S is also for Safety:

Doctors speak out about industrial wind turbines and health concerns.

This is a statement issued by the staff of the Rumford Community Hospital, and sent to Gov. Baldacci, Dr. Mills of Maine Center for Disease Control, as well as the Rumford Falls Times and the Lewiston Sun Journal.
[source]

HEALTH CONCERNS GENERATED BY WIND TURBINES

As members of the Rumford Community Hospital medical staff we endorse the concept of alternative energy including, but not limited to wind turbines. As wind turbine generated power has been introduced on an industrial level in more and more areas of the country, as in the world, there is a literature emerging world wide expressing a multitude of side effects affecting those who live, work, or attend school in the vicinity of wind farms.

The health hazards include problems arising not only from audible noise frequencies but also from inaudible low frequency noise waves. There are growing scientific observations and studies suggesting that some people living with 2-6 miles of these industrial wind farms are effected at a variety of levels from a variety of symptoms.

In light of those growing, serious medical concerns we propose a moratorium of at least one year and possibly more on the building of any such "wind farms" until more research is being done on the public health impact that such facilities can and will have on a segment of the communities surrounding such technology.

Signed,
Medical Staff, Rumford Community Hospital
Dr. John Kroger, Chief of Staff

Click here to read the peer reviews of a medical study conducted by pediatritian Dr. Nina Pierpont on the adverse health effects on families living too close to turbines.

S is for Sound: What is the difference between Sound and Noise and why does it matter?

A summary of the Town of Union's Findings Regarding Wind Turbine Noise Impacts

(Download the entire ordinance by clicking here)

The findings regarding Wind Turbine noise begin on page five of the ordinance.

The definitions section of the ordinance (page 11) helps us to understand some of the terms used in relation to Wind Turbine Noise.

These include:

Sound: A fluctuation of air pressure which is propagated as a wave through air. (p.17)

Noise: any unwanted sound. Not all noise has to be excessively loud to represent an annoyance of interference. (p.15)

Let's take a closer look at these two words, Sound, and Noise.

The NIDCD—(one of the National Institutes of Health) defines sound this way:
"What is sound? Sound is a form of energy, just like electricity and light. Sound is made when air molecules vibrate and move in a pattern called waves, or sound waves. Think of when you clap your hands, or when you slam the car door shut. That action produces sound-waves, …" [source]

Sound energy also moves through any medium that can carry vibration, including water, solid objects, and even our bodies. Think of the feeling in your chest during a parade as the bass drummer gets closer. That's the feeling of sound waves passing through your body.

A decibel [dBA] is a measuring unit for sound and noise.

Let's take a closer look at decibels and the decibel scale.

According to the Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 2007, Columbia University Press:

"Noise intensity is measured in decibel units.

The decibel scale is logarithmic; each 10-decibel increase represents a tenfold increase in noise intensity.

Human perception of loudness also conforms to a logarithmic scale; a 10-decibel increase is perceived as roughly a doubling of loudness.

Thus, 30 decibels is 10 times more intense than 20 decibels and sounds twice as loud;

40 decibels is 100 times more intense than 20 and sounds 4 times as loud;

80 decibels is 1 million times more intense than 20 and sounds 64 times as loud.

Subjected to 45 decibels of noise, the average person cannot sleep. … "

Summary of the Town of Union Findings on Wind Turbine Noise

Large wind turbines are a significant sources of noise which, if improperly sited, can negatively impact the health of residents, particularly in areas of low background (ambient) noise. (p.5,1)

A maximum Sound Pressure Level (SPL) of of 35dBA or 5 dBA over the normal background noise is necessary to protect residents from the adverse health effects associated with large wind turbine noise. (p.5,b.)

