Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia

Attachment Keep animals safe

• Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia
• Author: Nicole Corrado
• Reference number: 259
• Submitted: 2024-12-20 - 11:36 PM
• Please do not harm animals with this project. Please do not use animal testing for pollution and effluent monitoring. https://www.change.org/p/stop-testing-sewer-water-on-laboratory-fish ?Please work with the Canadian Centre for the Alternatives to Animal Methods. https://www.uwindsor.ca/ccaam/ Please only use non lethal ways to live with geese, beavers, and other wildlife. Develop a Living With Coyotes program with the animal welfare organization Coyote Watch Canada. www.coyotewatchcanada.com Please only use non lethal ways to manage wildlife. There are humane, non lethal ways to deal with beavers. Here's a great resource. https://thefurbearers.com/downloads/PDFs/Beaver%20Book%20-%202019-10-08%20The%20Fur-Bearers.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1fP2wOYQKbWREX0E5QzYBhZLf9VjwMov3p37Vh8ToW1-NeQvAoVATZhEg%0A%0A https://www.change.org/p/stop-banff-from-killing-animals-after-conflicts https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/humanely-scare-away-canada-geese https://www.canadageese.org/nlcontrol.html https://www.peta.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/humane-goose-control-pdf.pdf https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/what-do-about-canada-geese This company makes non lethal products. https://margosupplies.com/ca-en/ ? Conventional rodent control uses cruel methods. The companies use glue traps, and snap traps, which, like legholds, can cause injury. They also use rodenticide, which kills slowly and kills many non target animals. https://m.facebook.com/RFOntario/?paipv=0&eav=AfbUBVKF7c1YhT9VJVluqvql7GZ6aUMN4HXsj08GSKGr148rCtpTybY7c3qkHVWijzs Killing animals does not solve the problem. Montreal’s ...

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Attachment Keep the birds and bats safe

• Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia
• Author: Nicole Corrado
• Reference number: 258
• Submitted: 2024-12-20 - 11:34 PM
• I am concerned about birds and bats being hit by turbines.  Please keep the animals safe from the turbines.  I would suggest working with Hope For Wildlife to make the turbines as animal safe as possible.  

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Attachment Data Management

• Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia
• Author: CIOOS Atlantic
• Reference number: 257
• Submitted: 2024-12-20 - 8:27 PM
• CIOOS Atlantic is the Atlantic region of the Canadian Integrated Ocean Observing System (CIOOS), a national platform that acts as Canada’s nucleus for integrated ocean science and observing activities. CIOOS provides discovery and access services for high-quality ocean data that is aligned with the FAIR data principles (findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable) and is available for the benefit of all Canadians. The Draft Regional Assessment Report highlights the need for significant volumes of research data to support adaptive management and reporting for Offshore Wind (OSW). Although this is an important point, what’s missing is a thorough consideration of what should be done with the many and varied types of data necessary to support this. To maximize the value of collected data, to ensure it is usable in the present and into the future, requires a sound data management strategy at the outset. (Data management undertaken after data collection is both more costly and more difficult.) Given the broad array of data expected, a one-size-fits-all approach to data management is not appropriate, nor should a data management strategy be developed from scratch. There are national and international domain-specific repositories with expertise in this area (CIOOS, Ocean Tracking Network, Ocean Biodiversity Information System Canada, and more) which can be leveraged to ensure the appropriate metadata and data standards are applied. Consistently managed data further supports recommendation T1-3 of a shared repository of data and sources. High-quality and reusable data is also critical to achieving a comprehensive and holistic understanding of ...

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Attachment COMMENTARY BY DR. KENNETH T. FRANK REGARDING -- Draft Regional Assessment Report: REGIONAL ASSESSMENT OF OFFSHORE WIND DEVELOPMENT IN NOVA SCOTIA (October 2024).

• Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia
• Author: Kenneth Frank
• Reference number: 256
• Submitted: 2024-12-20 - 3:45 PM
• I have uploaded a pdf of my comment.
• Attachment included
• 1 COMMENTARY BY DR. KENNETH T. FRANK REGARDING -- Draft Regional Assessment Report: 1 REGIONAL ASSESSMENT OF OFFSHORE WIND DEVELOPMENT IN NOVA SCOTIA (October 2024). 2 3 About the author: Kenneth (Ken) T. Frank was employed for 36 years by Fisheries and Oceans 4 Canada at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography as a Research Scientist involved in all facets of 5 fisheries research ranging from assessment and associated research of major groundfish stocks on 6 the Scotian Shelf to ecosystem level analysis of North Atlantic marine ecosystems. He has 7 published in the leading scientific journals including Nature, Science, Proceeding of the National 8 Academy of Sciences (USA), Trends in Ecology and Evolution, Ecology Letters, Ecology and more 9 (https://scholar.google.ca/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5&q=frank%2C+kt&oq=). He is a Fellow of 10 the Royal Society of Canada (FRSC) and recently received the prestigious International Council for 11 the Exploration of the Sea Prix d’ Excellence award which recognizes the highest level of 12 achievement in marine science and the Timothy R. Parsons Medal honouring distinguished 13 contributions toward ocean sciences. He currently holds an adjunct Professor position in the 14 Department of Biology, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario. He resides in Bedford, Nova Scotia. 15 COMMENTARY 16 The Draft Regional Assessment Report is a static biological/ecological depiction of a dynamic 17 system of offshore banks on the Scotian Shelf aside from documented changes that occurred 18 during the early 1990s, and we know those changes have not persisted to present. Overall, the 19 document with respect to the biology/ecology of the species inhabiting the banks is ...

