When developing the Renewable Energy Approvals (REA) regulation, the Ministry of the Environment used existing scientific research from around the world.
Reviewing a large body of reports and studies enabled the ministry to develop a regulation that was based on the best available science to protect human health and the environment.
The ministry continues to review emerging scientific and engineering studies to ensure Ontario's REA regulation remains in line with the latest and best in science.
Looking at the evidence on wind turbines
In response to public health concerns about wind turbines, Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health conducted a review of existing scientific evidence on the possible health impacts of wind turbines.
The review stated that while some people living near wind turbines report symptoms like dizziness, headaches and sleep disturbance, the scientific evidence available to date does not demonstrate a direct causal link between wind turbine noise and adverse health effects.
The review also stated that the sound level from wind turbines at common residential setbacks is not sufficient to cause hearing impairment or other direct health effects.
Every wind turbine facility in Ontario must meet Ontario regulatory requirements for noise. These requirements are consistent with the 2009 World Health Organization outdoor night noise limit of 40 decibels.
The 40-decibel limit is similar to the noise level in a library or office. In fact, it's the same stringent standard used in Ontario for all industrial operations built in the province for the last 30 years.
Supporting new research
Ontario is funding an academic research program being led by Dr. Siva Sivoththaman, Ontario Research Chair in Renewable Energy Technologies and Health.
Dr. Sivoththaman, a faculty member at the University of Waterloo, was awarded the research chair position in 2010, following an independent and competitive application process, administered by the Council of Ontario Universities. He is an internationally known scientist in the field of renewable energy.
Dr. Sivoththaman and his team are:
- conducting research on potential health effects of renewable energy technology, beginning with studies that expand on current knowledge of potential health effects related to energy from wind
- building networks with other researchers and research bodies in Canada and internationally
- contributing to public understanding and policy development in the area of potential health effects of renewable energy technologies
Dr. Sivoththaman will have access to facilities in related academic departments within the University of Waterloo. He will also collaborate with researchers from the university's faculty of applied health sciences.
Working with experts
In 2010, following a formal request for proposals, the ministry contracted a consultant to provide expert advice on low-frequency noise from wind turbines. The consultant was asked to review:
- current science on low-frequency noise from wind turbines and its potential effects on human health
- regulatory approaches to low-frequency sound in other jurisdictions, including any measurement and reporting requirements
Based on this research, the consultant was then asked to prepare a report for the ministry that contained recommendations on:
- whether the ministry should adopt requirements or limits for low frequency sound and, if so, what the requirements should be
- best practices for measuring low-frequency sound from wind turbines, including an assessment of what additional science may be needed, before a defensible measurement protocol can be established
The ministry is currently considering the recommendations provided in the consultant’s report.
What is peer reviewed scientific research?
Peer reviewed scientific research is considered to have the highest standard of credibility when publishing scientific information. The practice of peer review is carried out by all reputable scientific journals and many government bodies. The peer review is conducted by at least 2 independent referees who are experts in the same field of study as the author but who were not involved with the author’s work. As such, the referees do not have any real or perceived conflict of interest in the outcome or results of the work.
The referees are asked to evaluate whether the scientific manuscript submitted by the author is: (a) original, (b) of sound methodology, (c) presenting clear results that support the conclusions, and (d) correctly referencing previous relevant work in the field of study.
Prior to publishing the study, the author is expected to revise their work based on the comments received from the referees in order to maintain a high standard of excellence when communicating scientific information.
The ministry seeks to obtain peer-reviewed science from reputable scientific journals as described above in an effort to access scientific information that is academically independent and free from institutional or ideological bias. This is not always possible as the number of peer-reviewed papers meeting this criterion is limited, so the ministry reviews other sources of relevant scientific literature published by various institutions, agencies and stakeholders for information purposes.
