Project Number:

3736

Sound Compliance Test of the Lightolier Wind Turbine

SERVICE:

Sound Monitoring of Wind Turbine Operation

DESCRIPTION:

Tech performed sound level monitoring for the Sany 2.0-MW wind turbine at the Lightolier manufacturing plant in the Fall River Industrial Park on February 21, 2013. The study had two objectives. The first was to measure the wind turbine sound levels at the shared property line of Lightolier with Coast-to-Coast-Medical, Inc. (CTCM), 100 Waldron Road, whose owner had previously complained about noise from the turbine. These sound levels were to be measured under wind conditions producing maximum turbine sound power and during daytime hours when CTCM is open for business. The second objective was to assess turbine compliance with the sound limits in the Massachusetts DEP Noise Policy. The sound measurements included low-frequency sound and inaudible infrasound down to 6.3 Hertz (Hz). The results demonstrate the Lightolier Wind Turbine fully complies with the Massachusetts DEP Noise Policy. Compliance with this Policy provides a reasonable basis for concluding the wind turbine does not create a nuisance.

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Key Points

  • Tech performed sound monitoring at an industrial park to asses compliance of a wind turbine with the MassDEP Noise Policy and to assess the sound levels at the property line of the park to the closest business.
  • From the monitoring, Tech was able to conclude that the turbines did not violate the MassDEP Noise Policy and therefore the turbine does not create a nuisance.