Jun 10, 2009 - 03:12 PM

By Chris Hall

SCUGOG -- A large parcel of land just north of Seagrave has been identified as an ideal home for a wind energy generation site that could be potentially capable of powering 7,000 homes.

According to a notice sent to Scugog on June 4, Standard Power Corporation is eyeing a swath of land at the northwest corner of Simcoe Street and Saintfield Road for its wind turbine program.

"The proposed site has a number of attributes which make it an ideal location for wind energy generation, including good road access, close proximity to grid interconnection and suitable wind speeds," says the notice, dated May 25.

Standard Power Corporation is based out of Port Perry, according to the company's website. Calls to Standard Power officials were not returned.

SRM Associates has been retained by Standard Power Corporation to carry out an environmental screening for the project, as required by the Province. Calls placed to Jennifer Haslett of SRM Associates were referred to Standard Power Corporation.

The notice states that the optimal number and placement of the wind turbines on the property will be determined as the project planning proceeds.

However, "preliminary estimates suggest that the proposed project could produce enough green energy for approximately 7,000 homes in the community," says the notice.

The environmental screening process is expected to identify and evaluate potential impacts to the natural, cultural, social and economic environments of the area.

The notice states that the public and other agencies will be consulted to identify "issues and concerns and appropriate strategies for addressing those concerns."

At Monday evening's council session, Scugog's elected leaders were told it's likely they will not have much of a say in the project if it goes ahead.

Gene Chartier, Scugog's commissioner of planning and public works, told councillors that there will probably be a public open house on the matter, but stressed most likely "none of the decision-making will be in (council's) hands."

Instead, he said, there may be a process "similar" to those held when the Township is notified of the need for a new telecommunications tower in the municipality. In that case, an open house is usually held where the residents and, later, council, can voice their opinions. A decision on those matters, however, is made at the federal level.

Mr. Chartier also noted that he is attempting to schedule Standard Power officials to appear at council's June 22 meeting.

A group of Seagrave residents, meanwhile, are not waiting for an open house to be held to air their concerns. According to Ron Grisbrook, a committee has been formed to oppose the project.

He said that the first community meeting held to address the matter attracted about 75 concerned residents and that a second gathering is planned for June 24 at the Seagrave United Church.

The group, explained Mr. Grisbrook, is concerned that the turbines could pose a health hazard for local residents, would be too noisy and could have a negative impact on the local bird population.

He also said residents are concerned about sun and moonlight glimmering off the turbine blades.

"We're proposing to fight this to the bitter end," said Mr. Grisbrook. "This is ridiculous. Why would they want to put it here?"