Essex debates noise from wind turbines

ESSEX, Ontario, Feb. 24 (UPI) -- A retired physicist recommended that Ontario bolster its noise regulations for wind turbines and keep them from being built too close to homes.

John Harrison testified at a public meeting in Essex, Ontario, that the province rules permit 40-decibel sound levels from turbines at a distance of about 1,300 feet, which he called inadequate, the Windsor Star reported Tuesday.

He called for the regulations to be tightened to 35 decibels so that the residents will have the sound level below 25 decibels, which is necessary for people to sleep, the newspaper said.

Harrison was one of several speakers who discussed the siting of wind turbines proposed for the community, which is located on the shore of Lake Erie.

He described the noise made by a typical turbine at about 105 decibels compared to street noise of 90 decibels caused by heavy traffic, the Star said.