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I Report to the Town of EnfieldTown Board
Enfield Wired Farm Advisory Committee
4-12-2016
Contents
Aboutthis report............................................ ........ .. .............................. 3
Report on Wind Turbines and Noise ...... ............:. ............ :.:......................................................4
Introduction...................................:......:................................. ................................... ..... .4
What is Noise and how is it measured .....:..:...................... ........... ...... 4
Complaints ................................................... .... .
WindTurbine Syndrome .......................................................... ...........................,5
Vibroacoustic Disease.............. .. ........................5.
What peer-reviewed literature says........ ....::... ::.............. .................................... 5
Conclusions and Recommendations......:........::...... ....:..........:.:.,:.::........................... 7....... ...:.
Wind Turbine Noise ..........................................: ........: .....:::..............................................
........ 8
Summary............................................ ..... ..... ...... ... 8
Conclusions................. .................... ......... $
Mitigations...................................... .......... ..................:.::.....;. :. .;.:.,,..:;..:.. ....,_.................
..8
Introduction.............................
..........................:::. .-_................ ::.. :... .........,...................... 9
Animalstudies.............................. .:.... .....:... ......... .....:..: ..... :.. ..:.:.:. . ........... ...: ..........10
H uman studies..........................
.............:.:..................................... ........................................10
Conclusion ........... ... .... ....... ........................... .12
Ice and Blade Fragment Throw..... .......:. ....... .13
Introduction......... .. .. ......, ... ... 13
Setback Mitigation............................. ....... ..... ....... ....... ..14
Other Mitigation Measures.................... 15
Summary............................................ :. :. ...: :.:...........................................
.....:.15
Fire, Lightning, Mechanical Failure; Flicke.r.OdOther Miscellaneous Issues........................ 16
Overview—Mechanical Failure,:Fire;.Lighting :.:.: . . : .. .. . ...
..... -16
Array Loss/Bearing Failure..........._.........::...: 16
..... .::-:::...................:..: :.........:Fire .............................................. ....... .::::..... ......... ::::.::::.:.:: :_:.......:...
.17.
Lightning.......................,......................::.:.:...................: .. .....................
19:
Foundation Failure/Turbine Collapse :............ ... ....... 20
Flicker.................. ................. ..:. .. .. ... 21
The Impact of Flicker on Horses..............
...... .
Strayvoltage.....................................:.......:::.........:. . ..............................................23
Lighting of turbines.......................:...............:.........
:.:....::.:..::.:..................................................24
1
Aeroelastic Flutter Stability.....:... ......... .`........ ... ......... .,..::.:: ,....................................25'
Bibliography............................................................ ::..............................................................25
Water Resources-Climateand Air Quality. .. 29
Summary...................... .......................... ......29 ..
Geology,Soils&Topography.
.......... ...............30
Test Borings:............................... ....... ...... . ....::... .....::.....,... .................... . ..30
Changes to the Turbines: .... 30
Monitoring:.............................. .............................31
2
About this report
In response to the controversy surrounding the proposed Black Oak Wind Farm,the Town of Enfield
created the Wind Farm Advisory Committee to:
"to advise the Town Board and other Town agencies on matters pertaining to the siting and placement
of wind turbines in the Town,any potential recommended updates or amendments to the existing local
law,and to strengthen and improve public understanding of wind turbines generally,including matters
as pertain to public health and safety. Thus,the Committee is charged with gathering factual
information regarding wind turbine health and safety issues and making this information available to the
Town Board after deliberation and considered recommendations thereupon. Towards this end,the
Committee should review,recommend, and prioritize strategies as they relatetoTown policies and local
laws for wind turbines, and to further become informed about wind farming in the Town and generally,
including both their positive and negative potential impacts."
The committee wasformed in January,2016 with a balance of members supporting Black Oak Wind
Farm and wind energy technology as well as those that have raised concerns about its negative effects.
The committee began meeting weekly to research and discuss the science of wind turbines. In a short
time,it has sought technical advice from industry, science,and technical experts. Although,the
committee could spend many more months of research,the report here is the result of information it
has learned so far. Not all members are in agreement this is represented by a couple different sections
on wind turbine noise and its effects.
Committee Members:
Mike Carpenter
Charlie Elrod
Martha Fischer
Marcus Gingerich
Jude Lemke
Mimi Mehaffey
Michael Miles,chair
Julie Schroeder
Rob Tesori
Former Members:
Marguerite Wells
Peter Bardaglio
Clerk:
Sue Thompson
3
Report on Wind Turbines and Noise
Introduction
The links and publications to be found when one searches"wind turbine noise health"number in the
hundreds of thousands.Peer-reviewed publications investigate wind.turbine..noise.in.Australia,Canada-
the United States,and in European countries.Some conclude that noise from wind.turbines.may have "
negativeeffects on human health,while others conclude that it has no effect:on human health.Popular
literature makes claims rangingfrom horrible outcomes of living next to turbines to people.having no
problem whatsoever.Coming to any one conclusion is next to impossible;and making recommendations
is challenging.Inthis reportwe outline the complicated phenomenon that is.noise, list the health
concerns,and try to spell out whetheror not those concerns are caused by noise from windturbines.
What is Noise and how is it measured?
Measuring noise is extremelycomplex.While one cam measure sound,factors such as atmospheric
conditions(air temperature,.moisture,wind speed and direction, etc.),the contour ofaandscape,
propagation of sound, and the instrumentation used in acoustic studies play into the accuracy of the
measurement.This subcommittee isfarfrom competent to explain'the nuances in.measuring sound and
in interpreting reports of sound measurement.
That said,we will do our best to explain the partsthat we do understand.A couple of references stand
out as aids to our understanding:Gracey&Associates Acoustic Glossary' and Acoustics and Vibration
Terminology Glossary,Definitions and Abbreviations.z
Noise is basically undesirable sound. Sound originating from wind turbines exists as audible and
inaudible to the human ear.Analysis of sound shows that it consists of frequencies(or pitches)
measured in hertz(Hz)at varying levels of loudness (or pressure levels) measured in decibels (dB).
Sound with frequencies 0—20Hz are known as infrasound, and are inaudible to most people.Very low"
frequency sound is generally between 20 to200Hz. Humans hear best at frequencies between 300 to "
16,000Hz.
Human perception of loudness is influenced by the frequency of sound. With regard to infrasound
generated by wind turbines, `loudness'should bethought of in terms of strength.Acousticians measure
the strength of sound with a sound pressure level meter.Most acoustic studies measure the strength of
audible sound (which the.term'loudriese:Can easily describe).These studies de-emphasize frequencies
below and above the threshold of human hearing are written as dBA.Note that the.measurements
reported in the Black Oak Wind.Farm Acoustic.Study are A-weighted:The strength of infrasound.:is..
difficult to measure.
1 http:/Iwww.acoustic-gi6ssary.co.ukl
2 http://infrastructure.plannin�ihspe6t6rate.gov.uk/wp-
content/ipc/uploads/prole cts/TR030001/2.%20Post-
Submission/Application 1201)ocuments/Envi ronmenta l%20Statement/File%208-12/File%2012%20-
%20Vol%201%20Annexes/16%20-%2OAnnex/16.19420-92OAcoustics%2OVibrafian%20Giosga ry.pdf"
4
Complaints
Wind Turbine Syndrome
Many objections about wind farms center around noise and infrasound: Nina Pierpont coined...the term
Wind Turbine Syndrome (WTS)and wrote the book (published in 2009)3 to describe a suite of symptoms
in 38 individuals from 10 families.'The symptoms include "disturbed sleep, headaches;tinnitus, a sense
of vibration,nervousness, rapid heartbeat,nausea,difficulty with concentration, 'memory loss,
irratibility and anger."The common thread among people with these symptoms is that they live within a
mile and a quarterof wind turbines. Physically moving awayfrom wind turbines has been the:most
effective antidote to the symptoms. As soon as the presence of a wind turbine is removed,.people
experience relief from their symptoms.4
Vibroacoustic Disease
Vibroacoustic Disease(VAD)isless:widely known except in aviation and military circles and.journals such
as those of the Aerospace.MedicalAssociation,.It is"a consequence of long term(years}exposure to low "
frequency noise." A thorough description of the disease atthe following website includes stagesand
symptoms of the disease.(noiseoff.org/document/vibroacoustic ;disease.1.pdf)While.:WTS.symptoms
disappear after a person`moves away from a turbine,VAD symptoms persist,.VAD"causes direct"tissue
or organ damage,"as written atthe website https://Windwisema.or�/abbut/`n6is6/wind-t6r6ine-
syndrome-and-vibroacoustic-disease/
What peer-reviewed literature says
Measuring infrasound and low frequency sound is a topic of much discussion among acousticians.Many,
agree that acoustic measurements of sounds lower than 200Hz should not be:takenwith A=weighted
filtering mechanisms.Studies of infrasound pressure levels are more accuratelv.measured with G-
weighted.filtering.Jacobsen in 2001 published recommendations on noise limits for infrasound, writing
that the limit for environmental infrasound must be a sound pressure level of 85MG:5."
Using the G-weighting function,comparison of measurements taken at homes.adjacent to wind farms
before and during a planned shutdown of.the 2.1MW turbines showed no noticeable:difference in
sound level. During low wind periods,40dBG was-measured at locations close to and farfrom a turbine;
3 Pierpont,Nina.Wind Turbrne:Syndrome:A Report on aNatura! Experiment:K-Selected Books.
Santa Fe,NM. 2009.
