First Solar Walpole Project December 18, 2012 - January 18, 2013
First Solar • Formed in 1999, First Solar has numerous project world-wide. • They are currently constructing 5 projects within Ontario; Amherstburg, Belmont, St. Claire Moore Farm, St. Claire Sombra Farm, Walpole Township. St. Clair Moore Farm 20MW Belmont 20MW St. Claire Sombra Farm 20MW Walpole 20MW Amherstburg 10MW
Walpole Development Area
Walpole Project • Located off of Army Camp Road, the project site is 349 acres. • The Solar Farm will use thin film photovoltaic (PV) modules manufactured by First Solar. • The project will consist of 20 arrays of PV panels consisting of approximately 16,860 PV modules. • The solar farm will be surrounded by a 2.1 meter high fence, which will be tree screened with native plants and grasses. 20 Mega Watts of Solar Sponsor: First Solar Ontario has signed a purchase agreement to buy this power under the Renewable Energy Standard Offer Program (RESOP). The RESOP program was the initial renewable energy program offered by the Ontario Power Authority. The difference between RESOP and the current FIT program is that the rates are differentiated by size, type of technology and typically offer better rates. The FIT program also offered “Aboriginal Adder” benefits, whereas the RESOP program does not.
Walpole Project Site
Project Details Natural Heritage • The Project Area and 120m setback have been used for agricultural purposes (soy and corn). The site lies in a clay plain, the soil is clay and sandy loam, soil type 3. • The area was not a significant habitat for deer, colonial birds, staging waterfowl, nesting waterfowl, migratory birds, raptors or Bald Eagles, wild turkeys, snakes, bats, migratory butterflies, turtles, bullfrogs or sensitive species. • There are three significant woodlots within the Project Area and 120m setback. The two largest will remain untouched. The third and smallest is in the middle of the project area and will be removed. It contained several small trees, largest diseased Elm and weed associated with agricultural use. There was some standing water with bugs and pests. • There will be a tree screen around the fenced area which will be rehabilitated with native plant and grass species.
Project Details Archaeology • The site did have Stage 3 archaeology completed • Stage 2 findings included: chipping detritus, utilized flake, biface, glass, glazed stoneware, metal, projectile point, porcelain and brick. • Stage 3 - one-metres square sites were dug, findings included: biface, utilized flakes, chipping detritus, shell, scrapers, buttons, ironstone, porcelain, coal, window glass, non-chert detritus, miscellaneous metal, projectile points, bottle glass, red earthenware, brick, ornamental glass, wire nails, floor tiling, plastic and faunal remains.
Community Benefits Royalty (Non-Owner) Total monetary benefit: $400,000 • $1000 per Megawatt for 20 years ($1000 x 20MW x 20 years) Jobs & training opportunities • 90 Six Nations Community members have already obtained employment to assemble panels and have been offered the opportunity to begin site work construction. • Construction – need for 200-300 people for approximately 1 year. • Maintenance & Operation – 2 people needed. FACT The Community Benefit is aligned with the principles of perpetual care and maintenance.
Community Support Should the community choose to support the project, the following expectations are required: a) Six Nations Council will sign a definitive (formal) agreement; b) Six Nations Council will utilize its power and authority to protect the project; c) Six Nations Council will consult with the community to identify uses of the revenue gained from the project; and d) Six Nations Council will keep the community informed of the project as it is developed.
Community Engagement 1. Does the Six Nations community generally support this project? 2. What concerns do community members have about the development?
How To Participate Meetings and Engagement Sessions • Thursday January 3, 2013 Initial Community Meeting, Six Nations Community Hall, 6:30 - 9pm • Saturday, January 12, 2013 Info Session 1 Engagement Session, Six Nations Community Hall – Sports Den, 10am - 3pm • Tuesday, January 15, 2013 Engagement Session, Six Nations Tourism - Assembly Room, 10am - 7pm Visit the Website • www.sixnationsfuture.com Personal Communication • Amy Lickers – Community Planner 519-753-1950, communityplanner@sixnations.ca or at the Tourism Building at 2498 Chiefswood Road.
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