Essex County Wind Action Group (ECWAG) Established
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February 20, 2007
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
