HomeMy WebLinkAbout2560400 - Noise Impact Report
Noise Impact Report
Single Turbine WF
Clones
Co. Monaghan
Report Prepared For:
Mable Consulting Engineers
Report Prepared by: Brendan O’Reilly (August 2025)
Brendan O’Reilly Phone: 046-9073497
Durhamstown Mobile:087-8199010
Bohermeen Email: boreilly1@eircom.net
Navan
Co. Meath
Noise and Vibration Consultants Ltd
Reg No: IE 8298170M
Principal: Brendan O’Reilly MPhil (Noise & Vibration) ISEE SFA EAA RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Clones Wind Farm Noise Report
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August 2025 Page 1
1 NOISE
1.1 Introduction
1.1.1 Background and Objectives
Brendan O’Reilly of Noise & Vibration Consultants Ltd has been commissioned to assess the
potential noise impacts of the proposed Clones single turbine located approximately 1.5km NE
of Clones, County Monaghan.
This report assesses the potential impacts that the construction, operation and
decommissioning phases of the single turbine will have on receptors. There are no turbines
operational or permitted within 2.5km of the Proposed Development so there is no potential
cumulative impacts.
Where appropriate, mitigation measures to limit significant impacts on receptors are documented,
and thereafter residual effects are identified and assessed.
Appendix: Candidate turbine manufacturer’s noise emission data, Conversion of hub height wind
speed to standardised 10m height and co-ordinates of proposed and existing turbines
The noise impacts of the construction (and decommissioning) phases of the proposed
Development have also been assessed.
1.1.2 Statement of Authority
This section of the Report has been prepared by Mr. Brendan O’Reilly of Noise and Vibration
Consultants Ltd. Brendan has a Master’s degree in noise and vibration from Liverpool
University and has over 40 years’ experience in noise and vibration control (and many years’
experience in preparation of noise impact statements) and has been a member of a number of
professional organisations (SFA, ISEE, IMQS etc). Brendan was a co-author and project
partner (as a senior noise consultant) in ‘Environmental Quality Objectives Noise in Quiet
Areas’ administered by the Environmental Protection Agency on behalf of the Department of
the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (as a first step towards implementation of
the EC Directive relating to the Assessment and Management of Environmental Noise (EU,
2002).
Brendan O’Reilly of Noise & Vibration Consultants has considerable experience in the
assessment of noise impact and have compiled studies for in excess of 80 wind farm
developments in 25 counties throughout Ireland, ranging in size from 1 to over 30 turbines.
1.1.3 Acoustic Terminology
Sound is simply the pressure oscillations that reach our ears. These are characterised by their
amplitude, measured in decibels (“dB”), and their frequency, measured in Hertz (“Hz”). Noise
is unwanted or undesirable sound, it does not accumulate in the environment, is transitory,
fluctuates, and is normally localised. Environmental noise is normally assessed in terms of A -
weighted decibels, dB (A), when the ‘A weighted’ filter in the measuring device elicits a
response which provides a good correlation with the human ear. The criteria for environmental
noise control are of annoyance or nuisance rather than damage. In general, a noise level is
liable to provoke a complaint whenever its level exceeds by a certain margin , the pre-existing
noise level or when it attains an absolute level. A change in noise level of 3 dB (A) is ‘barely
perceptible’; while an increase in noise level of 10 dB (A) is perceived as a twofold increase in
loudness. A noise level in excess of 83 dB (A) gives a significant risk of hearing damage. RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Clones Wind Farm Noise Report
August 2025 Page 2
Construction and industrial noise sources are normally assessed and expressed using equivalent
continuous levels, LAeq1. Wind turbine source noise is generally expressed in Leq dBA and in
sound power levels LWA dB.
Operational wind turbine noise is assessed using the LA902 descriptor, which allows reliable
measurements to be made without corruption from relatively loud transitory noise events from other
sources. The LA90 should be used for assessing both the wind energy development noise and
background noise. As discussed in ETSU-R-97 the LA90 is 1.5-2.5dBA less than the LAeq
measured over the same period. In this assessment, the difference between LAeq and LA90 is
assumed to be 2dBA, which is the value most commonly applied and best practice in wind farm
assessments in Ireland and the UK. Wind turbine noise levels are given as sound power levels
(“LWA”) in dB at integer wind speeds up to maximum LWA levels which is no more than 10m/s
wind speed at 10m height. Table 1 gives a comparison of noise levels in our everyday
environment.
Table 1: Comparison of Noise Levels in our Environment3
Source/Activity Indicative noise level dBA
Threshold of hearing 0
Rural night-time background 20-50
Quiet bedroom 35
Wind farm at 350m 35-45
Busy road at 5km 35-45
Car at 65km/hr at 100m 55
Busy general office 60
Conversation 60
Truck at 50km/hr at 100m 65
Inside a typical shopping centre 70-75
Inside a modern car at around 90km/hr 75-80
Passenger cabin of jet aircraft 85
City Traffic 90
Pneumatic drill at 7m 95
Jet aircraft at 250m 105
Threshold of pain 140
1.1.4 Assessment Structure
This Section contains the following sections:
Assessment of Potential Effects - identifying the ways in which noise receptors could be affected
by the proposed Development, including a summary of the measures taken during design of the
Proposed Development to minimise noise effects;
1 LAeq is defined as being the A-weighted equivalent continuous steady sound level that has the same sound energy as the real
fluctuating sound during the sample period and effectively represents a type of average value.
2 LA90, or L90dBA is defined as the noise level equaled or exceeded for 90% of the measurement interval and with wind farm noise
the interval used is 10 minutes.
3 Fact sheet published by the Australian Greenhouse Office and the Australian Wind Energy Association RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
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Mitigation Measures and Residual Effects - a description of measures recommended to off-set
potential negative effects and a summary of the significance of the effects of the Proposed
Development after mitigation measures have been implemented;
Cumulative Effects – identifying the potential for effects of the Proposed Development to
combine with those from other developments;
Summary of Significant Effects;
Statement of Significance
1.2 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY AND SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA
1.2.1 Assessment Methodology
This assessment has involved the following elements, further details of which are provided in
the following sections:
- Legislation and guidance review;
- Desk study, including review of available maps and published information;
- Description of effects;
- Evaluation of the significance of these effects; and
- Identification of measures to avoid and mitigate potential effects.
1.2.2 Relevant Legislation and Guidance
The noise prediction is carried out in accordance with the guidance contained in the following
documents:
- Wind Energy Development Guidelines4 (“the 2006 Guidelines”);
- A Good Practice Guide to the Application of ETSU-R-97 for the Assessment and Rating
of Wind Turbine Noise’5 (“the IOA Good Practice Guide”);
- ISO 19966Acoustics-Description and Measurement of Environmental Noise - Part 1:
Basic Quantities and Procedures; (“ISO 1996”)
- ETSU-R-977: The Assessment & Rating of Noise from Wind Farms (“ETSU-R-97”)
- Draft Revised Wind Energy Development December 2019 (DRWEDG 2019)
- World Health Organisation8 2018 Recommendation for Wind Turbines (the WHO 2018
Recommendation)
- National Roads Authority (NRA) Guidelines for Treatment of Noise and Vibration in
National Road Schemes, 2004
- Description of Effects
1.2.2.1 Wind Energy Development Guidelines 2006
The following are a number of key extracts from the 2006 Guidelines in relation to noise impact:
General Noise Impact
“Noise impact should be assessed by reference to the nature and character of noise sensitive
locations.”
