Cities Index.
Final Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program

City Council and Authorities Concurrent
November 12, 2024

Document
Final Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
Meeting
November 12, 2024
Body
City Council and Authorities Concurrent
Pages
174
Original file
46.6 MB
Text extracted from the city's file for reading and search. Open the original on santaclara.legistar1.com. That file is the official record.

Personal observation#3
The railway line's proximity to the proposed high transmission lines is very concerning. The centerline distance from proposed lines to railway line is aproximately 50 feet per google maps with some margin for error. As per the report there are no Corona rings proposed for the 115KV lines. There seems to be negligence in design in consideration of the hazards posed by these high voltage lines as Corona effect can transfer current to railway lines. All the residents are at a high risk of accidental hazards given the proximity of the railway line, this project is adding on to the hazards. This section is only stating information about what Corona effect is, as may be required by law, which by the way is again a copy paste from an old report. The only concern discussed in more depth is the audible noise level. The concerns are presented to imply that this is not significant by stating that 115KV lines pose less than significant risk.

H-96
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
3 Reference #4: Post meeting material from March 19th
2024 @https://santaclara.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6582415&GUID=E6E14646-3CF7- 4D15-BB98-F18580696012&Options=&Search=
Personal observation#4: At surface level, it looks like Option #A was selected only based on Cost perspective, without any consideration to human health, young children, property values, Corona effect, long term sustainability perspective or any other factors. While its important to understand the results of CEQA study, its extremely critical to understand the negative impact of EMF on the many young children living around the proposed transmission lines. Without extensive research and study on the impact to young children and adult heath, we should not be approving such an incomplete proposal.

Page 6 ends

discussions with several real estate agents in the region, I have unanimously found all to agree that the real estate values of residences in close proximity to power lines goes down. Its hard to find potential buyers and most folks refrain from buying a house too close to high power transmission lines. There are 1000 plus residences in the area affected by this project. Even if we were to make very rough assumptions, and assume minimal cost reduction in property values and take an average loss of $100,000 per property in the current year, that goes to $100,000,000 of loss of equity to the public. This is not even accounting the businesses affected by this project. This long explanation was to raise a point that if the selection of route A was saving money to the city, this is costing a huge financial loss to the public, which is not acceptable. This decrease in property values will also directly impact the tax collection by the Santa Clara Assessor and result in lower tax revenue coming into the city of Santa Clara.

Reference #5 : Page 49 of report- Figure 5.1-2. Wall separating residences and Lafayette Street.

Personal observation#5: The picture is taken conveniently from the other side of the railway line which is actually Kingsbury street, inside a private community and not Lafayette street. This is further away from the proposed SVP lines. This is very misleading; see snapshots taken from Google maps below

H-97
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
4 And this is what is included on the report:

The Mission Garden Townhome community has no walls as such and the main entry to residences face the road directly and are the most impacted. There are several other single family homes on Lafayette street with the same impact, having an entryway directly on the street. This and including other citations of reusing sections of older reports, is all in all absolutely unacceptable and instills distrust. This further shows incompetency of the agency/ agencies preparing this report.

H-98
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5 Conclusion: This project's initial study needs to expand beyond CEQA for approval from the public. The limited scope of CEQA has failed to address the following concerns we have:
• Health hazards due to EMF levels.- This is by far the gravest concern and CEQA is clearly not qualified to study that.
• Reduced property values- several references provided below. • Loss of Aesthetic appeal for potential real estate buyers/ new and current businesses. • Increase in audible noise levels during and post construction, which is already high in the area with presence of railway line and air traffic route.
• Increased fire hazard/ risk of other accidents.
• Induced current on railway lines with close proximity/ corona effect- CEQA report did not clearly address this for a 115KV line.
• Economic effect on the community from small to larger scale based on all of the above.

We demand further investigation and revisit other routes or proposals to resolve the power needs of the city. We have to ensure our and our kids’ health is not at stake in the name of development and infrastructure and are not in agreement for this project to move forward. We cannot approve this to move forward as of now given the lack of study and absence of a satisfactory solution/ mitigation provided in favor/ assurance to public health.

Thanks & Regards,
Kanupriya

Additional References:

Research on effects of EMF on humans:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6025786/ This research reinforces the concerns of EMF exposure effect on human health.

2. https://www.epa.gov/radtown/electric-and-magnetic-fields-power-lines This resource suggests taking precautions and keeping distance or limiting exposure. Residents would no longer have either of these two options per the current proposals if they are living there 24-7.

3. https://www.fastexpert.com/blog/should-i-buy-a-house-near-power-lines/ These are points of view from a real estate expert who clearly states that property value declines proportionately to the distance of the property from high tension lines. People have apprehensions whether or not research clearly defines the risk. Potential buyers might have low priority for a property too close to a high tension power line.

4. https://orchard.com/blog/posts/power-lines-and-property-value Another research on real estate values lowered due to high tension power lines proximity.

H-99
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
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1 Email: NRS-KRS 115 kV T-Line

From: Neelam <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 30, 2024 3:35 PM
To: NRS-KRS Project; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: Concerns Regarding Upcoming High Power Electric Wire Poles in Our Community for the upcoming SVP project connecting the Northern Receiving Station NRS to Kifer receiving station (KRS)- NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project

To Whomsoever it may concern,

We are residents of Santa Clara that will be negatively impacted by the “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project”. We have collectively reviewed the draft Initial Study/ Mitigated Negative declaration for “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project” from July 2024. After reviewing this report and also attending the virtual and in person meetings, here are some references to emphasize our various concerns.

Reference #1 : CEQA’s reporting includes these State reviewing agencies: California Air Resources Board (ARB), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Bay Delta Region 3 (CDFW), California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), California Department of Transportation, District 4 (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Transportation Planning (DOT), California Department of Water Resources (DWR), California Energy Commission, California Highway Patrol (CHP), California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), California Natural Resources Agency, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Francisco Bay Region 2 (RWQCB), Office of Historic Preservation, State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water.

Personal observation#1 : None of these agencies has any association with human health. CEQA reporting is not qualified enough to force the public to compromise on health concerns. Other agencies need to be involved to review this proposal, that are qualified to study the effect on “ humans”, not just wildlife and vegetation, or “ environment. The checklist is completely devoid of our gravest humanitarian concerns. It is quite shocking that the project has not included any study to understand the potential impact of EMF waves on human lives, given that the transmission lines are potentially less than 60 feet from the closest dwellings. The city of Santa Clara needs to step in and have third party/ independent studies completed in favor of human health.

Reference #2: Page 41 of report- Section 4.15. Electric and Magnetic Fields summary.

Personal observation#2 : This consideration was completely absent earlier. Only after the residents raised their voices, this section was added. To our greatest disappointment, this section is copied over from an older report on the “South Loop Reconfiguration Project” from 2020. One would have expected that a new study would have been conducted for a project this size. The lack of due diligence and ignorance towards the specifics of this project are apparent and not acceptable. In fact we have found several sections of this older report as being reused across the entire report.

The EMP map shared during the in person meeting had several flaws and we would like to question the viability of the study that was completed. What time of the day was the study completed and on what models were the values based on since these were done on assumption for the EMF values that would H-100
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
2 be there once the project is complete. Since we have seen the several sections of the report redundantly copied over from other reports, we would like a more detailed analysis of this report.

Regarding EMF concerns for human health, there are plenty of scientific studies that do indicate the grave concern on human health with EMF exposures and we cannot ignore this aspect. Here is a reference to an article and there are plenty of articles listed here under references:
https://psc.wi.gov/Documents/Brochures/EMF.pdf

There are not enough references listed in the draft report provided to us, and the explanation provided seems to be conveniently using studies that prove otherwise. This needs more investigation and references. The solution provided as raising the height of the poles and increasing the distance is non- existent. It was confirmed during the in person meeting that the design will not be altered and the height was already designed as required according to the SVP team present there. It seems that the preparers of this report did not even read the report after copying pasting from the old report as evident in the list of proposed solutions is not applicable here.

The live presentation on August 22nd showed the comparison of EMF values of household objects as a means to show that everyday household items carry a similar range of mG( milli Gauss) units. This comparison was inherently flawed since it mentioned that the household devices were producing those level at 1 feet while those indicated for 115KVf lines were at 60 feet. further these household devices do not operate 24X7 similar to the transmission lines.

There were a lot of citations of reports showcasing that no clear proof of EMF to human health exists but we would like to also point out certain states like Connecticut Department of Public Health have cited reports that have shown an increased incidence of childhood leukemia( Blood cancer) at avg exposure of only 3 mG. Also they have called out that some utility workers exposed to high levels of emf have increase risks of Lur Gehrig's disease.

They also call out that most impacts of EMF from high voltage lines dissipate at ~300 feet. These are available on Page 2 & Page 3 of this report: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/departments-and- agencies/dph/dph/environmental_health/eoha/pdf/emffactsheet2008pdf.pdf This report has citations from WHO , National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and California Department of Health Services.
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/sites/default/files/health/materials/electric_and_magnetic_fields_associ ated_with_the_use_of_electric_power_questions_and_answers_english_508.pdf Some other questions around the EMF study map shared during presentation on Aug 22 2024:

1. Have you conducted an existing EMF study to identify the current value of the community ?

2. Are your emf study values based on the cumulative, or interference of existing emf and potential emf.

3. ⁠Emf value was calculated based on existing studies. What was the delta between mathematical modeling and actual values ( from existing structures).

4. ⁠What is the delta between underground and overhead structures’ emf values?

5. ⁠Can you provide the same for Route options B and C?

6. ⁠What happens when electrification of rail lines happens- as this is already planned for the future? Have you potentially considered the cumulative EMF effect in coexistence of the high power lines and with railway lines’ electrification? Will the EMF values not be much higher then? H-101
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
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3 7. ⁠Can you share the mathematical modeling maps of Emf for 115k, 230k and the next two higher values of the power line ?

8. ⁠Can you share Emf maps from existing structures of 115k, 230 k and the next 2 higher values of the power line?

9. ⁠Please share any emf related information that you have especially if it contains assumptions for any calculations so we can understand the effects of current project and future projects.

10. Why does the electric pole structure proposed have wider diameter at the top? Can you share the design of the top of the pole ? Can it be extended by adding another section by bolting, welding or any other method? If so, what extra voltage can be added to the line?

11. ⁠what is the proposed power consumption of 95054 zip code for the next 5, 10 and 15 years in the master plan ?
Reference #3

Page 174 ends

Personal observation#3
The railway line's proximity to the proposed high transmission lines is very concerning. The centerline distance from proposed lines to railway line is aproximately 50 feet per google maps with some margin for error. As per the report there are no Corona rings proposed for the 115KV lines. There seems to be negligence in design in consideration of the hazards posed by these high voltage lines as Corona effect can transfer current to railway lines. All the residents are at a high risk of accidental hazards given the proximity of the railway line, this project is adding on to the hazards. This section is only stating information about what Corona effect is, as may be required by law, which by the way is again a copy paste from an old report. The only concern discussed in more depth is the audible noise level. The concerns are presented to imply that this is not significant by stating that 115KV lines pose less than significant risk.

Reference #4: Post meeting material from March 19th 2024 @https://santaclara.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6582415&GUID=E6E14646-3CF7-4D15- BB98-F18580696012&Options=&Search=
Personal observation#4: At surface level, it looks like Option #A was selected only based on Cost perspective, without any consideration to human health, young children, property values, Corona effect, long term sustainability perspective or any other factors. While its important to understand the results of CEQA study, its extremely critical to understand the negative impact of EMF on the many young children living around the proposed transmission lines. Without extensive research and study on the impact to young children and adult heath, we should not be approving such an incomplete proposal.

Page 6 ends

discussions with several real estate agents in the region, I have unanimously found all to agree that the real estate values of residences in close proximity to power lines goes down. Its hard to find potential buyers and most folks refrain from buying a house too close to high power transmission lines. There are 1000 plus residences in the area affected by this project. Even if we were to make very rough assumptions, and assume minimal cost reduction in property values and take an average loss of $100,000 per property in the current year, that goes to $100,000,000 of loss of equity to the public. This is not even accounting the businesses affected by this project. This long explanation was to raise a point that if the selection of route A was saving money to the city, this is costing a huge financial loss to the H-102
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
4 public, which is not acceptable. This decrease in property values will also directly impact the tax collection by the Santa Clara Assessor and result in lower tax revenue coming into the city of Santa Clara.

Reference #5 : Page 49 of report- Figure 5.1-2. Wall separating residences and Lafayette Street.

Personal observation#5: The picture is taken conveniently from the other side of the railway line which is actually Kingsbury street, inside a private community and not Lafayette street. This is further away from the proposed SVP lines. This is very misleading; see snapshots taken from Google maps below

H-103
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
5 And this is what is included on the report:

The Mission Garden Townhome community has no walls as such and the main entry to residences face the road directly and are the most impacted. There are several other single family homes on Lafayette street with the same impact, having an entryway directly on the street. This and including other citations of reusing sections of older reports, is all in all absolutely unacceptable and instills distrust. This further shows incompetency of the agency/ agencies preparing this report.

Conclusion: This project's initial study needs to expand beyond CEQA for approval from the public. The limited scope of CEQA has failed to address the following concerns we have:
• Health hazards due to EMF levels.- This is by far the gravest concern and CEQA is clearly not qualified to study that.
• Reduced property values- several references provided below. • Loss of Aesthetic appeal for potential real estate buyers/ new and current businesses. • Increase in audible noise levels during and post construction, which is already high in the area with presence of railway line and air traffic route.
• Increased fire hazard/ risk of other accidents.
• Induced current on railway lines with close proximity/ corona effect- CEQA report did not clearly address this for a 115KV line.
• Economic effect on the community from small to larger scale based on all of the above.

We demand further investigation and revisit other routes or proposals to resolve the power needs of the city. We have to ensure our and our kids’ health is not at stake in the name of development and infrastructure and are not in agreement for this project to move forward. We cannot approve this to move forward as of now given the lack of study and absence of a satisfactory solution/ mitigation provided in favor/ assurance to public health.

H-104
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
6 Additional References:

Research on effects of EMF on humans:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6025786/ This research reinforces the concerns of EMF exposure effect on human health.

2. https://www.epa.gov/radtown/electric-and-magnetic-fields-power-lines This resource suggests taking precautions and keeping distance or limiting exposure. Residents would no longer have either of these two options per the current proposals if they are living there 24-7.

3. https://www.fastexpert.com/blog/should-i-buy-a-house-near-power-lines/ These are points of view from a real estate expert who clearly states that property value declines proportionately to the distance of the property from high tension lines. People have apprehensions whether or not research clearly defines the risk. Potential buyers might have low priority for a property too close to a high tension power line.

4. https://orchard.com/blog/posts/power-lines-and-property-value Another research on real estate values lowered due to high tension power lines proximity.

H-105
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
1 Email: NRS-KRS 115 kV T-Line

From: Aman S <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 30, 2024 2:19 PM
To: NRS-KRS Project; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: Concerns Regarding Upcoming High Power Electric Wire Poles in Our Community for the upcoming SVP project connecting the Northern Receiving Station NRS to Kifer receiving station (KRS)- NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project

Subject: Concerns Regarding Upcoming High Power Electric Wire Poles in Our Community for the upcoming SVP project connecting the Northern Receiving Station NRS to Kifer receiving station (KRS)- NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project

To Whomsoever it may concern,
We are residents of Santa Clara that will be negatively impacted by the “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project”. We have collectively reviewed the draft Initial Study/ Mitigated Negative declaration for “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project” from July 2024. After reviewing this report and also attending the virtual and in person meetings, here are some references to emphasize our various concerns.

Reference #1 : CEQA’s reporting includes these State reviewing agencies: California Air Resources Board (ARB), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Bay Delta Region 3 (CDFW), California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), California Department of Transportation, District 4 (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Transportation Planning (DOT), California Department of Water Resources (DWR), California Energy Commission, California Highway Patrol (CHP), California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), California Natural Resources Agency, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Francisco Bay Region 2 (RWQCB), Office of Historic Preservation, State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water.

Personal observation#1 : None of these agencies has any association with human health. CEQA reporting is not qualified enough to force the public to compromise on health concerns. Other agencies need to be involved to review this proposal, that are qualified to study the effect on “ humans”, not just wildlife and vegetation, or “ environment. The checklist is completely devoid of our gravest humanitarian concerns. It is quite shocking that the project has not included any study to understand the potential impact of EMF waves on human lives, given that the transmission lines are potentially less than 60 feet from the closest dwellings. The city of Santa Clara needs to step in and have third party/ independent studies completed in favor of human health.

Reference #2: Page 41 of report- Section 4.15. Electric and Magnetic Fields summary.

Personal observation#2 : This consideration was completely absent earlier. Only after the residents raised their voices, this section was added. To our greatest disappointment, this section is copied over from an older report on the “South Loop Reconfiguration Project” from 2020. One would have expected that a new study would have been conducted for a project this size. The lack of due diligence and ignorance towards the specifics of this project are apparent and not acceptable. In fact we have found several sections of this older report as being reused across the entire report.

H-106
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
2 The EMP map shared during the in person meeting had several flaws and we would like to question the viability of the study that was completed. What time of the day was the study completed and on what models were the values based on since these were done on assumption for the EMF values that would be there once the project is complete. Since we have seen the several sections of the report redundantly copied over from other reports, we would like a more detailed analysis of this report.

Regarding EMF concerns for human health, there are plenty of scientific studies that do indicate the grave concern on human health with EMF exposures and we cannot ignore this aspect. Here is a reference to an article and there are plenty of articles listed here under references:
https://psc.wi.gov/Documents/Brochures/EMF.pdf

There are not enough references listed in the draft report provided to us, and the explanation provided seems to be conveniently using studies that prove otherwise. This needs more investigation and references. The solution provided as raising the height of the poles and increasing the distance is non- existent. It was confirmed during the in person meeting that the design will not be altered and the height was already designed as required according to the SVP team present there. It seems that the preparers of this report did not even read the report after copying pasting from the old report as evident in the list of proposed solutions is not applicable here.

The live presentation on August 22nd showed the comparison of EMF values of household objects as a means to show that everyday household items carry a similar range of mG( milli Gauss) units. This comparison was inherently flawed since it mentioned that the household devices were producing those level at 1 feet while those indicated for 115KVf lines were at 60 feet. further these household devices do not operate 24X7 similar to the transmission lines.

There were a lot of citations of reports showcasing that no clear proof of EMF to human health exists but we would like to also point out certain states like Connecticut Department of Public Health have cited reports that have shown an increased incidence of childhood leukemia( Blood cancer) at avg exposure of only 3 mG. Also they have called out that some utility workers exposed to high levels of emf have increase risks of Lur Gehrig's disease.

They also call out that most impacts of EMF from high voltage lines dissipate at ~300 feet. These are available on Page 2 & Page 3 of this report: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/departments-and- agencies/dph/dph/environmental_health/eoha/pdf/emffactsheet2008pdf.pdf This report has citations from WHO , National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and California Department of Health Services.
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/sites/default/files/health/materials/electric_and_magnetic_fields_associ ated_with_the_use_of_electric_power_questions_and_answers_english_508.pdf Some other questions around the EMF study map shared during presentation on Aug 22 2024:

1. Have you conducted an existing EMF study to identify the current value of the community ?

2. Are your emf study values based on the cumulative, or interference of existing emf and potential emf.

3. ⁠Emf value was calculated based on existing studies. What was the delta between mathematical modeling and actual values ( from existing structures).

4. ⁠What is the delta between underground and overhead structures’ emf values?

5. ⁠Can you provide the same for Route options B and C? H-107
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
3 6. ⁠What happens when electrification of rail lines happens- as this is already planned for the future? Have you potentially considered the cumulative EMF effect in coexistence of the high power lines and with railway lines’ electrification? Will the EMF values not be much higher then?

7. ⁠Can you share the mathematical modeling maps of Emf for 115k, 230k and the next two higher values of the power line ?

8. ⁠Can you share Emf maps from existing structures of 115k, 230 k and the next 2 higher values of the power line?

9. ⁠Please share any emf related information that you have especially if it contains assumptions for any calculations so we can understand the effects of current project and future projects.

10. Why does the electric pole structure proposed have wider diameter at the top? Can you share the design of the top of the pole ? Can it be extended by adding another section by bolting, welding or any other method? If so, what extra voltage can be added to the line?

11. ⁠what is the proposed power consumption of 95054 zip code for the next 5, 10 and 15 years in the master plan ?
Reference #3

Page 174 ends

Personal observation#3
The railway line's proximity to the proposed high transmission lines is very concerning. The centerline distance from proposed lines to railway line is aproximately 50 feet per google maps with some margin for error. As per the report there are no Corona rings proposed for the 115KV lines. There seems to be negligence in design in consideration of the hazards posed by these high voltage lines as Corona effect can transfer current to railway lines. All the residents are at a high risk of accidental hazards given the proximity of the railway line, this project is adding on to the hazards. This section is only stating information about what Corona effect is, as may be required by law, which by the way is again a copy paste from an old report. The only concern discussed in more depth is the audible noise level. The concerns are presented to imply that this is not significant by stating that 115KV lines pose less than significant risk.

Reference #4: Post meeting material from March 19th 2024 @https://santaclara.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6582415&GUID=E6E14646-3CF7-4D15- BB98-F18580696012&Options=&Search=
Personal observation#4: At surface level, it looks like Option #A was selected only based on Cost perspective, without any consideration to human health, young children, property values, Corona effect, long term sustainability perspective or any other factors. While its important to understand the results of CEQA study, its extremely critical to understand the negative impact of EMF on the many young children living around the proposed transmission lines. Without extensive research and study on the impact to young children and adult heath, we should not be approving such an incomplete proposal.

Page 6 ends

discussions with several real estate agents in the region, I have unanimously found all to agree that the real estate values of residences in close proximity to power lines goes down. Its hard to find potential buyers and most folks refrain from buying a house too close to high power transmission lines. There are 1000 plus residences in the area affected by this project. Even if we were to make very rough assumptions, and assume minimal cost reduction in property values and take an average loss of H-108
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
4 $100,000 per property in the current year, that goes to $100,000,000 of loss of equity to the public. This is not even accounting the businesses affected by this project. This long explanation was to raise a point that if the selection of route A was saving money to the city, this is costing a huge financial loss to the public, which is not acceptable. This decrease in property values will also directly impact the tax collection by the Santa Clara Assessor and result in lower tax revenue coming into the city of Santa Clara.

Reference #5 : Page 49 of report- Figure 5.1-2. Wall separating residences and Lafayette Street.

Personal observation#5: The picture is taken conveniently from the other side of the railway line which is actually Kingsbury street, inside a private community and not Lafayette street. This is further away from the proposed SVP lines. This is very misleading; see snapshots taken from Google maps below

And this is what is included on the report:

H-109
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
5 The Mission Garden Townhome community has no walls as such and the main entry to residences face the road directly and are the most impacted. There are several other single family homes on Lafayette street with the same impact, having an entryway directly on the street. This and including other citations of reusing sections of older reports, is all in all absolutely unacceptable and instills distrust. This further shows incompetency of the agency/ agencies preparing this report.

Conclusion: This project's initial study needs to expand beyond CEQA for approval from the public. The limited scope of CEQA has failed to address the following concerns we have:
• Health hazards due to EMF levels.- This is by far the gravest concern and CEQA is clearly not qualified to study that.
• Reduced property values- several references provided below. • Loss of Aesthetic appeal for potential real estate buyers/ new and current businesses. • Increase in audible noise levels during and post construction, which is already high in the area with presence of railway line and air traffic route.
• Increased fire hazard/ risk of other accidents.
• Induced current on railway lines with close proximity/ corona effect- CEQA report did not clearly address this for a 115KV line.
• Economic effect on the community from small to larger scale based on all of the above.

We demand further investigation and revisit other routes or proposals to resolve the power needs of the city. We have to ensure our and our kids’ health is not at stake in the name of development and infrastructure and are not in agreement for this project to move forward. We cannot approve this to move forward as of now given the lack of study and absence of a satisfactory solution/ mitigation provided in favor/ assurance to public health.

Additional References:

Research on effects of EMF on humans:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6025786/ This research reinforces the concerns of EMF exposure effect on human health.

H-110
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
6 2. https://www.epa.gov/radtown/electric-and-magnetic-fields-power-lines This resource suggests taking precautions and keeping distance or limiting exposure. Residents would no longer have either of these two options per the current proposals if they are living there 24-7.

3. https://www.fastexpert.com/blog/should-i-buy-a-house-near-power-lines/ These are points of view from a real estate expert who clearly states that property value declines proportionately to the distance of the property from high tension lines. People have apprehensions whether or not research clearly defines the risk. Potential buyers might have low priority for a property too close to a high tension power line.

4. https://orchard.com/blog/posts/power-lines-and-property-value Another research on real estate values lowered due to high tension power lines proximity.

