FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. Are wind turbines noisy?
Wind turbines today are much quieter than their predecessors. The noise is generated when the wind passes over the rotating blades and from the mechanical noise that stems from the generator and gearbox. the noise level of turbines right at the level of the rotor is 103 dBA. Normal conversation can take place right at the base of the tower without having to raise one's voice.
Q. How will the noise affect the nearby settlements?
Generally, the sound that will be generated decreases with the distance from the wind turbines. typically, at about 500m away from the base of the turbine, the noise level decrease to about 38 dBA, which is well below the typical 40-45 dBA of ambient noise in a populated area. The pine trees on the hillside will serve as a noise barrier which will further reduce the noise impact. The shortest distance from the wind turbine to the closest residential area is about 740 meters, thus the noise level will be very minimal in this area. The proponent will ensure that the standards set by NPCC for sensitive receptor areas.
Q. Do wind turbines produce ground vibration?
Research findings have shown that ground-borne vibrations from wind turbines are so small, if there's any, and can only be measured with sophisticated instruments. these vibrations are less than what can be felt or heard by humans. The closest settlements lie 740m away from the proposed site and owing to the topographic location of the built-up areas nearby, noise emissions will be very minimal, if not absent in these areas.
Q. Do wind turbines pose hazards to birds and bats?
Studies have shown that wildlife, such as birds and bats, can be occasionally affected by the installation of turbines due to probable collision. however, based on the studies conducted in the proposed wind turbine sites, the locations where wind turbines will be mounted are not a direct flyaway of migratory birds. nocturnal fliers such as fruit bats are not an environmental concern due to the absence of fruiting trees in the vicinity of the proposed project site. Birds encountered in the project area have no critical or endangered conservation status.
Q. Does wind turbines installation affect groundwater recharge?
The wind turbines will have relatively shallow foundations (about 5m deep), thus the project is not expected to have significant impact on groundwater resources and recharge of the groundwater system in the area. Clearing of trees will only be done within the development sites and progressive re-vegetation will be carried out to minimize surface run-off and to increase the rate at which water percolates through the ground. Appropriate mitigation measures will be undertaken to avoid contamination of water resources within the service contract area.
Q. What happens when the life of the turbines end?
The operational life of wind turbines is 20-25 years. A decommissioning plan will be drafted in compliance with the DENR requirements. But ideally, once the turbines reach the end of their useful life, the turbines will be dismantled, removed from the site and the area will be rehabilitated back to its original land use.
Q. What are the local benefits that can be derived from a wind farm project?
--clean, renewable power
-- additional revenues that accrue to provincial, municipal and baranggay levels from business and royalty taxes (0.01 centavo per kW produced)
-- local employment opportunities
-- added tourist attractions
Q. Will the project affect the grazing animals nearby?
During construction, the grazing animals may need to be relocated. PhilCarbon will discuss this matter with the owners of grazing animals within the project site and hopefully determine a suitable area for relocation during the construction stage. Concern on noise generated from operating wind turbines will be addressed through wind turbine design and installation to minimize interference with the grazing animals. The overall impact of wind turbines is negligible.