4https://windwise a.org/about/noise-----/wind-turbine-syndrot.ne.-and-vibroacoustic-diseasel`
5 Jakobsen,Jorgen. 2001. Danish guidelineson environmental low.-frequency noise,i:nfrasound,
and vibration.Journal of Low Frequencynoise;Vibration,and Active Control. pp 141=.148.
http://does.wind-watch.brg/iakobsen-2001 dani5h-guidelines.pdf
5
during higher wind periods, levels:as high as 70dBG were`found at locations at wind farm sites and::non
-
wind farm sites.s
Peer-reviewed journal articles were inconclusive when reporting results of studies onahe adverse
effects of wind turbines on human health.:Schmidt and Klokker 20147, performed a systematic review of;
the literature up to the end of 2013."with the.purpose of identifying any reported associati ons�between
wind turbine noise exposure and suspected health related effects.They searched for literature from
peer-reviewed scientifitsources(such asPubMed, Web of Science,and GoogleScholar) aswell as from
internet sources which were not peer-review(such as wind»watch.org;.windturbmesyndrome.com, and
waubrafoundation.org:au)..The researchers describe their method for narrowing the.plethora of search
results(over 1,000articles)down'to252 studies.They concludedthatnoisefromwindttirbines annoys
some people who live near them and may disturb some people's sleep.They'cautionthat annoyance and
disturbed sleep findings may be influenced by selection and information bias The authors state:
"Larger cross-sectionalsurveys have so far been unable to document arelationship
between various symptoms.such as tinnitus,hearing loss,vertigo,headache.and exposure to.
wind turbine noise. One limitation causing this c ould be that most studies so:far have only
measured LAeq* or Lden**•An additional focus on the measurement of low4requency
sound exposure as well as a more thorough characterization of the amplitude modulated
sound and the relationship between objective and subjective health parametem could lead to
different conclusions in the future.Finally,in regards to the objective measurement of health
related disorders in relation to windturbine noise, it would be valuable to demonstrate if such
health-related outcomes fluctuate depending on exposure to wind turbine noise."
[[Definitions from www_acoustic-glossary.co.ul:,,definition s-l.htin:
*LAeq is A weighted sound measured over a period of time
**Lden is A weighted sound measured over the 24.hour periodwth a i OdBpenalty added to
the levels between the hours of 11:00pm and 7:00am and a 5dB penalty added to the levels .
between 7:00pm and 11:OOpm to reflect people's sextra sensitivity to noise during night and
evening.]]
Other reviews of literature echo the findings of Schmidt and Klokker. The Wisconsin.State Legislature
asked the Public Service Commission staff to update the review:done in.2014:by Wiscomin's.:Wind Siting
6 Evans, T., Cooper,J.,and Lenchine,V.2013. Infrasound levelsnearwindfarmsand in'other:
environments.Studyundertaken for the Environment Protection Authority,Adelaide;South`
Australia. www.epa.sa. ov au/files/477912 infrasound.pdf
7 SchmidtJH, KlokkerM(2014) Health EffectsRelatedto Wind Turbine Noise Exposure:A
Systematic Review.PLoS CANE 9(12)s e114183. doi 10.1371/j o u rn a 1.po n e.0114183,
http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.137l/journal.pone.0114183
6
Council.$Among other articles,it lists the Health Canada Study(http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-
semt/noise-bruit/turbine-eoliennes/summary-resume-eng.php). The Wisconsin paper also referenced ea
publication titled"Evaluation of community response to wind turbine related noise in Western New
York State"(http_//www.noiseandhealth.org/article.asp?issn=1463-
1741;year=2014;volume=l6;issue=71;spage=228;epage=239;a ulast=Magari).
With regardto sleep disturbance attributedto noise from wind turbines,Michaud eta], 2016,9j
performed subjective and objective measures of sleep with 1,238 people randomly selected from
residences between.25 and 11.22.kilometers from working wind turbines Theauthors could find no..
pattern or correlation with wind turbine nolse levels.They found that sleep quality was influence by
factors such as caffeine.intake,other health effects(such as disease and sleep disorders), and:
annoyance with blinking lights on:the turbines.
Conclusions and Recommendations
It appears that illness caused-by noise from wind turbines is a phenomenon not proven by science at this '
point in time.What has been revealed clearly is that noise from turbines annoys some people. i
Annoyance is no trivial matter,arid:ifenough people complain about noise from the wind farm,action
should betaken with the cooperation of the town;residents, and company"to.investigate,the origin of
the noise,the intensity of the noise,and possible ways of mitigation.Resolution on.the.best.mitigation
measures should be reached and then implemented.
In the future,monitoring should follow the protocols set out in Results of an Acoustic Testing Program:
Cape Bridgewater Wind Farm(The Acoustic Croup Report 44.5100.R7:MSC26t1 November,2014),
especially with respect to land/home owner,involvement in planning and implementation.
http://www.pacifichydro.com.au/filesJ2015/O1/Cape-Bridgewater-Acoustic-R6por.t.pdf
Any acoustic studies should be undertaken with instruments that are properly calibrated and suitable
for measurements across humanly audible and inaudible (within frequencies and pressure
levels.
..l
8 Staff of Public Service Commission.2015. Review of Studies and Literature Relatingto Wind.
Turbines and Human Health. https.//6sc.wi.gov/reports/documents/201SWindReport.pdf
9 Michaud DS,Feder K,Keith SE,Voicescu SA;Marro L,Than J,Guay`M,benning A,.M urray BJ,Weiss SK,
Villeneuve PJ,van den Berg F,Bower T.Heels of wind turbine noise on self-reporled and objective measures of
sleep. SLEEP 2016;39(1):97-109. ht JhuwwAcbi.nirn.nih.gbyipubmed/26518508
7
Wind Turbine Noise
Summary
The complexities related to wind turbine noise are well summed up by a quote from the Frey;Hadden
report of 201210,
"Wind turbine noise is:especially complicated because of the'cockta? of physical
acoustic characters that comprise the noise pollution. The pulsating noise,
characteristic of wind turbines, can be more intrusive than other types of noise and
the pulsations include both audible and inaudible components, i.e.,low frequency
noise, infrasound, and vibration. Noise with these characteristics is..more intrusive,
and the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines recommend lowering.the.
permissible decbetlevels when noise contains these characteristics:.WHO.makes
these recommendations not merely to reduce;annoyance or nuisance: WHO makes
these recommendations because epidemiological studies indicate clearly.that
environmental noise is prejudicial and injurious to health:
While there is yet no scientific consensus as to the effects of wind turbine noise on people, "
the precautionary principle should be followed until definitive scientific studies can:be'
conducted to address the questions-surrounding the health risks related to.wind turbine
noise. If there is no clear scient�c consensus regarding safety,the;town:must:err on.the
side of caution and have strict sound limits and significant setbacks to protect residents.
Based on the research of papers,reports and communications,the following conclusions and. :;
recommendations were made:
Conclusions
1. The greater the:distance which wind.turbines are setback from residences.the less.likelythere is .
to be adverse affects for the residents.`
2. Audible noise 200-20kHz is more easily monitored and controlled than.lower frequencies. "
3. The lower the frequency of the noise,the farther the sound will carry"beforebeing dissipated.. "
4. Any health risks of.infrasound(sound below 2011z in and low frequency nois a(sound
from approximately 20-200Hz)are generally dismissed by the wind industry.as insignificant; .
thus,they are generally not regulated or monitored.'i
5. Wind turbines emit infrasound,and the larger the turbine,the slower the rotation,the-lower the
infrasound frequency;thus;the farther the propagation.
Mitigations
1. One method of mitigation is to establish an absolute setback distance such that.:the risks to
residents are well within an acceptable range. This method is the simplest;however;`if properly
implemented; this method is likely to result in the greatest setback as no consideration would:be
given to wind turbine size and/or design.; Also, since the configuration ofmuhiple turbines can
10 httpJ/waLibrafoundatiorLorg.auhvp-content/uploads/2014/06/Frey-Hadden:Wiild-Turbines-proximity to-
Homes.pdf
s3.amazonaws.com/windaction/attachments/2510/lnfasound and wind turbines final version 4_August.
_2015.pdf — — —
8
have a significant effect on sound attenuation,1 z the setback must be large enough to provide
protection against multiple wind turbines operating simultaneously. Based.on.the available
studies,the only safe limit seems to be that greater than about 1mi. 1.5km)1I minimizes the risk
of adverse reactions..Distances less than that seem to have some increased risk of adverse
reaction,but this depends upon many factors which are not yet fully understood.
2. A second possible method of mitigation is to establish a setback based upon the size of the wind
turbine such as the rotor diameter-and/or totalheight or some combination of both. This has.the
effect of allowing for different size turbines;thus,smaller turbines would require less separation
from residents.
3. A third method of mitigation is to establish a setback based on predicted noise Ievels.which the,
wind developer must guarantee will be met or mitigation must be implemented.such that,the noise
levels are met. This method must include both criterion for audible or A-weightednoiselevels
LFN and IS noise. There seems to be a tolerable level of audible sound around LA�.of 35a l,4 "
this would be most important during the nighttime. Somewhat louder appears to be acceptable
during daytime; for example 40 dBA, or some limit, such as 3-5dBA above ambient... .
A method for addressing acute noise annoyance was proposed by Kelley,,et al.:, based.:on the
SERUNASA%DOEstudies in the 80's.l s Anotherpaper developed,a method of calculatinga safe
setback distance fora single wind turbine used on thresholds forannoyttnce and physiological
effects threshold.for different turbines and frequencies. 16 However.additional consideration
would need to be given to multiple turbines and/or arrays of wind turbines and the.'Heightened
Noise Zones:produced by the interacting noise fields. The calculations also.require accurate. .
data on the noise spectrum.produced by the wind turbine(s),
i
Introduction
In general,environmental noise is.known to cause health problems. The question is,what tlevels and
characteristics of noise are responsible.for those adverse effects?
Wind turbines produce significant amounts of noise throughout the audible noise spectrum as well as
down into.the LFN range and:IS range. Wind turbine noise was first studied here in the.U.S.back in the
late 1970s and early 1980s under"a joint project between the Department of Energy(DOE);theNational
Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA),and the National RenewableEnergy .aboratory(NREL)
which was known at that time as.the Solar Energy,Research Institute(SERI). The MOD-1.turbine,.a:
downwind design;unexpeetedly caused what was termed'annoyance'among residents as far away as'
—2km. A subsequent study of the MOD-2 turbine,a downwind design more comparable to wind turbines .
of present day,indicated that model produced less infrasound and was not expected to produce.adverse
effects beyond 1 km. '
No comparable and comprehensive studies of more modern wind turbines have been found;;thus,no
assessments or comparisons can be made. More recent studies of wind turbines have focused on the
effects on people(and animals)living in the vicinity of industrial wind turbine installations
12 httpJ/ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casintrs:nasa.gov/19910007366.pdf
13 httpsJ/www.nhrrgc.gov.au/_files_ribnrc/publications/attachments/eh57a inforniation paperpdf
14 Schmidt,et al.,httpJ/www.ncbi.nlmnih.gov/pme/articles/PMC4256253/pdf/pone:0114183.pdf
15 KeUey,et.ALhttp://www.nrel.goir/docs/legosti/old/326.1.pdf
16 Thorne,et.al,
httpsJ/www_acoustics.asn_au/conference roceedmgs/INTERNOISE2014/papers/p599.pdf#page=l&zoom=aut
o,-12,843
17 Kelley,et.al.,httpJ/www.nrel.gov/docs/legosti/old/3036.pdf
9
Though not confirmed via scientific rigor;many health issues have been attributed to living near wind
turbines including: t nnitus, hearing loss,vertigo,headaches,and nausea to naive a few. More generally
accepted effects include noise annoyance and sleep disturbance. One very significant confounding factor
is the variability between individuals and the speck susceptibility of eachto the different effects. A
few of the notable reports of findings and effects on animals and human health are presented in the
following sections.
