Dear Editor,
New empirical research, just published, shows clearly
that the guidelines, known as ETSU, in
determining an acceptable distance between wind turbines and human dwellings,
are "not fit for purpose". Researchers,
such as Cox, Unwin, and Sherwin, give a
large number of reasons in their assessment of this problem but concentrate on
turbine noise impact. One area of considerable importance is that ETSU allows
developers to ignore the impact of low frequency sound and infrasound. Other research
from sleep expert, Dr.Hanning, and from all over the world, shows clearly that
exposure to these types of sound cause neurological problems to residents. So
it is not surprising that people who live near the existing wind farm near
Gwyddgrug have, for several years, been experiencing sleeplessness and a variety of allied
problems, despite the fact that the developers kept to ETSU guidelines in the
placing of their wind turbines.
.
On the 20th November, Carmarthen Council will
have to decide whether or not to give
planning permission to a proposed 21 giant turbines at Bryn Llywelyn, close by
the existing wind farm mentioned above. The developers, RES, have used ETSU
guidelines in the positioning of these potential new turbines (much bigger than
the existing ones) so it is very possible that even more people will have their health
undermined, should permission be given. Not to mention many other problems such
as reduced property values and a negative impact on tourism.
I'm probably naive but
I always assumed that government's main role is to look after the well being of
its citizens; perhaps that role doesn't apply to countryside dwellers. In fact,
both the British and the Welsh governments have, in the recent past, refused to
order a review of ETSU, despite their own research( via DEFRA) pointing out the
problems arising from these guidelines. Need I say more?
In this letter, I have entered in italics those words removed by the editors of the Carmarthen Journal.
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