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Wind policy has polarized, rural, urban areas
Credit: www.thespec.com 22 December 2011 ~~
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Re: Report could put wind in their mills (Dec. 19)
The provincial government has given free rein to energy companies such as Suncor, Rankin and their ilk. The only required criteria for establishing a wind farm are a dependable wind source, compliant land owners and a 550-metre setback from adjacent property owners.
In an earlier documentary presented by the CBC, it was demonstrated that the provincial government, in conjunction with wind energy companies, was suppressing negative feedback from landowners adjacent to wind farms. The Freedom of Information Act indicated that there were in excess of 200 complaints to the principals that were being ignored or not investigated. The report also indicated that the environment ministry had no methodology in place for measuring wind turbine noise.
The new turbines proposed for south Niagara are 3 MW (129 metres to the rotor hub) units, which I believe are the largest to be installed yet. The 550-metre setback quoted is usually associated with 1.5 MW units. Studies in Denmark recommend a 2,100-metre setback for a 3 MW unit to maintain noise levels below 40 dB.
Residents living adjacent to these units will have to endure their legacy long after the bloom of a few promised jobs in Hamilton and Welland has faded into obscurity. The auditor general for Ontario has lauded the Liberal’s Green Energy Act for allowing excessive payouts to wind developers at taxpayers’ and hydro customers’ expense. Unfortunately, due to the draconian green energy policies, the provincial government has polarized the province into rural and urban areas as never before.
Lorne Johnson
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