Experts will soon be called on at the Environmental Review Tribunal slated to begin in October.
The North Kent 1 wind company and the public group Water Wells First will each have experts to present evidence, in determining whether or not wind turbines are impacting local water wells.
Following the tribunal in August, Chatham-Kent has been granted access to present at the tribunal on October 5.
Chief Legal Officer for the municipality John Norton says although they support the construction of wind turbines in the community they have to stand objectively in listening to both sides.
"Our position is that we are in support of industrial turbines being built in Chatham-Kent," says Norton. "At the same time we are concerned if our citizens are coming forward and making it known that there's been damage caused to water wells because of turbine construction and vibrations."
The group Water Wells First have been making their presence known within Chatham-Kent, by raising awareness of the issues surrounding Dover township.
With complaints that the ground vibrations caused by wind turbines has damaged water wells, creating murky water. They approached council in August on these matters to request a moratorium on the construction of wind turbines but were denied.
So far there has been no actual evidence that the wind turbines are linked to damages specific to Chatham-Kent.
Norton says in order to further assess the situation the tribunal will address turbine companies to determine if the turbines are affecting the environment or the health of locals.
"If there's evidence of any of those things happening then we would be encouraging the tribunal to make an order and take steps to protect citizens and the environment," says Norton.
However, if the evidence shows no harm is being caused by the turbines, then the tribunal will not take action against the companies.
"If there's no real scientific evidence of impact to water wells then we would take the position that the turbine project should proceed as planned," he says.
The Environmental Review Tribunal is a public process. It is scheduled for October 5 but it could go all the way to October 27. The tribunal will take place at the John D. Bradley Centre in Chatham.
With files from Jake Kislinsky.
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