Chapter 9: Additional reports that may be required as part of an REA application

1. Purpose

The following sections provide an overview of the requirements for additional reports that may be needed for a complete Renewable Energy Approval (REA) submission. The requirement to prepare many of these reports, their function, and the minimum requirements with respect to making them publicly available have been introduced at other places in this guide, such as in Chapter 1. The sections that follow present the reader with a consolidated place to describe the content requirements for all the additional reports that may be required by O. Reg. 359/09.

The minimum required content of these reports is set out in Table 1 of O. Reg. 359/09, as well as within other parts of the regulation itself. For several of the reports, guidance is provided in other government documents, and the sections that follow provide references where appropriate.

2. Archaeological Assessment Report

For all facilities that require an REA (except those prescribed under section 20 of O. Reg. 359/09) applicants must undertake an archaeological assessment, unless they determine there is low potential for archaeological resources at the project location. Applicants can make this determination by considering criteria included in the “REA Checklist: Consideration of Potential for Archaeological Resources” issued by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport (MTCS), as required by subsection 21(3) of O. Reg. 359/09.

In the case of those projects that are prescribed under section 20, an archaeological assessment is only required if one of the following conditions is met:

• the project location is within 250 metres of an archaeological resource that is set out in records MTCS maintains;
• the facility is located on a property designated as an archaeological site under Regulation 875 made under the Ontario Heritage Act; or
• the project location is in an area of archaeological potential that has been identified on a municipal archaeological management plan.

If an archaeological assessment is undertaken, it must be conducted by a licensed consultant archaeologist as defined in subsection 1 (1) of O. Reg. 8/06 made under the Ontario Heritage Act.

An archaeological assessment must be prepared in advance of submitting a complete REA application since it must be submitted to the MTCS in order for MTCS to be able to issue a written comments letter (which must be submitted as part of the REA application). See Chapter 1 of this guide for further detail.

The archaeological assessment process can include between 1 and 4 stages, beginning with a determination of the potential for archaeological resources (Stage 1), followed by a resource inventory (Stage 2), archaeological site assessment (Stage 3) and mitigation (Stage 4), if necessary. The consultant archaeologist must submit a report or reports on the archaeological assessment to MTCS as part of the REA application and as a condition of his or her licence.

In order to facilitate the approval of renewable energy projects, the REA application may be submitted to the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) following either a Stage 2 archaeological assessment report, or a Stage 1 report where it is determined that a Stage 2 is not required. If archaeological resources are identified, further stages of assessment may be required during the development process. All archaeological assessments must be conducted in accordance with the “Standards and Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologists” (2011) issued by the MTCS and available on the MTCS website.

3. Effluent Management Plan Report

The Effluent Management Plan Report is required for the following bio-energy facilities:

• A Class 2 or 3 Anaerobic Digestion Facility
• A Class 1, 2 or 3 Thermal Treatment Facility

These are facilities where it is likely that some sewage or storm water effluent will be produced and require assessment and management. The goal of the Effluent Management Plan Report is to provide sufficient detail about all potential effluents, their treatment/mitigation, and the potential for negative impacts on surface water and ground water if treated effluents are discharged. Applicants should consult with staff from the local MOECC Regional Technical Support Unit prior to completing the Effluent Management Plan Report.

If an application requires an Effluent Management Plan Report but no sewage generation is proposed, the Effluent Management Plan Report can be constrained in scope. In this case, the applicant should state that no sewage is proposed to be generated and provide a description of the components of the facility design that provide the rationale for this conclusion.

For some facilities, a Hydrogeological Assessment Report and Surface Water Assessment Report may also be required (see sections 7 and 12). If these reports are required, applicants are encouraged to prepare the three reports so that they complement one another in providing a clear account of the potential impacts of the project on surface water and ground water. To this end, the Effluent Management Plan Report should focus on the amount and nature of generated effluents and on the treatment technology used for mitigation of impacts. The Hydrogeological Assessment Report and Surface Water Assessment Report provide greater detail on the water resources (surface and ground water) where effluents may be discharged and characterize negative environmental effects of the project that will or are likely to occur on these resources.

