Project Number:

3235

Dennis-Yarmouth High School Wind Turbine

SERVICE:

Noise Analysis for Wind Turbines

DESCRIPTION:

The Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School (DYRHS) proposes to locate/install a wind turbine on the school grounds, either a Fuhrlander FL1500 with a 65-m hub height or a Fuhrlander FL600 with a 50-m hub height.  Three possible locations were studied: near the septic leach field; in a forest between the High School and adjacent elementary school; and near the baseball field in the DYRHS athletic complex. 

Tech Environmental performed a community sound assessment for the School District under contract with the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (now the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center).  Baseline sound level monitoring was done over a four-day period at seven locations, including school yards and surrounding residential areas in all directions. A 10-meter meteorological tower was setup and operated simultaneous with the sound level measurements.  The Cadna-A acoustic model was applied to predict maximum sound levels in accordance with International Standard ISO 9613-2 for both the cut-in and design wind speed operating conditions.  Color-coded decibel contour maps were generated. 

Compliance with the Massachusetts Noise Policy and the Town of Yarmouth Zoning By-Law was demonstrated for all project design options, up to 1.5 MW of installed capacity. 

Print   Email

Key Points

  • The Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School (DYRHS) proposes to locate/install a wind turbine on school grounds.
  • Tech Environmental performed a community sound assessment for the School District that demonstrated compliance with the Massachusetts Noise Policy and the Town of Yarmouth Zoning By-Law.