Falmouth Wind Turbine Fight - 110 Decibel Wind Turbines

The Board finds that Wind 1 has a total sound power of roughly 110dB(A) as expressed by its manufacturer in written documents presented to the Board. 54.

The Board finds that an appropriate setback based on the McCunney et. al. chart (and applying the true sound power level of the Vestas V-82 stall regulated turbines) would be roughly 900 meters, more than double the distance specified by the applicant. 55.

The Board found credible the following application of the McCunney et. al setback formula, and notes the large number of homes within the Ontario minimum setback of 550 meters, and the much larger number of homes shown within the 900 meters needed to satisfy the McCunney et. Al. formula: 35.

The Board finds that a setback of 400 meters (distance away from closest home at 211 Blacksmith Shop Rd.) is inadequate according to the Ontario and the McCunney et. al criteria setback requirements of a minimum of 550 and 900 meters respectively.

Key documents from the fight over wind turbines in Falmouth

Neighbors' Proposed Findings

Click Link To Read Documents :

https://www.scribd.com/doc/302178718/Neighbors-Proposed-Findings

Vestas raises concerns about turbine noise (Letter)
Bruce Mabbott August 3, 2010
August 3, 2010
After noise complaints started coming in following the erection of WIND 1, the first Falmouth turbine at the wastewater treatment facility, Vestas required confirmation that the Town of Falmouth "understands they are fully responsible for the site selection of the turbine and bear all responsibilities to address any mitigation needs of the neighbors." WIND 2 would not be released to the town for erection until the letter was signed.

2010 08 03
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AUG 3 2010
Mr. Gerald Potamis WasteWater Superintendent
Town of Falmouth Public Works
59 Town Hall SquareFalmouth, MA 02540
RE: Falmouth WWTF Wind Energy Facility II "Wind II", Falmouth, MA Contract No. #3297
Dear Mr. Potamis,

Due to the sound concerns regarding the first wind turbine installed at the wastewater treatment facility, the manufacturer of the turbines, Vestas, is keen for the Town of Falmouth to understand the possible noise and other risks associated with the installation of the second wind turbine.
The Town has previously been provided with the Octave Band Data / Sound performance for the V82 turbine. This shows that the turbine normally operates at 103.2dB but the manufacturer has also stated that it may produce up to 110dB under certain circumstances. These measurements are based on IEC standards for sound measurement which is calculated at a height of 10m above of the base of the turbine.