When an Effluent Management Plan Report must be prepared, the content provided should include the following components:

Description of Effluent (Sewage)

All effluents produced as a result of engaging in the project must be completely described. This description must include:

• Expected qualities and quantities of sewage produced by or at the facility;
• The manner in which the sewage is expected to be treated and disposed;
• Mitigation measures to ensure that the sewage will not result in negative environmental effects on the quality of water; and
• If sewage is proposed to be discharged into surface water, the assimilative capacity of the receiving water body.

As part of this the following information should be provided:

• The expected flow rates and times/duration (if intermittent) of sewage collection and treatment;
• Expected concentrations of key contaminants in sewage at various points in the collection/treatment system; and
• Calculations demonstrating the basis for the expected quantity/quality of sewage. A description of the rationale for estimating effluent quantity and flow rates should be provided. Calculations should also be included to show how the quantity and quality of sewage supports the design parameters of any treatment equipment.

Description of Sewage Collection, Treatment and Disposal

Any sewage collection, treatment and disposal equipment used to mitigate negative environmental effects that will or are likely to occur should be described. The detail required to complete this description will depend on the complexity of the sewage works proposed. Simple solutions may only require details on the design specifications, such as dimensions and performance objectives of the collection system. On the other hand, a more complex solution, such as a biological treatment facility may require more detailed design descriptions, as well as operational plans and control schemes.

In all cases, the treatment performance objective of the process should be stated in regards to any contaminant that is to be removed or converted as a result of treatment. This should include the concentration or other appropriate measure of the contaminant, which could be used to assess negative environmental effects that will or are likely to occur when discharged to a receiving water body.

With regard to this range of potential works, applicants should consult relevant MOECC guidance documents in relation to sewage treatment to assist with determining the appropriate details to include. These documents are listed below:

“Guide to Applying for an Environmental Compliance Approval,” 2012 Publication #8527e

• This guide describes the approval process and the requirements for obtaining an Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA). This Guide may be amended from time to time. Applicants are required to use the most recent Guide.

“Design Guidelines for Sewage Works,” 2008 Publication #6879e

• This document provides information on recommended design guidelines for sewage works such as sewers and sewage treatment plants.

“Stormwater Management Planning and Design Manual,” 2003 Publication #4329e

• This document provides information on approaches to manage storm water through facility design and installation of storm water management equipment.

Description of the Receiving Water Body

If any sewage will be discharged to a receiving surface water body, the assimilative capacity of the water body must be assessed and described.

Where a Surface Water Assessment Report has been prepared as part of the REA application, this may be referenced. If the sewage discharge results in the project location being within 120 metres of a water body, a supplementary report documenting any additional mitigation measures will also require preparation. Please refer to Chapter 8 for more information on these reports.

The requirements for the assimilative capacity study vary from site to site; however, in general, the applicant should provide the following information:

• Low flow conditions in the receiving water body, e.g., the 7Q20 for a stream, i.e., the 7-day average low flow occurring once in 20 years;
• The background concentration of any contaminant parameter of concern;
• The maximum allowable downstream increase for each parameter of concern, e.g., the difference between the background level and the Provincial Water Quality Objective;
• A proposed effluent load allocation for the facility based on the entire watershed and watershed users (downstream/upstream); and
• Methods used to reduce impact of the effluent on the receiving water body, e.g., use of diffusers, effluent and receiving water density considerations, discharging at rates proportional to stream flow, etc.

The evidence presented to describe the assimilative capacity should allow for a determination of negative environmental effects that will or are likely to occur as a result of the effluent discharge. In drawing such conclusions, the applicant should present and provide all calculations and the rationale used to evaluate impact on the water body.

4. Emission Summary and Dispersion Modelling Report

The Emission Summary and Dispersion Modelling Report (ESDM Report) is required to demonstrate compliance with O. Reg. 419/05 for the emission of contaminants into the air. For renewable energy projects that include emissions into the air, applicants must prepare an ESDM Report in accordance with section 26 of O. Reg. 419/05 (Air Pollution – Local Air Quality) under the Environmental Protection Act. The following MOECC guidance materials can be used to assist with preparing this report:

“Guideline A-10: Procedure for Preparing an Emission Summary and Dispersion Monitoring (ESDM) Report,” 2009 Publication #3614e03

“Guideline A-11: Air Dispersion Modelling Guideline for Ontario,” 2009 Publication #5165e02

“Technical Bulletin: Methodology for Modelling Contaminants with 10-Minute Average Standards and Guidelines under O. Reg. 419/05,” 2008 Publication #6700e

5. Environmental Impact Study Report

Environmental Impact Studies are required whenever a project is proposed within specified setback distances to significant natural features as described in sections 37, 38, 41 and 43 of O. Reg. 359/09. Guidance for the preparation of an Environmental Impact Study is presented in the “Natural Heritage Assessment Guide for Renewable Energy Projects” available from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF). This Environmental Impact Study may be included within a Natural Heritage Assessment (NHA) Report as outlined in section 8 below.

