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MassDEP’s Discussion Document Overview

MassDEP’s Discussion Document Overview. 7 March 2014. Background. MassDEP convened WNTAG to advise the Department on how to craft an effective regulatory & policy response to Wind Turbine noise impacts Scope: Potential revision to existing noise policy Pre-construction impact assessment

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MassDEP’s Discussion Document Overview

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  1. MassDEP’s Discussion Document Overview 7 March 2014

  2. Background • MassDEP convened WNTAG to advise the Department on how to craft an effective regulatory & policy response to Wind Turbine noise impacts • Scope: • Potential revision to existing noise policy • Pre-construction impact assessment • Pre-construction permitting process • Post construction compliance sampling

  3. Overview • Approaches to Determining Compliance with Noise policy • Pre-Construction Permitting • Additional Recommendations • Next Steps

  4. Compliance • Retain the10 dBA above background limit • Approach For Discussion: • Leq + Adjustment Factor- L90 ≤ 10dBA • Adjustment Factor to be determined (to be protective) • Collect at least 15 minutes of data Turbine “On” and Turbine “Off” under comparable wind conditions • “A’ Weighted sound collected on “Fast” setting

  5. Compliance • Alternative Raised: • Collect 1 Second LAFmax withTurbine “On” and Turbine “Off” • Compare L90 of 1 Second LAFmax Turbine “Off” to 1 second LAFmax Turbine “On” + Adjustment Factor • Adjustment factor value tbd. • Collect at least 15 min data Turbine “on” and Turbine “off” under comparable wind conditions

  6. Pre-Construction Permitting • Permit Required • 1 MW and greater • Public review and comment • Self Certification • 0.1 MW(100 kW) to 0.999 MW • Option to apply for permit • Conditions: • Pre-construction impact evaluation (modeling). • Demonstrate ability to comply with 10 dBA threshold • Post-construction monitoring required

  7. Additional Recommendations • Attended sampling preferred/required. Input sought on how unattended sampling could be used for Leq data. • No specific limit on the amount of allowable amplitude modulation included; Adjustment Factor used to address modulation • More comprehensive guidance on pre and post construction sampling will be issued in addition to regulations. • Use of Preconstruction background data for post construction compliance determination.

  8. Next Steps • All of the input from WNTAG to be considered as MassDEP drafts a new regulation and Technical Support Document • Some of the Technical Issues also informed by the final RWSTA Report (Spring/ Summer 2014) • MassDEP to draft and issue additional guidance on monitoring and modeling wind projects • Regulations will go out to public hearing and comments considered before final adoption.

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