Animal studies
There is not a large body of data available in thepeer-reviewed literature on the effect of wind turbines on
animals; however,there area smallnumber of peer-reviewed studies. Most studies are not controlled"-
studies,rather they are specific case-studies. A couple of examples are:
1. One controlled.studywas conducted on the reaction of two groups of domestic geese raised at
two distances from a wuid.turbine, one group was 50mfrom the WT:and the.secoh group.was
500m from the WT. .The study found that the closer group experienced less weight gain and.an
increased concentration of cortisol.inblood which is a stress indicator_18
2. One case study,while not definitive, seemed to point toward wind:tuibines causing equine
flexural limb deformities(as well as human health problems).14
3. The Army performed low frequency vibration studies on chick embryos and found serious .
development problems and death of the developing chick embryos. Developing chick.embryos"
are considered amodel for human embryonic development20
Human studies
There are many studies involving human health, but these are,prima rily:based on surveys of-.individuals,
living in the vicinity of industrial wind turbines. While some short term laboratory"studies have been
conducted on the effect off infrasound humans,these definitely do not address the reported long term
effects.There are also numerous anecdotal reports of the adverse effectsattributedtowind:turbine
noise and LFor IS noise, in.particitlar. These areoften not accepted as valid,thus some of the.More
generally accepted findings and rigorous studies are described below.
1. The effect of low frequency noise(LFN)and infrasound(IS):on:humanphysiology is'a subject of
some debate,but there is evidence that humans are affected and can sense sounds much lower in .
frequency and at much lower amplitudes that previously thought. Decent studies have`.
demonstrated that this is true using EIrG;?' fMRI and MEG22 to monitor brain:activity:: Salt;et
al.,showed that there is a plausible"pathway for infrasound to be perceived by the inner ear.21
2. By directly quantifying the inner ear sensitivity to LFN through measurementof spontaneous;
otoacoustic emissions,another study demonstrated the potential forbearing damage..as.there is.a
significant discrepancy between perception and the risk potential o€LFN.24
3. The annoyance of infrasound to receptors'(residents)at distances as high as 2km has been noted
as early is the late'70s or early'80s.by a joint SERI/DOE/NASA study.25
18 httpJ/www.ncbi.nlmnRi.gov/pubmed/24597302
19 http://doc.wind-watch.org/Castelo-Branco-follow-up WT-near-home;pdf
20 httpJ/www.usaarl.amry:nriVtecbreports/95-l.pdf
21 httpJ/psjd.icmedu.pVpsjd/elenient/bwn tal.element.bwnjoumall.arfcle-appvl25n4aO41¢
22 httpJ/wanbrafomdation.org.aaiwp-content/uploads/2015/07/Bauer-et-al.-Investigation-of-Perception at-
Infiasound-Frequencies-by MRl-and-M>C.pdf
23 httpJ/www.nebinhnnl.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2923251/
24 httpJ/rsos.royalsocietypublishing.org/corttent/lt2/140166
25 httpJ/www.nrel.gov/docs/legosti/old/1166.pdf
10
4. A recent Australian study did not establish a scientific link between wind turbine noise;and health
based on the body of direct evidence which was reported as being small and of poor quality. The
study also indicated`that,based upon parallel evidence;beyond about 1.5km any effects should be
minimal except in the area of annoyance.26
5. One seemingly safe assessment of the literature is that greater setback distances from residences
will decrease the likelihood ofadverse effects such as annoyance,sleep disturbance or other
health issues including tinnitus;hearing loss,vertigo or headache. While many completely
disregard all effects except noise annoyance and sleep disturbance,and`those are usually
trivialized; sleep disturbance resulting in chronic sleep loss is a significant health issue which;has
been shown to have very serious ramifications including permanent neural damage and may
implications to Parkinson's andAlzheimer's disease.21,28,29
6. Onakpoya et aL, found that the odds of being annoyed is significantly increased by wind turbine'
noise. The odds of sleep disturbance was also significantly increasecl.with greater exposure to
wind turbine.noise. :Four studies reported that wind turbine noise;significantly.interferedwit..
quality of fife(QOL):" Visual perception of wind turbine generators was associated with greater
frequency of reported;negative health effects. In conclusion,there 1s some evidence that-.exposure
to wind turbine noise is associated with increased odds of annoyance and sleep problems.
Individual attitudes.could itifluence.the type of response to noise.from.wind.turbines.
Experimental and observational studies investigating the relationship between wind turbine:noise
and health are warranteVO
7. Prof.Alan Hedges of Cornell U..indicates that vibrations in the frequency range of 0.5 Hz to
80 Hz have significant effects on the human body because of the naturalresonance frequencies of
the human body and its various parts or organs. The resonant frequencies canxiesult in as-much;
as a.350%amplification of the vibration depending on the frequency and location in the body.(26
to 30 Hz between the bead'and shoulders). According to Prof.Hedges,whole body vibration.may
create chronic stresses and sometimes even permanent damage to4he affected..organs or body
parts. Suspected healdi effects of whole body vibration include:31
Blurred vision
—Decrease in manual coordination
Drowsiness(even with proper rest]
—Low back pain/injury
—Insomnia
Headaches or upset stomach
As pointed out by the Kelley studies of 30 years ago, one of the significant issues was the "
sensation of vibrations in the structure of the affected homes.32 `here is evidence that the strong .
resonances found in the acoustic pressure field measured within rooms indicates a coupling of
e.
26 https://www.nbrrrc.gov.au/_files hhtrlrc/publications/attachments/eh57a_inforrntion_paperpdf
27 https://www.um3c.rochest .edu/news/story/3584/scientists-discover-previously-utilaiown-cleansing-system-in-
brain.aspx
28 httpsJ/www.wTm.rochester.edu/news/story/3956/to-sleep-perchance-tD-clean.aspx
29 httpsJ/www.ncbi.nhn.nl.gov/ptm/articles/PMC3880190/
30 httpJ/www_ncbi.nhnniigov/pubmed/25982992
31 httpJ/ergo.human_comell.edu/studentdownloads/deal5OOpdfs/whole-bodyvibration.pdf
32 httpJ/www.nrel.gov/docs/legosti/old/3261.pdf
11
sub-audible energy to human body resonanc es at 5, 12,and 17-25,Hz,resulting in a sensation of
whole-body vibration.33
8. As mentioned in the animal study section;the Army studied the potential health issues related to
low frequency vibration based on their own studies of developing chick embryos(as a model for .
human embryos).and because of the potential health hazard restricted pregnant aviators from.
rotary-wing flying duties.3a
Conclusion
With the potential life alterin mi lications for people and in articular,for children.the elderlyand,:
P g P. P P p
other more susceptible individuals, it is very important to err on the side of safety when.detern�mg ::
appropriate siting for industrial wind turbine installations. Audible noise studies arevery important, but
it is very apparent that LFN.and IS must also be strictly controlled and monitored. It is very:diicuk to
make an accurate and/or specific minimum setback distance without knowledge..of all of the variables
The variables include,liut:arenot limited to,the specific noise power spectrum pfthe given wind turbine
model being used,exact locations and interactions of multiple wind turbines in a given wind farm;and
topography. Some variables are constant changing such as atmospheric.conditions..wind etc. thus;a
constantly g g sP. , . ,
setback must always allow for aworstcase scenario plus an appropriate safety margin.
i
33 httpJ/does.wind-watch.grg/kefey_ASME 1982.pdf
34 httpJ/www.usaarl.amry:mivtecbreports/95-1.pdf
12'
Ice and Blade Fragment Throw
Introductior3
Ice and blade fragment throw events from wind turbines can and do happen. Therefore, it is important
to understand how likely these events are and how to best mitigate against them.
According to a 2005 Dutch Handbook35 that is frequently referenced in assessing risk associated with
wind turbines,the rate of wind turbine blade failure was between 1 in 2,400and 1 in 20,000depending
on rotor speed and whether it was a partialor full blade failure. This put the rate-of failurebetween
0.0416%and 0.005%. However,this failure rate is based on data collected between 1980 and 2001.
According to a 2015 Windpower Monthly article36,wind turbine rotor blades fail at the rate of 3,800 per
year. Out of 700,000 or so blades that are in operation,worldwide,the failure rate is 0.54%,a significant
increase from the Dutch Handbook rates. It'simportant to note thatthis article doesn't say how many
of these blade failures resulted in a detachment event. It is likely that some blade failures are detected
and corrected before a detachment event occurs.
It has been difficult to find detailed data on wind turbine icing risks for our upstate NY climate. There
has been a larger body of research from European scientist and engineers on icing risk and mitigation.
According to an MMI Engineer presentation 37,risks or fatalityfrom ice have been calculated around 3
orders of magnitude(x1000) higherthan from blade failure. Data collection on actual wind turbine icing ,
events is also limited', In one study of icing events in Gutsch, Switzerland over four winters(2005 to
2009), 32 icing events were recorded with 228 fragments documented. The maximum distance was one
found at 92 meters. However it was noted that:
• Not all events could be captured
• Inspection partly delayed
• Exact timeof ice throw unknown
There has been more investigations of ice and blade fragment throws using advanced modeling
techniques. A 2015 paper from Uppsala University in Sweden that uses advanced modeling,the author
found throwing distances up to 350 meters under certain conditions. For this paper and other similar
research,the models were dependent on important wind turbine characteristics such as tower height,
rotor diameter,and rotational speed.
