Health appeal

APPEC takes up the fight to protect residents near Ostrander Point

Asecond front has emerged in the fight against the industrialization of Ostrander Point. The Alliance to Protect Prince Edward County (APPEC) has filed an appeal of the decision to approve the development of an industrial wind turbine project at Ostrander Point. It intends to argue that the 40-storey turbines will inflict serious health effects on residents living within two kilometres of the massive machines.

APPEC is hoping to squeeze through a crack they believe the Environmental Review Tribunal (ERT) left open in their decision in Chatham Kent two years ago. In that decision, the tribunal dismissed the appeal, concluding that the threat to human health wasn’t proved. Yet it acknowledged the expert evidence presented in the hearing that showed “some risks and uncertainties” with wind turbines. They were convinced, too, that more research should be done to answer those concerns and uncertainties.

Since then, more work has been done. But rather than wage a battle between experts, APPEC will present the testimony of victims of industrial wind turbines.

“This time Ontario residents will recount the adverse health effects they personally experience when living next to wind turbines despite supposedly protective setbacks,” said Henri Garand, chair of APPEC.

According to Garand, the consequences of prolonged exposure are well documented in medical literature.

“The Nissenbaum et al peer-reviewed health study (November 2012) indicates that a minimum of two kilometres is required to protect from wind turbine emissions,” said Garand. “Dr. Ray Copes, director of the Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion, stated in a 2010 internal email obtained through Freedom of Information: ‘studies support a causal link between wind turbine noise and adverse health effects.’”

The Prince Edward County Field Naturalists’ are also appealing the decision based upon the harm the Ostrander Point project will have on the environment. Garand says APPEC is embarking on this parallel appeal because unsafe wind energy development poses a threat to Ontarians across the province.

Those interested in contributing to this effort may forward cheques to the APPEC Legal Fund, PO Box 173, Milford, ON K0K 2P0.