Simone Engels replied, and I quote with permission:
Thank you for your email and comments.
Orca Power has applied for an Ocean Energy Investigative Permit for a period of 2 years in order to collect data and to determine the suitability of Okisollo Channel and Surge Narrows for tidal power generation. Under the Investigative Permit, no stationary, permanent or semi-permanent measuring devices or any other equipment or development would be authorized. Additionally, the tenure holder would have to permit public access to the area without interference. Oftentimes, proponents collect data from existing marine charts and if they feel the need to collect data at the actual site, they sometimes use the option to tow a measuring device behind a barge.
Before any tidal power project at the investigative stage could proceed to the development stage, it would have to pass rigorous reviews by provincial and federal agencies of the potential environmental, economic and social impacts. The adjudication process would also include consultation with affected First Nations as well as the public. Comments such as yours would be considered as part of this process.
Please note that these particular applications are currently being adjudicated and we have not made a decision to issue an Investigative Permit yet. The comments you have submitted will be considered and I will inform you of any decision on these two applications.
Thank you again for forwarding your concerns to us. Please feel free to contact me [phone # deleted] if you have any questions or if you would like to discuss this further.
Yours truly,
Her reply seems to suggest that the next few months are a good opportunity for concerned citizens to express their opinions about this proposed project, before a decision is made. Heck, it's *always* a good idea for concerned citizens to express their opinions about proposed projects that would affect natural resource use and management.
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