Another risk researcherstry to quantify is how likely a blade fragment or ice throw will hit something or
someone. While there have been no reported deaths from a flying blade or ice fragment yet,there have
35 H Braam et at.,"Hanboek Risicozonering Windturbines",2nd Edition,Jan uary 2005
36 Annual blade failures estimated at around 3,800 (WindpowerMonthly,May 14, 2005)
http://www.windpowermonthIV.com/article/1347145/annual-blade-failures-estimated-around--
3800
37 Advances and Cases Studies in Wind Turbine Risk Assessments Icing—how big a hazard?-by ,
Chris Robinson,MMI Engineering,presented at RenewableUK Health& Safety 2013
13
been incidents of houses being hit 38 39. Most of the research puts the probability as very low. For
example,according to a 2007 report by Garrad Hassan to the Canadian Wind Energy Association40,..the
following scenarios were analyzed along with the probability for each scenario:
.Scenario Probability
"
A fixed dwelling 300meters from a turbine mm 0.0002 strikes per year(1 in 5,000 ears)
i "
Avehicletravel ling on road 200 meters away 0 0000038strikes per year(1 in 260 000years)
A mdividual300mete wa 0.000000007 a0007 strikes"Per yea"r_(1 i nr137,500,000 ears
_ _ __ X ..,_..
i
While the report authors made assumptions about each scenario, it should give one a reasonable
understanding of likelihood of an impact:
Setback Mitigation
Using setbacks is one of the best wayto mitigate against blade and ice throw risks. The further from the
turbine,the less likely an impact will.occur. .Seloware twosetback calculations.. Calculation lis a
common formula that is found throughout the literature. GE uses Calculation:.1 in it's:guidelines for ice
throw mitigation(GER-4262)41.
Calculation 1:
Setback=1.5*(Rotor diameter+hub.height)
i
Calculation 2:
i
Setback(meters)=(Percentage of impacts inside distance*`Fragment release velocity)/11.9
Calculation 2 is found in a 2011 paper, "Arne..thod for defining wind turbine setback stpnda.rds", I
Jonathan Rogers et al. The.a.uthors demonstrate that Calculation 1 provides."inconsistentand
inadequate protection against blade throw"a.nd propose Calculation 2.because."the.releasevelocity..of .
the blade fragment is the critical:factor in determining the maximum..distonce'fragments are:likely to
travel.". Jonathan Rogers discussed.:this.pa per asa technical expert for tlie Enfield.Wind Fa.rmAdvisory
Committee on March 1 2016.
Below is a table that uses:both calculations to find a setbackfor a Vestas 2.0 MW turbine(example used
in the Rogers paper)and a GE 2.3-107 turbine."The probabilities and risks levels were kept.the same. !
Vestas 2.0 MW GE"2.3-107
WIND TURBINE CHARACTERISTICS
ROTOR RADIUS(METERS) 40 meters. 53.6 meters
TOWER HEIGHT(METERS) 67 meters . 94 meters
ROTATIONALSPEED(RPM) 16.7 RPM 15.9 RPM
38 Wind turbine's deadly ice shower,.httP W, Ww.peterboroughtoday.co.ak/news I test-
news/wind-turbine-s-deadly-ice-shower-1-120837
39 House hit by debrisfollowing blade failure,
http://www.windpowermonth]y.com/article/1378289/house-hit-debris-following-blade failure
40 Recommendations for Risk Assessments of ice Throw and Blade Failure in Ontario,2007,
Garrad Hassan Canada Inc:
41 Ice Sheddingand Ice Throw -Riskand Mitigation{GE Power,GER 4262, 2006)
14
ROTATI O NAL SP EED(RADIANS/SECOND) 1.75 1.67
FRAGMENT SIZE(METERS) 2 meters 2 meters .
PROBABILITIES +
RISK LEVEL-BLADE THROW PROBABILITYATOR BEYOND 1 in 20,000 1 in 20,000
SETBACK
RATE O F BLADE FAI LURE PER TURBI NE PER YEAR 1 i n 3846 1 i n 3846
OUTPUT VARIABLES
FRAGMENTRELEASE VELOCITY(METERS/SECO ND) 68.34(m/s) 87.69(m/s)
PERCENTAGE OF IMPACTS CONTAINED WITHIN THESETBACK 80.77% 80.77%
DISTANCE
SETBACK USING CALCULATI ON 1 723 feet 990 feet
SETBACK USING CALCULATION 1520feet 1950feet
Other Mitigation.NleaSures
There are several additional ways to help mitigate against ice and blade throwfrom a wind turbine.
Ice Sensors—Being able to detectwhen an icing event occurs helps turbine operators so thatthey can
take corrective measures. Ice sensors are becoming much more sophisticated, but are not 100%
capable of detecting everyevent. GE's warns against this in it's GER-4262(IceShedding and Ice Throw-
Risk and Mitigation):"Detection of ice by a nacelle-mounted ice sensor which is availabl e for some
models (with currentsensor technology, ice detection is not highly reliable)."
Thermal anti-and de-iicing systems—Various systems exist to help heat the blades and other
components. In cold climateswhere ice events often occur, doing so may actually be cost-effective
since it will minimize downtime and underperformance.
Anti-freeze coatings for rotor blades—This is another area that can help mitigate icing events.
However,according to the 2012 I EA Wind report42: "Antifreeze coatings have been investigated widely
in the last years. Manycoatings have been promising in the la boratory tests,but none of them has
proved to be functional or enough wear resistant in field conditions."
Warning Signs and Fencing—lthasbeen mentioned in several publications and reports that warning
signs and fencing be included as a mitigation measure'.
Summary
Wind turbine blade failure and ice throw are not rare events. Sophisticated modeling and analyses show
that ice and blade fragments can land hundreds of meters from a wind turbine. However, the risks that
a person will be hit by one is relatively small. Since ice and blade throw is not a rare event,it's
important to be cautious and implement mitigation strategiessuch as setbacks,warning signs,fences,
ice sensors, and anti-freeze coatings on blades. In cold climates researchersand engineers recommend
having an ice risk and mitigation analysis done.
42 State-of-the-Art of Wind Energy in Cold Climates,JEA (international Energy Agency)Wind,
2012
15
Fire, Lightning, Mechanical Failure, Flicker and Other- Miscellaneous.
Issues
Overview— Mechanical Failure, Fire; lightning
Like any other mechanical Machine,wind turbines can and do experience mechanical failures with
attendant risks resulting. in 201.3,.GCube,the leading provider of renewable eneegy.'rnsurance services
published a report summarizing the most common wind energy insurance claims made in the United
States. The data based on.2012:USreported claims,shows that blade damage and gea rbox failure
account for the greatest number of losses—accounting for 41.4%and 35.1%of the total claims
reported. Meanwhile,damagetofoundations came in'fifth. The top two most frequently reported:
causes of loss were cited as poor maintenance(24,5%)and lightning strikes(23.4%).Design defect
(11.5%),wear and tear(9.3%)and-mechanical defect(6.2%)featured in.third;fourth and fifth when.it
came to assessing and understanding the reason cited for the initial claim: Although.the majorityof
wind turbine blade damage can be.attributed to fightning strikes;delamination:arid improper handling
during the construction and installation phase are also frequent causes. Since2008,GCube::alone has
paid out over...$200,000,000in claims to the renewable energy industry,with the majority of this figure
coming from the wind sector.as
Array Loss/ Bearing Failure
While the various components of.turbines are designed to meet the requirements of the IEC61400=1
20-year wind turbine design.sta nda rd,the reare no requirements in the.design standard for:the
reliability of the turbine system as.a whole—nor is there a requirement for the reliability of major sub-
systems, such asthe gearbox. So,the:refiability of a g e a rbox syste m can,be substantially less than 20
Y g largest gearbox y
ears. And the single est component of a system that causes gearboxes tofail is the
g .
bearingS.44 According to:the insurer GCube;with approximately 175,000g eared turbines in.operation in
86 countries worldwide,there are around 1,200 incidents of gearboxfailure reported.each,year.=one
failure per 145 turbines peryear.as
If turbines are sited such that the wind blows parallel to the rows of the turbines.(se.e.e.g.,,turbinesl,B
and C in the Black Oak Wind.l=arrb project),then the turbine following the lead turbine in the:row will
have higher turbulence as well lower wind speed.The effect of the turbulence.and fluctuating wind.
speed is not only loss in the production of electricity(Le.,array loss);`but,also the reduced life of the
wind turbines due to fatigue failure.4647.
One type of fatigue failure is axial cracking in bearing races that has become common n large megawatt
turbines.This damage can shorten bearing life to as little as one to twoypars Axiatcracking issues in
bearings were not a prominent failure mode until larger megawatt and multi-megawatt class wind
43 http WVVW.gCUbe-InSufanCe:CtSm/press/gcube-top-5-us-\&,ind-energy-insurance Cf2ims report/
44http://nawindpower.com/online/tissues/NAby1S05/FEAT 01 Meet-The-Achi Iles-Heel-Behind-Most-Gearbox-faiiures.html .
45 http:Hwww.xvindsystemismag.corn/arficie,/det�-3i'/878rgcube-targets-turbine-gearbox failures-in-repor-,
46 http:/lumw.brigbthub.tom/environment/renewable-energy/artielesl97151.aspx
47 http://www.Fair..dpowerengineering.com/design/how-turbuier!t-wind-abuse wind t rbine-dris t ainsl
16
j
turbines were put in service.It was.not a common failure mode of earlier,smaller turbine models where
the failure mode was more commonly bearing surface deterioration from pitting and`scuffing.The issue
of axial cracking grew along with turbine size.
The key to limiting fatiguefaiilure,.and the:resulting dangerssuch as blade throw,.fires,etc.;isproper
i
siting of the turbines.48 Wind turbine studies have shown that turbines spaced eight to ten times the
rotor diameter in the downwind direction and five times the rotor diameter inthe crosswind`direction
have very little turbulence-as little as 10%.49
o.
Rre
You need three things to start a fire:fuel, ignition and oxygen. And you can.find.all..three of them in
ample quantities wfthin the nacelle of a wind turbine. Turbines catch fire becapse.highly flammable.
materialssuch as hydraulic oil and plastics are in close proximity to ma thine ryarid.electrical.wires..
According to Exelon,their 400 foot.turbines contain 400 gallons of oi1:50 (The Final findings Statement
i
states that"theturbines have substantially less hydraulic fluid than most other.turbines today"but
doesn't disclose how much theycontain.) And the nacelle itself is made with highly.flammable plastics.
