Friday, August 28, 2009

Wind Farms Bad for Health

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Regional
by John Divinski    

Wind energy in Ontario not only costs taxpayers more, it's toying with the health of those who live near the turbines.

So says the president of Wind Concerns Ontario John LaForet.

Wind Concerns Ontario is a grassroots group calling on the provincial government to slow down the development of wind farms.

LaForet says the group is not necessarily against wind farms as a producer of alternative energy, but they are against locating the structures near people's homes.

He says a recent health study shows many of those living near the turbines are suffering from insomnia and stress, among other maladies because of the noise factor 24/7.

LaForet says it's incredible how wind farm developers can bypass any municipality when setting up a farm, as per the Ontario Green Energy Act.

Group member Bill Palmer of Paisley, says besides the health concerns, there is a huge economic imbalance as well.

Palmer says wind farm generators are getting 145 dollars to 200 dollars a megawatt hour from the province.

The other traditional generators are getting about 32 dollars a megawatt hour produced.

He says the difference comes out of tax dollars.

LaForet urges everyone to write their MPP that this is not an appropriate way to run our energy grid and that the energy policy be re-considered by the government.

Wind Concerns Ontario is made up of a coalition of 34 groups spread out over 21 counties and the city of Toronto who oppose the way wind farms are being allowed to develop in the province through the Green Energy Act.