Professional Documents
Culture Documents
R.H. Bolton
January 24, 2008
Rev. 0
1
Table of Contents
1.0 Purpose
2.0 Introduction
10.0 Conclusion
References
Appendix 1: Richard Bolton CV
2
1.0 Purpose
The purpose of this report is to comment on the operational noise potential from the
proposed Cape Vincent Wind Power Project. Environmental Resources Management
Corp. prepared and submitted a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) on behalf
of the project sponsor, BP Alternative Energy, on Dec. 7, 2007. Sound and noise are
discussed in the DEIS Section 2.15- 2.16 and in Appendix H prepared by Hessler
Associates.
There are many modern tools to evaluate and predict the effects of noise sources, well
known to the scientific and engineering communities. Sounds, as a form of wave
propagation have been thoroughly and meticulously studied and measured. There are
therefore a host of instrumentation and analysis tools available. But these tools must be
used correctly and carefully in order to avoid the ―garbage in garbage out‖ syndrome and
erroneous conclusions.
2.0 Introduction
BP Alternative Energy Corp. proposes to construct and operate up to 140 industrial wind
turbines covering over 13,000 acres in the Cape Vincent NY region of New York State.
The large size of the turbine units and scale of the project, about 20 square miles of land,
will permanently alter the region. Large turbines create strong noise levels largely from
blade motion but also by the turbine mechanisms themselves. Wind turbine noise added
to the prevailing ambient background sound is an important environmental consideration
when siting wind turbines since they are a permanent installation and may significantly
impair resident‘s lifestyles or even personal health. There are no effective noise
mitigation means available after startup other than operational curtailment.
Irrespective of any local zoning any large development projects that may harm the
environment under NYS Conservation Law (SEQRA)1 generally requires preparation of
an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The EIS is reviewed by an appropriate
governmental agency, usually the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
(DEC) or a Town Planning Board who act as ―Lead Agency‖. The purpose of the
SEQRA process is to identify as early as practicable the environmental consequences of
proposed actions for the benefit of the affected public and government. The EIS approval
process starts with a sponsor‘s submission of a Draft EIS that outlines the project and its
consequences. The Draft EIS is submitted for government and public review and
comment, then a Final DEIS is prepared that incorporates revisions and possible
mitigation measures determined by the Lead Agency.
Before addressing the noise aspects of the DEIS it is imperative to point out the serious
overall deficiencies of this DEIS document. SEQR Rules clearly state the intention of the
1
State Environmental Quality Review Act , Part 617 NYCRR
3
DEIS, in keeping with the NYS ECL mandate to protect the environment. From the
SEQR regulations:
§ 617.2 Definitions
(n) Environmental impact statement (EIS) means a written "draft" or "final" document
prepared in accordance with sections 617.9 and 617.10 of this Part. An EIS provides a
means for agencies, project sponsors and the public to systematically consider
significant adverse environmental impacts, alternatives and mitigation. An EIS facilitates
the weighing of social, economic and environmental factors early in the planning and
decision-making process. A draft EIS is the initial statement prepared by either the project
sponsor or the lead agency and circulated for review and comment.
(emphasis added)
This DEIS is extremely poor in that even approximate turbine locations are not indicated
on any submitted map. Potentially affected residents, who may suffer aesthetic loss, and
significant noise and shadow flicker pollution are therefore unable to make any personal
assessment of the project‘s effects. This is highly contrary to SEQR‘s instruction for EIS
preparation:
(1) An EIS must assemble relevant and material facts upon which an
agency's decision is to be made. It must analyze the significant adverse
impacts and evaluate all reasonable alternatives. EISs must be
analytical and not encyclopedic….
(5) The format of the draft EIS may be flexible; however, all draft EISs
must include the following elements:
Not only does the DEIS omit the turbine maps it consistently defers
important impact considerations to the ―Final‖ DEIS, or solely to the
sponsor‘s discretion. For example:
Ultimately, the computer-generated optimal siting plan for the turbines from a
wind resource perspective will be constrained by landowner agreements and
setbacks and recognition of the need to protect sensitive resources such as
wetlands, wildlife habitat, and agricultural land. The final proposed location of
4
turbines and associated facilities will reflect input and guidance received from
landowners and project consultants focusing on cultural resource, noise, and
ecological impacts. The layout, when proposed, will result in a carefully
achieved balance of energy production and environmental protection.
DEIS 1.3.2
Important environmental considerations are completely absent and well
known – shadow flicker.
If the sponsor is not ready to submit his plans in sufficient detail to allow
public and agency scrutiny then the DEIS is not ready for review and should
not have been accepted by the Lead Agency, the Town of Cape Vincent
Planning Board.
The successful measurement and assessment of the complex noise potential of a large
wind turbine farm project is a vital part of the environmental review and mitigation
process. New York State does not have distinct noise control regulations but the NYS
SEQRA does require proper assessment and mitigation of noise for construction and
operation of new projects. Local towns may enact laws and regulations that are more
protective of the environment but none that are less restrictive. Some procedure must be
formulated for adequately ascertaining the noise impacts of projects and, though not
mandated, many project sponsors will adhere to the NYS Department of Environmental
Conservation (NYSDEC) Noise Policy (Ref. 2). It is a document the DEC may use when
evaluating noise and it contains thorough but not quantitative guidance. This is proper
because of the complexity of New York‘s geography and demographics. There are
specific instructions in the Policy about excessive noise. According to NYS DEC Policy:
(Ref 2):
When a sound level evaluation indicates that receptors may experience sound levels or
characteristics that produce significant noise impacts or impairment of property use, the
Department is to require the permittee or applicant to employ reasonable and necessary measures
to either eliminate or mitigate adverse noise effects.
(emphais added)
For this project the sponsor has chosen to follow the NYS Noise Policy:
It clearly not sufficient for the sponsor to make a determination of what constitutes a
―reasonable effort‖, mitigation must be imposed prior to siting if adverse noise is
expected. Also, noise at a residence is not of sole concern, noise pollution must be
determined at property lines per the DEC Noise Policy (―property use‖)and SEQR
regulations.