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Attachment Comments re: draft Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia

• Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia
• Author: Emera
• Reference number: 255
• Submitted: 2024-12-20 - 2:32 PM
• COMMENTS RE: DRAFT REGIONAL ASSESSMENT OF OFFSHORE WIND DEVELOPMENT IN NOVA SCOTIA INTRODUCTION Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback as part of the Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia. This submission is being provided by Emera Inc. and includes feedback from our affiliates Nova Scotia Power, and Emera Newfoundland & Labrador. We would like to commend the independent Committee for its thorough approach, methodology, stakeholder and indigenous engagement, analysis and recommendations. The Regional Assessment (RA) provides a valuable roadmap for industry, policy makers, regulators and the public writ large. OVERVIEW By way of background, Emera Inc., a TSX 60 company based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, has grown from a single electric utility into an energy leader serving over 2.5 million customers in Canada, the US and the Caribbean. We are focused on safely delivering cleaner, reliable energy while always working to minimize the cost impacts for our customers. Nova Scotia Power is a fully integrated electric utility (i.e., responsible for generation, transmission and distribution) and serves more than 525,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers. The utility provides 95 per cent of Nova Scotia’s generation, transmission and distribution services.   Emera Newfoundland & Labrador (ENL) was established in 2010 as the business entity responsible for the company’s strategic investments in Newfoundland and Labrador including regarding the Nova Scotia Power Maritime Link (Maritime Link, or ML).  Commissioned in 2018, the ML is a 170Km ...
• Attachment included
• COMMENTS RE: DRAFT REGIONAL ASSESSMENT OF OFFSHORE WIND DEVELOPMENT IN NOVA SCOTIA INTRODUCTION Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback as part of the Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia. This submission is being provided by Emera Inc. and includes feedback from our affiliates Nova Scotia Power, and Emera Newfoundland & Labrador. We would like to commend the independent Committee for its thorough approach, methodology, stakeholder and indigenous engagement, analysis and recommendations. The Regional Assessment (RA) provides a valuable roadmap for industry, policy makers, regulators and the public writ large. OVERVIEW By way of background, Emera Inc., a TSX 60 company based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, has grown from a single electric utility into an energy leader serving over 2.5 million customers in Canada, the US and the Caribbean. We are focused on safely delivering cleaner, reliable energy while always working to minimize the cost impacts for our customers. Nova Scotia Power is a fully integrated electric utility (i.e., responsible for generation, transmission and distribution) and serves more than 525,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers. The utility provides 95 per cent of Nova Scotia’s generation, transmission and distribution services. Emera Newfoundland & Labrador (ENL) was established in 2010 as the business entity responsible for the company’s strategic investments in Newfoundland and Labrador including regarding the Nova Scotia Power Maritime Link (Maritime Link, or ML). Commissioned in 2018, the ML is a 170Km high- voltage direct current (HVDC) subsea cable which links Newfoundland & Labrador to Nova Scotia and ...

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Attachment RA Submission

• Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia
• Author: Seafood Producers Association of Nova Scotia
• Reference number: 254
• Submitted: 2024-12-20 - 2:03 PM
• Please see attached
• Attachment included
• 1801-45 Alderney Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 2N6 Tel: (902) 463-7790 Fax: (902) 469-8294 Email: spans@spans.ca December 19, 2024 Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia Impact Assessment Agency of Canada 200-1801 Hollis Street Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3N4 Email: OffshoreWindNS-EolienneExtracotiereNE@iaac-aeic.gc.ca Please accept the following supplemental information regarding the PDAs on Sable/Western Bank and Middle Bank on behalf of the Eastern Canadian Offshore Scallop Fleet (ECOSF), which holds all offshore commercial licences for Sea Scallops in Atlantic Canada. The ECOSF is comprised of five licence holders operating five factory-freezer trawlers and three wetfish vessels. There is no ‘fleet separation’ policy in place for this fishery and therefore these licence- holders also operate significant shore-based processing facilities as well. With these advanced processing capabilities, licence-holders are able to serve international markets and produce high-quality, value-added products and helps bring prosperity to many rural communities across Nova Scotia. Notably, First Nations hold a significant number of licences in the ECOSF which some sources have described as “an emerging model of economic reconciliation.”1 That said, the offshore scallop fishery is capital intensive fishery, with some modern vessels requiring crews of up to thirty supported by onshore processing facilities employing hundreds. As a result, the fleet constantly strives to increase efficiency and places a heavy reliance on DFO and industry funded science when planning their operations. The industry invests almost $1 million into science and research each year, including supporting ...

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Attachment Awareness of Maritime Link Subsea Cables

• Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia
• Author: Emera Newfoundland & Labrador
• Reference number: 253
• Submitted: 2024-12-20 - 2:00 PM
• I am writing on behalf of Emera Newfoundland and Labrador (ENL), owner and operator of the Maritime Link 500MW electricity transmission system. Please note that ENL also collaborated in the development of a separate but aligned letter to the Committee from Emera Inc., our parent company. As the Committee prepares to finalize the final report, I would like to reinforce the importance of the Maritime Link and the need to ensure shared safety in the vicinity of the submarine cables and related assets. Drawing on information included in the interim and final draft report, it appears that a portion of the Sydney Bight development area is in close proximity to the Maritime Link submarine cables, which is a significant concern due to related risks including safety and the reliability of the Maritime Link. We believe that development in the Sydney Bight area can proceed, however important steps must be taken to safeguard against risks of contact with and disruption of the Maritime Link submarine cables.
• Attachment included
• PO Box 910  ●  Halifax, Nova Sco a  ●  Canada ●  B3J 2W5  Page 1 of 3  To:   The Committee for the Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in  Nova Scotia   From:   Norm Dimmell, President, Emera Newfoundland and Labrador   Date:   December 20, 2024  Subject:  Awareness About and Protection of the Maritime Link Submarine Cables   Dear Committee Members,   I am writing on behalf of Emera Newfoundland and Labrador (ENL), owner and operator of the  Maritime Link 500MW ...

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Attachment Strait of Canso Superport Corporation's Comments on the Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia

• Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia
• Author: Strait of Canso Superport Corporation Limited
• Reference number: 252
• Submitted: 2024-12-20 - 12:30 PM
• Attached is the Strait of Canso Superport's comments on the draft report.
• Attachment included
• Strait of Canso Superport Corporation Limited P.O. Box 238, 428 Main Street Mulgrave, Nova Scotia, Canada B0E 2G0 Tel: (902) 747-2470 Fax: (902) 747-2453 www.straitsuperport.com The Strait of Canso Superport Corporation strongly supports the responsible development of offshore wind projects in Nova Scotia, recognizing their potential to advance renewable energy goals and contribute to economic growth. The Strait of Canso region, with its strategic location and robust port infrastructure, is uniquely positioned to play a critical role in the supply chain and logistics of offshore wind development. We encourage the Committee to prioritize recommendations that: a) Highlight the importance of developing and upgrading port infrastructure to meet the needs of offshore wind projects. The Strait of Canso is well-equipped to support these activities and could serve as a hub for transportation, assembly, and maintenance operations. b) Ensure meaningful engagement with local communities, stakeholders, and industry leaders within the region to maximize economic benefits and mitigate potential disruptions to existing marine and industrial activities. c) Promote investments in workforce training and development programs tailored to the offshore wind industry, fostering local employment opportunities and long-term economic sustainability in the Strait of Canso area. Additionally, the Strait of Canso Superport Corporation recommends utilizing the findings and analysis from the Strait of Canso Sustainable Infrastructure Strategy to provide a more comprehensive assessment of the Mulgrave Marine Terminal and the broader Strait of Canso region, particularly in relation to supporting the ...