4 Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government: Wind Energy Development Guidelines, Guidelines for Planning
Authorities 2006 Energy
5 Institute of Acoustics (2013) A Good Practice Guide to the Application of ETSU-R-97 for the Assessment and Rating of Wind
Turbine Noise
6 ISO 1996/1- Acoustics-Description and Measurement of Environmental Noise - Part 1: Basic Quantities and Procedures
7 ETSU-R-97: Acoustics-The Assessment & Rating of Noise from Wind Farms: ETSU for the DTI, UK, 1996
8 WHO, 2018 Environmental Noise Guidelines for European Region. Recommendation for Wind Turbines for Average Noise
Exposure RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
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August 2025 Page 4
“Separate noise limits should apply for day-time and for night-time”
Measurement Units
“The descriptor [LA90 10min] which allows reliable measurements to be made without corruption
from relatively loud transitory noise events from other sources, should be used for assessing both
wind energy development noise and background noise.”
Specific Noise Limits
“Noise limits should be applied to external locations, and should reflect the variation in both turbine
source noise and background noise with wind speed.”
“In general, a lower fixed limit of 45dB(A) 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.
However, in very quiet areas, the use of the margin of 5dB(A) above the background noise at
nearby noise sensitive properties is not necessary to offer a reasonable degree of protection and
may unduly restrict wind energy developments. Instead in low noise environments where
background noise is less than 30 dB(A), it is recommended that the day time level of LA90,10min
of the wind energy development noise should be limited to an absolute level within the range 35-
40dB(A)”.
“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) L90,10min which will protect
sleep inside properties during the night”
The 2006 Guidelines do not specify day-time or night-time hours, however it is considered good
practice to follow the framework given in ETSU-R-97 and IOA Good Practice Guide where quiet
daytime and night-time hours are specified. The limits are based on the prevailing background
noise level for ‘quiet daytime’ periods, defined in ETSU-R-97 as:
- Quiet waking hours or quiet day-time periods defined as;
o All evenings from 18.00 to 23.00hrs
o Plus Saturday afternoon from 13.00 to 18.00hrs plus all day Sunday 07.00 to
18.00hrs
- Night-time is defined as 23.00 to 07.00hrs
1.2.2.2 Draft Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines December 2019 (DRWEDG 2019)
Draft Revised Wind Energy Development December 2019 (DRWEDG 2019)
There have been a number of draft guidelines over the years with the latest one being the Draft
Revised Wind Energy Guidelines December 2019. These guidelines, currently in draft format
are subject to significant public and stakeholder consultation and are currently out for review.
In line with best practice, this assessment is based on the current guidance outlined in Section
7.2.2.1.
1.2.2.3 World Health Organisation (WHO) 2018 Recommendation for Wind Turbines
The most recent WHO 2018 Guidelines: ‘Environmental Noise Guidelines for the European
Region’ gives a conditional recommendation requiring substantial debate with a limit of 45 dB Lden
which is based on low quality evidence. This is an annual average noise level, based on wind
speed and direction in the vicinity of the site with no specific limits for night.
1.2.2.4 Description of Effects
The significance of effects of the proposed development is described in accordance with the
EPA guidance document ‘Guidelines on the information to be contained in the Environmental
Impact Assessment Reports (EIAR), EPA May 2022’. The details of the methodology for RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Clones Wind Farm Noise Report
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August 2025 Page 5
describing the significance of effects are provided in Table 3.4: Section 3.7.3 of the EPA 2022
document.
1.3 Noise Limits
The noise limits are based on the lower limits in the current guidelines (2006 Guidelines), a fixed
limit of LA90 40dB 10min for daytime and night-time will apply. The outdoor limit in free-field
conditions applies to locations within the curtilage of noise sensitive properties. It is also
important to note that a limit of 43dB 10min LA90 protects sleep at night.
1.4 Desk Study
The operational noise study area has been defined such that the operational noise prediction
results have been included for all residential receptors within 1.5Km of the single wind turbine.
Where the operational noise levels meet the relevant noise limits at the nearest locations, it will
also meet the relevant noise limits at more distant residential locations.
1.5 Prediction of Wind Turbine Noise Levels
The predicted noise levels are based on the methodology given in the IOA Good Practice
Guide. Noise level calculations are based on ISO 9613-29 which provides a prediction of noise
levels likely to occur under worst-case down-wind conditions.
There are numerous models for predicting noise from a point source and some of these models
are specifically used for the prediction of noise from wind farms. WindFarm Version 4 wind
energy development software package was used to determine the noise impact at the
prediction locations. The propagation model calculates the predicted sound pressure levels by
taking the source sound power level for each turbine in their respective octave bands and
subtracting a number of attenuation factors according to the following formulae:
Predicted Octave Band Noise level = LW +D – (Ageo +Aatm +Agr + Abr +Amis)
The predicted octaves from each of the turbines are summed to give the predicted noise level
expressed as dBA.
No allowance has been made for the character of noise emitted by the turbines, however in
general the emissions from wind turbines are broadband in nature. In the unlikely event of a
turbine exhibiting clearly tonal components at any receptor, the turbine would be turned down
or stopped until such tonality is ameliorated.
Ageo –Geometric Spreading
Geometric (spherical) spreading from a simple free-field point source results in attenuation over
distance according to:
Lp = Lw – (20 log R + 11)
Where:
Lp = sound pressure level
Lw = sound power level
R = distance from the turbine to receiver
D – Directivity Factor
The directivity factor allows for adjustment where the sound radiated in the direction of the
receptor is higher than that for which the sound power level is specified. In this case, the sound
power levels are predicted as worst case propagation conditions, i.e. all receptors are assumed
to be in downwind conditions.
Agr - Ground Effects
Ground effect is the result of sound reflected by the ground interfering with the sound
propagating directly
9 ISO 9613-2 Acoustics -Attenuation of sound during propagation outdoors, Part 2: General Method of Calculation RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
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from the turbine to receiver. The prediction of ground effects is complex and depend on the
source height, receiver height, propagation height between the source and receiver and the
intervening ground conditions.
Ground conditions are described according to a variable defined as G, which varies between 0
for hard ground and 1 for soft ground. Although in reality the ground is predominately porous ,
it has been modelled as mixed 50% hard and 50% porous corresponding to a ground absorption
coefficient of 0.5. Our predictions have been carried out using a source height corresponding
to the proposed height of the turbine nacelle, a receiver height of 4 m and an assumed ground
factor of G=0.5 as recommended in the IOA Good Practice Guide.
