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The Greater Napanee water tower is shown on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. Photo by Meghan Balogh /The Kingston Whig-Standard
Documents from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) that were obtained through Ontario’s Freedom of Information (FOI) process reveal that ministry officials approved the expansion of Atura Power’s Napanee Generating Station even though acoustic modeling indicated that one startup scenario would exceed the provincial noise limit before any mitigation measures were applied.
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The documents shed light on how ministry officials conducted their technical review before granting Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) on December 22, 2025. They also build upon concerns first mentioned publicly in June 2026 when Kingstonist reported on an Environmental Bill of Rights application asking for changes related to noise conditions in this approval.This application claimed that certain permanent noise reduction measures could be postponed until 2038 while allowing operations at the expanded generating station. On Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, however, ministry officials decided against conducting a further review. They concluded that any worries had either been addressed during approval or were managed through conditions included in the Environmental Compliance Approval such as acoustic audits and a Noise Abatement Action Plan along with specific noise-control measures.
The recently released internal records acquired by Kingstonist provide clearer insight into how these decisions were made by ministry officials.
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The next issue of The Kingston Whig-Standard’s Noon News Roundup will soon be in your inbox. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again This has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The ministry’s technical assessment revealed that acoustic modeling predicted a sound level of 41 decibels (d BA) at one receiving point marked as POR1a during one startup scenario. The provincial standard for sound at that spot was set at 40 d BA before mitigation actions took effect.Although most people might find it hard to notice a difference of just one decibel; still , the established threshold represents what is legally permissible for that receptor under modeled operating conditions.
Despite this fact , the ministry determined that the Acoustic Assessment Report met Ontario’s NPC-300 environmental noise guidelines stating:
“The [Acoustic Assessment Report] is complete and complies with NPC-300 provided a [Noise Abatement Action Plan] is implemented.”
The review went further saying:
“The predicted noise level demonstrates that operations at this facility will meet Ministry noise limits after completing a Noise Abatement Action Plan.”
This has not loaded yet but your article continues below. The Noise Abatement Action Plan described within this technical review lays out a phased approach starting post-construction. Initially , there will be an acoustic audit after construction ends determining if compliance with provincial limits is achieved during actual operations. If compliance is shown via this audit , no further phases will proceed. On contrast , if results indicate non-compliance , plans entail approximately six months for data gathering followed by two years dedicated towards detailed design work plus budgeting then seven years for installing lasting solutions alongside another final audit once mitigations are applied. These timelines are noted within Environmental Compliance Approval itself which allows as much as thirteen years post-approval for implementing those permanent controls.FOI documents received by Kingstonist also show parts of this schedule seemed aligned with Atura’s financial planning process. Records state engineering designs involve “costing and budget forecasting” prior implementation commencing noting “prioritization should focus towards sources achieving maximum reductions for receptor sound levels.”
< This hasn’t loaded yet ; however , your article goes forth.According to MECP ‘s thorough evaluation , they didn’t clarify why having such an extended phased schedule potentially lasting thirteen years appeared suitable. Furthermore , FOI records added context about how well ministries supervised this facility throughout approvals stages. An internal worksheet generated requesting investigation only days prior issuing ECA indicated they commenced reviewing potential negative impacts concerning nearby residents together with claims some installed barriers fell short compared claims outlined within Acoustic Assessment report submitted. This record identifies Atura as previously being non-compliant while acknowledging victims could have faced disturbances outlining previous investigations were validated without confirming regulatory breaches happened. Also among other FOIs gathered documenting resident grievances revealing continuous humming noises mechanical vibrations disruptive bursts affecting sleep patterns described complaints thoroughly. In April twenty-sixth email found within files showed Atura informing staff it wished explore options assisting local neighbor ” strictly voluntary good faith basis,” insisting assistance wouldn’t imply responsibility nor breach compliance agreements establishing precedence future requests whatsoever Additionally same records highlighted regarding separate compliance issues Provincial Officer’s Order required rectifying cooling-tower fogging problems observed regularly posing dangers motorists traveling along County Road thirty-three-mandating immediate interim steps followed longer-term strategy eliminating road hazards due fogging effects. On July thirtieth twenty-six letter answering follow-up inquiries regarding facility status declared no further action regarding extra compliance matters relating back towards noises awaiting outcome needed audits required under Environmental Compliance Approval -future actions contingent around findings yielded during those audits remaining pending. seven This hasn’t loaded yet; still, your article persists underneath. Kingstonist posed multiple questions directed toward both MECP agency together alongside representatives associated Atura Power focusing specifically internal reviews reasoning behind phased implementations schedules role respective finances entwined approvals current standing regards acoustics needed assessments reached about facilities overall adherence circumstances regulations mapped out clearly based paperwork referencing cited aspects complaint follow-up procedures assessing feedback gathered continually delivered ensured stakeholder accountability presented fully transparent manner documenting exchanges In response obtained queries ATURA power affirmed NAPANEE generating station maintained strict following existing environmental standards enforced determined authorities reiterated commitment prioritizing health safety interests neighbors colleagues overall ecosystem environment surrounding areas alike still valid assurances offered retained clarity emphasizing present course abiding duties entrusted power control each decision respecting maintain sustainable outcomes sought diligently pursued transparently over time through varied efforts guided intentions driving objectives moving forward harmoniously building relationships fostering trust all parties involved must take hold responsibly moving onward throughout engaging processes actively invested ensuring efficient resolutions worked closely engage consistently enhance experiences shared collectively creating sense unity striving improve community relations ongoing manner stepping beyond traditional boundaries uphold expected values shared common goals pursued collaboratively innovatively practicing accountability utmost importance among partners cooperating endeavors alike serving betterment lives individuals impacted directly indirectly whatever paths crossed universally seeking elevate understanding mutual benefit derived benefiting long term success envisioned foundational grounds laid partnerships drawn valuable contributions witnessed embracing cooperation dynamic ensure rewarding engagements future holds bright potentials ahead. Ministry requested extended timeframe reply citing vacations impacting staffing levels available accordingly regardless deadline extensions set proposed response remain outstanding publication period elapsed thus delaying resolve matters stated formally raised emphasized nature complexities trying adapt systems framework governance challenge meeting demands scrutinized committed excellence diligence striving serve public good effectively optimizing resources managing risks effectively addressing challenges emerged keeping stakeholders informed responsive transparent while maintaining highest standards conduct expected processing timely responses essential keeping lines open foster dialogue bringing clarity resolving disputes swiftly promote collaborative atmosphere encouraging fruitful conversations held pave ways innovative approaches cultivated developing respectful trustworthy environments nurturing growth spirits engagement sought advance horizons bright possibilities realized 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