Low Frequency Noise Proposed Wind Farm in Maastricht, The Netherlands

Regular paper

Erik Koppen

ARCADIS

Monday 1 june, 2015, 11:20 - 11:40

0.6 Madrid (49)

Abstract:
In Maastricht, The Netherlands, a new wind farm was proposed adjacent to an existing wind farm and industrial site in Belgium. As part of the environmental impact assessment in the planning phase, ARCADIS undertook a noise modelling study to evaluate cumulative noise levels produced by the new and existing sites. These calculations were conducted in accordance with both Dutch and Belgian regulations and compared against both national noise regulation limits. Low frequency noise levels were also assessed according to Dutch guidelines. On January 1st, 2012, legislation on low frequency wind turbine noise was approved and enforced in Denmark. Opponents of the Dutch wind farm stated the noise levels should be compared against the new, state-of-the-art Danish noise limits for low frequency noise. Calculations showed these noise limits were in compliance at the Dutch dwellings, but opponents asked the City Council of Maastricht for a second opinion from the Danish Aalborg University. The City Council decided to please the opponents and requested a review by the Danish university. The results of this report showed ARCADIS had understood and applied the new Danish legislation correctly. However, it was further stated that the prescribed Danish assessment method was not correct and new calculations were made. This interesting case describes the assessment by Dutch, Belgian, and Danish methods and gives insight into the Danish discussion on their new low frequency noise legislation.

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