thinkprogress.org
24 Sep 2013
One complaint voiced by wind turbine opponents is that the turbines create too much noise — even noise below the range of human hearing, known as infrasound. These concerns fuel claims about "Wind Turbine Syndrome," which advocates say is a medical condition that involves mental health problems, heart disease, and vertigo.
A study by an acoustic engineering group in Australia found that that infrasound generated by wind turbines is less loud than the infrasound created by a listener's own heartbeat. It found that wind turbine infrasound does increase as wind speed increases, but this is often masked by the natural noise of wind moving through the area.
The Association of Australian Acoustical Consultants said that "those investigations conclude that infrasound levels adjacent to wind farms are below the threshold of perception and below currently accepted limits set for infrasound."
Showing posts with label Infrasound. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Infrasound. Show all posts
Monday, 9 December 2013
Thursday, 21 November 2013
Wind turbines are quieter than a heartheat, acoustical experts find
thinkprogress.org
24 Sep 2013
One complaint voiced by wind turbine opponents is that the turbines create too much noise--even noise below the range of human hearing, known as infrasound. These concerns fuel claims about "Wind Turbine Syndrome", which advocates say is a medical condition that involves mental health problems, heart disease, and vertigo.
A study by an acoustic engineering group in Australia found that that infrasound generated by wind turbines is less loud than the infrasound created by a listener's own heartheat. It found that wind turbine infrasound does increase as wind speed increases, but this is often masked by the natural noise of wind moving through the area.
The Association of Australian Acoustical Consultants said that "those investigations conclude that infrasound levels adjacent to wind farms are below the threshold of perception and below currently accepted limits set for infrasound".
Those limits are levels of infrasound that people encounter already, created by natural sources like breathing, wind, and waves, as well as mechanical sources like aircraft, traffic, and fossil fuel industry. The study noted that wind turbine noise is all relative:
Our environment has lots of infrasound already in it, the levels generated by wind farms from our point of view are quite low in comparison and they're no higher than what is already out there in the natural environment.,.. "People themselves generate infrasound through things like their own heartheat, through breathing and these levels of infrasound can be substantially higher than an external noise source."
Read More…
24 Sep 2013
One complaint voiced by wind turbine opponents is that the turbines create too much noise--even noise below the range of human hearing, known as infrasound. These concerns fuel claims about "Wind Turbine Syndrome", which advocates say is a medical condition that involves mental health problems, heart disease, and vertigo.
A study by an acoustic engineering group in Australia found that that infrasound generated by wind turbines is less loud than the infrasound created by a listener's own heartheat. It found that wind turbine infrasound does increase as wind speed increases, but this is often masked by the natural noise of wind moving through the area.
The Association of Australian Acoustical Consultants said that "those investigations conclude that infrasound levels adjacent to wind farms are below the threshold of perception and below currently accepted limits set for infrasound".
Those limits are levels of infrasound that people encounter already, created by natural sources like breathing, wind, and waves, as well as mechanical sources like aircraft, traffic, and fossil fuel industry. The study noted that wind turbine noise is all relative:
Our environment has lots of infrasound already in it, the levels generated by wind farms from our point of view are quite low in comparison and they're no higher than what is already out there in the natural environment.,.. "People themselves generate infrasound through things like their own heartheat, through breathing and these levels of infrasound can be substantially higher than an external noise source."
Read More…
Wednesday, 3 July 2013
Report supports windfarm noise
www.wellingtontimes.com.au
17 May 2013
The inaudible sound caused by windfarms is no worse than that from other rural and urban environments and does not affect human health, a review by the Victorian Department of Health has found. Some groups claim the inaudible noise from wind turbines, known as infrasound, can trigger health problems including dizziness, headaches and insomnia. Together, the syndromes are sometimes described as 'wind turbine syndrome'.
The Health Department review, released late last week, assessed the evidence and found it does not "support claims that inaudible sounds can have direct physiological effects. Physiological effects on humans have only been detected at levels that are easily audible".
The report says infrasound is generated by many sources, such as trains, breaking waves and air conditioners. The department found the evidence showed windfarms produced no more infrasound than the background level of sound in other environments.
The report went on to say "Humans have been exposed to high levels of infrasound throughout our evolution, with no apparent effects". The department found windfarms did produce audible noise through the swish of a rotating turbine blade, but the report says the typical sound pressure for most nearby residents-living up to a km from a turbine-is lower than many other everyday environmental noises.
It says audible noise, including that from windfarms, can cause annoyance resulting in prolonged stress and other health effects. The report says whether health effects are felt from low-level audible noise can depend on an individual's noise sensitivity and attitude to the source. Victoria has some of the world's toughest laws on windfarms, allowing any household to veto a new turbine within two km of their home.
17 May 2013
The inaudible sound caused by windfarms is no worse than that from other rural and urban environments and does not affect human health, a review by the Victorian Department of Health has found. Some groups claim the inaudible noise from wind turbines, known as infrasound, can trigger health problems including dizziness, headaches and insomnia. Together, the syndromes are sometimes described as 'wind turbine syndrome'.
The Health Department review, released late last week, assessed the evidence and found it does not "support claims that inaudible sounds can have direct physiological effects. Physiological effects on humans have only been detected at levels that are easily audible".
The report says infrasound is generated by many sources, such as trains, breaking waves and air conditioners. The department found the evidence showed windfarms produced no more infrasound than the background level of sound in other environments.
The report went on to say "Humans have been exposed to high levels of infrasound throughout our evolution, with no apparent effects". The department found windfarms did produce audible noise through the swish of a rotating turbine blade, but the report says the typical sound pressure for most nearby residents-living up to a km from a turbine-is lower than many other everyday environmental noises.
It says audible noise, including that from windfarms, can cause annoyance resulting in prolonged stress and other health effects. The report says whether health effects are felt from low-level audible noise can depend on an individual's noise sensitivity and attitude to the source. Victoria has some of the world's toughest laws on windfarms, allowing any household to veto a new turbine within two km of their home.
Wednesday, 26 June 2013
Wind farm syndrome dismissed
www.theage.com.au
7 May 2013
The inaudible sound caused by wind farms is no worse than that from other rural and urban environments and does not affect human health, a review by the Victorian Department of Health has found. Some groups claim the inaudible noise from wind turbines, known as infrasound, can trigger health problems including dizziness, headaches, and insomnia. Together, the syndromes are sometimes described as ''wind turbine syndrome''.
The Health Department review, released late last week, assessed the evidence and found it does not ''support claims that inaudible sounds can have direct physiological effects. Physiological effects on humans have only been detected at levels that are easily audible.''
The report says infrasound is generated by many sources, such as trains, breaking waves and air conditioners. The department found the evidence showed wind farms produced no more infrasound than the background level in other environments. ''Humans have been exposed to high levels of infrasound throughout our evolution, with no apparent effects,'' the report says.
The department found wind farms did produce audible noise through the swish of a rotating turbine blade.But the report says the typical sound pressure for most nearby residents-living up to a km from a turbine-are lower than many other everyday environmental noises.
It says audible noise, including that from wind farms, can cause annoyance resulting in prolonged stress and other health effects. The report says whether health effects are felt from low-level audible noise can depend on an individual's noise sensitivity and attitude to the source. Victoria has some of the world's toughest laws on wind farms, allowing any household to veto a new turbine within two km of their home.
7 May 2013
The inaudible sound caused by wind farms is no worse than that from other rural and urban environments and does not affect human health, a review by the Victorian Department of Health has found. Some groups claim the inaudible noise from wind turbines, known as infrasound, can trigger health problems including dizziness, headaches, and insomnia. Together, the syndromes are sometimes described as ''wind turbine syndrome''.
The Health Department review, released late last week, assessed the evidence and found it does not ''support claims that inaudible sounds can have direct physiological effects. Physiological effects on humans have only been detected at levels that are easily audible.''
The report says infrasound is generated by many sources, such as trains, breaking waves and air conditioners. The department found the evidence showed wind farms produced no more infrasound than the background level in other environments. ''Humans have been exposed to high levels of infrasound throughout our evolution, with no apparent effects,'' the report says.
The department found wind farms did produce audible noise through the swish of a rotating turbine blade.But the report says the typical sound pressure for most nearby residents-living up to a km from a turbine-are lower than many other everyday environmental noises.
It says audible noise, including that from wind farms, can cause annoyance resulting in prolonged stress and other health effects. The report says whether health effects are felt from low-level audible noise can depend on an individual's noise sensitivity and attitude to the source. Victoria has some of the world's toughest laws on wind farms, allowing any household to veto a new turbine within two km of their home.
Wednesday, 29 May 2013
David Suzuki: Health effects from wind power unfounded
www.straight.com
16 Apr 2013
For a study published in the American Psychological Association's Health Psychology journal, researchers from New Zealand's University of Auckland showed readily available anti-wind-power film footage to 27 people. Another 27 were shown interviews with experts who said infrasound, such as that created by wind turbines, can't directly cause negative health effects. Subjects were then told they would be exposed to two 10 minute periods of infrasound, but were actually only exposed to one.
After both real and "sham" exposure, people in the first group were far more likely to report negative symptoms than those in the second. In fact, subjects in the second group reported "no symptomatic changes" after either exposure. According to the researchers, "Results suggest psychological expectations could explain the link between wind turbine exposure and health complaints".
Another study, which has yet to be published, shows people living near wind-power installations report more health problems during anti-wind campaigns. Researchers from Australia's Sydney University found only 120 complaints from people living within five km of the country's 49 wind farms between 1993 and 2012. But 68% were from people living near five wind farms targeted by anti-wind farm groups, and 82% occurred after 2009, when wind-energy opponents started highlighting health scares in their campaigns
The power of suggestion can be extremely effective, especially when it comes to human health. Unfortunately, in the case of wind power, this can delay or even stop wind-power installations that are a necessary part of the shift from polluting fossil fuels to clean energy, as has happened recently in Canada.
