Libertyville officials probing noise complaint

Kermit the Frog was right: It's not easy being green.

Libertyville officials are investigating complaints about noise generated by a 120-foot-tall wind turbine at a local business.

The concerns arose just a few days before this Friday's planned ribbon-cutting ceremony for Aldridge Electric's turbine.

The device was installed earlier this month to generate cleaner energy for the business, an electrical contracting firm at 844 E. Rockland Road.

It's expected to create enough electricity to power four houses for a year, said Lizzy Aldridge, a business development and research analyst for the company.

But it's also created problems for a few nearby residents who say the turbine is too noisy.

The three-bladed generator sounds like a helicopter - "whump whump whump whump whump" - complained Laurie Renz, who lives on Rockland behind Aldridge Electric.

"And the whump gets louder as the wind gets stronger," Renz said. "And it whistles. It whistles like the wind."

Nearby resident Joe Mullen compared the sound to the swooshing of a washing machine.

Renz said the generator has interrupted her sleep and believes it's made her physically ill, causing nausea and headaches. Mullen doesn't have any health concerns, however.

"I just think it's noisy," he said.

After receiving complaints from residents, Village Administrator Kevin Bowens drove by the turbine Tuesday. He said the machine sounded like "a wobbly wheel."

Village staffers will conduct a noise-level test at Aldridge and ensure the device, which was approved by the village board, is running properly, Bowens said.

Lizzy Aldridge said her family's company has received "resounding support" from neighbors about the turbine via e-mails, phone calls and in-person visits.

"We are addressing the issue by making sure a noise study is completed," she said. "We are confident it will prove the turbine noise level ... is below the village code (requirement)."

Although wind turbines generally are considered quiet, noise complaints aren't uncommon.

Reports and studies on turbine noise from around the globe can be found on the Internet. Conferences on the subject have been held in Germany and France, with one scheduled for June in Denmark.

Renz, who makes a living making and selling what she called earth-friendly products, said she feels divided over the turbine.

While she supports efforts to produce cleaner electricity, she said her health concerns became so severe last week she sought treatment at a local emergency room.

"I am in such a bind here," she said.

Village officials are sympathetic. If the turbine doesn't meet the village's noise-level requirements, Mayor Jeffrey Harger said, adjustments will have to be made.

"We're being very proactive," Harger said. "We're jumping on this right away."

Harger also praised Aldridge Electric, for undertaking the earth-friendly project and for wanting to get to the bottom of the complaints.

"They want to be a good neighbor," Harger said.

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