Ontario Energy Minister Glenn Thibeault addressed concerns from Water Wells First during his brief visit to Chatham on Monday.
Water Wells First (WWF) is claiming that the wind turbine construction and operation in the Dover and North Kent area have had a negative impact on water quality in the aquifer that's supplying water for wells just north of Chatham. The group has been fighting for clean water since the turbines were first installed in Dover about four years ago. Now, the group's fight continues as wind turbines are being installed in North Kent.
Despite ongoing WWF protests, Thibeault assures the water situation in Chatham-Kent is under control.
"All the safety aspects were looked at and everything seems to be on track-- but if there are concerns, there is a process through the MOECC (Ministry of Environment and Climate Change) to address that," says Thibeault.
Thibeault says the ministry will continue to do more tests and fulfill their due diligence.
The Ministry of Environment recently agreed with the group that the base of the first tower was not properly capped and sealed to prevent rainwater from entering the groundwater aquifer. Since then, the wind farm developer has worked on better sealing the supports with grout material.