Abar- Barrier Attenuation
The effect of a barrier (including a natural barrier) between a noise source and receptor is that
noise will be reduced according to the path difference (difference between the direct distance
between source to receptor and distance between source and rece ptor over the barrier). The
reduction is relative to the frequency spectrum of the sound and may be predicted according to
the method given in ISO 9613. In practice, barriers can become less effective in downwind
conditions. A barrier can be very effective when it lies within a few metres of the receptor. In
the prediction model, zero attenuation is given for barrier effects, which is a worst case scenario
setting.
Aatm - Atmospheric Absorption
Sound emergency through the atmosphere is attenuated by conversion of sound energy to
heat. This energy is dependent on the temperature and relative humidity of the air, but only
weakly on ambient pressure through which the sound is travelling and is frequency dependent
with increasing attenuation towards higher frequencies. The attenuation by atmospheric
absorption Aatm in decibels during propagation through distance in metres is given by:
Aatm = d x α,
α = atmospheric absorption coefficient in dBm-1
d = distance from turbine
Values of α from ISO 9613 Part 1, corresponding to a temperature of 100C and a relative humidity
of 70% has been used for these predictions and are given in Table 2 below. These values are
recommended in the IOA Good Practice Guide.
Table 2: Frequency Dependent Atmospheric Attenuation Coefficients (dB/m)
Octave Band Centre Frequency (Hz) 63 125 250 500 1k 2k 4k 8k
Atmospheric Absorption Coefficient
(dB/m)
0.0001 0.0004 0.001 0.0019 0.0037 0.0097 0.0328 0.117
Amisc – Miscellaneous Other Effects
ISO 9613 includes effects of propagation through foliage, industrial plants and housing as
additional attenuation effects. These have not been included here and any such effects are
unlikely to significantly reduce noise levels below those predicted.
The ISO 9613-2 standard calculates under downwind propagation conditions and therefore
predicts the average downwind sound pressure level at each dwelling. The model assumes
that the wind is directly downwind from each turbine to each dwelling. The prediction model is
calculated as a worst-case scenario.
The predicted noise levels LAeq 10min are converted to the required LA90,10min by subtracting 2dBA.
1.5.1 Aerodynamic Modulation or Aerodynamic Noise
Aerodynamic noise originates from the flow of air over, under and around the blades and is
generally broadband in character. It is directly linked to the movement of the rotors through the air
and will occur to varying degrees whenever the turbine blades move. Aerodynamic noise is RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
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generally both broadband i.e., it does not contain a distinguishable note or tone, and of random
character, although the level is not constant and fluctuates in time with the movement of the blades.
The dominant character of such aerodynamic noise is therefore normally a ‘swish’ type of sound,
which is familiar to most people who have stood near to a large wind turbine.
The sound level of aerodynamic noise from wind turbine blades is not completely steady, but
is modulated (fluctuates) in a cycle of increased and then reduced level, sometimes called
“blade swish”, typically occurring in step with the angle of rotation of the blades and so being
periodic at the rotor’s rotational speed – for typical commercial turbines, this is at a rate of
around once or twice per second. This phenomenon is known as Amplitude Mod ulation of
Aerodynamic Noise or more succinctly by the acronym AM. In some situations, however, the
modulation characteristics can change in character to the point where it can potentially give rise
to increased annoyance.
In early wind turbine designs, where the rotor was positioned downwind of the tower, a pronounced
‘beat’ was audible as each blade passed through the turbulent wake shed from the tower.
However, this effect does not exist for the upwind rotor designs found on the majority of modern
wind farms where the air flow to the blades is not interrupted by the tower structure. Instead, it
seems that aerodynamic modulation is due to fluctuation of the primary mechanisms of
aerodynamic noise generation.
The Temple Group10 undertook a review of Renewable UK’s Research into Amplitude
Modulation and concluded the following:
The distinction between normal AM i.e., blade swish (NAM) and other AM (OAM) is important
as they are caused by different mechanisms and have separate impacts. Normal AM (NAM) is
a commonly occurring typical characteristic of wind turbine noise that occurs persistently for
long periods. NAM or “swish” usually disappears at around 3 to 4 rotor lengths from the
turbines, except in cross-wind conditions.
Based on the evidence available, it was recognised that even at those wind farm sites where
OAM has been reported to be an issue, its occurrence may be relatively infrequent.
The study reports that the occurrence and intensity of OAM is dependent on a number of
interacting factors that are specific to a location, and it is not feasible to reliably predict the
occurrence of OAM at another location simply by cross checking whether similar conditions that
arise at a location where OAM has occurred might arise at the new location.
Normal Amplitude Modulation (NAM) is a fundamental component of wind turbine noise and
can be heard in proximity to virtually all wind turbine installations. The 200711 Salford University
Report found instances of “enhanced” AM which occurred at larger distances, but relatively
infrequently and at only a small minority of sites. These characteristics are consistent with and
can be explained by OAM.
As described previously, many risk factors have been considered for OAM. However, no single
item or specific combination of items have been found to be the controlling factors whereby the
occurrence, duration and intensity of OAM at a particular location can be reliably predicted in
advance of a wind turbine or wind farm being installed.
Salford University in 2007, found that out of 133 operational wind farms investigated, 27 were
associated with noise complaints; but OAM was considered to be a factor in noise complaints
at only four sites and a possible factor in a further eight locations.
The more recent information in relation to assessing AM comes in the IEC TS 61400-11.
The scope of this document includes an assessment of the sound characteristics of the noise
and relies on an evolution of the Institute of Acoustics Reference Method (IoA RM) to quantify
the AM level along with the WSP Phase 2 Report which identified a penalty scheme as shown
Figure 1 below.
10 Report for Renewable UK by Temple Group (Dani Fliumicelli). Summary of Research into Amplitude Modulation of
Aerodynamic Noise from Wind Turbines; Wind Turbine Amplitude Modulation: Research to Improve Understanding as to the
cause and Effect, Dec’2013.
11 Research into Aerodynamic Modulation of Wind Turbine Noise. Report by University of Salford RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
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Figure 1: Proposed Penalty Scheme
Current scientific knowledge is such that AM cannot be predicted at the planning stage, but can
only be measured once the wind farm becomes operational.
The methodology contained within the IoA RM and IEC 61400 allows quantification of all aspects
of AM and the penalty scheme identified above allows quantification of the mitigation required, if
any. An appropriate penalty can be added onto the measured LA90 noise level, to ensure overall
noise levels comply with the applicable noise limit.
1.5.2 Low Frequency Noise and Vibration
There is always low frequency (or infrasound) noise present in the ambient quiet background. It is
generated by natural sources such as road traffic, wind, water flow in streams and rivers. There
are also low frequency emissions from many sources found in modern life, such as household
appliances (e.g. washing machines), water flowing through pipes within your home and in water
flow from municipal water supply. Vibration of elements of structures (low frequency) can be
generated by local activity in one’s home by way of normal routine activity, like climbing stairs,
closing doors, traveling in a car, etc.
