Sound emissions limits imposed for wind turbines in British Columbia

On June 7, 2007, the British Columbia government adopted a "Sound emissions regulation for wind turbines sited on Crown land." The regulation specifies a maximum sound emission from wind turbines of 40 dB(A) on the outside of a residence or residential zoned land not owned by the wind project proponent.

The regulation will provide greater certainty for BC wind developers as well as additional comfort for other stakeholders and residents that wind developments will be undertaken in a way that take their concerns into account.

The regulation does not apply to excessive sound resulting from mechanical malfunction or wind turbine damage, but malfunctioning or damaged turbines must cease operation until repairs are completed.

The regulation also makes exception for circumstances where changes to vegetation cover (e.g. forest fires) cause an increase in dB readings. In such cases, the tenure holder must expend reasonable efforts to work with the appropriate responsible parties to restore vegetation cover.