LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — A northern Indiana county has approved changes to an ordinance to allow louder wind turbines despite some residents' worries that noise from the hulking power-generating machines might disrupt their sleep or hurt property values.
The Tippecanoe County Commissioners approved changes on a 2-1 vote Monday to allow large wind turbines to generate an average sound output of 50 decibels per hour.
Research from Purdue University's audiology department presented during the meeting described 50 decibels as similar to the noise produced by a large electrical transformer at 100 feet.
Commissioner John Knochel, who opposed the changes, said he agreed with opponents who said the ordinance adopted just last year should have been left alone. It set the noise limit at 45 decibels, and opponents said that was a compromise from the 35 decibels they had originally sought.
Tippecanoe County resident Robert Brooks, who brought his two children to meeting, urged the commissioners to protect his family from loud nuisance noises he worried would disrupt their sleep.
Commissioner Tom Murtaugh, who voted for the change, told the Journal and Courier that an annual wind turbine inspection would offer protections for neighbors.
The majority of those attending Monday's debate spoke against the changes, citing sound studies done by their own consultant and recommendations from health organizations.
The ordinance sets no ceiling for noise at any one time from the electricity-generating systems powered by the wind. But there is a penalty if the companies let turbines go above the 50 decibel average per hour.
In southwestern Tippecanoe County, Invenergy Wind LLC of Chicago plans to build a wind farm with an estimated 133 turbines.
Greg Leuchtmann, Invenergy's project development manager, said the changes to the county's ordinance balance protections for residents with the needs of developers.
Carmel-based Performance Services plans to build up to 30 wind turbines on about 2,500 acres in the northwest part of the county. The company is also pursuing a 60-turbine wind farm on land leased from the Purdue Research Foundation.
Along with financial benefits for participating residents who get lease payments, the county stands to gain from wind energy projects. Economic development funds will come from the developments, although the commissioners said the amounts are still being negotiated.
