Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Rick Nicholls says he’ll continue to advocate for and support the people with bad well water. 
Nicholls says while it isn’t clear what’s causing the issue yet, it is clear there’s a problem.
“Some of the farmers out there that have a baseline, and now they’re having their water tested again,” Nicholls says. “They’re finding all kinds of problems in the water. The water is contaminated.”
The activist group Water Wells First has contacted Ontario’s Ombudsman, requesting an investigation into Chatham-Kent’s mayor and council for negligence.
The Civic Centre released a reaction statement late Friday, stressing that the power to approve or deny turbine construction permits lies with the province.
“Chatham-Kent does not have the power to either approve or prohibit the construction of the turbines; such powers lie at the Province. Suggestions have been made that Chatham-Kent should withhold building permits for the turbines, however this is also outside of the municipality’s authority. Under the Ontario Building Code Act a Renewable Energy Approval required for turbine projects is “applicable law”, as defined under that Act. Once the conditions of that approval are met, provided all other applicable laws are adhered to, the Chief Building Official is required by law to issue the building permits.”
Municipal officials are urging residents living near the North Kent Wind 1 project to take part in water well testing to establish a baseline level.
