Public Comment Period on Intent to Make a Determination
Ground-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic System at 12 Wing Shearwater - Canadian Forces Base Halifax

January 10, 2024 — The Department of National Defence must decide whether the proposed project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

To help inform this decision, the Department of National Defence is inviting comments from the public on the project and its potential effects on the environment. All comments received will be considered public. For more information, individuals should consult the Privacy Notice on the Registry website.

Written comments must be submitted by January 29, 2024 to:
Peter Doggett, Project Manager
Mailing Address:  PO Box 99000 Stn Forces, Halifax
Nova Scotia, Canada, B3K 5X5
E-mail:  Peter.Doggett@forces.gc.ca

The Proposed Project

To respond to Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Halifax's interest in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, the The Department of National Defence (DND) is proposing to implement an 824 kW direct current, 625 kW alternating current ground-mounted solar photovoltaic array at 12 Wing Shearwater. The electricity used at CFB Halifax is conventional electricity purchased from the utility grid. The electricity from the photovoltaic system will be used on-site. The system is planned to be installed in an open area near the corner of Warrior Avenue and Bonaventure Street, and the project area is estimated to be 13,375 m2. Project components include the following:

• Grading - Prior to installing foundations and racking, the soil will be graded.
• Foundation - When the ground is ready, foundation and racking will be installed.
• Installation of panels, inverters, and converter.
• Electrical connection - Tie-in connection of the new solar photovoltaic field and the existing incoming electrical service from utilities.
• Data Acquisition System - A data acquisition system specific for solar systems will be installed. This system will be used for metering, data acquisition, ongoing monitoring, and alarming so that the system can be easily monitored during operation.