An investigation into private water wells in Chatham-Kent suggests the construction of the North Kent wind turbines potentially caused “significant deterioration” in general well water quality.
In response to concerns raised in 2018 by the citizen group Water Wells First, the Ministry of Health launched an All-Hazards Investigation of Well Water in Chatham-Kent in 2019. An expert panel made up of toxicologists and a geologist led the investigation into well water quality and any potential health risks associated with consumption of the well water in the area near the North Kent 1 wind farm.
The panel’s report was presented to local residents on Monday and based on the sampling and testing completed at 61 wells, no widespread health risks were identified. However, the report indicated that further assessment of the results is needed along with additional investigation.
The results of the report, however, said there was a significant deterioration in general well water quality within the study area between 2017 and 2021.
“This result is certainly consistent with well water interference having occurred within the study area since 2017, potentially due to construction and/or operation of the North Kent wind turbines,” the report said.
The North Kent 1 wind complex, which consists of 34 wind turbines, began construction in 2017 and was operational in February of 2018.
During this time, residents complained of an impact on the quality of their well water, citing increased turbidity, discoloration, and the presence of sediment such as black shale.
“The ministry will continue to provide information to well owners on the importance of regularly monitoring and testing their private well water to ensure the continued safety of water and to monitor for the presence of bacteria. This includes the free bacteriological testing of private well water available from Public Health Ontario,” said Robert Lerch, acting director with the Ministry of Health, in a letter to residents.