H-111
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
1 Email: NRS-KRS 115 kV T-Line

From: Aruna Pothukuchi <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, August 31, 2024 12:01 AM
To: NRS-KRS Project; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: Concerns Regarding Upcoming High Power Electric Wire Poles in Our Community for the upcoming SVP project connecting the Northern Receiving Station NRS to Kifer receiving station (KRS)- NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project

To Whomsoever it may concern,
We are residents of Santa Clara that will be negatively impacted by the “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project”. We have collectively reviewed the draft Initial Study/ Mitigated Negative declaration for “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project” from July 2024. After reviewing this report and also attending the virtual and in person meetings, here are some references to emphasize our various concerns.

Reference #1 : CEQA’s reporting includes these State reviewing agencies: California Air Resources Board (ARB), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Bay Delta Region 3 (CDFW), California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), California Department of Transportation, District 4 (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Transportation Planning (DOT), California Department of Water Resources (DWR), California Energy Commission, California Highway Patrol (CHP), California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), California Natural Resources Agency, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Francisco Bay Region 2 (RWQCB), Office of Historic Preservation, State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water.

Personal observation#1 : None of these agencies has any association with human health. CEQA reporting is not qualified enough to force the public to compromise on health concerns. Other agencies need to be involved to review this proposal, that are qualified to study the effect on “ humans”, not just wildlife and vegetation, or “ environment. The checklist is completely devoid of our gravest humanitarian concerns. It is quite shocking that the project has not included any study to understand the potential impact of EMF waves on human lives, given that the transmission lines are potentially less than 60 feet from the closest dwellings. The city of Santa Clara needs to step in and have third party/ independent studies completed in favor of human health.

Reference #2: Page 41 of report- Section 4.15. Electric and Magnetic Fields summary.

Personal observation#2 : This consideration was completely absent earlier. Only after the residents raised their voices, this section was added. To our greatest disappointment, this section is copied over from an older report on the “South Loop Reconfiguration Project” from 2020. One would have expected that a new study would have been conducted for a project this size. The lack of due diligence and ignorance towards the specifics of this project are apparent and not acceptable. In fact we have found several sections of this older report as being reused across the entire report.

The EMP map shared during the in person meeting had several flaws and we would like to question the viability of the study that was completed. What time of the day was the study completed and on what models were the values based on since these were done on assumption for the EMF values that would H-112
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2 be there once the project is complete. Since we have seen the several sections of the report redundantly copied over from other reports, we would like a more detailed analysis of this report.

Regarding EMF concerns for human health, there are plenty of scientific studies that do indicate the grave concern on human health with EMF exposures and we cannot ignore this aspect. Here is a reference to an article and there are plenty of articles listed here under references:
https://psc.wi.gov/Documents/Brochures/EMF.pdf

There are not enough references listed in the draft report provided to us, and the explanation provided seems to be conveniently using studies that prove otherwise. This needs more investigation and references. The solution provided as raising the height of the poles and increasing the distance is non- existent. It was confirmed during the in person meeting that the design will not be altered and the height was already designed as required according to the SVP team present there. It seems that the preparers of this report did not even read the report after copying pasting from the old report as evident in the list of proposed solutions is not applicable here.

The live presentation on August 22nd showed the comparison of EMF values of household objects as a means to show that everyday household items carry a similar range of mG( milli Gauss) units. This comparison was inherently flawed since it mentioned that the household devices were producing those level at 1 feet while those indicated for 115KVf lines were at 60 feet. further these household devices do not operate 24X7 similar to the transmission lines.

There were a lot of citations of reports showcasing that no clear proof of EMF to human health exists but we would like to also point out certain states like Connecticut Department of Public Health have cited reports that have shown an increased incidence of childhood leukemia( Blood cancer) at avg exposure of only 3 mG. Also they have called out that some utility workers exposed to high levels of emf have increase risks of Lur Gehrig's disease.

They also call out that most impacts of EMF from high voltage lines dissipate at ~300 feet.

These are available on Page 2 & Page 3 of this report: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/departments- and-agencies/dph/dph/environmental_health/eoha/pdf/emffactsheet2008pdf.pdf This report has citations from WHO , National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and California Department of Health Services.
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/sites/default/files/health/materials/electric_and_magnetic_fields_associ ated_with_the_use_of_electric_power_questions_and_answers_english_508.pdf Some other questions around the EMF study map shared during presentation on Aug 22 2024:

1. Have you conducted an existing EMF study to identify the current value of the community ?

2. Are your emf study values based on the cumulative, or interference of existing emf and potential emf.

3. ⁠Emf value was calculated based on existing studies. What was the delta between mathematical modeling and actual values ( from existing structures).

4. ⁠What is the delta between underground and overhead structures’ emf values?

5. ⁠Can you provide the same for Route options B and C?

6. ⁠What happens when electrification of rail lines happens- as this is already planned for the future? Have you potentially considered the cumulative EMF effect in coexistence of the high power lines and with railway lines’ electrification? Will the EMF values not be much higher then? H-113
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3 7. ⁠Can you share the mathematical modeling maps of Emf for 115k, 230k and the next two higher values of the power line ?

8. ⁠Can you share Emf maps from existing structures of 115k, 230 k and the next 2 higher values of the power line?

9. ⁠Please share any emf related information that you have especially if it contains assumptions for any calculations so we can understand the effects of current project and future projects.

10. Why does the electric pole structure proposed have wider diameter at the top? Can you share the design of the top of the pole ? Can it be extended by adding another section by bolting, welding or any other method? If so, what extra voltage can be added to the line?

11. ⁠what is the proposed power consumption of 95054 zip code for the next 5, 10 and 15 years in the master plan ?
Reference #3

Page 174 ends

Personal observation#3
The railway line's proximity to the proposed high transmission lines is very concerning. The centerline distance from proposed lines to railway line is aproximately 50 feet per google maps with some margin for error. As per the report there are no Corona rings proposed for the 115KV lines. There seems to be negligence in design in consideration of the hazards posed by these high voltage lines as Corona effect can transfer current to railway lines. All the residents are at a high risk of accidental hazards given the proximity of the railway line, this project is adding on to the hazards. This section is only stating information about what Corona effect is, as may be required by law, which by the way is again a copy paste from an old report. The only concern discussed in more depth is the audible noise level. The concerns are presented to imply that this is not significant by stating that 115KV lines pose less than significant risk.

Reference #4: Post meeting material from March 19th 2024 @https://santaclara.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6582415&GUID=E6E14646-3CF7-4D15- BB98-F18580696012&Options=&Search=
Personal observation#4: At surface level, it looks like Option #A was selected only based on Cost perspective, without any consideration to human health, young children, property values, Corona effect, long term sustainability perspective or any other factors. While its important to understand the results of CEQA study, its extremely critical to understand the negative impact of EMF on the many young children living around the proposed transmission lines. Without extensive research and study on the impact to young children and adult heath, we should not be approving such an incomplete proposal.

Page 6 ends

discussions with several real estate agents in the region, I have unanimously found all to agree that the real estate values of residences in close proximity to power lines goes down. Its hard to find potential buyers and most folks refrain from buying a house too close to high power transmission lines. There are 1000 plus residences in the area affected by this project. Even if we were to make very rough assumptions, and assume minimal cost reduction in property values and take an average loss of $100,000 per property in the current year, that goes to $100,000,000 of loss of equity to the public. This is not even accounting the businesses affected by this project. This long explanation was to raise a point that if the selection of route A was saving money to the city, this is costing a huge financial loss to the H-114
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4 public, which is not acceptable. This decrease in property values will also directly impact the tax collection by the Santa Clara Assessor and result in lower tax revenue coming into the city of Santa Clara.

Reference #5 : Page 49 of report- Figure 5.1-2. Wall separating residences and Lafayette Street.

Personal observation#5: The picture is taken conveniently from the other side of the railway line which is actually Kingsbury street, inside a private community and not Lafayette street. This is further away from the proposed SVP lines. This is very misleading; see snapshots taken from Google maps below

H-115
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5 And this is what is included on the report:

The Mission Garden Townhome community has no walls as such and the main entry to residences face the road directly and are the most impacted. There are several other single family homes on Lafayette street with the same impact, having an entryway directly on the street. This and including other citations of reusing sections of older reports, is all in all absolutely unacceptable and instills distrust. This further shows incompetency of the agency/ agencies preparing this report.

Conclusion: This project's initial study needs to expand beyond CEQA for approval from the public. The limited scope of CEQA has failed to address the following concerns we have:
• Health hazards due to EMF levels.- This is by far the gravest concern and CEQA is clearly not qualified to study that.
• Reduced property values- several references provided below. • Loss of Aesthetic appeal for potential real estate buyers/ new and current businesses. • Increase in audible noise levels during and post construction, which is already high in the area with presence of railway line and air traffic route.
• Increased fire hazard/ risk of other accidents.
• Induced current on railway lines with close proximity/ corona effect- CEQA report did not clearly address this for a 115KV line.
• Economic effect on the community from small to larger scale based on all of the above.

We demand further investigation and revisit other routes or proposals to resolve the power needs of the city. We have to ensure our and our kids’ health is not at stake in the name of development and infrastructure and are not in agreement for this project to move forward. We cannot approve this to move forward as of now given the lack of study and absence of a satisfactory solution/ mitigation provided in favor/ assurance to public health.

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6 Additional References:

Research on effects of EMF on humans:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6025786/ This research reinforces the concerns of EMF exposure effect on human health.

2. https://www.epa.gov/radtown/electric-and-magnetic-fields-power-lines This resource suggests taking precautions and keeping distance or limiting exposure. Residents would no longer have either of these two options per the current proposals if they are living there 24-7.

3. https://www.fastexpert.com/blog/should-i-buy-a-house-near-power-lines/ These are points of view from a real estate expert who clearly states that property value declines proportionately to the distance of the property from high tension lines. People have apprehensions whether or not research clearly defines the risk. Potential buyers might have low priority for a property too close to a high tension power line.

4. https://orchard.com/blog/posts/power-lines-and-property-value Another research on real estate values lowered due to high tension power lines proximity.

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Email: NRS-KRS 115 kV T-Line

From: Fang Gong <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, August 3, 2024 9:10 PM
To: NRS-KRS Project
Subject: Objection to Proposed 115 kV Transmission Line Project

Hello,

I'm a resident in the Hogan Dr neighborhood, which is impacted by this project. I am writing to express my objection to Silicon Valley Power's (SVP) proposed construction of a new 115 kilovolt (kV) transmission line within the northeastern area of the City of Santa Clara, connecting the Northern Receiving Station (NRS) and Kifer Receiving Station (KRS).

While I understand the need to facilitate energy redistribution and accommodate projected load growth, I have several significant concerns about the impact of this project on our community:

1. Aesthetic and Property Value Impact on Hogan Drive: The installation of overhead transmission lines with poles along Lafayette Street will significantly damage the street view of this neighborhood.

This visual intrusion is likely to negatively impact property values, as prospective homeowners and residents generally prefer neighborhoods free of such industrial infrastructure. The presence of these poles and lines could deter potential buyers and reduce the appeal of our community.

2. Traffic Disruptions on Lafayette Street: The construction phase will necessitate traffic control measures and potential lane closures on Lafayette Street. This will cause considerable inconvenience to residents for more than a year. Daily commutes, local business operations, and general mobility within the area will be severely affected. The prolonged construction period could also lead to increased traffic congestion and heightened safety risks for both drivers and pedestrians.

3. Environmental Concerns: The construction and maintenance of the transmission lines may have detrimental effects on the local environment. Additionally, the long-term visual pollution from overhead lines could detract from the natural beauty and character of our community.

4. Health and Safety Risks: There are ongoing concerns regarding the health and safety implications of living in close proximity to high-voltage transmission lines. While the scientific community continues to study the potential health effects, the perceived risks can cause significant anxiety among residents. Ensuring that our community feels safe and secure should be a top priority.

5. Alternative Solutions: I urge SVP to consider alternative solutions that could mitigate these concerns. For example, underground transmission lines, although potentially more costly initially, would preserve the visual aesthetics of our neighborhood, reduce environmental disruption, and avoid the health and safety concerns associated with overhead lines.

In light of these issues, I strongly urge SVP to reconsider the current proposal and explore less disruptive alternatives that will better serve both the technical needs and the well-being of our community. I am confident that with thoughtful planning and community engagement, we can arrive at a solution that balances progress with the preservation of our neighborhood's character and quality of life.

Thank you for your attention to these concerns. I hope to see a revised proposal that addresses these critical issues.

Sincerely,
Fang
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1 Email: NRS-KRS 115 kV T-Line

From: Sriharish Pisipati <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 30, 2024 11:59 PM
To: NRS-KRS Project; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: Concerns Regarding Upcoming High Power Electric Wire Poles in Our Community for the upcoming SVP project connecting the Northern Receiving Station NRS to Kifer receiving station (KRS)- NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project

To Whomsoever it may concern,
We are residents of Santa Clara that will be negatively impacted by the “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project”. We have collectively reviewed the draft Initial Study/ Mitigated Negative declaration for “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project” from July 2024. After reviewing this report and also attending the virtual and in person meetings, here are some references to emphasize our various concerns.

Reference #1 : CEQA’s reporting includes these State reviewing agencies: California Air Resources Board (ARB), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Bay Delta Region 3 (CDFW), California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), California Department of Transportation, District 4 (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Transportation Planning (DOT), California Department of Water Resources (DWR), California Energy Commission, California Highway Patrol (CHP), California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), California Natural Resources Agency, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Francisco Bay Region 2 (RWQCB), Office of Historic Preservation, State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water.

Personal observation#1 : None of these agencies has any association with human health. CEQA reporting is not qualified enough to force the public to compromise on health concerns. Other agencies need to be involved to review this proposal, that are qualified to study the effect on “ humans”, not just wildlife and vegetation, or “ environment. The checklist is completely devoid of our gravest humanitarian concerns. It is quite shocking that the project has not included any study to understand the potential impact of EMF waves on human lives, given that the transmission lines are potentially less than 60 feet from the closest dwellings. The city of Santa Clara needs to step in and have third party/ independent studies completed in favor of human health.

Reference #2: Page 41 of report- Section 4.15. Electric and Magnetic Fields summary.

Personal observation#2 : This consideration was completely absent earlier. Only after the residents raised their voices, this section was added. To our greatest disappointment, this section is copied over from an older report on the “South Loop Reconfiguration Project” from 2020. One would have expected that a new study would have been conducted for a project this size. The lack of due diligence and ignorance towards the specifics of this project are apparent and not acceptable. In fact we have found several sections of this older report as being reused across the entire report.

The EMP map shared during the in person meeting had several flaws and we would like to question the viability of the study that was completed. What time of the day was the study completed and on what models were the values based on since these were done on assumption for the EMF values that would H-119
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SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
2 be there once the project is complete. Since we have seen the several sections of the report redundantly copied over from other reports, we would like a more detailed analysis of this report.

Regarding EMF concerns for human health, there are plenty of scientific studies that do indicate the grave concern on human health with EMF exposures and we cannot ignore this aspect. Here is a reference to an article and there are plenty of articles listed here under references:
https://psc.wi.gov/Documents/Brochures/EMF.pdf

There are not enough references listed in the draft report provided to us, and the explanation provided seems to be conveniently using studies that prove otherwise. This needs more investigation and references. The solution provided as raising the height of the poles and increasing the distance is non- existent. It was confirmed during the in person meeting that the design will not be altered and the height was already designed as required according to the SVP team present there. It seems that the preparers of this report did not even read the report after copying pasting from the old report as evident in the list of proposed solutions is not applicable here.

The live presentation on August 22nd showed the comparison of EMF values of household objects as a means to show that everyday household items carry a similar range of mG( milli Gauss) units. This comparison was inherently flawed since it mentioned that the household devices were producing those level at 1 feet while those indicated for 115KVf lines were at 60 feet. further these household devices do not operate 24X7 similar to the transmission lines.

There were a lot of citations of reports showcasing that no clear proof of EMF to human health exists but we would like to also point out certain states like Connecticut Department of Public Health have cited reports that have shown an increased incidence of childhood leukemia( Blood cancer) at avg exposure of only 3 mG. Also they have called out that some utility workers exposed to high levels of emf have increase risks of Lur Gehrig's disease.

They also call out that most impacts of EMF from high voltage lines dissipate at ~300 feet.

These are available on Page 2 & Page 3 of this report: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/departments- and-agencies/dph/dph/environmental_health/eoha/pdf/emffactsheet2008pdf.pdf This report has citations from WHO , National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and California Department of Health Services.
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/sites/default/files/health/materials/electric_and_magnetic_fields_associ ated_with_the_use_of_electric_power_questions_and_answers_english_508.pdf Some other questions around the EMF study map shared during presentation on Aug 22 2024:

1. Have you conducted an existing EMF study to identify the current value of the community ?

2. Are your emf study values based on the cumulative, or interference of existing emf and potential emf.

3. ⁠Emf value was calculated based on existing studies. What was the delta between mathematical modeling and actual values ( from existing structures).

4. ⁠What is the delta between underground and overhead structures’ emf values?

5. ⁠Can you provide the same for Route options B and C?

6. ⁠What happens when electrification of rail lines happens- as this is already planned for the future? Have you potentially considered the cumulative EMF effect in coexistence of the high power lines and with railway lines’ electrification? Will the EMF values not be much higher then? H-120
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3 7. ⁠Can you share the mathematical modeling maps of Emf for 115k, 230k and the next two higher values of the power line ?

8. ⁠Can you share Emf maps from existing structures of 115k, 230 k and the next 2 higher values of the power line?

9. ⁠Please share any emf related information that you have especially if it contains assumptions for any calculations so we can understand the effects of current project and future projects.

10. Why does the electric pole structure proposed have wider diameter at the top? Can you share the design of the top of the pole ? Can it be extended by adding another section by bolting, welding or any other method? If so, what extra voltage can be added to the line?

11. ⁠what is the proposed power consumption of 95054 zip code for the next 5, 10 and 15 years in the master plan ?
Reference #3

Page 174 ends

Personal observation#3
The railway line's proximity to the proposed high transmission lines is very concerning. The centerline distance from proposed lines to railway line is aproximately 50 feet per google maps with some margin for error. As per the report there are no Corona rings proposed for the 115KV lines. There seems to be negligence in design in consideration of the hazards posed by these high voltage lines as Corona effect can transfer current to railway lines. All the residents are at a high risk of accidental hazards given the proximity of the railway line, this project is adding on to the hazards. This section is only stating information about what Corona effect is, as may be required by law, which by the way is again a copy paste from an old report. The only concern discussed in more depth is the audible noise level. The concerns are presented to imply that this is not significant by stating that 115KV lines pose less than significant risk.

Reference #4: Post meeting material from March 19th 2024 @https://santaclara.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6582415&GUID=E6E14646-3CF7-4D15- BB98-F18580696012&Options=&Search=
Personal observation#4: At surface level, it looks like Option #A was selected only based on Cost perspective, without any consideration to human health, young children, property values, Corona effect, long term sustainability perspective or any other factors. While its important to understand the results of CEQA study, its extremely critical to understand the negative impact of EMF on the many young children living around the proposed transmission lines. Without extensive research and study on the impact to young children and adult heath, we should not be approving such an incomplete proposal.

Page 6 ends

discussions with several real estate agents in the region, I have unanimously found all to agree that the real estate values of residences in close proximity to power lines goes down. Its hard to find potential buyers and most folks refrain from buying a house too close to high power transmission lines. There are 1000 plus residences in the area affected by this project. Even if we were to make very rough assumptions, and assume minimal cost reduction in property values and take an average loss of $100,000 per property in the current year, that goes to $100,000,000 of loss of equity to the public. This is not even accounting the businesses affected by this project. This long explanation was to raise a point that if the selection of route A was saving money to the city, this is costing a huge financial loss to the H-121
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4 public, which is not acceptable. This decrease in property values will also directly impact the tax collection by the Santa Clara Assessor and result in lower tax revenue coming into the city of Santa Clara.

Reference #5 : Page 49 of report- Figure 5.1-2. Wall separating residences and Lafayette Street.

Personal observation#5: The picture is taken conveniently from the other side of the railway line which is actually Kingsbury street, inside a private community and not Lafayette street. This is further away from the proposed SVP lines. This is very misleading; see snapshots taken from Google maps below

H-122
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5 And this is what is included on the report:

The Mission Garden Townhome community has no walls as such and the main entry to residences face the road directly and are the most impacted. There are several other single family homes on Lafayette street with the same impact, having an entryway directly on the street. This and including other citations of reusing sections of older reports, is all in all absolutely unacceptable and instills distrust. This further shows incompetency of the agency/ agencies preparing this report.

Conclusion: This project's initial study needs to expand beyond CEQA for approval from the public. The limited scope of CEQA has failed to address the following concerns we have:
• Health hazards due to EMF levels.- This is by far the gravest concern and CEQA is clearly not qualified to study that.
• Reduced property values- several references provided below. • Loss of Aesthetic appeal for potential real estate buyers/ new and current businesses. • Increase in audible noise levels during and post construction, which is already high in the area with presence of railway line and air traffic route.
• Increased fire hazard/ risk of other accidents.
• Induced current on railway lines with close proximity/ corona effect- CEQA report did not clearly address this for a 115KV line.
• Economic effect on the community from small to larger scale based on all of the above.

We demand further investigation and revisit other routes or proposals to resolve the power needs of the city. We have to ensure our and our kids’ health is not at stake in the name of development and infrastructure and are not in agreement for this project to move forward. We cannot approve this to move forward as of now given the lack of study and absence of a satisfactory solution/ mitigation provided in favor/ assurance to public health.

H-123
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6 Additional References:

Research on effects of EMF on humans:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6025786/ This research reinforces the concerns of EMF exposure effect on human health.

2. https://www.epa.gov/radtown/electric-and-magnetic-fields-power-lines This resource suggests taking precautions and keeping distance or limiting exposure. Residents would no longer have either of these two options per the current proposals if they are living there 24-7.

3. https://www.fastexpert.com/blog/should-i-buy-a-house-near-power-lines/ These are points of view from a real estate expert who clearly states that property value declines proportionately to the distance of the property from high tension lines. People have apprehensions whether or not research clearly defines the risk. Potential buyers might have low priority for a property too close to a high tension power line.

4. https://orchard.com/blog/posts/power-lines-and-property-value Another research on real estate values lowered due to high tension power lines proximity.

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1 Email: NRS-KRS 115 kV T-Line

From: saurabh sharma <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 30, 2024 6:50 PM
To: NRS-KRS Project; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: Concerns Regarding Upcoming High Power Electric Wire Poles in Our Community for the upcoming SVP project connecting the Northern Receiving Station NRS to Kifer receiving station (KRS)- NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project

To Whomsoever it may concern,
We are residents of Santa Clara that will be negatively impacted by the “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project”. We have collectively reviewed the draft Initial Study/ Mitigated Negative declaration for “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project” from July 2024. After reviewing this report and also attending the virtual and in person meetings, here are some references to emphasize our various concerns.

Reference #1 : CEQA’s reporting includes these State reviewing agencies: California Air Resources Board (ARB), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Bay Delta Region 3 (CDFW), California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), California Department of Transportation, District 4 (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Transportation Planning (DOT), California Department of Water Resources (DWR), California Energy Commission, California Highway Patrol (CHP), California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), California Natural Resources Agency, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Francisco Bay Region 2 (RWQCB), Office of Historic Preservation, State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water.

Personal observation#1 : None of these agencies has any association with human health. CEQA reporting is not qualified enough to force the public to compromise on health concerns. Other agencies need to be involved to review this proposal, that are qualified to study the effect on “ humans”, not just wildlife and vegetation, or “ environment. The checklist is completely devoid of our gravest humanitarian concerns. It is quite shocking that the project has not included any study to understand the potential impact of EMF waves on human lives, given that the transmission lines are potentially less than 60 feet from the closest dwellings. The city of Santa Clara needs to step in and have third party/ independent studies completed in favor of human health.

Reference #2: Page 41 of report- Section 4.15. Electric and Magnetic Fields summary.

Personal observation#2 : This consideration was completely absent earlier. Only after the residents raised their voices, this section was added. To our greatest disappointment, this section is copied over from an older report on the “South Loop Reconfiguration Project” from 2020. One would have expected that a new study would have been conducted for a project this size. The lack of due diligence and ignorance towards the specifics of this project are apparent and not acceptable. In fact we have found several sections of this older report as being reused across the entire report.

The EMP map shared during the in person meeting had several flaws and we would like to question the viability of the study that was completed. What time of the day was the study completed and on what models were the values based on since these were done on assumption for the EMF values that would be there once the project is complete. Since we have seen the several sections of the report redundantly copied over from other reports, we would like a more detailed analysis of this report.

Regarding EMF concerns for human health, there are plenty of scientific studies that do indicate the grave concern on human health with EMF exposures and we cannot ignore this aspect. Here is a reference to an article and there are plenty of articles listed here under references:
https://psc.wi.gov/Documents/Brochures/EMF.pdf
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NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
2 There are not enough references listed in the draft report provided to us, and the explanation provided seems to be conveniently using studies that prove otherwise. This needs more investigation and references. The solution provided as raising the height of the poles and increasing the distance is non- existent. It was confirmed during the in person meeting that the design will not be altered and the height was already designed as required according to the SVP team present there. It seems that the preparers of this report did not even read the report after copying pasting from the old report as evident in the list of proposed solutions is not applicable here.

