Falmouth Wind Turbines Request For Proposal Noise Warning

The two town-owned wind turbines Wind 1 and Wind 2, which went online in 2010 and 2012, respectively, were the subject of up to eleven lawsuits by up to 200 neighbors during their operation.

The town had received documentation prior to construction the turbines generate 110 decibels of noise in June of 2017 the Massachusetts court system shut down the two nuisance turbines.

The Town of Falmouth Select Board plans to mitigate its turbine-related the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act SRF fund agreement with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and Massachusetts Clean Water Trust which include a federal mandated required payback of a $3.5 million loan from the state if Wind 2 does not produce energy. ( MassDEP -PRA, project regulatory agreement with town required ignoring state noise regulations by state DEP officials)

The documentation of the 110 decibels of noise shows the town created a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety related to the implementation or use of ARRA covered funds.

The town is planning on moving the vintage gear driven wind turbines or sell them. The question now is will the 110-decibel noise warning be included in the RFP, Request for Proposal.

Chapter 30B of the Massachusetts General Laws, the Uniform Procurement Act, establishes uniform procedures for local governments to use when contracting for supplies, services, and real property.

The Office of the Inspector General is charged with preventing and detecting fraud, waste, and abuse in public programs. Whenever possible, we emphasize prevention to avoid problems before they occur.

Contract Terms and Conditions Checklist

Prepare the RFP: Your RFP contains all of the information that proposers will need to prepare a responsive proposal.

Documents incorporated by reference

Standard forms. Chapter 30B requires each proposer to certify that the proposal was made in good faith and without collusion or fraud.

The Town of Falmouth Select Board has never made the 110 decibel warning public or announced except by multiple FOIA, Freedom of Information Act Request:

August 3, 2010
WasteWater Superintendent
Town of Falmouth Public Works
59 Town Hall Square
Falmouth, MA 02540

RE: Falmouth WWTF Wind Energy Facility II "Wind II", Falmouth, MA
Contract No. #3297
Dear ,
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.