5
5.0 DEIS Noise Analysis Methodology
The DEIS has a noise analysis section and there is Appendix H with the Hessler study. The
Hessler report states its intent to analyze the noise impact in three phases:
The Hessler submission, Appendix H, however is only for phase 1, leaf-on background
measurements. Phases 2 and 3 are to be completed in the future and so the public can not
determine any expectations from noise from this project, contrary to SEQR.
The phase 1 submission can however be analyzed for completeness and accuracy since it will
provide a basis for the later conclusions.
2
From Wikepedia: White noise is a random signal (or process) with a flat power spectral density. In other
words, the signal's power spectral density has equal power in any band, at any centre frequency, having a
given bandwidth. White noise is considered analogous to white light which contains all frequencies.
6
NOTE A masking analysis requires comparison of sound pressure levels in different
frequency bands. Sounds having similar A-weighted sound levels may have quite different
spectral content. Hence, it is impossible to determine the degree of masking from A-weighted
sound levels.
2) The presence of sound from one source may alter an evaluation of the annoyance of the
sound from another source. For example, at an outdoor music concert, one might be mildly
annoyed by the noise from an aircraft flyover occurring during an intermission, but be highly
annoyed by a similar noise intrusion during the musical performance, even though the
background sound levels during the intermission and performance are the same.
Also for masking to work the assumption must be made that the wind at the turbine
height is the same as the wind at the receptor/resident. Generally wind increases with
elevation so in most wind situations the turbines will experience higher winds than the
terrain below, exposing residents to the turbine generated noise.
The Hessler phase 1 does not adhere to the DEC Noise Policy. It does not. It is severely
flawed and does not conform to the Policy for the following reasons:
a) All potential receptors that may be affected by unreasonable noise levels must be
characterized, not just surrounding the 7 background measurement sites as was
done by Hessler. Unique and varied acoustical features of the project site,
covering over 20 square miles will likely have markedly different wind and noise
signatures. A statistically valid sample will need evaluation of the topography
mixed with the residential density and proximity to proposed turbine locations.
These mathematical techniques are well established and used by the Federal Land
Classification System for example. Other noise studies use this technique, see for
example Natural Soundscape Monitoring in Yellowstone National Park (Ref. 7, p.
6) or Draft Guidelines for the Measurement and Assessment of Low-Level
Ambient Noise, (Ref. 8 Section 2.2).
b) Measurements of background noise were inaccurate and do not provide a baseline
for establishing noise contour maps. This is discussed below.
c) Sound measurements were made to establish the prevailing leaf-on background
ambient but only for 2 weeks and during the uncharacteristic high-insect season of
summer, late August and early September. The leaf-on season is about 26 weeks,
13 times longer than this and most of that is without noisy insect activity such as
cicada.
The background ambient determination is important because the new wind turbine noise
emissions will be added to the ambient to provide a ―limit of acceptance.‖ The DEC
Noise Policy suggests a 3 dB(A) increase over ambient for ―sensitive receptors‖ and a
generally applicable limit of 6 dB(A) increase as acceptable under most circumstances.
All reports, some even biased by wind company prejudice, agree that a noise source
about 6 dBA or above the lowest background will be found objectionable by the residents
and that ambient backgrounds in rural areas are 30 dBA, or often lower. Fig. 1 is from the
DEC Noise Policy.
7
In non-industrial settings the SPL should probably not exceed ambient noise by more than 6
dB(A) at the receptor. An increase of 6 dB(A) may cause complaints. There may be occasions
where an increase in SPLs of greater than 6 dB(A) might be acceptable.
Therefore the prediction of noise impacts around each turbine depends exclusively on
obtaining reliable ambient background noise data. Inaccurate noise contours and
inaccurate background noise limits will lead to serious errors in delineating setback
requirements for turbine siting. The simple mathematics of sound assessment is shown in
the graph, Fig. 2 below.
Analysis of the Hessler study reveals however that the background noise levels were
probably not accurate because of poor microphone location and wind induced
measurement contamination.
8
5.2.1 Poor Microphone Location
Sound meters have very sensitive microphones and amplifiers. It is difficult for
instruments to match highly sensitive human hearing, especially at low levels around 20
dBA. Because of these sensitivities field measurements require very careful placement to
avoid nearby vegetation from exerting undue influence over the readings. The meters
should not be placed in proximity to the ground where vegetation is close by, or near
stands of bushes or trees. Hessler did not follow these requirements and probably the
recordings are contaminated. Fig 3 and Fig 4 below, taken from the Hessler report clearly
show nearby leafed-out vegetation. Even small winds rustling the leaves will be
registered as a false indication of the surrounding ambient.
Fig. 3: Hessler‘s Typical Background Sound Measurement Setup (from Fig.2.2.13, Pos. 7)
Fig. 4: Hessler‘s Typical Background Sound Measurement Setup (from Fig.2.2.7, Pos. 3)
9
5.2.2 Wind induced error
It is well known that wind induced microphone noise is a large source of ―masking error‖
in any windy measurement situation. The reader may recall news broadcasts where the
reporter is trying to talk despite breezes causing ―wind noise‖ that overcomes the
reporter‘s voice. It‘s the same thing here, a breeze on the microphone, even with a wind
screen, will cause significant errors due to this unwanted effect. Noise meter
manufacturer data clearly show the error and it has been studied theoretically by van den
Berg (Ref. 3), with good agreement between theory and instrumentation. Rion,
manufacturer of the model used by Hessler for 6 of the measurements, provides wind-
induced error curves for their instruments in varying wind conditions in their
specification sheet (Fig. 5). And Fig. 6 shows a plot of wind speed vs. dBA error for the
Rion as well as another manufacturer‘s noise meter, plus two conditions for the van den
Berg theoretical model. All are in good agreement. Also shown on the graph as vertical
bars are the cut-in wind speed and cut-out wind speed for a typical large wind turbine,
this one a GE 1.5sle, 1.5 MW. If the wind at the turbine is the same as the wind at the
ground then it can be seen that at the cut-in wind speed of 9 mph the noise meter error is
about 35 dBA. Unless the background noise being measured is above 35 dBA it won‘t be
registered as a true background sound because of the microphone error. Since wind itself
is completely silent, it creates sound only when acting on some object causing it to react
to the wind‘s pressure. Thus a 9 mph wind may create an ―ambient‖ less than 35 dBA,
depending on physical conditions around the measuring site – nearby woods and
vegetation, structures, and terrain. At the turbine cut-out wind speed of 56 mph the
microphone error has risen to an astonishing 80 dBA. Only loud background sounds can
be now be registered, once again with no way of discerning any quieter ambient.
