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ARTICLE · 07 NOVEMBER 2006

NIMBYism, Low Frequency Noise And Wind Energy Development

Stikeman Elliott LLP
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The movement known as NIMBY(Not In My Backyard)-ism is taking its toll on Canadian renewable energy projects, particularly on wind farm developments.

CanadaEnergy and Natural Resources
Stikeman Elliott LLP
Stikeman Elliott LLP
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The movement known as NIMBY(Not In My Backyard)-ism is taking its toll on Canadian renewable energy projects, particularly on wind farm developments. The latest of the bogeymen used to stop or slow down these projects is the spectre of serious health effects arising from low frequency noise produced by turbines.

NIMBYism is certainly not a new phenomenon, but rather has been a consistent theme within environmental movements since their inception. To a certain extent, renewable energy projects have been supported by the larger environmental movement, keeping NIMBYism at bay. However, unresolved questions about the potential health effects of low frequency noise (LFN) associated with modern wind turbines have become the latest fodder for the NIMBY movement.

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