June 6, 2013
U.K.

Wind farm noise report ‘should be ignored’

Lincolnshire Echo | June 6, 2013 | www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk

An energy sector charity has labelled a new report on wind farm noise “very poor advice” and asked the Government to “ignore” it.

The Renewable Energy Foundation (REF), which offers analysis on the green industry, made four key criticisms of the Institute of Acoustics study. [link]

The body claims the report “not only fails to address the major problems of current regulations but actually makes things worse”.

According to the REF, the new guidelines, produced on the request of the Government, suggest changes to current policies.

The REF also says the report includes recommendations that turbines could be allowed to make more noise during quiet evening and night hours when there are high winds and shear conditions.

Dr John Constable, director of REF, said: “The IoA’s report has actually increased the risk of serious noise problems for neighbours to new wind farms, and the risks were already quite unacceptably high.

“The report may represent current wind industry practice but it is very poor guidance and fails in its duty of care.

“The Government and the acoustics profession should ignore it, as should wind developers who do not wish to antagonise neighbours.”


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/06/06/wind-farm-noise-report-should-be-ignored/