June 25, 2014
Ontario

Wind turbine near hydro and water lines raises concerns

Nicole O'Reilly | The Hamilton Spectator | www.thespec.com

Residents opposed to a Haldimand County wind project say they’re concerned about at least one turbine being built too close to hydro and water lines.

However, the Grand Renewable Energy Park developer Samsung says it’s following all laws and regulations.

“The REA (Renewable Energy Approval) does not require specific setbacks from water mains,” Samsung spokesperson Tim Smitheman said. “Each turbine has received a building permit from the Haldimand municipality.”

Ministry of the Environment spokesperson Lindsay Davidson said the Green Energy Act only contains setback requirements for noise, natural heritage and water bodies.

Brad Smith, who lives just outside Dunnville and has a turbine under construction just 900 metres from his property, said he believes there should be setback requirements for hydro and water lines.

“The Green Energy Act just supersedes anything,” he said.

Smith, who is part of the group Wind Concerns Haldimand, said the project has decreased his property value and the trucks for the construction have destroyed roads.

Haldimand County has agreements with wind turbine companies operating in the area to fix the roads.

The specific turbine in question is number 67 in the project and sits on a Haldimand Tract farm, near the intersection with Haldimand Trail.

Smitherman said the project “has followed every municipal and provincial guideline in its planning and construction phases while creating over 300 construction jobs in the local community.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/06/25/wind-turbine-near-hydro-and-water-lines-raises-concerns/