Much yet to be learned about impact of wind projects
The Beacon Herald, www.stratfordbeaconherald.com 9 May 2011
The Beacon Herald, www.stratfordbeaconherald.com 9 May 2011
Re Doug Fyfe’s letter, Wind Energy Way of the Future, April 23.
Doug Fyfe’s attempt to shame others for speaking out and accusing them of misinformation is unwarranted, considering the misinformation he provided himself.
He talks about studies in Ontario. What studies? That is the whole point; there have been no studies. The fact that the government has appointed a research chair to study technology and HEALTH – Dr. Siva Sivoththaman from the University of Waterloo – indicates that if these technologies are so safe, there would be no need for more research. (1) The problem is his results will not become known for five years … most turbines will be erected by then.
He praises the decisions of Perth County council citing that its decision will bring prosperity to the countryside. Anyone who has researched these economic benefits or development is compelled to conclude that there is no economic benefit except for a select few. So, the decision of the council was not in the best interests of the county.
Misinformation? Hardly! These figures are supported with the sources I have provided to The Beacon Herald.
Spain has discovered that for every one “green job” there is a loss of 2.2 jobs. (2) Hardly economic development.
Each “green” job creation costs on average $240,000 per year in Germany and $140,000 per job per year in Denmark. (3) Hardly economic sense.
Depending on the location of turbines in relation to hamlets and villages it will slow or stop any future development for 40 to 50 years. (4) Hardly economic development.
MPAC re-evaluation of property values near turbines has resulted in a decrease in their assessments. (5) As a result, reduced absolute tax despite any income a municipality would receive from wind development. Result – villages and properties not near turbines will have to pay more in order for a municipality to receive the same absolute tax amount. Hardly economic development.
Instead of condemnation, these individuals should be applauded for pointing out the inconsistencies of so-called economic development.
(1) Canadian Committee of Advisors Agrees With Government Decision to Study Impacts, Feb. 24, 2011, press release; Web. April 6, 2011
(2) Toronto Sun editorial, Green’ Jobs and Red Ink, Oct. 2, 2009
(3) Stelling, K. (2010, April 18). What Went Wrong with Ontario’s Energy Policy? Comparing Spin and Reality. Retrieved from http://www.wind-watch.org/documents/what -went-wrong-with-ontarios-energy-policy/Stelling,p. 40)
(4) MacEachern, Barbara-Ann. Family Feels Caught in Wind Storm.
(5) Bob Aaron. Toronto Star. Ontario Assessment Review Board Ruling on Wind Power Noise Sets Precedent. Jan. 9, 2010
Brenda Brodhagen
Brunner
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/05/09/much-yet-to-be-learned-about-impact-of-wind-projects/