Noise
Noise from wind farms is a controversial issue. Wind Farm developers argue that noise is very rarely a problem and yet the practical experience of people living near wind farms suggests the opposite.
Before considering noise, it is important to understand how it is measured. The unit of measurement is the Decibel. The most important thing to remember is the Decibel Scale is not linear, but logarithmic. In plain terms this means that every increase of 10Db represents a tenfold increase in power and, more importantly, a doubling of the loudness as far as the human ear is concerned. This doubling of loudness is approximate, as our hearing is not all the same, but it is a generally accepted definition. Thus a change from 10DB to 40DB is not a 4 times increase in loudness but is perceived as an 8 times increase from a 10Db level.
We believe it is misleading for wind farm companies to say how little noise there is when you stand underneath a turbine. The noise from spinning blades will radiate outwards more than it travel downwards.
Some links regarding wind farm noise issues are below:
Statement by Jane Davis of Deeping St Nicholas (the Davis family had to move home because of sleep deprivation caused by noise from a wind farm they initially welcomed).
David Brierely Presentation (Cambridge)
Night Noise Guidelines for Europe (World Health Organisation pdf document – recommendations are on pages 109-111)
Barhill Wind Farm – some information on noise
National Wind Watch on turbine noise (you can also search this site under the heading of 'noise' for other documentation)
The view of the British Wind Energy Association
New: one in 6 wind farms brings noise complaints