For Immediate Release

 

TSAWWASSEN RESIDENTS AGAINST HIGHER VOLTAGE OVERHEAD LINES

 

 

April 30, 2005

 

TRAHVOL Gains Broad Community Support for Removal of High Voltage Overhead Power Lines

 

The Delta School Board passed a motion this week to support TRAHVOL in their efforts to have the existing overhead power lines removed during the first phase of the Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project. The trustees unanimously supported TRAHVOL and the SDSS Parent Advisory Council who are urging BCTC to choose a route that removes the health and safety risk for students attending SDSS.

 

The SDSS Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) is urging BCTC to remove the existing lines given the present unacceptably high levels of EMFs (30-100mG at Dennison Park) and the placement of the poles directly over the emergency escape routes, which pose an earthquake hazard. Many countries and states are passing regulations that limit exposure to the 2-10mG range.

 

TRAHVOL has also received ongoing support from Liberal MLA Val Roddick who was instrumental in presenting the communities’ concerns to the government and Delta City Council who have recommended the burial of power lines in the Official Community Plan (OCP).

 

On March 17th, BCTC announced to the community that they would not proceed with plans to upgrade the current overhead lines in Tsawwassen and would seek alternate solutions to transmit power for Vancouver Island. They also indicated that although the current lines are not considered reliable past 2007, complete removal may not take place until 2018.

 

TRAHVOL is encouraging BCTC to pursue an option that would allow removal of the lines in 2008 when the first phase of the project is completed. Residents remain concerned about the potential health effects associated with EMFs given the close proximity of the existing lines to homes, parks and the high school. “TRAHVOL believes that the new route must address the risks posed by the current power line configuration and that a precautionary approach should be taken” says spokesperson Maureen Broadfoot.

 

BCTC has committed to return to the community to present the recommended route before submitting it to the BC Utilities Commission in June. TRAHVOL will be monitoring the process closely to ensure that the health and safety concerns of the residents are addressed.

 

 

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For more information, please contact: Maureen Broadfoot, TRAVHOL at 604-943-1656 or (604) 230-9800.