The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) has outlined the process for Capital Power to resume construction on the Halkirk 2 Wind Power Project north of the hamlet.
Work at the project site was suspended in November 2024 when wind turbine T33, one of 28 turbines in the field, fell to the ground after construction.
To resume work on the site, Capital Power has been directed to refile its application, along with updated letters and incident reports. Once the AUC receives the documents, it will consider the application.
A release posted to the Paintearth County Facebook on April 2 notes that the cleanup of large debris at T33 is "nearing completion." Smaller debris and fibreglass from damaged blades will be picked up in early April, depending on snow cover.
Environmental remediation, including the removal and replacement of contaminated soil, at the site will occur in April as well.
The still-standing tower from the fallen turbine will be assessed later in April to confirm disassembly plans for the five separate sections. The concrete foundation will also be inspected to ensure it did not sustain damage when the nacelle and rotor detached and fell to the earth.
Should the foundation be determined to be satisfactory, and the AUC issues the appropriate approvals, the plan is to reconstruct T33 in June.
When completed, the field will have 28 wind turbines generating 126 megawatts of power.
Capital Power has noted that it will update plans for the T33 rebuild following the AUC's direction and foundation inspection.
Anyone with questions about the project can contact Capital Power at 1-855-703-5005 or projects@capitalpower.com.