In fact, science shows that wind power does not negatively affect human health in any significant way. An independent panel convened by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection reviewed the available research and released a report last year. It found no scientific evidence to support most claims about "Wind Turbine Syndrome", infrasound effects and harm blamed on wind power such as pain and stiffness, diabetes, high blood pressure, tinnitus, hearing impairment, cardiovascular disease and headache/migraine.
At worst, there is some evidence that wind installations may cause annoyance and sleep disruption. But most of the resulting minor effects can be overcome by regulations governing how close windmills are to residences. In Ontario, the required setback is 550 metres. At this distance, audible sound from windmills is normally below 40 decibels, which is about what you'd find in most bedrooms and living rooms.
On the other hand, we know that using fossil fuels for energy has profound effects on human health--and on the economy. The Canadian Medical Association reports that in 2008 air pollution in Canada was responsible for 21,000 premature deaths, 92,000 emergency room visits and 620,000 visits to a doctor's office. And a new study by the Pembina Institute found that "health impact costs associated with burning coal for electricity in Alberta are close to $300 million annually".
According to Pembina researchers, "Coal plants are a major source of toxic air contaminants, including mercury, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, and particulate matter. The study shows that in Alberta each year this pollution contributes to over 4,000 asthma episodes, over 700 emergency visits for respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, and around 80 hospital admissions, with chronic exposures resulting in nearly 100 premature deaths".
Factor these costs into the equation, and coal and other fossil fuels don't seem like the bargain they're purported to be--especially considering the sector is subsidized by about $1.9 trillion a year worldwide, according to the International Monetary Fund. With the costs of renewable energy coming down, and the technology improving, more and more research shows that switching from fossil fuels to clean energy is feasible.
When it comes to wind power, we have to be careful to ensure that impacts on the environment and on animals such as birds and bats are minimized, and we should continue to study possible effects on health. But we must also be wary of false arguments against it.
16 Apr 2013
For a study published in the American Psychological Association's Health Psychology journal, researchers from New Zealand's University of Auckland showed readily available anti-wind-power film footage to 27 people. Another 27 were shown interviews with experts who said infrasound, such as that created by wind turbines, can't directly cause negative health effects. Subjects were then told they would be exposed to two 10 minute periods of infrasound, but were actually only exposed to one.After both real and "sham" exposure, people in the first group were far more likely to report negative symptoms than those in the second. In fact, subjects in the second group reported "no symptomatic changes" after either exposure. According to the researchers, "Results suggest psychological expectations could explain the link between wind turbine exposure and health complaints".
Another study, which has yet to be published, shows people living near wind-power installations report more health problems during anti-wind campaigns. Researchers from Australia's Sydney University found only 120 complaints from people living within five km of the country's 49 wind farms between 1993 and 2012. But 68% were from people living near five wind farms targeted by anti-wind farm groups, and 82% occurred after 2009, when wind-energy opponents started highlighting health scares in their campaigns
The power of suggestion can be extremely effective, especially when it comes to human health. Unfortunately, in the case of wind power, this can delay or even stop wind-power installations that are a necessary part of the shift from polluting fossil fuels to clean energy, as has happened recently in Canada.
In fact, science shows that wind power does not negatively affect human health in any significant way. An independent panel convened by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection reviewed the available research and released a report last year. It found no scientific evidence to support most claims about "Wind Turbine Syndrome", infrasound effects and harm blamed on wind power such as pain and stiffness, diabetes, high blood pressure, tinnitus, hearing impairment, cardiovascular disease and headache/migraine.
At worst, there is some evidence that wind installations may cause annoyance and sleep disruption. But most of the resulting minor effects can be overcome by regulations governing how close windmills are to residences. In Ontario, the required setback is 550 metres. At this distance, audible sound from windmills is normally below 40 decibels, which is about what you'd find in most bedrooms and living rooms.
On the other hand, we know that using fossil fuels for energy has profound effects on human health--and on the economy. The Canadian Medical Association reports that in 2008 air pollution in Canada was responsible for 21,000 premature deaths, 92,000 emergency room visits and 620,000 visits to a doctor's office. And a new study by the Pembina Institute found that "health impact costs associated with burning coal for electricity in Alberta are close to $300 million annually".
According to Pembina researchers, "Coal plants are a major source of toxic air contaminants, including mercury, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, and particulate matter. The study shows that in Alberta each year this pollution contributes to over 4,000 asthma episodes, over 700 emergency visits for respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, and around 80 hospital admissions, with chronic exposures resulting in nearly 100 premature deaths".
Factor these costs into the equation, and coal and other fossil fuels don't seem like the bargain they're purported to be--especially considering the sector is subsidized by about $1.9 trillion a year worldwide, according to the International Monetary Fund. With the costs of renewable energy coming down, and the technology improving, more and more research shows that switching from fossil fuels to clean energy is feasible.
When it comes to wind power, we have to be careful to ensure that impacts on the environment and on animals such as birds and bats are minimized, and we should continue to study possible effects on health. But we must also be wary of false arguments against it.
Thursday, 4 April 2013
Double whammy to the anti-wind farm brigade
www.businessspectator.com.au
18 Mar 2013
A study of mine published Thursday night delivers a double whammy to those who argue that wind turbines cause health problems in communities.
Earlier this week researchers at the University of Auckland published an experimental study showing that people primed by watching online information about health problems from wind turbines, reported more symptoms after being exposed to recorded infrasound or to sham (fake) infrasound. The study provided powerful evidence for the nocebo hypothesis: the idea that anxiety and fear about wind turbines being spread about by anti-wind farm groups, will cause some people hearing this scary stuff to get those symptoms.
The double whammy for the scaremongers comes in the form of an historical audit of all complaints made about wind farm noise or health problems on all of Australia's 49 wind farms. Australia's first wind farm, which still operates today, started generating power in 1993 at Esperance in Western Australia. Twenty years on, our 49 wind farms have seen 1471 turbines turning for a cumulative total of 328 years.
In recent years, and particularly since 2009, we've heard a lot about health complaints involving wind turbines, thanks to the efforts of groups such as the Waubra Foundation (none of whose directors live in or near the Victorian town of Waubra) and the interconnected Landscape Guardians. And, just as the nocebo hypothesis would predict, the great bulk of health and noise complaints have arisen since 2009: 82% of complainants made their first complaint after that date.
There are some 32,677 people living within 5km of these 49 wind farms around Australia, and just 120 or one in 272 of them have ever made formal complaints, appeared in news reports or sent complaining submissions to government. Moreover, 81 (68%) of these are people living near just five wind farms, each of which have been heavily targeted by wind farm opponent groups.
Our study tested four hypotheses relevant to the nocebo hypothesis:
Read More…
18 Mar 2013
A study of mine published Thursday night delivers a double whammy to those who argue that wind turbines cause health problems in communities.
Earlier this week researchers at the University of Auckland published an experimental study showing that people primed by watching online information about health problems from wind turbines, reported more symptoms after being exposed to recorded infrasound or to sham (fake) infrasound. The study provided powerful evidence for the nocebo hypothesis: the idea that anxiety and fear about wind turbines being spread about by anti-wind farm groups, will cause some people hearing this scary stuff to get those symptoms.
The double whammy for the scaremongers comes in the form of an historical audit of all complaints made about wind farm noise or health problems on all of Australia's 49 wind farms. Australia's first wind farm, which still operates today, started generating power in 1993 at Esperance in Western Australia. Twenty years on, our 49 wind farms have seen 1471 turbines turning for a cumulative total of 328 years.
In recent years, and particularly since 2009, we've heard a lot about health complaints involving wind turbines, thanks to the efforts of groups such as the Waubra Foundation (none of whose directors live in or near the Victorian town of Waubra) and the interconnected Landscape Guardians. And, just as the nocebo hypothesis would predict, the great bulk of health and noise complaints have arisen since 2009: 82% of complainants made their first complaint after that date.
There are some 32,677 people living within 5km of these 49 wind farms around Australia, and just 120 or one in 272 of them have ever made formal complaints, appeared in news reports or sent complaining submissions to government. Moreover, 81 (68%) of these are people living near just five wind farms, each of which have been heavily targeted by wind farm opponent groups.
Our study tested four hypotheses relevant to the nocebo hypothesis:
- Many wind farms of comparable power would have no history of health or noise complaints from nearby residents (suggesting that factors that don't relate to the turbines may explain the presence or absence of complaints)
- Wind farms which had been subject to complaints would have only a small number of such complaining residents among those living near the farms (suggesting that individual or social factors may be required to explain different 'susceptibility')
- Few wind farms would have any history of complaints consistent with recent claims that turbines cause acute health problems (suggesting that explanations beyond turbines are needed to explain why acute problems are reported)
- Most health and noise complaints would date from after the advent of anti-wind farm groups beginning to foment concerns about health (from around 2009) and that wind farms subject to organised opposition would be more likely to have histories of complaint than those not exposed to such opposition (suggesting that health concerns may reflect 'communicated' anxieties).
Read More…
Thursday, 28 February 2013
Climate Spectator: Busting the infrasound barrier
www.businessspectator.com.au
4 Feb 2013
The South Australian Environment Protection Authority has just released a report finding that infrasound-very low frequency sound (between 1-20 hertz) is not noticeably greater in households nearby to wind farms than other locations.
It is claimed by some groups and individuals opposed to wind farms, such as the Waubra Foundation, that wind turbines cause a wide array of illnesses to people in nearby residences due to the infrasound they apparently emit.
The report by Resonate Acoustics took measurements of infrasound (dB G) over a period of approximately one week at seven locations in urban areas and four locations in rural areas including two residences approximately 1.5km away from the wind turbines.
As the report explains, infrasound is not a unique phenomenon associated with wind turbines. Noise generated by people and associated activities within an office space was one of the most significant contributors to measured infrasound levels, with measured infrasound levels typically 10 to 15dB(G) higher when a space was occupied.
