ANTENNA TOWER - SPECIAL REPORT
Jefferson County Commissioner Hearing - July 1, 2003
9am-10pm - Rezoning for Lake Cedar Group Supertower
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Cynthia Kelly, M.D. is a Genesee Reservation resident and Orthopedic Oncologist. “The problem with RF radiation is that you can’t touch it, feel it, smell it, or taste it. But very high doses cause immediate cellular death and low doses cause disturbances with cells that cause systems to malfunction” Documented effects of Electromagnetic Fields from exposure as low as 0.04-0.56 µW/cm2 are brain cancer, childhood leukemia, birth defects, pregnancy loss, sleep disturbances, chronic fatigue, altered calcium ion movement in brain cells and altered mental and physical performance” The EPA took the position that available data suggest that RF radiation should be considered a carcinogenic risk in 1990 when there was far less evidence of the potential harmfulness of EMF radiation.”
Dr. Kelly said, “There are more than 60 major studies declaring the dangers of low EMF exposure” When all studies are pooled, the average risk for leukemia, lymphoma, and nervous system tumors are statistically significant. The possible causal nature cannot be dismissed.” She said the U.S. Standard of 200 to 500 µW/cm2 is extremely dangerous. “The Risk/Ratio of a 1996 Polish Military study was 3.0-13.9 µW/cm2. The 1996 North Sydney Australia study found a risk ratio range of 1.61-2.74µW/cm2. The U.S. Air Force found a risk ratio range of 1.28-3.3 µW/cm2 in 1996?
“An Italian study of children within 6 km of Vatican radio & TV transmission towers showed a 2.2 fold increase of leukemia. Australians had a similar outcome of a study near a TV tower” Long term health and behavior problems of American Embassy staff were created by the Russians exposing them to 2.4-4.0 µW/cm2 in 1975. Follow-up of this incident and other studies suggest that exposure as low as 2 µW/cm2 may have long term health effects??
Dr. Kelly associated the RF industry with tobacco. “Initially there was felt to be no link between tobacco use and cancer. Now the link is clear cut. The cumulative effects were not realized until recently” The risk with erection of this proposed tower is sufficiently significant and widespread that actions to limit new exposure are warranted” Children are especially vulnerable because their smaller physical bodies are growing” It is wise to avoid the cost of mitigation and litigation which have risen into the $ billions. When it is possible to reduce EMF exposure, future disease may be substantially reduced. There is conclusive, alarming, scientific evidence linking EMR and the development of cancer and other health problems in children & adults from exposure to levels this Super Tower would emit.”
Dr. Kelly concluded, “It is unconscionable that JeffCo commissioners would expose an UNWILLING community of constituents to the effects of EMR until it is unequivocally proven to be safe. The Risk vs. Benefit analysis is to Risk a health hazard for the community, both real and perceived. The Benefit would be better resolution on a television screen.”
More CARE volunteer citizen testimony
Sister Bernadette Casciano of Mother Cabrini Shrine is concerned about proposed RF increases at the historic site. Nine staff live at the Shrine. “I am concerned about our electric gate, motorized wheel chairs, oxygen tanks and pacemakers. Please deny this request.” Commissioner Sheehan asked if she felt safe with RF levels at the Shrine. Sister B. said she is concerned for 150,000 annual visitors from around the world.
Scott Coors (son of Bill & Phyllis Coors) represented Panorama Estates Homeowner Association of 60 homes founded in 1954. “Since growing up in that neighborhood, I am back as a homeowner. I live on Mountsfield Drive in direct line-of-site and at an elevation where the RF would double if this tower is approved” You have heard the physicians and engineers” we object to the unknown health consequences, RF interference with stereo, radio, TV, phone, wireless devices” negative visual impact and threat to our property values.”
Craig Brown of Golden said LCG only presents the positives. “They don’t mention the size of the tower, guy wires and industrial building” There would actually be a 70% increase from their present buildings” The tower would be four times wider than their tallest existing tower. The guy wires and rental devices mounted on the sides of the tower and roof of the building are never shown.” Brown said the proposal does not comply with the Central Mountains Community Plan: “Because of its especially important visual qualities, development through the Central Mountains area should be designed to compliment the landscape, not degrade it. Protection of visually sensitive areas is a priority because they are critical to the composition and unique character of the foothills landscape.”
