March 28, 2012
Nova Scotia

Residents express concerns with wind turbine proposals

By Kirk Starratt, The Kings County Advertiser, www.kingscountynews.ca 27 March 2012

A Black River Road resident disagrees there is fear, uncertainty and dread involved when it comes to citizens concerned over possible wind developments in Kings County.

Warren Peck made the comment following a presentation from Acciona Wind Energy Canada where community relations manager Paul Austin said one of the most effective tactics for those arguing against wind energy projects is F.U.D.: fear, uncertainty and dread.

Peck said people concerned over potential wind energy developments in Kings County, including Greenfield, Canaan and the North Mountain, have a legitimate fear. He said they don’t want to see the mistakes of the Ontario Wind Energy Plan repeated here.

“It’s not F.U.D.,” Peck said. “Each municipality is unique. One size might not fit all.”

Pecks said council’s final decision on the regulatory review for large-scale wind turbines could have serious, irreversible consequences for Kings County residents.

Austin spoke about buying out residents in Ontario, who were concerned over a nearby wind development. Peck said the argument was those residents could move by offering them fair market value for their homes.

“We need a policy preventing this situation from ever happening in Kings County,” Peck said.

Black River Road resident Nancy Denton-Peck said the North American Platform Against Wind Power, founded in 2009 and modelled after a similar European organization, is in favour of renewable energy projects when done responsibly. However, she said, wind turbines are often exempt from proper regulatory review. Documentation of negative impacts continues to mount and Denton-Peck said gag orders must be cut through to see the full effects.

“A reality check is long overdue,” she said.

Jackie Brown, of the North Mountain, said she learned during Acciona’s presentation, “I live in what may become a 4,500-acre industrial wind farm.”

She read a statement from Dr. Gordon Callon, who was unable to stay until the public comment period. Callon wrote when a wind turbine site is established in a community, the lives of many, if not all, community residents are forever altered. For those close to turbines, and those with physical sensitivity to seismic vibration, life can become miserable. For those with quiet occupations requiring thought, contemplation or great concentration, all ability to work may be destroyed.

“Many residents near turbines must move away to remain healthy and functional,” he wrote. “With their property values diminished by as much as 40 per cent, if they are able to sell at all, they do not have funds to start again.”

People could lose almost everything they have earned simply because a government made a decision they do not matter and the corporation involved doesn’t care.

“This is arbitrary and very cruel,” Callon wrote.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/03/28/residents-express-concerns-with-wind-turbine-proposals/