Community voices concerns over wind turbine noise and health impacts

The Portsmouth Town Council meeting held on December 9, 2024, addressed several community concerns, particularly focusing on the potential impacts of wind turbine installations. The discussion began with a resident expressing worries about the noise generated by various components associated with wind turbines, including 5G antennas, cooling fans, gearboxes, generators, and dual drives.

The resident highlighted the importance of understanding the noise levels produced by this equipment, noting that the intensity and frequency of the sound could vary significantly based on environmental factors, such as terrain and wind conditions. They pointed out that noise levels could escalate from an initial 95 decibels to as high as 102 decibels, depending on these factors.

Concerns were raised about the adverse effects of prolonged exposure to high noise levels, which could lead to issues such as speech interference, hearing loss, and sleep disturbances. The resident referenced a specific case involving a child struggling to sleep due to noise, emphasizing the broader implications of noise pollution on community health and well-being. They also mentioned potential physical injuries to organs from excessive noise and chronic stress resulting from continuous low-level sounds.

The discussion underscored the need for thorough assessments of noise impacts related to wind turbine operations, as well as the importance of community awareness regarding these issues. The council acknowledged these concerns and indicated that further evaluations would be necessary to address the potential effects of wind turbine installations on local residents.

Overall, the meeting highlighted a growing community interest in understanding and mitigating the impacts of renewable energy infrastructure on quality of life.