Add high winds and you have all the.ingredients for a fire.
Fires in turbines typically start one of two ways—,a lightning strike(see further discussion on lightning
below) or a technical fault. Once afire starts there is little or nothingthat can be done to prevent the
p i
turbine's complete destruction.51 Catastrophic fires are not common although just how often they occur
is the subject of some disagreement. The insurer,GCube, claims only 50 turbines a year or one-in every
6,000turbines go up inflames in anyone year.5Z Daniel Kopte,an expert in safety systems for
renewables certification at DNV GLestimates that approximately 120 turbines a year or one in every
2,000turbines catch fire eachyear 53 Kopte'snumber corresponds to a study done by Imperial College
London which estimates that approximately 117 turbines catch fire everyyear.54 Still others claim that
wind farm accidents are actually much greater due to the fact that these accidents often are not
reported.55 .. .. .. . .- .`I
1
48 http:/Jwww.windoowerenei nee rinQ.coin/design/how-turbulent-wind abuse=wind-turbine drivetrains/
49 Forthe GE 2.3MW-107 turbines,that translates to 2,808:4 feet to 3,510.5 feetforthe downwind direction and:1,755.25 feet.
in the crosswind direction.
so httos://www.wind-watch.ore/news/201fi/03J02/fallen-turbines-oii-spill-shbuldnt-be-a-problem/#.VtcNzNW6ao.mailtn
st http://www.windoowerm6nthly.com/artide/1361476/minimising-fire-risk-wind-turbines :
52 htto:JJwww.gcube-insurance,c4Dm/oress/gcube-tackles-turbine-fires)
53 htto://www.windpowermohthly.cam/articleJ1361476/m-thimisint?'-fire-risk-wind-turbines. Note,however.thathis estimate
includes both damaged and destroyed turbines.
54 http://www3 imoe^a} 17-7 2014-8-5-6-10
55 http://www.telegraph.co�uk/.news/ukne,+s/8948363J1500-accidents-and-incidents-on-UK-wind fa;m<_,htmi
17
In the U.S.,OSHA recommends that all wind turbines install fire detection an.d.control5:56 But,unlike.
Europe,the U.S. has no mandated regulations for fire suppression.57 :Given that,it is the local
municipality's responsibility to develop their own fire emergency plans.s$ Most wind-turbines do not
have fire suppression systems installed bythe manufacturers. In fact,GE'ssalesperson who attended
the Wind Farm Advisory Committee stated that the 2.3MW-107 turbine s being installed by.. atkOak
Wind Farm do not have such a systern. However,Section 6.9.1 of the:Final Findings Statement provides
thatthe turbines will come standard with twofire extinguishers in the nacelle,-and.one in the base of
the tower and that Black Oak will purchase an additional fire protection system from:Firetrace
International,LLC,which.provides.fire`:cont roI devices In individual turbine components such as.the
electrical cabinets and converters. in addition,the SD EIS states there will be an updated Fire.and
Emergency Plan provided but it is:not pamof the filing:
Given the remote locations.and.enormous.height of turbines today,there is not much a fire:department .
can do tofight a fire in the.nacelle. Gary,Bowker,a retired fire professional with over 40 years of.
experience,including as fire chief with the U.S.Air Force and fire chief with Sumner County, Kansas;has
this to say about fighting wi:nd turbine fires:
"...,due to the:risk of falling.debris over a wide area,approaching a burning.turbine is usually
not an option unless there is a life risk involved. If the turbine is turning, power is being
generated and an electrocution hazard will be present.
Typically, a good option for firefighters to consider is to evacuate any endangered areas,set up
a collapse zone,and attempt to control any ground fires to prevent the fire from spreading to
other units.
In the case of a runawayor over-speed event,rotating turbines can throw debris thousands of
feet away during a blade failure. Pieces of blades have been documented as traveling over
4,200feet..Distance and time wilifixthis problem. Pre-incident planning and SOP development
are keys to success for safely handling this unique danger.".59
In addition to grass fires the secondary.fire on the ground can lead to forest fires :which can be difficult
to extinguish. The remote locations of the turbines and strong winds can be factors that promote the
quick spread of forest fires.60 Section 2.8.2 of the DSEIS states-"Consultation with the.Enffeld Fire
Company indicates that-they.are confident in their ability to control fires in..ope.n fields, but concerned
regarding the ability to control fires if.they spread to forests."
56 httns://www.osna,eoiide6/kreeniobslvvindefiergy.fire.html
57 Europe's Confederation of Fire Protection Associations(CFPA E)has pubfished its:own guidelines for wind turbine fire
protection.See http:/Ien.dbi-net:dkAies/CFPA/Guid'elines/CFPA E Guideline No 22 2012 F:pdf .
58 http://svww.windpowereniineerine;c6m/maintenance/safety/what-reau'lations-exist`or-fire-iroteiztion-in-wind-turbines/
S9 htta:i/www.firerescuel.com/fire-attack/articies/1306390-3-wind-turbine-failures firef phters-must-know/
60 http://en-dbi-net.dk/flesiCFPA/Guidelinos/CFPA E Guideline No 22 2012 F.pdf
18
Furthermore,OSHA states:"Workers should be made aware that while fighting,initial fires,toxic gases
can be generated and oxygen can be depleted inside Nacelles,and they can be exposed to such gases or
can be asphyxiated from lack of oxygen:"61
In light of the risks involved, the use of safety features in the turbines whenever possible and a well-
designed emergency plan are critical. The European guidelines as well as,in the U.S.,the National Fire
Protection Association recommend,among other things:
• Fire suppression systems in the nacelle
• Automatic early fire detection systems whereby the turbine is automatically shut down and
disconnected from the power supply system
• Lightning and surge protection
• Protection systems, including measures to identify power system faults and other abnormal
operating conditions
• Minimization of combustible materials in the manufacture of the turbines
• Use of cold procedures for repairs,assembling or disassembling work to avoid fire hazards or
the use of mandatoryfire precautions where fire-hazards Cannot be avoided
• Regular maintenanceofinechanicaI and electrica I systems
• Proper training
• Clearing brush and debris from around the turbine to create a fire break
Where a fire emergency arises,a plan should be in place that provides, among other things:
• 24/7 standby personnel monitoring the turbines
• Provision of emergency telephone numbers
• Notification of fire department and police
• On-site support for fire department and police
• Shut down of turbine and disconnection from power supply
• Trainingfire and police personnel about turbines, high-voltage components and combustible
materials within the turbines62, 63
Li h t ni n g
As stated above,lightning is the secondmost frequent cause of blade failure as well as gearboxfailures
and fires. And for reasons that are not yet clearly understood,turbines seem to attract morethan their
fair share of lightning as compared with other structures of a similar size Asturbine size increases,so
does vulnerability to lightning.64 Furthermore,the move to carbon fiber in larger blades as a way of
strengthening blades increases vulnerabifityto lightning.65
61 https://www.osha.gov/dep/>;reeniobslwindenerav fire.html
62 httn.//en.dbi-net_dk/files/CFPA,/GuideliresICFPA E Guideline No 22 2012 F.Ddf
63 Chapterl0of http://www.sentry-ds.com/images/nfpa850.i)
64 http:/i%,yny retrace.comiyrp-content/uD!oads%wlndand irean-cle.pdf
65 http:/'vrww.flretrace.com/.,vn-content/uploads/.vmdandfirearticie:pdf-It is not clearwhetherthe GE2.MW turbines are
carbon fiber as they claim the material in their blades is proprietary but recen to rtides indicate thatGEis moving in that
direction. See http://exclusive_multibrie-s.com_/content/plastic-materials-and- cocessinl-advancing-wind-energy.- - - -
19
Recent researchby scientists at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia in Barcelona has shed.:new light
on the risks of lightning strikes and wind turbines.66 Turbine blades experience hundreds or thousands..
of"near strikes",creating microscopic levels of damage,before that fatal lightning strike that causes the
blade to fail.67 The researchers,using high-speed video of thunderstorms passing nearturbines,found
that near strikes occur even when a lightning storm is several kilometers away. Furthermore,they
demonstrated thatthe turbines themselves canspark lightning strikes by sending up.negative leaders
into the clouds.68,69
A properly installed lightning protection system will dramatically improve both the cost effectiveness
and reliability of a wind turbine.Without the system a lightning strike on an unprotected blade can lead
to temperature increases up to 54,000:degrees Fahrenheit and result in an exploslve.deve.lopment of air
within the blade.According tothe updated National Fire Protection Association handbook, ".While.
physical blade damage is the most expensive and disruptive damagecaused by Ifghtning,by;farthe most
common is damageto the control system:" Wind turbines have a concentrated amount of;very
expensive technology installed in.b.relatively small space and the presence of many different.voltages in
a wind turbine installation;which can easily leadt overvoltages and surges within the system.70
Furthermore,turbine blades:can explode when struck by'lightning71,72 causing risk of blade throw in
addition to fire.
Section 6.9.Iof the finial Findings Statement and Section 2.8.3 references lightning and surge protection
systems to be installed on.the turbines to help protect against the impacts of lightning and electrical
surges causing fires. Despite these systems which decrease the risks, the risk of fires.and blade throw
still exists.
Foundation Failure/Turbine Collapse
Foundation failures that lead to turbine collapse are generallycaused by°desig.n flaws, construction:flaws .
or maintenanceflaws.73 In addition, design flaws and maintenance flaws with the turbine towers
themselves can load to turbine collapse for a wide variety of reasons.74 In a ll.circumstances.the_root
66 httn://www.windi2ower6nein6brine:com/policy/environmental/damage-control-effects-of-near-likhtnine-strikes-66•tui•bi.ne-.
blades
67 http://"w.windpowe,-eni ineerin�.com/policy/environmentalldamage-control-effects-of-near-likhtnine=strikes-6..n-turbine
blades
68 htti)://aistechnica.com/sS idenc6/2014/01/liehtnine-bolts-love-wind-turbines-a-little-too-much/
69 httrd/www.windnowereneineerine.coat/nolicv/eivironmental/damage-control-effects of-near=liehtnine-strikes-on-turbine-
blades
70 httr,://alitecglobal.com/wo-content/irploads,MJhv Wind farms Need Liehtnini= Protection.pdf
71 http://www.vaisala.coal/yaisala%200ocuments/Scientif;c°fo20paoers/l.Leic.k-How°1o20Lightnin�:iidf
72 http://alitecglobal.com/wp-conteni/66ioads/"OJhy Wind Farms geed Lightning Protection.p0.
d*
73 http://docs.wrind watch.org/Cracks-in cnshore-wind-turbine-fourdations.odf
74 http:/7"Khatrinternatianai.comtdocs/awe v loaf
20
cause of the problems arises due to the enormous stress and forces to which a wind turbine is subjected
requiring that both the foundation and the turbine tower's structure are up to the task at hand.
