5 y 1 40 M A a v 15 c e L n e u l e la n R D o r 15 a iv 4 c e 0 0 h 0 2 e 30 2 s R o a d 4 4 5 5

ÖÑ Lingan III Turbines ( T10 to T13) Local Road Proposed Access Road Project Parcel Boundaries Existing Project Ancillary Components LINGAN WIND FARM EXPANSION PROJECT ÖÑ Lingan I and II Turbines (T1 to T8) Trail/Track Property Parcel Boundaries Access Road

ÖÑ ComFIT Turbine (T9) Railway Open Water Lingan Bay ! ! Overhead Line

! ! FIGURE 2-1 " Residence within 1000 m Proposed Collector Lines Wetland Íw Substation 109S Lingan 5 m Contour Underground Electrical PROJECT LAYOUT Watercourse Conduit

Meters SOURCE: GEO NOVA MAP PROJECTION: UTM NAD 83, ZONE 20 0 90 180 270 360 PROJECT #: 115625 ² DATE: JUNE 2012 SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

therefore the rotation speed. This process is called optimising the tip speed ratio (the ratio of wind speed to blade tip speed) which is where maximum energy yield is achieved. The turbines contain a unique three stage transformer which allows variable generation to be fed into a range of local grid conditions without causing a local network ‘flicker’ as the turbines are engaged or disengaged (which occurs infrequently in any case). This differs from conventional turbines that contain gearboxes in order to maintain a rotation speed within the generator of up to 1500 rpm. Without a gearbox, the Enercon turbines require less maintenance. No gearbox also means that the turbines produce virtually no tonal noise.

Since the turbines are variable speed, and can operate in low wind conditions, the aerodynamic noise (the blade tip noise) is reduced, especially at times of low wind speed. This is because the noise produced is a function of the blade tip speed, which slows as wind speed slows.

2.1.1.2 Turbine Lighting Lighting of the wind farm is determined by Transport Canada under Standard 621.19 Standards Obstruction Markings. The lighting, only visible at night, will consist of two or three red flashing lights. Chapter 5 of Standard 621.19 determines the parameters of the light. The light on the western most of the existing turbines will be moved to the westernmost of the turbines proposed under this project (i.e. from turbine T-7 to turbine T-13). This move will result in lighting of the turbines at either end of the farm. Transport Canada will determine if additional lighting is required in the middle of the array after the farm is operational.

2.1.1.3 Tower Foundation The tower will be anchored in a circular reinforced concrete base. The advantage of a circular base is the equal distribution of force in all wind directions. Circular base construction reduces the amount of re-bar required to reinforce the concrete and reduces the size of the base compared to an asymmetrical base. Another means of reducing the amount of reinforced concrete is to fill the foundation with material excavated from the pit for the base. The depth of the foundation is dependant upon the nature of the material on the site.

2.1.1.4 Interconnection to the Substation and Grid Each turbine has its own transformer located at its base that will raise the current to the collection system voltage of 25 KV. Each turbine will be connected to a network of above-

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 8

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

ground collector lines via underground cables buried approximately 1.5 m below ground surface. Where possible, these lines will be buried within the respective access road right-of-way. The above-ground collector lines will connect to the main existing Lingan 109S substation. Where possible, the existing above-ground collector lines will be used (i.e., T-10). Turbines T-11, T-12 and T-13 will require new collector lines which will tie into the existing line along Hinchey Avenue. At the Lingan 109S substation the current is raised to 69kV for interconnection with the NSPI grid via an existing transmission line.

2.1.2 Ancillary Components Access Roads Sprott will construct approximately 1,000 m of roads to access the site and to connect the turbines (Figure 2-1). The all season roads will be constructed on the lands wholly owned or leased by Sprott and in accordance with the Project Environmental Protection Plan (EPP) (see Appendix D). Table 2-2 provides the minimum access road requirements for turbine component transport. Access roads will be constructed using clean aggregate sourced offsite from an NSE approved provider.

Table 2-2 Access Road Specifications Useful width of carriageway 4 m Clearance width 5.5 m Clearance height 4.6 m Radius of curve, external 28 m Incline with loose surface 7% Incline with fixed surface 12% Ground clearance of transport vehicles 0.15 m Source: Enercon GmbH (2006)

2.1.2.1 Service Areas (Assembly Areas) The disturbed area associated with each foundation will be approximately 25 m in diameter. During construction and assembly, a gravel surface service area will be constructed for lay-down of components and a crane pad. The crane pad will be constructed to permit a maximum axle load of 12 tonnes. The dimensions of the service area required for the E-82 are shown in Figure 2-2.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 9

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Figure 2-2 Typical Platform Layout

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 10

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

2.2 Management, Schedule, Design and Pre-construction Activities

2.2.1 Pre-Construction Management A number of management activities are conducted prior to construction of the turbines to facilitate timely project completion. These activities include:

x Planning and design, focussing on the environmental and engineering aspects of the project; x Pre-construction activities, including surveying and soils and environmental investigations; x Regulatory permits; x Materials procurement; and x Contracted resources, to be tendered for prior to construction.

2.2.2 Construction Management The construction stage of the project will include contract administration, construction, and pre-commissioning.

Key construction management activities include:

x Control of construction schedule and budget; x Coordination of construction logistics; x Coordination of contractors and contract administration; x Communications with the public and stakeholders during construction; x Application of company programs and procedures relating to construction activities; x Execution of the work in accordance with project standards and specifications; x Implementation of the safety, quality control, quality assurance and environmental management programs, including supervision of all independent testing and inspection requirements; x Retention of construction records.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 11

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

These activities are summarized in point form below.

Project Controls x The construction of the turbines and components is managed to meet the budget, schedule and environmental management objectives set by Sprott.

Management and Coordination x Construction logistics are managed with particular regard to construction staging, materials delivery, materials control, temporary facilities, emergency response during construction, and related factors; x Contractors are coordinated and administered to meet their individual targets and objectives; and, x Programs and procedures including environmental protection, construction safety and emergency response are applied to meet overall company goals, objectives and regulatory requirements.

Communications x The public and affected property owners are kept informed of construction activities in a timely manner; and, x Regulators and other stakeholders are kept informed of issues arising during construction.

Materials Quality Control x Materials are received, and accepted from suppliers; x Measures for material inventory control and storage are implemented; x Delivery of material to contractors is coordinated and controlled; and, x Records are maintained to track the location of material installation.

Installation Quality Control x Industry standards and specifications are applied during construction; x Design changes are reviewed and receive appropriate approval and sign-off; and, x Quality control procedures are implemented to verify that construction proceeds in accordance with Sprott’s specified requirements.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 12

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Environmental Compliance x Environmental compliance is confirmed and measured against regulatory requirements, Terms and Conditions of Approvals, and an Environmental Protection Plan (EPP) during the construction phase; x Procedures are put in place for conducting corrective actions in the event that non- compliance is discovered during construction; and, x The environmental protection program, which includes monitoring plans, environmental protection plans, emergency response plans, contingency plans, and auditing and reporting mechanisms, are applied in accordance with Sprott’s procedures and specified requirements.

2.2.3 Construction Schedule The anticipated start-up date for construction of the project is during the winter of 2013. An overview of the schedule is provided below:

x Tree Clearing – Winter 2013 (to avoid nesting season of breeding birds); x Access Roads and Crane Pads – Summer 2013; x Foundation Construction – Summer 2013; x Turbine Delivery and Erection – Fall 2013; and x Commissioning – Fall 2013.

2.2.4 System Planning and Design The design process is a critical factor in assuring environmental resource protection. The planning and design of the project is described below under the following subsections:

x Regulatory Environment; and, x Site Selection Process and Design.

2.2.4.1 Regulatory Environment The project will be completed in accordance with the requirements of the following federal and provincial environmental legislation and the regulations made pursuant to them.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 13

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

x Migratory Birds Convention Act; x Canadian Environmental Assessment Act x Canada Wildlife Act; x Nova Scotia Environment Act; x Nova Scotia Endangered Species Act; x Nova Scotia Special Places Act; and, x Nova Scotia Wildlife Act.

In addition to the above acts and regulations, the system will be designed to meet applicable environmental regulations and guidelines. The permitting framework for the project is presented in Section 1.1.4.

2.2.4.2 Site Selection Process and Design Sprott established a specific set of criteria to determine the most suitable site for the existing wind farm and this expansion. The criteria included the following parameters: x Sufficient available land; x Suitable wind resource (avoiding interference from adjacent turbines); x Proximity to the NSPI grid for interconnection; x Proximity to a suitable transportation network; x Required setback from nearby residences; x Nature of the soil (suitable for the turbine foundations, avoid potential contaminated soils related to past mining activities); and, x Nature of the bedrock ( geotechnical assessment to avoid areas of potential subsidence).

The site at Lingan meets all of the above criteria. Sprott determined the best layout of the wind farm based on the characteristics of the wind resource, the setback requirements, interconnection between the turbines and to the NSPI grid, and onsite environmental conditions including subsurface conditions related to former underground mine workings and soil conditions and potential environmental sensitivities.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 14

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

2.2.5 Pre-construction Activities Supporting activities such as surveying and geotechnical investigations are required before detailed design is completed and construction begins. These activities have relatively low and localized impact on the environment; however, Sprott will implement the protection measures for these activities as described in the EPP.

Surveying Surveying includes gathering of location and elevation data required for the design of the system. Surveying requires cutting of vegetation along survey lines and cross-section offsets to provide clear line of sight for survey equipment. Given that the site is vegetated with shrubs and grasses, very little clearing will be required for surveying.

Geotechnical Investigations Surficial soil conditions, depth to bedrock and the nature of the overburden and bedrock and potential for subsidence will be investigated. Both excavation by mechanical equipment and drilling with a drill rig are typically used for geotechnical investigations. As with surveying, access to the site will be by existing roads. Where new access is required, it will follow the requirements of the EPP.

Clearing A minimal amount of clearing will be required for the turbines and access roads as the vegetation on the site is primarily brush and scrub. Although not anticipated, any merchantable timber harvested during construction will be the responsibility of the contractor.

Stumps and root systems will be retained to the extent practical except in the access road right of way and where removal is necessary for safe equipment access. The need for, and extent of, stump and root system removal will be determined on a site-by-site basis. The remaining debris will be disposed of in accordance with the EPP (i.e., burning will not be permitted as a means of disposal).

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 15

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

2.2.6 Construction Activities and Methods This section summarizes typical wind farm construction activities and general environmental protection measures. Detailed environmental protection measures for each activity are detailed in the Sprott EPP.

2.2.6.1 Construction Equipment The construction equipment used in the development of the site will include excavators, bulldozers and cranes. Excavation and grading equipment will be used to construct the access roads, crane pads and turbine foundations. Cranes will be used in the erection and assembly of the turbines.

2.2.6.2 Grading Environmental control measures such as sediment fencing, diversion ditching or sedimentation ponds will be installed by the crews prior to commencement of grading activities if required. Grading may be required to level the access roads and work area. Where required, graded areas will be grubbed and topsoil stripped and stockpiled for reuse. Roots and slash generated from the grubbing operation may be buried. The locations for burial will be determined by the contractor. Burning of slash or grubbing material will not be permitted.

Given the nature of the bedrock geology (Morien Group mudstones and sandstones) in the project area and the depth of overburden, blasting is not anticipated. In addition, acid generating rock is not anticipated as the Morien Group bedrock is not known to contain sulphides. The coal layers lying below the Morien Group sandstone and mudstones are known to be acid generating due to the high sulphide nature of the coal. Measures have been taken in siting the project components to avoid constructing within the Lingan and Phalen mine waste rock dumps that are likely to contain elevated sulphide levels.

2.2.6.3 Construction of the Crane Pads The crane pads for each turbine will be constructed in a similar fashion as the access roads. The pads will be constructed to permit a maximum axle load of 12 tonnes. The pads will be approximately 770 m2 and be 12 m from the turbine foundation.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 16

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

2.2.6.4 Excavation of the Turbine Foundation Pits The turbine foundation consists of a circular reinforced concrete base that is designed to transfer the stress and weight into the ground.

The depth of the foundation will be dependant upon the soil’s ability to absorb compressive strain. Essentially, softer ground requires a deeper foundation. The average depth of the foundation is anticipated to be approximately six metres below ground level or to bedrock if bedrock is less than six metres from surface. No blasting or breaking of bedrock is planned as part of the project, if bedrock is encountered in turbine foundation excavation, the foundation will be constructed on bedrock.

Material excavated from the foundation pit will be used to fill the foundation, reducing the amount of reinforced concrete need to stabilize the foundation and reducing the amount of material to stockpile and stabilize on site.

2.2.6.5 Transportation and Assembly of the Turbine Components The turbine components will arrive by ship at the Sydney Coal Pier and then be transported via flatbed truck to the Lingan site. The trucks will leave the Sydney Coal Pier and travel on the following route: x Sydney Port Access Road (Spar Road) to Grand Lake Road; x Grand Lake Road to Gardiner Road; x Gardiner Road to Highway 28; and, x Right on to Lingan Road to Hinchey Ave to their respective sites.

The trucking contractor will arrange for necessary provincial and municipal permits to be in place prior to the move and will arrange for utility lifts (if required). The trucking contractor will also be required to ensure that delivery of the turbine components will not contravene spring weight restrictions (if applicable)

A police escort will be present for the transportation of the turbine components and utility personnel will be on hand to lift any telecommunication or power lines that may interfere with the passage of the components.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 17

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

The turbine consists of a 78 m steel tube tower (in three sections), three 40 m blades, the nacelle, rotor hub, and step-up transformer. The tower will be delivered to the site in three sections and assembled using a moderate lift crane for the bottom two sections and a heavy-lift crawler crane to erect the third tower section.

The nacelle will arrive onsite pre-assembled and will be lifted into place by the heavy lift crane and placed atop the tower. The rotor hub, which consists of the nose cone and the three blades, will be hoisted into place by the heavy lift crawler crane, while the smaller crane stabilizes the components as it is being lifted and attached to the nacelle.

2.2.7 Environmental Protection Methods Environmental protection is an integral component of the project. Sprott will employ the Project EPP to guide this aspect of the project. There are several important aspects of environmental protection that are common to several or all construction components. These include:

x soils and bedrock; x sediment, erosion and drainage control; x general protection measures; and, x cultural heritage resources.

Soils are addressed relating to highly erodible or compactable soils, and contaminated soils. Bedrock in general is addressed relative to blasting, and the potential for subsidence.

Cultural heritage resources refers to historic or pre-historic resources of cultural value. This section addresses the methods to be used to identify and evaluate these resources during construction, and to recover or protect the resources on their discovery.

The following subsections summarize the contents of the EPP. Construction contractors will receive a copy of the EPP as part of contracts.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 18

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

2.2.7.1 Management of Soils and Bedrock Contaminated Soils Soil contamination relating to construction and operation may result from spills or leaks of fuels and changing of fluids (e.g., oil changes) for equipment. The risk of such events is considered to be low; however, isolated spills of fuel and oil can occur during construction as with any construction project using heavy machinery. Safe handling practices and waste management issues will be employed by Sprott as detailed in the EPP.

Soil contamination resulting from former land uses may also exist within the proposed project site given the former uses of the land for coal mining and transportation. In the process of locating the turbines, Sprott has taken steps to avoid areas of known or suspected contamination through an assessment (Appendix F) of remediation and reclamation activities undertaken by Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC), from whom Sprott would enter into a lease agreement for the construction and operation of turbines T-12 and T-13.

During construction, areas of suspected contaminated soils within excavation sites will be initially identified by visual indicators (i.e., staining) and odours. Field and/or laboratory analytical procedures will be completed to confirm the existence and nature of the contamination. Once it has been confirmed that contaminated soils have been encountered, a management plan for the material will be developed.

The physical extent of investigative and mitigative activities coordinated by Sprott will be limited to the areas of the turbine bases, the access roads and interconnecting cables. The EPP documents the contaminated soils mitigation protocol, including details on emergency response procedures, personal protective equipment (PPE) and reporting.

2.2.7.2 Waste Management Construction operations will generate minor amounts of liquid and solid wastes. Liquid waste produced includes oils, solvents, grease, fuels and sewage. Liquid wastes such as fuel, oil and solvents will be recycled or reused wherever possible and the remaining materials disposed of in accordance with provincial regulations. Waste storage will be minimized by prompt removal of waste following equipment servicing. However, if liquid waste storage is required, the storage

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 19

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

areas will be located following the requirements for fuel and lubrication storage as outlined in the Project EPP.

Solid waste produced will include materials such as strapping, temporary fencing, signs, and containers. Construction specifications will include requirements for litter control and management of construction wastes. Non-hazardous solid waste will be collected and disposed of at an approved facility by a licensed waste hauler.

Management of Bedrock There are no plans to conduct blasting in the construction of the wind farm expansion. In the event that bedrock is used in the foundation of the turbines, anchor bolts will be drilled into the bedrock to secure the foundation. No breaking or blasting is anticipated for this process.

2.2.8 Management of Sediment, Erosion and Construction Drainage Overview Soils in the study area are characterized as sandy loams and the topography is a gradual slope towards the coastline.

2.2.8.1 Description of Erosion and Sediment Control Measures The following is a brief summary of the erosion and sediment control measures to be used: Erosion and sediment control measures will follow the methods prescribed in the NSE Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook for Construction Sites (NSE, 1988).

Sediment Control Fence Sediment control fencing is a sheet of geosynthetic fabric imbedded into the ground parallel to the contours. Sediment control fencing is used to filter sheet runoff. It will be used to contain sediment within the construction site.

Stabilization Methods Stabilization methods will be used to minimize the potential for erosion. These include:

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 20

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

x tackified straw mulch, polyethylene sheets or other geosynthetic materials may be used as a temporary stabilization method if there is an impending rainfall event or if a disturbed area cannot be permanently stabilized immediately; x erosion control blankets are sheets of biodegradable material that are installed before or after seeding; the blanket protects the seed from washing away with rain and provides soil splash protection while grasses become established; erosion control blankets may be necessary in areas with erodible soils; x gravel including clear stone, surge rock or riprap may be used in ditches where the water velocities are high, in areas with erodible soils, or to dissipate energy from stormwater discharges; and, x for permanent stabilization disturbed areas of the site not covered with gravel will be seeded with native species or standard roadside seed mix specified by the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal ( NSTIR, 2004).

2.2.9 Cultural Heritage Resource Protection During Construction Cultural heritage resources are the collective term given to artefacts, buildings, features and landscapes that reflect past human activities. Archaeologically identified resources can take the form of First Nations campsites, fishing stations, burial sites, as well as the remains of historic farmsteads, residential or commercial buildings, and urban infrastructure. Existing historic buildings and landscapes, including cemeteries, are also considered cultural heritage resources. In addition to these observable resources, locations of spiritual and/or cultural significance to First Nations identified through traditional cultural or ecological knowledge are also recognized as part of our collective heritage.

Construction related activities include the turbine base construction, access roads, and ancillary features. In order to minimize these impacts and mitigate those that cannot be avoided, a cultural heritage impact assessment was undertaken as part of the previous Environmental Assessments (which included the project study area) to identify areas of resource potential. This assessment determined that the area of highest potential is an area along the shoreline, while upland areas and those areas which were heavily disturbed as part of past mining activities are less likely to

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 21

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

contain cultural heritage resources. Subsequent field testing of access road and turbine sites during the previous Environmental Assessment revealed no cultural heritage resources in those areas. The proposed project falls within that part of the overall study area determined to be of lower archaeological potential and therefore further field testing was not required. An overview of the previous cultural heritage impact assessment is provided in Section 5.2.6, and Appendix C.

Since the likelihood of uncovering archaeological resources during construction, low, construction monitoring of excavations for potential archaeological resources is not planned, however, if archaeological resources are recognized during the course of excavation, the contractor will contact the Nova Scotia Museum (NSM).

In the event that human remains are encountered during construction, either associated with a known cemetery or an unmarked grave, work in the area of the discovery will stop immediately. Upon securing the site, the discovery will be reported to the local police force for investigation.

2.2.10 Paleontological Resource Protection during Construction The Sydney Coalfield (the bedrock underlying the project) has the potential to contain fossils from the Carboniferous Period (i.e., 354 to 280 million years ago). According to the Nova Scotia Museum website, fossilized remains of plants may be found in the shale and sandstone layers that lie above the coal seams.

The only excavation for the proposed project is for turbine foundations and if bedrock is encountered, the bedrock will be left intact as no blasting, breaking or removal of bedrock is planned. If paleontological resources are found during excavation for turbine foundations, the contractor will contact the NSM.

2.3 Operations

2.3.1 Site Access During construction, site access by the general public will be restricted to prevent accidental injuries. During operations, vehicular access from the public roads will be restricted by the use of

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 22

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

gates. It is unlikely that the entire project site will be fenced to restrict public pedestrian access as this would be cost prohibitive and also restrict movement of some animals between habitats.

Signs will be posted to warn the public that accessing these lands may pose some risk based on the potential for sinkholes and other possible risks associated with the former coal mines.

2.3.2 Turbine Operation The E-82 turbine is designed to begin rotation at wind speed above 2.5 m/s. This is known as the turbine’s “cut-in wind speed”. If the wind speed is less than 2.5 m/s, the rotors are idle. Conversely, the blades will stop rotating at wind speeds in excess of 28 m/s (mean) to 25 m/s (gust). The turbine reaches its maximum power output at a wind speed of 12 m/s. Beyond this wind speed; the turbine does not exceed its 2.3 MW power output.

