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Message: Retransmission: NaiKun Wind Achieves Environmental Assessment Milestone
| May 19, 2009 |
| Retransmission: NaiKun Wind Achieves Environmental Assessment Milestone |
| VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - May 19, 2009) - NaiKun Wind Energy Group Inc. (TSX VENTURE:NKW) announced today that its application for the Environmental Assessment Certificate for its 396 MW offshore wind energy project in Hecate Strait has been accepted for review. The acceptance of the application by the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office ("EAO") marks a significant milestone for the project - the initiation of the formal 180-day review process, which includes a 45-day public comment period. Six years of detailed studies by scientists and area experts along with extensive input from local communities and First Nations contributed to NaiKun Wind's 4000-page application. The application covers 10 study areas including marine mammals and birds, aquatic ecology and socio-economics and assesses the potential effects of the construction and operation of the project. Based on the studies and a number of commitments outlined in the application, the assessment indicates that the project is not expected to result in significant adverse environmental effects. NaiKun Wind is confident that through the environmental assessment process, it will demonstrate that the project will have a net positive effect on North Coast communities and the province of British Columbia as a whole. "Our goal from the outset has been to develop a project that fits with B.C.'s energy needs, respects the environment and provides significant, long-lasting benefits for local communities," said Matt Burns, a Vice-President with NaiKun Wind. "We are very pleased to be entering the formal review period, and look forward to continuing to work with government agencies and the community to design and build our project in consideration of local interests." The process includes a public comment period to provide First Nations, local communities and the broader public the opportunity to review and comment on the application. Open houses will be held in North Coast communities to provide information about the application and seek input. Representatives from EAO and NaiKun Wind, along with environmental specialists who conducted the studies for the application, will be on hand to offer information and answer questions. The 45-day public comment period will run from May 28 to July 12, 2009. A concurrent review of the project by the Haida Nation is underway to evaluate the potential effects of the project relating to the environment, traditional use and culture of the Haida people and lands. NaiKun Wind anticipates completion of both processes by the end of 2009. NaiKun Wind's website - www.naikun.ca - has further information including the Executive Summary of the application, an overview of the process, public notices and information materials. Further information including the full application and supporting studies will be available on the EAO's website - www.eao.gov.bc.ca - on or by May 21st, 2009. NaiKun Wind Energy Group Inc. is a British Columbia-based renewable energy company. The first phase of its project will generate enough energy to provide electricity to 130,000 B.C. homes, help the province reach its goal of becoming electricity self-sufficient by 2016, and play a significant role in combatting climate change. The project will also create an estimated 200 jobs during construction and 50 permanent jobs for maintenance and operations. NaiKun Wind is committed to working in partnership with First Nations and collaboratively with stakeholder groups and local communities in the development of its project. |
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