Ontario's McGuinty government issued a press release on Friday December 16 that says an expert report has concluded there is no direct health risk from wind turbine sound at Ontario's regulated setback distance.
The province said that the study which was conducted by noise, vibration and acoustics experts Howe Gastmeier Chapnik Ltd., looked at more than 100 papers and reports from Ontario, Alberta, and countries around the world.
The study analyzed the latest findings on low frequency noise and infrasound from wind turbines. In addition the government says, three experts in the field of noise, vibration and acoustics reviewed and validated the report.
“The report found that the province's rules to control wind turbine sound are rigorous. Ontario has one of the strictest noise limits in North America, which includes a 550 metre minimum setback, based on a 40 decibel limit,” read the release.
The government says that these requirements align with the limits set by the World Health Organization.
"Our priority is to develop renewable energy in a way that protects Ontarians. This report finds that we are on the right track by taking a cautious approach when setting standards for wind turbine setbacks and sound limits,” said Jim Bradley, Minister of the Environment.
The potential for wind turbines to impact on the health of those who live in close proximity to them has been one of the key issues in the fight against wind turbine developments in Ontario. Wind turbine protestors have cited numerous case studies that focus on reported health affect as a result of living or working near wind farm developments.