6. Heritage Assessment Report

With the exception of projects prescribed under subsection 23 (5), all REA applicants must undertake a heritage assessment, unless they determine that there are no protected properties that abut the parcel of land on which the project is situated and that there is low potential for heritage resources at the project location. Applicants can make this determination by considering criteria included in the checklist issued by the MTCS, as required in subsection 23 (2) of O. Reg. 359/09.

If a heritage assessment is undertaken, the person undertaking the assessment must follow and report on the heritage assessment requirements outlined in section 23 of O. Reg. 359/09. Heritage assessments are conducted by heritage consultants or other qualified persons who have the appropriate expertise in the identification, evaluation and conservation of built heritage resources and cultural heritage landscapes. The Heritage Assessment Report must outline the expertise and experience of the person who conducted the assessment, as per clause 23 (2.1) (a) of O. Reg. 359/09.

The heritage assessment must be prepared in advance of submitting a complete REA application since it must be reviewed by the MTCS in order for this ministry to issue a written comments letter as described in Chapter 1 of this guide. The Heritage Assessment Report will identify heritage resources, evaluate project impacts and will describe measures to be taken to avoid, eliminate or mitigate the impacts, where applicable.

7. Hydrogeological Assessment Report

The Hydrogeological Assessment Report is required for Class 3 anaerobic digestion facilities and Class 3 thermal treatment facilities. A Hydrogeological Assessment Report is also required for Class 2 anaerobic digestion facilities located at a farm operation and Class 2 thermal treatment facilities if they are not already regulated under sections 10 or 13 of O. Reg. 267/03 (General) made under the Nutrient Management Act, 2002.

Preparation of the Hydrogeological Assessment Report must be completed by a professional engineer or professional geoscientist (or by someone under supervision of such professionals). Applicants should consult with staff from the local MOECC Regional Technical Support Unit prior to completing the Hydrogeological Assessment Report.

The principal components of the report are:

Description of Project Geology/ Hydrogeology

The geological and hydrogeological conditions of the land must be described for all land within 300 metres of any storage areas for biomass, source separated organics, farm materials, or residual waste, as well as from any digestate storage tanks or digester tanks.

The description in the report should include:

• An overview of the local physiographic and hydrogeological setting, including ground water and surface water features and functions;
• The key topographic/geological features in the study area;
• Details on soil materials present in the study area, including thicknesses, composition, and texture;
• The geological stratigraphic framework should be provided. In bedrock environments this should include known fractures, joints, bedding planes, faults, and shear zones, if applicable;
• The hydrogeological features of local aquitards and aquifers (confined, semi-confined and unconfined) that the licensed engineer or geoscientist considers relevant to the proposed taking. This may include details of their depth, thickness, lateral continuity, porosity, vertical/horizontal hydraulic gradients, hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity, storativity/ specific storage and the location / nature of aquifer recharge supplying the well;
• Location of all water wells at the site and within 300 m of the project location; and
• A site-specific conceptual hydrogeological model should be developed based on published geological and hydrogeological mapping, supplemented with site-specific hydrogeological information, as defined above. Wherever possible, this should be done within the context of existing regional scale watershed studies or ground water studies, which commonly include pertinent information such as local recharge rates and surface water base flows.

The format for presenting this information can include descriptions, specifications and plans including maps and diagrams as long as they are clear and accurate.

Assessment of Site Suitability

After characterizing the site geology and developing a conceptual model of the site hydrogeology, the report must set out an assessment of the suitability of the project location for the handling, storage and processing of biomass taking into account a number of factors. One factor is the facility design. Relevant details include:

• Aspects of the facility related to the storage of biomass, source separated organics, farm materials, residual waste or any other materials that have the potential to generate leachate or seepage that may affect ground water. This should include an assessment of the design of such project components and the appropriateness of the design in regard to preventing negative effects. For example, secondary containment may be proposed for the capture of any accidental spills from liquid biomass storage tanks.
• Any aspects of the facility that have the potential to cause the discharge of contaminants to ground water through normal operation or through accidental spills or leakage (for instance through the use of underground storage tanks).
• Any major perturbation to landforms arising from installation of the facility that could impact ground water flow or quality.

