GREEN ENERGY: No environmental impact expected from project proposed near Forest
By Tara Hagan, The Observer
June 02, 2009
The mayor of Lambton Shores isn’t expecting any backlash from residents providing input on a proposed wind farm project in the area.
The five-turbine project spearheaded by Forest Wind Power Inc., is inviting comments from residents following the completion of an environmental screening assessment which concluded that “no significant negative effects on the environment” are expected.
The study focused on the impacts to the local economy, birds, bats and noise, which are expected to be minimal, said Caitlyn MacMaster, environmental specialist with M. K. Ince and Associates, the firm contracted to perform engineering and environmental consulting.
The public is now invited to review and comment on the study until June 15.
“We take these comments into account, and if necessary, we will go back and do additional studies,” said MacMaster.
But the study did not focus on human health, which some Lambton residents — including Ann Towell — find alarming.
“They’re doing an assessment. It’s really just a screening process. It’s very minimal,” she said.
Towell, a resident of Dawn- Euphemia, is opposing a 35-turbine wind farm proposed for her township. She’s also a member of Wind Concerns Ontario, a coalition of 29 community organizations protesting industrial wind farms.
If the $25-million Forest project goes ahead, she said, residents will be sorry they didn’t stop it.
“It’s a scam and the rural citizen is going to have to pay for it with their health,” said Towell.
“The more these turbines go up, the more health problems exist. Eventually, there will be a class action suit against these companies and the government.”
She points to reports from residents located near wind farms who suffer from headaches, sleep disturbances and depression.
Others report constant vibrations in their homes and a loss of cognitive abilities due to lack of sleep.
The proposed 10-megawatt project, between Cedar Point Line and Hickory Creek Line in Lambton Shores, is owned by the landowner, Eugen Burgin.
Last year, six turbines were built near Kettle Point, marking the first, and so far, only wind farm in Lambton County.
“There’s been no backlash on the other six,” said Mayor Gord Minielly. “And I don’t expect anything with these. So, it’s positive.”
The Forest Wind Farm
Environmental Screening Report is available for review and comment until June 16. Copies are available at the Forest Library, the Municipality of Lambton Shores, and at www.mkince.ca/projects/forest. shtml.
Observer Article ID# 1593982
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