The power generated in the hub of the turbine is conducted via cables to a converter located near the base of the tower. Each turbine has its own transformer that will raise the current to the collector system voltage of 25 kV. Each transformer is to be located inside the turbine and has its own catch basin and spill containment. The individual turbine transformers are connected via cables to a main transformer/substation that raises the voltage to 69 kV for interconnection with the NSPI grid. Interconnection will occur at the Lingan 109S substation. The substation transformer has its own containment system with oil/water separator.

2.3.3 Maintenance Enercon will conduct routine maintenance through their Enercon Partner Concept agreement. The equipment will be serviced and maintained four times per year as well as well as any unscheduled repairs. The operations and maintenance requirements of the turbines will be monitored remotely by Enercon’s SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system. Each wind turbine has a modem link to the central remote data transmission facility. If the turbine signals malfunction, the Service Centre and the responsible service branch are notified via the SCADA remote monitoring system. A service team can then locate the affected turbine using Geographic Information System (GIS) (Enercon, 2005).

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 23

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

2.3.4 Decommissioning, Closure and Abandonment Once the wind farm has reached the end of its life span (anticipated lifespan is approximately 25 years), the site will either be decommissioned or the turbine will be refurbished to prolong their useful life. In the event of decommissioning, the turbines will be removed from the site and the foundations will be covered over to the existing grade and reseeded. Depending on the planned used for the site following decommissioning of the wind farm, the access roads, crane pads and conduits will either be removed or left in place for re-use. If these ancillary components are removed, the site will be restored to the condition prior to construction.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 24

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

3.0 Public Consultation Summary

3.1 Consultation

Sprott believes that public and stakeholder communication are an important means of providing information on the project and soliciting input into the construction of the wind farm expansion. Stakeholders for this project include the surrounding community (residents and businesses), First Nations, visitors, the municipality and relevant government agencies.

3.2 Open Houses

The development of the initial seven turbines of the Lingan Wind Farm Project was introduced to the local community at an Open House on June 2, 2005 in Lingan to present preliminary plans for the project and to solicit comments related to the project from local residents and stakeholders. In total, 30 people attended the information session. Issues regarding birds and noise levels from the turbines were discussed. No specific concerns related to the project were raised.

The scope of the proposed expansion project and the findings of this Environmental Assessment were presented to the local community at an Open house on March 8, 2012 at the Lingan Parish Hall (2745 Lingan Road). Notifications of the Open House were hand-delivered to approximately 400 residences in the vicinity of the proposed expansion; a notice was also placed in the Cape Breton Post to capture other interested parties. The 2012 Open House was attended by 23 people and the response to the proposed expansion was generally favourable. Examples of the notices and the record of attendance are provided in Appendix I.

The Cape Breton Post reported on the expansion plans and CBC radio conducted an interview with the Sprott Project Director for their morning program the day following the Open House.

3.3 Engagement with the Mi’kmaq

In keeping with the Province’s duty to consult with the Mi’kmaq people regarding undertakings that First Nations have an interest in, Sprott has initiated engagement with the Mi’kmaq

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 25

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

following the guidelines laid out in the Proponent’s Guide: The Role of Proponents in Crown Consultation with the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia (Office of Aboriginal Affairs, 2011). A Mi’kmaq Ecological Knowledge Study (MEKS) was completed for the area encompassing the proposed project area and surrounding region as part of the Conditions of Approval for the previous Environmental Assessments. The scope of the MEKS included potential expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm in anticipation of this project. The MEKS is found in Appendix E.

The Office of Aboriginal Affairs (OAA) was contacted to determine the appropriate contacts for aboriginal engagement in advance of crown consultation with the Mi’kmaq regarding the project. Letters advising of Sprott’s plans to expand the Lingan Wind Farm with a description of the proposed project and an invitation to meet were sent to the following on advice from the OAA:

x The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs; x The Union of Nova Scotia Indians; x The Nova Scotia Native Council; x Membertou First Nation; x Eskasoni First Nation; and, x Wagmatcook First nation.

The letters also included a copy of the MEKS conducted for the project. Follow-up letters were mailed out to the above contacts in early April 2012; to date no response has been received by Sprott Power. Sprott welcomes the opportunity to meet with the Mi’kmaq to discuss the project and address any questions or concerns.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 26

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

4.0 Study Area Boundaries and Assessment Methodology

4.1 Introduction

This section presents the boundaries and methods used to evaluate potential effects of the project on the environment.

4.2 Setting and Boundaries

The development of the impact evaluation first requires establishment of the environmental setting and the boundaries of the assessment itself. The establishment of study boundaries and issue scoping have been conducted with a primary focus on the potential effects of the project on the environment. The environmental assessment must also consider the potential effects of the environment on the project. Where applicable, this consideration has been incorporated in the boundaries and the scoping process.

Spatial Boundaries The boundaries of the assessment vary depending on the issue being addressed. The bounded area within which the project could potentially interact with terrestrial biology resources generally included the study area shown in Figure 4-1. Occasionally, additional areas outside the study area were included, such as migratory bird staging areas. In order to satisfy Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources “Guide to Addressing Wildlife Species and Habitats” (NSDNR 2009), Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre records were considered for a radius of 100 km. Field personnel took these records into consideration when conducting field surveys.

When considering cultural heritage resources, the bounded area is the area disturbed by construction, which are the turbine foundation sites and the access roads. For traditional land uses (i.e., hunting grounds, ceremonial areas, medicinal plants), the spatial boundaries encompassed an area beyond the Lingan and New Waterford area. (Appendix E).

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 27

d t a e o e R r A t l a n t i c O c e a n t e t s S e n

e e e n a k e t n i e r a L r e a z t u L e L n s S r B s e b t l M n e a t b S ri K n e e o c A e t c e r ve u s t n a ue e e r e e p M W r m "t e " e d " " r G t a " " "t m r n S t e " " S a S a " " " S e " a " " x r S n t " " e " e r g l " o t S d " " d " n " " "h e i A t a s " n " "e " L e " " a "" o """ " "r e A " t e " " " "" " " R " M r "" " " " " " m t " " S " " " " " " a k " " " " S " " " " " " " " "" h " "" J o " "t " " " " " " " " " t " " " " c "" " " o "e " " " "" " " " " " " "" " n r " " " " " " a """"" " " "e " " " " "t e " " " " " " " "" " Con B " r " " " " " e """ " " A no " t " " " "t " "e tla rs A v " " " " " n v " " " " B t enu " " " " "e " " " "" " " " " ic d e n h " "S " "" "" "" " " " " e " " A " " " " " " " "r " v s " " " " "e " e a o " " " " " " " " "" " " "t " " """ " n i """n " " r " " " ue o r " " " " " " "t " " " " " C I """ o "" " " " " " " " " S " """ "" "" t " " " "" " " " " " " " R " S " t " " " "" " """ """ h " "" " " g " " " " " "" " e " "" " " "" " " " " " " " " ""e " """ " " " "a " " " ""n " " " " " " " " " " e " " " "e " " " """ n " " " l " " " " " e t i " " l " r " o "" " " "" " " " "" M "t "t " r " " i "" " " " " " " " "" " t " "e K "" "" " "" " " " " " " s " """ " H""inchey A" k v " " " e " " " " " ve"n"ue" " "" " "S " " " " " e "" " " " " " " " d " " " " S " " " "" """ " o " " " "r " "" " "" T-13 e " " e " " " " " """ " " " " " " " """ " " " t " " " " "" " " " " "r" n " u " " " " " " " """ " " " " " o n " " t "" " " " " "h " " t " " " " " " " " " " " S " " " " "" " "" r " o " H " " " t " " " " " " " " " " a " " " " " "" " " " "e " " " " "" " " ÑÖ " S " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " n " " " " " " " "" "b " " i " " " " " " " B K " "" " " " "h " e " "t " " " P " "" " " " " " t " " " " " " " " " lu " n " "b " " "" "r " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " i " " N " t t " e " " " m " " " n " " " " " " " " " m " n" " " " " " "" " " " " " " " New " " " " Davys Head e "" " " " " e e " " r G " " " " " e S " " " " " " " " " "

A " A " " " " "" " r " " s T-9

v " t " T " e "t " " e " " " " " " " " " " " n

nu " t " """ " " " " g " "r " " " " " " " " e " " i e """ e " " " " "t S " " " ! "" " " "" "n " " " " " c

" " S " "" " " " ÑÖ " " "" e "" " i " " " " " "" " " " " " a " " " " " " "S " " " " a T-6 " r " " " " " " h " " " ! " " "" " t " " """"" "K " " "t " " r Former " " " " "" " " "h " " " " " " r " "" " " " "t " " " " " ! " " """ " "S " " " " n Waterfo"rd " f ÑÖ " "" " " "" " G "" " " " e " " " " " "" " " """"" " " " l " " " " " " " " Lingan T-12 D "" " h " " " ÑÖ "" "" " " " " e " " T-5 e "" "" " t " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " t " " " " " ! New "" """"" i " " " "" " " " " G " "" " " w r " " i " " " " " " i " " "

"" "" " " " " " " " " " " " " " ÑÖ d ll

" """" "" m " " " " " " "T " " " " " " " " Colliery ÑÖ is "" """" "" " " " " " " " h " " " " " e

"" " S "" " " " " " " C

" "" "" " " " "" T " " Pl" " " ! "" " "" """ " W " " " " " """ " " um" "" " " "" m T-4 o

"" "" "" "" "" "" "il"s " " mer " " v

o t e " "" " """ "" "" n " " A"v a " " " "" " " "A t " " en

" " "P" "" """" " ve e " ue

" " " n ! e n Water""ford"" ""lla "" """ "u" e " " " ÑÖ """ "" ""t"t "" e"" e "

" "" " A "" " ""r " e T-11 " ""v " " " " " n e " t " " "" """ "n " " " " "r " " "" " ""W """ "u" e " " "" " t " "" ""a "" "" " ""S " "" ! " " " " U R ""rr " """ "t " " " ÑÖ o "" "" "e" " " " " " S ! " "n "" " ! s "" " "" " "" " " T-3 s A " "" e " ! A "" "" v """ e " !! v "" " " ""e "" " " F! ormer T-8 e " " "" " n " "" e h n " "" u " "" g " "" ! u "" " e " r " e" " " t "" " " " r p " " " " " " t " " ÑÖ T-1 t " " e t " o "" e " ÑÖ ! " " " " " " " " "" " S """ Phalen Colliery T-10 T-2 " e " s " e "" e "e " " " " r " "n o "" North Head

e t e " " G " ÑÖ ! r r " " ! " o " J ÑÖ t V t " " " " ÑÖ t t ic " S " " " " " ! t " " t " " o " t " s " " e e S ria" " S " " " " " " " " "A h " " p " S " e " t " " "e t " " " " NSPI Ashfill e ""v " " " " " " r d en " " " " " r w e " " e " t l u h " " m " "

t e " r " " " " "

! " " " " " " " ! ! t a g o t " e " " S " l " " "o " " " Settling S " i " " r e "l " " H n "i " " " "S " h " "t " " " NSPI t t E " " " " e n e o t " " " " " " " " i " " " T "S " " n r e e "" " " a " " "

h " " " W t " " " ! t e Pond o " i " " " t i D " "" " " " " " " " " " c e e "" " " "e " " " S c r e " " e " d " " " y n r "" " "" " " " " " " " " " " ! h i t t r " "" "" " " " " "g " " Laffins Cove e a " " " " s a t " "" " "r " e n " "" " r " " " r S S " " " " " " c " "" t " " "t " " " " " " m S " " " " "o " " " y Lingan o a M " " " " " e l " " A " ! o n n " " " S " "e " " F e " " " " " " " " " " " A e e " o o " " " D i " " " G " " " r n " g v e " " " " " " ! t h " " " " " n " " " "n " " " e H w i " " " S Q a " " " " " u " " " " " " " " n U o " " " ""

ee K " " " ! " " " n M " u c " " " " " " " " S D " " " " t " " "e " " " r E " e a ee m " " " " " " " " " " t e " " " " " n " " ! a Ki ra"" " " " " " " " " " Generating n ld M " "a s g S "S"t " " " " " " " " " I r " "

tr M " e " a " " " " " L " ! e e " " " " " " " " " c a et y " " t F "c " " " " " " " " " " K S " " L " " " " "s "" " " a in tre " "o " " " " " " "" " "

g e " "e " " e " ! St t " rd"" " " " " " " " " M r " " o" " " " " ee " " " " " " p " " " " " " " "r

t " "S d "" " "" " " " " " ! " " " " a " ! " " " " " "" " ! ! ! t A " " " ! ! ! ! "r " " " " "M ! ! ! ! Station " " h ! ! !

e v " " " " ! ! ! ! " " " ! ! ! !

" " " ! ! ! ! !

" e " a ! ! ! ! e " S " " ! ! ! " " " " " ! ! ! ! "t " n " " " " c !

" " " ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! L ! ! ! !

" "u " " " ! Shanty ! ! " e " e

" l ! " " R " l

" a ! ! Cove

" o ! "

" n ! a ! "

"c D Lin" gan ! !

! " h r " !

e ! iv "

" "s ! e " t " " ! ! " "

e R" " " "

! "

e " ! " r o ! "

! t a " " S ! !

" d " " !

C id " " ! v ! " " " "

o a " " " " " " ! ! "

l H D "

u ! " " ! " " "

! m " " ig " ! " "

" " " " " "

b h ! ! "

! " " " " " u w " " ! " " " "

s a ! " "

! " "

" ! S " " ! !

y " " " " " ! " t 2 " M " "

re " ! " "

8 " " a ! " ! ! " e " h " " " " "

! t " " o ! " d " ! a ""

n ! " n Ro " " " " " " " ! " a "

" " " Y ! " " Ling R ! o " "

"" " " Lingan !

! o u" " "

! n " a ! ! "g " "

! d " " " " Wharf !

! "D " " " ! ! " "

r " " " ! ! i

! "v "

! e J N

e ! ! " " " " i ! c !

n " " k !

! w l

e ! !

N o w ! ""

! " e o o !

a d o "

! ! " d ! ! r "

in D e D ! " " " D

g r iv r ! " "

! i r i ! ! " o d v D v "

a e t e ! d " m ! " a !

le w r ! o

ie u ! ! R i

o ! " n n ! Indian Bay D lv " ga "

il C ! n i ! i

r ! " L o

i H d ! " v ! !

! o " Lingan Bay n

e ! " "

o ! "

! !

w ! B ! e !

y !

! e

! ! ! N !

! a

! ! c

! h

! !

! ! Ñ Lingan III Turbines ( T10 to T13) Project Parcel Boundaries !

! Ö Local Road Wetland !

! !

LINGAN WIND FARM EXPANSIO! N PROJECT

!! ! ! Approximate Proposed Project Footprint

! ÖÑ Lingan I and II Turbines (T1 to T8) Trail/Track Open Water

! !

! ! Study Area

! Railway

! ÖÑ ComFIT Turbine (T9)

! !

! Extent of Biophysical Surveys

! ! " "

FIGURE 4-1 ! Building/Residence within 1000 m Watercourse !

! Conducted for Prior Environmental Assessments

! !

! ! !

SPATIAL BOUND! A! RIES

Meters SOURCE: GEO NOVA MAP PROJECTION: UTM NAD 83, ZONE 20 0 230 460 690 920 PROJECT #: 115625 ² DATE: JUNE 2012 SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Temporal Boundaries Temporal boundaries for the impact evaluation cover project phases involving physical activities. Therefore, temporal boundaries encompass certain pre-construction activities, construction, operation and maintenance, monitoring, and decommissioning. In effect these boundaries are approximately 25-30 years.

Regulatory Boundaries The regulatory boundaries of the project are the laws and regulations of the Province of Nova Scotia, of Canada, and the by-laws of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. Federal laws and regulations will apply to the project and are primarily related to aspects of migratory birds. These requirements have been considered in the definition of the project and in environmental planning.

4.3 Method of Assessment

The EA is based on the assessment of issues identified through issues scoping and to emphasize the issues in the completion of the effects assessment. This approach is particularly relevant in applications such as wind turbine construction and operation where there exists an extensive database of literature, previously completed EAs and well established environmental protection measures that can be used to support the review of potential project effects or a given issue. In this manner, an issue with well-defined mitigation, such as avoidance of designated areas, can be suitably addressed in the Project Description rather than in an effects assessment. This allows the assessment to focus on important site or project specific issues. The identified issues are reflected within an environmental effects assessment framework.

4.3.1 Impact Significance Determination of significance is based on the consideration of the following results of interactions, as summarized in Table 4-1:

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 29

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Table 4-1 Assessment of Criteria for Determination of Significance of Effects Magnitude Magnitude, in general terms, may vary among Issues, but is a factor that accounts for size, intensity, concentration, importance, volume and social or monetary value. It is rated as compared with background conditions, protective standards or normal variability. Small Small, relative to natural or background levels Moderate Moderate, relative to natural or background levels Large Large, relative to natural or background levels Reversibility Reversible Effect can be reversed Irreversible Effects are permanent Nature Positive Net benefit Negative Net loss or adverse effect

Extent Intermediate Confined to the project site Local Effects extent beyond the project site but less than regional Regional Effects on a wide scale Duration Short Term Between 0 and 1 year duration Medium Term Between 1 and 7 year duration Long Term Beyond 7 years duration Confidence in Prediction Low Based on limited understanding of cause and effect relationships and/or incomplete data Moderate Based on a good understanding of cause and effect relationships using data from similar cases, or moderately understood cause and effect relationships and good site-specific information High Based on a good understanding of cause and effect relationships and good site-specific information

4.4 Issue Scoping

The purpose of scoping in an EA is to identify the key environmental Issues of Concern. Scoping involves defining the project scope; identifying the factors to be considered; and determining the interest of stakeholders in the project and how they can be incorporated. For this project, the project description presented in Section 2 of this report stands as a clear definition of the project scope. The experience of Sprott and Dillon has helped to identify factors and determine the interests of stakeholders. This work has included:

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 30

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

x conducting consultation meetings with stakeholders and documenting concerns; x reviewing applicable provincial and federal environmental laws and regulations; x meeting with regulatory agencies at provincial and federal levels; x considering available environmental literature and references; x incorporating the experience of the EA study team in conducting environmental assessments in Nova Scotia and elsewhere in Canada; x consideration of comments received from the regulatory review of the Registration and Environmental Assessments of the previous two wind projects within the same study area; and, x incorporating Sprott’s experience with wind power facility construction, operation and maintenance in Nova Scotia and elsewhere in Canada.

Through this scoping exercise, the EA study team developed a methodology for evaluating and presenting issues in this assessment. This methodology and the resulting Issues of Concern are described in the following subsection.

4.4.1 Issues of Concern The issues identified for assessment for the project through the issues scoping process are provided in Table 4-2 together with the section of the EA in which the issue is addressed.