Another factor that needs to be taken into account is the ability to identify through monitoring negative environmental effects to ground water as a result of leachate production. The sampling protocol with respect to sampling locations and frequency should be described, including:

• The methodology for sampling and measurement;
• The reliability/appropriateness of any equipment used for sampling or measurement; and
• The name of the accredited laboratory to be used for analysing the samples.

When preparing the assessment, the last factor that must be taken into account is the feasibility of contingency plans that could be implemented in unexpected circumstances.

Scenarios that should be considered include:

• A spill at the project location;
• Structural failure of the storage tanks leading to seepage of stored material into the ground water;
• Runoff from storage area and access to a water well on or off-site;
• If greater than anticipated volumes of leachate are produced;
• If leachate quality is worse than expected;
• If mitigation measures are ineffective; and/or
• If adverse effects are detected through monitoring site ground water.

It should be noted that depending on the circumstances of the project and the potential for the project to impact ground water resources at the project location or on nearby properties, the Director may request that a Reasonable Use Agreement be prepared in respect of the project.

8. Natural Heritage Assessment Report

This guidance refers to the report required to describe how NHA requirements specified in sections 24 to 27 of O. Reg. 359/09 have been met as the “Natural Heritage Assessment Report”. These sections are required for all renewable energy generation facilities subject to the REA regulation except Class 2 wind projects. The NHA process can involve records review, site investigation (including alternative site investigation, as described in section 26 of O. Reg. 359/09), evaluation of significance of natural features, and the preparation of an Environmental Impact Study, depending on the proximity of the project location to natural features. Guidance for the preparation of an NHA report is presented in the “Natural Heritage Assessment Guide for Renewable Energy Projects” available from MNRF.

9. Noise Study Report (General)

Noise study reports (excluding noise studies for wind facilities, which are covered separately in section 9.3 below) are required for certain bio-energy facilities and class 3 solar projects. They are required to be prepared in accordance with the MOECC publication:

“Guide to Applying for an Environmental Compliance Approval,” 2012 Publication #8527e

A noise study report may also be required for evaluating noise for associated transformers at a renewable energy generation facility, as per clause 35 (2)(b) of O. Reg. 359/09. Such a report must also be prepared in accordance with the user guide described above.

9.1. Noise Study Reports for Bio-energy and Other Facilities (excluding Wind and Solar Facilities)

Noise associated with activities such as the following should be addressed in the acoustic assessment report:

1. flares,
2. trucking activity (related routine loading and unloading),
3. treatment/odour control unit(s), and
4. combustion engines.

9.2. Noise Study Reports for Class 3 Solar Facilities

For further clarity, the following list outlines the information that the ministry expects to be included in noise study reports for class 3 solar facilities submitted as part of an REA application:

Equipment

Avoid identifying multiple options for equipment and noise control measures. Should detailed information on equipment and noise control measures not be available, equipment should be identified that would address the worst case scenario in terms of sound emissions, source heights, and specifications and locations of noise control measures.

Vacant Lots

Receptors on vacant lots should be addressed. For example, if the vacant lot is in an agricultural area zoned for sensitive use, such as residential, the lot should be included in the report. The receptor location, if unknown at the time of the proposal, shall be based on a 1 hectare (10,000 m²) building envelope within the vacant lot property that would reasonably be expected to contain the use, and that conforms with the municipal zoning by-laws in effect. The specific receptor location for assessment purposes should be assumed to be 4.5 m above grade and consistent with the typical building pattern in the area, or at the centre of the 1 hectare building envelope.

If the zoning by-laws allow for residential dwellings, vacant lots on that property need to be considered in the report.

Existing Points of Reception

Point of Reception locations should be assessed at the most exposed façades of the buildings/dwellings, facing the noise sources, to ensure the worst-case noise impacts are addressed.