The frequency range of audible noise is in the range of 20 to 20,000Hz and low frequency noise is
generally from about 2 to 200Hz. Researchers such as Leventhall have studied low frequency
noise, however, most of the research carried out on low frequency noise (and not alluded to by
Leventhall) has been in the area of blasting (air overpressure) which falls into the same frequency
range, although with a considerably higher magnitude. There appears to be little or no agreement
about the biological effects of low frequency noise on human health and there is evidence to
suggest that there are no serious consequences to people’s health from infrasound exposure.
A study of low frequency noise (infrasound) and vibration around a modern wind farm was carried
out for ETSU and reported in ETSU W/13/00392/REP – ‘Low Frequency Noise and Vibration
Measurements at a Modern Wind Farm’12. The results showed levels of infrasound to be below
accepted thresholds of perception even on the wind farm site. Furthermore, a document prepared
for the World Health Organisation, states that; ‘there is no reliable evidence that infrasound below
the hearing threshold produce physiological or psychological effects’.
12 ETSU W/13/00392/REP – ‘Low Frequency Noise and Vibration Measurements at a Modern Wind Farm’. RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
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The level of ground vibration from the operation of the wind farms is below human threshold
(0.13mm/s) at 10m from the base of a turbine. The level of ground vibration associated from
turbine construction activity is below human threshold at distances greater than 30m.
South Australian Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Infrasound Study
A report released in January 2013 by the South Australian EPA13 found that the level of infrasound
from wind turbines is insignificant and no different to any other sources of noise, and that the worst
contributors to household infrasound are air-conditioners, traffic and noise generated by people.
The study included several houses in rural and urban areas, houses both adjacent to a wind farm,
away from turbines and measured the levels of infrasound with the wind farms operating and also
switched off. There were no noticeable differences in the level of infrasound under all these
different conditions. In fact, the lowest levels of infrasound were recorded at one of the houses
closest to a wind farm, whereas the highest levels were found in a urban office building. The South
Australian study found: ‘the contribution of wind turbines to the measured infrasound levels is
insignificant in comparison with the background level of infrasound in the environment’.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
A report by an Independent Expert Panel prepared for Massachusetts Department of Health
(2012)14 which consisted of a panel that included seven individuals with backgrounds in public
health, epidemiology, toxicology, neurology and sleep medicine, neuroscience, and mechanical
engineering, all considered independent experts from academic institutions. The report found that
‘there is insufficient evidence that the noise from wind turbines is directly (i.e., independent from
an effect on annoyance or sleep) causing health problems or disease’ and ‘available evidence
shows that infrasound levels near wind turbines cannot impact the vestibular system’.
Technical Research Centre of Finland
A long-term study into so-called “wind turbine syndrome”15 health problems supposedly caused by
low-frequency sound from spinning blades has concluded that this “infrasound” has absolutely no
physical impact on the human body.
The study conducted by the Technical Research Centre of Finland (VTT) and others,
commissioned by the Finnish government, found that infrasound sound waves with frequencies
below the range of human hearing cause no measurable changes in the human body, and cannot
in any way be detected by the human ear.
Infrasound measurements were taken inside and outside local dwellings near two Finnish wind
farms, as well as inside the facilities and beyond them, for 308 days.
Measurements showed that the infrasound levels in rural areas with wind farms were about the
same as levels in a regular urban environment.
“Infrasound samples representing the worst-case scenarios were picked out from the
measurement data and used in the listening tests,” said VTT.
“The participants in the listening tests were divided into two groups based on how they reported
wind turbine infrasound related symptoms: people who suffered from those and people who
never had symptoms.
"The participants were unable to make out infrasonic frequencies in wind turbine noise, and the
presence of infrasound made no difference to how annoying the participants perceived the
noise, and their autonomous nervous system did not respond to it. There were no differences
between the results of the two groups”.
1.5.3 Operational Noise Assessment Methodology
In summary, the assessment process comprises:
13 http://www.epa.sa.gov.au/environmental_info/noise/wind_farms
14 A Wind Turbine Health Impact Study: Report of Independent Expert Panel in January 2012 prepared for the Massachusetts
Department of Environmental Protection, Massachusetts Department of Health
15 Report by Leigh Collins, 21st April 2020 on a study commissioned by the Finnish Government into infrasound and wind
turbine syndrome RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Clones Wind Farm Noise Report
August 2025 Page 10
- Identification of potential receptors, i.e., houses and other potentially noise-sensitive locations;
- Establishment of limits for acceptable levels of wind turbine noise.
-
- Prediction of the likely noise levels of wind turbines received at each receptor; and,
Comparison of the predicted levels with noise limits.
Potential receptors in the area around the Proposed Development were initially identified from
Ordnance Survey maps, google maps and EPA maps.
The candidate turbine, Nordex N133 reaches maximum sound power level at standardised 10m
height wind speed at 7m/s. The turbine has serrated technology edge (STE) fitted as standard
which is best practice.
The method of predicting noise levels of wind turbines at receptors is discussed in Section 1.5.
This method was applied to the calculations for both contour plots and individual receptor
predictions.
It is standard practice to predict noise levels for a reference wind speed and to adjust these for
other wind speeds, according to the variation in sound power level with wind speed. The
candidate turbine model chosen for this site is the Nordex N133, 4.8MW with a bespoke hub
height of 73.5m operating in Mode 0 with STE as standard which is good practice. The IOA
Good Practice Guide recommends that an uncertainty value is required to be added to the
turbine emission data prior to modelling. Depending on the type of manufactures data, the
uncertainty value will range from 0 to 2dBA. However, an uncertainty value of is not given in
the noise specification for the chosen Nordex turbine. In Table 3, an uncertainty value of 2dBA
is added to the Nordex data with both the hub height and standardised 10m wind speed given.
In the calculations an allowance of 2dBA has been made to convert Leq levels to L90dBA
levels.
Table 3: Noise Emission Data for Nordex N133, 4.8MW.
Wind Speed, ms-1 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Sound Power Level, dB LWA at 73.5m
hub height at standardised 10m height
wind speed
94.1 99.4 103..6 104.5 104.5 104.5 104.5
Uncertainty added of 2dBA and 2dBA
subtracted to convert Leq to L90
94.1 99.4 103..6 104.5 104.5 104.5 104.5
The octave band values in Table 4 below with uncertainty added and conversion for Leq to L90
made were the values used in the prediction model. This is based on the maximum sound
power level of the Turbine (Mode 0).
Table 4: Octave Band Spectrum of Nordex N133, 4.8MW.
Octave Band Frequency (Hz) 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 LWA
Maximum Sound Power
Level of turbine in dB LWA
over range of octaves
87.8 93.3 97.1 98.0 98.4 97.2 92.9 83.7 104.5
Uncertainty added of 2dBA
and 2dBA subtracted to
convert Leq to L90
87.8 93.3 97.1 98.0 98.4 97.2 92.9 83.7 104.5
1.5.3.1 Cumulative Assessment
There is no operating, permitted or proposed wind farms with 2km of the Proposed Development
so the potential for cumulative does not exist.
RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
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1.6 Construction Methodology
1.6.1 Relevant Guidance
There is no published national guidance relating to the maximum permissible noise level that
may be generated during the construction phase of a project. However National Roads
Authority (“NRA”) give limit values which are deemed acceptable (“the NRA Guide lines”)16.
Guidance to predict and control noise is also given in BS 5228:2009, Code of Practice for Noise
and Vibration Control on Construction and Open Sites (two parts) where Part 1 deal with
Noise17.
1.6.1.1 NRA Guidelines for the Treatment of Noise and Vibration in National Road Schemes
The NRA Guidelines provide noise limits which are typically deemed acceptable and states that
where it is deemed necessary to predict noise levels associated with construction noise that
this should be done in accordance with BS 5228.
1.6.1.2 BS 5228:2009 Code of Practice for Noise and Vibration Control on Construction and Open Sites
Part 1 of BS5228 deals with noise prediction and control. It recommends procedures for noise
control in respect of construction operations. The standard stresses the importance of
community relations, and states that early establishment and maintenance of the relations
throughout the carrying out of site operations will go some way towards allaying people’s
concerns. Some of the more relevant factors that are likely to affect the acceptability of
construction noise are;
- The attitude of local receptors to the Proposed Development;
- Site location relevant to noise sensitive receptors;
- Duration of site operations;
- Hours of work; and
- The characteristics of the noise produced.
Recommendations are made regarding the supervision, planning, preparation and execution of
works, emphasising the need to consider noise at every stage of the activity. Measures to
control noise are described including:
- Control of noise at source by, e.g.:
- Substitution of plant or activities by less noisy ones;
- Modification of plant or equipment by less noisy ones;
- The use of noise control enclosures;
- The siting of equipment and its method of use;
- Equipment maintenance; and
- By controlling the spread of noise by increasing distance between plant and receptors, or
by the provision of acoustic screening.
Example criteria for the assessment of the significance of noise effects are also given, although
these are not mandatory.
Methods of calculating the levels of noise resulting from construction activities are provided, as
are updated source levels for various plant, equipment and construction activities.
1.6.1.3 Construction Noise Guidelines
The NRA guidelines for construction noise which are considered typically acceptable are given
in Table 5.
16 National Roads Authority, Guidelines for Noise and Vibration in National Road Schemes.
17 BS 5228-1: 2009 Code of Practice for Noise and Vibration Control on Construction and Open Sites: Code of Practice for
Basic Information and Procedures for Noise Control. RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Clones Wind Farm Noise Report
August 2025 Page 12
Table 5: Noise Levels Typically Acceptable.
Day / Times Guideline Limits
Monday to Friday
07:00 – 19:00hrs
19:00 – 22:00hrs
Saturday
08:00 – 16:30hrs
Sunday and Bank Holidays
08:00 – 16:00hrs
70dB LAeq, (1h) and LAmax 80dB
*60dB LAeq, (1h) and LAmax 65dB*
65dB LAeq,1h and LAmax75dB
*60dB LAeq,1h and LAmax 65dB*
*Construction at these times, other than required by an emergency works, will normally
require explicit permission from the relevant local authority
Part 1 of BS 5228 provides several example criteria for the assessment of the significance of
noise effects from construction activities. Noise levels generated by construction activities are
considered significant if:
The LAeq, period level of construction noise exceeds lower threshold values of 65dB during
daytime, 55dB during evenings and weekends or 45dB at night and ;
The total noise level (pre-construction ambient noise plus construction noise) exceeds the pre-
construction noise level by 5dB or more for a period of one month or more.
Construction noise from wind farm development is not considered an intensive activity. The
main noise activity excavation of turbine foundations, foundation construction with lesser
sources being from road construction and construction of sub-station. Turbine erection gives
negligible noise emissions while the power generated from the turbines will be directed to a
nearby permitted sub-station.
1.6.2 Evaluation of Potential Effects
The potential impacts of construction are evaluated by comparing the predicted noise levels
against the guideline limits given in Table 5 and sample criteria in Part 1 of BS 5228 in Section
1.6.2.
The potential operational impacts are evaluated by comparing the predicted noise levels against
the lower level limit of 40dBA expressed as LA90 40dB,10min . The predicted noise levels are
carried out according to the IOA Good Practice Guide as detailed in Section 1.5 and limits in
Section 1.3 with potential impacts assessed against the noise limits at the nearest receptors.
1.6.2.1 Sensitivity
The sensitivity of the Proposed Development during construction is based on the guideline
values in Table 5 and sample criteria in Part 1 of BS 5228. The sensitivity of the Proposed
Development during operation is based on the limit values in Section 1.5.
1.6.2.2 Magnitude
The magnitude of potential impacts of construction is based on the values in Table 7. The
magnitude of the Proposed Development during operation is based on the values in Table 8.
1.6.2.3 Significance of Effects
The significance of construction and operational and decommissioning effects are given in
Table 10. RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Clones Wind Farm Noise Report
_____________________________________________________________________________________
August 2025 Page 13
1.7 ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL EFFECTS
1.7.1 Construction Noise
1.7.1.1 Construction Noise Levels
As has been previously stated, the construction process associated with wind farm s are not
considered intensive. The main noise sources are associated with the construction of turbine
base and concreting foundations.
It is not possible to specify the precise noise levels of emissions from the construction
equipment until such time as a contractor is chosen and construction plant has been selected,
however Table 6 indicates typical construction related noise levels for this type of activity (levels
from author’s database and from BS 5228).
Table 6: Typical Noise Levels from Construction Works
Activity LAeq at 10m
General Construction (pile driving, ready-mix
trucks pouring concrete)
Tracked excavator removing topsoil, subsoil for
foundation
Vibrating rollers, trucks loading and tipping
material
70-84 dBA
80- 87 dBA
76-86 dBA
Table 7 gives the noise levels predicted from construction activity at the nearest receptor to the
turbine construction at 600m. All other receptors are more than 600 from turbine foundation
construction/assembly. The main noise sources are assumed to be in the construction of the
wind turbine bases. At locations more than 600m away, for construction activity, the noise levels
will be less than that predicted.
The difference in noise levels between two locations can be calculated as:
Lp2 - Lp1 = 10 log (R2 / R1)2 - (Aatm +Agr + Abr +Amis)
= 20 log (R2 / R1) - (Aatm +Agr + Abr +Amis)
Where:
Lp1 = sound pressure level at location 1
Lp2 = sound pressure level at location 2
R1 = distance from source to location 1
R2 = distance from source to location 2
And where:
Aatm = Attenuation due to air absorption
Agr = Attenuation due to ground absorption
Abr = Attenuation provided by a barrier
Amis = Attenuation provided by miscellaneous other effects
In these calculations attenuation by Aatm, Agr and Amis is assumed as 3dBA. The predicted values
are rounded to nearest whole numbers.
RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Clones Wind Farm Noise Report
August 2025 Page 14
Table 7: Predicted Construction Noise Levels
1.7.1.2 Assessment of Construction Noise
The predicted noise levels are well within the NRA guidelines given as generally acceptable
and below the lower threshold of 65dBA, as defined in BS 5228 -1:2009 and are therefore
considered not significant.
The effects of noise from on-site construction activities are therefore considered not to be
significant.
1.7.2 Decommissioning
Noise effects during decommissioning are likely to be of a similar nature to that during
construction. It is likely that the duration of decommissioning will be of shorter duration than
that during construction. It is likely that farmers will require that roads through the Proposed
Development Site should be left in place. Any legislation, guidance or best practice relevant at
the time of decommissioning would be complied with.
1.7.3 Predicted Operational Noise Levels
Table 8 gives the predicted noise levels at varying wind speeds for each receptor
location for the Development.
Table 8: Predicted Noise Levels at Varying Wind Speed.
House
ID
ITM ITM 4m/s 5m/s 6m/s 7m/s 8m/s 9m/s 10m/s+
Easting Northing dBA dBA dBA dBA dBA dBA dBA
H1 650820 826146 17.0 22.3 26.5 27.4 27.4 27.4 27.4
H2 650830 825911 16.6 21.9 26.1 27.0 27.0 27.0 27.0
H3 650874 825811 16.6 21.9 26.1 27.0 27.0 27.0 27.0
H4 650875 825920 16.9 22.2 26.4 27.3 27.3 27.3 27.3
H5 650909 825890 17.1 22.4 26.6 27.5 27.5 27.5 27.5
H6 650909 825806 16.8 22.1 26.3 27.2 27.2 27.2 27.2
H7 650970 825871 17.5 22.8 27.0 27.9 27.9 27.9 27.9
H8 651024 825865 17.9 23.2 27.4 28.3 28.3 28.3 28.3
H9 651080 826522 19.5 24.8 29.0 29.9 29.9 29.9 29.9
H10 651088 825861 18.4 23.7 27.9 28.8 28.8 28.8 28.8
H11 651134 826552 20.0 25.3 29.5 30.4 30.4 30.4 30.4
H12 651138 826596 20.0 25.3 29.5 30.4 30.4 30.4 30.4
Nearest Receptor Activity Distance to activity at
nearest point (m)
LAeq dB 1hr range
At 600m General construction
Tracked excavator
removing topsoil for
foundation
Vibratory roller and
trucks loading/ tipping
600
600
600
31-51
41-54
37-47 RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Clones Wind Farm Noise Report
_____________________________________________________________________________________
August 2025 Page 15
House
ID
ITM ITM 4m/s 5m/s 6m/s 7m/s 8m/s 9m/s 10m/s+
Easting Northing dBA dBA dBA dBA dBA dBA dBA
H13 651234 825773 19.1 24.4 28.6 29.5 29.5 29.5 29.5
H14 651330 825444 17.9 23.2 27.4 28.3 28.3 28.3 28.3
H15 651346 826803 21.5 26.8 31.0 31.9 31.9 31.9 31.9
H16 651353 825518 18.5 23.8 28.0 28.9 28.9 28.9 28.9
H17 651375 827239 19.3 24.6 28.8 29.7 29.7 29.7 29.7
H18 651388 825339 17.5 22.8 27.0 27.9 27.9 27.9 27.9
H19 651395 826710 22.4 27.7 31.9 32.8 32.8 32.8 32.8
H20 651429 826729 22.7 28.0 32.2 33.1 33.1 33.1 33.1
H21 651457 826745 23.0 28.3 32.5 33.4 33.4 33.4 33.4
H22 651486 826762 23.2 28.5 32.7 33.6 33.6 33.6 33.6
H23 651510 825218 17.2 22.5 26.7 27.6 27.6 27.6 27.6
H24 651529 826081 23.7 29.0 33.2 34.1 34.1 34.1 34.1
H25 651585 825154 17.1 22.4 26.6 27.5 27.5 27.5 27.5
H26 651616 825141 17.1 22.4 26.6 27.5 27.5 27.5 27.5
H27 651660 826131 25.7 31.0 35.2 36.1 36.1 36.1 36.1
H28 651664 827055 22.9 28.2 32.4 33.3 33.3 33.3 33.3
H29 651689 826269 27.0 32.3 36.5 37.4 37.4 37.4 37.4
H30 651698 825895 24.0 29.3 33.5 34.4 34.4 34.4 34.4
H31 651701 825097 17.1 22.4 26.6 27.5 27.5 27.5 27.5
H32 651835 825722 23.3 28.6 32.8 33.7 33.7 33.7 33.7
H33 651999 827160 23.9 29.2 33.4 34.3 34.3 34.3 34.3
H34 652050 827063 25.4 30.7 34.9 35.8 35.8 35.8 35.8
H35 652085 827246 23.1 28.4 32.6 33.5 33.5 33.5 33.5
H36 652105 827219 23.4 28.7 32.9 33.8 33.8 33.8 33.8
H37 652115 827264 22.9 28.2 32.4 33.3 33.3 33.3 33.3
H38 652123 825606 23.0 28.3 32.5 33.4 33.4 33.4 33.4
H39 652130 827158 24.3 29.6 33.8 34.7 34.7 34.7 34.7
H40 652200 825675 24.0 29.3 33.5 34.4 34.4 34.4 34.4
H41 652237 825574 22.7 28.0 32.2 33.1 33.1 33.1 33.1
H42 652257 825746 25.0 30.3 34.5 35.4 35.4 35.4 35.4
H43 652266 827273 22.9 28.2 32.4 33.3 33.3 33.3 33.3
H44 652303 825300 19.7 25.0 29.2 30.1 30.1 30.1 30.1
H45 652325 827265 22.9 28.2 32.4 33.3 33.3 33.3 33.3
H46 652409 825665 23.6 28.9 33.1 34.0 34.0 34.0 34.0
H47 652434 827330 21.9 27.2 31.4 32.3 32.3 32.3 32.3
H48 652445 825863 26.3 31.6 35.8 36.7 36.7 36.7 36.7
H49 652456 827311 22.1 27.4 31.6 32.5 32.5 32.5 32.5 RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Clones Wind Farm Noise Report
August 2025 Page 16
House
ID
ITM ITM 4m/s 5m/s 6m/s 7m/s 8m/s 9m/s 10m/s+
Easting Northing dBA dBA dBA dBA dBA dBA dBA
H50 652493 825723 24.0 29.3 33.5 34.4 34.4 34.4 34.4
H51 652502 827327 21.7 27.0 31.2 32.1 32.1 32.1 32.1
H52 652518 825745 24.2 29.5 33.7 34.6 34.6 34.6 34.6
H53 652527 827055 24.9 30.2 34.4 35.3 35.3 35.3 35.3
H54 652593 827299 21.7 27.0 31.2 32.1 32.1 32.1 32.1
H55 652619 825655 22.6 27.9 32.1 33.0 33.0 33.0 33.0
H56 652662 827319 21.2 26.5 30.7 31.6 31.6 31.6 31.6
H57 652668 825747 23.3 28.6 32.8 33.7 33.7 33.7 33.7
H58 652958 825832 21.7 27.0 31.2 32.1 32.1 32.1 32.1
H59 653027 825178 16.7 22.0 26.2 27.1 27.1 27.1 27.1
H60 653035 827179 20.0 25.3 29.5 30.4 30.4 30.4 30.4
H61 653091 825961 21.2 26.5 30.7 31.6 31.6 31.6 31.6
H62 653111 826513 22.3 27.6 31.8 32.7 32.7 32.7 32.7
H63 653190 826180 21.1 26.4 30.6 31.5 31.5 31.5 31.5
H64 653278 826771 20.0 25.3 29.5 30.4 30.4 30.4 30.4
H65 653379 825946 18.6 23.9 28.1 29.0 29.0 29.0 29.0
H66 653412 825919 18.3 23.6 27.8 28.7 28.7 28.7 28.7
H67 653430 825939 18.2 23.5 27.7 28.6 28.6 28.6 28.6
A noise contour map for the layout of the single turbines is presented in Figure 1 following. The
plot is for the maximum sound power level output of the turbine at a wind speed of 7m/s at
standardised 10m height. Each contour line in Figure 1 represents a 5dBA change in noise level.
