Saturn Power Inc. Renewable Energy Approval Report Volume 1 - Main Report Gesner Wind Energy Project H328628-0000-07-124-0001 Rev. F October 2011 . Saturn Power Inc. Renewable Energy Approval Report Volume 1 - Main Report Gesner Wind Energy Project H328628-0000-07-124-0001 Rev. F October 2011 Disclaimer This report has been prepared by or on behalf of Saturn Power Inc. for submission to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment as part of the Renewable Energy Approval process. The content of this report is not intended for the use of, nor is it intended to be relied upon by, any other person. Neither Saturn Power Inc. nor any of its directors, officers, employees, agents or consultants has any liability whatsoever for any loss, damage or injury suffered by any third party arising out of, or in connection with, their use of this report. Saturn Power Inc. - Gesner Wind Energy Project Renewable Energy Approval Report Project Report October 6, 2011 Saturn Power Inc. Gesner Wind Energy Project Renewable Energy Approval Report Table of Contents Volume 1 – Main Report 1. Project Description .............................................................................................................................. 1-1 1.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 1-1 1.1.1 Renewable Energy Approval requirements ........................................................................ 1-1 1.1.2 Organization of this Report ............................................................................................... 1-2 1.2 General Information on the Project ............................................................................................. 1-2 1.2.1 Contacts ............................................................................................................................ 1-3 1.2.2 Federal Involvement .......................................................................................................... 1-4 1.2.2.1 Financial Support .................................................................................................... 1-4 1.2.3 Authorizations Required .................................................................................................... 1-4 1.3 Project Information ..................................................................................................................... 1-4 1.3.1 Project Components/Structures .......................................................................................... 1-4 1.3.2 Wind Turbine Specifications ............................................................................................. 1-7 1.3.3 Project Activities ............................................................................................................... 1-7 1.4 Project Location Information ....................................................................................................... 1-7 1.4.1 Project Location ................................................................................................................ 1-7 2. Scope of the Environmental Assessment ............................................................................................... 2-1 2.1 Methodology of Environmental Screening ................................................................................... 2-2 3. Existing Environment ............................................................................................................................ 3-1 3.1 Geophysical Environment ........................................................................................................... 3-1 3.1.1 Physiography and Topography .......................................................................................... 3-1 3.1.2 Surficial Geology and Aggregate Resources ....................................................................... 3-1 3.1.3 Bedrock Geology .............................................................................................................. 3-1 3.1.4 Petroleum Resources ......................................................................................................... 3-2 3.1.5 Seismicity .......................................................................................................................... 3-2 3.1.6 Hydrogeology/Groundwater .............................................................................................. 3-9 3.2 Waterbodies and Hazard Lands ................................................................................................... 3-9 3.2.1 Water Body Features ....................................................................................................... 3-10 3.2.2 Hazard Lands .................................................................................................................. 3-12 3.2.3 Tile Drainage .................................................................................................................. 3-12 3.3 Natural Heritage/Terrestrial Environment .................................................................................. 3-12 3.3.1 Vegetation, Including Woodlands ................................................................................... 3-15 H328628-0000-07-124-0001, Rev. F, Page i © Hatch 2011/10 Saturn Power Inc. - Gesner Wind Energy Project Renewable Energy Approval Report 3.3.2 Wetlands and Valleylands ............................................................................................... 3-16 3.3.3 Wildlife ........................................................................................................................... 3-17 3.3.3.1 Wildlife Habitat ..................................................................................................... 3-17 3.3.3.2 Birds ...................................................................................................................... 3-18 3.3.3.3 Mammals .............................................................................................................. 3-58 3.3.3.4 Reptiles and Amphibians ....................................................................................... 3-68 3.3.4 Species at Risk ................................................................................................................. 3-71 3.3.4.1 Vegetation ............................................................................................................. 3-71 3.3.4.2 Avifauna ................................................................................................................ 3-71 3.3.4.3 Mammals .............................................................................................................. 3-74 3.3.4.4 Reptiles and Amphibians ....................................................................................... 3-74 3.3.5 Parks and Significant Natural Areas ................................................................................. 3-76 3.4 Atmospheric Environment ......................................................................................................... 3-78 3.4.1 Climate ........................................................................................................................... 3-78 3.4.2 Air Quality ...................................................................................................................... 3-79 3.5 Social Environment ................................................................................................................... 3-79 3.5.1 Community Profile .......................................................................................................... 3-80 3.5.1.1 Population Characteristics ..................................................................................... 3-80 3.5.1.2 Local Residents ...................................................................................................... 3-81 3.5.1.3 Property Values ..................................................................................................... 3-81 3.5.1.4 Employment and Industry ...................................................................................... 3-82 3.5.1.5 Manufacturing ....................................................................................................... 3-83 3.5.1.6 Agriculture ............................................................................................................ 3-83 3.5.2 Municipal Profile ............................................................................................................. 3-85 3.5.2.1 Municipality of Chatham-Kent ............................................................................... 3-85 3.5.2.2 Municipality of West Elgin ..................................................................................... 3-85 3.5.3 Land Use Policies ............................................................................................................ 3-85 3.5.4 Local Land Use and Tenure ............................................................................................. 3-86 3.5.4.1 Local Land Use ...................................................................................................... 3-86 3.5.4.2 Land Tenure .......................................................................................................... 3-86 3.5.5 Tourism and Recreation .................................................................................................. 3-86 3.5.5.1