Noise Impacts Of Wind Farms Must Not Be Neglected

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 26 Mar 2009 - 1:00 PDT

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Environmental Protection UK1 welcome the report released by RSPB2, which states that the use of bird sensitivity maps will ensure that wind power and wildlife can co-exist. We are, however, extremely concerned that some news reporting of this3 has stated that the only obstacle to onshore wind development is now 'Nimbyism'.

There is increasing evidence that if siting of turbines is not properly considered, noise impacts can make homes uninhabitable4. With larger turbines now the norm, the more than 10 year old guidance used to predict noise from these is being found by acousticians not to be appropriate5. It is increasingly clear that exceptional care must be taken in siting of turbines to avoid major impacts on communities, as well as wildlife.

"While Environmental Protection UK are wholeheartedly in favour of renewable energy development, this must not be at the expense of avoidable impacts on neighbouring residents." said Mary Stevens, Policy Officer at Environmental Protection UK "To say that Nimbyism is now the only barrier to development is a gross oversimplification."

Notes

1. Environmental Protection UK (formerly NSCA), is the environmental protection charity supported by pollution control professionals. We have been working for a cleaner, quieter, healthier world since 1898.

2. Positive Planning for Onshore Wind - RSPB

3. BBC Today Programme 24 March - item on wind turbines

4. Press report on wind turbines

5. Prediction and Assessment of Wind Turbine Noise, Bowdler et al, Institute of Acoustics Bulletin March/April 2009

Source
Environmental Protection UK