1.7.4 Operational Noise Assessment
The assessment of predicted operational noise levels from the Proposed Development against
noise limits in the 2006 guidelines. Table 9 gives the difference (margin) between the predicted
noise levels given in Table 10 and noise limits for each receptor. A negative margin or zero
indicates that the predicted noise levels are within the noise limits.
It can be seen from Table 8 and Table 9 that the predicted noise levels at all receptors are well
within the guideline noise limits of 40dBA. The predicted noise levels are also within the WHO
recommendations.
RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Clones Wind Farm Noise Report
_____________________________________________________________________________________
August 2025 Page 17
Figure 1: Noise Contour Plot at Maximum Sound Power 0utput at Standardised 10m
Height Wind Speed of 7m/s.
Table 9: Margins Between Predicted Turbine Noise Level and 40 dBA Noise Limits in
Proposed Development
House
ID
ITM ITM 4m/s 5m/s 6m/s 7m/s 8m/s 9m/s 10m/s+
Easting Northing dBA dBA dBA dBA dBA dBA dBA
H1 650820 826146 -23.0 -17.7 -13.5 -12.6 -12.6 -12.6 -12.6
H2 650830 825911 -23.4 -18.1 -13.9 -13.0 -13.0 -13.0 -13.0
H3 650874 825811 -23.4 -18.1 -13.9 -13.0 -13.0 -13.0 -13.0
H4 650875 825920 -23.1 -17.8 -13.6 -12.7 -12.7 -12.7 -12.7
H5 650909 825890 -22.9 -17.6 -13.4 -12.5 -12.5 -12.5 -12.5
H6 650909 825806 -23.2 -17.9 -13.7 -12.8 -12.8 -12.8 -12.8
H7 650970 825871 -22.5 -17.2 -13.0 -12.1 -12.1 -12.1 -12.1
H8 651024 825865 -22.1 -16.8 -12.6 -11.7 -11.7 -11.7 -11.7
H9 651080 826522 -20.5 -15.2 -11.0 -10.1 -10.1 -10.1 -10.1 RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Clones Wind Farm Noise Report
August 2025 Page 18
House
ID
ITM ITM 4m/s 5m/s 6m/s 7m/s 8m/s 9m/s 10m/s+
Easting Northing dBA dBA dBA dBA dBA dBA dBA
H10 651088 825861 -21.6 -16.3 -12.1 -11.2 -11.2 -11.2 -11.2
H11 651134 826552 -20.0 -14.7 -10.5 -9.6 -9.6 -9.6 -9.6
H12 651138 826596 -20.0 -14.7 -10.5 -9.6 -9.6 -9.6 -9.6
H13 651234 825773 -20.9 -15.6 -11.4 -10.5 -10.5 -10.5 -10.5
H14 651330 825444 -22.1 -16.8 -12.6 -11.7 -11.7 -11.7 -11.7
H15 651346 826803 -18.5 -13.2 -9.0 -8.1 -8.1 -8.1 -8.1
H16 651353 825518 -21.5 -16.2 -12.0 -11.1 -11.1 -11.1 -11.1
H17 651375 827239 -20.7 -15.4 -11.2 -10.3 -10.3 -10.3 -10.3
H18 651388 825339 -22.5 -17.2 -13.0 -12.1 -12.1 -12.1 -12.1
H19 651395 826710 -17.6 -12.3 -8.1 -7.2 -7.2 -7.2 -7.2
H20 651429 826729 -17.3 -12.0 -7.8 -6.9 -6.9 -6.9 -6.9
H21 651457 826745 -17.0 -11.7 -7.5 -6.6 -6.6 -6.6 -6.6
H22 651486 826762 -16.8 -11.5 -7.3 -6.4 -6.4 -6.4 -6.4
H23 651510 825218 -22.8 -17.5 -13.3 -12.4 -12.4 -12.4 -12.4
H24 651529 826081 -16.4 -11.1 -6.9 -6.0 -6.0 -6.0 -6.0
H25 651585 825154 -22.9 -17.6 -13.4 -12.5 -12.5 -12.5 -12.5
H26 651616 825141 -22.9 -17.6 -13.4 -12.5 -12.5 -12.5 -12.5
H27 651660 826131 -14.3 -9.0 -4.8 -3.9 -3.9 -3.9 -3.9
H28 651664 827055 -17.1 -11.8 -7.6 -6.7 -6.7 -6.7 -6.7
H29 651689 826269 -13.0 -7.7 -3.5 -2.6 -2.6 -2.6 -2.6
H30 651698 825895 -16.0 -10.7 -6.5 -5.6 -5.6 -5.6 -5.6
H31 651701 825097 -23.0 -17.7 -13.5 -12.6 -12.6 -12.6 -12.6
H32 651835 825722 -16.7 -11.4 -7.2 -6.3 -6.3 -6.3 -6.3
H33 651999 827160 -16.1 -10.8 -6.6 -5.7 -5.7 -5.7 -5.7
H34 652050 827063 -14.6 -9.3 -5.1 -4.2 -4.2 -4.2 -4.2
H35 652085 827246 -17.0 -11.7 -7.5 -6.6 -6.6 -6.6 -6.6
H36 652105 827219 -16.6 -11.3 -7.1 -6.2 -6.2 -6.2 -6.2
H37 652115 827264 -17.1 -11.8 -7.6 -6.7 -6.7 -6.7 -6.7
H38 652123 825606 -17.0 -11.7 -7.5 -6.6 -6.6 -6.6 -6.6
H39 652130 827158 -15.7 -10.4 -6.2 -5.3 -5.3 -5.3 -5.3
H40 652200 825675 -16.0 -10.7 -6.5 -5.6 -5.6 -5.6 -5.6
H41 652237 825574 -17.3 -12.0 -7.8 -6.9 -6.9 -6.9 -6.9
H42 652257 825746 -15.0 -9.7 -5.5 -4.6 -4.6 -4.6 -4.6
H43 652266 827273 -17.1 -11.8 -7.6 -6.7 -6.7 -6.7 -6.7
H44 652303 825300 -20.3 -15.0 -10.8 -9.9 -9.9 -9.9 -9.9
H45 652325 827265 -17.1 -11.8 -7.6 -6.7 -6.7 -6.7 -6.7
H46 652409 825665 -16.4 -11.1 -6.9 -6.0 -6.0 -6.0 -6.0 RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Clones Wind Farm Noise Report
_____________________________________________________________________________________
August 2025 Page 19
House
ID
ITM ITM 4m/s 5m/s 6m/s 7m/s 8m/s 9m/s 10m/s+
Easting Northing dBA dBA dBA dBA dBA dBA dBA
H47 652434 827330 -18.1 -12.8 -8.6 -7.7 -7.7 -7.7 -7.7
H48 652445 825863 -13.7 -8.4 -4.2 -3.3 -3.3 -3.3 -3.3
H49 652456 827311 -17.9 -12.6 -8.4 -7.5 -7.5 -7.5 -7.5
H50 652493 825723 -16.0 -10.7 -6.5 -5.6 -5.6 -5.6 -5.6
H51 652502 827327 -18.3 -13.0 -8.8 -7.9 -7.9 -7.9 -7.9
H52 652518 825745 -15.8 -10.5 -6.3 -5.4 -5.4 -5.4 -5.4
H53 652527 827055 -15.1 -9.8 -5.6 -4.7 -4.7 -4.7 -4.7
H54 652593 827299 -18.3 -13.0 -8.8 -7.9 -7.9 -7.9 -7.9
H55 652619 825655 -17.4 -12.1 -7.9 -7.0 -7.0 -7.0 -7.0
H56 652662 827319 -18.8 -13.5 -9.3 -8.4 -8.4 -8.4 -8.4
H57 652668 825747 -16.7 -11.4 -7.2 -6.3 -6.3 -6.3 -6.3
H58 652958 825832 -18.3 -13.0 -8.8 -7.9 -7.9 -7.9 -7.9
H59 653027 825178 -23.4 -18.1 -13.9 -13.0 -13.0 -13.0 -13.0
H60 653035 827179 -20.0 -14.7 -10.5 -9.6 -9.6 -9.6 -9.6