10
Measurement Error Due to Wind on Noise Meter
Larson Davis 2100K Meter (Ecogen,
Microphone Prattsburgh)
Rion NL series (UPC Wind Cohocton)
(with wind screen in place)
Theoretical (van den
Berg.Atmospheric)
Theoretical (van den Berg, Wake)
100
90
80
70
Error dB (A)
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0 20 40 60
Wind Speed (MPH)
Hessler claims that this self-induced error doesn‘t exist for their measurements because,
by interpolation (See Fig. 7graph below) from the actual meteorological tower wind
speed measurements, the ground winds were very light. Also that the errors are only at
low frequencies.
Wind speed normally diminishes rapidly close to the ground, theoretically going to zero at the
surface; consequently, at a 1 m height the microphones were typically exposed to
inconsequential wind speeds of about 3 or 4 m/s during the wind conditions of greatest
interest (6 to 8 m/s at 10 m). In any event, self-generated wind noise affects only the extreme
lower frequencies and, except in very high wind conditions, has little or no influence on the
measured A-weighted level (the quantity sought in the survey) since the lower frequencies are
heavily suppressed before the spectrum is summed to give an overall A-weighted level.
Consequently, the measured values are considered reasonably valid and free of any
meaningful or significant self-generated contamination.
DEIS Appendix H, 2.3
11
IEC 61400-11 Document Information: Publication Date:Nov 1, 2006
Title :Wind turbine generator systems – Part 11: Acoustic noise measurement techniques
Scope:
This part of IEC 61400 presents measurement procedures that enable noise emissions of a wind
turbine to be characterised. This involves using measurement methods appropriate to noise
emission assessment at locations close to the machine, in order to avoid errors due to sound
propagation, but far enough away to allow for the finite source size. The procedures described are
different in some respects from those that would be adopted for noise assessment in community
noise studies. They are intended to facilitate characterisation of wind turbine noise with respect to
a range of wind speeds and directions. Standardisation of measurement procedures will also
facilitate comparisons between different wind turbines.
To avoid wind contaminated measurements Hessler should have installed local wind-
speed monitors near the microphones, preferably an ultrasonic type.
I have (8-23-06) called Rion‘s US distributor, Scanteck and spoke at length with their
Rick Peppin about wind screens and microphone noise error. He is aware of wind noise
errors and says only a large windscreen, costing $1,800 and therefore seldom purchased,
will effectively reduce this error, though it is not calibrated and therefore of limited use.
12
It was his opinion one should measure background noises without the wind blowing at
all, to give the most conservative noise figure
Rion publishes a graph showing that increasing the wind screen foam diameter helps the
situation but does adequately correct it in windy situations, see Fig. 8 below (Ref. 4) .The
type of wind screen that is required when making measurements in rural areas is shown
in Fig. 9, taken from Ref. 5 and is 12‖ in diameter, much larger than that shown in
Hessler‘s photographs. And yet another and similar type of low-wind-noise windscreen is
made by Delta of Denmark, Fig. 10 below.
Fig 8: Relation between wind screen size and wind noise (Ref. 4)
A study ―Noise Immission from Wind Turbines‖ (Ref. 6) evaluated some methods of
correcting erroneous noise meter measurements:
―The project has dealt with practical ways to reduce the influence of background noise caused by
wind acting on the measuring microphone.‖
13
Fig. 9: Wind Screen for Limiting Wind-Induced Microphone Noise
14
The report identifies a total of four methods to eliminate microphone error:
The reduction of wind-induced noise turned out to be more or less the same no matter which of the
methods is used…‖
(emphasis added)
None of these correction methods was employed by Hessler and it must be credibly
assumed that all wind speeds over 10 mph (4.5 m/s) have a 45 dBA error, about 10-15
dBA above the expected ambient for this rural region.
Indeed, for one site, #4, the ambient was more in line with expectations for a rural setting,
but Hessler dismisses this as anomalous rather than becoming suspicious about its other 6
measurements:
This somewhat chaotic appearing plot shows that sound levels over the site area roughly follow
the same temporal trends except at Position 4 (green trace), where sound levels are consistently
lower than at all other locations. The reason for this anomalous behavior is not clear but may be
associated with a relative lack of vehicle noise on seldom used Fox Creek Road, a relative lack
of insect noise, or the fact that the monitor was not particularly close to any trees and was
exposed to less wind-induced noise.
DEIS Appendix H, 2.5
Figure 11 shows Hessler‘s plot of ―residual sound levels‖ (minus the ―anomalous‖ site 4
data), is an attempt to correlate wind speed with background noise. However from the
previous discussion about microphone error it can be readily seen that in actuality this
graph is merely a graph of wind-induced microphone error. The magnitude of
measurements vs wind speed closely correlate with the predicted errors from Fig. 6. If the
errors were small enough they could be subtracted from Hessler‘s graph to provide the
true background. But in the situation here the error is essentially the only measurement
recorded and swamps out any bona fide background level that may exist.
15
Fig. 11: ―Residual Sound Levels‖ is actually Microphone Noise
Early in the EPA‘s founding, circa 1971, it conducted a comprehensive analysis of noise
pollution (Ref. 7). Modern urbanization has significantly increased noise pollution in
urban areas due to the post-WW II presence of passenger jets and the proliferation of
expressways and automobiles. This study includes a variety of sound assessment
methods, measurements of noises, receptor acceptance levels and statistical analysis of
data. Today the EPA findings are the general underpinning of the NYS DEC‘s Noise
Policy.
