The deadline for comment to the Department of National Defence on the proposed pumped water storage facility in Meaford is Wednesday.
September 30th is the deadline for public comments to the DND, which was an extension of the earlier July 31st deadline.
TC Energy is proposing to develop a facility at the Canadian Armed Forces 4th Canadian Division Training Centre in Meaford.
TC Energy says the facility would provide 1,000 megawatts of clean energy by drawing water from Georgian Bay, pumping that water from a low-lying reservoir when demand for electricity is low to a higher-elevation reservoir.
TC Energy says the water would be released into turbines when demand for electricity is high.
TC Energy: Proposed Pumped Storage Facility Near Meaford Will Fight Climate Change
TC Energy notes on its website, it’s in the very early stages of the project and notes there are numerous levels of assessment and approvals required.
A group of citizens who are against the project called Save Georgian Bay is concerned the project will create noise pollution, kill fish and other aquatic life, pollute the environment during the construction phase, disrupt the clarity of the water, which they worry will affect tourism, and also affect the feeding ability of shoreline birds.
They also worry high tension power lines will be put in from Meaford to Essa Township near Barrie.
Community Group Opposes Potential TC Energy Facility in Meaford
A Meaford municipal staff report has also outlined potential concerns regarding the project.
Meaford Looks To DND, TC Energy To Address Issues With Proposed Pumped Storage Facility
The DND says on its website, Since May 2019 it has, “Provided information and updates to 38 Indigenous communities and groups concerning possible impacts to Aboriginal or treaty rights by providing TC Energy access to 4 CDTC (4th Canadian Division Training Centre) Meaford.”
The DND adds, it received over 600 emails and letters from interested individuals and parties.
The DND says it has also taken part in three community town halls held by TC Energy, with over 400 people in attendance at each session.
They note, the Department made a presentation at the Municipality of Meaford Special Meeting of the Council on June 1st, 2020. That was live streamed and can be found on the Municipality’s YouTube channel.
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