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113. Concrete noise walls of the size and type evaluated in the Noise Assessment <br /> should ensure compliance with MPCA noise standards.108 <br /> 114. Xcel Energy estimates that noise generated from the transmission line and <br /> associated facilities to be no more than 23.3 dBA L5 at the edge of the right-of-way, <br /> which is below the most stringent Noise Area Classification level of 50 dB(A) L50 <br /> established by the MPCA.109 This is also below the ambient levels measures as part <br /> of the Noise Assessment.10 <br /> Public Health and Safety <br /> 115. Xcel Energy will design the project to be in compliance with local, state, NESC, <br /> and Xcel Energy standards for clearance to ground, crossing utilities and buildings, <br /> strength of materials, and right-of-way widths, and permit requirements.'11 <br /> 116. The transmission line would be equipped with protective devices to safeguard the <br /> public if an accident occurs. The protective equipment is designed to de-energize <br /> the transmission line should such an event occur.'' <br /> 117. Substations will be fenced and accessible only by authorized personnel.13 <br /> 118. The issue of electric and magnetic fields was discussed in the environmental <br /> assessment.14 A number of national and international health agencies (the <br /> Minnesota Department of Health, the World Health Organization, the National <br /> Institute of Environmental Health Sciences) have concluded in their research that <br /> there is insufficient evidence to prove a connection between electric and magnetic <br /> field exposures and health effects. Research has not been able to establish a cause <br /> and effect relationship between exposure to magnetic fields and human disease, nor <br /> a plausible biological mechanism by which exposure to electric and magnetic fields <br /> could cause disease.15 <br /> 119. Xcel Energy-has calculated magnetic fields for this project under average and <br /> peak load conditions. Models with forecasted peak loads are utilized to determine <br /> the maximum flows on transmission lines during normal operating conditions. <br /> Under average load conditions, estimated magnetic fields at one meter above the <br /> ground and directly beneath the transmission line range from approximately 8 to 67 <br /> milligauss depending upon structure type. Under peak load conditions, estimated <br /> 108 Ex.24 at pp. 10, 13(Noise Assessment) <br /> 109 Ex. 12 at p.28(EA) <br /> 110 Ex.24 at p. 5 <br /> "' Ex.2 at p.40(Application),Ex. 12 at pp.14,20(EA) <br /> 112 Ex.2 at p.40(Application) <br /> 113 Ibid.,Ex. 12 at p. 17,20(EA) <br /> "'Ex. 12 at pp.29-38(EA) <br /> ";Ibid. at pp.36-37 <br /> 23 <br />