Same tired line spouted by Nelson Winegrower

In an article published today in the Nelson Mail, Chairman of the Nelson Winegrowers, Mike Brown asked that "existing planning regulations surrounding consent for frost fans be retained".

Why would he do that?

Because at the moment the only condition that a frost fan needs to meet is the restriction on height.

Other than that they are a permitted activity.

Of course the esteemed Mr Brown spouted the same pathetic arguments for their use;

They'll only be used a few times a year

Helicopters will be noisier

Smoke pots will cause pollution

The issue will put livelihoods on the line

Wake up Mr Brown (winemaker and manager of Waimea Estates).

Keep a neighbour awake for a SINGLE night and they are a health hazard to everyone.

Be responsible in using a form of frost control that is appropriate to the situation. There are plenty of alternatives, but I suppose frost fans are the easiest way out. Especially if you don't live at the property concerned (Like Mr Jeff Marr who has installed the first fans in Nelson).

You probably want your legal department do a quick check of their facts as well. You see even if there isn't a specific rule for frost fans to meet a noise level in the district plan, they are still required to comply with the Resource Management Act (section 16 amongst many) and the Health Act (that would be section 35). Either the District Council puts a set of rules in place that allow for the peaceful coexistence of frost fans and community residents, or they (the Council) and the vineyards will find themselves dragged backwards through the Courts (That would be the Environment and District Court by the way).

New Style Frost Fan Officially Unveiled

Well there was a flurry of news releases today about the new frost fan based on the Amarillo.

http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/a-quieter-frost-fighting-machine-developed-39083

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0812/S00337.htm

This would appear to be the same one that has been reported on here earlier.

I must take a drive out there and check it out.

It has been named the 'Defender' and comes with a raft of promised features;

"halve the noise from wind machines"

"achieved a more than 10 decibel reduction"

"available for installation for the 2009 spring frost season"

"substantial increase in air moving performance along with much lower noise levels"

"new blades are the same length, but have a different shape and rotate slower"

"wind machine being about half as loud but the noise has a more pleasant character and is consequently less intrusive"

"performance testing expected to be completed and fully documented this month"

"The new blades not only offer a huge reduction in noise but also increase the performance of the wind machines"

"a new computer management system that allows full remote monitoring and control"

"increased performance levels and maximised efficiency, as well as a reduction in noise output and the Defender’s new design provides both"

"low noise output will substantially reduce complaints and issues with neighbouring properties"

Well good show. So far the talk has been big. I look forward to seeing the independent testing bear out these claims.

I applaud the recognition of the need for change. The cynic in me feels like the horse has bolted with over 1000 wind machines installed in Marlborough that do not feature these enhancements and let's see local bodies embrace the recognition that the noise levels have been too high for too long.

A couple of interesting points from the press;

1. The new Defender wind machine featuring a revolutionary custom designed blade".  Very good. I get it. Revolutionary. Nice.
   
2.  Claims are for "Halving" and "10 dB reduction". These are not the same things. Even taking the non linear response of the human ear into account. I'll put it down to poor reporting. If not, can I assume that the Amarillo produces 10dB more than this new one?
   
3.  And just what is the  noise level? / Blade rotation speed? / Engine type? / Engine speed? I know that I need to wait for the testing results, but why announce it without results? Looking for sales without firm data?
   
4. "FMR Group Ltd managing director Chris Clifford said they recognised the noise coming from wind machines was becoming a real issue and were keen to find a solution". Sorry, how did this recognition come about? Goodness of your hearts or pressure from concerned citizens and legal action? I suppose that would make you keen.
   
5. "Dr Pearse said they were able to use the FMR Group Ltd’s experience and expertise in wind generated noise". Yes, they have considerable experience in this area.
   
6. "the noise has a more pleasant character". Or 'the noise is less offensive'. Either way could be correct.
   
7. "There was a perception that four-bladed machines were quieter than two blades, but FMR sales manager Cam Clifford said that was because the noise characteristics were different". That man doesn't live beside frost fans. The four bladed fans are quieter in my CONSIDERABLE experience of trying to sleep through both types.
   
8. "Mr Clifford said he hoped the new machine would be "a silver bullet" to end conflict surrounding the machines". I hope so to.