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Wind energy report finds no evidence of negative health impacts

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In Energy
Sep 29th, 2010
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By Trina Berlo Simcoe.com Sept 28 2010
WASAGA BEACH – Bruce Newbold, a professor at McMaster University, presented his wind energy report to Wasaga Beach council last week, advising them there is no real evidence to support claims that wind turbines cause any adverse health effects.
Newbold presented his findings in a report titled Addressing the Wind Storm: Friend or Foe? Newbold was commissioned by the town to look into the issue at the recommendation of the Healthy Community Network, a committee that advises council on healthy living and the environment.
Newbold said although wind is not a new source of energy it wasn’t until the province passed the Green Energy Act last year that wind energy in its modern form came on the scene.
He said sometimes wind turbines are seen as being dangerous to people’s health, however, the Chief Medical Officer of Health suggested in a report in May that there are no ill health effects.
He said there have been claims that wind turbines affect health in several ways but there is no evidence to suggest the noise causes illness or that shadow flicker caused by the rotating blades can trigger an epileptic seizure.
Newbold said claims that the turbines cause stress, annoyance and anxiety are more intangible.
He said the public has concerns about the ecological fragility of the areas suited to wind turbines, however, other energy generating systems can have a greater impact on the environment and ecosystem. 
Newbold said there is no evidence that wind farms adversely affect the property values of surrounding homes but there have not been many studies on the topic. He said he found one Canadian study, which found there was no impact.
He said there also hasn’t been a lot of study on avian mortality. Newbold said he knows of one study currently underway looking into bat mortality caused by wind turbines in the United States.
Although Wasaga Beach is not facing any wind farm proposals, officials thought it would be wise to have a third party develop an unbiased report so the town could be prepared as the alternate energy source is developed.
“If wind farms are going to be a source of energy, it needs to be transparent from beginning to end,” said Newbold.
He said it should be perceived as a benefit to all.
“There’s probably synergies to be created with neighbouring municipalities,” said Newbold.
The entire report and Newbold’s condensed presentation are available on the town’s website www.wasagabeach.com under what’s new.

 

 

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