Ron Selstad of Genesee Reservation is a real estate broker and appraiser concerned about lower property values caused by real and/or perceived health concerns. “Within a 1.5-mile radius of this proposed tower are Mother Cabrini Shrine, Buffalo Bill’s Grave, Boettcher Mansion, Mount Vernon Country Club and Ralston Elementary School. Total assessed value of property is $250 million that pay $3 million in taxes. The value rises to $1.1 billion within a 3-mile radius” Many residents are saying if the tower is approved, they will move” but buyers are already balking” The county stands to lose up to 10%, or $25 million by approving this proposed rezoning. Your YES vote can only have a negative impact.”
Wayne Matthai is a retired Vice President of Telecommunications for Proctor & Gamble (worldwide) and a member of the Genesee Foundation Board of Directors (850 homes). “The majority of Genesee residents oppose towers on both Mt. Morrison and Lookout Mountain” I commend the county government for its open space policy, however, it seems counter-productive to preserve land and then put polluting industrial complexes on top of the pristine sites” The good thing about the LCG proposal is consolidation” (the east summit of Lookout Mountain) now looks like a trash bin. The problem is LCG is consolidating in the wrong place. On Lookout Mountain, it is not good for the community, open space users or Colorado tourism” They have been on Lookout and Mt. Morrison for years but LCG needs to think outside of the box” I know somewhere in their business plan they have alternative sites. You always have contingency plans to solve business problems.” He compared the past evolving knowledge of tobacco, DDT and asbestos with RF. “The best incentive for LCG to leave Lookout and gain a win-win by moving to Squaw Mountain is to deny this proposal.”
Citizen & organization testimony • July 1, 2003, 7:30 pm
Squaw Mountain Communications site in Clear Creek County was presented by Victoria West who said she was amazed at the results of the field study of digital TV coverage in the Denver metro area in 2002. “Squaw Mountain can meet the current and future needs of LCG. Our approved Official Development Plan permits three towers with no horizontal limit under 200 feet. We are already at 10,850 feet altitude and do not need higher towers that require red and white paint and night lighting” JeffCo consulting engineer Jim Hart has confirmed that boosters would be required from all antenna tower sites and our booster field tests fill shadowing better and other sites.” SMC engineer Tim Cutforth said, “LCG claims our tests were non-scientific. Our grid followed national standards for testing reception 184 sites in the metro area, including 77 that had no Line-of-Site” Our real world results (rather than computer simulation), using 2.4% of allowable power, resulted in definitive proof that Squaw Mountain will virtually cover all the Denver Metro area including Jefferson County.” A 2000+ page report of the field study was submitted to JeffCo and presented by Cutforth at the National Association of Broadcasters annual convention in April, 2003.
The City of Golden was represented by Mayor Pro-tem Dave Ketchum. “Lake Cedar Group and CARE provided us with presentations in March” We support ALARA until absolute safety is proven. As a physicist I am aware of the mixture of health effects.” He read a letter from City Council that recommends denial any new facilities on Lookout Mountain until research results of long term exposure to low levels of radiation are incorporated into the FCC standard. Golden also wants remediation of existing facilities. “Towers should not be operating this close to an established population. We are concerned for Lookout residents and our neighborhoods below the towers near Shelton Elementary School and below Mt. Zion” Until you are absolutely certain that these facilities are safe, we recommend denial.” Commissioner Sheehan interrupted “We are eager for you to annex these towers into the city of Golden (laughter) “
Golden City Manager Mike Bestor added, “City Council passed this resolution unanimously” this proposal of moving the tower down the mountain effects Golden more” We appreciate the decisions you have made on this issue in the past??
John Litz, Vice Chair of Plan JeffCo said, “About one-third of the 1998 bond and the Open Space program since 1972 has been devoted to preservation of the Mountain Backdrop” Plan JeffCo and the Central Mountains Community Plan recommends preservation of the Backdrop. A permanent 730-foot tower, 20,000 square foot building, night lighting, effects on migrating birds, and noise of generators on the east face of Lookout Mountain is not compatible” The land was residential long before any of the towers were built. The towers are nonconforming use of a residential zone and Lake Cedar Group wants to essentially extend that nonconforming use. It places the greatest aesthetic and economic burden on the community for the convenience of a profit-making broadcast industry. We recommend that you deny this proposal.”
