Further Information request

Item 15
Gaybrook Wind Farm
Our Ref: JR/FIR/5201

15i. The applicant shall clarify if the noise modelling took account of the effects of
prevailing winds, which may “carry” noise to or from a receptor, on predicted noise
levels. It is considered that in order to ensure that the EIS is complete the applicant
should demonstrate predicted noise levels at houses which are unoccupied but
habitable and sites which have outstanding planning permissions for dwellings. It is
also noted in the EIS, that wind speeds at 10 meters above ground levels were taken.
Given that the hub height of the turbines in 85 meters, it is questioned whether this
is appropriate. You are requested to address this issue.

The following response has been prepared by Mike Simms, BE MEngSc AMIOA - Acoustic
Consultant. IWCM Ltd commissioned Mike Simms to respond to this further information
request relating to noise.

Prevailing Winds:

The noise predictions have been prepared using the method described in ISO 9613:1996
Acoustics - Attenuation of sound during propagation outdoors Parts 1 and 2. This method is
designed to predict the noise levels at receptors as the noise propagates in the outdoor
environment. The resulting values are in terms of a downwind sound pressure level, thus they
represent the worst-case values for each receiver in terms of the wind direction.

Moreover, in certain cases, for example on the local road between the two groups of turbines,
locations cannot be downwind of all wind turbines simultaneously, thus the calculations are
conservative in this respect.

Unoccupied Houses and Houses in Planning:

Selection of the appropriate noise prediction locations was based on a detailed house survey
of the area. No unoccupied houses were identified and 2 houses with planning but not yet
constructed were included in the set of locations.

Wind speeds at 10m above ground:

The noise emission data for wind turbines are typically provided by the manufacturer relative
to the wind speed at 10m height above ground, measured according to the procedure in
IEC61400-11 Wind turbine generator systems – Acoustic noise measurement techniques.
Thus, during the test, while the wind speed at 10m may have a value of, for example, 6 m/s,

Item 15 Response Page 1

Gaybrook Wind Farm
Our Ref: JR/FIR/5201

the wind speed at hub height may be 8 m/s. The noise level generated at this speed is then
recorded against the wind speed of 6 m/s at 10m height.

By way of context, the reason for the choice of 10m height is that wind data at this height can
be collected with a portable mast and as such is more easily available at an early stage in the
site selection process.

ii. With regard to noise impacts the most critical situation will be when the turbines
are operating at relatively low wind speeds at night-time, when the background
noise levels are low and the increase in background levels will be highest. The
applicant has failed to demonstrate that the increase in noise levels above normal
background level, will be within acceptable limits and therefore you are requested to
submit a comprehensive noise study dealing with the tonal and mechanical noise
and also demonstrate whether the increase in noise above normal background level
is acceptable in the context of the aforementioned guidelines.

This response was prepared by Mike Simms, BE MEngSc AMIOA - Acoustic Consultant.

“Night-time noise levels:

The DoEHLG Wind Energy Development Guidelines state that:

In general, a lower fixed limit of 45 dB(A) [LA90, 10min] or a maximum increase of 5dB(A)

above background noise at nearby noise sensitive locations is considered appropriate to

provide protection to wind energy development neighbours.

[…] in low noise environments where background noise is less than 30 dB(A), it is

recommended that the daytime level of the LA90, 10min of the wind energy development noise be

limited to an absolute level within the range of 35-40 dB(A).

Separate noise limits should apply for day-time and for night-time. During the night the

protection of external amenity becomes less important and the emphasis should be on

preventing sleep disturbance. A fixed limit of 43dB(A) will protect sleep inside properties

during the night.

Item 15 Response Page 2

Gaybrook Wind Farm
Our Ref: JR/FIR/5201

In Appendix 15.1, noise survey locations A to D are shown in Figure 1. (House A was
originally selected based on the previous wind turbine layout. Two turbines which were in
this area are no longer proposed.)

In Appendix 15.2, the noise survey data from the original noise survey is reproduced with
data and night-time values presented on separate graphs. The following points are noted:

• House A is now distant from the wind farm and consequently the noise levels are
significantly lower than in other cases.
• The daytime noise environments are greater than 30dB(A), thus the 45dB(A) daytime
criterion applies.

In all cases, both the daytime and night-time noise levels are within the criteria, and are
indeed within 45dB(A) by day and 43dB(A) by night, thus the background noise is not relied
upon to demonstrate compliance with the criteria.

Taking all this in account, it is considered that the wind farm as proposed complies with the
DoEHLG guidelines in respect of noise.

Tonal and Mechanical Noise

The noise predictions are based on noise source sound power levels taken from a document
supplied by the manufacturer, which details the results of a wind turbine sound test procedure
are set down in IEC61400-11 Wind turbine generator systems – Acoustic noise measurement
techniques and contains the report from the independent company which carried out the test.

