Wind farm rules just not suitable
Carmarthen Journal | 24 October 2012 | www.thisissouthwales.co.uk
New research, just published, shows clearly that the guidelines, known as ETSU, in determining an acceptable distance between wind turbines and human dwellings, are “not fit for purpose”.
Researchers give a large number of reasons in their assessment of this problem but concentrate on turbine noise impact.
One area of considerable importance is that ETSU allows developers to ignore the impact of low frequency sound and infrasound.
Other research from all over the world shows that exposure to these types of sound could cause neurological problems to residents.
So it is not surprising that people who live near the existing wind farm near Gwyddgrug claim to have suffered, for several years, sleeplessness and a variety of other problems, despite the fact that the developers kept to ETSU guidelines in the placing of their wind turbines.
On November 20, Carmarthenshire Council will have to decide whether or not to give planning permission to a proposed 21 turbines at Bryn Llywelyn, close by the existing wind farm mentioned above.
The developers have used ETSU guidelines in the positioning of these potential new turbines (much bigger than the existing ones).
I’m probably naive but I always assumed that Government’s main role is to look after the wellbeing of its citizens, perhaps that role doesn’t apply to countryside dwellers?
In fact, both the British and the Welsh governments have, in the recent past, refused to order a review of ETSU, despite their own research (via Defra) pointing out the problems arising from these guidelines.
Need I say more?
Ted Razzell
Llanllwni
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/10/24/wind-farm-rules-just-not-suitable/