Falmouth Wind Turbine Noise Studies

Transcription

1 October 19, 2013 Falmouth Wind Turbine Noise Studies Stephen E. Ambrose Principal Consultant, INCE Board Certified & Robert W. Rand Principal Consultant, INCE Acoustics, Environmental Sound & Industrial Noise Control S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 1

2 Themes considered for this presentation: S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 2

3 Themes considered for this presentation: 1. The last thing we need is another study S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 3

4 Themes considered for this presentation: 1. The last thing we need is another study, 2. Blind eyes and deaf ears S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 4

5 Themes considered for this presentation: 1. The last thing we need is another study, 2. Blind eyes and deaf ears, 3. History of Falmouth wind turbine studies S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 5

6 Themes considered for this presentation: 1. The last thing we need is another study, 2. Blind eyes and deaf ears, 3. History of Falmouth wind turbine studies, 4. Evidence that demands a verdict S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 6

7 Themes considered for this presentation: 1. The last thing we need is another study, 2. Blind eyes and deaf ears, 3. History of Falmouth wind turbine studies, 4. Evidence that demands a verdict, Winner: Back to the Future Acknowledgements: Steven Spielberg, Robert Zemeckis, Michael J Fox, Christopher Lloyd S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 7

8 S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 8

9 This is a true story, depicted by Marty and Doc. S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 9

10 Their mission: identify the ignored warnings in the Falmouth wind turbine studies S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 10

11 Only then can Marty and Doc correct significant warnings in history. S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 11

12 That opened rifts into an alternate universe, where noisy wind turbines were permitted to invade homes. S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 12

13 The wayback clock is set NOV S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 13

14 First study November 21, 2003 Renewable Energy Research Laboratory (new name; UMass Wind Energy Center) University of Massachusetts Department of Mechanical Engineering Support from Massachusetts Technology Collaborative S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 14

15 Dr. James Manwell Director The University of Massachusetts Wind Energy Center is a leading institution in wind energy engineering nationally and internationally. Since 1972 the Center has worked diligently to maintain and enhance its important wind energy education programs and research activities. S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 15

16 Dr. James Manwell Director The University of Massachusetts Wind Energy Center is a leading institution in wind energy engineering nationally and internationally. Since 1972 the Center has worked diligently to maintain and enhance its important wind energy education programs and research activities. S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 16

17 NOVEMBER 21, 2003 S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 17

18 November 2003 Page 3 S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 18

19 November 2003 Page 3 S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 19

20 November 2003 Page 3 S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 20

21 Doc! No 10 db increase, won t be audible? Wait!! Marty, how can this be? S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 21

22 November 2003 Page 3 S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 22

23 Geez, they wrote this with no measurements, no calculations GREAT SCOTT!! Marty, YES! they failed to design to be good acoustic neighbors. S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 23

24 Summary Date Report Comment 21 Nov 2003 Preliminary Site Assessment RERL / Umass Increase Less Than 10 db Minimally Audible Do Noise Survey S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 24

25 Doc, this report was researched by an academic group that promotes wind turbines. Yes, and they recognized the need to do an ambient noise survey, MEASUREMENTS! S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 25

26 Second & Third Studies April 19, 2003 & November 2005 KEMA, Ecology and Environment, Inc. (now part of DNV; an international risk management company) Support from Massachusetts Technology Collaborative S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 26

27 S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 27

28 6.1.2 Nov. 5 Same Text Added for Nov. 5 S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 28

29 6.1.2 Nov. 5 Public Reaction Flawed Added for Nov. 5 S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 29

30 6.1.2 Nov. 5 Modern Turbines Quiet Added for Nov. 5 S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 30

31 Doc! They're saying public noise reaction is unpredictable?? Marty, it s INCREDIBLE!! They ignored reliable methods to assess community noise reaction!! S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 31

