Experts debate noise, low‑frequency sound and WHO/IPCB benchmarks
Testimony covered acoustic measures, IPCB numeric limits and infrasound; Dr. Olsen said modern turbines and IPCB-compliant modeling protect sleep and health, while opposing counsel cited past studies and WHO guidance raising concerns about low-frequency impacts.
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The hearing included an extended technical exchange about sound metrics, low‑frequency noise and infrasound. Dr. Chris Olsen explained dBA and hertz scales, the difference between Octave/one‑third‑octave band metrics and A‑weighted metrics, and why IPCB numeric limits (interpreted by Olsen as effectively limiting turbines to roughly 47–48 dBA in practice) are designed to protect sleep at homes. He cited Health Canada and recent U.S. studies, saying that when IPCB standards and setbacks are met the evidence does not show direct health effects such as chronic sleep disturbance.
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