Amendments to Calumet County, Wis., ordinance 

These amendments concerning noise and setbacks from wind energy systems were approved into law on March 18, 2008. Includes thorough guidelines for pre- and post-construction noise measurements and estimates of impact from wind turbines.

“The audible sound emitted by Wind Energy System operations shall not be greater than 5 dBA above the background noise level (L90) for the quietest period of the day measured during the pre-build noise study.”

“No low frequency sound or infrasound from wind energy system operations shall be created which causes the sound pressure level both within the project boundary at any sensitive receptor and within a one-mile radius beyond the project boundary to exceed the following limits [see document].”

“In the event audible noise due to wind energy system operations contains a steady pure tone, such as a whine, screech, or hum, the standards for Audible Sound shall be reduced by five (5) dB(A).”

“In the event the audible noise due to wind energy system operations contains repetitive impulsive sounds, the permitted sound pressure level for Audible Sound (Rule 4) shall be reduced by five (5) dB.”

“In the event the audible noise due to wind energy system operations contains both a pure tone and repetitive impulsive sounds, the standards for Audible Noise (Rule 4) shall be reduced by a total of seven (7) dB.”

“A Wind Energy System that emits sound (or causes structural or human body vibration) with strong low frequency content where the time-average C-weighted sound level exceeds the A-weighted sound level by at least 20 dB when measured inside a structure and adversely affects the subjective habitability or use of any existing dwelling unit, hospital, school, library, nursing home, or other sensitive noise receptor shall be deemed unsafe and must be shut down immediately.”

“Each Wind Energy System shall be set back from the nearest residence, school, hospital, church or public library, a distance no less than one thousand eight hundred (1,800) feet.”

“The County Board may impose a setback that exceeds the other setbacks set out in this ordinance if it deems that such greater setbacks are necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the community.”

Download original document: “Calumet County Wind Ordinance Amendments”