Transformer Substation

Reports should include a detailed noise impact assessment due to the transformer substation at each Point of Reception within 1000 m of the transformer. Reports should also include the sound level emissions guaranteed by the manufacturer of the actual transformer for this project. Should the actual guaranteed sound level emissions not be available, the sound emissions should be determined and reported according to the IEEE Standard C57.12.90. The physical dimensions of the core tank and the operating low/ high voltage rating of the transformer for the substation should also be included.

Inverters and Medium-Voltage Transformers

State the name plate capacities and sound emission data of the inverters and medium-voltage transformers, and the number of inverter and medium-voltage transformers units per cluster. If the specifics of the equipment are not available in the early stage of project design, the report should include the maximum power rating of the proposed equipment. The report should be updated once the information becomes available. The proponent may submit the updated noise report to the MOECC prior to the issuance of the approval, as long as sufficient time is available for MOECC to review the report, or subsequent to the issuance of the approval, as part of an application for an amended REA approval. Sound level data, spectral and overall, should be correctly labelled (i.e. dBLin or dBA). Note that the correct way to submit frequency spectra information is linear (unweighted), not A-weighted spectrum. For the medium-voltage transformers, the operating low/high voltage rating of each transformer should also be included. Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates of each inverter, medium-voltage transformer, and the centre of the cluster must also be provided.

Adjacent Solar Farms – Combined Effects

The combined sound levels from equipment in adjacent solar facilities should be considered. When combining the sound levels, applicants should ensure that the numbering of receptors is consistent for all adjacent facilities.

Criteria

The report should represent the worst-case noise impact. Since the equipment may be in operation during early morning prior to 07:00 as well as evenings after 19:00, the applicable sound level limit is 40 dBA (or the lowest hourly ambient sound level due to road traffic at a Point of Reception if that level is greater than 40 dBA) during early mornings as well as evenings.

Tonality

Sound emission from transformers and most inverters are considered tonal and should be adjusted using a 5 dB penalty, in accordance with NPC-104 “Sound Level Adjustments”.

Modelling

The MOECC approved prediction model is the ISO 9613-2 standard. Ground attenuation should be modelled using source, middle and receiver ground factors of 1, 0.8 and 0.5. or using an overall value of 0.7 for all three factors. The choice of the ground attenuation factors should be consistent with the local conditions under a worst case scenario.

The assessment of barrier attenuation should correspond to configurations of source, barrier and receptor where the line-of-sight between the source and receptor is broken by the barrier. The report should assume that barriers/obstacles that do not break the line-of-sight result in no barrier attenuation (i.e. negative path length difference in barrier attenuation calculation is not acceptable). Atmospheric attenuation should use 10°C temperature and 70% humidity. The noise impact assessment should disregard the effect local barriers, small structures, equipment or variation of topography on the site of the facility. The assessment should also disregard the actual solar panels (i.e. any effect of the solar panels should be considered immaterial to the sound propagation). Each cluster should be modelled as separate noise sources: the sound power level of each inverter and the sound power level of the medium-voltage transformer. In the case when the inverters and medium-voltage transformer are enclosed as a single unit, the cluster may be assessed as a single noise source.

Barriers

The report should include the following:

• UTM coordinates and drawings of any proposed acoustical barrier for the transformer substation, showing plan view and elevation views with complete dimensions, including height and extent of the barrier;
• UTM coordinates and drawings of any proposed acoustical barriers for the inverter clusters, showing plan view and elevation views with complete dimensions, including height and extent of the barrier;
• drawings showing the dimensions of each noise source and barrier; and
• sample calculations of barrier attenuation and the results in 1/1 frequency octave bands.

Enclosures

If, for the purposes of compliance with MOECC requirements, the proposal uses acoustic enclosures for the inverters, the acoustical properties of the enclosures must be specified.

9.2.1 Equipment Location in Noise Studies for Class 3 Solar Facilities

Proponents of solar facilities may use a polygon multiple scenario approach for equipment location in noise studies, given the following:

• All noise receptors are located outside of the perimeter of where the solar panels or inverters will be located.
• Polygon must be limited to a 3 to 4 point constraint to create a triangle, square or rectangle (no irregular shapes with more than 4 points)
• Proponents are required to plot the noise contours of each scenario in the noise assessment report submitted as part of the REA Application.
• Proponents are not able to use this polygon multiple scenario approach if control measures if noise control measures such as berms and buildings are included in the design of the facility (controls such as silencers and acoustic louvers are acceptable) or if other solar projects are located nearby as this would affect the proper completion of a combined noise impact assessment.

