Power lines posed no danger to local children




Power lines posed no danger to
local children


As you know, there have been several letters regarding the 66 kV transmission lines that run adjacent to the proposed Yerba Buena school site. These letters mention the potential danger (or not) of having a school near the wires but without offering much in the way of data to support the claims.


In general, unsubstantiated rhetoric bothers me so I decided to borrow a meter that can measure fields. These meters are relatively inexpensive and are made for just this sort of thing. On the back of the meter there is a label which states, "Studies suggest biological effects may begin to occur near 3 milligauss of AC magnetic field and 1 kV/m of AC electric field." Like the letters, the label refers to "studies" without any elaboration but at least it offers some data.


I picked a point to measure the 66 kV power lines along Lindero where the droop to within about 25 feet of the ground. I figured this spot would be the worst case for fields. Directly underneath the wires I measured 35 milligauss of magnetic field and zero electric field. At the edge of the buffer zone—about 50 feet away—I measured a little less that 3 milligauss of magnetic field, which is supposedly an acceptable level.


The power lines near the proposed school site are up on a hill and it looks like they be a few hundred feet from the closest classroom. At that distance, I believe any fields caused by the wires should be the subject of scientific curiosity, not concern.


If those voicing concern about the power lines have data to the contrary, it would be nice to see it presented within the context of their letters.


Bill Draeger


Oak Park



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