Municipality asked to support turbine noise study

Council will consider supporting a proposed wind turbine noise emissions and health study being developed by Wind Concerns Ontario in conjunction with the University of Waterloo and the Huron County Health Unit.

The University is applying for project funding from the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) and together with the partners, seeks support from municipalities to participate as ‘Knowledge Users’.

Data collection is to include a full range of noise emissions – audible, low frequency and infrasound.

The organizations note municipalities, MPs and MPPs as “knowledge users” face new noise issues when turbines are proposed for their communities and that testing confirms that not all noise emissions are covered by existing regulations. No financial support or staff time is required.

Priority will be given to studies that address research gaps. Independent researchers are to develop a province-wide and international team, recruiting recognized experts in noise measurement, sleep disturbance, portable health monitoring technology and more.

Council meets Tuesday at 7 p.m. in Shire Hall, Picton.