Car traffic may also influence the infrasound level in an urban environment, with measured levels during the daytime periods typically 10dB(G) higher than between midnight and 6am, when traffic would be expected to be at its lowest.
4 Feb 2013
The South Australian Environment Protection Authority has just released a report finding that infrasound-very low frequency sound (between 1-20 hertz) is not noticeably greater in households nearby to wind farms than other locations.
It is claimed by some groups and individuals opposed to wind farms, such as the Waubra Foundation, that wind turbines cause a wide array of illnesses to people in nearby residences due to the infrasound they apparently emit.
The report by Resonate Acoustics took measurements of infrasound (dB G) over a period of approximately one week at seven locations in urban areas and four locations in rural areas including two residences approximately 1.5km away from the wind turbines.
As the report explains, infrasound is not a unique phenomenon associated with wind turbines. Noise generated by people and associated activities within an office space was one of the most significant contributors to measured infrasound levels, with measured infrasound levels typically 10 to 15dB(G) higher when a space was occupied.
Car traffic may also influence the infrasound level in an urban environment, with measured levels during the daytime periods typically 10dB(G) higher than between midnight and 6am, when traffic would be expected to be at its lowest.
Thursday, 14 February 2013
Windfarm sound insignificant: study
www.weeklytimesnow.com.au
4 Feb 2013
A REPORT by the Environment Protection Authority South Australia has found infrasound from wind farms is "no greater" than infrasound in other rural environments. Infrasound is sound not audible to the human ear. The EPA took measurements over a period of a week at seven urban and four rural locations including residences approximately 1.5 km from wind turbines.
The study found the level of infrasound at the residences near the wind turbines was "no greater than that experienced in other urban and rural environments, that the contribution of wind turbines to the measured infrasound levels is insignificant in comparison with the background level of infrasound in the environment".
The Clean Energy Council said the report "put to rest a common myth about wind farms-that they create dangerous levels of infrasound". In a media release Clean Energy Council Policy Director Russell Marsh said the report provided some much-needed clarity in a debate that has often been clouded by misinformation.
"South Australia's EPA is the most experienced regulatory authority in Australia when it comes to wind farm noise, and this new report provides hard evidence that wind turbines do not cause increased levels of infrasound in surrounding areas, neither inside people's homes nor outdoors", Mr Marsh said. "The study included houses in rural and urban areas, houses both adjacent to a wind farm and away from turbines, and measured the levels of infrasound with the wind farms operating and also switched off.
"There were no noticeable differences in the levels of infrasound under all these different conditions. In fact, the lowest levels of infrasound were recorded at one of the houses closest to a wind farm, whereas the highest levels were found in an urban office building".
The Australian reported last week land values could be cut by being near windfarms. South Gippsland shire council has amended the rates notice for a landowner near the Bald Hills wind farm project, which is yet to begin construction. Meanwhile, a Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal hearing over the Cherry Tree Range wind farm near Seymour continues.
It is believed to be the first to reach VCAT since planning rules were changed by the Coalition Government. The Coalition allowed the right of veto to homeowners whose house was within 2km of a turbine. The 16 turbine Cherry Tree Range wind farm, by Infigen Energy, was knocked back by Mitchell Shire last year. It is a $100 million project with a capacity of 50 MWs, south east of Seymour.
4 Feb 2013
A REPORT by the Environment Protection Authority South Australia has found infrasound from wind farms is "no greater" than infrasound in other rural environments. Infrasound is sound not audible to the human ear. The EPA took measurements over a period of a week at seven urban and four rural locations including residences approximately 1.5 km from wind turbines.
The study found the level of infrasound at the residences near the wind turbines was "no greater than that experienced in other urban and rural environments, that the contribution of wind turbines to the measured infrasound levels is insignificant in comparison with the background level of infrasound in the environment".
The Clean Energy Council said the report "put to rest a common myth about wind farms-that they create dangerous levels of infrasound". In a media release Clean Energy Council Policy Director Russell Marsh said the report provided some much-needed clarity in a debate that has often been clouded by misinformation.
"South Australia's EPA is the most experienced regulatory authority in Australia when it comes to wind farm noise, and this new report provides hard evidence that wind turbines do not cause increased levels of infrasound in surrounding areas, neither inside people's homes nor outdoors", Mr Marsh said. "The study included houses in rural and urban areas, houses both adjacent to a wind farm and away from turbines, and measured the levels of infrasound with the wind farms operating and also switched off.
"There were no noticeable differences in the levels of infrasound under all these different conditions. In fact, the lowest levels of infrasound were recorded at one of the houses closest to a wind farm, whereas the highest levels were found in an urban office building".
The Australian reported last week land values could be cut by being near windfarms. South Gippsland shire council has amended the rates notice for a landowner near the Bald Hills wind farm project, which is yet to begin construction. Meanwhile, a Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal hearing over the Cherry Tree Range wind farm near Seymour continues.
It is believed to be the first to reach VCAT since planning rules were changed by the Coalition Government. The Coalition allowed the right of veto to homeowners whose house was within 2km of a turbine. The 16 turbine Cherry Tree Range wind farm, by Infigen Energy, was knocked back by Mitchell Shire last year. It is a $100 million project with a capacity of 50 MWs, south east of Seymour.
Wednesday, 28 November 2012
Call for noise-based wind buffer laws
qcl.farmonline.com.au
20 Nov 2012
LANDHOLDERS supporting a proposed wind farm south of Kingaroy have called on the State Government to introduce buffer zone legislation based on the noise impacts in the specific region rather than a blanket exclusion area. The State Government will finalise the approval process for wind farm development early next year as part of its six-month action plan, released in July.
The Department of Energy and Water Supply is examining a range of matters associated with wind farm developments, including those relating to noise and health. Earlier this year, the Department of Energy and Water Supply released a discussion paper for public consultation on technical issues relevant to wind farm development in Queensland.
While the issue of buffer zones has been raised in the discussion paper responses, landholders hosting the proposed AGL Energy's Coopers Gap wind farm project have held recent meetings with several Queensland Cabinet ministers to call for a buffer zone framework based on noise impacts. Among the host landholders is Ian Schafferius, whose 1000 hectare combined horse stud and Wagyu commercial properties will see nine turbines constructed if the AGL Energy project goes ahead.
The 10 host landholders were reluctant to speak up about the positives of the project, fearing most in the region were against the development after an initial outspoken criticism across the small rural community. However, since forming the Coopers Gap Wind Power Supporters six months ago, more than 420 people have joined the group.
Mr Schafferius said the group was formed to publicly address some of the "rumours and untruths being peddled by opponents". He said he strongly believed the majority of the region supported the development of the AGL Energy wind farm. "It's clean and it's green and it is better than a big open cut coal mine", he said. "I think people can see it will bring a lot of benefits to the region".
Debate over wind farms continues to rage across Australia amid concerns over property devaluation, potential health impacts, "shadow flicker'' and "blade glint''. Anti-wind farm advocates claim infrasound sound emissions from wind turbines in frequencies below human hearing range can harm the health of nearby residents.
Despite the concerns, the National Health and Medical Research Council has stated that while a range of effects such as annoyance, anxiety, hearing loss, and interference with sleep, speech and learning have been reported anecdotally "there is no published scientific evidence to support adverse effects of wind turbines on health".
Furthermore, wind power looks set to become a major agenda item in the push for alternative power sources with the Federal Government amending the Renewable Energy Target (RET), which has bipartisan support in Canberra, to provide 20% of Australia's electricity generation from renewable energy sources by 2020. While opposing the Federal Government plan, the NSW government has also pledged in September to triple the amount of energy generated by wind turbines and solar panels over the next eight years.
According to a CSIRO report released this year, community acceptance of wind farms could be increased by developers intentionally adopting a 'social licence to operate' approach, or similar frameworks for transparent and well-structured community engagement. The report found there was evidence that increased community acceptance from such approaches would result in more approvals and installations of wind farms, and would thus increase the possibility of achieving Australia's renewable energy target in a cost-effective way.
Mr Schafferius said he believed AGL Energy had been on the front foot in its interactions with the region. A Community Consultative Committee (CCC) was formed this year which meets monthly to discuss a range of concerns and benefits relating to the project, with academic experts often brought in to answer landholder questions.
He said the host landholders had met with Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney and representatives for Minister for Energy and Water Mark McArdle in recent weeks to discuss the group's preference for a buffer zone based on noise impacts as opposed to a designated distance, such as the two-km distance between any residence and a wind turbine which is being called for by the South Burnett Regional Council.
"The distance of 2 km is excessive when looking at the scientific data available to us from credible technical experts, which you will no doubt be seeing throughout this process", the landholders wrote in a letter to the State Government earlier this year. "If a buffer zone is put into guidelines, we believe that an allowance should be made for an agreement between the resident owner and the developer to allow the turbines to be built closer. "We feel noise levels should be the overriding criteria pertaining to distance from a residence. "Many factors determine how and where noise carries".
20 Nov 2012
LANDHOLDERS supporting a proposed wind farm south of Kingaroy have called on the State Government to introduce buffer zone legislation based on the noise impacts in the specific region rather than a blanket exclusion area. The State Government will finalise the approval process for wind farm development early next year as part of its six-month action plan, released in July.
The Department of Energy and Water Supply is examining a range of matters associated with wind farm developments, including those relating to noise and health. Earlier this year, the Department of Energy and Water Supply released a discussion paper for public consultation on technical issues relevant to wind farm development in Queensland.
While the issue of buffer zones has been raised in the discussion paper responses, landholders hosting the proposed AGL Energy's Coopers Gap wind farm project have held recent meetings with several Queensland Cabinet ministers to call for a buffer zone framework based on noise impacts. Among the host landholders is Ian Schafferius, whose 1000 hectare combined horse stud and Wagyu commercial properties will see nine turbines constructed if the AGL Energy project goes ahead.
