Highlights of the ordinance adopted include:
Audible Sound Standard: The audible sound emitted by Wind Energy System operations shall not be greater than 5 dBA above the background noise level (L90) for the quietest period of the day measured during the pre-build noise study. Procedures are provided in Appendix. All measurements must be taken using procedures meeting American National Standard Institute Standards.
Low Frequency Sound or Infrasound: No low frequency sound or infrasound from wind energy system operations shall be created which causes the sound pressure level both within the project boundary at any sensitive receptor and within a one-mile radius beyond the project boundary to exceed the following limits established in the ordinance.
Operations – Low Frequency Noise: A Wind Energy System that emits sound (or causes structural or human body vibration) with strong lowfrequency content where the time-average C-weighted sound level exceeds the A-weighted sound level by at least 20 dB when measured inside a structure and adversely affects the subjective habitability or use of any existing dwelling unit, hospital, school, library, nursing home, or other sensitive noise receptor shall be deemed unsafe and must be shut down immediately. Exceedances of any of the limits of the Table in Section 79-19 (a)(5) will also be considered as proof that the Wind Energy System is unsafe and must be shut down immediately.
In addition, the ordinance includes an 1800 foot setback that applies even if the wind facility meets the noise ordinance sound limits at distances of less than 1800 feet.
The adopted ordinances are titled as follows:
ORDINANCE 2007-13: Ordinance to amend the Calumet County Code of Ordinances Chapter 79 of Ordinance 2003-5 amending section 79-19. NOISE.
ORDINANCE 2007-14: Ordinance to amend the Calumet County Code of Ordinances Chapter 79 of Ordinance 2003-5 amendingsection 79-40. SETBACKS and section 79-60. SETBACKS. Pertaining to setback distance.
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