Wind turbines can be built in Ontario, despite opponents'
claims of adverse health effects. But more studies are warranted
about how far they should be set back. That's the bottom line
of today's Erickson decision of the Environmental Review Tribunal under the
Environmental Protection Act. Here are
some key quotes:
"This case is a reminder that energy facilities can
generate more than electricity; they can also generate conflict.
Though this case involves appeals of Suncor's Kent Breeze Wind
Farm Project, the Appellants' approach to this proceeding has
largely been a test of whether turbines in Ontario will
cause serious harm to human health. The Parties called
experts from all over the world to speak to the issue of whether
this Project, which was approved according to Ontario's
Ministry of the Environment Noise Guidelines for Wind Farms and
Ontario Regulation 359/09 made under the Environmental Protection
Act, will seriously harm humans living nearby. It is clear
