Falmouth ignored warning from as far back as 2004
www.capecodonline.com 24 May 2012
Falmouth wind turbine planners were doomed by ignoring a warning made by H.G. Leventhall in 2004. Low-frequency noise has been recognized as a special environmental noise problem for sensitive people in their homes. Fluctuating audible sounds can be disturbing and stressful to exposed individuals.
A recent study reported “sleep disturbance, headache, tinnitus, ear pressure, dizziness, vertigo, nausea, visual blurring, tachycardia, irritability, problems with concentration and memory, and panic episodes associated with sensations of internal pulsation or quivering when awake or asleep.”
The Bruce McPherson study presented measurements and analysis of experiences by two sound professionals living inside a Falmouth neighbor’s house. This study is a peer-review of Falmouth neighbors’ experiences. It was ignored because it had a conflicting outcome for those living farther away.
Sound measurements made during the state test provided evidence that Falmouth Wind 1 exceeded the allowable limit.
Thanks go to Kenneth Kimmell, commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Protection, and staff for recognizing the need for significant relief for neighbors. These neighbors have been forced to experience adverse public health impacts long enough.
Stephen E. Ambrose
Windham, Maine
The writer is an expert in acoustics, environmental sound and industrial noise.
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/05/24/falmouth-ignored-warning-from-as-far-back-as-2004/