Concerns are rising after some local residents report seeing test pile driving in the proposed Otter Creek Wind Farm area. 
Alarm bells were sounded last week when some area residents received notice that test piles would be driven in the area, and large equipment was seen moving into the area.
Adam Rosseau, Director of Development at Boralex in Ontario, says the tests are preliminary, and a Renewable Energy Approval isn’t necessary to do them.
“The work that we’re doing on site is considered preliminary geo-tech work, none of the work that we are doing will ultimately be part of the project itself form a construction perspective, of which the REA is required,” Rosseau explains. “The work that we’re doing now is providing third-party engineering data to help inform our design engineers as to a safe foundation design once the project goes to construction.”
Rosseau says they’re hoping to receive provincial approval through the REA process later this year.
The project plans on installing 12 turbines in the Wallaceburg area.