The 10 host landholders were reluctant to speak up about the positives of the project, fearing most in the region were against the development after an initial outspoken criticism across the small rural community. However, since forming the Coopers Gap Wind Power Supporters six months ago, more than 420 people have joined the group.
Mr Schafferius said the group was formed to publicly address some of the "rumours and untruths being peddled by opponents". He said he strongly believed the majority of the region supported the development of the AGL Energy wind farm. "It's clean and it's green and it is better than a big open cut coal mine", he said. "I think people can see it will bring a lot of benefits to the region".
Debate over wind farms continues to rage across Australia amid concerns over property devaluation, potential health impacts, "shadow flicker'' and "blade glint''. Anti-wind farm advocates claim infrasound sound emissions from wind turbines in frequencies below human hearing range can harm the health of nearby residents.
Despite the concerns, the National Health and Medical Research Council has stated that while a range of effects such as annoyance, anxiety, hearing loss, and interference with sleep, speech and learning have been reported anecdotally "there is no published scientific evidence to support adverse effects of wind turbines on health".
Furthermore, wind power looks set to become a major agenda item in the push for alternative power sources with the Federal Government amending the Renewable Energy Target (RET), which has bipartisan support in Canberra, to provide 20% of Australia's electricity generation from renewable energy sources by 2020. While opposing the Federal Government plan, the NSW government has also pledged in September to triple the amount of energy generated by wind turbines and solar panels over the next eight years.
According to a CSIRO report released this year, community acceptance of wind farms could be increased by developers intentionally adopting a 'social licence to operate' approach, or similar frameworks for transparent and well-structured community engagement. The report found there was evidence that increased community acceptance from such approaches would result in more approvals and installations of wind farms, and would thus increase the possibility of achieving Australia's renewable energy target in a cost-effective way.
Mr Schafferius said he believed AGL Energy had been on the front foot in its interactions with the region. A Community Consultative Committee (CCC) was formed this year which meets monthly to discuss a range of concerns and benefits relating to the project, with academic experts often brought in to answer landholder questions.
He said the host landholders had met with Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney and representatives for Minister for Energy and Water Mark McArdle in recent weeks to discuss the group's preference for a buffer zone based on noise impacts as opposed to a designated distance, such as the two-km distance between any residence and a wind turbine which is being called for by the South Burnett Regional Council.
"The distance of 2 km is excessive when looking at the scientific data available to us from credible technical experts, which you will no doubt be seeing throughout this process", the landholders wrote in a letter to the State Government earlier this year. "If a buffer zone is put into guidelines, we believe that an allowance should be made for an agreement between the resident owner and the developer to allow the turbines to be built closer. "We feel noise levels should be the overriding criteria pertaining to distance from a residence. "Many factors determine how and where noise carries".
Wednesday, 15 August 2012
Who's paying to fight AGL wind farms?
www.businessspectator.com.au
9 Aug 2012
Climate Spectator has been provided with an e-mail sent by Sarah Laurie, CEO of the anti-wind farm lobby group the Waubra Foundation, which indicates the Foundation has been using tax-deductible donations to support a court case against AGL Energy's Hallett wind farms in South Australia. According to Australian Taxation Office guidance, this appears to directly contradict the Waubra Foundation's privileged status as a charity for which donations are tax deductible.
In the interests of full disclosure, the e-mail is reprinted in full at the bottom of this article. It opens by thanking recipients for already donating money to support a court case by Bill Quinn.
Quinn is attempting to restrict the operation and development of the Hallett wind farm development for exceeding EPA noise requirements. Climate Spectator understands that Bill Quinn lives around 8 km from the nearest wind turbine.
The e-mail makes the usual claims about there being a cover-up to obscure the evidence of infrasound generated by wind turbines causing health impacts, and asks for further "tax deductible" donations to collect further noise data to aid the legal campaign.
This poses three key questions:
1. Why is the Waubra Foundation funding noise measurements and not epidemiological studies?
If the Waubra Foundation was genuinely interested in identifying whether wind turbines have impacts on health, it doesn't need to do any noise monitoring. Instead, it would be far better served funding epidemiological studies evaluating the statistical prevalence of illnesses amongst people living close to wind turbines versus similar populations that don't live near turbines.
Ideally such studies should be undertaken in regions that have had wind turbines in place for a considerable time period, such as Denmark, so that any subtle long-term effects would have had time to become evident. This was the key tool that identified an unambiguous link between tobacco smoke and lung cancer. Also such studies should be done by independent university researchers at arm's length from the Waubra Foundation, who's board and staff have clearly already made their minds up.
Yet considering the Waubra Foundation's supposed focus on health research, its website does not contain a single mention of it commissioning any kind of long-run epidemiological study by university researchers with expertise in the area. Instead the website is filled with links to press stories and two websites overseas that purport to have found a link between wind turbines and health ailments.
Read More…
9 Aug 2012
Climate Spectator has been provided with an e-mail sent by Sarah Laurie, CEO of the anti-wind farm lobby group the Waubra Foundation, which indicates the Foundation has been using tax-deductible donations to support a court case against AGL Energy's Hallett wind farms in South Australia. According to Australian Taxation Office guidance, this appears to directly contradict the Waubra Foundation's privileged status as a charity for which donations are tax deductible.
In the interests of full disclosure, the e-mail is reprinted in full at the bottom of this article. It opens by thanking recipients for already donating money to support a court case by Bill Quinn.
Quinn is attempting to restrict the operation and development of the Hallett wind farm development for exceeding EPA noise requirements. Climate Spectator understands that Bill Quinn lives around 8 km from the nearest wind turbine.
The e-mail makes the usual claims about there being a cover-up to obscure the evidence of infrasound generated by wind turbines causing health impacts, and asks for further "tax deductible" donations to collect further noise data to aid the legal campaign.
This poses three key questions:
1. Why is the Waubra Foundation funding noise measurements and not epidemiological studies?
If the Waubra Foundation was genuinely interested in identifying whether wind turbines have impacts on health, it doesn't need to do any noise monitoring. Instead, it would be far better served funding epidemiological studies evaluating the statistical prevalence of illnesses amongst people living close to wind turbines versus similar populations that don't live near turbines.
Ideally such studies should be undertaken in regions that have had wind turbines in place for a considerable time period, such as Denmark, so that any subtle long-term effects would have had time to become evident. This was the key tool that identified an unambiguous link between tobacco smoke and lung cancer. Also such studies should be done by independent university researchers at arm's length from the Waubra Foundation, who's board and staff have clearly already made their minds up.
Yet considering the Waubra Foundation's supposed focus on health research, its website does not contain a single mention of it commissioning any kind of long-run epidemiological study by university researchers with expertise in the area. Instead the website is filled with links to press stories and two websites overseas that purport to have found a link between wind turbines and health ailments.
Read More…
Monday, 12 March 2012
Study plays down turbine noise fear
www.adelaidenow.com.au
7 Mar 2012
SUBSONIC noise from wind farms is reportedly no worse than that of the ocean, the hum of Adelaide's CBD Energy or other energy plants. wind farm opponents have seized on earlier reports indicating turbines produce low-frequency noise undetectable by the human ear to argue against development. Analysis by Adelaide-based acoustic consultancy firm Sonus, provided to The Advertiser, shows the controversial technology does create sub-sonic noise, but at levels that meet international standards.
The findings come amid changes proposed by the State Government that would allow wind farms to be constructed within 1km of homes. The Opposition will attempt to block it on grounds including health concerns. The study measured noise levels near two operating wind farms, including the Clement's Gap station in South Australia's Mid North. It was commissioned by renewable energy proponent Pacific Hydro.
"The measurement results indicate that the levels of infrasound in the vicinity of the two Australian wind farms are,.. of the same order as that measured from a range of sources, including the beach, the Adelaide central business district and a (gas-fired) power station", the study states. Medical director of the anti-wind farm group Waubra Foundation, Dr Sarah Laurie, said there was not enough independent evidence on the effect of infrasound once it infiltrated homes. Typical symptoms of turbine sickness include chronic stress and disrupted sleep.
Pacific Hydro executive manager Andrew Richards said the study disproved concerns that wind turbines produced infrasound damaging to human health. A spokesman for Planning Minister John Rau said wind farms must comply with noise standards and the Government was considering submissions on health impacts and turbines in a development review.
7 Mar 2012
SUBSONIC noise from wind farms is reportedly no worse than that of the ocean, the hum of Adelaide's CBD Energy or other energy plants. wind farm opponents have seized on earlier reports indicating turbines produce low-frequency noise undetectable by the human ear to argue against development. Analysis by Adelaide-based acoustic consultancy firm Sonus, provided to The Advertiser, shows the controversial technology does create sub-sonic noise, but at levels that meet international standards.The findings come amid changes proposed by the State Government that would allow wind farms to be constructed within 1km of homes. The Opposition will attempt to block it on grounds including health concerns. The study measured noise levels near two operating wind farms, including the Clement's Gap station in South Australia's Mid North. It was commissioned by renewable energy proponent Pacific Hydro.
"The measurement results indicate that the levels of infrasound in the vicinity of the two Australian wind farms are,.. of the same order as that measured from a range of sources, including the beach, the Adelaide central business district and a (gas-fired) power station", the study states. Medical director of the anti-wind farm group Waubra Foundation, Dr Sarah Laurie, said there was not enough independent evidence on the effect of infrasound once it infiltrated homes. Typical symptoms of turbine sickness include chronic stress and disrupted sleep.
Pacific Hydro executive manager Andrew Richards said the study disproved concerns that wind turbines produced infrasound damaging to human health. A spokesman for Planning Minister John Rau said wind farms must comply with noise standards and the Government was considering submissions on health impacts and turbines in a development review.