H61 653091 825961 -18.8 -13.5 -9.3 -8.4 -8.4 -8.4 -8.4
H62 653111 826513 -17.7 -12.4 -8.2 -7.3 -7.3 -7.3 -7.3
H63 653190 826180 -18.9 -13.6 -9.4 -8.5 -8.5 -8.5 -8.5
H64 653278 826771 -20.0 -14.7 -10.5 -9.6 -9.6 -9.6 -9.6
H65 653379 825946 -21.4 -16.1 -11.9 -11.0 -11.0 -11.0 -11.0
H66 653412 825919 -21.8 -16.5 -12.3 -11.4 -11.4 -11.4 -11.4
H67 653430 825939 -21.8 -16.5 -12.3 -11.4 -11.4 -11.4 -11.4
As can be seen from Table 9 the predicted noise levels from the Proposed Development at all
receptors are well below 40dBA in all cases, at all wind speeds, and are therefore compliant with
the noise limits and are not significant in terms of guidelines.
1.7.5 Cumulative Effects
The potential for cumulative impacts does not exist as there is no operational or permitted wind
farms within 2km of the proposed development.
As can be seen from Table 9 the predicted noise levels from the Proposed Development at all
receptors are well below 40dBA in all cases, at all wind speeds, and are therefore compliant with
the noise limits and are not significant in terms of guidelines.
1.7.6 Cumulative Effects
The potential for cumulative impacts does not exist as there is no operational or permitted wind
farms within 2km of the proposed development.
RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Clones Wind Farm Noise Report
August 2025 Page 20
1.8 MITIGATION MEASURES AND RESIDUAL EFFECTS
1.8.1 Construction Noise Mitigation
No significant construction noise effects have been identified. Therefore, no specific mitigation
measures are required. However, general guidance for controlling construction noise through
the use of good practice given in BS 5228 will be followed. During construction of the Proposed
Development, operations shall be limited to working times incorporated in any planning
permission.
During decommissioning, noise levels are likely be no more than predicted during construction.
Any legislation, guidance or best practice relevant at the time of decommissioning will be
complied with.
1.8.1.1 Residual Operational Effects
The residual effects are the same as the operational effects identified in this assessment.
1.8.1.2 Residual Construction Effects
The residual effects are the same as the construction effects identified in this assessment.
1.8.2 Operational Noise Mitigation
The Proposed Development has been designed to comply with the 2006 Guidelines. In all
cases the operational noise emissions are predicted to be compliant with the 2006 Guidelines
and well within the WHO 2018 Recommendation for Wind Turbines. A warranty can be sought
from the manufacturer of the turbine selected for the Proposed Development in order to confirm
that an assessment of noise would result in noise levels at all receptor locations being less than
or equal to the noise limits set out in this section. The warranty will include the provision that
there will be no clear tonal or impulsive components audible at any receptor. Trailing edge
serrations are being incorporated on the rotor blades as best practice which reduce the sound
emissions.
1.9 SUMMARY OF EFFECTS
The summary of effects is made according to that described in Section 7.2.2.1. Table 7.10
below summarises Effects.
Table 10: Summary of Effects
Quality Significance Duration
Construction and
decommissioning noise
Negative Not Significant Temporary
Operational Noise Negative Not Significant Long term
1.10 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
This Section has assessed the significance of the potential effects of the Proposed
Development during operation, construction and decommissioning.
The effects of noise from the operation of the Clones single turbine development has been
assessed using the prediction methodology in the 2006 Guidelines and the methodology
described in ETSU-R-97 and the IOA Good Practice Guide. Noise levels during operation of
the Proposed Development have been predicted using the best practice calculation technique. RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Clones Wind Farm Noise Report
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August 2025 Page 21
There has been a 2019 consultation in relation to the revision of the Wind Energy Development
Guidelines. This document provided the basis for a discussion on amendments of the noise
limits applicable to wind turbine developments. It is understood that these draft consultation
documents are out for review and will be changed.
Noise during decommissioning will be manged to comply with best practice, legislation and
guidelines current at that time so that effects are not significant.
RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Clones Wind Farm Noise Report
August 2025 Page 22
Appendix: Noise emission data of turbine to be used
RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Clones Wind Farm Noise Report
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August 2025 Page 23
RECEIVED: 07/10/2025
Clones Wind Farm Noise Report
August 2025 Page 24
RECEIVED: 07/10/2025