ML20148H071
| ML20148H071 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 11/03/1980 |
| From: | Harold Denton Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | Wentzell M AFFILIATION NOT ASSIGNED |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20148H074 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8011170127 | |
| Download: ML20148H071 (2) | |
Text
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UNITED STATES
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N NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION E
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20555
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NOV 3 1980 B(is M-r Mrs. Maude D. Wentzell A
b Daretown-Deerfield Road w
N Rd #2, Box 312 2
k Elmer, New Jersey 08318 w
Dear Mrs. Wentzell:
We have been requested by the Department of Energy to respond to your inquiry 6 bout information concerning exposures to electromagnetic fields generated from high voltage transmission lines. As part of its responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) assesses the environmental impacts of transmission systems built to serve a nuclear facility, i
In its assessment, the NRC staff considers, on a case-by-case basis, a wide range of environmental issues which could potentially result in unacceptable environmental impacts. With the advent of the proposed utilization of 765-kV extra-high voltage (EHV) lines associated with planned nuclear facilities, the staff's environmental assessment of transmission systems has sharpened its focus on potential electrical effects of these systems.
Overhead electrical transmission lines generate electrostatic fields which may induce voltages and currents, by coupling, in nearby objects creating shock potentials.
In order to minimize the risk of shock, the staff recommends grounding of stationary objects, such as metal fences, which may pose shock potential hazards.
For non-stationary objects such as trucks or buses which may park beneath EHV lines, the staff recommends that vertical line clearance
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standards proposed in the National Electrical Safety Code be followed.
These staff recommendations insure that the proper public safeguards concerning transmission system shock hazards are followed.
There is disagreement among experts about whether electromagnetic fields at levels experienced under transmission lines cause biological effects.
At present, there are no substantiated data which indicate that people are adversely affected at home or at work by electric fields at power line frequencies.
Nevertheless, there are ongoing research studies, primarily supported by the Department of Energy, to further investigate whether hazardous electric field effects can occur.
The NRC is a member of the Federal Interagency Advisory Committee on Electric Field Effects from High Voltage Lines which reviews, coordinates, and recommends areas of needed N
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Mrs. Maude' B. Wentzell.
research.
In this, capacity, the NRC staff-is keeping abreast of all' ongoing research in these areas as well as any new health or safety standards which may recommend additional protective measures. To date, there are no Federal standards limiting. human exposures to electric fields produced by operating transmission systems.
In ~ response to your request for additional information, we are enclosing for your retention the following two publications:
NUREG-0316 Alternative Electric Transmission Systems and Their Environmental Impact DOE /EV-0056. Potential Environmental Effects of 765-kV Transmission Lines: Views Before the New York State Public Service
~ Commission Should you-desire additional information concerning the research efforts that -
are funded by the Department of Energy, we suggest that you ' contact Thomas F. Garrity, Power Delivery Division, Office of Electric Energy Systems, Department of Energy, Washington, D. C. 20461.
Sincerely, Or%s rmny Il n, cmw Harold R. Denton, Director Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Enclosures:
1.
NUREG-0316 2.
DOE /EV-0056 cc: Dr. Eric E. West Department of Energy 4
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