Solar As-Built Report

Proponents should be aware that the REA will include conditions requiring a “Solar As-Built Report” to be prepared upon completion of construction and submitted to the MOECC Director. The report must include a comparison between the approved coordinates and as-built coordinates in Table format and include the accuracy of measurement. Conditions will also require that the report be posted on the project’s website.

Download Solar As-built Report Template.

9.3. Noise Study Report for Wind Facilities

Certain provisions of O. Reg. 359/09 refer to the creation of a noise study in accordance with the MOECC publication “Noise Guidelines for Wind Farms” (2008, Publication #4709e). These include requirements for evaluating combined noise from multiple turbines, as per subsection 54 (3) and 55 (3) and for assessing noise from turbines at a receptor where hourly road traffic noise is greater than 40 dBA, as per subsection 54 (2), both of O. Reg. 359/09. A noise study report can also be required for evaluating noise for associated transformers at wind facilities, as per clause 35 (2) (a) of this regulation. Such a report must be prepared in accordance with the noise guidelines for wind farms, as cited above and submitted as part of an application for an REA.

9.3.1 Equipment Specification in Noise Studies for Wind Facilities

Wind proponents are required to include wind turbine make/model in an REA application.

The ministry may allow acoustically equivalent turbine information when requested by the wind proponent. In this case, the Ministry would include “acoustically equivalent wind turbine” in the description of the equipment in the REA. The Ministry would only consider allowing acoustically equivalent wind turbine information if during the consultation process, the proponent already informed the public of their intention.

An "acoustically equivalent" wind turbine is defined as a turbine with the same or lower octave band sound power levels, tonal audibility values, and predicted noise impact levels at receptor(s), provided the hub height for both wind turbines are approximately the same. However there will not be a restriction on the electrical power output of the turbine.

If an “acoustically equivalent” wind turbine(s) is used, a new REA condition requires the proponent to submit a Wind Turbine Specifications Checklist confirming the actual equipment make/model, prior to construction of the facility. In addition, an IEC 61400-11 test report will also be required to confirm the chosen turbine is acoustically equivalent to the approved turbine.

Wind Turbine Specifications Checklist

In addition to providing the wind turbine specifications, proponents must complete and submit the Wind Turbine Specifications Checklist as part of the REA application form. This will help guide applicants with the Wind Turbine Specifications Report, ensuring that all necessary information is included with the application. The checklist is to be submitted in addition to the Wind Turbine Specifications Report.

Download Wind Turbine Specifications Checklist

10. Odour Study Report

An Odour Study Report is required for Class 3 anaerobic digestion facilities, Class 3 thermal treatment facilities, and for all biofuel and biogas facilities. The purpose of this report is to identify sources of odour and determine the potential for the odour to cause negative effects at odour receptors in the vicinity of the project. The required content of this report is defined in Table 1 of O. Reg. 359/09 as follows:

1. The significant process and fugitive sources of odour discharge from the renewable energy generation facility;
2. Negative environmental effects that may result from the odour discharge mentioned in paragraph 1 at all odour receptors; and
3. The technical methods that are expected to be employed to mitigate negative environmental effects mentioned in paragraph 2 and negative environmental effects that are expected to result if the technical methods are employed.

Further guidance on the required content is provided below:

Description of Potential Odour Sources

The report should identify and describe all significant potential sources of odour, including those from process equipment and fugitive sources. The description should include:

• Details on the project component that relates to the odour, such as the design specifications of a storage tank or biomass/residual waste storage area that could emit odour;
• A description of the materials that have the potential to cause odour, including proposed quantities;
• Identification of any variables or operational conditions that can influence the rate of odour generation or frequency of odour generation events; and
• A quantification of the magnitude of the odour source, including a description of the methodology used to calculate this value.

Evaluation of Negative Environmental Effects

The report must describe negative environmental effects that will or are likely to result from the odour discharge at all odour receptors. This should be done by providing the following:

• Identification of the location of any odour receptor that will or is likely to be negatively affected by odour arising from the project. The distance from receptors to all sources of odour should be provided. This can be done through reference to the Site Plan of the Design and Operations Report, where locations of odour sources and receptors can be shown graphically and in tables as appropriate;
• Through reference to the ESDM Report, a quantification of the magnitude of potential odour at all receptors should be provided, including a description of the methodology used;
• A discussion of any technical uncertainty or statistical variance associated with the quantification of odour magnitude at receptors; and
• A conclusion about negative environmental effects that will or are likely to occur.