According to wind turbine noise studies, few respondents were disturbed in their sleep by wind turbine noise at an SPL of less than 35 dBA, but at greater than 35 dBA, respondents were increasingly disturbed in their sleep from wind turbine noise. (p.6,5 [Pedersen 2008] and [2003])

Wind turbine noise greater than 5 decibels over normal background noise increases the risk for adverse health effects because a change of 5 decibels is clearly noticeable. (p.6,6. [Kamperman and James 2008])

The 50 decibel limit (dBA) set forth by the state of Wisconsin is too high to provide adequate protection. (p.5, b)

Large wind turbines emit two types of noise. One is mechanical noise from interaction of the turbine parts themselves, and the other is aerodynamic noise from the blades passing through the air which can generate broadband noise, tonal noise, and low frequency noise. (p.5, 2.)

These three varieties of noise are present when a helicopter flies low over your house. You hear a dense roar (broadband), the distinct sound of the blades (tonal), and feel the thumping vibrations in your chest cavity, (low frequency). Wind turbines can also produce all of these noises at once.

Large wind turbines create a noise annoyance that can hinder physical and mental healing, and can cause negative heath effects which include sleep disturbance and disruption, stress, anxiety, fatigue, (p.6, 3 [Harry 2007]) the adverse health effects associated with sleep disturbance and depravation, psychological distress, depression, headaches, tinnitus [ringing in the ears], and hypertension.

Wind turbine noise can affect each person differently. Some people are unaffected by wind turbine noise, while others may develop health problems from the same noise.

At low frequencies, wind turbine noise may not be heard, but rather felt as a vibration. Medical research reported complaints from people who felt the noise from large wind turbines, similar to symptoms that can be associated with vibroacoustic disease. (p.6, 4. [Pedersen 2007] [2003] [2008] [Kamperman and James 2008] [Pierpont 2007] [Harry 2007] [Leventhal 2007]

Studies show that prolonged exposure to wind turbine noise resulted in adverse health effects at SPLs below those from other sources of community noise, such as road traffic noise. Sound generated by wind turbines has particular characteristics and creates a different type of noise, having different health impacts than compared to urban, industrial, or commercial noise. (p.7,7.) [Pedersen 2003] [2008] [Soysal 2007]

Living in a rural environment, in comparison with a suburban area, increases the risk of residents being impacted by noise from nearby large wind turbines because of the low background noise of rural environments. (p.7,8.) [Pedersen and Waye 2007]

Residents living near newly constructed large wind turbines in the town of Byron, Fond du Lac County, WI, testified at the public hearing held by the Town of Union Plan Commission that they currently experience adverse health effects from wind turbine noise such as sleep depravation and disturbances, headaches, nausea and dizziness. The SPL from the wind turbines in the Town of Byron is greater than 45 dBA at their residences and can be heard inside of their houses and outside in their yards. (p.7, 10)

Two Town of Union Plan Commissioners visited turbine sites in the Town of Byron and confirmed that the wind turbines were a significant source of noise.

Doug Zweizig, acting chair of the Plan Commission, noted that the turbines sounded like a jet airplane when describing the quality and intensity of the sound.

Commissioner Dave Pestor spoke with residents, farmers and a sheriff's deputy in the area who all stated the turbines were noisy. Commissioner Pestor also took noise readings at the home of Gerry Meyer, who has a turbine about 1500 feet from his house. The sound measured from 57 to 67 dBA on June 6-7, 2008. Commissioner Pestor also took sound measurements from several wind turbines in the area. The lowest sound measurement was 48dBA and the highest was 69dBA.

Study Committee members, Jim and Cathy Bembinster, visited the Montfort, WI wind turbines in August of 2007, and measured sound levels to be between 48 and 53 dBA and 62-73 dBC [a dBC reading measures low frequency noise as well]. They also found two pieces of broken blades, with the tip of the blade being as big as the hood of a truck. The Bembinsters visited Monfort again in November of 2007 and measured sound above 60dBA and 65dBC.

