Laserfiche WebLink
<br />general, the noise of a turbine can be classified as white noise, and is masked by ambient noise, <br />especially in the case of medium and smaller generators. However it is important to note that people <br />subjectively perceive a 10 dB increase in volume as two times as loud. The issue of vibration is only <br />associated with large scale wind generators. <br /> <br />The issue of noise can be mitigated by use of a setback from adjoining property and the use of <br />landscaping surrounding the generator. Many ordinances require a setback of 1,000 feet or greater. <br />According to an article in the Albert Lea Tribune, state law requires a setback of 500 feet from <br />residences and must be quieter than 50 decibels for 54 minutes every hour for wind farms. <br /> <br /> <br />....AlrpIane <br /> -- <br /> dflll <br />lndustriat <br />..... <br /> S1ereo <br /> mus'" <br />Insi'ldo car <br /> 011"'" <br />Home <br /> 'Mml <br /> turbina <br />....,.." <br /> VVhisper <br />Failing <br />....... <br /> <br /> <br />Photo Credit: A WEA <br /> <br />Shadow Flicker <br /> <br />Shadow flicker is the phenomenon where a flicker is created by the shadow of the moving blades. This <br />phenomenon generally occurs at times of low sun angles and is most noticeable indoors. In a large scale <br />generator, the effect is not perceptible beyond 0.6 miles. Further, in the large scale turbines, the <br />cumulative effect of shadow flicker is less than a few hours over a year's time. The smaller the blades, <br />the less impact of shadow flicker. <br /> <br />The issue of shadow flicker can also be addressed with the use of landscaping, and a calculation of the <br />angles of impact when selecting a site for the system. In addition, adequate setbacks of 1,000 feet or <br />greater to impacted structures can mitigate the concern. <br /> <br />Aesthetics <br /> <br />Concerns regarding the aesthetics of wind turbines are often expressed. In most cases, it is the sheer <br />size of the turbines that raises this concern. Limiting the size to medium scale or smaller turbines will <br />mitigate the negative aesthetic impacts. Additional mitigating factors include limiting lighting on a <br />turbine to that required by the FAA, requiring turbines to be painted a neutral color, and prohibiting <br />sign age other than warnings. <br /> <br />11 <br />