New Findings Show Wind Turbines Too Noisy

Now that industrial wind energy is back in the news in Cherry Valley, it might be good to take a look at recent developments regarding noise from wind turbines.

A "windfarm" in Cohocton began operation a couple of months ago, and now complaints are coming in from residents (including those who favored the project) that noise is penetrating their homes and disturbing sleep.

In Allegany, acoustic expert Charles Ebbing gave a presentation to the planning board. He said turbine noise in rural areas can vary from inaudible to neutral to unhealthy, depending on wind, weather and terrain.
He stressed the need to do extensive testing at all times of the day and in different seasons to determine common noise levels before a project is permitted.

Rural ambient sound levels are typically around 30 decibels. (Measurements taken at the Fenner wind project fluctuated around 70 decibels at a nearby home on a windy day.)

Infrasound, inaudible to humans at frequencies below 20 cycles per second and present near large turbines, cause the cells to shake and produce a collagen that stiffens the arteries, Mr. Ebbing also warned.

In Michigan, acoustic expert Rick James also said wind laws did not allow for adequate pre-construction testing to determine ambient sound levels at neighboring properties.

Even with sound levels arrived at accurately, he recommended setbacks of a mile as a protection against low frequency noise because any complaint process could drag on for years.

A new wind project came on line in Mayville, Wisc., last year with local families saying they are experiencing significant sound problems. They've asked what the company is going to do about it, with the reply coming, "We built the project thinking that wouldn't happen."

From Somerset County, Pennsylvania, a home 1,390-1,500 feet from new turbines has been recording readings of 55 to 70 decibels at night.
And yet, shouldn't I be able to do with my property what I want? Even with documented readings of low frequency noise from wind turbines and ill-health effects from such noise having been studied for the past 30 years, shouldn't I be able to say to my neighbor with a heart condition that they'll just have to live with it?

On a related matter, the news continues to report that tax breaks in the form of PILOT programs are being granted to industrial wind developers, even though the tax breaks are only meant for the creation of significant employment.

A moderate size "wind farm" might employ 2-3 workers for monitoring and security. The state comptroller just this week complained that IDAs have been giving more tax breaks than ever in the past year while creating fewer jobs.