Environment

At PRENEAL, we take great care in making sure all our wind farms respect sensitive environmental conditions. When one wind-farm project goes ahead, it has gone through a rigorous and exhaustive study process on both the macrositing and micrositing levels to ensure the least possible impact on the environment and on the quality of life of area residents. We follow and respect all provincial and federal environmental assessment (EA) regulations.

Wind is the cleanest large-scale energy source available today.

When we started out in this business, we also set up our own protocols and rules. For example, our setback distance for wind turbines is 1 km. (Noise does not represent a real problem because it is imperceptible at such a distance). We also avoid protected sites and areas such as migratory bird routes or nesting grounds. In some instances, PRENEAL launches its own EA’s even if it is not required by law.

Here is a sample of the studies we perform at all our sites:

• Bird and wildlife migratory patterns
• Visual impact and noise assessment
• Wetland delineation and fish habitat assessment
• Rare plants and archeological assessment
• Economic, community and First Nations concerns