The live presentation on August 22nd showed the comparison of EMF values of household objects as a means to show that everyday household items carry a similar range of mG( milli Gauss) units. This comparison was inherently flawed since it mentioned that the household devices were producing those level at 1 feet while those indicated for 115KVf lines were at 60 feet. further these household devices do not operate 24X7 similar to the transmission lines.

There were a lot of citations of reports showcasing that no clear proof of EMF to human health exists but we would like to also point out certain states like Connecticut Department of Public Health have cited reports that have shown an increased incidence of childhood leukemia( Blood cancer) at avg exposure of only 3 mG. Also they have called out that some utility workers exposed to high levels of emf have increase risks of Lur Gehrig's disease.

They also call out that most impacts of EMF from high voltage lines dissipate at ~300 feet.

These are available on Page 2 & Page 3 of this report: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/departments- and-agencies/dph/dph/environmental_health/eoha/pdf/emffactsheet2008pdf.pdf This report has citations from WHO , National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and California Department of Health Services.
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/sites/default/files/health/materials/electric_and_magnetic_fields_associ ated_with_the_use_of_electric_power_questions_and_answers_english_508.pdf Some other questions around the EMF study map shared during presentation on Aug 22 2024:

1. Have you conducted an existing EMF study to identify the current value of the community ?

2. Are your emf study values based on the cumulative, or interference of existing emf and potential emf.

3. ⁠Emf value was calculated based on existing studies. What was the delta between mathematical modeling and actual values ( from existing structures).

4. ⁠What is the delta between underground and overhead structures’ emf values?

5. ⁠Can you provide the same for Route options B and C?

6. ⁠What happens when electrification of rail lines happens- as this is already planned for the future? Have you potentially considered the cumulative EMF effect in coexistence of the high power lines and with railway lines’ electrification? Will the EMF values not be much higher then?

7. ⁠Can you share the mathematical modeling maps of Emf for 115k, 230k and the next two higher values of the power line ?

8. ⁠Can you share Emf maps from existing structures of 115k, 230 k and the next 2 higher values of the power line?

9. ⁠Please share any emf related information that you have especially if it contains assumptions for any calculations so we can understand the effects of current project and future projects.

10. Why does the electric pole structure proposed have wider diameter at the top? Can you share the design of the top of the pole ? Can it be extended by adding another section by bolting, welding or any other method? If so, what extra voltage can be added to the line?

11. ⁠what is the proposed power consumption of 95054 zip code for the next 5, 10 and 15 years in the master plan ?
Reference #3

Page 174 ends

Personal observation#3
The railway line's proximity to the proposed high transmission lines is very concerning. The centerline distance from proposed lines to railway line is aproximately 50 feet per google maps with some margin for error. As per the report there are no Corona rings proposed for the 115KV lines. There seems to be negligence in design in consideration of the hazards posed by these high voltage lines as Corona effect H-126
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
3 can transfer current to railway lines. All the residents are at a high risk of accidental hazards given the proximity of the railway line, this project is adding on to the hazards. This section is only stating information about what Corona effect is, as may be required by law, which by the way is again a copy paste from an old report. The only concern discussed in more depth is the audible noise level. The concerns are presented to imply that this is not significant by stating that 115KV lines pose less than significant risk.

Reference #4: Post meeting material from March 19th
2024 @https://santaclara.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6582415&GUID=E6E14646-3CF7- 4D15-BB98-F18580696012&Options=&Search=
Personal observation#4: At surface level, it looks like Option #A was selected only based on Cost perspective, without any consideration to human health, young children, property values, Corona effect, long term sustainability perspective or any other factors. While its important to understand the results of CEQA study, its extremely critical to understand the negative impact of EMF on the many young children living around the proposed transmission lines. Without extensive research and study on the impact to young children and adult heath, we should not be approving such an incomplete proposal.

Page 6 ends

discussions with several real estate agents in the region, I have unanimously found all to agree that the real estate values of residences in close proximity to power lines goes down. Its hard to find potential buyers and most folks refrain from buying a house too close to high power transmission lines. There are 1000 plus residences in the area affected by this project. Even if we were to make very rough assumptions, and assume minimal cost reduction in property values and take an average loss of $100,000 per property in the current year, that goes to $100,000,000 of loss of equity to the public. This is not even accounting the businesses affected by this project. This long explanation was to raise a point that if the selection of route A was saving money to the city, this is costing a huge financial loss to the public, which is not acceptable. This decrease in property values will also directly impact the tax collection by the Santa Clara Assessor and result in lower tax revenue coming into the city of Santa Clara.

Reference #5 : Page 49 of report- Figure 5.1-2. Wall separating residences and Lafayette Street.

Personal observation#5: The picture is taken conveniently from the other side of the railway line which is actually Kingsbury street, inside a private community and not Lafayette street. This is further away from the proposed SVP lines. This is very misleading; see snapshots taken from Google maps below

H-127
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
4 And this is what is included on the report:

The Mission Garden Townhome community has no walls as such and the main entry to residences face the road directly and are the most impacted. There are several other single family homes on Lafayette street with the same impact, having an entryway directly on the street. This and including other citations of reusing sections of older reports, is all in all absolutely unacceptable and instills distrust. This further shows incompetency of the agency/ agencies preparing this report.

Conclusion: This project's initial study needs to expand beyond CEQA for approval from the public. The limited scope of CEQA has failed to address the following concerns we have:
• Health hazards due to EMF levels.- This is by far the gravest concern and CEQA is clearly not qualified to study that.
• Reduced property values- several references provided below. • Loss of Aesthetic appeal for potential real estate buyers/ new and current businesses. • Increase in audible noise levels during and post construction, which is already high in the area with presence of railway line and air traffic route.
• Increased fire hazard/ risk of other accidents.
• Induced current on railway lines with close proximity/ corona effect- CEQA report did not clearly address this for a 115KV line.
• Economic effect on the community from small to larger scale based on all of the above.

We demand further investigation and revisit other routes or proposals to resolve the power needs of the city. We have to ensure our and our kids’ health is not at stake in the name of development and H-128
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
5 infrastructure and are not in agreement for this project to move forward. We cannot approve this to move forward as of now given the lack of study and absence of a satisfactory solution/ mitigation provided in favor/ assurance to public health.

Additional References:

Research on effects of EMF on humans:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6025786/ This research reinforces the concerns of EMF exposure effect on human health.

2. https://www.epa.gov/radtown/electric-and-magnetic-fields-power-lines This resource suggests taking precautions and keeping distance or limiting exposure. Residents would no longer have either of these two options per the current proposals if they are living there 24-7.

3. https://www.fastexpert.com/blog/should-i-buy-a-house-near-power-lines/ These are points of view from a real estate expert who clearly states that property value declines proportionately to the distance of the property from high tension lines. People have apprehensions whether or not research clearly defines the risk. Potential buyers might have low priority for a property too close to a high tension power line.

4. https://orchard.com/blog/posts/power-lines-and-property-value Another research on real estate values lowered due to high tension power lines proximity.

Thanks,
Saurabh Sharma

H-129
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
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1 Email: NRS-KRS 115 kV T-Line

From: Saurabh Sharma <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 30, 2024 11:01 PM
To: NRS-KRS Project; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: Concerns Regarding Upcoming High Power Electric Wire Poles in Our Community for the upcoming SVP project connecting the Northern Receiving Station NRS to Kifer receiving station (KRS)- NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project

To Whomsoever it may concern,
We are residents of Santa Clara that will be negatively impacted by the “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project”. We have collectively reviewed the draft Initial Study/ Mitigated Negative declaration for “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project” from July 2024. After reviewing this report and also attending the virtual and in person meetings, here are some references to emphasize our various concerns.

Reference #1 : CEQA’s reporting includes these State reviewing agencies: California Air Resources Board (ARB), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Bay Delta Region 3 (CDFW), California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), California Department of Transportation, District 4 (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Transportation Planning (DOT), California Department of Water Resources (DWR), California Energy Commission, California Highway Patrol (CHP), California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), California Natural Resources Agency, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Francisco Bay Region 2 (RWQCB), Office of Historic Preservation, State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water.

Personal observation#1 : None of these agencies has any association with human health. CEQA reporting is not qualified enough to force the public to compromise on health concerns. Other agencies need to be involved to review this proposal, that are qualified to study the effect on “ humans”, not just wildlife and vegetation, or “ environment. The checklist is completely devoid of our gravest humanitarian concerns. It is quite shocking that the project has not included any study to understand the potential impact of EMF waves on human lives, given that the transmission lines are potentially less than 60 feet from the closest dwellings. The city of Santa Clara needs to step in and have third party/ independent studies completed in favor of human health.

Reference #2: Page 41 of report- Section 4.15. Electric and Magnetic Fields summary.

Personal observation#2 : This consideration was completely absent earlier. Only after the residents raised their voices, this section was added. To our greatest disappointment, this section is copied over from an older report on the “South Loop Reconfiguration Project” from 2020. One would have expected that a new study would have been conducted for a project this size. The lack of due diligence and ignorance towards the specifics of this project are apparent and not acceptable. In fact we have found several sections of this older report as being reused across the entire report.

The EMP map shared during the in person meeting had several flaws and we would like to question the viability of the study that was completed. What time of the day was the study completed and on what models were the values based on since these were done on assumption for the EMF values that would be there once the project is complete. Since we have seen the several sections of the report redundantly copied over from other reports, we would like a more detailed analysis of this report.

Regarding EMF concerns for human health, there are plenty of scientific studies that do indicate the grave concern on human health with EMF exposures and we cannot ignore this aspect. Here is a reference to an article and there are plenty of articles listed here under references:
https://psc.wi.gov/Documents/Brochures/EMF.pdf
H-130
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
2 There are not enough references listed in the draft report provided to us, and the explanation provided seems to be conveniently using studies that prove otherwise. This needs more investigation and references. The solution provided as raising the height of the poles and increasing the distance is non- existent. It was confirmed during the in person meeting that the design will not be altered and the height was already designed as required according to the SVP team present there. It seems that the preparers of this report did not even read the report after copying pasting from the old report as evident in the list of proposed solutions is not applicable here.

The live presentation on August 22nd showed the comparison of EMF values of household objects as a means to show that everyday household items carry a similar range of mG( milli Gauss) units. This comparison was inherently flawed since it mentioned that the household devices were producing those level at 1 feet while those indicated for 115KVf lines were at 60 feet. further these household devices do not operate 24X7 similar to the transmission lines.

There were a lot of citations of reports showcasing that no clear proof of EMF to human health exists but we would like to also point out certain states like Connecticut Department of Public Health have cited reports that have shown an increased incidence of childhood leukemia( Blood cancer) at avg exposure of only 3 mG. Also they have called out that some utility workers exposed to high levels of emf have increase risks of Lur Gehrig's disease.

They also call out that most impacts of EMF from high voltage lines dissipate at ~300 feet.

These are available on Page 2 & Page 3 of this report: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/departments- and-agencies/dph/dph/environmental_health/eoha/pdf/emffactsheet2008pdf.pdf This report has citations from WHO , National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and California Department of Health Services.
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/sites/default/files/health/materials/electric_and_magnetic_fields_associ ated_with_the_use_of_electric_power_questions_and_answers_english_508.pdf Some other questions around the EMF study map shared during presentation on Aug 22 2024:

1. Have you conducted an existing EMF study to identify the current value of the community ?

2. Are your emf study values based on the cumulative, or interference of existing emf and potential emf.

3. ⁠Emf value was calculated based on existing studies. What was the delta between mathematical modeling and actual values ( from existing structures).

4. ⁠What is the delta between underground and overhead structures’ emf values?

5. ⁠Can you provide the same for Route options B and C?

6. ⁠What happens when electrification of rail lines happens- as this is already planned for the future? Have you potentially considered the cumulative EMF effect in coexistence of the high power lines and with railway lines’ electrification? Will the EMF values not be much higher then?

7. ⁠Can you share the mathematical modeling maps of Emf for 115k, 230k and the next two higher values of the power line ?

8. ⁠Can you share Emf maps from existing structures of 115k, 230 k and the next 2 higher values of the power line?

9. ⁠Please share any emf related information that you have especially if it contains assumptions for any calculations so we can understand the effects of current project and future projects.

10. Why does the electric pole structure proposed have wider diameter at the top? Can you share the design of the top of the pole ? Can it be extended by adding another section by bolting, welding or any other method? If so, what extra voltage can be added to the line?

11. ⁠what is the proposed power consumption of 95054 zip code for the next 5, 10 and 15 years in the master plan ?
Reference #3

Page 174 ends

Personal observation#3
The railway line's proximity to the proposed high transmission lines is very concerning. The centerline distance from proposed lines to railway line is aproximately 50 feet per google maps with some margin for error. As per the report there are no Corona rings proposed for the 115KV lines. There seems to be negligence in design in consideration of the hazards posed by these high voltage lines as Corona effect H-131
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
3 can transfer current to railway lines. All the residents are at a high risk of accidental hazards given the proximity of the railway line, this project is adding on to the hazards. This section is only stating information about what Corona effect is, as may be required by law, which by the way is again a copy paste from an old report. The only concern discussed in more depth is the audible noise level. The concerns are presented to imply that this is not significant by stating that 115KV lines pose less than significant risk.

Reference #4: Post meeting material from March 19th
2024 @https://santaclara.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6582415&GUID=E6E14646-3CF7- 4D15-BB98-F18580696012&Options=&Search=
Personal observation#4: At surface level, it looks like Option #A was selected only based on Cost perspective, without any consideration to human health, young children, property values, Corona effect, long term sustainability perspective or any other factors. While its important to understand the results of CEQA study, its extremely critical to understand the negative impact of EMF on the many young children living around the proposed transmission lines. Without extensive research and study on the impact to young children and adult heath, we should not be approving such an incomplete proposal.

Page 6 ends

discussions with several real estate agents in the region, I have unanimously found all to agree that the real estate values of residences in close proximity to power lines goes down. Its hard to find potential buyers and most folks refrain from buying a house too close to high power transmission lines. There are 1000 plus residences in the area affected by this project. Even if we were to make very rough assumptions, and assume minimal cost reduction in property values and take an average loss of $100,000 per property in the current year, that goes to $100,000,000 of loss of equity to the public. This is not even accounting the businesses affected by this project. This long explanation was to raise a point that if the selection of route A was saving money to the city, this is costing a huge financial loss to the public, which is not acceptable. This decrease in property values will also directly impact the tax collection by the Santa Clara Assessor and result in lower tax revenue coming into the city of Santa Clara.

Reference #5 : Page 49 of report- Figure 5.1-2. Wall separating residences and Lafayette Street.

Personal observation#5: The picture is taken conveniently from the other side of the railway line which is actually Kingsbury street, inside a private community and not Lafayette street. This is further away from the proposed SVP lines. This is very misleading; see snapshots taken from Google maps below

H-132
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
4 And this is what is included on the report:

The Mission Garden Townhome community has no walls as such and the main entry to residences face the road directly and are the most impacted. There are several other single family homes on Lafayette street with the same impact, having an entryway directly on the street. This and including other citations of reusing sections of older reports, is all in all absolutely unacceptable and instills distrust. This further shows incompetency of the agency/ agencies preparing this report.

Conclusion: This project's initial study needs to expand beyond CEQA for approval from the public. The limited scope of CEQA has failed to address the following concerns we have:
• Health hazards due to EMF levels.- This is by far the gravest concern and CEQA is clearly not qualified to study that.
• Reduced property values- several references provided below. • Loss of Aesthetic appeal for potential real estate buyers/ new and current businesses. • Increase in audible noise levels during and post construction, which is already high in the area with presence of railway line and air traffic route.
• Increased fire hazard/ risk of other accidents.
• Induced current on railway lines with close proximity/ corona effect- CEQA report did not clearly address this for a 115KV line.
• Economic effect on the community from small to larger scale based on all of the above.

We demand further investigation and revisit other routes or proposals to resolve the power needs of the city. We have to ensure our and our kids’ health is not at stake in the name of development and H-133
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
5 infrastructure and are not in agreement for this project to move forward. We cannot approve this to move forward as of now given the lack of study and absence of a satisfactory solution/ mitigation provided in favor/ assurance to public health.

Additional References:

Research on effects of EMF on humans:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6025786/ This research reinforces the concerns of EMF exposure effect on human health.

2. https://www.epa.gov/radtown/electric-and-magnetic-fields-power-lines This resource suggests taking precautions and keeping distance or limiting exposure. Residents would no longer have either of these two options per the current proposals if they are living there 24-7.

3. https://www.fastexpert.com/blog/should-i-buy-a-house-near-power-lines/ These are points of view from a real estate expert who clearly states that property value declines proportionately to the distance of the property from high tension lines. People have apprehensions whether or not research clearly defines the risk. Potential buyers might have low priority for a property too close to a high tension power line.

4. https://orchard.com/blog/posts/power-lines-and-property-value Another research on real estate values lowered due to high tension power lines proximity.

H-134
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
Email: NRS-KRS 115 kV T-Line

From: Prithvi Arun <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 30, 2024 10:01 PM
To: NRS-KRS Project; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: Concerns Regarding Upcoming High Power Electric Wire Poles in Our Community for the upcoming SVP project connecting the Northern Receiving Station NRS to Kifer receiving station (KRS)- NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project

To Whomsoever it may concern,
We are residents of Santa Clara that will be negatively impacted by the “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project”. We have collectively reviewed the draft Initial Study/ Mitigated Negative declaration for “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project” from July 2024. After reviewing this report and also attending the virtual and in person meetings, here are some references to emphasize our various concerns.

Reference #1 : CEQA’s reporting includes these State reviewing agencies: California Air Resources Board (ARB), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Bay Delta Region 3 (CDFW), California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), California Department of Transportation, District 4 (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Transportation Planning (DOT), California Department of Water Resources (DWR), California Energy Commission, California Highway Patrol (CHP), California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), California Natural Resources Agency, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Francisco Bay Region 2 (RWQCB), Office of Historic Preservation, State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water.

Personal observation#1 : None of these agencies has any association with human health. CEQA reporting is not qualified enough to force the public to compromise on health concerns. Other agencies need to be involved to review this proposal, that are qualified to study the effect on “ humans”, not just wildlife and vegetation, or “ environment. The checklist is completely devoid of our gravest humanitarian concerns. It is quite shocking that the project has not included any study to understand the potential impact of EMF waves on human lives, given that the transmission lines are potentially less than 60 feet from the closest dwellings. The city of Santa Clara needs to step in and have third party/ independent studies completed in favor of human health.

Reference #2: Page 41 of report- Section 4.15. Electric and Magnetic Fields summary.

Personal observation#2 : This consideration was completely absent earlier. Only after the residents raised their voices, this section was added. To our greatest disappointment, this section is copied over from an older report on the “South Loop Reconfiguration Project” from 2020. One would have expected that a new study would have been conducted for a project this size. The lack of due diligence and ignorance towards the specifics of this project are apparent and not acceptable. In fact we have found several sections of this older report as being reused across the entire report.

The EMP map shared during the in person meeting had several flaws and we would like to question the viability of the study that was completed. What time of the day was the study completed and on what models were the values based on since these were done on assumption for the EMF values that would be there once the project is complete. Since we have seen the several sections of the report redundantly copied over from other reports, we would like a more detailed analysis of this report.

Regarding EMF concerns for human health, there are plenty of scientific studies that do indicate the grave concern on human health with EMF exposures and we cannot ignore this aspect. Here is a reference to an article and there are plenty of articles listed here under references:
https://psc.wi.gov/Documents/Brochures/EMF.pdf
H-135
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
There are not enough references listed in the draft report provided to us, and the explanation provided seems to be conveniently using studies that prove otherwise. This needs more investigation and references. The solution provided as raising the height of the poles and increasing the distance is non- existent. It was confirmed during the in person meeting that the design will not be altered and the height was already designed as required according to the SVP team present there. It seems that the preparers of this report did not even read the report after copying pasting from the old report as evident in the list of proposed solutions is not applicable here.

The live presentation on August 22nd showed the comparison of EMF values of household objects as a means to show that everyday household items carry a similar range of mG( milli Gauss) units. This comparison was inherently flawed since it mentioned that the household devices were producing those level at 1 feet while those indicated for 115KVf lines were at 60 feet. further these household devices do not operate 24X7 similar to the transmission lines.

There were a lot of citations of reports showcasing that no clear proof of EMF to human health exists but we would like to also point out certain states like Connecticut Department of Public Health have cited reports that have shown an increased incidence of childhood leukemia( Blood cancer) at avg exposure of only 3 mG. Also they have called out that some utility workers exposed to high levels of emf have increase risks of Lur Gehrig's disease.

They also call out that most impacts of EMF from high voltage lines dissipate at ~300 feet.

These are available on Page 2 & Page 3 of this report: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/departments- and-agencies/dph/dph/environmental_health/eoha/pdf/emffactsheet2008pdf.pdf This report has citations from WHO , National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and California Department of Health Services.
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/sites/default/files/health/materials/electric_and_magnetic_fields_associ ated_with_the_use_of_electric_power_questions_and_answers_english_508.pdf Some other questions around the EMF study map shared during presentation on Aug 22 2024:

1. Have you conducted an existing EMF study to identify the current value of the community ?

2. Are your emf study values based on the cumulative, or interference of existing emf and potential emf.

3. ⁠Emf value was calculated based on existing studies. What was the delta between mathematical modeling and actual values ( from existing structures).

4. ⁠What is the delta between underground and overhead structures’ emf values?

5. ⁠Can you provide the same for Route options B and C?

6. ⁠What happens when electrification of rail lines happens- as this is already planned for the future? Have you potentially considered the cumulative EMF effect in coexistence of the high power lines and with railway lines’ electrification? Will the EMF values not be much higher then?

7. ⁠Can you share the mathematical modeling maps of Emf for 115k, 230k and the next two higher values of the power line ?

8. ⁠Can you share Emf maps from existing structures of 115k, 230 k and the next 2 higher values of the power line?

9. ⁠Please share any emf related information that you have especially if it contains assumptions for any calculations so we can understand the effects of current project and future projects.

10. Why does the electric pole structure proposed have wider diameter at the top? Can you share the design of the top of the pole ? Can it be extended by adding another section by bolting, welding or any other method? If so, what extra voltage can be added to the line?

11. ⁠what is the proposed power consumption of 95054 zip code for the next 5, 10 and 15 years in the master plan ?
Reference #3

Page 174 ends

Personal observation#3
The railway line's proximity to the proposed high transmission lines is very concerning. The centerline distance from proposed lines to railway line is aproximately 50 feet per google maps with some margin for error. As per the report there are no Corona rings proposed for the 115KV lines. There seems to be negligence in design in consideration of the hazards posed by these high voltage lines as Corona effect H-136
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
can transfer current to railway lines. All the residents are at a high risk of accidental hazards given the proximity of the railway line, this project is adding on to the hazards. This section is only stating information about what Corona effect is, as may be required by law, which by the way is again a copy paste from an old report. The only concern discussed in more depth is the audible noise level. The concerns are presented to imply that this is not significant by stating that 115KV lines pose less than significant risk.

Reference #4: Post meeting material from March 19th
2024 @https://santaclara.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6582415&GUID=E6E14646-3CF7- 4D15-BB98-F18580696012&Options=&Search=
Personal observation#4: At surface level, it looks like Option #A was selected only based on Cost perspective, without any consideration to human health, young children, property values, Corona effect, long term sustainability perspective or any other factors. While its important to understand the results of CEQA study, its extremely critical to understand the negative impact of EMF on the many young children living around the proposed transmission lines. Without extensive research and study on the impact to young children and adult heath, we should not be approving such an incomplete proposal.

Page 6 ends

discussions with several real estate agents in the region, I have unanimously found all to agree that the real estate values of residences in close proximity to power lines goes down. Its hard to find potential buyers and most folks refrain from buying a house too close to high power transmission lines. There are 1000 plus residences in the area affected by this project. Even if we were to make very rough assumptions, and assume minimal cost reduction in property values and take an average loss of $100,000 per property in the current year, that goes to $100,000,000 of loss of equity to the public. This is not even accounting the businesses affected by this project. This long explanation was to raise a point that if the selection of route A was saving money to the city, this is costing a huge financial loss to the public, which is not acceptable. This decrease in property values will also directly impact the tax collection by the Santa Clara Assessor and result in lower tax revenue coming into the city of Santa Clara.

Reference #5 : Page 49 of report- Figure 5.1-2. Wall separating residences and Lafayette Street.

Personal observation#5: The picture is taken conveniently from the other side of the railway line which is actually Kingsbury street, inside a private community and not Lafayette street. This is further away from the proposed SVP lines. This is very misleading; see snapshots taken from Google maps below

H-137
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND

And this is what is included on the report:

The Mission Garden Townhome community has no walls as such and the main entry to residences face the road directly and are the most impacted. There are several other single family homes on Lafayette street with the same impact, having an entryway directly on the street. This and including other citations H-138
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of reusing sections of older reports, is all in all absolutely unacceptable and instills distrust. This further shows incompetency of the agency/ agencies preparing this report.

