National Wind Watch: Wind Energy News » Kincardine group believe in need for wind turbine moratorium

At the Aug. 20 Huron-Kinloss council meeting in Ripley the Canadian Federation of University Women of Kincardine (CFUW) spoke to council on the importance of a moratorium on any wind turbine developments in the area and Ontario as a whole.

CFUW Kincardine member Jackie Clements said that they weren’t opposed to green energy, but believe that further testing is required for wind turbines in order to assess the possibility of negative environmental, health, wildlife and economical issues concerning wind turbine projects.

The group is looking for a resolution for a moratorium and brought with them information to make their case. Here is an excerpt from the presentation the group brought with them:

“CFUW Kincardine supports green energy sources and the need for green technology, however we do not support the existing process involved with the siting/placing of industrial wind turbine developments. There is a need for research so that negative effects on people, animals the environment and the economy can be avoided.”

Clements said the resolution brings awareness of environmental issues that affect health, democratic principles and the rights of individuals. She continued to say that there is a growing public concern because the developments seem to be driven by profit instead of research based criteria. She said the resolution due to the lack of unbiased scientific research is requesting research so that fair and standardized national regulations can be created.

Clements said CFUW Kincardine has observed this issue evolve from a grassroots movement into worldwide concern and demand for more research into the effects of poorly placed industrial wind turbines. She said as the developments spread across Canada, they are becoming a national issue.

Clements said in the time since the group completed the resolution, the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (59,000 members) and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (37,000 members) have also requested a moratorium on individual wind turbine development.

She also cited that Health Canada is currently working with Statistics Canada and other experts to design a research study to explore the relationship between wind turbine noise and the extent of health effects reported by and objectionably measured in, those living near wind power developments.

“There are no health studies on the effects of low frequency noise by stray voltage on infants, babies, pregnant women and livestock living in proximity to industrial wind turbines,” said Clements. “We also have a moral and legal obligation to protect wildlife and their habitats from poorly sited wind turbine developments. This resolution is attainable through public awareness, education and political will.”

Huron-Kinloss council is endorsing the resolution of the CFUW Kincardine and in doing so requests the Ministry of Energy and Ministry of Natural Resources to institute a moratorium on the construction of industrial wind turbine developments until such time that evidence based, impartial, scientific research has identified issues relating to site placement, human health, the environment and economic efficiencies, resulting in the development of national, uniform standards and regulations.