Health Canada study: Ontario wind turbine rules not protecting citizens

TORONTO, Dec. 3, 2014 /CNW/ - Ontario is not protecting the health of residents living near wind turbines, according to results of a Health Canada study released November 6.

Responses to the government study questionnaire show that participants in the study reported experiencing distress or annoyance at 35 decibels/dBA to Health Canada.  Current Ontario regulations are based on the World Health Organization Night Noise limit of 40 dBA but that was designed solely for traffic and airport noise.  To protect people from the unique turbine noise at the safer level of 35 dBA, the setback between turbines and homes should be 1,300 meters, not the current 550 meters.

Wind Concerns Ontario today called on the federal Health Minister to act on the findings of her department, and issue appropriate national guidelines for wind turbines to reflect concerns raised by the study. 

New Zealand and the State of South Australia already use the 35 dBA standard, particularly in rural areas. 

The WCO report is at http://www.windconcernsontario.ca/health-canada-data-shows-ontario-wind-farm-regulations-not-adequate/

SOURCE: Wind Concerns Ontario

Warren Howard WCO executive 519-291-6950/Jane Wilson president 613-489-3591