Conclusion: This project's initial study needs to expand beyond CEQA for approval from the public. The limited scope of CEQA has failed to address the following concerns we have:
• Health hazards due to EMF levels.- This is by far the gravest concern and CEQA is clearly not qualified to study that.
• Reduced property values- several references provided below. • Loss of Aesthetic appeal for potential real estate buyers/ new and current businesses. • Increase in audible noise levels during and post construction, which is already high in the area with presence of railway line and air traffic route.
• Increased fire hazard/ risk of other accidents.
• Induced current on railway lines with close proximity/ corona effect- CEQA report did not clearly address this for a 115KV line.
• Economic effect on the community from small to larger scale based on all of the above.

We demand further investigation and revisit other routes or proposals to resolve the power needs of the city. We have to ensure our and our kids’ health is not at stake in the name of development and infrastructure and are not in agreement for this project to move forward. We cannot approve this to move forward as of now given the lack of study and absence of a satisfactory solution/ mitigation provided in favor/ assurance to public health.

Additional References:

Research on effects of EMF on humans:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6025786/ This research reinforces the concerns of EMF exposure effect on human health.

2. https://www.epa.gov/radtown/electric-and-magnetic-fields-power-lines This resource suggests taking precautions and keeping distance or limiting exposure. Residents would no longer have either of these two options per the current proposals if they are living there 24-7.

3. https://www.fastexpert.com/blog/should-i-buy-a-house-near-power-lines/ These are points of view from a real estate expert who clearly states that property value declines proportionately to the distance of the property from high tension lines. People have apprehensions whether or not research clearly defines the risk. Potential buyers might have low priority for a property too close to a high tension power line.

4. https://orchard.com/blog/posts/power-lines-and-property-value Another research on real estate values lowered due to high tension power lines proximity.

--
Prithvi Arun

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Email: NRS-KRS 115 kV T-Line

From: Vishnu H <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 30, 2024 9:41 PM
To: NRS-KRS Project; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: Concerns Regarding Upcoming High Power Electric Wire Poles in Our Community for the upcoming SVP project connecting the Northern Receiving Station NRS to Kifer receiving station (KRS)- NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project

To Whomsoever it may concern,
We are residents of Santa Clara that will be negatively impacted by the “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project”. We have collectively reviewed the draft Initial Study/ Mitigated Negative declaration for “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project” from July 2024. After reviewing this report and also attending the virtual and in person meetings, here are some references to emphasize our various concerns.

Reference #1 : CEQA’s reporting includes these State reviewing agencies: California Air Resources Board (ARB), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Bay Delta Region 3 (CDFW), California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), California Department of Transportation, District 4 (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Transportation Planning (DOT), California Department of Water Resources (DWR), California Energy Commission, California Highway Patrol (CHP), California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), California Natural Resources Agency, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Francisco Bay Region 2 (RWQCB), Office of Historic Preservation, State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water.

Personal observation#1 : None of these agencies has any association with human health. CEQA reporting is not qualified enough to force the public to compromise on health concerns. Other agencies need to be involved to review this proposal, that are qualified to study the effect on “ humans”, not just wildlife and vegetation, or “ environment. The checklist is completely devoid of our gravest humanitarian concerns. It is quite shocking that the project has not included any study to understand the potential impact of EMF waves on human lives, given that the transmission lines are potentially less than 60 feet from the closest dwellings. The city of Santa Clara needs to step in and have third party/ independent studies completed in favor of human health.

Reference #2: Page 41 of report- Section 4.15. Electric and Magnetic Fields summary.

Personal observation#2 : This consideration was completely absent earlier. Only after the residents raised their voices, this section was added. To our greatest disappointment, this section is copied over from an older report on the “South Loop Reconfiguration Project” from 2020. One would have expected that a new study would have been conducted for a project this size. The lack of due diligence and ignorance towards the specifics of this project are apparent and not acceptable. In fact we have found several sections of this older report as being reused across the entire report.

The EMP map shared during the in person meeting had several flaws and we would like to question the viability of the study that was completed. What time of the day was the study completed and on what models were the values based on since these were done on assumption for the EMF values that would be there once the project is complete. Since we have seen the several sections of the report redundantly copied over from other reports, we would like a more detailed analysis of this report.

Regarding EMF concerns for human health, there are plenty of scientific studies that do indicate the grave concern on human health with EMF exposures and we cannot ignore this aspect. Here is a reference to an article and there are plenty of articles listed here under references:

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https://psc.wi.gov/Documents/Brochures/EMF.pdf
There are not enough references listed in the draft report provided to us, and the explanation provided seems to be conveniently using studies that prove otherwise. This needs more investigation and references. The solution provided as raising the height of the poles and increasing the distance is non- existent. It was confirmed during the in person meeting that the design will not be altered and the height was already designed as required according to the SVP team present there. It seems that the preparers of this report did not even read the report after copying pasting from the old report as evident in the list of proposed solutions is not applicable here.

The live presentation on August 22nd showed the comparison of EMF values of household objects as a means to show that everyday household items carry a similar range of mG( milli Gauss) units. This comparison was inherently flawed since it mentioned that the household devices were producing those level at 1 feet while those indicated for 115KVf lines were at 60 feet. further these household devices do not operate 24X7 similar to the transmission lines.

There were a lot of citations of reports showcasing that no clear proof of EMF to human health exists but we would like to also point out certain states like Connecticut Department of Public Health have cited reports that have shown an increased incidence of childhood leukemia( Blood cancer) at avg exposure of only 3 mG. Also they have called out that some utility workers exposed to high levels of emf have increase risks of Lur Gehrig's disease.

They also call out that most impacts of EMF from high voltage lines dissipate at ~300 feet.

These are available on Page 2 & Page 3 of this report: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/departments- and-agencies/dph/dph/environmental_health/eoha/pdf/emffactsheet2008pdf.pdf This report has citations from WHO , National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and California Department of Health Services.
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/sites/default/files/health/materials/electric_and_magnetic_fields_associ ated_with_the_use_of_electric_power_questions_and_answers_english_508.pdf Some other questions around the EMF study map shared during presentation on Aug 22 2024:

1. Have you conducted an existing EMF study to identify the current value of the community ?

2. Are your emf study values based on the cumulative, or interference of existing emf and potential emf.

3. ⁠Emf value was calculated based on existing studies. What was the delta between mathematical modeling and actual values ( from existing structures).

4. ⁠What is the delta between underground and overhead structures’ emf values?

5. ⁠Can you provide the same for Route options B and C?

6. ⁠What happens when electrification of rail lines happens- as this is already planned for the future? Have you potentially considered the cumulative EMF effect in coexistence of the high power lines and with railway lines’ electrification? Will the EMF values not be much higher then?

7. ⁠Can you share the mathematical modeling maps of Emf for 115k, 230k and the next two higher values of the power line ?

8. ⁠Can you share Emf maps from existing structures of 115k, 230 k and the next 2 higher values of the power line?

9. ⁠Please share any emf related information that you have especially if it contains assumptions for any calculations so we can understand the effects of current project and future projects.

10. Why does the electric pole structure proposed have wider diameter at the top? Can you share the design of the top of the pole ? Can it be extended by adding another section by bolting, welding or any other method? If so, what extra voltage can be added to the line?

11. ⁠what is the proposed power consumption of 95054 zip code for the next 5, 10 and 15 years in the master plan ?
Reference #3

Page 174 ends

Personal observation#3
The railway line's proximity to the proposed high transmission lines is very concerning. The centerline distance from proposed lines to railway line is aproximately 50 feet per google maps with some margin for error. As per the report there are no Corona rings proposed for the 115KV lines. There seems to be H-141
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negligence in design in consideration of the hazards posed by these high voltage lines as Corona effect can transfer current to railway lines. All the residents are at a high risk of accidental hazards given the proximity of the railway line, this project is adding on to the hazards. This section is only stating information about what Corona effect is, as may be required by law, which by the way is again a copy paste from an old report. The only concern discussed in more depth is the audible noise level. The concerns are presented to imply that this is not significant by stating that 115KV lines pose less than significant risk.

Reference #4: Post meeting material from March 19th
2024 @https://santaclara.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6582415&GUID=E6E14646-3CF7- 4D15-BB98-F18580696012&Options=&Search=
Personal observation#4: At surface level, it looks like Option #A was selected only based on Cost perspective, without any consideration to human health, young children, property values, Corona effect, long term sustainability perspective or any other factors. While its important to understand the results of CEQA study, its extremely critical to understand the negative impact of EMF on the many young children living around the proposed transmission lines. Without extensive research and study on the impact to young children and adult heath, we should not be approving such an incomplete proposal.

Page 6 ends

discussions with several real estate agents in the region, I have unanimously found all to agree that the real estate values of residences in close proximity to power lines goes down. Its hard to find potential buyers and most folks refrain from buying a house too close to high power transmission lines. There are 1000 plus residences in the area affected by this project. Even if we were to make very rough assumptions, and assume minimal cost reduction in property values and take an average loss of $100,000 per property in the current year, that goes to $100,000,000 of loss of equity to the public. This is not even accounting the businesses affected by this project. This long explanation was to raise a point that if the selection of route A was saving money to the city, this is costing a huge financial loss to the public, which is not acceptable. This decrease in property values will also directly impact the tax collection by the Santa Clara Assessor and result in lower tax revenue coming into the city of Santa Clara.

Reference #5 : Page 49 of report- Figure 5.1-2. Wall separating residences and Lafayette Street.

Personal observation#5: The picture is taken conveniently from the other side of the railway line which is actually Kingsbury street, inside a private community and not Lafayette street. This is further away from the proposed SVP lines. This is very misleading; see snapshots taken from Google maps below <A street with cars parked on it Description automatically generated.png>

<An aerial view of a neighborhood Description automatically generated.png> And this is what is included on the report:
<A red car parked on a street Description automatically generated.png> The Mission Garden Townhome community has no walls as such and the main entry to residences face the road directly and are the most impacted. There are several other single family homes on Lafayette street with the same impact, having an entryway directly on the street. This and including other citations of reusing sections of older reports, is all in all absolutely unacceptable and instills distrust. This further shows incompetency of the agency/ agencies preparing this report.

Conclusion: This project's initial study needs to expand beyond CEQA for approval from the public. The limited scope of CEQA has failed to address the following concerns we have:
• Health hazards due to EMF levels.- This is by far the gravest concern and CEQA is clearly not qualified to study that.
• Reduced property values- several references provided below. • Loss of Aesthetic appeal for potential real estate buyers/ new and current businesses. • Increase in audible noise levels during and post construction, which is already high in the area with presence of railway line and air traffic route.
• Increased fire hazard/ risk of other accidents.
• Induced current on railway lines with close proximity/ corona effect- CEQA report did not clearly address this for a 115KV line.

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• Economic effect on the community from small to larger scale based on all of the above.

We demand further investigation and revisit other routes or proposals to resolve the power needs of the city. We have to ensure our and our kids’ health is not at stake in the name of development and infrastructure and are not in agreement for this project to move forward. We cannot approve this to move forward as of now given the lack of study and absence of a satisfactory solution/ mitigation provided in favor/ assurance to public health.

Additional References:

Research on effects of EMF on humans:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6025786/ This research reinforces the concerns of EMF exposure effect on human health.

2. https://www.epa.gov/radtown/electric-and-magnetic-fields-power-lines This resource suggests taking precautions and keeping distance or limiting exposure. Residents would no longer have either of these two options per the current proposals if they are living there 24-7.

3. https://www.fastexpert.com/blog/should-i-buy-a-house-near-power-lines/ These are points of view from a real estate expert who clearly states that property value declines proportionately to the distance of the property from high tension lines. People have apprehensions whether or not research clearly defines the risk. Potential buyers might have low priority for a property too close to a high tension power line.

4. https://orchard.com/blog/posts/power-lines-and-property-value Another research on real estate values lowered due to high tension power lines proximity.

Kind Regards, Vishnu

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Email: NRS-KRS 115 kV T-Line

From: Sathiya Narayanan <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 30, 2024 9:39 PM
To: NRS-KRS Project; [email protected]; [email protected]; PlanningCommission; [email protected]; Allie Jackman Subject: Concerns Regarding Upcoming High Power Electric Wire Poles in Our Community for the upcoming SVP project connecting the Northern Receiving Station NRS to Kifer receiving station (KRS)- NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project

Concerns Regarding Upcoming High Power Electric Wire Poles in Our Community for the upcoming SVP project connecting the Northern Receiving Station NRS to Kifer receiving station (KRS)- NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project

To Whomsoever it may concern,
We are residents of Santa Clara that will be negatively impacted by the “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project”. We have collectively reviewed the draft Initial Study/ Mitigated Negative declaration for “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project” from July 2024. After reviewing this report and also attending the virtual and in person meetings, here are some references to emphasize our various concerns.

Reference #1 : CEQA’s reporting includes these State reviewing agencies: California Air Resources Board (ARB), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Bay Delta Region 3 (CDFW), California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), California Department of Transportation, District 4 (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Transportation Planning (DOT), California Department of Water Resources (DWR), California Energy Commission, California Highway Patrol (CHP), California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), California Natural Resources Agency, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Francisco Bay Region 2 (RWQCB), Office of Historic Preservation, State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water.

Personal observation#1 : None of these agencies has any association with human health. CEQA reporting is not qualified enough to force the public to compromise on health concerns. Other agencies need to be involved to review this proposal, that are qualified to study the effect on “ humans”, not just wildlife and vegetation, or “ environment. The checklist is completely devoid of our gravest humanitarian concerns. It is quite shocking that the project has not included any study to understand the potential impact of EMF waves on human lives, given that the transmission lines are potentially less than 60 feet from the closest dwellings. The city of Santa Clara needs to step in and have third party/ independent studies completed in favor of human health.

Reference #2: Page 41 of report- Section 4.15. Electric and Magnetic Fields summary.

Personal observation#2 : This consideration was completely absent earlier. Only after the residents raised their voices, this section was added. To our greatest disappointment, this section is copied over from an older report on the “South Loop Reconfiguration Project” from 2020. One would have expected that a new study would have been conducted for a project this size. The lack of due diligence and ignorance towards the specifics of this project are apparent and not acceptable. In fact we have found several sections of this older report as being reused across the entire report.

The EMP map shared during the in person meeting had several flaws and we would like to question the viability of the study that was completed. What time of the day was the study completed and on what models were the values based on since these were done on assumption for the EMF values that would be there once the project is complete. Since we have seen the several sections of the report redundantly copied over from other reports, we would like a more detailed analysis of this report.

H-144
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Regarding EMF concerns for human health, there are plenty of scientific studies that do indicate the grave concern on human health with EMF exposures and we cannot ignore this aspect. Here is a reference to an article and there are plenty of articles listed here under references:
https://psc.wi.gov/Documents/Brochures/EMF.pdf

There are not enough references listed in the draft report provided to us, and the explanation provided seems to be conveniently using studies that prove otherwise. This needs more investigation and references. The solution provided as raising the height of the poles and increasing the distance is non- existent. It was confirmed during the in person meeting that the design will not be altered and the height was already designed as required according to the SVP team present there. It seems that the preparers of this report did not even read the report after copying pasting from the old report as evident in the list of proposed solutions is not applicable here.

The live presentation on August 22nd showed the comparison of EMF values of household objects as a means to show that everyday household items carry a similar range of mG( milli Gauss) units. This comparison was inherently flawed since it mentioned that the household devices were producing those level at 1 feet while those indicated for 115KVf lines were at 60 feet. further these household devices do not operate 24X7 similar to the transmission lines.

There were a lot of citations of reports showcasing that no clear proof of EMF to human health exists but we would like to also point out certain states like Connecticut Department of Public Health have cited reports that have shown an increased incidence of childhood leukemia( Blood cancer) at avg exposure of only 3 mG. Also they have called out that some utility workers exposed to high levels of emf have increase risks of Lur Gehrig's disease.

They also call out that most impacts of EMF from high voltage lines dissipate at ~300 feet.

These are available on Page 2 & Page 3 of this report: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/departments- and-agencies/dph/dph/environmental_health/eoha/pdf/emffactsheet2008pdf.pdf This report has citations from WHO , National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and California Department of Health Services.
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/sites/default/files/health/materials/electric_and_magnetic_fields_associ ated_with_the_use_of_electric_power_questions_and_answers_english_508.pdf Some other questions around the EMF study map shared during presentation on Aug 22 2024:

1. Have you conducted an existing EMF study to identify the current value of the community ?

2. Are your emf study values based on the cumulative, or interference of existing emf and potential emf.

3. ⁠Emf value was calculated based on existing studies. What was the delta between mathematical modeling and actual values ( from existing structures).

4. ⁠What is the delta between underground and overhead structures’ emf values?

5. ⁠Can you provide the same for Route options B and C?

6. ⁠What happens when electrification of rail lines happens- as this is already planned for the future? Have you potentially considered the cumulative EMF effect in coexistence of the high power lines and with railway lines’ electrification? Will the EMF values not be much higher then?

7. ⁠Can you share the mathematical modeling maps of Emf for 115k, 230k and the next two higher values of the power line ?

8. ⁠Can you share Emf maps from existing structures of 115k, 230 k and the next 2 higher values of the power line?

9. ⁠Please share any emf related information that you have especially if it contains assumptions for any calculations so we can understand the effects of current project and future projects.

10. Why does the electric pole structure proposed have wider diameter at the top? Can you share the design of the top of the pole ? Can it be extended by adding another section by bolting, welding or any other method? If so, what extra voltage can be added to the line?

11. ⁠what is the proposed power consumption of 95054 zip code for the next 5, 10 and 15 years in the master plan ?
Reference #3

Page 174 ends

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Personal observation#3
The railway line's proximity to the proposed high transmission lines is very concerning. The centerline distance from proposed lines to railway line is aproximately 50 feet per google maps with some margin for error. As per the report there are no Corona rings proposed for the 115KV lines. There seems to be negligence in design in consideration of the hazards posed by these high voltage lines as Corona effect can transfer current to railway lines. All the residents are at a high risk of accidental hazards given the proximity of the railway line, this project is adding on to the hazards. This section is only stating information about what Corona effect is, as may be required by law, which by the way is again a copy paste from an old report. The only concern discussed in more depth is the audible noise level. The concerns are presented to imply that this is not significant by stating that 115KV lines pose less than significant risk.

Reference #4: Post meeting material from March 19th 2024 @https://santaclara.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6582415&GUID=E6E14646-3CF7-4D15- BB98-F18580696012&Options=&Search=
Personal observation#4: At surface level, it looks like Option #A was selected only based on Cost perspective, without any consideration to human health, young children, property values, Corona effect, long term sustainability perspective or any other factors. While its important to understand the results of CEQA study, its extremely critical to understand the negative impact of EMF on the many young children living around the proposed transmission lines. Without extensive research and study on the impact to young children and adult heath, we should not be approving such an incomplete proposal.

Page 6 ends

discussions with several real estate agents in the region, I have unanimously found all to agree that the real estate values of residences in close proximity to power lines goes down. Its hard to find potential buyers and most folks refrain from buying a house too close to high power transmission lines. There are 1000 plus residences in the area affected by this project. Even if we were to make very rough assumptions, and assume minimal cost reduction in property values and take an average loss of $100,000 per property in the current year, that goes to $100,000,000 of loss of equity to the public. This is not even accounting the businesses affected by this project. This long explanation was to raise a point that if the selection of route A was saving money to the city, this is costing a huge financial loss to the public, which is not acceptable. This decrease in property values will also directly impact the tax collection by the Santa Clara Assessor and result in lower tax revenue coming into the city of Santa Clara.

Reference #5 : Page 49 of report- Figure 5.1-2. Wall separating residences and Lafayette Street.

Personal observation#5: The picture is taken conveniently from the other side of the railway line which is actually Kingsbury street, inside a private community and not Lafayette street. This is further away from the proposed SVP lines. This is very misleading; see snapshots taken from Google maps below H-146
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And this is what is included on the report:

H-147
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The Mission Garden Townhome community has no walls as such and the main entry to residences face the road directly and are the most impacted. There are several other single family homes on Lafayette street with the same impact, having an entryway directly on the street. This and including other citations of reusing sections of older reports, is all in all absolutely unacceptable and instills distrust. This further shows incompetency of the agency/ agencies preparing this report.

Conclusion: This project's initial study needs to expand beyond CEQA for approval from the public. The limited scope of CEQA has failed to address the following concerns we have:
• Health hazards due to EMF levels.- This is by far the gravest concern and CEQA is clearly not qualified to study that.
• Reduced property values- several references provided below. • Loss of Aesthetic appeal for potential real estate buyers/ new and current businesses. • Increase in audible noise levels during and post construction, which is already high in the area with presence of railway line and air traffic route.
• Increased fire hazard/ risk of other accidents.
• Induced current on railway lines with close proximity/ corona effect- CEQA report did not clearly address this for a 115KV line.
• Economic effect on the community from small to larger scale based on all of the above.

We demand further investigation and revisit other routes or proposals to resolve the power needs of the city. We have to ensure our and our kids’ health is not at stake in the name of development and infrastructure and are not in agreement for this project to move forward. We cannot approve this to move forward as of now given the lack of study and absence of a satisfactory solution/ mitigation provided in favor/ assurance to public health.

Additional References:

Research on effects of EMF on humans:

H-148
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1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6025786/ This research reinforces the concerns of EMF exposure effect on human health.

2. https://www.epa.gov/radtown/electric-and-magnetic-fields-power-lines This resource suggests taking precautions and keeping distance or limiting exposure. Residents would no longer have either of these two options per the current proposals if they are living there 24-7.

3. https://www.fastexpert.com/blog/should-i-buy-a-house-near-power-lines/ These are points of view from a real estate expert who clearly states that property value declines proportionately to the distance of the property from high tension lines. People have apprehensions whether or not research clearly defines the risk. Potential buyers might have low priority for a property too close to a high tension power line.

4. https://orchard.com/blog/posts/power-lines-and-property-value Another research on real estate values lowered due to high tension power lines proximity.

Always in Bhagavan

Sathiya

--

சும ் மா இரு. Be Still.

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Email: NRS-KRS 115 kV T-Line

From: Unnikrishnan Udinoor <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, August 30, 2024 7:42 PM
To: NRS-KRS Project; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: Concerns Regarding Upcoming High Power Electric Wire Poles in Our Community for the upcoming SVP project connecting the Northern Receiving Station NRS to Kifer receiving station (KRS)- NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project

To Whomsoever it may concern,
We are residents of Santa Clara that will be negatively impacted by the “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project”. We have collectively reviewed the draft Initial Study/ Mitigated Negative declaration for “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project” from July 2024. After reviewing this report and also attending the virtual and in person meetings, here are some references to emphasize our various concerns.

Reference #1 : CEQA’s reporting includes these State reviewing agencies: California Air Resources Board (ARB), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Bay Delta Region 3 (CDFW), California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), California Department of Transportation, District 4 (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Transportation Planning (DOT), California Department of Water Resources (DWR), California Energy Commission, California Highway Patrol (CHP), California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), California Natural Resources Agency, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Francisco Bay Region 2 (RWQCB), Office of Historic Preservation, State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water.

Personal observation#1 : None of these agencies has any association with human health. CEQA reporting is not qualified enough to force the public to compromise on health concerns. Other agencies need to be involved to review this proposal, that are qualified to study the effect on “ humans”, not just wildlife and vegetation, or “ environment. The checklist is completely devoid of our gravest humanitarian concerns. It is quite shocking that the project has not included any study to understand the potential impact of EMF waves on human lives, given that the transmission lines are potentially less than 60 feet from the closest dwellings. The city of Santa Clara needs to step in and have third party/ independent studies completed in favor of human health.

Reference #2: Page 41 of report- Section 4.15. Electric and Magnetic Fields summary.

Personal observation#2 : This consideration was completely absent earlier. Only after the residents raised their voices, this section was added. To our greatest disappointment, this section is copied over from an older report on the “South Loop Reconfiguration Project” from 2020. One would have expected that a new study would have been conducted for a project this size. The lack of due diligence and ignorance towards the specifics of this project are apparent and not acceptable. In fact we have found several sections of this older report as being reused across the entire report.

The EMP map shared during the in person meeting had several flaws and we would like to question the viability of the study that was completed. What time of the day was the study completed and on what models were the values based on since these were done on assumption for the EMF values that would H-150
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SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
be there once the project is complete. Since we have seen the several sections of the report redundantly copied over from other reports, we would like a more detailed analysis of this report.

Regarding EMF concerns for human health, there are plenty of scientific studies that do indicate the grave concern on human health with EMF exposures and we cannot ignore this aspect. Here is a reference to an article and there are plenty of articles listed here under references:
https://psc.wi.gov/Documents/Brochures/EMF.pdf

There are not enough references listed in the draft report provided to us, and the explanation provided seems to be conveniently using studies that prove otherwise. This needs more investigation and references. The solution provided as raising the height of the poles and increasing the distance is non- existent. It was confirmed during the in person meeting that the design will not be altered and the height was already designed as required according to the SVP team present there. It seems that the preparers of this report did not even read the report after copying pasting from the old report as evident in the list of proposed solutions is not applicable here.

