New Mapleton councillors are continuing the policy of the previous council and will refuse to complete the consultation forms necessary for companies like NextEra Energy to set up wind farms in the township.
The new group is also repeating the call for an independent study to determine the impact of the turbines on the health of humans and animals.
On Dec. 8, 2009, township council passed the initial resolution requesting a provincial moratorium on wind energy projects “until a health study has been completed by an independent third party.”
The resolution was circulated to other municipalities, and 34 endorsed it – but there has been no action by the province.
NextEra Energy, which has plans for a 10-turbine wind farm southwest of Arthur in Mapleton Township, is now in a position to submit Renewable Energy Approval (REA) documents in support of the company’s plans.
The Township has been requested to submit its comments, but has not yet done so.
Councillor Jim Curry wondered on Jan. 11 whether the 2009 resolution of council should be revised. In recent months the concerns have shifted from general health effects to noise levels, electromagnetic radiation and effects on ground water.
Councillor Andy Knetsch wanted to retain the original wording, because that’s what was supported by other municipalities, but Curry wanted a new resolution circulated, with more specific wording.
After considerable discussion, council voted to reword the part of the resolution calling for an independent study to include concerns with the site, noise and radiation issues.
The new resolution calls for a moratorium on wind energy projects, and further states that Mapleton will not complete its consultation form “until a health study has been completed by an independent third party on the effects of noise on human and animal health caused by wind turbines.”
It further requests the Ministry of Environment to not approve the REA documents submitted by NextEra until an independent health study is completed, and until Mapleton has “completed and submitted the consultation form.”
Council unanimously passed the revised wording.
