Proposed Noise Regulations May Force Clinton County Farmers Out of Business

Sweeping new noise regulations proposed for wind farms in Clinton County could have far-reaching implications for how farmers work their land. If proposed noise restrictions made by the Clinton County Board of Health are adopted by County Supervisors, essential activities such as planting, harvesting, and grain drying could technically be in violation, leaving farmers vulnerable to penalties or litigation.

As County Supervisor Jim Irwin warned the Health Board at their meeting on January 9th, the regulations “would put every farmer out of business.” 

Supervisor Irwin informed the Department of Health that he was already hearing from county residents who wanted to use the proposed regulations to shut down neighboring farm operations.

“My concern is that your current decibel limits have already caused neighbors of farm operations to reach out to suggests noise levels for all businesses.”

Listen to the audio recording from the Clinton County Board of Health on January 9 regarding their wind ordinance noise recommendation. Supervisor Irwin’s comments edited for brevity in this audio clip.

Extreme Noise Standards: Unrealistic and Unfair

The Clinton County Board of Supervisors is currently considering a wind ordinance based on extreme noise-level recommendations from the Clinton County Board of Health. The proposed restrictions include stringent noise limits, such as a daytime maximum of 30 dBA from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM and an evening maximum of 20 dBA from 6:01 PM to 5:59 AM. For context, 30 dBA is equivalent to a whisper, and 20 dBA is comparable to rustling leaves. These limits are far below typical rural ambient noise levels and nearly impossible for wind turbines to meet.

However, the implications go far beyond wind energy. Agricultural practices, which rely heavily on machinery that exceeds these noise levels, could be severely impacted. Here are just a few examples of common farming equipment and their noise levels that are far above the noise level restriction:

If these standards are applied broadly—as they likely would need to be for consistency and equal application of the law, a concern voiced by some of the county officials present at the most recent Board of Health meeting — it could create serious challenges for farmers.

A Threat to Agriculture and Rural Economies

Imposing noise standards that effectively ban critical farming practices could jeopardize livelihoods and strain the local economy. Farmers already face significant challenges, from fluctuating commodity prices to labor shortages. Adding unnecessary regulatory burdens could push some operations to the brink.

Moreover, rural communities rely on both agriculture and renewable energy to sustain their economies. Wind energy projects provide significant financial benefits, including land lease payments to farmers, increased tax revenue for schools and infrastructure, and job creation. Restricting wind development with overly strict ordinances would deprive Clinton County of these opportunities and strip farmers of their right to use their own land as they see fit.

Unreasonable Regulations Open Door to Lawsuits

At issue is the County Board of Health finding that “excessive noise” is detrimental to human health and unrealistic determination that levels above 30 dBA are “excessive.” Under that rationale, the Board recommends daily maximum noise levels that are softer than what a fussy librarian would tolerate. There’s a risk that if the Supervisors adopt these restrictions, it will signal that they agree with the Board of Health that noise above these thresholds is hazardous. That’s an invitation to lawsuits or other challenges against any source of noise above the Department of Health’s excessive restrictions.

Unfounded Health Concerns

The Clinton County Board of Health’s recommendations appear to be based on unfounded fears rather than scientific facts. Decades of research from reputable organizations have found no conclusive evidence linking wind turbines to adverse health effects. A recent study conducted by the University of Iowa (and others) found that: “There is no authoritative evidence that sound from wind turbines represents a risk to human health among neighboring residents.”

Call to Action

We urge the Clinton County Board of Supervisors to reject the proposed wind ordinance recommendations and revisit the ordinance with a more balanced and pragmatic approach. Clinton County has an opportunity to establish fair and reasonable standards that respect the needs of its agricultural community. Instead of adopting extreme and impractical standards, the Board of Supervisors should consider reasonable measures that address concerns without stifling economic development and reject the Board of Health’s excessive and unrealistic recommendations.

Let Your Voices Be Heard!

Email the Board of Supervisors and tell them to support reasonable and practical policies that benefit everyone in Clinton County. Together, we can build a brighter, more prosperous future.

Swati Dandekar

Swati Dandekar

CHAIRMAN OF BRIGHT FUTURE IOWA

Swati Dandekar is a former Ambassador, state utility regulator, and state legislator – and now an advocate for the growth of renewable energy in Iowa as Chairperson of Bright Future Iowa. 

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