Grassroots organization Water Wells First is calling for a health hazard investigation at the North Kent Wind turbine site.
In a recent report, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change says that well water contamination in the North Kent area was not caused by turbine construction.
Spokesperson for Water Wells First Kevin Jakubec says this sets two precedents.
“The Ministry’s action on Thursday in releasing its findings for a few farms who had wells polluted during the pile-driving construction for North Kent One sets two very important precedents in Ontario’s history,” says Jakubec. “It sets a dangerous precedent for the protection of the environment, and the protection of our source water – groundwater – and equally, it sets a dangerous precedent for public health.”
Families whose wells are affected were provided with water tanks, but now that the MOECC has said the developers are not at fault, those tanks will be taken away.
Jessica Brooks, who lives outside Dresden, says she’s not sure what to do now.
“We really don’t know. We have to start pricing out [a water tank]. We’ll contact the water company we’re currently working with to see how much it costs to keep that tank. I’m sure we can’t afford it,” says Jessica.
The MOECC’s report, which Brooks and several other affected residents received recently, was presented to the media at a press conference this afternoon.
“I think honestly, I was surprised at how shocked and devastated I was. I think part of me was hoping my government would step up and do the right thing,” says Brooks.
Brooks’ well started showing black sediment last summer.