The live presentation on August 22nd showed the comparison of EMF values of household objects as a means to show that everyday household items carry a similar range of mG( milli Gauss) units. This comparison was inherently flawed since it mentioned that the household devices were producing those level at 1 feet while those indicated for 115KVf lines were at 60 feet. further these household devices do not operate 24X7 similar to the transmission lines.

There were a lot of citations of reports showcasing that no clear proof of EMF to human health exists but we would like to also point out certain states like Connecticut Department of Public Health have cited reports that have shown an increased incidence of childhood leukemia( Blood cancer) at avg exposure of only 3 mG. Also they have called out that some utility workers exposed to high levels of emf have increase risks of Lur Gehrig's disease.

They also call out that most impacts of EMF from high voltage lines dissipate at ~300 feet.

These are available on Page 2 & Page 3 of this report: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/departments- and-agencies/dph/dph/environmental_health/eoha/pdf/emffactsheet2008pdf.pdf This report has citations from WHO , National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and California Department of Health Services.
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/sites/default/files/health/materials/electric_and_magnetic_fields_associ ated_with_the_use_of_electric_power_questions_and_answers_english_508.pdf Some other questions around the EMF study map shared during presentation on Aug 22 2024:

1. Have you conducted an existing EMF study to identify the current value of the community ?

2. Are your emf study values based on the cumulative, or interference of existing emf and potential emf.

3. ⁠Emf value was calculated based on existing studies. What was the delta between mathematical modeling and actual values ( from existing structures).

4. ⁠What is the delta between underground and overhead structures’ emf values?

5. ⁠Can you provide the same for Route options B and C?

6. ⁠What happens when electrification of rail lines happens- as this is already planned for the future? Have you potentially considered the cumulative EMF effect in coexistence of the high power lines and with railway lines’ electrification? Will the EMF values not be much higher then? H-151
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
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7. ⁠Can you share the mathematical modeling maps of Emf for 115k, 230k and the next two higher values of the power line ?

8. ⁠Can you share Emf maps from existing structures of 115k, 230 k and the next 2 higher values of the power line?

9. ⁠Please share any emf related information that you have especially if it contains assumptions for any calculations so we can understand the effects of current project and future projects.

10. Why does the electric pole structure proposed have wider diameter at the top? Can you share the design of the top of the pole ? Can it be extended by adding another section by bolting, welding or any other method? If so, what extra voltage can be added to the line?

11. ⁠what is the proposed power consumption of 95054 zip code for the next 5, 10 and 15 years in the master plan ?
Reference #3

Page 174 ends

Personal observation#3
The railway line's proximity to the proposed high transmission lines is very concerning. The centerline distance from proposed lines to railway line is aproximately 50 feet per google maps with some margin for error. As per the report there are no Corona rings proposed for the 115KV lines. There seems to be negligence in design in consideration of the hazards posed by these high voltage lines as Corona effect can transfer current to railway lines. All the residents are at a high risk of accidental hazards given the proximity of the railway line, this project is adding on to the hazards. This section is only stating information about what Corona effect is, as may be required by law, which by the way is again a copy paste from an old report. The only concern discussed in more depth is the audible noise level. The concerns are presented to imply that this is not significant by stating that 115KV lines pose less than significant risk.

Reference #4: Post meeting material from March 19th
2024 @https://santaclara.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6582415&GUID=E6E14646-3CF7- 4D15-BB98-F18580696012&Options=&Search=
Personal observation#4: At surface level, it looks like Option #A was selected only based on Cost perspective, without any consideration to human health, young children, property values, Corona effect, long term sustainability perspective or any other factors. While its important to understand the results of CEQA study, its extremely critical to understand the negative impact of EMF on the many young children living around the proposed transmission lines. Without extensive research and study on the impact to young children and adult heath, we should not be approving such an incomplete proposal.

Page 6 ends

discussions with several real estate agents in the region, I have unanimously found all to agree that the real estate values of residences in close proximity to power lines goes down. Its hard to find potential buyers and most folks refrain from buying a house too close to high power transmission lines. There are 1000 plus residences in the area affected by this project. Even if we were to make very rough assumptions, and assume minimal cost reduction in property values and take an average loss of $100,000 per property in the current year, that goes to $100,000,000 of loss of equity to the public. This is not even accounting the businesses affected by this project. This long explanation was to raise a point that if the selection of route A was saving money to the city, this is costing a huge financial loss to the H-152
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SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
public, which is not acceptable. This decrease in property values will also directly impact the tax collection by the Santa Clara Assessor and result in lower tax revenue coming into the city of Santa Clara.

Reference #5 : Page 49 of report- Figure 5.1-2. Wall separating residences and Lafayette Street.

Personal observation#5: The picture is taken conveniently from the other side of the railway line which is actually Kingsbury street, inside a private community and not Lafayette street. This is further away from the proposed SVP lines. This is very misleading; see snapshots taken from Google maps below

H-153
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And this is what is included on the report:

The Mission Garden Townhome community has no walls as such and the main entry to residences face the road directly and are the most impacted. There are several other single family homes on Lafayette street with the same impact, having an entryway directly on the street. This and including other citations of reusing sections of older reports, is all in all absolutely unacceptable and instills distrust. This further shows incompetency of the agency/ agencies preparing this report.

Conclusion: This project's initial study needs to expand beyond CEQA for approval from the public. The limited scope of CEQA has failed to address the following concerns we have:
• Health hazards due to EMF levels.- This is by far the gravest concern and CEQA is clearly not qualified to study that.
• Reduced property values- several references provided below. • Loss of Aesthetic appeal for potential real estate buyers/ new and current businesses. • Increase in audible noise levels during and post construction, which is already high in the area with presence of railway line and air traffic route.
• Increased fire hazard/ risk of other accidents.
• Induced current on railway lines with close proximity/ corona effect- CEQA report did not clearly address this for a 115KV line.
• Economic effect on the community from small to larger scale based on all of the above.

We demand further investigation and revisit other routes or proposals to resolve the power needs of the city. We have to ensure our and our kids’ health is not at stake in the name of development and infrastructure and are not in agreement for this project to move forward. We cannot approve this to move forward as of now given the lack of study and absence of a satisfactory solution/ mitigation provided in favor/ assurance to public health.

H-154
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Additional References:

Research on effects of EMF on humans:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6025786/ This research reinforces the concerns of EMF exposure effect on human health.

2. https://www.epa.gov/radtown/electric-and-magnetic-fields-power-lines This resource suggests taking precautions and keeping distance or limiting exposure. Residents would no longer have either of these two options per the current proposals if they are living there 24-7.

3. https://www.fastexpert.com/blog/should-i-buy-a-house-near-power-lines/ These are points of view from a real estate expert who clearly states that property value declines proportionately to the distance of the property from high tension lines. People have apprehensions whether or not research clearly defines the risk. Potential buyers might have low priority for a property too close to a high tension power line.

4. https://orchard.com/blog/posts/power-lines-and-property-value Another research on real estate values lowered due to high tension power lines proximity.

Unnikrishnan Udinoor
4479 Moulin Pl, Santa Clara - 95054
408 368 2674
Mission Gardens

--
Regards
Unni

H-155
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Email: NRS-KRS 115 kV T-Line

From: Sweety h <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 30, 2024 6:31 PM
To: NRS-KRS Project; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: Concerns Regarding Upcoming High Power Electric Wire Poles in Our Community for the upcoming SVP project connecting the Northern Receiving Station NRS to Kifer receiving station (KRS)- NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project

To Whomsoever it may concern,
We are residents of Santa Clara that will be negatively impacted by the “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project”. We have collectively reviewed the draft Initial Study/ Mitigated Negative declaration for “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project” from July 2024. After reviewing this report and also attending the virtual and in person meetings, here are some references to emphasize our various concerns.

Reference #1 : CEQA’s reporting includes these State reviewing agencies: California Air Resources Board (ARB), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Bay Delta Region 3 (CDFW), California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), California Department of Transportation, District 4 (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Transportation Planning (DOT), California Department of Water Resources (DWR), California Energy Commission, California Highway Patrol (CHP), California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), California Natural Resources Agency, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Francisco Bay Region 2 (RWQCB), Office of Historic Preservation, State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water.

Personal observation#1 : None of these agencies has any association with human health. CEQA reporting is not qualified enough to force the public to compromise on health concerns. Other agencies need to be involved to review this proposal, that are qualified to study the effect on “ humans”, not just wildlife and vegetation, or “ environment. The checklist is completely devoid of our gravest humanitarian concerns. It is quite shocking that the project has not included any study to understand the potential impact of EMF waves on human lives, given that the transmission lines are potentially less than 60 feet from the closest dwellings. The city of Santa Clara needs to step in and have third party/ independent studies completed in favor of human health.

Reference #2: Page 41 of report- Section 4.15. Electric and Magnetic Fields summary.

Personal observation#2 : This consideration was completely absent earlier. Only after the residents raised their voices, this section was added. To our greatest disappointment, this section is copied over from an older report on the “South Loop Reconfiguration Project” from 2020. One would have expected that a new study would have been conducted for a project this size. The lack of due diligence and ignorance towards the specifics of this project are apparent and not acceptable. In fact we have found several sections of this older report as being reused across the entire report.

The EMP map shared during the in person meeting had several flaws and we would like to question the viability of the study that was completed. What time of the day was the study completed and on what models were the values based on since these were done on assumption for the EMF values that would be there once the project is complete. Since we have seen the several sections of the report redundantly copied over from other reports, we would like a more detailed analysis of this report.

Regarding EMF concerns for human health, there are plenty of scientific studies that do indicate the grave concern on human health with EMF exposures and we cannot ignore this aspect. Here is a reference to an article and there are plenty of articles listed here under references:

H-156
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
https://psc.wi.gov/Documents/Brochures/EMF.pdf
There are not enough references listed in the draft report provided to us, and the explanation provided seems to be conveniently using studies that prove otherwise. This needs more investigation and references. The solution provided as raising the height of the poles and increasing the distance is non- existent. It was confirmed during the in person meeting that the design will not be altered and the height was already designed as required according to the SVP team present there. It seems that the preparers of this report did not even read the report after copying pasting from the old report as evident in the list of proposed solutions is not applicable here.

The live presentation on August 22nd showed the comparison of EMF values of household objects as a means to show that everyday household items carry a similar range of mG( milli Gauss) units. This comparison was inherently flawed since it mentioned that the household devices were producing those level at 1 feet while those indicated for 115KVf lines were at 60 feet. further these household devices do not operate 24X7 similar to the transmission lines.

There were a lot of citations of reports showcasing that no clear proof of EMF to human health exists but we would like to also point out certain states like Connecticut Department of Public Health have cited reports that have shown an increased incidence of childhood leukemia( Blood cancer) at avg exposure of only 3 mG. Also they have called out that some utility workers exposed to high levels of emf have increase risks of Lur Gehrig's disease.

They also call out that most impacts of EMF from high voltage lines dissipate at ~300 feet.

These are available on Page 2 & Page 3 of this report: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/departments- and-agencies/dph/dph/environmental_health/eoha/pdf/emffactsheet2008pdf.pdf This report has citations from WHO , National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and California Department of Health Services.
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/sites/default/files/health/materials/electric_and_magnetic_fields_associ ated_with_the_use_of_electric_power_questions_and_answers_english_508.pdf Some other questions around the EMF study map shared during presentation on Aug 22 2024:

1. Have you conducted an existing EMF study to identify the current value of the community ?

2. Are your emf study values based on the cumulative, or interference of existing emf and potential emf.

3. ⁠Emf value was calculated based on existing studies. What was the delta between mathematical modeling and actual values ( from existing structures).

4. ⁠What is the delta between underground and overhead structures’ emf values?

5. ⁠Can you provide the same for Route options B and C?

6. ⁠What happens when electrification of rail lines happens- as this is already planned for the future? Have you potentially considered the cumulative EMF effect in coexistence of the high power lines and with railway lines’ electrification? Will the EMF values not be much higher then?

7. ⁠Can you share the mathematical modeling maps of Emf for 115k, 230k and the next two higher values of the power line ?

8. ⁠Can you share Emf maps from existing structures of 115k, 230 k and the next 2 higher values of the power line?

9. ⁠Please share any emf related information that you have especially if it contains assumptions for any calculations so we can understand the effects of current project and future projects.

10. Why does the electric pole structure proposed have wider diameter at the top? Can you share the design of the top of the pole ? Can it be extended by adding another section by bolting, welding or any other method? If so, what extra voltage can be added to the line?

11. ⁠what is the proposed power consumption of 95054 zip code for the next 5, 10 and 15 years in the master plan ?
Reference #3

Page 174 ends

Personal observation#3
The railway line's proximity to the proposed high transmission lines is very concerning. The centerline distance from proposed lines to railway line is aproximately 50 feet per google maps with some margin for error. As per the report there are no Corona rings proposed for the 115KV lines. There seems to be H-157
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
negligence in design in consideration of the hazards posed by these high voltage lines as Corona effect can transfer current to railway lines. All the residents are at a high risk of accidental hazards given the proximity of the railway line, this project is adding on to the hazards. This section is only stating information about what Corona effect is, as may be required by law, which by the way is again a copy paste from an old report. The only concern discussed in more depth is the audible noise level. The concerns are presented to imply that this is not significant by stating that 115KV lines pose less than significant risk.

Reference #4: Post meeting material from March 19th
2024 @https://santaclara.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6582415&GUID=E6E14646-3CF7- 4D15-BB98-F18580696012&Options=&Search=
Personal observation#4: At surface level, it looks like Option #A was selected only based on Cost perspective, without any consideration to human health, young children, property values, Corona effect, long term sustainability perspective or any other factors. While its important to understand the results of CEQA study, its extremely critical to understand the negative impact of EMF on the many young children living around the proposed transmission lines. Without extensive research and study on the impact to young children and adult heath, we should not be approving such an incomplete proposal.

Page 6 ends

discussions with several real estate agents in the region, I have unanimously found all to agree that the real estate values of residences in close proximity to power lines goes down. Its hard to find potential buyers and most folks refrain from buying a house too close to high power transmission lines. There are 1000 plus residences in the area affected by this project. Even if we were to make very rough assumptions, and assume minimal cost reduction in property values and take an average loss of $100,000 per property in the current year, that goes to $100,000,000 of loss of equity to the public. This is not even accounting the businesses affected by this project. This long explanation was to raise a point that if the selection of route A was saving money to the city, this is costing a huge financial loss to the public, which is not acceptable. This decrease in property values will also directly impact the tax collection by the Santa Clara Assessor and result in lower tax revenue coming into the city of Santa Clara.

Reference #5 : Page 49 of report- Figure 5.1-2. Wall separating residences and Lafayette Street.

Personal observation#5: The picture is taken conveniently from the other side of the railway line which is actually Kingsbury street, inside a private community and not Lafayette street. This is further away from the proposed SVP lines. This is very misleading; see snapshots taken from Google maps below

H-158
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND

And this is what is included on the report:

The Mission Garden Townhome community has no walls as such and the main entry to residences face the road directly and are the most impacted. There are several other single family homes on Lafayette street with the same impact, having an entryway directly on the street. This and including other citations of reusing sections of older reports, is all in all absolutely unacceptable and instills distrust. This further shows incompetency of the agency/ agencies preparing this report.

Conclusion: This project's initial study needs to expand beyond CEQA for approval from the public. The limited scope of CEQA has failed to address the following concerns we have:
• Health hazards due to EMF levels.- This is by far the gravest concern and CEQA is clearly not qualified to study that.
• Reduced property values- several references provided below. • Loss of Aesthetic appeal for potential real estate buyers/ new and current businesses. • Increase in audible noise levels during and post construction, which is already high in the area with presence of railway line and air traffic route.
• Increased fire hazard/ risk of other accidents.
• Induced current on railway lines with close proximity/ corona effect- CEQA report did not clearly address this for a 115KV line.
• Economic effect on the community from small to larger scale based on all of the above.

We demand further investigation and revisit other routes or proposals to resolve the power needs of the city. We have to ensure our and our kids’ health is not at stake in the name of development and H-159
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
infrastructure and are not in agreement for this project to move forward. We cannot approve this to move forward as of now given the lack of study and absence of a satisfactory solution/ mitigation provided in favor/ assurance to public health.

Additional References:

Research on effects of EMF on humans:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6025786/ This research reinforces the concerns of EMF exposure effect on human health.

2. https://www.epa.gov/radtown/electric-and-magnetic-fields-power-lines This resource suggests taking precautions and keeping distance or limiting exposure. Residents would no longer have either of these two options per the current proposals if they are living there 24-7.

3. https://www.fastexpert.com/blog/should-i-buy-a-house-near-power-lines/ These are points of view from a real estate expert who clearly states that property value declines proportionately to the distance of the property from high tension lines. People have apprehensions whether or not research clearly defines the risk. Potential buyers might have low priority for a property too close to a high tension power line.

4. https://orchard.com/blog/posts/power-lines-and-property-value Another research on real estate values lowered due to high tension power lines proximity.

H-160
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
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Email: NRS-KRS 115 kV T-Line

From: Simple Yadav <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 30, 2024 4:40 PM
To: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; NRS-KRS Project; [email protected]
Subject: Concerns Regarding Upcoming High Power Electric Wire Poles in Our Community for the upcoming SVP project connecting the Northern Receiving Station NRS to Kifer receiving station (KRS)- NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project

To Whomsoever it may concern,

We are residents of Santa Clara that will be negatively impacted by the “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project”. We have collectively reviewed the draft Initial Study/ Mitigated Negative declaration for “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project” from July 2024. After reviewing this report and also attending the virtual and in person meetings, here are some references to emphasize our various concerns.

Reference #1 : CEQA’s reporting includes these State reviewing agencies: California Air Resources Board (ARB), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Bay Delta Region 3 (CDFW), California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), California Department of Transportation, District 4 (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Transportation Planning (DOT), California Department of Water Resources (DWR), California Energy Commission, California Highway Patrol (CHP), California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), California Natural Resources Agency, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Francisco Bay Region 2 (RWQCB), Office of Historic Preservation, State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water.

Personal observation#1 : None of these agencies has any association with human health. CEQA reporting is not qualified enough to force the public to compromise on health concerns. Other agencies need to be involved to review this proposal, that are qualified to study the effect on “ humans”, not just wildlife and vegetation, or “ environment. The checklist is completely devoid of our gravest humanitarian concerns. It is quite shocking that the project has not included any study to understand the potential impact of EMF waves on human lives, given that the transmission lines are potentially less than 60 feet from the closest dwellings. The city of Santa Clara needs to step in and have third party/ independent studies completed in favor of human health.

Reference #2: Page 41 of report- Section 4.15. Electric and Magnetic Fields summary.

Personal observation#2 : This consideration was completely absent earlier. Only after the residents raised their voices, this section was added. To our greatest disappointment, this section is copied over from an older report on the “South Loop Reconfiguration Project” from 2020. One would have expected that a new study would have been conducted for a project this size. The lack of due diligence and ignorance towards the specifics of this project are apparent and not acceptable. In fact we have found several sections of this older report as being reused across the entire report.

The EMP map shared during the in person meeting had several flaws and we would like to question the viability of the study that was completed. What time of the day was the study completed and on what models were the values based on since these were done on assumption for the EMF values that would be there once the project is complete. Since we have seen the several sections of the report redundantly copied over from other reports, we would like a more detailed analysis of this report.

Regarding EMF concerns for human health, there are plenty of scientific studies that do indicate the grave concern on human health with EMF exposures and we cannot ignore this aspect. Here is a reference to an article and there are plenty of articles listed here under references:

H-161
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
https://psc.wi.gov/Documents/Brochures/EMF.pdf
There are not enough references listed in the draft report provided to us, and the explanation provided seems to be conveniently using studies that prove otherwise. This needs more investigation and references. The solution provided as raising the height of the poles and increasing the distance is non- existent. It was confirmed during the in person meeting that the design will not be altered and the height was already designed as required according to the SVP team present there. It seems that the preparers of this report did not even read the report after copying pasting from the old report as evident in the list of proposed solutions is not applicable here.

The live presentation on August 22nd showed the comparison of EMF values of household objects as a means to show that everyday household items carry a similar range of mG( milli Gauss) units. This comparison was inherently flawed since it mentioned that the household devices were producing those level at 1 feet while those indicated for 115KVf lines were at 60 feet. further these household devices do not operate 24X7 similar to the transmission lines.

There were a lot of citations of reports showcasing that no clear proof of EMF to human health exists but we would like to also point out certain states like Connecticut Department of Public Health have cited reports that have shown an increased incidence of childhood leukemia( Blood cancer) at avg exposure of only 3 mG. Also they have called out that some utility workers exposed to high levels of emf have increase risks of Lur Gehrig's disease.

They also call out that most impacts of EMF from high voltage lines dissipate at ~300 feet.

These are available on Page 2 & Page 3 of this report: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/departments- and-agencies/dph/dph/environmental_health/eoha/pdf/emffactsheet2008pdf.pdf This report has citations from WHO , National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and California Department of Health Services.
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/sites/default/files/health/materials/electric_and_magnetic_fields_associ ated_with_the_use_of_electric_power_questions_and_answers_english_508.pdf Some other questions around the EMF study map shared during presentation on Aug 22 2024:

1. Have you conducted an existing EMF study to identify the current value of the community ?

2. Are your emf study values based on the cumulative, or interference of existing emf and potential emf.

3. ⁠Emf value was calculated based on existing studies. What was the delta between mathematical modeling and actual values ( from existing structures).

4. ⁠What is the delta between underground and overhead structures’ emf values?

5. ⁠Can you provide the same for Route options B and C?

6. ⁠What happens when electrification of rail lines happens- as this is already planned for the future? Have you potentially considered the cumulative EMF effect in coexistence of the high power lines and with railway lines’ electrification? Will the EMF values not be much higher then?

7. ⁠Can you share the mathematical modeling maps of Emf for 115k, 230k and the next two higher values of the power line ?

8. ⁠Can you share Emf maps from existing structures of 115k, 230 k and the next 2 higher values of the power line?

9. ⁠Please share any emf related information that you have especially if it contains assumptions for any calculations so we can understand the effects of current project and future projects.

10. Why does the electric pole structure proposed have wider diameter at the top? Can you share the design of the top of the pole ? Can it be extended by adding another section by bolting, welding or any other method? If so, what extra voltage can be added to the line?

11. ⁠what is the proposed power consumption of 95054 zip code for the next 5, 10 and 15 years in the master plan ?
Reference #3

Page 174 ends

Personal observation#3
The railway line's proximity to the proposed high transmission lines is very concerning. The centerline distance from proposed lines to railway line is aproximately 50 feet per google maps with some margin for error. As per the report there are no Corona rings proposed for the 115KV lines. There seems to be H-162
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
negligence in design in consideration of the hazards posed by these high voltage lines as Corona effect can transfer current to railway lines. All the residents are at a high risk of accidental hazards given the proximity of the railway line, this project is adding on to the hazards. This section is only stating information about what Corona effect is, as may be required by law, which by the way is again a copy paste from an old report. The only concern discussed in more depth is the audible noise level. The concerns are presented to imply that this is not significant by stating that 115KV lines pose less than significant risk.

Reference #4: Post meeting material from March 19th
2024 @https://santaclara.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6582415&GUID=E6E14646-3CF7- 4D15-BB98-F18580696012&Options=&Search=
Personal observation#4: At surface level, it looks like Option #A was selected only based on Cost perspective, without any consideration to human health, young children, property values, Corona effect, long term sustainability perspective or any other factors. While its important to understand the results of CEQA study, its extremely critical to understand the negative impact of EMF on the many young children living around the proposed transmission lines. Without extensive research and study on the impact to young children and adult heath, we should not be approving such an incomplete proposal.

Page 6 ends

discussions with several real estate agents in the region, I have unanimously found all to agree that the real estate values of residences in close proximity to power lines goes down. Its hard to find potential buyers and most folks refrain from buying a house too close to high power transmission lines. There are 1000 plus residences in the area affected by this project. Even if we were to make very rough assumptions, and assume minimal cost reduction in property values and take an average loss of $100,000 per property in the current year, that goes to $100,000,000 of loss of equity to the public. This is not even accounting the businesses affected by this project. This long explanation was to raise a point that if the selection of route A was saving money to the city, this is costing a huge financial loss to the public, which is not acceptable. This decrease in property values will also directly impact the tax collection by the Santa Clara Assessor and result in lower tax revenue coming into the city of Santa Clara.

Reference #5 : Page 49 of report- Figure 5.1-2. Wall separating residences and Lafayette Street.

Personal observation#5: The picture is taken conveniently from the other side of the railway line which is actually Kingsbury street, inside a private community and not Lafayette street. This is further away from the proposed SVP lines. This is very misleading; see snapshots taken from Google maps below

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And this is what is included on the report:

The Mission Garden Townhome community has no walls as such and the main entry to residences face the road directly and are the most impacted. There are several other single family homes on Lafayette street with the same impact, having an entryway directly on the street. This and including other citations of reusing sections of older reports, is all in all absolutely unacceptable and instills distrust. This further shows incompetency of the agency/ agencies preparing this report.

