It's all go for wind farms

Portland Observer
Wednesday 30/1/2008 Page: 1

PACIFIC Hydro is moving full steam ahead on two stages of the Portland Wind Energy Project, with generators expected to go up at Cape Bridgewater within weeks, and government approval of the Cape Nelson south (Stage Three) project given on Thursday. Pacific Hydro public relations officer Emily Wood said Stage Three would include 22 generators located on the east and west sides of Cape Nelson Rd/Scenic Rd, which would be the same size as those being built at Cape Bridgewater, 109 metres from the tip of the blade to the ground.

She said now that the stage had been approved, the next step would be to advise landholders in the area that Pacific Hydro had been given the final "tick" and construction would start shortly. "We usually contact landholders in writing, giving notice of our intention to begin work within 14 days, which also gives landholders an option to discuss any concerns with us." Ms Wood said she expected work would start within the next few weeks.

"Work will begin in the north-west area of the site (the top right hand section of the map) and initially, access tracks and the temporary compound will be built." After that, Pac Hydro would prepare the batching plant (so contractors can make concrete on site, reducing trucks on the roads), then the laying of foundations for the wind generators would begin.

She said the majority of work would be done by local contractors, with GR Can and Mibus Brothers having the main contracts for the civil works. "The Cape Bridgewater project has 60 per cent local employment and content, with the other 40 per cent from generators imported from overseas; we are hoping to continue that with the Cape Nelson project." Ms Wood said Pacific Hydro did not anticipate there would be any disturbance to residents because Stage Three was not a township area.

"It is hoped any disturbance will be kept to a minimum, and residents will be kept fully aware of what is happening." She said an existing quarry on the site would be used for road toppings on access tracks. "With the batching plant on site too, this should mean that there is not very much of an increase in trucks on the roads. It is likely that only one truck a day will be required to go to the site. "As soon as things become more finalised and movements are confirmed, the community will be made aware via a letterbox drop or a knock on the door." Ms Wood said it was really great to get the final approval for Stage Three and to be able to move forward. "This is really exciting and a great way to start 2008.

We would like to thank the community, which has been very patient. It is great that what we have been saying we would do, can now be done." In other news Stage Two of the PWEP (Cape Bridgewater) is progressing well with blades and cells starting to arrive. Pacific Hydro is now waiting for a specialised crane to arrive and be assembled on site. Ms Wood said it was hoped the transportation of blades and work on erecting the generators would begin in three weeks or so. "We will advise the community as soon as details are confirmed. The first section for work to begin will be the Amos Rd site." Approval is still pending for Stage Four of the project which is Cape Nelson north and Cape Sir William Grant.