Oregon Public Health to hold listening sessions about wind farms  

What: Oregon Public Health officials are hosting three listening sessions to learn about people’s experiences and health concerns related to wind farms near their communities.

Who: These meetings are open to the public. People with concerns about the potential health impacts of wind farms are encouraged to attend.

Where and When:

• La Grande: Wednesday, Nov. 3, 6:30 – 8 p.m.
  Eastern Oregon University, Hoke Union Building, One University Blvd., third floor.
  For directions, call 541-962-3704 or visit www.eou.edu/campus_maps/driving_directions.html
• Pendleton: Thursday, Nov. 4, noon – 1 p.m.
  Umatilla-Morrow Education Services District, 2001 SW Nye Avenue.
  For directions, call 541 276-6616 or visit www.umesd.k12.or.us/contactus
• Arlington: Thursday, Nov. 4, 6:30 – 8 p.m.
  Arlington Elementary School cafeteria, 1400 Main St. For directions, call 541-454-2632

Why: Oregon Public Health officials are beginning the process of conducting a Health Impact Assessment on wind energy facilities in Oregon. An important part of the assessment process is ensuring that the people who may be affected by an energy development, such as a wind energy facility, can participate in the process and express their concerns about how the facility may affect their health and well-being.

Details: The Office of Environmental Public Health is conducting a Health Impact Assessment on the siting of wind farms in Oregon. A Health Impact Assessment is a tool that provides decision makers with information about how a policy, program or project may affect people’s health. The listening sessions will provide valuable information so that community concerns will be reflected in the assessment.

For more information, or to fill out our online survey, please visit www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/hia/index.shtml.

Contact: Christine Stone; 971-673-1282, office; 503-602-8027, cell; Christine.L.Stone@state.or.us.