Leaders in Falmouth – regarding the State Wind Science Panel Report

January 31, 2012

Board of Selectmen

Falmouth Town Hall

59 Town Hall Square

Falmouth, MA 02540

 

Re: Comment regarding the State Wind Science Panel Report

 

Dear Chairperson Flynn and Board Members,

 

The board is keenly aware of the wind turbine difficulties.  The board may not know the reasons why, but they know the civic reaction and the adverse community vital signs wrought by these turbines.  This familiarity and experience places the board in an ideal position to represent the community.

The recently released State Wind Science Panel Report makes recommendations that may be the advent of problems in other communities, similarly experienced in Falmouth.

I urge the board to sense it’s obligation to the Commonwealth, and share the board’s insight and knowledge so other communities might benefit. Closely contemplate the following language directly from the Panel’s report.

 “Wind turbines can produce unwanted sound (referred to as noise) during operation (p. ES-4)”

“In other words, it is possible that noise from some wind turbines can cause sleep disruption (p. ES-6)

“It is acknowledged that noise from wind turbines can be annoying to some  and associated with some reported health effects (e.g., sleep disturbance) (p. 29)

“The epidemiological studies indicate that noise and/or vibration from wind turbines has been noted as causing sleep disruption (p. 30)

“Given the effects of sleep deprivation on health and well-being, including problems with mood and cognition, it is possible that cognitive and mood complaints and other medical or psychological issues associated with sleep loss can stem from living in immediate proximity to wind turbines, if the turbines disrupt sleep (p.32-33)

These statements represent a very accurate sampling of what the board and I know to be true in Falmouth. That is why the board need represent Falmouth and share, with the the rest of the state, their experience.

As easily as these statement can be endorsed, because of the board’s credibility of experience, it can earnestly speak to the Panel’s recommended “best practice” flaws.  As example, existing state noise guidance criteria, in terms of industrial wind turbines, have demonstrated little protective effectiveness in Falmouth. Logic would dictate, a further reduction to existing noise level criteria, could not conceivably be considered a “best” or “promising practice.”  Yet, this is what the Panel suggests  policy makers adopt.

A response from the board will go along way in both representing the community and in validating Panel recommendations.  The Panel recommendation I encourage the board to strongly endorse is, “In general, more comprehensive assessment of wind turbine noise in populated areas is recommended (p. ES-11).

The MassDEP and MassDPH wants input.  They say they will listen.  I urge the board to relay to these agencies that the Panel recommendations are in conflict with the experience in Falmouth.  There might be an explanation for the adverse effects, but the 22 month search for the answer should serve as a clear message.

The board knows the trials of our community.  Please, as the Falmouth Board of Selectmen, share this message.

Respectfully,

Mark J. Cool

Fire Tower Rd.

Falmouth, MA

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