A critical analysis of the “Wind Turbine Health Impact Study: Report of Independent Expert Panel”

Abstract

The “Wind Turbine Health Impact Study: Report of Independent Expert Panel” study, herein the “Massachusetts study,” says: “The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) convened a panel of independent experts to identify any documented or potential health impacts of risks that may be associated with exposure to wind turbines, and, specifically, to facilitate discussion of wind turbines and public health based on scientific findings.” It continues to say: “The scope of the Panel’s effort was focused on health impacts of wind turbines per se.” The Massachusetts study treats health affects broadly in accordance with WHO and includes direct health effects, annoyance, and sleep disruption. In many ways, the Massachusetts study is a critique of the literature relating to wind farm acoustic emissions and health effects. This paper is a critique of the critics. In particular, this critique examines some of the physical acoustic findings and some of the social survey findings. The Massachusetts study employed very strict standards to what they deemed to be quality, acceptable studies, and it is only fair that they be judged by their own criteria. It is the judgment of this reviewer that they failed.