When Commissioner Kim Gruebling visited turbine sites in Byron, Lincoln and Monfort, he found that overall, people were satisfied with the turbines. Two issues Commissioner Gruebling noted were tensions between landowners profiting from the wind turbines and those landowners who did not, and the poor conditions of roads following the installation of the turbines.

Commissioner Doug Lee visted wind farms in Iowa and estimates that about 60% of the people he spoke to had positive opinions about the wind turbines, and about 40% had negative opinions.

Commissioner Eric Larson went to a wind farm south of Rockford, IL. No one was available to talk, so he walked around the area. It was a nice day, and windy. Commissioner Larson notices that the windows in the homes surrounding the site were all closed and no one was outside. He stated the noise was similar to a plane going overhead. He stood under a tower and did not feel any unease. (p.7-8, 11)

In order to reduce the risk of negative health impacts from large wind turbine noise, acoustical engineers, George Kamperman and Richard James, recommend:

a) audible sound limits based on pre-existing background sound levels plus a five decibel allowance for wind turbine noise.

b) or SPL not to exceed 35dBA within 100 feet of an occupied structure, whichever is lower,

c) and a dBC limit not to exceed 20dB over ambient background levels.

(p.8, 12)

NOTE FROM THE BPWI RESEARCH NERD: To read the complete Town of Union Findings Regarding Impacts of Wind Turbine Noise, [click here]

Coming up: Town of Union findings regarding Setback Distances from Wind Turbines.

R is for Research, References and Readability:

A look into a well-constructed Large Wind Ordinance

This is the third part of our series on the content of the Town of Union Large Wind Ordinance adopted in November of 2008. Scroll down to read Part One: Recitals and Part Two: General findings

[Download Union Ordinance]

But first, some basics: What does wind turbine noise sound like?

Click on the image above to play video recorded by Larry Wunsch, who lives in the Forward Energy wind farm in Fond du Lac County. It was recorded from his home. The turbine in this video is 1100 feet away. You'll hear it by day, and by night.

The noise limit in this PSC approved wind farm is 50 decibels.

By far, the biggest complaint from those living near poorly-sited wind turbines is noise and loss of sleep. The problems caused by lack of sleep are well recognized by the medical community. Chronic sleep depravation is a known health hazard.

Those of us who have stood directly beneath a wind turbine on a warm afternoon and heard not much more than the blades swishing overhead, may wonder what people are complaining about.

The answer becomes clearer when we stand a 1000 feet to a quarter of a mile downwind from a turbine, especially at night. Think of the turbine as a loud speaker projecting sound. The area directly beneath the speaker will be quieter than further away.

Wind turbine noise changes throughout the day, tends to be louder at night, and varies greatly with terrain, atmosphere, wind direction and speed.

Click on the image below recorded by Gerry Meyer, who also lives in the Forward Energy wind farm. At times he can hear five turbines from inside of his home.

And a story in today's news from north of the border where people living in wind farms are having the same kind of trouble:

Norfolk wind turbines: Whirling controversy

Posted By Daniel Pearce, SIMCOE REFORMER  [SOURCE] February 6, 2009

The ringing in his ears and the constant headaches started about a year ago.

Ross Moulton has been to his doctor many times and underwent a CAT scan, but so far there is no diagnosis, no reason for his illness.

The 65-year-old soybean and corn farmer has his own suspicions, however.

"I'd like to see a test done to see how much stray electricity is in the air," says Moulton, who lives on the eastern edge of Norfolk County's wind farm, a collection of about 50 giant turbines that generate power for Ontario's grid.

The towers went up close to the farm he has lived on all his life on the north shore of Lake Erie about two years ago and within months his problems started.

Touted as renewable sources of energy that will help cut pollution and global warming, wind farms are supposed to help improve the health of the planet.

But they are increasingly coming under question as anecdotal evidence mounts that the towers and their spinning blades may be harmful to people living close by.

