National Wind Watch: Wind Energy News » Powassan wind farm opponents gather steam

The potential health, environmental and financial effects of industrial wind turbines will be discussed at a public meeting Thursday at the Powassan Legion.

A citizens’ group called Stop Turbines on Maplehill Powassan (STOMP) has arranged for guest speakers.

Anemos Energy Corp. had sought council support for the Maple Hill Wind Project proposal earlier this year, but was denied until there are more details available.

Guest speakers will include Nipissing MPP and Progressive Conservative Energy Critic Vic Fedeli, Barbara Ashbee of the Victims of Wind and Carmen Krogh.

Fedeli has spoken out repeatedly on the negative effect of wind power on the electricity system and how it’s driving up hydro rates in Ontario, a media release issued by STOMP stated Monday.

Ashbee, STOMP added, moved her family after suffering health problems living in close proximity to industrial wind turbines.

Krogh is a retired pharmacist with 40 years of experience in health care and has published peer reviewed articles on the negative health effects of wind farms.

“We want to bring light to the very legitimate concerns these wind developments have created in other areas of the province, and why we don’t want them here,” said STOMP spokeswoman Anne Smith.

Anemos president Rob Parsons had told The Nugget in May a preliminary environmental analysis showed no significant issues for such a development.

He said they company is still collecting wind data that would help shape the proposal.

Parsons said the number of wind turbines, their sizes and locations have not yet been determined.

He said the physical aspects of the project will be determined through consultation with residents, and by considering provincially required setback distances from homes, roads and environmental features

“If the proposed Maple Hill Wind Project is developed, it will bring economic benefits to the Powassan area in the form of increased property tax revenues to the municipality, lease payments to landowners, and spending to local contractors, businesses, and services,” said Parsons.

There hasn’t been an application to the township outlining details and scope of a proposal, township officials told The Nugget Monday.

The Green Energy Act limits the ability for a municipality to refuse such a development.

The meeting is scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m.