A Private Members’ Bill targeting ground current pollution has passed another stage.
Chatham-Kent-Essex MPP Rick Nicholls brought forward Bill 161, Elimination of Ground Current Pollution Act.
Nicholls says he's heard from dairy and other livestock farmers across the province. Questions have been raised about the potential impact of ground current pollution including a decrease in production for livestock and reproductive problems.
Nicholls is the critic for Community Safety and he sees it as a general safety concern.
Bill 161 would require electricity providers to respond to a complaint within 10 days of receiving it, investigate the claim within 30 days, and take all necessary steps to eliminate the objectionable current flow within 6 months.
The Ontario government would be required to develop a comprehensive plan for the elimination of objectionable ground current in Ontario and implement it within ten years.
Nicholls’ bill was influenced by the work of former Liberal MPP Maria Van Bommel, who first attempted to pass a similar law in 2006.
The bill has passed second reading at Queen's Park.
