Biomass Energy: Noiseless Or Not?

Biomass incinerators have been the source of numerous noise complaints from residents living in close proximity to these facilities. The noise has been described as a continuous roar, akin to jet planes revving up for takeoff. This form of noise pollution can lead to several health issues, including hearing impairment, sleep disturbances, mental health issues, and cardiovascular problems, as outlined by the World Health Organization. Vulnerable populations, such as children, are particularly susceptible to the negative impacts of both noise and air pollution stemming from biomass facilities. While biomass energy is promoted as a clean alternative, it often falls short, with facilities emitting harmful pollutants and contributing to environmental injustice, particularly in communities of color.

Health hazards of noise pollution

Noise pollution, also referred to as environmental noise, is defined as any unwanted or disturbing sound that negatively impacts the health and well-being of humans and other living organisms. It is a growing concern, as it has been deemed "a rising danger to the health and welfare of the Nation's population" by US agencies such as the EPA.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified several health hazards associated with noise pollution, which include:

• Hearing impairment, including tinnitus and Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL), which is the most common health effect of noise pollution, with approximately 10 million people in the US suffering from permanent hearing loss.
• Sleep disturbances, which affect 6.5 million people in Europe alone, according to estimates.
• Cardiovascular disturbances, including high blood pressure and ischaemic heart disease, with chronic noise exposure contributing to 48,000 new cases of heart disease in Europe annually, according to the WHO.
• Mental health issues, such as stress, anxiety, and cognitive problems, including memory impairment and attention deficits.
• Interference with spoken communication, which can lead to social isolation and annoyance reactions.
• Impaired task performance and decreased concentration, which can impact productivity and overall quality of life.

It is important to note that vulnerable populations, such as children and individuals in low socioeconomic status neighbourhoods, are disproportionately affected by noise pollution. Children, for example, may experience learning impairments and delays due to the excessive use of headphones and exposure to loud music or aircraft noise. Additionally, residents of colour and low-income communities bear the brunt of noise pollution, as they are more likely to live in proximity to industrial facilities or busy transportation hubs.

Noise pollution from biomass incinerators is a significant issue, with residents near biomass power facilities, such as the Gainesville Renewable Energy Center (GREC), complaining of a "continuous roar" comparable to "jet planes revving up for takeoff." The noise not only causes distress to the residents but also affects their property values and quality of life.

Noise from biomass incinerators

The World Health Organization recognizes seven health hazards associated with noise pollution from industrial facilities, including hearing impairment, sleep disturbances, mental health issues, cardiovascular problems, interference with communication, impaired task performance, and negative social behavior. The noise from biomass incinerators, such as the GREC, has led to numerous complaints by residents, who feel deceived by developers' promises that the facilities would operate quietly.

The McNeil Generating Station in Burlington, Vermont, one of the oldest biomass power incinerators in the U.S., has been a persistent source of noise complaints. Reports by the Vermont Chapter of the Sierra Club have documented "disturbing noise and vibrations" impacting nearby residents. Similarly, in Turkey Creek, adjacent to the Gainesville Renewable Energy Center, retirees and long-time residents have expressed frustration over the loss of their peaceful environment, with some even considering relocation to escape the noise.

The impact of noise pollution from biomass incinerators extends beyond mere annoyance. Peter Perkins, a medical entomologist and Retired Colonel, described the sleep deprivation caused by the incinerator noise as "torture." The noise levels are so extreme that even with double-sealed windows, residents can still hear the incessant roar, disrupting their daily lives and well-being. This issue is not unique to a single facility; as more taxpayer-subsidized biomass incinerators emerge across the U.S., communities are demanding solutions and accountability from officials who approved their construction.

Noise complaints and litigation

In Burlington, Vermont, residents near the McNeil Generating Station, one of the oldest biomass power incinerators in the U.S., have lodged numerous noise complaints over the years. The "Impacts of McNeil Station" report by the Vermont Chapter of the Sierra Club documented "disturbing noise and vibrations" emanating from the incinerator, disrupting the peace of neighboring areas.

Similar sentiments were expressed by residents of Turkey Creek, who are subjected to noise pollution from a nearby biomass plant. One resident, Tim Keagy, likened the noise to "a constant distant blow torch with a whine." Another resident, Larry Noegel, signed his communications as "Sleepless in Alachua," blaming the city and developers for failing to provide adequate warning about the noise levels. The concerns extend beyond mere annoyance, as realtor Marianna Kampa pointed out the potential impact on property values, making it challenging to sell homes in the affected areas.