Monday, 13 February 2012
Wind raises important issues
www.edenmagnet.com.au
9 Feb 2012
A Joint Regional Planning Panel will shortly look at the feasibility of the proposed wind farm at Twofold Bay. They will need to consider some important issues. The visual impact of a wind farm located on an iconic piece of South Coast wilderness coast is an important issue, and concerns from the Eden community need to be carefully considered. If the Planning Panel considers that the visual impact is too great, then the wind farm development will look for another location for their wind farm.
A particular concern of the proposed Eden wind farm is the threat to sea eagles. If an expert assessment suggests there is significant risk to these birds, then the development should not proceed. Tourism is a vital industry for Eden and the Planning Panel should look at the Australian experience of coastal wind farms. The evidence suggests Australian coastal wind farms attract tourists, in some cases in large numbers. The Codrington wind farm in Victoria, for example currently attracts 50,000 visitors per year.
The Planning Panel also needs to look carefully at the health risks of wind farms. If they confine their search to the peer reviewed literature, there would seem to be very little concern about so called 'wind farm syndrome'. A recent Australian report by the National Health and Medical Research Council concluded that "there is currently no published scientific evidence to positively link wind turbines with adverse health effects".
The UK's Health Protection Agency reviewed the evidence on inaudible low frequency vibration (infrasound) and concluded: "The available data does not suggest that exposure to infrasound below the hearing threshold levels is capable of causing adverse effects". There have been a range of concerns raised by those opposed to the wind farm development that need to be addressed. There has been an attempt by some to vilify the wind industry which is disappointing. There have been several attempts to portray wind developers as untrustworthy, living in mansions in faraway exclusive suburbs. That attitude does not lead to constructive debate.
From an occupational health and safety perspective, wind is a far safer form of energy than natural gas, coal or nuclear power. There is no evidence at all to suggest wind farms interfere with whale migration. Investment in wind farms, along with other forms of renewable energy and natural gas will allow Australia to strategically phase out coal fired power stations over the next couple of decades.
If the Joint Regional Planning Panel decides to approve the Eden wind farm, it will be an important development for the Far South Coast. It will help our region move towards a 50/50 by 2020 target which will make the Far South Coast an example for other regions, and will help preserve our wilderness coast. If they decide against the proposal, then we need to accept the decision and look at other ways in which our region can show leadership.
Matthew Nott
www.cleanenergyforeternity.net.au
9 Feb 2012
A Joint Regional Planning Panel will shortly look at the feasibility of the proposed wind farm at Twofold Bay. They will need to consider some important issues. The visual impact of a wind farm located on an iconic piece of South Coast wilderness coast is an important issue, and concerns from the Eden community need to be carefully considered. If the Planning Panel considers that the visual impact is too great, then the wind farm development will look for another location for their wind farm.
A particular concern of the proposed Eden wind farm is the threat to sea eagles. If an expert assessment suggests there is significant risk to these birds, then the development should not proceed. Tourism is a vital industry for Eden and the Planning Panel should look at the Australian experience of coastal wind farms. The evidence suggests Australian coastal wind farms attract tourists, in some cases in large numbers. The Codrington wind farm in Victoria, for example currently attracts 50,000 visitors per year.
The Planning Panel also needs to look carefully at the health risks of wind farms. If they confine their search to the peer reviewed literature, there would seem to be very little concern about so called 'wind farm syndrome'. A recent Australian report by the National Health and Medical Research Council concluded that "there is currently no published scientific evidence to positively link wind turbines with adverse health effects".
The UK's Health Protection Agency reviewed the evidence on inaudible low frequency vibration (infrasound) and concluded: "The available data does not suggest that exposure to infrasound below the hearing threshold levels is capable of causing adverse effects". There have been a range of concerns raised by those opposed to the wind farm development that need to be addressed. There has been an attempt by some to vilify the wind industry which is disappointing. There have been several attempts to portray wind developers as untrustworthy, living in mansions in faraway exclusive suburbs. That attitude does not lead to constructive debate.
From an occupational health and safety perspective, wind is a far safer form of energy than natural gas, coal or nuclear power. There is no evidence at all to suggest wind farms interfere with whale migration. Investment in wind farms, along with other forms of renewable energy and natural gas will allow Australia to strategically phase out coal fired power stations over the next couple of decades.
If the Joint Regional Planning Panel decides to approve the Eden wind farm, it will be an important development for the Far South Coast. It will help our region move towards a 50/50 by 2020 target which will make the Far South Coast an example for other regions, and will help preserve our wilderness coast. If they decide against the proposal, then we need to accept the decision and look at other ways in which our region can show leadership.
Matthew Nott
www.cleanenergyforeternity.net.au
Tuesday, 31 January 2012
Wind farms turn neighbours green ... with envy
theland.farmonline.com.au
24 Jan 2012
OPPOSITION to wind farms is based on "mass hysteria" and there is not a shred of evidence globally that wind turbines have adverse health impacts, according to Sydney University Professor of Public Health Simon Chapman.
Professor Chapman undertook a major review of international literature and said there was absolutely no evidence to support the concept of "wind turbine syndrome" that opponents say causes sleeplessness, headaches and high blood pressure. But he said people could worry themselves into being ill. "You can worry yourself sick, of course, that is a well-known phenomenon, you get worried and agitated and have palpitations but the idea the actual turbines cause it, there is no support in the literature at all".
He said research studies showed complaints tended to be from people who did not have turbines on their land and therefore did not derive any income from them. "The literature explicitly identifies the variable of envy. If your neighbour has wind turbines they are getting a minimum of $10,000 per turbine and you start to think it is unfair, you think about relative land values, maybe you don't like the look of them".
He said opposition to wind farms was "hysteria" and people in Europe, where wind farms had been well established for two decades, were perplexed and bemused by the idea wind turbines could have negative health impacts. "A lot of the reviews talk about infrasound which is sub-audible sound you can't hear, making you ill. We get a lot of every day infrasound-the sound of our heartbeat in our chest. It's everywhere. "You've got to take some of these claims with a grain of salt", he said.
Professor Chapman dismissed claims by NSW Landscape Guardians president Humphrey Price-Jones that reports existed that proved adverse impacts from turbines. "That is absolute nonsense", he said. The NSW Government has insisted it will take a "precautionary approach" to wind farm development despite NSW Health Department there is no evidence of adverse health impacts.
NSW Planning Minister Brad Hazzard, whose office has released draft guidelines on wind farms for public comment, said "the jury is still out on the health impacts from wind farms". "When it comes to people's health-I'll take a precautionary approach every time", Mr Hazzard said. "But in any case my view is consistent with NSW Health's comments to the Department of Planning and Infrastructure that strong wind farm planning guidelines can minimise impacts on human health.
"It also is consistent with the June 2011 Senate inquiry into the social and economic impacts of wind farms, which found there was a need for further studies into wind farm health impacts and that State noise standards should cover low frequency noise. "In addition, the National Health and Medical Research Council is also currently looking at this issue and proposing to issue a public statement later this year", Mr Hazzard said in a statement to The Land.
24 Jan 2012
OPPOSITION to wind farms is based on "mass hysteria" and there is not a shred of evidence globally that wind turbines have adverse health impacts, according to Sydney University Professor of Public Health Simon Chapman.
Professor Chapman undertook a major review of international literature and said there was absolutely no evidence to support the concept of "wind turbine syndrome" that opponents say causes sleeplessness, headaches and high blood pressure. But he said people could worry themselves into being ill. "You can worry yourself sick, of course, that is a well-known phenomenon, you get worried and agitated and have palpitations but the idea the actual turbines cause it, there is no support in the literature at all".
He said research studies showed complaints tended to be from people who did not have turbines on their land and therefore did not derive any income from them. "The literature explicitly identifies the variable of envy. If your neighbour has wind turbines they are getting a minimum of $10,000 per turbine and you start to think it is unfair, you think about relative land values, maybe you don't like the look of them".
He said opposition to wind farms was "hysteria" and people in Europe, where wind farms had been well established for two decades, were perplexed and bemused by the idea wind turbines could have negative health impacts. "A lot of the reviews talk about infrasound which is sub-audible sound you can't hear, making you ill. We get a lot of every day infrasound-the sound of our heartbeat in our chest. It's everywhere. "You've got to take some of these claims with a grain of salt", he said.
Professor Chapman dismissed claims by NSW Landscape Guardians president Humphrey Price-Jones that reports existed that proved adverse impacts from turbines. "That is absolute nonsense", he said. The NSW Government has insisted it will take a "precautionary approach" to wind farm development despite NSW Health Department there is no evidence of adverse health impacts.
NSW Planning Minister Brad Hazzard, whose office has released draft guidelines on wind farms for public comment, said "the jury is still out on the health impacts from wind farms". "When it comes to people's health-I'll take a precautionary approach every time", Mr Hazzard said. "But in any case my view is consistent with NSW Health's comments to the Department of Planning and Infrastructure that strong wind farm planning guidelines can minimise impacts on human health.
"It also is consistent with the June 2011 Senate inquiry into the social and economic impacts of wind farms, which found there was a need for further studies into wind farm health impacts and that State noise standards should cover low frequency noise. "In addition, the National Health and Medical Research Council is also currently looking at this issue and proposing to issue a public statement later this year", Mr Hazzard said in a statement to The Land.
Thursday, 29 December 2011
Much angst over wind turbines is just hot air
www.brisbanetimes.com.au
21 Dec 2011
This year South Australia drew more than 20% of its electricity from wind turbines, while in Victoria the Baillieu government all but gutted the industry by requiring two-km set-backs from houses, ruling out new turbines in vast tracts of the state. As the O'Farrell government considers whether to follow Victoria or South Australia, it is timely to look at the culture of complaint that is hell-bent on demonising wind power.
The British Acoustics Bulletin has just published what is now the 10th independent review of the evidence on wind farms causing annoyance and ill health in people. And for the 10th time it has emphasised that annoyance has far more to do with social and psychological factors in those complaining than any direct effect from sound or inaudible infrasound emanating from wind turbines.
