Bigger turbine buffers
The Chronicle Herald | February 10, 2014 | thechronicleherald.ca
Industrial wind turbine projects are being considered in West Hants, Guysborough and Pictou counties (Feb. 5 story). A setback of at least two kilometres for wind turbines from residences, including cottages, should be in place.
Health professionals such as Dr. Robert McMurtry, former dean of medicine at the University of Western Ontario and Dr. Hazel Lynn, medical officer of health for Bruce-Gray County, Ont., have described health effects such as chronic sleep disturbance that may occur in nearby residents if industrial wind turbines are placed too close to homes. Health Canada is researching health effects on residents living near industrial wind turbines.
In several jurisdictions in Canada, a precautionary approach is being taken with regard to placement of wind turbines.
In Kings County, there is a moratorium on building wind turbines. In Ontario, 71 municipalities have signed a declaration stating they are “unwilling hosts” to wind turbines in their area. In Quebec (two regions of St. Laurent Nord) and in Ontario (towns of Plympton, Wyoming and Wainfleet), bylaws requiring a two-kilometre setback have been passed.
Recently, for the North Beaver Bank, Sackville, N.S. wind turbine project, the developer informed residents that the turbines are placed approximately 2.5 kilometres from the nearest building of any kind.
Nancy Campbell, West Earltown
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/02/10/bigger-turbine-buffers/