The test procedure involves measuring the noise levels of the wind turbine operating under a
range of wind speeds, and results in a sound power level in octave bands. In this way the
totality of the noise, i.e. the aerodynamic and mechanical components are included.

This procedure also contains a method for measuring any potential tones which may incur a
penalty in the assessment. The report finds that the tonal components of the wind turbine
noise are less than 4dB in all cases, therefore no correction applies to the calculated noise
levels.”

Item 15 Response Page 3

Gaybrook Wind Farm
Our Ref: JR/FIR/5201

iii. In order to assist in the assessment of the proposal by the Planning Authority,
please submit an accurate map to suitable scale showing the location and curtilage
of all occupied and unoccupied but habitable dwellings and existing planning
permissions for dwellings within a 500m radius in the context of the turbines.
Predicted noise levels arising from the development for all sensitive receptors within
the 500m Band is hereby requested.

IWCM Ltd prepared an accurate map at a scale of 1:10,000 showing the location and
curtilage of all occupied but habitable dwellings and existing planning permissions for
dwellings within a 500m radius in the context of the proposed turbines, please refer to
Drawing Pack, Figure 12 Noise Contour Map & Figure 13 Dwelling Curtilage within 500m
for full details. Predicted noise levels arising from the development for all sensitive receptors
within 500m Band was carried out as requested by Westmeath County Council. This section
should be read in conjunction with Chapter 12 Noise Impact Assessment of the EIS.

Noise predictions for sensitive receptors within 500 metres

There are 2 number dwellings located within the 500m band of the proposed development;
both dwellings are in the ownership of landowners involved in the proposed development. A
noise assessment was carried out by IWCM Ltd, using WindPRO version 2.7.468, (updated
software from WINDFARM) to assess the predicted noise levels at worst case scenario. The
assessment found that both dwellings (receptors) are within the DoEHLG guidelines of
43dB(A).

The following table highlights the predicted noise levels at dwelling (receptor) 116 and 212:

Dwelling ID WINDPro ID Predicted Noise Nearest Turbine Distance

level
116 M 39.8dB(A) T2 459
212 BY 40.9dB(A) T8 419

Table 15.1: Predicted noise levels within 500m of a turbine

Item 15 Response Page 4

Gaybrook Wind Farm
Our Ref: JR/FIR/5201

Noise predictions for curtilages of dwellings within 500 metres

A noise assessment was carried out by IWCM Ltd, using WindPRO version 2.7.468, to assess
the predicted noise levels at worst case scenario at all curtilages of dwellings within 500
metres of a proposed turbine. There are 11 curtilages of dwellings within 500 metres of a
turbine and 1 number curtilage just over 500 metres from a turbine (511 metres). All 12
curtilages of dwellings have been assessed for noise. The assessment found that all curtilages
of dwellings are within the DoEHLG guidelines of 43dB(A). Please refer to Appendix 15.3
for full details of predicted noise levels and distances to each individual turbine.

Dwelling ID WINDPro ID Predicted Noise Nearest Turbine Distance

Level dB(A)
117 A 38.6 1 468
116 B 40.5 2 417
115 C 39.5 2 466
114 D 39.2 2 483
163 E 40.2 5 478
162 F 38.7 5 474
240 G 38.2 7 511
181 H 38.9 7 487
209 I 39.0 6 478
210 J 40.3 6 470
212 K 41.4 8 386
211 L 39.9 9 481
Table 15.2: Curtilages of dwellings within 500 metres

Noise predictions for dwellings located within 1km of a proposed turbine

Predicted noise levels were also carried out for all sensitive receptors within 1000m (1km)
(10 rotor diameter) of all proposed turbines as the layout has changed significantly since
further information was requested under planning reference 10/5009.

The noise assessment was carried out by IWCM Ltd, using standard industry software
WindPRO version 2.7.468 to predict noise levels. Noise predictions are based on

Item 15 Response Page 5

Gaybrook Wind Farm
Our Ref: JR/FIR/5201

International Standard ISO 9613, Acoustics – Attenuation of Sound during Propagation

Outdoors.

The predicted noise emission levels at noise sensitive locations from the proposed
development are detailed in Appendix 15.4. Noise predictions were carried out for the critical
wind speed of 6m/s at 10m height. The assessment found that all dwellings (receptors) are
within the DoEHLG guidelines of 43dB(A). The highest predicted noise level is 40.9dB(A)
(which is well below the excepted level of 43dB(A)) at receptor 212, this receptor is a
landowner involved in the proposed development.

