Controversy over the Wolfe Island Wind Project centres on the location of a handful of the 86-wind turbines that Canadian Renewable Energy Corporation hopes to build on the island later this year.

The northwest part of Wolfe Island contains designated Important Bird Areas and important natural areas. Expert evidence commissioned by members of the community and supported by some government agencies raised concerns that the wind turbines would destroy rare, critical habitat. With more than 80% of Lake Ontario’s wetlands gone and bird habitat disappearing, the loss of these natural areas could be devastating.

For the last year, Waterkeeper, Wolfe Island Residents for the Environment, and other individuals have attempted to improve the wind project by identifying the locations where turbines could be built such that Wolfe Island’s natural heritage is protected.

We requested a bump up to a full Environmental Assessment of the proposed Wind Project. Or, at the very least, we sought mediation to address environmental concerns. Ingoring these request, the Ministry of the Environment went ahead and approved the CREC’s self-assessment of the Project. In response, Waterkeeper and others appealed to the Ministry of the Environment. Just before the decision-making deadline, Environment Minister John Gerretsen recused himself and the Minster of Tourism denied the appeal.

The Minister of Tourism’s decision arrived before Waterkeeper was provided with notice of the conflict-of-interest.

This week on Living At the Barricades, Waterkeeper talks about the province’s approval for the Wolfe Island Wind Project and the remaining regulatory process — the federal environmental assessment process that is in its early stages.

Listen to this week’s show online (right-click to download).

waterkeeper.ca

Or click here for mp4 version (7.4 MB).

Also saw a tower section being delivered the other day near that Eagle project. It had 4 ‘flag’ vehicles, plus the giant truck the section was on. Ed figured out, at that rate, it took 40 vehicles to get each complete turbine to its site. Then those 40 vehicles had to return to their starting point …

Giving the County of Essex a Collective Voice

In a meeting held February 12, 2007 the “Essex County Wind Action Group” (ECWAG) was born.

ECWAG is a non profit, voluntary group of concerned citizens who support the research and development of viable, sustainable, renewable energy resources.

It has only been in recent years that large-scale Industrial wind turbines have been constructed so close to residential areas and sensitive wildlife areas. Our intent is to ensure that residents are aware of these proposals and have the opportunity to see the limitations and consequences of industrial wind power. We believe that the residents have a right to know all of the facts on these proposals and be actively involved in the planning from the early stages.

Developers are not likely to reveal the negative aspects of a project while trying to sell you on it, but research shows an abundance of evidence that there are clearly some serious problems with locating these large industrial wind turbines in close proximity to homes, schools and sensitive wildlife areas.

There have been no comprehensive studies commissioned in all of Canada to determine safe setbacks for industrial wind turbines. Our prime issue is that the Federal and Provincial Governments have failed to properly regulate this growing industry. You will not find a wind turbine currently being erected anywhere in Europe closer than 1000m to a house, and some parts of California have mandated two mile setbacks.

The desire to reduce fossil fuel emissions is commendable, but it can compel otherwise sensible people to support wind initiatives at any cost, in any location, and without any investigation into potential consequences. It must be examined whether the elusive benefits of large-scale wind energy development are enough to justify putting migratory flyways at risk and further destruction of rural communities and our natural environment.

We are firmly committed to the pursuit of our mission through responsible action and reliance on credible research activities. Our strongest commitment is to the protection of the best interests of our community and its residents in the context of wind power development decisions within the County of Essex.

Essex County Wind Action Group
PO Box 420
Essex, Ontario
N8M 2Y4

Website: www.ecwag.org
Contact: info@ecwag.org

Legal Council: Arthur Barat, QC, of Barat, Farlam, & Milson, Windsor, ON