The MOECC publication “Technical Bulletin: Methodology for Modelling Contaminants with 10-Minute Average Standards and Guidelines under O. Reg. 419/05” (2008, Publication #6700e) can be used to guide applicants in modelling the dispersion of odour, if applicable.

Description of Mitigation Measures

The Odour Study Report must describe all technical methods employed to mitigate negative environmental effects, as well as describe negative environmental effects that are expected to result after the technical methods are employed. This description should include:

• The mechanism for controlling odour. For instance, a description of how odours are contained or treated;
• The specifications of any equipment used to control the odour. Such equipment should also be depicted in the Design Plan and Site Plan where applicable;
• The performance objective of the mitigation equipment such as the magnitude of expected odour emitted following mitigation;
• A discussion of any technical uncertainty or statistical variance associated with the efficacy of the mitigation technology;
• Any variables or circumstances that could impact the efficacy of the mitigation measure;
• Through reference to the ESDM Report, a quantification of the magnitude of potential odour at all receptors;
• A description of negative environmental effects that are expected to result after implementation of the mitigation measure;
• Any proposed ongoing maintenance and monitoring of the mitigation equipment or of odour control equipment;
• A response plan for any public complaints about odour. This could reference the Emergency Response and Communication Plan in the Design and Operations Report.

11. Property Line Setback Written Assessment

As described in more detail in Chapter 3, Class 3, 4, and 5 wind projects are subject to property line setback requirements that require turbines to be located a distance equal to the hub height from a property line. A turbine may be sited closer to the property line (to a limit of the length of the turbine blade plus ten metres from the property line) if the applicant submits a Property Line Setback Written Assessment to fulfil the requirement of subsection 53 (3) of O. Reg. 359/09. This additional written assessment can also be incorporated in the Design and Operations Report as a separate section or sections.

The Property Line Setback Written Assessment must be developed to demonstrate that siting the turbine in such a location will not result in any adverse impacts on neighbouring businesses, infrastructure, or land use activities. Specifically, the assessment should evaluate the land use in the vicinity of the turbine. This should confirm the presence of structures (i.e. barns, storage buildings, stables) and if there will be any expected adverse impacts associated with the turbine being located closer than the turbine hub height setback. If there are potential adverse impacts, a description of preventative measures to address the potential adverse impacts must be included. Such an assessment must be performed separately for each turbine that is sited within the specified property line setback. Diagrams of the turbine locations in question depicting the land uses could be incorporated in the assessment to provide greater clarity.

12. Surface Water Assessment Report

A Surface Water Assessment Report is required for:

• Class 2 anaerobic digestion facilities, if section 10 or 13 of O. Reg. 267/03 (General) made under the Nutrient Management Act, 2002 does not apply to the farm operation
• Class 3 anaerobic digestion facilities
• Class 1, 2 and 3 thermal treatment facilities

The Surface Water Assessment Report must be completed by a licensed professional engineer or professional geoscientist (or by someone under supervision of such professionals). Applicants should consult with staff of the local MOECC Regional Technical Support Unit prior to completing the Surface Water Assessment Report.

The Surface Water Assessment Report is required to include the following information:

• Plans, specifications and descriptions of the surface water features at the project location and any surface water features that will receive a direct discharge of treated sewage as part of engaging in the project.
• An assessment of the suitability of the facility for the handling, storage and processing of biomass, source separated organics, farm materials, and digestate material, taking into account:
  • The design of the facility, including features that will be implemented to control the expected production of leachate;
  • The flow of surface water and erosion and sedimentation resulting from the flow of surface water;
  • The surface water features within 300 metres of the location where biomass, source separated organics or farm material will be handled, stored or processed;
  • Any surface water features that will receive a direct discharge of treated sewage from the facility and the surface water features of the project location;
  • The ability to identify negative environmental effects of leachate production on the surface water by monitoring; and
  • The feasibility of contingency plans that can be implemented to control negative environmental effects on surface water resulting from the production of leachate in a quantity greater than expected or with a quality worse than expected.

