The public comment period ended March 19 on a report about the possible health effects associated with wind turbines.

The departments of Environmental Protection and Public Health convened a panel of physicians and scientists to review extensive information on potential health effects. The panel did not find evidence of an association between turbine noise and psychological distress or mental health problems, nor did it find that “shadow flicker” poses a risk for seizures as a result of photic stimulation. The panel found limited evidence suggesting an association between noise from wind turbines and sleep disruption.

The DEP held multiple hearings on the preliminary report throughout the state and received hundreds of emails, some from as far away as Germany and Australia. The DPH and DEP are now working to incorporate the feedback into the report.

The report is expected to be used by state agencies and may prove helpful to a recently created committee that is working to establish siting standards for land-based turbines.

At hearings earlier this year on bills that would streamline the permitting process for land-based wind turbines, many residents testified that drone, flicker and vibration of land-based wind turbines had negative health effects.

After those hearings in January, the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy sent the wind bills to a study committee to establish siting standards. The standards would address siting issues such as turbine height, vibration, setback, and flicker.

“One of the things we heard about was the issue of standards,” committee Chair John Keenan told State House News Service. “We need further study and further review to actually address some of the issues.”

For more information or to download the report, visit www.mass.gov/dep/energy/wind/impactstudy.htm.

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