Regulation: How does government regulate wind energy projects?

Before any wind energy project in Nova Scotia can be built it must meet, at a minimum, the requirements of the municipal and provincial governments:

Municipal

Primarily, it must conform to the zoning by-laws established by the municipality in which the wind energy project is being built, where such by-laws exist.

Municipalities have the authority to require minimum setbacks between the wind project and residences, businesses, roads, etc.

Municipalities can adjust these requirements to meet with the differing needs of the various regions of their jurisdiction.

For more information view a report by the UNSM on wind turbine guidelines for municipalities.

Provincial

All wind energy projects over 2 MW in size must undertake a provincial Environmental Assessment (EA), administered by the Department of Environment.

The EA requires proponents to register required information on the environmental effects of any proposed project.

EA registration information submitted by the proponent is made available for public review, and all stakeholders have the opportunity to submit comments on the project.

Registration information is then reviewed by experts within the provincial and federal government.

Evaluation by these experts, along with issues raised by the public, is considered by the Minister when making a decision.

Decision options of the Minister include: granting approval with conditions, request for more details/analysis, or rejection.

The Nova Scotia Department of Environment has prepared a "Proponent's Guide to Wind Power Projects".

Federal

Any projects that receive funds from the federal government, are on federal lands, or require a federal permit or authorization may be required to undergo to the federal Environmental Assessment process in addition to the provincial EA.

In some cases, both federal and provincial assessments may be required.