The main reason for foundation failures has been poor structural design. Furthermore,the site.
investigations are sometimes not conducted:properly and the findings are not`properly considered when
designing the foundation.75,76 There are many different types of foundation designs for wind:turbines.
The foundation design will always`:have to be site-specific in that it needs to be designed for the
prevailing local soil conditions." Other reasons for construction flaws are poor workmanship
performance and inappropriate::material selection. As a result, it is criticalto.have a:third party soil:
engineer as well as construction engineer on site during the construction of the foundations to ensure
they are being built properly. .
Once the turbine.foundations have been.built, it is also critical thatthey be inspected and maintained on
a regularbasis to check.:forcrackingand/or softening of the foundation which can lead to collapse.
Water entering the foundation..followed by subsequent freezing and thawing can.have negative effects
on the integrity of the turbine's foundation.
In addition to foundation failure,the design flaws can lead to turbine collapse: Some of the;
maintenance or operational concerns related to the design of the turbines that can lead to turbine
collapse include:
• Turbine over-speed;
• E-stops;
• Soil fa tigue a nd/or foundation fatigue or cracking;
• Weld failures;
• glade failures;..
• Imbalance due to.snow or ice loads
• Poor soil:drainage leading to foundation softening; and
• Corrosion of foundation bolts:?$
All of this leads to the conclusion".that,in addition.to strong oversight during.construction,ongoing
strong oversight ofthe operations and maintenance of the wind.farm is ceiticalto maintaining the safety
of the town's residents.
Flicker
Shadow flicker only occurs in certain specific combined circumstances,such as whenthe sun1s shining
and is ata low angle(afterdawn and before sunset), theturbine is directly between the and the
affected property,and there is enough wind energy to ensure that the turbine blades a r6l moving, :A
considerable amount of international researchhas been undertaken on'the impacts and managem'entof
75 http://www.windfarmbop.com/cracks-in-onshore-wind-turbines-foundation/#comment-. .
14775
76 http://docs.wind-watch.org/Cracks-in-onshore-wiiid-turbine-foundations.pdf
77ht-tp://home.eng.iasta-te.edu/ °o2OAshlotk%20-
%20Schaefer.odf
78 http://khatrinternational.com/docs/awea wt.pdf
21
shadow flicker. Generally in Europe 79,the standard for flicker is to place turbines at least 500—1,000
meters80 from dwellings and limit the amount of flicker to no more than 30 hours per year,and in some
cases, no more than 30 minutes per day. Careful site selection, design and planning,and good use of
relevant software can help avoid the possibility of shadow flicker in the first instance. Research has
shown that when turbines are placed at least 10 rotor diameters"or more from a dwelling,the
potential for shadow flicker is very 10w.82 However,the U.S. Bureau of Land Management has stated
that shadow flicker is not considered as significant an issue in the United States as in Europe where the
high latitude and low sun angle exacerbate the effect.831n fact,a common standard within the United
States is to merely limit the amount of flicker to not more than 30 hours per yearwhich is the standard
which Black Oak Wind Farm uses in the DSEIS.
There are many complaints by residents living near wind turbines aboutthe impacts of flicker_841 ss1 86
These complaints and concerns include, among other things,headaches,tinnitus, nausea,dizziness,
earaches,vertigoand seizures. in many cases,residents have abandoned their homes because they
were unable to sell them and could no longer stand living with the effects of the flicker. Butothers
maintain that there is no scientific proof that flicker causes adverse health effects.S7
The document produced bythe Bureauof Land Management referenced above does note that flickering'
effect may be considered an annoyance. With respect to seizures however,the BLM points out that
modern three-bladed wind turbines are unlikely to cause epileptic seizures in the susceptible`
population88 photo-sensitive epileptics due to the low blade passing frequencies.89 The World Health
Organization defines annoyance as a feeling of discomfort which is relatedto adverse influencing of an
individual or a group by anysubstances or circumstances.Annoyance express itself by malaise,fear,
threat,trouble,uncertainty restricted liberty experience,excitability or defencelessness.90 While there
has yet to be a direct causal link established between flicker and adverse health effects,the World
79 These shadowflicker recommendations are based on the survey by Predac,a European Union sponsored organisation
promotingbest practice atenergy use and supply which draws on experiencefrom Belgium,Denmark,France,the Netherlands
and Germany.
80 This equates toroughly 1,750to 3,500feet.
81 This equates to 1,070 meters or3,500 feet for the GE 2.3MW-107 turbines.
82 https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/4 8 05 2/1416-update-uk-shadow-flicker-
evidence-base.pdf
83 Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statementon Wind Energy Development on BLM-Administered Landsinthe
Western United States,US Departmentofthe Interior—Bureau of Land Management(2005)Synopsis
r4 httos•//wwv bostonglobe-com/metro/2 0 13/0 4 10 4'tu.rbine flicker-effect-draws-
complaints/UKjzf7 nOwMHmBcWAiZ47V5 L/starv:htm
85 http://%kwwteIegrapF co ukinewslearth/ear*bne,.vs/8386273/Shadow flicker-rotating-blades can-cause headaches_htmI
86 https:/Iww-Ai-youtube.com/w-atch?v=RD6ci3ixaO-s
87 https://nccleantech.ncsu.edu/�vp-contefrt?uploads/Health-Impacts-Fa sheet-7.pd
88Around 0.5%of the population is epileptic and ofthese arou nd 5%are photo-sensitive.Of photo-sensitive epileptics less
than 5%are susceptible.
89 http://oniineIibran/.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/i.1529-1167.2008.01563,x/cod
90 http://www.euro.whoJnt/ data/assets/pdf file/0015/10514112VIHO I_ares.odf
22
Health Organization does link annoyance to various diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular .:
disease. Furthermore,the Nl H's National Center for Biotechnology Information points out that there
has been little if any research conducted'.on how flicker could heightenthe annoyance factor:of those
living in proximity to turbines.91
Various mitigation steps can:be:taken to minimize the impact offlicker on nearby residents. For
example,in one municipality in Alberta,Canada,the wind farm either shuts down the machines
between the time the sun is.rising and setting for approximatelya,n hour,or programs their computers
to control the direction c f the turbine so the blades are directly parallel to the..sun.. Other suggested.
mitigationtools include the.use of.blinds at residential properties or tree/shrub planting to screen
shadow flicker to help minimize potential impacts.92 Nonetheless, many people complain that blinds do
little to actuallyblock the impactof.flicker and do nothing to alleviate:its effects while.outdoors.
The Impact of Flicker on Horses
One area of particular concern relatedto flicker involves its impact on horses:.:A detaile.d:20f survey by
the British Horse Society establishes that as many as 20%of horses are adversely effected by flicker
of wind turbines. This is of:particular concern due to the fact that Turbines B and C:surround a property:.
ro
p p: Y
being used by a professional:horse tr6inerto train horses.9394
Stray voltage
In the U.S.,the NEC requiresthat alternating current(AC) systems connected to the utility must have.
one of the current-carrying wires grounded to the earth atthe electricatservice entrance.Thisgrounded.
wire is termed the"neutral"wire;and is un-fused. The other wire,termed the"hot"wire,is wired
through a fuse or.circuit.breaker.-This configuration,involving a grounded current-carrying conductor,
was adopted for perceived safety reasons, essentially to protect folks working:on the electrical lines or
wiring from.getting zapped.:at is his grounded un-fused 2"neutral"wire that actually'.createstwo
potential paths for electricityto follow:through the wire itself as well as�through the:earth.
Because one of the current-carrying conductors is connected to the earth,there can be situations where
small amounts of electricity can flow to complete a circuit through the earththat is below the threshold
that will blow a fuse or trip the circuit breaker in the hot wire.This unintentional flow..of electricity is
what is referred to as`stray.voltage.`Strayvoltage is usually defined as a measurable level:of voltage
that may occurbetween a metal object and the adjacent floor or earth.9s
Problems with the condition of the hot wire can also cause stray voltage:
One particularplace where strayvoltage becomes a serious issue is in a dairybarn;;where you have all :
the components for parallel eIectricai.paths:concrete or dirtfloors that are likely uvet from.manure; .
91 httc:l,'Lwvrv.ncbi.n(m.nih.eovlomclar icleslPi1�C40632571
92 https://www.goy.u'K/government!uploads/sysiemluploads/attachment datalfile/48052/1416-uadate-uk-shad0w flicker=
evidence-base.pdf
93 Wind turbine experiences,2012 Survey results,The British HorseSociety
94 Advice on wind Turbines`and Horses—Guidance for Planners andDevelopers-The British Horse Society.
95 htto:Ilwww.renewwisconsin.ore/wind/Tooib6x-Fact%20Sheets/Stray%20yoita>?e.i)df
23
urine, and moist animal breath;metal confinement structures and water systems;metal rebarin the
concrete floor; and metal walls often with moisture condensed on them.In addition, it turns out that
dairy cattle(with an electrical resistance of only about 500 ohms) can detect electrical currentsat a level
about one one-fiftieth to one one-hundredth of what humans are able todetect
The Final Findings Statement provides the following with resepct to strayvoltage:
"While the concerns surrounding strayvoltage are legitimate,it is important to note they are largely
preventable with proper electrical installation and grounding practices.The Project's power
collection system will be properly grounded, and will be electrically isolated(in accordancewith
required electricity regulations)from the local electrical distribution lines that provide electrical
service to on-site structures or off-site buildings and homes. It will be physically and electrically
isolated from all of the buildings in and adjacent to the Project.Additionally, the bulk of the wind
farm'selectrical collection lines will be located a minimum of three to four feet below ground,and
will use shielded cables with multiple ground points.This type of design eliminates the potential for
stray voltage."
