Comparison of International Environmental Noise Guidelines for Wind Farms

Authors

  • Sam Du Valcoustics Canada Ltd.
  • Al D. Lightstone Valcoustics Canada Ltd.
  • Joseph Doran Valcoustics Canada Ltd.

Abstract

There are various regulations, guidelines, codes of practices and best practices for assessment and control of environmental noise in various jurisdictions. Many jurisdictions treat wind farms as they do any other industrial noise source. Some jurisdictions have noise regulations/guidelines/criteria specific to wind farms. Requirements for wind turbine noise vary in strictness from country to country. The strictest noise requirements are found in Sweden, Germany, Finland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and parts of Australia. Several countries internationally have penalties for tonal, impulsive, and low frequency noise. New Zealand, Finland and parts of Australia (Tasmania and Victoria) are found to be the only regions to include a penalty for amplitude modulation of wind turbine noise. Some jurisdictions indicate a particular acoustical modelling method (e.g. international or national standard or other technical procedure) should be used for wind farm noise assessment. Many do not specify or require a particular modelling method

Author Biographies

Sam Du, Valcoustics Canada Ltd.

P. Eng.

Al D. Lightstone, Valcoustics Canada Ltd.

President and Principal Engineer at Valcoustics Canada Ltd., with over 45 years experience in Acoustics.  Registered Designated Consulting Engineer with Professional Engineers of Ontario.

Joseph Doran, Valcoustics Canada Ltd.

B. Eng.

Additional Files

Published

2017-08-20

How to Cite

1.
Du S, Lightstone AD, Doran J. Comparison of International Environmental Noise Guidelines for Wind Farms. Canadian Acoustics [Internet]. 2017 Aug. 20 [cited 2025 Feb. 13];45(3):196-7. Available from: https://jcaa.caa-aca.ca/index.php/jcaa/article/view/3099

Issue

Vol. 45 No. 3 (2017)

Section

Proceedings of the Acoustics Week in Canada

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