Noise is one of the most common complaints among those living around large wind turbine complexes, probably rivaled only by the significant visual impact. Though the frequency of complaints typically increases as you get closer to the turbines, noise induced sleep disturbances are found as far away as 1.9 miles in some studies. Annoying levels of noise can be found even farther away. Simple internet searches reveal an alarming number of noise complaints all over the world and even in Maine there are currently active disputes occurring over noise at at least three operating wind turbine sites – Mars Hill, Freedom and Vinalhaven. The DEP, LURC and several of our state legislators are well aware of these problems yet have so far shown no interest in revising the noise standards.
The noise created by large wind turbines has unique characteristics that are not well addressed by the standards used by most jurisdictions to regulate industrial development. Add to that the fact that Maine’s noise standards are already weak when compared to World Health Organization guidelines. It’s common for some rural areas to have nighttime noise levels as low as 20 dBa. Maine’s sound standards allow industrial wind to create noise in these areas of up to 45 dBa during the night hours. Because the dBa scale is not linear, this means the new noise can be more than 4 times louder than the normal predevelopment sound levels.
Because noise is such a common problem around industrial wind turbines worldwide, information on the subject is actually quite easy to find. Many of our legislators, agency officials and, certainly, wind industry insiders are not in denial; they simply aren’t being honest about the true problems with wind turbine noise. A small number have in fact acknowledged the issue, but, to date, no new standards have been proposed.
We encourage you to explore the documents below and do your own research.
Why Noise Criteria Are Necessary for Proper Siting of Wind Turbines
Officials Cover Up Wind Farm Noise Report
Maine Continues To Choose Wind Over Families
Health, Hazard, and Quality of Life Near Wind Power Installations. How Close is Too Close?
Wind Turbines at Night: Acoustical Practice and Sound Research