Dr. Joel Bach of Heritage Dells in Golden is a faculty member of Colorado School of Mines and CU Health Sciences Center. “This proposal is unreasonably close to people. RF interference does not occur in Aurora. Remote control cars don’t work here. They work in Aurora” This proposal would subject our community to 30 times the existing radiation that causes severe interference” New wireless inter-office communications would not work here” It is not comforting to know that the standards would allow going from raw to well done in 30 minutes” I disagree with Dr. Johnson’s conclusions that you cannot make your decision based on health effects. It is scientifically impossible to prove that RF radiation is safe. You can only prove that it is dangerous. Current research proves this pollution has been dangerous all along and the federal limits do not protect the public” I urge you to prevent undo suffering and health risks.”
Charles Cuchiava of Tripp Ranch neighborhood in Golden. “Our 38 homeowners unanimously oppose this new tower” As elected County Commissioners, you represent the people of Jefferson County and in this instance those who will suffer from adverse effects” from these special big money commercial interests” We are watching how you vote on this issue.”
Roger Mattson of Tripp Ranch provided a five-page literature review, Chronic Exposures to Low-Level, Noninoizing Radiation. He listed 14 government agencies that recommended more bio-effect research of RFR exposure in 1999 and 58 studies that show biological effects, conducted from 1973-2002. “My 40 years experience with federal standards and helping companies comply with them say the federal government is not minding the store in regard to non-ionizing radiation. The current FCC Standards are flawed. Over the past five years, the EPA has spent a total of $25,000 to research in this area, even though it is the health agency in charge of protecting people from NIER” By not addressing long-term effects from low level exposures, they are out of touch with the world trend” “
Mattson continued, “A growing body of international evidence published since 1990 indicates that non-ionizing Electromagnetic Radiation causes health effects. No agency is looking into the biological effects of long-term exposure, even though the FCC has called for more research, along with EPA, National Institute of Health, National Institute of Occupational Safety, Food and Drug Administration, National Telecommunication Information Agency, and National Council of Radiological Protection. All these agencies called for more research in 1999 in a letter that listed dozens of things that are wrong with the current standard?
“The Colorado Health Department study showing more cancers near the towers is no different than similar studies near towers in Italy, Hawaii, Great Britain, and Australia. They all show adverse health effects from low level, long term exposure to Radio Frequency Radiation. The scientists are divided on low level effects, but they are unanimous in wanting to know more. So while they are studying this, what are we to do as public health officials?
“A number of other countries have lowered the limits by as much as 100 times. Now in answer to your question about us not moving out because of our concerns, most of us moved here before 1999” the zoning up there did not allow expansion of nonconforming use” Even at the time of the 1999 hearings, the accumulation of this research was not nearly as complete as it is in 2003.” The second Lake Cedar Group rezoning proposal would make matters worse” the increased power levels would be on a tower closer to people. Mr. Hart only discloses the four stations of this application. He isn’t counting the full complement of 18 high power broadcast antennas on Lookout?
“Now if you approve this rezoning that allows more radiation and we don’t really know the consequences, you would make us guinea pigs over the next decade” The only evidence available today suggests that those consequences are not pretty. Childhood leukemia, brain cancer, infertility, altered immune function, and impaired neurological development. It is important to say we know enough to pinpoint the probable consequences but we don’t know enough to quantify the risk. If we know the probable consequences, we should act to avoid them now.
?The buck stops here. You have the responsibility as the local land use authority to set safe standards. The standards that exist are flawed. You know they are flawed. You have been shown why they are flawed. You have a responsibility. Don’t let these people hide behind a flawed federal standard” Require these applicants to address health concerns” Now that we know there are health risks, we cannot just sit here and do nothing about the existing towers which are a liability. You can do the right thing by refusing to hide behind a flawed standard and deny this application.
Commissioner Sheehan asked, “Dr. Mattson, with all your expertise, why do you risk your health by living there?” Mattson answered, “I am not sure I will continue to do so if you approve this.” Sheehan said, “Whether health effects are proved or disproved, there will still be radiation up there.” Mattson, “That is a problem and I know you will do the right thing.” Commissioner Holloway expressed appreciation for Mattson’s son Brian who is employed at JeffCo Social Services.
Brent Anderson represented 232 homes of Stonebridge Eagle Ridge in Golden. “We oppose this application and are not willing to participate in an epidemiology experiment. The applicant, not the opponents, bears the burden of proof of safety and health effects” This proposal does not consider” that over the past 10 years, many more substances have been listed as potential carcinogen and are regulated” You have no plan on the financial consequences to taxpayers from approving this tower. The cost of lower real estate values and mediating RF interference is paid by residents. Stigma damage will lower value of properties by 5 %, about $4.5 million in damage to our neighborhood alone” Residents decided the quality of life in Golden is sufficient to stay and fight the tower, but if you approve this, many will leave the area” The county does not appear to have a plan for managing the consequences for approving this. We have no obligation to take care of the costs of LCG” Please deny this application.”
