Wind farms, communities and ecosystems: Special issue of Bulletin of Science, Technology & Society 

Bulletin of Science, Technology & Society, October 2011, 31(5)

Occupational Health and Industrial Wind Turbines: A Case Study

Robert W. Rand, Rand Acoustics, Brunswick, Maine, USA
Stephen E. Ambrose, S. E. Ambrose & Associates, Windham, Maine, USA
Carmen M. E. Krogh, Killaloe, Ontario, Canada

Abstract: Industrial wind turbines (IWTs) are being installed at a fast pace globally. Researchers, medical practitioners, and media have reported adverse health effects resulting from living in the environs of IWTs. While there have been some anecdotal reports from technicians and other workers who work in the environs of IWTs, little is known about the occupational health sector. The purpose of this case study is to raise awareness about the potential for adverse health effects occurring among workers. The authors propose that there is a need for research regarding occupational worker exposure relating to IWTs. [download PDF – Rand et al]

A Review of the Current Evidence Regarding Industrial Wind Turbines and Property Values From a Homeowner’s Perspective

Wayne E. Gulden
Ontario, Canada

Abstract: As more wind energy projects are constructed and placed into operation, their potential downsides are becoming more apparent to a larger number of people. One of the most contentious issues is that of the potential loss of property values for those who happen to own homes close to these projects. This issue may be more parochial and therefore seemingly less important than larger global issues, such as energy independence, sustainability, or global warming. But for those most directly affected by these projects, it can serve as a single proxy for all the other local concerns with wind turbines, such as noise, visual pollution, and health. Moreover, rural homeowners vote in high numbers, and in those locations where there is still local control of wind energy projects, the local politicians will eventually reflect those concerns. The wind energy industry counters these concerns by quoting from a series of industry and government studies that claim to show that proximity to wind turbines does not materially affect home prices. However, their efforts at allaying the concerns of the local homeowners have not been very successful. This article discusses some of the reasons why the industry has been unsuccessful at quelling these concerns, including an evaluation of the evidence from both sides of the wind energy debate as a homeowner might see it and ends with suggestions on how the industry might allay these concerns. [download PDF – Gulden]

Omitted Costs, Inflated Benefits: Renewable Energy Policy in Ontario

Parker Gallant, Scarborough, Ontario, Canada
Glenn Fox, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

Abstract: The government of Ontario has adopted wind energy development as an alternative energy source. It enacted the Green Energy and Economy Act, May 2009, with the intention to fast track the approval process regarding industrial wind turbines. The Act legislated a centralized decision making process while removing local jurisdictional authority. Throughout this process, the government reassured the public of inexpensive and reliable electricity. This article explores the costs and benefits related to the renewable energy policy established in Ontario, Canada. [download PDF – Gallant and Fox]

Birds and Bird Habitat: What Are the Risks From Industrial Wind Turbine Exposure?

Terry Sprague, Demorestville, Ontario, Canada
M. Elizabeth Harrington, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Carmen M. E. Krogh, Killaloe, Ontario, Canada

Abstract: Bird kill rate and disruption of habitat has been reported when industrial wind turbines are introduced into migratory bird paths or other environments. While the literature could be more complete regarding the documentation of negative effects on birds and bird habitats during the planning, construction, and operation of wind power projects, there is sufficient evidence to raise concerns. Authoritative and mandatory vigilance monitoring and long-term surveillance over the life of the industrial wind facility are lacking. By the time the documentation of the rate of bird kills, including that of endangered species is available in an environs of an industrial wind turbine facility, the damage may be irreversible. This article briefly explores the negative environmental impacts of the siting of industrial wind turbines and associated infrastructure, including transformer stations and transmission lines, in proximity to migratory bird corridors, wetlands, and nesting grounds. Research is required prior to proceeding with further industrial wind development in these environs. The authors propose that there is sufficient scientific evidence to require invoking the precautionary principle and halting further development until these risks are resolved. [download PDF – Sprague et al]

Mitigating the Acoustic Impacts of Modern Technologies: Acoustic, Health, and Psychosocial Factors Informing Wind Farm Placement

Daniel Shepherd and Rex Billington
Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand

Abstract: Wind turbine noise is annoying and has been linked to increased levels of psychological distress, stress, difficulty falling asleep, and sleep interruption. For these reasons, there is a need for competently designed noise standards to safeguard community health and well-being. The authors identify key considerations for the development of wind turbine noise standards, which emphasize a more social and humanistic approach to the assessment of new energy technologies in society. [download PDF – Shepherd and Billington]

Literature Reviews on Wind Turbines and Health: Are They Enough?

Brett Horner, Killaloe, Ontario, Canada
Roy D. Jeffery, Little Current, Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada
Carmen M. E. Krogh, Killaloe, Ontario, Canada

Abstract: Industrial wind turbines (IWTs) are a new source of community noise to which relatively few people have yet been exposed. IWTs are being erected at a rapid pace in proximity to human habitation. Some people report experiencing adverse health effects as a result of living in the environs of IWTs. In order to address public concerns and assess the plausibility of reported adverse health effects, a number of literature reviews have been commissioned by various organizations. This article explores some of the recent literature reviews on IWTs and adverse health effects. It considers the completeness, accuracy, and objectivity of their contents and conclusions. While some of the literature reviews provide a balanced assessment and draw reasonable scientific conclusions, others should not be relied on to make informed decisions. The article concludes that human health research is required to develop authoritative guidelines for the siting of IWTs in order to protect the health and welfare of exposed individuals. [download PDF – Horner et al]

Wind Turbines Make Waves: Why Some Residents Near Wind Turbines Become Ill

Magda Havas, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
David Colling, Bio-Ag Consultants and Distributors, Inc., Wellesley, Ontario, Canada

Abstract: People who live near wind turbines complain of symptoms that include some combination of the following: difficulty sleeping, fatigue, depression, irritability, aggressiveness, cognitive dysfunction, chest pain/pressure, headaches, joint pain, skin irritations, nausea, dizziness, tinnitus, and stress. These symptoms have been attributed to the pressure (sound) waves that wind turbines generate in the form of noise and infrasound. However, wind turbines also generate electromagnetic waves in the form of poor power quality (dirty electricity) and ground current, and these can adversely affect those who are electrically hypersensitive. Indeed, the symptoms mentioned above are consistent with electrohypersensitivity. Sensitivity to both sound and electromagnetic waves differs among individuals and may explain why not everyone in the same home experiences similar effects. Ways to mitigate the adverse health effects of wind turbines are presented. [download PDF – Havas and Colling]