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Cape Cod Commission Wind Turbine Special Permit Process Model, 2004
Wind energy conversion facility and associated equipment shall conform with Massachusetts noise regulations (310 CMR 7.10).
THE FALMOUTH ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS IS HOLDING A SPECIAL PERMIT HEARING FOR FALMOUTH WIND 1 TURBINE ON SEPTEMBER 10 ,2015
Cape Cod Commission Cape Light Compact Model Bylaw for Land-based Wind Energy Conversion Facilities
http://www.capecodcommission.org/resources/bylaws/ModelWindBylaw.pdf
Model Bylaw for Wind Turbines Facilities 12/14/04 December 14, 2004
Funded by a Community Planning & Development Grant (CP-04-05) from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative
04.3.4 Noise
The wind energy conversion facility and associated equipment shall conform with Massachusetts noise regulations (310 CMR 7.10).
An analysis, prepared by a qualified engineer, shall be presented to demonstrate compliance with these noise standards and be consistent with Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection guidance for noise measurement.
Commentary: Other than construction noise that would be regulated by normal Town processes, two types of noise are generated by wind turbines: aerodynamic (i.e., noise from the blades moving through the air) and mechanical (from the gearbox, generator and other equipment).
At higher wind speeds, the ambient noise level will likely mask both these sources of noise, but at lower wind speeds noise generated by the turbine may be detectable.
State regulations prohibit increases of more than 10dB over the ambient noise and production of significant pure tone noises for all uses and would therefore be applicable to new wind facilities.
Both of these levels are measured at the property line and at the nearest inhabited residence.
Local regulations often have similar noise limitations, although they can vary from town to town.
For the SPGA to evaluate whether the project is in conformance with these requirements, the bylaw recommends an analysis by a qualified engineer.
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection provides guidance for how these noise measurements are prepared.
Special Permit Granting Authority (SPGA): Board designated by zoning ordinance or bylaw with the authority to issue special permits.
