Orono_Route_Permit_Application - Docket # W002/TL-11-223

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Table 7 Calculated Magnetic Flux Density (milligauss) for Proposed Transmission Line Design (3.28 feet above ground) Considerable research has been conducted throughout the past three decades to determine whether exposure to power -frequency (60 hertz) magnetic fields causes biological responses and health effects. Epidemiological and toxicological studies have shown no statistically significant association or weak associations between MF exposure and health risks. Public health professionals have also investigated the possible impact of exposure to EMF upon human health for the past several decades. While the general consensus is that electric fields pose no risk to humans, the question of whether exposure to magnetic fields can cause biological responses or health effects continues to be debated. In 1999, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences ("NIEHS") issued its final report on "Health Effects from Exposure to Power -Line Frequency Electric and Magnetic Fields" in response to the Energy Policy Act of 1992. The NIEHS concluded that the scientific evidence linking MF exposures with health risks is weak and that this finding does not warrant aggressive regulatory concern. However, because of the weak scientific evidence that supports some association between MFs and health effects and the common exposure to electricity in the United States, passive regulatory action, such as providing public education on reducing exposures, is warranted. In 2007, the World Health Organization ("WHO") concluded a review of the health implications of electromagnetic fields. In this report, the WHO stated: Uncertainties in the hazard assessment [of epidemiological studies] include the role that control selection bias and exposure misclassification might have on the observed relationship between magnetic fields and childhood leukemia. In addition, virtually all of the laboratory evidence and the mechanistic evidence fail to support a relationship between low-level ELF magnetic fields and changes in biological function or disease status. Thus, on balance, the evidence is not strong enough to be considered causal, but sufficiently strong to remain a concern. (Environmental Health Criteria Volume N°238 on Extremely Loan Frequency Fields at p. 12, WHO (2007)). Also, regarding disease outcomes, aside from childhood leukemia, the WHO stated that: Orono Project June 7, 2011 MPUC Docket No. E002/TL-11-223 33 System Current Distance to Proposed Segment Condition (Amps) -300 -200 -100 -75 -50 -25 0 25 50 75 100 200 300 Single Pole Davit Peak 250 0.34 0.72 2.42 3.75 6.19 10.20 12.17 10.50 6.29 3.72 2.35 0.65 0.29 Arm 115 kV Single Circuit Average 150 0.20 0.43 1.45 2.25 3.71 6.12 7.90 6.30 3.77 2.23 1.41 0.39 0.17 Single Pole Peak 250 0.27 0.57 1.86 2.84 4.60 7.46 9.64 7.78 4.75 2.85 1.81 0.50 0.22 Braced Post 115 kV Single Circuit Average 150 0.16 0.34 1.12 1.70 2.76 4.48 5.78 4.67 2.85 1.71 1.09 0.30 0.13 Single Pole Davit Peak 250 0.04 0.11 0.69 1.38 3.18 7.86 12.82 7.74 3.08 1.33 0.66 0.10 0.04 Arm 115kV/115kV Average 150 0.02 0.07 0.42 0.83 1.91 4.72 7.69 4.64 1.85 0.80 0.39 0.06 0.02 Double Circuit Note: The assumed beak and average line loading assumed for these calculations is the estimated flow of 50MVA. Considerable research has been conducted throughout the past three decades to determine whether exposure to power -frequency (60 hertz) magnetic fields causes biological responses and health effects. Epidemiological and toxicological studies have shown no statistically significant association or weak associations between MF exposure and health risks. Public health professionals have also investigated the possible impact of exposure to EMF upon human health for the past several decades. While the general consensus is that electric fields pose no risk to humans, the question of whether exposure to magnetic fields can cause biological responses or health effects continues to be debated. In 1999, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences ("NIEHS") issued its final report on "Health Effects from Exposure to Power -Line Frequency Electric and Magnetic Fields" in response to the Energy Policy Act of 1992. The NIEHS concluded that the scientific evidence linking MF exposures with health risks is weak and that this finding does not warrant aggressive regulatory concern. However, because of the weak scientific evidence that supports some association between MFs and health effects and the common exposure to electricity in the United States, passive regulatory action, such as providing public education on reducing exposures, is warranted. In 2007, the World Health Organization ("WHO") concluded a review of the health implications of electromagnetic fields. In this report, the WHO stated: Uncertainties in the hazard assessment [of epidemiological studies] include the role that control selection bias and exposure misclassification might have on the observed relationship between magnetic fields and childhood leukemia. In addition, virtually all of the laboratory evidence and the mechanistic evidence fail to support a relationship between low-level ELF magnetic fields and changes in biological function or disease status. Thus, on balance, the evidence is not strong enough to be considered causal, but sufficiently strong to remain a concern. (Environmental Health Criteria Volume N°238 on Extremely Loan Frequency Fields at p. 12, WHO (2007)). Also, regarding disease outcomes, aside from childhood leukemia, the WHO stated that: Orono Project June 7, 2011 MPUC Docket No. E002/TL-11-223 33