October 27, 2010
Pennsylvania

Commissioners consider changes allowing higher noise levels

By Liz Zemba, TRIBUNE-REVIEW, www.pittsburghlive.com 27 October 2010

Fayette County commissioners on Thursday will consider a zoning amendment that would increase the maximum allowable noise emitted by wind turbines.

The amendment would increase the limit to 70 decibels at property lines, up from 55.

A Springhill resident who opposes the change, Tom Bozek, addressed commissioners for 90 minutes during their agenda meeting on Tuesday.

Bozek’s property borders another that is to include a wind turbine as part of a proposed wind farm by Iberdrola, formerly Atlantic PPM. Bozek, who presented commissioners with various studies and statistics on wind-turbine noise, said he fears the higher decibel level will interfere with his plans for his property.

“I am facing the idea of not being able to use my property for the reason I purchased it,” Bozek said. “That is, to build other homes and record music.”

Bozek’s attorney, Gary Altman, suggested that commissioners not only reject the amendment, but that they revert to allowing wind turbines as special exceptions, not permitted uses. Special exceptions are granted or rejected only after public hearings, Altman said. Such hearings are not required for permitted uses.

Bozek said he does not oppose wind turbines, but wants protections in place for residents who may be near a project, but are not participants.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/10/27/commissioners-consider-changes-allowing-higher-noise-levels/