April 25, 2013
Nova Scotia

Noise complaints heard at info meeting

Truro Daily news | April 24, 2013 | www.trurodaily.comTruro Daily news | April 24, 2013 | www.trurodaily.com

HILDEN – Noise pollution was Julie Kelly’s concern during an information session Tuesday night regarding the Millbrook and Truro Heights Community Wind Project.

The Hilden resident attended as a spokesperson for her grandmother and two uncles, who live in the vicinity of the proposed project.

“It’s the noise that affects your sleep and your general well being,” she said.

Kelly claims she’s never been given straightforward information about the location of the turbines.

“There’s a document you can download on the (Millbrook Community Project) website that says no turbine will be closer than 1,800 metres,” she said.

“Last I was told was 1,100 metres. I don’t really know what the truth is.”

Keith Towse, CEO of Lahave Renewables Inc., the company planning to erect two wind farms in partnership with Millbrook First Nation and Eskasoni First Nation, said the closest residence to the turbine is located on Irwin Lake Road and will be about 750 metres away.

“The document (she is referring to) is from meetings at the end of April, beginning of May last year,” he said. “Obviously there is a lot of confusion out there and I guess I’ll take it down (from the project website).”

The most recent map is dated from February and shows the closest turbine to a residence at a distance of 750 metres. Towse said the map provides accurate information and is also what environmental assessments are based on.

As for noise, Towse admitted there will be times people will hear the turbines, which could cause disturbance for some residents.

“It’ll be the exact same way people are disturbed by the highway,” he said, referring to Highway 102, which runs near the site.

An environmental assessment will be completed in the near future and Towse will be hosting information sessions on May 13 and 14 at the Hilden Fire Hall and Glooscap Heritage Centre, respectively, from 6 until 9 p.m.

Participants at those sessions will have an opportunity to speak to community liaison members, Towse and those responsible for conducting the environmental assessments.

INFO BOX:

Approximate decibel levels:

Lawnmower: 105 dB(A)

Vacuum Cleaner: 80 dB(A)

Refrigerator: 40 dB(A)

Turbines on site: 50 dB(A)

Turbines within 700-metre vicinity: 40 dB(A)

(Source: GE Global Research; National Institute for Deafness and other Communication Disorders)


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/04/25/noise-complaints-heard-at-info-meeting/