April 30, 2014
Massachusetts

Kingston turbine sound study suspended

Kathryn Gallerani | Reporter Newspapers | Posted Apr. 29, 2014 | kingston.wickedlocal.com

KINGSTON – The Independence wind turbine acoustical study has been halted and will likely be delayed until the fall.

Board of Health Chairman Joe Casna said the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center plans to suspend sampling until the fall and has asked the board if there are any objections. Douglas Fine, DEP’s assistant commissioner for planning and evaluation, informed Casna of this plan.

Casna said the full board has yet to weigh in, but he has no objections because the decision was based on a professional opinion from CEC and its consultants with input from DEP.

“There are concerns that ambient noise at this time of the year would contaminate any results they’re going to gather,” he said. “It’s the right approach. They are the professionals. I think the approach is reasonable.”

The study conducted by Harris Miller Miller and Hanson (HMMH) Inc., began last December, and a report on the findings was expected at the end of February.

Casna said the consultants plan to produce a preliminary report based on the readings to date and will continue the study when the conditions are right.

The Board of Health also has to go back to the drawing board relative to finding an expert to help review the results of a revised flicker study.

After contract negotiations with wind industry consultant K2 Management fell apart, board members voted to hire special counsel to serve that purpose.

Casna said the board will have to go back to the Finance Committee with this change in plans. The Finance Committee approved the expenditure of up to $10,000 to hire K2 as a consultant.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/04/30/kingston-turbine-sound-study-suspended/