But wind farm collector systems experience a very demanding load on cables and accessories compared
to utility distribution systems. Fast deterioration of cables and cable accessories has been reported at
wind farms.Joints are known to be a weak point in a cable system since it is an area which has been
worked on by tools and hands. Reports suggest that failed joints are over represented compared to the
cable itself in failure statistics.Typical causes of failure are moisture ingress,heating in joint ferrule and
partial discharges in cracksand voids.Compression type ferrules, more often than others, have caused
heatingin joints by heightened contact resistance.96
This highlights,once again,the importance of ongoing maintenance and repair of the components of a
wind farm
Lighting of turbines
The FAA requirements specific to wind turbine farms may be found in chapter,13 of FAA Advisory
Circular AC 70/7460-1L.97 The FAA defines a wind turbine farm as "wind turbine developmentthat
contains more than three(3)turbines of freights over 200 feet above ground level." Not every wind
turbine within a farm is required to be lit. The FAA requires unlit gaps of no more than statue mile.
More specifically,the AC requires:
• Nighttime wind turbine obstruction lighting should consist of FAA L-864 aviation red flashing,
strobe,or pulsed obstruction lights.Studies have shown that red lights provide the most
conspicuity to pilots.
• Inmost cases, not all wind turbine units within a wind turbine farm need to be lighted.
Obstruction lights should be placed along the perimeter of the wind turbine farm so thatthere
areno unlit separations or gapsmore than 1/2 statute mile(sm) (804 m).Wind turbines within a
96 http://wwvr.diva-portai.org/smash/yet/diva2:566345/FJLLTEXT01.pdt
97 http://v "At.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory Circular,/AC 70 7460-1L .ndf
24
grid or cluster should not have an unlighted separation or gapof more-than 1 sm (1.6.km).across
the interior of a grid or cluster of turbines.
• Any arrayof flashing,strobe,or pulsed obstruction lighting should-be synchronized to flash
simultaneously(within ±1/20 second (0.05 second) of each other,).
• Light shields are not permitted because of the adverse effects the have on the obstruction light
fixture's photometric$.in.addition,these shields can promote undesired snow accumulation,.
bird nesting,and wind loading.
The FAA rules requires the lights to be visually or automatically inspected once,every 24 hours In
addition, FCC rules require themto be inspected quarterly
Aeroelastic Flutter Stability
See pages 10&11 of
http://mr,igheb.com/NPRE°/20475/`2GW ind%2OPower%20$ystems/$6fe#y�20of%2OWindl2OSystems.
pdf-
Bibliography
• Array Loss/Bearing Failure
o http://www.brighthub.com/environment/renewable-energyArt clesJ97151.aspx
http:Hnawihdbower coin/online/issues/NAW1505/FEAT 01 Meet-The-Achjlles-Heel-
Behind-Most-Gearbox-Failures.htmI
http:/JwWw,:iiridpowerengineering.com/design/mechanical/understanding=root-
causes-axial-cracking-wind-turbine-gearbox-bearings/ . :
o http:J/www.wihdsystemsmag.com/article/detail/878/gcub6-targets-turbine-gearbox-
failures-in-report
o http://www.windpowerengineering.com/design/how-turbuient-wind-.abuse-wind-
turbine-drivetrainsJ
• Fire
o http://www:telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/8948363/1500-accidents=and-incidents-on-`
UK-wind-farms.html
o http:J/wWW.firetrace.comJwp-content/uploads/windandfirearticie:pdf
o http://www.windoowerengineering.com/maintenance/safet&hat-you=should-know-
about-wind turbine-fires/
o iTttp://www.windpowerengineering.com/maintenance/safety/what regulations-exist
for fire-protection-in-wind-turbines/
fD
http:/JW�ww.sehtty-ds.com/images---/�nfpa850.pdf
o http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/newsandeventspggrp/irnperialcollege/nei .s mary/news :
17-7-2014-8-56-10
o http:J/www.windpowermonthly.com/article/1361476/minimising-fire-risk-w.ind
turbines
25
o http://www.gcube-insurance.com/press/gcube-tackles-turbine-fires]
o https:/Iwww.wind-watch.org/nevus/2016/03/02/falien-turbines-oil-spill-shouldnt-be-a-
problem j###.VtcNzhlrM6a o:ma i lto'
o http://www.sentry-ds.com/images/nfpa850.pdf (See Chapter lO)
o http:J/www.firerescuel.com/fire-attack/articles/1306390-3-wind-turbine failures-
firefighters-must-know/
o http://en.dbi-net.dk/files/CFFIA/Guidelines/CFPA E_Guideline No 22 2012 F.pdf
o http://www.fireengineering.com/articiesZprint/volume-164/issue-4/features/response-
to-emergencies-in-wind-turbines.html
o http:/Iwww.windpowermonthly.com/article/1361476/minimising-fire-risk-wind-
turbines
o https:/IWWW.osha.gov/dep/greenjobs/windenergy...fire.htm]
• Lightning
o http://www.windi3owerengineer ng.com/policy/environmental/damage-control-effects-
of-near-lightning-strikes-on-turbine-blades
o http`Hntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/15840002593.pdf
o http://blogs.sc3.entificamerican.com/observations/wind-turbines-generate-upside-
down-lightning-video)
o http://www.vaisala.com/Vaisalal2ODocuments/Scientificl22Opapers/l.Leick-
How%20Lightning.pdf
o http://arstechnica.com/science/2014/01/lightning-bolts-love-wrind-turbines-a-little-too-
much),
o http://alltecglobal.com/��p-
content/uploads/Why Wind Farms Need Lightning Protection.pdf
• Foundation Falure/Turbine Collapse
o http://www.windfarmbop.com/cracks-in-onshore-wind-turbines
foundation/#comment-14776
o http:/)www-windfarmbop.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Cracks-in-onshore-wind-
turbine-foundations.pdf
o http://home.eng.iastate.edu/-idm/engr340-2011/ENGR%2O340%20-
%20Foundations%2O3%20 P/2OAshlock%20-l2OSchaefer.pdf
o http://khatrinternational.com/docs/awea wt.pdf
o https:lbmvw.academia.edu/6596292/Structural health monitoring-for wind turbine_
foundations
• Flicker
o http://planning.bolsover.goy.uk AMJdoc/Reports
140623J.r2df'?e)dension=.pdf&id=140623 &location DT20140123&contentTYR-e=
application/pdf&ageGount=11
26
o https://www.goy.uk/goyernrrient/uploads/s�i tem/uploads/attachment data/file/48
052/1416-update-uk-shadow-flicker-evidence-base.p
o http://energy.govlsiteslprod/files/2015/10 27/EA-2004�-FEA-2015 O.pdf Section
3.3.2.2.2
o http://www.windvigilance.com/about-adverse-health-effects/visuakhealth.-effects-and-
wind-turbines
o https:/Jwww..youtube.com/watch?v=RD6g3ixg0-s 16 minute video of.flicker inside a
home
o http:JJonlineiibrary:wiley:com/do/10.1111/i,1528-1167:200$.01563:x/epclf.
o http://*Ww.euro who.i6i/ data/assets/pdf file/0015J105144/,WHO Lares.pdf
.o http://www.ncbi.nitn.nih.gav/pmc/articles/PMC4063257/
o h.ttps://www.gbv.uk/goverhment/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/4805
2/1416-update7uk-shadow-flicker-evidence base.pdf
o Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement;on`wind:EnergyDevelopment on
BLM-Administered Lands in the Western United States,US Department ofthe Interior
Bureau of.Land 11 anagerrtent(2005)Synopsis
o https://www.bostonglobe.c6m/�J rietro/2013/04/04/turbine=flicker-effect-draws-. ..:
complaints/UiZgf7nOwM H mBCWAtZ47V5L/story.html
o http://www:telegraph.co.uk/news/earthJearthnews/8386213%Shadow-flicker-rot.4t.ing-
blades-can=ca use-headaches.html
o https:J/nctieantech.ncsu:edu/wp-content/uploads/Health-Impacts=Factsh6et-7'.pdf
• Impact ofltiicker on Horses
o wind turbine experiences,2012 Survey results,The.British Horse Society
o Advice on wind Turbines and Horses-Guidance for Planners and.Developers,.The British .
Horse Society
• Stray Voltage
o http://mrec.org/files/2614/03/windTurbinesStrayVoltage-pages.pdf
o http:JJhea{thimpactnews.com/2015/dirty-electricity is-a national-problem►-affecting-every
ones-
health-in-the-united-states/
• FAA Mandated Lighting on;Turbines
o http:/)Www.faa.kov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory Circular/AC 70'7460--11L :pdf
o http://ivww.windsystemsmak.com/media/Images/figures/2012`Junp,0612 ITL Tabl Jpg
o http://www windsysternsmag:ct)t�/article/detail/526/lool<-to-the-lights
o https://oeaaa.faa.govJoeaaa/external/searchAction.isp?action=mairAQs
o https://oeaaa.faa.gov/oeaaa/external,/LAlebBlobServiet
27
• Safety Issues
o http:1/mragheb.com/�iPRE/20475%20Wind%20Power%20SVsterrms/Safety .20of%20Windl
20Systems.pdf
28
Water Resources - Climate and Air Quality
Summary
Water resources and airqualityare impacted primarily in the.construction phases of the wind
energyproject more so than inns operational phase. Sitingof access roads, construction
staging areas and towerf undationsmust be done so as to minimize disruption,damage and
permanent alteration of.existingnatural conditions of stream-s,wetlandsand drainages.An
inventoryof these water resource elements for both the accepted project as wellthe potential
modified layout has been documented in the DEIS and SETS. Final site plans,.as yet to be
presented,will allow more specific analysisof impacts and,all necessary m itigation.Monitoring
of construction activitieswill be of critical importance to insure compliance with NYSDEC and
USACE protection and restoration standards on site.Identification,analysisand mitigation plans
for water resource issues that exist or may,arise are addressed and documented in the DUS
FElS and SEIS. No water.use is required in the.operationalghase of the completed.turbines.and
therefore no impacts are anticipatedto aquifers or groundwater resources once construction is
complete.