In response to these issues, community groups are taking action. The Energy Justice Network is mapping existing, proposed, closed, and defeated dirty energy and waste facilities across the U.S. They aim to build a network of community organizations to challenge the corporations behind these facilities. Additionally, researchers like Erica Walker, an assistant professor at Brown University's School of Public Health, are conducting studies to monitor and understand the health impacts of noise and air pollution in communities affected by biomass facilities, particularly in Mississippi.

Noise pollution from biomass facilities can have significant health consequences. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified seven health hazards associated with noise pollution from industrial facilities, including hearing impairment, sleep disturbances, mental health issues, cardiovascular problems, interference with spoken communication, impaired task performance, and negative social behavior. Recognizing these impacts, some residents are seeking justice and calling for officials and representatives who promoted or approved the construction of biomass plants to experience the same level and intensity of noise pollution.

Noise pollution and property values

Noise pollution is a common environmental issue that affects the health and quality of life of millions of people worldwide. It is also a significant concern for property owners, buyers, and sellers, as it can substantially impact property values.

Noise pollution can deter buyers who seek tranquility, thereby reducing the demand for a property. Quiet neighbourhoods tend to command higher prices due to increased demand. Noise-induced stress affects the perception of a property, influencing its market value. For instance, noise complaints by residents near the Minneapolis-Saint-Paul International Airport have adversely affected home prices within a 10-kilometer radius, with a 10% increase in annual local noise complaints reducing property values by around 0.05% on average.

Noise pollution can also affect the supply of a property by influencing its development and maintenance costs. Developers may face higher expenses to comply with noise regulations, such as environmental impact assessments and noise abatement plans. They may also encounter lower returns on investment or lower occupancy rates. Owners may have to invest in noise mitigation measures, such as double-glazing or soundproofing, and may have to accept lower rents or sales prices.

Real estate agents play a crucial role in assessing noise sources and communicating their potential impact to buyers and sellers. They can use tools like the Geoapify Places API to obtain detailed information on noise sources and answer critical questions from buyers. Being transparent about noise pollution helps build trust with clients and provides an accurate picture of the current market value of a property.

Noise pollution from industrial facilities, such as biomass incinerators, has been a source of distress for residents living in close proximity. For example, residents near the Gainesville Renewable Energy Center (GREC) in Florida have described the noise from the biomass incinerator as a "continuous roar," comparable to jet planes revving up for takeoff. Such noise pollution can lead to health issues, including hearing impairment, sleep disturbances, and cardiovascular problems, as listed by the World Health Organization. It can also result in negative social behaviour and annoyance reactions.

In conclusion, noise pollution significantly impacts property values by reducing demand, influencing development costs, and affecting the health and well-being of occupants. Addressing noise pollution through various measures, such as source control, path control, and receiver control, is essential for sustaining and enhancing property values.

Monitoring noise pollution

Noise pollution from biomass incinerators is not a new issue, with residents near the Gainesville Renewable Energy Center (GREC) in Florida and the McNeil Generating Station in Burlington, Vermont, reporting a "continuous roar" and "disturbing noise and vibrations" respectively. This has led to concerns about the health and well-being of those exposed to such noise pollution, with the World Health Organization listing several health hazards associated with industrial noise pollution, including hearing impairment, sleep disturbances, and cardiovascular disturbances.

To address these concerns, noise pollution monitoring is essential. Monitoring typically involves measuring changes in air pressure, recorded in decibels (dB), using sound level meters (SLMs) or noise level meters. These devices can measure sound at different frequencies and record sound clips to identify the source of noise pollution. For environmental monitoring, a Type 1 SLM is recommended to ensure compliance with noise regulations. Instantaneous monitoring uses handheld devices for short periods, while continuous monitoring employs unattended equipment for longer-term data collection.

Several organizations offer noise monitoring equipment and solutions, such as Specto Technology, Castle Group Ltd, and Cirrus Research plc. These companies provide noise level meters, warning signs, recording devices, and cloud-based platforms for remote, unattended monitoring. Alerts can be set up to notify users of breaches in noise limits, and customized setups allow for the monitoring of various environmental parameters, including particulates, gases, vibration, weather, and wind speed.

In practice, noise monitoring has been employed in communities near wood pellet manufacturing facilities in Mississippi. Researchers, including Erica Walker and Krystal Martin, are working with residents to monitor air and noise pollution and understand the health impacts on vulnerable populations, particularly children. This involves enrolling families with children and collecting survey and biological information to study the long-term effects of emissions on their health and well-being.

By implementing noise monitoring strategies and utilizing specialized equipment, communities can actively address noise pollution concerns, identify sources of noise, and work towards mitigating excessive noise levels to improve the health and quality of life for those affected.

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