Project Number:

3303

Quabbin Wind - Florida, MA

SERVICE:

Acoustic Study for Wind Turbine

DESCRIPTION:

Quabbin Wind is developing a wind turbine project on private land north of Route 2 in the Berkshire community of Florida, Massachusetts. A GE 1.5xle wind turbine is planned ­with a hub height of 71 meters. The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center has awarded the project a grant for turbine installation.

Tech Environmental performed a community sound assessment for Quabbin Wind to examine sound impacts in the nearby residential areas. ­Baseline sound level monitoring was done over a three-day period at five locations. Ten-minute wind speeds were obtained from a meteorological tower in the Town of Peru to the south. 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 DEP Noise Policy was demonstrated at all residential structures. Tech gave expert testimony before a Board of Selectmen meeting in support of the project.

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Key Points

  • Tech performed an acoustic study for a community wind turbine project by Quabbin Wind, LLC in Florida, Massachusetts.
  • Tech's report addressed the relevant regulations and examined how the project could achieve compliance with the Massachusetts DEP Noise Policy.