Over the past few years, Ontario has built several hundred wind turbines across the rural landscape, resulting in over 1000MW of wind power. This trend is expected to continue, with dozens more wind turbine projects already in the planning stages. As a result, the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) is poised to hold all future projects under stringent evaluation, anticipating an increase in complaints filed by nearby residents. In this climate, wind turbine noise assessment becomes absolutely critical. 

Any future projects must meet requirements that include the sum total of all noise generated by already existing nearby wind turbines. As a result, if multiple projects are applying for permits in the same vicinity, the first one to obtain approval is granted the cumulative noise allotment in that area.

The extremely detailed and complex requirements of the MOECC, shown here, lay out the minutiae of wind turbine noise measurement. The MOECC places high scrutiny on such studies, and will not tolerate inaccuracy.

Once approved, a project developer must review the Turbine Supply Agreement (TSA) with the manufacturer of the turbine components. This is a measure of prevention at the source - it is no use to follow all placement and installation guidelines if the components do not meet spec. Project developers will understandably want to place the responsibility of the initial noise generation on component manufacturers. This is done by including legal language in the project documentation that makes it the manufacturer’s responsibility to comply with the MOECC\'s noise performance requirements.

A 3rd party is required to perform noise audits once a project is completed and on line. Two types of noise audits are performed. The first measures noise at the turbine. The second measures noise at the area where it will be experienced by the worst affected nearby residents. Wind turbine noise monitoring at the source verifies that the manufacturer’s turbines do actually produce a noise level that matches the manufacturer’s claim, as stated in the project’s TSA. And remember, wind turbine noise monitoring at the location of nearby residents’ dwellings verifies that the cumulative noise levels from all the turbines within a given area are in compliance with the MOECC protocol. The audit is a highly coordinated effort between the measurement company, the manufacturer, and the surrounding landowners.

With careful, detailed planning, along with cooperation from the wind (blowing at the right speed and direction to complete the audit), an emission audit can be completed in a few hours. The results will provide a comprehensive overview of the perceived sound power level of a wind turbine, along with the tonal characteristics of the turbine, making an accurate documentation of noise compliance.

For information on how Valcoustics can help your next project, contact us to schedule a consultation.