In 2011 following a competitive request for proposal process, OERA commissioned AECOM’s Halifax office to undertake a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for marine renewable energy in Cape Breton. The Background Report to the Cape Breton SEA describes the global state of marine renewable energy technologies including offshore wind, wave energy, tidal lagoons and tidal instream energy conversion devices, and describes Cape Breton’s existing biophysical environment and the socio-economic resources available to support these industries. The Report describes environment-project interactions, identifies information gaps and reviews the recommendations made following the 2008 SEA for the Bay of Fundy. Ultimately, the Background Report is a comprehensive reference tool for residents, project developers, regulators and First Nations people interested in this industry.
Principle Investigator: Russell Dmytriw, AECOM