Additional Generator Gets Environmental Assessment Approval

ENVIRONMENT/LABOUR--Additional Generator Gets Environmental Assessment Approval

Government has issued an Environmental Assessment Approval to Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSPI) for a natural gas-fired combustion turbine at the Tufts Cove Generating Station in Dartmouth.

Environment and Labour Minister Kerry Morash says the environmental assessment that was conducted has led to several terms and conditions being placed on the approval.

"We heard from some organizations that had environmental concerns about the increased generation of electricity," Mr. Morash said, "so we've restricted the use of the new turbine to meeting peak power demands only."

Nova Scotia Power applied for approval to install the new turbine in order to address large electricity peaks, like the ones seen last winter, and to meet future electricity needs of the province.

If NSPI exceeds this use, it will have to install additional equipment to allow the new turbine and the existing Tufts Cove No. 4 combustion turbine to work in "combined cycle". Combined cycle operation improves the overall efficiency of the turbines.

Other terms and conditions on the project include the installation of new air quality and emission monitoring systems. The new additions must not exceed current noise levels.

The project received a Class 1 Environmental Assessment. This means that the project underwent a rigorous technical assessment by department staff. As well, the application was released for public comment. Information gathered during the government and public review period allowed the minister to determine whether the project should proceed and under what conditions.

The decision is available at any Environment and Labour office or on the website at www.gov.ns.ca/enla/ .