From the EPA study, pertinent to wind farm siting in New York‘s rural areas:
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3.1 Variation of Outdoor Noise Environment with Location
The range of daytime outdoor noise levels at the 18 locations is presented in Figure 7. The
locations are listed from top to bottom of the figure in descending order of their daytime residual
noise levels (Lg0). The noisiest location which is outside of a 3rd floor apartment overlooking an
8-lane freeway is at the top of the list with its daytime residual noise level of 77 dB(A). The rural
farm is next to the bottom of the list with its daytime residual noise level of 33 dB(A).
This difference of 44 dB in the residual noise levels of these two locations constitutes a large
range in noise climate. Its magnitude clearly implies that all citizens do not enjoy the same
"quality" in their noise environment. In fact, the owner of the 3rd floor apartment near the freeway
has trouble keeping the apartment rented for more than a month to any one tenant. His problem is
not surprising since the outdoor noise level is sufficiently high to render normal speech
communication difficult indoors even when the windows are closed.
(emphasis added)
From the EPA daytime noise graph below (Fig 12, their Fig. 7) we see clearly that a
daytime ―farm in valley‖ noise level is less than 40 dBA, half the time. At night, from the
EPA‘s Fig. 13 (their Fig 9) table the ―farm in valley‖ is now quieter than 33 dBA half the
night and is only above 36 dBA for 10% of the night. The details of the ―farm in valley‖
location are not explicit and it is unknown how closely this site may mimic a Cape
Vincent site. Perhaps parts of the siting area are even quieter at certain times (winter?),
like the ―Grand Canyon (North Rim)‖ location, showing a mean of 20 dBA?
17
Fig. 13: EPA Report, Nighttime Noise Measurements, Fig. 9
DEIS 2.16.2
This formula is for simple atmospheric spreading of waves emanating from a small
source and would apply similarly for light leaving a light bulb. The calculation is far too
simplistic however and will understate the actual noises by 15-25 dBA. It ignores
substantial variations in propagation that come from environmental effects and weather
conditions. These effects are fundamental to sound propagation and are well developed
and known and discussed below:
18
- refraction and reflection from wind, atmosphere and hard (snow packed)
- modulation
- elevated sources
- coherence among groups of turbines
- blade icing noise
- very low frequency nosie
Refraction occurs from the change in sound propagation velocity due to atmospheric
variability. One source is wind shear, the progressive increase in wind speed above
ground and which occurs frequently. From Mechanical Radiation:
A graphical depiction is shown below, Fig 7-30 from Wind Turbine Acoustics, (NASA,
Ref. 9). This example is for wind propagated through a wind farm grid of low power
wind turbines (100 KW, 31 generators/row, 5 rows). Note the very long sound
propagation distance of about 2,500 m ( 8,000 ft.) at 40 dB. The much larger Cape
Vincent project has several roughly linear and row clusters which will similarly act
together and create a similar propagation field. In downwind conditions it is reasonable to
expect that certain regions will experience noise levels far in excess of Hessler‘s
primitive predictions.
19
Another refraction is from temperature effects. Sound speed changes with temperature
and there is usually a temperature gradient above earth, sometimes inverted by radiation
cooling. The complex interaction of these refractive effects with the wind gradient effect
may cause a tunneling or cylindrical ―focusing‖ of the sound at great distances from the
turbine. By studying historical meteorological data and through local interviews a
predictive model can be constructed to reasonably predict the frequency occurrence and
propagation distances with some statistical confidence.
A comprehensive theoretical study ―Modeling of Noise from Wind Turbines‖ was done
by W. J. Zhu in 2004, (Ref. 10). This study includes some refraction and reflection
effects due to hilly terrain. It shows conclusively the danger of not including
refractive/reflective effects in models. Zhu uses simple assumptions for sound
propagating from a turbine down into a valley under different conditions and finds a 6 dB
increase in noise is predicted for many frequencies, see Fig. 10 below.
20
Fig. 14: Predicted Sound Absorption With Refraction and Terrain (Zhu sic, Ref. 10)
Even for this brief Pubnico study period of 5 days, it was noted that other atmospheric
effects can result in a nearly 400% increase in sound perception beyond predictions:
However, under certain wind and atmospheric conditions when background sound would be
expected to be low, the measured sound levels were found to exceed the criteria and
expected background sound by up to 13 dB.
(emphasis added)
7.2 NASA
Noises carry greater distances from elevated noise sources like wind turbines and this has
been reported by NASA in a study Wind Turbine Acoustics by Hubbard and Shepherd
(Ref. 12, ob cit) From the Introduction:
Wind turbine generators… are producing electricity both singly and in wind power stations
that encompass hundreds of machines. Many installations are in uninhabited areas far from
established residences, and therefore there are no apparent environmental impacts in terms of
noise. There is, however, the potential for situations in which the radiated noise can be
heard by residents of adjacent neighborhoods, particularly those neighborhoods with
low ambient noise levels. …
(emphasis added)
21
This report contains detailed noise analyses of various wind turbine styles – upwind
rotors vs. downwind rotors, blade shape, rotational speed etc. And it includes a detailed
sound propagation analysis. Sound ―bends‖ (refracts) in the atmosphere much like light
refracts in striking a lens. A graph of the effect, from the report, is shown in Fig. 15
below.
The ―Shadow‖ zone in the figure may explain the observed ―quietness‖ experienced by
observers when taken to stand near wind farm turbines such as the Fenner, NY wind
farm. The noises are masked unless the observer is 2-4x the tower height distance. And it
underscores the necessity of comprehensive and accurate engineering studies of complex
phenomena. Merely relying on anecdotal ―I don‘t hear anything‖ knee jerk responses to a
turbine visit is misleading and hardly equivalent to living year round as a saturated
―receptor‖.
Sounds carry further for a ―line‖ of turbines and many wind farms are arranged in linear
and row clusters. As mentioned earlier this situation sounds diminish at about ½ the
normal rate assumed for spherical spreading, or -3 dB/doubling of distance rather than
Hessler‘s assumed -6 dB/doubling and this is discussed as well in the NASA report.
