The regulation establishes that a noise estimation should be made during compilation of plans, and measures should be foreseen to block that noise. The level of noise that reaches residential buildings, hospitals, etc., may not exceed the prescribed norms. However, in case of setting up a windmill or building a wind farm, local governments may set even stricter norm levels. “I continually believe that windmills are very environmentally friendly sources of energy, but it is also clear that in setting up these windmills people need to be protected from the possible negative influence,” the Minister of the Environment Jaanus Tamkivi said. “According to the draft legislation, it is the local governments who have the right and obligation to decide how far the windmills and wind farms need to be from residential land and buildings.” Preparation of a noise estimation, as early as in the course of planning, is the most economically beneficial way. It also enables local governments to assess the noise situation of the entire area. Builders and designers will learn to know and use construction materials with acoustic characteristics better. “In the course of planning wind farms and evaluating the environmental impact it is also very important to involve the public,” Minister Tamkivi emphasised. “So the local residents have the final say on the restrictions, together with the local government.” The draft of the Ministry of the Environment regulation “Requirements for planning to restrict noise in ambient air” is available here. The Minister will sign the regulation after approval of the draft via the e-law. The regulation does not have a retroactive effect. |