Research by a New York State doctor and author, Nina Pierpont, suggests the culprit is the noise emitted as the blades cut through the air, producing a constant whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, or a low humming.

Constant exposure to these vibrations, some researchers say, can affect the inner ear, causing dizziness, nausea, headaches and sleep disturbances.

Dr. Robert McMurtry, the former dean of medicine at the University of Western Ontario, is calling for the province to study the health impact of wind turbines.

"At a minimum, they should be doing a survey of people around wind farms and getting a sense of how many people are complaining of problems," McMurtry says. "If there is enough evidence, they should mount a formal epidemiological study."

 NOTE FROM THE BPWI RESEARCH NERD: Click here to read the same story from half way around the world.

And, for another story about the impacts of wind turbine noise from today's news, click here

We interrupt our regularly scheduled program to present this news story. But first, let's look at an interactive map of existing and proposed industrial wind farms in our state: (Note: it is by no means complete)

View Larger Map

Citizens give senator earful about turbines

By Mark Sherry TC News editor February 5, 2009

(click here to read this story at its source)

    More than 50 people packed the meeting room Saturday morning at the Calumet Fire Station in Pipe to give State Senator Joe Leibham an earful-primarily about what they view as negative effects of wind turbines in the Johnsburg area.
   

Leibham, a Republican from Sheboygan whose 9th Senate District includes the Malone area, also fielded other questions from citizens but devoted almost an hour and a half to concerns about wind turbines. The scheduled listening session was supposed to run from 10:30 a.m. to noon, but Leibham stayed until almost 1 p.m. before leaving to take a walk-through of local properties to get a closer look at some of the turbine issues.

The Tri-County News interviewed one farmer last summer who had concerns about the installation of the turbines on his property, but this apparent groundswell of dissatisfaction with the turbines only came to light in the past week. Members of the Calumet County Citizens for Responsible Energy (CCC4RE) have met with a group of about 40 Malone area residents who have concerns with the 88-turbine Blue Sky Green Field wind farm being operated by We Energies. CCC4RE has opposed location of turbines in Calumet County under current setback and other conditions.

Bruce Dalka of W2340 Ash Rd., Malone, opened the wind portion of Saturday's meeting by talking about declining property values and high noise levels. He invited Leibham to try to sleep at his home during certain times of the year, saying, "You will not sleep-period."

Shadow flicker reported

Dalka also said the shadow flicker the turbines create "freaks me out, me and my son... It's very disorienting to me and my animals." He said current law provides abatement if shadow flicker is a problem for 25 hours or more per year, but he said even one hour is too much.

Leibham confirmed Dalka's claim that there are two turbines which are closer to a non-participating landowner's home than the required 1,000 feet. Settlements are still trying to be reached for those issues.

TV and radio reception in the wind farm area continues to be a problem as well, Dalka said. We Energies does provide a contractor to assist with those issues, but Dalka said he has six radios in his home and received only one which works.

NOTE FROM THE BPWI RESEARCH NERD:

What is wind turbine shadow flicker and how could shadows possibly disturb anyone?

Click on the video below for the answer. It was shot the fall of 2008 at several locations in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin. If your internet connection isn't fast enough to view this video, please contact us by clicking here, and we'll be happy to mail you a copy on DVD.

R is for Research, References and Readability: Part Two

A look into a well-constructed Large Wind Ordinance

Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin 2008  Photo by Jim Bembinster

PART TWO: Findings

(This is the second part of our series about the content of the Town of Union Large Wind Ordinance. The Town of Union, in Rock County, Wisconsin, adopted this ordinance in November of 2008. Scroll down to read Part One: Recitals)

“Findings” are the results of an investigation, study or inquiry such as the one undertaken by the Town of Union study committee. The findings section of the ordinance begins on page 4 and falls into three categories:

(Download the entire Town of Union Large Wind Ordinance by clicking here)

 -General findings

-Findings regarding noise

-Findings regarding setbacks.

