February 10, 2020
Scotland

North residents voice health fears over wind turbine noise

By Susy Macaulay | The Press and Journal | February 10, 2020 | www.pressandjournal.co.uk

A former Caithness councillor has spoken out about the impact of wind turbine noise on residents’ health.

Gillian Coghill said she has been approached by several neighbours convinced the towers are damaging their quality of life.

Caithness has 227 operational turbines, with as many again in the pipeline for planning approval.

Mrs Coghill said: “I decided to do a bit of research on this subject and what I found was quite eye-opening.

“Infrasound, the noise produced by wind turbines travels many miles.

“Studies show there are different noise issues at different distances away from wind farms.

“Low level infrasonic sound emissions can cause severe health impacts.

“Sleep deprivation, stress and vertigo have been recorded globally and more countries are now recognising the impacts from these turbines.

“A World Health Organisation report states that the topography, height, number of turbines, distance between turbines and distance of turbines away from homes is crucial.

“To date, turbine separation is wholly inadequate.”

Mrs Coghill said that in her view, fewer turbines should be built on land.

She said: “Year-round disturbance and lack of night time abatement is ruining the quality of people’s lives.

“Protection by professionals is obligatory in all departments, beginning with planning.

“The impact imposed on humans by these structures is not morally correct.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2020/02/10/north-residents-voice-health-fears-over-wind-turbine-noise/