There is an additional noise component to wind turbine noise, a definite noise modulation
effect, widely reported:
When listening to a wind turbine, one may distinguish broadband noise and a beating
noise. Broadband noise is characterized by a continuous distribution of sound pressure. The
beating noise is amplitude modulated, i.e. the sound pressure level rises and falls with
time. This noise is of interest for this review, as it seems to be more annoying than a non-
modulated noise at the same sound pressure level. Only a few studies have however
explicitly compared noises with and without modulations.
Modulated noise from wind turbines has the beat of the rotor blades‘ pace. The amplitude
modulation has in experimental studies found to be most apparent in the 1 and 2 kHz octave
band with amplitude of ± 2-3 dB [Dunbabin 1996]. Theories have been put forward regarding
22
the source and extent of the amplitude modulation. One possible mechanism is the interaction
of the blade with disturbed airflow around the tower, another the directionality of radiation
from the blades as they rotate. Finally it is possible that variation in noise levels occur due to
the atmospheric wind profile, which would result in a slight variation in angel of attack as the
blade rotates [Dunbabin 1996]. In summery, the modulation in the noise from wind
turbines is not yet fully explained and will probably not be reduced in the near future and is
therefore a factor of importance when discussing noise annoyance from wind turbines.
….
The new turbines erected today often have variable rotor speed. This means that the
modulation frequency will be low at low wind speed, typically 0.5 Hz at 4 m/s and higher at
high wind speed, typically 1.0 Hz at 20 m/s. This is still in the span were modulations could
easily be detected.
(emphasis added)
Noise Annoyance from Wind Turbines – a review (Ref. 11, op.sit)
The modulation effect can be enhanced by sound radiation coherence from each wind
turbine, particularly when arranged in a linear array as is Mars Hill Maine, now notorious
for noise pollution. Coherence is the summation effect of modulation sounds from
different sources impinging at a detector (human) due to in-phase blade motion among
various turbines. A familiar and simple example is shown below in Fig. 16 for a water
wave. Two wave sources are shown on the left, vibrating at the same frequency and
phase. The waves move outwards from the sources with the waves interfering with each
other to diminish or enhance the wave received at a particular point. For a more thorough
discussion refer to any general physics text.
The GE Sle1.5 turbines, for an example, operate at variable rotational rates but the rate is
dependent on the wind speed. At times the winds could be essentially the same
everywhere along certain rows of turbines so that the turbines would be operating at
nearly the same rotational rate. Since there are 3 blades on each turbine the phasing can
be at most 120 degrees out of phase among two turbines. Thus sounds will not cancel and
will have about 50% summation even in this simple case. For 140 turbines most will be
nearly in-phase.
Strong modulation has been recently recorded at the Pubnico Point Wind Farm, Nova
Scotia (Ref. 12). The facility is composed of 17 generators of 1.8 MW capacity (Vestas)
arranged in a grid pattern. The impulses were detected in the Pubnico study at a strong
modulation level of 5 dB indicating the presence of coherence enhancement.
23
The three-bladed wind turbines, rotating at about 16 rpm, have a blade pass frequency of
about 0.8 Hz. Thus, over 20 seconds, about 16 ‗swoosh‘ sounds would be expected, and can
be seen in Figure 4a. The influence of the ‗swoosh‘ is clearest at midband frequencies,
centered at about 1000 Hz, where the amplitude modulates by about 5 dB.
(Ref. 12, op. sit.)
The Fig. 4a referred to is a 2-D sound spectrum showing the modulation graphically and
is shown below as Fig. 17. Time is on the horizontal axis and sound frequency on the
vertical axis. The colors represent the loudness intensity. The ―swish‖ modulation, which
is not what is called ―infra-sound‖, is clearly evident in the red colors. The differences in
turbine layout and manufacturer between the Cape Vincent and Pubnico facilities will
affect specific results but here we are trying to illustrate the modulation phenomenon and
the physics of wave behavior, and the necessity of including this evaluation.
Strong modulation due to coherence has been noted in at least one other comprehensive
study done near a German-Dutch wind facility:
A second effect that adds to the sound annoyance is that the sound has an impulsive
character. The primary factor for this is the well known swishing sound caused by the
pressure fluctuation when a wing passes the turbine mast. For a single turbine these 1 – 2 dB
broad band sound pressure fluctuations would not classify as impulsive. When several
turbines operate nearly synchronously the pulses however may occur in phase: two equal
pulses give a doubling in pulse height (+3 dB), three a tripling (+5 dB).
(emphasis added)
Wind turbines at night: acoustical practice and sound research (Ref. 9, op. sit.)
24
Fig. 11: Sample Spectrum of Noise Modulation (Pubnico Point, op. sit.)
In cold climates, with sustained temperatures below 32○ F., atmospheric icing conditions
are common. The northeast U. S. has the highest incidence of icing in North America
(Ref. 13). Due to their aerodynamic shape significant rime ice buildup can occur on
turbine blades in cold weather and high humidity conditions. This effect is similar to the
rime icing of airplane wings. The ice can build symmetrically and then be extremely
difficult to detect. Even a low buildup of ice can disturb the aerodynamics of air passage
over the blades and create higher noise emission due to increased turbulence. Generally
blade noise is the predominant noise source and can be increased 3-5 dBA due to this
rime ice, or other changes to the airfoil surface as due to insect accretion or dirt
accumulation (Ref. 14).
The DEIS and Hessler report completely ignore the possible additional noise pollution
from low-frequency noises, those below the approximate 20 Hz limit of human hearing.
25
Although manufacturer‘s data rarely present it megawatt scale turbines may be a source
of very low frequency sounds, in the range of 70–90 dBA at over 2,000 ft. from a row of
turbines
Fig 18: Graph of Measured High Level, Low Frequency Noise (Ref 15)
These low frequencies transmit through the air much further with less attenuation. ANSI
specifications acknowledge the possible nuisance effects that may result:
Annex D
(informative)
26
Sounds with strong low-frequency content
D.1 Introduction
Sounds with strong low-frequency content engender greater annoyance than is predicted from
the A-weighted sound level. The additional annoyance may result from a variety of factors
including (1) less building sound transmission loss at low frequencies than at high frequencies
and (2) increased growth in subjective loudness with changes in sound pressure level at low
frequencies. In addition, environmental sound pressure levels in excess of 75 to 80 dB in the 16,
31.5, or 63-Hz octave bands may result in noticeable building rattle sounds. Rattle sounds can
cause a large increase in annoyance. The methods in this annex may be used to assess
environmental sounds with strong low frequency content.