Home surrounded by transmission lines, industrial wind turbine in background.

General Findings:

A) Wind energy is a potential renewable and nonpolluting energy resource and its conversion to electricity may reduce dependence on nonrenewable energy sources and decrease resulting pollution. However, wind energy facilities should sited in a way that protects the health and safety needs of residents residing near large wind turbines as well as the general public.

B) Regulation of the siting and installation of large wind turbines is necessary to protect the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the Town of Union and the general public.

C) Adverse health and safety issues are likely to arise if appropriate standards and setbacks are not followed in the siting and installation of large wind turbines.

D) It’s appropriate to consider relevant recommended standards from international organizations that have more experience with the use, siting and installation large wind turbines than the U.S.

Germany, September 2008

January 9, 2009, Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin. These blades are about 130 feet long, so in this photo we are looking at about 30 feet worth of snow and ice build-up on an operating turbine with a tip speed of between 90 and 175 miles an hour. It appears part of it has already broken off. This turbine is sited less than 1600 feet from a home.

E) Wind turbine accidents have occurred involving ice throw, blade disintegration, fire and tower failure.

F) If improperly sited, wind energy systems can produce electro-magnetic radiation that can interfere with broadcast communication and signals—such as TV and radio reception.

G) Heavy equipment used for the construction of large wind turbines can damage local roads.

Turbine construction Phase, Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, 2008

TOMORROW: Findings about noise

Part One: Recitals

The Town of Union’s Large wind ordinance is not only solid, well researched, and defensible—it’s also constructed in a way that is surprisingly readable.

In the next few days, we'll be taking a look inside of the ordinance which many consider to be the best in the state.

(Download the entire ordinance by clicking here)

PART ONE:

The ordinance begins with the recitals.

Recitals are an account of the steps the town of Union took in order to create its large ordinance, such as:

A) Adopting a moratorium or temporary stay on the construction of large wind energy systems to give the Town time to research and develop an appropriate ordinance

B) Appointing a study committee to research wind energy systems and make a written recommendation to the Plan commission on regulations to adopt.

C) Holding 14 public study committee meetings to research health and safety effects of large wind turbines.

D) Preparing and submitting Study Committee set-back recommendation report and a draft ordinance reviewed by the Town attorney.

E) Addressing comments from the Town attorney, submitting a revised draft ordinance, and holding public hearings on the revised draft ordinance.

F) Holding six Plan Commission working meetings in addition to time devoted to this issue at regular Plan Commission meetings to develop a final draft ordinance

G) Plan Commission recommending the Town Board to adopt the ordinance and the Town Board's adoption of the ordinance.

(Click here to download a detailed step by step account of what it took to create and adopt the Town of Union Large Wind Ordinance)

The recital also lists 35 of the many reports, studies, research projects and documents relating to health and safety used by the Study Committee.

They include:

Wind Energy Noise Impacts: Acoustic Ecology Institute, AEI Special Report:

Click here download entire AEI Special Report:

Click here to download fact sheet summary of AEI Special Report

Click here to visit the AEI website.

A Primer for Addressing Wind Turbine Noise", Alberts, Daniel: Lawrence Technological University, November 20, 2005

Click here to download "A Primer for Addressing Wind Turbine Noise."

Click here to visit Daniel Albert's website

"In-home Wind Turbine Noise is Conducive to Vibroacoustic Disease", Alves-Pereira, Mariana and Branco, Nuno A.A. Castelo. Wind Turbine Noise Conference, September 20, 2007. Click here to read an summary of this report.

Click here to read about the September 2007 Wind Turbine Noise Conference

"Communicating the Noise Effects of Wind farms to Stakeholders" Bajdek, Christopher,, a paper presented at Noise-Con 2007, October 22-24, 2007

Click here to download this report

Click here to read more about Noise-Con 2007

"Guidelines for Community Noise", Berglund B., Lindvall T., and Schwela D.:World Health Organization 1999,Click here to read these guidelines

"The Repercussions of Wind turbine Operation on Human Health"French National Academy of Medicine: , March 14, 2006. Click here to download report.