Table 4-2 Issues and Location in the EA Location Included or Excluded No. Aspect/Source Issue Primary Concerns in EA from Impact Evaluation 1 Air Emissions Effects of - Dust during 5.1.2 Included in the impact emissions from construction evaluation. Mitigating factors combustion, air -Equipment/truck include: quality operation during - Excavation and grading construction over a minimal area. - Dust suppression to be employed as required 2 Geology Potential for 5.1.3 Excluded from the impact subsidence assessment. Erosion of soil Mitigating factors include and - Elevated sediment in - Implementation of sedimentation watercourses Erosion and sediment entering water control measures. courses - Geotechnical investigations and avoidance of known or suspected underground workings

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 31

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Location Included or Excluded No. Aspect/Source Issue Primary Concerns in EA from Impact Evaluation 3 Water Quality/ Effects on surface -Contaminated surface 5.1.3 Excluded from the impact Quantity water or runoff 5.1.4 assessment. Mitigating factors groundwater -Impact on groundwater 5.1.5 include: quality - Erosion and sediment control measures in place during construction as well as separation from surface water features will mitigate potential impacts of sedimentation. - Groundwater is not used for drinking water supply as the area is serviced with municipal water. No expected groundwater withdrawal 4 Wetlands Disturbance -Loss of wetland habitat 5.1.6 Excluded from the impact wetlands. or function; assessment. Mitigating factors include:

- no wetlands were observed within the proposed project footprint; - Construction will be beyond the extent of the barrens and best management practices during construction will prevent indirect impacts to wetland function 5 Vegetation/ Habitats Disturbance of -Clearing, habitat loss; 5.1.7 Included in the impact habitats disturbance; assessment. Mitigating factors fragmentation include: - The actual footprint of the turbines and access road is minimal. - The area is already largely disturbed by previous mining/industrial activities

6 Species at Risk Impacts to Loss of Species at risk 5.1.7 Included in the impact Species at Risk habitat or 5.1.8 assessment. Mitigating factors individuals/populations include: - -The actual footprint of the turbines and access road is minimal and no species at risk (COSEWIC or NS status) were observed during the assessment 7 Migratory Birds Impacts to Migratory bird losses 5.1.8 Included in the impact Migratory Birds from impact with assessment. Mitigating factors turbines, loss of include: breeding habitat - Tower design is not conducive to roosting or nesting for birds. - The project site is not in a major flight path for migratory birds. - The total amount of lost nesting habitat will be minimal due to the limited

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 32

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Location Included or Excluded No. Aspect/Source Issue Primary Concerns in EA from Impact Evaluation footprint of each turbine. 8 Other Flying Species Impacts to bats, Migratory bat, large 5.1.9 Included in the impact flying dragonfly species and assessment. Mitigating factors invertebrates monarch butterfly include: losses from impact with - No known bat hibernacula turbines. in the study area, no records of bats from ACCDC. - Cape Breton tends to be beyond the range of several species - Most flying invertebrates are unlikely to fly high enough to interact with the blades or the rotational speed of the blades will cause insects to be swept beyond the blade area. 9 Fish/Fish Habitat Effects on fish or Acidification of surface 5.1.10 Excluded from the impact their habitat water and mobilization assessment. of metals from Mitigation measures include: disturbance of acid - Bedrock that may be generating rock- encountered is not acid Elevated sediment in generating, waster rock watercourses disposal piles have been reclaimed (capped) and have been avoided as part of the planning process. - No fish is habitat present. - Erosion and sediment control measures in place during construction as well as separation from surface water features will mitigate potential impacts of sedimentation. 10 Visual Landscape Effect on visual Reduction of visual 5.1.11 Included in the impact landscape by aesthetics assessment. Mitigating factors observers include: - Existing and past industrial land uses for power generation and coal mining. - The topography and vegetation reduce the visibility of the turbines from a variety of viewpoints. - The impact of turbines on the visual landscape is subjective. 11 Electromagnetic Effects on radar, Interference with signal 5.1.12 Excluded from the impact Interference or transmission of transmission or radar assessment, Mitigating factors signals scatter include: - The proposed expansion footprint does not substantially extend beyond the limits of the existing project. - To date, Sprott has not been alerted to any issues regarding interference

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 33

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Location Included or Excluded No. Aspect/Source Issue Primary Concerns in EA from Impact Evaluation related to the turbines. 12 Land Use Effects on use of Impacts on the uses of 5.2.2 Excluded from the impact lands surrounding lands assessment. Mitigating factors include: - Zoning for the site and land surrounding the site permit utility scale wind turbines. - Minimum setback of turbines from residential structures is 550 m vs. the municipal setback of 175 m. 13 Traffic/Transportation Effects on traffic Negative impacts on 5.2.3 Excluded from the impact in the area traffic patterns assessment. Mitigating factors include: - Construction period is limited period of time. - Excess traffic during construction will be minimal. - Transport of turbine components will follow the most direct route possible. - Applicable permits will be in place prior to transport. 14 Recreation/Tourism Effects on Potential impacts on 5.2.4 Excluded from the impact tourism tourism potential of the assessment. Mitigating factors area include: - The Project is situated in an industrial setting which receives relatively low visitation from non- residents ( i.e. tourists). - There is sufficient separation from Dominion Beach Provincial Park to mitigate adverse effects on beach goers. - The presence of the wind farm may act as a point of interest for visitors. 15 Human Health: Ice Direct impacts to Damage to life and 5.2.5.1 Excluded from the impact throw, structural human health property from ice or 5.2.5.2 assessment. failure structural failure of the Mitigating factors include turbine or components - Strict structural design and construction standards, - Turbines will shut down if icing is detected on the blades 16. Human Health: Effect on quality Annoyance caused by 5.2.5.3 Included in the impact Shadow Flicker of life of flicker effect of turbine assessment Mitigating factors neighbouring blades passing through include: residences sunlight in rooms - Shadow flicker tend to facing the project occur within 1000 m of a turbine. - Setback from all residences is 550 m. Only 28 residences are within 1000 m of the proposed

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 34

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Location Included or Excluded No. Aspect/Source Issue Primary Concerns in EA from Impact Evaluation turbines. - Using real case scenario, no receptor would receive more than 13 hrs per year of flicker. - A flicker monitoring and mitigation plan will be in effect to respond to reports of flicker in excess of guidelines.

17 Human Health: Increase or Elevated noise levels 5.2.5.4 Included in the impact Ambient Noise change in noise during construction or assessment. Mitigating factors levels at during operation include: neighbouring - Noise during construction residences is temporary - Operational is not predicted to exceed 40 dBA at receptors. - Operational noise is not likely to exceed background noise levels associated with existing industrial uses and coastal environment 18. Cultural Resources Loss or -First Nations 2.2.9, Included in the impact disturbance of resources; 2.2.10, assessment. Mitigating factors archaeological, -Archaeological sites 5.2.6 include: historical, -Paleontological - An archaeological paleontological or resources assessment was conducted architectural on the general site to resources, First determine potential for Nation resources cultural resources. - A Mi’kmaq Knowledge Study has been conducted to determine potential issues of concern to Mi’kmaq regarding traditional use of the land. - Minimal excavation planned (turbine foundations only) and bedrock may not be encountered, if fossils are found, the NNSM will be contacted. 19 Malfunctions or Accidents during Injuries, property 2.1.1, Included in the impact Accidents construction, damage, or 5..2..5 evaluation. Mitigating factors operation or environmental include: decommissioning degradation - Contingency plan for emergencies during all phases of the project - Geotechnical investigations will determine the most suitable location for turbines. - Turbines are designed to withstand considerable stresses and to detect and removed ice safely.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 35

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

5.0 Description of Exisiting Environment, and Effects Assessment

This section presents the description of the environment and the environmental impact evaluation (for those issues included in the evaluation, Table 4-2) in an integrated format. Each of the issues identified as requiring an evaluation is presented in detail and the impact evaluation is summarized at the end of each subsection.

5.1 Biophysical Environment

5.1.1 Weather Conditions The Atlantic Region lies within the zone of prevailing westerly winds. This zone is characterized by the passage of a series of high and low pressure systems. Paths taken by these systems are further influenced by ocean currents and continental topography. Cyclonic passages (low pressure systems moving through an area) may track across the continent or up the eastern seaboard. Typical cyclonic passages are marked by the onset of wind from an easterly direction, thickening cloud, and a gradual fall in pressure. Strong north-easterly winds and heavy precipitation are commonly associated with these storms. Should the storm centre pass to the south, the wind direction will change in a counter clockwise manner and precipitation may persist for several days. If the low pressure centre tracks to the north, the wind direction usually veers (changes in a clockwise manner). The cyclonic passages typically last from a few days to a week.

During the summer, persistent high pressure systems off Bermuda result in prolonged periods of stagnant weather with warm temperatures and light winds from the south. These events promote the movement of air pollutants from the eastern seaboard to the Atlantic coast. When these meteorological conditions persist, the potential for deteriorated air quality is increased. This meteorological condition generally accompanies the days with visible pollutant haze and hot, stagnant summer days.

Hurricanes that develop in the tropics can move up the eastern seaboard. These storms are significantly downgraded as they encounter the colder waters of the northeast US and Canada. Typically, by the time a hurricane reaches Atlantic Canada, it will have weakened into a tropical

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 36

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

storm or an intense low pressure system with strong winds and heavy rains. The peak time for these storms is between September and October.

Local climate data was obtained from the Environment Canada Climate Normals webpage (www.climate.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/climate_normals/index_e.html) for the Sydney Airport weather station. The airport is located approximately 10 km northeast of the project site.

Temperature Normals for the area are shown in Table 5-1. The annual temperature range is normally between +17.7ºC and -5.5ºC. However, extreme temperatures of +35ºC in summer and -27.3ºC in winter have been recorded.

Precipitation Normals and Extremes are presented in Table 5-2. The total precipitation normal for Sydney is 1504.9 mm annually. The majority of the total precipitation is in the form of rainfall, which may occur in any month of the year. The monthly rainfall totals are highest during the fall months.

Snow and freezing precipitation can occur between October and May, with the largest amounts falling between December and March.

Table 5-3 presents the wind data collected at the Sydney Airport and shows a prevailing southerly wind with an annual average speed of 18.6 km/hr. General wind direction varies between west in the winter months, south through summer and southwest in the fall. A maximum hourly wind speed of 97 km/hr from the southwest was recorded on March 27 1955, while the maximum gust was recorded on December 1, 1961 (161 km/hr. from the west).

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 37

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Table 5-1 Temperature Normals for Sydney Airport

Temperature: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Yr Daily Average (°C) -5.7 -6.5 -2.7 2.1 7.8 13.3 17.7 17.7 13.4 8 3.3 -2.1 5.5 Standard Deviation 1.6 2.2 1.9 1.2 1.5 1.3 1.5 1 1.3 1 1.2 1.8 0.7 Daily Maximum (°C) -1.3 -1.9 1.5 6.1 12.9 18.9 23 22.7 18.3 12.2 6.8 1.6 10.1 Daily Minimum (°C) -10 -11.1 -6.9 -1.9 2.6 7.6 12.3 12.6 8.5 3.8 -0.2 -5.8 1 Extreme Maximum (°C) 16.9 18 17.8 27.2 31.1 34.4 33.9 35.5 32.3 25 22.2 16.7 Date (yyyy/dd) 1995/16 2000/28 1945/29+ 1942/25 1960/31 1944/29+ 1975/19 2001/10 2001/10 1950/03+ 1961/05 1951/06 Extreme Minimum (°C) -26.2 -27.3 -25.6 -14.6 -7.8 -3.9 2.2 2.8 -1.7 -5.6 -12 -22.2 Date (yyyy/dd) 1994/26 1994/08 2001/02 1995/05 1972/02 1956/09 1961/15 1965/31 1971/29 1944/31 1999/19 1993/29 (Environment Canada, 2011)

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 38

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Table 5-2 Precipitation Normals for Sydney Airport

Precipitation: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Yr Rainfall (mm) 82.4 66.7 88.4 103.7 100.1 92.6 86.8 93.1 113.4 143.8 134.4 107.6 1212.9 Snowfall (cm) 70.8 66.8 51.4 26.1 2.7 0 0 0 0 2 15.7 62.8 298.3 Precipitation (mm) 151.5 132.1 138.9 130.4 102.9 92.6 86.8 93.1 113.4 146 149.7 167.5 1504.9 Average Snow Depth (cm) 11 16 12 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 4 Median Snow Depth (cm) 9 15 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 Snow Depth at Month-end (cm) 12 19 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 14 4 Extreme Daily Rainfall (mm) 57.2 62.2 73 73.4 93.5 84 68.2 128.8 90.9 96.2 97.3 94 Date (yyyy/dd) 1948/14 1996/17 1992/08 1982/29 1967/26 1998/17 1998/09 1981/17 1947/30 1992/19 1944/05 1979/26 Extreme Daily Snowfall (cm) 44.5 45.2 43.2 29.2 24.9 1 0 0 0 15.7 27.4 58.7 Date (yyyy/dd) 1965/25 1959/15 1993/18 1965/03 1972/10 1975/09 1941/01+ 1941/01+ 1941/01+ 1972/19 1989/23 1964/21 Extreme Daily Precipitation (mm) 57.2 62.2 73 73.4 93.5 84 68.2 128.8 90.9 96.4 97.3 95 Date (yyyy/dd) 1948/14 1996/17 1992/08 1982/29 1967/26 1998/17 1998/09 1981/17 1947/30 1992/19 1944/05 1979/26 Extreme Snow Depth (cm) 92 123 114 76 23 0 0 0 0 8 31 78 Date (yyyy/dd) 1988/10 1992/09 1967/26+ 1967/01 1972/11 1955/01+ 1955/01+ 1955/01+ 1955/01+ 1965/30 1989/24 1993/31 (Environment Canada, 2011)

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 39

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Table 5-3 Wind Data for Sydney Airport Wind Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Yr Speed (km/h) 21.3 20.6 20.8 19.5 17.9 16.9 15.8 15.1 16.2 18.2 19.8 21 18.6 Most Frequent Direction W W SW N S S S S SW SW W W S Maximum Hourly Speed 89 89 97 80 80 76 72 61 89 97 85 97 Date (yyyy/dd) 1954/04 1953/09+ 1955/27 1956/24 1954/17 1973/17 1955/23 1957/28 1958/29 1956/07 1956/22 1956/30 Maximum Gust Speed 121 124 129 115 109 114 87 89 129 138 129 161 Date (yyyy/dd) 1960/03+ 1976/03 1959/13+ 1986/10 1961/23+ 1973/17 1975/28+ 1963/14+ 1958/29 1974/20 1959/25 1964/01 Direction of Maximum Gust S SW SE SE E N S S NW S S S S Days with Winds >= 52 km/hr 4.1 2.3 2.7 1.2 0.6 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.5 1.4 2.3 3.7 19.3 Days with Winds >= 63 km/hr 1.6 0.5 0.8 0.2 0.1 0.1 0 0 0.2 0.4 0.8 1.3 5.9 (Environment Canada, 2011)

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 40

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

5.1.2 Air Quality The air quality for a specific location will be affected by local topography, meteorology and land-use characteristics. The socio-economic development of an area will also result in different degrees of air pollution. Ambient air quality for the project study area is largely influenced by stack emissions from the NSPI Lingan Generating Station as well as the delivery (rail) and handling of coal, and local traffic tailpipe emissions.

5.1.2.1 Air Emissions Local and global air quality issues relating to the proposed project include vehicle emissions during construction (e.g., carbon dioxide and oxides of nitrogen) as well as dust and noise.

x Air emissions must comply with the provincial Air Quality Regulations made under Section 112 of the Environment Act, 1995.

It is expected that the minimal emissions of greenhouse gases during construction resulting from the project will be offset by reductions in greenhouse gas emissions through the use of wind power for electricity generation rather than through burning fossil fuels.

Dust at nuisance levels can be generated by construction, however, it is expected that dust generation will be limited. Dust suppression will be carried out as required during construction. Dust can be related to health issues, however, the project will not generate dust at levels or over periods of time that need to be addressed as a health risk for the public.

Guidelines are provided for dust levels by NSE. These levels are related to the disturbance and nuisance of fugitive dust.

Summary of Effects: Magnitude Small: similar to other utility construction projects. Reversibility Reversible: Emissions and dust are temporary. Positive reductions in GHG Nature Positive Extent Regional: The extent of emissions and dust effects are limited to areas close to the wind farm expansion construction. Overall reduction of greenhouse gases from the project. Duration Short-term: The potential duration of impacts from emissions and dust is confined to the construction period events. Confidence in prediction High

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 41

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Significance: Not significant. Fugitive and point source emissions from the project are minor to negligible on a global scale. In addition, greenhouse gas emissions associated with heating will be reduced as a portion of electricity generation from oil/coal is replaced by wind. The impacts of dust are not expected to be significant with protection measures.

Residual Impact Statement: The residual impacts of dust are considered not significant. During construction the effects will be mitigated by standard dust suppression methods. No residual long-term impacts on air quality are expected from the project.

5.1.3 Geology The Lingan area is blanketed by Quaternary age glacial till (Grant, 1988). In the central part of the study area, till is generally sandy and stony, with a discontinuous layer (less than 2 m thick) scattered amongst numerous rock outcrops. To the north and south, however, a continuous layer of sandy till (2 to 4 m thick) is found, along with some drumlinoid hills.

Bedrock geology consists of the Carboniferous age Morien Group. According to geological mapping (McLeish, 1938), this group was subdivided into three zones (based on fossil content and lithology), of which the upper and middle zones occurred within the study area, as described below:

x The upper zone (which outcrops in the northern portion of the study area) consists of grey sandstone, shale, thin beds of freshwater limestone, intercalated red beds and workable coal seams. The main producing coal zone is approximately 400 m (1,300 ft.) thick. Mapping commentary notes that the best coal lies in and on the Bridgeport anticline and the clastic deposits are shale and sandstone. x The middle zone (which outcrops in the southern portion of the study area) consists of mainly grey sandstone, with grey and red shale. A number of thin coal seams can be found in the Bridgeport area (southeast of the study area), as well as southeast of Sydney. The maximum thickness of the zone is approximately 700 m (2,300 ft.).

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 42

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

A 1986 Department of Mines and Energy geological map identifies the upper zone as the Sydney Mines Formation, while the southern portion of the study area has been reclassified as the South Bar Formation (grey sandstone, probably sandstones with minor conglomerate and mudstone and rare coal).

Five coal seams (located within the upper zone) traverse the study area from east to west and are outlined below in descending stratigraphic order (1938):

Harbour (or Victoria) Seam – 1.5 to 2.3 m (5 to 7.5 ft.) thick Boutilier (or Fairyhouse) Seam – 0.3 to 1.2 m (1 to 4 ft.) thick Backpit (or North Head) Seam – 1.2 m (4 ft.) thick Phalen (or Lingan) Seam – 1.5 to 2.4 m (5 to 8 ft.) thick Emery Seam – 0.3 to 1.4 m (1 to 4.5 ft.) thick

All five seams are located within the upper approximately 460 m (1,500 ft) of the Morien Group.

In relation to the proposed turbine sites, T-10 is approximately 50 m north of the Boutilier Seam, T-11 is approximately 30 m south of the Backpit Seam, T-12 is within 140 m of the Harbour Seam and Boutilier Seam and T13 is approximately 173 m north of the Harbour Seam. It is noted that the seven existing turbines (T1 through T7) are located along or between the Backpit, Boutilier and Harbour Seams (Figure 5-1).

According to a 2008 paper by Cape Breton Development Corporation (CBDC), the study area is within the 1B Hydraulic System, which consists of 10 abandoned coal mines (including the No. 26, Lingan and Phalen Collieries operated by CBDC) and includes both land and submarine workings. The Lingan Colliery, along with the No. 26 and Phalen Collieries, operated on the northern flank of the Bridgeport Anticline. The three major coal seams were the Emery, Phalen and Harbour; of which, Emery was the deepest and Harbour was the shallowest. These coal seams outcrop on land (dipping northward at 3 to 14 degrees) and extend beneath the Atlantic Ocean for 40 km (at a minimum). The seams are separated by sedimentary rock sequences that range from 40 m/130 ft. (Emery to Phalen) to 130 m/425 ft. (Phalen to Harbour).

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 43

10 5 20 15 15

20 T-13 2 A t l a n t i c O c e a n 5 0 ÑÖ 3 Hinchey Avenue

3 5 20 Harbour Seam T-9 30 ÑÖ

5 0 2 35 T-6 3 T-7 ÑÖ T-12 ÑÖ 10 t T-5 e t 40 ÑÖ e e r ÑÖ e t r t S 2 0 S 30 n r y u 3 a 0 T-4 b K k Boutilier Seam c c ÑÖ o M 35 C Backpit Seam 30 T-11 ÑÖ 1 ÑÖT-3 5 5 ÑÖ 0 Phalen Seam 3 T-1 25 T-10 T-2 ÑÖ ÑÖ ÑÖ 30 Emery Seam H i

NSPI Ashfill h

e Settling y

Pond v

5 e 4 0 4 35 40

5 1 15

15 30 20 0 2

30 45 50 25 45 3 0 Indian Bay

M a R c o L 3 a e 5 c l 0 h la 4 e n s D R r o iv a e d

5 0 1 2 1 0 ÖÑ Lingan III Turbines ( T10 to T13) Watercourse Approximate Coal Seam LINGAN WIND FARM EXPANSION PROJECT Morien Group - South Bar Formation Road ÖÑ Lingan I and II Turbines (T1 to T8) Project Parcel Boundaries Morien Group - Sydney Mines Formation

ÖÑ LCoinmgFIaTn Turbine (T9) Trail Open Water FIGURE 5-1 ! 5 m Contour NSPI Transmission Lines Wetland

BEDROCK GEOLOGY

Meters MAP PROJECTION: UTM NAD 83, ZONE 20 0 90 180 270 360 SOURCE: GEO NOVA, NSDNR (OFM ME2000-4) PROJECT #: 115625 ² DATE: JUNE 2012 SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

It was noted that faulting did not impact mine operations (Shea, 2008). Most of the mines flooded when operations ceased and water pumps were shutdown. The Lingan Colliery was closed due to unsafe conditions relating to the high risk for catastrophic mine water flooding. In particular, the barrier pillar between the No. 26 and Lingan workings had been compromised and the water quality of the discharge water was unacceptable (due to high iron and TDS) requiring pumping operations to cease. The Phalen Colliery was the last of the 1B Hydraulic System mines to close. It closed in 1999 due to “severe long wall weighting problems associated with massive overlying sandstone beds” (Shea, 2008).

No impacts on to the project or the environment are anticipated as a result of the local geology through preconstruction geotechnical assessments and avoidance of former underground workings and that potentially acid generating rock will not likely be encountered during turbine foundation excavation.

5.1.4 Surface Water The project study area is located within a Provincial shore drainage basin 1FJ-SD38 (Baechler, 1986, and includes a settling pond associated with the NSPI ashfill site, an unnamed drain leading from the ashfill pond area to the ocean, and Graces Brook which is located outside of the project area approximately 700 m west of the western-most turbine (Figure 5-2).

