Planning and Environment
Tilt Renewables is in the development phase of the Omamari Wind Farm. This means that field surveys and assessments are currently underway to inform the project envelope of the wind farm and the resource consent application as a whole. These detailed site-specific investigations enable assessment of the potential impacts of the Project and optimisation of the project envelope to ensure potential impacts are minimised.
During the consenting phase, consideration is given to the various environmental aspects of development such as, but not limited to:
- Archaeology & heritage;
- Avifauna & ecology;
- Planning;
- Noise & acoustics;
- Heritage & cultural;
- Landscape & visual;
- Transport;
- Civil & earthworks;
- Economics;
- Radio and communications; and
- Aviation.
The below maps show the site boundary, project envelope, transmission corridor, an indicative turbine layout and the possible locations for site facilities.
The site boundary is the property boundary for the Pamu Farms site where the wind farm will be located.
The project envelope is the area within the site boundary that the wind turbines and other associated infrastructure could be placed (such as roads and cables.)
The connection corridor is where the 33kV underground cable connecting the northern cluster to the southern cluster could be placed.
The indicative turbine layout is an example layout depicting the largest number of turbines that could be constructed. The actual constructed layout may differ to this once the final turbine is selected and detailed design activities are completed.
The area for site facilities are locations on the site where site facilities could be located, such as substations, operations and maintenance buildings and construction offices.
The project envelope and transmission corridor have been designed to narrow down where infrastructure will be placed but still allow enough flexibility for the layout and design to be optimised closer to construction. The project envelope has been optimised to minimise environmental and ecological impacts.
Noise
Like almost anything that moves – the ocean, tractors, cars, the wind itself – wind turbines do create sound. The sound they make can be described as a cyclic whooshing or swishing sound. In most cases, it is possible to carry on a conversation at the base of a wind turbine without having to raise your voice. At more distant locations, noise levels and character can vary depending on the shape of the land, the position of the listener and the speed and direction of the wind.
Detailed noise studies are undertaken during project development to ensure that noise will not negatively impact on local residents. We are required to meet strict noise requirements which are outlined in the Kaipara District Plan and the New Zealand noise standards. We also monitor noise to ensure we are meeting our requirements during operation of the wind farm.
Visual and Landscape
Tilt Renewables has prepared some photo simulations to depict what the wind farm will look like if designed to the maximum proposed turbine size and turbine numbers from various viewpoints.
Please click this link to view photo simulations of the Omamari Wind Farm.
Network Connection
The project will connect to Northpower’s electricity substation in Dargaville via a 66kV overhead line, although this does not form part of the resource consent application being sought by Tilt Renewables as it is a permitted activity under the District Plan.
Resource Consent
Tilt Renewables will prepare an application including an assessment of environmental effects (AEE). This will then be submitted to the Kaipara District Council, who will consider the application and then put it on public notice. The Council will advertise the Project in the newspaper and will call for written statements (submissions) from the general public. The Council will also send copies of the application to all stakeholders who may be affected by the proposed activity.
Following the submissions period (~20 working days), a hearing will be held to provide Tilt Renewables and anyone who has made a submission, an opportunity to express their position on the application. The decision-makers on behalf of the Council will then complete their assessment and issue a decision on the Project.
For more information on the consent process, please click here.