Further guidance on specific elements of the required content is given below.

Description of Surface Water Features

Surface water features at the project location must be surveyed and described. Any surface water features that receive a direct discharge of treated sewage must also be described. Applicants should discuss the appropriate parameters to describe with the MOECC's Regional Technical Support Unit. Parameters can include physical and chemical characteristics of the water body such as the dimensions, depth, seasonal flow and fluctuations, high water mark, and as necessary pH, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), temperature and others.

Assessment of Facility Suitability

After describing the water bodies at the project location, an assessment of the facility for the suitability for the handling, storage and processing of biomass, source separated organics, farm material, residual waste, and digestate material must be prepared. To perform this evaluation, a number of key factors must be taken into account.

One factor is how aspects of the facility are designed in relation to the storage and processing of biomass, source separated organics, farm materials, or residual waste to control the production of leachate, erosion and sedimentation. This should include an assessment of the design of such project components and the appropriateness of the design in regards to preventing negative effects including:

• Any aspects of the facility that will or is likely to cause the discharge of contaminants to surface water through normal operation or through accidental spills or leakage (for instance through the use of storage tanks or piping);
• The structure and materials of construction for any storage or processing facilities;
• The structure and materials of construction of any secondary containment area; and
• Any major perturbations to landforms arising from installation of the facility that could impact surface water flow or quality.

Other factors to be taken into account are the surface water features at the project location and within 300 m of the location where biomass, source separated organics, farm material, or residual waste will be stored, processed or handled, in addition to those that will receive a direct discharge of sewage from the facility. This should include an assessment of negative environmental effects that will or are likely to occur on the water body. This discussion can refer to the conclusions drawn regarding the assimilative capacity of the water body in the Effluent Management Plan Report.

An additional factor to be taken into account in evaluating the facility is the ability to identify negative environmental effects of leachate production on the surface water through monitoring. This discussion should evaluate:

• The sampling protocol with respect to sampling locations, frequency and parameters to be sampled;
• The methodology for sampling and measurement; and
• The reliability/appropriateness of any equipment used for sampling or measurement.

When preparing the assessment, the last factor that must be taken into account is the feasibility of contingency plans that could be implemented in unexpected circumstances. Scenarios that should be considered include:

• If greater than anticipated volumes of leachate are produced;
• If leachate quality is worse than expected;
• If mitigation measures are ineffective; and
• If adverse effects are detected through monitoring site surface water.

13. Specifications Report, Wind Facility (Not Class 2)

This Specifications Report is required for all Class 3, 4 and 5 wind facilities. The principal content of the report is specified in Table 1 of O. Reg. 359/09. It requires that the following be specified for the turbine type(s) proposed:

• Make and model of the turbine;
• Name plate capacity;
• Hub height above grade; and
• Rotational speeds.

Acoustic emissions data, in accordance with standard CAN/CSA-C61400-11-07, “Wind Turbine Generator Systems — Part 11: Acoustic Noise Measurement Techniques”, dated October 2007, must also be provided. This must include:

• The overall sound power level;
• Measurement uncertainty value;
• Octave-band sound power levels (linear weighted); and
• Tonality and tonal audibility.

Wind Turbine Specifications Checklist

In addition to providing the wind turbine specifications, proponents must complete and submit the Wind Turbine Specifications Checklist as part of the REA application form. This will help guide applicants with the Wind Turbine Specifications Report, ensuring that all necessary information is included with the application. The checklist is to be submitted in addition to the Wind Turbine Specifications Report.

Download Wind Turbine Specifications Checklist

14. Specifications Report, Class 2 Wind Facility

This Specifications Report is required for all Class 2 wind facilities. The principal content of the report is specified in Table 1 of O. Reg. 359/09. It requires that the following be specified for each turbine:

• All of the manufacturer’s specifications that are available in respect of the wind turbine;
• The acoustic emissions in terms of overall sound power level and the corresponding frequency spectrum in terms of octave-band sound power levels;
• A site plan, drawn to scale, including the project location, property boundaries, location of all proposed wind turbines and all noise receptors and public roads (within a 1 kilometre radius from the base of each wind turbine); and
• A table listing the distances from the base of each proposed wind turbine relative to each noise receptor in metres.

This information will provide important details that the applicant can refer to in describing negative environmental effects that will or are likely to occur from the project in their Project Description Report.