Standing up

John Hirsch lent his name, time and expertise to the appeal of the White Pines wind project on the basis it would cause serious and irreversible harm to plant life, animal life or the natural environment.

John Hirsch picked up the torch for the County’s natural environment in fight against wind development

John Hirsch doesn’t live in South Marysburgh. It is possible he could have spent his retirement days at his home north of Bloomfield without having to endure the sight of 50-storey industrial wind turbines spinning on the horizon. There was no risk that he or his wife would be made to endure the low frequency thrum these machines generate and join those for whom it has become a serious health concern. Neither was the White Pines wind project likely to impact the value of his property nor his ability to enjoy his retirement in the County.

Except that it would have. John cares about the birds, the animals and natural beauty that defines Prince Edward County. It is what drew him to retire here a couple of years ago.

When he learned that the Prince Edward County Field Naturalists lacked the resources— physically, emotionally and financially, to launch a second major appeal against a wind developer in South Marysburgh, John decided to look into what it would take for him to make the appeal. He had a background in government administration and began digging into the process.

While he couldn’t commit financial resources, he was willing to commit his time, experience and energy. So he filed the appeal arguing that the project would cause serious and irreversible harm to plant life, animal life or the natural environment.

The Alliance to Protect Prince Edward County (APPEC) had already signalled they would once again take up the fight against this project on the threat it posed to human health. As the hearing date grew nearer, Hirsch and APPEC agreed to join forces

“Fortunately, APPEC joined me in making these arguments before the Tribunal with the expertise of Eric Gillespie,” said Hirsch. “I couldn’t commit financial resources, but I had the time and experience that I could use to make this appeal.”

APPEC chair Orville Walsh applauded the work and effort Hirsch contributed in successfully revoking the permit of wpd Canada to construct 27 industrial wind turbines in South Marysburgh.

“He simply felt this was an issue that had to be fought,” said Walsh. “He had some knowledge of the process and decided he could and should do something.”

Hirsch says he is “cautiously optimisitic” about the decision but he knows the developer will be allowed to present potential remedies to the flaws determined by the Tribunal.

He is hopeful this victory helps endangered species in the County and Ontario.

“This decision raises the consciousness of the plight of the little brown bat for sure,” said Hirsch. “I would hope this decision brings about broader efforts to protect and save this endangered species.”