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PERSPECTIVES FROM THE FIELD: Environmental Noise Impact—Modeling Study for the Proposed 30-MW Offshore Wind Farms in Lake Erie

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 July 2011

Lian Zhao ,
Jim Liovas  and
Bijan Danesh
Lian Zhao*
Affiliation:
SouthPoint Wind, 1037193 Ontario Inc., Leamington, Canada
Jim Liovas
Affiliation:
SouthPoint Wind, 1037193 Ontario Inc., Leamington, Canada
Bijan Danesh
Affiliation:
Envirofix Corporation, St. Catharines, Canada
*
Lian Zhao, Engineering Department, SouthPoint Wind, 1037193 Ontario Inc., Princess Center Unit 212, 33 Princess Street, Leamington, CanadaN8H 5C5; (phone and fax) 416-855-6453; (e-mail) lianzhaoee@gmail.com
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Abstract

We present the study results on the noise impact assessment for the proposed 30-MW wind farms in Lake Erie in Ontario, Canada. This report also reviews noise issues of a wind farm, sound propagation, and the major factors that might affect the sound-propagation and the noise-modeling results. The noise guidelines of Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE) extensively are referenced in this assessment. The potential noise receptors have been identified in order to predict the noise-reception level at certain setback distances. WindPRO professional software designed for wind farms is used for the noise-modeling prediction. The noise-impact calculation by WindPRO is based on the ISO 9613-2 (General Acoustics: Attenuation of Sound during Propagation Outdoors—Part 2: General Method of Calculation). Additionally, meteorologic conditions, including the wind profile of the wind farm sites and topography as well as acoustic emission data for the selected wind turbine brand, have been coupled into the model. The detailed octave data at the wind-speed range of 6–11 m/s for each point of reception have been predicted. The results of the noise-impact assessment are demonstrated by noise level and noise contours, and the corresponding compliance of wind turbine noise criteria regulated in Ontario are analyzed for the proposed wind farms.

Environmental Practice 13:101–112 (2011)

Type
Features
Information
Environmental Practice , Volume 13 , Issue 2 , June 2011 , pp. 101 - 112
Copyright
Copyright © National Association of Environmental Professionals 2011

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