Clean, renewable power from abundant natural sources. Remember when that seemed like something that just required harvesting?<\/p>\n
Lately wind power can’t shake persistent debate. In Canada, critics charge that wind turbines create visual pollution, depressed property values<\/a>, danger to migratory birds and a range of health issues for humans living near the massive blades.<\/p>\n A few years ago, the Province of Ontario warmly embraced wind power as a way to reduce current dependence on coal and nuclear power plants. Official provincial support is still strong, although it is also starting to sound defensive. The Dunnville Chronicle reports<\/a> that Ontario’s Minister of the Environment, Jim Bradley, just released a consultant’s report stating:<\/p>\n …the province’s rules to control wind turbine sound are “rigorous” and that Ontario has one of the strictest noise limits in North America, which includes a 550-metre minimum setback based on a 40-decibel level.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Ontario’s initial rush to approve wind farms has slowed as opponents have organized around issues of health. There’s a moratorium on off-shore wind projects (which is not terribly significant as most projects are built on land) and calls for holding off on new land-based wind projects<\/a> until more studies are done.<\/p>\n