A few extracts give the flavour: "the degree of annoyance is only slightly related to noise level"; "the fact that someone was complaining was mainly determined by the personality of the individual"; "fear of the noise source can increase annoyance"; and "adverse feelings... were influenced by feelings of lacking control, being subjected to injustice, lacking influence, and not being believed".
Two factors repeatedly stand out. The first is being able to see wind turbines, which increases annoyance particularly in those who dislike or fear them. The second factor is whether people derive income from hosting turbines, which miraculously appears to be a highly effective antidote to feelings of annoyance and symptoms.
Wind companies don't publicise what they pay landowners each year to host turbines, as it varies with topographical conditions and the amount of energy that can be generated. So each price is negotiated. I have heard amounts from $7000 to $18,000. A landowner with ideal topography, such as accessible windy ridges, can drought-proof the farm by turning generally useless land into a major earner requiring zero labour and investment.
Meanwhile, neighbours with unfavourable topography look on with envy and worry about the relative re-sale value of their land. Some worry themselves sick. But this is a story no different to those who envy neighbours with the good luck to have mineral deposits, some tourism advantage or who sell to a developer.
Anti-wind farm groups argue that there are many angry turbine hosts who have signed gag clauses preventing them from speaking out. I've collected blank contract forms from Australian companies and none that I've seen contains such clauses. No contract would indemnify any person being harmed from a claim of negligence, so the silence is telling.
Other indications of the sociogenic nature of "wind turbine syndrome" are the recency and the anglophone nature of the complaints. There are an estimated 120,000-plus turbines globally, with major construction now occurring in India and China. I have lived and holidayed in France where turbines can be seen in many parts of the country. Public health colleagues and neighbours there looked blank when I asked about negative public opinion or health problems. Three friends who recently walked northern Spain's pilgrims trail reported the same mystified conversations.
Complaining about wind farms appears confined largely to parts of Australia, Canada, the US, Britain and New Zealand. And these complaints have accelerated in the past five years, despite turbines having been operational in many locations for more than 20 years. This contagious "wind turbine syndrome" - a condition not recognised by any international disease classification system and which appears not once in any title or abstract in the massive US National Library of Medicine's PubMed database-appears to be spread by the vector of anti-wind farm activist groups.
In Australia, the leading opponents are the Waubra Foundation and the Australian Landscape Guardians, which share a post office box with a mining investment company, Lowell Resources. Australian Landscape Guardians has been totally silent on any other intrusion on the landscape, apparently unperturbed by mining, highway construction or suburban encroachment.
Simon Chapman is professor of public health at the Sydney University. He has no financial associations with any wind power company.
21 Dec 2011
This year South Australia drew more than 20% of its electricity from wind turbines, while in Victoria the Baillieu government all but gutted the industry by requiring two-km set-backs from houses, ruling out new turbines in vast tracts of the state. As the O'Farrell government considers whether to follow Victoria or South Australia, it is timely to look at the culture of complaint that is hell-bent on demonising wind power.The British Acoustics Bulletin has just published what is now the 10th independent review of the evidence on wind farms causing annoyance and ill health in people. And for the 10th time it has emphasised that annoyance has far more to do with social and psychological factors in those complaining than any direct effect from sound or inaudible infrasound emanating from wind turbines.
A few extracts give the flavour: "the degree of annoyance is only slightly related to noise level"; "the fact that someone was complaining was mainly determined by the personality of the individual"; "fear of the noise source can increase annoyance"; and "adverse feelings... were influenced by feelings of lacking control, being subjected to injustice, lacking influence, and not being believed".
Two factors repeatedly stand out. The first is being able to see wind turbines, which increases annoyance particularly in those who dislike or fear them. The second factor is whether people derive income from hosting turbines, which miraculously appears to be a highly effective antidote to feelings of annoyance and symptoms.
Wind companies don't publicise what they pay landowners each year to host turbines, as it varies with topographical conditions and the amount of energy that can be generated. So each price is negotiated. I have heard amounts from $7000 to $18,000. A landowner with ideal topography, such as accessible windy ridges, can drought-proof the farm by turning generally useless land into a major earner requiring zero labour and investment.
Meanwhile, neighbours with unfavourable topography look on with envy and worry about the relative re-sale value of their land. Some worry themselves sick. But this is a story no different to those who envy neighbours with the good luck to have mineral deposits, some tourism advantage or who sell to a developer.
Anti-wind farm groups argue that there are many angry turbine hosts who have signed gag clauses preventing them from speaking out. I've collected blank contract forms from Australian companies and none that I've seen contains such clauses. No contract would indemnify any person being harmed from a claim of negligence, so the silence is telling.
Other indications of the sociogenic nature of "wind turbine syndrome" are the recency and the anglophone nature of the complaints. There are an estimated 120,000-plus turbines globally, with major construction now occurring in India and China. I have lived and holidayed in France where turbines can be seen in many parts of the country. Public health colleagues and neighbours there looked blank when I asked about negative public opinion or health problems. Three friends who recently walked northern Spain's pilgrims trail reported the same mystified conversations.
Complaining about wind farms appears confined largely to parts of Australia, Canada, the US, Britain and New Zealand. And these complaints have accelerated in the past five years, despite turbines having been operational in many locations for more than 20 years. This contagious "wind turbine syndrome" - a condition not recognised by any international disease classification system and which appears not once in any title or abstract in the massive US National Library of Medicine's PubMed database-appears to be spread by the vector of anti-wind farm activist groups.
In Australia, the leading opponents are the Waubra Foundation and the Australian Landscape Guardians, which share a post office box with a mining investment company, Lowell Resources. Australian Landscape Guardians has been totally silent on any other intrusion on the landscape, apparently unperturbed by mining, highway construction or suburban encroachment.
Simon Chapman is professor of public health at the Sydney University. He has no financial associations with any wind power company.
Tuesday, 27 December 2011
Wind farm firm seeks hearing on noise rules
www.smh.com.au
19 Dec 2011
THE wind farm industry has lobbied the state government to drop the contested issue of possible health impacts from guidelines that will determine the future of wind power in NSW. The draft guidelines are being finalised and may be considered by cabinet as early as today. After a briefing from state Department of Planning officials in July, the wind farm developer Infigen Energy wrote to the department, saying the proposed regulation of ''infrasound'' should be scrapped before public release.
Retaining the regulation would give ''credence to the falsehood that wind farms emit infrasound levels anywhere close to the level that can be perceived by human beings, let alone cause any detrimental health effects'', Infigen Energy wrote. Anti-wind farm advocates claim infrasound-sound emissions from wind turbines in frequencies below human hearing range-can harm the health of nearby residents. In the letter, dated July 22, Infigen Energy also said that following the Victorian government in imposing a 2km buffer between homes and wind farms would lead to ''legalised extortion'' by residents.
Wind energy has been a contentious issue for the O'Farrell government, the Planning Minister, Brad Hazzard, directing his department to seek maximum community consultation on new projects. A motion was passed at the NSW Nationals' conference in October for a moratorium on new projects. Up to 19 applications are being frozen while the government decides how to balance competing interests. Mr O'Farrell has said it is his ''personal view'' that no more wind farms should be approved.
The Greens MP John Kaye accused the government of ''frustrating'' the development of the industry, saying some projects were already subject to public exhibition periods up to three times as long as other major projects. The Sapphire Wind Farm, for example, has an exhibition period of 99 days. ''As soon as it got into office, the O'Farrell government translated the hostility of some of its senior ministers into a policy of deliberately frustrating new wind projects,'' Dr Kaye said.
Residents from the anti-wind farm Flyers Creek Wind Turbine Awareness Group will present a submission to the planning department today opposing the new Flyers Creek Wind Farm, presently on exhibition. Another anti-wind farm group, the Landscape Guardians, said the government refused to meet them until October, despite briefing the industry on the draft guidelines in July. ''The democratic process has been turned on its head here where people are subject to wind turbine development because of inappropriate siting that's causing enormous stress and concern in rural communities,'' said Humphrey Price-Jones from the Landscape Guardians.
But a spokesman for the planning department said the July briefing, attended by Infigen Energy and other companies, was to explain the impact on wind farms of the repeal of Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act. No lobby groups had seen the draft guidelines, which would be released for public comment before being finalised, the spokesman said. Health impacts had been ''thoroughly researched and considered'' in their development.
An Infigen Energy spokesman, Richard Farrell, said regulating infrasound was nonsensical because ''the government's own acoustic expert has stated it is impossible for a wind farm to exceed the accepted infrasound limit of 85 DB(G) without seriously exceeding NSW's audible noise limit for wind farms''. ''It clearly makes no sense to add expensive regulatory testing requirements that cannot be failed,'' Mr Farrell said.
19 Dec 2011
THE wind farm industry has lobbied the state government to drop the contested issue of possible health impacts from guidelines that will determine the future of wind power in NSW. The draft guidelines are being finalised and may be considered by cabinet as early as today. After a briefing from state Department of Planning officials in July, the wind farm developer Infigen Energy wrote to the department, saying the proposed regulation of ''infrasound'' should be scrapped before public release.Retaining the regulation would give ''credence to the falsehood that wind farms emit infrasound levels anywhere close to the level that can be perceived by human beings, let alone cause any detrimental health effects'', Infigen Energy wrote. Anti-wind farm advocates claim infrasound-sound emissions from wind turbines in frequencies below human hearing range-can harm the health of nearby residents. In the letter, dated July 22, Infigen Energy also said that following the Victorian government in imposing a 2km buffer between homes and wind farms would lead to ''legalised extortion'' by residents.
Wind energy has been a contentious issue for the O'Farrell government, the Planning Minister, Brad Hazzard, directing his department to seek maximum community consultation on new projects. A motion was passed at the NSW Nationals' conference in October for a moratorium on new projects. Up to 19 applications are being frozen while the government decides how to balance competing interests. Mr O'Farrell has said it is his ''personal view'' that no more wind farms should be approved.
