Resumen de Field evaluation of wind turbine-related noise in western New York State

Martin Schiff, Shannon R. Magari, Clinton E. Smith, Annette C. Rohr

• This project seeks to increase the understanding of potential noise issues related to industrial wind turbine operation in New York State, by examining the outcome of a recent wind project. The study was conducted in and around an operating installation of eighty-four modern 1.5-megawatt wind turbines in rural western New York, without the direct involvement of the utility operator. Continuous meteorological and noise measurements were conducted at five residential properties near operating turbines, as well as at two well-removed control properties. The four-day monitoring campaign was repeated in summer, autumn, and winter. Where wind conditions allowed, infrasound and lowfrequency spectral data were also evaluated across both turbine and no-turbine sites. Results were compared to the pre-construction modeling of the site, and the influence of extraneous noise interference was examined. The results of the study will help stakeholders to better understand how future projects may impact communities, and how these potential impacts might be anticipated and mitigated.