Wind farm storm brews
Opposition to a proposed wind turbine farm in south Lambton appears to be mounting.
About 70 people attended a public meeting in Dawn-Euphemia Township Monday, with a number expressing concern about plans by two firms to construct 35 wind turbines in the municipality.
The meeting was called to gather public input before township council decides whether to give its blessing to the scheme.
The municipality has been asked to implement zoning processes in its official plan that would allow for wind turbines.
IPC Energy and Sydenham Energy Corporation are partnering on the proposed project, which would produce about 70 megawatts of power.
Township clerk-administrator Mike Schnare said so many people showed up for the meeting that it was moved from the municipal offices to a nearby fire hall.
“There were three presentations, all in opposition to wind farms,” he said. “No one spoke in favour except the applicant.”
Schnare said a number of people raised “health-related issues” such as stray voltage. Concerns were also expressed that the turbines would kill birds and bats.
Setbacks were also a worry. The current proposal calls for the turbines to be kept 400 metres from a single home, or 600 metres from a cluster of residences.
Some of those in attendance made it clear they wanted to see setbacks of more than a kilometre. Others questioned the reliability of the turbines, pointing out they are dependent on wind.
Council decided to put off making a decision until after it has collected more information from Lambton County council and the applicant.
If the project goes ahead, construction could begin in 2010.
Earlier this year, a six-turbine farm opened in Lambton Shores between Forest and Grand Bend. They are expected to produce enough electricity to power 3,000 homes.
By Dan McCaffery
7 October 2008
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Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
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