Dave Robinson of Lookout Mountain is an electrical engineer concerned about the proposed industrial installation. “The proposed mechanical electrical system is like an 80-story office building. That means generators, noise and the dangers of diesel fuel” 20,000 gallons is a 4-day supply. This is basically the same building they proposed in 1999. I recommend that you not approve of this application. It is not compatible with a residential area.”
Kit Ewert-Lamutt of Denver presented a video of TV producer Earnie Santella of Chimney Creek promoting LCG’s proposal and claiming there was no reception of signals from Squaw Mountain during the 2002 field test. (The SMC signal was not on). He supports consolidating three towers into one that use directional antennas.
Mark Lamutt of Denver is an RF electrical engineer. He claims CARE uses scare tactics. He could not receive the signal (when it was not powered from Squaw Mountain). “Mount Morrison is also not a viable site” While foothills people have been spending money mitigating radiation, I have been trying to bring DTV into my home for two years” I recommend approval.”
Patricia Roberts of Lookout Mountain questions those who compare readings of RFR at schools near the towers and those in Aurora. “We have taken hundreds of measurements of RFR reception that did not cost anything to JeffCo” How many hours and measurements are a significant number?” We had incredible reception when we measured the DTV last fall.”
John Pougiales of Lookout Mountain is opposed to the proposal. “There is not enough proof of safety” Until safety is totally clear, we need to put this on the back burner until we know no harm will be caused for residents.”
Dr. Yaogao Li of Golden is an Assistant Professor of geophysics School of Mines. “Instruments we use in research suffer from interference from this industrial pollution” All 900 MHZ devices suffer from all transmissions” DTV signals will increase this problem. Many projects have had to be abandoned by transmissions.” Sheehan asked for more information from School of Mines.
Richard Veghte of Lookout Mountain is a professional geological engineer. “The proposed 73 story tower and 20,000 sq. ft. building would increase noise and RF pollution. The 20,000 gallon diesel fuel storage tank would be located adjacent to the Golden reservoir. This hydrocarbon installation is an environmental hazard on Lookout Mountain because of the geology” It can leak into an aquifer that serves 45 homes in the area. I have worked with this type of installation for 40 years and they do leak. They have leaked at the existing Channel 4 and Channel 9 sites. A 20,000 gallon diesel fuel tank is an 80 ton bomb” if subjected to lightning strike or wildfire. It took the terrorists only 12,000 gallons of jet fuel to bring down the World Trade Center. A lightning strike would destroy all existing communication devices operating on Lookout for the entire metro area. This installation does not belong anywhere near a populated area. I recommend denial. Sheehan thanked him for very important information.
Michael Reilly of Lookout Mountain said, “We don’t get digital television up here over the air yet, so I prophesized about what we might see over digital television. It would probably be Reality Shows. One would hypothetically be called Overcoming Rejection” Back again for another season of a show about a rejected suitor seeks affection, in spite of repeated rejections by her parents and the community. The suitor keeps coming back time and time again, spending more money attempting to wear down the opposition. Which will run out first, his money or their resolve” Will his money prevail” His parents goal is to become even more wealthy than they were before. But the community spirit is strong. They keep sending letters. Unfortunately, this show is not likely to be canceled by networks in spite of the fact that people see no difference between the new seasons and the reruns. “(laughter)
Reilly continued, “The second show is called Survivor Lookout Mountain. This is promoted as a new brand of reality show that exposes several thousand ordinary people to more radio frequency radiation than anywhere else on the planet to see which ones will succumbs to cancer and a variety of other diseases. To make sure this is a reality show is popular, it features a cross section of volunteers including young children and the elderly. “(laughter)
Reilly finished, “Because of the scale of the show and its potential for it running for several seasons, it is produced by a consortium of network stations which also happens to be a limited liability company just in case there are too few survivors. This show is different because the audience actually diminishes over time. In spite of destroying the safety of 3,000 people on Lookout Mountain, that is a small price to pay, especially since the producers would not be held liable and the potential profits are enormous. So it is a contest between health and wealth. It comes down to the wealth for a small group of businesses or health and safety of all of us in this community.” (laughter and applause) Commissioner Lawrence said, “In all my years of listening to public testimony, your presentation is the most entertaining I have ever heard.”
