Blackburn News, June 3, 2016
Huron Considering University Partnership On Wind Turbine Study
JUNE 3, 2016 4:24AM
A study being proposed by the Huron County Health Unit on the health impacts of wind turbines may take a new direction.
Health Board Chair Tyler Hessel explains the board had a few concerns about the study, including what they were going to do with the information they collected, and how much it was going to cost them.
Hessel says the University of Waterloo is working with Wind Concerns of Ontario on a study similar to the one the Health Unit was proposing, but it would go into more detail and so they’re exploring the possibility of partnering with the university. That would give them access to a more scientific study done by a group with better human and financial resources.
They have invited a spokesperson from the university to speak at a future Health Board meeting to discuss a partnership.
Hessel adds his understanding is the university is looking at testing in specific areas and in specific homes and doing very detailed analysis.
3 Comments
whooper
This article refers to it as a “STUDY”. There is a BIG difference between a County Health Unit’s legislatively defined and mandated INVESTIGATION – that the former MOH Dr. Owen determined must be conducted and a “study”.
It appears that this is a stall tactic and a way Dr. Klassen and the BOH can pawn off THEIR legislative responsibility.
In May, the BOH/ MOH’s tone was to wash their hands of it completely and kick it back to the province. Likely they received a lot of flack and are concerned of the appearance of firing Dr. Janice Owen and ALSO cancelling her health investigation and the public outrage.
Dr. Owen had already collaborated with the University of Waterloo, the wind companies, the residents, the MOECC, PHO, and researchers around the world. The preparation and development for Owen’s team’s investigation took months (if not longer) and was set to go live last month!
Now, they are going to “reinvent the wheel” and make every aspect conditional on approval from a BOH with no medical background?
Also, notice the word “CONSIDER” in referring to the health “study”….collaboration or otherwise???
We are lucky that WCO got involved and is attempting to resurrect this “paused” investigation.
The HCHU’s Dr. Erica Clark needs to remain the lead in the investigation and the data collected analyzed and available on a seasonal basis – as was promised by Dr. Erica Clark, Owen and Jean-Guy Albert.
Again, notice in this article, Health Board Chair Tyler Hessel’s concern is NOT the HEALTH of Huron County residents! …..Hessel “explains the board had a few concerns about the study, including what they were going to do with the information they collected, and how much it was going to cost them”. This is pathetic and Hessel should resign.
Thank you WCO for keeping this INVESTIGATION alive!!!!!!!! There is no July BOH meeting. The next opportunity for a presentation is at the August meeting. Hopefully, there is a presentation by WCO and the University of Waterloo and a large crowd like yesterday!
Wind Concerns Ontario
We would not worry too much about the use of the word “study” in a news report; the media is not likely to make that distinction, but we are grateful for the media attention to this issue.
Sommer
Would you believe that there is still a Councillor in Ashfield Colborne Wawanosh in Huron County who has recently stated that he does not believe that people are being adversely impacted! This is absolutely disgusting!