Follow-Up to May 2nd Planning Commission Meeting

During the recent May 2nd Planning Commission meeting, Mayor Pape commented that supporting information would be provided on the village website addressing the concerns of EMF waves.

The following information was provided by Ryan Dolan, Director of Transmission Planning, American Municipal Power, Inc.

World Health Organization  — This source provides a detailed explanation about EMF, what it is as well as break out the information into two categories: Electric Field & Magnetic Fields.  Historical concerns are commonly associated with magnetic field (rather than electric fields).

EMF of transmission facilities are non-ionizing fields because they operate at very low frequencies (60 HZ), unlike machines such as X-rays that utilize very high frequencies (10^16 HZ). Also the amount of EMF that a person is exposed to is a function of distance, meaning that the further away from a facility someone is, the less exposure they have. This is taken into account when developing a station’s footprint.

Due to the design considerations implemented during the construction of power grid facilities, the risk of exposure is significantly limited since all transmission substations and/or a transmission lines have required clearances incorporated into their construction standards. In the example of the New Bremen substation, the station will be surrounded by a station fence which will limit the distance between a community member and the energized electrical component emitting a magnetic field. These clearance will naturally limit the amount of exposure that a person will have over a period of time from that energized piece of equipment.

Additionally, since a 69kV substitution operates at a much higher voltage the Magnetic field (AMP/meter) emitted will tend to be lower than the 12kV distribution lines that carrying the same amount power to end use consumers. Here is an example of the amount of current (AMPs) necessary to deliver the same amount of either from a 12 kV piece of equipment or a 69kV piece of equipment.

In summary:
• EMF is not the same as X-Rays since the frequency is low (60Hz), so it is considered “Non-Ionizing”.
• The amount of exposure is a function of distance which is minor beyond the station fence.
• The existing distribution facilities are more likely to be the largest source of EMF at or beyond the station fence.
• Typical house hold appliances (microwaves, electric heaters, fluorescent light bulbs) give off EMF also and at times these devices can be greater than that of a common 69kV transmission station
• The higher voltage substation can reduce the overall magnetic field when compare to an equivalently designed facility operating at a lower voltage

Sources of EMF — household appliances

Other recommended resource:  Wisconsin Public Service Commission

As stated by the Mayor, discussion regarding the location of the electric substation will be brought before council on the following dates:

  • Monday, May 13th — 1st reading
  • Tuesday, May 28th (due to Memorial Day, the council meeting will be moved to Tuesday)
  • Monday, June 10th