Windflow Neighbours Agree to Two Week Continuous Operating Test of Windmill

24 August 2004

Banks Peninsula District Council (BPDC) will monitor the sound emissions of Windflow Technology's Windflow 500 turbine, following a request by neighbours for continuous measurements of sound levels.

The move follows a recent meeting between Windflow Technology and the neighbouring residents in Gebbies and McQueens Valleys in which Windflow Chief Executive Geoff Henderson, informed residents of the latest improvements to sound emissions that have been calculated to meet or better Resource Consent requirements.

"As a result of our discussions, the neighbours requested a 24-hour-a-day sound measurement exercise be carried out over a period of two weeks to ascertain sound levels in all conditions. This will provide clearer figures to indicate the Windflow 500's resource consent compliance," Mr Henderson said.

The measurements will be undertaken by BPDC, independently of Windflow Technology.

The company's own calculations, taking into account recent improvements, indicate the Windflow 500 sound emission is under 30 A-weighted decibels (dBA) at the head of McQueen's Valley. The Resource Consent requires a maximum of 30 dBA.

"We acknowledge the constructive attitude of the neighbours, who, like us, want to achieve finality on the sound level issue and we welcome their idea with open arms," Mr Henderson said "We had not wanted to cause upset with the residents by moving straight to 24-hour operation before the final measurements were in, but the reality is we need something like this in order to get measurements in the right wind conditions. To be working together in this way is very positive."