HomeMy WebLinkAboutRICHARDS LAKE TO WAVERLY TRANSMISSION LINE - SPAR - 12-08 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - PLANNING OBJECTIVES (7)Tri-State Richard Lake to Waverly 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Site Plan Advisory Review Application
Figure 7: Predicted Magnetic Field
Magnetic Field
Tri-State Richard Lake -Waverly - 115 kV Proposed
4'b-
Etlpa1ROW I I Edpe at ROW
I I
-250 225 200 175 -150 -125 -100 -75 -50 -25 0 25 50 75 100 125 150 175 200 225 250
5.0 Conclusion
This application has demonstrated how the project conforms with the principles and policies
of the City Plan, Mountain Vista Subarea Plan, and the existing and planned character of the
project area. Physical and environmental impacts to the city are expected to be minimal. This
application conforms to the Project Development Plan (PDP) Submittal Requirements, and
Tri-State will work with the Conceptual Review Team prior to construction as necessary.
34 May 2008
Tri-State Richard Lake to Waverly 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Site Plan Advisory Review Application
4.6 Other Information and Data: Environmental Concerns
The transmission line has been routed along the BNSF railroad in an industrial district. The
project location meets project objectives while minimizing environmental impacts. There are
no known sensitive environmental resources within the city limits that would be affected by
the proposed project.
4.6.1 Environmental Report
Tri-State will borrow money from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
(RUS), to fund construction of the project. As a result, Tri-State will be completing an
Environmental Report (ER) in accordance with the requirements of RUS Bulletin 1794A-600,
Guide for Preparing an Environmental Report for Categorically Excluded Projects. This ER
will be completed and approved by RUS prior to construction, and a copy of the ER will be
provided to the Planning and Zoning Department.
4.6.2 Electric and Magnetic Fields
Tri-State is aware of public concern over the possible health effects caused by electric and
magnetic fields (EMF). Although primary exposure to magnetic fields occurs from appliances
and devices in the home and at work, Tri-State recognizes the magnetic fields created by
electric transmission and distribution facilities.
Numerous scientific studies have been conducted to better understand if there is a possibility
that EMF causes disease. The consensus of scientists familiar with these studies is that no
significant risk to humans from long-term exposure to EMF has been established. Tri-State
remains sensitive to the EMF issue and responds promptly and accurately to inquiries with
currently available information. Tri-State has adopted, as corporate policy, programs that
ensure that its electric facilities are designed, constructed, and operated in such a manner as
to minimize, to the extent prudent and practicable, the level of EMF that is created. Graphs of
predicted magnetic field levels, based on typical and peak loads, from the proposed
transmission line are shown in Figure 7. The graphs indicate that under typical operating
loads magnetic fields beneath the transmission line will be approximately 2.7 milligauss (mG)
and approximately 1 mG at the edge of the easement. Under peak loads the magnetic field
levels beneath the transmission line will be approximately 3.9 mG and between 1.5 mG and
2 mG at the edge of the easement. Tri-State's position statement on EMF health effects is
included as Attachment 5.
May 2008 33