Noise....

The Thorndike Wind Committee met on Thursday, April 30th. In attendance was:
Libby Healy
Laura Stewart
Melissa May-Downer
Ryan Herz
Bud Tibbets
Jesse Hargrove

The committee met with the task of discussing research related to noise with the hopes of establishing a recommended noise level to the planning board. The research has not shown there to be specific negative health affects from noise at the levels reported from Wind Turbines. The noise is however an annoyance that may indirectly adversely impact citizens. Overall, our current noise ordinance is within acceptable range, ± 5 of other researched limits. Ryan brought up the term "infra-sound". It was mentioned throughout different sources of research, including the Kamperman report which includes serveral technical definitions including, "Ambient Sound", "Background Sound", "A-Weighted Sound Level" and C-Weighted Sound Level". The report also includes recommended siting plan with suggestions for ordinances. Of particular interest in the ordinance was specific language for dispute resolution and expense responsibility for code enforcement. It was agreed that the meeting would adjourn to meet in two weeks. Copies of reports were filed in the box file. Community members are encouraged to read reports kept at the town office. Members will research "infra-sound" and health ramifications. The committee will reconvene on May 14th with the following agenda:

1. Review infra-sound research
2. Determine next step regarding infra-sound
3. Draft recommended criteria for noise ordinance
4. New Assignments - infra-sound and/or "flicker"
5. Review Determinations/Minutes