In view of the possible and probable additional noise pollution from this effect the DEIS
needs to include an analysis and discussion.
Post start-up noise impacts of wind turbine on community residents has been seldom
studied in the U.S. There are several studies from Europe that deal extensively with noise
annoyances and can serve as an important guide to the furture reaction of affected Cape
Vincent residents.
The importance of correct siting is underscored by from Dick Bowdler, ―a noise and
acoustic consultant for more than 30 years and most of my current work is dealing with
the assessment of environmental noise as it affects residential properties. I [Dick
Bowdler] work equally for those potentially creating noise and those affected by it. I have
been a supporter of wind energy and other forms of renewable energy for some 35 years.―
(Ref. 18) Continuing, he says:
27
In practice, in most rural areas, my rule of thumb is that the nearest turbine needs to be at
least 1¼ miles from any house. However, these are areas where the background noise level can
be 20 dBA at night. You suggest that your background noise level could be 30-32 dB. This
seems a likely figure if you have 350 houses in the area, though I suspect it could be a bit
lower than this. On this basis, noise from the wind farm should not exceed 35 dBA. If the
developers are suggesting that 55 decibels is acceptable, this is quite outrageous. 55dBA is more
than four times as loud as your background noise.
Most of the Scottish wind farms that have recently been approved have no housing closer than
about 1 mile, except where the house belongs to the landowner of the wind farm site. There are
a few applications with houses as close as about 2000 feet but these have all either been turned
down or withdrawn by the developer.
I am not familiar with the GE turbines, but I suspect that they have a sound power level of
about 105dBA. In this case, the noise level would be between 45 and 50 dBA at 1400 feet in
neutral weather conditions and if the nearest turbines were in full view.
(emphasis added)
8.2 Sweden
Topographical conditions at site have importance for the degrees to which the noises from wind
turbines are masked by the wind. Dwellings that are positioned within deep valleys or are
sheltered from the wind in other ways may be exposed to low levels of background noise,
even though the wind is strong at the position of the wind turbine [Hayes 1996]. The noise
from the turbine may on these conditions be perceived at lower sound pressure levels then
expected. Current recommendation state that measures and sound propagation calculations
should be based on a wind speed of 8 m/s at 10 meter above the ground, down wind conditions,
creating a "worst case" scenario.
(emphasis added)
Also this study categorized the objection to noise by a well composed, statistically valid
survey of a variety of residents near a moderate-power (600 KW/unit) wind turbine
installation. The study setup parameters are given below, followed by Fig. 19, a ―chart of
annoyance‖ from the report summarizing the results.
The Swedish study was performed in Laholm during May-June 2000. The areas chosen
comprised in total 16 wind turbines thereof 14 had a power of 600 kW. The study base
comprised one randomly selected subject between the ages of 18 and 75 in each household
living within a calculated wind turbine sound pressure level of 25 to 40 dBA (n=518).
The annoyance was measured using a questionnaire. The purpose of the study was masked and
among questions on living conditions in the countryside, questions directly related to wind
turbines were included. Annoyance from several outdoor sources was asked for regarding the
degree of annoyance both outdoor and indoor. Annoyance was measured with a 5-graded verbal
scale ranging from ―do not notice‖ to ―very annoyed‖. The same scale was used for measuring
annoyance from wind turbines specifically (noise, shadows, reflections, changed view and
psycho-acoustical characters). The respondents‘ attitude of the impact of wind turbines on the
28
landscape scenery and the attitude to wind power in general were also measured with a 5-graded
verbal scale, ranging from ―very positive‖ to ―very negative‖. Questions regarding living
conditions, health, sensitivity to noise and employment were also included. A total of 356
respondents answered the questionnaire, which gave a total response-rate of 69%.
For each respondent calculated A-weighted sound pressure level as well as distance and
direction to the nearest wind turbine were obtained. Sound pressure levels (dBA) were
calculated at 2.5-decibel intervals for each household. The calculations were done in accordance
with [Naturvårdsveket 2001] and reflect downwind conditions. Data of distance between the
dwelling of the respondent and the nearest wind turbine, as well as the direction, was obtained
from maps.
The correlation between noise annoyance from wind turbines and sound pressure level was
statistically significant (rs=0.399; n=341; p<0.001). The annoyance increased with increasing
sound pressure level at sound pressure levels exceeding 35 dBA. No respondent stated them
selves very annoyed at sound pressure levels below 32.5 dBA (Fig. 1). At sound pressure
levels in the range of 37.5 to 40.0 dBA, 20% were very annoyed and above 40 dBA 36%.
The confidence intervals were though wide; see Figure 1.
(emphasis added)
Noise Annoyance from Wind Turbines – a review (Ref. 2, op sit)
Note that about 40% of the participants find turbine sounds above 40 dBA ―very
objectionable‖. Even 32.5-35 dBA is ―very objectionable‖ to 10 % of respondents. This
study should serve as a direct warning that residents will strongly object to the Cape
Vincent project.
Also of interest from the Swedish EPA study are comments relating to wilderness areas
pertaining to much of the Cape Vincent project area:
29
bare mountain region). In a comparison between different outdoor settings in USA, it was
found that the sound pressure level in a suburban area at nighttime was above 40 dBA, along
a river in Grand Canyon 30-40 dBA and at a remote trail in the same park 10-20 dBA
[Miller, 2002]. The effect of intruding sound should be judged in relation to the natural
ambient soundscape. The sound pressure level of the intruding sound must be compared
to the sound pressure levels of the background noise. The durability of audibility is another
variable of importance for understanding visitors‘ reactions to noise [Miller 2001].
