Minutes 05-27-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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II. Flaws in the Binks Application Regarding Inverter Types, Inverter/Transformer Locations, and the Subsequent Projected Noise Levels. Summary. • The inverter locations and inverter/transformer configurations depicted in the Binks aerial diagram (p.12 of Meeting Agenda) are completely different from the inverter/transformer locations and configurations depicted in the Binks Site Plan. • The applicants' assessment of the project's noise impact due to the inverter/transformers is entirely based on these incorrect inverter/transformer locations and configurations, and is therefore likely invalid. • The applicants' incorrect representation of the inverter locations, inverter types and noise levels serves to favor their application and to underestimate the projected impact of the development's noise on neighboring properties. Furthermore, the applicants have not included any information on the type, location, and noise characteristics of the step-up transformer(s) at the site, which may themselves produce considerable additional noise. • In my own analysis below I estimate that the likely noise levels at the nearest property line would be much higher than the Bink's assessment (47.54 dB compared to an estimate of less than 38 dB by Binks), and that noise levels could ultimately be even higher once step-up transformer noise is factored in. • A noise level of 47.54 dB is over three times the current perceived ambient sound, and the noise impact could be even greater after transformer noise levels are factored in. This constant inverter/transformer drone would be an unacceptable intrusion on our privacy and reasonable expectation of peace and quiet in this long-established neighborhood within the Rural Buffer. • The applicants' noise impact assessment is faulty as a result of using false assumptions about the types, configurations and locations of the inverter/transformer units. The applicants should be required to submit valid sound level testing data for the actual inverter/transformer configurations that they have proposed to use and then estimate noise impacts from their true locations as depicted in the site plan. We therefore request that the Commissioners grant a continuance of this Hearing until after a valid noise impact assessment has been conducted by the applicants and Planning staff, and adjacent property owners have had a chance to review and comment on it. Details Regarding Binks' Faulty Noise Impact Assessment: 1. Supporting Documentation Submitted by the Applicants. In the "Binks Solar Project Narrative" under the subheading "Noise" (p.11 of the Agenda document) the applicants state that they will use Advanced Energy Solaron 500 inverters to convert DC power to AC. These are 500 kW devices and nine of them are depicted as being scattered across the site in the aerial diagram on p.12 of the Hearing Agenda documents. The applicants have drawn yellow circles around each inverter location purporting to show a boundary beyond which noise levels will not exceed 38 dB (i.e. beyond a distance of ca. 105 feet from the inverter). Based on this aerial diagram, the shortest distance from an inverter to any neighboring property along Cascade Drive measures approximately 201 feet (distance to the Cantwell/Wegman property, Nunn Acres Subdivision, Lot 3). In Attachment B of the Application, the applicants submitted the results of laboratory noise tests of the Advanced Energy Solaron 500 inverter. In that report, the stated overall noise level for a