Sarah Wolfe’s letter regarding the proposed regulations on sound from wind turbines makes some claims that are unsupported. “[W]ind power has clear, proven economic, environmental and health benefits” and is a “clearly proven public good.” I would enjoy seeing such proof, and I seriously doubt that she can provide it.
She also states that the proposed standard is more restrictive than it needs to be. It goes against “the clear weight of scientific evidence” – where’s the proof ? — and is “unprecedented” in the US. She then claims that the “lowest comparable standard is Maine’s nighttime limit of 42 decibels (Maine’s daytime limit is 55 decibels).” I, however, found that Maine’s (and WHO’s) standards are considerably lower: http://wiseenergy.org/Energy/Acoustical_ Limit.pdf
• 30 DBa is the no effect limit for outdoor nighttime noise: World Health Org (2009)
• 32 DBa is the night time limit in wind law of Frankfort, Maine (2011)
• 35 DBa limit (24/7) in wind law of Sumner, Maine (2013)
• 35 DBa daytime limit in wind law of Woodstock, Maine (2013) Furthermore, the proposed rule would not be a functional ban on wind but, rather, a measure to protect neighbors’ health, comfort, and enjoyment of their property. Let industrial wind be placed where Vermont citizens are not affected.
Cynthia Barber
Oppose! Swanton Wind 
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