January 28, 2014
Vermont

Neighbor sues over noise from Sheffield wind turbines

Written by Terri Hallenbeck, Free Press Staff Writer | Burlington Free Press | Jan. 27, 2014 | www.burlingtonfreepress.com

Two- and-a-half years after 16 wind turbines started operating on the mountain overlooking his house, Paul Brouha is suing the project developer, saying the noise is causing him stress and ruining his enjoyment of his property.

Brouha, whose Sutton home sits a mile from and within view of the turbines, filed a lawsuit Monday against developer First Wind in state Superior Court in Caledonia County. The case is the latest sign of tension between wind developers in Vermont and neighboring residents.

Brouha said he has complained to First Wind and the state Public Service Board about noise from the turbines since they started operating in October 2011. The company maintains the noise levels are in compliance with limits the board set.

Brouha said they aren’t, and it’s taken him this long to prove it. He said he had his own independent sound monitoring done that will show the project is substantially in violation of the 30-decibel noise limits from inside his house.

Brouha said Monday afternoon, “I’m sitting inside now looking out at the turbines. I can hear the turbines roaring with the windows closed.”

First Wind spokesman John Lamontagne issued a written statement in response to the lawsuit.“The Sheffield Wind project was exhaustively reviewed by state officials during the development of the project, and since it was built, it has cleared every sound and environmental test that has been conducted with flying colors,” he said. “The project has always been in compliance with the permit it was granted by the state. We look forward to being a part of the Sheffield community for many years to come.”

Brouha said he also plans to continue pursuing noise violations through the Public Service Board, which is examining whether existing levels are suitable.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/01/28/neighbor-sues-over-noise-from-sheffield-wind-turbines/