Noise Pollution from Wind Turbines
article from www.stopillwind.org
Large wind turbines in concert with each other, especially those sited on ridgetops with side slopes shaped like a parabolic reflector, create profound, relentless noise reverberations extending out for more than a mile, sounding like "a boot tumbling in a dryer" or the revving of jet engines on a runway. Dave Pevec, who lives more than a quarter-mile from the Waymart windpower plant in rural Pennsylvania, complains that the noise keeps him awake at night. "It sounds like an airport... my peace is gone forever." Lou Orehek, whose family lives nearby, says, "It is the opinion of members of my family that the windmills generate a low frequency 'grind'... and this noise travels more than 7,000 feet." In Michigan, Kelly Alexander lives a quarter-mile from the Mackinaw City turbines. The low frequency sound creates a drumming that penetrates the walls of his home. Even with doors and windows tightly closed, there is no way to escape it. His 80-year-old mother lives next door. The noise keeps her awake at night. Bob Larivee of Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, who lives 3,000 feet from a 20 turbine windplant, measured the noise scientifically over a 48 hour period. The results "showed an average reading of about 75 decibels during that period. This is about the amount of noise coming from a washing machine... . According to the EPA 'noise levels above 45dB (A) disturb sleep and most people cannot sleep above noise levels of 70 dB(A).'"
The wind industry is very aware of this problem but tries to "hide" it by taking visitors directly under the turbines where there is typically little noise or conducting tours from May-September when wind speeds are typically much lower. Turbine noise is a very distracting nuisance, often causing people to seek medical attention. In fact, contractual agreements with landowners usually include a "noise easement" provision. For more information about this issue, consult the following report and scientific paper describing why rows of huge wind turbines are so noisy at great distances:
http://www.scoutmoor.com/News_and_Docs/Turbines_at_night.pdf and the scientific paper that is to be published soon based on this research - http://www.nowap.co.uk/docs/windnoise.pdf .
other noise related links
http://www.ninapierpont.com/