The Greens MP John Kaye accused the government of ''frustrating'' the development of the industry, saying some projects were already subject to public exhibition periods up to three times as long as other major projects. The Sapphire Wind Farm, for example, has an exhibition period of 99 days. ''As soon as it got into office, the O'Farrell government translated the hostility of some of its senior ministers into a policy of deliberately frustrating new wind projects,'' Dr Kaye said.
Residents from the anti-wind farm Flyers Creek Wind Turbine Awareness Group will present a submission to the planning department today opposing the new Flyers Creek Wind Farm, presently on exhibition. Another anti-wind farm group, the Landscape Guardians, said the government refused to meet them until October, despite briefing the industry on the draft guidelines in July. ''The democratic process has been turned on its head here where people are subject to wind turbine development because of inappropriate siting that's causing enormous stress and concern in rural communities,'' said Humphrey Price-Jones from the Landscape Guardians.
But a spokesman for the planning department said the July briefing, attended by Infigen Energy and other companies, was to explain the impact on wind farms of the repeal of Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act. No lobby groups had seen the draft guidelines, which would be released for public comment before being finalised, the spokesman said. Health impacts had been ''thoroughly researched and considered'' in their development.
An Infigen Energy spokesman, Richard Farrell, said regulating infrasound was nonsensical because ''the government's own acoustic expert has stated it is impossible for a wind farm to exceed the accepted infrasound limit of 85 DB(G) without seriously exceeding NSW's audible noise limit for wind farms''. ''It clearly makes no sense to add expensive regulatory testing requirements that cannot be failed,'' Mr Farrell said.
Friday, 21 January 2011
Survey blows off wind farm syndrome
www.adelaidenow.com.au
27 December 2010
AN Adelaide-based acoustic firm has seemingly debunked the theory that wind farms can make you sick. wind farm giant Pacific Hydro says a survey of infrasound levels at three of its farms, in Adelaide's CBD Energy and various sites in SA and Victoria, proves "wind turbine syndrome" is a myth.
Anti-wind farm campaigners say the syndrome is caused by infrasound and produces symptoms including dizziness, headaches and nausea. The study, conducted by acoustic experts Sonus, found the highest readings of infrasound in the CBD Energy, followed by Cape Bridgewater beach.
Infrasound measurements at Pacific Hydro's Clement's Gap and Cape Bridgewater wind farms were significantly lower. Pacific Hydro's general manager Australia Lane Crockett admitted the study wasn't exhaustive, but said it backed up a Federal Government review that also concluded wind farms didn't make people sick.
He said infrasound emissions at wind farms were "too low to be of concern and could not cause health effects". "There's infrasound all around us and the infrasound produced at wind farms is not even as high as ... you will find standing on the street in the middle of a city or if you're by the beach," he said.
"If infrasound makes you sick then people living by the sea and people who live in cities should be sick." Earlier this month The Advertiser reported on Eyre Peninsula residents who are revolting against an expected 5000 new wind turbines in their region, arguing they are making people sick.
27 December 2010
AN Adelaide-based acoustic firm has seemingly debunked the theory that wind farms can make you sick. wind farm giant Pacific Hydro says a survey of infrasound levels at three of its farms, in Adelaide's CBD Energy and various sites in SA and Victoria, proves "wind turbine syndrome" is a myth.Anti-wind farm campaigners say the syndrome is caused by infrasound and produces symptoms including dizziness, headaches and nausea. The study, conducted by acoustic experts Sonus, found the highest readings of infrasound in the CBD Energy, followed by Cape Bridgewater beach.
Infrasound measurements at Pacific Hydro's Clement's Gap and Cape Bridgewater wind farms were significantly lower. Pacific Hydro's general manager Australia Lane Crockett admitted the study wasn't exhaustive, but said it backed up a Federal Government review that also concluded wind farms didn't make people sick.
He said infrasound emissions at wind farms were "too low to be of concern and could not cause health effects". "There's infrasound all around us and the infrasound produced at wind farms is not even as high as ... you will find standing on the street in the middle of a city or if you're by the beach," he said.
"If infrasound makes you sick then people living by the sea and people who live in cities should be sick." Earlier this month The Advertiser reported on Eyre Peninsula residents who are revolting against an expected 5000 new wind turbines in their region, arguing they are making people sick.
Wednesday, 5 January 2011
The hills are alive with the sound of wind turbines
www.theage.com.au
December 26, 2010
REMEMBER the Orange-Bellied Parrot, the bird that briefly stopped a wind farm on Victoria's south-east coast? Well, endangered birds are so 2006 when it comes to wind farm politics. The biggest issue these days is infrasound, the low-frequency noise anti-wind farm campaigners say is generated by turbines and makes people sick.
Infrasound is the latest front in the battle over wind farms and will be investigated next year by a Senate inquiry set up by Family First's Steve Fielding. The inquiry will look at the health impacts of living near turbines and concerns over excessive noise and vibrations caused by wind farms.
Anti-wind farm campaigners say infrasound causes ''wind turbine syndrome''. Sufferers complain of nausea, dizziness and headaches. In July, the National Health and Medical Research Council reviewed the scientific evidence and found no link between wind turbines and illness.
But now one large wind farm operator has put the theory to the test on its own turbines. Pacific Hydro hired Adelaide-based acoustic consulting experts Sonus to measure the level of infrasound - created by the turbine blades moving through the air - at two farms, Cape Bridgewater in Victoria's west and Clement's Gap in the mid-north of South Australia.
As a comparison, they also measured infrasound in the Adelaide central business district and suburbs, at the beach, on a coastal cliff, inland from the coast and at a gas-fired power station. At all these places, the infrasound was not audible to the human ear. It was actually recorded at higher levels on the beach and in the Adelaide CBD Energy than it was near a wind turbine. The results for all of the places came under the internationally recognised levels a human can perceive infrasound, which is 85 - on a ''G-weighted'' scale standardised for the infrasound frequency range.
In results Pacific Hydro will send to its landholders, 67decibels (dB) was recorded 185 metres downwind of the closest operating turbine at Clement's Gap and 63dB was recorded 200 metres downwind of the closest operating turbine at Cape Bridgewater. The infrasound was a little less, 62dB, when the turbines were not turning at the Victorian site.
By comparison, 76dB were recorded for the centre of Adelaide, 75dB for the beach at Cape Bridgewater, 74dB for a gas-fired power station, 69dB for a cliff face at Cape Bridgewater, 57dB for eight kilometres inland from the Victorian coast and 51 for an Adelaide suburb.
''Infrasound is generated by a range of natural sources, including waves on a beach and against the coastline, waterfalls and wind,'' the report said. ''It is also generated by a wide range of man-made sources such as industrial processes, vehicles, air conditioning and ventilation systems and wind farms.''
The consultants, who have assessed the noise of dozens of wind farms, measured the sound with a special test chamber that stopped the results from being distorted by wind on the microphone. In response to the federal government's review of infrasound earlier this year, anti-wind farm campaigners said the review effectively said people were lying about wind turbine syndrome.
In its letter to residents who have turbines on their land, Pacific Hydro said the study was not exhaustive and is not standardised, as no standards exist in measuring infrasound.
Pacific Hydro's executive manager of government and corporate affairs, Andrew Richards, said the study would be made available and was just one contribution to the infrasound debate. He said the wind industry looked forward to presenting its case at Senate hearings next year.
December 26, 2010
REMEMBER the Orange-Bellied Parrot, the bird that briefly stopped a wind farm on Victoria's south-east coast? Well, endangered birds are so 2006 when it comes to wind farm politics. The biggest issue these days is infrasound, the low-frequency noise anti-wind farm campaigners say is generated by turbines and makes people sick.
Infrasound is the latest front in the battle over wind farms and will be investigated next year by a Senate inquiry set up by Family First's Steve Fielding. The inquiry will look at the health impacts of living near turbines and concerns over excessive noise and vibrations caused by wind farms.
Anti-wind farm campaigners say infrasound causes ''wind turbine syndrome''. Sufferers complain of nausea, dizziness and headaches. In July, the National Health and Medical Research Council reviewed the scientific evidence and found no link between wind turbines and illness.
But now one large wind farm operator has put the theory to the test on its own turbines. Pacific Hydro hired Adelaide-based acoustic consulting experts Sonus to measure the level of infrasound - created by the turbine blades moving through the air - at two farms, Cape Bridgewater in Victoria's west and Clement's Gap in the mid-north of South Australia.
As a comparison, they also measured infrasound in the Adelaide central business district and suburbs, at the beach, on a coastal cliff, inland from the coast and at a gas-fired power station. At all these places, the infrasound was not audible to the human ear. It was actually recorded at higher levels on the beach and in the Adelaide CBD Energy than it was near a wind turbine. The results for all of the places came under the internationally recognised levels a human can perceive infrasound, which is 85 - on a ''G-weighted'' scale standardised for the infrasound frequency range.
In results Pacific Hydro will send to its landholders, 67decibels (dB) was recorded 185 metres downwind of the closest operating turbine at Clement's Gap and 63dB was recorded 200 metres downwind of the closest operating turbine at Cape Bridgewater. The infrasound was a little less, 62dB, when the turbines were not turning at the Victorian site.
By comparison, 76dB were recorded for the centre of Adelaide, 75dB for the beach at Cape Bridgewater, 74dB for a gas-fired power station, 69dB for a cliff face at Cape Bridgewater, 57dB for eight kilometres inland from the Victorian coast and 51 for an Adelaide suburb.
''Infrasound is generated by a range of natural sources, including waves on a beach and against the coastline, waterfalls and wind,'' the report said. ''It is also generated by a wide range of man-made sources such as industrial processes, vehicles, air conditioning and ventilation systems and wind farms.''
The consultants, who have assessed the noise of dozens of wind farms, measured the sound with a special test chamber that stopped the results from being distorted by wind on the microphone. In response to the federal government's review of infrasound earlier this year, anti-wind farm campaigners said the review effectively said people were lying about wind turbine syndrome.
