Wind turbine health problems considered: Chautauqua Health Board

Chautauqua County Health Board, January 17, 2019 An increasing number of Arkwright and Sheridan people are suffering health concerns due to industrial wind turbines which began operation Sept. 8, 2018. Arkwright resident Lynn Bedford: “I have eight turbines around my house. My quality of life is horrible. It’s like a living hell.” In an interview, Health Board chairman Tom Erlandson said, “My objective was to be sure the Board of Health heard the concerns of the people, particularly those who live near the wind towers and some of the health related issues….It’s not the number decibels so much as its infrasound and the effects of that on human health …” Christine Schuyler, director Chautauqua County Health Department: “The Western New York Health Alliance issued a letter to the State Public Service Commission requesting a full transparent process when it comes to health issues related to wind turbines. Chautauqua County Board of Health is going to further investigate what is going on around the state….to see what more we can do to try to at least get full SEQR review done and anything else we can do as far as to advocating for any public health concerns related to the wind turbines.” Dr. Robert Berke suggested that much like documenting “cancer clusters” [as in Love Canal] illness or disease clusters related to wind turbines could also be documented and a request made to the State for further investigation. This is similar to lead regulations, which have evolved over time. Dr.Lillian Ney said we have policies for sewers; holding tanks, lead, -we should have health ordinances recommended to the legislature as wind turbine health ordinance policy. Health Department Attorney Kristin Wright said that Chautauqua is not the only county dealing with wind turbine health problems and contact with other health boards around the state should be done. Dr Tariq Khan said "As a board, I propose that we at least make a statement of concern regarding the lack of science, evolving science around these wind turbines so we can make a recommendation to our legislature. If we don’t have some proper regulations this can go haywire and cause a lot of damage long term. This is an opportunity for our health board to be a trend setter and look into it." Dr. Mark Twichell and Joni Riggle, a retired nurse, also spoke, as did Karen Engstrom of Chautauqua Updates.