In a recent letter to the Times News (July 25, 2019), a representative of Broad Mountain Wind states that noise levels for the project are expected to be “very low,” and in some locations the proposed wind turbines will be inaudible most of the time. The letter conveniently leaves out any mention of infrasound.

There is no question that industrial wind turbines generate low frequency sound that is below the threshold of human hearing (20HZ), which is produced by the movement of the blades through the air as well as from the turbine machinery. Infrasound is perceived by humans as a vibration, often accompanied by feelings of pressure in the eardrums and ringing in the ears (tinnitus).

Symptoms of exposure to infrasound include headaches, sleep problems, concentration or memory problems, disequilibrium, dizziness and nausea. These symptoms experienced daily over a long period can have a profound impact on a person’s quality of life. Infrasound cannot be attenuated by means of physical barriers. The perception of infrasound is the same whether one is inside a home with doors and windows closed or out in the open.

Ear plugs, headphones, etc. are useless against infrasound. Long-term exposure to infrasound can damage the inner ear and lead to hearing loss. With insufficient data on turbine-induced infrasound, residents and stakeholders are lacking key information necessary for making an informed decision about this project.

Juliet Perrin

Albrightsville