Graces Brook is a small watercourse originating upstream of the former Lingan colliery site and flows along the west edge of the Lingan Waste Rock pile, crossing Hinchey Avenue and discharges to the Atlantic Ocean west of Oceanview Blvd. This watercourse has potential for fish habitat, particularly above Hinchey Avenue. Downstream of Hinchey Avenue the watercourse is quite steep and flows within an open ravine. Although there is potential for fish passage at times of high flow, it is expected that during low flow passage would not be possible. Upstream of Hinchey Avenue the watercourse is less steep and flows within an alder lined channel. A ditch draining storm water from the former Lingan Colliery site flows into Graces Brook at the Northeast corner of the Lingan Waste Rock Pile. The habitat currently present in Graces Brook is degraded by historical sediment deposition associated with previous land use reducing depth and infilling substrate, however the physical habitat has some potential to support fish (Dillon 2005). The T-12 site slopes generally to the south to the ditch running parallel to the access road which connects to the unnamed drain from the NSPI pond.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 45

e t

e e r t e r

t t S

e S h e t 5

r c

s t a e

S e r

h B C

t Ve i n iot A 10 m ve nu t

S e e t t e e r e t e t r e t t t S 2 r e 0 e t e S y e e S e r r e

e r t l t t H 1 n in k n S 5 ch S o S e a y a r A t s s ve h n m

d t ue S a D l u h t a g 15

e h " 2 g u 0 H i e a o r r E t H G t D G in S M ch e ine ey A T-13 A t l a n t i c O c e a n h e r A ve t r ve nu t nu e n e ÑÖ i S Mi 5 0 ne 2 3 N r A venue h ve Hinchey A t nue n

e t 3

5 T e t "

e e r 2 0 n t e W r i S a t ls h a T-9 t A S g ve r e n u r " n e i ÑÖ e P u D l r u K ! m t h t me t r r A S 5 ! e T-6 ve 0 3 nu A 3 e e h ! r t t f T-7 ÑÖ l k ! S e

o ÑÖ h w Pl 4 ! t u 0 m "

i T T-12 m t o er A t r

e T-5 m ve e

n ÑÖ ! u e t S e B "

r e

t e ÑÖ t r 0

e t "

e S 3 0 r d

t t S !

e 2 r e d e

r S 30

t n

e r a r y m S !

t r u 3 r a a 0 T-4 h S b t W e

K k

il r s n h o c n G c ! ÑÖ u g A s

v o i e n n h M e u t 3

E t e C c 5

r t ! U " P e a e A r 0 l e " lat e 3 T-11 t A r G t e v t

e !

n r u e S t e ÑÖ

S e a ! r " i t e W d S 25 g ! ar a ren r T-3 A c h North ve o G 5 n p t A ÑÖ ue e e e 0 Head G s 3

e ! r o T-1 t J 5 T-10 S t 2 T-2 ÑÖ g S

t ÑÖ ! ! ÑÖ n e i

e K N r ic t ho NSPI Ashfill lson 30 S A G v enue ! w Setling Pond o l l t i e

W e t ! r t e

e S r t a i L S !

a d e n a d g Indian Bay B c r ea r y to A

n o 5 A ! A ve 4 nu e v e 0 H G e 4 n i u n e c ! 40 h e y 5 1 A

! v e 15 n u 5 e

55 ! 0 15 30 20 0 et 2 e e tr ! S n g a in M L K a s c ! L e F e p o o r rd d a h 5 S A 4 ! S ! ! ! v ! t ! ! ! r e ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! e ! ! ! ! n ! ! ! 3 ! ! ! ! ! ! e ! 0 ! ! ! u ! ! ! !

t ! ! ! ! e ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! Indian Bay ! ! !

! ! ! !

! !

! ! ! 3

5 !

R !

0 !

4 o ! a !

c M !

h ! a!

e ! 35 ! c

s ! L

R ! ! e

! l o ! l

a ! a 2

d ! ! n 0

! ! D

! r

! ! i ! v 2

M ! e 5

! !

a !

h ! o !

! n !

R !

o ! !

a ! !

d 3 !

0 !

! !

5 !

0 ! !

5 !

! 5 ! Lingan

4 15 !

! ! !

3 ! d 10

5 ! oa

! n R ! ! a

! Ling !

! !

! ! ÖÑ Lingan III Turbines ( T10 to T13) Watercourse Track/Trail Open Water

LINGAN WIND FARM EXPANSION PROJE! CT Ditch (from PWGSC 2010)

! !

! ! G

! !

! Lingan I and II Turbines (T1 to T8) Proposed Access Road Road Site Drainage Direction Project Catchment Area

! Ñ

! Ö

! !

! ! !

! ! Railway "

! Ñ ComFIT Turbine (T9) Highway Project Parcel Boundaries

! Ö Channel Drainage Direction

! !

! FIGURE 5-2 !

! ! ! !

! 5 m Contour NSPI Transmission Lines

! Wetland

! !

AQUATIC ENVI! RONMENT !

! !

! ! !

! !

! ! !

! !

! ! !

! ! Meters

! MAP PROJECTION: UTM NAD 83, ZONE 20 !

! SOURCE: GEO NOVA, NSDNR, PWGSC !

! ! !

! ! 0 125 250 375 500

! !

! ! PROJECT #: 115625

! !

! DATE: JUNE 2012 !

! !

! ! !

! ² !

! !

! ! SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

The unnamed drain is smaller than Graces Brook and the flow is extremely low and is not expected to support fish under most conditions. Downstream of Hinchey Avenue the watercourse is steeper and also flows within an open ravine similar to Graces Brook with limited fish habitat. A small wetland occurs at this location. Fish passage is also restricted within this watercourse by a bedrock ledge obstruction at the mouth and a similar obstruction within 100 m of the mouth (Dillon 2005).

The water quality of both Graces Brook and the unnamed drain are impacted by acid drainage, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals as a result of site drainage from the waste rock deposition areas and surface runoff over residual coal and coal fines. (AMEC 2005).

No impacts on surface water quality or quantity or fish habitat are anticipated as a result of this project with the implementation of best management practices such as appropriate sediment and erosion control, siting of turbines over 30 m from watercourses, and no watercourse crossings for access roads.

5.1.5 Groundwater According to a 2005 AMEC Environmental Impact Assessment that included the project area, the project area lies within a Lowland Hydrological Region – Homoclinal Flank District. The hydrostratigraphic units (HU) that comprise the project area include the Upper Morien unit (Lower HU) and the sand and gravel unit (upper HU).

The groundwater characteristics in this area have been influenced by the advancement of coal mines into the aquifers. Once the mine workings closed and were allowed to flood the potential for impacts to the surrounding groundwater increased including increased sulphide levels, as well as the potential for impacts from the colliery operations and waste rock storage.

The local community receives potable water from the municipal utility via the New Waterford Water Treatment plant which draws from Waterford and Kilkenny Lakes approximately 5km west of the project location. The plant, located on Daley Rd in New Waterford, provides potable water to the communities of New Waterford, Lingan Scotchtown, River Ryan, and New Victoria, (CBRM, 2011).

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 47

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

No impacts to groundwater are anticipated as a result of this project with the implementation of best management practices and through the preventative measures that are part of the design of the various project components. No water withdrawals are planned as a part of this project.

5.1.6 Wetlands No wetlands have been identified within the proposed project footprint. Scattered cranberry bogs are present in low lying areas associated with the barrens near the shore in the general area, but not in relation to the proposed project footprint. One large wetland was identified approximately 400 m west of T-13, as well as several small wetlands approximately 300 to 400 m east of T-12, between the NSPI ashfill settling pond and Hinchey Ave. (Figure 5-2).

No impacts to wetlands are anticipated as a result of this project through avoidance of wetland features and the implementation of erosion and sediment control measures.

5.1.7 Vegetation/Habitats The landscape on which the expansion is proposed can be characterized as an industrial brownfield in various stages of succession with recently remediated and reclaimed above ground colliery workings and related disposal sites (i.e., waste rock dumps). Figure 5-3 shows the various reclamation project areas in the vicinity of, T-12 and T-13. Biodiversity throughout the project area is low and no at-risk flora species were identified during botany surveys. Surveys were conducted during the environmental assessments for the first two phases of the project as well as in the fall of 2009, the spring of 2010 and the fall of 2011 as Sprott was evaluating different sites for expanding the Lingan Wind Farm. Vegetation survey results are provided in Appendix B.

The proposed location for Turbine T-13 is situated approximately 70 m west of the Phalen Ocean Dump site. Vegetation is dominated by Green Alder (Alnus crispus), Willow (Salix bebbiana) and Rose (Rosa virginiana) with introduced species (see Plate 1).

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 48

Phalen Ocean Dump Disposal Area for waste rock from the Phalen Mine and consolodated with material from the Ling Street Ocean Dump.

Areas 5 and 6 Former Lingan Colliery

Area of Grubbed Material - topsoil removedfor the Phalen Ocean Dump cap.

T-13 ÑÖ

T-9 ÑÖ T-6 T-7 ÑÖ ÑÖ T-12 ÑÖ T-5 ÑÖ

T-4 ÑÖ

T-11 Lingan Waste Rock Pile ÑÖ

Stone Dump T-3 Scrap Metal T-8 ÑÖ ÑÖ T-10 Area 2: Borrow Pit ÑÖ ÑÖ - Material used for various capping projects. Minimal cover left over bedrock for reclamation/reseeding

Grubbing Disposal New Waterford Grubbings removed from adjacent Phalen site.. Includes dredge spoils from New Waterford Harbour.

ÖÑ Lingan III Turbines ( T10 to T13) Road Wetland LINGAN WIND FARM EXPANSION PROJECT ÖÑ Lingan I and II Turbines (T1 to T8) Railway

ÖÑ ComFIT Turbine (T9) Proposed Access Road FIGURE 5 -3 Watercourse Remediation Areas

LINGAN AND PHALEN COLLIERY REMEDIATION AND RECLAMATION SITES SOURCE: PUBLIC WORKS AND Meters GOVERNMENT SERVICES CANADA, GEO NOVA, MAP PROJECTION: UTM NAD 83, ZONE 20 0 90 180 270 360 GOOGLE EARTH PRO PROJECT #: 115625 ² DATE: JUNE 2012 SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Plate 1: Proposed location for T-13 looking north toward the Atlantic Ocean

The site proposed for T-12 was used for borrow material for various reclamation projects on former colliery sites. A minimal cover of material was left over the bedrock for reseeding. The site is now a reclaimed, site with a largely homogenous grass cover (see Plate 2).

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 50

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Plate 2: Proposed location of T-12 looking west The Lingan Waste Rock Pile is in the background, right

The sites proposed for T-11 and T-10 (see Plates 3 and 4, respectively) are dominated by secondary regeneration consisting of White Birch (Betula cordifolia), White Spruce (Picea glauca), Red Maple (Acer rubrum) and Green Alder (Alnus crispus). The presence of White Spruce suggested that at one time, the area was cleared which is confirmed in reviews of historic aerial photographs. Vegetation in the form of shrubs is very dense.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 51

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Plate 3: Proposed Location for T-11

Plate 4 Proposed location for T-10

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 52

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Summary of Effects: Magnitude Small Reversibility Irreversible Nature Negative Extent Immediate: limited to access roads, turbine foundations and crane pads Duration Long-term: Life of the wind farm (approx. 25 years) Confidence in prediction High: Sensitive habitat is not present on the site.

Significance: Not significant. No known significant habitat onsite, and the amount of habitat directly impacted is minimal.

Residual Impact Statement: No significant impacts are predicted on terrestrial habitats based on the limited amount of land required for the wind turbines and the degree of past disturbance.

5.1.8 Species at Risk and Significant Habitats At Risk Species are identified nationally under the Committee on the Status of Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) listings and provincially under the status of wildlife process. Regulatory protection is extended under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA) and the provincial Nova Scotia Endangered Species Act (NSESA). Under SARA, the initial List of Wildlife Species at Risk is Schedule 1 and is based on recent COSEWIC assessment of endangered or threatened species. As of June 1, 2004, SARA applies to aquatic or migratory bird (under MBCA protection) at risk species and listed endangered, threatened or extirpated species on federal lands. The NSESA provides “for the protection, recovery and other relevant aspects of conservation of species at risk in the Province, including habitat protection” (Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources 1998). At risk species are designated for protection under the Act by the Species-at-risk Working Group.

Other species are identified as potentially rare within the province based on literature assessments such as the Atlas of Rare Vascular Plants of Nova Scotia (Pronych & Wilson, 1993).

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 53

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

While there is potential to encounter rare species either directly within the construction area or to have construction activities result in disturbance to rare species adjacent to the site, the disturbed nature of the site decreases the potential.

Field surveys were conducted within the study area with particular attention paid to habitats with a higher potential for containing at-risk species. These habitats included any wetlands, swales and low-lying areas, specific forest stands and disturbed areas.

A shortlist of potential at-risk species, including those listed by the federal Species At Risk Act, Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife In Canada (COSEWIC), Nova Scotia Endangered Species Act, or DNR at-risk [red-listed] and sensitive [yellow-listed]), for the area is provided in Table 5-4. The shortlist was developed from records from the Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre (ACCDC) which were obtained for a 100 km radius of the project location. Short listed species and their habitats were targeted during the site visits.

No at-risk plant or animal species were observed during the field surveys, nor is the site expected to be essential habitat for at-risk species, based on habitat and potential species identified for the area.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 54

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Table 5-4 Shortlist of Potential at Risk Species for Habitat and Field Findings NSESA or NSDNR Observable SARA Name Species General, Habitat or Sensitive Field Observation (COSEWIC) S Status* Period status Red Knot Calidris canutus Endangered/ Yellow, Breeding/nesting habitat in Canadian Lat summer Not observed during field studies. Unlikely significant habitat rufa Endangered S2S3M Arctic, wintering habitat in Tierra del during migratory in project study area due to development and potential for Fuego. stopover disturbance at local beaches. Better stopover sites are located on more remote shorelines further east or west of Lingan. Observations recorded in ACCDC database are approximately 12 km (+/- 0 .5 km) from the project footprint. Bicknell’s Thrush Catharus Vulnerable/ Yellow, Breeds in dense spruce/fir forests at April-June Not observed during field studies. Unlikely significant habitat bicknelli Threatened S1S2B high elevation (Cape Breton Highlands) in project area; Nova Scotia range is limited to the highlands of Cape Breton. Observations recorded in ACCDC database are approximately 24 km (+/- 5 km) from the project footprint. Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus NL / Special Yellow, Open grassy habitat April-June Not observed during field studies no suitable habitat detected in Concern S1S2 spite of special attention being paid to this species. Observations recorded in ACCDC database are approximately 16 km (+/- 5 km) from the project footprint. Harlequin Duck Histrionicus Endangered/ Yellow, Winters in coastal waters of Nova Winter Not observed during field studies. Observations recorded in (Eastern population) histrionicus Threatened S2N Scotia ACCDC database are approximately 20 km (+/- 10 km) from the project footprint. Barrow’s Goldeneye Bucephala NL / Special Yellow, Breeds inland with nest primarily in Winter Not observed during field studies. Unlikely significant (Eastern population) islandica Concern S1N tree cavities, winters in coastal waters breeding habitat in project area. Observations recorded in ACCDC database are approximately 18 km (+/- 10 km) from the project footprint. Bobolink Dolichonyx NL / Threatened Yellow, Open grassy areas Nest June-July Not observed during field studies. Habitat at project area is oryzivorus S3S4B generally unsuitable. Observations recorded in ACCDC database are approximately 11 km (+/- 5 km) from the project footprint. Rusty Blackbird Euphagus NL / Special Yellow, Spruce bogs, swamps and damp alder Nest May-June Not observed during field studies. Possible habitat in local carolinus Concern S2S3B swales study area, but limited potential habitat in project footprint. Observations recorded in ACCDC database are approximately 16 km (+/- 5 km) from the project footprint. Canada Lynx Lynx canadensis Endangered/ Red, S1 Old growth coniferous forests to Year round Not observed during field studies. Unlikely significant habitat Not at Risk regenerating coniferous or mixed forest in project area de to the level of development. Observations well away from human activity. recorded in ACCDC database are approximately 32 km (+/- 1 The Nova Scotia population is km) from the project footprint. restricted to the Cape Breton highlands. American Marten Martes Endangered/ Red, S1 Mature conifers or mixed woods with Year round Not observed during field studies. Unlikely significant habitat americana Endangered standing dead tress and root masses and in project area de to the level of development. Observations a significant canopy cover for recorded in ACCDC database are approximately 42 km (+/- 10

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 55

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

NSESA or NSDNR Observable SARA Name Species General, Habitat or Sensitive Field Observation (COSEWIC) S Status* Period status protection. km) from the project footprint. The Nova Scotia population is restricted to the Cape Breton highlands and possible a few mainland locations. Wood Turtle Glyptemys Vulnerable/ Yellow, Summer Not observed during field studies insculpta Threatened S3 Monarch Danaus NL / Special Yellow, Migrates through Nova Scotia, lays Summer Not observed during field studies. Not likely to interact with plexippus Concern S2B eggs on swamp milkweed. project. Boreal Felt Lichen Erioderma Endangered/ Red, S1S2 Balsam fir. Year round Not observed during field studies. pedicullatum Endangered Prototype Quillwort Isoetes Vulnerable / Red, S2 Cold, nutrient-poor spring fed lakes. Summer Not observed during field studies. No suitable habitat present prototypus Special Concern Found only in 9 locations in Nova in the study area. Observations recorded in ACCDC database Scotia. are approximately 18 km (+/- 0.1 km) from the project footprint. New Jersey rush Juncus Vulnerable / Yellow, Coastal plains fen and bog Jul-Oct. Not observed during field studies. Observations recorded in caesariensis Special Concern S2 ACCDC database are approximately 49 km (+/- 0 km) from the project footprint. Frosted Glass-whiskers Sclerophora NL / Special NL, S1? Old deciduous trees, usually on Year round Not observed during field studies. No suitable habitat present Lichen peronella Concern exposed heartwood. The only recorded in the study area. Observations recorded in ACCDC database Nova Scotia Population location in Nova Scotia is in the Cape are approximately 65 km (+/- 10 km) from the project Breton Highlands footprint.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 56

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Status Ranking Explanations Federal Status under SARA as determined by COSEWIC: Endangered: A wildlife species that is facing imminent extirpation or extinction Threatened A wildlife species that is likely to become endangered if nothing is done to reverse the factors leading to its extirpation or extinction. Special Concern A wildlife species that may become a threatened or an endangered species because of a combination of biological characteristics and identified threats. N/L Not Listed Nova Scotia Endangered Species Act ( NSESA) Status: Endangered - Facing imminent extinction. Threatened - Likely to become endangered if limiting factors are not reversed. Vulnerable - Sensitive to activities that may make it endangered or threatened. Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre (ACCDC) General Status: S1 Very Rare S2 Rare S3 Uncommon S4 Fairly Uncommon B Breeding Qualifier (refers to the breeding population of the element in the province) N Non-Breeding Qualifier (refers to non-breeding population of the element in the province) M Migrating Population Qualifier Combination of S ranks (e.g. S2S3) or the presence of a question mark (?) denotes uncertainty regarding the population status of the species. Nova Scotia Department of Natural resources (NSDNR) General Status Ranks: Blue Extinct Red Known or thought to be at risk Yellow Sensitive to human activities or natural events N/L Not Listed

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 57

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

5.1.8.1 Significant Habitats A review of the NSDNR Significant Habitat Database (NSDNR, 2011) indicated that there are no significant wildlife habitats located in the project footprint. There are significant wildlife habitats located in Lingan Bay/Indian Bay to the east of the project. The closest habitat is a colony of Great Cormorants (Habitat ID# CB21) (the colony may be used by Black Guillemots and Double-crested Cormorants as well) located on the cliff at the edge of Laffins Cove between approximately 600 and 800 m from the proposed location for T-10. This colony is discussed further in Section 5.1.9 and in Appendix A. NSDNR identified additional habitats in Lingan Bay (pers.comm. L. Benjamin, 2011):

CB79: Winter waterfowl concentration area in warm water outflow from power station.

CB43: The area around Dominion Beach is important habitat for migrating shorebirds and waterfowl. In summer, provides habitat for various birds including terns, willets and great blue herons.

CB42: Lingan Beach has been used for breeding by piping plovers. Also provides habitat for terns and migrating shorebirds. Deer are reported to use the beach in the winter as foraging habitat.

As discussed in Section 5.1.9, the observed movement of birds between Lingan Bay/Indian Bay and the ocean is directly out of the bay rather than overland through the project footprint. Figure 5-4 shows the significant wildlife habitat locations relative to the proposed project.

Results: Magnitude Not applicable: At risk species not observed on the project site. Reversibility Not applicable Nature Not applicable Extent Not applicable Duration Not applicable Confidence in prediction High: Species were not observed during field surveys between 2005/06 and 2010

Significance: Not significant. No at risk species observed in the project footprint, no significant habitats impacted by the proposed project.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 58

t t t e e e e e e r r Avenue r t k Broo t t S S S

t t g e h n Ve t n e c n i io e e r t a t A L t B v e v ir e e t ch e n r S u n A e e t e v e B d n r o S e y ue t a r C e S y t o l e S p n l R i t t

e o n s R Sp e e l ru e s a a c e t t l l e r i d r A t ve t e S g v nu u e M u e S S in e r e T-13 H t r A o n n v F h en e t S D a n o t ue t t ÑÖ on n y Avenue b i e Hinche K Av h e e t e n b e u i N r e n t r t t t G e e S e T e S T-9 e r g t r t r t e n S u i ÑÖ T-6 S h e t r K h t r T-7 New t h t n A t S f ÑÖ l e e e T-12 h e e ÑÖ T-5 t t i r w r t i ÑÖ T m Pl S h um ÑÖ m S T e Waterford r A n ve r Wil nue T-4 son u Ave b P t ella nue k ÑÖ tt Av e c T-11 A t l a n t i c O c e a n W en Mt e o a ue C r rr a t R en A rme C ÑÖ o ve l A S T-3 ss n v Ave ue enu T-8 nue e h p ÑÖ t T-1 e ÑÖ e t T-2 t s T-10 e e e o r t e J ÑÖ e r ÑÖ r t ÑÖ V t t S t ic t to r S S e S ia t e h A t e ve e t e r d nu h w r l t e e e t g o a l r CB21 i t e S t l S r n i e E S t e o n e t t W t S h r a o D e e i t i t e t e H y c e e d n S e e i r r g s a r a i t t r n r t e c m n r Laffins M S o c o S t a S t A o l e h t F n n S e e e D e e o o G e Cove e i n g y e r h n t r n H w i t a t A

S Q U o r S u K v e e M u n D e c e S o tr n a e E e n e m t C u a e u K ra n l e s t in d g d S a I r S l tr M tr e L c e o e M e a a t a t y r F a F c K St o s in re e L g e r e M St t d e re m o p et r E S d a tr A e v h M e e S t n a u c e L e l R la o n a D c r h iv e e Lingan s t R ee o tr a S d id C av o D lu H m ig b h u w s a S y tr 2 e 8 M e a t h o oad CB79 n gan R R Y Lin o o u a n d g D r iv N e J ic e k n le w w o o N o e o d a d r D D i r n r e iv g iv iv e d e r a D ad le w rt Ro ie u n D llv o ga r i C in D iv H d L e o o o m Indian w e i y n N Bay io n

CB43

il ls CB42 B D e River r a iv c e h B Ryan ri dg H Lingan ep ig or h t Be ach w Bay

a t y D e a e 2 e v 8 r u t i n d t

S e s

v o

k e n d r A c a o a S t s n R d P e e t a n a r r

a e e Dominion e o g r C e in t c

L R t

S Beach O w

e e

v i

g Provincial o v

a Dominion n t N

t K Park ing a o s a R e l o

l a d c i C

Seaside Drive V O ÖÑ Lingan III Turbines ( T10 to T13) Wetlands ( NSDNR Wetland Inventory) Project Parcel Boundaries

LINGAN WIND FARM EXPANSION PROJECT ÖÑ Lingan I and II Turbines (T1 to T8) Migratory Bird Habitat Open Water

ÖÑ ComFIT Turbine (T9) Habitat of Concern

Watercourse Species at Risk Habiat FIGURE 5-4 Road SIGNIFICANT WILDLIFE HABITATS

Meters MAP PROJECTION: UTM NAD 83, ZONE 20 0 210 420 630 840 SOURCE: GEO NOVA, NSDNR PROJECT #: 115625 ² DATE: JUNE 2012 SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Residual Impact Statement: No significant impacts are predicted on species at risk based on the findings of the respective surveys/assessments and desktop background data reviews.

