March 15, 2012
Michigan

Central Michigan University professor hopes to conduct turbine study in McBain

www.cadillacnews.com 14 March 2012

LAKE CITY – A professor from Central Michigan University approached the Missaukee Board of Commissioners recently to ask for comments regarding a potential wind turbine study in May.

The study would focus on the effects close proximity wind turbines in the McBain area have on those living near them and more specifically, the low-frequency noise they produce.

Studies previously conducted show wind turbines have the potential to cause adverse health effects on small percentages of humans that were included in the study. These effects include: sleep disturbance, headache, dizziness, ear pressure or pain, fatigue, irritability and ringing in the ears.

Michael Stewart, professor of audiology at CMU, said he believes noise pollution from wind turbines could be a serious problem in the future if proper steps are not taken.

“I don’t care about the politics of the issue. It’s about the science,” said Stewart.

He told the commissioners that residents of a household in the McBain area recently had to leave their home due to a disorienting noise produced by a nearby wind turbine.

Later, he was unable to give the identity of the people involved because the information was relayed to him by a friend who didn’t say their names.

He added when he learns their identities, he hopes to interview them as part of the study, which is currently in its beginning stages.

Chairwoman Susan Rogers said although the board of commissioners won’t necessarily give Stewart’s proposed study their blessing, they see no problem with him conducting it in the McBain area as long as it doesn’t negatively affect residents.

Stewart hopes to work alongside Heritage Sustainable Energy in conducting the study.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/03/15/central-michigan-university-professor-hopes-to-conduct-turbine-study-in-mcbain/