VINALHAVEN, Maine (AP) — A consultant hired by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection agreed with local residents who’ve complained that three wind turbines installed on Vinalhaven island exceed state noise standards.

Some neighbors have expressed frustration over the nighttime noise levels, and the consultant, Warren Brown from the University of Maine, agreed that the turbines exceed the 45-decibel limit.

“We’re encouraged that after all this hard work and effort that it’s coming to some sort of conclusion,” islander Cheryl Lindgren said Monday. She noted that the “whoosh” and “wump” sounds from the turbines less than a half-mile from her home are loud enough to drown out a seasonal brook behind her home.

The Fox Island Wind farm was dedicated in November 2009 with a goal of easing electricity rates for 1,800 year-round residents of Vinalhaven and North Haven islands.

Residents were told that ambient noise would muffle the turbines. But some residents near the turbines have complained about the noise, especially at night.

Brown, who gave his findings last week to the Department of Environmental Protection, agreed that the turbines violated noise limits. “Substantial changes are recommended for FIW nighttime operations,” Brown wrote.

He declined Monday to elaborate on what options there are to lessen the noise. “All I can say is, it’s a work in progress,” Brown said from his office in Old Town.

Fox Island Wind has insisted that it meets state guidelines. CEO George Baker didn’t immediately return a message left on his phone on Monday.