Project Number:

3730

Grey Barn Wind Turbine

SERVICE:

Sound Study

DESCRIPTION:

Tech assessed compliance of a Northwind 100 wind turbine, with a 30 meter hub height, at Grey Barn Farm in Chilmark, MA. The assessment was needed to determine if the noise emitted from the turbine was creating a nuisance at nearby residential homes. The study needed to fully comply with the MassCEC (Clean Energy Center) Acoustic Methodology for Wind Turbine Projects and the MassDEP Noise Policy. Prior to performing any monitoring for this project, Tech generated a required monitoring protocol detailing monitoring locations, sampling methods, and wind shear values. Following approval of the monitoring protocol by MassCEC, Tech performed long-term sound monitoring over a 17 day period and short-term nighttime monitoring. Tech obtained hourly 10 meter wind speed and weather data, to be used as part of the noise analysis. Tech performed acoustic modeling of the wind turbine and predicted sound levels at nearby residences/ property lines and found that the turbine fully complied with the MassDEP noise policy and would not create a nuisance in the community.

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Key Points

  • Tech was asked to perform an acoustic study, in accordance with the MassCEC, for a proposed wind turbine to assess compliance with the MassDEP noise policy at the closest inhabited property/ property line.
  • Tech performed monitoring to fully assess the turbine at full capacity. Using acoustic modeling, Tech concluded that the turbine would comply with the MassDEP Noise Policy and would not create a nuisance in the community.