Draft National Wind Farm Development Guidelines - July 2010

The following items should be considered:
• The wind monitoring strategy should include a wind speed monitor at hub height, or
near to hub height as described in Section 6.3.3 of AS4959–2010. Wind direction should
also be monitored at this height. Wind monitoring equipment should satisfy the
requirements of IEC 61400-11:2006.
• Wind speed should be monitored at a second height on the meteorological mast. This
height should be less than the hub height and should be sufficient to allow
comparison of the wind speeds at the two different monitoring heights to estimate the
wind shear at the site during each monitoring period.
• The mast should be located to monitor what are likely to be the highest wind speeds
at the proposed site. AS4959–2010 notes, “Where possible wind speed data used for
analysis should be from a location on the wind farm site which reflects or exceeds the
maximum wind speed likely to be experienced by WTGs within the site.”
• For large sites more than one meteorological mast may be required.
• Post-construction noise monitoring will also require wind data. The data used during
this later stage should be consistent with that obtained during the noise impact
assessment phase, ideally through the use of the same mast location provided this is
not affected by turbulent flow downwind from a turbine. Section 6.3.3 of AS4959–2010
provides guidance on this issue.
Community consultation
The following key issues should be addressed during initial consultation with the community:
• The results of the preliminary noise predictions and identification of relevant receivers;
• How noise characteristics will be addressed in the procurement of the turbines and in
the management of the wind farm;
• The likelihood of audibility and the potential for masking by background noise;
• Clear avenues should be made available to obtain additional information about wind
farm noise and its assessment. A number of information sources should be provided
for each issue, to provide the enquirer with the range of views that are available
regarding wind farm noise emission.
• The draft concept wind turbine generator layout, based in part on results of the
preliminary noise impact assessment, should be used as a starting point for discussions
with landowners, authorities and the community.
B.4.2
Planning Application
The objective of this stage is to prepare noise impact assessment documentation suitable
for inclusion in the Planning Application. This will require confirmation of applicable noise
criteria, detailed noise emission predictions, and liaison with the proponent and refinement
of the wind farm design to ensure that noise criteria are able to be satisfied. Additional
advice may also be required for planning hearings. Significant community consultation
should be on-going during this phase as the wind farm design becomes finalised and
information may be passed to wind farm neighbours.
The tasks to be carried out during this phase are detailed below.
Undertake background noise monitoring
Background noise monitoring should be carried out at identified relevant receivers
according to Section 6.3 of AS4959–2010. Selection of relevant receivers is addressed in
Establish background noise monitoring requirements (see page 49).
Page 50 Draft National Wind Farm Development Guidelines – 2 July 2010