Wind Farm Noise Services
Infrasonic offer a range of services related to wind farm noise. Our experience in this area enables us to advice clients at all stages of a wind farm development. We can provide advice in the planning stages of a development; carry out background noise surveys, and model noise levels emitted from proposed developments. Using these various tools we can identify whether a proposed development will satisfy planning conditions. Once the development is operational we can carry out noise emission surveys. All works conducted are in compliance with International and/or British standard and best practice guidelines.
Expert Support The Wind Energy Development Guidelines document published by the EPA provides noise level guidelines. However, there is currently no legislation regarding acceptable levels of noise from wind turbines. This leads to differing interpretations of the guidelines resulting in significant differences in the planning conditions to be satisfied. Our experience in this area enables us to advice clients in the preparation of planning applications. We also provide advice at all stages of a wind farm development and can formulate arguments and/or responses to planning conditions deemed to be overly restrictive. |
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Background Noise Survey Planning authorities generally require a background noise survey to be undertaken to provide a detailed description of the existing noise environment. Infrasonic provide this service and all work is carried out in accordance with best practice guidelines. Our service not only monitors noise levels but also meteorological conditions (i.e. wind speed and direction, and rain fall). This is important as background noise levels vary with wind speed; hence it is important to correlate noise levels with wind speed. The critical wind speed† is calculated comparing the acquired data with the power curve of the proposed wind turbines. |
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Noise Modelling Using an in-house computational model developed in accordance with ISO 9613 (1996) we can predict noise levels from the proposed wind farm development. The predicted noise levels are then compared to measured background levels and DoEHLG guidelines criteria. Upon an analysis of these predictions, taken in conjunction with the results from the background noise survey, it is possible to determine the impact the wind farm development will have on the local environment and whether the development is likely to satisfy the planning conditions. |
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Noise Emission Survey Once the wind farm development is operative, we can carry out noise emission surveys to assess whether the noise levels are in compliance with limits set out in the planning conditions. The noise emission surveys are carried out in accordance with best practice guidelines and with the Environmental Noise Survey Guidance Document (2003) published by the EPA. The noise survey quantifies the impact that the wind farm development has on the local environment and whether the limits imposed by the Planning Authority are complied with. |
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