"Noise Radiation from Wind turbines Installed Near Homes: Effects on Health", Frey, Barbara J. and Hadden, Peter J.,February 2007. (Click here to download report)

"Wind Turbines, Flicker, and Photosensitive Epilepsy: Characterizing the Flashing that may Precipitate Seizures and Optimizing Guidelines to Prevent Them" Harding, Graham, et al. 2008 (Click here to download report)

"Wind Turbines, Noise and Health", Harry, Amanda, MD. February 2007. (Click here to download report)

Testimony of Richard James, noise control consultant and acoustical consultant, Tazewell County Illinois Zoning Board of Appeals Hearing, May 1,2008. (Click here to download)

"Simple Guidelines for Siting Wind turbines to Prevent Health Risks" Kamperman, George and James, Richard, Noise-Con 2008, August 2, 2008. (Click here to download)

"The How-To Guide to Criteria For Siting Wind turbines to Prevent Health Risks From Sound" Kamperman, George and James, Richard, , July 30, 2008. (Click here to download)

"A Review of Published Research on Low Frequency Noise and its Effects", Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, UK (2003). (Find document by clicking here)

Wind Turbine Ice Throw: Matilsky, Terry, Rutgers University, 2008 (click here to read report)

"Environmental Impacts of Wind Energy Projects", National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences, 2007. (download summary by clicking here)

Learn more about this report by clicking here

Wind Turbine Noise Log: Daily Dairy of a Family Living Next to Wind Turbines, Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, Meyer, Gerry, 2008-09 (Click here to download)

"Visual and Acoustic Impact of Wind Turbine Farms on Residents, Final Report",Pedersen, E., et a1., June 3, 2008. (Click here to download)

"Wind Turbine Noise, Annoyance and Self- Reported Health and Well-being in Different Living Environments" Pedersen, Eja and Person Waye, Kerstin. Occupational and Environmental Medicine (click here to read the summary)

"Human Response to Wind Turbine Noise Perception, Annoyance and Moderating Factors", Goteburg University, Pedersen, Eja, 2007 (Click here to read the summary)

"Noise Annoyance from Wind Turbines - a Review", Swedish Environmental Protection Agency Report Pedersen, Eja, et al., August 2003. (Click here to download)

"Health Effects of Wind Turbine Noise", Pierpont, Nina, MD, PhD, 2006 (click here to download)

"Wind Turbine Syndrome: Noise, Shadow Flicker and Health", Pierpont, Nina MD, PhD, 2006. (click here to read)

"Wind Turbine Acoustic Noise White Paper", Rogers, Anthony L., PhD., et al., University of Massachusetts Renewable Energy Research Lab, June 2002, amended January 2006. (click here to read summary)

"Wind Farm Noise and Regulations in the Eastern US", Soysal, H., 2nd International Meeting on Wind Turbine Noise, 2007 (click here to download)

State of Wisconsin 2007 DraftModel Wind Ordinance and Reference Guide. (Click here to download)

"Location, Location, Location - An Investigation into Wind Farms and Noise by the Noise Association", Stewart, John, UK Noise Association, June 2006 (Click here to download summary)(Click here to download entire document)

Town of Union Large Wind Turbine Study Committee Setback Recommendation Report, January 6, 2008. (Click here to download entire document)

"Effects of the wind profile at night on wind turbine sound" Van den Berg, G.P., , Joumal
of Sound and Vibration Volume 277 (2004). (click here to download)

World Health Organization Technical Meeting on Sleep and Health, Bonn Germany, 22- 24 January 2004. (click here to download)

NOTE FROM THE BPWI RESEARCH NERD: Tomorrow we will feature the Findings section of the town of Union ordinance.