October 5, 2007
Scotland
Scotland
The construction of a wind farm on Ballindalloch Muir near Balfron could lead to pollution of the countryside, campaigners have warned.
Villagers who have formed a group to fight npower renewables’ plan for nine 400-feet turbines, claim there was pollution of the land, rivers and burns after the existing Braes of Doune wind farm, developed by Airtricity, was built.
Now Endrick Valley Action Group (EVAG) say they fear the same will happen to the River Endrick and surrounding West Stirlingshire countryside.
They say that before the wind turbines are erected, giant pits have to be dug out of the ground and filled with concrete as a base for each of the turbine towers.
EVAG say disruption of this scale is bound to have a detrimental effect.
Chairman of EVAG, Gordon Adams, said: “Giant holes will be dug out of our countryside and thousands of tons of concrete will be poured into these holes. Natural ground water running through this concrete could become toxic and carry these toxins through the land into burns and rivers.
“The general disruption caused by this massive building operation will pollute the countryside damaging wildlife, plant life and our streams and rivers.
“You just have to look at the pollution caused by the construction of the Braes of Doune wind farm”
EVAG also says that npower’s proposed wind farm is too close to Balfron and will be seen for miles around, creating a negative visual impact on the scenery.
The group also points to some medical reports claiming that low-frequency noise from wind turbines could cause headaches and other ailments.
Npower have said they are unable to address any issues raised about other developers but that they have a solid record of acting responsibly and safeguarding the environment. They also refuted the claims over noise and visual impact.
5 October 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/10/05/development-pollution-fears/