MPP Bailey Calls on Government to Protect Water Wells in St. Clair Township

For Immediate Release
April 26th, 2018

(Queen’s Park) On Thursday, Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey, raised concerns that the construction of an industrial wind farm near an aquifer that runs under the border of Chatham-Kent and St. Clair Township risks contaminating the water supply for residents who draw their water from private wells in the area.

During Question Period, MPP Bailey asked the Premier to take the immediate step of adding the protection of private wells to the mandate of the Thames-Sydenham and Region Source Water Protection Committee. Currently, the mandate of regional Source Water Protection Committees, like the Thames-Sydenham Committee, is to protect municipal sources of water. The water from private wells is not considered.

During his question to the Premier, MPP Bailey noted, “the construction of the Otter Creek Turbine project will involve deep pile driving into that same black shale that left 20 water wells in Chatham Kent producing nothing but murky brown liquid.”

MPP Bailey continued, “Your government has the opportunity to do the right thing and cancel this project before the aquifer that supplies residents in St. Clair Township with water is put at risk of contamination.

“Premier, will you do the right thing and cancel the Otter Creek Turbine Project today?”