Post by pbauman on Apr 27, 2013 4:06:52 GMT -4
The Alliance to Protect Prince Edward County (APPEC) has filed an Environmental Review Tribunal (ERT) appeal because Gilead Power’s Ostrander Point wind energy project, along with wpd Canada’s White Pines, will put at risk the health of many County residents. The appeal is based on these facts:
The Chatham-Kent ERT (2011) found that, on the basis of scientific evidence and expert testimony, wind turbines can cause health problems if placed too close to people. In the absence of victims testifying, however, the degree of the health effects could not be established. The ERT therefore did not disallow the wind project because the inadequacy of 550-m residential setbacks was not YET proven.
Industrial wind turbines emit audible noise, low-frequency sound and infrasound. Research has shown that while all three types can cause health problems, infrasound and low-frequency noise (ILFN) are the most important causes, yet there are no Ontario regulations limiting either.
As turbines have become larger and larger, reports have increased worldwide of adverse health effects as far as 10 km away, and the effects have been confirmed within 2 km of turbines.
Effects include profound sleep disturbance, headaches, dizziness, arrhythmia and palpitation, stress, and cognitive impairment. Some people have abandoned their homes to get relief.
Studies attributing these symptoms to psycho-social explanations are deeply flawed, even biased, and the opinions have not been substantiated by person-centred research.
Most “studies,” such as that by Dr. Arlene King, Ontario’s chief medical health officer, are simply reviews of outdated scientific literature, and they do not take into account all research, especially since 2010.
At APPEC’s appeal, nearly 20 witnesses currently living near Ontario wind projects will testify about their own adverse health effects. All live between 550 m and 2 km from wind turbines. Medical and acoustical experts will substantiate their testimony and explain the latest research.
APPEC’s appeal is the first in which Ontario wind victims will present evidence demonstrating that wind turbines cause serious harm. This proof meets the test required in order to WIN an ERT appeal.
By invalidating 550-m setbacks the appeal will set a precedent that applies to every proposed industrial wind project. The Ministry of Environment would have to determine a new standard to protect the health of Ontarians, and it could not continue to rubberstamp projects in Ontario.
APPEC’s appeal is intended to prevent a health catastrophe for some County residents. Gilead Power’s and wpd Canada’s projects total 38 wind turbines. Collectively, they place at risk over 300 homes in South Marysburgh and Athol.
Please help fund a successful appeal. Donate at www.appec.ca or send a cheque to
APPEC Legal Fund
P.O. Box 173 Milford, Ontario K0K 2P0
All donations will be acknowledged, but tax-deductible receipts cannot be issued for legal actions.
The Chatham-Kent ERT (2011) found that, on the basis of scientific evidence and expert testimony, wind turbines can cause health problems if placed too close to people. In the absence of victims testifying, however, the degree of the health effects could not be established. The ERT therefore did not disallow the wind project because the inadequacy of 550-m residential setbacks was not YET proven.
Industrial wind turbines emit audible noise, low-frequency sound and infrasound. Research has shown that while all three types can cause health problems, infrasound and low-frequency noise (ILFN) are the most important causes, yet there are no Ontario regulations limiting either.
As turbines have become larger and larger, reports have increased worldwide of adverse health effects as far as 10 km away, and the effects have been confirmed within 2 km of turbines.
Effects include profound sleep disturbance, headaches, dizziness, arrhythmia and palpitation, stress, and cognitive impairment. Some people have abandoned their homes to get relief.
Studies attributing these symptoms to psycho-social explanations are deeply flawed, even biased, and the opinions have not been substantiated by person-centred research.
Most “studies,” such as that by Dr. Arlene King, Ontario’s chief medical health officer, are simply reviews of outdated scientific literature, and they do not take into account all research, especially since 2010.
At APPEC’s appeal, nearly 20 witnesses currently living near Ontario wind projects will testify about their own adverse health effects. All live between 550 m and 2 km from wind turbines. Medical and acoustical experts will substantiate their testimony and explain the latest research.
APPEC’s appeal is the first in which Ontario wind victims will present evidence demonstrating that wind turbines cause serious harm. This proof meets the test required in order to WIN an ERT appeal.
By invalidating 550-m setbacks the appeal will set a precedent that applies to every proposed industrial wind project. The Ministry of Environment would have to determine a new standard to protect the health of Ontarians, and it could not continue to rubberstamp projects in Ontario.
APPEC’s appeal is intended to prevent a health catastrophe for some County residents. Gilead Power’s and wpd Canada’s projects total 38 wind turbines. Collectively, they place at risk over 300 homes in South Marysburgh and Athol.
Please help fund a successful appeal. Donate at www.appec.ca or send a cheque to
APPEC Legal Fund
P.O. Box 173 Milford, Ontario K0K 2P0
All donations will be acknowledged, but tax-deductible receipts cannot be issued for legal actions.