State Study: 2 Fairhaven Turbines Too Noisy

A state sound study indicates two industrial-sized turbines in Fairhaven are violating Massachusetts noise regulations.

Testing by the Department of Environmental Protection was done to determine if the turbine noise is more than 10 decibels higher than ambient noise at homes where residents have complained about the turbines.

DEP Deputy Commissioner Martin Suuberg told the Fairhaven Board of Health on Tuesday that preliminary results indicate the noise exceeded state regulations in five of the 24 testing periods.

The Standard-Times reports that some turbine opponents immediately demanded that the town shut down the turbines. But a planning board member warned the health board against taking action before consulting with the town attorney.

Turbine developer Gordon Dean disputed some of the DEP's methodology but said he'd work with public officials to mitigate the problem.