In Canadian research on the effects of wind turbine noise on human health, several studies have found no direct link between wind turbine noise and physical health problems. A review of scientific literature on wind turbine sound and human health conducted by Canadian researchers Drs. Loren D. Knopper and Christopher A. Ollson found no direct causal link between people living near wind turbines and physiological health effects. The review, which appeared in the Journal of Environmental Health, suggested that reported health effects are likely attributed to environmental stressors rather than specific turbine-related factors like audible noise or infrasound. Another significant study by Health Canada and Statistics Canada involved more than 1,200 adults living near wind turbines in Ontario and Prince Edward Island. This study, which was launched in response to concerns about wind turbines causing illness, concluded that there was no definitive connection between wind turbine noise and a range of chronic health problems. The study did find a relationship between increasing levels of wind turbine noise and annoyance towards various features of wind turbines, including noise, vibration, shadow flicker, and aircraft warning lights. However, no evidence was found linking wind turbine noise to self-reported or measured health issues such as sleep disturbance, dizziness, migraine headaches, chronic problems like heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure, or stress indicators like hair cortisol levels. These findings indicate that while wind turbine noise can be a source of annoyance for some people, it does not directly cause health problems. The annoyance experienced by individuals may be influenced by factors other than noise, such as visual impact or personal benefit from the turbines.

Yes, there are wind turbines located near settlements in Holland. As part of the country’s efforts to increase renewable energy capacity, the Netherlands has been actively installing onshore wind turbines. By the end of 2015, there were at least 2,525 onshore wind turbines in the Netherlands, contributing to around 5% of the country’s total energy requirement. The Dutch government set a target to achieve an onshore wind capacity of 6,000 MW by 2020, under the Energy Agreement for Sustainable Growth. This target required the addition of approximately 1,000 to 1,500 new onshore wind turbines. Moreover, the Dutch government’s climate plans aim for at least 27% of energy to come from sustainable sources by 2030, with wind energy playing a significant role in achieving this goal. The Netherlands has taken measures to generate energy using onshore wind turbines as a reliable and efficient sustainable energy source. The construction of these wind farms often involves cooperation with local building contractors, and residents can share in the proceeds, reflecting a community-based approach to renewable energy development. One notable example is the wind farm in Zeewolde, near Amsterdam, where local residents and farmers have become shareholders in the project. This approach has helped to overcome resistance from local residents often hesitant about living next to wind turbines due to concerns about noise and visual impact. In this project, more than 90% of the people in the project area became shareholders, demonstrating a successful model of community involvement in renewable energy projects. These initiatives illustrate the Netherlands’ commitment to renewable energy and the integration of wind turbines into both rural and residential areas, balancing the need for sustainable energy with community involvement and acceptance.

In the Netherlands, the setback rules for wind turbines are notstrictly defined by a single standard distance. Instead, they aretypically determined based on a maximum noise level of 40dB(A). In practice, a common guideline is to use a distance ofabout 4 times the height of the mast of the wind turbine. However,this is not a legal requirement, and the actual setback can varydepending on specific local regulations and environmental impactassessments. In Germany, the setback requirements for wind turbines vary basedon the designated noise level protection of the area: - In “quiet regions” with a noise level of 35 dB(A), thesetback is typically between 1,000 to 1,500 meters. - In “middle regions” with a noise level of 40 dB(A), thesetback ranges from 600 to 1,000 meters. - In “standard regions” with a noise level of 45 dB(A), thesetback is usually between 300 to 600 meters. These distances can vary since all makes and models of wind turbines are not equally noisy. Some German states have their ownspecific standards.Both countries approach the issue with an emphasis on minimizing noise impact and ensuring the turbines fit appropriately within the local environment.

In Ontario, the difference in setback requirements for windturbines between participating and non-participating properties islargely due to considerations of impact and consent. Participatinglandowners, who have agreed to have turbines on their property,are generally more accepting of their presence and the associatedimpacts such as noise or visual disturbance. In contrast, nonparticipatingproperty owners have not given such consent, sogreater setbacks are required to minimize potential impacts ontheir properties. This approach is aimed at balancing thedevelopment of wind energy with the rights and preferences ofindividuals living near these installations.

Research from Iowa State University suggests that wind turbineslocated in agricultural fields can have a positive impact on cropsgrowing around them. The study, conducted by a team of plant andsoil scientists, observed that wind turbines change themicroclimate for crops like corn and soybeans. The turbulencecreated by the turbines can interact with the crop, possiblyincreasing evaporation from the crop or moving carbon dioxidedown into the crop. This increased movement can also lead tomore sunlight penetrating the dense crop canopy, potentiallybenefiting the plants.Overall crops grown in wind farms seem to benefit.“So there are three ways the crop is being ‘fertilized’ from eitherthe air or from the soil or from increased photosynthesis. Wemeasured increased carbon dioxide uptake during the day, but anincreased respiration at night,” he said. “But over the course of theday there was more uptake. So as far as the impact of the turbineson the carbon dioxide processes and the photosynthesis process inthe near vicinity of the turbines it’s a net gain.”