Water Wells First protest in front of Chatham-Kent Civic Centre. July 4, 2017. (Photo courtesy of Sarah Cowan Blackburn News Chatham-Kent). Water Wells First protest in front of Chatham-Kent Civic Centre. July 4, 2017. (Photo courtesy of Sarah Cowan Blackburn News Chatham-Kent).
Chatham

Municipality Responds To Claims On Health Unit

The municipality is reacting to claims made about the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit by the spokesperson of a local activist group.

Water Wells First spokesperson Kevin Jakubec accused the health unit of contravening the Health Act by not testing local water well sediments. The group has long claimed that the construction and operation of wind turbines is damaging the ground water -- causing health concerns.

The municipality issued a statement Friday evening.

"The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit is not contravening any legislation in regard to water quality in the municipality. We take exception to these frivolous accusations," as stated in the release.

In recent months, the municipality has stepped up in offering residents who are experiencing well issued free testing on the wells.

As stated in the release, many residents accepted the offer, however, no one had mentioned sediment testing.

"Despite our repeated requests during the last year, Mr. Jakubec continues to refuse to present evidence to support the health risks he suggests exist," said in the release.

The municipality is also expressing support for the local Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Colby.

"The municipality supports science-based position while at the same time it continues to work with residents of the community to help alleviate their concerns."

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