Not wanting to possibly see water wells and aquifers damaged during the upcoming construction of a transmission line, Chatham-Kent council approved a motion at last night’s council meeting to send a letter to Hydro One asking them for more information on how they intend to address the potential impact on the integrity of area water wells.
Hydro One recently released the Draft Environmental Study Report for the proposed St. Clair Transmission Line Project, which runs from Courtright to just southeast of Chatham. Construction is expected to start in 2025 and be in service in 2028.
Councillor Rhonda Jubenville, who brought in the motion, said the motion is about being proactive, especially given the area’s history with construction impacting water wells and aquifers.
Residents, who said the construction of wind turbines about eight years ago in the area did damage to the water quality of their water wells, said the draft environmental study does not specifically address the protection of the water wells in the former Chatham and Dover Townships
Local activists are asking Hydro One to conduct a baseline groundwater study where water wells along the transmission line route would be tested before construction, during construction, and post-construction in order to collect data about the impact of the construction on water wells.
Resident Calvin Simmonds said it’s important for residents to know about heavy metals sediments in their well water and how much it affects their health.
Council’s motion did not request Hydro One conduct a baseline groundwater study.