Work on wind turbine kicks off with backyard research

By ehill ed hill ehill@derbytelegraph.co.uk

WIND turbines could be built in the grounds of Derby's sewage treatment works.

Water company Severn Trent is investigating the potential environmental impact of the turbines, which would be used to power its treatment plant in Megaloughton Lane, Spondon.

It has installed monitoring equipment in the back garden of Peter Ambler, in nearby Holme Lane, to measure current levels of background noise in the area.

The equipment comprises a small briefcase, a pole and a microphone head which records noise levels.

The levels will be assessed in concert with the estimated noise the turbines would make to ensure there will be no noise nuisance.

If the research throws up acceptable levels, the company has promised to carry out a full consultation with members of the public before going ahead with building the turbines.

Tests are also being carried out at other Severn Trent sites in the UK to assess the feasibility of turbines.

David Wood, renewable energy development engineer at Severn Trent Water, said the "exciting" project was still in its initial stages.

He said: "We are very excited about the prospect of using wind turbines to produce electricity, which will then power our sites. The survey will evaluate the environmental impact, as well as issues such as noise pollution.

"Noise-monitoring equipment has been installed around the site to monitor the general ambient noise, for example that which is caused by roads and factories.

"We will then be able to identify the additional, if any, impact that could be caused by installing a wind turbine."

Mr Wood said wind-measurement equipment would eventually be put up, although there were a lot of considerations and studies to be undertaken before the site could be deemed suitable.

"We will undertake full consultation with the local community," he added.

Until more tests have been carried out it will not be known how many turbines will be required and how big they will be. The site is powered by electricity from the national grid and a methane-fuelled heat and power plant.

Severn Trent has already invested £90m at Spondon to modernise the plant and address the infamous "Spondon Pong".

Mr Ambler, 62, who has had the noise-monitoring equipment set up in his garden, praised the scheme.

He said: "Firms like Severn Trent need to be setting an example. Hopefully, if this goes ahead, others will follow suit. We need to look more and more at renewable energy sources.

"Wind turbines get a bad press but they are not noisy at all. They're as loud as a train, if that, and will be so far away from homes that you won't be able to hear them."

George Hawksworth, 67, has lived in nearby Vancouver Avenue for 35 years.

He said: "I can't see a problem with the idea. You have to move with the times, don't you? You wouldn't be able to see the turbines from over this way."

Thomas Hogan, 60, of Albert Road, Chaddesden, said residents would have to be consulted. He said: "I would want to know how the turbines are positioned. They can be quite noisy things."