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Construction

  • Planning
    The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) provides planning guidelines and planning exemptions for wind farms and wind turbines - the Wind Energy Development Guidelines (WEDG06). ​ These set a general lower fixed limit at nearby noise sensitive locations of: 45dB(A) or; a maximum increase of 5dB(A) above background noise In low noise environments it recommends a daytime LA90, 10min level between 35-40dB(A). The UK's ETSU-R-97 “The Assessment and Rating of Noise from Wind Farms” and the Institute of Acoustics Good Practice Guides are currently the preferred method of assessing wind farm noise for planning purposes and are used to supplement the guidance contained within the WEDG06. ​ The WEDG-06 guidelines are currently under review and the draft guidelines include proposed new standards aimed at reducing noise nuisance.
  • Compliance
    A planning condition for post-installation noise monitoring is often required. This is usually a long-term programme perhaps up to 12months. ​ The draft WEDG guideline require that planning authorities should impose planning conditions in relation to noise limits and deveopers conduct noise monitoring in accordance with the IoA GPG Supplementary Guidance Note 5: Post Completion Measurements.
  • Structural Health Monitoring
    By performing long-term continuous Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) it is possible to monitor and track a structure’s state and carry out condition-based maintenance to ensure structural integrity. On a wind turbine blade, we can detect damage, locate it, and follow its progression. To find out more, check out these couple of videos on solutions from HBK: Structural Health Monitoring of Wind Turbine blades. Predictive Structural Health Monitoring of Wind Turbine blades.
  • References
    IWEA 2022 annual report. Wind Energy Development Guidelines (WEDG06) Draft Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2019) Institute of Acoustics Good Practice Guides ​DCCAE: Department of Communication, Climate Change, and Environment's website has information on the future role for wind energy in Ireland and the new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS). Structural Health Monitoring
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Noise and Vibration are inevitable side effects of construction, but with a proper plan, these can be mitigated and managed.
 
A robust assessment may assist a project during the planning phase or monitoring conditions maybe already have been set, but being considerate of your neighbours from the start can prevent issues and complaints, keeping things running smoothly.
 
Noise can be difficult to control, especially in a temporary work environment like a construction site. But there are ways to reduce the impact noise can have on the surrounding area.

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