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Attachment SeaBlue Canada Submission on the Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia Committee's Draft Report: Protecting Marine Protected Areas

• Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia
• Author: SeaBlue Canada
• Reference number: 250
• Submitted: 2024-12-20 - 9:41 AM
• Please see attachment for SeaBlue Canada's input on the draft report on the Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia.
• Attachment included
• 1 December 19 2024 SeaBlue Canada Submission on the Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia Committee’s Draft Report: Protecting Marine Protected Areas 1. Introduction The following is a submission by the SeaBlue Canada coalition to the Nova Scotia Regional Assessment Committee (the “Committee”) regarding its draft report on the Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia (the “Draft Report”).1 SeaBlue Canada is a coalition of eight of Canada’s most respected environmental non- government organizations. The coalition works collaboratively to ensure that Canada’s marine protected area (“MPA”) commitments are ambitious, equitable, and ultimately provide meaningful protection to marine species and habitats. The coalition comprises the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, the David Suzuki Foundation, East Coast Environmental Law, the Ecology Action Centre, Nature Canada, Oceans North, West Coast Environmental Law, and WWF-Canada. SeaBlue Canada supports the development of offshore renewable energy (“ORE”) projects as part of the clean energy response to the climate crisis. However, ORE projects, including offshore wind (“OSW”) developments, must be managed responsibly and sustainably to minimize impacts to the marine environment, and in a way that advances equity by providing benefits to local communities. SeaBlue Canada supported Bill C-49, An Act to amend the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act and the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts (“Bill C-49”),2 which will enable the prevention or prohibition of ...

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Attachment Director, Commercial Development

• Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia
• Author: Northland Power Inc.
• Reference number: 249
• Submitted: 2024-12-20 - 9:32 AM
• Section 2.6.6 – Bidding Criteria The global offshore wind market is struggling, with rising costs (vessels; steel; etc …), cancelled projects (USA), undersubscribed auctions (Maine; Denmark), shrinking supply chain (GE Vernova exiting offshore wind turbines), and multiple developers exiting offshore wind (BP; Shell; Equinor; Corio; etc.).   The auction design should reflect the current status of the global offshore wind market.  Auction design should reflect a small number of clear priorities: either price, or construction timing, or community engagement, but not all treated equally.  These priorities often conflict, and it is important that the auction design reflect which objectives have the highest priority.  Northland recommends a seabed auction design focused on Proponents ability to successfully deliver an offshore wind project.   Successful delivery of an offshore wind can be an 8 – 12 year process – plus 20 to 30 years of operation afterwards - and requires permitting experience, technical expertise, operational experience and a large balance sheet to weather the changes that occur over the lifetime of the development cycle and a project.  An analysis of this capability could involve a review of a Proponent’s capacity to: (i) develop; (ii) procure; (iii) finance; (iv) construct; and (v) operate an offshore wind farm.  The clearest way to assess this capability is a review of existing operating offshore wind projects, plus balance sheet.  In support of above, we recommend a review of the ...

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Attachment Whale Research Collective Comments on the Regional Assessment Report for Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia

• Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia
• Author: Whale Research Collective
• Reference number: 248
• Submitted: 2024-12-20 - 7:17 AM
• These comments are submitted on behalf of the Whale Research Collective (WRC). WRC is a Canadian non-profit organisation dedicated to marine mammal research and conservation using a science-based, collaborative approach. Our areas of expertise include bioacoustics, telemetry and aerial imagery, and population assessments based on photographic and genetic sampling of individuals. WRC’s biologists have extensive research experience working along the Atlantic Coast of Canada and in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. As an organization committed to minimizing the carbon footprint of our field operations, we support the development of renewable energy in Nova Scotia. However, we recognize the necessity of establishing a thorough environmental baseline assessment prior to any development of this activity off Nova Scotia (NS). As stated in the regional assessment, the NS marine mammal community is quite different from those in European areas where offshore wind has a long history. There is little insight that can therefore be drawn from these areas regarding the potential effects of offshore wind operations on marine mammals. NS is much more similar to areas off the Northeast US where offshore wind projects are currently under development. However, these projects are too recent to draw any conclusions about their effects on marine mammals and NS-based projects warrant NS-focused baseline studies. Detecting potential changes in marine mammal occurrence due to offshore wind is further complicated by the effects of climate change, which are likely to induce shifts in spatio-temporal distribution. One of the keys to circumvent these challenges is to conduct baseline studies with the sufficient duration to capture ...

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Attachment Oceans North Comments on the Draft Regional Assessment Report for Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia

• Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia
• Author: Oceans North
• Reference number: 247
• Submitted: 2024-12-19 - 9:44 AM
• Oceans North's Position on Offshore Wind Development Oceans North supports a just and equitable transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, recognizing the critical role this shift plays in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We believe that renewable energy development, particularly offshore wind, must be conducted in a manner that enhances, rather than undermines, the integrity of protected marine areas, the sustainability of fisheries, and the social and economic well-being of communities in affected regions. We commend Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, which includes a commitment to achieve net-zero electricity by 2035 through the expansion of non-emitting energy sources, laying the foundation for a broader goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The Regional Assessment for offshore wind development in Nova Scotia is a positive step towards addressing climate change. Below, we outline our recommendations for improving the assessment process.   Community Benefits of Renewable Energy Development  We support the transition to renewable energy and acknowledge the positive role offshore wind energy can play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to Nova Scotia’s climate goals, and moving towards a low-carbon energy system. However, this needs to be done in a way that maximizes community benefits, including access to that energy by communities to reduce emissions and energy costs, providing job opportunities in communities adjacent to wind farms that are reflective of the Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) assessment, meaningful and equitable financial benefits that ...
• Attachment included
• 1 www.oceansnorth.org 1459 Hollis St, Suite 301, Halifax, NS, B3J 1V1 Oceans North Comments on the Draft Regional Assessment Report for Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia 20th December 2024 Oceans North's Position on Offshore Wind Development Oceans North supports a just and equitable transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, recognizing the critical role this shift plays in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We believe that renewable energy development, particularly offshore wind, must be conducted in a manner that enhances, rather than undermines, the integrity of protected marine areas, the sustainability of fisheries, and the social and economic well-being of communities in affected regions. We commend Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, which includes a commitment to achieve net-zero electricity by 2035 through the expansion of non- emitting energy sources, laying the foundation for a broader goal of achieving net- zero emissions by 2050. The Regional Assessment for offshore wind development in Nova Scotia is a positive step towards addressing climate change. Below, we outline our recommendations for improving the assessment process. Community Benefits of Renewable Energy Development We support the transition to renewable energy and acknowledge the positive role offshore wind energy can play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to Nova Scotia’s climate goals, and moving towards a low-carbon energy system. However, this needs to be done in a way that maximizes community benefits, including access to that energy by communities to reduce emissions and energy costs, providing job opportunities in ...

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Attachment Impact of excluding waters in proximity of the Strait of Canso

• Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia
• Author: Strait Area Chamber of Commerce
• Reference number: 246
• Submitted: 2024-12-19 - 9:42 AM
• This submission is on behalf of the Strait Area Chamber of Commerce, requesting reconsideration of the Regional Assessment Committee's recommendation to exclude the Strait of Canso region from offshore wind development at this early stage. As a Chamber, we recognize the positive economic and social impact of industrial and commercial infrastructure in the Strait Region and support a process that ensures projects are approved only when they meet the highest standards of environmental and economic sustainability. This is in keeping with the Chamber’s goals for the region as outlined in our Industrial/Commercial Infrastructure Development Policy (see attached). We are concerned about the exclusion of areas in proximity to the Strait of Canso without sufficient evidence or rationale. We feel it is premature to assume the areas outlined for exclusion would not have pockets of favorable areas and strong justification for development. The Strait Area Chamber of Commerce is not advocating for unrestricted development in coastal waters. However, we support development that has cleared a rigorous, transparent, and comprehensive review process. Although the Regional Assessment Committee has considered some of this in broad scope, we feel that, at this stage, there is not enough information or evidence to justify the exclusion of large parcels of offshore areas. As noted, we would support a rigorous review of individual projects, factoring in proximity to sensitive marine areas, shipping routes, fishing grounds, and so on, to ensure they meet the highest standards of safeguards for the environment and are in the best interest of the region. The Chamber’s Energy Policy (see attached) states that ...
• Attachment included
•   Date Approved: March 21, 2017    Strait Area Chamber of Commerce  104‐609 Church St.  Port Hawkesbury, NS B9A 2X4    ...

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Attachment Women and Gender Equality Canada comments

• Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia
• Author: Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE)
• Reference number: 245
• Submitted: 2024-12-18 - 1:16 PM
• Women and Gender Eqaulity Canada comments
• Attachment included
• Non classifié - Unclassified # Department Section Comment Rationale WAGE-01 Acronyms and Abbreviations pg. 3 and throughout the report Replace “GBA+” with GBA Plus. GBA Plus is the proper and most up-to- date acronym for Gender-Based Analysis Plus. WAGE-02 4.6.1 Demographic Profile, Minority and Vulnerable Groups pg. 142 Consider the following addition of text (in red) after "The TOR require the Committee to "consider the intersection of sex and gender with other identity factors and make recommendations on the manner in which future impact assessments should consider and address these factors". It is recommended that the Committee considers the intersection of sex and gender with other identity factors, and how identity factors simultaenously interact with one another and interact with contextual and systemic factors (e.g., health, economic, social, historical contexts). Intersectionality, as an analytic framework, requires the consideration of how a person's identity (for example, sex, gender, age, ethnicity, class, religion, sexual orientation, ability) combine to create particular forms of discrimination and privilege AND the consideriation of the historical, social, and political context and the systems of discrimination that create and sustain inequalities, barriers of opportunity, and access for various population groups. Non classifié - Unclassified # WAGE-03 5.7.1 Employment and Economy pg. 198 Section 5.7.1 Employment and Economy forecasts that "focusing early on supply chain preparedness and labour availability and training can help promote the local capture of benefits." (pg. 198) If OSW commits to ...

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Attachment Marine Renewables Canada Comments on Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia Draft Report

• Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia
• Author: Marine Renewables Canada
• Reference number: 244
• Submitted: 2024-12-18 - 10:06 AM
• Updated: 2024-12-19 - 9:10 AM
• Rationale: Comment updated at the author's request
• Please find attached Marine Renewables Canada's comments on the Nova Scotia Regional Assessment Draft Report.
• Attachment included
• 1 SUBMISSION| Comments on Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia Draft Report Submitted to: Nova Scotia Regional Assessment Committee Submitted by: Elisa Obermann, Executive Director, Marine Renewables Canada Date: December 18, 2024 1 Introduction Marine Renewables Canada (MRC) is pleased to provide a submission regarding the Nova Scotia (NS) Regional Assessment (RA) of Offshore Wind Draft Report (October 31 2024). This submission has been developed based on feedback received by MRC members as well as research and analysis conducted by MRC. The aim of this submission is to provide information to support the RA Committee’s work to develop a Final Report. MRC is the national association for offshore wind (OSW), tidal, wave, and river current energy, representing 180 members including technology and project developers, suppliers, researchers, and communities. Many of MRC’s members are focused on realizing OSW development opportunities in Canada, including companies already developing OSW projects internationally, as well as numerous suppliers who have a wealth of experience from working in Atlantic Canada’s offshore and marine industries. Through this membership, MRC is the voice for the OSW industry in Canada and has been advocating for a supportive and predictable regulatory path and policies that can both catalyze growth and ensure sustainable development of the sector. MRC’s members are keenly interested in Canada’s OSW opportunity, given the world-class and currently untapped OSW resources off the coasts of NS and Newfoundland and Labrador. The RA is a critical initiative for future OSW development in Canada, providing advice, ...