Noise Annoyance from Wind Turbines – a review (Ref. 11, op. sit.) (emphasis added)
A follow-up discussion of the Swedish study is in Perception and annoyance due to wind
turbine noise—a dose–response relationship by Pedersen and Waye, published in 2004
(Ref. 19):
Already, turbines are being erected near densely populated areas. Preliminary interviews
conducted among 12 respondents living within 800 m of a wind turbine, and a register study
of the nature of complaints to local health and environments authorities, indicated that the
main disturbances from wind turbines were due to noise, shadows, reflections from
rotor blades, and spoiled views.
Furthermore, noise from wind turbines comprises modulations with a frequency that
corresponds to the blade passage frequency ~Hubbard et al., 1983! and is usually poorly
masked by ambient noise in rural areas ~Arlinger and Gustafsson, 1988!.
The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of annoyance due to wind turbine noise
and to study dose–response relationships. The intention was also to look at interrelationships
between noise annoyance and sound characteristics, as well as the influence of subjective
variables such as attitude and noise sensitivity.
(emphasis added)
The Swedish turbines are a modest 600-660 kw so the overall individual turbine noise
level is much lower than the Cape Vincent units and the combinational increases have a
lower effect. The study is relevant nevertheless because it focuses specifically on
community reaction to wind facilities.
Five areas totaling 22 km2 comprising in total 16 wind turbines and 627 households were
chosen within a total area of 30 km2 (Table I) Subjective responses were obtained through
questionnaires delivered at each household and collected a week later in May and June 2000.
The response rate was 68.4%. A-weighted SPL‘s due to wind turbines were calculated for
each respondent‘s dwelling. Comparisons were made of the extent of annoyance between
respondents living at different A-weighted SPL‘s.
Most people live in privately owned detached houses in the countryside or in small villages.
The wind turbines are visible from many directions.
The report concludes that there is a much higher annoyance with wind turbines than that
associated with other forms of noise such as from aircraft, road traffic or railways (See
graph, Fig. 13). The onset of annoyance begins at a sound pressure level (SPL) of 32
dBA sharply increasing to 35% of respondents at 41 dBA.
30
Fig. 20 : High Annoyance from Wind Turbines (Pederson)
Also:
Another factor that could be of importance for explaining the seemingly different dose–
response relationships is that the wind turbine study was performed in a rural
environment, where a low background level allows perception of noise sources even if
the A-weighted SPL are low. Wind turbine noise was perceived by about 85% of the
respondents even when the calculated A-weighted SPL were as low as 35.0–37.5 dB. This
could be due to the presence of amplitude modulation in the noise, making it easy to
detect and difficult to mask by ambient noise. This is also confirmed by the fact that the
aerodynamic sounds were perceived at a longer distance than machinery noise.
(emphasis added)
There may be a combinatorial effect associated with blade flicker and/or aesthetic
degradation:
Data obtained in this study also suggest that visual and/or aesthetic interference influenced
noise annoyance.
As discussed in Section 7.5 pressure waves created by the blades as they pass by the
support tower propagate long distances and are a modulation of sound intensity, not a
―noise‖ per se but a loudness variance. This is apparently the main objection to wind
turbine ―noise‖:
The high prevalence of noise annoyance could also be due to the intrusive characteristics of
the aerodynamic sound. The verbal descriptors of sound characteristics related to the
aerodynamic sounds of swishing, whistling, pulsating/throbbing, and resounding were—in
agreement with this hypothesis—also reported to be most annoying.
(emphasis added)
In addition to the NYS DEC Noise Policy there are noise guidelines from the World
Health Organization (Ref. 20). Noise in general is an increasingly important human
pollutant. It has therefore begun conducting comprehensive analysis of the health
31
impairment due in particular to health effects due to night time noises and disturbance to
sleep. Though targeting the effects from aircraft and highway noises the conclusions can
be associated with wind turbines since those studies are as yet not started.
The WHO‘s actual conclusions should serve as a guide and warning, that sleep
disturbance is not merely an annoyance and an ‗anti-wind turbine‘ sentiment, but a
genuine health hazard.
Conclusions:
8. There was unanimous agreement that disturbed sleep had serious health effects – solid
evidence existed in sleep medicine, the insomnia model would be used as a proxy and its causes
and effects described on the final document.
9. The analysis of the evidence suggested that Lnight outdoor>42 dB(A) induced sleep
disturbances.
18. The NOAEL for Myocardial Infarction was Lday = 60–65 dB outdoors and Lnight
outdoors = 50 – 55 dB for road traffic. 3 (emphasis added)
10.0 Conclusion
New York‘s SEQR laws require a thorough analysis of environmental impacts of large
projects, including construction noises. Mitigation measures are to be imposed if feasible,
or the project revised to eliminate environmental pollution as much as possible.
An accurate and comprehensive noise analysis is crucial for delineating turbine setbacks
to mitigate noise pollution. But clearly the Cape Vincent Wind Power Project EIS is
premature and lacking of basic information necessary for the public to understand the
noise pollution impacts from the project. The submitted and incomplete noise
information is critically flawed and unusable. The final noise report needs substantial
improvement with far better analysis in terms of a) reasonably accurate background
levels provided through proper noise meter placement and wind shielding b) a valid
sample size determination c) inclusion of the promised non-vegetated measurements and
3
As the report discusses there is an association between long term noise exposure and heart attack
(myocardial infrarction or MI):
Sufficient evidence existed for an association between community noise and ischaemic heart
diseases; limited/sufficient evidence existed for an association between community noise and
(footnote cont next p)
hypertension. Most information came from road traffic noise studies but there was normally little
information regarding night noise in particular. But night time values could be extrapolated from
day time results.
Below 60 dB(A) for Lday there was no noticeable increase in MI risk to be detected. Therefore
for the time-being, Lday = 60 dB(A) could be set as the NOAEL (―no observed adverse effect
level‖) for road traffic noise and myocardial infarction (Babisch, 2002). For noise levels greater
than 60 dB(A), the MI risk increased continuously, and was greater than 1.2 for noise levels of
70 dB(A).
Discussion
Normally CVD effects manifested themselves after 10 years living in a noisy area.
(emphasis added)
32
c) reasonable computer modeling to show noise contours accounting for likely
atmospheric and modulation effects.
