Oldman 2 Winds Project: Novel and cost-effective solutions

Ausenco has led the regulatory engagement with Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) and Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) and developed a Construction Mitigation Plan, Operational Mitigation Plan and Raptor Mitigation Plan for the Project. The development of these plans required us to create novel and cost-effective solutions to address previous environmental (i.e., bird and bat) non-compliances. This was achieved through partnerships with third party groups and creating clear, success-based plans that were agreeable to AEP and the AUC. Examples of these solutions included erection of raptor nesting platforms and the establishment of site-specific operational bat curtailment strategies based on acoustic data that satisfied regulators and avoided nighttime shut down of turbines. We also led consultation with the AUC regarding the enforcement of wildlife related non-compliances that occurred prior to our involvement in the Project. This experience provides us with a unique perspective into the AUC’s Compliance and Enforcement team’s position on non-compliance enforcement and preferences related to mitigation solutions.