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Attachment Comments on the Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia: Draft Report October 2024

• Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia
• Author: Mohamad Alikhani
• Reference number: 243
• Submitted: 2024-12-14 - 4:02 PM
• Dear Committee for the Regional Assessment?of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia, Please see below my high-level comments on the Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia: Draft Report October 2024[1] (#_ftn1) (Draft Report) in two parts. The first part provides specific comments on the Draft Report and the second part will offer general guidance for improving this Draft Report and/or for recommending how future environmental impacts assessments (EIAs) or Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) related to OWE are conducted: Specific Comments The Draft Report has not considered several critical points. First, the Draft Report categorizes sensitive areas including ecologically and biologically significant areas into secondary considerations, which allows offshore wind energy (OWE) development in these areas, although avoidance and mitigation measures should be taken. The sensitive areas should be considered as primary constraints that prohibit OWE development. The Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity recommends that the Parties to the Convention stop activities that degrade or cause the loss of ecologically important ecosystems and habitats and prevent unsustainable human activities that have significant adverse effects on marine and coastal areas, particularly the ecologically or biologically significant areas.[2] (#_ftn2) Second, the Draft Report does not expressly state the effects of primary constraints. Identifying current marine protected areas, critical habitats, national park reserves, and marine bird sanctuaries ...

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Attachment Anthropogenic Noise Impacts on Marine Life

• Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia
• Author: Jessica Doman
• Reference number: 242
• Submitted: 2024-12-10 - 3:32 PM
• Offshore wind energy offers a more sustainable alternative to traditional energy production methods, but its potential impacts on marine species must be carefully evaluated. In particular, the noise generated by vessel traffic during the construction and decommissioning phases of offshore wind projects poses a significant concern. These activities introduce both impulsive and continuous noise into the marine soundscape, potentially affecting local marine mammals and fish species. It is especially important to understand how the specific frequencies emitted by these anthropogenic sources may impact the behavior, physiology, and overall well-being of marine life. Given that underwater noise from human activities has been shown to cause adverse physical, physiological, and behavioral effects in cetaceans, this project should not proceed until these threats are thoroughly understood or effectively mitigated in the unique conditions of the Atlantic Ocean. Where research is limited, a precautionary approach is essential, prioritizing the implementation of mitigation measures to safeguard marine ecosystems and ensure long-term sustainability.

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Attachment Consideration of sensitive benthic habitats

• Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia
• Author: Isobel Anderson
• Reference number: 241
• Submitted: 2024-12-10 - 10:54 AM
• While Nova Scotia's development of offshore wind is a critical step in reducing the province's reliance on coal and advancing its transition to renewable energy sources, this progress must be balanced with the preservation of sensitive marine habitats. Specifically, the presence of sensitive benthic habitats must be thoroughly identified, coupled with the implementation of appropriate and holistic mitigation strategies. Benthic habitats play a cruicial role in supporting the health and stability of marine environments, such as providing nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, and water filtration. Protecting them is essential for sustaining ecological balance and must be prioritized during the construction and development stages of any offshore developments.

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Attachment CMM Draft Report Feedback

• Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia
• Author: Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq
• Reference number: 240
• Submitted: 2024-12-06 - 6:29 PM
• There are a number of important points raised in this feedback that deserve careful consideration. Questions about how site selection criteria were developed, how social and economic priorities are balanced, and what benefits are being offered to communities and Indigenous groups all point to areas where greater transparency would strengthen the regional assessment. These are not minor issues, and addressing them is essential to ensuring the process is both fair and effective. That said, I think it’s a positive step that these challenges are being acknowledged and brought into the conversation. Offshore wind development is a complex undertaking, and it’s encouraging to see efforts being made to address not only the technical aspects but also the broader social and environmental implications. With some adjustments, this assessment has the potential to set a strong example of how large-scale projects can be approached responsibly and inclusively. Ultimately, I feel there’s a good foundation here, but it’s important to make sure these concerns are addressed in a way that builds trust and credibility among all stakeholders.
• Attachment included
• CMM - Draft Report Feedback Section Page # Comment Summary, PDA 20 How did the site selection criteria evolve to include the new areas of LaHave Basin and Misaine Bank?     - If the criteria remain unchanged, why were these sites not identified in the original analysis?     - If the criteria were revised, what specific changes justify their inclusion in the updated map? 2.2.3 45 What social criteria were included in the value mapping document? 2.2.3 46 How does the emphasis on economic value in the PFDA map align with the stated need to incorporate "other factors," and what specific factors should be prioritized in future analyses? Why does the PFDA map in the final report fail to reflect meaningful progress in addressing the acknowledged limitations and inclusion of non-economic constraints? 2.3 49 How will the RA address the issue of high compatibility scores being assigned in the absence of conflict data, especially for factors like fishing activity? In which part of the analyses should Indigenous fishing areas, MPAs, cultural values, and other socially significant factors be incorporated?   2.6.4 55 What benefits have been offered to the communities mentioned in the case studies, and are these benefits extended to local or Indigenous communities, and who holds responsibility for building the community capacity needed to manage the impacts of such growth effectively?   2.6.5 56 Are Mi'kmaq communities' perceptions and apprehensions regarding OSW development different from those of local fishers?      - Are the "participants" referenced living on reserve lands, or do they represent broader local communities?      - Does this indicate a disconnect between Mi'kmaq and local community ...

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Attachment Ensuring Nova Scotia Benefits from Offshore Wind Development

• Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia
• Author: Abdullah Mohammed Atiq
• Reference number: 237
• Submitted: 2024-12-02 - 11:30 PM
• The Regional Assessment comprehensively addresses many challenges of offshore wind development, but one critical area needing more focus is how the energy generated will directly benefit Nova Scotia. Offshore wind is a transformative opportunity, essential for achieving 80% renewable electricity by 2030 and net-zero by 2050. However, the lack of a readily available grid poses a significant challenge, risking energy exports to other jurisdictions instead of supporting local growth. Without a clear framework for energy utilization, Nova Scotia may miss out on the economic and environmental benefits of this development. A robust evaluation framework is urgently needed to ensure offshore wind energy powers Nova Scotia’s progress, supporting our communities, economy, and climate goals.