32 Noise Complaint Response Levels International Standards Organization ISO :2003 dba above noise level criterion Estimated Community Response Category Description 0 None No Observed Reaction 5 Little Sporadic Complaints 10 Medium Widespread Complaints 15 Strong Threats of Community Action 20 Very Strong Vigorous Community Action Stephen E. Ambrose, INCE Bd.Cert. 32

33 6.1.2 Nov. 5 1 MW turbine 42 dba at 300-ft Added for Nov. 5 S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 33

34 Marty, This is INCREDIBLE! Falmouth s property line noise limit is 40 dba. 42 dba is TOO LOUD!! The re headed straight for TROUBLE!! S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 34

35 Doc, is 42 dba true 1 MW turbine at 300-ft? Marty, NO!! we need to ask Rob. He MEASURES wind turbine noise by DISTANCE. S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 35

36 Measured 57 dba 300-ft from 1.5 MW turbines. LIGHT WINDS Robert Rand, Rand Acoustics 300-ft S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 36

37 6.1.2 Nov dba Urban Added for Nov. 5 S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 37

38 Is Falmouth an urban environment? NO!! Hey- let s ask Chris for help. S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 38

39 Falmouth s quietest nighttime measurement is 27 dba. HMMH s chart identifies area as Quiet Rural Nighttime 40 dba 30 dba Quiet Rural Nighttime 20 dba S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 39

40 GE 1.5 MW Residential PL = dba Falmouth Noise Limit 40 dba Exceed by 2-4 db!! S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 40

41 Doc! They re saying the Falmouth noise limit is 40 dba, yet they predicted dba! GREAT SCOTT!! You re CORRECT! And all presented without any MEASUREMENTS! S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 41

42 How can they show this on a topo map? Marty, we can see this on Figure 17 in the Feasibility Study. S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 42

43 Consistent with the Town Ordinance, there should not be excessive noise from the wind turbine above 40 db (A) at the property line of the site. Where? Wind MW 1200-ft from Wind 1 Blacksmith Shop Road S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 43

44 Doc! Neighbors live on Blacksmith Shop Road. Figure 17 shows noise levels louder than 40 dba! Marty, we need to ask Rob for more MEASUREMENTS! S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 44

45 1.5 MW turbine, 42 dba at 1200-ft and 2000-ft LIGHT WINDS Robert Rand, Rand Acoustics S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 45

46 Caution! Trend line shows potential for 47 dba at 1200-ft Robert Rand, Rand Acoustics S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 46

47 Doc, 42, 47 dba at 1200-ft!! Marty, measurements should not be ignored. They are more reliable than predictions. Measurements are used to validate predictions. S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 47

48 42 dba is louder than Falmouth s 40 dba noise limit! INCREDIBLE! No one noticed this in the Nov report. Wind 1 is TOO LOUD! right from the get go! S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 48

49 A reviewer will catch this MISTAKE! Marty, this is why neighbors can rely on the state to protect them. S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 49

50 S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 50

51 There were no plans for the MassDEP to review Wind 1 reports. S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 51

52 Are Falmouth planners vigilant enough to protect? Marty, let s read more of the report and find out. S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 52

53 Anticipated? Why Not Predicted? S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 53

54 S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 54

55 Strong Motivation to Approve S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 55

56 100% Very Concerned or Concerned S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 56

57 Yikes! How could this be missed? Everyone who replied was CONCERNED about NOISE! S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 57

58 Summary Date Report Finding / Comment 21 Nov Apr 2005 Nov 2005 Preliminary Site Assessment RERL / UMass Site Screening Report Site Feasibility Report KEMA & Ecology and Environment, Inc. Increase less than 10 db, Minimally audible, Do Noise Survey Noise complaints subjective, 40 dba limit, Falmouth urban, Wind 1 predicted dba, Do Noise Survey S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 58

59 EGADS! These reports were done by groups that promote wind turbines! Marty, this is INCREDIBLE!!! They re unable to admit that WIND 1 IS TOO LOUD! S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 59

60 Fourth study September 2010 Harris Miller Miller & Hansen, Inc. S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 60

