The Ostrander Point ERT appeal: We won
Posted by ccsage | Jul 3 | ccsage.wordpress.com
The Environmental Review Tribunal has allowed the appeal of the Ostrander Point Project by PECFN on grounds of serious and irreversible harm to the natural environment, and has revoked the approval of this project by the Director, Ministry of the Environment. FANTASTIC!
Excerpts from the decision:
“[630] The Tribunal finds that mortality due to roads, brought by increased vehicle traffic, poachers and predators, directly in the habitat of Blanding‟s turtle, a species that is globally endangered and threatened in Ontario, is serious and irreversible harm to Blanding‟s turtle at Ostrander Point Crown Land Block that will not be effectively mitigated by the conditions in the REA.
“[645] The appeal of PECFN is allowed under s. 145.2.1(5) of the EPA.”
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Prince Edward County Field Naturalists (PECFN) deserves a huge amount of credit for pursuing this appeal against almost insurmountable odds. It has been truly a David vs Goliath situation. In particular, we owe Myrna Wood and Cheryl Anderson of PECFN our undying gratitude for their dedication and hard work.
This win has been very expensive for PECFN, which is a small citizens’ group of less than 50 members. The good news is that they have raised $59,307 to fund their appeal. The bad news is that their legal bill to date is double this amount. They are still short $60,000.
PLEASE recognize PECFN’s hard work and success (and desperate financial situation) by making a donation to their legal fund. Click on the Donate to PECFN button on this page, or send a cheque made out to Ostrander Point Appeal Fund to PECFN, 59 King Street, Unit 2, Picton, ON K0K 2T0.
You can read the full decision here .
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/07/04/the-ostrander-point-ert-appeal-we-won/