Wendy Hesse of Golden said, “I have lived beneath the towers for four years and knew nothing about the health effects of the towers until recently. I have a 5-year-old healthy daughter about to start Kindergarten at Shelton Elementary this fall. Last year, I gave birth to a son who was born with birth defects” a severe club foot and other so-called genetic effects. Our families have no genetic history of this” After living in Beverly Heights during my entire pregnancy, we purchased a new home in Eagle Ridge. My neighbor across the street in Eagle Ridge was diagnosed with brain cancer recently. Talking with my neighbors, I found infertility problems and more cancer. Will we ever know if these health effects are caused by the radiation or a coincidence” I am begging you Commissioners Holloway, Lawrence and Sheehan, to not approve this Supertower” I love living in Golden, but it is not worth sacrificing the health of my kids” If you approve this, I will have to move as far away from Jefferson County as possible.” Commissioner Sheehan expressed compassion for her situation.
Margaret Brown of Golden quoted from a letter dated June 27, 2003 from the JeffCo Board of Education. “We would urge you to make a wise and informed decision” do not expose our children to real or unnecessary risks; requiring proof that this tower will not in any way harm the children living in the area or attending Ralston and Shelton Elementary schools” We trust that you will consider all relevant information and make your decision as if your own children attended Shelton or Ralston elementary schools.” Brown said she expects the County Commissioners to uphold higher standards than the federal government. She quoted some of Dr. Frankel’s testimony and remembered Jim Hart saying downtown antennas would not work because of people in adjacent people.
Colleen Wilkinson of Lookout Mountain said she and her husband selected their home away from the towers and power lines 12 years ago. They did not know their children would be radiated at the Ralston Elementary School. “We hiked around the Squaw Mountain Communications area. For miles I saw only forest, no college, no elementary schools, no houses at the same altitude as antennas” nothing but thick forest” These broadcasters have no interest whatsoever in the health of our (Lookout Mountain) community. They even lobbied to prevent the Colorado legislature from endorsing more health effect research” If you approve this, I will never know if they are following the rules. Will we have to measure radiation every day to see if it is safe for the children to go to school???
John Medved is an well-known auto deal who built a large home for his wife and five children at 7500 altitude east of Riva Chase. He said he felt like approval of this tower would be “like winning the lottery in reverse.” We moved here from Detroit 15 years ago, away from pollution, away from congestion, I thought, What a great place to live!” The gateway to the Rocky Mountains, the forest, everything is absolutely beautiful” After building our dream home, I learned that this radiation pollution” kind of like standing in front of a microwave 24 hours a day” When you get a little older, you understand history” I was an officer in the Navy, we had it all over the ship” they were putting asbestos insulation inside just about every public building” We were fortunate 13 years ago when my daughter was born that my wife did not need a blood transfusion. We found out later it was contaminated with AIDS. This proposal doesn’t make any sense aesthetically, environmentally, medically, politically” I urge all three of you not approve this electronic Love Canal.”
Paul Kopper of Lookout Mountain said, “Two members of my family have had brain tumors while living on Lookout Mountain. In 1982, I purchased my home on Mountsfield about 1 and one-half miles direct line-of-sight from the towers. In 1983, my 24-year-old son was operated on for a rare benign brain tumor. In 1985, my wife had a malignant brain tumor” She died in 1987” My wife was included in the Colorado Health Dept tumor count. My son was not listed” it is my understanding that the LCG is a limited liability company and have absolutely no intention of being financially responsible for any of their actions. Who is responsible” As a taxpayer, I hope JeffCo will take responsibility” and deny this tower.
Jim Maller of Lookout Mountain is a Professor of Pharmacology at CU Medical School, an investigator for Harvard Medical Institute and has published over 150 articles on cancer biology. “We know what happens to cells when exposed to radiation” it fragments DNA” This issue reminds me of 10 years ago we did not think there could be any possible effect from second hand smoke. The idea was ridiculed. It took a $15 million study by the EPA to discover there are tremendous effects of second hand smoke” We are close to the time when NIER will be investigated” We will know the details on how it works biologically when exposed at the levels Lake Cedar Group is proposing” These health concerns are not just a vague anxiety factor. I urge you to vote no on this proposal.”
Above:Concerned citizens protest in front of Jefferson County Administration Building.
Many documents and details are available at www.c-a-r-e.org.