Conclusion: This project's initial study needs to expand beyond CEQA for approval from the public. The limited scope of CEQA has failed to address the following concerns we have:
• Health hazards due to EMF levels.- This is by far the gravest concern and CEQA is clearly not qualified to study that.
• Reduced property values- several references provided below. • Loss of Aesthetic appeal for potential real estate buyers/ new and current businesses. • Increase in audible noise levels during and post construction, which is already high in the area with presence of railway line and air traffic route.
• Increased fire hazard/ risk of other accidents.
• Induced current on railway lines with close proximity/ corona effect- CEQA report did not clearly address this for a 115KV line.
• Economic effect on the community from small to larger scale based on all of the above.

We demand further investigation and revisit other routes or proposals to resolve the power needs of the city. We have to ensure our and our kids’ health is not at stake in the name of development and infrastructure and are not in agreement for this project to move forward. We cannot approve this to H-164
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move forward as of now given the lack of study and absence of a satisfactory solution/ mitigation provided in favor/ assurance to public health.

Additional References:

Research on effects of EMF on humans:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6025786/ This research reinforces the concerns of EMF exposure effect on human health.

2. https://www.epa.gov/radtown/electric-and-magnetic-fields-power-lines This resource suggests taking precautions and keeping distance or limiting exposure. Residents would no longer have either of these two options per the current proposals if they are living there 24-7.

3. https://www.fastexpert.com/blog/should-i-buy-a-house-near-power-lines/ These are points of view from a real estate expert who clearly states that property value declines proportionately to the distance of the property from high tension lines. People have apprehensions whether or not research clearly defines the risk. Potential buyers might have low priority for a property too close to a high tension power line.

4. https://orchard.com/blog/posts/power-lines-and-property-value Another research on real estate values lowered due to high tension power lines proximity.

Thanks,
Simple yadav

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Email: NRS-KRS 115 kV T-Line

From: Niaz Khan <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 30, 2024 4:12 PM
To: NRS-KRS Project; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: Concerns Regarding Upcoming High Power Electric Wire Poles in Our Community for the upcoming SVP project connecting the Northern Receiving Station NRS to Kifer receiving station (KRS)- NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project

To Whomsoever it may concern,
We are residents of Santa Clara that will be negatively impacted by the “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project”. We have collectively reviewed the draft Initial Study/ Mitigated Negative declaration for “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project” from July 2024. After reviewing this report and also attending the virtual and in person meetings, here are some references to emphasize our various concerns.

Reference #1 : CEQA’s reporting includes these State reviewing agencies: California Air Resources Board (ARB), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Bay Delta Region 3 (CDFW), California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), California Department of Transportation, District 4 (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Transportation Planning (DOT), California Department of Water Resources (DWR), California Energy Commission, California Highway Patrol (CHP), California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), California Natural Resources Agency, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Francisco Bay Region 2 (RWQCB), Office of Historic Preservation, State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water.

Personal observation#1 : None of these agencies has any association with human health. CEQA reporting is not qualified enough to force the public to compromise on health concerns. Other agencies need to be involved to review this proposal, that are qualified to study the effect on “ humans”, not just wildlife and vegetation, or “ environment. The checklist is completely devoid of our gravest humanitarian concerns. It is quite shocking that the project has not included any study to understand the potential impact of EMF waves on human lives, given that the transmission lines are potentially less than 60 feet from the closest dwellings. The city of Santa Clara needs to step in and have third party/ independent studies completed in favor of human health.

Reference #2: Page 41 of report- Section 4.15. Electric and Magnetic Fields summary.

Personal observation#2 : This consideration was completely absent earlier. Only after the residents raised their voices, this section was added. To our greatest disappointment, this section is copied over from an older report on the “South Loop Reconfiguration Project” from 2020. One would have expected that a new study would have been conducted for a project this size. The lack of due diligence and ignorance towards the specifics of this project are apparent and not acceptable. In fact we have found several sections of this older report as being reused across the entire report.

The EMP map shared during the in person meeting had several flaws and we would like to question the viability of the study that was completed. What time of the day was the study completed and on what models were the values based on since these were done on assumption for the EMF values that would be there once the project is complete. Since we have seen the several sections of the report redundantly copied over from other reports, we would like a more detailed analysis of this report.

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Regarding EMF concerns for human health, there are plenty of scientific studies that do indicate the grave concern on human health with EMF exposures and we cannot ignore this aspect. Here is a reference to an article and there are plenty of articles listed here under references:
https://psc.wi.gov/Documents/Brochures/EMF.pdf

There are not enough references listed in the draft report provided to us, and the explanation provided seems to be conveniently using studies that prove otherwise. This needs more investigation and references. The solution provided as raising the height of the poles and increasing the distance is non- existent. It was confirmed during the in person meeting that the design will not be altered and the height was already designed as required according to the SVP team present there. It seems that the preparers of this report did not even read the report after copying pasting from the old report as evident in the list of proposed solutions is not applicable here.

The live presentation on August 22nd showed the comparison of EMF values of household objects as a means to show that everyday household items carry a similar range of mG( milli Gauss) units. This comparison was inherently flawed since it mentioned that the household devices were producing those level at 1 feet while those indicated for 115KVf lines were at 60 feet. further these household devices do not operate 24X7 similar to the transmission lines.

There were a lot of citations of reports showcasing that no clear proof of EMF to human health exists but we would like to also point out certain states like Connecticut Department of Public Health have cited reports that have shown an increased incidence of childhood leukemia( Blood cancer) at avg exposure of only 3 mG. Also they have called out that some utility workers exposed to high levels of emf have increase risks of Lur Gehrig's disease.

They also call out that most impacts of EMF from high voltage lines dissipate at ~300 feet. These are available on Page 2 & Page 3 of this report: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/departments-and- agencies/dph/dph/environmental_health/eoha/pdf/emffactsheet2008pdf.pdf This report has citations from WHO , National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and California Department of Health Services.
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/sites/default/files/health/materials/electric_and_magnetic_fields_associ ated_with_the_use_of_electric_power_questions_and_answers_english_508.pdf Some other questions around the EMF study map shared during presentation on Aug 22 2024:

1. Have you conducted an existing EMF study to identify the current value of the community ?

2. Are your emf study values based on the cumulative, or interference of existing emf and potential emf.

3. ⁠Emf value was calculated based on existing studies. What was the delta between mathematical modeling and actual values ( from existing structures).

4. ⁠What is the delta between underground and overhead structures’ emf values?

5. ⁠Can you provide the same for Route options B and C?

6. ⁠What happens when electrification of rail lines happens- as this is already planned for the future? Have you potentially considered the cumulative EMF effect in coexistence of the high power lines and with railway lines’ electrification? Will the EMF values not be much higher then?

7. ⁠Can you share the mathematical modeling maps of Emf for 115k, 230k and the next two higher values of the power line ?
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8. ⁠Can you share Emf maps from existing structures of 115k, 230 k and the next 2 higher values of the power line?

9. ⁠Please share any emf related information that you have especially if it contains assumptions for any calculations so we can understand the effects of current project and future projects.

10. Why does the electric pole structure proposed have wider diameter at the top? Can you share the design of the top of the pole ? Can it be extended by adding another section by bolting, welding or any other method? If so, what extra voltage can be added to the line?

11. ⁠what is the proposed power consumption of 95054 zip code for the next 5, 10 and 15 years in the master plan ?
Reference #3

Page 174 ends

Personal observation#3
The railway line's proximity to the proposed high transmission lines is very concerning. The centerline distance from proposed lines to railway line is aproximately 50 feet per google maps with some margin for error. As per the report there are no Corona rings proposed for the 115KV lines. There seems to be negligence in design in consideration of the hazards posed by these high voltage lines as Corona effect can transfer current to railway lines. All the residents are at a high risk of accidental hazards given the proximity of the railway line, this project is adding on to the hazards. This section is only stating information about what Corona effect is, as may be required by law, which by the way is again a copy paste from an old report. The only concern discussed in more depth is the audible noise level. The concerns are presented to imply that this is not significant by stating that 115KV lines pose less than significant risk.

Reference #4: Post meeting material from March 19th 2024 @https://santaclara.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6582415&GUID=E6E14646-3CF7-4D15- BB98-F18580696012&Options=&Search=
Personal observation#4: At surface level, it looks like Option #A was selected only based on Cost perspective, without any consideration to human health, young children, property values, Corona effect, long term sustainability perspective or any other factors. While its important to understand the results of CEQA study, its extremely critical to understand the negative impact of EMF on the many young children living around the proposed transmission lines. Without extensive research and study on the impact to young children and adult heath, we should not be approving such an incomplete proposal.

Page 6 ends

discussions with several real estate agents in the region, I have unanimously found all to agree that the real estate values of residences in close proximity to power lines goes down. Its hard to find potential buyers and most folks refrain from buying a house too close to high power transmission lines. There are 1000 plus residences in the area affected by this project. Even if we were to make very rough assumptions, and assume minimal cost reduction in property values and take an average loss of $100,000 per property in the current year, that goes to $100,000,000 of loss of equity to the public. This is not even accounting the businesses affected by this project. This long explanation was to raise a point that if the selection of route A was saving money to the city, this is costing a huge financial loss to the public, which is not acceptable. This decrease in property values will also directly impact the tax collection by the Santa Clara Assessor and result in lower tax revenue coming into the city of Santa Clara.

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Conclusion: This project's initial study needs to expand beyond CEQA for approval from the public. The limited scope of CEQA has failed to address the following concerns we have:
• Health hazards due to EMF levels.- This is by far the gravest concern and CEQA is clearly not qualified to study that.
• Reduced property values- several references provided below. • Loss of Aesthetic appeal for potential real estate buyers/ new and current businesses. • Increase in audible noise levels during and post construction, which is already high in the area with presence of railway line and air traffic route.
• Increased fire hazard/ risk of other accidents.
• Induced current on railway lines with close proximity/ corona effect- CEQA report did not clearly address this for a 115KV line.
• Economic effect on the community from small to larger scale based on all of the above.

We demand further investigation and revisit other routes or proposals to resolve the power needs of the city. We have to ensure our and our kids’ health is not at stake in the name of development and infrastructure and are not in agreement for this project to move forward. We cannot approve this to move forward as of now given the lack of study and absence of a satisfactory solution/ mitigation provided in favor/ assurance to public health.

Thank you for your attention to this pressing matter, and eagerly await your response.

Sincerely
Niaz Khan
2134 Payne Place, Santa Clara, 95054
[email protected]
Payne Place Community

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Email: NRS-KRS 115 kV T-Line

From: kuldeep singh <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 30, 2024 3:57 PM
To: NRS-KRS Project
Subject: Fwd: Concerns Regarding Upcoming High Power Electric Wire Poles in Our Community for the upcoming SVP project connecting the Northern Receiving Station NRS to Kifer receiving station (KRS)- NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project

Begin forwarded message:

From: kuldeep singh <[email protected]>
Date: August 30, 2024 at 3:49:14 PM PDT
To: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
Subject: Concerns Regarding Upcoming High Power Electric Wire Poles in Our Community for the upcoming SVP project connecting the Northern Receiving Station NRS to Kifer receiving station (KRS)- NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project

To Whomsoever it may concern,
We are residents of Santa Clara that will be negatively impacted by the “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project”. We have collectively reviewed the draft Initial Study/ Mitigated Negative declaration for “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project” from July 2024. After reviewing this report and also attending the virtual and in person meetings, here are some references to emphasize our various concerns.

Reference #1 : CEQA’s reporting includes these State reviewing agencies: California Air Resources Board (ARB), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Bay Delta Region 3 (CDFW), California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), California Department of Transportation, District 4 (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Transportation Planning (DOT), California Department of Water Resources (DWR), California Energy Commission, California Highway Patrol (CHP), California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), California Natural Resources Agency, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Francisco Bay Region 2 (RWQCB), Office of Historic Preservation, State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water.

Personal observation#1 : None of these agencies has any association with human health. CEQA reporting is not qualified enough to force the public to compromise on health concerns. Other agencies need to be involved to review this proposal, that are qualified to study the effect on “ humans”, not just wildlife and vegetation, or “ environment. The checklist is completely devoid of our gravest humanitarian concerns. It is quite shocking that the project has not included any study to understand the potential impact of EMF waves on human lives, given that the transmission lines are potentially less than 60 feet from the closest dwellings. The city of Santa Clara needs to step in and have third party/ independent studies completed in favor of human health.

Reference #2: Page 41 of report- Section 4.15. Electric and Magnetic Fields summary.

Personal observation#2 : This consideration was completely absent earlier. Only after the residents raised their voices, this section was added. To our greatest disappointment, this section is copied over from an older report on the “South Loop Reconfiguration Project” from 2020. One would have expected that a new study would have been conducted for a project this size. The lack of due diligence and H-170
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
ignorance towards the specifics of this project are apparent and not acceptable. In fact we have found several sections of this older report as being reused across the entire report.

The EMP map shared during the in person meeting had several flaws and we would like to question the viability of the study that was completed. What time of the day was the study completed and on what models were the values based on since these were done on assumption for the EMF values that would be there once the project is complete. Since we have seen the several sections of the report redundantly copied over from other reports, we would like a more detailed analysis of this report.

Regarding EMF concerns for human health, there are plenty of scientific studies that do indicate the grave concern on human health with EMF exposures and we cannot ignore this aspect. Here is a reference to an article and there are plenty of articles listed here under references:
https://psc.wi.gov/Documents/Brochures/EMF.pdf
There are not enough references listed in the draft report provided to us, and the explanation provided seems to be conveniently using studies that prove otherwise. This needs more investigation and references. The solution provided as raising the height of the poles and increasing the distance is non- existent. It was confirmed during the in person meeting that the design will not be altered and the height was already designed as required according to the SVP team present there. It seems that the preparers of this report did not even read the report after copying pasting from the old report as evident in the list of proposed solutions is not applicable here.

The live presentation on August 22nd showed the comparison of EMF values of household objects as a means to show that everyday household items carry a similar range of mG( milli Gauss) units. This comparison was inherently flawed since it mentioned that the household devices were producing those level at 1 feet while those indicated for 115KVf lines were at 60 feet. further these household devices do not operate 24X7 similar to the transmission lines.

There were a lot of citations of reports showcasing that no clear proof of EMF to human health exists but we would like to also point out certain states like Connecticut Department of Public Health have cited reports that have shown an increased incidence of childhood leukemia( Blood cancer) at avg exposure of only 3 mG. Also they have called out that some utility workers exposed to high levels of emf have increase risks of Lur Gehrig's disease.

They also call out that most impacts of EMF from high voltage lines dissipate at ~300 feet.

These are available on Page 2 & Page 3 of this report: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/departments- and-agencies/dph/dph/environmental_health/eoha/pdf/emffactsheet2008pdf.pdf This report has citations from WHO , National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and California Department of Health Services.
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/sites/default/files/health/materials/electric_and_magnetic_fields_associ ated_with_the_use_of_electric_power_questions_and_answers_english_508.pdf Some other questions around the EMF study map shared during presentation on Aug 22 2024:

1. Have you conducted an existing EMF study to identify the current value of the community ?

2. Are your emf study values based on the cumulative, or interference of existing emf and potential emf.

3. ⁠Emf value was calculated based on existing studies. What was the delta between mathematical modeling and actual values ( from existing structures).

4. ⁠What is the delta between underground and overhead structures’ emf values?

5. ⁠Can you provide the same for Route options B and C?

6. ⁠What happens when electrification of rail lines happens- as this is already planned for the future? Have you potentially considered the cumulative EMF effect in coexistence of the high power lines and with railway lines’ electrification? Will the EMF values not be much higher then?

7. ⁠Can you share the mathematical modeling maps of Emf for 115k, 230k and the next two higher values of the power line ?

8. ⁠Can you share Emf maps from existing structures of 115k, 230 k and the next 2 higher values of the power line?

9. ⁠Please share any emf related information that you have especially if it contains assumptions for any calculations so we can understand the effects of current project and future projects.

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10. Why does the electric pole structure proposed have wider diameter at the top? Can you share the design of the top of the pole ? Can it be extended by adding another section by bolting, welding or any other method? If so, what extra voltage can be added to the line?

11. ⁠what is the proposed power consumption of 95054 zip code for the next 5, 10 and 15 years in the master plan ?
Reference #3

Page 174 ends

Personal observation#3
The railway line's proximity to the proposed high transmission lines is very concerning. The centerline distance from proposed lines to railway line is aproximately 50 feet per google maps with some margin for error. As per the report there are no Corona rings proposed for the 115KV lines. There seems to be negligence in design in consideration of the hazards posed by these high voltage lines as Corona effect can transfer current to railway lines. All the residents are at a high risk of accidental hazards given the proximity of the railway line, this project is adding on to the hazards. This section is only stating information about what Corona effect is, as may be required by law, which by the way is again a copy paste from an old report. The only concern discussed in more depth is the audible noise level. The concerns are presented to imply that this is not significant by stating that 115KV lines pose less than significant risk.

Reference #4: Post meeting material from March 19th
2024 @https://santaclara.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6582415&GUID=E6E14646-3CF7- 4D15-BB98-F18580696012&Options=&Search=
Personal observation#4: At surface level, it looks like Option #A was selected only based on Cost perspective, without any consideration to human health, young children, property values, Corona effect, long term sustainability perspective or any other factors. While its important to understand the results of CEQA study, its extremely critical to understand the negative impact of EMF on the many young children living around the proposed transmission lines. Without extensive research and study on the impact to young children and adult heath, we should not be approving such an incomplete proposal.

Page 6 ends

discussions with several real estate agents in the region, I have unanimously found all to agree that the real estate values of residences in close proximity to power lines goes down. Its hard to find potential buyers and most folks refrain from buying a house too close to high power transmission lines. There are 1000 plus residences in the area affected by this project. Even if we were to make very rough assumptions, and assume minimal cost reduction in property values and take an average loss of $100,000 per property in the current year, that goes to $100,000,000 of loss of equity to the public. This is not even accounting the businesses affected by this project. This long explanation was to raise a point that if the selection of route A was saving money to the city, this is costing a huge financial loss to the public, which is not acceptable. This decrease in property values will also directly impact the tax collection by the Santa Clara Assessor and result in lower tax revenue coming into the city of Santa Clara.

Reference #5 : Page 49 of report- Figure 5.1-2. Wall separating residences and Lafayette Street.

Personal observation#5: The picture is taken conveniently from the other side of the railway line which is actually Kingsbury street, inside a private community and not Lafayette street. This is further away from the proposed SVP lines. This is very misleading; see snapshots taken from Google maps below

And this is what is included on the report:

The Mission Garden Townhome community has no walls as such and the main entry to residences face the road directly and are the most impacted. There are several other single family homes on Lafayette street with the same impact, having an entryway directly on the street. This and including other citations of reusing sections of older reports, is all in all absolutely unacceptable and instills distrust. This further shows incompetency of the agency/ agencies preparing this report.

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Conclusion: This project's initial study needs to expand beyond CEQA for approval from the public. The limited scope of CEQA has failed to address the following concerns we have:
• Health hazards due to EMF levels.- This is by far the gravest concern and CEQA is clearly not qualified to study that.
• Reduced property values- several references provided below. • Loss of Aesthetic appeal for potential real estate buyers/ new and current businesses. • Increase in audible noise levels during and post construction, which is already high in the area with presence of railway line and air traffic route.
• Increased fire hazard/ risk of other accidents.
• Induced current on railway lines with close proximity/ corona effect- CEQA report did not clearly address this for a 115KV line.
• Economic effect on the community from small to larger scale based on all of the above.

We demand further investigation and revisit other routes or proposals to resolve the power needs of the city. We have to ensure our and our kids’ health is not at stake in the name of development and infrastructure and are not in agreement for this project to move forward. We cannot approve this to move forward as of now given the lack of study and absence of a satisfactory solution/ mitigation provided in favor/ assurance to public health.

Additional References:

Research on effects of EMF on humans:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6025786/ This research reinforces the concerns of EMF exposure effect on human health.

2. https://www.epa.gov/radtown/electric-and-magnetic-fields-power-lines This resource suggests taking precautions and keeping distance or limiting exposure. Residents would no longer have either of these two options per the current proposals if they are living there 24-7.

3. https://www.fastexpert.com/blog/should-i-buy-a-house-near-power-lines/ These are points of view from a real estate expert who clearly states that property value declines proportionately to the distance of the property from high tension lines. People have apprehensions whether or not research clearly defines the risk. Potential buyers might have low priority for a property too close to a high tension power line.

4. https://orchard.com/blog/posts/power-lines-and-property-value Another research on real estate values lowered due to high tension power lines proximity.

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Email: NRS-KRS 115 kV T-Line

From: Paddy Subbian <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 30, 2024 3:20 PM
To: NRS-KRS Project; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Cc: Paddy Subbian
Subject: Subject: Concerns Regarding Upcoming High Power Electric Wire Poles in Our Community for the upcoming SVP project connecting the Northern Receiving Station NRS to Kifer receiving station (KRS)- NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project

To SVP and Whomsoever it may concern,

We are residents of Santa Clara that will be negatively impacted by the “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project”. We have collectively reviewed the draft Initial Study/ Mitigated Negative declaration for “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project” from July 2024. After reviewing this report and also attending the virtual and in person meetings, here are some references to emphasize our various concerns.

Reference #1 : CEQA’s reporting includes these State reviewing agencies: California Air Resources Board (ARB), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Bay Delta Region 3 (CDFW), California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), California Department of Transportation, District 4 (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Transportation Planning (DOT), California Department of Water Resources (DWR), California Energy Commission, California Highway Patrol (CHP), California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), California Natural Resources Agency, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Francisco Bay Region 2 (RWQCB), Office of Historic Preservation, State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water.

Personal observation#1 : None of these agencies has any association with human health. CEQA reporting is not qualified enough to force the public to compromise on health concerns. Other agencies need to be involved to review this proposal, that are qualified to study the effect on “ humans”, not just wildlife and vegetation, or “ environment. The checklist is completely devoid of our gravest humanitarian concerns. It is quite shocking that the project has not included any study to understand the potential impact of EMF waves on human lives, given that the transmission lines are potentially less than 60 feet from the closest dwellings. The city of Santa Clara needs to step in and have third party/ independent studies completed in favor of human health.

Reference #2: Page 41 of report- Section 4.15. Electric and Magnetic Fields summary.

Personal observation#2 : This consideration was completely absent earlier. Only after the residents raised their voices, this section was added. To our greatest disappointment, this section is copied over from an older report on the “South Loop Reconfiguration Project” from 2020. One would have expected that a new study would have been conducted for a project this size. The lack of due diligence and ignorance towards the specifics of this project are apparent and not acceptable. In fact we have found several sections of this older report as being reused across the entire report.

The EMP map shared during the in person meeting had several flaws and we would like to question the viability of the study that was completed. What time of the day was the study completed and on what models were the values based on since these were done on assumption for the EMF values that would be there once the project is complete. Since we have seen the several sections of the report redundantly copied over from other reports, we would like a more detailed analysis of this report.

H-174
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
Regarding EMF concerns for human health, there are plenty of scientific studies that do indicate the grave concern on human health with EMF exposures and we cannot ignore this aspect. Here is a reference to an article and there are plenty of articles listed here under references:
https://psc.wi.gov/Documents/Brochures/EMF.pdf
There are not enough references listed in the draft report provided to us, and the explanation provided seems to be conveniently using studies that prove otherwise. This needs more investigation and references. The solution provided as raising the height of the poles and increasing the distance is non- existent. It was confirmed during the in person meeting that the design will not be altered and the height was already designed as required according to the SVP team present there. It seems that the preparers of this report did not even read the report after copying pasting from the old report as evident in the list of proposed solutions is not applicable here.

The live presentation on August 22nd showed the comparison of EMF values of household objects as a means to show that everyday household items carry a similar range of mG( milli Gauss) units. This comparison was inherently flawed since it mentioned that the household devices were producing those level at 1 feet while those indicated for 115KVf lines were at 60 feet. further these household devices do not operate 24X7 similar to the transmission lines.

There were a lot of citations of reports showcasing that no clear proof of EMF to human health exists but we would like to also point out certain states like Connecticut Department of Public Health have cited reports that have shown an increased incidence of childhood leukemia( Blood cancer) at avg exposure of only 3 mG. Also they have called out that some utility workers exposed to high levels of emf have increase risks of Lur Gehrig's disease.

They also call out that most impacts of EMF from high voltage lines dissipate at ~300 feet.

These are available on Page 2 & Page 3 of this report: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/departments- and-agencies/dph/dph/environmental_health/eoha/pdf/emffactsheet2008pdf.pdf This report has citations from WHO , National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and California Department of Health Services.
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/sites/default/files/health/materials/electric_and_magnetic_fields_associ ated_with_the_use_of_electric_power_questions_and_answers_english_508.pdf Some other questions around the EMF study map shared during presentation on Aug 22 2024:

1. Have you conducted an existing EMF study to identify the current value of the community ?

2. Are your emf study values based on the cumulative, or interference of existing emf and potential emf.

3. ⁠Emf value was calculated based on existing studies. What was the delta between mathematical modeling and actual values ( from existing structures).

