National Wind Watch: Wind Energy News » DEP: Falmouth wind turbine is too loud

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection found that Falmouth’s “Wind 1″ turbine exceeds the allowable noise level, according to a study by the agency.

A statement from Massachusetts Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth) announced the finding this morning.

“I’m glad that the results of DEP’s study will provide residents affected by Wind 1 with some relief. This is an issue that has divided the community,” Murray said in a statement. “I believe that industrial size wind turbines do not belong in residential neighborhoods, but we should not remove wind energy from the renewable energy mix in Massachusetts.”

The finding comes after a DEP-headed study that measured turbine noise levels in various wind conditions.

DEP Commissioner Ken Kimmell will officially announce the findings later this afternoon, a DEP spokesman said.

Wind turbines loomed heavily at this month’s Falmouth Town Meeting, as selectmen and board of health members at separate meetings voted on measures meant to address residents’ health concerns.

Selectmen voted in favor of shutting down Wind 1, one of the town’s two 1.65-megawatt turbines off Blacksmith Shop Road, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. each day.

Stopping Wind 1’s operation for 12 hours each day represents a compromise between the town and some people who live near the turbines and for more than a year have complained of nausea, vertigo and other health problems.