Species At Risk Putting Wind Projects At Risk

Ontario's Environmental Review Tribunal (ERT) has allowed another wind project Renewable Energy Approval (REA) appeal on the basis of environmental concerns. In doing so, it has made findings on the statutory test of "serious and irreversible harm to animal life or the natural environment" with respect to species at risk that could have significant impacts on future renewable energy projects.

The case, Hirsch v. Ontario (Environment and Climate Change), was an appeal of a 27 turbine project in Prince Edward County east of Toronto. The issues raised included potential impacts on the little brown bat, which is endangered in Ontario, and the Blanding's turtle, which is threatened in Ontario.