Protesters block turbine site

CHATHAM Protesters blocked the entrances to three wind-turbine construction sites near Chatham Thursday morning.

The protest group, Water Wells First, has for more than a year been fighting the development of a wind farm they say is causing problems for area residents who depend on wells for their drinking water. Tests at several farms have shown their well water has been harmed since construction began.

Three protesters — Brian Leclair, Dave Cameron and Scott Moir — said they intended to block the entrance to the Countryview Line construction site for the entire day.

Kevin Jakubec, spokesman for Water Wells First, said in a statement Thursday that the three sites will be blocked until Ontario’s Ministry of Environment “issues a halt order” to area wind developers Samsung and Pattern Development.

“Water Wells First demands all pile-driving activities be stopped immediately until the (ministry) identifies” the issues.

Jakubec noted that within the past few weeks, five Chatham Township families have reported “well interference complaints to the (province).”

He added that “out of anger and frustration” members of Water Wells First have “had to act independently to protect their families’ water supply and well-being and block construction crews from operating the pile-drivers.”

Sites under blockade Thursday are at 9998 Oldfield Line, 9917 Country View Line, and 9525 Country View Line.

ELLWOOD SHREVE Wayne and Valerie Brooksbank hold a water sample and filter from their well to illustrate the amount of sediment that showed up in their water shortly after pile-driving began near their home.