Judge Orders Limited Use Of Falmouth Wind Turbines

A judge has ordered the town of Falmouth to limit when it runs two wind turbines in town after neighbors blamed the turbines for a series of health problems.

A judge on Friday said the town could only operate the turbines located at the wastewater treatment plant from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. every day except for Sundays. The turbines can also not operate on major holidays.

Neighbors said the turbines caused "continuous insomnia, headaches, psychological disturbances, dental injuries, and other forms of malaise" they had not suffered prior to the turbines' construction. The judge said those claims were credible.

The environmental group Wind Wise Massachusetts said it is believed to be the first time a U.S. court has ruled there is sufficient evidence that turbines are a health hazard to neighbors.