We the public stakeholders, landowners, interested parties and members of communities within or near the proposed footprint of TransAlta's Riplinger Wind Power Project state our opposition to all components of the industrial wind power plant development. This opposition includes siting of "up to 50 wind turbine generators" with nominal capacity of 300 MW in close proximity to Waterton Lakes National Park, and extends to all other electrical infrastructure such as service and access roads. We are also concerned about cumulative effects resulting from subsequent projects associated with the Riplinger Wind Power Project and hence also oppose any related future 240 KV transmission lines (or higher) and substation components located within the County of Cardston and the Municipal District of Pincher Creek. 

This proposed project is located approximately 30 km southeast of Pincher Creek in Cardston County, Alberta and would be less than 10 km from Waterton Lakes National Park, an International Dark Sky Park. The project is bordered on the western boundary by lands protected by the Nature Conservancy of Canada, demonstrating the innate biodiversity and natural resource values of the area. The project will be located within the Unesco Waterton Biosphere Reserve’s boundary, and within 1.5 km of the Village of Hill Spring.

This project will have severe negative impacts to the local resident's property values, use and enjoyment of the landscape they call home. It will detract from the intrinsic tourism values in the area, as the project is located directly adjacent to the "Gateway to Waterton". It will harm innumerable wildlife species, many which are designated as “sensitive” and “at-risk” by Provincial and Federal governments. As the project is sited between the Waterton and Belly Rivers, an area dominated by numerous wetlands, concerns for impacts to aquifers and drinking water also exist.

While renewable energy developments may be part of the Province of Alberta's plan for its future, siting of such developments must be done responsibly to ensure environmental impacts are minimized and that sensitive areas of natural and intrinsic values are avoided. Selection of the proposed project area is irresponsible and, if pursued, demonstrates a clear case of TransAlta putting the interests of the commercial merchant energy sector ahead of the legitimate needs of local residents and natural values. 

TransAlta's proposed Riplinger Wind Power Project is currently in the Community Engagement Phase and has not yet been applied for. Immediate action is needed to ensure that TransAlta is aware, in advance of any application to the Alberta Utility Commission, that we the public stakeholders, landowners, interested parties and members of communities within or near the proposed footprint of TransAlta's Riplinger Wind Power Project are vehemently opposed. Signature of this petition is declaration of that opposition.