In its letter to residents who have turbines on their land, Pacific Hydro said the study was not exhaustive and is not standardised, as no standards exist in measuring infrasound.
Pacific Hydro's executive manager of government and corporate affairs, Andrew Richards, said the study would be made available and was just one contribution to the infrasound debate. He said the wind industry looked forward to presenting its case at Senate hearings next year.
Tuesday, 4 January 2011
Survey blows off wind farm syndrome
Adelaide Advertiser
27 December 2010 Page: 13
AN Adelaide-based acoustic firm has seemingly debunked the theory that wind farms can make you sick. wind farm giant Pacific Hydro says a survey of infrasound levels at three of its farms, in Adelaide's CBD Energy and various sites in SA and Victoria, proves "wind turbine syndrome" is a myth. Anti-wind farm campaigners say the syndrome is caused by infrasound and produces symptoms including dizziness, headaches and nausea.
The study, conducted by acoustic experts Sonus, found the highest readings of infrasound in the CBD Energy, followed by Cape Bridgewater beach. Infrasound measurements at Pacific Hydro's Clement's Gap and Cape Bridgewater wind farms were significantly lower.
Pacific Hydro's general manager Australia Lane Crockett admitted the study wasn't exhaustive, but said it backed up a Federal Government review that also concluded wind farms didn't make people sick. "There's infrasound all around us and the infrasound produced at wind farms is not even as high as... you will find standing on the street in the middle of a city", he said.
27 December 2010 Page: 13
AN Adelaide-based acoustic firm has seemingly debunked the theory that wind farms can make you sick. wind farm giant Pacific Hydro says a survey of infrasound levels at three of its farms, in Adelaide's CBD Energy and various sites in SA and Victoria, proves "wind turbine syndrome" is a myth. Anti-wind farm campaigners say the syndrome is caused by infrasound and produces symptoms including dizziness, headaches and nausea.
The study, conducted by acoustic experts Sonus, found the highest readings of infrasound in the CBD Energy, followed by Cape Bridgewater beach. Infrasound measurements at Pacific Hydro's Clement's Gap and Cape Bridgewater wind farms were significantly lower.
Pacific Hydro's general manager Australia Lane Crockett admitted the study wasn't exhaustive, but said it backed up a Federal Government review that also concluded wind farms didn't make people sick. "There's infrasound all around us and the infrasound produced at wind farms is not even as high as... you will find standing on the street in the middle of a city", he said.
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
Experts Silence Wind Farm Noise
Clean Energy Council
November 11, 2010
Australia has some of the toughest, most up-to-date guidelines controlling wind farm noise in the world. There is no evidence that residents will suffer any direct health effects from living near operating wind farms, according to an independent report released by the Clean Energy Council yesterday.
The 51-page study was commissioned by the Clean Energy Council, the peak body for more than 400 companies with renewable energy interests. The Clean Energy Council's Chief Executive Mr Matthew Warren said the Wind Farms Technical Paper on Environmental Noise by acoustic consultancy Sonus reinforced existing independent research.
"Although wind farms have been generating clean energy safely for many years in Europe, we conducted this study to see how the Australian guidelines stack up. The results are very reassuring for communities in regional Australia, who will directly benefit from the investment in wind power", Mr Warren said.
Wind farms currently provide enough clean energy to power nearly 800,000 Australian homes (1841MWs). The report says their advantages need to be balanced with the needs of communities in their vicinity. The report was prepared to provide the latest information to communities, developers, planning and enforcement authorities and other stakeholders on environmental noise from wind farms.
The report concludes there is extensive evidence that the noise from wind farms developed and operated in accordance with the current standards and guidelines will not have any direct adverse health effects. It summarises research conducted into issues including, health impact and annoyance, infrasound and low frequency noise, amplitude modulation and sleep disturbance.
It notes: "All noise from any source including wind farms, which is audible, will result in complaints from some people. Recent research indicates the potential for complaints, annoyance and its associated stress and health impacts may be exacerbated by rhetoric, fears and negative publicity".
The report finds once wind farms are built the rates of complaints are very low in Australia and New Zealand and if a noise can be heard, then annoyance can result for some people, regardless of the noise level or the standard or guideline that applies. It also discusses the "nocebo" effect - a worsening of mental or physical health based on fear or belief in adverse affects. This is the opposite of the well-known placebo effect, where belief in positive effects or an intervention may produce positive results.
Footnote: Sonus is an independent Australian consultancy, specialising in the monitoring, prediction, data analysis, policy development and assessment of environmental noise from factories, road, rail, aircraft, commercial and industrial sources and has extensive experience specifically related to wind farms.
Click here to download the report.
For more information, contact the Clean Energy Council's Media Advisor Mark Bretherton or on 0413 556 981 or 03 9929 4111 or Communications Director Rosanne Michie on 0411 868 535.
November 11, 2010
Australia has some of the toughest, most up-to-date guidelines controlling wind farm noise in the world. There is no evidence that residents will suffer any direct health effects from living near operating wind farms, according to an independent report released by the Clean Energy Council yesterday.The 51-page study was commissioned by the Clean Energy Council, the peak body for more than 400 companies with renewable energy interests. The Clean Energy Council's Chief Executive Mr Matthew Warren said the Wind Farms Technical Paper on Environmental Noise by acoustic consultancy Sonus reinforced existing independent research.
"Although wind farms have been generating clean energy safely for many years in Europe, we conducted this study to see how the Australian guidelines stack up. The results are very reassuring for communities in regional Australia, who will directly benefit from the investment in wind power", Mr Warren said.
Wind farms currently provide enough clean energy to power nearly 800,000 Australian homes (1841MWs). The report says their advantages need to be balanced with the needs of communities in their vicinity. The report was prepared to provide the latest information to communities, developers, planning and enforcement authorities and other stakeholders on environmental noise from wind farms.
The report concludes there is extensive evidence that the noise from wind farms developed and operated in accordance with the current standards and guidelines will not have any direct adverse health effects. It summarises research conducted into issues including, health impact and annoyance, infrasound and low frequency noise, amplitude modulation and sleep disturbance.
It notes: "All noise from any source including wind farms, which is audible, will result in complaints from some people. Recent research indicates the potential for complaints, annoyance and its associated stress and health impacts may be exacerbated by rhetoric, fears and negative publicity".
The report finds once wind farms are built the rates of complaints are very low in Australia and New Zealand and if a noise can be heard, then annoyance can result for some people, regardless of the noise level or the standard or guideline that applies. It also discusses the "nocebo" effect - a worsening of mental or physical health based on fear or belief in adverse affects. This is the opposite of the well-known placebo effect, where belief in positive effects or an intervention may produce positive results.
Footnote: Sonus is an independent Australian consultancy, specialising in the monitoring, prediction, data analysis, policy development and assessment of environmental noise from factories, road, rail, aircraft, commercial and industrial sources and has extensive experience specifically related to wind farms.
Click here to download the report.
For more information, contact the Clean Energy Council's Media Advisor Mark Bretherton or on 0413 556 981 or 03 9929 4111 or Communications Director Rosanne Michie on 0411 868 535.
Wednesday, 7 July 2010
Wind farm study rules out link to sickness
Canberra Times
Saturday 3/7/2010 Page: 12
There is no evidence that wind turbines can make people who live nearby sick, Australia's peak health body has concluded after a scientific review. The National Health and Medical Research Council has assessed the common complaints levelled at the wind powered energy sector, chiefly that its turbines also generate "infrasound" that can make wind farm neighbours feel ill. "While the range of effects such as annoyance, anxiety, hearing loss and interference with sleep, speech and learning have been reported... there is no published scientific evidence to positively link wind turbines with adverse health effects," the council said yesterday.
The council said a recent United States study into wind turbines and infrasound - sound that was "generally inaudible to the human ear" - found no evidence it could impact on the physical health of those living nearby. This was backed by a study focused on three British wind farms, it said, while the World Health Organisation also took the view there was no evidence of a health impact. The council said there was a mental impact on those who "perceived infrasound" and this was "annoyance."
"The situation is further complicated by findings that people who benefit economically from wind turbines were less likely to report annoyance, despite exposure to similar sound levels as people who were not economically benefiting," the council said. There was a similar lack of evidence to support complaints that "electromagnetic radiation, shadow flicker and blade glint" from wind turbines could impact on health. The statement was welcomed by the peak body, Clean Energy Council. Policy director Russell Marsh said more than 100,000 wind turbines had been installed across 80 countries and yet there remained "no credible evidence that wind turbines have a direct effect on people's health."
Saturday 3/7/2010 Page: 12
There is no evidence that wind turbines can make people who live nearby sick, Australia's peak health body has concluded after a scientific review. The National Health and Medical Research Council has assessed the common complaints levelled at the wind powered energy sector, chiefly that its turbines also generate "infrasound" that can make wind farm neighbours feel ill. "While the range of effects such as annoyance, anxiety, hearing loss and interference with sleep, speech and learning have been reported... there is no published scientific evidence to positively link wind turbines with adverse health effects," the council said yesterday.
The council said a recent United States study into wind turbines and infrasound - sound that was "generally inaudible to the human ear" - found no evidence it could impact on the physical health of those living nearby. This was backed by a study focused on three British wind farms, it said, while the World Health Organisation also took the view there was no evidence of a health impact. The council said there was a mental impact on those who "perceived infrasound" and this was "annoyance."
"The situation is further complicated by findings that people who benefit economically from wind turbines were less likely to report annoyance, despite exposure to similar sound levels as people who were not economically benefiting," the council said. There was a similar lack of evidence to support complaints that "electromagnetic radiation, shadow flicker and blade glint" from wind turbines could impact on health. The statement was welcomed by the peak body, Clean Energy Council. Policy director Russell Marsh said more than 100,000 wind turbines had been installed across 80 countries and yet there remained "no credible evidence that wind turbines have a direct effect on people's health."
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