Draft National Wind Farm Development Guidelines - July 2010

aseline RF survey which involves the collection of quantitative data throughout the area
under consideration.
The surveys can be undertaken as follows:
• Sample Baseline RF Survey
The sample baseline RF survey involves selecting a discreet number of representative
sites or residences within a defined radius test zone, say 10km, of the wind farm. It is
then necessary to visit each one of those representative sites, take measurements of
the signal levels and make observations about the quality of the telecommunications
services and the condition of the receiving equipment and antennas, etc.
Before the advent of the global positioning system (GPS), this was the traditional
method of conducting a baseline RF survey.
• Continuous Baseline RF Survey
The continuous baseline RF survey involves setting up a test rig in a vehicle. The test rig
comprises RF receiving equipment (spectrum analyser), a GPS unit and a computer
with appropriate software. The test rig will then be used to log the radio signal strength
and location data on a continuous basis whilst the vehicle is driven over the planned
drive route.
If signal strength is poor in an area and it is apparent that property owners have
installed high masts or towers to receive broadcast signals it may be necessary to stop
and conduct sample testing for those properties as well, as the test equipment
configuration does not completely emulate all conditions that the property owner
may experience. For example television signal “ghosting” is not a phenomenon that
can be observed or predicted using signal strength testing.
Monitoring during wind farm construction
Regular contact with the stakeholders identified during planning stage should be
maintained during construction, and any concerns fed into the process of validation and
mitigation.
F.4.4
Operations
Compliance monitoring during wind farm operation
If baseline testing was conducted prior construction, then post-construction testing should
be carried out and any anomalies fed into the process of validation and mitigation.
Mitigation options available post-construction were identified in Develop mitigation
strategy above (page 178).
Addressing community complaints during operation
The general procedure for responding to complaints in relation to the wind farm
development should also cover any community concerns regarding electromagnetic
interference. Any concerns raised by the community should be fed into the process of
validation and mitigation. Mitigation options available post-construction were identified in
Develop mitigation strategy above (page 178).
Confirmation monitoring during wind farm operation
Finalise contact with the stakeholders identified during planning stage and maintained
during construction, and feed any concerns into the process of validation and mitigation.
Mitigation options available post-construction were identified Develop mitigation strategy
above (page 178).
Page 180 Draft National Wind Farm Development Guidelines – 2 July 2010