Air quality may beimpacledduring construction by;exhaustfumesoftrucksand equipmen. m
use on site as well as en rnute.:Travel on unpaved roads, as.Weil as°excavation.for access roads,
staging areas and towerfoundations.may also produce signifkantdust d6pendingon both
weather and current road conditions on a short term and localized basis:Methods for.
addressingdust:are outlined in-the DEIS. Exhaust from trucks could be lessened by limitingthe
length of 1d1ingtime allowed onsite There do not appear to be any`methodsfor actual
measurement of air quality changes during construction.
Numerous methods for evaluation and monitoringof water issues duringthe active
construction phase ofthe project have been outlined and presented butcan only be uphel d iri
pre-constructionplanningand vigilant thorough inspection and monitoringon site when
excavation and bui di ng is actually underway.An Environmental Monitor will be hired for the
duration of construction and will be responsible for identifyi ng;reportingand recommending
solutionsto any problems as they arise,according to NYSDEC and USACE reguIations'and
procedures.The Town of Enfieldwiii have discretion in hiringforthis position.
i
29
Geology, Soils & Topography
The approved plan had testborings done for all proposed turbine sights as well as the substation.The
results of which were in Appendix D of the DraftflSas well as the supplemental geotechnical report .
from Tectonic.They also had GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS-MU LTI-ANALYSIS OF SHEAR WAVE(MASW) done
by ARM geophysics.
Test Borings:
No Test Borings were performed for the 3 proposed turbines A, B,C, 11 moved turbine#5,".the MET
tower or.the substation:according to the Draft Supplemental EIS: On page 6 under 2.1.1 it is stated that` .
"Similar investigationsW performed.for the Modified Project prior to project approval 0
permit)and initiation of construction?'
As was said in the Advocates for Stark letter on Treilo: "Once the lead agency approves the Final
EnvironmentallmpactStatement,the towns...and the county...are effectively trapped.::They cannot.
withdraw. If on any issue, the towns demand more than the developer wants to give;.the sponsor can
simply threaten to sue the towns, and the towns will back down, because they.cpnnot..q#bfd a lawsuit.
Therefore,it is critical thatthe towns and the county negotiate oil the.terms.before..the SEQR process:
ends. Once the SEAR.process ends;.your negotiating powers will be Sigrtifcdntly we akened;,if not..
obliterated."
The need for test.borings at each turbine sight were stated in Appendix b of the Draft EIS.On.page 13:
9.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
The following sections provide our geotechnical recommendations for design and
construction of the proposed foundations.The recommendations are based on our
understanding of the proposed project as summarized in Section 3 of this report; and..the
results of the subsurface investigation as described previously. that if the
proposbi%ii � hange;Tecton�cEvniill;reetlFto confirm tl?e uIidity of the pt
recomrri ��its�ue in part to the locallji,abrup;vanat!ops�r1 bedrock depth
denedytfiilpirMASW survey;§
It is recommendedthat the test borings be done for all new or changes turbine
sights as well as the substation and METtower before the final EIS is appm-vre
so that the town will have a say in any mitigating directions,
Changes to the Turbines:
Giventhat not only the location; but also the size and powerof the turbines have changed:
Appendix D of the Draft.EISOn page 19:
12.0 LIMITATIONS
Our professional services have been performed using that degree of care and skill ordinarily
exercised under similar circumstances by reputable geotechnical engineers and geologists
practicing in this or similar situations.The interpretation of the field data is based on good
judgment and experience; however, no matter how qualified the geotechnical engineer or
detailed the investigation,subsurface conditions cannot always be predicted beyond the
points of actual sampling and testing. No other warranty,expressed or implied;is made as
to the professional advice included in this report:
The recommendations contained in this report are intended for design purposes only.
30
Contractors and others invoived in the construction of this project are advised to make an
independent assessment of the soil,bedrock, and groundwater conditions for the purpose
of establishing quantities,schedules and construction techniques.
This report has been prepared for the exclusive use of Black Oak Wind Farm LLC for the
specific application to the proposed wind farm project described in this report.We
recommend that prior to construction,Tectonic review the project plans and specifications.
It should be noted that upon review of those documents, some recommendations presented
herein might be revised or modified. In the+sr+erit ttxat aiiycharrges m thedesrgn orivca
of the prflpos s#rt plarired,Teetonreshail r3tt consider the ct�ndusjc�ns and
recflrnrndatcx is crr this feport.val`td unless`revieweti:and verified in irrrt�ng It is
further recommended that Tectonic be retained to provide construction monitoring and:
inspection services to ensure proper implementation of the recommendations contained
herein,which would otherwise limit our professional liability.
It is recommended thatthe board ask Black Oak to inform Tectonic of
the changes to turbine size, power and location to see if any revision
or modifications are recommended.
Monitoring:
According to Tectonic:
11.0 CONSTRUCTION MONITORING
A geotechnical engineer familiar with the existing subsurface conditions and having the
appropriate laboratory and field testing support should be engaged by the Owner to observe
that all earthwork is performed in accordance with the specifications and the design criteria
outlined in this report.
The following work should be performed under the supervision of a geotechnical engineer:
•Foundation subgrade preparation
•Rock anchor installation and load testing
• Fill placement and compaction
• Dewatering
19
All materials proposed for use as soil fill should be tested and approved prior to delivery to
the site.Additionally, all fill materials should be tested as they are being placed to verify
that the required compaction is achieved. We further recommend that the project plans and
specifications be reviewed by the geotechnical consultant prior to final completion of the bid
documents. It should be noted that upon review of those documents, some
recommendations presented herein may be revised or modified.
It is recommended that the town board carefully vets the geotechnical
engineer orfirm hired to overseeand monitorthe construction
31
Everything is moving much more quickly these days and Enfield,like most other small towns,does not
have the infrastructure,nor the resources,to keep up with the demands that these rapid changes ask:for.The:
past eight years the Town has ben working with B0WF,we have seen how.imp'ortant if is to.find other energy:
sources than fossil fuels and nuclear plants.Wind farms are likely an'essential Part of this:new energy supply
chain.At the same tune;.a lack of ariy Stateor Federal regulatory standards,:combined with the fact that we.are
just now beginning to understand the Health and safety:issues that wind fauns;;by their very nature; ,
bring into the lives of their neighbors,me-ansthere. 11 be inevitable conflicts.atthe local level over the sighting
of the turbines.
The town of Enfield seems to be a.classic case,as the initial Paw with larger setbacks-was discarded .
for one more lenient to the industry.Now we are.learning as much as possible,.as quickly as possible,in order
to protect local residents health and safety form the likely side effects of the.turbines.installation.Ifseems tome
we can take one of two courses.First with the understanding that the setback distance is.the most significant
aspect of the issue,we can decide to rewrite the wind law and require BOVVF with a:greater setback.distance.
This will certainly have significant consequences#o BtJWF,perhaps even to an inability to confinue and
possibly to the Town as wail,as it seems likely#hat In this circumstance,BOwF would k Iegal ac#ion against ,
the Town.
Alternately;we could consider the currenfiprocess of approving the draft and firai SEIS as an opportunity
to require BOWF to work with the Town.to find a way to mitigate any possible health and safety problems.#hat
residents close to the turbines will likely incur from theirpr4ximlty:The.Town wind law does contain.a pro aiori
that,according to our lawyer,allows us to enforce provision and standards bevond those contained in other
parts of the law;This provision,.:Article.3 Section 3 states that"the Town Board shall,upon consideration of-the
standards contained in the local law,and the record of the StORA review,issue a written decision with the
reasons for approval,conditional approval,or denial fully stated."
With this in mind, l think we should consider the ways we might,as the lead agency,address the health
and safety needs of the nearby residents while still allowing BOWF the opportunity to continue with this project.
One possibility that has been considered,and written into law,by a number of other NY municipalities,is to
develop a process whereby those residents who find they can not continue to live at their homes will be helped
to move from their existing residence to a new property. This would entail a financial commitment on the part of
BOWF and obviously would take time to develop, and a real desire on the part®f bdtl'1 partie;, I.w®Wld cxpect
neither side to be happy with this idea for the residents it means the possibility of leaving their,long:
established homes,and for BOWF it will mean less long term profits.
Another,perhaps even more complicated alternative,would ask for an actual understanding by the wind
farm that there will be issues and problems that.will surface in the construction and.long term operation phases
of the facility.This would deal primarily with health and safety issues. Once there is an understanding by
SOWF and an agreementthatthese issues need to be-addressed.they would need to be a complaint resolution
procedure, as required in:the Town wind law.As stated Ah4ll application will,include a complaint resolution.,
process to address complaints from persons who live-in nearby residences.The process may use
an independent mediator:or arbitrator and shall include'a time, for acting upon any complaint.The existing .
"Community Outreach and Communication Plan",which BOWF identifies as.their only complaint resolution' .
procedure,is not,in my.understanding,in keeping with the town law.lt provides no time limit,and,more
importantly;nothing that requires.any complaint to actually be resolved.1tin fact,f3OVIfF interprets this portion of
the law as not actually.requiring a mutually agreeable.solution;rather than just an amorphous concept of
working on a resolution;then 1 think the:#own cannot proceed any further withoutputting new:ianguage MW the
law to address this misunderstariding.lf.BOWF agrees,howe'ver,that'the interit f.this section of'the law was
meant to confer a regulatory authority on the town board,then it will need.to..develop a procedure that actual..ly
:
requires a resolution.to problems in a timely rnanner,throughout the lifetime of the faclity.This would-include
details of standards to be:met,a:thonitoring process to assure that they are being me tan d measures to be.'
taken when they are not.l cannot einphasite too strongly my belief that no papetwork'that
BOWF has submitted to date l as even begun to address this issue in a substantive'way.
Since none of our paid advisers have to my knowledge,:commented on:this issue,l can only assume they: : -
felt it was outside their scope.As such,l.see:it as even more important that the:fown board itself deals with.-this.
issue,Isince it arises directly from our wind law.While we have approved a findings,statement for one part-of
this project,we have.not approved the,placement of three turbines and rnore:inlportantly,the.elei*ic
substation.In light of my current understanding of the health and safety issues:for nearby residents,as.
evidenced by much of the current reevaluation at setback distances in other towns,sta#es,and countries,lji
believe that now is an appropriate time for the board to inform BOWF of our updated needs BOWF. can then
address these issues in their responses.in the Final SEIS.I would hope that the`wind farm would.welcome this
opportunity to be better neighbors in the future;
Mike Carpenter