61 S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 61

62 S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 62

63 Decipher: 1) Measure wind turbine ON and OFF, Context of MassDEP compliance. S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 63

64 Decipher: 2) Model wind turbine noise levels, Determine MassDEP compliance. S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 64

65 Why measure noise levels, and then model for compliance? Measurements should be used for compliance. Let s look at the measurement data. S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 65

66 September 2011 Nighttime L90 Measurements 10-min avg Turbine ON L90s 34 to 47 dba Turbine OFF L90s 27 to 33 dba S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 66

67 September 2011 Nighttime L90 Measurements Highest Repeated L90: dba, 8 m/s Quietest L90: 31 dba, 8 m/s Quietest L90: 27 dba, 4 m/s S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 67

68 September 2011 Nighttime L90 Measurements MassDEP: 37 dba Lmax Highest Repeating Measured L90: dba, 8 m/s dba diff Quietest L90: 27 dba, 4 m/s MassDEP: L90 S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 68

69 Doc! This chart proves WIND 1 TOO LOUD! Marty! This is INCREDIBLE! Measured WIND 1 L90s are 9-10 db higher than MassDEP s Lmax limit. S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 69

70 HMMH Computed L90 > Measured 27 to 34 dba S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 70

71 How d they get a L dba for background with Wind 1 OFF? They could have averaged L90 background measurements? S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 71

72 Doc, This MAKES NO SENSE!!! Marty, you re on to something, let s Compare Data Tables. S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 72

73 Turbine ON Quieter Than OFF Measured 27 to 34 dba S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 73

74 Model data conflicts with measurements. They should not consider models superior to measurements. This will cause more ERRORS! S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 74

75 Wind 1 measured 46 dba All Predicted Values ~ 5 db too low S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 75

76 Measured 27 to to 19 Wind 1 measured Predicted Wind 1 Leq quieter than measured L90 Exceeds MassDEP Lmax by 2 to 9 db S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 76

77 GREAT SCOTT!! Marty, their tables are full of ERRORS. Doc, this confirms noise model predictions are no substitute for real measurements. S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 77

78 Summary Date Report Finding / Comment 21 Nov Apr 2005 Nov Sep 2010 Preliminary Site Assessment RERL / UMass Site Screening Report Site Feasibility Report KEMA & Ecology and Environment, Inc. Falmouth Wind Turbine Noise Study / HMMH Increase less than 10 db, Minimally audible, Do Noise Survey Noise complaints subjective, 40 dba limit, Falmouth urban, Wind 1 predicted dba, Do Noise Survey Increase >10 db, turbines audible Wind 1 too loud S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 78

79 What s going on? Can t anyone read, where s the comprehension? IMPOSSIBLE!! Don t they understand? WIND 1 IS TOO LOUD! S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 79

80 Fifth study June 6, 2010 Noise Control Engineering, Inc. S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 80

81 S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 81

82 S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 82

83 This chart shows noise levels vs. time measurements. Again, measured 46 dba, Wind 1 too loud. S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 83

84 46 dba 19 db 27 dba S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 84

85 Wind 1 noise levels are 9 db above the MassDEP Lmax noise limit. This is AMAZING!! Again, measurements- Wind 1 too loud! S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 85

86 Summary Date Report Finding / Comment 21 Nov Apr 2005 Nov Sep June 2011 Preliminary Site Assessment RERL / UMass Site Screening Report Site Feasibility Report KEMA & Ecology and Environment, Inc. Falmouth Wind Turbine Noise Study / HMMH Evaluation of Noise Data Noise Control Engineering Increase less than 10 db, Minimally audible, Do Noise Survey Noise complaints subjective, 40 dba limit, Falmouth urban, Wind 1 predicted dba, Do Noise Survey Increase >10 db, turbines audible Wind 1 too loud Wind 1 too loud S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 86

87 Sixth study March 15, 2012 DNV KEMA Services for Managing Risk also (DNV KEMA Energy & Sustainability) S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 87

