7 March 2014

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MassDEP convened WNTAG to advise the Department on how to craft an effective regulatory & policy response to Wind Turbine noise impacts

Scope:◦ Potential revision to existing noise policy

◦ Pre-construction impact assessment◦ Pre-construction permitting process◦ Post construction compliance sampling

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Approaches to Determining Compliance with Noise policy

Pre-Construction Permitting

Additional Recommendations

Next Steps

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Retain the10 dBA above background limit

Approach For Discussion: Leq + Adjustment Factor- L90 ≤ 10dBA

◦ Adjustment Factor to be determined (to be protective)

◦ Collect at least 15 minutes of data Turbine “On” and Turbine “Off” under comparable wind conditions

◦ “A’ Weighted sound collected on “Fast” setting

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Alternative Raised:◦ Collect 1 Second LAFmax withTurbine “On” and Turbine “Off”

◦ Compare L90 of 1 Second LAFmax Turbine “Off” to 1 second LAFmax Turbine “On” + Adjustment Factor

◦ Adjustment factor value tbd. ◦ Collect at least 15 min data Turbine “on” and Turbine “off” under comparable wind conditions

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Permit Required ◦1 MW and greater ◦Public review and comment

Self Certification◦0.1 MW(100 kW) to 0.999 MW◦Option to apply for permit

Conditions:◦Pre-construction impact evaluation (modeling).

◦Demonstrate ability to comply with 10 dBA threshold

◦Post-construction monitoring required04/22/23 6

Attended sampling preferred/required. Input sought on how unattended sampling could be used for Leq data.

No specific limit on the amount of allowable amplitude modulation included; Adjustment Factor used to address modulation

More comprehensive guidance on pre and post construction sampling will be issued in addition to regulations.

Use of Preconstruction background data for post construction compliance determination.

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All of the input from WNTAG to be considered as MassDEP drafts a new regulation and Technical Support Document

Some of the Technical Issues also informed by the final RWSTA Report (Spring/ Summer 2014)

MassDEP to draft and issue additional guidance on monitoring and modeling wind projects

Regulations will go out to public hearing and comments considered before final adoption.

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