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Attachment Considering the Intentions of Offshore Wind Developers

• Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia
• Author: Liam Wittenberg
• Reference number: 236
• Submitted: 2024-11-28 - 8:41 PM
• As a whole, I believe that this opportunity to enhance wind power generation in Nova Scotia is a step in the right direction for the province's energy grid. As outlined in the Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia document, there are various factors to consider to ensure these projects are done right. Among these considerations, I believe it is crucial that we understand the intentions of prospective developers of these projects. This is important to ensure that the developers have the best intentions for Nova Scotians in mind when undertaking these projects. Accounting that our offshore regions will be impacted by these developments, it should be absolutely clear that Nova Scotia will obtain tangible benefits from these develops. Therefore, I believe that thourough background checks into each company should be undertaken to protect our environment and resources from potentially exploitative developers.     

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Attachment Strengthening Netukulimk Integration and Mi'kmaq Consultation in Offshore Wind Development

• Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia
• Author: Amya Martinov
• Reference number: 235
• Submitted: 2024-11-28 - 5:53 PM
• I commend the effort and detail provided in the documentation for the Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia. However, I believe there is an opportunity to enhance the report by better integrating the Netukulimk principle, as emphasized in the Nova Scotia Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act. While the report references this principle, it falls short of outlining concrete strategies to prioritize the well-being of communities and ecosystems. Specifically, it lacks clear goals and actionable steps for meaningful and respectful consultation with the Mi’kmaq people. A more robust integration of Netukulimk, with defined pathways for balancing environmental, economic, and cultural priorities, would strengthen the assessment and foster trust, collaboration, and long-term sustainability.

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Attachment Vibration Effects on Structural Habitat

• Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia
• Author: Samuel Landry
• Reference number: 234
• Submitted: 2024-11-26 - 12:44 PM
• First the move towards wind powered energy is a overall positive step for the enviroment. In the report it is stated that the contruction will offer new habitat for various species. This is due to the third dimension from the turbines added perpendicular to the sea floor. It is projected that this will be occupied by invertabrate species such as muscles and amphipods. The effects of changes in vibrations, noise, and possibly temperature in these newfound habitats is uncertain, yet this is not stated in the knowledge gap section. Furthermore, it is stated in the knowledge gap section that these new areas will be free of fishing and offer foraging habiats for the other species of the region (305). Though, this seems unlikely if avoidance of the offshore wind farm is the primary behavioural change of the predator species. Thank you for your time and consideration!

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Attachment Commenting on the Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia

• Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia
• Author: Emily Outhit
• Reference number: 229
• Submitted: 2024-11-06 - 10:43 AM
• Updated: 2024-11-06 - 1:18 PM
• Rationale: Comment updated at the author's request
• Nova Scotia's moving towards sustainable energy is a positive step in mitigating the climate crisis and achieving net zero. As Nova Scotia is highly reliant on coal and other fossil fuels, having a significant renewable energy source will be incredibly transformative for Nova Scotians. That being said, the construction of offshore wind development must be conducted through the best available approaches that have minimal effects on our environment. This is especially critical to remember with Nova Scotia's fishing industry, which is a large economic contributor. While the regional assessment outlines compensation for commercial fishers in the site locations, the committee should consider other mitigative approaches, such as co-location. A co-location approach means that the offshore wind development would be actively managed with the fishing industry while sharing the same spatial area. Managing marine resources across different sectors would help ensure marine spatial planning is as successful as possible. Many fishers want to continue pursuing their jobs, and this collaboration would help minimize the displacement of fishing areas. It is critical to think of these adaptations now while developments are still in the planning stage, and mitigative approaches can be implemented, such as cable burial and clear corridors. This is an excellent path for Nova Scotia, so it is essential to take the time to think critically and outline best practices for offshore wind development.   ABPmer. (2024). Offshore wind and fishing activities: Is co-location possible? ...

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Attachment Strong Support for Offshore Wind Development off Nova Scotia

• Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia
• Author: David Tucker
• Reference number: 228
• Submitted: 2024-11-03 - 7:52 PM
• As a dedicated Nova Scotian citizen with a background in quality engineering and a commitment to reducing our carbon footprint, I am thrilled by the prospects of offshore wind development in our region. Offshore wind not only aligns with Canada’s national commitments to clean energy but also offers Nova Scotia a transformative opportunity to build a sustainable and prosperous future.   Offshore wind is one of the most reliable and scalable renewable energy sources available today. With Nova Scotia’s strong offshore wind resources and a proven history in marine and engineering industries, we are uniquely positioned to lead Canada in this area. The potential for job creation, local economic growth, and environmental stewardship is unprecedented.   As someone familiar with the technical and operational challenges in offshore environments, I understand the importance of rigorous impact assessments, stakeholder engagement, and continuous quality assurance. However, I am also confident that with proper planning, offshore wind in Nova Scotia can be developed safely and responsibly.   I urge the Canadian Impact Assessment Agency to prioritize this regional assessment, streamline processes, and support developers in making offshore wind a reality here in Nova Scotia. We need action that is both ambitious and immediate. Offshore wind development can be a pivotal step towards achieving Canada’s clean energy goals, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. Thank you for considering my comments as part of this vital initiative.   Sincerely, David Tucker

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Attachment Health Canada's reply to the Request for Information from the Committee for the Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia

• Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia
• Author: Health Canada
• Reference number: 194
• Submitted: 2024-07-31 - 2:33 PM
• Thank you for your email dated June 16, 2024, requesting Health Canada's expert advice on the Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Hova Scotia. Health Canada has reviewed the questions from the Committee in request letter and provided its comments in the attached cover letter.  Should you have any follow-up questions, please contact Jérémie Allain (jeremie.allain@hc-sc.gc.ca).
• Attachment included
• Environmental Health Program (EHP) Regulatory Operations and Enforcement Branch (ROEB), Health Canada 1505 Barrington Street, Suite 1625 Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3Y6 July 30, 2024 Andrew Walter Impact Assessment Agency of Canada 200-1801 Hollis Street, Halifax, NS B3J 3N4 Sent by e-mail to: andrew.walter@iaac-aeic.gc.ca and OffshoreWindNS- EolienneExtracotiereNE@iaac-aeic.gc.ca Subject: Health Canada’s reply to the Request for Information from the Committee for the Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia Dear Andrew Walter: Thank you for your email dated June 16, 2024, requesting Health Canada’s expert advice on the Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia. Health Canada is participating in the regional assessment process as a Federal Authority under the Impact Assessment Act. Health Canada has undertaken a review of the Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia – Interim Report (March 2024), to respond to the Committee’s questions regarding potential human health impacts of Offshore Wind (OSW) Farms. Health Canada’s areas of expertise that relate to the Committee’s questions include the following: • Methodological expertise in human health risk assessment; • Human health impacts from noise; • Contamination of country foods; • Electromagnetic fields; and, • Air quality health effects. Should you have any questions regarding Health Canada’s comments, please contact Jérémie Allain at (jeremie.allain@hc-sc.gc.ca) and ia-atl-ei-atl@hc-sc.gc.ca). ...

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Attachment I support wind projects

• Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia
• Author: Carson Loveless
• Reference number: 157
• Submitted: 2024-04-23 - 7:10 PM
• I think the wind projects starting late is great for electricity 

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Attachment Information presented makes sense

• Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia
• Author: Robert Morris
• Reference number: 156
• Submitted: 2024-04-23 - 12:32 PM
• Renewable energy will have positive effects on the health of our ocean, air quality and industries which rely on stability in our energy price and supply. If the turbines are located away from sensitive areas, fishing grounds and transportation corridors this is only a positive for us. Increased supply of energy, especially renewables are critical to our long term economic security, achieving our environmental goals and utility rate stability. 

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Attachment Please do not harm birds

• Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia
• Author: Nicole Corrado
• Reference number: 129
• Submitted: 2024-01-29 - 3:04 PM
• Please do not harm birds with this project.  Please do not use animal testing for pollution monitoring.  https://www.change.org/p/stop-testing-sewer-water-on-laboratory-fishPlease only use non lethal ways to live with geese, beavers, and other wildlife.  Develop a Living With Coyotes program with the animal welfare organization Coyote Watch Canada.  www.coyotewatchcanada.com (https://www.coyotewatchcanada.com/) Please only use non lethal ways to manage wildlife.  There are humane, non lethal ways to deal with beavers.  Here's a great resource.  https://thefurbearers.com/downloads/PDFs/Beaver%20Book%20-%202019-10-08%20The%20Fur-Bearers.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1fP2wOYQKbWREX0E5QzYBhZLf9VjwMov3p37Vh8ToW1-NeQvAoVATZhEg%0A%0A https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/humanely-scare-away-canada-geese https://www.canadageese.org/nlcontrol.html https://www.peta.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/humane-goose-control-pdf.pdf https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/what-do-about-canada-geese This company makes non lethal products. https://margosupplies.com/ca-en/ Nicole Corrado  

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Attachment A list of relevant research documents

• Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia
• Author: Guysborough County Inshore Fishing Association
• Reference number: 125
• Submitted: 2024-01-09 - 1:58 PM
• See attached submission.
• Attachment included
• GUYSBOROUGH COUNTY INSHORE FISHERMEN’S ASSOCIATION 1 Literature Review Offshore Wind Renewable Energy This document has been prepared by the Guysborough County Inshore Fishermen’s Association for aiding the regional assessment for offshore wind in Nova Scotia. It contains a collection of published literature pertaining to offshore wind energy developments. We have included the Title, Authors, Abstracts, with some commentary following of an explanation of why this article is important to us. Many of these studies identify data gaps and areas where further research is needed. Other policy related documents are included as a substitute for a Canadian version which will need to be prepared going forward. Separated into categories as follows: Categories 1. Fishing interactions 2. Compensation/Mitigation of fishing industry 3. Ecological impacts 4. Acoustic impacts 5. Electro magnetic fields/power cables 6. Socioeconomic Reports 1. Fishing Interactions Changes to fishing practices around the UK as a result of the development of offshore windfarms – Phase 1 (Revised). Mark Gray, Paige-Leanne Stromberg and Dale Rodmell. Gray, M., Stromberg, P-L., Rodmell, D. 2016. ‘Changes to fishing practices around the UK as a result of the development of offshore windfarms – Phase 1 (Revised).’ The Crown Estate, 121 pages. ISBN: 978-1-906410-64-3. The aim of this project was to determine if, and if so, to what extent and why, fishing activity has changed within the six operating offshore wind farms (OWFs) and export cable routes in the Eastern Irish Sea. Since 2000, there has been a large reduction in fishing effort and landings of demersal finfish, which was attributed to a reduction ...

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Attachment Comments and concerns

• Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia
• Author: Guysborough County Inshore Fish Association
• Reference number: 124
• Submitted: 2024-01-09 - 1:55 PM
• Please see attached submission.
• Attachment included
• Guysborough County Inshore Fishermen’s Association Ph: 902-366-2266/Fax: 902-366-2679 Box 98 - 990 Union Street, Canso, N.S. B0H 1H0 1 January 09, 2024 The Guysborough County Inshore Fishermen’s Association (GCIFA) is a not-for-profit commercial fishing organization. GCIFA is an accredited non-profit association under the Fisheries Organization Support Act, registered with the Registry of Joint Stock. The association is made up of core fishermen and crewmembers that reside and fish in the County of Guysborough, NS. There are 140 members of multi-species license holders with fisheries conducted in the inshore, mid-shore and offshore. The association has a volunteer board of directors who are elected from the membership. We would like to provide comments and feedback on the Regional Assessment for offshore wind development in Nova Scotia. We appreciate the opportunity to participate in discussions regarding placement of renewable energy development in the ocean and marine spatial planning techniques employed for identifying offshore wind development areas. The GCIFA has been an active stakeholder providing input at meetings, sitting on committees, and attending conferences regarding marine spatial planning for over 20 years. The health and viability of Canada’s seafood industry is paramount to the economy here in Nova Scotia. We are concerned the offshore renewable energy sector will impact marine species and the fishing industry’s ability to sustain our current level of seafood harvesting and export. We wish to find a path forward that will allow our energy providers to switch to renewables, meet provincial and federal GHG emissions reduction targets, create economic ...

