• Specialty

  Noise / Vibration
  

• SECTOR

  Energy / Power
  Municipal
  

• TYPE

  Environmental Study
  Permitting / Compliance
  

• CLIENTELE

  Local Government
  

• TIMESPAN

  2004-2007

• LOCATION

  Eastham, MA

Eastham Wind Energy Project

SERVICE:

Noise Analysis for Four Wind Turbines

DESCRIPTION:

The town of Eastham, MA, proposed four wind turbines on town land, to take advantage of Cape Cod's high winds and state support for local wind energy projects. The project faced concerns about noise impacts on the surrounding community.

Tech Environmental performed a community sound assessment for the town on behalf of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative. Tech made ambient background sound level measurements around the proposed wind turbine site in residential areas, and collected associated wind measurements on-site. The sound and wind measurements were correlated to determine sound levels occurring during periods where wind turbines might operate. Manufacturer's data for wind turbines were used to calculate future sound levels in the area using the Cadna/A noise model, including corrections for terrain and ground absorption.

Model results were compared to measured background levels to determine if potential noise increases would be sufficient to cause noise impacts. When adverse noise impacts were predicted, Tech Environmental assisted in choosing new turbine locations.

 

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Key Points

• The town of Eastham, MA, proposed four wind turbines on town land to take advantage of Cape Cod's high winds.
• Tech performed a community sound assessment and recommended siting alterations to avoid noise impacts.