‘Water Wells First!’ Public Protest Coming to Chatham-Kent,
Ontario
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Strathroy, Ontario – June 27, 2016 – “On Wednesday, June 29, 2016, residents of the municipality of Chatham-Kent, Ontario, embark on their Water Wells First! campaign to protest and advocate for protection of their water wells, says the Ontario Ground Water Association.” These residents understand that renewable energy is important to the future of Ontario and in the battle that is climate change but the safety and security of their water is their priority. The Ontario Ground Water Association (OGWA) became aware of increased water quality issues in the region when inquiries intensified from Chatham-Kent and Lambton County residents for well water testing through the OGWA’s ‘Well Wise’ water testing program. The OGWA is fully supportive of the Chatham-Kent residents in this endeavor.
Existing Wind Farm developments in this area are disregarding known science on vibration and seismic coupling, causing adverse effects on local ground water and drinking water wells. The pile driving of foundations began the onset of water quality deterioration during the construction phase. After the wind mills are in service, the vibrations transfer into the concrete foundations and continue to vibrate the rock and soil formations of the surrounding areas. This activity directly affects the sources of the residents’ water wells. The result is dirty, turbid water. These residents are also rightly concerned about what effects this vibration has in an area known to have elevated levels of Radon gas.
Water Wells First! is a call to action from the affected residents of Chatham Kent to have the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC), the Provincial Government, and the wind industry recognize these adverse effects. This appeal is for the prohibition of pile driven foundations in this area, to demand vibration suppression, and to require assessment of seismic coupling on any wind developments. The OGWA shares the concerns and goals of these citizens in their efforts to ensure the sustainability of their water wells and ground water in Chatham-Kent.
The Ontario Ground Water Association is a not for profit organization representing ground water professionals in the Province of Ontario. Established in 1952, the OGWA is “Dedicated to protecting and promoting Ontario’s most precious resource – ground water”
Contacts:
K.C. Craig Stainton
Executive Director
Ontario Ground Water Association
www.ogwa.ca
Phone: 519-282-0063 (Cell)
Fax: 519-245-7196
Email: executivedirector@ogwa.ca
and
Kevin Jakubec
Water Wells First!
Phone 519-683-2771
jakubechome@gmail.com
Mothers Against Wind Turbines Inc. 
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