RE: Proposed Ledge Wind Project
TO: The Town Boards of Wrightstown, Morrison, Holland and Ledgeview
I am writing to summarize what I believe are real and previously unconsidered effects of building wind turbines among populated residential and farming areas.
The current zoning standards do not take into consideration the growing evidence regarding the adverse health risks of placing wind turbines closer than 1.5 miles from residences.
Multiple studies and case reports are being published that systematically record a group of symptoms that seems to occur in about 10% of individuals who live within 1.5 miles of wind turbines.
These symptoms included but are not limited to: sleep disturbances, chronic headaches, migraines, ringing in the ears, visceral vibratory vestibular disturbance, decreased abilities in memory and concentration, fatigue, irritability and upper respiratory ailments.
Many of these symptoms were not
present prior to individuals living
in the vicinity of the wind turbines
and resolved when the affected
people were able to move away from
the turbines. Most of the case
reports show that the individuals
have no emotional disturbances that
would lead to anxiety and fear as a
cause of their new symptoms.
Children seem to be affected by the
same symptoms only they are manifest
in different ways such as nightmares
and bedwetting or decreased school
performance and behavior problems.
There are now many published reports
in the US, Canada, England, Europe,
and New Zealand that refer to this
consistent cluster of symptoms as
“Wind Turbine Syndrome.” There are
also governmental agencies and
health organizations that have
spoken out on the topic, including:
Health Canada, the NIH, the French
National Academy of Medicine, The
Maine Medical Association, the
Minnesota Department of Public
Health, the Government of the State
of Victoria Australia, the Japanese
Minister of Environment, and the US
National Research Council.
The symptoms experienced by humans
may also be seen more seriously and
widespread in animals leading to
adverse consequences. Wild animals
that have highly developed senses of
hearing and vibration (bats, snakes,
deer, turkey, and birds) virtually
disappear from large wind
developments. Domestic farm animals
such as chickens, goats, and cattle
are all reported to display adverse
behaviors, as well as reproduction
abnormalities and even death. There
are many case reports of decreased
dairy production and egg production
in farm animals that are reversed
when the animals are moved away from
wind turbines.
Animal studies and human data are
mounting that the adverse symptoms
are related to several direct
effects of the wind turbines. 1)
Audible noise, 2) Low frequency
noise, 3) Shadow flicker, and 4)
Mixed sensory input (confusing and
unrelenting sensations that conflict
in the brain).
The audible noise above 30-35dB
(A-weighted measurements) is enough
to disturb sleep. Chronic sleep
disturbance can lead to fatigue,
decreased memory and concentration,
chronic headaches, weight gain,
hypertension and cardiovascular
deterioration. 30dB is the limit
recommended by the World Health
Organization as the maximum noise
level at nighttime outside of a
home. Most of the local ordinances
allow up to 50dB up to 10% of the
time, and exclude measurements if
the wind is blowing greater than
30mph.
The Low frequency noise (C-weighted
measurements) is not always audible
yet the body feels the vibration and
it stimulates the hearing and
balance parts of the inner ear. This
type of noise may also resonate in
body cavities leading to chest
pressure and a sense of motion. The
results are nausea, vomiting and
motion sickness. In fact such low
frequency noise is so unpleasant, it
has been used in the Middle East as
a weapon for crowd control. The
recommended maximum intensity of
C-weighted measurements is 20dB
outside of a home. Most of the local
ordinances do not mention C-weighted
measurements despite the fact that
most wind turbine noise is low
frequency.
Shadow-flicker triggers a reflexive
response in animals that results in
a flight or flight response leading
to an increased heart rate, muscle
tension and a sense of movement.
Shadow-flicker and noise can be
reduced by increasing the distance
from the wind turbine.
These sensory inputs, audible noise,
low frequency vibration/inaudible
noise, and shadow flicker present
conflicting sensations to the brain
resulting in worsening symptoms of
migraines, anxiety, nausea,
vomiting.
There are other practical risks as
well. According to the Caithness
Windfarm Information Forum, from
1999 through June 2008 there were
over 500 accidents around the world,
including North America, involving
ice throws, blade disintegration,
fire and tower failure from large
wind turbines. If improperly sited,
wind energy systems produce
electro-magnetic radiation that can
interfere with broadcast
communications and signals. They
even create signals on Doppler
weather radar simulating severe
weather thereby making any weather
warnings in our area limited. There
are dangers and restrictions in
flight activity due to potential
collisions with aircraft. This
limitation has resulted in rescue
helicopters not landing in wind
farms.
Much of this information has been
understood as wind turbine
developments grow across Europe,
Canada, Australia and the US.
As I have read the studies and case reports from across the US and the world, as well as listening to residents of the development around Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, I have become convinced that the health and safety of those living closer than 2500 feet to wind turbines will be adversely effected. Some living within 1.5 miles may show severe signs of wind turbine syndrome.
These facts were not well known or
considered prior to 2007 when many
of the ordinances were written. Now
due to greater knowledge and more
experience, we must consider the
more recent conservative site
requirements for example in the Town
of Union in Rock County Wisconsin.
http://www.tn.union.wi.gov/Docs_by_cat_type.asp?doccatid=200&locid=123
<http://www.tn.union.wi.gov/Docs_by_cat_type.asp?doccatid=200&locid=123>
I would recommend anyone to review
their ordinance, which has extensive
documentation on the rationale
behind their more restrictive
requirements when compared to the
state of Wisconsin. Their diligence
in research and enacting an
ordinance based on the current
evidence should be respected and
imitated.
If the current setbacks of 1000 feet
and maximum audible noise
measurements of 50dB are utilized,
then I believe that up to 80% of
people exposed to these levels of
audible noise, low frequency noise
and shadow flicker will feel some
adverse health symptoms. Because of
these conclusions, I would hope that
our local town boards will consider
a moratorium on wind development
until they can consider the evidence
that shows the health and safety
risks of wind developments such as
the Ledge Wind Farm and provide the
leadership by enacting ordinances
that reflect the current
understanding of these health and
safety risks imposed by wind
turbines sited close to residences
and businesses in our communities.
Respectfully,
Herb Coussons, MD
6649 Ledgetop Dr
Greenleaf, WI
920-639-8434