Project Number:

2876

Holy Name CCHS Wind Turbine

SERVICE:

Noise Analysis for Wind Turbine

DESCRIPTION:

Tech Environmental, Inc. provided acoustic consulting services to Sustainable Energy Developments, Inc. of Ontario, NY in their installation of a 600-kW wind turbine on the campus of Holy Name Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School (CCHS) in Worcester, Massachusetts. Located adjacent to the school's academic buildings and athletic fields, the Vestas V47 wind turbine began operation in late 2008 and provides most of the electrical energy for Holy Name CCHS, with the balance of the wind energy sold back to the grid. The project was developed with a grant from the State's Renewable Energy Trust.

Tech Environmental performed baseline ambient sound level monitoring at the school and in nearby residential areas. Manufacturer's sound power data were used to calculate future sound levels with a sophisticated 3-D acoustic model to demonstrate compliance with the MassDEP Noise Policy. The 262-foot tall wind turbine sits atop one of the highest hills in Worcester and is visible from Interstate 290.

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Key Points

  • A Massachusetts high school required acoustic consulting services to permit the installation of a 600-kW wind turbine on its campus.
  • Tech Environmental provided sound level monitoring and demonstrated compliance with the MassDEP Noise Policy. The Holy Name CCHS was able to install Worcester's first wind turbine.