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Attachment Our Concerns and Recommendations

• Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia
• Author: Guysborough County Inshore Fish Association
• Reference number: 123
• Submitted: 2024-01-09 - 1:49 PM
• Please see the attached submission.
• Attachment included
• 1 Guysborough County Inshore Fishermen's Association Ph: 902-366-2266/Fax: 902-366-2679 Box 98 990 Union Street Canso, N.S. B0H 1H0 This document contains images displaying spatial data relevant to the commercial fishery of members represented by the Guysborough County Inshore Fishermen’s Association. Images are screenshots of qgis mapping shapefiles displaying our members fishing grounds as well as screenshots of the DFO ATLAS commericial fishery layers important to Eastern Nova Scotia seafood harvesters. Fig.1 Image published by Net Zero Atlantic produced by AEGIR displaying low cost of energy based on wind speed, water depth and distance to grid. The Guysborough County Inshore Fishermen’s Association are anticipating the federal and provincial governments are not going to place renewable energy projects at the lowest possible cost of energy production for the foreign owned energy conglomerates at the economic loss of another industry. A sustainable seafood industry that contributes to our provincial GDP exports millions of dollars in Nova Scotia each year. The harvesting of this seafood occurs mostly within the green and yellow areas of above image. The yellow and orange areas highlighted in the above image are still feasible for offshore wind just at a slightly higher cost. A new industry that is asking to share space with an existing billion-dollar industry operating in the same space will have to take the area left unused by the other users. Canada has an obligation to ensure this new industry is strategically located to mitigate conflict with other ocean users, is placed in a space that makes practical sense for all stakeholders and causes ...

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Attachment Offshore Wind Plans - Capacity Building for the Sustainable and Inclusive Development of Nova Scotia's Offshore Wind Resource

• Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia
• Author: Grey Matter Energy
• Reference number: 122
• Submitted: 2024-01-04 - 2:09 PM
• Hello. I've spent several years in the energy conservation and sustainabilty industries.  I've also worked in the utilities and understand the larger picture when it relates to energy capacity, demand and consumption.  I live on the southern coast of Cape Breton and own a small energy consulting firm called Grey Matter Energy. Although I'm in favour of renewable energy, I struggle with off-shore wind for several reasons. Costs Around the world, several offshore wind projects have been proposed, completed or are in mid-construction or financing, the Hornsea project for example. In all cases, the costs have exceeded expectations and budgets and in some instances such as what is happening in New York right now (link below), the costs are reaching nuclear cost per kWh levels.  In addition, the time cost of several years to bring the power into use is unreasonable to the public who are funding the project, especially when quicker and lower cost solutions are available. https://www.statista.com/statistics/506756/weighted-average-installed-cost-for-offshore-wind-power-worldwide/ https://www.ft.com/content/51dcaf65-12ed-47a0-8768-adf7a0bbfe4f Maintenance This could be included in costs but deserves consideration independently.  Wind Turbines are moving parts, motors.  They wear out or breakdown.  They require similar maintenance that any NG plant would require.  It's a cost of operating equipment that needs to be maintained and managed.  However, if I suggested to a NG plant operator they needed to hire a boat and travel 100kms to fix a breakdown, they would find a new place to work.  ...

Attachment Comment submission- ability to speak from direct experience

• Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia
• Author: Net Zero Atlantic
• Reference number: 113
• Submitted: 2023-09-21 - 3:16 PM
• September 21, 2023 To Whom It May Concern, In my role as Net Zero Atlantic’s Rural Community Engagement Coordinator for Offshore wind, I will be helping to build awareness in rural Nova Scotia of this Regional Assessment and opportunities for citizens and interested groups to contribute.  The purpose of this Comment submission is to enable me to speak from direct experience about how contributions can be made through the Regional Assessment website. Net Zero Atlantic’s Capacity Building for the Sustainable and Inclusive Development of Nova Scotia's Offshore Wind Resource project is designed to publicize the opportunity that Offshore wind energy presents in rural Nova Scotia.  The goal is to foster open discussion, broad participation and thus better informed decision making in relation to its development. Two tactics have been adopted so far.  The most important is public information workshops which are listed on our website for anyone interested in learning more.  The other approach taken so far is offering brief introductory presentations on this topic to municipal councils and committees of councils.  I welcome inquiries, comments, or suggestions. With best wishes, Christie Chaplin Rural Community Engagement Coordinator Net Zero Atlantic

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Attachment Re: Introductions and Early Commentary for the RA of Offshore Wind Development in NS

• Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia
• Author: Administrator on behalf of Mike Kofahl
• Reference number: 95
• Submitted: 2023-07-27 - 8:51 AM
• Please see the attached submission. 
• Attachment included
• Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development (NS) Presentation to the Committee (Meeting with ECEL & EAC) Mike Kofahl, Staff Lawyer July 25, 2023 Land Acknowledgement  I acknowledge that the place where I am today, Unama'ki, is within the traditional and unceded territories of the Mi'kmaq.  All of these territories are covered by treaties of peace and friendship that were entered into with the British, beginning in the early eighteenth century. About Us  East Coast Environmental Law envisions a future in which laws and legal systems protect ecological health and promote environmental and climate justice in Atlantic Canada.  We take a dynamic approach to environmental advocacy in Atlantic Canada. By engaging with diverse individuals, groups, and communities in our region, we work to ensure that environmental laws and policies throughout Atlantic Canada are founded on responsible, transparent, proactive, and inclusive decision-making. Content  Lessons learned from NL RA  Introduction to cumulative effects assessment  Jurisdictional Review – Summary  Public Participation Plan feedback Lessons Learned  Regional Assessment of Offshore Exploratory Oil and Gas Drilling East of Newfoundland and Labrador 1. Lack of adequate assessment of risks (from oil and gas) 2. The cumulative effects assessment was incomplete (and the related GIS decision-support tool fell far short of expectations) 3. Process issues, particularly a lack of meaningful public engagement and few opportunities for learning-based and collaborative dialogue 4. No exemptions for protected areas 5. An assessment of impacts on Canada’s climate commitments was narrow 6. No assessment of ...

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