4. ⁠What is the delta between underground and overhead structures’ emf values?

5. ⁠Can you provide the same for Route options B and C?

6. ⁠What happens when electrification of rail lines happens- as this is already planned for the future? Have you potentially considered the cumulative EMF effect in coexistence of the high power lines and with railway lines’ electrification? Will the EMF values not be much higher then?

7. ⁠Can you share the mathematical modeling maps of Emf for 115k, 230k and the next two higher values of the power line ?

8. ⁠Can you share Emf maps from existing structures of 115k, 230 k and the next 2 higher values of the power line?

9. ⁠Please share any emf related information that you have especially if it contains assumptions for any calculations so we can understand the effects of current project and future projects.

10. Why does the electric pole structure proposed have wider diameter at the top? Can you share the design of the top of the pole ? Can it be extended by adding another section by bolting, welding or any other method? If so, what extra voltage can be added to the line?

11. ⁠what is the proposed power consumption of 95054 zip code for the next 5, 10 and 15 years in the master plan ?
Reference #3

Page 174 ends

Personal observation#3
H-175
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The railway line's proximity to the proposed high transmission lines is very concerning. The centerline distance from proposed lines to railway line is aproximately 50 feet per google maps with some margin for error. As per the report there are no Corona rings proposed for the 115KV lines. There seems to be negligence in design in consideration of the hazards posed by these high voltage lines as Corona effect can transfer current to railway lines. All the residents are at a high risk of accidental hazards given the proximity of the railway line, this project is adding on to the hazards. This section is only stating information about what Corona effect is, as may be required by law, which by the way is again a copy paste from an old report. The only concern discussed in more depth is the audible noise level. The concerns are presented to imply that this is not significant by stating that 115KV lines pose less than significant risk.

Reference #4: Post meeting material from March 19th
2024 @https://santaclara.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6582415&GUID=E6E14646-3CF7- 4D15-BB98-F18580696012&Options=&Search=
Personal observation#4: At surface level, it looks like Option #A was selected only based on Cost perspective, without any consideration to human health, young children, property values, Corona effect, long term sustainability perspective or any other factors. While its important to understand the results of CEQA study, its extremely critical to understand the negative impact of EMF on the many young children living around the proposed transmission lines. Without extensive research and study on the impact to young children and adult heath, we should not be approving such an incomplete proposal.

Page 6 ends

discussions with several real estate agents in the region, I have unanimously found all to agree that the real estate values of residences in close proximity to power lines goes down. Its hard to find potential buyers and most folks refrain from buying a house too close to high power transmission lines. There are 1000 plus residences in the area affected by this project. Even if we were to make very rough assumptions, and assume minimal cost reduction in property values and take an average loss of $100,000 per property in the current year, that goes to $100,000,000 of loss of equity to the public. This is not even accounting the businesses affected by this project. This long explanation was to raise a point that if the selection of route A was saving money to the city, this is costing a huge financial loss to the public, which is not acceptable. This decrease in property values will also directly impact the tax collection by the Santa Clara Assessor and result in lower tax revenue coming into the city of Santa Clara.

Reference #5 : Page 49 of report- Figure 5.1-2. Wall separating residences and Lafayette Street.

Personal observation#5: The picture is taken conveniently from the other side of the railway line which is actually Kingsbury street, inside a private community and not Lafayette street. This is further away from the proposed SVP lines. This is very misleading; see snapshots taken from Google maps below

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And this is what is included on the report:

The Mission Garden Townhome community has no walls as such and the main entry to residences face the road directly and are the most impacted. There are several other single family homes on Lafayette street with the same impact, having an entryway directly on the street. This and including other citations of reusing sections of older reports, is all in all absolutely unacceptable and instills distrust. This further shows incompetency of the agency/ agencies preparing this report.

Conclusion: This project's initial study needs to expand beyond CEQA for approval from the public. The limited scope of CEQA has failed to address the following concerns we have:
• Health hazards due to EMF levels.- This is by far the gravest concern and CEQA is clearly not qualified to study that.
• Reduced property values- several references provided below. • Loss of Aesthetic appeal for potential real estate buyers/ new and current businesses. • Increase in audible noise levels during and post construction, which is already high in the area with presence of railway line and air traffic route.
• Increased fire hazard/ risk of other accidents.
• Induced current on railway lines with close proximity/ corona effect- CEQA report did not clearly address this for a 115KV line.
• Economic effect on the community from small to larger scale based on all of the above.

We demand further investigation and revisit other routes or proposals to resolve the power needs of the city. We have to ensure our and our kids’ health is not at stake in the name of development and infrastructure and are not in agreement for this project to move forward. We cannot approve this to H-177
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
move forward as of now given the lack of study and absence of a satisfactory solution/ mitigation provided in favor/ assurance to public health.

Additional References:

Research on effects of EMF on humans:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6025786/ This research reinforces the concerns of EMF exposure effect on human health.

2. https://www.epa.gov/radtown/electric-and-magnetic-fields-power-lines This resource suggests taking precautions and keeping distance or limiting exposure. Residents would no longer have either of these two options per the current proposals if they are living there 24-7.

3. https://www.fastexpert.com/blog/should-i-buy-a-house-near-power-lines/ These are points of view from a real estate expert who clearly states that property value declines proportionately to the distance of the property from high tension lines. People have apprehensions whether or not research clearly defines the risk. Potential buyers might have low priority for a property too close to a high tension power line.

4. https://orchard.com/blog/posts/power-lines-and-property-value Another research on real estate values lowered due to high tension power lines proximity.

Thanks & Regards
Paddy Subbian
Mission Gardens Community
Santa Clara, CA 95054

H-178
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Email: NRS-KRS 115 kV T-Line

From: Anjana Batchu <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 30, 2024 2:37 PM
To: NRS-KRS Project; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: Concerns Regarding Upcoming High Power Electric Wire Poles in Our Community for the upcoming SVP project connecting the Northern Receiving Station NRS to Kifer receiving station (KRS)- NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project

Subject: Concerns Regarding Upcoming High Power Electric Wire Poles in Our Community for the upcoming SVP project connecting the Northern Receiving Station NRS to Kifer receiving station (KRS)- NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project

To Whomsoever it may concern,
We are residents of Santa Clara that will be negatively impacted by the “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project”. We have collectively reviewed the draft Initial Study/ Mitigated Negative declaration for “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project” from July 2024. After reviewing this report and also attending the virtual and in person meetings, here are some references to emphasize our various concerns.

Reference #1 : CEQA’s reporting includes these State reviewing agencies: California Air Resources Board (ARB), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Bay Delta Region 3 (CDFW), California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), California Department of Transportation, District 4 (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Transportation Planning (DOT), California Department of Water Resources (DWR), California Energy Commission, California Highway Patrol (CHP), California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), California Natural Resources Agency, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Francisco Bay Region 2 (RWQCB), Office of Historic Preservation, State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water.

Personal observation#1 : None of these agencies has any association with human health. CEQA reporting is not qualified enough to force the public to compromise on health concerns. Other agencies need to be involved to review this proposal, that are qualified to study the effect on “ humans”, not just wildlife and vegetation, or “ environment. The checklist is completely devoid of our gravest humanitarian concerns. It is quite shocking that the project has not included any study to understand the potential impact of EMF waves on human lives, given that the transmission lines are potentially less than 60 feet from the closest dwellings. The city of Santa Clara needs to step in and have third party/ independent studies completed in favor of human health.

Reference #2: Page 41 of report- Section 4.15. Electric and Magnetic Fields summary.

Personal observation#2 : This consideration was completely absent earlier. Only after the residents raised their voices, this section was added. To our greatest disappointment, this section is copied over from an older report on the “South Loop Reconfiguration Project” from 2020. One would have expected that a new study would have been conducted for a project this size. The lack of due diligence and ignorance towards the specifics of this project are apparent and not acceptable. In fact we have found several sections of this older report as being reused across the entire report.

H-179
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The EMP map shared during the in person meeting had several flaws and we would like to question the viability of the study that was completed. What time of the day was the study completed and on what models were the values based on since these were done on assumption for the EMF values that would be there once the project is complete. Since we have seen the several sections of the report redundantly copied over from other reports, we would like a more detailed analysis of this report.

Regarding EMF concerns for human health, there are plenty of scientific studies that do indicate the grave concern on human health with EMF exposures and we cannot ignore this aspect. Here is a reference to an article and there are plenty of articles listed here under references:
https://psc.wi.gov/Documents/Brochures/EMF.pdf

There are not enough references listed in the draft report provided to us, and the explanation provided seems to be conveniently using studies that prove otherwise. This needs more investigation and references. The solution provided as raising the height of the poles and increasing the distance is non- existent. It was confirmed during the in person meeting that the design will not be altered and the height was already designed as required according to the SVP team present there. It seems that the preparers of this report did not even read the report after copying pasting from the old report as evident in the list of proposed solutions is not applicable here.

The live presentation on August 22nd showed the comparison of EMF values of household objects as a means to show that everyday household items carry a similar range of mG( milli Gauss) units. This comparison was inherently flawed since it mentioned that the household devices were producing those level at 1 feet while those indicated for 115KVf lines were at 60 feet. further these household devices do not operate 24X7 similar to the transmission lines.

There were a lot of citations of reports showcasing that no clear proof of EMF to human health exists but we would like to also point out certain states like Connecticut Department of Public Health have cited reports that have shown an increased incidence of childhood leukemia( Blood cancer) at avg exposure of only 3 mG. Also they have called out that some utility workers exposed to high levels of emf have increase risks of Lur Gehrig's disease.

They also call out that most impacts of EMF from high voltage lines dissipate at ~300 feet.

These are available on Page 2 & Page 3 of this report: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/departments- and-agencies/dph/dph/environmental_health/eoha/pdf/emffactsheet2008pdf.pdf This report has citations from WHO , National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and California Department of Health Services.
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/sites/default/files/health/materials/electric_and_magnetic_fields_associ ated_with_the_use_of_electric_power_questions_and_answers_english_508.pdf Some other questions around the EMF study map shared during presentation on Aug 22 2024:

1. Have you conducted an existing EMF study to identify the current value of the community ?

2. Are your emf study values based on the cumulative, or interference of existing emf and potential emf.

3. ⁠Emf value was calculated based on existing studies. What was the delta between mathematical modeling and actual values ( from existing structures).

4. ⁠What is the delta between underground and overhead structures’ emf values?

5. ⁠Can you provide the same for Route options B and C? H-180
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND

6. ⁠What happens when electrification of rail lines happens- as this is already planned for the future? Have you potentially considered the cumulative EMF effect in coexistence of the high power lines and with railway lines’ electrification? Will the EMF values not be much higher then?

7. ⁠Can you share the mathematical modeling maps of Emf for 115k, 230k and the next two higher values of the power line ?

8. ⁠Can you share Emf maps from existing structures of 115k, 230 k and the next 2 higher values of the power line?

9. ⁠Please share any emf related information that you have especially if it contains assumptions for any calculations so we can understand the effects of current project and future projects.

10. Why does the electric pole structure proposed have wider diameter at the top? Can you share the design of the top of the pole ? Can it be extended by adding another section by bolting, welding or any other method? If so, what extra voltage can be added to the line?

11. ⁠what is the proposed power consumption of 95054 zip code for the next 5, 10 and 15 years in the master plan ?
Reference #3

Page 174 ends

Personal observation#3
The railway line's proximity to the proposed high transmission lines is very concerning. The centerline distance from proposed lines to railway line is aproximately 50 feet per google maps with some margin for error. As per the report there are no Corona rings proposed for the 115KV lines. There seems to be negligence in design in consideration of the hazards posed by these high voltage lines as Corona effect can transfer current to railway lines. All the residents are at a high risk of accidental hazards given the proximity of the railway line, this project is adding on to the hazards. This section is only stating information about what Corona effect is, as may be required by law, which by the way is again a copy paste from an old report. The only concern discussed in more depth is the audible noise level. The concerns are presented to imply that this is not significant by stating that 115KV lines pose less than significant risk.

Reference #4: Post meeting material from March 19th 2024 @https://santaclara.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6582415&GUID=E6E14646-3CF7-4D15- BB98-F18580696012&Options=&Search=
Personal observation#4: At surface level, it looks like Option #A was selected only based on Cost perspective, without any consideration to human health, young children, property values, Corona effect, long term sustainability perspective or any other factors. While its important to understand the results of CEQA study, its extremely critical to understand the negative impact of EMF on the many young children living around the proposed transmission lines. Without extensive research and study on the impact to young children and adult heath, we should not be approving such an incomplete proposal.

Page 6 ends

discussions with several real estate agents in the region, I have unanimously found all to agree that the real estate values of residences in close proximity to power lines goes down. Its hard to find potential buyers and most folks refrain from buying a house too close to high power transmission lines. There are 1000 plus residences in the area affected by this project. Even if we were to make very rough assumptions, and assume minimal cost reduction in property values and take an average loss of H-181
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
$100,000 per property in the current year, that goes to $100,000,000 of loss of equity to the public. This is not even accounting the businesses affected by this project. This long explanation was to raise a point that if the selection of route A was saving money to the city, this is costing a huge financial loss to the public, which is not acceptable. This decrease in property values will also directly impact the tax collection by the Santa Clara Assessor and result in lower tax revenue coming into the city of Santa Clara.

Reference #5 : Page 49 of report- Figure 5.1-2. Wall separating residences and Lafayette Street.

Personal observation#5: The picture is taken conveniently from the other side of the railway line which is actually Kingsbury street, inside a private community and not Lafayette street. This is further away from the proposed SVP lines. This is very misleading; see snapshots taken from Google maps below

And this is what is included on the report:

The Mission Garden Townhome community has no walls as such and the main entry to residences face the road directly and are the most impacted. There are several other single family homes on Lafayette street with the same impact, having an entryway directly on the street. This and including other citations of reusing sections of older reports, is all in all absolutely unacceptable and instills distrust. This further shows incompetency of the agency/ agencies preparing this report.

Conclusion: This project's initial study needs to expand beyond CEQA for approval from the public. The limited scope of CEQA has failed to address the following concerns we have:
• Health hazards due to EMF levels.- This is by far the gravest concern and CEQA is clearly not qualified to study that.
• Reduced property values- several references provided below. • Loss of Aesthetic appeal for potential real estate buyers/ new and current businesses. • Increase in audible noise levels during and post construction, which is already high in the area with presence of railway line and air traffic route.
• Increased fire hazard/ risk of other accidents.
• Induced current on railway lines with close proximity/ corona effect- CEQA report did not clearly address this for a 115KV line.
• Economic effect on the community from small to larger scale based on all of the above.

We demand further investigation and revisit other routes or proposals to resolve the power needs of the city. We have to ensure our and our kids’ health is not at stake in the name of development and infrastructure and are not in agreement for this project to move forward. We cannot approve this to move forward as of now given the lack of study and absence of a satisfactory solution/ mitigation provided in favor/ assurance to public health.

Additional References:

Research on effects of EMF on humans:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6025786/ This research reinforces the concerns of EMF exposure effect on human health.

2. https://www.epa.gov/radtown/electric-and-magnetic-fields-power-lines H-182
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
This resource suggests taking precautions and keeping distance or limiting exposure. Residents would no longer have either of these two options per the current proposals if they are living there 24-7.

3. https://www.fastexpert.com/blog/should-i-buy-a-house-near-power-lines/ These are points of view from a real estate expert who clearly states that property value declines proportionately to the distance of the property from high tension lines. People have apprehensions whether or not research clearly defines the risk. Potential buyers might have low priority for a property too close to a high tension power line.

4. https://orchard.com/blog/posts/power-lines-and-property-value Another research on real estate values lowered due to high tension power lines proximity.

H-183
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SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND

H-184
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
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Email: NRS-KRS 115 kV T-Line

From: Anjana Batchu <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 30, 2024 2:36 PM
To: NRS-KRS Project; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: Concerns Regarding Upcoming High Power Electric Wire Poles in Our Community for the upcoming SVP project connecting the Northern Receiving Station NRS to Kifer receiving station (KRS)- NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project

To Whomsoever it may concern,
We are residents of Santa Clara that will be negatively impacted by the “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project”. We have collectively reviewed the draft Initial Study/ Mitigated Negative declaration for “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project” from July 2024. After reviewing this report and also attending the virtual and in person meetings, here are some references to emphasize our various concerns.

Reference #1 : CEQA’s reporting includes these State reviewing agencies: California Air Resources Board (ARB), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Bay Delta Region 3 (CDFW), California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), California Department of Transportation, District 4 (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Transportation Planning (DOT), California Department of Water Resources (DWR), California Energy Commission, California Highway Patrol (CHP), California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), California Natural Resources Agency, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Francisco Bay Region 2 (RWQCB), Office of Historic Preservation, State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water.

Personal observation#1 : None of these agencies has any association with human health. CEQA reporting is not qualified enough to force the public to compromise on health concerns. Other agencies need to be involved to review this proposal, that are qualified to study the effect on “ humans”, not just wildlife and vegetation, or “ environment. The checklist is completely devoid of our gravest humanitarian concerns. It is quite shocking that the project has not included any study to understand the potential impact of EMF waves on human lives, given that the transmission lines are potentially less than 60 feet from the closest dwellings. The city of Santa Clara needs to step in and have third party/ independent studies completed in favor of human health.

Reference #2: Page 41 of report- Section 4.15. Electric and Magnetic Fields summary.

Personal observation#2 : This consideration was completely absent earlier. Only after the residents raised their voices, this section was added. To our greatest disappointment, this section is copied over from an older report on the “South Loop Reconfiguration Project” from 2020. One would have expected that a new study would have been conducted for a project this size. The lack of due diligence and ignorance towards the specifics of this project are apparent and not acceptable. In fact we have found several sections of this older report as being reused across the entire report.

The EMP map shared during the in person meeting had several flaws and we would like to question the viability of the study that was completed. What time of the day was the study completed and on what models were the values based on since these were done on assumption for the EMF values that would H-185
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
be there once the project is complete. Since we have seen the several sections of the report redundantly copied over from other reports, we would like a more detailed analysis of this report.

Regarding EMF concerns for human health, there are plenty of scientific studies that do indicate the grave concern on human health with EMF exposures and we cannot ignore this aspect. Here is a reference to an article and there are plenty of articles listed here under references:
https://psc.wi.gov/Documents/Brochures/EMF.pdf

There are not enough references listed in the draft report provided to us, and the explanation provided seems to be conveniently using studies that prove otherwise. This needs more investigation and references. The solution provided as raising the height of the poles and increasing the distance is non- existent. It was confirmed during the in person meeting that the design will not be altered and the height was already designed as required according to the SVP team present there. It seems that the preparers of this report did not even read the report after copying pasting from the old report as evident in the list of proposed solutions is not applicable here.

The live presentation on August 22nd showed the comparison of EMF values of household objects as a means to show that everyday household items carry a similar range of mG( milli Gauss) units. This comparison was inherently flawed since it mentioned that the household devices were producing those level at 1 feet while those indicated for 115KVf lines were at 60 feet. further these household devices do not operate 24X7 similar to the transmission lines.

There were a lot of citations of reports showcasing that no clear proof of EMF to human health exists but we would like to also point out certain states like Connecticut Department of Public Health have cited reports that have shown an increased incidence of childhood leukemia( Blood cancer) at avg exposure of only 3 mG. Also they have called out that some utility workers exposed to high levels of emf have increase risks of Lur Gehrig's disease.

They also call out that most impacts of EMF from high voltage lines dissipate at ~300 feet.

These are available on Page 2 & Page 3 of this report: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/departments- and-agencies/dph/dph/environmental_health/eoha/pdf/emffactsheet2008pdf.pdf This report has citations from WHO , National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and California Department of Health Services.
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/sites/default/files/health/materials/electric_and_magnetic_fields_associ ated_with_the_use_of_electric_power_questions_and_answers_english_508.pdf Some other questions around the EMF study map shared during presentation on Aug 22 2024:

1. Have you conducted an existing EMF study to identify the current value of the community ?

2. Are your emf study values based on the cumulative, or interference of existing emf and potential emf.

3. ⁠Emf value was calculated based on existing studies. What was the delta between mathematical modeling and actual values ( from existing structures).

4. ⁠What is the delta between underground and overhead structures’ emf values?

5. ⁠Can you provide the same for Route options B and C?

6. ⁠What happens when electrification of rail lines happens- as this is already planned for the future? Have you potentially considered the cumulative EMF effect in coexistence of the high power lines and with railway lines’ electrification? Will the EMF values not be much higher then? H-186
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND

7. ⁠Can you share the mathematical modeling maps of Emf for 115k, 230k and the next two higher values of the power line ?

8. ⁠Can you share Emf maps from existing structures of 115k, 230 k and the next 2 higher values of the power line?

9. ⁠Please share any emf related information that you have especially if it contains assumptions for any calculations so we can understand the effects of current project and future projects.

10. Why does the electric pole structure proposed have wider diameter at the top? Can you share the design of the top of the pole ? Can it be extended by adding another section by bolting, welding or any other method? If so, what extra voltage can be added to the line?

11. ⁠what is the proposed power consumption of 95054 zip code for the next 5, 10 and 15 years in the master plan ?
Reference #3

Page 174 ends

Personal observation#3
The railway line's proximity to the proposed high transmission lines is very concerning. The centerline distance from proposed lines to railway line is aproximately 50 feet per google maps with some margin for error. As per the report there are no Corona rings proposed for the 115KV lines. There seems to be negligence in design in consideration of the hazards posed by these high voltage lines as Corona effect can transfer current to railway lines. All the residents are at a high risk of accidental hazards given the proximity of the railway line, this project is adding on to the hazards. This section is only stating information about what Corona effect is, as may be required by law, which by the way is again a copy paste from an old report. The only concern discussed in more depth is the audible noise level. The concerns are presented to imply that this is not significant by stating that 115KV lines pose less than significant risk.

Reference #4: Post meeting material from March 19th 2024 @https://santaclara.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6582415&GUID=E6E14646-3CF7-4D15- BB98-F18580696012&Options=&Search=
Personal observation#4: At surface level, it looks like Option #A was selected only based on Cost perspective, without any consideration to human health, young children, property values, Corona effect, long term sustainability perspective or any other factors. While its important to understand the results of CEQA study, its extremely critical to understand the negative impact of EMF on the many young children living around the proposed transmission lines. Without extensive research and study on the impact to young children and adult heath, we should not be approving such an incomplete proposal.

Page 6 ends

discussions with several real estate agents in the region, I have unanimously found all to agree that the real estate values of residences in close proximity to power lines goes down. Its hard to find potential buyers and most folks refrain from buying a house too close to high power transmission lines. There are 1000 plus residences in the area affected by this project. Even if we were to make very rough assumptions, and assume minimal cost reduction in property values and take an average loss of $100,000 per property in the current year, that goes to $100,000,000 of loss of equity to the public. This is not even accounting the businesses affected by this project. This long explanation was to raise a point that if the selection of route A was saving money to the city, this is costing a huge financial loss to the H-187
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
public, which is not acceptable. This decrease in property values will also directly impact the tax collection by the Santa Clara Assessor and result in lower tax revenue coming into the city of Santa Clara.

Reference #5 : Page 49 of report- Figure 5.1-2. Wall separating residences and Lafayette Street.

Personal observation#5: The picture is taken conveniently from the other side of the railway line which is actually Kingsbury street, inside a private community and not Lafayette street. This is further away from the proposed SVP lines. This is very misleading; see snapshots taken from Google maps below

And this is what is included on the report:

The Mission Garden Townhome community has no walls as such and the main entry to residences face the road directly and are the most impacted. There are several other single family homes on Lafayette street with the same impact, having an entryway directly on the street. This and including other citations of reusing sections of older reports, is all in all absolutely unacceptable and instills distrust. This further shows incompetency of the agency/ agencies preparing this report.

Conclusion: This project's initial study needs to expand beyond CEQA for approval from the public. The limited scope of CEQA has failed to address the following concerns we have:
• Health hazards due to EMF levels.- This is by far the gravest concern and CEQA is clearly not qualified to study that.
• Reduced property values- several references provided below. • Loss of Aesthetic appeal for potential real estate buyers/ new and current businesses. • Increase in audible noise levels during and post construction, which is already high in the area with presence of railway line and air traffic route.
• Increased fire hazard/ risk of other accidents.
• Induced current on railway lines with close proximity/ corona effect- CEQA report did not clearly address this for a 115KV line.
• Economic effect on the community from small to larger scale based on all of the above.

We demand further investigation and revisit other routes or proposals to resolve the power needs of the city. We have to ensure our and our kids’ health is not at stake in the name of development and infrastructure and are not in agreement for this project to move forward. We cannot approve this to move forward as of now given the lack of study and absence of a satisfactory solution/ mitigation provided in favor/ assurance to public health.