5.1.9 Migratory Birds The assessment of potential avian impacts from the proposed expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm is based on bird surveys conducted during spring migration, breeding, and fall migration periods for the preceding phase of the Lingan Wind Farm Project and the 1-year post construction monitoring (conducted in accordance with Canadian Wildlife Service Protocols). The habitats that were surveyed for the existing wind farm coincide with the habitats considered for the turbines in this proposed expansion project. The background and post-construction avian monitoring reports are provided in Appendix A.

Spring Migration Period Fewer than 50 passerines were detected during two days of surveys at a time of year (spring) when many passerines (flycatchers, warblers, vireos) would be expected to pass through.

The Lingan area is not considered to be an area of high migration numbers. Other sites in the region, such as Schooner Pond, about 15 km east, Petersfield Provincial Park, Tower Road Sewage Lagoon and at other headlands such as Point Aconi, (within 25 km) exhibit higher number of migrants during the spring migration.

There appears to be little movement of ducks and geese over the headland between Lingan Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The waterfowl tend to exit the bay following the channel by the wharf at Lingan and then roost on the ocean beyond the Power Plant. Gulls will fly over the Power Plant and then overland to the ocean on the north shore. Double-crested Cormorants will as well, but much less frequently than gulls. There is little evidence suggesting that these species are susceptible to colliding with turbines. Gulls and cormorants should be able to notice the turbines and use alternate routes.

The associated mudflats and beach are not significant staging areas for shorebirds in the spring, but they are in the autumn migration. As with the waterfowl described above, shorebirds do not

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 60

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

fly over the headlands and there is little evidence that these species will interact with the turbines.

No species listed by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) nor species listed as Red or Yellow in the General Status of Wild Species in Nova Scotia were detected during spring migration surveys. No concentrations of migrant birds were noted or expected.

Breeding Birds The 2005 baseline study found that the two most common species nesting in the study area are Great Cormorant and Black Guillemot (more than 50 pairs each). Next, estimated 10-20 pairs, would be Herring Gull, Song Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat roughly in decreasing order of abundance. All other species would have fewer than ten, most only one or two pairs, nesting on or within a few hundred metres of study area.

The cormorants and guillemots use the cliffs on the headland (North Head) between Gillis Cove and Laffins Cove for nesting. As a result of the survey, it is estimated that there are over 125 nests in the cormorant colony (Double Crested and Greater Cormorant combined) on the north side of the North Head headland (see Figure 5-4).

The size of the site and location suggest that larger raptors such as Red-tailed hawks and Northern Goshawks will not have enough territory to forage. One Merlin was observed, but there was no evidence of nesting on the site.

No species listed by COSEWIC were detected during the breeding season surveys. One species listed as Yellow in the General Status of Wild Species in Nova Scotia, Common Tern, was seen during breeding season surveys; however terns are not expected to use the project footprint as habitat.

Fall Migration Period Thirty species of birds were recorded during surveys on 17 September and 25 October 2005. No species listed by COSEWIC as Endangered, Threatened or Special Concern was detected. No

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 61

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

species on the Red or Yellow lists from the General Status Ranks of Wild Species in Nova Scotia were detected.

Consultation The wildlife biologist with the NS Department of Natural Resources (Terry Power, Coxheath office), Becky Whittam of Bird Studies Canada, Sackville, New Brunswick and coauthor of the draft guidelines for assessing the impact of wind projects on birds and a bird biologist with the Canadian Wildlife Service in Sackville, New Brunswick (Dan Busby) were consulted about the baseline study.

Results of the 2008/2009 one-year post construction monitoring event As a condition of approval of the existing wind farm, NSE required that post construction monitoring of avian mortality be conducted. Dr. David McCorquodale conducted post- construction avian monitoring of the existing wind farm between May 2008 and June 2009 to determine the potential impact of the turbines on local avian populations. Dr. McCorquodale’s monitoring protocol was based on the Canadian Wildlife Service document ‘Recommended Protocols for Monitoring Impacts of Wind Turbines on Birds’ and was vetted by experts at the CWS, Environment Canada, and NSDNR.

The most objective estimate of bird mortality at the seven existing wind turbines at Lingan from June 2008 through June 2009 is 0 (zero). This estimate considers the number of carcasses found, searcher efficiency and the background density of carcasses in the control area. This estimate is robust even if unrealistically restrictive assumptions are used.

Eleven carcasses were found in the 5.5 ha search area under the seven turbines, or 2.4 per hectare while eight carcasses were found in the 2 ha control area or 4.9/ha, June 2008 through May 2009.

Carcass density was lower under the turbines than in the control area. Therefore the best estimate of bird mortality due to the turbines is 2.4/ha - 4.9/ha = -2.5/ha. As this is less than 0, Dr. McCorquodale used an estimate of 0.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 62

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

The turbines did not increase bird mortality. Even if more restrictive assumptions are added the estimate of mortality remains below 0. For example if carcasses were twice as easy to find in the control area, the mortality estimate would be the same, 0 (zero).

The actual number of birds killed by the turbines is less than one bird per turbine per year and very likely less than 0.1 birds per year per turbine. And therefore the most objective estimate of bird mortality from the Lingan wind turbines from June 2008 through May 2009 is 0 (zero).

Summary of Effects: Magnitude Small Reversibility Reversible: Birds have the ability to recognize turbines as obstacles and avoid them. Nature Negative Extent Immediate: Limited to the project site Duration Long-term: Life of the project (~25 yrs) Confidence in prediction High: Nesting and migration patterns are well documented in this area by local experts and federal/provincial authorities.

Significance: Not significant given known migration patterns and observed diurnal use by migratory birds.

Residual Impact Statement: No significant impacts are predicted on migratory birds based on the findings of the surveys and the post construction monitoring

5.1.10 Other Flying Species Bats According to NSDNR’s General Status of Wild Species in Nova Scotia, six species of bats are found in Nova Scotia and all are ranked as “Yellow” status. Yellow status means the species is sensitive to human activities or natural events. The six species include: Little Brown Bat; Northern Long-eared Bat; Silver Haired Bat; Red Bat; Hoary Bat; and, Eastern Pipistrelle.

The Lingan project site is not in the vicinity of any known bat hibernacula and bat migration has not been noted in the avian surveys. Bats were a component of the post construction mortality study conducted for the previously constructed turbines art Lingan however, no bat carcasses

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 63

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

were observed during the monitoring event. According to records held by the Atlantic Canada Data Conservation Centre, no observations of bat species have been noted (ACCDC, 2009).

According to mortality surveys at other wind farms, bats have been killed by turbine blades, but at the same degree as, or lower than, avian mortality (Johnson et al. 2003, Johnson et al. 2003b, Young et al. 2003, Erikson et al. 2003).

Invertebrates There is relatively little information of the effects of turbines on flying insects compared to birds and bats. Gipe (1995) reviewed a study by the North German Academy for Nature Protection Germany on 11 wind farms looked for evidence of insect collisions on the turbine blades. The study was established to determine is wind turbines removed a component of food supply for insect-eating birds rather than studying the impacts of turbines on insect populations. The impact was determined to be negligible Gipe also reviewed a study by the US Department of Energy in which honeybees (Apis sp.) and blowflies (Calliphoridae) were released and filmed to observe their interaction with a wind turbine. Impact to the insects was determined to be negligible Grealey and Stephenson (2007) indicate the inner ~15% of the swept area would be the only area where butterflies would be in danger of collision with the blades as the rotational speed of the blades would be such that butterflies would be swept away from the blade area before colliding with the blades.

Summary of Effects: Magnitude Small Reversibility Reversible: High concentrations of bats are not anticipated in this area. Flying insects typically fly lower than the bottom of the blade path and the movement of the blade will push flying insects from the swept area of the rotor Nature Negative Extent Immediate: Limited to the project site Duration Long-term: Life of the project (~25 yrs) Confidence in prediction Moderate: Research on bat and flying insect interactions with wind turbines has not reached the same scale as that of avian interaction.

Significance: Not significant based on available data and recorded observations from ACCDC and previous post-construction monitoring program.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 64

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Residual Impact Statement: No significant impacts are predicted on bats and avian invertebrates based on the available data for bat habitat and previous studies.

5.1.11 Fish and Fish Habitat As noted in Section 5.1.4, fish habitat in the project area is limited to potential habitat in Graces Brook as well as the marine environment. No impacts on fish habitat are anticipated as result of the project as no fish habitat is located within the project footprint, and through implementation of mitigation and contingency measures in the Project EPP, offsite/downgradient impact will be avoided.

5.1.12 Visual Landscape Much of the local topography has been altered through development of the coal mining infrastructure and NSPI Lingan Generating Station. In the areas of the remediated Lingan and Phalen Collieries, reclaimed and contoured waste rock piles as well as other remediation sites are the prominent landscape features. The elevation of the project area varies from a low of approximately 23 m at T-13 to approximately 37 m above sea level at T-12.

Aside from the existing turbines, the most predominant visual features on the landscape in the Lingan area are the NSPI Lingan Power Station and its ancillary components and the high voltage power transmission lines leading from the Lingan Power Station.

To assess the impact of the turbines on the visual environment, visual simulations were produced. Images from the simulations are provided in Plates 5, 6 and 7. Figure 5-5 provides a map showing the photo view point locations used in the visual simulations.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 65

" " " t 10 " " e " e " r " " 5 " t " t " "" " " " e S " 2 " " " 0 " " e " y r " " t " " e " " " " " l " " "" S 1 1 " " " 5 5 "" "n " " " " " a " " s " " " " " t " " " " a " " l " "" S " " " " "" " g " 20 " """ " " "u "" " "" " t " " " " o H " "" e " " "" "" inc" "" " D h " "" "" " e ey" "" " " r " " A " " " " T-13 t " ve 2 A t l a n t i c O c e a n " " " " " " n " " " ue 5 " "S " " " " " VP 1 " " " " ÑÖ " 0 " " " " " " " " " " " " e 3 " " " " " k " i " " " r " " " " r " " " " " H o " "3 " " " " " " u " " " " " " " in " " o " 5 " 2 " " C " " " c " r " " " " " 0 " " " " " " h " " " " " " e " " y B "" " " New " " " T-9 " " " " " " " " A " " v " " " " " " 30 e ÑÖ " " n " " " " " " k u ! " " " " 5 e T-6 " " " " 0 o 3 ! " " " 3 Waterford" " " o " " " " ! T-7 ÑÖ " " r " " " " " ! 1 " " " " B ÑÖ 0 t " 2 T-12 " " " " " t " e " " " " 5 e T-5 " t ! " e " "

e 40 ÑÖ " r e " " d "" t " "r " " " t " ÑÖ

" e " " t " S "r " " " e " t S ! " e " 20

" d "

" " S " " " e r " n 30 m

" " " r " r

" " " "y " " t a a

u r " ! 3

t a " 0 T-4 n " S r b e " " "

r e K k s

e " c c n ÑÖ u " e ! r G t " " " o c " h M 35

t " " "" S a U " r C " " " r " !

30 " " h " A " G T-11 "" " p " " " " " ! " " e " ÑÖ " " s " " " " o " ! " J "" " " T-8 15 " t T-3 " 5 S ÑÖ North " " " ! ÑÖ " " " 30 " " T-1 Head " " " " 5 T-10 " " 2 T-2

" " ÑÖ ! " " ! ÑÖ ÑÖ " " " " " NSPI Ashfill " " " " 30

" H "" " " " " " ! " i " Setling Pond n " " " " " " c " h " " " e

" " ! y

" " " " " " " A " " " " v " e " " " " " " " 35 ! n " " u " " " " 5 " " 4 e " " 0 " " " " " " 4

" ! " " " " " " " " " 40 " " " " " " " 5 " " 1

" " " ! " " " " " " " " " 15 " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " ! " " " " " " 2 15 0 " " 0 " " " " " 0 2 " " " 3 " " " "45 " ! " " " " " " VP" 3 " " " " "" " " " " "

" " " " " ! " " " " " " " " 4 " " " 55 5 " " " " " " " " " ! " " " !

" "" ! 0 ! ! ! " " ! ! ! ! ! 5 ! ! ! ! " " " " ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 3 ! ! " ! ! ! " " ! ! ! ! 0 !

" " ! ! ! ! ! ! ! " " " ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

" " ! ! ! " ! ! ! " " " " " ! ! ! ! !

" ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! " ! ! ! ! " " ! ! !

R ! Indian Bay

! " !

a !

" c ! !

h " " !

e ! 3

" ! 5 s !

R Lingan "

0 " ! ! "

4 ! o !

a !

d 0

! " ! 3 ! !

" " ! "

" " " " " VP 2 ! !

" ! M " "

! " " ! a "

c "

! " ! L "

! ! e

l " "

! l " ! a

! " 0

! n" 5 ! " " 2 1

" D " "

! " " ! " 1

! r 0

! i " ! " v" " "

! e " ! "5 "

! " " ! " " "

! " 5 ! "

" " "

! " ! " " "

! " " !

! " "

" " !

! ! " ! " Building

ÖÑ Lingan III Turbines ( T"10 to T13) " Railway " Wetland

" ! LINGAN WIND FARM EXPANSI! ON PROJECT " "

! ! " "

" !

" " "

" ! " " 5 m Contour Trail/Track !

! ÑÖ"

! Lingan I and II Turb"ines (T1 to T8) Open Water

! ! !

! NSPI Transmission Lines ! Watercourse

ÖÑ ComFIT Turbine (T9) !

! FIGURE 5-5 !

! Vantage Point Location (VP#) Road Project Parcel Boundaries

! !

VIEWP! OINT LOCATIONS

! !

! ! !

! FOR VISUAL SIMULATION

! ! !

! ! ! !

! Meters SOURCE: GEO NOVA, NSDNR MAP PROJECTION: UTM NAD 83, ZONE 20 ! !

! ! 0 90 180 270 360

! PROJECT #: 115625

! !

! DATE: JUNE 2012

! !

! ²

! !

! ! !

! !

! ! Plate 5: Vantage Point 1 EXISTING

PROPOSED Plate 6: Vantage Point 2 EXISTING

PROPOSED Plate 7: Vantage Point 3 EXISTING

PROPOSED SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Summary of Effects: Magnitude Small: Construction, short term presence of cranes that will be visible during tower construction and blade installation Operation, all of the turbines will be only fully visible from the water. Vegetation and topography obscure much of the units form view. Reversibility Irreversible Nature Positive/Negative Extent Local: The impact on the visual landscape will be limited to surrounding communities Duration Long-term: The project is anticipated to have a life span of approximately 25 years. Confidence in prediction High

Significance: Not significant, based on pre-existing features dominating the visual landscape prior to the development of the Lingan Wind Farm expansion and the subjective nature of individual perceptions.

Residual Impact Statement: The impact of a wind farm on the visual landscape is very subjective in that it varies from one observer to another. One individual may find the turbines attractive, while another may see the facility as an imposition on the visual landscape. Given the natures of the neighbouring structures and land uses in the local area, the presence of the wind farm is not considered a significant negative impact on the visual landscape.

5.1.13 Electromagnetic Interference Sprott will submit the proposed turbine locations for review using the Wind Turbine Submission Form to DND’s Aerospace and Telecommunications Engineering and Support Squadron (ATESS) before construction and will work with ATESS to mitigate any adverse impacts to the Sydney Air Defence Radar Site located approximately 12 km southeast of the project site.

The existing wind farm has been cleared by Nav Canada through a permitting process in 2006. A permit will be sought for the expansion turbines as well before construction commences. The Non-directional Beacon located in Lingan was to be decommissioned by Nav Canada in February 2008 (Nav Canada, 2007).

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 70

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

A search of the Industry Canada database of communication towers (mapped by Loxcel.com) indicates that Bell and Rogers operate cellular transmitters on King Street in New Waterford, approximately 3 km southwest of the proposed project location. The companies have additional cell towers located in Glace Bay, Sydney and North Sydney.

Environment Canada Operates a Doppler weather radar site at Marion Bridge approximately 35 km southwest of the proposed project location. This site is part of the Canadian Weather Radar Network and its primary purpose is to detect the intensity and movement weather systems within its range of 256 km.

Sprott is not aware of any issues regarding the existing project with respect to electromagnetic interference. It is not anticipated that the addition of the expansion turbines to the site will result in an adverse impact on electromagnetic transmissions or radar reception as the addition of the proposed turbines will expand the east-west footprint of the existing wind farm by only approximately 540 m to the west.

5.2 Socio-Economic Conditions

5.2.1 Economy Data from Statistics Canada’s 2006 census community profiles were reviewed for this report. The census subdivisions did not correspond closely to the local or project study areas. Rather the closest community profile was the entire Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM). While the CBRM is larger than the community surrounding the study area, their proximity and similarity should allow for an adequate representation.

Cape Breton’s population in 2006 was 102,250 residents, which is a 3.5% reduction from the 2001 census. The average age of Cape Breton residents is 44.9, which is 3.1 years older than the provincial average. The median after-tax income for households in the area is $36,905 which is 9% lower than the provincial average. The unemployment rate in Cape Breton was 15.9% which is an improvement on 2001 data which had an unemployment rate at 19.4%.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 71

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

While official numbers have not yet been published for the 2011 Canadian Census, it is expected that the global economic recession that has impacted the rest of Canada’s economy will have a negative impact on Cape Breton’s economy as well.

The expansion project is anticipated to result in additional direct employment of one full-time employee over the life of the Project (likely hired by Enercon as an expansion to their service team based on Sydney, NS). In addition, the project is expected to contribute over $1.5 million to the local economy during construction (with 20-30 temporary construction jobs), and will contribute an estimated $2 million over the project life in the form of municipal property taxes and local services (road maintenance, snow clearing, consumables, etc).

The project is anticipated to have a positive impact on the local economy through construction and operational employment as well as additional property taxes.

5.2.2 Land Use The majority of land near the proposed area is reclaimed coal mining land that is sparsely populated and zoned for industrial use. This land use extends north and west of the proposed site several hundred meters into the Atlantic Ocean, south three to four kilometres to a coal burning power plant owned by Nova Scotia Power Inc and Lingan Bay beyond that, and east to the westerly residential outskirts of New Waterford.