88 S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 88

89 S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 89

90 Mar 15, 2012 The Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (MassCEC) retained DNV to provide wind turbine technology and control system expertise to the town of Falmouth, Massachusetts. S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 90

91 What s going on? These are the same agencies that did the first site assessment in 2003! S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 91

92 Mar 15, 2012 The support being provided addresses concerns about noise levels around the two town-operated wind turbines at the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 92

93 Marty!... You re right! Neighbors can t be protected when DNV and KEMA both support wind energy. S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 93

94 ambient sound levels based on only one condition understates the range of possible ambient noise levels at receptors and when problematic conditions might occur. S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 94

95 Based on these observations, DNV suggests that additional measurements be made to understand better under what conditions neighbors of the Falmouth wind turbines experience which noise levels and when state or local noise guidelines might be exceeded. S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 95

96 Doc, 9 years after the first study, they are still asking for more noise measurements?? S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 96

97 Marty!... This is proof! They do not know how to be GOOD ACOUSTIC NEIGHBORS! S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 97

98 Summary Date Report Finding / Comment 21 Nov Apr 2005 Nov Sep June Mar 2012 Preliminary Site Assessment RERL / UMass Site Screening Report Site Feasibility Report KEMA & Ecology and Environment, Inc. Falmouth Wind Turbine Noise Study / HMMH Evaluation of Noise Data Noise Control Engineering DNV Review Mitigation Report Wind 1 & Wind 2 Increase less than 10 db, Minimally audible, Do Noise Survey Noise complaints subjective, 40 dba limit, Falmouth urban, Wind 1 predicted dba, Do Noise Survey Increase >10 db, turbines audible Wind 1 too loud. More Measurements Wind 1 too loud More Measurements More Measurements to understand why there are complaints S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 98

99 Seventh study November 29, 2012 Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 99

100 MassDEP Letter To: Falmouth BOS Sound Sampling Study November 29, 2012 S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 100

101 November 29, 2012 day time two wind turbines do not exceed 10 db threshold established in MassDEP s Noise Policy S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 101

102 Doc, again, Noise Regulation, Noise Guideline, Noise Policy,... I am confused? Marty, Regulation means Law, whereas, Guideline, Policy implies less. S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 102

103 November 29, 2012 (9 am through 4:00 pm) is considerered worst case in establishing the background noise levels, S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 103

104 Daytime makes NO SENSE! Complaints occur at NIGHT! Marty, nobody wants to stay up and witness measurements in the dark at 2 am. S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 104

105 Summary Date Report Finding / Comment 21 Nov Apr 2005 Nov Sep June Mar 2012 Preliminary Site Assessment RERL / UMass Site Screening Report Site Feasibility Report KEMA & Ecology and Environment, Inc. Falmouth Wind Turbine Noise Study / HMMH Evaluation of Noise Data Noise Control Engineering DNV Review Mitigation Report Wind 1 & Wind 2 29 Nov 2012 MassDEP Letter Increase less than 10 db, Minimally audible, Do Noise Survey Noise complaints subjective, 40 dba limit, Falmouth urban, Wind 1 predicted dba, Do Noise Survey Increase >10 db, turbines audible Wind 1 too loud More Measurements Wind 1 too loud More Measurements More Measurements to understand why there are complaints Daytime worst case Noise Increase < 10 db S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 105

106 Doc! This is proof, neighbors are protected by blind eyes and deaf ears. Marty, you re right, these reports all present evidence that demands a verdict. S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 106

107 Community Response Prediction Pederson & Waye 2004 No Observed Ellect Level Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 107

108 Community Response Prediction Falmouth L90 Nite Existing S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 108

109 Community Response Prediction Predicted Existing S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 109

110 Community Response Prediction Measured Predicted Existing S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 110

111 S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 111

112 Thank You Stephen E. Ambrose Principal Consultant, INCE Board Certified & Robert W. Rand Principal Consultant, INCE Acoustics, Environmental Sound & Industrial Noise Control S E. Ambrose & R W Rand, INCE Members 112