Sound level impact studies for wind energy in NY State: A whole new world

Abstract

In 2012, New York State adopted regulations for any energy facility over 25 megawatts in electrical capacity (“Article 10”). Since that time at least 15 wind energy projects have entered permitting, with many of them deep into the required sound level studies prescribed by Article 10. The author is working on seven of these projects and will cover the key steps in the process ranging from the initial public involvement through submittal of an application. The sound studies for Article 10 have become one of the most thorough and complex in the industry. Key elements of the technical studies include multi-season existing condition measurement programs, sound level modeling, meteorological data analysis, literature reviews, regulatory comparisons, and evaluation of a multitude of additional sound-related criteria such as hearing impairment and speech interference. The depth of the sound studies appear to be expanding beyond that contemplated in the Article 10 regulations.