Finavera Wind Energy Inc. has received an environmental assessment certificate for the proposed Tumbler Ridge Wind Energy Project in northeastern B.C., the provincial government said Thursday.
Before the project can proceed, the necessary provincial licences, leases and other approvals must still be secured.
The $125-million is planned for a site eight kilometres south of the community of 2,700 people 403 kilometres northeast of Prince George.
Scheduled to be up and running by November 2012, it is to consist of 33 wind turbine generators and produce up to 49.6 megawatts, enough to power 18,000 homes, and will be connected to the B.C. Hydro electricity grid.
The project is also to include 19 kilometres of new access and connector roads and upgrades to existing roads.
The 10-month construction period is expected to generate 120 full-time and part-time
jobs and once completed, the project will account for seven to eight permanent full-time jobs.
Local and provincial taxes generated over the project's 25-year lifespan of will be about $78 million including taxes, rent, royalties, leases, licences and tenure fees, according to the province.
The environmental assessment certificate contains design features, mitigation measures and 104 conditions that form legally binding requirements that Finavera Wind Energy Inc. must adhere to throughout various stages of the project.
The requirements include a monitoring and management plan for birds and bats.
