Project Number:

3224

Michigan Wind Energy Parks

SERVICE:

Acoustic Consulting for Two Wind Farms

DESCRIPTION:

Wind is leading the way in Consumers Energy's push to more than double the amount of renewable energy it supplies to customers by 2015. The utility is working to build wind farms on Michigan's west and east coasts, and plans to have its first turbines spinning by the end of 2012 at Lake Winds (TM) Energy Park, a 100-megawatt project in Mason County. Consumers Energy has completed permitting and environmental studies, and construction is underway for the Lake Winds (TM) project. The Company is also developing Cross Winds (TM) Energy Park, a two-phase project in Tuscola and Huron Counties in the State's Thumb region. The first phase will be a 100-megawatt project that will be on-line by 2015. Consumers Energy is using meteorological towers to collect data that will determine the ideal locations for turbines at both sites.

Tech Environmental assisted Consumers Energy by performing acoustic studies, involving baseline sound level measurements and future sound level predictions with the Cadna-A acoustic model (International Standard ISO 9613-2) to ensure project designs fully comply with State Siting Guidelines and applicable local noise ordinances. Tech also provided expert testimony in public hearings.

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Key Points

  • Consumers Energy is developing two large-scale wind farms in Michigan.
  • Tech is assisting the company by performing acoustic studies to ensure compliance with state siting guidelines and local noise regulations.