These requirements must be satisfied to conform to the noise policy and SEQR rules:
The EIS does admit that noise pollution will likely be a nuisance. Therefore there must be
appropriate setback assurances in place prior to permit approval in order to satisfy SEQR.
It is not permissible or acceptable to defer decisions about turbine placement to the
developer based on hypothetical future analyses and promises.
Operation of the Wind Power Project will generate noise levels which may result
in nuisance conditions over portions of the Project Area, although analyses of
noise levels will continue as the turbine array plan is developed in order to avoid
nuisance levels at any individual residence in the Project Area. This analysis
will include the cumulative effect of multiple turbines proximal to a single
receptor, such as a home in the middle of the wind power project. For some
number of residents who live along the eastern margin of the St. Lawrence Wind
Farm, or the western margin of the Cape Vincent Wind Power Project, as well as
any residents living between the two sites, this cumulative effect may result
from the interaction of noise levels produced by turbines from both projects.
This potential cumulative effect will also be considered when analyses of turbine
placement and resulting noise levels is conducted in the spring of 2008.
DEIS
It is expected that once sites are chosen and competent noise analysis completed that
many sites may be found to be unsuitable for use due to unacceptably high noise
intrusion that will require higher setbacks. Generally 1 mile can be anticipated for this
region as an expected outcome from a comprehensive evaluation. It should be noted that
mitigation suggestions from the DEC Noise Policy do include ―increasing the setback
distance‖ and residents have a right not to be subjected to adverse noise pollution. It is
entirely likely that other turbine locations must be sought, or the scale of the wind farm
must be reduced.
###
33
References
4. Wind Screens And Their Use, Publication of Rion Co. Ltd, Tokyo
5. Collection and Analysis of Data in National Parks, Jason C. Ross, Harris Harris
Miller & Hanson, Inc., slide presentation circa 2003
10. Modeling Of Noise From Wind Turbines, Wei Jun Zhu, Technical
University of Denmark, Mechanical Department, Feb. 2004
12. Environmental Noise Assessment Pubnico Point Wind Farm, Nova Scotia,
by Howe Gastmeier Chapnik Ltd. for Natural Resources Canada, Contract
NRCAN-06-00046, August 2006
34
14. Interpretation for Applying More NPC Technical Publications to Wind
Turbine Generators , Ministry of the Environment, Ontario Canada,
Version 1.0, July 6, 2004
15. Do wind turbines produce significant low frequency sound levels?, G.P.
van den Berg, 11th International Meeting on Low Frequency Noise and
Vibration and its Control, Maastricht, Netherlands, September 1, 2004
17. Location, Location, Location, An investigation into wind farms and noise
by the Noise Association, by John Stewart, UK Noise Association,
London, July 2006.
18. Private communication from Dick Bowdler, New Acoustics Co., Scotland,
U.K., to Sue Sliwinski, Oct. 16, 2002, used with permission.
20. Report on the third meeting on night noise guidelines, WHO European
Centre for Environment and Health, Bonn Office Lisbon, Portugal, 26–28
April 2005
21. Environmental Noise Guidelines: Wind Farms, Australia Environmental
Protection Authority, Feb. 2003
35
Appendix 1
Richard Bolton
264 East Lake Road
Rushville, NY 14544
Tel 585 554 3809
Email: barehill@aol.com
I graduated from the University of Rochester in 1975 with a B.S. in Physics and
subsequently took graduate courses in optics there.
From 1975 to my retirement in 1998 I was a Project Engineer at Eastman Kodak and
receive 5 US Patents. Always working in new product research, engineering and
development I was often involved in ―due diligence‖ engineering analysis for new
product proposals throughout the corporation. This involved considerations of
manufacturability, reliability, ergonomics, customer acceptance, and design
methodology. My work was cross-disciplinary because of my physics background and
my exposure within Kodak to many other scientists and engineers. I often worked in
engineering disciplines of optical design, mechanical design, systems design, and product
software.
From 1976 to 1986 I had the position of Adjunct Faculty, Rochester Institute of
Technology, Physics Laboratory.
From 2005 to present I have been a Technician at Hobart and William Smith Colleges‘
Physics Department, where I am responsible for laboratory setup, physics equipment
parts manufacture, and devising new demonstrations.
I am President of Bare Hill Software Company that develops engineering software for
Macintosh and Microsoft personal computers. In that capacity I served as consultant
engineer to Eastman Kodak, Corning Glass, and Xerox on various equipment projects.
Evaluation of Environmental Noise Analysis for ―Wind Farm Cohocton‖, Oct 29, 2006
Evaluation of Environmental Noise Analysis for Liberty Gap Wind Farm, Pendleton County, W. Va.,Nov.
13, 2006
Evaluation of Environmental Noise Analysis for―High Sheldon Wind Farm‖, Dec 12, 2006
Evaluation of Environmental Noise Analysis for ―Jordanville Wind Power Project‖, Dec, 14, 2006
Evaluation of Environmental Noise Analysis for ―Dutch Hill Wind Power Project‖, Jan, 30 , 2007
Evaluation of Environmental Shadow Flicker Analysis for ―Dutch Hill Wind Power Project‖,Jan 30, 2007
36
Evaluation of Environmental Shadow Flicker Analysis for ―High Sheldon Wind Farm‖, Feb. 21, 2007
Evaluation of Environmental Noise Analysis for ―Lambert’s East Wind Farm‖, Feb, 22, 2007
Evaluation of Environmental Shadow Flicker for ―Lambert’s East Wind Farm‖, March 5, 2007
Evaluation of Environmental Noise Analysis of The ―Horse Creek Wind Power Project‖, March 29, 2007
Evaluation of Environmental Noise Analysis for ―Howard Wind Energy Project‖, April 4, 2007
Evaluation of Environmental Noise Analysis for ―Noble Wethersfield Windpark‖, April 26, 2007
Assessment of the Sound Level Study for the Mars Hill Wind Farm, August 13, 2007
I have also testified on noise issues at a Public Service Commission hearing in West
Virginia and I have made noise presentations to several Town Boards and Planning
Boards in New York State.
###
37