A tribunal scheduled to begin today about the impact wind turbines have on well water, has been cancelled.
The hearing had been scheduled to begin Oct. 5 at the Thames Arena in Chatham and run until Oct. 27.
The cancellation was news to the local Water Wells First group.
“We know very little about what is going on,” the group stated on social media.
The group said a conference call made by some member to the tribunal coordinator offices revealed all tribunal dates have been axed.
“The parties appear to have reached an agreement,” group officials said.
“The parties are gagged and no further information will be released until all paperwork is signed and authorized by the tribunal head. This may take a couple weeks.”
The group said they plan on posting an information once it is released.
“We are very anxious and impatient to know details, as we are sure you are as well.”
Back in August, several members of the Water Wells First group attended a meeting, where Chatham-Kent council rejected a wind turbine moratorium for the community.
Several deputations on the well water topic were given prior to the August 29 meeting.
Kevin Jakubec, the organizer of Water Wells First and the individual who made the claim opposing the North Kent Wind project, said during the meeting that the citizens of Chatham-Kent are owed the right to continue enjoying water.
“It is essential for their life, it is essential for their productivity,” Jakubec said.
“We must have this looked at. We must understand what is going on. Why are we seeing wells which have been for decades completely good and have served families and now are starting to become polluted with particulates?”
Jakubec told the Sydenham Current back in July he is concerned that the pile driving of the wind farm foundations is causing vibration damage to the wells.
While in the council chambers, Jakubec passed around a jar of water and a glass of water from a local well.
“We must simply understand why the wells have gone dirty,” he said at the August meeting.
“We need to understand what these particulates are because certainly you don’t want to put this in front of your children or your family and so in solidarity with the people of Dover Township, I will drink the water that they drink everyday.”
Reports say 10 to 15 residents showed up for the meeting today, unaware that it had been cancelled.
A preliminary hearing was held for the tribunal back in August as well.
We’ll provide more information when it becomes available.
– Photo credit: Tami Schram
