We just translated this synopsis of a report by Opinion AS for MotVind Norge published last December:
A recently published report reveals extensive health problems among residents near the wind power plant in Tysvær municipality in Rogaland. The report, which focuses on the effects of the wind power plant on the local population's health, shows that as many as 40 percent of the permanent residents want to move from the area.
And other effects from wind turbines on human health and quality of life are very serious, says John Fiskvik, head of Motvind Norge.
If you look at the permanent residents in the report, 47 per cent of them are bothered by noise from the wind turbines. Sleep problems are also widespread. Altogether, 32 percent state that they have problems sleeping weekly or more often, due to noise from wind turbines.
Compared to those who have sleep problems on a national basis, it is more common among the residents of Tysvær to be often troubled by this.
It is Opinion that, commissioned by Tysvær municipality, has surveyed health disadvantages among residents near Tysvær Wind Park.
The mapping has been carried out as a quantitative survey and follow-up in-depth interview. The insight from the in-depth interviews shows that the noise greatly affects the lives of those affected, both in the form of general irritation, but also a deterioration in the health situation. A total of 31 percent say that the wind turbines affect their state of health. The disadvantages are so great that many want to move from the area.
“The insight from the in-depth interviews shows that the noise greatly affects the lives of those affected, both in the form of general irritation, but also a deterioration in the health situation”.
- If you take into account both permanent residents and part-time residents, a full 37 per cent have a desire to move from the property and sell if they had the opportunity. This is alarming, says Fiskvik. The informants report that the turbine noise is experienced as unpredictable, you never know when it will come, how long it will last, and how it will be experienced this time.
Here is some of what the informants say:
“It feels like it's shaking. I can sit on the sofa and feel it linger and can feel vibrations in the floor in the kitchen."
“When it's at its worst, I leave."
“Concentration goes down, and the swing goes down. It is amplified because of the noise. It affects more than I want.”
Regarding the differences between the residents and residents of comparable municipalities, the report shows that there are more sleep problems, muscular pains and headaches/migraines for those who live near the wind turbines than elsewhere.
“My illnesses have worsened. I depend on sleep and relaxation. I take more medication than I need," says an informant in the report.
Motvind Norge expects Tysvær municipality to address this as soon as possible, and in consultation with those affected, come up with concrete measures to improve the living situation of its residents.
Another informant points out that it is sometimes difficult to carry out activities outdoors, such as in the garden or on the farm, because the turbine noise is too loud and bothersome. Hobbies and activities that you previously enjoyed doing now become something you have to do, rather than something pleasant and relaxing.
“Sometimes I can't be outside because it's so loud outside. Gets tired quickly. Then I have to go in, but that doesn't always help."
Motvind Norge expects Tysvær municipality to address this as soon as possible, and in consultation with those affected, come up with concrete measures to improve the living situation of its residents.
This report clearly shows that public health must be taken more seriously when plans for wind power are considered, says head of Motvind Norge, John Fiskvik.
The full report is here: (In Norwegian)
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