Additional References:

Research on effects of EMF on humans:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6025786/ This research reinforces the concerns of EMF exposure effect on human health.

2. https://www.epa.gov/radtown/electric-and-magnetic-fields-power-lines This resource suggests taking precautions and keeping distance or limiting exposure. Residents would no longer have either of these two options per the current proposals if they are living there 24-7.

H-188
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND

3. https://www.fastexpert.com/blog/should-i-buy-a-house-near-power-lines/ These are points of view from a real estate expert who clearly states that property value declines proportionately to the distance of the property from high tension lines. People have apprehensions whether or not research clearly defines the risk. Potential buyers might have low priority for a property too close to a high tension power line.

4. https://orchard.com/blog/posts/power-lines-and-property-value Another research on real estate values lowered due to high tension power lines proximity.

H-189
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H-190
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
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Email: NRS-KRS 115 kV T-Line

From: Amit Chandak <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 30, 2024 2:35 PM
To: NRS-KRS Project; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: Concerns Regarding Upcoming High Power Electric Wire Poles in Our Community for the upcoming SVP project connecting the Northern Receiving Station NRS to Kifer receiving station (KRS)- NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project

To Whomsoever it may concern,
We are residents of Santa Clara that will be negatively impacted by the “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project”. We have collectively reviewed the draft Initial Study/ Mitigated Negative declaration for “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project” from July 2024. After reviewing this report and also attending the virtual and in person meetings, here are some references to emphasize our various concerns.

Reference #1 : CEQA’s reporting includes these State reviewing agencies: California Air Resources Board (ARB), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Bay Delta Region 3 (CDFW), California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), California Department of Transportation, District 4 (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Transportation Planning (DOT), California Department of Water Resources (DWR), California Energy Commission, California Highway Patrol (CHP), California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), California Natural Resources Agency, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Francisco Bay Region 2 (RWQCB), Office of Historic Preservation, State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water.

Personal observation#1 : None of these agencies has any association with human health. CEQA reporting is not qualified enough to force the public to compromise on health concerns. Other agencies need to be involved to review this proposal, that are qualified to study the effect on “ humans”, not just wildlife and vegetation, or “ environment. The checklist is completely devoid of our gravest humanitarian concerns. It is quite shocking that the project has not included any study to understand the potential impact of EMF waves on human lives, given that the transmission lines are potentially less than 60 feet from the closest dwellings. The city of Santa Clara needs to step in and have third party/ independent studies completed in favor of human health.

Reference #2: Page 41 of report- Section 4.15. Electric and Magnetic Fields summary.

Personal observation#2 : This consideration was completely absent earlier. Only after the residents raised their voices, this section was added. To our greatest disappointment, this section is copied over from an older report on the “South Loop Reconfiguration Project” from 2020. One would have expected that a new study would have been conducted for a project this size. The lack of due diligence and ignorance towards the specifics of this project are apparent and not acceptable. In fact we have found several sections of this older report as being reused across the entire report.

The EMP map shared during the in person meeting had several flaws and we would like to question the viability of the study that was completed. What time of the day was the study completed and on what models were the values based on since these were done on assumption for the EMF values that would be there once the project is complete. Since we have seen the several sections of the report redundantly copied over from other reports, we would like a more detailed analysis of this report.

H-191
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
Regarding EMF concerns for human health, there are plenty of scientific studies that do indicate the grave concern on human health with EMF exposures and we cannot ignore this aspect. Here is a reference to an article and there are plenty of articles listed here under references:
https://psc.wi.gov/Documents/Brochures/EMF.pdf

There are not enough references listed in the draft report provided to us, and the explanation provided seems to be conveniently using studies that prove otherwise. This needs more investigation and references. The solution provided as raising the height of the poles and increasing the distance is non- existent. It was confirmed during the in person meeting that the design will not be altered and the height was already designed as required according to the SVP team present there. It seems that the preparers of this report did not even read the report after copying pasting from the old report as evident in the list of proposed solutions is not applicable here.

The live presentation on August 22nd showed the comparison of EMF values of household objects as a means to show that everyday household items carry a similar range of mG( milli Gauss) units. This comparison was inherently flawed since it mentioned that the household devices were producing those level at 1 feet while those indicated for 115KVf lines were at 60 feet. further these household devices do not operate 24X7 similar to the transmission lines.

There were a lot of citations of reports showcasing that no clear proof of EMF to human health exists but we would like to also point out certain states like Connecticut Department of Public Health have cited reports that have shown an increased incidence of childhood leukemia( Blood cancer) at avg exposure of only 3 mG. Also they have called out that some utility workers exposed to high levels of emf have increase risks of Lur Gehrig's disease.

They also call out that most impacts of EMF from high voltage lines dissipate at ~300 feet.

These are available on Page 2 & Page 3 of this report: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/departments- and-agencies/dph/dph/environmental_health/eoha/pdf/emffactsheet2008pdf.pdf This report has citations from WHO , National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and California Department of Health Services.
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/sites/default/files/health/materials/electric_and_magnetic_fields_associ ated_with_the_use_of_electric_power_questions_and_answers_english_508.pdf

Reference #3

Page 174 ends

Personal observation#3
The railway line's proximity to the proposed high transmission lines is very concerning. The centerline distance from proposed lines to railway line is aproximately 50 feet per google maps with some margin for error. As per the report there are no Corona rings proposed for the 115KV lines. There seems to be negligence in design in consideration of the hazards posed by these high voltage lines as Corona effect can transfer current to railway lines. All the residents are at a high risk of accidental hazards given the proximity of the railway line, this project is adding on to the hazards. This section is only stating information about what Corona effect is, as may be required by law, which by the way is again a copy paste from an old report. The only concern discussed in more depth is the audible noise level. The concerns are presented to imply that this is not significant by stating that 115KV lines pose less than significant risk.

H-192
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
Reference #4: Post meeting material from March 19th
2024 @https://santaclara.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6582415&GUID=E6E14646-3CF7- 4D15-BB98-F18580696012&Options=&Search=
Personal observation#4: At surface level, it looks like Option #A was selected only based on Cost perspective, without any consideration to human health, young children, property values, Corona effect, long term sustainability perspective or any other factors. While its important to understand the results of CEQA study, its extremely critical to understand the negative impact of EMF on the many young children living around the proposed transmission lines. Without extensive research and study on the impact to young children and adult heath, we should not be approving such an incomplete proposal.

Page 6 ends

discussions with several real estate agents in the region, I have unanimously found all to agree that the real estate values of residences in close proximity to power lines goes down. Its hard to find potential buyers and most folks refrain from buying a house too close to high power transmission lines. There are 1000 plus residences in the area affected by this project. Even if we were to make very rough assumptions, and assume minimal cost reduction in property values and take an average loss of $100,000 per property in the current year, that goes to $100,000,000 of loss of equity to the public. This is not even accounting the businesses affected by this project. This long explanation was to raise a point that if the selection of route A was saving money to the city, this is costing a huge financial loss to the public, which is not acceptable. This decrease in property values will also directly impact the tax collection by the Santa Clara Assessor and result in lower tax revenue coming into the city of Santa Clara.

Reference #5 : Page 49 of report- Figure 5.1-2. Wall separating residences and Lafayette Street.

Personal observation#5: The picture is taken conveniently from the other side of the railway line which is actually Kingsbury street, inside a private community and not Lafayette street. This is further away from the proposed SVP lines. This is very misleading; see snapshots taken from Google maps below

H-193
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND

And this is what is included on the report:

The Mission Garden Townhome community has no walls as such and the main entry to residences face the road directly and are the most impacted. There are several other single family homes on Lafayette H-194
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
street with the same impact, having an entryway directly on the street. This and including other citations of reusing sections of older reports, is all in all absolutely unacceptable and instills distrust. This further shows incompetency of the agency/ agencies preparing this report.

Conclusion: This project's initial study needs to expand beyond CEQA for approval from the public. The limited scope of CEQA has failed to address the following concerns we have:
• Health hazards due to EMF levels.- This is by far the gravest concern and CEQA is clearly not qualified to study that.
• Reduced property values- several references provided below. • Loss of Aesthetic appeal for potential real estate buyers/ new and current businesses. • Increase in audible noise levels during and post construction, which is already high in the area with presence of railway line and air traffic route.
• Increased fire hazard/ risk of other accidents.
• Induced current on railway lines with close proximity/ corona effect- CEQA report did not clearly address this for a 115KV line.
• Economic effect on the community from small to larger scale based on all of the above.

We demand further investigation and revisit other routes or proposals to resolve the power needs of the city. We have to ensure our and our kids’ health is not at stake in the name of development and infrastructure and are not in agreement for this project to move forward. We cannot approve this to move forward as of now given the lack of study and absence of a satisfactory solution/ mitigation provided in favor/ assurance to public health.

Thanks & Regards,
Kanupriya

Additional References:

Research on effects of EMF on humans:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6025786/ This research reinforces the concerns of EMF exposure effect on human health.

2. https://www.epa.gov/radtown/electric-and-magnetic-fields-power-lines This resource suggests taking precautions and keeping distance or limiting exposure. Residents would no longer have either of these two options per the current proposals if they are living there 24-7.

3. https://www.fastexpert.com/blog/should-i-buy-a-house-near-power-lines/ H-195
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
These are points of view from a real estate expert who clearly states that property value declines proportionately to the distance of the property from high tension lines. People have apprehensions whether or not research clearly defines the risk. Potential buyers might have low priority for a property too close to a high tension power line.

4. https://orchard.com/blog/posts/power-lines-and-property-value Another research on real estate values lowered due to high tension power lines proximity.

ReplyForward
Add reaction

H-196
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
Email: NRS-KRS 115 kV T-Line

From: Amit Chandak <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 30, 2024 2:33 PM
To: NRS-KRS Project; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: Concerns Regarding Upcoming High Power Electric Wire Poles in Our Community for the upcoming SVP project connecting the Northern Receiving Station NRS to Kifer receiving station (KRS)- NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project

To Whomsoever it may concern,
We are residents of Santa Clara that will be negatively impacted by the “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project”. We have collectively reviewed the draft Initial Study/ Mitigated Negative declaration for “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project” from July 2024. After reviewing this report and also attending the virtual and in person meetings, here are some references to emphasize our various concerns.

Reference #1 : CEQA’s reporting includes these State reviewing agencies: California Air Resources Board (ARB), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Bay Delta Region 3 (CDFW), California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), California Department of Transportation, District 4 (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Transportation Planning (DOT), California Department of Water Resources (DWR), California Energy Commission, California Highway Patrol (CHP), California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), California Natural Resources Agency, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Francisco Bay Region 2 (RWQCB), Office of Historic Preservation, State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water.

Personal observation#1 : None of these agencies has any association with human health. CEQA reporting is not qualified enough to force the public to compromise on health concerns. Other agencies need to be involved to review this proposal, that are qualified to study the effect on “ humans”, not just wildlife and vegetation, or “ environment. The checklist is completely devoid of our gravest humanitarian concerns. It is quite shocking that the project has not included any study to understand the potential impact of EMF waves on human lives, given that the transmission lines are potentially less than 60 feet from the closest dwellings. The city of Santa Clara needs to step in and have third party/ independent studies completed in favor of human health.

Reference #2: Page 41 of report- Section 4.15. Electric and Magnetic Fields summary.

Personal observation#2 : This consideration was completely absent earlier. Only after the residents raised their voices, this section was added. To our greatest disappointment, this section is copied over from an older report on the “South Loop Reconfiguration Project” from 2020. One would have expected that a new study would have been conducted for a project this size. The lack of due diligence and ignorance towards the specifics of this project are apparent and not acceptable. In fact we have found several sections of this older report as being reused across the entire report.

The EMP map shared during the in person meeting had several flaws and we would like to question the viability of the study that was completed. What time of the day was the study completed and on what models were the values based on since these were done on assumption for the EMF values that would be there once the project is complete. Since we have seen the several sections of the report redundantly copied over from other reports, we would like a more detailed analysis of this report.

H-197
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
Regarding EMF concerns for human health, there are plenty of scientific studies that do indicate the grave concern on human health with EMF exposures and we cannot ignore this aspect. Here is a reference to an article and there are plenty of articles listed here under references:
https://psc.wi.gov/Documents/Brochures/EMF.pdf

There are not enough references listed in the draft report provided to us, and the explanation provided seems to be conveniently using studies that prove otherwise. This needs more investigation and references. The solution provided as raising the height of the poles and increasing the distance is non- existent. It was confirmed during the in person meeting that the design will not be altered and the height was already designed as required according to the SVP team present there. It seems that the preparers of this report did not even read the report after copying pasting from the old report as evident in the list of proposed solutions is not applicable here.

The live presentation on August 22nd showed the comparison of EMF values of household objects as a means to show that everyday household items carry a similar range of mG( milli Gauss) units. This comparison was inherently flawed since it mentioned that the household devices were producing those level at 1 feet while those indicated for 115KVf lines were at 60 feet. further these household devices do not operate 24X7 similar to the transmission lines.

There were a lot of citations of reports showcasing that no clear proof of EMF to human health exists but we would like to also point out certain states like Connecticut Department of Public Health have cited reports that have shown an increased incidence of childhood leukemia( Blood cancer) at avg exposure of only 3 mG. Also they have called out that some utility workers exposed to high levels of emf have increase risks of Lur Gehrig's disease.

They also call out that most impacts of EMF from high voltage lines dissipate at ~300 feet.

These are available on Page 2 & Page 3 of this report: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/departments- and-agencies/dph/dph/environmental_health/eoha/pdf/emffactsheet2008pdf.pdf This report has citations from WHO , National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and California Department of Health Services.
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/sites/default/files/health/materials/electric_and_magnetic_fields_associ ated_with_the_use_of_electric_power_questions_and_answers_english_508.pdf

Reference #3

Page 174 ends

Personal observation#3
The railway line's proximity to the proposed high transmission lines is very concerning. The centerline distance from proposed lines to railway line is aproximately 50 feet per google maps with some margin for error. As per the report there are no Corona rings proposed for the 115KV lines. There seems to be negligence in design in consideration of the hazards posed by these high voltage lines as Corona effect can transfer current to railway lines. All the residents are at a high risk of accidental hazards given the proximity of the railway line, this project is adding on to the hazards. This section is only stating information about what Corona effect is, as may be required by law, which by the way is again a copy paste from an old report. The only concern discussed in more depth is the audible noise level. The concerns are presented to imply that this is not significant by stating that 115KV lines pose less than significant risk.

H-198
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
Reference #4: Post meeting material from March 19th
2024 @https://santaclara.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6582415&GUID=E6E14646-3CF7- 4D15-BB98-F18580696012&Options=&Search=
Personal observation#4: At surface level, it looks like Option #A was selected only based on Cost perspective, without any consideration to human health, young children, property values, Corona effect, long term sustainability perspective or any other factors. While its important to understand the results of CEQA study, its extremely critical to understand the negative impact of EMF on the many young children living around the proposed transmission lines. Without extensive research and study on the impact to young children and adult heath, we should not be approving such an incomplete proposal.

Page 6 ends

discussions with several real estate agents in the region, I have unanimously found all to agree that the real estate values of residences in close proximity to power lines goes down. Its hard to find potential buyers and most folks refrain from buying a house too close to high power transmission lines. There are 1000 plus residences in the area affected by this project. Even if we were to make very rough assumptions, and assume minimal cost reduction in property values and take an average loss of $100,000 per property in the current year, that goes to $100,000,000 of loss of equity to the public. This is not even accounting the businesses affected by this project. This long explanation was to raise a point that if the selection of route A was saving money to the city, this is costing a huge financial loss to the public, which is not acceptable. This decrease in property values will also directly impact the tax collection by the Santa Clara Assessor and result in lower tax revenue coming into the city of Santa Clara.

Reference #5 : Page 49 of report- Figure 5.1-2. Wall separating residences and Lafayette Street.

Personal observation#5: The picture is taken conveniently from the other side of the railway line which is actually Kingsbury street, inside a private community and not Lafayette street. This is further away from the proposed SVP lines. This is very misleading; see snapshots taken from Google maps below

H-199
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND

And this is what is included on the report:

The Mission Garden Townhome community has no walls as such and the main entry to residences face the road directly and are the most impacted. There are several other single family homes on Lafayette H-200
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
street with the same impact, having an entryway directly on the street. This and including other citations of reusing sections of older reports, is all in all absolutely unacceptable and instills distrust. This further shows incompetency of the agency/ agencies preparing this report.

Conclusion: This project's initial study needs to expand beyond CEQA for approval from the public. The limited scope of CEQA has failed to address the following concerns we have:
• Health hazards due to EMF levels.- This is by far the gravest concern and CEQA is clearly not qualified to study that.
• Reduced property values- several references provided below. • Loss of Aesthetic appeal for potential real estate buyers/ new and current businesses. • Increase in audible noise levels during and post construction, which is already high in the area with presence of railway line and air traffic route.
• Increased fire hazard/ risk of other accidents.
• Induced current on railway lines with close proximity/ corona effect- CEQA report did not clearly address this for a 115KV line.
• Economic effect on the community from small to larger scale based on all of the above.

We demand further investigation and revisit other routes or proposals to resolve the power needs of the city. We have to ensure our and our kids’ health is not at stake in the name of development and infrastructure and are not in agreement for this project to move forward. We cannot approve this to move forward as of now given the lack of study and absence of a satisfactory solution/ mitigation provided in favor/ assurance to public health.

Thanks & Regards,
Kanupriya

Additional References:

Research on effects of EMF on humans:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6025786/ This research reinforces the concerns of EMF exposure effect on human health.

2. https://www.epa.gov/radtown/electric-and-magnetic-fields-power-lines This resource suggests taking precautions and keeping distance or limiting exposure. Residents would no longer have either of these two options per the current proposals if they are living there 24-7.

3. https://www.fastexpert.com/blog/should-i-buy-a-house-near-power-lines/ These are points of view from a real estate expert who clearly states that property value declines proportionately to the distance of the property from high tension lines. People have H-201
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
apprehensions whether or not research clearly defines the risk. Potential buyers might have low priority for a property too close to a high tension power line.

4. https://orchard.com/blog/posts/power-lines-and-property-value Another research on real estate values lowered due to high tension power lines proximity.

H-202
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
Email: NRS-KRS 115 kV T-Line

From: Candida Bayross <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 30, 2024 12:50 PM
To: NRS-KRS Project; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: Concerns Regarding Upcoming High Power Electric Wire Poles in Our Community for the upcoming SVP project connecting the Northern Receiving Station NRS to Kifer receiving station (KRS) - NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project

To Whomsoever it may concern,
We are residents of Santa Clara that will be negatively impacted by the “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project”. We have collectively reviewed the draft Initial Study/ Mitigated Negative declaration for “NRS-KRS 115kV Transmission Line Project” from July 2024. After reviewing this report and also attending the virtual and in person meetings, here are some references to emphasize our various concerns.

Reference #1 : CEQA’s reporting includes these State reviewing agencies: California Air Resources Board (ARB), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Bay Delta Region 3 (CDFW), California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), California Department of Transportation, District 4 (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics (DOT), California Department of Transportation, Division of Transportation Planning (DOT), California Department of Water Resources (DWR), California Energy Commission, California Highway Patrol (CHP), California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), California Natural Resources Agency, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Francisco Bay Region 2 (RWQCB), Office of Historic Preservation, State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water.

Personal observation#1 : None of these agencies has any association with human health. CEQA reporting is not qualified enough to force the public to compromise on health concerns. Other agencies need to be involved to review this proposal, that are qualified to study the effect on “ humans”, not just wildlife and vegetation, or “ environment. The checklist is completely devoid of our gravest humanitarian concerns. It is quite shocking that the project has not included any study to understand the potential impact of EMF waves on human lives, given that the transmission lines are potentially less than 60 feet from the closest dwellings. The city of Santa Clara needs to step in and have third party/ independent studies completed in favor of human health.

Reference #2: Page 41 of report- Section 4.15. Electric and Magnetic Fields summary.

Personal observation#2 : This consideration was completely absent earlier. Only after the residents raised their voices, this section was added. To our greatest disappointment, this section is copied over from an older report on the “South Loop Reconfiguration Project” from 2020. One would have expected that a new study would have been conducted for a project this size. The lack of due diligence and ignorance towards the specifics of this project are apparent and not acceptable. In fact we have found several sections of this older report as being reused across the entire report.

The EMP map shared during the in person meeting had several flaws and we would like to question the viability of the study that was completed. What time of the day was the study completed and on what models were the values based on since these were done on assumption for the EMF values that would H-203
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND
be there once the project is complete. Since we have seen the several sections of the report redundantly copied over from other reports, we would like a more detailed analysis of this report.

Regarding EMF concerns for human health, there are plenty of scientific studies that do indicate the grave concern on human health with EMF exposures and we cannot ignore this aspect. Here is a reference to an article and there are plenty of articles listed here under references:
https://psc.wi.gov/Documents/Brochures/EMF.pdf

There are not enough references listed in the draft report provided to us, and the explanation provided seems to be conveniently using studies that prove otherwise. This needs more investigation and references. The solution provided as raising the height of the poles and increasing the distance is non- existent. It was confirmed during the in person meeting that the design will not be altered and the height was already designed as required according to the SVP team present there. It seems that the preparers of this report did not even read the report after copying pasting from the old report as evident in the list of proposed solutions is not applicable here.

The live presentation on August 22nd showed the comparison of EMF values of household objects as a means to show that everyday household items carry a similar range of mG( milli Gauss) units. This comparison was inherently flawed since it mentioned that the household devices were producing those level at 1 feet while those indicated for 115KVf lines were at 60 feet. further these household devices do not operate 24X7 similar to the transmission lines.

There were a lot of citations of reports showcasing that no clear proof of EMF to human health exists but we would like to also point out certain states like Connecticut Department of Public Health have cited reports that have shown an increased incidence of childhood leukemia( Blood cancer) at avg exposure of only 3 mG. Also they have called out that some utility workers exposed to high levels of emf have increase risks of Lur Gehrig's disease.

They also call out that most impacts of EMF from high voltage lines dissipate at ~300 feet.

These are available on Page 2 & Page 3 of this report: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/departments- and-agencies/dph/dph/environmental_health/eoha/pdf/emffactsheet2008pdf.pdf This report has citations from WHO , National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and California Department of Health Services.
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/sites/default/files/health/materials/electric_and_magnetic_fields_associ ated_with_the_use_of_electric_power_questions_and_answers_english_508.pdf Some other questions around the EMF study map shared during presentation on Aug 22 2024:

1. Have you conducted an existing EMF study to identify the current value of the community ?

2. Are your emf study values based on the cumulative, or interference of existing emf and potential emf.

3. ⁠Emf value was calculated based on existing studies. What was the delta between mathematical modeling and actual values ( from existing structures).

4. ⁠What is the delta between underground and overhead structures’ emf values?

5. ⁠Can you provide the same for Route options B and C?

6. ⁠What happens when electrification of rail lines happens- as this is already planned for the future? Have you potentially considered the cumulative EMF effect in coexistence of the high power lines and with railway lines’ electrification? Will the EMF values not be much higher then? H-204
NRS-KRS 115KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT
SEPTEMBER 2024 FINAL IS/MND

7. ⁠Can you share the mathematical modeling maps of Emf for 115k, 230k and the next two higher values of the power line ?

8. ⁠Can you share Emf maps from existing structures of 115k, 230 k and the next 2 higher values of the power line?

9. ⁠Please share any emf related information that you have especially if it contains assumptions for any calculations so we can understand the effects of current project and future projects.

10. Why does the electric pole structure proposed have wider diameter at the top? Can you share the design of the top of the pole ? Can it be extended by adding another section by bolting, welding or any other method? If so, what extra voltage can be added to the line?

11. ⁠what is the proposed power consumption of 95054 zip code for the next 5, 10 and 15 years in the master plan ?
Reference #3

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Personal observation#3
The railway line's proximity to the proposed high transmission lines is very concerning. The centerline distance from proposed lines to railway line is aproximately 50 feet per google maps with some margin for error. As per the report there are no Corona rings proposed for the 115KV lines. There seems to be negligence in design in consideration of the hazards posed by these high voltage lines as Corona effect can transfer current to railway lines. All the residents are at a high risk of accidental hazards given the proximity of the railway line, this project is adding on to the hazards. This section is only stating information about what Corona effect is, as may be required by law, which by the way is again a copy paste from an old report. The only concern discussed in more depth is the audible noise level. The concerns are presented to imply that this is not significant by stating that 115KV lines pose less than significant risk.

Reference #4: Post meeting material from March 19th 2024 @https://santaclara.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6582415&GUID=E6E14646-3CF7-4D15- BB98-F18580696012&Options=&Search=
Personal observation#4: At surface level, it looks like Option #A was selected only based on Cost perspective, without any consideration to human health, young children, property values, Corona effect, long term sustainability perspective or any other factors. While its important to understand the results of CEQA study, its extremely critical to understand the negative impact of EMF on the many young children living around the proposed transmission lines. Without extensive research and study on the impact to young children and adult heath, we should not be approving such an incomplete proposal.

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