The lands on which the project is proposed are zoned Lingan Corridor Comprehensive Development District (LCD); utility scale wind turbines are permitted as-of-right in this zone under the Cape Breton Regional Municipality Land Use By-Law (CBRM, 2012). Adjacent lands are zoned either Rural Residential or Residential Urban The minimum required setback from a dwelling is 175.26 m (575 feet) for wind turbines up to a height of 76.2 m (including maximum blade height). For every foot in height of the turbine beyond this height, an additional foot of setback is required. Based on the height of the proposed turbines (119 m including maximum blade height), the setback from adjacent residences must be 450.86 m to be in accordance with the CBRM bylaw. Sprott has planned the expansion project with a 550 m setback from residences. Adjacent lands zoned either Rural Residential or Residential Urban (e.g. RUD, RUC, and RRS land use zones). Existing and future land use is provided in Figure 5-6.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 72

t ue e t n e e r e t e

v r t A S t

e lm S h

e E t r c

C t s e a

J n S e

o e t hn re A r A h B V v v C e e e t n nue nue i iot A ve t B m nu irc e e h S A t e t v r e e n t t e u t e e t S e e r e e r t e e t y r e r S t r t e S t l S n S n S n o o a s s h t COZ m a h t RUD t d S l h a a e u g t g h e u M H i r e a t o E t r H e in r c e D S t G he t y e Av T-13 A t l a n t i c O c e a n e n S r en t u e o e h ÑÖ r S M b t in t er b n A Hinchey Avenue S i i h ve t t nue n G N n e t n e e r T RUC e A t e t S r W t S P a l g l um t sh S T-9 m A er n e ve Av i nue r en e K u ÑÖ u ! e r t h t ! CBD S r T-6 A ! h t T-7 f ÑÖ ! t l e e P ÑÖ lu ! e w mm t T-12 r e t t T r e Av e T-5 e e t S n e ÑÖ ! u r e e W t r t i ÑÖ lso h e t e n t S r Av t S e n New e n ! u d r e S e r t n T r LCD a y S u r r a ! T-4 b n W ils e K k o o n c c ÑÖ A G b ve ABX Waterford n o ! P M b e ue i lla t tt C Av e G e T-11 n ! ue e t r M e t C t e ÑÖ a ! W rm S ar e r ren l Av t A e e ve n S ! n ue D ue g ug r gan h T-8 T-3 Av o enue p ÑÖ e e ! ÑÖ G s t T-1 o e J T-10 T-2

e t ÑÖ r t t

S ! ÑÖ PUI ! ÑÖ e S B e N re r ic to h t h n A t olso ve h S n nu Av H e g en ! i u NSPI Ashfill w e i n t E o l c l e Settling i h e t

r e e

W t ! y e Pond S r

L t A a a i S v n d d e

e ! r a n B g y c ea r u A to n A o e v Ave e nue e

n ! M u G a e c L e

o ! d A v e

n ! u e Em t

e e e ! rald re Str t n eet S a g M L in a s K c RUD ! F L e o e p r o r d d a h S A ! ! ! v S ! t ! ! ! ! r ! ! ! ! e ! ! ! ! e ! ! ! ! ! n ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! e ! ! ! !

u ! ! ! ! ! ! t ! ! !

e ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Indian Bay !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! !

RRS !

! !

R ! ! ! o !

a !

c !

h ! ! !

e ! s ! !

R ! !

t o !

e ! M Zoning Designations a !

re ! t d ! a

S ! c !

L d !

vi ! e

! LCD: Lingan Corridor Comprehensive Development District a !

ll D ! a

! ! n !

! D RUC: Residential Urban C Zone !

! r

! i ! v

! e

! !

! RUD: Residential Urban D Zone

! !

M !

a ! ! RRS: Rural Residential Subdivision Zone

h ! ! d

o ! Lingan

! n !

! o R ! CBD: Downtown Central Business Zone

! R

o !

! a !

h d ! ! c

! GSS ABX; Apartment Building Zone ! a

H !

! e i ! ! g d B

! oa

h ! an R CSS: Rural General Store and Service Zone ! g

n n w ! Li !

a a !

y ! g

! ! COZ: Convenience Store and Optional Use Zone ! n

2 i

8 ! L

! !

! RRS PUI: Principal Urban Intersection Zone !

! !

! ! ! !

! !

! Lingan III Turbines ( T10 to T13) NSPI Transmission Lines !

! ÖÑ CBRM Zoning Boundaries

LINGAN WIND FARM EXPANSION! PROJECT !

! ! !

! ÖÑ Lingan I and II Turbines (T1 to T8) WaterLcionugrasen Bay Wetland !

! !

! ! !

! ComFIT Turbine (T9)

! Property Parcel Boundary ! ÖÑ Open Water

FIGURE 5-6 !

! !

! Project Parcels

! Road

! !

! ! !

! !

! ! LAND U! SE ZONES

! !

! ! !

! !

! Meters ! MAP PROJECTION: UTM NAD 83, ZONE 20

! SOURCE: CBRM LUB, GEO NOVA, NSDNR

! ! 0 140 280 420 560

! PROJECT #: 115625 !

! !

! DATE: JUNE 2012 !

! ² SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

The land was previously used for coal mining purposes for approximately two centuries until the year 1992 when the last mine was closed. The land had been heavily impacted, and has only recently started to recover through a combination of reclamation and natural re-colonization. As a result, the land is generally unused, and because of the soil impacts, has a low potential for residential development in the near future. The industrial nature of the project site and immediately surrounding lands and the permitted use make it unlikely that the project will have an impact on the existing and future land use.

5.2.3 Traffic/Transportation During construction, no new transportation infrastructure will be required with the exception of service roads leading from Hinchey Avenue to each individual turbine. The construction contractor will be responsible for obtain necessary permits from CBRM for new access points where required.

Components are expected to arrive by ship at the Sydney Coal Pier, and then be transported via flatbed truck to the Lingan site. The trucks will leave the Sydney Coal Pier and travel on the Spar Road to Grand Lake Road. They will follow Grand Lake Road to Gardiner Road. From Gardiner Road the truck will turn left onto Highway 28, then right on to Lingan Road to their respective sites.

A police escort will be present for the transportation of the turbine components and utility personnel will be on hand to lift any telecommunication lines that may otherwise interfere with the passage of the components. The trucking contractor will be responsible for obtaining any permits required for transportation and organizing utility lifts where required. Traffic delays during may occur as a result of the turbine component delivery but are expected to be short in duration and will only occur once during the construction phase of the project. With required permitting and route planning and a police escort in place, no significant impacts to traffic flow are anticipated. There may be minor interruption to local traffic flow during construction of the access roads and turbine foundations for delivery of aggregate material, but will occur infrequently and will only last for a short time.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 74

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

5.2.4 Recreation and Tourism Most residents take advantage of recreational opportunities in the cities and towns surrounding Lingan or nature reserves elsewhere on the island. The CBRM has several recreational facilities spread throughout its different regions including many hiking/walking trails. However, no major recreational facilities or walking/hiking trails are known to exist in Lingan, nor are there trails that would have their functionality or aesthetics significantly impacted by the additional turbines.

Dominion Beach Provincial Park is located within 2,800 m of the proposed expansion. The barrier beach extends to within 1,500 m, but the park portion is located at the eastern-most end of the beach. The Province closed the park between 2004 and 2010 because of high bacteria levels in the water but once a new sewage treatment plant was constructed, the park reopened. Additionally, repeated storms have destroyed the boardwalk and washed away the sand resulting in costly repairs being made by the provincial Department of Natural Resources. The province has not replaced the wooden boardwalk, instead replacing it with a gravel path and will develop a long–term management plan (NSDNR, 2011).

Significant adverse effects to users of Dominion Beach Provincial Park are not anticipated considering the historic presence of the NSPI power station and former collieries combined with the separation of the proposed expansion from the park area.

While Cape Breton Island is a popular location for tourists, Lingan is not well positioned to draw tourists due to the impacts from two centuries of mining, a lack of tourist amenities, and the presence of a coal burning power plant. There is some potential for the project to act as a point of interest to draw some tourists to the area.

The additional wind turbines are not expected to have any significant negative impact on tourism or recreation.

5.2.5 Human Health and Safety 5.2.5.1 Ice Throw Ice throw refers to the condition when ice accumulates on rotor blades and subsequently breaks free or melts and falls to the ground. Although a potential safety concern, it is important to note that while more than 90,000 wind turbines have been installed worldwide (Gipe 2007), there has

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 75

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

been no reported injury caused by ice thrown from a turbine (Klepinger 2007). However, ice shedding does occur, and remains a potential safety concern.

To address the potential safety issues associated with ice throw, the Enercon E-82 is equipped with an ice detection system in the event the ice forms on the rotor blades during operation in weather conditions conducive to icing.

Ice detection works by comparing turbine - specific power curves for the respective site. Ice build-up on the rotor blades changes the turbine’s aerodynamic profile meaning that with the extra weight on the rotor blades power output drops and the curve no longer corresponds to the optimised profile for maximum yield. Thus the power curve registered by SCADA lies below the normal curve for the respective turbine. The turbine will shut down if severe icing is detected on the blades.

Adverse effects from ice throw are considered unlikely considering the setbacks from adjacent properties and roadways and the de-icing technology of the turbines.

5.2.5.2 Blade Throw or Structural Failure During the early years of turbine development, blade throw was an occasional safety issue, but modern turbines are subject to strict design specifications and standards making the potential for catastrophic failure unlikely. To date, no injuries or fatalities have occurred in North America due to blade or turbine breakage and/or collapse, or with fragments and pieces found between 100-200 meters from the turbines (AMEC 2008). The American Wind Energy Association identifies the leading causes of blade failure as vandalism, improper assembly, or exceeding design limits (Tetra Tec 2008).

Adverse impact to public health and safety as a result of blade throw or structural failure are considered unlikely based on the strict design and construction standards followed by the manufacturer and the setbacks of the turbines from adjacent roads and properties.

5.2.5.3 Shadow Flicker Shadow flicker refers to the flickering effect caused when rotating turbine blades periodically cast shadows over neighbouring properties as they turn during periods of bright sunshine,

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 76

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

through constrained openings such as windows and doors. The magnitude of shadow flicker varies both spatially and temporally and depends on a number of environmental conditions coinciding at any particular point in time, including the position of the sun, wind conditions, cloudiness, and position of the turbine to a sensitive receptor (UK Department of Energy and Climate Change, 2011).

Shadow flicker is quantified by starting with a “worst-case” scenario and then modifying the results for a “real-case” scenario. The worst-case scenario considers only the orientation of turbines and receptors, assuming that the sun is shining all the time as long as the sun is above horizon and the turbines are situated in a perpendicular fashion to potential receptors. The real case scenario considers the on-site wind conditions, sunshine climate (i.e., cloudiness) and turbine availability to account for variations in sunlight due to cloud cover and wind directions.

Most Canadian jurisdictions including Nova Scotia do not have shadow flicker regulation in place. However, Halifax Regional Municipality in its Draft HRM Wind Energy Generation Plan (Halifax Regional Municipality, 2006) refines the shadow flicker definition to a “pulsing change in light intensity” and outlines the various approaches adopted in three Environmental Statements:

x “The Danish Wind Energy Association reports that shadow flicker does not need to be assessed at distances more than 500 – 1000 metres from a wind turbine. x Environmental assessments for other wind farms (e.g., by Renewable Energy Systems for the Meikle Carewe project in Aberdeenshire, Scotland) state that shadow flicker is only a potential problem at closer than 10 rotor diameters to the turbine. x The ministry for the Environment of Schleswig-Holstein, a northern German region with more than 1,000 MW of installed wind power, recommend the use of flicker timer if more than 30 hours of theoretical flicker occurs per year.”

German guidelines recommend 30 hours per year or 30 minutes per day of worst-case shadow flicker and Denmark recommends that maximum 10 hours per year allowed at neighbouring dwellings with average cloud cover (UK Department of Energy and Climate Change, 2011).

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 77

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Modelling Approach The shadow flicker modelling was completed using shadow flicker module of WindFarm, which is one of the most widely used modeling software packages in the industry. This module calculates times throughout a year when turbine rotor disc viewed from the window of a house is in line with the sun and therefore the potential for shadow flicker exists (ReSoft Ltd, 2008). It assumes the sun is always shining and that the rotor is always turning and facing the viewer (worst-case). It also takes earth curvature and topographic elevation into consideration. The inputs to the module include:

(1) Wind farm layout (Table 5-5) and turbine specifications (2) Receptor locations (3) Receptor is represented as “greenhouse” using a 1.5 m x 1.5 m window with the bottom edge of 1 m above the ground (4) Terrain contours derived from 1:50k scale DEM data set (www.geobase.ca) (5) Site latitude and longitude (6) Maximum distance of shadow influence of 1 km (7) Minimum sun height of 3q of shadow influence

In the real-case scenario, the reduction of shadow flicker effect due to the following factors should be considered:

(1) Cloudiness (2) Downtime of turbines (3) Wind directions resulting in turbine blades rotating in parallel to receptor (4) Natural obstructions caused by trees, buildings, terrain and etc.

The cloudiness is quantified using the probability of sunshine, i.e., percent of daylight hours with expected sunshine, as reported by Environment Canada data, and shown in Table 5-6.

The turbines are not operational when the wind speeds are below cut-in and above cut-out wind speeds, and/or during the maintenance periods. The yawing of wind turbines, thus the shadow of the turbine blades is dictated by the wind direction at the site. The wind speed and direction

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 78

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

distribution at hub height is exhibited in Figure 5-7. The natural obstructions due to vegetations or other structures have not been considered in this assessment for the “real-case” scenario.

Table 5-5 Lingan Wind Farm Layout

Location (UTM, NAD83) Hub Rotor Turbine Turbine Height Diameter Note ID Model Easting Northing (m) (m)

T-1 729,050 5,125,296 E-70 64 71 Existing T-2 728,794 5,125,268 E-70 64 71 Existing T-3 728,638 5,125,318 E-70 64 71 Existing T-4 728,255 5,125,586 E-70 64 71 Existing T-5 727,976 5,125,684 E-70 64 71 Existing T-6 651,959 5,125,812 E-70 64 71 Existing T-7 727,307 5,125,749 E-70 64 71 Existing Additional turbine planned under approval T-8 727,967 5,125,358 E-82 78 82 for existing 7 turbines ComFIT turbine not part T-9 727,848 5,125,867 E-48 76 48 of this assessment T-10 728,307 5,125,281 E-82 78 82 Expansion T-11 727,635 5,125,464 E-82 78 82 Expansion T-12 726,758 5,125,702 E-82 78 82 Expansion T-13 726,915 5,126,043 E-82 78 82 Expansion

Table 5-6 Probability of Monthly Sunshine at Lingan Wind Farm Site Month Sunshine Probability January 15% February 25% March 31% April 36% May 40% June 41% July 53% August 52% September 46% October 32% November 18% December 13%

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 79

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Figure 5-7 Wind Direction and Speed Distribution at the Site

Results Twenty-eight (28) receptors within 1 km of any turbines at Lingan Wind Farm have been considered in this analysis. Worst-case and real-case shadow flicker assessment results for each receptor are presented in Table 5-8. As shown in Table 5-7, twelve (12) of the receptor residences receive in excess of 30 hrs/year of shadow flicker under the worst case scenario. However, when applying true climate and astronomic conditions, the real-case scenario shows a significant difference in the potential amount of flicker as none of the receptors are predicted to exceed 30 hours per year of flicker exposure.

The worst-case maximum shadow flicker is 42.8 hours per year at R26. The real-case maximum shadow flicker is 12.66 hours per year at R17. A map showing the worst-case shadow flicker is presented in Figure 5-8 and the real case shadow flicker scenario is presented in Figure 5-9.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 80

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Table 5-7 Shadow Flicker Results for the Expansion Turbines Location (UTM NAD83) Worst-Case Real-Case

Maximum Mean Total Receptor Easting Northing Days per Total Hours hours per hours per hours per (m) (m) year per year day day year

R1 726172 5126164 96 0.48 0.37 35.10 7.24 R2 726205 5126151 105 0.50 0.37 39.40 8.05 R3 726202 5126091 90 0.52 0.39 35.20 8.23 R4 726206 5126059 88 0.53 0.40 35.00 8.82 R5 726143 5126061 78 0.49 0.37 29.00 7.69 R6 726115 5125970 74 0.49 0.37 27.10 8.11 R7 725848 5126021 30 0.37 0.29 8.60 2.13 R8 725867 5126018 30 0.37 0.29 8.80 2.20 R9 725915 5126016 59 0.39 0.29 17.20 4.95 R10 725940 5126012 60 0.40 0.30 18.00 5.20 R11 725982 5126011 64 0.42 0.31 19.80 5.73 R12 726167 5126019 81 0.51 0.38 31.00 8.69 R13 726185 5126013 84 0.53 0.39 32.60 9.20 R14 725842 5125967 28 0.37 0.30 8.30 2.16 R15 725899 5125941 31 0.39 0.30 9.40 2.47 R16 725795 5125962 27 0.35 0.28 7.60 2.01 R17 726266 5125956 95 0.61 0.45 42.40 12.66 R18 725945 5125956 61 0.41 0.30 18.40 5.55 R19 726003 5125949 65 0.43 0.32 20.90 6.36 R20 726211 5125956 87 0.56 0.41 35.60 10.75 R21 725783 5125924 27 0.35 0.28 7.50 2.04 R22 725769 5125879 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 R23 726150 5125886 80 0.53 0.39 30.90 9.92 R24 725821 5125835 28 0.37 0.29 8.10 2.57 R25 726244 5126020 91 0.57 0.43 39.00 10.48 R26 726208 5126163 118 0.50 0.36 42.80 8.30 R27 726165 5126129 87 0.49 0.37 32.30 7.24 R28 726205 5126102 93 0.52 0.39 36.00 8.17

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 81

A t l a n t i c O c e a n 5 10

" " " " " "" " " " "

" t e t e r e " t e " r d S t 1 v 5 l " S s 5 " B a " r " 1 " l " " e g " t " " w " t " u " e " e i o R1 R26 " b v " D d " n R2

" " a a " " " e e " " R27 " L c " " " O " " " R28 H " "R3 " " inch " ey " " Av " " 2 20 en t 2 0 " " " ue " " 5 " " " e R5 R4 T-13 " " " e " " r 30 " t ÑÖ " " " " " S " " " " " " " 1 d R7 " "" R"12 R25 0 5 " r R8 R9 " " " R10 R11 R13 a " r " " Hinchey Avenue e " " " G " " " "" " " " " " R14 R6 15 " 3 R16 "" " " 5 R18 " R20 R17 " " " R19 " " " " R15 " " " " 20 t " R21 e "

e " " r t " "" S " " " R23 " " r " R22 u " " " h t 2 r " 5 ! 0 " " " 2 " A " R24 ! " " " 35 ! " 0 " " 3 ! " " ! " " " ! " " " " ! T-7

! P " " " ÑÖ " opl " " " a ! r Ave nue " " " " " T-12 " " " ! " " P"op " 40 ÑÖ lar " " A k !

t " ven

" " "u o n e e i

" " 0

e t o

r 3 ! a " e r " r t " " " e B

S 0

" " r D 3 t

" !

d S

" r 30

" t "

" " a

" " e n "

" r r

r " e !

" " " r " "

t u

G S

" k !

" y c s

" a " e " c K C

" ! a d c " r

Worst MCase Scenario G e

" " " ! m

" 0 - 9 hrs/yr a ! " 30 n " !

n " 10 - 21 hrs/yr

! U

" ÑÖ

" " 22 - 31 hrs/yr !

32- 36 hrs/yr 25 ! 25

" 25 ! " 37 - 43 hrs/yr NSPI Ashfill

! Setling Pond ! " Building Project Parcel Boundaries

LINGAN WIND FARM EXPANSION PROJECT ÖÑ Lingan III Turbines ( T10 to T13) Railway

! ! ÖÑ Lingan I and II Turbines (T1 to T8) 5 m Contour Watercourse

" FIGURE 5-8 ÖÑ ComFIT Turbine (T9) NS! PI Transmission Lines Wetland

! Receptor ( Residence w/i 1000 m) Road Open Water " SHADOW FLICKER ASSESSMENT !

WORST CASE SCENARIO ! RESULTS BY RECEPTOR

! Meters SOURCE: GEO NOVA, NSDNR MAP PROJECTION: UTM NAD 83, ZONE 20 0 40 80 120 160 ! PROJECT #: 115625 DATE: JUNE 2012

² !

! ! A t l a n t i c O c e a n

5 10

" " " " " "" " " " "

" t e t e e r " t e " r d S t 1 v 5 l " S s 5 " B r a " " 1 " l " " e

" t " " w " g t " " u e " e i o R1 R26 " b v " D d " n R2 " " a " a " " e e " L " R27 " c " " " " O " " R28 H " " " " inch R3 " ey " " Ave " " 2 20 n t 2 " " " ue " " 5 0 " " e R5 T-13 " " " " " R4 e 3 " r 0 t ÑÖ " " " " " " S " " " " " " " 10 d R7R8 " "" R12 R25 5 " r R9 " " " R10 R11 R13 15 " a Avenue r " " Hinchey e " " " " G " " " " " " " " R14 R6 " 3 R16 "" " " 5 R18 " R20 R17 " " " R19 " " " " R15 " 2 " " " 0 t " R21 e "

e " " r t " "" S " " R23 " " " r " R22 u " " " h t 2 r " 5 ! 0 " " 2 " A " " R24 ! " " " 35 ! " 0 " " 3 ! " " ! " " " " ! " " " ! T-7

! P " " " ÑÖ " opl " a ! "r Ave " nue " " " " " T-12 " " " ! " " 40 " P"op ÑÖ lar " " A ! t v " " en"u " " e e "

e t 0

r 3 ! n " " e i t " "

" e

" S r a 0 " r t 3

d " !

" r t 30 D

" "

" " a

" " e n "

" r r

r e ! "

" " " r " " u

e t

G S

" k k

o ! y c

" o o r " a

" " B K C d " !

c " e M

" " ! " m " a !

s n " ce 30 " ra n

" G ! U

! " " ! " Real Case Scenario ! 25 ! 25

" 0 - 3 hrs/yr 25 !

" 4 - 8 hrs/yr 9 - 13 hrs/yr ! NSPI Ashfill

Setling Pond !

! ! Lingan III Turbines ( T10 to T13) " Building Project Parcel Boundaries LINGAN WIND FARM EXPANSION PROJECT ÖÑ Railway

" ÖÑ Lingan I and II Turbines (T1 to T8) 5 m! Contour Watercourse

! NSPI Transmission Lines " FIGURE 5-9 ÖÑ ComFIT Turbine (T9) ! Wetland

! Receptor ( Residence w/i 1000 m) Road Open Water

SHADOW FLICKER ASSESSMENT ! REAL CASE SCENARIO

RESULTS BY RECEPTOR !

! Meters SOURCE: GEO NOVA, NSDNR MAP PROJECTION: UTM NAD 83, ZONE 20 0 40 80 120 160

! PROJECT #: 115625 DATE: JUNE 2012

² !

! ! SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Shadow Flicker and Epilepsy Wind turbines typically rotate at a frequency between 0.5 and 1.75 hertz. Photosensitivity affects less than 5% of individuals with epilepsy (Canadian Epilepsy Alliance, 2008). Epilepsy affects approximately 1% of the Canadian Population (Krembil Neuroscience center, 2011). The frequency known to affect individuals with epilepsy is above 2.5 to 3 hertz. The frequency of wind turbines is well below the known threshold for triggering epilepsy symptoms. Based on the rate of epilepsy and photosensitive epilepsy, and the frequency of the turbine rotors, adverse impacts related to epilepsy are unlikely.

Mitigation Measures Potential mitigation measures to reduce shadow flicker exposure include installation of blinds in affected properties, introduction of screening of wind turbines by landscaping and vegetation planting, and implementation of turbine shut-down strategy if necessary. Sprott will develop a flicker monitoring and mitigation plan in the event that potential issues are raised by neighbouring residents regarding flicker. The plan will include measuring flicker at the receptor location to determine the degree of actual shadow flicker that may be caused by the project and working with the receptor to find a mutually agreeable solution. A more detailed modelling exercise may also be carried out taking into consideration the number, size, and orientation of the windows at the receptor location relative to the project.

Summary of Effects: Magnitude Small Reversibility Reversible: Mitigation measures available to alleviate potential impacts. Nature Negative Extent Local: Limited to adjacent properties within 1km Duration Long-term: Life of the project (~25 yrs) Confidence in prediction High, shadow flicker modelling is accepted practice to predict potential impacts to receptors.

Significance: Not significant when real world parameters such as sun orientation, wind direction and cloud cover are considered.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 84

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Residual Impact Statement: Based on a real case evaluation of potential shadow flicker, no significant impacts from shadow flicker are anticipated. A shadow flicker monitoring and mitigation plan will be in place to respond if residents experience shadow flicker as a result of the proposed project.

5.2.5.4 Sound Emissions Existing Conditions The project site/study area is situated on an exposed headland on the Atlantic Ocean. Surf is a prominent contributing factor to the sound levels in the study area as is the adjacent Lingan Generating Station and the Sydney Coal Railway which delivers coal from the Sydney International Coaling Pier to the Lingan Generating Station on a continuous basis.

Ambient noise levels were measured in May 2005 at four locations in the project area prior to construction of the first seven turbines and again in October 2007, the average ambient noise over a 24 hour period was 54.0 dBA in 2005 and 53.96 dBA in 2007. Noise measurements were taken over the course of three periods throughout the day: Daytime (7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.), Evening (7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.), and Night (11:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.). Sprott plans to conduct updated ambient noise monitoring west of T-12 and T-13 (at the nearest residences) to establish a new baseline prior to construction.

Construction Noise Construction activities are likely to generate noise through the operation of excavation equipment and deposition of aggregate for access roads and assembly areas as well as crane and truck operation during delivery and assembly of turbine components. The construction period will be short in duration, lasting less than six months and construction operations will take place during daytime hours only. Blasting and rock breaking are not planned as part of this project. Turbine foundations will extend approximately six metres below ground level and if bedrock is encountered, the foundation will be affixed to the bedrock. Pile driving or hammering is not planned as part of the construction; drilling may be conducted if bedrock is encountered.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 85

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Operational Noise Generally there are two types of sound associated with the operation of wind turbine: the sound created by the generator and gearbox inside the nacelle; and the sound created by the blades or rotors passing through the air.

The E-82 2.3 MW turbine is a gearless turbine with a direct drive variable speed generator. These machines have no gearbox or drive train, and consequently no high speed mechanical (or electrical) components. Direct drive turbines are, therefore, quieter than gearbox machines as they do not produce mechanical or tonal noise. Variable speed machines change speed continuously in response to changes in wind speed and, although noise output may be higher at higher wind speeds, it is lower at low wind speeds where the low background levels occur (British Wind Energy Association website, 2005).

The blade of the E-82 has been designed to reduce noise created by turbulence. Turbulence that occurs at the blade tips due to overpressure and under pressure is effectively removed from the rotor plane. The entire length of the blade is therefore utilised without any loss of energy caused by turbulences (Enercon, 2005). An upwind orientation of the blades to the tower reduces airflow changes as the blades pass the tower. Some older models were designed with the blades positioned downwind of the tower, which would result in a pulse as the blade passed the tower.

An acoustic modelling exercise was conducted to predict the noise levels at different distances from the proposed turbines (the existing turbines and Lingan 109S substation transformer were considered in the model as well). The information used in the acoustic modelling, including sound power levels for turbines and substation transformer, as well as UTM coordinates for noise sources are summarized in Tables 5-8 and 5-9, respectively.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 86

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Table 5-8 Sound Power Spectra for Dominant Noise Sources

Noise Source Octave Spectrum (dBA) Overall** Data Source Description ID 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 A Lin

Enercon e82 for 10 m/s winds E82ms10 87.2 94.8 93.9 96.7 98.5 94.2 82.7 75.4 103.1 115.8 Kotter Consulting Engineers

Enercon e82 for 9 m/s winds E82ms9 86.7 94.7 94.4 97.4 98.8 93.9 81.6 73.5 103.4 115.5 Kotter Consulting Engineers

Enercon e82 for 8 m/s winds E82ms8 85.5 93.1 94.5 98.1 98.4 92.1 79.3 73.3 103.1 114.4 Kotter Consulting Engineers

Enercon e82 for 7 m/s winds E82ms7 85.1 92.4 93.8 97.2 97.3 91 78.1 74 102.2 113.8 Kotter Consulting Engineers

Enercon e82 for 6 m/s winds E82ms6 84.2 89.9 91.3 95 95.2 88.3 75.1 74.7 99.9 112.3 Kotter Consulting Engineers

Enercon e70 for 10 m/s winds E70ms10 88.2 96.8 99.3 97.9 96.4 93.1 86.2 78.6 104.3 117.4 Wind Consult - noise test report

Enercon e70 for 9 m/s winds E70ms9 85.9 94.8 99 98.8 94.2 89.5 85.3 81.8 103.6 115.6 Wind Consult - noise test report

Enercon e70 for 8 m/s winds E70ms8 86 94.3 97.3 96.2 93.8 89.9 83.1 76.6 102.1 115.1 Wind Consult - noise test report

Enercon e70 for 7 m/s winds E70ms7 83.6 90.8 95.4 95 90.5 85.5 81.6 78.7 99.9 112.5 Wind Consult - noise test report

Enercon e70 for 6 m/s winds E70ms6 81 88.7 93.6 92.6 87.7 83 78 74.8 97.7 110.2 Wind Consult - noise test report

Enercon e48 for 10 m/s winds E48ms10 86.7 95.1 97.6 96.2 94.7 91.5 84.7 77.2 102.6 115.37 Extrapolated from E72 data

Enercon e48 for 9 m/s winds E48ms9 85 93.8 97.9 97.8 93.2 88.5 84.4 80.9 102.5 114.37 Extrapolated from E72 data

Enercon e48 for 8 m/s winds E48ms8 85.8 94.1 97.1 96 93.6 89.7 82.9 76.4 101.9 114.87 Extrapolated from E72 data

Enercon e48 for 7 m/s winds E48ms7 84.8 92.1 96.7 96.3 91.8 86.7 82.7 79.8 101.3 114.08 Extrapolated from E72 data

Enercon e48 for 6 m/s winds E48ms6 81.9 89.7 94.7 93.6 88.7 83.9 78.9 75.6 98.8 111.44 Extrapolated from E72 data

Substation Transformer TRS 66.4 78.5 81.0 86.4 83.6 79.8 74.6 65.5 90 98.6* PTI Field Measurement data Note: * A 5 dB tonal penalty was added to the noise level from the transformer. ** The overall sound levels are presented in A-weighted ("A") and Linear ("lin")

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 87

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Table 5-9 Noise Source Coordinates Coordinates Turbine Hub Turbine Turbine Type and Wind Speed PWL UTM - X UTM - Y Elv. Height ID (dBA) (m) (m) (m) (m)

T1 Enercon e70 for 10 m/s winds 104.3 729039 5125300 89 64

T2 Enercon e70 for 10 m/s winds 104.3 728820 5125274 93.81 64

T3 Enercon e70 for 10 m/s winds 104.3 728653 5125378 90.99 64

T4 Enercon e70 for 10 m/s winds 104.3 728283 5125560 83.81 64

T5 Enercon e70 for 10 m/s winds 104.3 728017 5125683 81.14 64

T6 Enercon e70 for 10 m/s winds 104.3 727593 5125788 83.41 64

T7 Enercon e70 for 10 m/s winds 104.3 727284 5125754 88.51 64

T8 Enercon e82 for 10 m/s winds 103.1 727967 5125358 108 78

T9 Enercon e48 for 10 m/s winds 102.6 727848 5125867 88.58 76

T10 Enercon e82 for 10 m/s winds 103.1 728307 5125281 108 78

T11 Enercon e82 for 10 m/s winds 103.1 727635 5125464 113 78

T12 Enercon e82 for 10 m/s winds 103.1 726758 5125702 113 78

T13 Enercon e82 for 10 m/s winds 103.1 726915 5126043 100.22 78

TRS Transformer 90.0 727990 5125170 25.44 2

Daytime/nighttime worst-case noise emission scenarios at each receptor location were modeled using CADNA/A software program from DataKustik GmbH. The outdoor noise propagation model is based on ISO 9613, Part 1: Calculation of the absorption of sound by the atmosphere, 1993 and Part 2: General method of calculation (ISO-9613-2: 1996). The model is capable of incorporating various site specific features, such as elevation, berms, adsorptive grounds, and barriers to accurately predict noise levels at specific receptors, pertaining to noise emissions from a particular source(s).

The following model input parameters/assumptions were incorporated in the acoustic modelling:

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 88

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

x Default atmospheric conditions were used (i.e., temperature of 10°C and a relative humidity of 70%); x A ground adsorption coefficient of 0.70 was used, which is representative of vegetated areas surrounding the wind farm; x Conservatively, a third order reflection was applied for all sources; and, x Where applicable a receptor height of 4.5 m (i.e., two storey receptors) was used for the purposes of this assessment. For single-storey dwellings, a receptor height of 1.5 m was used.

The predicted receptor sound levels associated with the operation of the wind farm corresponding to 6 m/s scenario are presented in Table 5-10. The noise level contours from CADNA/A noise modelling is presented in Figure 5-10.

Table 5-10 Acoustic Summary Table Coordinates Receptor Receptor Height Receptor Noise Level UTM - X UTM - Y Elv. (m) (dBA) ID Civic ID (m) (m) (m) R1 3159 726115 5125970 21.92 4.5 38.6 R2 3230 725848 5126021 31.49 4.5 36.1 R3 3239 725867 5126018 30.87 4.5 36.3 R4 3258 725915 5126016 29.11 4.5 36.7 R5 3273 725940 5126012 28.22 4.5 36.9 R6 3282 725982 5126011 26.47 4.5 37.2 R7 3307 726185 5126013 20.73 4.5 39.2 R8 3406 725842 5125967 32.99 4.5 36.1 R9 3412 725899 5125941 30.23 4.5 36.6 R10 3416 725795 5125962 34.99 4.5 35.8 R11 3430 725945 5125956 28.52 4.5 37 R12 3466 726211 5125956 23.25 4.5 39.7 R13 3525 725783 5125924 35.75 4.5 35.7 R14 3633 725769 5125879 35.9 4.5 35.6 R15 3636 726150 5125886 25.88 4.5 39.1 R16 3756 725821 5125835 33.2 4.5 36.1 R17 46421 726244 5126020 22.11 4.5 39.9 R18 2793 726172 5126164 12.58 1.5 36.8 R19 2828 726205 5126151 13.49 1.5 37.2 R20 3026 726202 5126091 15.59 1.5 37.4 R21 3111 726206 5126059 16.67 1.5 37.6 R22 3126 726143 5126061 16.12 1.5 36.9 R23 3300 726167 5126019 17.41 1.5 37.2

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 89

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Coordinates Receptor Receptor Height Receptor Noise Level UTM - X UTM - Y Elv. (m) (dBA) ID Civic ID (m) (m) (m) R24 3427 726266 5125956 21.04 1.5 38.3 R25 3453 726003 5125949 23.39 1.5 35.7 R26 46677 726208 5126163 13.02 1.5 37.1 R27 46679 726165 5126129 13.6 1.5 36.8 R28 46680 726205 5126102 15.36 1.5 37.4

The modelling results indicate that the receptor sound levels associated with the operation of the wind farm for wind speed of 10 m/s (at 10 m above ground) are less than 40 dBA at the identified receptor locations

Sprott will develop a noise monitoring and mitigation plan in the event that potential issues are raised by neighbouring residents regarding noise. The plan will include measuring noise at the receptor location to determine the degree of noise that may be caused by project, and working with the receptor to find a mutually agreeable solution.

Summary of Effects: Magnitude Small Reversibility Reversible: Mitigation measures available to alleviate potential impacts. Nature Negative Extent Local: Limited to adjacent properties Duration Construction; short term ( <6 months), day time only; Operation: Long-term life of the project (~25 yrs) Confidence in prediction High, noise modelling is accepted practice to predict potential impacts to receptors

Significance: Not significant, predicted sound emissions are not anticipated to exceed recommended limits at the receptors.

Residual Impact Statement: Construction noise is not anticipated to exceed suggested Health Canada limits and construction activities will be limited to daytime (7am -7pm). No blasting or bedrock breaking is planned as part of construction activities.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 90

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Figure 5-10 Acoustic Emissions 0 0 0 7 2 1 5 0 0 5 6 2 1 5 0 0 0 6 2

1 T13 5 T9 T7 T6

0 T12 T5 0 5 5

2 T4 1 5 T11 T8 T10 T3 T2 T1 0 0

0 TRS 5 2 1 5

0 > 30.0 dB 0

5 > 35.0 dB 4 2

1 > 40.0 dB 5 > 45.0 dB > 50.0 dB > 55.0 dB

0 > 60.0 dB 0 0

4 > 65.0 dB 2

1 > 70.0 dB 5 > 75.0 dB

Point Source Contour Line 0

0 Receiver 5 3 2 1 5

725500 726000 726500 727000 727500 728000 728500 729000 729500 730000

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 91

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

By establishing a setback of at least 550 m from the nearest receptor and specifying a turbine model that is designed for the low operational sound emission levels, the proponent is confident that the project will not result in significant negative adverse impacts.

5.2.6 Cultural and Heritage Resources Cultural Resource Management Group was contracted to conduct an archaeological screening of the Lingan study area for the previous wind farm study in 2005/2006 (Appendix C). The screening consisted of background information searches and a non-intrusive site visit. The Nova Scotia Museum had no records of archaeological sites in the vicinity of the study area; however, this may be due to a lack of investigations. The previous cultural resources report is found in Appendix C. Furthermore, no archaeological findings were made during the previous phases of the Lingan Wind Farm.

Historically, the Lingan area in general has been the site of Mi’kmaq, French and Irish settlement. No records of Mi’kmaq settlement exist; however, former names of the region (Indian Head and Indian Bay) suggest habitation by First Nations people. The French settled the area prior to 1716, followed by the Irish in the late 1700’s. The Lincoln Mine operated near the site of the present day NSPI Generating Station from 1854 to 1888.

North Head is the site of a former observation post constructed in 1939 as part of the coastal defences for Sydney Harbour. The structure still remains along with evidence of possible out buildings (privy, etc.), but is in an advanced state of deterioration.

Summary of Effects: Magnitude Moderate Reversibility Irreversible: once features are destroyed they cannot be recovered Nature Negative: due to the fragile and unique character of cultural heritage resources, the anticipated construction related impacts are considered negative Positive: the planning and modelling being undertaken to identify cultural heritage resource impacts will serve to advance the understanding of human history and population distribution Extent Immediate: confined only to excavated areas Duration Short-term: effects will only occur during construction Confidence in prediction High

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 92

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Significance: The cultural impact is deemed not to be significant given the high degree of historical disturbance, avoidance of areas previously determined to have potential for encountering archaeological resources, and the relatively small area of disturbance created by the proposed project.

Residual Impact Statement: No negative impacts to cultural resources are anticipated as a result of this project.

5.2.7 Accidents and Malfunctions Accidents and malfunctions that can lead to environmental effects may occur during any phase of the project. During pre-construction and construction these events largely involve minor spills of hydraulic oil, fuel, lubricants on the project site. These spills are readily contained and cleaned up following standard spill contingency measures and, when mitigated promptly, do not result in environmental effects.

To minimize the likelihood of a spill, Sprott will implement environmental awareness training that will provide all staff with information on environmental protection measures to be employed on the project. This training will include handling and disposal of hazardous materials.

In the event of a spill, Sprott and its contractors will follow the procedures described in the spill contingency plan detailed in the EPP. In addition, contractors will be required to maintain appropriate spill response cleanup materials during construction.

If a release occurs, the spillage or unintentional release of hazardous substances will be reported to Nova Scotia Environment.

Additional potential issues pertaining to accidents and malfunctions have been addressed in Section 5.2.5 (Human Health and Safety.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 93

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Summary of Effects: Magnitude Small Reversibility Reversible: Spills can be contained and cleaned up. Nature Negative Extent Immediate: Largely contained to the project site, but effects can occur beyond the site if not adequately contained. Duration Short Term: If event occurs, contingency measures will be implemented to contain and cleanup spill or release. Confidence in prediction High: Due to recent experience in Nova Scotia with this issue

Significance: Not significant provided contingency and emergency plans are implemented in accordance with the EPP.

Residual Impact Statement: No significant residual impacts are anticipated as spills will be contained and cleaned up immediately following their discovery.

5.3 Summary of Effects of the Undertaking on the Environment

The preceding sections provided a detailed project description; outlined environmental protection measures that Sprott will follow, and discussed potential impacts resulting from project activities.

In summary, environmental impacts and residual impacts associated with the project are considered to be not significant due in large part to the following: x Sprott’s re-use of a brownfield site where the potential for environmentally sensitive areas have been has been lessened through historical and on-going industrial activity; x Siting with appropriate planning to avoid sensitive areas; x effects generally can be mitigated through environmental protection measures and project design; and, x effects are limited in scope and duration, or are reversible following the completion of construction.

Table 5-11 presents a summary of the identified issues and provides a determination of significance for each.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 94

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Table 5-11 Impact Assessment Summary Issue Section (Including Magnitude Reversibility Nature Extent Duration Confidence Reference Mitigation) Air Quality 5.1.1 S R POS/NEG R ST H Vegetation/Habitats 5.1.7 S R NEG I LT H Species at Risk 5.1.8 Migratory Birds 5.1.9 S R NEG I LT H Other Flying 5.5.10 S R NEG I LT M Species Visual Landscape 4.5.8 S I NEG/POS L LT H Human Health 5.2.5.3 S R NEG L ST H Shadow Flicker Human Health 5.2.5.4 S R NEG L ST H Ambient Noise Cultural Resources 5.2.6 S I NEG/POS I ST/LT H Accidents and 5.2.7 S R NEG I ST H Malfunctions

Keys to Table 5-11 N/A Not Applicable POS Positive NEG Negative IRR Irreversible REV Reversible I Immediate L Local R Regional ST Short Term MT Medium Term LT Long Term S Small M Moderate H High

5.3.1 Residual Effects Summary The following provides a summary of the potential impacts, residual effects and relevant mitigation measures of the project components on the various environmental components.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 95

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Table 5-12 Residual Effects Summary Sensitive Residual Importance Project Activity Environmental Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Environmental of Impacts Component Effects 1. Project Construction General Construction Soil Liquid and solid waste y Liquid waste will be recycled or reused where Not assessed Minimal Considerations contamination possible and remaining materials disposed of at an approved facility. y Waste storage will be minimized by prompt removal of the waste following equipment servicing. y Any waste storage required will be located following the requirements for fuel and lubricant storage. Water Quality / Sedimentation of the single y Construction will follow the Environmental No significant Minimal Flow watercourse within the Protection Plan to prevent sedimentation of the effects Project area (unnamed drain unnamed drain and other site drainage ditches. from NSPI ashfill pond). y Site runoff direction is away from Graces Brook, which has some fish habitat potential. Air Emissions Impacts due to combustion y Excavation and grading done over a minimal No significant Minimal emissions and disruption of area. effects soil y Dust suppression will be employed as required. y Air emissions will comply with the provincial Air Quality Regulations. Noise Noise associated with y Construction activities will be limited to daytime No significant Minimal construction activities hours. effects y No blasting, rock breaking, pile driving or hammering planned. y Trucks and equipment will be in good working order and well muffled.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 96

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Sensitive Residual Importance Project Activity Environmental Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Environmental of Impacts Component Effects Surveying & Siting Terrain & Clearing, runoff and debris y All clearing done according to the Environmental Some clearing of Minimal Operations Vegetation Protection Plan to minimise sediment runoff and shrubs, grasses dispose of debris appropriately. and young mixed y Minimal clearing is required as the site is wood vegetation primarily vegetated with woody shrubs and (T-10 and T-11). grasses with T-10 and T-11 locations being covered in young white & black spruce/mixed hardwoods. Land Clearing and Terrain & Clearing of shrubs and bushes y All clearing done according to the environmental Some clearing of Minimal grading for Wind Vegetation protection plan to minimise sediment runoff and shrubs, grasses Turbines ( includes dispose of debris appropriately. and young mixed crane pad and lay down wood vegetation areas) (T-10 and T-11). Access Road Terrain & Terrain disturbance, x Existing access roads will be used as much as No significant Minimal Construction / Vegetation sedimentation, erosion possible to minimize new construction. effects Modification x Construction of new roads will follow the Environmental Protection Plan to prevent flooding and erosion damage. Delivery of Equipment Traffic Patterns / Disruption of regular traffic y A police escort will be present for transportation Minor, Minimal Safety patterns. of the turbine components. Temporary y Construction period is short. y Excess traffic during construction will be minimal.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 97