Item 15 Response Page 6

 Appendix 15.1

Location of Noise surveys

Figure 1: Location of Noise Survey Locations (Map not to scale)

Gaybrook Wind Farm
Our Ref: JR/FIR/5201

Appendix 15.2

Measured background noise levels and predicted wind turbine noise levels

Background
Wind Turbine Planning
Wind speed Noise based on Difference
Noise at House Criterion Exceeds?
m/s Curve Fit dB
dB, LA90 dB
dB, LA90

4 19.3 34.2 45.0 -25.7 No

5 22.1 37.4 45.0 -22.9 No
6 26.4 41.2 46.2 -19.77 No
7 28.8 45.1 50.1 -21.35 No
8 29.1 48.9 53.9 -24.79 No
9 27.7 52.1 57.1 -29.44 No

Item 15 Response Page 1

Gaybrook Wind Farm
Our Ref: JR/FIR/5201

Background
Wind Turbine Planning
Wind speed Noise based on Difference
Noise at House Criterion Exceeds?
m/s Curve Fit dB
dB, LA90 dB
dB, LA90

4 19.3 30.3 43.0 -23.7 No

5 22.1 35.4 43.0 -20.9 No
6 26.4 40.4 45.4 -19.0 No
7 28.8 44.7 49.7 -20.9 No
8 29.1 47.6 52.6 -23.5 No
9 27.7 48.8 53.8 -26.1 No

Item 15 Response Page 2

Gaybrook Wind Farm
Our Ref: JR/FIR/5201

Background
Wind Turbine Planning
Wind speed Noise based on Difference
Noise at House Criterion Exceeds?
m/s Curve Fit dB
dB, LA90 dB
dB, LA90

4 33.4 35.1 45.0 -11.6 No

5 36.3 37.1 45.0 -8.7 No
6 40.1 39.5 45.0 -4.9 No
7 42.2 42.2 47.2 -5.0 No
8 42.3 45.1 50.1 -7.8 No
9 41.0 47.9 52.9 -11.9 No

Item 15 Response Page 3

Gaybrook Wind Farm
Our Ref: JR/FIR/5201

Background
Wind Turbine Planning
Wind speed Noise based on Difference
Noise at House Criterion Exceeds?
m/s Curve Fit dB
dB, LA90 dB
dB, LA90

4 33.4 31.6 43.0 -9.6 No

5 36.3 35.8 43.0 -6.7 No
6 40.1 39.2 44.2 -4.1 No
7 42.2 42.0 47.0 -4.8 No
8 42.3 44.1 49.1 -6.8 No
9 41.0 45.6 50.6 -9.6 No

Item 15 Response Page 4

Gaybrook Wind Farm
Our Ref: JR/FIR/5201

Background
Wind Turbine Planning
Wind speed Noise based on Difference
Noise at House Criterion Exceeds?
m/s Curve Fit dB
dB, LA90 dB
dB, LA90

32.8 35.3 45.0 -12.2 No

4
35.7 37.1 45.0 -9.3 No
5

39.6 39.0 45.0 -5.4 No

6

41.7 41.0 46.0 -4.3 No

7

41.8 43.0 48.0 -6.2 No

8
40.5 45.1 50.1 -9.6 No
9

Item 15 Response Page 5

Gaybrook Wind Farm
Our Ref: JR/FIR/5201

Background
Wind Turbine Planning
Wind speed Noise based on Difference
Noise at House Criterion Exceeds?
m/s Curve Fit dB
dB, LA90 dB
dB, LA90

32.8 27.6 43.0 -10.2 No

4

35.7 31.2 43.0 -7.3 No

5

39.6 34.9 43.0 -3.4 No

6

41.7 38.2 43.2 -1.5 No

7
41.8 40.8 45.8 -4.0 No
8

40.5 42.2 47.2 -6.7 No

9

Item 15 Response Page 6

Gaybrook Wind Farm
Our Ref: JR/FIR/5201

Background
Wind Turbine Planning
Wind speed Noise based on Difference
Noise at House Criterion Exceeds?
m/s Curve Fit dB
dB, LA90 dB
dB, LA90

33.9 36.9 45.0 -11.1 No

4

36.8 37.0 45.0 -8.2 No

5
40.7 37.2 45.0 -4.3 No
6

42.7 38.0 45.0 -2.3 No

7

42.8 39.4 45.0 -2.2 No

8

41.5 41.7 46.7 -5.2 No

9

Item 15 Response Page 7

Gaybrook Wind Farm
Our Ref: JR/FIR/5201

Background
Wind Turbine Planning
Wind speed Noise based on Difference
Noise at House Criterion Exceeds?
m/s Curve Fit dB
dB, LA90 dB
dB, LA90

33.9 28.1 43.0 -9.1 No

4

36.8 29.3 43.0 -6.2 No

5

40.7 31.2 43.0 -2.3 No

6

42.7 33.6 43.0 -0.3 No

7
42.8 36.7 43.0 -0.2 No
8
41.5 40.6 45.6 -4.1 No
9

Item 15 Response Page 8

Gaybrook Wind Farm
Our Ref: JR/FIR/5201

Appendix 15.3
Noise Predictions for Curtilages of dwellings within 500m
Gaybrook Wind Farm
Our Ref: JR/FIR/5201

Appendix 15.4
Noise Predictions levels within 1km of a turbine