{"id":285,"date":"2020-10-20T15:14:34","date_gmt":"2020-10-20T13:14:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/milhactransition.fr\/enquete-publique\/"},"modified":"2020-11-07T16:54:13","modified_gmt":"2020-11-07T15:54:13","slug":"public-inquiry","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/milhactransition.fr\/en\/public-inquiry\/","title":{"rendered":"Public Inquiry: Petit Bos Windfarm Project"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We have made a translation of this page available to our non-francophone friends because we know that you share our love of this area, and we want to make sure you are aware of what is happening – and what you can do about it. <\/em><\/strong>

At Milhac Transition, nous parlons fran\u00e7ais, we speak english and we spreken nederlands, so please contact us if you have any questions about the inquiry, or about our collective. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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It\u2019s official: the public inquiry on the proposed wind farm project for Milhac-de-Nontron opens on the 27th October. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make no mistake: this project is still very much going ahead and is fast progressing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now is the time to act!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Background Information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Show on Google Maps<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n

The Petit Bos wind farm project was launched by a company called SARL CHAMPS GAZANIA. They are proposing to erect several industrial-sized wind turbines in the commune of Milhac-de-Nontron. The proposed site (le Petit Bos) is based within the Parc Naturel R\u00e9gional P\u00e9rigord-Limousin<\/strong> and covers an area of 120 hectares<\/strong>, of which 69% is wooded<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The plan is to erect four 200 m (650 ft) tall wind turbines<\/strong>. The wind farm is due to run for around 20 to 25 years<\/strong>, which is the average lifespan of a wind turbine. Once authorisation for this project is obtained, nothing stops the promoters from erecting additional turbines on the site.<\/p>\n

The proposed site for this project covers a major migratory flightpath<\/strong>. There is an ornithological reserve at the nearby lake of Miallet, used by numerous species of migratory birds as a resting point. It is also used by various non-migratory species as a breeding and nesting ground.<\/p>\n

The promoters of a similar project that targeted the Queue d’\u00c2ne (Saint-Saud) submitted a request for a “Demande de D\u00e9rogation pour la Destruction, l\u2019Alt\u00e9ration, ou la D\u00e9gradation de Sites de Reproduction ou d\u2019Aires de Repos d\u2019Animaux d\u2019Esp\u00e8ces Prot\u00e9g\u00e9es”<\/strong> (a waiver application for permission to cause the destruction, alteration, or degradation of protected species, animal breeding sites or resting areas). The promoters have made no such application for this project despite the fact that it too threatens the wellbeing of over 70 protected species.<\/p>\n

Each individual turbine requires 15 000 m\u00b2 of room; indeed an area of 10 000 m\u00b2 is needed just to assemble the fans. A minimum 2000 m\u00b2 of access roads are required per wind turbine. That is a total of 8.5 hectares, including 6 hectares of forest destroyed. One hectare of forest absorbs on average 300 tonnes of CO\u00b2.<\/p>\n

Around 1 500 HGVs will be required to carry out the work, all of which run on fossil fuels and further pollute the atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n

Milhac Transition’s Opinion<\/h2>\n\n\n

As we lay out in our joint Declaration of Intent<\/a>, the members of Milhac Transition support the idea of a harmonious and balanced ecological transition that takes into account the preservation of biodiversity, that understands the practicalities of local energy resources and that respects local residents.<\/p>\n

This project is the antithesis of our values and we oppose it fully. We have compiled a list of our arguments<\/a>. which you can also download as a PDF<\/a>.  We are counting on you to give your opinion and to help defend our countryside. You are welcome to incorporate our arguments into your own to help you prepare your responses to the enquiry.<\/p>\n

You can if preferred download our example opposition document<\/a>. This gives a variety of arguments and you can tick any which you choose to make. <\/p>\n

Please note<\/strong>: although you are strongly encouraged to participate in this inquiry, any and all responses must be delivered in French<\/strong>, or they will not be considered. This is why our example document is in French.<\/p>\n

example opposition document<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

The Steps We Are Taking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In order to combat this project, the members of Milhac Transition have planned a number of measures, several of which are already underway. In the days and weeks to come, we are going to: <\/p>\n\n\n\n