Project Number:

3061

Kingston Wind Turbine

SERVICE:

Noise Analysis for Wind Turbine

DESCRIPTION:

The Town of Kingston, MA, proposed to install a 1.5-MW wind turbine adjacent to the Town wastewater treatment plant and west of Route 3, to take advantage of high winds along the south coast and state support for local wind energy projects.

Tech Environmental performed a community sound assessment for the Town on behalf of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative. Tech Environmental performed baseline ambient sound level monitoring in nearby residential areas, which was correlated to wind measurements from a meteorological tower. Manufacturer's sound power data for the Fuhrlander FL-1500 1.5-MW wind turbine were used to calculate future sound levels with a sophisticated 3-D acoustic model to demonstrate compliance with the MassDEP Noise Policy. Compliance was demonstrated for both the cut-in and design wind speed conditions for the wind turbines. The frequency of audibility was calculated for nearby residences. Tech provided expert testimony in a public hearing before the Town's Green Energy Committee.

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Key Points

  • The Town of Kingston, MA, proposed to install a 1.5-MW wind turbine to take advantage of high winds along the south coast and state support for wind energy.
  • Tech Environmental performed a community sound assessment for the Town, demonstrated compliance with the MassDEP Noise Policy, and provided expert testimony in support of the project.