Wind farm noise possible in Palmerston North
BY GRANT MILLER
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If the Turitea Wind Farm is built, noise from the turbines could be heard in Palmerston North.
Sound from the farm could be audible for residents in the city, according to noise expert Robert Thorne, who was a witness for Tararua-Aokautere Guardians and Huatau Marae at a board of inquiry hearing yesterday.
"I believe they'll hear the rumble ... a distant sound," Dr Thorne said.
The Environment Ministry-appointed board is tasked with deciding if the Turitea farm of up to 121 turbines should be allowed to go ahead.
Mighty River Power's planned wind farm is about 11km southeast of The Square in Palmerston North.
The hearing was also shown a three-dimensional depiction of the planned farm, from various viewpoints.
The proposal would extend turbines along the skyline by 12 kilometres, the board was told.
Dr Thorne said wind farms had "special audible characteristics".
Noises included the swish of turbines, "thrumming" and "warbling".
He gave evidence about "noise nuisance", which he defined as an effect that disturbed sleep on a regular basis.
- © Fairfax NZ News