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Sensitive Residual Importance Project Activity Environmental Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Environmental of Impacts Component Effects Foundation Soil Spread of contaminated soils y Adhere to Section 3.3 of the Environmental No significant Minimal Construction Protection Plan: effects a) On detection, cease excavation activity in the area of the discovery and contact Sprott. Under no circumstances shall the material be excavated without authorization of Sprott. b) Sprott or a representative will visually inspect the material to assess potential for hazardous materials. c) If hazardous materials are suspected, the Sprott will obtain samples following safe sampling practices. d) Contaminated soil or debris containing regulated material, suspected asbestos containing material, or other hazardous materials, shall be covered until a management plan is developed and a contractor appropriately trained in the handling of hazardous materials is retained. e) Sprott will consult with Nova Scotia Environment (NSE) on the appropriate clean-up program. Archaeological Excavation may reveal y Extensive historical disturbance over the project No significant Low Resources unknown resources area has reduced the likelihood of uncovering effects archaeological resources. y A previous assessment (including intrusive test pitting) found no evidence of archaeological resources within the existing project footprint. y Steps to be followed should material be encountered are outlined in the Environmental Protection Plan.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 98

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Sensitive Residual Importance Project Activity Environmental Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Environmental of Impacts Component Effects Paleontological Excavation may reveal y Minimal excavation required for the project No significant Low Resources unknown resources (turbine foundations). effects y Bedrock may not be encountered in these excavations. y No blasting, breaking or removal of bedrock is planned; if bedrock is encountered, turbine foundations will be positioned on bedrock. y If fossils are found during excavations, NSM staff will be contacted. Tower & Turbine Health and Safety Crane accidents during lifts x Turbine assembly will be conducted during No significant Minimal Assembly & Installation of project and component assembly specific weather conditions by highly trained effects personnel and and experienced personnel. No lifting will be general public conducted unless the wind conditions are deemed safe by the crane operators. x Section 3.0 of the project EPP provides contingency plan in the event of a release as well as measures aimed at preventing releases chemical and/or petroleum products that were utilized during turbine installation.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 99

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Sensitive Residual Importance Project Activity Environmental Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Environmental of Impacts Component Effects Interconnection from Terrain & Terrain disturbance, x Excavation of the trench housing the cables and No significant Minimal Turbines to Substation Vegetation sedimentation, erosion installation of overhead lines will follow the effects project EPP with respect to erosion and sediment control (s 2.3); heritage resources (s 4.2); wildlife (s 2.1); and, spills and contingency plan (S 4.0). The mitigative measures outlined in the project

EPP will prevent impacts to wetlands in the vicinity, of the project.

x No Species at Risk, provincially listed species or cultural resources were identified in the area.

x Burying the interconnecting cables between the turbines and the collection lines reduces the potential impact to birds and the visual landscape that may be been created by additional overhead lines. x Overhead lines connecting the turbines to the substation will use existing powerline corridors, no new corridors are required. Substation Construction N/A N/A x N/A: Existing substation (Lingan 109S) will be N/A N/A used for this project.

Fencing/Gates N/A N/A y No fencing is anticipated for this project. N/A N/A y Gate installation will be conducted as part of No significant Minimal road construction. effects Parking Lots N/A N/A y N/A N/A N/A Operational Activities Transmission & Vegetation Clearing within easement y Mechanical clearing will be used to control No significant Low Collector Corridor vegetation in overhead line easements rather than effects Routes herbicide application.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 100

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Sensitive Residual Importance Project Activity Environmental Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Environmental of Impacts Component Effects Wind Turbine Operation Land Use Impacts on the uses of y The land use zoning of the property on which the N/A N/A surrounding lands project is proposed permits utility scale wind turbines as an as-of-right development. y CBRM by-laws require a minimum setback of turbines from residential structures of 175 m. Sprott has planned the project with a minimum setback of 550 m from neighbouring residences y Use of the project lands is limited by past mining related soil and groundwater contamination to commercial or industrial land use. Visual Impacts Impact on the aesthetic y Existing past and current industrial land uses for Impact is Low quality of the landscape power generation and coal mining have subjective. May established the visual landscape an being be positive or influenced by industrial land use. negative y The topography, vegetation and pre-existing depending on the power infrastructure from the NSPI Lingan individual. Power Station reduce the visibility of the turbines. y The impact of turbines on the visual landscape is subjective. Noise Impacts Noise impacts on receptors y Turbine blades and generators are designed to No significant Medium reduce noise during operation. effects y Turbines have been placed no closer than 550 m from the nearest residence and noise levels are predicted below guidelines (i.e., 40.0 dBA.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 101

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Sensitive Residual Importance Project Activity Environmental Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Environmental of Impacts Component Effects Migratory Birds Disturbances (including y The one year monitoring study for the existing No significant Medium death) to birds due to turbines determined that those turbines had an effects operation of turbines insignificant impact on birds. y Turbine lighting will not change from the current situation which is designed to have the least likely effect on birds while maintaining regulatory compliance with Transport Canada. y Tower design is not conducive to roosting or nesting for birds. y Project site is not in a major flight path for migratory birds. y Total amount of lost nesting habitat will be minimal due to the limited footprint of each turbine. Other Flying Disturbances (including y No known bat hibernacula in the study area, no No significant Medium Species (bats, death) to bats due to records of bats from ACCDC. No bats were effects flying operation of turbines recorded as part of the post construction invertebrates) mortality program first seven turbines. y Avian invertebrates are unlikely to fly high enough to interact with the blades and turbulence of the blade movement will likely sweep insects out of the blade area. Species at Risk Loss of species at risk habitat y No at risk species were observed during surveys Unlikely Low or individuals/populations conducted or recorded by ACCDC. y The actual footprint of the turbines and access road is minimal. y Disturbed nature of the site decreases the potential to encounter rare species.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 102

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Sensitive Residual Importance Project Activity Environmental Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Environmental of Impacts Component Effects Terrestrial Habitat Clearing, habitat loss, y No significant habitat is present on the proposed Minimal clearing Low disturbance and site according to the Nova Scotia Department of fragmentation Natural Resources. y Footprint of the turbines and access road is minimal. Radio- Interference with signal y A dedicated telephone line is in place to allow Low Low communications reception the public to communicate any interference to the proponent. y Adaptive management will be considered if necessary in consultation with the operators/owners of transmitting towers/Sydney Air defence Radar. Safety Issues Human health & safety y A set-back distance from turbines to the nearest Unlikely Low residential property line is approximately 527 m and the closest residence is 555 m. y Turbines equipped with sensors and de-icing technology if ice is detected on the blades. y Navigational lights as required by Transport Canada to prevent aircraft collisions. Maintenance Activities y Quarterly maintenance checks for structural Unlikely Minimal soundness and electrical connections and monitored continuously through Enercon’s SCADA system. y Turbines are gearless and contain no hydraulic or lubricating fluids, fluid level checks are not required as part of the quarterly inspection schedule, nor are hydraulic and lubricating fluids used during maintenance. y Activities such as snow clearing and general site maintenance will be undertaken as required following the project EPP where applicable. Major maintenance activities that may require

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 103

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Sensitive Residual Importance Project Activity Environmental Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Environmental of Impacts Component Effects new construction activities are not expected to be required, but if new construction is required, it will be undertaken in accordance with the EPP. Decommissioning Removal of Turbines & Terrain Temporary disturbance of y Turbines will be removed from the site and the Low Minimal foundation terrain foundations will be covered over to the existing grade and reseeded. y The measure provided in the Environmental Protection Plan for construction will also be followed for decommissioning construction activities. Removal of access Terrain Temporary disturbance of y Depending on planned use for the site following Low Minimal roads, crane pads and terrain decommissioning these components will be conduits either removed or left in place for re-use. If these components are removed the site will be restored to condition prior to construction. The Environmental Protection Plan for construction will be followed for decommissioning construction activities. Accidents and Malfunctions Accidents & Soil Soil contamination from y All precautions and preventative measures to be Unlikely Low Malfunctions lubricant/transformer fluid taken to avoid chemical and fuel spill and a leak, spill, or past industrial contingency plan are included in the uses Environmental Protection Plan. y Potable water is supplied by CBRM via a central system sourced from Waterford and Kilkenny Lakes located approximately 5 km west of the project site.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 104

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Sensitive Residual Importance Project Activity Environmental Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Environmental of Impacts Component Effects Public Safety Public safety y Turbines will cease operation in winds exceeding Unlikely Low between 28 m/s (mean) and 35 m/s (gust). y Geotechnical investigations and available former mine workings maps determined the most suitable location for the turbines. y Site specific geotechnical investigations will confirm the stability of the underlying bedrock prior to construction. y The turbine foundations are designed to withstand conceivable stresses during operation.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 105

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

5.4 Effects of the Environment on the Undertaking

Environmental effects on the project can be defined as any change to the project that may be caused by the environment. Typical effects considered in describing the environmental effects on the project include climatic events such as high winds, heavy precipitation, and ice/snow; and physical events such as coastal erosion and subsidence.

5.4.1 Extreme Weather Events The E-82 turbine is designed to cut out at wind speeds in excess of 28 m/s (mean) – 35 m/s (gust) to mitigate the effects of damaging winds. The turbine tower and base are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. A large blade flange diameter and double-row bolting that connect the blade to the nacelle provides increased strength and reduces wind stress by creating even load distribution. The circular design of the foundation distributes wind stress evenly around the base. Quality testing of the components includes structural investigation, as well as ultrasound and x- ray tests.

Aside from high winds, another weather event that has the potential to affect the project is icing of the turbine components, particularly the blades. As noted in Section 5.2.5.1 turbines are designed detect ice formation and shutdown in the event of icing. Access roads will be constructed under specifications designed to effectively divert storm water runoff away from the roads to prevent flooding and/or erosion damage.

5.4.2 Sea Level Rise Sea level rise is occurring along most coasts in Atlantic Canada, in part an effect of post-glacial subsidence and also global sea-level rise (National Atlas of Canada, 2004). Much of Atlantic Canada’s shoreline, especially in the Maritime Provinces, is at moderate-to-high risk of impacts from rising sea levels. Coastal areas will also be vulnerable to changes in sea ice, winter storms and storm surges. Projected sea level rise is based on the theory that a warming atmosphere will transfer that heat to the oceans, expanding the oceans as they warm. Added to this is the contribution from the melting Greenland ice cap and mountain glaciers. According to Environment Canada, the average sea level rise will be 70 cm by the year 2100 (Environment

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 106

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Canada 2004). The projected rise in sea level is not anticipated to have an impact on this project, as the project is 23-37 m above sea level.

5.4.3 Coastal Erosion The proposed locations of the wind turbines are set back from the shoreline approximately 70 to 460 m. The rate shoreline erosion in this area of Nova Scotia averages around 1-2 m/yr. At this rate, the project is not expected to be effected by erosion during its lifetime. This rate is beyond the lifetime of this project, which is approximately 25 years. Coastal erosion is unlikely to have a negative effect on the project.

5.4.4 Subsidence The former Lingan, Dominion No. 14 and Phalen Colliery workings and access shafts are located under the western portion of the wind farm, namely T-11, T-12, and T-13. Another possibility in this part of Cape Breton is the presence of “bootleg” mines where coal seam outcrops are close to the surface. Generally, the records of the bootleg mines are poor or nonexistent and geotechnical investigations are required to reduce the risk of constructing over substandard bedrock conditions. A previous geotechnical assessment conducted for the existing turbines, as well as additional information made available by PWGSC, was reviewed as part of the siting process for the proposed project. A geotechnical assessment including an assessment of the potential for subsidence related to the failure of the tunnel support structures will be conducted prior to construction. No impacts are expected from subsidence.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 107

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

6.0 Follow-up

6.1 Additional Studies

Prior to construction, geotechnical studies will be conducted at the proposed turbine sites to ensure that the underlying bedrock can support the construction and operation of the turbines. The potential for subsidence caused by former mine workings will be evaluated through the geotechnical studies as well. If subsurface conditions warrant, turbines sites may be moved to avoid potential damage or loss due to ground subsidence.

6.2 Environmental Protection Plan (EPP)

Sprott has prepared an EPP addressing activities over the life of the project as well as environmental contract specifications. The EPP and the contract specifications are an integral part of the environmental management program. In addition to the EPP, site or project specific environmental instructions will be provided in the form of Environmental Control Plans (ECPs) where required. ECPs will be employed where the need for site-specific mitigative measures have been identified by Sprott, the regulatory agencies, or through agreement with landowners (ECBC). The EPP is found in Appendix D.

6.3 Contingency Plans

Sprott has prepared environmental Contingency Plans as part of the EPP and its construction specifications. These address and provide direction on response to: discovery of cultural resources; discovery of contaminated materials; hazardous materials handling; and spill response.

6.4 Compliance Monitoring

Compliance monitoring will conform to the Conditions of Approval and the commitments made in the registration. Throughout the life of the project, construction/operations/ decommissioning will be undertaken in accordance with these as well as the EPP. The intent of which is to conduct

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 108

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

operations in an environmentally responsible manner and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, as well as standards and guidelines.

6.5 Post-Construction Environmental Effects Monitoring

If concerns are raised regarding ambient sound or shadow flicker effects, Sprott will initiate monitoring at the receptor location(s) to verify the effect and, if warranted, will initiate mitigation measures to reach a mutually agreeable solution.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 109

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

7.0 References Cited and Literature Reviewed Agriculture and Agri-Foods Canada. Soil Survey Data for Nova Scotia – Cape Breton County.

AMEC. 2005. Sydney Tar Ponds Agency Remediation of Sydney Tar Ponds and Coke Ovens Sites Environmental Impact Statement Sydney, Nova Scotia.

AMEC 2008. Environmental Impact Assessment City of Summerside Wind Farm: Final Report Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Baechler, F. E. 1986. Regional water Resources Sydney coal fields, Nova Scotia. Prepared for Nova Scotia Department of Environment.

Beanland, G. and Duinker, P. 1983. An Ecological Framework for Environmental Impact Assessment in Canada. Institute for Resource and Environmental Studies. Dalhousie University, 132 pp.

Canadian Environmental Assessment Act S.C. 1992, c-37.

Canadian Epilepsy Alliance. 2008. Accessed at http://www.epilepsymatters.com/english/faqphotosensitive.html#whatisphoto.

Canadian Migratory Birds Convention Act S.C., 1994 c.22.

Canadian Wildlife Service. 2003. Wind Turbines and Birds. A Guidance Document for Environmental Assessment. Draft report.

Cape Breton Regional Municipality. 2012. Land Use By-Law of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. Part 2, Section 41.

Cape Breton Regional Municipality. 2012. Land Use By-Law of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. Part 35, Section 1.

Conestoga-Rovers & Associates. 2009. Location of Underground Workings and Mine Openings, Lingan Group or CBDC Site Properties.

Davis, D and Browne, S (Eds.) 1996. The Natural History of Nova Scotia. Halifax. Nimbus Publishing and the Nova Scotia Museum.

Dangerous Goods Transportation Act. R.S., c. 119, s. 1.

Dillon Consulting Limited. 2005. Lingan 4MW Wind Power Project.

Dillon Consulting Limited. 2005. Phase III Environmental Site Assessment Former Lingan Colliery, New Waterford, Nova Scotia.

Dillon Consulting Limited. 2006. Lingan 10MW Wind Power Project.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 110

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Enercon GmbH. 2010. E82 2300 kW Technical Fact Sheet. Accessed at www.enercon.de.

Enercon GmbH. 2011. Windblatt - Enercon Magazine for Wind Energy. January 2011. Accessed at http://www.enercon.de/p/downloads/Windblatt_engl.pdf

Environment Act. 1994-95, c. 1, s. 1.

Environment Canada. 2004. Regional Impacts of Climate Change – Nova Scotia. Accessed at http://www.climatechange.gc.ca/english/affect/prov_territory/ns.asp.

Environmental Assessment Regulations, N.S. Reg. 44/2003 (February 28, 2003).

Erickson, W., K. Kronner, and B. Gritski. 2003Nine Canyon Wind Power project avian and bat monitoring report. Nine Canyon Tec. Advisory Comm. www.west-inc.com.

Erskine, A.J. 1992. Atlas of Breeding Birds of the Maritime Provinces. Nimbus Publishing and The Nova Scotia Museum.

Gipe, P. 1995. Wind energy comes of Age. Energy Policy, 24, 5, 491-492.

Grealey, J and David Stephenson. 2007. Effects of Wind Turbine Operation on Butterflies. North American Wind Power. Accessed at www.nawindpower.com

Fisheries Act S.C., 1985 c. F-14.

Halifax Regional Municipality. 2006. Draft HRM Wind Energy Generation Plan.

Johnson, G.D., W.P. Erickson, M.D. Strickland, M.F. Shepherd, and D.A. Shepherd. 2003. Mortality of bats at large-scale wind power development at Buffalo Ridge, Minnesota. AM. Midl. Nat. 150:219-235.

Johnson, G.D., W. Erickson, J. White, and R. McKinney. 2003b. Avian and bat mortality during the first year of operation at the Klondike Phase I wind project, Sherman County, Oregon. Northwest Wind Power. Accessed at www.west-inc.com.

Krembil Neuroscience Center. 2011. Accessed at http://www.tgwhf-uhn.ca/campaigns/knc/epilepsy_about.asp

Membertou Geomatics Consultants. 2009. Lingan 10MW Wind Farm Project. Mi’kmaq Ecological Knowledge Study. Halifax, NS.

National Atlas of Canada, Coastal Sensitivity to Sea Level Rise, from data from J. Shaw, 1998, Accessed at http://atlas.gc.ca/site/english/maps/climatechange/potentialimpacts/coastalsensitivitysealevelrise

Nova Scotia Environment. 2009. Toward a Greener Future Nova Scotia’s Climate Change Action Plan.

Nova Scotia Department of the Environment. 1998. Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook for Construction Sites.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 111

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Nova Scotia Department of the Environment. 1995. Wetlands Directive.

Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Labour. Nova Scotia Watersheds Digital Map.

Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources. Forestry Database.

Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources. Geological Map of the Province of Nova Scotia. (ME 2000-1).

Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources. Restricted and Limited Use Land Database.

Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources. Significant Wildlife Habitats Database.

Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources. Wetlands Database.

Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. 2004. Standard Specification Highway Construction and Maintenance.

Nova Scotia Office of Aboriginal Affairs. 2011. Proponents’ Guide: The Role of the Proponent in Crown Consultation with the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia. Accessed at http://www.gov.ns.ca/abor/docs/Proponents%20Guide

Occupational Health and Safety Act. 1996, c. 7, s. 1.

Ontario Centre for Environmental Technology Advancement (OCETA). 2008. State of Canada’s Brownfield Redevelopment Industry. Accessed at http://www.canadianbrownfieldsnetwork.ca/

Pronych, A. and Wilson, A. 1993. Rare Vascular Plants Atlas for Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia Museum curatorial report.

ReSoft Ltd. 2008. WindFarm User Manual, Shadow Flicker, Release 4.1.

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. 1:10,000 Digital Topographic Series.

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. Digital Property Series.

Special Places Protection Act. R.S., c. 438, s. 1.

Sulfide Bearing Material Disposal Regulations NS Reg. 57/97 (April 11, 95) Nova Scotia.

Tetra Tech EC, Inc. & Nixon Peabody LLP. (2008). Wind Energy Siting Handbook. Accessed at http://www.awea.org/sitinghandbook/

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 112

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

UK Department of Energy and Climate Change. 2011. Update of UK Shadow Flicker Evidence Base, Final Report, Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff. Accessed at http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/what%20we%20do/uk%20energy%20supply/energy%20mix/renewa ble%20energy/ored/1416-update-uk-shadow-flicker-evidence-base.pdf

Young, D.P., Jr., W.P. Erickson, R.E. Good, M.D. Strickland, and G.D. Johnson. 2003. Avian and bat mortality associated with the initial phase of the Foote Creek Rim wind power project, Carbon County, Wyoming. Accessed at www.west-inc.com

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 113

SP Development Limited Partnership - Expansion of the Lingan Wind Farm Registration and Environmental Assessment June 2012

Personal Communications

M. Elderkin, NSDNR, phone conversation, April 29, 2011 re use of existing biophysical information;

Nova Scotia Environment EA Branch – meeting June 23, 2011 re: proposed scope of the Lingan Expansion EA; and

S. MacDonald, Public Works and Government Services Canada, phone conversation December 13, 2011 re: remediation activities associated with the Phalen Ocean Dump.

Dillon Consulting Limited Page 114

Appendix A Avian Survey Data: 2005 Baseline Report And One Year Post Construction Monitoring Report

Appendix B Plant and Fauna Survey Data

Appendix C Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment from 2006 Environmental Assessment

Appendix D Environmental Protection Plan

Appendix E Mi’kmaq Ecological Knowledge Study

Appendix F Assessment of ECBC Properties Associated with the Former Phalen and Lingan Collieries

Appendix G Sound and Flicker Modelling Reports

Appendix H Technical Specifications

Appendix I Open House Flyer, Newspaper Notice, Record of Attendance and Comment Form

Appendix J Curriculum Vitae of Team Members