The effects of noise on wildlife
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service|March 18, 2011
This important document examines the possible impact of turbine noise on wildlife. The entire report, with references, can be downloaded by clicking on the link(s) at the bottom of this page.
This important document examines the possible impact of turbine noise on wildlife. The entire report, with references, can be downloaded by clicking on the link(s) at the bottom of this page.
Conclusion
Although there are few studies specifically focused on the noise effects of wind energy facilities on birds, bats and other wildlife, scientific evidence regarding the effects of other noise sources is widely documented. The results show, as documented in various examples above, that varying sources and levels noise can affect both the sending and receiving of important acoustic signaling and sounds. This also can cause behavioral modifications in certain species of birds and bats such as decreased foraging and mating success and overall avoidance of noisy areas. The inaudible frequencies of sound may also have negative impacts to wildlife. Given the mounting evidence regarding the negative impacts of noise – specifically low frequency levels of noise such as those created by wind turbines on birds, bats and other wildlife, it is important to take precautionary measures to ensure that noise impacts at wind facilities are thoroughly investigated prior to development. Noise impacts to wildlife must be considered during the landscape site evaluation and construction processes. As research specific to noise effects from wind turbines further evolves these findings should be utilized to develop technologies and measures to further minimize noise impacts to wildlife.