environmental statement - Rotherham's Online Application for ...

9.30 Predicted wind farm immission levels and measured background noise
levels indicate that for dwellings neighbouring the proposed site, wind
turbine noise will meet the Amenity Hours and Night-time Noise Criteria
proposed within ETSU-R-97 for all dwellings.
SUMMARY OF EFFECTS
9.31 This noise assessment considered the impact of operational noise from
the Penny Hill Wind Farm on the residents of nearby dwellings. The
guidance contained within ETSU-R-97 was used to assess the potential
noise impact of the proposed development.
9.32 Eight residential properties neighbouring the wind farm were selected as
being representative of the properties located closest to the wind farm.
Initially background noise monitoring was undertaken at the eight locations
however one set of noise monitoring equipment (at H6) was stolen during
the first week of deployment and therefore monitoring was not continued at
that location. Following discussions with the Environmental Health Officer
at Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council it was agreed that
background noise data from another property (H2) would be used to
determine noise limits at H6.
9.33 Analysis of the measured data has been performed in accordance with
ETSU-R-97 to determine the pre-existing background noise environment
at these locations. Amenity hours and night-time criterion were established
in accordance with ETSU-R-97.
9.34 Predictions of wind turbine noise were made based upon a sound power
level for a wind turbine suitable for the site and a noise prediction model
procedure that can be considered to be worst-case. Full noise data for the
REpower 3.3M is not yet available so it has been assumed for the
purposes of this assessment that octave data for another REpower
turbine, the MM92 2.0MW is comparable. For completeness the MM92
has also been modelled and it has been shown that the REpower 3.3M is
louder at all windspeeds (as shown in Appendix 5, Tables 5.1-5.8). All
results tables have therefore been based on the REpower 3.3M noise
data.
9.35 Predicted levels and measured background noise levels indicate that for
dwellings neighbouring the proposed site, wind turbine noise will meet the
Amenity and Night-time Noise Criteria proposed within ETSU-R-97.
9.36 The assessment has considered the specified micro-siting allowance and
found that the proposal can still adhere with ETSU-R-97 guidelines should
turbine locations be altered. The assessment should be based on turbine
locations specified within this ES. However, should micro-siting be
considered necessary, the final turbine locations will be specified prior to
the erection of turbines for agreement with the LPA. Appropriate noise
limits should be specified through condition of planning permission to
ensure adherence of ETSU regulations at the identified receptors.
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Penny Hill Wind Farm
Environmental Statement